ISW explains why Russia failed in its offensive in Kharkiv region

According to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russian army's success in the northern part of the Kharkiv region was hampered by the premature launch of their offensive operations and the Russian command's decision not to deploy maximum reserves.

On May 10, Russian forces managed to catch the Ukrainian Defense Forces off guard, achieving tactically significant successes in less defended areas of the Kharkiv region. However, on May 25, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) of Ukraine announced an investigation into the inadequate preparation of the Ukrainian defense in this area. They noted that the abandonment of certain positions near the villages of Lypky and the city of Vovchansk allowed enemy forces to advance to the second line of Ukrainian defense. Nevertheless, the Russian forces' limited human resources prevented deeper penetration into the region.

The ISW report suggested that the Russian military command might have believed that amassing a larger force would alert the Ukrainian forces and prevent an operational surprise. However, the decision not to deploy significant reserves likely hindered the Russian forces from achieving rapid gains and a deeper penetration.

The Institute for the Study of War also highlighted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had entrenched themselves in defensive positions in this area. In contrast, the Russian army used its tactical capability to achieve relatively quick success against these fortified positions.

On the night of May 10, tens of thousands of Russian troops crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border and began an active offensive in the Kharkiv region. Within two days, the Russian army occupied several villages and entered the city of Vovchansk. However, the Ukrainian Defense Forces halted the Russian advance, leading to street battles in Vovchansk, which was continually shelled with precision-guided bombs and artillery.

On May 24, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that they had halted the enemy forces in the Kharkiv region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the losses on the Kharkiv front were eight Russians for every Ukrainian.