
Within the last week, Gen Lapin was appointed the newly formed Operational Group North. (Lapin commanded the initial Group Center in the 2022 invasion) /4


Within the last week, Gen Lapin was appointed the newly formed Operational Group North. (Lapin commanded the initial Group Center in the 2022 invasion) /4
Intent: In March, Putin stated he wanted a 'sanitary zone,' or an occupied buffer zone, within Kharkiv, in response to shelling or cross-border raids by groups such as the RDK.

Ukrainian officials say attacks on border areas in Kharkiv Oblast have begun. Is this the beginnings of a new front, limited incursion ("sanitary zone"), or harassment? Where does this lead? Threat= capability x intent, so let's consider both below.


In case you missed it, Russian forces attempted to advance across the border into #Kharkiv this morning….
#Vovchansk, #Kharkiv oblast there is a heavy battle, the russians are trying to conduct reconnaissance by battle.
We expect the same in #Sumy… – sources

According to Ukrainian journalist Butusov, Russians have captured 30 sq km of land north of #Kharkiv, which were grey zones. These would be the villages of: #Pilne, #Strileche, #Krasne and #Borysivka. Regional governor Synehubov denies this at this stage. Caution.
In turn, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on national television that no territory was lost at the moment. He clarified that settlements in the border areas are a "grey zone" and that active hostilities are ongoing there.
Russian forces allegedly captured four border villages in Kharkiv Oblast as they seek to push toward the town of Vovchansk, Ukrainska Pravda reported on May 10, citing military sources. According to Ukrainska Pravda's sources, the villages in question are Strileche, Krasne,
Media reports that Russia captured four border villages in Kharkiv Oblast, but the governor says no territory was lost.