105/ I promised to say a few words about the actions of the AFU. First, Ukraine's military intelligence worked magnificently and accounted for two-thirds of the total success. The planning was also excellent.
Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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Russian withdrawal after Kharkiv front collapse
102/ Subsequently, when the front collapsed, Russian commanders panicked and hastily withdrew troops from the entire Kharkiv region west of the Oskil River. This was a logical decision, likely made by high-ranking commanders such as Shoygu.
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Rosgvardiya on front lines in Balakliia and Volokhiv Yar
And in a completely idiotic move, the Rosgvardiya ended up on the front line in Balakliia and Volokhiv Yar. This of course immediately led to a breakthrough in that sector. I believe it happened like this.
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Russian intelligence fails against Ukraine
But it turned out to be the other way around. Russian intelligence found nothing. They couldn’t properly cover the front because there weren’t enough troops. And those that were there lacked equipment, reinforcements, and commanders.
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Izium: Rosgvardiya tasked with suppressing locals
Everyone who could fight properly was taken from under Izium, and the Rosgvardiya was put in charge of guarding the captured settlements. Their mission was to suppress the locals and drive away partisans. The area had been quiet for a long time, with no fighting there.
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Why no Russian counteroffensive from Izyum?
Back in the spring there was a large Russian grouping in Izyum. Why didn't the troops from there launch a powerful counterattack? After all, they should have had enough fuel and ammunition for at least short fights. Could they have fought for a week without supplies?
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Ukrainian strategy and Kupiansk corridor
The Ukrainians advanced through the corridor with little resistance, bypassed the siege of Balakliia, and pushed toward Veselee and Kupiansk, then other crossings, cutting off any escape route for the Russian army in Izyum. But this raises a logical question.
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Time reserve and delays during attack on Volokhiv Yar: unused reserves
There was time to react; it was possible to deploy troops even from Kupiansk to Volokhiv Yar in 2-3 hours, only 60 km apart. If the reserve had been in Shevchenkove, it would have taken half an hour to respond directly to the attack. But none of this was done.
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The Ukrainians breached the front and fought along the Balakleya–Volokhiv Yar–Shevchenkove line
Well, it's simple. The Ukrainians broke through the front and fought on the Balakleya-Volokhiv Yar-Shevchenkove line for about two days.
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Putin’s generals neglect Kharkov front
Putin's generals decided this sector wasn't very important. Given the shortage of troops and equipment (as mentioned earlier regarding reinforcements), they left only small units on the Kharkov front as a backup. They didn't bother with reserves at all. Why am I so certain?