The Russian occupation forces have stepped up attacks in the Kharkiv region and this may indicate that they will again try to move to the west of the region or towards Kharkov. Analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported this in their report for August 31, acknowledging that the Russians are unlikely to be able to take Kharkov..

As ISW analysts write, Russian troops have resumed local ground attacks northwest and southwest of Izyum, have already begun unsuccessful assaults and reconnaissance attempts on Chepil, Shchurovka and Gusarovka, and in recent days have resumed their offensive on Dmitrovka and Brazhikovka. Also, for several months they held positions around Balakliya and Bolshaya Kamyshevakhi and can use these two areas as springboards for an offensive operation in Kharkov from the southeast..

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“Russian troops are unlikely to capture the Kharkiv region or Kharkiv – the second most populous city in Ukraine – given the pace of Russia’s advance in the Donbas and ongoing problems with force generation and logistics.

The ISW has previously assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have ordered Russian troops to take the city of Kharkov and the unoccupied part of the Kharkov region, but it is unlikely that he will be able to achieve such goals, ”the report says..

Another reason for the attacks may be an attempt to prevent Ukrainian counter-offensives..

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Recall that ISW experts doubt that Russia will have enough strength to capture Bakhmut.