The American Institute for the Study of War says Russia is trying to force residents of Kharkov to flee by stepping up information operations and attacks on the city.
According to experts, this is happening on the eve of a possible new offensive by the Russian Federation. This approach has the potential to displace millions of people within the country, reports April 23 ISW.
Analysts say the Russians are taking advantage of Ukraine's limited air defense capabilities and heightened tensions in the country, seeking to take advantage of a brief window of opportunity ahead of the imminent arrival of new US military aid to Ukraine.
The concerns of Kharkov residents about a possible upcoming Russian offensive against their city are also used, in connection with which a coordinated information operation is being carried out, the purpose of which is to cause panic among Ukrainians.
However, ISW analysts note that the likelihood of a successful Russian ground offensive against Kharkov is very low, given Ukraine's rapid receipt of a massive new aid package from the United States.
Previously, Ukrainian officials had considered a scenario in which Russian troops could launch a ground operation against Kharkov in the summer, but analysts believe the Russians would not have enough forces to capture the major city if Ukrainian troops were adequately equipped to defend it.
In the meantime, massive attacks on Kharkov continue. On the night of April 23, as a result of one of them, the Kharkov TV tower was destroyed.
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