Russia intensifies aggression campaign in Ukraine, prompting strategic shifts

Kharkiv: Russia has escalated its aggressive campaign in Ukraine, employing psychological, tactical, and economic tactics to complicate Kyiv’s defence. The recent developments have prompted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to acknowledge the challenges at hand, remarking on the “challenging moment” unfolding, Al Jazeera reported.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko highlighted the intensification, revealing Russian soldiers’ training with Belarusian military in tactical nuclear weapons. This move, coupled with the Kremlin’s insinuation of battlefield use in Ukraine, has heightened concerns.

“An escalation is ongoing. What should we do in this situation? We need to keep powder dry, including these lethal weapons,” Russian official news agency TASS quoted him as saying. The Russian Army has opened a new front in Ukraine’s northern Kharkiv region, capturing villages near the border - an offensive Ukrainian officials had warned about days earlier, as reported by Al Jazeera.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia has made strategic manoeuvers, appointing an economist to streamline the Ministry of Defence and nationalise Russian defence industries. This action is interpreted by some observers as a signal of long-term preparations for potential conflict with NATO. Russian forces have opened a new front in Ukraine’s northern Kharkiv region, seizing villages near the border, despite earlier warnings from Ukrainian officials. This escalation aims to divert resources, sow panic, and facilitate territorial gains, particularly in Ukraine’s eastern regions. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, acknowledging the intention behind the strikes in Kharkiv Oblast to undermine Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his Sunday evening address: “The intention of the strikes in Kharkiv Oblast is to stretch our forces and undermine the moral and motivational basis of Ukrainians’ ability to defend themselves.”

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), based in Washington, characterised the Russian offensive as an initial phase of a broader operation to draw Ukrainian forces away from critical sectors in eastern Ukraine.

“[Russian forces were] likely conducting the initial phase of an offensive operation north of Kharkiv City that has limited operational objectives but is meant to achieve the strategic effect of drawing Ukrainian manpower and materiel from other critical sectors of the front in eastern Ukraine,” said the think tank. Reports indicate a significant deployment of Russian troops, with forces engaging in combat along multiple fronts. The conflict has intensified, with Ukrainian forces striving to hold defensive lines amidst challenging circumstances.  (IANS)

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