Ukraine has stabilized the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv direction. The offensive momentum of Russian forces has been curbed by Ukrainian resistance, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The Russians continue their attacks on Vovchansk, but the Ukrainian Armed Forces are repelling most of these assaults. Despite ongoing shelling of the city, Ukrainian defenders have successfully held off the majority of Russian attacks.
British intelligence reports that Russian forces likely control the village of Bugrovatka in northern Kharkiv region. This village, located southwest of Vovchansk, is a strategic point as Russian troops attempt to gain control over a nearby crossing of the Siverskyi Donets River, posing a threat to the flanks and rear of the Ukrainian forces defending Vovchansk.
In the Luhansk direction, Russian forces continue to attack towards the village of Liptsi. However, as of the evening of May 22, 2024, the Ukrainian General Staff reports no significant progress by the Russians.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has claimed that the occupying forces aim to create a "buffer zone" in northern Kharkiv region. However, British intelligence believes that the Russians are failing in this endeavor. The northern Kharkiv front has likely stabilized, with Russian territorial control being fragmented and disjointed. British analysts predict that Russian success in this area will remain limited in the coming week due to the initial offensive momentum being halted by Ukrainian resistance.
