Russia is holding back military units to prevent counterattack, says Ukraine

Ukraine says Russia is holding back some of its units within its borders to prevent a Ukrainian counterattack that has advanced east of Kharkiv.

In its latest operational update, the Ukrainian General Staff says that “to prevent the advance of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy has concentrated up to nineteen tactical battalions in the Belgorod region” in western Russia.

The Russians are holding back units as Ukrainian forces approach the border, analysts say.

Inside Ukraine, the General Staff says the most intense activity is in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces are trying to advance towards the city of Lyman, a major transport hub.

Elsewhere in the region, “the enemy has increased their firepower and is trying to break through our troops’ defenses.” Even so, Russian forces remain “focused on regrouping units, resupplying ammunition, fuel and maintaining previously occupied positions.”

The Ukrainian military believes the Russians will resume an offensive towards the village of Sulyhivka as they try to make progress in the Izium area. Last month, the Russians made modest gains in the area, but without major gains or consequences.

In Luhansk, increased Russian bombing caused more civilian casualties and made rescue operations more difficult. Serhiy Hayday, head of the region’s military administration, said rescuers had lost contact with 11 people hiding in a basement in Shypilovo.

“With the support of aircraft and artillery, the enemy concentrated its efforts on trying to take control of Rubizhne and prepare for the continuation of offensive operations towards Lysychansk. The enemy has increased firepower, trying to break through our troops’ defenses,” Hayday said.

Russian forces have made only small territorial gains in Luhansk, but now control the town of Popasna, which lies in ruins after heavy bombing.