On July 5, 2025, the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, visited the front lines in Kharkiv Oblast and issued a strong warning: Russia is gathering heavy forces, preparing for a large-scale offensive on the northeastern front. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has lasted more than three years since February 2022, and Kharkiv Oblast, as a key frontline area, has once again become the focus of confrontation between the two sides. Is this Russian move just a show of force or a long-planned strategic attack?

Ukrainian Commander Warns of Russian Attack on Northeastern Region

Russian Troop Mobilization, Tension on the Northeastern Front

According to reports from the Ukrainian newspaper "Pravda" and "Kyiv Post," Syrskyi clearly stated during his visit that Russian forces are amassing large numbers of troops on the northeastern front, with an increasing offensive momentum. He said via telegram: "In the past week, the Ukrainian army has repelled over 60 Russian attacks, averaging about 10 battles per day." These figures are alarming, indicating that military operations by Russian forces in Kharkiv Oblast have never ceased.

Incidentally, Kharkiv Oblast borders Russia and is geographically sensitive, as it is home to Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Since the full-scale outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the region has suffered missile, drone, and ground attacks. Although the Ukrainian army successfully counterattacked in the fall of 2022, compressing the areas under Russian control to less than 5%, it seems that the Russians have not given up. Now, they are returning, what are their intentions?

Russian Tactics: A "Human Wave" Strategy Based on Quantity?

Syrskyi directly pointed out that the Russians are trying to suppress the Ukrainian forces using their numerical advantage. In his telegram, he emphasized: "The Russians are trying to overwhelm us with numbers, but we must remain vigilant and take effective tactical and technical measures to prevent the enemy's advance." This statement is straightforward, suggesting that the "human wave" tactics of the Russians seem to be making a comeback.

According to a report by the Ukrainian War Monitoring Platform DeepState on July 4, Russian forces have advanced to within 3 kilometers of the border town of Milov in Kharkiv Oblast, attempting to open a new front. Operational analyst Pavlo Shamsin further confirmed that the frequency of Russian突击 actions has sharply increased recently, with units of 3 to 10 people advancing, supported by drones. This "fragmentation" tactic is flexible yet dangerous, reminiscent of the "add oil" strategy. What is the Russian plan? Is it testing the Ukrainian defense line, or laying the groundwork for a larger offensive?

Expected Russian Military Advances in Kharkiv Oblast

Ukrainian Response: Tactical Adjustments by Frontline Commanders

Syrskyi did not sit idly by. During his visit, he personally assessed the frontline situation and collaborated with the commander of the Joint Forces, Mykhailo Drapik, to develop new tactical instructions. According to reports, he has ordered the strengthening of troop equipment to ensure that material and tactical needs are met. Andriy Bormakhyb, the chief of staff of the 13th National Guard Battalion Karpaty, had warned as early as May that the Russian buildup near the border indicated a new offensive. Now, Syrskyi's personal presence is clearly a response to the severity of the current situation.

Notably, the Ukrainian defense in Kharkiv Oblast is no easy task. In spring 2024, Russian forces attempted to break through near the northern border town of Vovchans'k, but were repelled by the Ukrainian army. Now, the Russians are repeating the same tactics. Can the Ukrainians hold their line again? Can Syrskyi's tactical adjustments counter the Russian numerical advantage?

NATO's Call for "Flexibility"

With the Russian moves being frequent, NATO can't stay patient. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte made a speech in Mons, Belgium, on July 5, urging the United States to demonstrate "flexibility" in its military aid to Ukraine. He said directly: "The US must ensure that its stockpile reaches the level we need, while ensuring that Ukraine can continue forward." These words are diplomatic, but the underlying message is clear: Ukraine's air defense and firepower reserves are already strained.

More intriguingly, the U.S. Department of Defense has recently suspended the supply of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine. According to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, this move is to "prioritize American interests." New European Supreme Allied Commander Alexander Grinkewich stated that he is closely monitoring the situation and expects "more progress in the next one or two weeks." This statement is either comforting allies or setting the stage for a policy shift.

No Ceasefire in Sight, What Lies Ahead for the Conflict?

In short, the deadlock of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is unlikely to be broken in the short term. Despite repeated calls from Ukraine, the United States, and European countries for unconditional ceasefire, Russia has remained unmoved, continuing to exert pressure through missiles, drones, and ground offensives. The flames of war in Kharkiv Oblast are not only a contest between Russia and Ukraine, but also a microcosm of international power struggles.

Syrskyi's warning highlights the potential threat on the Russian northeastern front, but also reveals the pressure on the Ukrainian defense. The small-scale raids and drone coordination by the Russians indicate that their tactical flexibility is improving; while the Ukrainian resistance and tactical adjustments demonstrate their unwillingness to give up easily. However, facing the Russian numerical advantage and the uncertainty of international aid, the situation in Kharkiv Oblast remains highly volatile.

Ultimately, will the Russians truly launch a large-scale offensive? Can the Ukrainians hold the northeastern front? The dynamics in the coming weeks may provide answers. Under the shadow of war, the fate of Kharkiv Oblast once again draws global attention.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7523620440019976756/

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