Battle of Kharkiv II: Russia's Long-Term Strategy and Ukraine's Defensive Dilemmas

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On May 9, Russia initiated a new front in its invasion of Ukraine. The apparent target: Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city. This video explores what we know about the Russian operation thus far and why Russia started it now. We then examine the possible endgame goal of the new front, ranging from capturing the city to a simple fixing operation to freeze Ukrainian troops in place.

0:00 The New Front of the Russian Invasion
0:50 What Exactly Is Happening in Kharkiv?
3:00 Russia's Closing Window of Opportunity
5:13 Is Russia Trying to Capture Kharkiv?
6:58 Is this a Fixing Operation?
12:59 A Buffer Zone with Benefits?

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

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