ISW: Russia pulls troops to Belgorod region to prevent Ukrainian Army from reaching border

Russia continues to build up troops in the Belgorod region to stop Ukrainian counterattacks around the city of Kharkov and prevent the Ukrainian-Russian border from being pulled out.

It is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the data of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The ISW noted that the Russian military did not abandon attempts to encircle Kharkiv from the north and east in a “horseshoe shape”, despite the presence of only three battalion tactical groups (BTGs) operating in the north of the Kharkiv region.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in addition, the Russian troops have accumulated 19 BTGs in the Belgorod region, which can strengthen the Kharkiv direction.

Experts add that Russian troops made no confirmed offensives southeast or southwest of Izyum on May 9. However, they are probably trying to concentrate the forces necessary to resume offensive operations in the coming days.

Earlier, the ISW said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would move towards the border with Russia in the coming days or weeks.