UA Forces conduct counteroffensive northwest of Izium to draw Russia away from offensive operations toward Sloviansk

Ukrainian Armed Forces are likely to conduct a counteroffensive northwest of Izium (Kharkiv Oblast) to draw Russian forces away from offensive operations toward Sloviansk (Donetsk Oblast) and disrupt Russian supply lines. Ukrainian forces are making minor progress, says the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

On June 17, Russian troops tried to advance north of Sloviansk and southeast of Izium, but without success. General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that the Russian forces failed to capture the Bohorodychne in Kramatorsk Raion (Donetsk Oblast), the occupiers retreated to previously occupied positions. The Russian troops also conducted unsuccessful reconnaissance-in-force operations near Krasnopillia.

The ISW analysts also report that Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensives southwest of Izyum and pushed Russian forces out of Dmytrivka.

The ISW notes that Russian forces engaged in clashes north and northeast of Kharkiv to push Ukrainian forces away from the international border on June 17. Ukraine’s Defence Ministry claims that the Russian forces are regrouping and conducting air reconnaissance in settlements within a radius of 40 km northeast of Kharkiv, preparing for the resumption of offensive operations.

Ukrainian and Russian sources are increasingly reporting the possibility of a Ukrainian counterattack toward Izium from Kharkiv’s southeastern outskirts, says ISW. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, Russian troops are defending the rear positions to halt any advance of Ukrainian forces toward Izium from Kharkiv. Pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar noted that Ukrainian forces actively attempt to disrupt Russian ground lines of communication to Izyum.

According to ISW analysts, these Ukrainian operations are likely intended to deter Russian forces from attacking Sloviansk and disrupting Russian supply lines.