UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 791 - MAY 13, 2024

The Russian Armed Forces continued their strategically significant advances north and northeast of the city of Kharkiv on May 13th, and currently appear to prioritize the rapid creation of a "buffer zone" along the international border over the creation of conditions for a deeper penetration into the northern Kharkiv oblast.

The relatively rapid progress of the Russian Armed Forces in Vovchansk and the reported destruction of several bridges over major waterways within the settlement indicate that the Russian forces prioritize the creation of a "buffer zone" over a deeper penetration, as previously assessed by ISW.

The full Russian Offensive Update 791 is available directly at UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR