Russia’s border assault playbook in Kharkiv and Sumy: probe, flank, lose troops, repeat

Russian forces keep throwing infantry at the Ukrainian border in Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts, trying to breach defenses and expand the combat zone, but are suffering heavy losses without making any advances, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko reported on 19 February. Despite constant assaults and flanking attempts, Ukrainian defenders hold the line along the border.

Kharkiv Oblast: probing for weak spots

In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian troops are "probing" Ukrainian defensive capabilities directly along the border, Demchenko said. The enemy is attempting to breach the border and expand operations toward the edge of the Vovchansk community – specifically toward the settlements of Dihtiarne and Rybalchyne.

Sumy Oblast: flanking attempts fail

In Sumy Oblast, Russian forces are most active in the Khotyn and Yunakivka communities. The enemy is trying to advance and "come up with tricks to capture more territory and get behind our soldiers," Demchenko said.

"Meat assaults" continue at any cost

"The enemy's losses are quite heavy both in Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts. But we see that the enemy, unfortunately, does not care about its people and continues to send them into 'meat' assaults. Their only task is to advance at any cost," Demchenko said.

Ukrainian defenders use UAVs to detect Russian approach attempts toward the state border, as well as to uncover and destroy positions, equipment, and weapons the enemy uses to shell Ukrainian territory.

On 18 February, Ukrainian forces recorded 237 combat clashes with Russian forces across the front.