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Russia Launches New Offensive in Kharkiv

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. 23/russia-launches-new-offensive-in-kharkiv.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 21:08 GMT by BBC
      Locales: UKRAINE, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Kharkiv, Ukraine - February 24, 2026 - Russia has initiated a new offensive in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, triggering a surge in fighting and rekindling anxieties about a potential escalation of the protracted conflict. While the operation, launched last week, has seen Russian forces make limited territorial gains in border villages, military experts largely agree that a decisive breakthrough remains highly improbable. The offensive appears to be a high-stakes gamble, reflecting Russia's increasingly constrained resources and strategic objectives.

The renewed push towards Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, is widely interpreted as an attempt to stretch Ukrainian defenses, diverting crucial manpower and materiel from the intense fighting further south, particularly around the ongoing battles in the Donbas region and along the southern front. By forcing Ukraine to react to a threat in the northeast, Russia hopes to alleviate pressure on its own forces and potentially create opportunities for advances elsewhere.

However, the circumstances surrounding this offensive are markedly different from those at the start of the conflict in 2022. Ukraine has spent the past two years significantly bolstering its defensive capabilities, learning valuable lessons from early setbacks. A substantial influx of Western military aid, including advanced weaponry, air defense systems, and training, has transformed the Ukrainian army into a far more resilient and formidable force. Furthermore, the Kharkiv region itself presents significant challenges for an invading force.

"The terrain in the Kharkiv region is not conducive to rapid armored advances," explains Dr. Iliana Ivanova, a military geography specialist at the University of Sofia. "The landscape is characterized by dense forests, swampy areas, and a network of rivers and streams. This makes it difficult for Russian forces to concentrate their firepower and maneuver effectively. The Ukrainians have had ample time to prepare defensive positions, further complicating the situation for the attackers."

Michael Kofman, Director of the Russia Studies Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, echoes this assessment. "It's very unlikely that they'll be able to achieve a breakthrough," he stated in a recent analysis. "They're trying to stretch Ukrainian defenses, but Ukraine is much better prepared now. They are essentially probing for weaknesses and attempting to force a Ukrainian response."

The offensive's sustainability is also a major concern. Reports indicate that Russia continues to grapple with severe manpower shortages, a consequence of heavy losses sustained throughout the war and challenges with recruitment. Equipment shortages are also plaguing the Russian army, hindering its ability to sustain a prolonged offensive operation. The reliance on older, less sophisticated weaponry further limits its effectiveness. This stands in stark contrast to the steady flow of modern equipment reaching Ukrainian forces.

Hanna Maliar, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister, confirmed Russian advances in several villages but emphasized that the situation remains "under control." Ukrainian forces have been actively reinforcing the Kharkiv region with personnel and equipment, anticipating a protracted conflict. The Ukrainian strategy appears to be focused on attriting Russian forces, exploiting their logistical vulnerabilities, and leveraging its superior artillery and drone capabilities.

The situation in Kharkiv highlights a significant shift in the dynamics of the war. Russia, unable to achieve its initial goals of a swift victory and regime change, is now increasingly focused on incremental gains and attempts to exhaust Ukrainian resources. However, this approach is proving costly and ineffective. The Kharkiv offensive, while potentially inflicting localized damage and tying up Ukrainian forces, is unlikely to fundamentally alter the strategic balance.

Analysts predict that Russia's options are becoming increasingly limited. A full-scale offensive aimed at capturing major Ukrainian cities is likely beyond its capabilities given its current constraints. Instead, Russia may continue to focus on localized offensives and attempts to seize control of strategically important territories, while simultaneously attempting to undermine Ukrainian morale and international support. The future of the conflict remains uncertain, but the Kharkiv offensive serves as a stark reminder that Russia's military options are dwindling, and its strategic goals are becoming increasingly elusive.