Ukrainian President’s Office identifies Kharkiv as likely Russian target

These strikes aim to weaken Ukraine before a new Russian offensive, Yermak added. He believes the most likely target for the main Russian strike is Kharkiv, which has faced particularly intense shelling in recent weeks, as reported by Politico.

“We know that Putin is preparing a new wave of mobilization and we expect new counter-offensive operations by the Russians could start at the end of May or the beginning of June. Of course, we have to be ready for this,” Yermak stated.

He called on partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems to protect cities and the front lines.

Russia’s new summer offensive - what’s known

Russia’s troops are likely to continue offensive operations until spring 2024 and prepare for a summer offensive, as noted by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on March 23.

Russia is forming groups of over 100,000 personnel, and a new enemy offensive in the summer is not ruled out, according to Commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Pavlyuk, on March 22.

Russia may start a new major offensive from the beginning of summer, and Ukraine’s ability to withstand it this time appears “much less certain,” according to The Economist on March 28.

Consequences of Kharkiv shelling in March

Kharkiv was practically left without electricity after the largest mass Russian shelling of the energy system on March 22, when Russia launched over 150 aerial targets in Ukraine. The city faced problems with water and heating supply.

Electricity had been restored in 35% of buildings, and heating in 50%, according to Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov, on March 23. Ukrenergo reported on March 24 that the situation with energy supply in Kharkiv could improve in about a week.

Kharkiv metro resumed operation on March 25 after being shut down following the massive Russian attack on the energy system.

Mayor Terekhov stated on April 1 that practically all critical energy infrastructure in Kharkiv had been destroyed.

Russia attacked the city with drones, killing four people on April 4. The operation of the Kharkiv metro was suspended again on April 5.