Russian Forces Return to Kharkov – Ukraine’s Strategic Crisis Expands

Update on the conflict in Ukraine for May 19, 2024…

– Russia has opened an extensive front in the Kharkov region, retaking territory lost during Ukraine’s 2022 fall offensive;

– Ukraine is already suffering from a large and expanding strategic dilemma where its forces are overstretched and defense lines are collapsing;

– The opening of a new front places further pressure on Ukrainian forces, compelling Ukraine’s military leadership to exhaust what remains of their reserves;

– The only way to stop or reverse the course of the conflict in Ukraine now is for an extensive US-NATO intervention, though Western forces themselves will suffer from the same shortages their Ukrainian proxies now face;

References:

The Hill – Russia launches major offensive in Kharkiv region (May 10, 2024):
https://thehill.com/homenews/4655880-…

Wall Street Journal – The Misfits Russia Is Recruiting to Spy on the West (May 14, 2024):
https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/the-…

France 24 – Germany’s Scholz joins with Nordic countries to urge Europe to boost Ukraine aid (May 14, 2024):
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20…

Ukrainska Pravda – Where are the Fortifications (in Ukrainian) (May 13, 2024):
https://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/columns…

NYT – Facing Russian Advance, a Top Ukrainian General Paints a Bleak Picture (May 14, 2024):
https://www.nytimes.com/article/russi…

NYT – White House Worries Russia’s Momentum Is Changing Trajectory of Ukraine War (May 14, 2024):
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/14/us…

The Kyiv Independent – German lawmakers suggest allies could protect sky over western Ukraine from NATO soil (May 11, 2024):
https://kyivindependent.com/german-la…

Reuters – Ukrainian strike on Crimea airbase destroys three Russian warplanes, satellite firm says (May 17, 2024):
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/…