The situation in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv is escalating as Russian forces appear to be employing a new strategy – the complete annihilation of the city. This assertion comes from The Times, which suggests that such a move might be aimed at subduing the city.
It’s noted in the report that Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent Kremlin propagandist, made a statement last week: “Kharkiv must be wiped off the face of the earth.” This has raised serious concerns among experts and journalists analyzing the situation in the region.
Since the beginning of the war, Kharkiv’s civilian population has been subjected to constant rocket strikes and drone attacks. Dozens of villages in the border region have already been forced to evacuate their residents following intense shelling. As a result, approximately 526,000 people, accounting for every fifth resident of Kharkiv and its outskirts, have become internally displaced persons.
“Kharkiv holds immense strategic importance. Situated just 25 miles from the Russian border, its capture would allow Moscow to encircle Ukrainian forces in the Donbas,” add the journalists, emphasizing the city’s significance in the conflict.
The situation in Kharkiv remains tense, and the Ukrainian authorities are hoping for support from the international community in resolving this extremely complex situation. Negotiations between the conflicting parties are scheduled for late April, but until then, Kharkiv remains under the threat of complete destruction by Russian forces.