Russian forces are likely conducting the initial phase of an offensive operation north of Kharkiv, which has limited operational objectives but is intended to achieve a strategic effect of diverting Ukrainian troops and equipment from other critical sectors of the front in eastern Ukraine, according to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Currently, Russian forces have carried out two limited actions in this area: one to the north of Kharkiv towards Lyptsi and one to the northeast of Kharkiv near Vovchansk. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that Russian armored assau…