Russian forces are likely planning to launch the second phase of their offensive operation in the northern Kharkiv region following the anticipated capture of Vovchansk. However, Ukrainian resistance may compel the Russian army to conduct another wave of intensified assaults to complete the city’s capture, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The redeployment of Russian reinforcements to the Kharkiv region indicates that for the Kremlin, the likely priorities are to force Ukrainian forces to withdraw from critical sections of the eastern front and to create a buffer zone in t…