Russian division rebels against orders to attack Kharkiv

The Tatar-Ukrainian resistance movement Atesh has reported that one of the Russian divisions refused to participate in the attack on Kharkiv, based on information from its informant within the ranks of the Russian army.

An informant from the Atesh movement, serving in a motorized rifle battalion of the 44th Corps of the Russian Armed Forces, revealed that a division in his unit decisively refused to join the assault in the Kharkiv region, according to the "Ukrainian Truth" website.

The informant claimed that the fighters of this Russian unit are well aware of the high quality of fortifications along the Russian-Ukrainian border. They have also reportedly witnessed Russian troops' failure of diversionary tactics and reconnaissance efforts.

A part of the unit apparently refused to obey the Russian command.

National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby mentioned on Friday that the Russian offensive near Kharkiv is expected to ramp up, and a direct attack on the city seems likely. He also mentioned that the USA is coordinating with Ukraine to counter the offensive.

According to Kirby, during an online press briefing, the USA anticipates the Russian offensive in the northeast will gather pace, possibly allowing Russia to gain some ground.

However, he expressed confidence in Ukrainian forces' ability to fend off the attack and does not foresee any significant breakthrough at the front line. He said, Russia aims to establish a "shallow buffer zone" to more effectively shell Kharkiv. He reminded that Russia had pulled back from Kharkiv in 2022 to concentrate on the Eastern front.