KHARKIV OFFENSIVE OPERATION 2022

Inthe autumn of 2022, the Ukrainian army accomplisheda military masterpiece. The study 'Kharkiv OffensiveOperation 2022' by the Central Research Institute of theArmed Forces of Ukraine analyzes this turning point inthe war. The book documents how the defenderssucceededin seizing the initiative and, in a counteroffensive,liberating an area of almost 11,500 km² andnearly500 settlements from Russian occupation.The focus is on Ukrainian tactics: a thrust in which fastshock troops, combined with mechanized forces andlong-range artillery, broke through the Russian defenses.Instead of wearing themselves out in towns, theybypassed positions, pushed deep into the rear, and cutoff logistics hubs like Balakliia and Izium. This led to apanic-stricken retreat by the invaders, who left behindmassive amounts of equipment, and forced Putin to declarea partial mobilization.With reports from actors such as Colonel General Syrskyi,the work provides insights into the planning and executionof the operation. It sheds light on challenges suchas ammunition shortages, the role of Western weaponsassistance, brilliant disinformation, and the motivationof the troops. An essential read to understand the strategiesthat brought Ukraine this victory and decisivelystrengthened the international coalition to support thecountry.