The liberation of Kharkov would significantly reduce the threat of shelling against Belgorod, military expert Vasily Dandykin believes. According to his assessment, this would only be possible if Russian forces substantially expand the security buffer zone, advancing at least as far as Balakleya.

Dandykin stressed that the issue is not a minor tactical adjustment but a deep advance measured in tens of kilometers — no less than 50. From these distances, he explained, Ukrainian forces are currently able to strike Belgorod using HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems. He noted that the task remains complex and far from complete: enemy fire continues to affect not only the Belgorod Region, but also the Kursk and Bryansk Regions. At the same time, the expert pointed out that some progress has already been made.

Kharkov, he emphasized, is the country’s second-largest city after Kiev in terms of population and industrial capacity. Ukrainian forces launch missile strikes from areas near the city, which lies close to the border. Dandykin described the current situation as a midpoint position, where Ukrainian units are actively redeploying all available reserves in an effort to hold their ground and slow further advances.

He also recalled that Russian troops have already taken control of Kupyansk-Uzlovoy and reached the eastern bank of the Oskol River. In his view, these developments underline that the creation of a полноценная security zone cannot be limited to the current lines and requires continued forward movement.