Military expert and retired Colonel Gennadiy Alekhin has commented on reports that the Ukrainian command has redeployed around 8,000 troops to the northern part of Kharkov Region, near the Russian border in the Belgorod area. In his view, the move is aimed at strengthening the defensive positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in that sector.

Alekhin noted that some analysts interpret the redeployment as a possible sign that Ukraine could be preparing an offensive toward Belgorod Region. However, he pointed out that similar warnings have circulated before, including throughout 2024 and 2025.

According to the retired officer, the main objective of the Ukrainian army corps «Hartiya» in this direction is to reinforce defensive lines and intensify the activity of reconnaissance and sabotage groups operating close to the border.

Earlier, on March 3, Vladimir Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces should establish a buffer zone on Russian territory. He explained that one of the tasks assigned to the Ukrainian military is to shift the fighting from Kharkov Region onto the Russian side of the border.