The Kharkiv offensive of GW “Siewier”. Part I. Objectives, forces, infiltration of the border

Undoubtedly, the Cherk offensive, or attack action of the “Siewier” Army Group, even though it was in a sense expected, became 1 of the main crisis events on the front in mid-May and may have consequences in the future. In the analysis, we will effort to approximate the probable real objectives of the operation, the forces and means utilized by both sides, yet the elements of border infiltration tactics. In another analysis, we will describe the state of border fortification and Ukrainian attempts to stabilise the front in the first days of the offensive.