Russian attacks on Kharkiv are intended to force residents to leave the city. Bloomberg reports this with reference to Ukrainian and Western officials. 

According to the publication, the Kremlin's recent actions to destroy energy infrastructure resemble organized efforts to create conditions that make Kharkiv uninhabitable. At the same time, the Russian side uses the moment when Ukraine lacks artillery ammunition and missiles for air defense.

The article also mentions that Russian forces have recently tried to spread disinformation about the "evacuation of Kharkiv residents due to the possibility of the city being surrounded," which was aimed at spreading panic. In addition, Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko said that "almost all" of the local electricity generation was destroyed during the Russian attacks, which creates problems before the coming winter.

According to the agency's sources, the administration of US President Joe Biden has been discussing possible ways to help Kharkiv with energy. However, almost no one predicts that Kremlin forces will be able to capture the city in the near future.

Officials close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claim that Russia lacks the resources for a major offensive and is trying to cause panic.

Western officials agree that Russia will not be able to attack Kharkiv without a significant increase in its troops. However, Russia is planning to mobilize at least 250,000 Russians in 2024.

According to the opinion of Western officials, Russian President Vladimir Putin's goal remains the complete capture of Ukraine.