Ukraine's shaken battlefield position is expected to worsen soon, Kiev's military intelligence chief warned in an interview with The New York Times, further labeling the situation as "on the edge" as Russia proceeds with its territorial gains. 

The evident intention of the Russian maneuver was to deplete Ukrainian reserves, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR), Kyrylo Budanov, told The New York Times, adding that this could possibly pave the way for Russia to capture Chasov Yar, a strategically valuable Donbass city around 200 kilometers southeast of Kharkov. 

Speaking with NYT on May 13, he stressed that "The situation is on the edge," adding, "Every hour this situation moves toward critical."

Even though Budanov thinks that Kiev will be able to stabilize the situation, he predicts that Russia will carry out a similar incursion within days in the Sumy Region, 150 kilometers northwest of Kharkov.

As the Ukrainian military leadership has admitted Russia's "tactical successes" in the area and deployed reserves in response, Budanov told NYT that due to the latter, Ukraine has partially hindered Russian plans. 

However, NYT said that Kiev might loosen up its defense in other places as a result of the deployment. 

Russian forces take control of another four villages in Kharkov region

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on May 12 that the Russian Armed Forces managed to take control of another four villages across the Kharkov region in 24 hours.
 
"The units of the Sever Group of Forces advanced deep into the enemy's defensive and liberated the settlements of Gatishche, Krasnoye, Morokhovets, and Oleynikovo in the Kharkov region," the ministry said.
 
The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that their forces neutralized approximately 100 Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed two tanks near the villages of Degtyarnoye, Vovchansk, and Kozachya Lopan in the Kharkov region. Additionally, in the areas controlled by Russia's Zapad (Western) and Tsentr (Central) Groups of Forces, about 600 Ukrainian service members and a US-manufactured Abrams tank were reported lost, also within 24 hours.

Moreover, the ministry reported that the Yug (Southern) Group of Forces has strengthened its positions along the frontline, successfully engaging and defeating Ukrainian troops while repelling two counterattacks.

The Russian Defense Ministry further announced that, in turn, the Vostok (Eastern) Group of Forces has secured more advantageous positions and successfully repelled two attacks by the Ukrainian army, resulting in the elimination of up to 125 Ukrainian service members.