Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2014, Russia has claimed that Kharkiv is a Russian city. Despite this assertion, the only significant military action aimed at Kharkiv came on February 27, 2022, when Russian special forces attempted to establish a stronghold in the city. However, this major offensive was unsuccessful. The failure of this operation highlighted the challenges faced by the Russian military in taking urban areas and established that Kharkiv would resist Russian control.

The context of this operation was set against the backdrop of Russia's broader strategy in its war against Ukraine, where it has aimed to capture key cities as part of its campaign. Kharkiv, being one of Ukraine's largest cities and close to the Russian border, was a strategic target for the Russian army. However, the failure to secure Kharkiv not only bolstered Ukrainian defenses but also influenced the morale of both Ukrainian forces and the civilian population, who rallied in response to the invasion.

The implications of this failed assault on Kharkiv are significant. It demonstrated the determination of Ukrainian forces to protect their land and the challenges that the Russian military has encountered. Furthermore, it underscored the importance of international support for Ukraine, as many countries responded with military aid and sanctions against Russia following this and other military engagements. The incident served to unify the resolve among Ukrainians and gather international attention towards their plight in the ongoing conflict.