(Dan Tri) – The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that the Russian Army has significantly increased the speed of ground attacks in eastern Ukraine in the past month.
Russian armored tanks were destroyed by Ukraine near Avdiivka (Photo: Telegram).
Analysts at ISW assess that the Russian military probably wants to achieve greater achievements before Western military support for Ukraine reaches the front line.
Lieutenant Colonel Nazar Voloshin – Representative of the Khortitsa (eastern) force group of the Ukrainian army – said that the number of skirmishes had increased significantly from 84 incidents on May 8 to 146 incidents on May 9 and noted that,
The British Ministry of Defense reported that the number of Russian attacks increased by 17% from March to April and that more than 75% of recorded ground attacks occurred in the hot spots of Chasov Yar, Avdiivka and Marinka.
In particular, the number of Russian attacks near Chasov Yar increased by 200% from March to April.
Lieutenant Colonel Voloshin said that Russia’s current intensification of attacks is because the mud after spring has dried, creating conditions for motorized vehicles to operate and Moscow forces are trying to take advantage of Ukraine’s relative weakness.
ISW continues to assess that Russian forces will maintain a high attack rate throughout Eastern Ukraine to gain an advantage until Western aid reaches the front line.
War map of Ukraine on May 9.
Notable comments in ISW’s May 9 report:
First, Russian Leader Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day speech on May 9 to convey his belief that the West is trying to erase the Soviet Union’s contribution to the wartime victory over Nazi Germany.
Second, President Putin took advantage of a recent meeting with commanders of several front-line units to present himself as a knowledgeable and effective Supreme Commander, understanding the complex situation on the front.
Third, at the Victory Day parade, Mr. Putin appeared with a number of foreign officials, perhaps to position himself as an effective statesman capable of creating an alternative coalition to the establishment.
Fourth, over the past month, Russian forces have significantly increased the number of ground attacks in eastern Ukraine, possibly reflecting the current battlefield situation and the Russian commander’s intention to consolidate their successes.
Thursday, Russian border guards are withdrawing troops from much of Armenia as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continues to face domestic backlash for his decision on Nagorno – Karabakh.
Friday, on May 9, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted long-range drone attacks on Russian oil depots and refining infrastructure in the Krasnodar region.
Seventh, the Russian Army recently made confirmed advances near Avdiivka and Donetsk.
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