Kremlin lays groundwork for spring offensive setback, analysts say
Photo: The Kremlin is preparing Russians for the failure of the spring offensive (Getty Images)
The Russians have already begun a spring counteroffensive in eastern Ukraine, but due to heavy losses, the Kremlin is already laying the groundwork for its failure, according to an ISW report.
Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia had thrown tens of thousands of troops into extremely exhausting infantry assaults.
As a result, more than 6,090 people were killed or wounded in just four days. In total, over the past week, Russian forces lost 8,710 servicemen.
Analysts emphasize that such scales of losses are unacceptable given the current pace of mobilization in Russia and are likely to limit its ability to conduct similar large-scale offensive operations in the medium and long term.
According to ISW estimates, in 2026, Russian troops are unlikely to be able to capture the fortress belt and will most likely achieve only limited tactical results while suffering significant losses.
Experts also note that the Russian authorities are already preparing the information campaign for slow progress and high losses.
One of the MPs of the Russian State Duma stated on March 23 that losses are inevitable in any war, but Russian troops will try to reduce them by advancing slowly in the direction of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Russia is seeking resources for the spring offensive
Russian command plans to involve all mobilized personnel currently in Crimea in combat operations. For this purpose, they are redeploying marines and airborne troops to the front.
Russian troops have likely begun a spring-summer offensive against the Ukrainian fortress belt in the Donetsk region.
The main pressure is concentrated on the Lyman direction, which opens the way to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
