Ukrainian сounteroffensive near Bakhmut gains significance: ISW experts analyze
ISW experts explain the importance of Ukrainian сounteroffensive near Bakhmut (Photo: Getty Images)
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian Armed Forces continue their counteroffensive operations both to the north and south of Bakhmut. These operations have effectively contained a substantial amount of enemy personnel and equipment within the area.
Analysts at ISW believe that the Ukrainian operations around Bakhmut have compelled Russian forces to redistribute additional units to surrounding settlements. This tactical decision likely formed a key objective for the counteroffensive near Bachmut.
Consequently, the occupant forces have deployed elite units and support elements to bolster defensive efforts around Bachmut. This includes the 98th Guard Airborne Division, 11th Airborne Brigade, 106th Airborne Division, and the 364th Special Operations Brigade.
Experts speculate that if Russian forces were not engaged near Bakhmut, they could have been deployed for offensive operations in the Luhansk and Kharkiv regions, or to reinforce defensive positions in southern Ukraine.
Key ISW Findings:
- On August 4th, Ukraine executed a strike on a Russian oil tanker using a maritime drone, marking the second attack on Russian vessels in the Black Sea within two days.
- Ukrainian military-maritime strikes are likely part of a deliberate campaign aimed at creating favorable conditions for broader counteroffensive operations.
- Ukrainian forces conducted limited ground attacks in southern Ukraine on August 5.
- Russian forces conducted offensive actions northeast of Kupiansk, along the Svatove-Kreminna axis, and in the Bakhmut area.
- Ukrainian forces launched offensive actions along the Svatove-Kreminna line in the western Donetsk region, as well as in the Zaporizhzhia region.
- Pardoned members of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) continue to contribute to rising recidivism rates in Russia.
- Russian officials persist in relocating Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia under the guise of summer vacations.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff reports that Ukrainian military forces are persisting in offensive actions to the north and south of Bakhmut. Simultaneously, Russian forces are attempting to advance in the Klishchiivka area to the south of Bakhmut, while Ukrainian Armed Forces repel Russian attacks.
