Russia adjusts plans in Donbass to strengthen its grouping in south

Russia seems to have decided to adjust its plans for an offensive operation in Donbass, having felt the need to strengthen the grouping in the south.

Such a conclusion is made by the British intelligence, according to its review of the war in Ukraine for August 1.

It is noted that over the past four days, Russian forces have tried to carry out tactical offensives near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, but are making very slow progress.

As reported by Ukrainian authorities last week, Russia appears to be moving significant forces from the north of the Donbass to the south of Ukraine. 

“Russia is probably adjusting the operational design of its Donbas offensive after failing to make a decisive operational breakthrough under the plan it had been following since April”, the review says.

Now, it has likely identified its Zaporizhzhia front as a vulnerable area in need of reinforcement, the British Intelligence notes.

It the previous reviews it was noted that Ukraine’s counteroffensive in Kherson region gaining momentum. Meanwhile other Western sources emphasize that Russia has ultimately lost initiative in the battle of Donbas.

Author - Anastasiya Glotova, 01/08/2022