Russia is trying to intensify offensive operations near Bakhmut
Russia has decided to intensify its tactical offensive in the Bakhmut area, despite the fact that Ukraine has apparently focused on local counterattacks there, according to analysts at the Institute for War Studies.
Source: ISW
The Institute's report says that the so-called head of the "DPR" Denis Pushilin said on May 16 that Russian troops had reinforced their forces in the Bakhmut area to stabilize the situation. In addition, the analysts emphasized, one prominent Russian military commander reported that four unidentified Russian battalions were deployed on the flanks around Bakhmut to prevent Ukrainian breakthroughs.
The ISW noted that the reports of reinforcements are consistent with a May 15 statement by Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar that Russian troops are deploying additional airborne forces to protect the flanks of Bakhmut, which are likely being redeployed from other parts of the front.
Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 17/05/2023
