Russia is transferring resources to Zaporizhzhia from other parts of Ukraine : Authorities say,
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| Russia's war in Ukraine |
June 19, 2023 | 09:55 PM
According to Ukrainian and UK officials, Russia seems to be redeploying its personnel and heavy military equipment from other parts of Ukraine to bolster its front line in the Zaporizhzhia area. The Mayor of Melitopol in Ukraine, Ivan Fedorov, reported observing this transfer from the Nova Kakhovka and Kakhovka area in Kherson to the Zaporizhzhia front line via Melitopol.
The UK Defense Ministry's intelligence assessment on Monday also supports this claim, stating that it is highly likely that Russia has begun relocating elements of its Dnipro Group of Forces (DGF) from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to reinforce the Zaporizhzhia and Bakhmut sectors over the past 10 days. This movement may involve several thousand troops from the 49th Army, including the 34th Separate Motorised Brigade, as well as Airborne Forces (VDV) and Naval Infantry units. The relocation is believed to be in response to Russia's perception that a major Ukrainian attack across the Dnipro is less likely after the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam and subsequent flooding.
Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Hanna Maliar, acknowledged the difficult situation in the eastern areas of Donetsk and Kharkiv, with Russia amassing forces to target Lyman and Kupyansk. However, Ukrainian forces have been successful in preventing Russian advancements.
Ukrainian officials have reported limited advances in parts of Donetsk, particularly around Avdiivka, which has been under attack by Russian and Russian-backed groups since the beginning of the invasion. However, analysts have noted a potential slowdown in Ukrainian offensive operations in the south, possibly indicating a reassessment of tactics for future operations.
The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Ukraine has not yet fully deployed its available forces for counteroffensive operations and that its main effort has yet to be launched. The situation remains dynamic, and developments on the ground continue to shape the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.