The occupiers are planning an offensive in the direction of Bakhmut – ISW
On Wednesday, May 11, Russian troops did not have much success in advancing through Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops took up new positions northeast of Kharkiv.
Military analysts made this assessment from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in summary for May 11.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive north of the city of Kharkiv has forced Russian troops to move to the defense and make efforts to strengthen and replenish forces and means aimed at preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops to the Russian border, – the researchers write.
Experts note that Russian efforts along the southern front line and in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts remain at a dead end.
Experts write that Russian troops have not achieved significant success due to the ongoing successful Ukrainian defense.
At the same time, researchers note that the Ukrainian counteroffensive north of Kharkiv forced Russian troops to defend themselves and successfully eased artillery pressure on the city of Kharkiv.
However, on May 11 the occupying forces of the Russian Federation continued their attempts to surround the Ukrainian positions in the area of Severodonetsk-Rubizhne-Lysychansk, but did not achieve any confirmed success, observers write.
Russian forces may launch a new offensive in the direction of Bakhmut after the capture of Popasna to provide access to the highway north of Slovyansk, – the statement said.
Researchers note attempts of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to strengthen the positions in the west of the Kherson area to try to advance in the direction of the Mykolaiv area.
The report took into account the comments of its Russian source, who noted that Ukrainian forces might be conducting a counterattack 40 km north of Izyum to cut off Russian troops in this vital city. However, analysts at ISW have not been able to confirm these reports.
According to updated ISW estimates, Russian forces are working in five main areas: the main focus of the Russian Armed Forces is on eastern Ukraine, and it can already be divided into five sub-areas – one primary and four auxiliary areas.
Thus, the main direction in the East for the Russian Armed Forces is the attempt to surround the Ukrainian troops in the cauldron between Izyum and Donetsk and the Luhansk regions.
Among the supporting areas of the occupying forces: are Mariupol, Kharkiv, the front line in the south, Sumy, and northeastern Ukraine.
Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces
Source: ISW
