ISW: Russia redeploys “DPR” militants to Bakhmut to replace Wagner’s troops
Wagner PMC mercenaries are probably withdrawing from Bakhmut in the Donetsk region to recover and regroup in the rear, as Russian offensive operations in and around the city are declining.
This is according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The Ukrainian military reported that Russian offensive operations had sharply decreased to two clashes in the Bakhmut area, and Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Hanna Malyar explained this reduction by the fact that the Russians assisted on the ground and regrouped forces in the area.
It is noted that the Russian military command is likely to redeploy the forces of the so-called DPR to replace the Wagnerites.
– The redeployment of DPR militants to Bakhmut could slow down the pace of Russian offensive operations on the Avdiivka-Donetsk line. Earlier, ISW assessed that the Russian military command had largely deployed DPR forces to the Avdiivka-Donetsk area. “Russian attacks in this area seem to have decreased in recent days, which may be due to the redeployment of DPR forces to Bakhmut, – the analysts said.
The ISW adds that the Russian military command may be redeploying DPR units operating in the well-protected Avdiivka-Donetsk direction in order to avoid leaving other areas vulnerable or to ensure rapid reinforcements around the city of Bakhmut.
In addition, according to experts, the Russian military command is likely to reinforce the flanks of Bakhmut with regular troops.
Yesterday, on 27 May, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Hanna Malyar said that there were no active hostilities near Bakhmut (Donetsk region) or in the city itself. The Ukrainian Armed Forces hold the dominant heights that they have occupied on the flanks.
