Aug 11 2023 - Institute for the Study of War

The assessment details significant advances by Ukrainian forces in western Zaporizhia Oblast and the tactical implications of these movements. It also highlights the lateral redeployment of Russian forces, intensifying offensive operations, missile strikes, and challenges faced by Russian internal security organs. The situation is complex, with both sides making strategic moves and counter-moves.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ukrainian Advances: Ukrainian forces made tactically significant advances in western Zaporizhia Oblast, reaching the outskirts of Robotyne. This may indicate significant degradation of Russian defenses in the area.
2. Russian Redeployment: The Russian military is laterally redeploying forces, which may further weaken their defensive lines. This redeployment could create opportunities for decisive Ukrainian breakthroughs.
3. Intensified Operations: Russian forces are intensifying offensive operations northeast of Kupyansk, possibly to draw Ukrainian forces away from more critical areas.
4. Missile Strikes: Russian forces conducted another series of missile strikes in Ukraine, targeting a Ukrainian airfield for the second time in the last week.
5. Wagner Group Presence: Russian sources claim that the Wagner Group is maintaining a presence in Belarus, though the status of its rumored withdrawal to Russia remains unclear.
6. Personnel Shortages: The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is struggling with significant personnel shortages, especially in occupied territories in Ukraine.
7. Deflection of Blame: The Kremlin and Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) are likely attempting to deflect blame for Ukrainian shelling in Russian border areas onto mid-level officers.