War in Ukraine/Illustrative photo
In the course of their winter-spring offensive, Russian troops are unlikely to translate their tactical gains in the Kupiansk area into the extensive mechanized maneuvers required for a significant advance. This conclusion has been drawn by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The latest review highlights that Russian forces have recently achieved tactical gains southeast of Kupiansk along the vital P07 Kupiansk-Svatove road near Krokhmalne and seem to be escalating attacks northwest and west of Krokhmalne toward the Oskil River.
Analysts suggest that Russian forces may secure some tactical advantages in the Kupiansk area, but they are unlikely to convert them into broad mechanized maneuvers necessary for operationally significant advances, capable of capturing more territory in the Kharkiv region. The ISW expresses doubt regarding the Russian forces’ ability to advance to the administrative borders of Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
According to experts, units of the 1st Guards Tank Army and the 6th Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District of the Russian Federation are active in the Kupyansk area, capable of executing frontal attacks led by infantry. However, they have not demonstrated the ability to conduct large-scale mechanized maneuvers since their deployment in this area over a year ago.
The report also indicates that the anticipated Russian offensive for winter-spring 2024 is underway in the border area of Kharkiv and Luhansk regions.
Earlier, Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Joint Military Administration (JMA), stated that the Russian occupation army had resumed offensive operations in the Kupiansk sector.