Russia retains offensive momentum despite Ukrainian successes
The American Institute for the Study of War notes in its daily report that "Russian forces are maintaining their relatively high offensive tempo in Donetsk Oblast." These actions demonstrate that Moscow has not changed its priorities despite Ukrainian successes in Kursk Oblast.
8:27 AM EDT, August 16, 2024
ISW reports that it has not observed the Russian military command relocating entire brigades from Ukraine to Kursk Oblast, but it "has observed reports of elements of Russian regiments redeploying to the area," it emphasizes.
The American Institute also points out that Russian problems are piling up due to the "complicated, overlapping, and so far, ineffective command and control structure."
Russians pushing in Donbas
The situation is tough in the Pokrovsk area, where Russian troops have approached within 6 miles of the city. Due to the offensive, city authorities have called on residents to leave their homes.
"The situation is only getting worse. It will not improve. The city retains its energy and critical infrastructure," said Deputy Mayor Sergey Dobriak on Thursday.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Kyiv's forces are in a challenging position. Ukrainians lack everything—from ammunition to manpower. Moreover, Russians have massively deployed jammers to the front, which effectively disrupt the operation of Ukrainian drones.
