Why is Russia preparing strategic reserves: ISW named a new threat from the Kremlin

The American Institute for the Study of War reported that Russia is maintaining an offensive pace on the front in Ukraine, but is simultaneously building strategic reserves that can be used not only in the Ukrainian theater of operations, but also in a potential conflict with NATO.

This is stated in the ISW report.

According to analysts, despite the intense fighting along the entire front line, a separate large-scale “summer offensive” by the Russian Federation should not be expected in the near future. Russian troops are focusing on months-long offensives in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhia regions, operating according to the now familiar tactic of “pulsating attacks” – increasing pressure in one direction and reducing it in another.

ISW draws attention to the words of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, who stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine restrained the transfer of up to 60 thousand Russian soldiers from the Kursk region, thereby thwarting the intensification of attacks in key areas, in particular, Lymansky, Toretsky, Pokrovsky, Zaporizhia, and Kherson.

Analysts also note that the Kremlin is trying not only to compensate for losses in Ukraine, but also to create strategic reserves – about 121 thousand soldiers in 13 divisions, who are probably refraining from participating in hostilities for the time being.

“These reserves could be preparation for a long-term war or even a future conflict with NATO countries,” experts believe.

The Ukrainian military emphasizes that despite the Russian Federation’s superiority in the number of personnel on some sections of the front, it has not made decisive breakthroughs, in particular due to the massive use of poorly trained infantry, against which Ukrainian drone tactics are effective.

Currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting an organized defense and targeted counterattacks, in particular in the north of Sumy region, which, according to ISW, significantly hinders the plans of the occupier.

Recall that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, said that the possibility of a new offensive from Belarus cannot be ruled out . This could probably happen in September.

By the way, there is high activity of Russian troops in many eastern directions of the front. This indicates an intensification of the enemy’s offensive, as previously warned.

Earlier, the State Border Service of Ukraine reported that Russian occupation troops are continuing their attempts to enter the territory of Sumy Oblast in small assault groups . However, the number of such assaults has decreased.

Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , Twitter , Telegram , and Instagram.