Russia lost 87% of its pre-war ground forces but continues partial mobilization efforts to sustain its eastern Ukraine offensive, which US intelligence believes is meant to erode Western backing for Ukraine.
From: Euromaiden Press BY MARIA TRIL
Russian military forces are likely undertaking costly offensive operations in multiple areas of eastern Ukraine in an attempt to seize the strategic initiative and undermine Western support for Ukraine, ISW said in its daily report.
The assessment, which was reportedly shared with Congress this week, found that recent Russian offensives around the city of Avdiivka and elsewhere “aim to weaken Western support for Ukraine instead of achieving any immediate operational objectives,” according to reporting.
“Russian forces may be conducting costly offensive operations at a time unfavorable for ground maneuver to time the potential shift in battlefield initiative with ongoing conversations in the West about continued support to Ukraine,” the ISW reported.
According to the ISW, Russia has suffered extensive losses in these operations without making significant battlefield gains. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that Russian forces have lost over 13,000 personnel and 220 combat vehicles in fighting near Avdiivka since October.
Despite these setbacks, the assessment warned that Russia appears intent on pressing the attack to prompt debates in the West about further assistance to Ukraine.
Voice of Ukraine 