Russia Launches Summer Offensive, Analysts Say
The Facts
Following days of increasing pressure on the Ukrainian frontlines, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) — a US military think tank that tracks battlefield progress in the war — reported that Russia's military manoeuvres since July 29 "are likely the manifestation of Russia's forecasted summer offensive."
ISW said Tuesday that Russian forces conducted five platoon- to battalion-sized mechanized assaults since July 29 — concluding this was likely Russia's offensive as "Russian forces likely lack the wider operational capacity to mount a separate renewed offensive operation in Donetsk Oblast or elsewhere on the front this summer."
The Spin
Due to manpower and materiel constraints, analysts said that Russia will not have the capacity to launch a new offensive after this attack. While this offensive is not expected to have any real results, Russia will likely have pulsating attacks in order to sell small gains to an audience at home.
Ukraine, alongside its Western backers, have demonstrated to Russia that they have no interest in peace. Therefore, Russia will continue with the objectives of its Special Military Operation.
