Strategically important: ISW analysts explained why the Armed Forces hold Bakhmut so long
The new report states that despite all the expenses, the defense of Bakhmut is the right solution, as it has forced Russia to use most of the mercenaries of Wagner PEC as force and attract valuable Russian airborne forces to support offensive operations. "Bakhmut's Ukrainian defense has led to a weakening of significant Russian forces and will probably create favorable conditions for the future Ukrainian counter -offensive," the report reads.
At the same time, as analysts write, if Russian troops took Bakhmut without significant resistance, they could start a broader operation. Then the Ukrainian forces would have to build a defensive line on less profitable borders. "Thus, Bakhmut's defense Ukraine and an attempt to create conditions for a counter -offensive are probably complementary, not mutual actions," the report said.
Analysts also stated that the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation not only recruited prisoners in Russian prisons, but also uses them as "cannon meat". At the same time, the warlords do not want to integrate the ZEKs into regular connections. For example, printed prisoners are sent to fight in the forces of the so -called LNR.
"The ISW earlier observed cases of poor treatment of Russian proxy-armed formations by the ordinary armed forces of Russia, and the Russian command may have sought not to violate the moral spirit of the units by integrating the convicts," the experts said. Earlier, Focus wrote that in Germany they told when Ukraine will receive tanks and fighters. Boris Pistorius stated that before talking about the supply of fighters, it is necessary to protect the Ukrainian sky in the next 3-4 months.