The Russians are afraid of the offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence
“Russia is reinforcing its defensive positions across the occupied areas of the South of Ukraine. This includes the movement of manpower, equipment and defensive stores between Mariupol and Zaporizhzhia, and in Kherson. Russian forces in Melitopol are also increasing security measures. Ukrainian forces have been applying pressure on the Russian defensive line in Kherson Oblast for over a month now, and recent political statements from both Zelenskky and the Deputy Prime Minister have warned of forthcoming offense operations to force Russia out of the areas it currently controls.”
According to British analysts, Russian defensive steps, including the new demands of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a recent visit to Donbas, are probably a response to expected Ukrainian offensives, as well as to attacks that Ukraine is carrying out on Russian command posts, logistics hubs provision and concentration of Russian troops.
“Given the pressures on Russian manpower, the reinforcement of the South whilst the fight for the Donbas continues to likely indicate the seriousness with which Russian commanders view the threat.”
