Russia goes on defensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and redeploys elite forces – ISW

The advance of the Ukrainian Defence Forces in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast has likely forced the Russian command to prioritise defence in this area and to redeploy elite units.

Source: the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Quote: "Klishchiivka has been a focal point of fighting in the Bakhmut area in recent weeks, and the redeployment of any elements of the 83rd VDV Brigade amid Ukrainian advances near Klishchiivka suggests a deep concern about Ukrainian advances in western Zaporizhia Oblast and the Russian prioritization of the defense there."

Details: Analysts pointed out that the North Ossetian military volunteer battalions Storm Ossetia and Alania, active in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, posted an image on 16 September, showing a small detachment of the Russian 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade in the village of Nesterianka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

At the same time, in late June, units of the 83rd Brigade were deployed to stand up to the Ukrainian counteroffensive around the settlement of Klishchiivka and were seen fighting in the area in late August.

The 83rd Brigade units were reportedly still operating in the area around Bakhmut as of 11 September, although parts of this military formation were likely spread between two different frontline areas.

Analysts believe that Ukrainian counteroffensive operations made a number of relatively elite Russian units and formations in the area stay there and hold the line.

This refers, in particular, to the air assault forces of the 98th Division, 83rd Brigade, 11th Brigade, 31st Brigade, 106th Division and 364th Special Forces Brigade of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).

"Russian forces have thus far been unwilling to send these relatively elite formations to aid in the critical defensive effort in western Zaporizhia Oblast, and Ukrainian operations around Bakhmut appear to continue preventing the Russian command from doing so at scale," the ISW concluded.

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