Russia Redeploys Troops to Zaporizhzhia Oblast for New Push in Southeastern Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

Russian forces are currently occupying approximately 70% of the southeastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, with the regional capital, Zaporizhzhia, remaining under Ukrainian control. As of today, low-intensity operations continue in the area, with Russian forces aiming to deliver a powerful blow to Ukrainian positions. The situation on the front line is complex, with Russian forces focusing on areas near Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, among others.

Key Takeaways:

  • Russian forces have redeployed troops to Zaporizhzhia Oblast to make a new push in the partially occupied southeastern Ukrainian region, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
  • The goal of the operation is to break through Ukrainian lines and advance deep into the region, with the ultimate aim of occupying the entire region.
  • Moscow currently occupies around 70% of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, but the regional capital, Zaporizhzhia, remains under Ukrainian control.
  • Russian forces are also focused on areas near Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast and Nova Kakhovka in Kherson Oblast.
  • The largest nuclear facility in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, is located in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and remains under Russian control.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine's withdrawal from parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, as well as a ban on NATO membership, as preconditions for peace negotiations.
  • The situation on the front line is complex, with multiple areas of focus for Russian forces, including Novopavlivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and around Lyman in Donetsk Oblast.

Statistics:

  • 70%: The percentage of Zaporizhzhia Oblast currently occupied by Russian forces.
  • 2022: The year in which Moscow annexed parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts illegally.
  • 18 Aug: The date on which Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi gave an interview to RBC-Ukraine about the situation on the front line.

Sources:

  • RBC-Ukraine - interviewed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on Aug. 18.