By KYIV. May 9 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Russian occupation forces on Monday conducted limited ground attacks on the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line and made marginal advances within Bakhmut, Donetsk region, amid reports of intensified Wagner Group forces offensive operations and continued ground attacks along the Avdiyivka-Donetsk line.
The Institute for the Study of the War (ISW) said in the Russian offensive campaign assessment on May 8 that Russian forces continued defensive operations in southern Ukraine.
“Senior Ukrainian officials indicated that Ukrainian forces may be preparing to conduct counteroffensive operations in May or June. […] Russian forces continue to transfer military equipment, ammunition, and supplies to Ukraine to prepare for a defensive operation against a Ukrainian counteroffensive push,” the ISW said.
According to the report, Russian-occupied Transnistria asked Russia to increase its peacekeeping contingent in the region, likely to support the Kremlin’s efforts to destabilize Moldova.
“White House officials warned in March that individuals linked with Russian intelligence were planning to stage protests against the Moldovan government in order to install a pro-Russian administration. […] Russia remains unlikely to deploy additional forces to Transnistria given its ongoing need for forces in Ukraine,” the ISW said.
