Since the beginning of the Russian war against Ukraine, the British Ministry of Defense has published its daily assessment of the situation in the conflict. The August 1, 2023 update addresses, among other things, the situation of Russian commanders in southern Ukraine.
Via Twitter the British Ministry of Defense writes: “In southern Ukraine, fierce fighting continues to be concentrated in two sectors. South of Orikhiv, Ukrainian attacks are focused on the Russian 58th Combined Arms Army (58 CAA).”
And further, “58 CAA is most likely fighting battle fatigue and attrition in forward deployed regiments that have been in intense combat for over eight weeks (…). Further east, south of Velyka Novosilka, defending Russian forces are from both the Eastern and Southern Military Districts, likely causing coordination problems.” Parts of the 5th Combined Army, he said, are likely under special pressure and probably feel that rotation out of the front line is long overdue.
In conclusion, the British Ministry of Defense writes: “Throughout the south, Russian commanders will most likely face a shortage of artillery ammunition, a lack of reserves, and problems securing the flanks of defending units.”
Image: Presidential Executive Office of Russia, Visit to joint staff of military branches involved in special military operation 04, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (image size modified)