Ukraine Sees Progress in Donetsk-Zaporizhzhya: ISW’s September 9 Analysis Affirms Tactical Advancements. As per the Institute for the Study of War’s (ISW) latest dispatch dated September 9, Ukrainian forces have chalked up significant advancements in the strategic regions of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya. Specifically, the troops have pushed forward notably south of Bachmut. Expanding on this, The Kyiv Independent, referencing the Ukrainian General Staff, underscored advancements south of Klishchiyivka in Donetsk and further south of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhya.
The evolving conflict landscape in Ukraine is leaving a palpable imprint on Russia’s domestic and regional policy spheres. Delving into this, The Kyiv Independent suggests that Russian regional administrations are redirecting their attention, and presumably resources, to bolster the war efforts. Analyzing trends, a marked decline in political competitiveness is evident when contrasted with the pre-conflict era.
Russian Aggression and the Political Domino Effect
Parallelly, the ISW sheds light on heightened Russian military activities, pinpointing offensive maneuvers near Bakhmut and spanning the Avdiivka-Donetsk corridor. Russia’s so-called administrative forces persist in orchestrating sham elections in the Ukrainian territories under their control. According to The Kyiv Independent, these mock polls commenced on August 31 and are projected to conclude by September 10.
Rounding off, The Kyiv Independent discerns that the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, coupled with the resultant stressors on Russian territories, has sapped the political vitality in Russia. Regional figureheads, the outlet posits, are grappling with the challenges of mobilizing resources to fuel the war, all while witnessing a conspicuous decline in local political dynamism.
Image: Mil.gov.ua, UA anti-air battalion of 30th bgd 04, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, (no changes made)