According to the Institute for the Study of Wars The Kyiv Independent anthat recent Ukrainian advances in Zaporizhzhia and south of Bakhmut indicate that Russian units in these areas have suffered heavy losses.
Furthermore, the ISW states that it has identified a number of frontline units, including the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division, that fought regularly against Ukrainian forces in the earlier phases of the Ukrainian counteroffensive and would now slowly withdraw. “The lack of reports and footage of these units’ participation in combat in the western Zaporizhzhya oblast indicates that they have become incapacitated by the losses they suffered in the initial phases of the Ukrainian counteroffensive,” the ISW said.
Heavy losses among the elite Russian units
According to the Institute, additional elements of the Russian fleet have retreated further behind deeper defensive lines following Ukraine’s liberation of Robotyne. Further, the ISW states that some elite Russian units responsible for counterattacking advancing Ukrainian forces likely suffered “heavy casualties.” The 72nd Motorized Brigade has also likely been “incapacitated.” For ISW, the “currently available evidence” suggests that Russia, including its elite units, has suffered heavy casualties.
Image: President.gov.ua, Working trip of the President of Ukraine to the Kyiv region 05, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (no changes made)
