Main units of Russia’s airborne forces likely redeployed to Donetsk, Luhansk directions

In the past two weeks, Russia has likely redeployed main units of its airborne forces (VDV) to the Donetsk and Luhansk fronts.

The British Defense Ministry said this in its intelligence update on Thursday, Ukrinform reports.  

According to the British intelligence, from September to October, most of the severely weakened VDV units were dedicated to the defence of Russian-held territory west of the Dnipro River in Kherson region.

“Some VDV units have likely been reinforced with mobilised reservists. Although these poorly trained personnel will dilute VDV’s supposedly elite capability, Russia will likely still allocate these units to sectors deemed especially important,” the ministry said.

Potential operational tasks for the VDV include supporting the defence of the Kremina-Svatove area in Luhansk region or reinforcing offensive operations against the Donetsk region town of Bakhmut.

As Ukrinform reported, the British intelligence earlier said that Russian troops are likely to prioritize retaining control of the town of Svatove in Luhansk region, as the area is the invaders’ most vulnerable operational flank.

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