Russians concentrate combat power to capture Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, suffering losses – ISW

This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) of June 17, Ukrinform reports.

Russian forces are transferring tanks, armored personnel carriers, engineering equipment, and vehicles from Svatove to Starobilsk, just 40 km east of Sievierodonetsk.

Social media users reported that Russian forces are likely redeploying equipment from northern Kharkiv Oblast to Donbas and published footage of Russian heavy artillery arriving by rail in Stary Osokol, Belgorod Oblast on June 17.

Moreover, UK Chief of Defense Tony Radakin stated that Russian forces are “diminishing” in power by committing large quantities of personnel and equipment for incremental gains in one area. The Russian military has concentrated the vast majority of its available combat power to capture Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk at the expense of other axes of advance and is suffering heavy casualties to do so.

On February 24, Russia launched a new phase of the eight-year war against Ukraine – the full-scale offensive. The enemy massively shell and bomb peaceful Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages. The Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Territorial Defense Forces, and the entire Ukrainian people are effectively resisting Russian troops and inflicting heavy losses on them.

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