Russia redeploying troops: ISW reports change in direction of attack

The russian military command is regrouping forces and is likely preparing an offensive in northern Ukraine, particularly in the Sumy Region. This is stated in a new report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts have drawn attention to the transfer of units from the Donetsk Region to the Ukrainian-russian border. These are the 752nd Motorized Rifle Regiment and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade. According to ISW, these units are already operating near the village of Volodymyrivka north of Sumy and in Gordeyevka on russian territory.

Such changes may indicate an attempt by russia to open a new direction of attack. This is also consistent with vladimir putin's recent statements about the creation of a so-called "buffer zone" along the border.

Previously, the 200th Brigade participated in the battles near Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar, which remain one of the key areas for the russian federation. The withdrawal of troops from there may mean that the Kremlin has decided to postpone the offensive on Kostiantynivka due to the lack of reserves for a large-scale operation in several directions at once.

ISW notes that the russian command may consider the north of the Sumy Region as a more promising area for advancement than the fortified positions of Ukrainian forces in Donbas. It is also possible that such a transfer of forces is part of a plan to further expand the territorial claims of the russian federation.