ISW names direction of possible new Russian army offensive

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) shared the information in its report on Russia's offensive campaign in Ukraine.

According to the experts, recent limited Russian ground attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region may be aimed at dispersing Ukrainian forces and creating conditions for an offensive in the Luhansk region. 

In addition, Russia is redeploying units of the 2nd Motorized Rifle Division from Belarus to this area.

The experts have warned that Russia is likely to plan an offensive in the Luhansk region, but it could also take place near Vuhledar, Donetsk region. 

At the same time, ISW experts say that a new Russian offensive from Belarus remains unlikely. "There continues to be no indication that Russian forces are forming strike groups in Belarus; Russian elements in Belarus are largely using Belarusian infrastructure and training capacity for training rotations," the report says.

• Earlier, Bloomberg reported that despite the losses of the Russian army in the war with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a new offensive that could begin in February or March.