Russia prepares new reserves for future offensives: ISW names one nuance

The Institute for the Study of War reported the information.

It noted that these reserves are unlikely to be able to function as cohesive large-scale penetration or exploitation formations this year.

Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets stated on March 21 that the Russian military command plans for the bulk of its “strategic reserves” to be operational ahead of Russia’s reported summer 2024 offensive. At the same time, it is unlikely that Russia’s “strategic reserves” will be equipped to their full end strength by this time due to material and manpower shortages. 

Mashovets suggested that Russia’s ability to produce new weapons and equipment and modernize old systems “does not correspond” with how quickly Russia hopes to equip its strategic reserves.

"Mashovets’ assessment is consistent with ISW’s assessment that Russian defense production is capable of sustaining the current tempo of Russian offensive operations but is unlikely to be able to fully support a potential operational or strategic-level mission in 2024," the analysts added.

• Over the course of March 21, 67 combat clashes took place on the frontline. Ukrainian defense forces repelled 14 Russian attacks in the Bakhmut sector.