Russian troops lack equipment to evacuate wounded in Kherson region — ISW

Informational Resistance reported the information, citing the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

ISW analysts note that the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Russian troops are effectively using attack drones during the fighting in the Kherson region. Additionally, they highlight that Russian army units operating on the left bank of the Dnipro River are grappling with a shortage of essential equipment for evacuating wounded personnel to the rear.

At the same time, recent weeks have seen predominantly positional battles between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the region. Despite Russian attempts at counterattacks, Ukrainian forces are reported to have successfully held their ground in and around Krynky.

Other key conclusions of ISW analysts as of December 19:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an end-of-the-year press conference on December 19 during which he commented on Russia’s continued unwillingness to negotiate, his confidence in future Western aid provisions, Ukrainian domestic weapons production, and possible future mobilization in Ukraine. 
• Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that the Russian MoD will prioritize continuing the war in Ukraine and training newly formed units and formations in 2024, while also reiterating threats against Finland and the wider NATO alliance. 
• Russian forces made confirmed advances northeast of Kupyansk, north of Bakhmut, and southwest of Avdiivka, and continued positional meeting engagements along the entire line of contact.