Tag

Isw

All articles tagged with #isw

world-news1 year ago

Russia Intensifies Efforts to Seize Donetsk Oblast

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russia has intensified its military offensive in southeastern Ukraine, capturing several settlements near Vuhledar and advancing in the Velyka Novosilka area. Since September 2024, Russian forces have gained over 1,100 square kilometers in the region, exploiting vulnerabilities in Ukrainian defenses. The offensive aims to encircle Velyka Novosilka and close pockets of Ukrainian forces around Kurakhove, marking a significant shift from the previous stalemate.

international-relations1 year ago

"Russia Bolstering Military in Anticipation of NATO Conflict: Reports"

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported that Russia's focus on reviving its economy may be in preparation for a large-scale conventional conflict with NATO, potentially on a shorter timeline than previously thought. Russian leader Vladimir Putin's recent remarks and actions suggest a willingness to risk ties with the country's elite in order to stabilize the economy for potential future conflict. This comes amid reports from Estonia's foreign intelligence service indicating that Russia is preparing for a confrontation with the West, with the Kremlin possibly anticipating a conflict with NATO within the next decade.

international-relations1 year ago

"Putin Accelerates Preparations for Conflict with NATO, Analysts Warn"

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin is potentially preparing for a conflict with NATO on a shorter timeline than previously thought, with signs indicating financial, economic, and military preparations for a large-scale conventional conflict. Tensions between Russia and NATO have been high since the invasion of Ukraine, and recent statements from Putin and warnings from NATO officials have raised concerns about the possibility of a war between Russia and the alliance. The ISW also highlighted structural moves within the Russian military to support the war in Ukraine while building capabilities for a potential full-scale conflict with NATO.

international-conflict1 year ago

"Russian Offensive: The Fall of Avdiivka and Shifting Control in Ukraine"

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian losses in capturing the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka may exceed those in the 10-year Soviet-Afghan war, with estimates of up to 47,000 Russian casualties. Russian forces used costly "human wave" tactics, overwhelming Ukrainian positions with large numbers of soldiers, resulting in high casualties. Despite Russian gains, the ISW emphasized that Ukraine has not lost and the situation is far from hopeless, with Russia facing limited gains and extreme costs in the ongoing conflict.

military-conflict1 year ago

"Russian Air Superiority Leads to Capture of Avdiivka: ISW Report"

Russian forces were able to capture Avdiivka due to temporary localized air superiority, using glide bombs to provide close air support to advancing infantry troops. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that delays in Western security assistance may further constrain Ukrainian air defenses, allowing Russian forces to replicate this tactic at scale in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces retreated from Avdiivka after sustaining significant losses, with the Russian army reportedly losing 47,186 troops, 364 tanks, and 5 aircraft during the four-month defensive operation.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Putin Escalates Rhetoric Against West Amid Rising Tensions and Casualties"

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin is portraying the conflict in Ukraine as a broader war against the West to rationalize the significant losses of Russian troops. Despite substantial casualties, with estimates of 315,000 since the war's onset, Russia has made minimal territorial advances. Putin's recent rhetoric and actions, including a meeting with wounded soldiers, seem to be aimed at providing ideological justification for continued combat and to frame the West, not Ukraine, as the primary adversary. This narrative could be part of a strategy to maintain Russian military mobilization and to potentially pressure the West into negotiations that could undermine Ukraine's position.

military2 years ago

Ukraine's Effective Tactics Diminish Russia's Ka-52 Helicopter Usage: ISW

Ukraine has become more proficient at destroying Russia's Ka-52 attack helicopters, which have been a significant weapon in Russia's battle against Ukraine's counteroffensive. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian commanders are now more hesitant to deploy these helicopters. While Ukraine's improved ability against the Ka-52 has not seriously undermined Russian defenses, Russia has increased its use of strike drones and artillery units to repel Ukrainian assaults.

conflictinternational-relations2 years ago

Russia's Stranglehold on Bakhmut Wavers as Ukraine's Counteroffensive Gains Momentum

Russia's control over the war-torn city of Bakhmut in Ukraine may be slipping, as the Ukrainian counteroffensive appears to be gaining ground. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that Ukrainian forces have surrounded Bakhmut and have the city and Russian supply routes under fire control. This development could potentially trap Russian forces within the city. While progress in the counteroffensive has been slower compared to previous efforts, ISW maintains that it is not indicative of a stalemate and that Ukraine still has the potential to retake large areas.

politics2 years ago

The Kremlin's Targeted Attacks: Uncovering the Culprit.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has claimed that Russia "likely staged" the alleged drone strike on the Kremlin, calling it an attempt to "bring the war home to a Russian audience and set the conditions for a wider societal mobilisation". Russia claimed on Wednesday it foiled a Ukrainian assassination attempt against President Vladimir Putin using drones, promising retaliation over the supposed "terrorist attack". Ukraine denied any involvement.

military2 years ago

Ukrainian military establishes positions in Kherson's east bank.

The Ukrainian military has established positions on the east bank of the Dnipro in the Kherson region, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The extent and intent of these positions remain unclear, but they may indicate that Russian forces do not control islands in the Kinka and Chaika rivers. Russian “war bloggers” say that Ukraine has not fully occupied the positions, but maintains an “episodic presence” in the area. Russia’s Ministry of Defense has not commented.

military2 years ago

Ukraine's Ammunition Shortage Leaves Troops Rationing Shells Amid Russian Conflict

Russia is heavily relying on artillery to compensate for its degraded abilities in offensives against Ukrainian fighters due to a lack of airpower, ground assault capabilities, and poor targeting abilities. However, Russia's scarce supplies of artillery ammunition will undermine this tactic. Both Russian and Ukrainian troops are facing critical ammunition shortages, but Ukrainian forces are more accurate in their targeting and taking defensive positions in many areas that typically use up less artillery.