Russia’s statements on readiness for negotiations aimed at weakening Western aid to Ukraine – ISW
The Russian Federation is trying to resume an information operation aimed at reducing military assistance to Ukraine by Western countries, spreading public statements about the alleged readiness for negotiations, according to the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for May 27.
“The Kremlin previously intensified this information operation in December 2022 to attempt to delay the provision of Western tanks and other advanced military equipment to Ukraine in order to set conditions for Russia’s 2023 winter-spring offensive. The Kremlin is likely reintroducing the information operation intending to weaken Western willingness to send critical security assistance to Ukraine ahead of potential Ukrainian counteroffensive operations,” the report reads.
The analysts note that the Kremlin has established a pattern in this information operation in which some Russian officials express feigned interest in negotiations while other Russian officials simultaneously reiterate Putin’s maximalist goals for the war in Ukraine.
The ISW reports that on Saturday, Russian occupation forces continued limited offensive operations northeast of Kupyansk, Kharkiv region and south of Kreminna of Luhansk region, conducted unsuccessful offensive operations on the Avdiyivka-Donetsk line, and Ukrainian forces, in turn, continued to strike at rear logistics hubs in the south of Zaporizhia region.
It is reported that Wagner Group mercenaries appear to be withdrawing from Bakhmut city to reconstitute and regroup in the rear as Russian offensive operations decrease in and around the city. At the same time, The Russian transfer of ‘DPR’ elements to Bakhmut may decrease the tempo of Russian offensive operations on the Avdiyivka-Donetsk City line. The Russian military command appears to be reinforcing Bakhmut’s flanks with regular formations, however, the ISW said.
