Russia sends the brand new Admiral Makarov frigate to the Black Sea, increasing troops in southeastern Ukraine

According to The Defense, in temporary settlements in the Zaporizhzhya region of southeastern Ukraine, residents say the number of Russian troops has increased significantly.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes that the Russians may be preparing to continue their offensive in southern Ukraine to capture the rest of the Kherson region and “conquer” the city of Zaporizhzhya, Luhansk region.

In addition, the Russian army is also likely trying to advance north of Luhansk from Popasna to encircle Severodonetsk from the south. However, the Russians are unlikely to make rapid progress, according to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Russia is reportedly redeploying its troops and equipment from other axes and from “inland Russia” to the Luhansk region. According to the Kiev-appointed Luhansk region governor, Serhiy Haidai, Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions in Luhansk around the clock, trying to penetrate the defenses there.

Mr. Haidai further noted that the Russians were also trying to destroy Severodonetsk – when the shelling simply didn’t stop. According to Haidai, after three months of hostilities since February 24, Russian forces have been unable to gain the upper hand on the battlefield.

In a related move, Ukraine’s “Southern” Operations Command said that the newest missile frigate of the Russian Navy “Admiral Makarov” has left the port of Sevastopol and joined the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. . According to experts, this increases the likelihood of missile attacks on Ukrainian territory from the sea.