ISW: Ukrainian strikes behind Russian lines threatening stability of Russian defences
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has assessed that Ukrainian strikes on areas behind the Russian front are demonstrably degrading the morale of Moscow's forces in Ukraine, cited by Hotnews.ro
The ISW notes that Russian frontline units, particularly in southern Ukraine, have frequently faced degraded morale following Ukrainian strikes on rearguard areas. These strikes have reportedly caused widespread damage to Russian infrastructure and supply lines, and have disrupted the flow of reinforcements and supplies to the front.
The ISW assesses that the degradation of Russian morale could threaten the stability of Russian defences in several critical areas of the front. If a Russian unit under pressure collapses, it could spread panic and significantly reduce the combat effectiveness of other Moscow forces.
The ISW also notes that Ukrainian strikes against areas deep inside Russia are generating discontent in Russian intelligence space and stirring criticism of the Russian military command. Some Russian war bloggers have expressed anger at recent Ukrainian strikes on the Kerch bridge and called on Russian forces to target the families, homes and other properties of Ukrainian decision-makers to deter further Ukrainian strikes against areas behind Russian forces.
The ISW concludes that the Ukrainian strikes behind Russian lines are creating conditions that could lead to a frontline breakthrough. However, the ISW cautions that it is impossible to predict when or where such a breakthrough might occur.
