As analysts of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest, the Russian leadership is probably preparing to create new forces to strengthen the offensive against Ukraine in the fall and winter.
Analysts point out that Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement to "eliminate the anti-Russian enclave in Ukraine", as well as the repetition of old aggressive rhetoric against Ukrainians, shows that the Russian president has not given up his maximalist intentions to take over the entire country.
"(The statement) is likely aimed at creating the informational conditions to call for further Russian efforts and force-building this fall and winter," analysts said.
At the same time, experts consider it unlikely that Donbas will be captured by September 15. The occupation of the region is needed by the Russian command only in order to raise the morale of the invading troops, the ISW notes.
The Institute also adds that after the capture of Lysychansk, the Russian army achieved minor successes around Avdiivka, after which the advance of the occupiers stopped.
