UK: Russia may have insufficient reserves against another Ukrainian assault in Luhansk

It is unclear whether Russia’s front line forces have sufficient reserves to withstand another concerted Ukrainian assault aimed at the de-occupation of the Luhansk region.

Ukraine continues offensive operations in the north-east of the country while Russian forces have established a defensive line between the Oskil River and the town of Svatove, Caliber.Az reports referring to the daily review of UK’s Defence Intelligence, which is published by the UK’s Ministry of Defence.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 17 September 2022

Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/6uJ9hVTrLq

🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/e6OKSzJF08

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) September 17, 2022

“Russia likely sees maintaining control of this zone as important because it is transited by one of the few main resupply routes Russia still controls from the Belgorod region of Russia,” the message said.

According to the message, in addition, this line sits along the border of Luhansk Oblast, part of the Donbas, which Russia aims to “liberate” as one of its immediate war aims. Any substantial loss of territory in Luhansk will unambiguously undermine Russia’s strategy.

Russia will likely attempt to conduct a stubborn defence of this area but it is unclear whether Russia’s front line forces have sufficient reserves or adequate morale to withstand another concerted Ukrainian assault, the message said.