Russia initiated limited-scale offensives in the 85th week of the conflict with Ukraine.Despite Russian efforts, Ukraine continued its counteroffensive.It seemed that their objective was to halt Kyiv’s four-month-long counteroffensive by engaging Ukrainian forces in specific areas.
On October 6, Russia renewed its offensive efforts, particularly towards the city of Kupiansk in the northeastern region of the front, as reported by Ukraine’s eastern forces spokesman.Back in July, Ukrainian officials had already noted Russia’s attempts to seize Kupiansk, and military analysts have suggested that this action is part of Russia’s strategy to divert Ukrainian forces from areas where they have been achieving success.“If I was Russia today … I would do an immediate spoiling attack.
These battles saw Russian forces retreating as the Ukrainian offensive created a growing salient through their minefields and trenches. “Although enemy armored vehicles are increasingly appearing in the Robotyne-Verbove section, the enemy has reduced the movement time due to mined areas,” the blogger said. “Our sappers manage to re-mine areas already cleared by the enemy.”The blog also verified Ukrainian reports that their counteroffensive was still in progress, noting that artillery fire continued incessantly.Russian forces were engaged in offensive actions in other areas as well.
These tactical maneuvers were designed to slow down the ongoing but gradual Ukrainian advance, particularly with the Russian presidential elections on the horizon. However, Ukraine has asserted that it is capable of sustaining the progress achieved during its summer counteroffensive throughout the winter months.