Summary of the ISW report: RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, NOVEMBER 8, 2023

A brief overview of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report on November 8, 2023

This overview covers a number of military and political developments related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as of November 8, 2023. Here is a brief summary of the key points:

Ukrainian counter-offensive operations: 

Ukrainian troops continued their operations near Bakhmut and in the western Zaporizhzhia region. The Ukrainian General Staff reported offensive actions on the Melitopol and Bakhmut directions. Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian troops were advancing in the area of Robotyno, Novoprokopivka and Verbove.

Zelensky's statement:

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned the plan of warfare until 2024 during his video address, discussing the ways of future offensive in the south and east of Ukraine, as well as in Kherson region.

Russian tactical maps: 

Some Russian milbloggers have suggested that Russian commanders make decisions based on battlefield maps that do not accurately reflect tactical reality. These maps are reportedly different from the "real" maps used by soldiers on the front lines.

Promotions of Russian officers: 

President Putin promoted 44 officers of the armed forces and internal affairs bodies, including the commander of the Eastern Military Group, Andrei Kuzmenko.

Putin's 2024 presidential campaign: 

Putin will reportedly focus on Russia's stability and criticizing the West rather than the war in Ukraine during his 2024 presidential campaign.

Killing of LPR official: 

Ukrainian partisans and military intelligence reportedly killed Mikhail Filimonenko, an LPR official accused of war crimes.

Russian military operations: 

The report refers to offensive operations of Russian troops in different parts of the frontline, in particular on the Kup'yansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Donetsk, as well as in the western districts of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya regions.

Russia's return of military components: 

Russia is trying to return military equipment components from various countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil and Belarus.

Russia's administrative efforts in the occupied territories: 

Russian occupation administrations are forming new administrative bodies to integrate the occupied territories more closely into the Russian governance system.

Russian information operations and narratives: 

Putin and Shoigu met with Chinese Vice President Zhang Yu, emphasizing anti-Western rhetoric and the closeness between Russia and China.

Russia's Main Efforts in Eastern Ukraine: 

The report details Russia's efforts in Luhansk and Donetsk regions, including continued local offensives and advances in certain areas.

Russian Mobilization and Technological Adaptation: 

Discusses efforts to expand combat power without general mobilization and technological innovations for use in Ukraine.

Activities in the Russian-occupied territories: 

The ongoing consolidation of administrative control in the annexed territories and efforts to integrate Ukrainian citizens into Russian systems are covered.

Significant activity in Belarus: 

The report describes Russia's efforts to increase its military presence in Belarus and further integrate Belarus into a framework favorable to Russia.