Russia was observed using the truce to redeploy reserves on the front lines – ISW
Kyiv • UNN
During the May 9-11 truce, Russia redeployed reserves and continued shelling. ISW recorded violations of the ceasefire regime and an increase in attacks by Molniya drones.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) pointed out that despite the truce from May 9 to 11, hostilities continued, and a spokesperson for one of the Ukrainian brigades reported that Russian forces used the ceasefire to redeploy reserves; they also stated that a ceasefire without clear enforcement mechanisms and reliable monitoring is unlikely to be observed, UNN reports.
Details
"Russian and Ukrainian forces continued limited offensive operations throughout the theater of operations on the final day of the May 9-11 truce. (...) Data from the NASA Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) from May 11 indicates that the intensity of hostilities continued to decrease but did not cease. A spokesperson for a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Lyman direction reported that Russian forces used the ceasefire to redeploy reserves, accumulate personnel, and continue artillery and anti-aircraft strikes," ISW analysts reported in their assessment.
The representative reportedly stated that "Russian forces increased the number of 'Molniya' drone strikes during the ceasefire compared to the pre-ceasefire period, and suggested that Russian forces may have stockpiled 'Molniya' drones in advance for this purpose."
"The prevalence of mutual accusations and the continuation of localized kinetic combat operations during the final day of the ceasefire continue to highlight the fact that a ceasefire without clear enforcement mechanisms, reliable monitoring, and clearly defined dispute resolution processes is unlikely to be observed," the ISW noted.