UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 419 - APRIL 16, 2023

The Russian military leadership appears to be increasingly shifting the responsibility for offensive operations in Ukraine to the Russian Airborne Troops (VDV).

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) reported on April 16 that it is very likely that the commander of the VDV, General-Colonel Mikhail Teplinski, had returned to an "important," but unspecified role in Ukraine, after being replaced by the Russian Ministry of Defence on January 13. The British Ministry of Defence noted that Teplinski's return to command in Ukraine will not be limited to VDV units only, but he will likely also try to promote the traditional role of paratroopers as an elite force.

ISW had already identified on April 1 that speculations by military bloggers that the Russian Ministry of Defence had recalled Teplinski from "vacation" suggest that Russia may be repositioning senior commanders in preparation for a possible Ukrainian counteroffensive following the failed winter offensive. The apparent confirmation by the British Ministry of Defence regarding Teplinski's reinstatement to a senior command position supports ISW's assessment and also indicates that the Russian military leadership is likely seeking to give more weight to the role of paratroopers in Russian offensive operations. VDV units are active along critical frontlines in the Luhansk region and near Bakhmut, and have recently received thermobaric artillery systems of the TOS-1A type, further indicating that the Russian military leadership may be placing greater operational importance on the VDV.

The full Russian Offensive Update 419 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

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