UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 444 - MAY 11, 2023

The Ukrainian armed forces have reportedly breached some Russian lines in local counterattacks near Bakhmut, leading to reactions from Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The commander of the Ukrainian armed forces group East, Lieutenant General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that Russian forces had withdrawn up to two kilometers behind their lines in unspecified areas of the Bakhmut front. Syrskyi's confirmation of Ukrainian successes prompted Prigozhin to claim that Ukrainian forces had initiated the counteroffensive and reclaimed three kilometers of ground in and around Bakhmut. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the Ukrainian counterattacks unusually quickly, stating that Russian forces repelled eight ground assaults and three reconnaissance attacks toward Donetsk, but denied reports that Ukrainian forces had breached Russian defense lines. The reactions of Prigozhin and the Ministry of Defense reflect increasing panic in the Russian information space about speculation regarding planned Ukrainian counterattacks, indicating growing concern among Wagner and the Russian defense leadership, as well as Kremlin's directive not to downplay Ukrainian successes.

The complete Russian Offensive Update 444 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

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