Russian forces are digging in along the Southern Axis in preparation for #Ukrainian counteroffensives. Active offensive operations remain mostly confined to the #Izyum-Donetsk City arc and especially the Popasna-Severodonetsk area. New w/

: https://isw.pub/RusCampaignMay

Russian forces focused on strengthening existing defensive lines and creating secondary defensive lines on the Southern Axis but did not make any confirmed advances on May 20.https://isw.pub/RusCampaignMay

Russian forces focused on regaining positions taken by #Ukrainian forces. Such efforts are likely spoiling attacks with the intention of either buying Russian forces time to withdraw and redeploy or to reinforce defensive positions.https://isw.pub/RusCampaignMay

Russian forces reportedly intensified efforts to break through #Ukrainian defenses around #Popasna in order to push towards #Severodonetsk from the south on May 20.https://isw.pub/RusCampaignMay