Putin’s military mobilization 'will not change' course of war in Ukraine in 2022, says ISW

Russian President Vlimir Putin's order of partial mobilization showcases "many problems" Russia faces in its aggression against Ukraine, Institute for Study of War (ISW) said. In its assessment report, ISW stated that Russia will not be able to resolve issues it faces in coming months and military mobilization will not change course of war. It underscored that Putin's order to mobilize part of Russia's "trained" reserve will not be able to generate Russian combat power for months. 

"Russian President Vlimir Putin’s announcement of “partial mobilization” on September 21 reflected many problems Russia faces in its faltering invasion of Ukraine that Moscow is unlikely to be able to resolve in coming months," ISW said.

It furr ded, "Putin’s order to mobilize part of Russia’s “trained” reserve, that is, individuals who have completed ir mandatory conscript service, will not generate significant usable Russian combat power for months." According to ISW, Russia may "suffice" to maintain current levels of Russian military manpower in 2023 by offsetting casualties. It stated that Russian President Vlimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu's statement that only reservists who have completed initial military service will be mobilized shows that Russia will not be increasing conscription. ISW claimed that Russian reserves have been "poorly trained" and y receive no refresher training after ir conscription period is completed. On September 21, Putin announced partial mobilization in Russia. He me announcement a day after Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine announced ir plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia. 

Ukraine vows to liberate territories captured by Russia

In its assessment of ongoing war, ISW informed that Russian armed forces continue ground attacks on outskirts of Bakhmut, against Avdiivka and continued firing along frontline in Donetsk on September 21. In its assessment regarding Ukraine's counteroffensive, ISW said that Ukrainian armed forces continued to carry out offensive operations around Lyman. Furrmore, ISW revealed that Ukraine's troops carried out strikes in north and east of Kherson city against Russian logistics, military, and transportation assets. On September 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that he does not intend to end his plan to liberate territories of Ukraine and stressed that y will act as per ir plan, Bild reported. He me remarks after Putin announced partial mobilization in Russia. Earlier, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has 'liberated' more than 6,000 square kilometres of its territory. 

Image: AP