Russia’s Summer Offensive: ISW Predicts a Grind, Not a Blitz in Ukraine’s East

“Pokrovsk in the Crosshairs? Why Russia’s Summer Push May Be More Slow-Mo Than Shock-and-Awe”

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Let’s cut to the chase: Russia’s summer offensive in Ukraine is shaping up to be less Top Gun: Maverick and more…well, a traffic jam.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Putin’s forces are doubling down on their signature move — the war of attrition — with plans to inch forward in eastern Ukraine like a stubborn snail.

The Three Directions to Watch

Analyst Angelica Evans at ISW says Russia’s been quietly shuffling troops to three key areas over the past five months: Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Novopavlivka.

These spots in Donetsk Oblast are likely ground zero for Moscow’s summer push.

But here’s the kicker: Russia’s been eyeing Pokrovsk for over a year, trying to set up an encirclement play.