RUS-UKR war SITREP AUG 20 2023 - Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 20, 2023

Cutoff: 201600Zaug23

Key Takeaways:

    - Ukrainian forces conducted counteroffensive operations on at least two sectors of the front and advanced near Robotyne.
    - Ukrainian strikes against Russian deep rear areas are generating discontent in the Russian information space and sparking criticism of the Russian military command, as Ukraine likely intends.
    - Ukrainian strikes on Russian rear areas are demonstrably degrading the morale of Russian forces in Ukraine, which could threaten the stability of Russian defenses.
    - The Netherlands and Denmark confirmed that they will transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine but did not specify when.
    - Russian officials have reportedly drafted a plan to conduct a decade-long ethnic cleansing campaign in occupied Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast.
    - Wagner Group commanders accused two high-ranking Wagner representatives of betraying Wagner, possibly representing a growing fracture within the Wagner leadership and suggesting that the Kremlin’s and Russian MoD’s efforts to disband Wagner are partially succeeding.
    - Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Kupyansk, Kreminna, Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, and in western Donetsk-eastern Zaporizhia Oblast on August 20 and marginally advanced near Bakhmut.
    - Wagner Group fighters continue to commit violent crimes after returning to Russia.
    - Russian officials continue to forcibly transport mothers and children from occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia under the guise of medical retreats.

Details, Maps and Sources: https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-20-2023 (https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-20-2023)