Russian troops using artillery to offset their degraded offensive capabilities - ISW

This is said in a report issued by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), according to Ukrinform.

In particular, Council of Reservists of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Head Ivan Tymochko reported on April 8 that Russian forces are fighting along the entire frontline, but that Russian offensive potential continues to decline.

According to him, Russian troops are not making serious advances anywhere on the frontline, noting that the pace of attacks in and around Bakhmut has slightly decreased in some areas and stagnated entirely in others.

Tymochko also assessed that the Russian offensive on Avdiivka has “choked” and reported that Russian forces still do not control Marinka despite having reduced the city to rubble.

At the same time, Russian forces are using artillery to offset their degraded offensive capabilities, ISW said.

According to ISW analysts, high demand for shells indicates that Russian forces are still heavily relying on artillery to offset key shortcomings in combat capability, including poor Russian targeting skills, insufficient ground assault capabilities, and inadequate availability of airpower in Ukraine.

It is noted that Russian forces use heavy artillery barrages to flatten settlements before seizing them with ground attacks.

“Continuing Russian shortages in artillery ammunition will undermine the Russian military’s ability to continue offsetting its other weaknesses and limitations,” the report says.

As reported, Russian commanders are reportedly constructing specialized company-size units within key frontline formations engaged in urban combat to reinforce the diminished combat effectiveness of most Russian units.