In Luhansk oblast, Ukrainian forces counterattacked in the city of Sievierodonetsk in the last 24 hours, which probably nullified the operational momentum of the Russian forces, which they gained due to the concentration of combat units and firepower.
This is stated in the morning summary of the UK intelligence.
The Russian forces involved in the area are mobilized from the L/DNR reserve, and these troops are poorly equipped and trained, and they lack heavy equipment compared to regular Russian units. The use of this proxy infantry for urban clean-up operations is a Russian tactic previously used in Syria, where it has deployed the 5th Syrian Army Corps to attack urban areas. This approach is likely to indicate a desire to limit the losses inflicted on regular Russian forces.
- The Russians controlled 70% of Sievierodonetsk, but were repulsed within two days, now the city is divided in half. All the reserves of the Russian army are now aimed at capturing Severodonetsk and the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway.