Due to weather, Russian troops slow offensive in Kursk region but advance in Donbas – ISW report.

Russia's mechanized troops encountered limitations in advancing due to poor weather in the Kursk region. Instead, they use small infantry groups for attacks. In Donbas, the occupiers continue to advance in several localities and in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk directions, according to analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Operation in Kursk region

Poor weather is forecast to significantly complicate the advancement of military equipment for both Russian and Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. A Ukrainian military representative operating in this area reported that Russian forces are conducting attacks with small infantry groups on amphibious fighting vehicles. Communication problems between Ukrainian units may be related to adverse weather conditions that may facilitate Russian counterattacks. Ukrainian forces are currently numerically behind the Russian forces, but continue attacking despite this.

On the western front in the Kursk region, Russian troops have lately advanced east from Lyubimovka and west from Zeleny Puti. Battles continue along the entire front on October 15 and 16. Aerial images taken on October 16 show Russian troops have captured new positions.

In the Glushkovsky district (west of the main Ukrainian front in the Kursk region), Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to conduct limited positional battles.

Kharkiv region

Ukrainian forces in recent days have actively continued advancing north of Kharkiv. Probing by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) showed they have cleared a large forested area north of Liptsy. During the operation, the HUR also destroyed three motorized rifle battalions, a 'Sturm' team, and a reconnaissance company from the Russian 7th Motor Rifle Regiment (11th Army Corps of the Leningrad Military District).

On October 16, Kharkiv military officials published a video showing Ukrainian forces repelling a Russian attack in an unspecified area on the northern Kharkiv front. The video also shows how Ukrainian troops destroy three armored vehicles.

Luhansk region

Northwest of Svatove, Russian troops have recently advanced in offensive operations along the Kupiansk-Svatove line. Aerial images taken on October 12 show Russian troops have advanced east of Kruglyakivka.

In the Kreminna area, Russian troops captured Nevske and most of Makiivka. Analysts report that Russia is preparing to intensify the offensive on Kreminna, but likely lacks reserves for prolonged intensive operations.

Donetsk region

Recently, Russian troops advanced near Siversk during offensive operations in this area. Aerial images taken on October 16 show Russian troops have advanced north of Verkhniokamianske (east of Siversk).

Russian forces continue the offensive in the area of Chasovyi Yar, but there have been no precise changes in the front line yet. Combat operations are conducted north of Chasovyi Yar in the area of Kalynivka, and south of Chasovyi Yar in the areas of Stupochky and Predtechyne.

On October 16, Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed Russian troops captured Krasnyi Yar, but this claim was not confirmed by ISW. Similarly, Russian troops, as claimed by a milblogger, advanced southwest of Selidove, but again, these claims were not confirmed by ISW.

A Ukrainian brigade operating in the Kurakhove direction on October 15 published a video showing Ukrainian troops repelling a Russian attack in an unspecified area.

Zaporizhzhia region

Russian troops carried out a ground attack west of Zaporizhzhia near Mala Tokmachka. A milblogger on October 15 reported the beginning of a Russian troop advance north of Kamianske, but ISW did not find confirmation of this.

The milblogger also noted that rainy weather in the Zaporizhzhia region has complicated the use of wheeled vehicles by Russian troops to deliver ammunition and provisions to the front.

It is reported that the Russian special unit 'Valkyrie' (part of the 4th military base, 58th Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District) is operating in the Kamianske area.