The 76th Guards Air Assault Division, considered one of Russia’s best divisions, has been redeployed to southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast in a desperate attempt to prevent a major Ukrainian breakthrough. The move comes as part of the growing momentum of the Ukrainians’ 2023 counteroffensive, which has seen simultaneous armored assaults in southern and eastern Ukraine.
In recent weeks, the Ukrainian army and independent air-assault force have successfully liberated Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia, while the Ukrainian marine corps has ejected Russian troops from Urozhaine in the Mokri Yaly River Valley. These victories bring the Ukrainian forces closer to their main objectives of freeing the cities of Melitopol and Mariupol from Russian occupation.
The outcome of the conflict may depend on which side can make better use of its reserves. The Ukrainian southern command deployed the 82nd Air Assault Brigade as part of its reserve formations to achieve the breakthrough around Robotyne. Now, the Kremlin is deploying its own reserve formation, the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, to counter the Ukrainian advance.
The redeployment of the 76th GAAD from the Kreminna sector to the Robotyne-Tokmak-Melitopol axis underscores the seriousness of the situation. Although the division is officially part of Russia’s strategic reserves, it has been on the front line for much of the 19-month war on Ukraine. The division fought in Kyiv during the early weeks of the conflict and reportedly participated in the massacre of Ukrainian civilians in Bucha in 2022.
Despite its previous engagements, the 76th GAAD has proven to be a formidable force. It temporarily shifted battalions to southern Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast in August 2022 to halt Ukraine’s counteroffensive, and while it couldn’t prevent the Ukrainians from liberating much of southern Ukraine, it made them pay for every mile they advanced.
The deployment of the 76th GAAD for the second time in a year demonstrates the Kremlin’s commitment to halting the Ukrainian attack in southern Ukraine. However, the move also poses risks for Russia, as a lack of sizable operational reserves could force the command to make difficult decisions about prioritizing defense sectors.
If the Ukrainians can maintain their momentum in the south, they may force the Russians to choose between holding the south or the east, as they likely wouldn’t be able to do both. The situation remains tense as both sides vie for control over critical territories in Ukraine.
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What is the significance of the deployment of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division in the Russian control of the conflict in Ukraine?
Russian control.
The 76th Guards Air Assault Division is a highly regarded unit within the Russian military. Its deployment to the Zaporizhzhia Oblast demonstrates the seriousness with which Russia views the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces have made significant gains in recent weeks, successfully liberating key areas such as Robotyne and Urozhaine.
The Ukrainian army, along with its independent air-assault force and marine corps, has been strategically targeting areas in southern and eastern Ukraine. This simultaneous approach has put pressure on Russian-controlled territories and disrupted Russian military operations. The recent victories in Robotyne and Urozhaine have brought Ukrainian forces closer to their ultimate objectives of liberating the cities of Melitopol and Mariupol.
Melitopol and Mariupol are crucial cities in southern Ukraine, both strategically and economically. Their liberation would be a major setback for Russian forces and could potentially weaken their grip on the region. The 76th Guards Air Assault Division’s redeployment indicates Russia’s recognition of the importance of these cities and its desire to prevent a major Ukrainian breakthrough.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023 has been gaining momentum as the Ukrainian army continues to push forward. The successful liberation of key areas and the deployment of elite units like the 76th Guards Air Assault Division have bolstered Ukrainian morale and increased international support for their cause.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the situation remains tense. Both sides are actively engaged in military operations, and the deployment of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division is a clear indication of the high stakes involved. The outcome of the Ukrainian counteroffensive and the battle for control of Melitopol and Mariupol will have significant ramifications for the region and could potentially shape the course of the conflict.
I hope their presence will bring stability and help deter any potential conflicts in the region.