Russian troops have begun to disobey orders on a key front — ISW
Russian servicemen in the Dobropil sector have begun refusing to carry out orders. According to the ISW, they are also sabotaging the operations of small units amid Ukrainian strikes.
Analysts noted that Ukrainian strikes are causing logistical problems and eroding the morale of Russian units, hindering their advance along the Dobropil sector.
ISW cites a report from a Ukrainian brigade dated September 20. According to the report, the activity of Ukrainian drones is causing supply shortages in Russian units and hindering the repair of motorized vehicles.
In addition, the operation of Ukrainian drones increases the risks for small groups of Russian soldiers attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian positions. As a result, according to the Ukrainian brigade, Russian servicemen are refusing to follow orders and are sabotaging the operations of small units.
Analysts also noted that Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance and strike drones are preventing Russian troops from gaining a foothold in the Dobropillia sector. The Russian command has concentrated its main offensive efforts near Chernihivka, Vodyanske, and Matyashiv, south of Dobropillia.
Russian forces have also amassed assault infantry and up to 30 units of light motorized vehicles near Zatyshko. The occupiers were preparing for a further advance toward Bilytske, but Ukrainian forces detected and destroyed the concentration of vehicles before the Russians could use them in an attack.
The Russian command is attempting to capture at least one settlement near Dobropillia in order to concentrate infantry there before launching a further assault on the city.
At the same time, Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drones are quickly detecting and destroying most of the small Russian groups, which remain the occupiers’ primary means of advancing in this direction.
Russian forces have increased the size of such groups from two or three to 10–12 soldiers. However, according to data cited by the ISW, the occupiers have still been unable to consolidate their positions in areas they previously penetrated and have not achieved their objectives in the Dobropillia sector.
In particular, the Russians have not established a foothold in Vilne and Novy Donbas, east of Dobropillia, which complicates preparations for a larger-scale advance on the city from the east, the ISW reports.
As a result of Russian attacks on September 20 in the Zhytomyr region, a fire broke out at a transportation infrastructure facility, and dry grass also caught fire.
The death toll from Russian attacks in the Kyiv region has risen to four. A child who was wounded during a strike on the Vyshhorod district died in the hospital. Among the dead are three children and a woman.
Due to the fires in the Kyiv region, smoke and the smell of burning may be present in the capital.
