NEW: #Russian forces conducted another series of strikes against #Ukraine with cruise missiles and #Iranian-made drones overnight on May 28 to 29 and during the day on May 29.
2/ #Russian forces launched a relatively higher number of missiles than in recent series of strikes following the largest Russian series of #Shahed strikes since the start of the full-scale invasion of #Ukraine on May 28.
3/ ISW previously assessed that RU forces began a new limited air campaign in recent months to degrade UKR counteroffensive capabilities, but that Russia's focus on targeting #Kyiv is likely further limiting its ability to meaningfully limit potential UKR counteroffensive actions
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2/ The Russian MoD is reportedly continuing to recruit prisoners from regional penitentiaries. An independent RU outlet reported that Russian Penitentiary Service employees opened recruitment points in prisons and are recruiting prisoners who committed less serious crimes.
3/ The #WagnerGroup continues to weaponize social media to facilitate global recruitment campaigns. @POLITICOEurope, citing UK disinformation research group Logically, reported that #Wagner is using Twitter and Facebook to recruit personnel.
2/ #Zaporizhia Oblast occupation official Vladimir Rogov claimed on May 30 that Ukrainian forces are striking roads and bridges in Russian-occupied Zaporizhia Oblast and struck the road connecting Russian-occupied Vasylivka and Dniprorudne.
3/ Rogov also reported that Ukrainian forces struck Mykhailivka (about 45km north of #Melitopol) on May 30. Ukrainian Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov reported that Ukrainian forces struck Mykhailivka on May 29 and 30.
2/ The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive operations near Masyutivka (13km northeast of Kupyansk) and did not conduct offensive operations in the Kreminna area.
3/ Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces advanced from Masyutivka, although ISW has still not seen visual confirmation of these advances nor confirmation that Russian forces control Masyutivka.
#Russia deployed more S-400 air defense systems (probably at least a battery) to #Belarus on May 28. These systems will likely enter service with the Belarusian military but under #Russian operational control. ⬇️ isw.pub/UkrWar052923
2/ The Belarusian Ministry of Defense released a video on May 28 showing a train with S-400 systems deploying to an unspecified area in #Belarus. These systems will likely enter service with the Belarusian military but under #Russian operational control.
3/ #Russia’s and #Belarus’ Joint Regional Air Defense System (established in 2009 and operational in 2016) effectively subordinates Belarus’ air defense assets to the Russian Western Military District.
#WagnerGroup financier #Prigozhin claimed that the Russian relief in-place operation in #Bakhmut may continue past his initial June 1 deadline & last until June 5. The tempo of Russian operations around Bakhmut remains notably low. isw.pub/UkrWar052823
2/ #Prigozhin appears to have again indirectly undermined Russian President Vladimir #Putin’s authority and regime. Prigozhin may be attacking Putin for failing to give Prigozhin some promised reward for seizing #Bakhmut.
3/ The #WagnerGroup held a reportedly illegal pro-#Wagner rally in #Yekaterinburg, #Russia on May 28 despite the reported banning of the rally by Yekaterinburg authorities.
Prigozhin responded to a journalist’s question about 🇷🇺 state media banning any discussions re: Wagner forces ... then gave advice to an unnamed official: “If you are starting a war, please have character, will, & steel balls—& only then you will be able to achieve something.” 2/
#Prigozhin implied that accomplishing real achievements would let the official avoid lying about the construction of new buildings, metro stations, and bridges in an effort to look good. 3/