ISW: Putin's Conversation With An Airborne Forces Colonel Revealed Russia's Priorities
- 9.08.2026, 9:53
- 6,208
The Kremlin published the transcript.
On August 6, Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with the commander of Russia’s 76th Guards Airborne Division. This conversation shed light on the occupiers’ priority directions of attack.
The Kremlin published a transcript of the conversation. At the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) analyzed it and drew the following conclusions.
Where will Russia focus its offensive in the near future?
The commander of the 76th Guards Division briefed the dictator on the situation in his area of responsibility—the Dobropillia sector.
In addition, the colonel reported that units of the 76th Division had captured several settlements in the Pokrovsk direction and were continuing to carry out combat missions in that area.
Putin asked whether the division would be able to complete its assigned tasks on time. The commander replied in the affirmative.
This conversation may indicate that Russian forces are prioritizing the offensive in the Pokrovsk and Dobropillia sectors, attempting to encircle the Ukrainian defensive line from the southwest. Analysts noted that Russia often deploys elite Airborne Forces and Marine Corps units in key sectors of the front.
Will Russia be able to capture key cities in the Donetsk region?
Vladimir Putin has ordered his troops to capture the remaining part of the Donetsk region by December 31, 2026. The ISW considers this deadline unrealistic.
In June 2026, Russian forces lost 2.23 square kilometers in the Dobropillia tactical sector, but in July they advanced 34.67 square kilometers there.
On the Pokrovsk operational front, according to ISW estimates, Russian forces lost 3.12 square kilometers in June and advanced 45.96 square kilometers in July, particularly to the northeast of Dobropillya.
The pace of Russian troop advances in July was faster than in June, but it is still not enough to capture the rest of the Donetsk region by the new deadline set by Putin.
Who was Putin actually talking to?
Analysts noted that the man speaking with Putin identified himself as Colonel Shikhabidov, whose death in May 2025 had been reported by several Russian sources.
Russian sources report that the current division commander is Denis Shishov.
This error casts doubt on the authenticity of the conversation.
Why did the Kremlin publish the transcript?
The publication of Putin’s conversation with the commander of the 76th Airborne Division may be a response to accusations that the dictator is unaware of the actual situation on the front lines.
The Russian command is likely providing Putin with false information about the army’s successes.
The mistake regarding the name of the commander who allegedly spoke with Putin further casts doubt on the credibility of such reports.
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