Russia has given priority to Bakhmut, a fierce battle site in the east that has been aiming for complete control. As Ukraine shows its readiness to embark on a major reversal offensive, there is a view that Russia is beginning to focus on defending other regions.
The head of the Russian private military company Wagener criticized the administration's response on May 5, saying that the Russian Defense Ministry was intentionally cutting off the supply of ammunition. The Russian President's Office announced on the 9th that President Putin held a security conference to discuss preparations for Victory Day.