Russian Military Reforms Can Signal Formation of New Army Amid Ukraine War, Says ISW

Russia has undertaken significant military reforms, potentially including the creation of a new combined-arms army for deployment in Ukraine, according to a recent report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Ukrainian sources have cited the emergence of what they refer to as the “51st Army” as an early indicator that Russia may have formed another combined-arms army specifically for operations in Ukraine.

Yuriy Povkh, spokesperson for the Operative-Tactical Group of Forces “Kharkiv,” stated that Russian forces intend to redeploy units of the “9th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 51st Army” towards the Kharkiv direction. Additionally, Colonel Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Operative-Strategic Group of Forces “Khortytsia,” reported Russian intentions to transfer elements of the 155th Marine Brigade (Pacific Fleet) and the aforementioned 9th Motorized Rifle Brigade to Kharkiv to compensate for losses.

ISW analysts have noted recent movements, including the relocation of units from the 155th Marine Brigade and the 9th Motorized Rifle Brigade (1st Army Corps “DNR”) from western and southwestern directions of Donetsk to the Kharkiv area. However, ISW has not confirmed reports regarding the Russian “51st Army.”

According to ISW, it is possible that Russian military authorities have re-designated the 9th Motorized Rifle Brigade as the revived “51st Army,” a designation possibly dating back to World War II.