Russia continues its offensive across multiple axes, in line with its strategic objective to capture the Donetsk an Luhansk regions. Russian forces have seized the hamlets of Krokhmalne, Kharkiv on January 21, 2024 and Vesele, near Bakhmut on January 18, 2024; however, these are strategically insignificant. Vesele had a pre-war population of 102 and Krokhmalne, 45. This represents a continuation of russia’s minor incremental gains whilst Ukraine focuses on active defense, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
The assessed main priority for russian forces is the city of Avdiivka. The russians are mounting a three-pronged attack to encircle the city from the south and north, and also fighting on the outskirts of the eastern quarter of Avdiivka city itself. Russian forces have suffered heavy personnel and armoured vehicle losses, frequently caused by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle munitions. Russian forces are reportedly attempting to bypass Ukrainian fortifications by entering the city edges via service tunnels; this is a method of infiltration they have been attempting since October 2023.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Reports on Consequences of Wartime Policies and Infrastructure Neglect
Ukrainian counter-attacks are holding russian forces from progressing further within the city. As the main supply route remains intact, and Ukrainian forces make local counter-attacks, Avdiivka is likely to remain in Ukrainian control over the coming weeks.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: russian State Duma Considers Bill to Seize Assets of War Critics
