Russia will try to seize as much territory as possible before the arrival of US aid - ISW

Analysts note that the occupiers, who are currently on the outskirts of Chasovoy Yar, are intensifying their efforts to capture the city.

The occupiers will try to advance in the direction of Avdiivka, because this area provides more opportunities for faster tactical success. In particular, Russian troops here remain about 30 kilometers from their declared operational objective in Pokrovsk and about 17 kilometers from relatively large villages east of Pokrovsk. This is stated in the ISW report.

Russian troops, currently located on the eastern edge of Chasovoy Yar, will intensify efforts to capture the city from March 2024. They do pose a real threat to take over the city, but they probably won't be able to do it quickly.

According to the ISW, the offensive operation to capture Chasovoy Yar opens up the nearest prospects for a significant operational advance for the Russian forces. According to analysts, the capture of the city will give them the opportunity to launch further operations against the cities that form a significant Ukrainian defense belt in the Donetsk region.

Experts believe that Russian forces are trying to seize as much territory as possible before the arrival of US security assistance, which will significantly improve Ukraine's defense capabilities in the coming weeks.

The Russians will try to advance in the direction of Avdiivka, as this area provides more opportunities for faster tactical gains, despite the dubious operational value of these gains.