Russian forces launched attacks on both northern and southern fronts of Ukraine’s Donbass region, despite Ukraine’s claim that the assault near Bakhmut was weakening. There were heavy battles in Lyman and Kupiansk, as well as in Avdiivka on the outskirts of the Russian-held Donetsk. Both areas have been targeted in Russia’s winter campaign to capture the industrialized Donbass region fully. Ukrainian troops fired 155mm rounds towards the Russian-held Kreminna. Despite intense fighting, the front lines have barely moved since November, and Ukraine is mostly defensive, while Russia continues to attack with freshly called-up reservists. The main question now is how much longer Russia can sustain its offensive, and when Ukraine can reverse the momentum with a counterassault. Dmitry Medvedev stated that Moscow aims to create demilitarized zones around the territory it claimed to have annexed and would otherwise battle deep into Ukraine.
Russia advances in Ukraine despite Bakhmut slowdown.
