"Russia's Intensified Offensives in Ukraine: Ground Won and Lost Revealed"

Russian forces have made gains in eastern Ukraine as part of their offensives on multiple fronts, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW report indicates that Russian troops have likely committed to offensive operations in order to seize and control the initiative ahead of the Russian presidential elections in March 2024. The report highlights Russian gains in the Kharkiv-Luhansk oblast border, near Bakhmut, and towards Avdiivka, as well as continuous ground attacks in western Zaporizhia. Ukrainian forces maintain the initiative in key areas of southern Ukraine, while Russian forces have succeeded in seizing the initiative in other areas. The campaign has been grueling for Russian forces, with significant losses reported.