Read previewRussian troops appear to be making tactical advances just northwest of Avdiivka toward a so-called "fortress belt" of Ukrainian cities, war analysts report.
Though it remains to be seen whether Russian command will turn its focus its troops on that area, they're setting the stage for offensive operations in that direction.
With Russian forces continuing to solidify their positions northwest of Avdiivka, a war-torn town they captured in February, they now have choices on which objectives to pursue.
"The Russian military command could decide that advances north along the H-20 highway would allow Russian forces to conduct subsequent complementary offensive operations from the east and south against the southern edge of the Ukrainian fortress belt in Donetsk Oblast," ISW wrote.
The potential for advances in this sector comes ahead of an expected Russian offensive this summer, when Moscow's troops could have the opportunity to make significant gains in the Chasiv Yar area and beyond.
Persons:
—, Chasiv Yar, ISW
Organizations:
Service, Business, Russian, The Institute, Washington DC
Locations:
Avdiivka, Ukraine, Russia, Bakhmut, Washington, Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, Duzhkivka, Ukrainian