Perspectives on Ukrainian frontline future: Insights from experts
Ukrainian military (Photo: Getty Images)
Currently, it's difficult to forecast the further course of events on the front, but most likely, Russian forces will continue advancing in the east, while the Ukrainian Armed Forces will utilize any opportunity for a counterattack.
This is discussed in the article by RBC-Ukraine titled "Avdiivka and Maryinka situation, Ukrainian maneuvers near Horlivka: Frontline overview."
Military experts Vladyslav Seleznev and Oleksandr Musiienko refrain from making predictions about the course of combat actions. However, they suggest that the recent incident with the Horlivka slag heap might characterize our tactics in the coming months.
Therefore, most likely, the Russians will continue their advance in the east, while the Defense Forces will use any opportunity for a counterattack.
According to Musiienko, two months of assaults have not passed without a trace, right now the enemy troops are at their peak, which will certainly be followed by a pause. The task of the Ukrainian forces is to attack the rear and act in small groups, developing local successes and preventing the enemy from regrouping.
However, the expert points out, that it's not certain that after wearing down the enemy, the army will be ready for a massive offensive in spring 2024. The key question remains the availability of necessary resources.
Supplies from Western partners have fallen to a minimum, and US politicians have not yet agreed on billions for Ukraine. This factor does not add to optimism about Ukraine's prospects at the front. At least compared to a year ago.
Frontline situation
According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War, Ukrainian fighters continue both offensive and defensive actions. Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled a total of 45 Russian attacks in the Avdiivka direction. Additionally, Ukrainian forces maintain positions on the left bank of the Kherson region.
Simultaneously, in the Tavria direction, Russian occupiers have conducted about 80 daily assaults for three consecutive days, most notably in the Donetsk region.
Russia's losses in the war in Ukraine as of Friday, December 15, amount to 1,090 occupiers, with the total number of losses for the Russian army since the invasion at approximately 343,890 military personnel. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed 38 combat armored vehicles, 24 vehicles, and 20 drones.
