Russian army's offensive accelerates. ISW predicts options for occupiers' actions in Ukraine

Russian troops have intensified offensive operations near Vuhledar and Velyka Novosilka, which indicates a change in the dynamics of the war. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the russians have achieved their greatest advance in a year, taking advantage of the tactical weaknesses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They have advanced in key areas, in particular in the Trudivske, Katerynivka, Romanivka and Novodarivka areas. The current actions of the russian federation are aimed at capturing strategic points and leveling the front line for future offensives. ISW believes that this creates new challenges for the Ukrainian defense.

Russian troops can choose several strategic directions for their further offensive:

1. Velyka Novosilka: Carry out encirclement from the flanks by advancing to the south, east and northeast of this area, avoiding a direct assault on the well-fortified positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This will allow to threaten Ukrainian lines of communication and weaken the defense.
2. Andriivka and Kurakhove: An offensive from the south along the H15 highway to level the front line and close the Ukrainian "pockets". This will increase the pressure on Kurakhove and the surrounding areas.
3. Selydove and the Kurakhove Reservoir: Continue the offensive to the west and southwest, which could force Ukrainian troops to retreat, opening the way for the capture of Pokrovsk in the future.

Recall that on the night of Monday, November 25, DeepState project analysts updated the map and reported that the russians occupied Katerynivka and Yuriivka in the Donetsk Region.

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