UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 727 - FEBRUARY 19, 2024

The pace of Russian offensive operations near Avdiivka reportedly dramatically slowed down after the Russian capture of Avdiivka.

The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Tavriisk troop, Dmytro Lykhoviy, reported on February 19 that the number of Russian attacks towards Avdiivka had significantly decreased the previous day, and that the Russian forces are currently regrouping and conducting clearance operations in Avdiivka. Lykhoviy noted that Russian artillery and air force activities in the region have also significantly decreased.

Ukrainian authorities reported that the Ukrainian forces had withdrawn to a new defensive line, which the Ukrainian forces had prepared in advance and fortified on "several lines." The Russian forces are likely to have to pause operations before they can resume major offensive operations towards Avdiivka, or they may need to redeploy additional reinforcements from other sectors of the front to prevent operations near Avdiivka from reaching their climax. The Russian forces have reserves for such reinforcement in other sectors, but ISW has not observed any signs that the Russian command is currently moving these reserves towards Avdiivka.

The full Russian Offensive Update 727 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

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