Despite the effective defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the russian military has made some progress in recent days in fighting and preparing the third line of defense, reported by the American Institute for the Study of War [ISW].
ISW analysts note that the occupiers have already taken control of 95% of Luhansk region and, most likely, in the coming days they will focus on the capture of Severodonetsk.
Russian troops are advancing south and west from Popasna to Bakhmut, but the Russian pace of advance will likely slow as they approach the town itself.
The institute does not rule out that russian forces in occupied areas of the Southern Axis are reportedly preparing a “third line of defense” to consolidate long-term control over the region and in preparation to repel likely future Ukrainian counteroffensives.
ISW also reported that russian troops unsuccessfully attempted to advance southeast of Izyum near the Kharkiv-Donetsk region border.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the enemy is going on the offensive in Donetsk and Slovyansk directions.