Despite the departure of Ukrainian forces, the Russians have not achieved relatively quick tactical successes, analysts say.
The Russians did not achieve relatively quick tactical successes west of Ocheretinoye, Solovyov, Berdichev and Semenovka after the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from tactical positions. This is evidenced by the fact that the Defense Forces retain the ability to slow down the advance of the Russian Federation. This is stated in a report by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The next line of defense in this area is a certain distance from the positions that the invaders have been attacking since the capture of Avdiivka in mid-February. Experts note that the enemy’s advance will be rapid if the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not try to hold positions in the fields.
The arrival of brigades to restore combat capability, which was announced by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Alexander Syrsky, will presumably allow Ukrainian troops to slow down the enemy’s tactical advances or stabilize the front, ISW suggests.
The defense forces were able to resist more than one division of the Russian Armed Forces, despite the fact that they themselves were inferior to the enemy in the amount of ammunition and manpower, analysts emphasize.
Requesting additional forces for this direction would jeopardize the Russians' capabilities in the area of Vremya Yar or in preparing for a summer large-scale offensive, ISW adds.
“Russian forces will likely have to resupply and strengthen attack units and slow the pace of offensive operations west of Avdievka unless they commit additional reserves, which will likely limit Russia's ability to mount additional rapid tactical offensives in the area,” the report notes. .