**Russian Assault Operations in Ukraine Intensify**
The intensity of Russian assault operations in Ukraine has not decreased, but rather remained high. According to monitoring group DeepState, the number of attacks has slowed down since the New Year, but still remains a concern.
**Focus on Pokrovsk Sector**
A significant part of Russian forces (44%) are concentrated in the Pokrovsk sector, which is a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian troops in Donetsk Oblast. The peak intensity of Russian offensives was recorded in the second half of December, after a surge in attacks that began in late November.
**Heavy Losses, Replenished Strength**
Despite suffering heavy losses, Russian forces have been able to replenish their combat strength and sustain attacks across multiple front-line sectors. Russia has intensified assaults near Pokrovsk, deploying small groups to encircle Ukrainian troops.
**Other Targeted Areas**
The town of Kurakhove has also been a target, with Russia claiming it had fully captured the settlement. However, Ukraine has not confirmed this. Russian forces have also claimed to have captured Velyka Novosilka, but Ukraine’s 110th Mechanized Brigade acknowledged withdrawing from parts of the village to avoid encirclement.
**Ukraine’s Defense Remains Strong**
Despite Russia’s persistent offensives, Ukrainian defenses remain under constant pressure across multiple front-line sectors. The Kursk sector accounted for 13% of assaults, while 10% occurred in the Lyman sector.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com