**Russia Ramps Up Efforts to Breach Ukrainian Defenses**
Russian forces are increasing their efforts to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Donetsk region. This comes as Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20, 2025.
Military expert Mykhailo Samus says that Russian forces are intensifying combat operations in an attempt to break through the front lines before Trump’s inauguration. The time remaining until Trump takes office is limited, according to Samus.
**US Signals Not as Negative for Ukraine**
Samus notes that signals from the US are not as negative for Ukraine as initially feared. He believes that the candidates being considered by Trump for his administration are anti-Russian and advocate a “peace through strength” approach.
This development is not what Russian ruler Vladimir Putin had hoped for when he tried to occupy Donbas over the past year. Putin’s plan was to achieve decisive success in the Donbas, occupying nearly the entire region, from which he would negotiate with the new US president.
**Russia Incurs Massive Losses**
However, the situation has turned out to be not so favorable for Putin. He is sending his troops into a meat grinder, incurring massive losses. The Russians are throwing everything they have into a desperate attempt to break through the front in the shortest time possible.
Samus says that the Kurakhove direction is particularly challenging for Ukraine’s Defense Forces right now. Putin aims to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk Oblast to demonstrate to the world and the new US administration that supporting Ukraine is pointless and that Russia is winning.
**Russia’s Strategy Remains Unchanged**
Samus concludes that this strategy of Russia has remained unchanged for a long time. He emphasizes that the situation at the front has not changed significantly over the past two months, with Russian forces remaining focused on the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions in Donetsk Oblast.
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