Localized Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine, and can result in gradual tactical Russian advances, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi emphasized at a December 26 press conference the significance of holding Ukrainian territory but also stressed the prioritization of personnel preservation. He expressed concern that Russian forces can repeat “what happened in Bakhmut,” meaning high-casualty frontal attacks similar to those in Bakhmut to gain tactical advantages in Avdiivka within the next two to three months. This could potentially compel Ukrainian forces to withdraw temporarily to safeguard their personnel before retaking the settlement at a later time.
"The accumulation of marginal Russian gains amid continued heavy fighting may produce tactical scenarios wherein the Ukrainian command may choose to withdraw forces from endangered positions of limited operational significance if it determines that the preservation of personnel is more expedient," ISW says.
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