KYIV, Ukraine - Russian forces are actively searching for weak points in Ukrainian defenses in the northeast, following their recent success in overtaking the strategic city of Adviidka. The Kremlin is reportedly planning a four-pronged offensive to break through the front line, with an ongoing focus on areas near Lyman and Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region bordering Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin showcased his support for the military efforts by flying in a Tu-160M strategic bomber after visiting an aircraft manufacturing plant in Kazan. Despite facing substantial losses, Moscow continues to deploy troops in strength along four parallel axes in the northeast, a move that analysts believe is part of a broader operational objective.

The Institute for the Study of War suggested that Russia's longer-term goal may be to advance further into Ukraine-held territories, such as the Donetsk region and the Kharkiv region. However, due to using poorly trained troops and facing challenges in advancing quickly, Russia may struggle to surround Ukrainian defenders effectively.

Recent developments include Ukraine's armed forces claiming to have struck a Russian military training ground in the Kherson region, resulting in the deaths of around 60 Russian soldiers. Additionally, the Security Service of Ukraine revealed evidence of Russia using Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles from North Korea in attacks on Ukraine.

In response to the escalating conflict, Denmark announced a European military aid package of 1.7 billion kroner, which includes 15,000 artillery shells, drones, and air defenses. Meanwhile, the British government imposed 50 new sanctions targeting entities supplying Russia's military with munitions and key sources of Russian revenue in metals, diamonds, and energy trading.

As the conflict intensifies, Kyiv officials have sought accelerated delivery of military aid from Western partners to bolster Ukraine's forces against the ongoing Russian offensive. The front line spanning over 1,000 kilometers across eastern and southern Ukraine has seen limited shifts ahead of the war's upcoming two-year anniversary on Feb. 24.