Russian forces are set to intensify their ongoing offensives in Ukraine, aiming to weaken the country's defenses before launching a renewed push in the summer, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Maps provided by the independent think tank reveal the current state of play along the front line.

The ISW, based in Washington D.C., stated on Friday that Russian troops are working to maintain a high operational tempo in Ukraine's east. The objective is to prevent Ukrainian forces from stabilizing their defensive lines, which experts believe is not happening quickly enough.

While Ukraine is not constructing long trenches like the Russians did last year, they are developing fortified strongpoints strategically positioned across the region. This approach seeks to impede Russian advances rather than relying on uniform trench lines.

Russian forces are reportedly concentrating their efforts on advancing as far west of Avdiivka as possible before Ukraine establishes a more formidable defensive line in the area. Recent ISW maps illustrate Russian gains in the towns of Nevelske, Pervomaiske, and Berdychi in the Donetsk oblast, as well as Synkivka in the Luhansk oblast.

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi emphasized that Russia is intensifying its offensive operations in the Avdiivka direction, launching mechanized and infantry assaults on a daily basis in an attempt to breach Ukrainian defenses.

The ISW predicts that Russian forces may continue their offensive operations throughout the spring, disregarding challenging weather and terrain conditions. The purpose of this sustained offensive is to exploit Ukrainian equipment shortages before Western security assistance, promised to Ukraine, arrives.

In response to the escalating threat, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the allocation of nearly $790 million for the audit and construction of fortifications. However, concerns have been raised regarding the pace of fortification development, as the country races to prepare anti-tank ditches and trenches ahead of an expected Russian offensive in the spring.

Emil Kastehelmi, an open-source intelligence analyst, believes that even relatively basic fortifications with mines can play a crucial role in deterring Russian forces. While Ukraine has managed to stabilize the front in Avdiivka to some extent, Russia still possesses significant reserves that can be deployed.

Kastehelmi noted that Ukraine's approach involves a network of strongpoints, with older fortresses from previous conflicts in the Donbas region being improved and expanded, alongside the construction of new ones. However, Ukrainian forces have expressed concerns about the pace of fortification development, particularly in certain areas of Donetsk.

As tensions continue to rise, the Russian forces' maneuvers and Ukraine's efforts to bolster its defenses will significantly shape the dynamics in the region in the coming months.