Military analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) predict that the Russian occupiers may continue offensive actions to destabilize Ukrainian defense lines in the spring of 2024, and will also prepare for expected new offensive actions in the summer of this year.
Western security assistance will play a critical role in Ukraine's ability to hold territory and repel new Russian offensives in the coming months, according to the ISW report. Recently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to slow down the advance of the occupiers west of Avdiyivka, but the lack of material means forces the Ukrainian military to prioritize limited resources in critical areas of the front.
ISW emphasizes that Russian forces are focused on maintaining the initiative across the entire theater of operations and dynamically rebalancing their offensive efforts this spring and summer. Presumably, the Russian military command intends to use any successes and forecasts of a lack of support for the armed forces to carry out new offensive actions.
Well-equipped Ukrainian forces have demonstrated that they can prevent Russian forces from making even minor gains during large-scale offensives. ISW believes that Ukraine will be able to stabilize the front line and prepare to repel the declared Russian offensive if material resources are provided.
