"Maximum escalation" is observed in the Kreminsk direction - the Russians are trying to break through the Ukrainian defenses.

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

"Russian forces have regained the initiative in Ukraine and launched another major offensive in Luhansk region. The pace of Russian operations along the Svatove-Kreminna line in the west of Luhansk region has increased significantly over the past week," the ISW report says.

Geolocation footage confirmed the achievements of the Russians in the area of ​​Dvorichny northwest of Svatovo.

"The commitment of significant portions of at least three major Russian divisions to offensive operations in this sector indicates that a Russian offensive has begun, even if Ukrainian forces are thus far preventing Russian forces from making significant gains. The Russian offensive is likely not yet in full swing." - said the report.

Analysts note that units of the 2nd Motorized Rifle Division, which moved to Luhansk Oblast in January after being deployed in Belarus, will also join the battle in this direction.

"Although Russian forces in Luhansk region currently have the initiative, their full involvement could lead to their final culmination along the Svatove-Kreminna line, failing to achieve their goals of capturing all of Luhansk and Donetsk regions," analysts note.

We will remind you that the day before Ukrainian intelligence identified 

 Russian troops: Donetsk region, Luhansk region and Zaporizhzhia.

At the same time, it is expected that the occupiers will be on the defensive in Kherson Oblast and Crimea.

According to Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security Council, the 

in the Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia regions.   

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• War in Ukraine

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