The situation in eastern Ukraine has worsened due to Putin’s order to occupy the entire Donbas by April.

According to Andrii Yusov, a representative of Ukraine Intelligence, this explains the Russian military’s largest personnel losses since February 24. However, Yusov emphasized that the situation remains unchanged: the Ukrainian Donbas is holding on, and Ukraine’s Armed Forces defend Bakhmut. He clarified that the main events are currently unfolding around Bakhmut and Soledar. “It is challenging for the Armed Forces because the enemy has a significant mobilization reserve,” Yusov added. He also noted that the Donbas remains a priority for the Russians. According to Oleksiy Danilov, the Secretary of the National Security Council, Russian troops will try to take control of Bakhmut by the first anniversary of the full-scale invasion.