The enemy army, which continues to put pressure in the area of Ocheretyne, as well as Solovyovo, Berdychiv and Semenivka, forced Ukrainian troops to withdraw, but this did not bring the enemy rapid tactical gains.
This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The analysts note that partial successes of the Russian army northwest of Avdiivka have prompted Ukrainian forces to withdraw from other limited tactical positions along the frontline west of Avdiivka, although these withdrawals have yet to facilitate rapid Russian tactical gains.
"Russian forces remain unlikely to achieve a deeper operationally significant penetration in the area in the near term," the analysts said.
Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, acknowledged that the enemy is making tactical gains northwest of Avdiivka, and other Ukrainian officials have indicated that Russian forces have deployed up to four brigades to make tactical penetration in the Ocheretyne area (northwest of Avdiivka).
The ISW noted that after Ukrainian forces withdrew from the limited tactical positions in this area, Russian forces did not make relatively rapid tactical advances west of Ocheretyne, Solovyovo (northwest of Avdiivka), Berdychiv, and Semenivka.
Analysts also note that this allows Ukrainian troops to maintain positions and capabilities in this area, and therefore can slow down the enemy army's further advance to the west.
In addition, the report adds the following: "Russian forces will likely have to replenish and reinforce attacking units and decrease the tempo of offensive operations west of Avdiivka if they do not commit additional reserves, which would likely constrain Russia’s ability to make additional rapid tactical advances in the area"
Earlier, ISW explained what the Kremlin is trying to achieve by intensifying attacks on Kharkiv.