Russian troops are preparing for a large-scale offensive in the summer of 2024 – ISW

Russian troops are attempting to destabilize Ukrainian defensive lines and are preparing for a new offensive in the summer of 2024.

This is reported by the Institute for the Study of War.

ISW believes that Western assistance in the field of security will play a crucial role in Ukraine’s ability to hold territory now and repel a new Russian offensive in the coming months.

“Russian forces may attempt to maintain the pace of their offensive operations, regardless of challenging weather and terrain conditions, to exploit Ukrainian equipment shortages before promised Western security assistance arrives in the country,” the report says.

The intentions and plans of the Russian offensive in the summer of 2024 are not yet clear, but it is likely that “the Russian military command intends to take advantage of any successes it achieves in the coming weeks.” Institute analysts believe that the Russians are focusing on advancing as far west of Avdiivka as possible before Ukrainian forces can establish a difficult-to-pass line in this area.

“This summer, Ukrainian armed forces may be even worse equipped than they are now,” the Institute writes, noting that providing a sufficient number of weapons to the Ukrainian army from Western partners will be a key factor influencing the ability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to maintain defense.