In winter, Russians will not stop and will seize frontline cities - ISW.

Russian troops plan to seize frontline cities in Ukraine in the winter of 2024-2025

According to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia intends to concentrate its forces on capturing frontline cities in Ukraine and engage in urban combat. Mykhailo Zvinchuk, the founder of the Telegram channel 'Rybar' and social project, stated in his interview with the Russian channel RTVI that the main offensive actions of Russia this winter will be aimed at Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.

Analysts from the Institute emphasize that the choice of urban battles may be justified by the fact that they correspond to the next style of combat actions of Russian infantry and provide greater protection against Ukrainian drones compared to open terrain.

ISW reports that the Russian command may make a decision on urban battles to avoid additional costs of advancing through rural territories and populated areas. The report also notes that the Russian side is ready to incur significant human losses in frontline cities and settlements to neutralize the advantage of Ukrainian drones and reduce the losses of Russian armored vehicles.

Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attempts by Russian forces to advance on Pokrovsk in the spring of this year. However, the situation on the front remains tense for both sides, CNN reports. It is noted that evacuation from Pokrovsk continues, and the city has already lost its hospitals.