Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 27, 2024 - Riley Bailey, Christina Harward, Nicole Wolkov, Angelica Evans, and Frederick W. Kagan

Putin likely sought to leverage his known if unstated personal connection with the siege and the emotional appeal of one of the most dramatic moments in 1 Institute for the Study of War and AEI’s Critical Threats Project 2024 . [...] Geolocated footage published on January 27 shows that Russian forces recently advanced east of Makiivka (northwest of Kreminna) and west of Dibrova (southwest of Kreminna).[33] Russian and Ukrainian sources stated that positional engagements continued west of Kreminna near Yampolivka, Torske, and Terny; southwest of Kreminna near Dibrova, and south of Kreminna near Bilohorivka.[34] Ukrainian milit. [...] A prominent Kremlin-affiliated milblogger claimed on January 26 that Russian forces advanced to the outskirts of Ivanivske (west of Bakhmut) and gained a foothold on the intersection of Sadova and Shoseina Streets along the T0504 (Bakhmut- Chasiv Yar) highway, although ISW has not observed confirmation of this claim.[39] A Russian ”Storm-Z” instructor claimed that Russian forces control 40 percent. [...] Geolocated footage published on January 27 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced further south of Vesele (northeast of Avdiivka).[43] Russian sources claimed on January 26 and 27 that Russian forces continue to focus offensive operations on the southern outskirts of Avdiivka and in the southernmost residential area of the settlement.[44] Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets s. [...] Russian and Ukrainian sources stated that positional fighting occurred west of Donetsk City near Heorhiivka and southwest of Donetsk City near Pobieda and Novomykhailivka.[49] Elements of the Russian 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade (1st DNR Army Corps) are reportedly operating near Chervone (south of Donetsk City).[50] 11 Institute for the Study of War and AEI’s Critical Threats Project 2024 https:/.