Western military analysts predict that the battle for eastern Ukraine could drag on for several months, with both Russia and Ukraine making some progress, but both sides lacking the strength needed for a major breakthrough, according to The Washington Post..

The next phase of the war may depend on Russia's ability to "

Russian troops will need to cross the Seversky Donets River in order to get to the city of Lisichansk and continue the offensive - the task is complicated by the fact that three main bridges across the river have been destroyed. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops are fortifying their positions on high ground in the city, the British Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday..

If successful, Russian troops will eventually run into the Ukrainian defense line around the towns of Bakhmut and Seversk, located along the main road to Lysychansk and Severodonetsk.. This will move the front line further west, where Ukrainian positions remain "

" Although both sides may be exhausted due to the loss of manpower and equipment," According to him, heavy losses on both sides could lead to an "

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Kofman said that despite the focus on eastern Donbas, the southern city of Kherson, which has been occupied since the early days of the conflict, is of greater economic and strategic importance and is a place where Ukraine's counter-offensive capabilities are likely to be tested in the future..

A senior U.S.

Department of Defense official on Monday said signs of guerrilla resistance are mounting in the area, including assassination attempts on Moscow-backed officials, and there are reports that Ukrainian forces have managed to liberate several small towns northwest and west of Kherson..

Earlier it was reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will soon be able to liberate settlements around three major cities.. Former US Special Representative for Ukraine Ambassador Kurt Volker.