According to the Ukrainian head of intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, Russia has recently shifted to defensive positions in all areas of combat except for Bakhmut. In an interview with RBC Ukraine, Budanov stated that the Russians have completely transitioned to positional defense throughout the frontline. The only locations on the front line where the Russian forces are making any attempts are Bakhmut, an effort to cover the city of Avdiivka from the north, and localized fighting in the city of Marinka.
Budanov claimed that the Russian tactics in both Avdiivka and Marinka are identical to those in Bakhmut - an attempt to wipe out the settlements entirely. Budanov also explained that even though the Russians have not been successful elsewhere, they face the challenge of needing to demonstrate some form of victory to their society. He believes that Bakhmut is the only place where the Russians are achieving some success.
Additionally, Budanov remarked that there is little possibility of the Vuhledar in the Donbas region, where a long-term tank battle has been ongoing, being captured. He also stated that he did not believe that the Russians were planning to launch offensive operations or increase the intensity of the fighting on the front line.
These statements by Budanov provide a significant insight into the current situation on the front line in Ukraine. The Russian forces' transition to defensive positions in all areas of combat except for Bakhmut could indicate that the Russians are consolidating their position rather than looking to expand it. Nonetheless, the localized fighting in Bakhmut and the attempt to cover Avdiivka from the north suggest that the situation on the front line remains tense.