"Ukraine's Struggle for Victory: Battling for Territory and Support into 2024"
Throughout 2023, Ukraine faced a series of grueling battles against Russian forces, characterized by attrition warfare and tactical innovation. The defense of Bakhmut became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, despite heavy losses on both sides. Ukraine's counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia aimed to cut Russian supply lines but faced immense challenges due to well-fortified Russian defenses and a lack of critical military supplies. Meanwhile, Russia regained the initiative in Donbas with a costly but politically motivated assault on Avdiivka. The year ended with uncertainty for Ukraine, as they held on to hope for continued Western support and the possibility of launching a successful crossing of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.