Russian forces have been making significant advances in Ukraine, achieving their fastest progress since the early stages of the conflict. They are currently moving into the strategically important town of Kurakhove and taking advantage of weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses, according to analysts on Monday.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian forces have been advancing at a notably accelerated pace compared to their activities throughout 2023.

The report highlighted recent confirmed territorial gains near Vuhledar and Velyka Novosilka, located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Over the past week, the Russian military has captured nearly 235 square kilometers (91 square miles) of territory, marking a weekly record for 2024, as reported by the independent Russian news organization Agentstvo.

Agentstvo utilized data from Deep State, a group closely associated with the Ukrainian military that analyzes combat footage and provides frontline maps.

Both the Institute for the Study of War and pro-Russian military bloggers indicate that Russian troops are present in Kurakhove, which serves as a crucial link to the logistical center of Pokrovsk in Donetsk. Deep State reported on its Telegram channel on Monday that Russian forces are positioned near Kurakhove.

Analysis from Deep State, as examined by Agentstvo, revealed that Russia has gained more territory in Ukraine since early November than it did throughout October, which had already seen the most rapid advances since the initial months of Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Russian military gains in southeastern Ukraine can be attributed to the identification and tactical use of weaknesses in Ukraine’s defensive lines, according to analysts from the Institute for the Study of War in their recent report.

Facing a numerical disadvantage against Russian forces, the Ukrainian military is finding it difficult to recruit new soldiers and supply equipment to emerging units. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been persistently urging Western allies in Kyiv for increased military support.

Zelenskiy has expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to fully occupy the Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk, and to drive Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk area, where they have maintained a presence since August.