Part 5/8:
As 2023 unfolded, the war transitioned into a period of attrition. With casualties mounting on both sides, advances slowed. The Russian military, having organized defenses for key regions, managed to maintain pressure, often making incremental gains. By mid-2023, the dynamics began to shift once again as Russia ramped up its military recruiting efforts.
The early months of 2023 witnessed heavy fighting around Bakhmut, where the front lines saw limited movement but significant casualties. By late spring, reports indicated that despite attempts at new offensives, Ukrainian forces struggled to progress as Russian positions had been well-fortified.