Russian forces are expected to be in position to launch the new attack by March, shortly after the Feb. 24 anniversary of the start of the invasion
The most likely thrust of the offensive is an even larger push to capture the entire Donbas region, including the provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, which would achieve one of Mr. Putin’s initial war aims. Bakhmut, a key transportation hub, and Soledar, a small salt-mining town, are both in Donetsk.
Another Russian offensive toward Kyiv is seen as possible, due to the presence of some 15,000 Russian troops training in neighbouring Belarus. Mr. Putin is also believed to be pressuring Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko to join the war on the Russian side. The official said Ukraine needs more help from its Western allies – in the form of tanks, artillery and long-range rocket systems – to withstand the coming offensive. A U.S. transfer of Army Tactical Missile Systems , weapons the Biden administration has thus far been reluctant to supply, would be “very useful,” since their 300-kilometre range would allow Ukraine to disable rail lines and strike at the new Russian units before they deploy.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed Friday that it was in control of Soledar. A spokesman for Russia’s military said the advance would allow its forces “to cut supply lines for the Ukrainian forces” in nearby Bakhmut and then “block and encircle the Ukrainian units there.” Mr. Bielieskov said the lesson of the battles for Soledar and Bakhmut is that Russia’s “human wave” attacks have been bloody but successful. Russian commanders, he said, push poorly trained conscripts – as well as former convicts recruited into the Wagner Group private army – forward in such numbers that they occasionally overwhelm Ukrainian defences. Then better-trained Russian troops, along with artillery and armour, then advance over the scorched landscape.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine says it is holding out against Russian attacks in SoledarRussian mercenary group Wagner says it has taken over salt-mining town, but Moscow has held off proclaiming victory
Read more »
Russia appoints new leader of Ukraine campaign as Wagner says Soledar fully capturedKYIV/NEAR BAKHMUT — Moscow named a new commander for its invasion of Ukraine while Russian private military firm Wagner Group said its capture of the salt…
Read more »
Ukraine says troops hold out in corpse-strewn battlefield of Soledar | CBC NewsUkraine said on Thursday its troops were holding out despite heavy fighting on a battlefield littered with bodies in a salt mining town in eastern Ukraine, where Russian mercenaries have claimed Moscow's first significant gain in half a year.
Read more »
Ukraine says its forces hold out against Russia in battle for SoledarUkraine said its troops were holding out against pro\u002DMoscow forces in the eastern salt mining town of Soledar.
Read more »
Ukraine says its forces hold out against Russia in battle for SoledarKYIV/NEAR SOLEDAR — Ukraine said its troops were holding out against pro\u002DMoscow forces in the eastern salt mining town of Soledar as more than 500 civilians…
Read more »