All articles tagged with #southern ukraine
Ukrainian forces in southern Ukraine are under intense pressure from Russian advances, particularly around Huliaipole, with Ukrainian troops outnumbered and facing logistical challenges, leading to territorial losses and strategic dilemmas for Ukraine's military.
Retired Major Oleksiy Hetman, a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war, discussed the ongoing battlefield situation in southern and eastern Ukraine. He highlighted the tactical success of liberating Klishchiivka, which could serve as a bridgehead for further advancement into the temporarily occupied territories and cut off logistical supply routes to Bakhmut. Hetman also mentioned the destruction of Andriivka and the encirclement of Bakhmut, where the Russian 72nd Brigade was reportedly destroyed. He discussed the Russian practice of preventing retreat and even shooting their own soldiers, which may lead to a decrease in the desire to fight and an increase in surrender. Hetman emphasized the importance of Tokmak as a logistical hub and the ongoing battle for control over it. He also mentioned the targeting of Crimea to neutralize reserves and reduce their capabilities. Hetman acknowledged that the war may continue for a long time and emphasized the need for realism in assessing the situation.
The Ukrainian military has retaken over 12 square km of territory in southern Ukraine in the past week, bringing the total recaptured since the counteroffensive began to more than 192 square km. The main focus of fighting in the east is around the city of Bakhmut, with Ukrainian forces advancing on its southern flanks while Russian forces cling to the north. The Ukrainian military reported 35 combat clashes in the eastern direction over the past 24 hours. Russia still holds swathes of territory in southern and eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's counteroffensive in southern Ukraine is progressing slowly due to various factors, including the competent defensive tactics of Russian forces, the challenging terrain, and the extensive fortifications constructed by Russia. The flat, open fields provide little concealment for advancing Ukrainian troops and their armored vehicles, which must navigate heavily mined routes. Tree lines offer natural defensive points for Russian forces, concealing tanks and infantry units. Reinforced trenches protect Russian troops from artillery fire but can be easily flanked. Urban areas, including small villages and towns, present additional obstacles with observation points, choke points, and booby-trapped buildings. While Ukraine has retaken some villages, it remains uncertain if they can breach Russian defenses around larger settlements. The counteroffensive is expected to continue for several more weeks or months, with Ukrainian forces still holding reserves.
Russia has released aerial footage allegedly showing their forces targeting Ukrainian formations in southern Ukraine, claiming to have been fighting off Ukrainian attacks. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate.
Huliaipole, a farming city on Ukraine's front line, is bracing for a decisive counteroffensive on Russian forces. The town has been under sustained shelling for almost a year, and a successful counteroffensive could break Russia's land route to the occupied Crimean peninsula. Western tanks, the first batch of which were delivered to Ukraine two weeks ago, will likely be key to the assault. If Ukraine fails, the town will face further disintegration under Russian fire.