Ivan Sichen, an expert of the Independent Analytical Center for Geopolitical Studies “Borysfen Intel”, for Gazeta.ua
The hottest directions now at the front are Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Russians are putting pressure on Bakhmut and Avdiivka. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are advancing in Luhansk region, military expert Ivan Sichen said in a comment for Gazeta.ua.
“The Russians focused the main blow on and around Bakhmut. As well as on Avdiivka. Their main goal is to establish full control over Donetsk region. Bakhmut is important because it opens a direct path to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. But there are very big problems (for Russians — Gazeta.ua) there. Despite the fact that the invaders created a significant group of troops there, in fact, the largest on the entire front. They are trying to surround the city”, says Sichen.
The Avdiivka direction is important to the enemy in terms of establishing control over the southwestern part of Donetsk region, the expert adds.
“Our troops are holding a tough defense. Their goal is to prevent the enemy’s offensive and exhaust the invaders. The losses of the Russians near Bakhmut are enormous. In Luhansk region, our troops are advancing towards Kreminna. From there, we may have a direct path to Rubizhne. This can negate all the achievements of the Russians, which they made in the summer 2022 in Luhansk region. Another direction of the offensive is towards Svatove. Then we can advance to Starobilsk. That is, it will be possible to divide the occupied territories into two parts. Besides, we may manage to block an important motorway from Belgorod, from where significant supplies from Russia come”, explains Sichen.
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Intense fighting near Bakhmut has been going on since June 2022. |
Author: Anastasiia Prokaieva
Source: Gazeta.ua
The article is available in Russian
