Moscow/Kyiv: Russian adviser Yan Gagin of Donetsk People’s Republic claimed that It’s only a matter of time until Bakhmut, which is known to be a strategically important city in the Donbas region, falls into Russian hands that is at any moment. The Russian military and the Wagner Group have gained control of most areas in Bakhmut except the city’s central region. They have tightened the siege around the Ukrainian forces in the town. Around 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers are still believed to be stationed in Bakhmut. Ukrainian military officials, even President Volodymyr Zelensky, have admitted that the situation in Bakhmut was very difficult and challenging. Some analysts claim that if Russia captures Bakhmut, Russia’s next attack will be more intense and rapid.
In the last few months, Russia has been claimed to have focused on Bakhmut. In the new year, the Russian military has prioritised the battle in Bakhmut. Russia has deployed a large number of new troops and sent weapons and equipment to capture Bakhmut. Russia had strategised to advance in phases; it began taking control of one part at a time and advanced toward Bakhmut. During this time, Russia had reorganised at a military level and handed over the responsibility for the entire Ukraine offensive to the head of the defence forces.
It was clear from the possession of Soledar that the decisions taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin were successful. Soledar is considered an important city near Bakhmut. Earlier, during the operations in Kharkiv and Kherson, the Russian Army was forced to lose some of its captured areas. However, Russia did not lose any important city or region in the conflict in Donbas. On the contrary, by taking gradual steps towards capturing Bakhmut, Russia has successfully tightened the siege around the city.
Indications are that after taking control of Bakhmut, the Russian Army would focus on the whole of Donbas and then Kharkiv. On Russian media and social media, the Battle of Bakhmut is being compared to the ‘Battle of Stalingrad’ of World War II. Therefore, the importance of Bakhmut in the Russian offensive is evident.
Russia is continuing attacks on all fronts in eastern Ukraine along with Bakhmut. Along with Bakhmut, continuous and intense attacks are being launched on Kupiansk, Lyman and Vuhleder. Russia has also deployed new units in some parts of Zaporizhzhia province. Also, reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed Chief of Defence Staff Valery Gerasimov to take control of the Donbas region by March.
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