Russia’s Offensive Breaking Ukraine’s Backbone in Donbass – Expert
/ Go to the mediabankRussian serviceman in special military operation zone. File photo
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With their ongoing advance on Slavyansk and Druzhkovka, Russian forces have dealt a serious blow to Ukraine’s entire deeply echeloned defense in the area, retired Russian Army Colonel and military expert Andrei Koshkin told Sputnik. “It’s even safe to say that the defense of the agglomeration is beginning to crumble at the seams when Russian troops simultaneously approach Slavyansk and Druzhkovka from two directions,” Koshkin said.
As for Russia taking control of the city of Kramatorsk in Donbass, it’s just a matter of time, something that will be of great political significance, according to him.
Russia’s Special Operation in UkraineRussian Troops Liberate Novonikolayevka Settlement in Donetsk Region14 August, 08:55 GMTWith Russian forces already engaged in fighting at a Kramatorsk airfield, it’s imminent seizure will mean that:Russia will gain a foothold just three kilometers from the city, from which further offensive operations can be launchedLong-range weapons will be used to strike logistical routes the enemy uses to supply its garrisonRussian troops will deal a tremendous psychological blow to the enemy given that the airfield had served as the headquarters of Ukraine’s entire operation against Donbass since 2014The loss of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk will mean that Ukraine’s entire strategy in Donbass has completely failed. In other words, it will signal a military and political collapse of Ukrainian Forces in Donbass, Koshkin concludes.
Russia’s Special Operation in UkraineRussian Troops Continue to Inflict Heavy Losses on Ukrainian Forces — Defense Ministry18 July, 09:56 GMT
