Photo: Global Look Press
In May Russian troops broke through the position of Ukrainians west of Popasna. Moscow captured the city on May 8, concentrating its troops there and preparing for a larger attack. The Russians' main target was the highway leading from Bachmut to Lysychansk and Severodonetsk.
Neil Hauer, a journalist and analyst at MilitaryTimes, noted that these were the last Ukrainian bases in the Lugano region. Over the next few weeks, they will become the scene of relentless fighting. The situation on the ground shows that Russian troops are close to their target.
A few days ago, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that Moscow was far behind its plans, as small villages and villages in the Donbas change hands several times a day.
According to the journalist, however, the “breath of war” is already strongly felt near Bakhmut. The Ukrainian army claims that the Russian coalition forces are literally five kilometers away. The city of Zolote is actually already surrounded by Russians. Any further action could force the Ukrainians to leave the city and move further west.
Russia continues its offensive throughout the Donbas. This week will be crucial to Ukraine's prospects for maintaining the region – and Russia's chances of occupying it.
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