Published February 19,2023
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Ukrainian troops conducting weekend workouts close to the small city of Siversk, within the nation’s east, stated they had been getting ready to defend one of many attainable targets of a brand new Russian offensive.
Siversk, which had a pre-war inhabitants of 10,000, is 35 kilometres (21 miles) north of Bakhmut – scene of fierce combating in latest weeks – and on a direct highway to a different of the important thing cities within the Donetsk area, Sloviansk.
“If they occupied Bakhmut, then we would be semi-encircled, because on the left side we have the Siverskyi Donets river, and the enemy will advance from the right, and it is possible to cut us off if they reach the Bakhmut highway,” stated the deputy Siversk battalion commander, who used the nom-de-guerre “Han”.
Ukrainian forces have appealed for extra superior weapons from Kyiv’s Western allies to assist defend Bakhmut, which is being attacked by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group.
One soldier defending Siversk stated their principally Soviet-era artillery was outgunned by the enemy.
“We have one artillery attack from our side, and the Russians can do it five times more,” stated 30-year-old Stefan. “It’s very difficult for the guys who are standing, especially at the first line (of defence), they feel it too much.”
Capturing Bakhmut would give Russian forces a stepping stone to advance on two greater cities additional west, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
But Ukraine and its Western allies say success there can be a largely Pyrrhic victory for Moscow, given the time taken and losses sustained.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
