The Ukrainian army is cleansing the western bank of the Siversky Donets-Donbas canal.
14.05.2023
Ukrainian troops achieved new territorial gains with counterattacks near Bakhmut. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported this in its daily report.
Analyzing the reports received from both sides, the experts came to the conclusion that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are making progress on the outskirts of Kurdyumivka (14 km south-west of Bakhmut), and pushed Russian forces behind the Siversky Donets-Donbas canal in the area. Ukrainian forces advanced towards Klishchiivka (7km southwest of Bakhmut).
“ISW has assessed as of May 13 that the Ukrainian forces have liberated 16.85 square kilometers in the Bakhmut area during recent counterattacks.,” the report reads.
According to the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Anna Malyar, Ukrainian troops are advancing in two directions in the suburbs of Bakhmut. She refused to reveal the details, however, saying that the Ukrainian defenders were destroying the enemy and had already taken many prisoners.
As the Charter97.org website reported, military expert Roman Svitan believes that during the offensive on Bakhmut and Soldedar, the Ukrainian army can encircle a large group of Russian troops.
“…military expert Roman Svitan believes that during the offensive on Bakhmut and Soldedar, the Ukrainian army can encircle a large group of Russian troops.”
This could be a decisive moment in this war, if the AFU manages to accomplish this feat. It could cause the rest of the cockroach front lines to collapse like a house of cards if enough power is applied to the right sectors. Much of the mafia’s effective forces are concentrated in and around Bakhmut. If they are surrounded, they cannot interfere with the AFU’s other counterstrikes.