Brief breakthrough at the front
Kyiv: Russia increases troops
2/22/2023 at 9:36 p.m
Russian troops have now been fighting the aggressive war against Ukraine for almost a year – but they have rarely made any major gains. Shortly before the anniversary of the invasion, Moscow is now strengthening its troops at the front – and can report small successes.
According to Kiev, shortly before the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the Russian army is strengthening its troops on various sectors of the front. The Ukrainian general staff said that this indicated that new attacks were imminent. In addition, the Russian air forces have been increased along the front line.
The Russian armed forces are concentrating their main efforts “on offensive operations in the Kupyansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Shakhtarsk directions,” according to a statement from the Ukrainian military leadership. Heavy fighting continues, especially around Bachmut. With the help of its aerial reconnaissance, the Russian military is trying to coordinate the artillery attacks more precisely. Russian attacks were repulsed near Avdiivka and Shakhtarsk.
According to the Ukrainian governor of Luhansk, however, near the city of Kreminna Russian troops achieved at least a short-term success. Serhiy Haidai reported to Ukrainian television that the enemy troops temporarily broke through the Ukrainian line near the city on Tuesday, but were then repulsed. They would have had to leave some of their heavy equipment behind. The information cannot be independently verified. There is also no Russian statement.
“Incremental Gains” at Bachmut
Previously, however, the Institute for the Study of War also reported ground attacks by Russian forces near Kreminna. They also “continued to make gradual tactical gains in and around Bakhmut and continue their ground attacks near Avdiivka” in the Donetsk region, the institute writes. In southern Ukraine, Russian troops would also build more fortifications.
Despite minor successes by Russian troops, former US General Ben Hodges sees no sign of Moscow’s victory in Ukraine. Although the expected Russian offensive has “technically” begun, there can be no talk of a professional offensive, Hodges said in an interview with ntv.de. Because instead of directing their attention to a specific area in order to achieve goals there, “the Russians are attacking on a broad front”. Even if there were a breakthrough at Bakhmut, Russian troops would have no mobile forces to advance further, the expert said.