For several months, the Russian invaders unsuccessfully tried to take control of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. Western journalists analyzed the situation in this region and stated that the invaders had concentrated their forces on storming another settlement. Probably, we are talking about Soledar.
The command of the Ukrainian army sees signs that Russia is moving military capacities to the front lines, where, in particular, Bakhmut is located. As analysts note, referring to the officers, the failures of the invaders forced them to “soften” the attack on the settlement and begin to transfer forces to another sector of the front.
How priorities have changed in the enemy army
Actually, one should not hope that the invaders completely abandoned the capture of Bakhmut. However, it is clear that after so many months of unsuccessful attacks, they need to reassess the situation and change the tactics of warfare in order to achieve at least some result.
Russia may try to “test” the Ukrainian defenses around Soledar and win there, – writes in The Wall Street Journal, referring to the Ukrainian military.
So far, of course, it is too early to state something, but the redirection of fire from Bakhmut is a fact. However, it should be said that it still remains a mystery why the occupiers for many months wanted to take the city so ardently, because it is quite small and has no special strategic value.
What is the situation near Bakhmut and Soledar / Map of The WSJ
Analysts suggested that the capture of Bakhmut would be of great psychological significance for Russia. Such a victory would lift the spirit of the Russian military after numerous defeats in different directions of the front.
The Russians are actively shelling Soledar
In the last week, the invaders began to shell Soledar and the surrounding territories more actively with artillery and other types of weapons. The Armed Forces stated that the invaders need at least some “victory”.
They are changing positions on Soledar. They need one small victory, because they cannot defeat Bakhmut, – the WSJ quotes the speaker of the 46th Air Assault Division, Valery Yurik.
At the same time, it is worth recalling British intelligence, which stated that Russia is unlikely to achieve a breakthrough in the Donbas anytime soon. The invaders are trying to find the weak points of our defense, and therefore redirect their forces. However, do not think that they will be able to defeat the APU.
To the topic, we also recall the words of the Commander of the Ground Forces, Colonel-General Alexander Syrsky. He stressed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to thwart the plans of the Russians. Even though the occupiers outnumber the Ukrainian military, they failed to capture Soledar and encircle Bakhmut until 26 December.
