In recent moves, the Russian army has launched attacks on the southern Donbas front. The Romanian military expert Valentin Vasilescu now comes to comment on the new data from the Russian-Ukrainian war, through his interview in the Russian PolitRussia.
The Romanian analyst notes that the latest successes of the Russian forces (in this case we are talking about the Wagner group) on the northern front of Donbas and more specifically in Bakhmut, forced the Ukrainian army to transfer forces to this region. Thus, other fronts were weakened.
"Taking advantage of the difficult situation in which the Ukrainians find themselves, Russia changed its strategy to smaller offensive actions in five tactical areas of the southern Donbas front to improve its position," said Valentin Vasilescu.
According to him, the fighting in all these areas will help disrupt the lines of communication of the Ukrainian army, causing various issues for the defenders.
What Are These 5 Directions?
First Direction: Avdivka
The first direction is Avdivka, a town located on the northwestern outskirts of Donetsk. Vasilescu mentions that Russia had previously tried in vain to take it by frontal attacks. But yesterday, Russian units managed to attack from the south and capture the village of Pervomaiskoye.
"From here they will head north, attack the Semyonovka fortifications to surround the city of Avdivka," the expert believes.
Second Direction: Krasnogorovka
The second direction is another fairly well-fortified town, Krasnogorovka, which is south of Avdivka. According to Vasilescu, an attack in this direction will allow to cover a surprise in the Ukrainian defense near Krasnogorovka from the north. At the same time, the Russian army has a free way to the west, towards Kurakovo, the analyst emphasizes.
Third Direction: Mariinka
The third direction is Mariinka, south of Krasnogorovka, which is practically under the control of Russian forces. Vasilescu noted that the city in question is important because of the H15 highway, which acts as a corridor for the supply of Ukrainian troops. The subsequent attack of these fortifications north of Mariinka will lead to the encirclement of Krasnogorovka.
Fourth Direction: The Pobeda Village Line
The fourth direction is south of Mariinka, where the Russians reached the Pobeda village line. There, the Ukrainian bridgehead was fortified. A possible attack on this bridgehead, coordinated with Russian forces passing through the Ukrainian defenses of Novomikhailovka, would cut yet another supply line, that of the Novomikhailovka-Katerinovka road.
Fifth Direction: Vuhledar area
The fifth direction according to the Romanian expert hides the most interesting offensive actions of the Russians. It is located near Vuhledar, where Russian troops are advancing in districts south of the city. There, of course, they have encountered strong resistance from the Ukrainian army.
"Thus, the Russians pinned down the main Ukrainian forces in the south and opened two new lines of attack, west and east of the city, so as to encircle it," Vasilescu explained.
Finally, the expert noted that there is a bypass road leading from Vuhledar to Katerynivka, Novomikhailovka and Mariinka. This is what the Ukrainian administration uses to transport troops to critical directions.
It turns out that the Russian attack in these five directions is intended to deprive the enemy of the opportunity to supply his troops with what they need.
