Photo: Global Look Press
In May, Russian troops broke through the positions of Ukrainians to the west of Popasna. Moscow took the city on May 8 and concentrated its units there, preparing for a larger assault. The main goal of the Russians was the highway leading from Bakhmut to Lisichansk and Severodonetsk.
As noted by Neil Hauer, a journalist and analyst at the Militarythimes publication, these are the last Ukrainian outposts in the Luhansk region. They will be the scene of fierce fighting over the next few weeks. The situation on the ground shows that Russian troops are close to their goal.
Just a few days ago, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that Moscow is far behind its plans, because small villages and villages in the Donbas change hands several times a day.
However, according to the journalist, the “breath of war” is already strongly felt near Bakhmut. The Ukrainian military claims that the forces of the Russian coalition are literally five kilometers away. The city of Zolotoye is actually already surrounded by Russians. Their any further advance may force Ukrainians to leave the city and go further west.
Russia continues its offensive throughout the Donbas. This week will be crucial for Ukraine’s prospects of holding the region and Russia’s chances of capturing it.
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