Ukrainian troops are preparing for the threat of Russian seizure of Bakhmut – #Ukrainian #troops #preparing #threat #Russian #seizure #Bakhmut
SIVERSK, UkraineFeb. 19 (Reuters) – Conducting weekend training near the small town of Siversk in the east of the country Ukraine troops said they were preparing to defend one of the possible targets of Russia’s new attack.
Before the war 10With a population of ,000, Siversk is 35 kilometers (21 miles) north of Bakhmut, where fierce fighting has raged in recent weeks, and on a direct road to Sloviansk, another important city in Donetsk Oblast.
“If they occupied Bakhmut, then we would be semi-encircled, because on the left side is the river Siversky Donets, the enemy will advance from the right, and if they reach the Bakhmut highway, our way can be cut off. “Khan” said the deputy battalion commander Siversk, who uses the nom-de-guerre.
Ukraine has requested more advanced weapons from Kiev’s Western allies to help defend Bakhmut, whose forces are under attack by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group.
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One of the soldiers defending Siverski said that their artillery, mostly from the Soviet era, was superior to the enemy.
“We have one artillery attack on our side and the Russians can do it five times over,” said 30-year-old Stefan. “It’s tough on the guys standing up, especially on the first line (of defense), they feel it a lot.”
Capturing Bakhmut would be a stepping stone for Russian forces to advance further west toward two major cities, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
But Ukraine and its Western allies say Moscow’s success will largely be a Pyrrhic victory, given the time and casualties.
By Yiming Woo report; Writing by Pavel Polityuk; By Alex Richardson
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
2023-02-19 19:04:59
Source – reuters
Translation“24 HOURS”