Avdiivka, Kupiansk and new foothold in south: What is happening at front?
Ukrainian military holding back Russians in the south and east (Photo: Getty Images)
The situation on the front remains challenging, with Russians storming Avdiivka and exerting pressure on Kupiansk. The only direction with positive news is the left bank of the Kherson region.
Regarding what is happening on specific front segments, Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military and political columnist of the "Information Resistance" group, provided commentary to RBC-Ukraine.
About the situation in Avdiivka
The Russians are intensely storming the industrial zone of the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant. They indeed can enter the territory of the industrial area, but, on the other hand, they cannot consolidate their positions. Our counterattacks consistently drive them out of there. There are still questions about the industrial zone south of Avdiivka.
The enemy is pushing through Vynohradnyky and, accordingly, has taken positions in this area and along Yasynuvatskyi Lane.
Last week, a video appeared of an armored kamikaze truck that detonated on a minefield. They adopted this tactic in ISIS, it was widely used in Syria and not for the first time in Ukraine. The essence is to send explosive-laden armored vehicles directly to positions. If we talk about attacking a specific position, then this is a really serious weapon. But in most cases, they are destroyed on approach, or they explode on mines themselves.
About the situation on the Kupiansk and Lyman directions
The enemy seems to have intensified, but I do not see prospects for the chance either in occupying Kupiansk or in reaching Oskil through the Lyman-Kupiansk axis. On the contrary, the "Center" group has lost its most combat-ready units. These are units of the 90th Tank Division, as well as the 2nd and 41st combined armies of the Russian Armed Forces. Almost all of them were sent near Avdiivka, and there were no opportunities to go to Oskil.
Speaking of Kupiansk, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have not been idle; there are quite severe fortified areas. Other, much more powerful resources are needed for their breakthrough. They can't afford it because Avdiivka absorbs all the resources.
About the situation in the south
The counteroffensive in the Robitne area has turned into trench warfare. What General Valerii Zaluzhnyi mentioned is a classic positional war. We are advancing, but very slowly.
Regarding the foothold on the left bank of the Kherson region:
Talking about preparing for a major offensive is premature. Currently, it is just the creation of a security buffer. It took us almost a year to create this foothold, and we can observe the results now. We can create a security buffer, but it will be a lengthy step-by-step process. It can be used for an offensive and the liberation of Crimea, but only from the perspective that is too early to discuss now.
