Update on Russian military operations in Ukraine for December 21, 2022
–Pentagon admits Russia is gaining ground in Bakhmut;
– Zelensky visit to Bakhmut mirrors similar visit to Lysychansk before it fell to Russian forces;
– Western media admits Russia has Ukraine outgunned 6 to 1 in Bakhmut;
– Claims that Russian losses are as significant as catastrophic toll Ukraine is suffering in Bakhmut does not reflect reality if Russia outguns Ukraine significantly;
– Bakhmut is a significant transportation hub and a crucial fortified position along one of Ukraine’s last major defensive lines in the east;
– The fall of Bakhmut may lead to a similar breakthrough like Popasna;
– Russian forces appear interested in destroying Ukraine’s military at Bakhmut more than taking the city itself;
References:
Gonzalo Lira Roundtable – The Roundtable #38: Why Bakhmut Matters: https://youtu.be/sNhUoLwgP08
AP – Russian rockets hit eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk (May 2022): https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukr…
Ukrinform – Enemy shells Pokrovsk with Iskanders five times in past day, casualties reported: https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/…
US Department of Defense – Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary, Holds a Press Briefing Dec. 20, 2022: https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcri…
PBS – Zelenskyy visits front line in Bakhmut while Putin praises troops in Kremlin: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/ze…
ABC Australia – Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits frontline cities as Russia resumes strikes on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-0…
Reuters – Analysis: Russia’s grim battle for Bakhmut may yield pyrrhic victory at best: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/…
The Times – Ice cold test of resolve in Ukraine’s ‘meat grinder’: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk…
NY Times – Russia’s Battle for Bakhmut: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/28/br…
WSJ – Battle for Bakhmut Is Critical Test of Russia’s Prospects in Ukraine: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/…
INTERNATIONALIST 360° 