In a significant shake-up within Ukraine’s military leadership, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed a top Ukrainian commander following reports of substantial losses among his troops. This decision comes amid ongoing intense battles in the eastern Donetsk region, particularly around the strategic town of Bakhmut.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, recently claimed that his troops had decimated three elite Russian brigades in the Bakhmut area. According to Syrskyi, the 72nd Motor Rifle Brigade, the 31st, and the 83rd Air Assault Brigades of Russia have been rendered combat-ineffective due to the fierce fighting.
Syrskyi highlighted the recapture of two key villages, Klishchiivka and Andriivka, as pivotal moments in Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive. These villages, located on elevated terrain near Bakhmut, were crucial elements in the Russian defensive line stretching from Bakhmut to Horlivka. “In the fighting in the Bakhmut section, some of the enemy’s best units have been crushed and have completely lost their combat power,” Syrskyi stated.
The Ukrainian forces’ success in breaching the Russian defensive line has been met with counterattacks from Moscow’s troops, who are striving to reclaim their lost positions. Despite these efforts, Syrskyi remains optimistic about the progress of Ukrainian forces, noting that they have made significant inroads into Russian defenses.
The strategic importance of Klishchiivka was further emphasized by Ukrainian military spokesperson Ilia Yevlash, who described its recapture as a “favorable springboard for further progress.” The town of Bakhmut, captured by Russian forces in May, has been the site of some of the most brutal and prolonged urban warfare since the onset of the conflict last year.
While Russia has denied losing control of Andriivka, the claims of Ukrainian advances and the destruction of Russian brigades have not been independently verified. However, the Washington, DC-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), has acknowledged Ukraine’s advances south of Bakhmut and the significant losses suffered by Russian forces. “These VDV [Russian airborne] elements were involved in counterattacking and attempting to roll back Ukrainian advances around Bakhmut… and likely suffered heavy losses,” the ISW reported.
Since the beginning of its counteroffensive in June, Ukraine has reclaimed approximately 50 square kilometers (over 19 square miles) of territory around Bakhmut. This progress, although slow, has been attributed to the formidable Russian defenses, including extensive trench systems and minefields, which Moscow had ample time to establish while Kyiv awaited the delivery of Western tanks.
Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, who was among six deputy defense ministers removed in a recent reshuffle, reported that Ukrainian forces had retaken 51 square kilometers (19 square miles) near Bakhmut and over 260 square kilometers (100 square miles) in the southern regions during the counteroffensive.
The reshuffle in Ukraine’s defense ministry, including the dismissal of Maliar, underscores the ongoing challenges and strategic adjustments within the Ukrainian military. The changes come as Ukraine continues to probe Russian defenses, facing an enemy that has adapted its tactics and improved its weaponry over the course of the 15-month-old war.
Russia has fortified its defenses along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities and converting Cold-War-era bombs into precision-guided munitions. These developments pose significant challenges for Ukraine, potentially turning the conflict into a protracted battle of attrition.
U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley recently remarked that the conflict is likely to be a “back-and-forth fight for a considerable length of time.” This sentiment is echoed by analysts who note that while Ukraine has made some gains, the heavily fortified Russian defenses and improved tactics make a swift victory unlikely.
The recent flooding in southern Ukraine, caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, has further complicated the situation, drawing attention away from the ongoing military operations. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains optimistic about the counteroffensive, asserting that his commanders are in a “positive” mindset regarding its success.
The conflict has also highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, with both sides adapting their strategies and tactics. Russia’s improved ability to counter and use drones, as well as its fortified defensive positions, have made the fight more challenging for Ukrainian forces. The use of smaller, more agile units by Russian forces, along with the deployment of gliding bombs, has added another layer of complexity to the conflict.
Despite these advancements, fundamental weaknesses within the Russian military persist. Issues such as low morale, ammunition shortages, and poor coordination between units continue to plague Russian forces. The infighting between the military brass and the Wagner private military contractor, which has played a significant role in the battle for Bakhmut, further complicates the situation for Moscow.
The conflict has also underscored the importance of maintaining robust defense-industrial capabilities. High-intensity conflicts consume vast quantities of ammunition, and both Ukraine and Israel are relying on replenishment from the United States. However, the U.S. defense industry faces challenges in meeting the demand for munitions, highlighting the need for reinvigorated defense production.
As the conflict continues, the outcomes in both Ukraine and Gaza remain uncertain. The ongoing battles and strategic adjustments by both sides will shape the future of the conflict, with significant implications for regional stability and global security.
Source: Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, The Institute for the Study of War
