Ukrainian Forces Operationally Encircle Russian Forces In Bakhmut
- 30.06.2023, 8:47
Dominant elevated positions in Berkhivka and Klishchiivka will be liberated.
The Ukrainian General Staff stated that Ukrainian forces seized the “strategic initiative" in the Bakhmut direction and are currently conducting a broad offensive in the area, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar stated that Ukrainian forces advanced 1,200m in the direction of Klishchiivka and 1,500m in the direction of Kurdyumivka added that Russian forces are conducting counterattacks in the area, but have retreated in some locations after losses.
Ukrainian Commander of the reconnaissance troops of the 57th Motorized Brigade Denys Yaroslavsky stated that Ukrainian forces are in the process of liberating Klishchiivka and that there is intense fighting in the area. He added that Ukrainian forces pushed Russian forces out of positions on the western outskirts of Bakhmut and that fighting is ongoing near Berkhivka. Yaroslavsky stated the liberation of dominant elevated positions in Berkhivka and Klishchiivka will allow Ukrainian forces to operationally encircle Russian forces in Bakhmut.
A Russian milblogger claimed that Ukrainian forces advanced along the E-40 (Bakhmut-Slovyansk) highway near Zaliznyanske and carried out offensive operations in the direction of Yahidne and Paraskoviivka.
Ukrainian Eastern Group of Forces Spokesperson Colonel Serhiy Cherevaty reported that the Russians transferred an unspecified Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) regiment from the Kreminna area to the Bakhmut direction to reinforce Russian forces in the area.
Military expert, a retired colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, instructor pilot Roman Svitan confirmed the information about the prepared operational encirclement of the Russian troops near Bakhmut when giving his comments for Channel 24.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are moving in the direction of the settlement of Krasna Hora. The number of Russian prisoners of war has increased. Thus, the Ukrainian side wants to cut off part of the Russian group from supplies, the military expert said.
They are able to advance towards Belohorivka. Such manoeuvres will likely help to liberate Bakhmut and other settlements, that is, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will not necessarily enter, but it is possible to cut off the supply of the Russian army and operationally encircle them.
Ukrainian forces are likely planning to advance to the south of Bakhmut towards Klishchiivka and Popasnaya.