Map Reveals Four New Ukrainian Front Line Breakthroughs
Ukraine has advanced east of the two fortress belt cities, Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, in the eastern Donbas region.
A new map by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reveals four significant breakthroughs along the Ukrainian front line in the eastern Donbas region. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers have acknowledged these advances, which are crucial for Ukraine to achieve its goal of capturing the Fortress Belt, a series of key cities in eastern Ukraine.
Despite Kremlin claims, the ISW estimated a Russian net loss of only 30 square miles in September, disputing Putin's assertion of capturing 500 square miles. The map highlights advances by Ukrainian forces east of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, two strategic cities essential to Putin's ambitions.
Operation Vivaldi, a counteroffensive led by Ukraine's Third Army Corps commander Andriy Biletski, has significantly improved Ukraine's positions north of Lyman. This operation has denied Russian forces the chance to cut critical highways in the region, hampering their logistical capabilities.
Russian military bloggers have confirmed Ukrainian advances east of Kramatorsk, including the liberation of Ozerne and advances around Malynivka and Holubivka. Additionally, significant gains were made in the fields east of Pyskunivka and into southern Minkivka.
One of the most notable breakthroughs is the crossing of the Siverskyi Donets River, a natural obstacle that has been a challenge for Russian forces. The ISW warns that Ukrainian counterattacks in the Slovyansk and Kramatorsk directions could have cascading effects, potentially jeopardizing Russian efforts to seize the Fortress Belt.
If Russian troops attempt to advance towards Slovyansk, they may face significant difficulties, especially if they cannot recapture forests south of Lyman. Operation Vivaldi's success has bolstered Ukraine's northern positions, disrupting Russia's plans for a northern pincer around the Fortress Belt. However, Putin's strategy to seize the Donbas region appears unyielding, with a focus on intensifying attacks on critical infrastructure and residential areas, which could ultimately lead to a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
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