Russian Advance Continues in Donetsk
With Ukrainian troops continuing to suffer ammunition shortages amid stalled US aid, Russian forces have continued to make confirmed gains in the eastern Donetsk region in recent days....
Facts
- With Ukrainian troops continuing to suffer ammunition shortages amid stalled US aid, Russian forces have continued to make confirmed gains in the eastern Donetsk region in recent days.1
- According to the latest analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US military-affiliated think tank that tracks battlefield progress in the conflict, Russia has made confirmed advances west of Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City in the 24 hours of fighting beginning on March 10.2
- Russia captured Bakhmut last May and went on to capture Avdiivka late last month. Ukraine proceeded to set up new defensive lines west of Avdiivka in the villages of Lastochkyne, Stepove, and Sieverne — but these too were soon captured by Russian forces.3
- Ukraine's new defensive positions in the region are now said to run through the villages of Orlivka, Tonenke, and Berdychi, but these are reportedly also now increasingly coming under attack. Russian military bloggers have claimed that Russian troops have gained a foothold in the periphery of the villages.3
- The extent of Russia's attacks was highlighted in Monday's update from Ukraine's Armed Forces which said that over the past 24 hours, a total of 64 combat clashes took place across six parts of the frontline. These were accompanied by 88 airstrikes and 96 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems, Ukrainian military officials said.4
Sources: 1New York Post, 2UnderstandingWar, 3CNN and 4Ukrainska Pravda.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by CNN. While the situation may feel distant to politicians and spectators in the West, that's not the case for those facing the brunt of Russian attacks. Without ammunition and artillery, Ukraine is being left almost defenseless and it's imperative that this situation is rectified urgently if Ukraine is to stand any chance.
- Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. Ukraine's counteroffensive has failed and Kyiv is now losing. More money for arms will simply bring about more death and destruction. Ukraine would never have fought this war against Russia without US and EU weapons. Now that these weapons are running dry, Ukraine must accept the reality that Russia will never cease its defense of the Donbas or Crimea.
