The Ukrainian Defense Forces are deploying a previously prepared second line of defense on the Bakhmut front. Photo source: Joint Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Senior Lieutenant Tarasenko said that thanks to the effective defense of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade as well as heavy losses, Russian troops had to reduce their offensive capabilities in the Bakhmut area.
In the past two weeks, Russian troops have launched many attacks but all suffered heavy failures. Any attempt to advance would result in great losses for the Russians. For every 10 meters of Ukrainian land the Russian army gains, they will have to pay a heavy price in terms of human resources. The battalion where Senior Lieutenant Tarasenko served destroyed 15-20 Russian soldiers every day in a very narrow area of the front line with the help of artillery as well as DJI Mavic drones. UAVs often drop various types of ammunition on Russian positions.
According to estimates by Senior Lieutenant of Ukraine, Russia’s losses could reach hundreds, even thousands of soldiers in a week.
According to Tarasenko, the front line is now more stable because the Russian army has reduced its ability to attack due to large losses.
“Ukraine’s armed forces have deployed a second line of defense that was prepared in advance. And now it all depends on shelling and small arms fire,” Ukrainian Senior Lieutenant declared.
According to Tarasenko, the Russian army has not been able to penetrate the Ukrainian defense anywhere on the Bakhmut front.
In areas where Russian forces have successfully advanced, Ukrainian forces have only steadily retreated 50-100 meters. It was very difficult for the Russians because their infantry operated without armor support or protection.
Regarding the Bakhmut situation, Internet TV channel Espreso (Ukraine) reported that in the past week, Russia has gathered up to 80,000 soldiers towards Bakhmut – equivalent to the peak period of the Bakhmut battle last winter, and This is twice the number of troops that Russia is deploying to attack Avdiivka, also in Donetsk province – a place known as “the second Bakhmut”.
According to Espreso, Russia’s current goal is to capture the villages of Ivanivske and Bohdanivka, as well as advance to the outskirts of the town of Chasiv Yar (less than 5km from Bakhmut) – where Ukraine’s multi-layered defense system is established.
In recent months, Ukraine has sought to destroy Russian forces in Bakhmut from the south, while putting Russian troops into a siege. However, after pushing Russian forces back 7-10km, Ukraine’s progress stalled.