More than 250 villages around the city of Kherson were liberated by the Ukrainian counter-offensive. But Russian troops are making progress elsewhere.
There is still fierce fighting for the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. It has not yet fallen into the hands of the Russians, but there appears to be a shift in strategy among Putin’s forces.
Instead of attacking the city, which once had 73,000 inhabitants, an attempt is made to encircle it with a pincer movement. Since the beginning of this week, the Russians have taken three cities south of Bakhmut. Among them would be the small town of Majorsk. Major train lines run through it.
Majorsk would have fallen
The town is about 20 kilometers from Bakhmut. According to reports, Ukraine fought to the end, but now had to surrender in Majorsk. However, this was much later than the Kremlin had initially said. Because the news of the capture came in mid-November from the Ministry’s spokesman Igor Konashenkov.
And the Russian troops are also trying to advance north of Bakhmut. According to a report in the exiled Russian opposition newspaper “Vashnye Istorii”, Russia is planning a major offensive “regardless of the losses”.
Major offensive apparently planned
The newspaper cites two sources at the Russian General Staff and the domestic intelligence service FSB. Until this offensive can begin, Russia tries to orientate as much of the conquered territory as possible defensively.
According to «Meduza», Russian troops could launch the offensive in the center of the front near the city of Bakhmut. This could be made possible by the pincer tactics now used from the north and south of the city. (EU)