Ukrainian forces face critical decision as Kurakhove nears encirclement
Russian forces are attempting to encircle Kurakhove in the Donbas region, which may force the Ukrainians to retreat and surrender the town to enemy control. Military expert Wladyslaw Selezniow assesses the situation as critical.
Russian units are intensifying attacks on Kurakhove in the Donbas, aiming to encircle the town and trap Ukrainian soldiers in what is known as a "fire sack." According to military expert Wladyslaw Selezniow, the Ukrainians may be forced to withdraw in the coming days or weeks.
Selezniow, quoted by RBK-Ukraine, emphasizes that the Russians' current advancements make it impossible for Ukrainian forces to hold the town.
- We practically have no means to maintain units in Kurakhove. If we ask ourselves what is more important - the lives of soldiers or the territory - we must prioritize our lives - said the expert.
Threat to Ukrainian soldiers
Kurakhove is already 70 percent encircled, and the situation resembles previous events in Vuhledar and Selidove, where the Russians also launched attacks from multiple directions. Even moving reinforcements do not change the situation - summarized Selezniow.
Reserve Colonel Oleg Zhdanow points out logistical difficulties in the region. - There are almost no paved roads left. Today, logistics in this "pocket" are very difficult. If we do not withdraw troops, we are unlikely to stabilize the situation in any way - explained Zhdanow.
Experts expressed hope that the Ukrainian command will decide to withdraw units from the most threatened areas. Zhdanow stresses that not only Kurakhove but also the surrounding villages are targets of the offensive, which poses an additional threat to Ukrainian forces.
