Russian forces near encirclement of Kurakhove in Donbas
Russian forces are attempting to encircle Kurakhove in Donbas, which might force Ukrainians to withdraw and surrender the town to enemy control. Military expert Władysław Selezniow assesses the situation as critical.
2:04 PM EST, November 21, 2024
Russian units are intensifying attacks on Kurakhove in Donbas, aiming to encircle the town and trap Ukrainian soldiers in what is called a fire pocket. According to military expert Władysław Selezniow, Ukrainians may be forced to withdraw in the coming days or weeks.
Selezniow, quoted by the RBK-Ukraine portal, emphasizes that the Russians' current advances make it impossible for Ukrainian forces to hold the town.
- We practically have no possibility to maintain our units in Kurakhove. If we ask ourselves what is more important—the lives of soldiers or the territory—we must prioritize our lives - the expert stated.
Threat to Ukrainian soldiers
Kurakhove is already 70 percent encircled, and the situation resembles earlier events in Vuhledar and Selidove, where the Russians also launched attacks from multiple sides. Even the relocation of reinforcements will not change the situation - Selezniow summarized.
Reserve Colonel Oleg Żdanow points out the logistical difficulties in the region. - There are almost no paved roads left there. Today in this "pocket," logistics are very difficult. If we do not withdraw the troops, we are unlikely to stabilize the situation - Żdanow explained.
Experts expressed hope that the Ukrainian command will decide to withdraw units from the most threatened areas. Żdanow emphasizes that not only Kurakhove but also surrounding villages are targets of the offensive, which poses an additional threat to Ukrainian forces.
Source: RBK-Ukraine, Unian
