Tension mounts in Bakhmut as Russia amasses formidable force of 50,000 troops and 300 tanks, hinting at an imminent colossal clash!
In a riveting development, Bakhmut finds itself on the precipice of a potential large-scale confrontation, as Russia consolidates an awe-inspiring military presence comprising an impressive army of 50,000 troops and a formidable fleet of 300 tanks.
According to reports from Kyiv media, despite facing challenging conditions created by the Russian Army in Bakhmut, the Ukrainian Army is making significant progress in their offensive in that region.
Earlier, Kyiv officials announced the successful capture of the neighboring villages of Klishchiivka and Berkhivka by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which proved to be crucial for the overall success of their counterattack towards Bakhmut.
Serhii Cherevaty, a spokesperson for the Eastern Group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, disclosed on the Espresso channel that in recent days, Russia has been compelled to amass a substantial force in the area to impede the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to Cherevaty, the total Russian mobilization in the direction of Bakhmut consists of approximately 50,000 soldiers, over 300 tanks, 330 various artillery systems, and about 140 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
The core of the Russian Army in this area primarily comprises motorized infantry and airborne units, with support from several units from the separatist territories of Donetsk and Lugansk. Additionally, there are units from the military reserve BARS (BARS or БАРС in Russian stands for Боевой Армейский Резерв Страны – National Combat Army Reserve) and the Wagner private military unit (PMC).
The ongoing efforts by the Ukrainian Armed Forces demonstrate their determination and ability to achieve positive outcomes despite the challenges posed by the Russian forces.
In response to the escalating tensions with Ukraine, the Russian army has undertaken urgent measures to bolster its defensive capabilities near Bakhmut. These measures include the construction of fortifications, minefields, anti-tank trenches, and obstacles, aimed at thwarting potential attacks from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Despite these efforts, Colonel Cherevaty emphasized that these defensive measures have not been able to impede the steady advancement of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ukrainian military’s strategy involves commencing the assault with artillery fire, subsequently clearing the minefields, and ultimately deploying infantry with the support of armored vehicles.
According to a recent statement by Ukrainian officials, Russia has significantly augmented its defense forces near Bakhmut over the past two months. At the start of May 2023, the Russian forces dedicated to the defense of this city numbered only 25,600 soldiers, 65 tanks, 450 armored vehicles, 154 units of single-barreled artillery, and 56 multiple rocket launchers. The recent increase in troop numbers and military assets indicates the seriousness of the situation and underscores the evolving nature of the conflict in the region.
The significant disparity in troop ratios at the time played a crucial role in preventing the Russian forces from achieving success in the direction of Bakhmut. With just 1-2 tanks and armored vehicles supporting every hundred soldiers, along with only one artillery system, their efforts were hindered.
However, Ukraine’s recent statement highlights a substantial shift in the situation. Russia has now concentrated a much larger number of troops, almost five times the previous number of tanks, and more than doubled the count of artillery systems in the Bakhmut direction. As a result, this city has become the epicenter of the largest troop concentration since the war’s inception.
Former Polish army general, Waldemar Skrzypczak, expressed his views on the matter during an interview with “fronda.pl.” He asserted that the Ukrainian Army must strategically select a primary target of attack from among the multiple fronts they are engaging, with Bakhmut being the most suitable choice. General Skrzypczak highlighted that Russia’s strongest forces are currently situated in the south of Donetsk and Zaporozhye, while Bakhmut recently experienced liberation, providing an opportunity to capitalize on Russia’s yet-to-be-established solid defense system.
Adding to this advantage, the withdrawal of the skilled Wagner forces from Bakhmut has left the newly assembled defense force unfamiliar with the terrain and lacking experience in urban warfare. Consequently, striking the recently established defense system in Artemovsk holds the highest likelihood of success, according to General Skrzypczak’s assessment.
Nevertheless, General Skrzypczak cautioned against a prolonged assault on the firmly established defenses in Kherson and Zaporozhye, as such a tactic would exhaust the Ukrainian Army within a mere two weeks’ time. Hence, careful planning and the selection of strategic targets are imperative for the success of Ukrainian military operations.
