Next is Bakhmut. Lots of underground defenses, so a bit tougher. But now the Russians have control of the salt mines in Soledar and therefore the tunnels to and underneath Bakhmut.
It seems that the Ukrainian 46th Airborne Assault Brigade, one of their best units, has been wiped out in this battle. If so, we can expect less robust Ukrainian opposition to future Russian advances. Zelenskyy should be awarded a Hero of the Russian Federation medal for the help he has lent Moscow in destroying the Ukrainian army.
Yes, this seems to be the case. The 46th wanted to withdraw. They had orders "from the top" to stand their ground, no matter what. There were "barrier troops" in the rear, shooting anyone who tried to retreat. They will be called Heroes and their deaths "heroic sacrifice". The Japanese did something similar in WWII, although they didnt' need barrier troops.
And I suspect the Ukrainians will end up in a situation similar to that which Japan faced in 1945. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, Zelenskyy and his cohort don't appear to be the kind of folks who put much stock in harikiri.
Next is Bakhmut. Lots of underground defenses, so a bit tougher. But now the Russians have control of the salt mines in Soledar and therefore the tunnels to and underneath Bakhmut.
It seems that the Ukrainian 46th Airborne Assault Brigade, one of their best units, has been wiped out in this battle. If so, we can expect less robust Ukrainian opposition to future Russian advances. Zelenskyy should be awarded a Hero of the Russian Federation medal for the help he has lent Moscow in destroying the Ukrainian army.
Yes, this seems to be the case. The 46th wanted to withdraw. They had orders "from the top" to stand their ground, no matter what. There were "barrier troops" in the rear, shooting anyone who tried to retreat. They will be called Heroes and their deaths "heroic sacrifice". The Japanese did something similar in WWII, although they didnt' need barrier troops.
And I suspect the Ukrainians will end up in a situation similar to that which Japan faced in 1945. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, Zelenskyy and his cohort don't appear to be the kind of folks who put much stock in harikiri.
Reports of mass surrender in Soledar center this morning, with Ukes in very bad condition, suffering frostbite. Russia to announce #s.
Yes. This was predictable from a long time ago.
Should be at least 300 POWs.
Perhaps more.