The capture of Bakhmut, the biggest battleground in eastern Ukraine by Russian troops, could be delayed until April, the head of a Russian mercenary company said on the 16th.
Founder Yevgeny Prigozin, the actual owner of the Wagner Group, a mercenary company, said on social media that day that the Russian occupation of Bakhmut “will be in March or April.”
In addition, he emphasized, “In order to occupy Bahmut, all supply routes must be cut off,” and “this is a serious task.”
Bakhmut is a key stronghold in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, and is evaluated as a stepping stone for dominating the entire Donbass, including Luhansk.
On the 12th, the founder of Prigogine wrote on social media that “our assault team has taken over Krasna Hora, on the northern outskirts of Bahmut,” and that “there is only Wagner’s team in a radius of 50 km,” claiming that the seizure of the Bahmut area is imminent.
However, this time it was delayed to March or April.
In a social media post on the 16th, Prigogine’s founder revealed that “the advance is not progressing as fast as we would like.”
“Bahmut would have taken over before the New Year had it not been for the terrible (Russian government’s) military bureaucracy,” he said.
■ Ministry of Defense of Russia “Break through 2 Ukrainian defense lines”
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on the 15th that it had breached two Ukrainian defense lines in Luhansk and pushed back troops by about 3 km. However, the exact location of the breakthrough was not disclosed.
Ukrainian authorities immediately denied the Russian claim.
The Office of the President of Ukraine issued a statement on the same day (15th) and said, “Our forces were attacked by Russian forces in some areas of Luhansk, but were repulsed.”
Governor Luhansk also said that while it was true that Russian forces were attacking from multiple directions, that Ukrainian forces were retreating was “a claim that does not correspond to reality.”
Ukrainian authorities announced that they had spotted and shot down six Russian reconnaissance balloons over the capital, Kyiv.
Russia has been using artillery, missiles and drones to attack civilians in the Ukrainian capital in recent months.
On the morning of the 16th, more than 30 Russian missiles were launched across Ukraine, some of which were intercepted, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said.
■ Austin US Defense “There will be changes on the battlefield”
In the midst of this, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin predicted on the 15th that changes will soon occur on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Secretary Austin told reporters at the meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) defense ministers in Brussels, Belgium, that soon, “I think there will be a very good opportunity for them (Ukraine) to make a very significant change on the battlefield.” We will establish initiative against Russia,” he added.
The day before (14th), Secretary Austin said, “I expect Ukraine to launch an offensive (against the Russians) sometime in the spring,” and said that Ukraine “looks at an opportunity to take the initiative.”
In addition, he emphasized that the expected start of the offensive in the spring is “just a few weeks away.”
■ US Secretary of State Sherman warns of “Putin’s strategic failure”
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman predicted on the 15th that the war in Ukraine would result in “Putin’s strategic failure.” She also issued a warning message to China, Iran and North Korea supporting Russia’s aggression.
Deputy Secretary Sherman pointed out in an interview hosted by the Brookings Institution that day, “China, which seeks to raise its status in the international community, says it will mediate (the Ukraine crisis), but is committed to an unlimited relationship with Russia and assists in the invasion.”
“China is trying to do both (mediation and invasion support), but it won’t be possible,” he said.
In addition, he said that Russia is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provided by Iran for war, and that the strengthening of relations between Iran and Russia is also a concern.
In addition, regarding North Korea’s provision of weapons to the Russian mercenary company Wagner Group, it said, “We are also concerned about the relationship between North Korea and the Wagner Group,” and recalled the fact that sanctions were imposed on the Wagner Group.
Deputy Secretary Sherman went on to warn that the war would lead to Russia’s defeat, and that countries supporting Russia would eventually bear the heavy burden.
As for the reason for this, he cited the determination and courage of the Ukrainian people and the support of the United States.
“Ukraine will present a strategic failure for Putin,” Sherman said.
This is VOA News Jongsu Oh.
