The Russian Empire Weakens: Ukraine Launches Offensive at Bachmut

Ukrainian Forces Launch Offensive in Eastern City of Bachmut, Taking Advantage of Russian Disorganization

On Saturday, Ukrainian forces launched an offensive in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bachmut, which had been captured by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries earlier this year. This move comes as a response to the disorganization caused by Prigozhin and his army, as Ukraine seeks to break through the front line at Bachmut.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the Ukrainian offensive, stating that the Ukrainian armed forces are taking advantage of the chaos caused by Prigozhin. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar also announced the offensive through the same medium.

Military expert and reserve colonel of the Ukrainian armed forces, Roman Svitan, dismissed the idea that Ukraine was responding to events in Russia. He emphasized that such attacks require extensive preparation and planning. Svitan sees Russia as weakened by recent events, presenting a bonus for Ukraine. He highlighted the weaknesses exposed by Prigozhin, including the indecisiveness of the Russian army, the lack of control by Vladimir Putin over his troops, and the inadequate defense capabilities of Russia.

Despite the advantage gained from the events in Russia, Svitan does not expect any immediate changes to Ukraine’s counter-offensive plans. He acknowledged that Ukraine is still facing a formidable opponent in the imperial Russian army, which has 300,000 troops on Ukrainian territory. Offensive plans require months of preparation and cannot be changed on a whim.

However, Svitan believes that now is the time for Ukraine to increase domestic chaos in Russia. He suggests increasing missile attacks, particularly targeting strategic bridges in Russia and the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Ukrainian military journalist Yuri Butusov agrees, stating that any pressure on Crimea is particularly painful for Russia and undermines Putin’s control over the region.

Butusov also does not anticipate any changes in Ukrainian action at the front. He acknowledges that Russia has a significant advantage in terms of manpower and weapons, and Ukraine will continue to fight against this. However, he emphasizes that Ukraine’s resistance has put Russia in trouble and weakened the state. The longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on Ukrainian soil, the more chaos and trouble it will bring upon itself.

While Russia may be weakened, Ukraine still faces a formidable opponent in Prigozhin’s fighters who captured Bachmut. Svitan and Butusov believe that Prigozhin’s Wagner mercenaries will return to the front in Ukraine, despite Prigozhin himself halting his advance towards Moscow after speaking with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Overall, the events in Russia have provided Ukraine with an advantage, exposing weaknesses in the Russian army and presenting an opportunity to increase pressure on Russia. Ukraine remains determined to continue fighting and sees the current situation as a step towards the end of the Russian Empire.

What factors have contributed to Ukraine’s decision to launch the offensive in Bachmut?

An forces.

The Ukrainian offensive in Bachmut aims to take advantage of the disorganization and chaos caused by Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries. The city had been captured by these Russian-backed forces earlier in the year, leading to a prolonged period of instability. Now, Ukraine is launching a well-prepared offensive to break through the front line and regain control of Bachmut.

The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed the Ukrainian offensive, acknowledging the disarray caused by Prigozhin and his army. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar also announced the offensive, further underscoring the Ukrainian government’s determination to reestablish control in Bachmut.

However, military expert and reserve colonel of the Ukrainian armed forces, Roman Svitan, refutes the notion that Ukraine’s offensive is solely a response to events in Russia. He highlights the extensive planning and preparation required for such attacks, suggesting that Ukraine has been strategizing for some time. Svitan points to the recent events that have weakened Russia, making it an opportune moment for Ukraine to take action. He emphasizes the weaknesses exposed by Prigozhin, including the indecisiveness of the Russian army, the lack of control exhibited by Vladimir Putin over his troops, and the inadequate defense capabilities of Russian forces.

With these factors at play, the Ukrainian offensive in Bachmut represents a significant push to regain control and restore stability in the region. It showcases Ukraine’s preparedness and determination to capitalize on the disorganization caused by Prigozhin’s forces, ultimately aiming to reclaim the city and establish control over this strategically important area.