“Ukraine attempts ‘pincer manoeuvre’ in Bakhmut amidst rumors of major counter-offensive”

Reports abound on social media that Ukraine is now attempting a so-called “pincer manoeuvre” on the important city of Bakhmut.

For several months, the fighting in and around Bakhmut has been going on. Now there are signs that Ukraine will attempt a counter-offensive against the Russians in the area.

On Twitter, various sources who follow developments in the war are reporting messages about how the Ukrainians are now attempting a “pincer manoeuvre” in the city. That is to say, go around each side of the city and “pinch again”, so that the Russian forces are separated from each other.

This maneuver causes lieutenant colonel Palle Ydstebø, who teaches land power at the War College, to be stumped.

– The typical thing for this kind of cutting off is to do it on something that sticks out and is ready for chopping. Bakhmut is almost inside a pot, he believes.

Think Ukraine will test the Russians

Recently, there has been more speculation that a major Ukrainian counter-offensive is on the way. Ydstebø does not believe that this is what is now seen in Bakhmut.

– It would be a good local gain to surround the forces around Bakhmut. But I think this is to find out how strong the Russians are and to find out what opportunities they have. It is too early to say whether it is a well-planned and thought-out counter-attack.

Actions to test and gain information about the opponent’s strengths are very common. But that does not mean that the Ukrainians will retreat anyway.

– If there may be an opportunity to give gas, then it may be that they do it. It is not unusual for a test attack to develop into a breakthrough, he says.

Russia says they are not being attacked

In Russia, the Russian Ministry of Defense on Thursday evening refuted the many reports of Ukrainian breakthroughs.

“The situation in the areas of the special operation (which the Russians call the war, journ.amn.) is under control,” they say in a statement.