Russian forces are trying to seize as much as possible territories in Ukraine “at all costs” before vital US military aid falls into the hands of Kiev forces, warn officials and analysts quoted by The Independent.
It is noted that while the first tranches of the US$61 billion package have already started arriving, it could take weeks or perhaps even months for much of the aid to be delivered.
Meanwhile, Russian troops are taking full advantage of their artillery and manpower advantage on the front line and are rushing to encircle swathes of Ukrainian-held territory in Donetsk Oblast.
The Kremlin is in a hurry, the Russians are trying at all costs to improve their fighting positions to force Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire. Currently “negotiate“ with Putin for Ukraine will mean giving up nearly 1/5 of its territory occupied by the Russian invaders.
Russian troops are now actively advancing towards the southern outskirts of Chasov Yar. Before Russia's presidential election, Putin had ordered his army to capture as many towns as possible to present it as a political victory. Now it's about military strategy – the Russians know that American aid will help the ZSU.
„Bahmut had no real strategic importance, but Chasov Yar does,” said Michael Clarke, professor of military science at King's College London. There is no doubt that American military aid, when it arrives, will at least partially nullify the advantages that Russian troops currently enjoy on the front lines. But analysts remain cautious that if Russia continues to capture cities and territories (especially Chasov Yar), it will significantly increase pressure on Kiev's forces.