The Ukrainian authorities claim to have broken through the Russian defense line not far from Bakhmout, conquered by the enemy in May 2023. kyiv seeks to give assurances to its supporters.
One step forward. Ukraine claimed on Monday September 18 that it had broken through the Russian defense line a few days ago, not far from the town of Bakhmout, conquered in May 2023 by the Russians. Kiev sees this as an encouraging sign for its counter-offensive, at a time when President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has arrived in the United States, will address the UN General Assembly and meet Joe Biden.
>> War in Ukraine: follow the latest information live
However, on the ground, these gains seem more modest: can we really speak of a breach into which the Ukrainians could rush? Not sure, because of the Russian defense lines, there are often two or even three in strategic points. Finally, it must be emphasized that in terms of surface area, these two reconquered villages, or rather these two hamlets, represent almost nothing: 2km2. And moreover, in the Bakhmut sector, since the start of the counter-offensive in June, the Ukrainians have only recaptured 50 km2. In reality, the only significant advances made by kyiv are to be found in the south of the country. There, the Ukrainians have gained 260 km2 in recent weeks.
For kyiv, the human losses inflicted on the Russians seem to be the most important point. The battles have been very violent in recent days. Three Russian brigades were thus destroyed, which represents several hundred men who could no longer fight on the vast Bakhmut front.
Need for military equipment
The announcement of the reconquest of the two villages and the breakthrough in this Russian defense line, not far from Bakhmout, is above all a “diplomatic” way for Kiev to emphasize that its counter-offensive is progressing. And that the West must continue their financial and military support, while on Tuesday September 19, in Ramstein, Germany, defense ministers will meet to coordinate the aid sent to Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian army needs additional military equipment: shells, tanks, combat aircraft.
Furthermore, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on Monday September 18 in the United States, where he will be received by President Joe Biden. He will then meet with Republican and Democratic representatives. The American Congress is currently debating a new envelope of 24 billion dollars in military aid. The Ukrainian president must therefore provide guarantees of the success of his counter-offensive.