The Russians are paying a price for their current tactical success that is disproportionate to any real operational or strategic benefit they can expect.
After the end of the battle for Severodonetsk, regardless of its consequences, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will have the opportunity to continue the counter-offensive at the operational level. This is stated in the summary of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for May 28.
“Putin is now throwing people and ammunition at the last remaining major population center in the area, Severodonetsk, as if taking it would win the war for the Kremlin. He was wrong. When the battle for Severodonetsk is over that, on either side of the city, the Russian offensive at the operational and strategic level is likely to end, giving Ukraine the opportunity to renew its counter-offensive at the operational level to push back Russian forces.
The ISW acknowledges the possibility of Russian troops capturing the city and winning a tactical victory, but note that such a result is not guaranteed – Russian attacks could be stopped again.
“The Russians are paying a price for their current tactical success that is disproportionate to any real operational or strategic benefit they can expect,” ISW said.
Analysts explained the importance of Severodonetsk for Moscow by the fact that its acquisition would make it possible to declare that Russia fully controls the Luhansk region.
However, according to the ISW, it will not give Russia any other significant military or economic benefits.
Moreover, the battle for Severodonetsk is likely to prevent the continuation of Russia’s large -scale offensive operations in another direction.
“The Ukrainian defenders inflicted terrible losses on the Russian attackers in the Severodonetsk area. Moscow could not regain a large amount of defensive power, even if it captured Severdonetsk, because this power was recklessly spent in the fight to take over the city, ”believes the ISW.
The Institute also noticed a decline in the professionalism of Russian officials and the morale of the military.
Meanwhile, the head of the city’s military-civilian administration, Oleksandr Stryuk, said in the telethon air that there were fighting outside the city, but Severodonetsk remained under Ukrainian control. The Armed Forces took a tough defensive position.
Recall, a day earlier it was learned that the enemy had occupied almost the entire perimeter of Severodonetsk. However, soon the head of the Lugansk OVA, Sergei Gaidai, reported that the Russians had retreated to the Severodonetsk area.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.