In recent days, Russian troops have made a sudden breakthrough in eastern Ukraine as Vladimir Putin seeks to gain an advantage on the battlefield ahead of talks with US President Donald Trump on Friday, claims The Wall Street Journal. This could strengthen Putin's position, who claims that Donetsk is part of Russia, and will insist on US recognition of Russian control over this and other areas during the summit.
Ukrainian military stated that they are striking back at small groups of Russian soldiers who broke through the first line of Ukrainian defense and bypassed the fortification belt that Ukraine has been building for several months. The main reason for both the offensive itself and the repulsion of the Russian army's pressure was the personnel shortage in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, lacking both infantry along the entire front line and a sufficient number of drone operators.
An officer from the 'Azov' brigade, serving in this area, told WSJ that the Russians found a gap in the Ukrainian lines this week after several weeks of probing attacks, and then used their huge reserves of manpower to break through the lines.
If Russian troops succeed, they will be able to put even more pressure on the cities still controlled by Kyiv in eastern Donetsk region, which is a key target for the Kremlin, the publication believes.
At the same time, WSJ emphasizes, the Russian offensive could strengthen Putin's position as he prepares for talks in Alaska this week. The Kremlin claims that Donetsk is part of Russia, and will insist on US recognition of Russian control over this and other areas during the summit.
Meanwhile, the publication emphasizes, holding and strengthening this section will be difficult for Russian troops, as they will be subjected to constant attacks on their unprotected flanks.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Syrsky, allocated additional forces to stop the Russian Armed Forces' offensive in the Pokrovsk direction to strengthen the defense with manpower.