Russian offensive on the Donbas: an expert names the cities the enemy aims to capture before winter

Military expert Roman Svitan shared details about the potential development of the Russian offensive and what to expect on the frontlines in a comment to "24 Kanal."

According to Svitan, these are the directions where the occupiers will concentrate in the next few months, even under adverse weather conditions.

Currently, the occupiers are dangerously close to the city of Kurakhove in Donetsk region. According to Svitan, the Russians are pressuring the city from three sides: the north, west, and south.

"They dislodged our forces from Vuhledar and moved closer to Bohoyavlenka. This Kurakhove "pocket" is very dangerous for us. While there is no talk yet of an operational encirclement or control over logistical chains, the situation is becoming increasingly threatening," Svitan said.

Recently, Russian forces have significantly intensified their efforts in Bilohorivka, attempting to dislodge the Ukrainian garrison stationed there.

"This is very dangerous. Bilohorivka is practically the only settlement under Ukrainian control in Luhansk region after the loss of Makiivka," Svitan pointed out.

The military expert stressed that weather conditions will impact the situation on the front. For this reason, Russia is aiming to break through to key cities as quickly as possible, pushing Ukrainian troops into open fields.

"Why are they trying to enter Kurakhove now? If they remain in their current positions, the rains in the fields will become a problem. If we are caught in the open fields by the rains, it will also be problematic for us. That's why it's crucial for us to hold onto cities - urban areas are defendable, even in winter," Svitan explained.

Additionally, the Russians will try to capture Chasiv Yar before winter, as they understand that achieving this in winter will be nearly impossible.

According to Svitan, the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk-Druzhkivka agglomeration is effectively secure for the next six months, largely due to weather conditions that will prevent the Russians from approaching. However, serious challenges may arise in Toretsk, Kurakhove and the Bilohorivka area. 

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