By Roman Burko
Since the 4th of August report was published in the evening, no dramatic changes have occurred in the period since its publication. However there are some updates and additions.
Donetsk Oblast
As it became known late last night, terrorists attacked the “Azov” and ”Shakhtarsk” battalions that were heading to liberate Donetsk. It was no surprise at all, considering the militants’ fortifications in that area, but the strange thing is nothing came flying from the rear side, for instance from Amvrosiyivka area, which is considered significant. Also the counterstrike towards Mariupol we mentioned yesterday still remains a danger.
The information regarding the liberation of Yasynovata was not confirmed. This is why in our view it is still early to start cleaning-up Donetsk until the issue of the complete blocking occurs of highways of Н21, Yasynovata, Enakiyevo, Zahures, Makiyivka and Khartsyzk. Wonder why? Because control over these towns lets the militants regroup and attack the ATO forces in unexpected areas.
This leads us to repeat our earlier comment on ATO strategy: the problem of our rear areas is well known for everybody, except for the ATO authorities. We would like to remind you that frequently in the course of fighting the terrorists let the ATO forces pass through into the occupied territories and then attack from the rear. The frontal fight tactics fail to work and the race of planting flags over the administrative buildings brings a nasty surprise.
At the same time we can not understand the logic behind sending squadrons of the territorial defense to capture towns. Why not conduct massive artillery shellings prior to the offensive on the militant’s fortification? What is the task of squadrons of the territorial defense? Sorry but these are rhetorical questions ….
Returning to Horlivka, as mentioned earlier, the militants performed a regrouping there. Besides, they got a new field commander. Local people say that they are seeing this “big shot” for the first time.
Considering the observed activities of militants, the possibility of a counter-strike towards Debaltseve still remains quite real. This would allow terrorists the chance to besiege Ukrainian forces in the area of Shakhtarsk as well as to attack the forces attempting to liberate Pervomaisk from the rear.
As for Savur-Mohyla, after the Chief of General Staff (CHOD) paraded on a tank there, the site was abandoned by our forces. This was caused by a number of counter strikes by terrorists from Snizhne and Miusinsk. In order to hold the hill the nearby settlements need to been cleared of terrorists. Now the clearing operation of these nearby settlements is in process.
Luhansk Oblast
After the counter strike on ATO forces in the area of Chervonpartyznask, our troops had to leave the holding line. But it would be quite wrong for someone to say something bad, to accuse the soldiers and their commanders. According to the information of our military group, the enemy gathered around 100 units of military machines, including tanks, armoured combat vehicles and artillery pieces. That why the retreat of our troops from that area was the only right and possible decision at that moment aiming to save the detachment. The question as for why the terrorists’ forces in the above mentioned towns have not been eliminated should be addressed to someone else.
The offensive to surround Luhansk from the North is also continuing. That is the only site where the Ukrainian forces managed to achieve a little success. There are also some other positive points but we think it is better to hold this information about them for the time being.
As for the Russian motor convoys on the border, constant shelling, RPA flights over the Ukrainian territory, and provocations, we will not say anything. Everything is clear anyway. This is the war with Russia.
P.S: We think that constructive criticism (of our military leadership) is always better than sweet speeches about unrealized victories. Our goal is to be as objective as possible in the situation when you can neither underestimate the enemy nor overestimate your own strengths. The truth is on the Ukrainian side however bitter it may be, but it is exactly this point that helps to cement the foundation for new victories in the war of liberation for the freedom and honor of Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to its heroes!
[hr] Source: burkonews.info, Translated by Roman Vlasov, edited by Larry Field, edited by Myron Spolsky
