(The Russian army captured Lisichansk)
According to comprehensive reports from Global Network and other media, after the Russian army entered Lisichansk and the Ukrainian army was forced to retreat, both Moscow and Kiev confirmed that Lisichansk was captured. Russian military control, which also means that the entire Lugansk region is basically under Russian military control. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu personally reported to Putin and confirmed that the Ukrainian army suffered heavy losses - in just two weeks, the Ukrainian army lost more than 5,000 people on the Lisichansk battlefield. Putin proposed to commend the army and announced a new action plan - the combat troops in Luhansk should rest and restore combat effectiveness, while the Eastern and Western Group troops continue to perform operational tasks.
(Putin listened to Shoigu’s report)
Judging from Putin’s statement, the Russian military’s actions will continue in Ukraine. The "Luhansk People's Republic" armed forces that support the Russian army also stated that the battle line has turned to the Donetsk area. Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed that local cities such as Slavyansk have begun to face artillery fire from the Russian army. Lugansk Governor Gedayi, who is stationed in Kiev, claimed that Kramatorsk and other cities will be targeted by the Russian army in the future, and these cities are also the last strongholds of the Ukrainian army in the Donetsk region. If Russia If the army seizes these cities, the entire Donbass region will be controlled by the Russian army.
(Data map: Lisichansk location)
In addition, Western countries also speculate that the Russian army may advance in directions other than Donbas. The Russian army's intensified offensive against Kharkov has made Ukraine feel uneasy. Because this may mean that the Russian army is trying to capture Ukraine's second largest city. " Washington Post " also mentioned the concerns of the United States - some members of the U.S. Congress and American experts are analyzing the situation. They suspect that Ukraine may no longer be able to stop it, and the next situation will be even more one-sided. Good for Russia.
(Zelensky)
Of course, following the usual routine of Western countries, they will definitely continue to find excuses to find fault and badmouth Russia. For example, the "New York Times" claimed that the Russian military itself is also facing pressure and challenges, while CNN hyped Ukraine's "victory" on Snake Island . In fact, this is an isolated island that is difficult to defend. The Ukrainian army recently claimed to have planted the Ukrainian flag on Snake Island, but later clarified that it was only lifted up by helicopter. The Ukrainian army itself has not yet sent anyone to the island, because it is an easy target for the Russian army and there is no place to hide.
(The Ukrainian army’s public picture of bombing Snake Island)
Judging from the actual situation, Russia has concentrated its main force in Donbass to confront the Ukrainian army by shrinking the front lines in other directions, so that the Ukrainian army cannot resist it. And if Donbas is completely controlled by the Russian army, then Putin will have the right to speak. Russia can choose whether to fight or stop. Ukraine's situation will be very difficult. Donbas is actually a center of heavy industry, and Ukraine's economy relies heavily on it. If Donbas is completely lost, Ukraine will be even less confident in facing Russia. The defeat of the Ukrainian army was precisely due to these reasons - from Mariupol to Severodonetsk, and then to Lisichansk, the Ukrainian army's failure was like a "domino", and the Russian army faced more and more offensive resistance. Come smaller and smaller.
(Russian soldier)
Therefore, the "worry" of the United States still exists. After acquiring the entire Donbas in the future, Russia can consider where to capture the next step. And now Russia's thinking is very clear. If it doesn't want to fight, it won't fight. If it wants to fight, it will fight with confidence. According to the current situation, although Ukraine has obtained a large number of weapons from the United States and Europe, it is still a drop in the bucket. Even equipment such as the "Haimas" multiple rocket launcher has a very limited actual effect. If the situation continues, Ukraine will lose more than just the Donbas region.
