WSJ: Russia doubled attacks in Donbas after retreat from Kherson
< p class="news-text__announce">The loss of Kherson was a serious blow to the Russian Federation, but it also freed up about 20,000 Russian troops who could be transferred to other fronts, including the eastern part of the Donetsk region. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Ukraine is preparing for a new offensive in the Donbass, as troops from Kherson join the battle along with some of the 300,000 people recently mobilized in the Russian Federation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address that about 100 shellings were recorded in the Donetsk region on Friday alone. He noted that there was no easing of hostilities or respite.
The renewed focus on the eastern front dates back to Russia's actions after it was forced to retreat from the Kyiv region and northern Ukraine in March. Then the Russian Federation announced that it would focus on capturing the entire Donbass. This summer, after several weeks of intense artillery shelling, Russian troops occupied the cities of Severodonetsk and Lisichansk, and also took control of almost the entire Lugansk region.
However, the arrival of long-range precision-guided artillery from the US helped Ukrainian forces slow down the advance. With the onset of winter, military analysts suggest that the front lines may become more static again. Muddy and overcast weather in late autumn could hamper the use of vehicles and drones, and a lack of leaves could expose troops.
However, analysts believe the frozen ground and clearer skies in winter also can help forces with appropriate winter gear.
Russia has so far not declared its readiness to withdraw from Ukraine, and its renewed attempts to advance in the Donbass suggest that now the possibilities small for negotiations. Military analysts say that the commander of Russian forces in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, will be pressured to achieve results in the Donbass after the loss of Kherson by the Russians.
- On November 19, the Russians began shelling Kherson.
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