Cutting off Donetsk could take only days with a political decision, claims military expert
Read also: Ukraine’s counteroffensive has already started - opinion
“There are at least two plans of action for Donetsk that have been available since 2014,” Svitan revealed.
“Moreover, they could be used together and have been kept by the General Staff for ten years.”
According to the military expert, one of these plans could work.
He explained that the first plan involves the Ukrainian military cutting off Donetsk from Makiivka, moving from under Avdiivka along the bypass road around Donetsk, and further towards Laryne and Mospyne. Simultaneously, Ukrainian military should move from Mariinka along the same road, but this time to the north.
“These so-called ‘small forceps’ can be used at any time,” Svitan said.
“Why are we holding onto these two bridgeheads in the Donetsk area – Mariinka and Avdiivka? Why are the Russians constantly trying to cut off these two bridgeheads? They understand perfectly well (since 2014) that if there are sufficient forces, means, and orders, then the Ukrainian military will carry out this task. And after cutting off Donetsk from Makiivka – the severance of the Donetsk-Makiivka conurbation.”
Taking this route would allow Ukraine to destroy the Russian forces deployed in Donetsk, Svitan claimed.
Read also: Russians still failing to surround Avdiivka almost one year on, says governor
“[The Russians] understand this perfectly well too,” he said.
“In other words, the task of cutting off Donetsk can be accomplished. By the way, in a matter of days.”
The military expert also revealed information about a second plan for liberating Donetsk that has been in existence since 2014.
“This is an assault on the Trudivske heights, cutting off Petrivka, cutting off the Trudivske heights from Donetsk,” he explained.
“The Trudivske heights are elevations above Donetsk. (You can) practically (see) the whole of Donetsk on the palm of your hand there. It is near Mariinka, i.e. the west of Donetsk. Entry there is also possible with the help of a certain number of troops. We have them.”
He also added that the issue now is a “political decision” since in the event of the liberation of Donetsk, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will cross the “border” that existed before Feb. 24, 2022, according to Minsk-2 agreements, which they have not crossed since the full-scale invasion by Russia.
Read also: Russia loses about two companies per day near Avdiivka and Mariinka, reports Ukrainian military
“From a military point of view, it can be done, the political issue is up to the political leadership,” the military expert concluded.
Earlier, the commander of the Tavria operational-strategic grouping of troops, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, reported that on May 2, the Ukrainian Armed Forces eliminated nearly two full Russian companies on the Avdiivka and Mariinka axes.
On the same day, the Head of the Center for Military and Legal Studies, Oleksandr Musiyenko, stated on Radio NV that Avdiivka and Mariinka, near Bakhmut, are the hottest spots on the front.
Read also: Mustafa Nayyem on Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild after the war – interview
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
