Fighting in Bachmoet continues unabated, even though thousands of civilians and even children still live in the city. The question on everyone’s lips is why withdrawal is unthinkable for both sides. ‘Strategically there is no profit to be made.’
Defense specialist Patrick Bolder explains why both countries have no intention of ceasing their offensive: “In the case of Ukraine, that makes sense: as far more Russians are currently dying than Ukrainians, it certainly makes sense to try to hold the city as long as can. hold.’ Now seven Russians die for every Ukrainian who cannot be deployed elsewhere.Moreover, a lot of material is destroyed during the fighting, which is also an interesting by-product for the Ukrainian army.
Prestige battle
The Russians also refuse to withdraw, but not for strategic reasons. “It’s just about winning. By now the battle has escalated so much, and now that the battle still doesn’t seem won, they start pointing fingers at each other.’ In Russia it is argued that the city is instrumental in conquering the rest of Donbass. But according to Bolder, none of that is true. “Bachmut is not a strategic place for the Russians, but after months of fighting it has become part of a battle for prestige.”
“If Ukrainian children end up in the hands of Russians, they will probably be kidnapped and brainwashed.”
And the remaining civilians? In the case of children, Bolder takes a gloomy view. “I think the same scenario as in Kherson will play out: children will be kidnapped and brainwashed. They will be told that Ukraine has always belonged to Russia and that this situation is an aberration of history.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
