Although Ukraine’s counter-offensive is progressing “slower than expected”, the progress made is important, according to Wijninga. Especially if there are still Russian soldiers in Bachmoet. Furthermore, the city’s capture opens the way to eastern Ukraine, allowing for further moves towards Luhansk and Donetsk to recapture those areas, Wijninga points out.
Gear
It is not clear whether Bachmut’s reconquest could also lead to an acceleration of the offensive. That depends on the goals of the Ukrainian military, Wijninga says. Operations are also underway near Zaporizhia and on the border with Donetsk province. The battle there is slow, but if a breakthrough can be forced, there is a possibility that the mainstay of the Ukrainian offensive will also be there, Wijninga suspects.
With Ukraine’s slow but steady progress, it would make sense for Russia to become increasingly concerned. “I think they’ve been worried about it for a long time,” Wijninga explains. “But of course they don’t like to show it. They don’t want to create a weak image, either for their own people or for the West.” This is evidenced, inter alia, by the continued threat of nuclear weapons and the recent statements by Russian President Putin on Ukraine’s plans to join NATO.
‘It’s bad keep up appearances‘ says Wijninga, because it is clear that relations within the Russian army command are not good. “He’s brewing on the Russian side.”
Cluster munitions
Ukraine has now received the promised cluster munitions from the United States. Although its use is only a matter of time, this weapon is still a matter of controversy. However, Wijninga understands why Ukraine wants to use him.
“If we were in their situation, we’d probably think very differently,” says Wijninga. He points out that Ukraine is fighting a life-and-death struggle against a country with great supremacy. “Then you need weapons that can make a big impact, and that’s possible with cluster munitions.”
Live Blog | Day 506 of the war in Ukraine
A cluster bomb explosion releases all kinds of smaller bombs, some of which may even remain intact. That is why Ukraine has stated that it will not use this weapon in populated areas and only against Russian soldiers. According to Wijninga, more results can be achieved with this than with artillery bombardments.