Kremlin warns potential loss of numerous soldiers in combat circumstances
Advancements in the Charkiw region by the Russian forces initially appeared promising, but eventually stagnated, potentially leading to disastrous outcomes. Social media posts suggest that numerous Russians are trapped in Wowschansk, with repeated attempts to liberate them proving fruitless.
The situation close to the metropolitan Charkiw is chaotic, yet indications are growing that Ukrainian forces have not merely halted the Russian offensive in Wowschansk, but might even inflict substantial damage on the Russian invaders: rumors of encircling and surrendering enemy soldiers are circulating.
When the Russian troops launched another front in northeastern Ukraine in May, they made quick progress initially, capturing numerous villages near Charkiw and advancing into the outskirts of the small town of Wowschansk. They even managed to secure control of various streets in the town of approximately 19,000 residents. Had they fully conquered Wowschansk, they would have had a solid foundation to expand into the surrounding region.
The possibility of an attack towards the region's namesake city, Charkiw, was considered. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged caution and denied such intentions. Instead, he claimed they aimed to create a buffer zone. Yet, it seems ominous for Moscow that this plan might result in a bloody disaster.
The "Telegraph" reported on Friday, citing the 3rd Ukrainian Assault Brigade, that 24 Russian soldiers had been captured. A video is said to show these men emerging from a trench with their hands up, surrounded by Ukrainian soldiers. As per the "Kyiv Post," this is a testament to a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive in Wowschansk. The Chortizija regional command had announced a week prior that 60 soldiers from the Russian offensive troops had been taken prisoner.
unconfirmed reports claim that the situation has worsened again. Russian military bloggers report that a sizable group of Russian soldiers has been isolated from the remaining troops in Wowschansk - and for days. They are said to have taken refuge on the grounds of a destroyed gravel pit in the southern part of the town. Ukrainian sources suggest that there are around 400 men in social media, though this cannot be verified, with a Russian journalist also allegedly mentioning the number.
Relief efforts by the Russians fall short
According to unconfirmed reports, the Russian soldiers have made several attempts in the past few days to re-establish contact with the trapped combatants. However, all these efforts are said to have been unsuccessful. Ukrainian sources believe that the siege will eventually force the Russian soldiers to surrender, as they do not wish to perish in a massacre.
It is uncertain whether the situation is as dire as described. According to Russian military bloggers, the situation does not look favorable at least. This is partially due to the fact that Ukrainian forces are able to shoot down a substantial number of Russian reconnaissance drones. Consequently, the Russians are forced to fight in two dimensions, while the Ukrainians can utilize the third dimension "air" for attacks, as mentioned by a Russian military blogger on Telegram.
Some Social Media accounts predict that the tide might be turning at the new front in northeastern Ukraine, as the first munition supplies from Western countries are said to have arrived in the region. This could be significant because Russian units initially made swift progress in the Charkiw region due to Ukraine's lack of fighters and ammunition, particularly for its air defense. Western countries have been trying to increase their production capabilities and procure munitions worldwide to send to Ukraine since months. Whether or not these supplies have actually arrived, and if they reached the Charkiw region, remains unconfirmed.
Read also:
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims of creating a buffer zone, the Russian soldiers trapped in the destroyed gravel pit in Wowschansk, Kharkiv, continue to face difficulties. The Ukrainian forces have reportedly shot down several Russian reconnaissance drones, limiting the Russians to fighting in two dimensions, while Ukrainian forces can utilize the third dimension for attacks.
The siege in Wowschansk has led to unconfirmed reports suggesting that the Russian soldiers may be forced to surrender due to the lack of supplies and intensity of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, a stark contrast to Russia's initial advancement in the Charkiv region.
