Posted on 03/21/2023 2:39:50 PM PDT by delta7
On 20 March 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin officially announced that 70% of the town of Bakhmut (Artiomovsk) was under the control of Wagner’s fighters. At the same time, Russian forces near Avdeyevka have taken control of Krasnogorovka and Petrovskoye (Stepovoye) to the north of the city, and are already attacking the south-western outskirts of the town.
In a letter officially addressed to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Prigozhin announced that 70% of Bakhmut (Artiomovsk) is now under the control of the “musicians”.
While the city is already in a state of operational encirclement, but not yet complete physical encirclement, reports from the field indicate intense fighting near the highway connecting Bakhmut (Artiomovsk) to Konstantinovka (towards the southwest of the city). Residents of Konstantinovka report hearing the sound of small arms and heavy weapons. Huge columns of smoke are also visible on the outskirts of Konstantinovka, and armoured vehicles of the Ukrainian armed forces are on fire.
Map of 15 March 2022 (since the front line has moved). Source: Rybar
On the only ‘road’ allowing them to enter and exit Bakhmut (in fact a simple dirt road, completely muddy at the moment because of the thaw), the Ukrainian vehicle columns are regularly hit by Wagner’s artillery fire.
Wagner’s fighters also continue to fight in the area of the village of Orekhovo-Vassilievka (north-west of Bakhmut) and the village of Khromovo (to the west). The fighting is intense, with the Ukrainians counter-attacking and constantly trying to retake the positions occupied by Wagner.
In Bakhmut (Artyomovsk) itself, Wagner fighters are assaulting the area of the non-ferrous metal factory (to the north), with most of the enterprise under the control of the “musicians”. In the city centre, fighting is closing in on the Bakhmut (Artiomovsk) administration, which is now less than 500m from Wagner’s positions.
In the south-western part of Bakhmut (Artiomovsk), assaults are taking place near Chaikovsky and Korsunsky streets. There is also fighting near the village of Ivanovskoye (Krasnoye). The Ukrainians are gathering forces and equipment in Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
As Yevgeny Prigozhin reported, the enemy was preparing a counter-offensive. The plan seems to be to cut off Wagner’s units from other units of the Russian forces towards the junction between Gorlovka and Bakhmut (Artiomovsk). Prigozhin has asked Shoigu to do everything possible to prevent such a scenario.
But the Ukrainian army faces another urgent problem. While all attention was focused on Bakhmut (Artiomovsk), Russian forces took Krasnogorovka, north of Avdeyevka on 16 March 2023, having gained a foothold on the eastern outskirts of the village four days earlier.
On the morning of 20 March 2023, the complete clearance of Krasnogorovka was announced, as well as the capture of the village of Kamenka under Russian control. The operation was carried out mainly by DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic) troops, who know the terrain well.
Map of the situation in Avdeyevka on 20 March 2023. Source: Rybar
The capture of Krasnogorovka paved the way for an assault on the village of Petrovskoye (Stepovoye) through which the Avdeyevka-Prokrovsk railway passes. The capture of this village by Russian forces was announced this afternoon, depriving the Ukrainian garrison stationed in Avdeyevka of supplies by rail. Russian forces are continuing the assault further west, against the village of Berdytchi, gradually enclosing Avdeyevka in a cauldron (encirclement) similar to that of Bakhmut, and are already attacking the south-western outskirts of the town.
The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces in Avdeyevka are significant. Since the beginning of March 2023 alone, Ukrainian units stationed in this area have lost 40% of their strength, according to analyst Yuri Podoliaka.
If the Russian forces manage to take Tonenkoye and then Orlovka, located to the west of Avdeyevka, the cauldron will close in on the city. It should be remembered that it is mainly from Avdeyevka and its surroundings that the Ukrainian army is shelling the centre and north of Donetsk, as well as the town of Makeyevka and Yassinovataya.
The situation in Avdeyevka seems to be considered serious enough by Kiev, that the Ukrainian authorities have called today for the inhabitants to evacuate the city.
Christelle Néant Translation: Яннис В.Зброек for Donbass Insider
Very few here admit when wrong
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Much like the ones who took Biden’s vax, “ safe and effective “. Time is beginning to tell a horror story about those dangerous jabs. Time to will tell a story about Senile Joe’s Ukie war.
Nothing, absolutely nothing good comes from supporting anything senile Joe supports.
One’s a metaphor; the other is fact. It is FACT that you are a liar.
Get it, son?
The point is that whatever number is cited, its much greater than ZERO, and should answer your dopey statement about ‘no one’ wanting to immigrate there.
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