“Ukraine keeps Bachmoet initiative”

Ukraine retains the initiative in the battle for the town of Bashmut. So says European journalist Geert Jan Hahn. “It’s very difficult to say that Ukraine is having great success there,” he says.

The fight for the city is taking place on another level, according to the Europe reporter. “You shouldn’t be looking at the number of square kilometers of ground gain, but rather the bigger game and plan.” Hahn mentions the statements of (former) generals. “They talk about tearing down the Russian operating system.”

Read also | Zelensky attributes late start of offensive to Westen

This image can be seen through the array from the Ukrainian side, Hahn notes. “Everything happens step by step. But you can also say: it goes thoughtfully. Bachmoet is a good example of how Ukraine can give the offensive a chance to succeed.

there are many russians

However, Russia’s strength is great on the other side of the front. “Ukraine certainly has the right positions, but there are so many Russians and they also throw a lot of reservations there.” Therefore, it can take a long time.

Ukrainian President Zelensky agrees that it takes a long time. He admitted earlier that the offense is going slower than he would like. Although he said progress had been made “in all directions”. The fact that the offensive started so late is mainly due to the West, Zelensky believes. He states that due to the slow delivery of weapons, the offensive could not begin earlier.