Luhansk recapture is reminiscent of Kharkiv offensive - military expert Kovalenko

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The Ukrainian Armed Forces can de-occupy Kreminna without eliminating the threat to Bilohorivka. Since Bilohorivka should be considered a starting point for the liberation of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk. In turn, Kreminna will play a completely different role in the theater of hostilities. In particular, the liberation of Kreminna will damage the Russian logistics system in eastern Ukraine and open the way for recapturing the entire Luhansk region," Kovalenko explained.

The expert believes that in the case of success near Kreminna, the Armed Forces of Ukraine can open the way to Luhansk.

"The ideal scenario for the development of events would, of course, be a counteroffensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in all directions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In particular, starting from Bilohorivka in the direction of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, and from Kreminna in the direction of Rubizhne. Thus, the Armed Forces of Ukraine may advance enough to open the way to Luhansk", Kovalenko said.

The expert also emphasized that the recapture of the Luhansk region may unfold similarly to the operation to de-occupy the Kharkiv region.

Russian troops are trying to advance in the direction of Bilohorivka in order to prevent a counteroffensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, I believe that in this way the scenario of the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberating the Kharkiv region is being repeated.  They are trying to expand their security buffer, as was the case from Balaklia in the direction of Husarivka. However, how it all ended, especially for Balaklia, we all know very well.  Therefore, it is quite likely that the liberation of the Luhansk region will be similar to the operation in the Kharkiv region," he added.

• On December 21, the head of the Luhansk regional military administration, Serhiy Haidai, reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Luhansk region, despite Russian forces' resistance, gained military successes in the area from Svatove to Kreminna.