Russia deploys all forces in Bakhmut direction, tries to surround city. Military expert Zgurets

The situation at the frontline

So, let's talk about the frontlines first. Even if British intelligence says that Russia is exhausting its offensive potential, I think it is better to rely on the assessments of the General Staff and the Land Forces Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Colonel General Syrskyi, who is in charge of the Khortytsia group, says that along the entire eastern front line, Russia is advancing, trying to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops. The fiercest fighting continues near Kreminna, Bilohorivka, Spirne, and Bakhmut remains the epicenter. Russian forces are fighting for the city, deploying all its forces and trying to break through the defense in several directions and surround the city. Fighting is taking place in the north, south and east parts of the city. Russia is suffering heavy losses and is once again rolling back without success. Ukraine also has losses, but much less. In some areas, its units have partial success.

Roman Kostenko, MP, Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, Colonel of the Security Service of Ukraine, noted that Zelenskyy, Zaluzhnyi and representatives of the Staff know the main scenarios. However, the situation is complicated. If Russia succeeds in any direction, it can close the city and roads for Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian forces must either retreat to prepared positions or launch a counteroffensive. Or take the initiative in another direction to force Russia to move reserves. Syrskyi says that Russia has amassed large reserves near Bakhmut. They are bringing them from Russia, and they have relocated most of them from the right bank of the Kherson region, strengthening their group. In the summer, the frontline was practically closed, because Russia had no forces. It withdrew from the Kherson bridgehead under pressure from the Ukrainian Armed Forces and concentrated in the east to gain some advantage. Ukrainian troops concentrated on Bakhmut because, from the Russian point of view, it turned into a political issue. The political interests of the forces that are already fighting within Russia converged there: Prigozhin, Gerasimov, Shoigu, Putin, Kadyrov. They are trying to win. Avdiivka is no less dangerous. Russian troops are trying to advance there. There are very serious battles in Marinka, but there is no such threat there. The town is a field for maneuver. And in Bakhmut, Russia has created a threat of encirclement. There are also serious battles in these areas, and it is trying to push Ukrainian troops back. Ukraine needs to be careful in all directions. Ukrainian paratroopers are in Marinka, and there are powerful brigades in Vuhledar and Avdiivka that are holding out. In Bakhmut, there are many different units, and it is probably difficult for them to interact. The frontline is starting to revive, the ground is drying up. Russian troops will try to use more equipment. However, Ukrainian forces will be able to conduct offensive or just active operations. Now it is reconnaissance by combat, each side will be looking for weaknesses where they can break through the defense and build on their success. There will be a D-Day time that will be used to gain successes in the spring and summer campaign.

Ways to improve the Ukrainian Armed Forces 

Many officers who graduated from the military department are now leading combat units, which includes psychology, tactics, and weapons skills. There are those who graduated from a civilian department, but show better results. It depends on the person, their abilities, and perception of war. Everyone has their own approach, but the Armed Forces must have a stable management system. Officers should be appointed based on their leadership qualities. We need to be very careful, because the Russian PSYOP is snatching up every phrase. Those who have also been in the trenches as soldiers and understand what it's like should lead at all levels. There must be a clear plan, training, and management system. When there are many units, if they are properly directed, they can repel any army. You can disrupt the interaction, throw each soldier in a separate direction, and it will be a pack that cannot fulfill a combat mission. This cannot be allowed. Interaction in war is one of the main factors. Officers need to be trained and adapted to combat operations. Sometimes we come to conclusions, sometimes we do not. This applies to training, combat operations, and defense. There is still work to be done.