Russia's goal to reach Donetsk and Luhansk borders by January 20 is unrealistic, says military analyst

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Indeed, it would be logical for the Russians to attempt to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions by January 20. Specifically, to capture Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Velyka Novosilka, and Kurakhove, directing all efforts toward Pokrovsk and trying to seize the city before Trump’s inauguration. However, this scenario is entirely unrealistic. It’s important to understand that Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Velyka Novosilka serve as flanks for Pokrovsk. For the Russians, these are auxiliary directions for capturing Pokrovsk. Taking them by January 20, in my opinion, is simply impossible. Moreover, in recent days, Ukrainian units have conducted successful assault operations against the Russians in Chasiv Yar. A similar situation is observed south of Ivanivske towards Klishchiivka," explained Pekhnio.

The analyst noted that the situation in the Toretsk direction, particularly in Chasiv Yar, remains highly dynamic. However, breaking the resistance of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the near future is unlikely for Russian troops.

"In Toretsk, countermeasures by Ukrainian forces were also observed, although later there were reports of some Russian advances. Thus, the situation in these two settlements is indeed very dynamic. However, the likelihood of the Russians breaking the Ukrainian Defense Forces' resistance on these fronts is highly doubtful. As for the southern flank near Pokrovsk - Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka - the likelihood of the Russians capturing these settlements by January 20 is quite significant," he added.

• On December 24, the American Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian leader Vladimir Putin seems to have tasked the military with focusing on securing territorial gains instead of capturing heavily populated areas.
• Since the start of December 25, 128 combat clashes have been reported at the front. The Russian army launched 35 attacks on Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk sector.
• On December 27, the General Staff reported that 171 combat clashes were recorded on the Russo-Ukrainian front during the previous day, December 26. Ukrainian defenders repelled 42 attacks in the Pokrovsk sector.