Military expert Zgurets explains why Ukrainian troops may withdraw from Verbove area

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"When we talk about Robotyne and Verbove, the southern front, the enemy did advance northwest from Verbove. But we have to understand that we are talking about an area about 8 kilometers wide and 6 kilometers deep. This area was formed as a result of Ukraine's offensive last year. Now it is quite difficult to hold this area. I think that Ukrainian military leadership needs to make a logical decision to withdraw troops from this area in order to level the front line and get out of the lowlands," Zgurets said.

According to the military expert, the area near Robotyne and Verbove is currently being shelled from all flanks, which significantly complicates the Ukrainian Armed Forces' defense.

"I understand the political burden of this decision. A lot of effort was put into moving in this direction, but it was one element of an offensive campaign among many. Now the offensive has stopped and we are moving to defense. Holding this difficult area does not look quite rational. But this is just my guess," Zgurets added. 

• Russian military command is likely to form reserves that will conduct large-scale assaults on Ukrainian positions at the front.