Russian forces may leave Bakhmut as they are driven in stalemate – military expert Svitan

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"From Popasna towards Sloviansk and to the borders of the Donetsk region, there are at least three or four defense lines of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These defense lines are even more powerful than the defense line located near Bakhmut. Russians will not be able to reach the borders of the Donetsk region in their lifetime," emphasized Svitan.

According to the military expert, General Oleksandt Syrskyi, the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces, has driven the Russians into a stalemate in the Bakhmut direction.

"The question arises as to what Russians are doing in the area of Bakhmut. This issue is already being discussed by the Russian leadership. Based on the situation into which General Syrskyi has driven them, Russians may decide to retreat. To the line of defense that existed before the start of the Russian offensive, beyond Popasna. General Syrsky is a good strategist. He has driven Russians into a stalemate from which it is impossible to get out with advantages," Svitan emphasized.

Military expert Roman Svitan also added that Russians have already lost about 100,000 soldiers in the Bakhmut direction. Of these, 20,000 were killed and 80,000 wounded. Russian forces will have to withdraw from Bakhmut.

• On April 21, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said that he was now working in the area of responsibility of the Eastern Grouping of Forces.

• On May 2, during his visit to the Bakhmut direction, the Commander of the Land Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said that he would continue to conduct a defensive operation and deter Russian troops in the east.