"JPCE Watchdog News with Jared W. Campbell: Crisis in Donbas – The Collapse of Ukrainian Defenses"
Introduction:
As we delve into the unfolding crisis in Donbas, where the Ukrainian defense lines have crumbled under intense Russian advances, the urgency of the situation becomes palpable. The rapid fall of key cities and the growing outcry against President Zelensky underscore the critical developments threatening Ukraine's position in this brutal conflict.
Complete Collapse of Ukrainian Defense: The Ukrainian front in Donbas is reported to have collapsed, leading to significant Russian advances. The Ukrainian defense lines have broken down, particularly in the direction of Pokrovsk, forcing Ukrainian troops to retreat.
Russian Advances: The Russian Army is advancing at an average speed of 3 km per day, capturing or entering key cities like Mirnograd, Novogrodovka, Karlovka, and Selindovo. Russian forces are reportedly approaching the center of Selindovo and the southeastern suburbs of Mirnograd, indicating rapid territorial gains.
Strategic Losses for Ukraine: Ukrainian sources are deeply concerned about losing critical Ukrainian cities like Toretsk, Chasov Yar, Pokrovsk, and Volendar. The capture of these areas threatens Ukraine's supply lines and its overall strategic position in the Donbas. Outcry Against Zelensky: The rapid collapse of defenses has sparked criticism against President Zelensky from various quarters, including the military and political analysts. The decision to redeploy troops to the Kursk operation is blamed for weakening Ukraine's defense in Donbas, leading to the current situation.
Implications for Ukrainian Forces: The loss of critical strategic points like Pokrovsk is a severe blow to the Ukrainian military's ability to hold the region. The ongoing Russian advancements pose a significant threat, potentially leading to further losses. Desperation and Evacuations: There are reports of mass evacuations from strategically essential cities like Pokrovsk, and the situation is described as rapidly deteriorating, with Ukrainian forces retreating under pressure.
This situation underscores the challenges faced by Ukraine in maintaining its defense in the face of sustained Russian offensives in Donbas. The consequences could be far-reaching, both militarily and politically.
Intense Fighting in Pokrovsk: Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Sirsky reported that fierce battles are taking place in Pokrovsk, with Russian forces intensifying their attacks to break through Ukrainian defenses.
Russian Advances: Russian forces have reportedly captured two settlements in eastern Ukraine: Stelmakhivka in Luhansk province and Mykolayfka in Donetsk province, according to Russian news agencies citing the Ministry of Defense.
Ukrainian Defense Efforts: The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that Ukrainian forces are actively repelling attacks in the Stelmakhivka area, indicating ongoing resistance despite Russian advances.
Urgent Call for Military Aid: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba urged EU allies to accelerate the delivery of promised military aid, particularly air defense systems, highlighting the urgency of strengthening Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
Use of Unorthodox Methods: Sirsky emphasized that Ukraine is employing unconventional tactics to bolster its positions in response to the intense Russian pressure.
These points underscore the critical situation on the eastern front, with both sides engaged in heavy combat and Ukraine seeking rapid military support from its allies.
Capture of Konstantinovka: The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the capture of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region, a significant development in the ongoing conflict and a potential setback for Ukrainian forces.
These cities, including Konstantinovka, are crucial to the Ukrainian military's regional defense, underscoring the strategic importance of these 'fortress cities. 'The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (IWS) warns that losing Druzhkivka and Konstantinovka would be a significant operational setback for Ukraine, potentially challenging to reverse, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Pressure on Pokrovsk: The capture of Konstantinovka is likely to increase pressure on Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk, another critical city under heavy Russian attack. This could lead to the fortified Ukrainian positions of Chasiv Yar and the second Konstantinovka, potentially altering the dynamics of the conflict.
Forced Evacuations: In response to the escalating situation, Ukrainian authorities have begun the forced evacuation of Pokrovsk, indicating the severity of the Russian offensive.
Continued Russian Advances: The capture of Konstantinovka follows the recent Russian capture of two other villages, Stelmakhivka in Luhansk province and Mykolayfka in Donetsk province. These advances mark a significant progression in the conflict, with Russian forces gaining more ground in eastern Ukraine.
Fierce Fighting and Heavy Losses: The Ukrainian military reports intense fighting in this region, with both sides suffering heavy losses in personnel and equipment.
Ukrainian Counter-Strategy: The recent attack on Kursk aimed to draw Russian forces away from eastern Ukraine, but the effectiveness of this strategy remains to be determined. However, it has reportedly eased pressure on the northeastern front near Kharkiv.
These points highlight the escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine, with significant territorial gains by Russian forces and increasing challenges for Ukrainian defenses.
Poroshenko's Warning on Pokrovsk: Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko emphasized the strategic importance of Pokrovsk, stating that the fate of the current conflict could be decided there, urging Kyiv to prioritize strengthening the front line in Donbas over operations in Kursk.
Urgency for Reinforcement: Poroshenko highlighted the lack of fortifications and supplies in Donbas, particularly in Pokrovsk, and stressed the need for urgent action to support Ukrainian forces in the region.
Visit to Pokrovsk: Poroshenko personally visited Pokrovsk, bringing drones to support Ukrainian army units and underscoring his commitment to reinforcing this critical area.
Criticism of Kyiv's Strategy: Poroshenko criticized the Ukrainian government's focus on the Kursk operation, arguing that it has diverted attention and resources away from more crucial fronts, such as Donbas.
Russian Advancements Toward Pokrovsk: Despite Ukrainian efforts, Russian forces have continued to advance toward Pokrovsk, with troops already in Selindovo, approximately 18 kilometers southeast of the city.
Strategic Importance of Pokrovsk: Pokrovsk is described as a critical rail and road hub, vital for maintaining Ukraine's presence in Donbas, making it a focal point in the ongoing conflict.
These points highlight Poroshenko's concerns about the current Ukrainian military strategy and the critical situation in Pokrovsk as Russian forces advance.
Secret Meeting in Germany: Ukraine's Ground Forces Commander, Alexander Pavlyuk, reportedly met with ground force commanders from 35 NATO countries, primarily European, in a closed-door meeting in Dresden, Germany.
Dates and Security: The meeting lasted from August 27 to 29 and was held under heightened security. Participants were instructed not to share details on social networks to prevent espionage.
Invitation by German Military: The event was organized at the invitation of Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, the Chief of Staff of the German Army.
US Representation: The United States was represented by Darryl Williams, Commander of the US Army Europe and Africa.
Military Equipment Display: The meeting featured the latest German military equipment, including the €18 million Skyranger air defense system and the €10 million RCH-155 unmanned howitzer.
Future Deliveries to Ukraine: Ukraine is expected to receive 54 RCH-155 howitzers by 2025.
These points highlight the meeting's significance in the context of ongoing military cooperation and the potential strengthening of Ukraine's defense capabilities.
No US Aircraft Carrier in the Pacific: For the first time in decades, the US Navy has no aircraft carrier stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, a critical area amid rising tensions with China over disputed territories in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
Reassignment to the Middle East: In response to potential conflict with Iran, the USS Abraham Lincoln was ordered to move from the Pacific to the Middle East. Similarly, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, another Pacific-based carrier, was also sent to the Middle East. Both airlines are now in the Gulf of Oman.
Absence Since 2001: This is the first time since 2001 that the US has been without an aircraft carrier in the Indo-Pacific. The last similar instance was when the USS Kitty Hawk was redeployed from Japan to the Persian Gulf.
Limited Pacific Presence: Other carriers typically stationed in the Pacific, such as the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, are currently docked on the US West Coast, with the Reagan in Bremerton, Washington, and the Vinson in San Diego.
USS George Washington's Movement: The USS George Washington is en route to Japan but will not arrive until the following month, leaving a temporary gap in the US carrier's presence.
Potential Strategic Risks: Retired Navy Capt. Jim Fanell highlighted the danger of this situation, noting that the absence of an aircraft carrier group in the Pacific has been unprecedented since 2001 and could pose significant risks, particularly given the current geopolitical tensions with China.
These points underscore the strategic implications of the US Navy's current deployment decisions, particularly about the security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Construction of Military Base: Lithuania has started building a military base between Russia's Kaliningrad region and Belarus, signaling a strategic move by NATO.
German Troop Deployment: The base will host German troops, marking the first permanent deployment of German forces on foreign soil since the end of World War II. The deployment was agreed upon in December 2023 between the German and Lithuanian defense ministers.
Proximity to Belarus: The base will be approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Belarusian border, a significant position given the ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia.
Troop Strength and Composition: By 2027, the facility will house 4,800 combat-ready troops, including heavy weaponry and support infrastructure. The 42nd Armored Brigade will include two German-only combat battalions (an armored and heavy infantry battalion) and one multinational battalion.
Strategic Leadership in NATO: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described this development as an opportunity for Germany to "take leadership" within NATO, reinforcing the alliance's presence in Eastern Europe.
Deterrent Against Russia: Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas stated that the presence of the German brigade would reassure the Lithuanian population and serve as a deterrent to Russia.
These points highlight the increasing NATO presence and pressure on Russia, particularly in the strategically sensitive areas of Kaliningrad and Belarus, with significant historical implications for European military deployments.
Link to Full Report: www.howiseeit.info
In Christ, love Jared W Campbell
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