19FortyFive: Battle of Donbas: A Massive Tank War Could Decide Ukraine’s Fate
Russia and Ukraine appear to be in the final stages of preparation to fight the Battle of Donbas, in what is shaping up to be the biggest tank battle in Europe since the decisive Battle of Kursk in World War II.
The stakes for both Moscow and Kyiv couldn’t be higher.
The course of the entire war could hinge on the outcome in the Donbas. On February 24, Russian forces invaded Ukraine on four major axes of advance, near Kyiv, Kharkiv, the Donbas, and up through the Crimea.
In spreading their limited numbers of troops, Russia’s military leadership violated one of the oldest principles of war: mass. Instead of designating a primary objective and allocating the bulk of their combat power to seizing that objective, they dispersed their forces so widely that Ukraine’s defenders were able to repulse all four axes.
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WNU Editor: The Pentagon is saying the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine has yet to be launched .... Russia refocusing on Donbas but no offensive yet: Pentagon (France 24). But the expectation is that once it starts, it is going to be devastating .... Defense Official Says Conflict in Ukraine's Donbas Region Could Be 'Knife Fight' (US Department of Defense).
Ukraine And Russia Prepare For Donbas Battle
Military briefing: Ukraine and Russia prepare for defining Donbas battle -- Irish Times
Ukraine expects Russian assault soon in east -- Reuters Bridges blown up as Ukraine braces for Donbas assault -- AFP
Ukraine continues to fight as Russia boosts firepower in the east -- AP
13 km long Russian military convoy approaching Ukraine’s Donbas, satellite photos show -- Global News
Putin planning to double or treble Russian military forces in Donbas region, West believes -- The Independent
Russia Launches New Attacks in Eastern Ukraine -- VOA
Zelenskyy: Russia likely to attack Kyiv again if Donbas falls -- Al Jazeera
Interview: How Can Ukraine Prepare For a New Fight Against Russia In The Donbas? -- RFE