Ukraine army chief admits battlefield situation 'worsened'
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Russia possesses "a significant advantage in forces and means," allowing them to make advances amid "heavy fighting," Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said.
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Ukrainian servicemen from Code 9.2 unit unloaded ammunition from Humvee at the frontline positions, few kilometres from Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP)
Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, acknowledged on Sunday that Kiev's battlefield position has worsened after Russian forces captured another village in the east.
In a Facebook post, Syrsky stated, "The situation at the front has worsened," while also recognizing that Russia possesses "a significant advantage in forces and means," allowing them to make advances amid "heavy fighting."
Ukrainian forces have "retreated" to new lines in a section of the front that runs past the city of Donetsk. Syrsky added, "In some sectors, the enemy had tactical success, and in some areas, our troops managed to improve the tactical position."
This development occurs amidst Russia's ongoing advances in the Donetsk region as Kiev awaits much-needed US weapons and munitions promised earlier this month with the latest approval of an aid package for Kiev.
Read more: Russian forces continue to advance in Donbass, take villages
Despite recent US financial aid approval, Russia's gains have unveiled the urgent need for reinforcement as Ukraine faces increasingly difficult challenges on the front lines.
Earlier today, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces had captured the village of Novobakhmutivka in the eastern Donetsk region, located 10 kilometers (six miles) north of Avdiivka.
On the ground, soldiers initially tasked with constructing defensive lines found themselves facing a shifting reality. Instead of wielding shovels, they were instructed to wait for orders as the Russian forces launched attacks and made advancements, AFP reports.
Speaking anonymously, one soldier expressed the gravity of the situation by admitting: "The Russians are attacking and advancing."
Syrsky acknowledged Russia's tactical progress in the region but maintained that Moscow had not yet attained what he termed an "operational advantage."
He announced the deployment of additional units to replace those that had suffered heavy losses, indicating a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by the recent setbacks.
Read more: Many to question Zelensky's legitimacy 'very soon': Kremlin
Criticism from Ukraine's military bloggers underscores the gravity of the situation, with concerns raised about the vulnerabilities exposed by the Russian breakthrough near Ocherytne.
"The (Russian) breakthrough near Ocherytne revealed a number of problems," the Deep State Telegram channel, with close links to the Ukrainian army, said in a post on Wednesday.
