Two Ukrainian pilots are in the U.S. for training assessment on attack aircrafts, including F-16s
NBCDec 23, 2022
Day 376: Ukraine Preparing Counter-Attack in Zaporizhzhia, Pro-Russia Official Says
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Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Ukraine has amassed upwards of 30K troops in the Zaporizhzhia region in preparation for a spring counter-offensive, a pro-Russia official in the region claimed on Monday.
Vladimir Rogov, a Ukrainian who serves in Russia's administration of Zaporizhzhia — one of the four regions Russia claimed to have annexed last year — said: "If we speak about the numerical strength of militants along the engagement line ... there are a total of about 30-32K of them there." He added: "This obviously suggests that this [attempted offensive] will take place in late March, early April."
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Artyomovsk is a strategically significant transport hub and logistical center for the Ukrainian army. Ukraine's forces have already sustained huge losses — including several of their best brigades — fighting to keep control of the city and Moscow's forces now have the upper hand on the ground. Artyomovsk will be a key victory for Russia in the wider battle for control of the Donbass.
Anti-Russia narrative
Even if Russian forces do gain control of Bakhmut, it would not represent a decisive shift in the war. The development would be much more of a symbolic than strategic victory and, while Russia continues to funnel troops and resources into Bakhmut in the hope of being able to publicize some positive news about the invasion, Kyiv is making a more considered strategic assessment of its troops' position in view of the wider conflict.
