Russia throws tens of thousands into 'meat assaults' along eastern front – Syrskyi
Russian forces launched 619 assault operations in just four days along multiple strategic axes on the eastern front, losing more than 6,090 troops killed or wounded between March 17 and 20, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported.
Russian military command threw tens of thousands of soldiers into what he described as "meat assaults" across several strategic directions simultaneously, triggering fierce fighting along the entire contact line. Despite the intensity of the push, Russian command failed to achieve its objectives, according to Syrskyi.
The heaviest concentration of enemy attacks was recorded on the Pokrovsk and Oleksandrivka axes. The situation on the Kostiantynivka axis also remained severe, with Russian forces conducting 84 assault operations there alone. More than 150 combat engagements were recorded across the Ochеretyne, Lyman, and Kupyansk axes combined.
"In some sectors of the front, high-intensity fighting continues, but the enemy is being forced to regroup. The occupiers are attempting to bring up new units and are preparing to resume attacks, counting on deteriorating weather conditions which they believe will reduce the effectiveness of Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance, hinder our drone systems and degrade our artillery," Syrskyi said.
He also noted that Ukrainian forces had "seized the initiative" in certain sectors and are conducting active operations of their own, applying a strategy of active defense.
Military analytics project DeepState reported on Monday that Russian forces had advanced in Vovchansk, Synkivka and near Zaliznianske in Donetsk Oblast, according to its updated battlefield map.
Ukraine's Joint Forces grouping pushed back on the report, stating that information about advances in Kharkiv Oblast was inaccurate, and that Russian forces had attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses in Vovchansk but failed.