Withdraw or decide to keep a ‘dead’ city
The situation in the city of Sievierodonetsk resembles a question that Ukraine has had to answer since the beginning of the conflict, whether it wants to avoid short-term casualties or is willing to make a trade-off.
According to the New York Times, to enter Sievierodonetsk, Ukrainian soldiers had to cross the only remaining bridge, on which were scattered debris from cars that could not get out in time. In the past weeks, the city in the East Ukraine This is where both sides fight fiercely.
Now Kiev faces a strategic decision: Should it withdraw its troops from Sievierodonetsk in search of a better defensive area or risk being isolated if the bridge is destroyed.
In Sievierodonetsk, it seems that the decision was made after the statement of President Volodymyr Zelensky on 6/6. According to the head of Ukraine, even if Sievierodonetsk is reduced to a “dead city”, Kiev will still maintain its stance and not give in to the enemy.
“If we choose to withdraw our troops to focus on defending in areas with more favorable terrain, the losses right now will be very small. But if we want to regain control of Sievierodonetsk again, the price will be paid will be much higher. For that reason, we will not give up a single road in the city, even if the fighting continues to break out,” Zelensky said.
At the present time, every day the Ukrainian side loses 60-100 soldiers and about 500 people are injured, not to mention nearly 7,000 soldiers captured by the Russian side. In addition, the Interior Ministry of Ukraine estimated that 40,000 civilians were injured, although the actual number may be higher.
Despite the damage faced, Ukraine seems to have decided to make a trade-off. On June 7, Luhansk Governor Serhiy Haidai vowed “will not stop fighting”.
Over the past few days, Russian artillery has continuously attacked many areas in Sievierodonetsk, even the bridge leading to the city has suffered damage. Without a tactical retreat, it is possible that within the next few days, Ukrainian soldiers will be stuck in this city.
Despite this risk, Ukrainian soldiers will still fight for every square meter in a ruined city.
“About military, Sievierodonetsk really has no material role. The high hill area on the riverside in Lysychansk is a much better defense. But in the political sense, Sievierodonetsk is the headquarters of the Luhansk region, controlling the city will raise our morale and lower the enemy’s morale. Of course, I will make the next decision based on the development of the conflict. However, everyone understands that withdrawing or staying has potential risks,” said Governor Haidai.
Viet Dung
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vietnamnet.vn – Read the original article here
