The UK Ministry of defense in its intelligence report said that Russia’s capture of the Luhansk region was most likely accomplished in pretty efficient coordination between forces, unlike previous offensives.
“Unlike in previous phases of the war, Russia has probably achieved reasonably effective coordination between at least two groupings of forces, the Central Grouping likely commanded by General-Colonel Alexandr Lapin and the Southern Grouping probably under the recently appointed General Sergei Surovikin,” the ministry said in its report.
Ukrainian soldiers have most likely retreated in good order, following pre-existing arrangements. The Ukrainian-held territories of Severodonetsk - Lysychansk were characterized by a bulge or salient from which Russian forces could strike from three directions, the ministry said.
“There is a realistic possibility that Ukrainian forces will now be able to fall back to a more readily defendable, straightened front line,” the MoD said in its report.
Meanwhile, the war for the Donbas has been marked by sluggish rates of advance and Russia's massive use of artillery, which has demolished villages and cities in the process.
Picture Credits: AP
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