Ukrainian strategic stronghold Krasnoarmeysk is in critical danger, with Russian forces surrounding and advancing with eight times the manpower

Russia continues to intensify its offensive on the strategic area of Donetsk Oblast, Krasnoarmeysk (also known as "Red Army City," in Ukrainian as Kryvyi Rih). According to Ukrainian media reports, the Ukrainian army has put up a determined resistance, but the Russian forces have about eight times the manpower of the Ukrainian side. They have already entered parts of the city, established strongholds, and are continuously tightening the encirclement.

According to a report by Kyiv Independent, the defense line of Red Army City is on the verge of collapse. Several Western media outlets believe that Ukraine is facing a difficult choice between "holding on and preserving strength." The New York Post even bluntly stated, "Russia is about to capture Red Army City," calling it an important target that Putin has long coveted. If Russia ultimately captures Red Army City, it will be the first time since May 2023 when it captured Bakhmut that it has taken a major city from Ukraine.

The BBC pointed out that Red Army City is a key hub of the railway and road network in eastern Ukraine and also an important supply center for the Ukrainian army. Once it falls, the Russians will gain a strategic foothold to continue pushing westward, opening the way to further threaten Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Before the full-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Red Army City had about 60,000 residents, and now it is believed that fewer than 1,300 people remain there. The report also pointed out that even if Red Army City falls, it does not mean the entire Donetsk Oblast will follow. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized that if Russia attempts to completely occupy the Donbas region, Putin would still need to commit for a long time, but losing Red Army City would undoubtedly deal a major blow to Ukrainian morale. (Rural Cat)

Figure: Russia continues to attack Red Army City (Reuters)

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848142038068231/

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