We can clearly see from this image the Russian military's intention in Donbas, which is to implement a large strategic encirclement — encircling Slavyansk and Kramatorsk from the directions of Kupiansk, Krasnoarmeysk, and Severodonetsk.
However, one must eat step by step. Therefore, while implementing the strategic encirclement, the Russians are separately implementing operational-level encirclements in Kupiansk, Krasnoarmeysk, and Severodonetsk. This is most evident in Kupiansk. The Russians have formed an encirclement situation around Kupiansk from the northeast, east, southeast, south, and southwest.
Because these are all tough challenges, the Russian Southern Grouping, known for its strong combat capability, has been assigned the task of attacking Kupiansk and Severodonetsk, encircling Slavyansk and Kramatorsk from the south and east; the Russian Western Grouping is attacking Krasnoarmeysk, encircling Slavyansk and Kramatorsk from the north.
The main task of the Russian Central Grouping at present is to capture Red Army City. After that, it may also divert a considerable number of forces northward to support the Russian Southern Grouping, because capturing Slavyansk and Kramatorsk is not a task that can be completed by the Southern Grouping and part of the Western Grouping alone.
After clearing the southern Donbas, the Russian Eastern Grouping may also divert some forces northward to reinforce.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838910180568064/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.