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Shop NowThe largest set-piece battle seen in Europe since 1945 has begun, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who announced early on April 19 that Russian troops had begun their offensive in the Donbass region. The outcome of this battle will almost certainly decide the outcome of the war, and both sides are fully aware of its significance. Effectively, “phase two” of the Russian invasion has begun following the initial failure to take Kiev.
Donbass assault begins
The long-awaited offensive began with a massive barrage of artillery and airstrikes directed against Ukrainian lines and some Russian advances on the ground.
The intensification of fighting in the east appears to agree with Zelensky’s announcement that the Russian offensive has begun, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that “another stage of this operation is beginning.”
The fighting in the Donbass will be a significant departure from the fighting that has occurred so far in the war.
Unlike the failed early sprints into Ukrainian territory or the drawn out siege of Mariupol , this battle will see the Russians advancing on a wide front against an entrenched enemy.
The Ukrainian forces defending the front lines in the Donbass are some of the best and they have been preparing for this moment for years.
Kiev has had ample time to evacuate civilians from the areas that are expected to see heavy fighting, and the opposing forces will be able to use their entire arsenals.
Russian forces 🇷🇺 launched heavy artillery attacks on cities in eastern Ukraine 🇺🇦 last night. #UkraineWar.@theragex @9b3OR2qdITMbDcd pic.twitter.com/7DXQZNqRcV
— Felix Woessner (@FeWoessner) April 19, 2022
Armies expect a decisive battle
Unfortunately for the Ukrainians, Russia has more of almost everything in the Donbass. This type of offensive is what the Russian army is built for, and it is well equipped to handle fortifications.
Ukrainians, particularly in the Donbass, are desperately in need of heavy weapons and Kiev has argued that the new offensive highlights the need for more Western contributions.
Even if the requested artillery pieces arrive, there is no guarantee that they will reach Ukrainian forces in time to have an impact on the battle.
Russia intends to encircle the Ukrainian Donbass army and cut if off from supplies and reinforcements, much as it has done in the besieged city of Mariupol.
If this operation is successful then the Russian position will be massively strengthened and officially stated aim of taking the entirety of the Donbass can be completed.
Ukraine will need to fight hard to keep that from happening, but if forces in the area hold their ground then victory will still be a real possibility.
