Ukraine admits to losing city of Seversk, two weeks after Russia captured it.

 

An Ukrainian APC. BBC/Reuters.

Ukraine has admitted to losing the city of Seversk, two weeks after Russia captured it. BBC. Seversk is a small city that was the last line of defense for the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, the last remaining major cities in Donetsk under Ukrainian control. The small city of 11,000 people was almost totally destroyed in the fighting. Ukraine claimed heavy casualties were inflicted to the Russians and that they were withdrawing tactically to preserve lives. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has continued despite US led efforts at a peace deal. 

My Comment:

It was a slow news day so I figured I would cover this story as I find it funny that Ukraine wouldn't admit that they lost the city until now. Russia announced they had captured the city two weeks ago. That might have been a bit optimistic on their part, there were probably survivors left over and some fighting going on in the outskirts of the city, but the idea that they were not in control of the city two weeks ago was dumb. 

This victory isn't a major one from Russia. Seversk was a logistic hub and a major part of Ukraine's defensive line, but it was a small city. It's another reason why Ukraine probably should have withdrawn earlier than they did, if they were really worried about conserving their troops. Either way, this city was a target for Russia for three years now and it is a victory that they were able to take it. Just not one that is going to break the entire front open or anything. 

So why didn't Ukraine just admit that they lost the city? Probably because they are having major morale problems. They have suffered several major cities this year and they are running out of weapons, equipment and bodies. Ukraine has little going for it right now, Trump and the United States are tired of Zelensky and his refusal to end the war. Europe is having trouble funding Ukraine and sooner or later something is going to break. 

It's another reason why I think Ukraine should have taken that peace deal that was offered by Russia earlier in the year. The longer they wait, the better position Russia will be in and the more Ukraine will have to give up to gain peace. Giving up the remaining territory in Donbas, which is mostly pro-Russia anyways, would be a fair way to end the war, and would leave a lot less people dead on both sides as Russia inevitably takes the rest of the region. 

As for the war itself, it seems as though Russia's pace of capturing territory is increasing. They obviously haven't made a major breakthrough, but they are capturing villages and smaller cities like Seversk at a fairly steady pace. They also are losing larger cities like Pokrovsk. And they have fewer reserves to plug all the holes that are opening up. In short, it's starting to get grim for Ukraine and I wouldn't be surprised if there was a major breakthrough in the next six months or so.