Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" shift position after firing rockets from a BM-21 'Grad' multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region
Snapshot
Ukraine claimed to have the “strategic initiative” near Bakhmut with reported gains of up to 1.5 kilometers on the city’s flanks. Ukrainian gains were also claimed at Pryiutne in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk region boundary zone; Russian units in the south and east reportedly surrendered.
Analysis
Acclaimed US-based military analyst Max Boot said:
“The Ukrainians are going slowly because they are trying to limit their casualties - something that bloodthirsty Russian commanders don’t care about.
“It is doubtful that any Western military could do any better without air superiority. The Ukrainians are hoping to limit their losses by interdicting Russian supply lines with long-range strikes utilizing British Storm Shadow cruise missiles…
“Most of Ukraine’s nine Western-trained and Western-equipped assault brigades have not even entered the fight yet… The vast majority of Ukraine’s Western tanks and armored vehicles remain intact.
Ukraine Summer Counter-Offensive Update for June 30: ‘After Brutal Fights, This Is All That’s Left of Us’
Bakhmut flanks possibly closing; some gains for Ukraine in south; Russian units surrender.
