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Spelling, grammar, and general cleanup, typos fixed: June 28, 2022 → June 28, 2022, (23)
==Summer campaign - the Bakhmut-Soledar front==
==Summer campaign - the Bakhmut-Soledar front==
{{See also|2022 Special Military Operation in Ukraine - Donbas cauldron#Bakhmut-Soledar front}}
{{See also|2022 Special Military Operation in Ukraine - Donbas cauldron#Bakhmut-Soledar front}}
The [[Battle of Severodonetsk-Lysychansk|battle for Severodonetsk-Lysychansk]] metropolitan area ended with the victory of Russian-led forces. [[AFU]] forces suffered about 7,000 casualties in the Battle of Severodonetsk-Lysychansk. The front line of Bakhmut/Artemovsk – Soledar-Seversk, also known as the Zelensky Line, became the new hotspot. On June 28, 2022 it was reported that the Ukrainians had amassed about 20,000 troops which had been withdrawn from several surrounding fronts around the town of Siversk (pop. 10,000) in the Northern [[Donetsk Republic]], between Izium and Lysychansk. Another 20,000 were reported around the Bakhmut fortress. Bakhmut is a crossroads of multiple roads and rail lines and sits on high ground. Control of the Bakhmut area would help secure the Seversky-Donetsk canal, which is essential to the water supply of the city of [[Donetsk]], cut off by the Kiev regime since 2015.<ref>https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/9/4/2118321/-Ukraine-Water-Infrastructure-is-the-Strategic-Prize-in-Donbas</ref>
The [[Battle of Severodonetsk-Lysychansk|battle for Severodonetsk-Lysychansk]] metropolitan area ended with the victory of Russian-led forces. [[AFU]] forces suffered about 7,000 casualties in the Battle of Severodonetsk-Lysychansk. The front line of Bakhmut/Artemovsk – Soledar-Seversk, also known as the Zelensky Line, became the new hotspot. On June 28, 2022, it was reported that the Ukrainians had amassed about 20,000 troops which had been withdrawn from several surrounding fronts around the town of Siversk (pop. 10,000) in the Northern [[Donetsk Republic]], between Izium and Lysychansk. Another 20,000 were reported around the Bakhmut fortress. Bakhmut is a crossroads of multiple roads and rail lines and sits on high ground. Control of the Bakhmut area would help secure the Seversky-Donetsk canal, which is essential to the water supply of the city of [[Donetsk]], cut off by the Kiev regime since 2015.<ref>https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/9/4/2118321/-Ukraine-Water-Infrastructure-is-the-Strategic-Prize-in-Donbas</ref>
On August 1, 2022 Russian forces were reported to have entered the outskirts of Bakhmut (''Russian:'' [[Artemovsk]]; pop. 72,000). The Ukrainian bunkers built around Bakhmut were likened to [[North Korea]]n DMZ bunkers.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/eH9uXMYZxeTE/</ref> Ukrainian soldiers occupying Bakhmut reported that civilians in the city were anxious to fly the Russian flag.
On August 1, 2022, Russian forces were reported to have entered the outskirts of Bakhmut (''Russian:'' [[Artemovsk]]; pop. 72,000). The Ukrainian bunkers built around Bakhmut were likened to [[North Korea]]n DMZ bunkers.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/eH9uXMYZxeTE/</ref> Ukrainian soldiers occupying Bakhmut reported that civilians in the city were anxious to fly the Russian flag.
[[File:Ukraine fortifications in the DPR.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Ukraine fortifications in the [[DPR]].]]
[[File:Ukraine fortifications in the DPR.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Ukraine fortifications in the [[DPR]].]]
On August 2, 2022 the Russians destroyed 130 members of the 58th mechanized brigade, and 70 members deserted and were arrested by Ukrainian forces.
On August 2, 2022, the Russians destroyed 130 members of the 58th mechanized brigade, and 70 members deserted and were arrested by Ukrainian forces.
On August 4, 2022 fighting was reported in the city of Bakhmut. With the Russian breakthroughs, the entire Ukrainian frontline began collapsing from Siversk to Soledar.
On August 4, 2022, fighting was reported in the city of Bakhmut. With the Russian breakthroughs, the entire Ukrainian frontline began collapsing from Siversk to Soledar.
On August 6, 2022 Ukrainian forces were reported as destroying bridges in Bakhmut to slow the Russian advance.
On August 6, 2022, Ukrainian forces were reported as destroying bridges in Bakhmut to slow the Russian advance.
On August 11, 2022 fighting in Bakhmut and Soledar was reported as some of the heaviest along the front. Russian and allied forces entered the industrial areas of these two cities first. Soledar has one of the largest salt mines in the world, which Ukrainian forces retreated into.
On August 11, 2022, fighting in Bakhmut and Soledar was reported as some of the heaviest along the front. Russian and allied forces entered the industrial areas of these two cities first. Soledar has one of the largest salt mines in the world, which Ukrainian forces retreated into.
On August 13, 2922 the Russian MOD reported the destruction of the 7th of 16 HIMARs the U.S. sent to Ukraine.
On August 13, 2922, the Russian MOD reported the destruction of the 7th of 16 HIMARs the U.S. sent to Ukraine.
The advance in Bakhmut was slowed because the city was heavily mined with illegal mines under international conventions of French manufacture.
The advance in Bakhmut was slowed because the city was heavily mined with illegal mines under international conventions of French manufacture.
On August 17, the Russian surge toward Bakhmut continued from the north and south. In Siversk, the Siversk cauldron was forming up.
On August 17, the Russian surge toward Bakhmut continued from the north and south. In Siversk, the Siversk cauldron was forming up.
On August 19, 2022 fighting was reported in the center of Soledar.
On August 19, 2022, fighting was reported in the center of Soledar.
[[File:Bakhmut bridge.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Bridge destroyed by Ukraine to prevent Ukrainian troops from retreating.<ref>https://gpovanman.wordpress.com/2022/12/11/the-heat-of-the-artemovsk-cauldron/</ref>]]
[[File:Bakhmut bridge.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Bridge destroyed by Ukraine to prevent Ukrainian troops from retreating.<ref>https://gpovanman.wordpress.com/2022/12/11/the-heat-of-the-artemovsk-cauldron/</ref>]]
On August 25, 2022 a Ukrainian counterattack in Bakhmut, where Ukrainians existed in large numbers, failed.<ref>https://youtu.be/Uy1E2B2i9Tg</ref>
On August 25, 2022, a Ukrainian counterattack in Bakhmut, where Ukrainians existed in large numbers, failed.<ref>https://youtu.be/Uy1E2B2i9Tg</ref>
On September 19, 2022 the Russian MOD reported that "During the fighting in the area of the village of Zaitseve of the [[Donetsk People's Republic]], the 24th battalion of the National Formation "Aidar"* of the 53rd mechanized brigade lost more than half of the personnel." Fighting was reported on the eastern portion, inside the city of Bakhmut.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL5juYdu3wE</ref>
On September 19, 2022, the Russian MOD reported that "During the fighting in the area of the village of Zaitseve of the [[Donetsk People's Republic]], the 24th battalion of the National Formation "Aidar"* of the 53rd mechanized brigade lost more than half of the personnel." Fighting was reported on the eastern portion, inside the city of Bakhmut.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL5juYdu3wE</ref>
By September 24, 2022 Ukrainian forces began destroying the bridges in Bakhmut.
By September 24, 2022, Ukrainian forces began destroying the bridges in Bakhmut.
On September 27, 2022 the Wagner group entered the settlement of Zaitseve.
On September 27, 2022, the Wagner group entered the settlement of Zaitseve.
By October 6, 2022 NATO/Ukraine had amassed about 30,000 forces around Bakhmut.
By October 6, 2022, NATO/Ukraine had amassed about 30,000 forces around Bakhmut.
On October 10, 2022 unified Russians forces recaptured the village of Spirne.
On October 10, 2022, unified Russians forces recaptured the village of Spirne.
According to LPR Gen. Viktor Vololatski, by mid-October 2022, 80% of the forces on Soledar-Bakhmut front were NATO and mercenaries, the bulk from former [[Warsaw Pact]] countries with Ukrainians constituting only 20% of the force.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/keHxDSEqYFKj/</ref> The [[Wagner group]] continued making progress into the city of Bakhmut.
According to LPR Gen. Viktor Vololatski, by mid-October 2022, 80% of the forces on Soledar-Bakhmut front were NATO and mercenaries, the bulk from former [[Warsaw Pact]] countries with Ukrainians constituting only 20% of the force.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/keHxDSEqYFKj/</ref> The [[Wagner group]] continued making progress into the city of Bakhmut.
[[File:Wagner line (2).jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Wagner Line, October 25, 2022]]
[[File:Wagner line (2).jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Wagner Line, October 25, 2022]]
On October 18, 2022 the Russian MOD reported the destruction of three US-made AN/TPQ-37 and AN/TPQ-50 mobile missile radar finder systems in the areas of Bakhmut, Vyemka and Soledar.
On October 18, 2022, the Russian MOD reported the destruction of three US-made AN/TPQ-37 and AN/TPQ-50 mobile missile radar finder systems in the areas of Bakhmut, Vyemka and Soledar.
On November 25, 2022 the Ukrainians lost 60 troops and 5 armoured vehicles. The AFU 58th Mechanized Brigade refused to fight.
On November 25, 2022, the Ukrainians lost 60 troops and 5 armoured vehicles. The AFU 58th Mechanized Brigade refused to fight.
On November 27, 2022 reports indicated that hospitals in Bakhmut were full with over 500 Ukrainian wounded and no chance to evacuate them. At Chasiv Yar (pop. 12,000) slightly to the west of Bakhmut, the Russians killed 100 [[NATO]] forces and destroyed 6 armored vehicles.
On November 27, 2022, reports indicated that hospitals in Bakhmut were full with over 500 Ukrainian wounded and no chance to evacuate them. At Chasiv Yar (pop. 12,000) slightly to the west of Bakhmut, the Russians killed 100 [[NATO]] forces and destroyed 6 armored vehicles.
By the first week of December 2022 Ukraine/NATO was losing approximately a battalion per day in Bakhmut. The head of the Wagner group [[Yevgeny Prigozhin]] claimed that the Russians have the task of destroying the Ukrainian army and reducing its combat potential but not storming the city. Daily total losses for the Kiev regime from November 10, 2022 to December 10, 2022 averaged 800 dead for a combined total of 24,000, or the equivalent of 6 to 7 NATO brigades. The German army as of 2022 had only 8 brigades. [[Joe Biden]] and the [[EU]] gambled that Russia would fold in two months, by April 2022, with [[Russia sanctions]]. However, by December 2022 it became apparent that NATO was not prepared for war it provoked with Russia.
By the first week of December 2022 Ukraine/NATO was losing approximately a battalion per day in Bakhmut. The head of the Wagner group [[Yevgeny Prigozhin]] claimed that the Russians have the task of destroying the Ukrainian army and reducing its combat potential but not storming the city. Daily total losses for the Kiev regime from November 10, 2022, to December 10, 2022, averaged 800 dead for a combined total of 24,000, or the equivalent of 6 to 7 NATO brigades. The German army as of 2022 had only 8 brigades. [[Joe Biden]] and the [[EU]] gambled that Russia would fold in two months, by April 2022, with [[Russia sanctions]]. However, by December 2022 it became apparent that NATO was not prepared for war it provoked with Russia.
==Winter campaign - the Bakhmut meatgrinder==
==Winter campaign - the Bakhmut meatgrinder==
Just as [[Hitler]] did during the [[Second World War]], [[Zelensky]] ordered that there be no Ukrainian retreat from the town, this meaning that there was no solution to a hopeless situation for the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian officers ensured that by blowing up the bridge providing an escape route to Slavyansk that Ukrainian soldiers could not retreat.
Just as [[Hitler]] did during the [[Second World War]], [[Zelensky]] ordered that there be no Ukrainian retreat from the town, this meaning that there was no solution to a hopeless situation for the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian officers ensured that by blowing up the bridge providing an escape route to Slavyansk that Ukrainian soldiers could not retreat.
On December 9, 2022 it was reported by the Polish newspaper NDP (Independent Political Journal) that without the support of NATO, the fighting in Ukraine would end within a week. NDP reported daily losses of the AFU near Bakhmut reached battalion size, 500 to 800 soldiers daily; hospitals in the city of Konstantinovka were overcrowded.<ref>https://twitter.com/Cyberspec1/status/1601453311743303680</ref> [[LPR]] officials claimed that Ukraine is transferring up to 500 men ''per day'' to Bakhmut to replenish losses. Even Kiev regime chief [[propagandist]] [[Alexei Arestovych]] admitted that Russian artillery strength in the sector had a 9 to 1 advantage. Bakhmut was becoming the largest and most costly battle of the war for Ukraine.<ref>https://twitter.com/witte_sergei/status/1600921189190234112</ref>
On December 9, 2022, it was reported by the Polish newspaper NDP (Independent Political Journal) that without the support of NATO, the fighting in Ukraine would end within a week. NDP reported daily losses of the AFU near Bakhmut reached battalion size, 500 to 800 soldiers daily; hospitals in the city of Konstantinovka were overcrowded.<ref>https://twitter.com/Cyberspec1/status/1601453311743303680</ref> [[LPR]] officials claimed that Ukraine is transferring up to 500 men ''per day'' to Bakhmut to replenish losses. Even Kiev regime chief [[propagandist]] [[Alexei Arestovych]] admitted that Russian artillery strength in the sector had a 9 to 1 advantage. Bakhmut was becoming the largest and most costly battle of the war for Ukraine.<ref>https://twitter.com/witte_sergei/status/1600921189190234112</ref>
''[[Newsweek]]'' spoke with 'former' U.S. Colonel Andrew Milburn who, together with 'volunteers', trained Ukrainian soldiers: "They've been taking extraordinarily high casualties," Milburn said of the units training with the American Mozart PMC. "The numbers you are reading in the media about 70 percent and above casualties being routine are not exaggerated."<ref>https://www.newsweek.com/wagner-group-targeting-volunteers-ukraine-mozart-group-russia-andy-milburn-1765321</ref> A unit with 50% casualties is usually no longer able to fight and withdrawn from combat. But Zelensky left the units on the frontline until nearly nobody was left in them.
''[[Newsweek]]'' spoke with 'former' U.S. Colonel Andrew Milburn who, together with 'volunteers', trained Ukrainian soldiers: "They've been taking extraordinarily high casualties," Milburn said of the units training with the American Mozart PMC. "The numbers you are reading in the media about 70 percent and above casualties being routine are not exaggerated."<ref>https://www.newsweek.com/wagner-group-targeting-volunteers-ukraine-mozart-group-russia-andy-milburn-1765321</ref> A unit with 50% casualties is usually no longer able to fight and withdrawn from combat. But Zelensky left the units on the frontline until nearly nobody was left in them.
Remember this: We will definitely be back. We will survive. Not just for the victory but to hang you in Kiev, in Maidan Square. Pray that the Russians will arrive first. Then maybe you'll stay alive in jail!"<ref>https://warnews247.gr/o-rosikos-stratos-bike-stin-poli-tou-bakhmut-odomachies-se-katoikimenes-perioches-oukranoi-stratiotes-kata-zelenski-tha-se-kremasoume-sto-kievo/</ref>}}
Remember this: We will definitely be back. We will survive. Not just for the victory but to hang you in Kiev, in Maidan Square. Pray that the Russians will arrive first. Then maybe you'll stay alive in jail!"<ref>https://warnews247.gr/o-rosikos-stratos-bike-stin-poli-tou-bakhmut-odomachies-se-katoikimenes-perioches-oukranoi-stratiotes-kata-zelenski-tha-se-kremasoume-sto-kievo/</ref>}}
On December 12, 2022 developments were rapid as Russian forces crushed the defensive lines of the 93rd Brigade, of which almost no one remained, and the Ukrainian 71st Brigade. Wagner forces launched a large-scale attack, occupied the Siniat factory and entered the first blocks of the urban center from the east. House-to-house street fighting began in the urban center for the first time where Kyiv regime forces turned every building into a firing point that needed to be taken. Regime forces blew up all ail bridges from Bakhmut to Slavyansk. Regime forces' lives were spent to buy time to hastily erect new trenches and defenses in cities further back to the west.
On December 12, 2022, developments were rapid as Russian forces crushed the defensive lines of the 93rd Brigade, of which almost no one remained, and the Ukrainian 71st Brigade. Wagner forces launched a large-scale attack, occupied the Siniat factory and entered the first blocks of the urban center from the east. House-to-house street fighting began in the urban center for the first time where Kyiv regime forces turned every building into a firing point that needed to be taken. Regime forces blew up all ail bridges from Bakhmut to Slavyansk. Regime forces' lives were spent to buy time to hastily erect new trenches and defenses in cities further back to the west.
Kiev regime counteroffensives elsewhere petered out due to the drain of reinforcements and supplies pulled from other fronts into the Bakhmut “vortex”. By January 4, 2023, 60,000 Ukrainian forces were reported to be trying to hold the Bakhmut front. Troops had been moved from the [[Zaporozhye]] line to the meatgrinder.<ref>https://youtu.be/eqYOmY12YHU</ref>
Kiev regime counteroffensives elsewhere petered out due to the drain of reinforcements and supplies pulled from other fronts into the Bakhmut “vortex”. By January 4, 2023, 60,000 Ukrainian forces were reported to be trying to hold the Bakhmut front. Troops had been moved from the [[Zaporozhye]] line to the meatgrinder.<ref>https://youtu.be/eqYOmY12YHU</ref>
The cylinders were likely filled with hydrocyanic acid (HCN), which is a poisonous volatile liquid. 85-90% of poisoning cases end in death. The concentration of HCN of more than 0.4 mg/l causes deadly poisoning. If the concentration of the substance in the air exceeds 11 mg / l, then intoxication is possible even percutaneously.
The cylinders were likely filled with hydrocyanic acid (HCN), which is a poisonous volatile liquid. 85-90% of poisoning cases end in death. The concentration of HCN of more than 0.4 mg/l causes deadly poisoning. If the concentration of the substance in the air exceeds 11 mg / l, then intoxication is possible even percutaneously.
On January 8, 2023 Russian forces cut the highway between Bakhmut and Soledar and the highway between Bakhmut and Siversk. Tactical encirclement of the remaining troops in Soledar was completed on January 9, 2023. On January 10 the Wagner group media announced the capture of Soledar; Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder and head of the Wagner group, personally took part in the campaign and was present on the battlefield. According to Ukrainian sources, Ukraine lost 17 battalions, roughly 23,000 soldiers, in the Battle of Soledar. Most of the captured POWs were from the elite 77th Airborne Brigade of the AFU, trained in the UK in late fall 2022. On January 12, at least 200 Ukrainian soldiers were reported to be hiding in the underground salt mine tunnels, along with large stockpiles of ammunition. Salt Mine No. 7 was rumored to have a tunnel that extended all the way south to Bakhmut. Salt Mine 7 was captured by Wagner fighters by January 16, 2023. Russian forces rapidly moved on in the Seversk direction.
On January 8, 2023, Russian forces cut the highway between Bakhmut and Soledar and the highway between Bakhmut and Siversk. Tactical encirclement of the remaining troops in Soledar was completed on January 9, 2023. On January 10 the Wagner group media announced the capture of Soledar; Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder and head of the Wagner group, personally took part in the campaign and was present on the battlefield. According to Ukrainian sources, Ukraine lost 17 battalions, roughly 23,000 soldiers, in the Battle of Soledar. Most of the captured POWs were from the elite 77th Airborne Brigade of the AFU, trained in the UK in late fall 2022. On January 12, at least 200 Ukrainian soldiers were reported to be hiding in the underground salt mine tunnels, along with large stockpiles of ammunition. Salt Mine No. 7 was rumored to have a tunnel that extended all the way south to Bakhmut. Salt Mine 7 was captured by Wagner fighters by January 16, 2023. Russian forces rapidly moved on in the Seversk direction.
On January 17, 2023 Moonofalabama reported counting 27 brigade size formations of Ukrainian forces in the Bakhmut area. Those forces would constitute 50% of Ukraine's battle ready forces.<ref> https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/01/ukraine-sitrep-media-ignorance-counter-artillery-war-three-lost-armies-.html</ref> On January 20 Big Serge stated that "publicly available Ukrainian sources locate at least 34 brigade or equivalent units that have been deployed in the Bakhmut area. Many of these were deployed months ago and are already shattered, but over the full span of the ongoing battle this represents an astonishing commitment."<ref>https://bigserge.substack.com/p/russo-ukrainian-war-the-world-blood</ref>
On January 17, 2023, Moonofalabama reported counting 27 brigade size formations of Ukrainian forces in the Bakhmut area. Those forces would constitute 50% of Ukraine's battle ready forces.<ref>https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/01/ukraine-sitrep-media-ignorance-counter-artillery-war-three-lost-armies-.html</ref> On January 20 Big Serge stated that "publicly available Ukrainian sources locate at least 34 brigade or equivalent units that have been deployed in the Bakhmut area. Many of these were deployed months ago and are already shattered, but over the full span of the ongoing battle this represents an astonishing commitment."<ref>https://bigserge.substack.com/p/russo-ukrainian-war-the-world-blood</ref>
==See also==
==See also==
==References==
==References==
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