10-01-2022, 08:23 AM
During the next 48-72 hours we will get clarity on what Ukraine actually surrounded. Worst case, Ukraine has apparently recaptured Lyman, which is a major victory. Best case, they have surrounded and will captured the remnants of 3 regiments and their associated support elements. As I understand it that could be up to 5K troops. It could be that all of these troops got out, or anywhere in between. The regiments were supposedly 1 Russian and 2 DPR regiments. Hopefully, Ukraine got most of them.
Interestingly, Ukraine is reported to be already exploiting to the east. If true, this would indicate that once again, even with at least a week to do so, Russia did not build a second line of defense to contain a breakthrough (should it happen). That is just plain bad tactics. Even if you think you are going to hold, you put a blocking force in place to prevent a breech from opening in your lines. If your defense is a success you can use the blocking force to attack the defeated enemy. Russia just may not have the resources to do that. If so, they need to contract their perimeter to one they can defend in adequate depth. Perhaps Putin wouldn't let them, so the Ukraine is doing it for them :-).
Interestingly, Ukraine is reported to be already exploiting to the east. If true, this would indicate that once again, even with at least a week to do so, Russia did not build a second line of defense to contain a breakthrough (should it happen). That is just plain bad tactics. Even if you think you are going to hold, you put a blocking force in place to prevent a breech from opening in your lines. If your defense is a success you can use the blocking force to attack the defeated enemy. Russia just may not have the resources to do that. If so, they need to contract their perimeter to one they can defend in adequate depth. Perhaps Putin wouldn't let them, so the Ukraine is doing it for them :-).