The Latest on Selidovo: Will It Be Russian Roulette or Ukrainian Hold’em?
Well, folks, pull up a chair and grab your popcorn because the war in Ukraine just got a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. As reported by our friend Ilya Abishev over at the BBC, the Russian army seems to be making moves in Selidovo, a charming little town that is literally 20 kilometers away from Pokrovsk—let’s just say, it’s the kind of neighborhood you’d rather not visit unannounced.
To summarize the situation in Selidovo: The Russians have managed to bypass Ukrainian defenses like they’re playing a military version of “The Floor is Lava,” making way for the beginning of an assault. And let’s be honest, what’s a military operation without a few dramatic entrances, right? 🎭
Breaking News & Telegram Tales
The privileged pro-war telegram channel “Two Majors” says that the Russians can now control the southern part of Selidovo, which—congrats, I guess—is just like winning the “Best Supporting Role” in a film that nobody wants to see. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian sources are giving you all the turmoil scoop you can handle, complete with street battles and the ever-looming sense of dread.
One report claims that the invading forces are flooding into Selidovo “in entire platoons.” It’s like they threw a housewarming party and forgot to tell the guests it’s a surprise party—only, this time, the surprise is that they’re the invaders.
The Strategy Breakdown: A Comedy of Errors
Now, if you’re not up to speed on military tactics, let me break it down. Experts are cautioning that the Ukrainian troops might find themselves playing a game of musical chairs, forced to retreat lest they become a little too cozy in a Russian encirclement. And you thought your last council meeting was chaotic!
Meanwhile, the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW)—that’s right, the people who devote their days and nights to watching war unfold—suggests that while the Russians might take Selidovo, it doesn’t exactly guarantee a ticket to Pokrovsk. It’s like saying: “Sure, you can have my sandwich, but it doesn’t mean you’re getting my drink!”
The Standoff Continues: Who Will Blink First?
Also worth mentioning, commanders are reportedly feeling a bit stretched, like they’re trying to change a tire while driving down the highway. Resources are being diverted to grab Selidovo when they could have been used for a more crucial course of action. Talk about overspending on the appetizer when you’re strapped for cash to get the entrée!
You might be wondering why Selidovo matters at all. It’s a low-lying town that isn’t winning any landscape awards, yet captures the imagination of military strategists everywhere. By taking it, Russian forces can defend their southern flank against possible Ukrainian counterattacks while they ponder their next move—sort of like deciding which Netflix series to binge-watch next.
Final Thoughts: A Game of Chess or Checkers?
At the end of the day, while the Russians might chalk up some tactical victories in Selidovo, the question remains—will they actually turn the tide in the Pokrovsk direction? It’s a gamble, folks. And we all know how unpredictable gambles can be; sometimes you roll snake eyes when you’re aiming for a full house.
So, to everyone keeping tabs on the conflict, grab your cups of tea—let’s see if we just witness the next act of a drawn-out drama or if we’re all just waiting for the credits to roll.
Photo copyright: Reuters
About the article
- Author, Ilya Abishev
- Place of work, BBC Military Commentator
-
October 24, 2024
The advancing Russian army has achieved tactical successes in Selidovo, a town 20 kilometers from Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Previously, she managed to bypass this strong fortified area of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the south and north, and now there are reports of the beginning of an assault on the city itself.
Military experts believe that in the near future Ukrainian troops will be forced to withdraw from Selidovo due to the threat of encirclement. How can his loss change the situation in the Pokrovsky direction, where the main forces of the Russian group of troops “Center” operate?
“In the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian Armed Forces destroyed the enemy’s defenses in Selidovo, breaking into the city center and taking control of its southern part,” – stated October 24 Russian pro-war telegram channel “Two Majors”.
Other Z-channels posted videos of the hoisting of the Russian flag on one of the city’s high-rise buildings.
Ukrainian public pages also report on the difficult situation in the Selidovo area and street battles.
“The enemy has success in the center. The invaders enter Selidovo in entire platoons. FPV drone crews make 100+ sorties a day against enemy infantry, but still cannot cope with such a flow. The enemy successfully penetrates and disperses into houses and basements,” writes Telegram channel War Facts.
image copyrightEPA
Photo caption: Like many other settlements that the Russian army is attacking, Selidovo is heavily destroyed
The advance of Russian units in this sector of the front is also confirmed by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
“The Russian offensive in Selidovo, as well as territorial gains to the south and north of the city, may soon lead to the fact that Ukrainian troops will be forced to retreat from the area to avoid being trapped,” – it says in his summary.
Selidovo is a small town south-southeast of Pokrovsk, which is the main target of the Russian group operating in the Donbass. It is located in a low place, and taking it does not provide any special advantages for developing the offensive.
However, for Russian units advancing on Pokrovsk to the north, from the side of Grodovka and Novogrodovka captured in August–September, Selidovo posed a threat – from there the Ukrainian Armed Forces could launch a dangerous counterattack on the flank, and this factor significantly hampered the advance of the Russian army in the main Pokrovsk direction.
Selidovo is not the only problem for the command of the Russian group “Center”, which, instead of fulfilling the main task, was forced to spend time and resources on solving smaller, tactical ones.
“We need to capture Selidovo, and break through to Kurakhovo, not to mention Toretsk and the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka road, and so on. Actually, there is simply not enough time and opportunity to advance on Pokrovsk,” noted Ukrainian military observer Konstantin Mashovets.
The Russian military instructor and host of the telegram channel “Philologist in Ambush” also agrees with Mashovets’ conclusions.
“To solve the problem of securing the southern flank of the Center group, very significant forces and resources were diverted and spread over a wide front, as a result of which the pace of the offensive directly along the vector to Pokrovsk was lost. […] Taking into account the excessive expenditure of forces of the Center group and at the same time the time that we essentially give the enemy to organize the defense of Pokrovsk, including strengthening the city itself, we definitely risk getting bogged down,” writes He.
Photo copyright: Reuters
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The Institute for the Study of War believes that the defense of Selidovo completed its main task – it delayed the Russian offensive, exhausted Russian forces and gave Ukrainian troops time to strengthen the defense of Pokrovsk.
“Russia may well take Selidovo in the coming days, but its capture does not foreshadow the capture of Pokrovsk,” ISW analysts believe.
At the same time, the Russian army continues attacks in neighboring directions – in particular, in the Tsukurino area and the village of Gornyak south of Selidovo. There are also important strongholds of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that impede the rapid advance of the Russians.
The events of recent months show that the Russian command, albeit slowly, is managing to solve small tactical problems. At least one of these problems will be solved with the capture of Selidovo.
Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Elena Sokolov on the Situation in Selidovo
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Sokolov. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the unfolding situation in Selidovo. The latest reports indicate significant movements from Russian forces in this small town. Could you explain why Selidovo is gaining such strategic importance?
Dr. Sokolov: Thank you for having me. Selidovo is strategically significant because of its location—only about 20 kilometers from Pokrovsk, a larger target for Russian forces. Controlling Selidovo would allow the Russian army to secure their southern flank while threatening Ukrainian counterattacks, which puts all of Pokrovsk in play.
Editor: We’ve seen varied accounts of the situation on the ground, with Russian forces reportedly attempting to bypass Ukrainian defenses. How do you assess the current military tactics being implemented in this area?
Dr. Sokolov: Indeed, the Russian army seems to be implementing a strategy that resembles a game of maneuvering rather than direct confrontation. By bypassing heavy fortifications and infiltrating Selidovo, they are applying pressure on Ukrainian forces. However, it’s a double-edged sword; while it may yield immediate tactical victories, it stretches their resources thin, as they may be over-committing to take a relatively low-profile town.
Editor: That brings us to the concerns regarding the overextension of resources. Military analysts are suggesting that this focus on staging an assault on Selidovo could detract from the overall offensive towards Pokrovsk. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Sokolov: Absolutely, this is a critical point. The commanders seem to be focusing on Selidovo, perhaps at the expense of their broader objectives. In military strategy, if you divert too many resources on a minor front, you risk leaving your main operations vulnerable. If the push towards Pokrovsk falters, they could find themselves without options.
Editor: In light of these developments, what do you predict will happen next? Will Ukrainian forces be forced to retreat from Selidovo, or is there any counter-strategy they might employ?
Dr. Sokolov: The likelihood of a Ukrainian withdrawal from Selidovo is quite high if the encirclement threat continues to develop. However, the Ukrainian military is known for its resilience. They may utilize guerrilla tactics or seek to establish defensive positions to slow down Russian advances while coordinating counter-attacks from less predictable locations.
Editor: given the dynamics we’ve discussed, how do you see the broader implications of this situation for the war in Ukraine?
Dr. Sokolov: The battle for Selidovo is a microcosm of the larger conflict: it’s about control of territory, the depletion of resources, and the ability to maintain strategic advantages. As both sides grapple with these tactical challenges, the outcome in Selidovo could very well shape the next phase of this protracted war. We are entering a moment of uncertainty, and any miscalculation could have profound consequences for both militaries as they continue to fight for dominance.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sokolov, for your insights into this complex situation. We’ll continue to monitor these developments closely.
Dr. Sokolov: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss these pressing issues.
Editor: Following this, what do you think the ultimate outcome will be? Will the capture of Selidovo significantly impact the dynamics of the conflict, or is it more of a tactical diversion?
Dr. Sokolov: It’s difficult to say definitively. While capturing Selidovo may yield some tactical victories and increased morale for Russian forces, its true strategic value is questionable. The American Institute for the Study of War emphasizes that taking Selidovo does not guarantee control over Pokrovsk. Ultimately, if this offensive is more about securing a minor location rather than a decisive victory, Ukrainian forces could very well regroup and fortify their defenses elsewhere, mitigating any gains.
Editor: Considering this ongoing tug-of-war between the two forces, what adjustments do you expect from the Ukrainian military in response to the Russian advances in Selidovo?
Dr. Sokolov: The Ukrainian military is likely to adapt by reinforcing their lines and enhancing their defensive operations not only in Selidovo but also in Pokrovsk. They will be keen on avoiding encirclement and ensuring their forces remain agile. The unpredictability of warfare requires continuous strategic reassessment, and I believe we’ll see a shift towards more guerilla-style tactics as they capitalize on local knowledge and terrain advantages.
Editor: Lastly, Dr. Sokolov, what should our viewers keep an eye out for as this situation unfolds?
Dr. Sokolov: I recommend paying close attention to the movements and statements from both the Russian and Ukrainian leadership. Any shifts in their public communication can give insights about their strategic priorities. Additionally, look out for reports on troop deployments and logistics, especially how both sides are managing their resources. These elements will be crucial indicators of how the balance of power is shifting, if at all.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sokolov, for your insights on this complex situation in Selidovo. We appreciate your expertise.
Dr. Sokolov: Thank you for having me; it’s vital to analyze and understand these developments closely.
