Is Ukraine losing positions in Donbas? Neeme Väli analyses the situation

While attention has been focused on headlines about Russia's burning refineries, fierce fighting is underway in Donbas over a legendary defensive line. Russian forces have penetrated the city of Kostiantynivka, threatening Ukrainian defensive positions. Postimees's War Study programme discusses the situation with retired Major General Neeme Väli.

Serious combat operations have begun in Donbas, which could turn into one of the conflict's most critical moments. Russian forces have directed an offensive against the city of Kostiantynivka, a region that forms part of Donbas's legendary defensive line.

Attention diverted, front line shifts

In recent days, media attention has been focused mainly on positive news about Russia's burning refineries. Meanwhile, relatively quietly, significant changes are taking place on the ground in eastern Ukraine.

Kostiantynivka is a city of strategic importance, and its loss would significantly weaken Ukraine's defensive capability in Donetsk oblast. The Russian forces' incursion into this city has raised the question of whether Ukrainians can maintain their positions there.

Neeme Väli assesses the situation

In Postimees's programme "War Study", the situation is analysed by retired Major General Neeme Väli, who addresses the question of whether Ukraine can hold Donbas's defensive line and what the possible scenarios are in the near term.

The Ukrainian armed forces have previously demonstrated the ability to reinforce critical positions under pressure, but the defence of the Donbas region has proved an increasingly complex task due to persistent Russian pressure along the entire front line.