Ukraine War Update: News & Frontline (not Bakhmut)
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"If we become desensitized to that then there is a chance that we won't feel that terrible anger and shame and injustice, all this kind of stuff happening in the war. Wars are terrible, and we need to remember how terrible they are."
Hello Team!
Jonathan provides an update on the Ukraine war for January 13th, 2023, focusing on overnight news and the frontlines, but not including Bakhmut.
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📍 FRONT-LINE UPDATE -🗺️ MAP LEGEND
Ukrainian reports on Russian losses
- 740 liquidated Russian personnel, an uptick possibly due to activities around Soledar
- Up to 100 Russians killed in a ballistic missile attack on Soledar
- 4 tanks, 8 APCs, 4 artillery systems lost
- 1 fixed-wing aircraft (Su-25) downed, adding to bad week for Russian aircraft
- 7 vehicles and fuel tanks destroyed
- Both sides' claims need verification
Russian MOD spokesperson false claims
- Igor Konashenkov claimed Ukraine lost 4 US-delivered Bradley IFVs
- However, the Bradleys have not arrived in Ukraine yet, exposing the claim as impossible and an outright lie
- This is another example of inaccurate reporting by the Russians
Unverified claim of Russian reserves accumulating
- Unconfirmed report that Russian invaders are gathering reserves from Kreminna to Vuhledar for future offensives
- If true, Trent Telenko suggests Ukraine should not expect a huge offensive near Kreminna soon
- Most efficient way for Ukraine to inflict losses is to hit Russians when they are attacking and exposed
Italy sends more artillery to Ukraine
Italy has sent 3 more 155mm M109L self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. This tracked artillery is excellent news for the Ukrainian forces.
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Ukrainian troops arrive in Spain for training
225 Ukrainian soldiers were welcomed in Spain by the Defence Minister to undergo military training. Jonathan expresses gratitude to Spain for this support.
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Unverified report of Russian war crime in Soledar
- Unconfirmed claim that Wagner Group fighters dressed in Ukrainian uniforms infiltrated the 17th Tank Brigade's base in Soledar and opened fire on officers and soldiers
- If true, this would constitute perfidy, a war crime under the Geneva Conventions
- Many pro-Russian commenters are praising this action, essentially endorsing war crimes
- Important to verify such claims as much disinformation circulates
Institute for the Study of War analysis on Soledar
The ISW assesses that:
- Evidence suggests Ukraine no longer has an organized defense in Soledar itself
- Russian information ops have exaggerated Soledar's importance
- Capturing the small town won't enable Russia to control critical ground lines into Bakhmut or better position them to encircle the city in the short term
- The tactical victory in Soledar came at high cost and will accelerate the degradation and exhaustion of Russian forces, likely preventing operationally significant results
Explanation of Pyrrhic victory
Jonathan explains the concept of a Pyrrhic victory, where the toll of winning is so devastating that it amounts to a defeat. He cites the historical example of Pyrrhus of Epirus against the Romans. Parallels are drawn to Soledar, where even if Russia takes the town, their losses and exhaustion of crucial troops and resources may hamper them from further gains. Meanwhile, anger over such Russian victories may galvanize Ukrainian resolve to keep fighting.
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Frontline update: Kupyansk to Kreminna line
- Fighting has gone quiet around Svatove compared to weeks of intense battles before
- Per the ISW, Russia claims they destroyed Ukrainian recon groups NW of Svatove
- Ukraine repelled a Russian assault near Kreminna, possibly indicating Ukrainian advances
- Elements of Russia's 76th Guards Air Assault Division (VDV) have been moved to the vulnerable Kreminna front
- Ukrainians are estimated to be 1500-2500m from the first houses in Kreminna based on small arms fire heard
Frontline update: Donetsk line
- Minor Russian gains reported west of Novoselivka-Druha
- Repelled Russian attacks around Avdiivka, Opytne, Vodyane, Pervomaiske, Nevelske, Krasnohorivka and Marinka
- Ukrainians likely still control the road from Marinka to Krasnohorivka
- Conflicting claims about Marinka - one Russian blogger claimed total control but others report ongoing fierce fighting in the destroyed city centre
Frontline update: Southern line
No significant changes are reported along the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson front lines. Artillery duels continue, with Nikopol and Kherson routinely hit. Russia claims to still hold the Velyka Potemkina island south of Kherson city.
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Wrap up
Jonathan expresses thanks to viewers for their support, giving shout outs to those who donated through Buy Me a Coffee and PayPal. He reflects on a message from an English-Australian viewer living in Kharkiv who appreciated ATP's war coverage without showing graphic images. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of not becoming desensitized to the true horrors of war, as it can diminish the feelings of anger, shame and injustice at such terrible things happening. He stresses remembering the human toll on both sides and the need for the war to end quickly, urging Western nations to continue and increase their vital support to Ukraine.
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