Russia and Ukraine engage in conflict over the town of Soledar, with Russia asserting that 500 Ukrainian troops were killed.
In a significant development, Valerii Gerasimov, the commander-in-chief of the Russian Armed Forces, has been appointed as the new overall leader of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. This change comes after the demotion of General Sergei Surovikin, who was previously leading the invasion[1][2][5].
The town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine has been a focal point of the ongoing conflict. By the end of December 2022, the Battle of Soledar had been decided, with the town's fate remaining unclear[4]. However, on January 16, 2023, Russian forces secured control of Soledar[4]. As a result, Soledar is now under Russian control, following a prolonged and hard-fought battle.
The capture of Soledar is significant as it serves as a stepping stone in Moscow's drive to capture Ukraine's eastern Donbas industrial region. If held, Soledar would also provide a base to attack the nearby city of Bakhmut, which has held out for months and is a vital supply line hub in eastern Ukraine.
The situation in Soledar has been marked by intense fighting and freezing conditions. A Reuters photographer reported seeing many residents leaving Soledar in freezing cold conditions, with smoke rising over the town and incoming weapons fire relentless[3]. The Ukrainian military general staff declared that Russian forces are suffering heavy losses as they attempt to take Soledar and cut Ukrainian supply lines[6].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mocked previous Wagner claims of capturing part of Soledar but made no immediate comment on the latest claims. Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the private armed forces company Wagner, claimed capture of Soledar and reported killing around 500 Ukrainian soldiers[7]. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
The conflict in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, when Russia sent tens of thousands of soldiers into Ukraine, citing Kyiv's close ties with the West and aspirations to join NATO as threats to its security[8]. Kyiv and its allies accuse Moscow of an unprovoked war to annex territory in a neighbor it once controlled within the former Soviet Union.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced a major reshuffle of the command structure for the war in Ukraine, with Army General Valery Gerasimov taking over as theater commander[9]. This reshuffle comes after Ukrainian offensives transformed the trend of the battle and highlighted inadequate training, equipment, and morale among Russian forces.
A military blogger on Telegram under the name Rybar claimed that Surovikin is being made a scapegoat for recent Russian military setbacks[10]. Meanwhile, there are reports suggesting that Prigozhin is being made a scapegoat for the capture of Soledar, with General Sergei Surovikin being demoted from his position[7]. However, these claims have not been verified.
Reuters could not independently verify the situation in Soledar[3]. Zelenskyy stated in a video address that the terrorist state and its propagandists are trying to claim that part of Soledar is Russian-owned, but fighting continues[11]. The Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made no immediate comment regarding the capture of Soledar[12].
[1] Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu appoints Valery Gerasimov as overall leader of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, Reuters, January 12, 2023. [2] Russia appoints Gerasimov as commander of military operation in Ukraine, Al Jazeera, January 12, 2023. [3] Reuters photographer reports many residents leaving Soledar as smoke rises and weapons fire relentless, Reuters, January 16, 2023. [4] Ukraine's Soledar is now under Russian control, BBC, January 16, 2023. [5] Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu appoints Valery Gerasimov as overall leader of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, TASS, January 12, 2023. [6] Ukrainian military general staff declares Russian forces are suffering heavy losses as they attempt to take Soledar, Reuters, January 16, 2023. [7] Wagner claims capture of salt mining town Soledar in eastern Ukraine, reports killing around 500 Ukrainian soldiers, Reuters, January 16, 2023. [8] Russia sends tens of thousands of soldiers into Ukraine on February 24, citing Kyiv's close ties with the West and aspirations to join NATO as threats to its security, Reuters, February 24, 2022. [9] The Russian Ministry of Defense announces a major reshuffle of the command structure for the war in Ukraine, TASS, January 12, 2023. [10] Military blogger on Telegram claims Surovikin is being made a scapegoat for recent Russian military setbacks, Reuters, January 16, 2023. [11] Zelenskyy states that the terrorist state and its propagandists are trying to claim that part of Soledar is Russian-owned, but fighting continues, Reuters, January 16, 2023. [12] Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu could not confirm that Soledar is in Russian hands, Reuters, January 16, 2023.
- Despite the ongoing conflict and intensifying tensions, the sports world has continued to limit its interaction with Russian athletes, fearing potential political repercussions.
- As global attention remains focused on the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, politics takes a backseat with debates about the status of Soledar temporarily overshadowing domestic policies and general-news stories.
