The Ukrainians have taken Krasnyy Luch. This is a big deal. This means they have taken the M03/H21 interchange. The rebels apparently retreated after the Ukrainian air force smashed an armoured column coming up to support the rebels in KL. I'd speculate the units here will drive up the M03 to link up with Devaltseve and also up the H21 to link up with the forces in Lutuhyne. Adjacent towns taken are Bahrushevo, Khrustal'ne and Bokovo-Platovo.
The Ukrainians also claim to have taken Verhunka in Lugansk Oblast.
Likewise, the Ukrainians have taken Panteleimonivka. Gorlovka is cut off from Donetsk. I'd suspect either a major move on Gorlovka or a drive along the M04 highway to link up with the forces in Debaltseve.
There is extensive combat all over the place. Many had complained the Ukrainian forces had done little outside of Donetsk recently. This is probably why: they had to build up ammo, reinforce and rest before moving forward. They are 'only' using around 50k men from what I gather. Its all they can barely afford. And they are winning.
The rebels have signaled they are willing to do a cease fire in the DNR. I doubt the Ukrainians will take them up on it.
I do bet a surrender in Donetsk or an attempted strategic retreat from Donetsk to Lugansk in the next week. I have to wonder if this is why they replaced the Russian PM of the DNR with a Ukrainian: if he surrenders, it was not because a real Russian did! It was one of those weak-willed Malorus! (oy)
Russia denies the humanitarian aid convey story fro yesterday (big surprise, but might even be true...)
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