The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, released a report on December 7 on the ongoing battles between Russian and Ukrainian soldiers. It noted that Russia is seeking to capture the whole of the Donetsk Oblast.
The fighting in Bakhmut and the surrounding areas continued to rage on December 7 with success at times for Russian and Ukrainian troops.
“Russian forces continued ground attacks around Bakhmut on December 7,” the report said. “The Ukrainian General Staff stated that Ukrainian troops repelled attempted Russian attacks on Bakhmut itself, northeast of Bakhmut near Verkhnokamyanske (27km northeast of Bakhmut), Spirne (25km northeast of Bakhmut), Yakovlivka (12km northeast of Bakhmut), and south of Bakhmut near Bila Hora (15km southwest of Bakhmut) and Kurdiumivka (15km southwest of Bakhmut).”
Russia was also able to push back Ukrainian forces who attempted to take back ground. Most notably, the Wagner Group was successful and was reported by a “Russian milblogger” to be using 2,000 rounds of ammunition per day per person.
“Russian sources widely claimed that Wagner Group fighters took control of Yakovlivka and that fierce fighting is ongoing near Bakhmut in Opytne, Klishchiivka, and Soledar,” the report continued.
“The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) claimed that Ukrainian troops unsuccessfully attempted to regain certain lost positions south of Bakhmut. Russian sources largely discussed the intensity of operations in this area and emphasized high Ukrainian losses.”
The Institute for the Study of War also commented on the latest political developments in relation to the conflict.
According to the institute, Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing his country to accept that the war will be “grinding” and protracted."
Putin was “setting conditions for a protracted war of conquest in Ukraine” during a recent meeting with Russian officials.
The report said: “Putin remarked that the ‘special operation’ in Ukraine can be a ’lengthy process’ and that the acquisition of new territory is a significant result of this process for Russia.
“This invocation of Russian imperial history explicitly frames Putin’s current goals in Ukraine as overtly imperialistic and still maximalist.”
“Putin is conditioning Russian domestic audiences to expect a protracted, grinding war in Ukraine that continues to seek the conquest of additional Ukrainian territory.
“This informational conditioning is fundamentally incompatible with any discussions regarding a ceasefire or negotiations.”
Newsweek has contacted Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.
