Update on the Oskol Reservoir Situation
Yesterday, we reported that the Russian forces had allegedly trapped 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers with their back to the Oskol reservoir.
Pro-Russian sources still claim this is the case. Some actually say the pocket has been reduced. It’s difficult to get to the truth because Ukrainian sources usually don’t share such information and only report victories and other good news.
Conflicting Reports on the Oskol Pocket
A couple of neutral sources are reporting that the Oskol pocket isn’t shut tight yet, as Russian troops do not control the town of Oskol itself.
However, the gap is rather tight. Ukrainian troops might be trying to pull out of there while they still can. But then again, a retreat through such a tight corridor under enemy fire might not be an attractive proposition.
We’ll update you on that situation whenever we can, but at the moment, all we get is contradicting data and a thick fog of war.
Strategic Map and Battlefield Analysis
Also provided, a handy little map showing the area just north of Slavyansk-Kramatorsk and east of Izyum. You can see that the Ukrainians are still holding on to most of the important locations on the battlefield… But you can also see the pressure they’re coming under and the slow envelopment Russian forces are trying to develop.
