Nodal distance: what opportunities does the liberation of Svyatogorsk give the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Svyatogorsk, where Russian units are conducting a sweep, occupies an important strategic position, military experts told Izvestia. According to them, the transfer of the city under the control of the Russian Federation creates opportunities for further progress both in the Kharkiv region and in the direction of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. An offensive from the north may complicate the supply of the Ukrainian group in the agglomeration and contribute to the further advance of Russian troops in the Donbas.

Russian troops are conducting a sweep in the liberated Svyatogorsk

Units of the Zapad group of forces are clearing Svyatogorsk of Ukrainian militants hiding in the basements of buildings, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on September 2. The ministry also stated that Russian forces inflicted fire damage on units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the vicinity of the city — in the areas of the settlements of Sidorovo, Mayaki and Prishib of the Donetsk People's Republic.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Evgeny Biyatov

The liberation of Svyatogorsk was previously announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to him, in the last month of summer alone, 270 square kilometers of territory and 15 settlements came under the control of Russian troops in the DPR.

—Russian troops are increasing the pace of their offensive,— the head of state stressed, answering a question from Izvestia columnist Viktor Sineok.

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What is the significance of the liberation of Svyatogorsk

Svyatogorsk is located in the north of the DPR, near the border with the Kharkiv region. Automobile and railway communications pass through the city area, connecting several directions.

The transfer of Svyatogorsk under Russian control creates opportunities for further advancement in the Kharkiv region, military expert Yuri Knutov believes. In addition, according to him, this will allow our troops to cover the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Stanislav Krasilnikov

"It will be necessary to cut off supply routes, isolate the agglomeration, and deprive the enemy group of the opportunity to rotate, supply ammunition, and food," he explained. — Within a certain period of time, to exhaust the personnel, demoralize them and begin the liberation of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. This strategy has been in effect for a long time and is showing good results.

The transfer of Svyatogorsk under Russian control is also important for actions in the area of the Red Estuary, Mikhail Polikarpov, a military historian and author of a book on Donbass, told Izvestia. According to his assessment, Russian units are gradually increasing pressure on the Ukrainian group in the area of the city, seeking to cut off its supply routes.

The expert also noted the difficult terrain conditions.

— The specific terrain is affected here: it is a dense forest area, where, unlike the open steppe, the possibilities of permanent control of the territory using UAVs are significantly limited. Therefore, the operation is progressing in conditions of stubborn resistance and constant counterattacks," Mikhail Polikarpov explained.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Evgeny Biyatov

In addition to its strategic importance, Svyatogorsk also has important spiritual significance, military expert Viktor Litovkin noted. On the opposite bank of the Seversky Donets is the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra, one of the main Orthodox shrines in the region.

According to Litovkin, its transfer under Russian control will protect parishes and believers from pressure and return the shrine to normal life. The expert also stressed that Russian forces are targeting military targets near such facilities, which avoids damage to civilian infrastructure and historical and cultural monuments.

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In parallel with the successes in Svyatogorsk, the North group of troops is expanding the security zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border. At the same time, actions are developing in the Zaporizhia region, where the troops of the Vostok and Dnepr groups are advancing towards the regional center. Nine settlements have been taken under control in this area in 30 days, the president said at a press conference following the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek.

Photo: REUTERS/Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev

The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that during the liberation of Chervona Krynica in the Zaporizhia region, Russian military personnel occupied about 100 buildings and more than 15 square kilometers of territory.

Thus, the establishment of control over Svyatogorsk expands the capabilities of Russian troops in several directions at once. In addition to further progress in the north of the DPR, we are talking about the prospects for action in the Kharkiv region and increasing pressure on the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. At the same time, according to experts, control over transport communications and supply routes of Ukrainian units will be of key importance. Further advance in these areas will allow Russian troops to consistently increase pressure on the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and create conditions for the development of an offensive in the Donbas.