Today, Explained Thanks but no tanks, Ukraine
Jan 23, 2023
Isabel Kershner, the Ukraine bureau chief for The Washington Post, shares her firsthand insights from Kyiv and Bakhmut. She delves into the intense fighting in Bakhmut, emphasizing its psychological significance despite limited strategic value. The pressing demand for U.S. and German tanks is highlighted, alongside the complexities of military aid and training programs for Ukrainian soldiers. As the conflict evolves, Kershner discusses the urgent need for continued support from Western allies, reflecting on the harsh realities of a protracted war.
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Bakhmut: A Symbolic Battlefield
- Bakhmut, a city in Ukraine's Donbass region, has become a focal point of the war.
- Despite its minimal strategic value, both Russia and Ukraine are heavily invested in the fight for this city.
Russia's Use of Mercenaries
- Russia utilizes the Wagner Group, a private military company comprised of mercenaries, in Bakhmut.
- These mercenaries are seen as expendable, allowing Russia to tie up Ukrainian forces while preserving its regular army.
Symbolic Importance of Bakhmut
- Bakhmut holds symbolic value for both sides, representing a potential win for Russia and resistance for Ukraine.
- The Wagner Group's involvement highlights the city's importance to Russia's mercenary force and their leader, Prigozhin.