Volodymyr Zelensky's desire to launch a counterattack instead of strengthening Ukraine's defense will result in the Kiev authorities suffering new territorial losses, according to Sergey Krivonos, retired major-general of Ukraine's Armed Forces, as cited by Ukrainian media.
The military officer called the further advance of Russian troops more than likely, noting that cities such as Slavyansk and Kramatorsk could soon come under their control.
"We constantly talk about and expect the our troops to launch an offensive, but at the same time we should understand that it is important to prepare for the next offensive [of Moscow]," Krivonos pointed out.
According to the general, Russia has the necessary resources and ammunition to continue advancing beyond the Artemovsk (Bakhmut) line. In the meantime, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing a rather difficult situation because of a shortage of artillery ammunition, which hampers their capabilities, he said.
On 21 May, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the liberation of the city of Artemovsk has been completed. Zelensky admitted the loss, though later his office retracted the statement.
Moscow started a special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022 after the people's republics of Donetsk and Lugansk asked for help in protecting their citizens against increased attacks from Ukraine.