**Russia’s Donbas Gambit: Will 2025 be the Year of Victory?**
The past few months have seen a surge in combat engagements across Ukraine’s frontline, with Russian forces concentrating their firepower on Donbas for their planned summer offensive. Despite this intensified effort, analysts remain skeptical about Russia’s ability to capture the remaining 20% of Donbas still under Ukrainian control.
**A Symbolic Advance**
Russia’s westward advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has been viewed as more political than practical by analysts. “That move is purely symbolic,” said one analyst, noting that even if they breach the border, Russian forces will face another defensive line along the Solona River. This push is seen as an attempt to claim they’ve entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and begun its “liberation.”
**Lyman: A Critical Railway Hub**
In the Lyman direction, Russian forces have made limited but notable gains. They expanded their foothold west of the Zherebets River, advancing south toward Lyman and west toward the Oskil River. This push is part of Russia’s broader strategy to outflank Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk Oblast from the north and secure key logistical routes.
**Will Russia Capture Donbas in 2025?**
According to analysts, Russia may have a chance to achieve its Donbas objectives – but only with sustained focus. Diverting resources to other oblasts would undermine this strategic aim. “Their so-called constitution references Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts – but says nothing about Kharkiv, Sumy, or Dnipropetrovsk,” noted one analyst. “So why shift resources there?”
**A War of Attrition**
Russia currently lacks strategic reserves for a large-scale offensive, with even operational reserves severely limited. Even if they break through Ukraine’s tactical defense zone, Russian forces lack mobile armored units to exploit success and achieve operational outcomes. The war has become a series of positional battles and infantry attacks – all Russia is capable of.
**Conclusion**
While Russia continues to push for control over Donbas, analysts remain skeptical about their ability to capture the remaining 20% of the region still under Ukrainian control. The war has become a stalemate, with both sides locked in a cycle of attrition. Will 2025 be the year that Russia finally breaks through? Only time will tell.
**Related Article**
*Putin Plans to Capture Donbas in 2025 Despite Not Capturing It in 2022-2023 or 2024*
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
