Secret Military Base in Ukraine: Insights from the Frontline
A concealed military installation in eastern Ukraine is currently in the spotlight as it prepares to relocate its operations. This covert base has been pivotal for Ukrainian forces, with personnel adopting civilian attire when outside to maintain secrecy. Access has typically been restricted, but an exception was made for Sky News reporters to gain insight into the work being conducted within.
Inside the Base
Lieutenant Colonel Arsen Dimitric, known by the call sign Lemko, serves as the chief of staff for 1st Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, a key combat unit in the ongoing conflict. Sitting near a large table adorned with a map of the Donbas region, he highlighted the intense battles that have taken place in recent months, notably in and around Pokrovsk, reflecting the increased Russian aggression.
Lemko expressed a clear objective: “We aim to destroy as much of the enemy as possible.” While acknowledging the inevitability of losses, he stressed the necessity to resist Russian advances to mitigate suffering among Ukrainians. He indicated that the primary advantage the Russian forces possess is their numerical strength.
Casualties and Combat Strategies
Amidst the ongoing conflict, statistics reveal significant Russian casualties, with almost 17,000 soldiers reportedly killed or injured in just a few months in this specific warzone. The local strategy involves targeting Russian military capabilities, as evidenced by Ukrainian footage showing drones and artillery successfully neutralising Russian armoured vehicles.
“Our task is to hit them as hard as possible in various areas,” Lemko stated. With both sides focused on their respective offensive operations, he noted that negotiations for peace are being undertaken simultaneously by military and diplomatic leaders.
Negotiating from a Position of Strength
Significantly, the Azov Corps is currently contesting territories that may be relinquished to Russia as part of a peace deal proposal. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, leader of the Ukrainian armed forces, asserted that surrendering land would be untenable for Ukraine, revealing a national consensus on territorial integrity.
For Lemko and his unit, the battlefield achievements are intended to empower Ukrainian negotiators, emphasising that simply conceding territory is not an acceptable solution.
A Broader Warning
Lemko’s insights extend beyond just military tactics; he raised concerns about emerging hybrid warfare tactics used by Russia, including drone operations and cyber attacks. He cautioned that failure to adequately counter these actions could lead to a larger, conventional conflict, noting Ukraine’s past experiences with such warfare.
“Now is the moment for all countries to unite in countering this hybrid war,” he asserted, recognising that the consequences could escalate to armed conflict across Europe.
Background
Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has remained tense, culminating in heightened warfare in recent years. The UK and other nations have closely monitored developments, understanding the implications for regional stability and the potential for further escalations that could affect European security.
This underground base represents a crucial aspect of Ukraine’s military strategy and its continuing efforts to assert sovereignty amidst external pressures. The ongoing conflict invites global attention, with implications that resonate far beyond the borders of Ukraine.
Source: Original Article
