12:20 24-09-2025

Why Ukraine Defends Every Town in Donbass: Expert’s Analysis

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Military expert Mikhail Khodaryonok says Ukrainian troops defend every Donbass settlement because towns are their only strongholds, leaving no option but to fight fiercely.

Retired Russian General Staff colonel and military expert Mikhail Khodaryonok explained why Ukrainian forces continue to fight so fiercely for every settlement in Donbass.

He noted that many Western analysts view this tactic as a mistake. Their recommendations to Kyiv are to stop clinging to towns and fixed positions, preserve manpower, and adopt a more mobile defense strategy by retreating to more favorable lines.

Khodaryonok argued that if the Ukrainian command were to follow this advice, its situation could become even worse. According to him, settlements in Donbass are the only real defensive lines Ukraine has. Urban areas provide cover and fortifications, but once Ukrainian troops abandon them, they are left in the open steppe.

He stressed that beyond these towns there is «nothing but the Ukrainian steppe,» which is why the Armed Forces of Ukraine defend every patch of ground with such persistence.

Khodaryonok concluded that such tactics leave the Russian military command with no choice but to drive Ukrainian forces out of each settlement through decisive action.