There are growing reports that the Russian-occupied area of the Donbas is experiencing stiff resistance from Ukrainian guerrilla forces, as the Ukrainians move to liberate portions of southeastern Ukraine in the Kherson region. Russia has made known its ambition to make the so-called republics of Luhansk and Donetsk effectively part of the Russian Federation through a sham referendum in September. The Associated Press reports:
"In a growing challenge to Russia’s grip on occupied areas of southeastern Ukraine, guerrilla forces loyal to Kyiv are killing pro-Moscow officials, blowing up bridges and trains, and helping the Ukrainian military by identifying key targets.
The spreading resistance has eroded Kremlin control of those areas and threatened its plans to hold referendums in various cities as a move toward annexation by Russia.
'Our goal is to make life unbearable for the Russian occupiers and use any means to derail their plans,' said Andriy, a 32-year-old coordinator of the guerrilla movement in the southern Kherson region. [snip]
As Ukrainian forces step up attacks in the region and reclaim some areas west of the Dnieper River, the guerrilla activity also has increased.
They coordinate with the Ukrainian military’s Special Operations Forces, which helps them develop strategies and tactics. Those forces also select targets and set up a website with tips on how to organize resistance, prepare ambushes and elude arrest. A network of weapons caches and secret hideouts was established in occupied areas.
Bombs have been placed near administrative buildings, at officials’ homes and even on their routes to work." (our emphasis)
This report comes on the heels of news that the U.S. will be supplying an additional $1 billion of weaponry and ammunition to Ukraine, as the Defense Department announced yesterday. It's important that Ukraine be given the right equipment and weapons to press the attack on the Russian invaders as they attempt to resupply and reposition their forces. The Defense Department estimate that between 70,000 and 80,000 Russians have been wounded or killed in the past 5 months is evidence that the support of the Western alliance has been effective, and needs to be continue.
(photo: Ukrainian guerrillas hold up a Putin target. Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters)
