Supply shortages, air support gaps challenge Ukrainian defense in Ocheretyne
Territorial Defense Officer Oleksandr Solonko detailed the challenging conditions facing the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their defense of Ocheretyne village, during a broadcast on Radio NV on April 22.
"I can say that, as in any other sector, there is a huge problem with a huge superiority in ammunition, artillery, and aviation," Solonko said.
He emphasized the difficulty in maintaining their defensive positions: "It’s incredibly tough to hold the line, regardless of its construction, when we can't even match the enemy's artillery fire, much less their air operations."
Throughout the summer and fall offensives in the Tokmak sector, the 47th Brigade has been actively engaged near Ocheretyne and, according to Solonko, has defended its sector effectively.
"I hope that we will be able to defend this settlement, especially if the situation with ammunition starts to change quickly enough, if supplies start to arrive, then maybe we will be able to stop them there," Solonko concluded.
Solonko expressed hope for continued defense of the area, contingent on improved supply situations. "If our ammunition supply can increase quickly enough, perhaps we can halt their advance at this critical juncture," he stated.
"Losing this position would severely complicate our defense and lead to further strategic challenges," he added.
Read also: Ukrainian soldier on Russia’s plans to capture Ocheretyne – interview
On April 23, Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesman for the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Troop Grouping, reported that enemy forces are attempting to secure positions in the southern part of Ocheretyne, although the majority remains under Ukrainian control. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War noted that while a Russian flag was raised in Ocheretyne, the village has not been fully captured.
Situation on the eastern front
The situation on the eastern front has worsened significantly, reported Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, on April 13.
Further reports from the DeepState monitoring portal on the same day indicated that Russian forces had taken the village of Bohdanivka and made advances near Chasiv Yar. However, the Defense Ministry has refuted claims that Bohdanivka has been occupied.
Read also: Intense combat in Ocheretyne signals possible Russian breakthrough
General Syrskyi later disclosed that the Russian military leadership is pressing its forces to secure Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast by May 9.
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