State Duma Deputy Lieutenant General Andriy Gurulev, who recently took on the role of deputy commander for the joint group within the Northern Military District, weighs in on the ongoing struggle around Soledar. He argues that Ukrainian forces will likely press their efforts to retake the town, though their chances of success appear limited at present. Gurulev emphasizes that words and intentions can shape the moment, but they rarely determine outcomes on the battlefield.
In his view, the probability of a Ukrainian push toward the Soledar region remains high. He notes that Kiev could deploy additional regional defense units toward the area or activate strategic resources reserved for national contingencies. Yet the general cautions that restoring a position once lost is typically harder than holding a line once it is secured, underscoring the persistent challenge of regaining lost ground while facing vigilant opposition and logistical strain.
Meanwhile, a prominent member of the Federation Council suggests that the capture of Soledar could trigger a boost in heavy weaponry supplied to Ukraine from Western allies, including advanced armor. Observers point to historical calls for arming Ukrainian forces with tanks and other assault capabilities, reflecting a broader pattern of Western support tied to shifting battlefield needs. The expectation among analysts is that intensified equipment and annexe firepower would alter the operational balance, prompting both sides to adjust tactics, logistics, and readiness in response to new capabilities on the ground. These developments are interpreted as part of a dynamic scramble to influence the trajectory of the conflict, with Western partners weighing strategic risk against deterrence value and the potential to shape regional security outcomes.