Why Russia Lacks the Capacity to Seize the Entire Donetsk Region, According to General Lasiichuk

The Feasibility of Capturing Donetsk Oblast

According to Главком: In an interview with the BBC, Brigadier General Yevhen Lasiichuk, who commands the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Air Assault Forces responsible for defending Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, expressed his conviction that Russia is incapable of fully seizing Donetsk Oblast. He explained that while the success of Russian forces hinges on the mass deployment of infantry, particularly small-group infiltration tactics, this requires vast numbers of personnel. General Lasiichuk doubts Russia possesses such a capability.

Primary Threats and Tactical Shifts

The general identified enemy tactical aviation as the principal threat to Ukrainian forces, downplaying other aspects as less critical. Meanwhile, Russia has extended its timeline for capturing the entire Donbas region to April 2026, signaling an expectation of prolonged conflict. This assessment comes amid Russia's ongoing war of aggression, now in its third year.

Adding to the regional tensions, pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, in an interview with the propaganda outlet TASS, outlined expansive territorial claims for Russia, stating:

"The borders could extend as far as the Ivano-Frankivsk region." - Viktor Medvedchuk

Such rhetoric underscores the complexity of the situation and casts doubt on the prospects for a stable peace.

Furthermore, the Russian army has shifted its tactics. While it previously employed attacks with mechanized columns, such as in the Hryshyne area, it has now largely transitioned to using lighter equipment like motorcycles, buggies, and civilian vehicles, focusing on small infantry group tactics. Upon identifying a Ukrainian position, the enemy attempts to:

• sever its supply lines;
• employ combined firepower, including tactical aviation and guided aerial bombs.

According to the general, a single position could endure up to six consecutive airstrikes, highlighting the severe challenges Ukrainian forces face in defending their territory.

The situation in Donetsk Oblast remains tense, with forecasts suggesting the conflict is likely to be protracted. General Lasiichuk's position emphasizes not only the military challenges but also the strategic difficulties confronting the Russian army. The announced 2026 deadline for capturing the Donbas points to a potentially extended armed confrontation, which would have serious consequences for regional security and the lives of the local population.