Looking at a map, taking that skeletal town will play havoc with Russian morale, an intangible in war. It could allow a northern flank to open into Donetsk. And I mean towards the city.

Thankfully just reporting on this. Because retaking that skeleton will cost lives. If Russians want to, they can become imposible to remove, because urban ruins are perfect for defense. Though that’s why the pincers make sense. Pocket, bypass.