Will Western Main Battle Tanks Turn the Tide in Ukraine? What do Russian Gains in Soledar Mean?

Update on Russian military operations in Ukraine for January 13, 2022. - Russian advances near Soledar and Bakhmut contradict “Ukrainian offensive momentum” narrative; - Russian operations are consistent with the “demilitarization” objective for the special military operation; - Bakhmut & Soledar are fortified cities along one of Ukraine’s last defensive lines in the Donbass region; - West is announcing plans to send Western main battle tanks including Challenger 2 and Leopard 2 tanks; - Challenger 2 and Leopard 2 tanks use different ammunition & both require an additional crew member (loader) increasing training demands for Ukrainian forces; - The large variety of equipment the West is sending will create additional burdens for Ukrainian forces without any notable benefit; - Western main battle tanks have proven to be vulnerable to (Russian-made) modern anti-tank weapons even under relatively ideal conditions; - Ukrainian forces will be