 |
| Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov/Associated Press |
Kyiv’s counterattack tests Moscow’s forces and raises stakes for Kremlin at home
Russian forces sent fleeing by Ukraine’s recent counterattack are attempting to establish defensive positions and regain their footing. It is a difficult pivot even under ideal conditions, and so far Moscow’s forces show signs of struggling to adapt.
Battlefield setbacks are just one challenge facing the Kremlin as it tries to secure its territorial gains in Ukraine and fend off nascent criticism at home. Kyiv’s forces this month have retaken dozens of settlements and more than 3,500 square miles of Russian-controlled ground in the northeastern Kharkiv region, according to government officials.
Ukraine continued attacking Russian-held territory on Friday, hitting the easternmost parts of the Kharkiv region and other parts of eastern Ukraine. They hope to capitalize on those gains to advance their offensive in the southern city of Kherson. Attacks on government buildings in Kherson and the eastern city of Luhansk killed two Moscow-installed officials, local Russia-backed authorities said.
On the battlefield over recent weeks, Russia has lost hundreds of heavy military vehicles, including over 100 tanks, according to open-source intelligence reports. It also lost several pieces of classified electronic-warfare equipment that are now in the hands of Western-allied forces. Many Russian soldiers—in the thousands, by some estimates—have either surrendered or will become prisoners of war.
Ukraine’s advance will also allow its rockets to hit targets deeper within Russian-controlled areas, potentially in occupied parts of Ukraine such as Crimea and in Russia itself.
Within Russia, criticisms of President Vladimir Putin and his regime remain limited but are growing. Spreading wariness about the war could limit Mr. Putin’s options for responding, such as a limited mobilization or a draft, which under Russian law likely would require an outright declaration of war. --->READ MORE HERE
Some of the Russian troops occupying the strategic Ukrainian city of Izyum drafted letters begging for reassignment, citing poor health and “moral exhaustion.”
The 10 letters, obtained by the Washington Post, offer a rare look into the morale — or lack thereof — of the beleaguered Russian forces occupying eastern Ukraine.
“I refuse to complete my duty in the special operation on the territory of Ukraine due to lack of vacation days and moral exhaustion,” wrote one soldier who identified himself as the commander of an anti-aircraft missile platoon.
That phrase was used by another soldier, who complained of “physical and moral exhaustion.”
Yet another asked to be relieved from duty due to “the worsening of my health and not receiving the necessary medical aid.”
The authenticity of the handwritten letters has not been verified, but the Washington Post reported that the drafts were among piles of personal effects belonging to Russian units that fled Ukraine’s counter-offensive this month. --->READ MORE HEREFollow links below to +++++relevant+++++ and related stories:
+++++Russia-Ukraine News LATEST UPDATES: (REUTERS) (AP) (NY POST) and (WSJ)+++++
+++++After strikes by Armed Forces of Ukraine, corpses of Russians are taken away by crowded trucks – General Staff+++++
+++++Russia abandoned ‘high-value equipment’ during retreat from Kharkiv area+++++
Deputy puppet governor of Berdiansk killed along with wife responsible for preparations for "referendum"
Sanctions hamper Russia's ability to make advanced weapons, NATO says
The Armed Forces in the south destroyed more than 70 Russians, five tanks and other equipment — the command
Air Force shoots down three Iskanders on Friday
US sends new military aid for Ukraine to boost momentum
Ukraine Exhumes Mass Burial Site in City Retaken From Russians
Ukraine accuses Russia of ‘genocide’ in recently liberated province
Dual Blasts Inside Russian-Held Territory Kill Occupation Officials in Ukraine
North Korean Weapons Supplied to Russia Would Likely Have Limits
German minister asks UEFA to remove Belarus from Euro 2024
US hits more Russians with sanctions over Ukraine
Bodies with tied hands found at burial site in Ukraine's Izium, governor says
Poland buys 48 light combat aircraft from South Korea
Belarus Weekly: Belarus allows Russia to use two military bases for 25 more years
If you like what you see, please "Like" and/or Follow us on FACEBOOK here, GETTR here, and TWITTER here.
No comments:
Post a Comment