A humorous factor occurred on the way in which to Russia’s seize of Severodonetsk. After studies from Ukrainian officers that Russia held about 80% of the town, and a full week after Chechen forces claimed to have taken the entire metropolis (which by no means occurred), Ukraine now seems to carry extra of Severodonetsk than it did on Wednesday.
Some statements are actually going so far as saying that Severodonetsk was a trap to lure in Russian troopers. There are now claims that Ukrainian troops haven’t simply held on to their nook of the town, however have unfold out, taken prisoners, and are ready to expel the remaining Russian forces from the town. Which, if true, is simply … wow.
Nevertheless, there are different statements saying that whereas Ukrainian forces did recapture some blocks of the town on Thursday, they’re nonetheless vastly outnumbered and are holding positions to permit extra civilian evacuations. I completely need to imagine the studies that Ukraine is about to drag off what can be a mid-level miracle. However I’m not investing in these studies too deeply at this level.
In a narrative that sounds all too acquainted, The Guardian studies that numerous individuals are hiding beneath a manufacturing facility web site in Severodonetsk.
About 800 folks, together with youngsters, are hiding beneath a chemical manufacturing facility in the important thing jap Ukrainian metropolis of Sievierodonetsk, now 80% held by Russian troops, as extra western allies promise extra missile techniques and arms to Kyiv.
This would appear to arrange an nearly Mariupol-like state of affairs, although it’s unlikely that every other web site is as effectively ready for invasion because the Azovstal plant.
Proper now, please take all studies out of Severodonetsk with a espresso cup stuffed with salt. Either side have lots invested on this location on a symbolic foundation, which suggests it’s extraordinarily open to a propaganda push from both facet.
After per week through which comparatively little floor has modified arms, there may be motion in the present day north of Kharkiv. Ukraine has captured the city of Vesele, the place Russian forces had been dug in because the begin of the counteroffensive within the space. Russian troops have retreated to the world of Lyptsi, and reportedly made an unsuccessful try and advance to the south.
On the identical time, pro-Russian sources are reporting a big Russian advance within the space, one through which Russia has apparently captured not simply Ternova however Staryi Saltiv and a number of villages. Please word that, whereas this “massive Russian advance” map is circulating broadly on Twitter, there may be no (as in zero) proof that such a Russian assault exists in any type, not even in Telegram chatter. Sometime, Russian propagandists are going to get bored with claiming that Russia has retaken Ternova. Right this moment shouldn’t be that day.
As promised, the map of the world east of Zaporizhzhia has gotten some consideration in the present day. Russia is making a variety of pushes on this space, however to this point has been unsuccessful at translating them into real positive factors. Various villages are in dispute east and south of Hulyaipole, which has been shelled closely for weeks. One other group of villages have confronted assault close to Orikhiv, however there’s no clear proof that any have modified arms.
What’s making the Zaporizhzhia space significantly attention-grabbing proper now’s what’s reported to be coming. In the previous few days, a number of small teams of Russian troopers or remoted automobiles have been destroyed making an attempt to advance alongside the freeway on the east financial institution of the Dnipro River. However these are reported to be the vanguard of a giant Russian pressure—a pressure geared up with T-62 tanks. This pressure has supposedly rolled by Melitopol headed north, but it surely’s laborious to imagine Russia will truly use these tanks for greater than patrolling areas solidly below their management.
During the last a number of weeks, there have been a number of flip-flops with regards to management of the villages alongside the border of Russian-occupied territory, however now Russia does appear to be shifting ahead from that border with extra objective—although what that objective may be shouldn’t be clear.
Final week, a village close to Hulyaipole was the positioning for this demonstration of Ukrainian artillery ability.
And eventually, I’m bringing you this nice instance of Tucker Carlson / Pillow Man high quality propaganda in your enjoyment. Truthfully, the manufacturing values right here make me really feel safer.
You see, comrade? Russia is taking these cities with out even firing a shot. Nothing on this metropolis has been broken. There are folks enjoying video games, strolling the sidewalks, out for dinner and buying. They love Russia! In addition they love carrying their winter coats in June! Ukrainians, such attention-grabbing folks!
