The “main” Russian offensive in japanese Ukraine continues, producing minor Russian territorial positive factors as a “senior U.S. defense official” warns that Russia remains to be persevering with so as to add to its forces within the area. 42 cities had been captured by Russia on Thursday, in keeping with Ukrainian officers.
Regardless of that, Ukraine’s authorities sounds probably the most optimistic of the 2. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed “cautious optimism” that allied international locations now “perceive our wants higher,” dashing to offer Ukraine with heavy weapons that Zelenskyy had been asking NATO international locations to ship for weeks now. Russian troops proceed to be tied up north of Izyum in makes an attempt to maintain provide strains open whilst Ukraine applies heavy strain; even Russia taking new floor could also be as a lot an indication of Ukraine tweaking its defensive tactics.
The lack of Izyum continues to be a heavy blow, permitting Russia to stage a lot nearer to different key cities than it in any other case may.
In additional curious information, two main fires inside Russia elevate eyebrows for his or her potential long-term significance. A key Russian analysis heart for missile growth seems to be a complete loss after a hearth broke out, reportedly killing at least two and injuring dozens. The Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant, a significant producer of chemical solvents, was destroyed by a different fire. Each are an extended, lengthy method from the Russian border, however the destruction of two main amenities in at some point is, at least, uncommon. It is virtually definitely a coincidence … until one thing related occurs tomorrow.
Probably the most substantial query, nevertheless, stays the identical. Is there a extra strong Russian assault coming, or is that this the total extent of Russian capabilities? Army consultants wildly disagree on that one, with the Pentagon’s warnings rising more and more dire whereas outdoors assume tanks stay skeptical after weeks of watching what Russia’s commanders have (and have not) been in a position to pull off.
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