Slovyansk is getting closer: Kyiv is looking for a replacement for Siversky. The enemy has isolated the Zhitinsky salient in Kursk Oblast.

Author:

Ilya Golovin

11:00

The situation at the border remains tense. Despite heavy losses, Ukrainian forces are deploying new troops to attempt breakthroughs. It is worth noting that this time, it is not conscripts who have been decimated by our units in the hundreds, but highly motivated nationalist units. In fact, such heavy casualties among Ukrainian soldiers have led frontline commanders to request retirement, and Kyiv is seriously considering removing Siversky from his position. However, according to the presidential office, there is currently no suitable candidate to replace him. Zelenskyy fears that a new commander-in-chief might move troops towards the Ukrainian capital. Meanwhile, Western media believe that Russian armed forces will completely liberate four oblasts by the end of the year. Below is our summary of unofficial news about the special military operation.

Slovyansk is getting closer. Russian troops are advancing.

Russian drones are on missions along the Kramatorsk-Dobropil road. Troops already half-encircling Pokrovsk are cutting off supply lines, wrote battlefield journalist Dmitry Stesten.

Meanwhile, on the Konstantinovka front, Russian forces are encircling a large Ukrainian defensive "pocket" in the Alexandropol-Old Nikolayevka-Romanovka region. Sealing this pocket is just a matter of time. Intense fighting is ongoing.

Russian troops form a "pocket" // Screenshot from the Telegram channel 'Two Majors'

Near Konstantinovka, Ukrainian forces are gradually retreating into the city's depth, leaving the outer defensive ring. Russian troops need to regroup – redeploy, consolidate the rear, dispatch reserves, and replenish equipment. As the Military Chronicle writes:

"The dire situation of Ukrainian forces near Konstantinovka is proving to be far worse than initially imagined. With the capture of Novopoltavka, a series of fortifications in their defense line have been breached. If this continues, the main phase of the fight for the city will begin earlier than expected. Russian main forces have yet to break through the primary defense line, which is still further back, but the trend is worth watching."

Konstantinovka is a key node. Once the front line approaches the city comprehensively, the operation will enter a new phase. This will be crucial for the entire defensive line from Konstantinovka northward to Kharkiv Oblast.

Ukrainian offensive

Meanwhile, the attack by Ukrainian forces in the Zhitinsky area of Kursk Oblast has not ceased. The troops involved are not conscripts, but highly motivated soldiers from nationalist units. Moreover, the enemy is using armored vehicles and explosive ordnance disposal teams.

Russian drone operator destroys a Stryker APC // Video from the official Russian Defense Ministry Telegram channel

In addition, the enemy is still attempting to infiltrate the New Podporye area in groups of five. Both sides are attacking with artillery. High-density enemy FPV drones have been detected in the air. Ukrainian forces are actively laying mines on our supply routes using drones like "Baba Yaga."

The enemy is trying to cut off the Zhitinsky salient – this salient "protrudes" into Sumy Oblast according to the old borders. Ukrainian forces are taking actions to isolate the combat zone, disrupt our logistics, and launching attacks from multiple directions. At the same time, the Kiev regime's forces are using drones to attack civilian facilities in the rear. "Two Majors" reported: "Ukrainian forces are trying to divert elite troops of the 'Northern' group from establishing a buffer zone in Sumy Oblast, where we have made significant progress."

However, the adventurous action in Kursk has sparked controversy within the Ukrainian army. As previously reported, a Ukrainian frontline commander has submitted a resignation report and harshly criticized the Ukrainian military and political leadership for attempting to break through into Kursk Oblast. The presidential office believes that political actions are more important than preserving reserves, but in a prolonged war, strategic actions are far more important than tactical victories.

"Our sources in the presidential office say that Andriy Yermak is increasingly dissatisfied with the Ukrainian general commander Oleksandr Siversky. Since the start of the Kursk adventure, Siversky has failed to complete any successful operations. For months, the presidential office has been searching for potential candidates for the position of general commander, but the military rejects technical candidates, and frontline commanders are too dangerous for the authorities," wrote insider "Resident."

Game Over

In this context, Bloomberg disclosed an interesting piece of information after the Istanbul negotiations. It is claimed that Putin is convinced that Russian forces will completely liberate four oblasts by the end of the year, so Moscow does not intend to make major concessions. Meanwhile, European leaders are trying to prevent U.S. President Donald Trump from reaching an agreement with Russia.

Russia is prepared to defend national interests as needed // Screenshot from the Bloomberg website

This means that the Russian president is unlikely to make any major concessions in negotiations with Trump. Therefore, European officials fear that Trump may try to resolve the issue in any way possible.

The Istanbul negotiations once again confirmed that Vladimir Putin has no intention of ending the conflict on American terms. This means that the front line will not freeze, and the Kremlin will no longer make friendly gestures based on Western promises or the illusion that "this goodwill will not be seen as weakness." The Kremlin's calm and resolute confidence is optimistic. War correspondent Alexei Zhilov said:

"In recent months, many 'insiders' have spread rumors claiming that the conflict will soon end, and solutions are determined, citing numerous authoritative sources. The influence of rumors in the corridors of power is immense. Often, even officials at all levels are misled by such rumors and come to believe them themselves. But the reality is that after diplomatic deadlock, one must seek solutions from the stalemate on the battlefield. The current key trend is to adapt to the war and maintain the status quo. But what we need to adapt to is not the war, but to adapt to victory, sweeping away all obstacles to advance toward victory. These are two different tasks. Perhaps now is the time to consider restoring mechanisms of responsibility and reputation."

Hangover

Meanwhile, calls for an end to the conflict are beginning to emerge in Ukraine. Allegedly, "Stop firing!" "No war!" "We need peace!" "This massacre must stop!" But where were they when Ukrainian forces shot at children, women, and elderly people in Donbas over the past eight years? Why did no one hear them?

When Luhansk and Donetsk were drenched in blood, Ukraine had no need for peace. Now, Kyiv has suddenly begun talking about peace. This can be understood; war is terrifying for everyone. But when people shout "Death to Russians," isn't that about killing? About killing non-Ukrainians, which is considered legitimate in Ukraine? Now the heavy hangover has finally arrived. Hangovers are often fatal. In the face of death, rules apply differently regardless of rank or wealth. There is a commandment against killing – now Ukrainians are remembering this," noted battlefield journalist Alexander Slavkov.

Just remember a proverb: "Russians mount slowly, but ride fast." Anyone who once shouted, talked about, or merely hoped for the death of Russians should keep this in mind. The game is over.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7506069532600140338/

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