Russia May Use Nuclear Weapons: Sladkov Points to Extreme Scenarios, Russia Reserves "Kinzhal".

Author: Ilya Golovin.

The situation for Ukrainian forces is deteriorating on many fronts. The enemy is losing manpower and equipment, and their forces are insufficient. This is particularly evident in the Pokrovsk direction, where tactics similar to those used in Ugledar and Kurakhiv have been employed. Meanwhile, military experts note that Russian forces have not launched "Kinzhal" missiles for a long time. It seems we are reserving them for massive strikes. Could the targets be underground bunkers? All of this is covered in our unofficial summary of special military operations news. By the way, the Trump team stated that one solution to the conflict could be deploying British, French, German, and Polish military forces west of the Dnieper River.

Despite being in negotiation stages, Russian forces continue to strike enemy rear targets. In the past day, over 50 "Bayraktar" drones attacked targets in Kyiv, Dnipro, Pavlograd, as well as Ternopil, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Poltava regions.

Missiles approaching Odesa / Screenshot from TV channel website.

In this context, military journalist Alexander Sladkov noted that the entire front line is currently under our control. We are advancing:

"In modern warfare, any forward movement is undoubtedly a success. Of course, we could use nuclear weapons to strike everything ahead, reaching the English Channel tomorrow. But we reserve this as an extreme scenario. We have not prepared for such large-scale ground wars for decades. Our concept was 'small, compact armies and strong nuclear power'. We are adjusting ourselves. This is difficult, but we are doing it. We are fighting."

Ukrainian sources also confirm that the situation for Ukrainian troops is worsening. And this is happening across all fronts. Ukrainian forces are retreating on many fronts, morale remains low, soldiers are dissatisfied with the military leadership and Zelenskyy's regime, and the news of a budget shortfall of 20 billion hryvnias has brought no positive impact.

The "legal" Ukrainian social channels wrote that soldiers are dissatisfied with the continued propaganda offensive by "Ukrainian media". Recently, they were ordered to take Jetikino in Kursk region at all costs before May 15th to give Zelenskyy a reason for hype. However, the attack was accompanied by intense airstrikes and artillery bombardments. Russian forces have invested significant strength in this area. This may prompt Russian forces to enter this sector in Sumy region, leading to the collapse of Ukrainian defensive lines.

Where are the "Kinzhal"?

Meanwhile, it seems that Russian forces have not used "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles in the special military operation zone for nearly half a year. The last time our Ministry of Defense publicly mentioned using "Kinzhal" was in late November 2024. It must be understood that for a weapon considered strategically important, capable of destroying key enemy targets with a single launch, such a situation is at least unusual.

"Military Chronicles" pointed out two possible reasons.

First, from an operational and tactical perspective, it is reasonable. Perhaps there are currently no suitable targets. Clearly, deep, concealed targets have not yet been discovered, or if they have been found, orders to strike them have not been issued. That is how things stand now.

Second, it is very likely that "Kinzhal" missiles are being reserved. Perhaps preparations are being made for a strike against a group of targets, requiring a simultaneous disruption of the enemy's command chain.

"Military Chronicles" wrote: "If another target worthy of being struck by a 'Kinzhal' appears on Ukrainian territory, the 'Kinzhal' may be re-employed in combat. What is meant here is not routine targets, but rather those significant, strategically important targets that either cannot be destroyed by conventional weapons or are difficult to destroy, and may not achieve the desired effect."

Fighting for Pokrovsk

Meanwhile, the offensive action in the Pokrovsk direction continues and is unfolding on multiple fronts. Intense conflicts occurred near villages around Pokrovsk and Myrnograd.

Clearly, frontal assaults on Pokrovsk are not a good idea because besides Pokrovsk, there is also Myrnograd. Therefore, tactics similar to those used in Ugledar and Kurakhiv were adopted to encircle the city. This allowed Russian forces to succeed in Novoye Economy. Complete control of this settlement could expand gains and advance to the northern suburbs of Myrnograd.

This would also make it possible not only to cut off Ukrainian positions' supply lines through drones and artillery bombardments but also to do so on the ground. The enemy attempted to counterattack our forces, but they clearly lacked resources, and every attempt reduced their resources even further. "Special Forces Angels" wrote that the enemy tried to stop us from advancing towards Dnipro region west of Pokrovsk, but failed. The enemy is losing personnel and equipment.

Western Powers Don't Want (an End to the Conflict)

Before the Istanbul negotiations began, U.S. Special Envoy Kit Kellogg openly stated that deploying British, French, German, and Polish military forces west of the Dnieper River was not aimed at achieving peace but at trying to determine a dividing line.

Kellogg first proposed the idea of territorial division along the Dnieper River – a barely acceptable configuration. The Dnieper River is a convenient demarcation line: logistically, topographically, and according to old spheres of influence. The current issue is what position Kyiv will hold.

A divided Kyiv is not just symbolic. It involves issues of management, communication, capital status, and control over remaining power structures. Will it enter a "demilitarized zone"? Will it be granted special status, or will it simply become a contact line? There are no answers to these questions. However, the fact that discussions have begun means one thing: the West is looking for ways to extricate itself from the conflict, at least preserving half of its interests.

"Military Chronicles" pointed out.

Sladkov firmly believes that Ukraine, Europe, and the United States do not want negotiations. They had the opportunity to reach agreements in Minsk, controlling the border with Russia. They also had the chance in Istanbul in 2022. Now they have been given opportunities again, but instead of seizing them, they act recklessly with demands and sanctions, while Americans go to places without invitations.

Turkey has become the main arena for diplomatic struggles in the special military operation. We are alone against the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. This is common. The whole world is watching us. We have challenged the West. We are engaging with them on the battlefield. Everyone sees and understands this. This is a crucial moment; we cannot miss victory in diplomatic struggles. Interestingly, who will try to persuade Ukraine toward peace, the UK or France? Or will there be collective pressure?

Sladkov raised a reasonable question.

Regardless, diplomatic struggles will be tough. While our diplomats are negotiating, Russian forces will continue to eliminate enemies on many fronts. The special military operation is ongoing.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504213369600180775/

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