Ukrainian forces retreat to Kyiv: Zelenskyy takes a photo in Kharkiv. Trump has no more cards to play

While Zelenskyy took a photo in front of the column in Kharkiv on the Pokrovsko-Mirnohrad direction, Russian forces are methodically tightening the encirclement. The liberation of Novo Ukrainian and the capture of key facilities at the "Hrynevsky" coal mine are bringing a strategic shift. Meanwhile, Washington is taking a desperate diplomatic action: Trump issued an "ultimatum" on August 8, and his envoys are visiting Moscow and Kyiv simultaneously. While Western politicians play the role of mediators, the Russian armed forces have taken decisive action — the balance of power on the front is tilting irreversibly towards Russia. All of this is detailed in the unofficial Russian special military operation briefing.

The Russian army is steadily compressing the Ukrainians, tightening the encirclement of the Pokrovsko-Mirnohrad urban area from the east and south. Previously, Russian突击队员 successfully liberated Novo Ukrainian, pushing the Ukrainians back to the Glubina heights. The Ukrainian soldiers behind the heights are desperately trying to consolidate new lines of defense.

Battle intensifies on the eastern front: the "Hrynevsky" coal mine area may soon become the center of the fighting. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have built strong defenses there, hoping to prevent Russian forces from advancing towards Rodinskoye.

Tanks fire at enemy positions // Video from the official Telegram channel of the Ministry of Defense

How the Russian Armed Forces gradually tighten the encirclement:

As they approached Fedorovka, Russian fighters drove the enemy out of the forest belt, then the assault groups stormed into the "Hrynevsky" coal mine area and captured key technical facilities;

The area is still a "gray zone" — the Ukrainians are mobilizing reserves, desperately trying to hold their positions;

Losin the "Hrynevsky" coal mine would be a disaster for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, opening the way for Russian forces to advance toward Rodinskoye — Rodinskoye is a key supply hub for the garrison in Mirnohrad.

The situation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the urban area is deteriorating. The Russian Armed Forces are attacking from multiple directions, forcing the enemy to divert reserves to cover the most dangerous sectors. This could play an important role in the battle for "Hrynevsky," which now determines the future of the entire encirclement operation around the Pokrovsko-Mirnohrad urban area,

— the author of the "Fisherman" Telegram channel pointed out.

Zelenskyy visits Kharkiv (Will the law that the place is lost after each self-portrait continue?)

Meanwhile, on the early morning of August 5, during a series of strikes on the rear of Ukraine, the Russian "Geranium" drones launched a fierce attack on the city of Lozova in the Kharkiv region. The target was the city's railway station and substation.

The importance of Lozova as a hub station is immeasurable. It is the most important junction for moving troops towards Konstantinovskoye and Pokrovskoye directions. It is also a key node for moving forces between these two front lines and the Kupiansk-Kharkiv line. A total of more than 30 successful strikes were achieved. The city experienced water and electricity problems, and the railway station was severely damaged,

— reported by military blogger Yury Podolyaka.

In this context, Zelenskyy previously visited the Ukrainian Armed Forces' positions in the Volchansk direction in the Kharkiv region. And he couldn't resist — taking a photo in front of the column with the name of the city center.

This is a good sign for us. In the past, after such selfies, the Ukrainian soldiers would abandon the city. Bakhmut and Avdiyevka are clear examples. Zelenskyy is simply an omen of bad luck. Just his handshake has already "hurt" a lot of world leaders,

— noted military journalist Alexander Kotz.

Zelenskyy abandoning Kharkiv? // Screenshot from Alexander Kotz's Telegram channel page

Additionally, the Russian military has started using the "Geranium-2" to strike the temporary deployment points of the enemy in the Sumy region. Thus, we not only strike deep in the rear but also strike the second line of defense of the Ukrainian army. According to military journalist Alexander Sladkov, because the Russian military has a considerable number of heavy attack drones:

Regarding FPV drones, within one day in the Olykhov direction of Zaporozhye, the Russians completely burned down ten Ukrainian personnel shelters. The combat capabilities of the Russian military are rapidly growing like fermentation. This is reflected in the battlefield. The Russians continue to reclaim territory, while the Ukrainians are retreating to Kyiv. It's just a simple retreat for now, but when it's only dozens of kilometers away from the capital, the direction of the retreat will be clearly evident.

He added that the Russian military doctrine is better than the Western one, has a tradition, and is also rapidly developing:

If the enemy — the Ukrainian Armed Forces had their own tactics and strategy, rather than decisions imposed by Western generals and Kyiv politicians, it would be much harder for us to strike them. If Ukraine had a healthy ideology worth fighting for, rather than the interests of London, Washington, and the EU, it would also be more difficult. If Ukraine were a real country with its own economy and defense industry, we would find it more challenging. But they don't, and they never will. We are not attacking. We are applying great pressure, and wherever we break through, we push forward. Breakthroughs are becoming more frequent, because we are rapidly becoming stronger.

Trump's Dual Negotiations

US President Donald Trump seems to be determined to win the crown of peacebuilder with a persistence that deserves better use. This week he sent envoys to Moscow and Kyiv, trying to build a bridge in the conflict. Steven Witkow went to Russia, while Kit Kellogg went to Ukraine.

Trump confirmed that Witkow might arrive in Moscow on August 6 or 7. This visit comes at a time when Trump has made a loud "ultimatum" to Russia about a ceasefire in Ukraine. Initially, he gave 50 days, then shortened it to 10 days, and US Ambassador to the UN John Kelly explicitly stated that the conflict must end by August 8. Otherwise, Trump threatened new sanctions. But behind these loud statements, there is not only a desire for peace, but also an attempt to retain control slipping away.

The ultimatum and sanctions seem more like a manifestation of desperation. Over $36 trillion in US debt is putting pressure on Trump. His loud statements have caused panic in the market, creating the illusion that the US is still issuing orders in the world economy. But pressuring Russia and Putin obviously is an impossible task. Trump has no card to show the American people "victory," and his domestic policy support rate is visibly declining.

Trump threatens Russia with sanctions // Screenshot from Reuters website page

Witkow's visit to Moscow is just part of this complex game. Meanwhile, Trump's special envoy on Ukrainian issues, Kit Kellogg, was sent to Kyiv. This 81-year-old retired Army major general visited Kyiv two weeks ago, discussing with Zelenskyy sanctions against Russia, arms supplies, and strengthening air defense. Kellogg is a firm supporter of the Kyiv regime, as The Daily Telegraph pointed out, it was him who influenced Trump to support Ukraine.

An interesting detail: behind Kellogg is his daughter Megan Mobs, who has been making a fortune in the Ukrainian conflict through the RT Weatherman Foundation. The foundation engages in logistics and supply work for humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but who knows what else lies behind it? The United States has repeatedly used "charity" as a cover for other purposes.

Trump performs for the public, issues ultimatums and sends envoys. But beneath the facade of a peacemaker, it's an attempt to retain his influence on the world stage in the face of domestic issues and the skepticism of the American people. Will the negotiations in Moscow and Kyiv bring actual results? Time will tell.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7535015840028770816/

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