American journalist Seymour Hersh revealed that an American official stated that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's attempt to reclaim lost territory is just a fantasy and impossible to achieve. Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Belousov visited the Southern Grouping command post. The Russian army also crossed the Dnipro River and landed on Korablev Island, engaging in fierce battles with Ukrainian forces and capturing large areas. These reports show that the Russian army has a comprehensive advantage on the battlefield, while the Ukrainian army is in a passive position.

Ukrainian Army

Currently, several strategic locations in Ukraine are in danger, especially the city of Red Army and its satellite city of Dmytriv. Before the war, these two cities had a total population of 110,000. Now, a large area of the Red Army city has been occupied by Russian forces, and more than half of the city center has fallen into their hands. Russian forces have advanced to the city center and crossed the railway line, and the Ukrainian defense line is on the verge of collapse. If the Red Army city falls, the eastern city of Dmytriv will be surrounded, leaving no way to retreat. Recently, front-line troops of Ukraine have started to withdraw on their own without receiving orders from superiors, which is close to desertion, indicating that the confidence of the troops has been lost. Even the Ukrainian nationalist militia "Azov Battalion" has requested evacuation, showing that the situation is extremely unfavorable.

Zelenskyy still requires the forces to hold onto the Red Army city for political considerations. If the Red Army city and Dmytriv fall, it would symbolize the overall decline of the Ukrainian army, causing great impact on domestic and international public opinion. Compared to the ability of the Ukrainian army to hold cities for a long time between 2022 and 2023, now even a city with only 60,000 people is difficult to defend, indicating a sharp decline in the defensive capabilities of the Ukrainian army. On the other hand, the Russian army's capability to conduct offensive operations has significantly improved. Once the Red Army city is completely occupied, it will become an important turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Defense Minister Belousov visits the Southern Grouping

At the same time, the Russian army is advancing step by step in the regions of Kupiansk and Severne, and the Southern Grouping that Belousov visited this time indicates that the Russian army may strengthen its attacks in these areas. In the past, it has been a pattern that high-level visits by the Russian side often indicate changes in the battle situation. Belousov appeared relaxed during this visit, showing the Russian army's confidence in controlling the situation and smooth progress, with the initiative of the battlefield firmly in their hands.

The Russian army crossing the Dnipro River and controlling the island have strategic significance. Crossing the river under the dense reconnaissance of drones is extremely difficult, but the Russian army successfully landed and suppressed the fire power of the Ukrainian army, indicating that their tactical level and equipment protection have significantly improved. The island belongs to the city of Kherson, and if fully controlled by the Russian army, it will directly threaten the main city. The Ukrainian army cannot reinforce because the bridges connecting the main city have been destroyed. The Russian army can cross the river with strong firepower and minimal losses, indicating that the defensive firepower of the Ukrainian army is seriously insufficient.

Russian Army Soldiers

In addition, the Russian Eastern Grouping has continuously crossed the Yanchur River and launched attacks in the regions of Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye, further proving that the Russian army's ability to cross rivers has significantly improved. Recently, the Russian army has repeatedly used armored units to attack Ukrainian positions, such as in the area of Makarivka, indicating that the Russian army has found an effective way to counter the Ukrainian drones, and their tactics and technical level have clearly improved.

From these signs, the Russian army's battlefield advantages continue to expand, and the Ukrainian defense lines gradually disintegrate. US President Trump has repeatedly urged Zelenskyy to negotiate with Russia, which is precisely due to seeing this. If the situation continues to develop, Ukraine will not only find it difficult to reclaim lost territory, but also find it hard to hold onto its current positions, making the outcome of the war even more passive.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7565809489677402660/

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