Since its surprise incursion into Russia more than a week ago, Ukraine has steadily gained ground, saying it advanced even deeper into Russian territory on Wednesday. It says it has captured hundreds of soldiers, as Russia has evacuated more than 130,000 people from nearby communities and declared a new state of emergency in one region.
And now Moscow has begun withdrawing some troops from Ukraine in an effort to repel Kyiv’s offensive into western Russia, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, an indication that the surprise attack is forcing Moscow to change its battle plans in Ukraine.
Taken collectively, Ukraine has deftly put Russia on the defensive, creating a new, if small, frontline in a war where Moscow has long had the upper hand. If Russia brings reinforcements in large numbers from other parts of the front, it could provide some relief to Ukrainian troops who are struggling to push back relentless Russian attacks, particularly in eastern Ukraine.
It is an edge that Ukraine appears intent on keeping, as its eyes, for now, holding the Russian territory it controls.
One of Putin’s main support comes from his “Keep Russians safe” narrative. It’s also diplomatic currency in case they start negotiating peace
For sure it’s a blow to putin and his image, but is it substantial or just wishful thinking?
What if hypothetically, it’s no problem for Putin? Wouldn’t Russia just let them have whatever they took, make a “surovikin line” there and let Ukraine deal with all the issues that come with invasion and dealing with the local population. Not to mention there will at some point come questions from the western partners about this occupation.
It would be political and most likely literal suicide for Putin to do that.
Might be, but now they are literally building trenches there.
They have to if they don’t want to lose more. They are on the defensive, it’s normal to build trenches.