Putin's Pokrovsk campaign fails as Russia loses territory Hamish de Bretton-Gordon

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Ukraine has taken back 20% of the Pokrovsk area. Russia has gained less than 1% (.77% per this video) of Ukrainian territory this year. Russia needs 100 years to take all of Ukraine at this rate and the loss of about 30 million men. IMHO, the situation is a grave one for Russia and they are losing the war. Stand strong Ukraine and give nothing to the terrorists in the kremlin or their friends.

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1. Putin is attempting Verdun-style "tactics"

that is to say, he's simply trying to bleed Ukraine faster than his own blood loss. von Falkenhayn's strategy backfired though, leading directly to the Kaiser's defeat 18 months later. Ukraine's defense though has been effective, denied maneuver space to Russian forces, has remained mobile, free from any air interdiction, and has held its marks.

I think part of the Kremlin’s strategy has shifted toward psychological and information warfare, trying to exaggerate “success” to Western audiences to push for a negotiated settlement. It's worked on trump, but no one else of consequence. I think this shift is a tell on the part of Moscow as well... a sign that they have resigned themselves to (at best) a negotiated settlement rather than military victory.

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2. I wholeheartedly agree