via National Interest
Russia is claiming complete control of Luhansk Oblast. If true, control of the region would mark the first time that an entire Ukrainian region had fallen to Moscow since the war began in February 2022. The claim has not yet been independently verified, and Ukraine has not yet confirmed the loss of all remaining territory in the region.
The fall of Luhansk would be strategically and symbolically significant for Russia. Luhansk is one of the four regions that Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed to have annexed in September 2022. Complete control of the region would allow Russia to consolidate logistics while pushing westward and potentially redeploying forces to pressure Donetsk and Kharkiv.
Moscow has also announced the capture of Dachnoye, a small village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. If true, the capture would represent Russia’s first known foothold in the region, marking a southern extension of the Russian frontline. While the strategic value of Dachnoye itself is limited, its capture may indicate that Russian forces are now testing Ukrainian defenses further south, perhaps angling to stretch Kyiv’s lines or open a new pressure axis.
Here
THIS IS INTERESTING.
I've been watching the map and have hesitated to post videos that highlight Russian gains (from credible sources...at least sources that haven't been disputed on this blog).
If this is true (and yeah...its true) then we have to look at Ukrainian strategy and how they've conducted this war.
My point?
Ukraine has been concentrating on the strategic. Public relations (which they've won with the support of mass media), Western govt groveling (which most European nations have willing engaged in) and attacking deep into Russia.
They've ignored the more important thing. The tactical situation on the ground.
They've happily engaged in a war of attrition with a larger nation, they've conducted foolhardy offensive and they've taken a stance of "no negotiation" even though the outcome on the ground is definitely turning against them.
Ukraine has suffered from a lack of leadership in this war and I don't believe its at the general level. Zelensky has become so enamored with his own words, viewpoints and beliefs that he can see no other arguments except his own.
Recent decisions by the US to FINALLY protect our own warstocks will hasten a conclusion to this war.