This is a good summary of the current situation and how it got there in Pokrovsk. Admist a fear of missing the proper moment to begin a retreat and cede territory, which is of course a rational fear, I think it is easy to miss how much Russia’s propaganda machine has been thrown off track by the timing of taking Pokrovsk not happening quickly in a manner that fits easily into a media package for propaganda.
By the time Russia can actually credibly claim they have taken Pokrovsk, the propaganda boom from looking strong will have faded into a messier reality. As a result the benefit in coming political negotiations will be far less for Russia than if they had decisively taken Pokrovsk and only made propaganda hay from it to the international community after they could somewhat credibly back up their claim over the city.
As the video says, Pokrovsk has done its job …which isn’t to trivialize the sacrifices made here but rather to emphasize that they were not in vain. Look at the numbers, look at how much Russia has lost and how much it has paid, to call the eventual capture of Pokrovsk a pyrrhic victory is to make an understatement. It is more correct to say the campaign to take Pokrovsk is a strategic loss on Russia’s part that will be studied by militaries all over the world for decades.
KI has great coverage. Watching Russia advance these few kilometers over the past year and a half, you still can’t say Ukraine is winning.
But far behind the lines, Russia is running out of momentum, resources, and control over the narrative. Meanwhile Ukraine’s domestic production of drones and missiles make them stronger every month (despite Trump’s efforts).
Let’s see. Will Pokrovsk be the last town Russia can take before they run out of fuel to pour onto this gas fire? Will the wealthiest homes in Moscow freeze this winter?