Russian forces zero in on Donetsk after Luhansk “victory”
After President Vladimir Putin bragged about winning the Luhansk frontline, Russian troops have turned their sights back on the bustling Donetsk region, sparking fresh clashes in Sloviansk and nearby Kramatorsk.
What just happened?
The back‑story
A little humor, a lot of reality
It really feels like a war‑torn version of a reality TV show: donors, bold announcements, and applause from one side, while the other side sings about their “deficit.” But this isn’t a game— the streets are ablaze, families are hurt, and the cost of conflict is measured in lives, not ratings.
Takeaway: Russian forces are back at it in Donetsk, proving that the Donbas saga is far from over. For Kyiv, salvation means holding the line—no matter how many shells.
Long war ahead?
Russia’s Recent Rumble: High‑Precision Hits and a New War Rhetoric Round
When the Kremlin’s defence ministry waves its “no residential areas” flag, it’s actually swapping out satellite imagery for a hit list. They’ve fired high‑precision shells at command centres and artillery in Donetsk, keeping the big Ukrainian hubs under pressure.
Political A‑wheeling
In a move that reads more like political theater than military strategy, Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin declared Ukraine is “a terrorist state” that’s hampering the march into Donbas. The parliament’s mouthpiece is hinting Moscow might put a “stretch‑goal” on the invasion, refusing to roll back to Kyiv or Kharkiv after the Ukrainian hardback’s comeback.
Preparations for a Marathon
- In the first reading, the lower house passed two bills letting the state round‑up companies to supply the military, dragging workers into overtime limbo.
- Putin told troops in Luhansk to “rest and recover readiness” – while units elsewhere keep on‑the‑front‑lines fighting.
Britain’s Buffets and Ukraine’s Rebounding
Prime Minister Boris Johnson rang President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to reassure that the Ukrainian army could push back against recently seized territory. He also highlighted looming deliveries: 10 self‑propelled artillery systems and loitering munitions will flood in the coming days.
Zelenskiy’s adviser, Oleksiy Arestovych, summed up Russia’s costly occupation of Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk. Those cities looked like battleground ruins after 90 grueling days, costing Moscow both human lives and wallet weight.
‘Enormous cost’
Russia’s “Victory” in Luhansk: A Tactical Win at a Huge Price
What the Brainiacs Are Saying
- Neil Melvin from the RUSI think tank in London bluntly calls it a “tactical win” that didn’t really boost Russia’s strategic position.
- Melvin warns that the real showdown is probably happening south of the frontline, around Kherson where Kyiv is slicing back territory.
- In plain English, it’s like winning a chess game only to lose a few pawns that matter more.
Latest Skirmishes and Missile Chaos
- Ukrainian air defences shot down three Russian missiles that were headed for the Black Sea ports of Ochakiv and Chernomorsk. Oops, Russia!
- Russian rockets hit Mykolaiv, a key road hub between Kherson and Odesa, according to the mayor, Oleksandr Senkevych.
- Additional smacks from Russian missiles or mortar fire were reported in the Khmelnitsky, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions, but the governors say no casualties—yet.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Ripple Effect
- The invasion has killed thousands and shattered cities, especially in the eastern and southeastern parts of Ukraine.
- Global energy and food prices have shot up, threatening famine in poorer nations that rely on both Russia and Ukraine for grain.
- “Stolen” grain—three Russian-flagged ships are under investigation, with Turkey asked for help. Russia, however, insists they’re not the thieves.
The Accusations and the Counter‑Narratives
- Kyiv and the West accuse Moscow of an “unprovoked, imperial‑style grab” on a former Soviet republic, labeling the assault as a war crime.
- Moscow counters by branding the operation a “special military operation” aimed at crippling Ukraine’s forces, eliminating nationalists and protecting Russian speakers—talk about a contradiction in terms.
In short, the Luhansk ‘victory’ feels more like a coffee‑sipping, “We’re here, but not very useful” moment for Russia—while the war’s big picture remains as hazy as a foggy morning on the Black Sea.
