In a short speech, Vladimir Putin proclaimed that Russian troops had already set the town of Pokrovsk under control. He deemed it a punch to Ukraine’s military and logistical heart — an “important” victory in the continuing war and struggles. This announcement comes right before major negotiations. A large US delegation, with ambassador Steve Witkoff at the head, and Jared Kushner in attendance, has touched down in Moscow.
Vladimir Putin visiting a military command center and wearing combat fatigues. He faked it till he made it, though, as he claimed with great bravado that Russian troops are still going on the attack all along multiple fronts of battle. Perhaps more importantly, he underscored the strategic importance of Pokrovsk, which has long provided a logistical backbone for the Ukrainian army. The Russian military has taken a beating in their unsuccessful efforts to take the city. This calls into question the very day-to-day feasibility of their operations.
Ukraine’s armed forces strongly rebutted that Pokrovsk has been taken. They assert that their troops have retained control of the northern section of the city. That paints a different, perhaps much messier picture on the ground than the one apparently presented to the Russian president.
This is the US’s third attempt in 10 days to pressure Ukraine. Once more, Washington has proved to be sorely lacking. – “The paper”
The US delegation prepared for those discussions by first conducting deep-dive meetings with Ukrainian officials in Florida. This proved fruitful preparation for their subsequent in-person meeting with Putin. As the war in Ukraine rages on, US-Russian tensions continue to rise. Both countries are rapidly watching and learning as Ukraine continues to make gains on the battlefield.
Putin’s remarks were coupled with a broader narrative. He indicated that “more and more Ukrainian territory is coming under our control – and that next time Russia’s terms may be tougher,” according to “Komsomolskaya Pravda.” This is in line with Russia’s goal to shore up its advantage as talks advance.
In response to these developments, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a four-point revised peace plan. He called it encouraging, but he stressed that it’s “not done deal yet.” His administration is still steering through the obstacles posed by Russia’s moves and looking for international backing.
The incredible nuance of this discussion speaks to the beautiful, complicated, painful reality of the current conflict. With Russia now perceiving the new US-Ukrainian negotiations as a cul-de-sac, both countries confront the economic and military-hardware implications of what lies ahead. What’s happening now in Pokrovsk is emblematic of a bigger and continuing battle for informational supremacy in Ukraine. Each denial or victory claimed feeds the ever-changing story on both sides.