While the Ukrainians have made great strides in reclaiming territory east of Kharkiv, the Russians are still showing they have offensive capabilities, and that they are not a beaten force, pulling of a few tactical victories of their own over the past few days, according to a UK Defence Ministry report.
"In the last three days, pro-Russian forces have made tactical advances towards the centre of the town of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast," the Defence Ministry said in an intelligence briefing on Friday, adding that Russia also "likely advanced" into the villages of Opytne and Ivangrad.
Ukraine has bloodied the Russian Bear many times in recent weeks, but it would be foolish to count the Russians out at this stage. This is still their war to lose.
The whole premise of Putin showing restraint is an utter lunacy. If Russia has military capability that they've left on the shelf then Putin as well as his generals have incompetently handled this war.
Will Putin’s (alleged) restraint continue, or is this not his call?
The whole premise of Putin showing restraint is an utter lunacy. If Russia has military capability that they've left on the shelf then Putin as well as his generals have incompetently handled this war.