Russia’s continuous false claims of Ukraine being on the brink of defeat have been refuted by a prominent US think tank, as reported by the Mirror. The attempt by Russia to capture the key town of Pokrovsk has proven to be highly costly despite their three-month-long struggle.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin is eager to portray a narrative of victory to sway the US and Western nations into accepting concessions from Ukraine. Meanwhile, tensions escalate as a NATO officer warns Russia of potential preemptive actions by the alliance.
In a tragic incident, a missile strike on Dnipro in central Ukraine resulted in the loss of at least four lives. Diplomatic efforts are underway to seek a resolution to the conflict, with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
The ISW’s recent report challenges the Kremlin’s assertions of imminent victory in Ukraine, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia’s military campaign that have not been exploited by the West. Despite claims from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov of Ukraine’s worsening situation, the ISW emphasizes that the reality on the ground does not align with Russia’s proclamations of inevitable success.
Even Russian nationalist bloggers acknowledge the challenges faced by the Kremlin, citing manpower shortages and recruitment difficulties. The prolonged and costly nature of Russia’s efforts in seizing Pokrovsk is underscored, with slow advancements and failure to fully secure the town after over 120 days of occupation.