Russia's 'invasion and occupation' of Ukrainian territory.

[Yatta]

Yes its Kyiv and the West who is duplicitous.

‘The language of ultimatums’ The Kremlin’s latest media guidelines for propagandists cover Putin’s ‘peace plan’ and the ‘multipolar world’ — Meduza

Regarding Putin’s claims that terms negotiated during the 2022 Istanbul peace talks are “still on the table and could be used as the basis for continuing these negotiations,” the guidelines recommend framing the president’s statement as a “clear position” that “deprives Kyiv and the West of opportunities for tricks and deception.”

“Russia’s peace initiative can end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible,” the document says. “With the readiness of Kyiv and the West, the plan proposed by Russia allows for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations.”

At the same time, the guidelines reiterate Putin’s argument that Ukraine could take advantage of a ceasefire to rearm and improve its military position. “Kyiv has fully discredited itself and can easily betray any agreements. Ukraine could take advantage of a ceasefire for militaristic purposes, and this cannot be allowed,” the document says.

[baludoy]

ukraine made a surprise counter invasion in the kursk region w/c triggered putin to declare a state of federal emergency 3 days ago. 530 square kilometres of russian territory are reportedly now under the control of kyiv. that's the first time a foreign force has done this since 1941.

the weird thing is, putin assigned the fsb to face and repel the invaders instead of his hardened enlisted men. the shortage of soldiers on both sides must be telling on the campaign, especially those of quality russian soldat/s .

https://x.com/igorsushko/status/1822407658114302050

https://x.com/JuliaDavisNews/status/1821934213819469893

[Verbl Kint]

I really don't see any long term strategic benefit for Ukraine by trying to get to Kursk. Credit to the Ukrainians for being able to make huge gains, though.

My hunch is that they were probably looking to just raid and harass but then got surprised by how poorly defended the Kursk region was. They were also able to score hundreds of kills near a Russian border town, Rylsk, when they chanced upon a convoy of reinforcements without air support. As of this writing, military bloggers in Russia are worried that crack Ukrainian units are nearing the nuclear power plant in Kurchatov.

Putin is reportedly pouring in reinforcements and materiel north of Kursk and will deploy them in the coming days to face the Ukrainians, who are in the South of Kursk Oblast.

Ukraine had also reportedly obliterated an airfield in Lipetsk, about 220 miles deep into Russia.

[Yatta]

I really don't see any long term strategic benefit for Ukraine by trying to get to Kursk. Credit to the Ukrainians for being able to make huge gains, though.

My hunch is that they were probably looking to just raid and harass but then got surprised by how poorly defended the Kursk region was. They were also able to score hundreds of kills near a Russian border town, Rylsk, when they chanced upon a convoy of reinforcements without air support. As of this writing, military bloggers in Russia are worried that crack Ukrainian units are nearing the nuclear power plant in Kurchatov.

Putin is reportedly pouring in reinforcements and materiel north of Kursk and will deploy them in the coming days to face the Ukrainians, who are in the South of Kursk Oblast.

Ukraine had also reportedly obliterated an airfield in Lipetsk, about 220 miles deep into Russia.

My guess is its a bargaining chip since Putin has been making peace overtures earlier (albeit on favorable terms for him).

[Verbl Kint]

My guess is its a bargaining chip since Putin has been making peace overtures earlier (albeit on favorable terms for him).

Definitely possible. Russia has a Ukrainian nuclear power plant right now (Zaporizhzhia). If the Ukrainians get the one in Kursk, it could be a fair trade.