Posted on 12/20/2022 9:20:23 AM PST by marcusmaximus
Remarks highlight Moscow’s growing acknowledgement that invasion is not going to plan.
Vladimir Putin has made a rare admission of his country’s military challenges in the 10-month-old war in Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited a key city in eastern Ukraine that Moscow has failed to capture despite months of relentless shelling.
In a video message to Russia’s security services, Putin said the situation in the four Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions was “extremely complicated”, and urged security agencies to intensify their efforts to identify “traitors, spies and diversionists”.
The video was released on a special holiday dedicated to Russia’s powerful security services.
Putin’s speech once again highlighted Moscow’s growing acknowledgement that the war in Ukraine is not going to plan. Earlier this month, the Russian leader said the conflict in Ukraine could turn into a “long-term process”, after Moscow was forced to abandon some of the territories it annexed illegally in September, notably fleeing the city of Kherson.
-snip-
The battle for Bakhmut is also a key test for the Wagner head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is believed to have recruited thousands of Russian convicts to help with the storming of the city. Prigozhin has previously fiercely criticised the Russian defence ministry for its performance in Ukraine and has lauded Wagner as the country’s most capable fighting force. The city’s capture by Russia would increase Prigozhin’s political standing as he seeks a more prominent position in the country’s decision-making process.
Prigozhin published a video on Tuesday evening, purportedly filmed near Bakhmut, in which he orders a group of soldiers to fire artillery at the city.
“Dear Vladimir Alexandrovich [Zelenskiy], if you haven’t left Bakhmut yet, I’m ready to meet you,” Prigozhin said.
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
....”Moscow’s growing acknowledgement that the war in Ukraine is not going to plan.”
Translated from “English”?
Does the medal say “Avoid stairs and open windows??
They invaded in Feb. They are still fighting in December. OPPS.
putin never disputed it.
zelensly is the fool who wont budge and brole agreements
Putin blinked.
urged security agencies to intensify their efforts to identify “traitors, spies and diversionists”.Sounds like a problem.
may putin reap what he has sown
and soon...
Update on Russian military operations in Ukraine for December 21, 2022:
- Pentagon admits Russia is gaining ground in Bakhmut; - Zelensky visit to Bakhmut mirrors similar visit to Lysychansk before it fell to Russian forces;
- Western media admits Russia has Ukraine outgunned 6 to 1 in Bakhmut;
- Claims that Russian losses are as significant as catastrophic toll Ukraine is suffering in Bakhmut does not reflect reality if Russia outguns Ukraine significantly;
- Bakhmut is a significant transportation hub and a crucial fortified position along one of Ukraine's last major defensive lines in the east;
- The fall of Bakhmut may lead to a similar breakthrough like Popasna;
- Russian forces appear interested in destroying Ukraine's military at Bakhmut more than taking the city itself;
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