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Angelina's avatar

By penetrating Kurks oblast, Ukraine tried to force Russia to withdraw its troops from Pokrovsk, since once Russia takes Pokrovsk, to the West of Pokrovsk, there are hundreds of miles of empty steppes till Pavlograd in the Northwest, and Zaporozhye in the Southwest. Capturing Pokrovsk will free hands of the Russian "Center" group, giving them freedom of movement.

Putin is known for his restrain, but I think this time Ukraine/NATO outdid themselves. I'm pretty sure that the response for Kurks will be brutal.

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Mike Hampton's avatar

Russia was never going to give up a 6-month battle that was speeding up in their favour, plus they have more men. Ukraine would know that, which is why I think it's about a different objective, or a different region. I agree with you that response will be brutal, at the worst possible time i.e. Winter approaches.

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Angelina's avatar

Ukraine could be pushed by the US neocons to create PR noise before Nov, or hoping for an "upper hand" in negotiation, but mostly I think to embroil the US in war that Trump when elected won't be able to extricate himself.

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Mike Hampton's avatar

All possibilities open, except that it’s more about the people behind Trump, and those offering him things, than Trump himself. That’s American politics.

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Angelina's avatar

Well, Trump approved the latest package of $60 billion to Ukraine, though he packaged it as a "loan." Again, Trump is in a precarious position today with many people to please for backing him up. Hopefully, he'd extricate us from this war, the life quality is dropping significantly in the US.

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Mike Hampton's avatar

Almost everything received by Ukraine militarily is a loan. The goal is to own the country after default i.e. Western corporations win the war no matter the outcome.

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Angelina's avatar

Agreed

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