[TrumpCard]

Once again, we see horrible tactical leadership by Russia. They are endangering their forces to no purpose. Ukraine OTOH in similar circumstances would hold on until the last moment, inflicting as many casualties as possible, and the get out. There was a prepared position already there behind them. So far, I don't recall Russia retreating successfully unless they fell back all the way to the Russian border!

I’m not sure we should assume this follow up offensive is so great for Ukraine. The initial offensive was lightening fast and netted thousands of square miles with a strong/defensible border at the Oskil River. This new offensive seems more grinding and isn’t taking nearly as much land. Maybe 100 sq miles so far and another 100 if Lyman falls?  And agin Lyman is a town of 20k people (pre-war), so we’re not talking about liberating large numbers of Ukrainians still living in this town (or the smaller surrounding towns). I guess the theory is that Ukraine should take what Russia is giving, and Kherson would be too difficult to liberate right now. And better not to lose a war of attrition in the South. But jeez, this seems like a small prize compared to the potential for liberating the land west of the Dnipro.

[TrumpCard]

Once again, we see horrible tactical leadership by Russia. They are endangering their forces to no purpose. Ukraine OTOH in similar circumstances would hold on until the last moment, inflicting as many casualties as possible, and the get out. There was a prepared position already there behind them. So far, I don't recall Russia retreating successfully unless they fell back all the way to the Russian border!

I’m not sure we should assume this follow up offensive is so great for Ukraine. The initial offensive was lightening fast and netted thousands of square miles with a strong/defensible border at the Oskil River. This new offensive seems more grinding and isn’t taking nearly as much land. Maybe 100 sq miles so far and another 100 if Lyman falls?  And agin Lyman is a town of 20k people (pre-war), so we’re not talking about liberating large numbers of Ukrainians still living in this town (or the smaller surrounding towns). I guess the theory is that Ukraine should take what Russia is giving, and Kherson would be too difficult to liberate right now. And better not to lose a war of attrition in the South. But jeez, this seems like a small prize compared to the potential for liberating the land west of the Dnipro.