Ukraine war briefing: Russian airstrikes pound central and western Ukrainian power facilities
GuardianApr 29
Ukrainian Commander: Frontline Situation Has Worsened
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The Facts
Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, said that in the face of multiple Russian attacks over the weekend, the frontline situation has worsened for Ukraine and that its troops withdrew from multiple positions in the eastern Donetsk region.
Syrskyi described the situations near the cities of Maryinka and Avdiivka — both under Russian control — as the "most difficult," stating that Russian forces had taken new positions west of the villages of Berdychi and Semenivka, both north of Avdiivka, and Novomykhailivka, near Maryinka, in recent days.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Because of Russia's current superiority in manpower and weapons, it's maximizing its efforts and is currently making some minor tactical gains. However, Moscow has not achieved an operational advantage and Ukraine maintains to hold the line, sending in reinforcements where there have been losses. Ukraine is also working hard to get weapons shipped as soon as possible.
Pro-Russia narrative
The fate of Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is sealed. In the context of him seeking to continue this war, rather than negotiate for peace, he will have to explain these losses to his people — at which point he'll lose all legitimacy. From the Kremlin's perspective, the most prudent approach is to continue seeking to meet the aims of the Special Military Operation.