Adam Silverman puts together these daily updates about the Ukraine war. The most recent developments are surrounding Ukraine's attacks inside Russia. There was the ground offensive into Kursk which - to my surprise - remains active. I had assumed they were simply creating a diversionary attack and would withdraw once Russian troops were diverted from Ukraine, but they are still there.
The other is that Ukraine has hit two massive Russian arms depots inside Russian territory. Even with NATO aid, Russia can generally outgun Ukraine. These strikes destroyed tons of munitions that would otherwise have been brought to bear in Ukraine.
For much of the war, Ukraine has been limited in its ability to use Western weaponry within Russian territorial boundaries. The fact that those restrictions seem lifted - even if only in part - is a positive development.
The lack of a Ukrainian ground offensive within Zaporizhia Oblast to sever the land connection between Russia and Crimea has been frustrating, even if the Ukrainians feel that attacking into the teeth of Russian defenses is foolish. Ultimately, Ukraine is going to need to return to 2014 borders at the very least to drive home the folly of Russia's invasion. Perhaps the Kursk and munitions strikes will soften the Russians up enough for Ukraine to get in one more push before winter, but I also don't think Ukraine has the manpower to force the issue.
And so the meatgrinder goes on.
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