**Russia’s True Intentions: Shaping Perceptions in the West**
A recent surge in Russian territorial gains in Ukraine has sparked concerns that the Kremlin is not only focused on battlefield progress, but also on manipulating perceptions in Western capitals. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Russia’s aim is to create an illusion of inevitability, making a Russian victory appear imminent and discouraging future support for Ukraine.
The Russian offensive has intensified across several fronts, with the Kremlin probing for weaknesses and forcing Ukraine to defend along its entire 1,000 km front line. This strategy is designed to exploit Moscow’s manpower advantage and the onset of summer foliage, which hampers Ukrainian drone visibility.
George Barros, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War, told The Wall Street Journal that the true center of gravity in this war is not terrain, but rather “the perception space in Western capitals.” He explained that by making gains on the battlefield, Russia can say to the West: “We’re making progress. Ukraine is screwed. How many more billions are you going to spend?”
**Kostiantynivka Becomes Key Focus in Eastern Ukraine**
In Donetsk Oblast, Russia has shifted troops toward Kostiantynivka from Pokrovsk, surrounding the city on three sides. The city, a vital logistics hub, is under increased attack. A senior Ukrainian lieutenant fighting in the area told The Wall Street Journal that “the city is rapidly transforming into a front line.” He also warned of frequent and precise Russian drone strikes enabled by fiber-optic drones capable of traveling up to 40 km – double their range a year ago.
**Northern Front Sees Renewed Russian Push Toward Sumy**
In Ukraine’s north, Russian troops have entered Sumy Oblast after amassing over 50,000 soldiers. According to The Wall Street Journal, one Ukrainian sergeant in the region said the Russians outnumber local troops roughly two-to-one. Russian forces appear to be attempting to seize Yunakivka and ultimately reach the regional capital of Sumy, located less than 30 km from the border.
**Even Where Russian Forces Have Not Advanced, Assaults Continue**
A Ukrainian captain in the Pokrovsk area told The Wall Street Journal that Russian attacks happen at all hours: “They want to reach the border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – it’s important to them symbolically.” This strategy is designed to fix Ukrainian forces in place, making it difficult for them to redeploy troops to other areas.
**Zaporizhzhia Buildup Raises Concerns of Wider Offensive**
Ukrainian officials and sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that Russia is also increasing its troop presence in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukrainian special forces have been sent there to reinforce defenses.
The toll of this ongoing campaign is taking a heavy toll on Ukrainian personnel, who are exhausted and operating at the edge of their limits. A senior lieutenant near Kostiantynivka summarized the situation: “We anticipate worsening conditions across all directions this summer. Personnel are exhausted. There are not enough rotations. Everyone is operating at the edge of their limits.”
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