Fighting on the frontlines in Bakhmut, Ukrainian commander of the 3 rd Army Separate Assault Brigade Andriy Blietsky disputed the Western narrative that the Russian army was “stupid,” ill-equipped, with poor morale and otherwise ill-prepared for battle, with troops abandoning positions and fleeing from battle. Blietsky sees firsthand the Russian Army fighting professionally, holding its own against fierce opposition put up by the Ukrainian army. ”The enemy is not stupid and miserable as some experts show him to be,” Blietsky said, refuting that Russia commands an inferior fighting force. “The enemy is stubborn and cruel. But we are moving forward. We gnaw out every meter of Ukrainian land. Salvia Ukraini!” Blietsky said. Bletsky, who faces Russian forces firsthand on the frontlines, disputes the idea that poor training, bad morale and poor equipment to describe Russian forces.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky was caught in another lie about the Ukraine War today in Hiroshima, Japan, where, at the invitation of 80-year-old President Joe Biden, he made a surprise appearance. Biden thought it was important to the coalition’s war against the Kremlin to solicit the backing of G7 leaders, the world’s most prosperous democracies, capable of helping Ukraine’s war effort. Biden used his time at the G7 to securel more backing for the Ukraine War against the Russian Federation. Confronted by recent Russian claims that they control Bakhmut, Zelensky compared the area to the total destruction on Hiroshima by the atomic bomb, a careless remark noting sensitivities to nuclear fallout that resulted in generations of birth defects from radiation. Comparing the destruction of Bakhmut to Hiroshima was an insensitive remark noting the history of medical fallout..
Zelensky’s comparison of Bakhmut to Hirsohima was meant to convey the utter destruction of the once vibrant tourist destination, now in total ruins. Since March, Zelensky spent massive resources battling the Russian military in Bakhmut, a symbolic victory for either side in the ongoing battle to save Ukraine from the Kremlin. Zelensky didn’t deny first reports the Wagner mercenary group helped the Russian army seize control of the largely symbolic area. “They’ve [Russia] destroyed everything. There are no buildings. It’s a pity. It’s tragedy,” Zelensky said in a press conference with Biden in Hirsoship. “For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts,” Zelensky said, acknowledging the Russian victory. But once he realized he violated his own rule of never acknowledging any Russian victory, he walked back his statement, saying the Ukrainian forces were busy encircling Bakhmut.
Walking back the comments, Zelensky’s office, controlled by Information Minister, Kyrlyo Budanvov, said the president misspoke acknowledging Russian control of Bakhmut. Budanov never admits any Ukrainian losses, only supplies the Western Press with Russian defeats and setbacks, the only communication permitted out of Kiev. Budanov’s office said Ukraine was making advances on the flanks of Bakhmut where Blietsky’s 3rd Spearate Assualt Brigade has seen action. Budanov didn’t dispute Blietsky’s claim that Russian military was well-trained, disciplined and well-equipped to carry on the fight for Bakhmut. Caught in another lie in Hiroshima, Westerm countries are kept in the dark about what’s really going on in Donbass, where fierce battles have raged since the Feb. 24, 2022 start of the conflict. Ukraine hasn’t advanced much in its six-moth battle in Bakhmut.
Sending Zelensky to the G7, Biden hope to buy the Ukraine War more time, where the Ukrainian army promises any day to launch its spring or summer offensive against Russian forces. Military experts at the Washington-based Institute of the Study of War [ISW], run by 80-year-old retired Gen. Jack Keane, a frequent CNN contributor, says that the six-month old battle of Bakhmut was designed to degrade the Russian military. Keane’s group, consistent with Budanov’ propaganda office, highlights Ukrainian victories, minimizes losses. Keane himself often contradicts maps put out by ISW showing Ukrainian territory controlled by the Russian Federation. Zelensky’s transparency, admitting a Bakhmut defeat, was quickly walked back by Budanov, consistent with Ukrainian military doctrine, never to admit defeats to the press, certainly no the Kremlin.
Zelensky’s presence at the G7 in Hiroshima blindsided several countries, including Brazil that has put out a peace plan to end the Ukraine conflict. Zelensky doesn’t want the war to end, largely because he receives billions in U.S. aid to run his bankrupt Kiev government. Zelensky’s war ambitions is closely tied to receiving billions in humanitarian and military aid to run the Kiev government and the war. Zelensky’s presence was un-welcomed by 77-year-old Brazilian President Luiz Ignacious da Sillva whose recent peace plant was rebuffed by Zelensky for apparently leaning toward Russia. Zelensky has rejects all peace plans, including the one by Communist China, all because it didn’t condemn 70-year-old Russian President Vladimir Putin for launcing the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion. Zelensky refuses to accept any peace plan that doesn’t call for 100% removal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
About the Author
John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.
