Putin beordrar styrkor att gå in i Ukraina - INVASION NU (2022-02-24)

Russians tried to assault a Ukrainian bridgehead near the Antonivskyi bridge on the left bank of Kherson, but ended up in an artillery firestorm, losing 23 fighting vehicles and armored cars, along with boats and drones.

Unsuccessful Russian offensive in the direction of Avdiivka, which lasted 10 hours. As a result, two Russian T-80BV tanks were damaged and captured. Dozens of AFRF soldiers, together with the crew of equipment, were liquidated

Belarusian President #Lukashenko stated that #Wagner financier #Prigozhin and Wagner forces are not in #Belarus as of July 6.

This indicates that Prigozhin may be failing to uphold the deal Lukashenko mediated between Prigozhin and Putin following Wagner’s armed rebellion on June 24.

Russian sources also indicated that Prigozhin is in Russia, although ISW cannot confirm Prigozhin’s whereabouts at this time.

Lukashenko appears to be distancing himself from the deal he reportedly mediated while continuing to tout his ability to mediate between Putin and a formerly loyal lieutenant in the first place, thus still highlighting Putin’s weakness.

Prigozhin’s ability to freely operate in Russia suggests that Prigozhin is still protected by some security guarantees and/or that the Kremlin continues to prioritize undermining his reputation in Russia over targeting Prigozhin physically or legally.