Russian Update on Territorial Advances

Even as the US realizes that Ukraine is losing the war, the battered country and its diehard allies in Europe, notably UK, Germany and France, are not prepared to signal that they're ready to throw in the towel.

And so, the fighting fiercely rages on, and Russia shall continue to make headway.

In fact, Russian forces have already taken control of over 3,500 square kilometers and 149 settlements in the Ukraine operation since March, Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov (right) reported in an update on Saturday. 

He acknowledged that Russia has advanced along nearly the entire front over this time. And noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are continually forced to transfer the most combat-ready units from one crisis direction to another to "plug holes".  

Gerasimov, speaking at a Defense Ministry briefing in Moscow, also gave percentage figures for Russian territory liberated and outlined plans for further operations. 

According to him, Russian troops “have liberated 99.7% of the territory of the Lugansk People's Republic (less than 60 sq. km remain) and 79% of the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic”. As well as 74% of Zaporozhye Region and 76% of Kherson Region are now under the control of Russian forces. All four former Ukrainian regions voted to join Russia in referendums in September 2022. 

Gerasimov further revealed that efforts are underway to establish security zones along Russia’s border in Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkov Regions. After repelling a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region that began in August of last year, Moscow is seeking to create a “buffer zone” to shield its border from further attacks.

I believe Russia should just take over Sumy and Kharkov and even Odesa Oblast and incorporate them as part of new Russia.

Yesterday, Celtic and Rangers shared a dreary Old Firm stalemate. This Scottish Premiership match was a nervy, error-strewn derby between two sides who failed to produce any genuine moments of quality. Hence, the final outcome was an unsurprising goalless draw.

Meanwhile, Liverpool got an early leg up in the Premier League title race as Dominik Szoboszlai's jaw-dropping free kick in the 83rd minute clinched a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield. 

Three wins from three. The champions are on a roll. 

The Reds' title defence resumes after the international break with a trip to Burnley on September 14.