Ukraine Update: The calm before the storm isn't so calm

UPDATE: Monday, Jun 5, 2023 · 3:03:25 PM +00:00 · kos

JUST when I write that Ukraine appears to have stopped pushing on Bakhmut’s flanks …

Sladkov says Ukraine is pressing on Russia’s flanks in Bakhmut, including shelling Klishchiivka and Kurdyumivka south of Bakhmut (using UAVs for ISR and loitering munitions). He says Ukraine has infiltrated the SW corner of Bakhmut and is bringing armor.https://t.co/mvjfvdtuoY pic.twitter.com/sJzXWIAqAY

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) June 5, 2023

Sladkov is a Russian “journalist,” aka war propagandist.

UPDATE: Monday, Jun 5, 2023 · 2:54:32 PM +00:00 · kos

If this is true, and Leopards have shown up, then this is it.

Khodakovsky claims Ukraine is stepping up efforts in the Vuhledar area, says first Leopards were sighted:

“The situation on Novodonets’ke and to the left towards Velika Novosilka is difficult – the enemy, having felt our weak points, is stepping up his efforts. For the first… pic.twitter.com/DhttK0x2BB

— Dmitri (@wartranslated) June 5, 2023

And it this is it, then indeed, it’s still a spring counteroffensive.

Everyone is waiting for Ukraine’s ~~spring~~ summer counteroffensive to begin, but none more so than the Russians, who are so jumpy that they claimed a small probing action in Zaporizhzhia oblast was the beginning (and end) of the expected Ukrainian action. Let’s take a look at where things stand.