Russian Forces Flee Ukraine’s Offensive In Stunning Rout

Russian forces in full retreat from Kharkiv as Ukraine seeks to turn tide of war

Russia’s front line troops have fled their positions in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region as Ukrainian soldiers on Saturday forged ahead with a blitzkrieg to liberate occupied territories.

Over the past days, Ukrainian troops have made unexpectedly rapid gains in a counteroffensive to the east of the city of Kharkiv, attacking key strategic towns such as Balakliia, Kupiansk and Izyum, which are vital to supply and logistics for Russian forces based in the eastern Donbas region. After several weeks in which the conflict appeared to be heading for a stalemate over winter, the NATO-armed Ukrainians are now seeking to seize the momentum, with a two-pronged attack in Kharkiv to the east and Kherson to the south.

Russia’s defense ministry sought to put a brave face on the Ukrainian successes in Kharkiv and suggested the Russian retreat conformed with the goals of President Vladimir Putin’s notorious “special military operation.”

According to Major General Igor Konashenkov, Russian soldiers “located in the areas” of Izyum and Balakliia, liberated by Ukrainian troops on Friday, “have been regrouped and transferred” to the neighbouring Donetsk region in order to “increase efforts in the Donetsk direction.”

“In order to prevent damage to Russian troops, powerful fire was inflicted on the enemy using aviation, missiles and artillery,” he added.

Putin himself has maintained a conspicuous silence on the military setbacks, even though news of the retreats are starting to filter onto state media. Somewhat surreally, Putin took part in the inauguration of a giant Ferris wheel on Saturday to celebrate the anniversary of the city of Moscow.