At first the Americans were reluctant to give permission to train Ukrainian pilots, now Washington has turned around and will train pilots itself. The Kremlin will see this as confirmation that the Russian military is indeed fighting NATO. According to De Kruif, Ukraine will then adjust its airports, take care of the maintenance itself and will not fly over Russia.
Bachmoth
Meanwhile, there is still uncertainty about the situation in Bachmoet. Is the city in Russian hands or not? If you zoom out, says De Kruif, you see Russian territorial gains in Bachmut but Ukrainian territorial gains south and north of the city. At least, what’s left of the city. In De Kruif’s eyes it is therefore too early to declare victory.
De Kruif thinks it’s possible that the Wagner Group mercenary army will declare victory, be relieved by the Russians “and if it subsequently collapses, it can blame the Russian military.” “This would further strain relations within the Kremlin.”
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