Tag: perpetual war

He might hypothetically agree that the resumption of NATO’s present support for Ukraine (arms, intelligence, logistics, etc.) in the event of another conflict wouldn’t cross Russia’s red lines but he’s unlikely to compromise on the issue of Western troops in Ukraine once the present conflict ends.

Steve Witkoff’s claim that Putin allegedly agreed to the US offering Ukraine “Article 5-like protection” during the Anchorage Summit, which Trump repeated during his White House Summit with Zelensky and a handful of European leaders, raises the question of what form this could hypothetically take if true. Assuming for the sake of analysis that he did indeed agree to this, it’s important to clarify exactly what Article 5 entails. For starters, it doesn’t obligate allies to dispatch troops if one of them is attacked.

Per the North Atlantic Treaty, each member only has to take “such action as it deems necessary”, which could include “the use of armed forces” but doesn’t have to. As was explained earlier this year here, “Ukraine has arguably enjoyed the benefits of this principle for the past three years despite not being a NATO member since it’s received everything other than troops from the alliance.” Arms, intelligence, logistical, and other forms of support have already been provided to Ukraine in the spirit of Article 5.

It might therefore be the case that Putin agreed that such “Article 5-like protection” could be resumed in the event of another conflict without crossing Russia’s red lines. Although Russia objects to Ukraine’s remilitarization after the present conflict ends, it’s possible that it could agree to this too as part of a grand compromise in exchange for some of its other goals being met as explained here. What Russia doesn’t agree to, however, is the dispatch of Western troops to Ukraine after the present conflict ends.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared on the day of the White House Summit that “We reiterate our long-standing position of unequivocally rejecting any scenarios involving the deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine”. This position isn’t expected to change since one of the reasons behind the special operation is to stop NATO’s expansion inside Ukraine. Western boots on the ground there afterwards would therefore amount to the perceived failure of Russia’s primary goal.

This would especially be the case if they’re deployed along the Line of Contact, but their deployment west of the Dnieper in parallel with the creation of a demilitarized “Trans-Dnieper” region controlled by non-Western peacekeepers as proposed here could hypothetically be a compromise. That said, Russia would prefer for there to only be non-Western peacekeepers, if any at all. The deployment of foreign military forces, regardless of the country, could embolden Ukraine to stage false-flag provocations.

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Russian forces have taken control of three settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The captured areas include Katerynivka, Volodymyrivka, and Rusyn Yar, which are part of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. This development occurred amid ongoing heavy combat in the eastern front.

The advances represent incremental progress in Russia’s military campaign in Donetsk Oblast. Troops are pushing toward key Ukrainian positions, including areas near Pokrovsk, a significant logistics center.

These gains follow the earlier seizure of Avdiivka in February 2024, which opened pathways for further operations northwest.

In the past week, Russia has claimed control over nine additional Ukrainian settlements. These include Kolodezi by the Western military group and Oleksandro-Shultyne along with another Katerynivka by the Southern group.

The Pokrovsk offensive, ongoing since July 2024, focuses on capturing this strategically vital city. Pokrovsk serves as a major supply hub with intersections of highways leading to Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka. Its railway station supports regional operations, making it a high-priority target for Russian forces.

Recent assessments show Russian units conducting attacks near Pokrovsk and surrounding areas like Rodynske and Krasnyi Lyman.

Geolocated footage confirms Ukrainian counterattacks in places such as Petrivka north of Pokrovsk. The situation remains fluid, with neither side fully securing initiative in the Dobropillya penetration.

Kostiantynivka, located about 20 miles from the newly captured villages, holds importance as part of Ukraine’s fortress belt in western Donetsk.

This network of fortified towns provides a defensive bulwark against further Russian incursions. Control of such areas aids in maintaining supply lines and logistical support for Ukrainian troops.

Artillery fire has damaged a major gas pipeline in the region, leading to the suspension of supplies to Kostiantynivka.

The Donetsk regional administration reported that operational pressure could no longer be maintained due to extensive damage. As a result, civilian evacuations from the town have commenced.

Shelling in Kostiantynivka has caused additional consequences, including injuries to at least one person. The attacks have disrupted essential services, exacerbating challenges for remaining residents. Restoration efforts for gas supply have been deemed unfeasible under current conditions.

Broader territorial shifts in Donetsk include Russian gains of 241 square miles between mid-July and mid-August 2025.

These advances highlight the concentration of Russian efforts in the area. Ukrainian forces continue to mount defenses and counteroperations to stabilize the front.

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