William Burns at the center of the crisis from the start. First he alerted the West before the invasion, then went to Moscow to warn the Kremlin, and finally informed and supported the resistance. Now back in the Ukrainian capital
CIA director William Burns was the man of the crisis from the start. He warned the West of the danger of an invasion (and was not heard), went to Moscow to warn the Kremlin of the risks and to clarify what he knew about the moves. Then he and his men and women guaranteed life support for the resistance. Now burn back under the light. The agency’s number one traveled to Kyiv on a secret mission in early October, as the American media revealed on Wednesday.
The visit accompanied a very delicate phase. Ukrainians are attempting to break through in the Kherson region while invaders continue to destroy infrastructure with missiles and drones. In the western area there is no shortage of questions as to where the limits of serious engagement lie. Burns’ direct contacts with Volodymyr Zelensky and other executives also have a political value, they serve to establish lines and address issues that go beyond the operational aspects. There is speculation about a connection with the dreaded nuclear front.
The American secret service reiterates that there are no signs of a possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Vladimir Putin, he tries to separate the propaganda uses from concrete dangers. However, by profession, he has to consider every scenario. Moscow foreign diplomats repeatedly deny any intention to trigger Armageddon, observers (the pessimists) recall: The neo-tsar decided to attack Ukraine, informing only a small circle of hierarchs. A military action that started badly and got worse, as the testimonies show.
Portal reporters collected service orders, papers and documents on the state of the Russian army in the Kharkiv region in the weeks leading up to the Ukrainian offensive. Data confirmed by cross-checks and reflecting other information highlighted by Kyiv. There is always a pendulum between reality and propaganda. Reporters excavated the abandoned Balakliia base, 90 kilometers from Kharkiv. A position that housed pro-Russian militias, but also soldiers, members of the 11th Corps, part of the Baltic Fleet. The former were paid less: a sergeant earned the equivalent of $1,400 a month, while a regular equal was paid $3,200 plus a bonus.
In August, the soldiers hold and take positions despite their precarious equipment, many of them earning medals for bravery. But as the weeks go by the picture worsens, the enemy stepping up the bombardment, also using the dreaded Himars rocket launchers, very precise and devastating. The inmates intercept the enemy’s communications, voices expressed in English, Estonian, Dutch, American. They are foreign volunteers or advisers supporting Zelenskyy’s army.
Those who complain in the bunkers: There are no drones, the few envoys don’t work and the staff isn’t properly trained. Devices are sent that could interfere with the devices launched by the Himars, the information turns out to be false. Some departments are at rock bottom, barely 20% of effective strength. Many are sick, dead, wounded and a number of deserters. According to Portal investigations, the ranks of the battalions are thinning at the end of August, and it is sometimes difficult to understand how they can fight: one unit has just 49 elements compared to the expected 240.
There is a lack of ammunition, tanks, armored vehicles. And officials are aware of this. Logistical problems are added to those of the leadership, in fact one of the commanders is removed. When Ukraine tries a second push on September 6, the line-up gives way, there is a chaotic retreat, the Russians are leaving everything behind. From the papers to the bodies of the slain, there is no time for orderly folding. The images of Balakliia are not the only ones: the spoils of war captured by the resistance are enormous, the success significant.
October 27, 2022 (Change October 27, 2022 | 17:06)
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