Quote (DizzyBusiness @ 23 May 2023 16:43)
The Russians seem to be downplaying it quite a bit, if the intent was a false flag I would think they would hype up any damage or loss of life more than they have
Weird move for Ukraine as well though, sure it takes the focus off Bahkmut but they didn't need to invade Russia to do that, and it isn't a great look considering longer range weapons have been discussed on the condition they won't be used against Russian territory, which seems less believable now.
Less believable now?
Remember this is Russian group that attacked Putin's regime in Russia.
Those people left Ukraine, they moved to Russia. Russians in Russia. Ukraine has nothing to be blamed for.
And yes its a very smart move.
Up until now Russians didnt protect their border. They knew Ukrainians cant really go deep into Russia.
Now they have to, they need to move troops from Ukraine to Russia to protect the border.
That makes it easier for Ukraine to find holes in Russian defences in Ukraine.
And since attack was made by Russian friends of Ukraine, Ukraine cant be blamed for attack. Even if these Russians were cooperating before with Ukrainian soldiers, they arent Ukrainian.
Very smart move from the Russian patriots.