Interesting comms coming out from the Kremlin to 🇷🇺-aligned media outlets:
- #WagnerPMC and #Prigozhin may NOT be mentioned when discussing combat operations in 🇺🇦.
- Do not cite ANY of Prigozhin's statements related to the war in 🇺🇦.
- DO NOT mention #Wagner prisoner recruitment or any prisoner participation in 🇺🇦.
- Wagner mercenaries & recruited convicts to be referred to as generic "assault squad volunteers" going forward.
It is now obvious: Prigozhin's failures in #Bakhmut and elsewhere in 🇺🇦 means that Putin has completely lost faith in him - and wants him removed.
Igor Girkin, a former 🇷🇺intelligence colonel & commander of separatist forces in 🇺🇦, will be offering his analysis of Putin & Shoigu's speeches on state TV.
Until now, Girkin was not allowed to feature on state media. His inclusion demonstrates a radical shift in 🇷🇺's narrative.
▪️ 🇺🇦 is on the offensive, with a significant force of armored vehicles spearheading the advance.
▪️ Confirmed reports of 🇷🇺 retreat.
▪️ 🇷🇺 troops have been forced to destroy multiple bridges to slow the 🇺🇦 advance.
▪️ 🇺🇦 foothold established.
Additional imagery provided by local sources in Balakleya.