Kharkiv & Donetsk's nightmare unleashed: Russian spearheads crush Ukrainian army, trapping thousands

Russian forces have encircled up to 10,000 Ukrainian troops in two major operational pockets. The Kremlin claims that a total of 31 Ukrainian battalions have been trapped, dealing a dramatic blow to Ukraine’s eastern frontline. During a briefing to President Putin, Russian commanders outlined these gains and emphasized efforts to prompt surrender rather than destruction, with Putin publicly advocating “mercy” for those who give up.