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Fascism and Withdrawal
Russia is a totalitarian state, where some aspects of fascism are obvious. It’s a state with control of information, though that’s breaking down. It’s also a state where Vladimir Putin decided to adopt the views of the Traditional movement that underpins modern far-right ideology.
This means no tolerance for an open society, LGBTQ rights, or liberalism. This is a comfortable place for the regime because they can claim the west hates Russia. If you are new to this, it’s part of a historic pattern.
So first, let’s look at more rumors of withdrawal, first via Volimedia:
In the occupied part of the Zaporozhye region, the RF Armed Forces have withdrawn from several villages and are preparing to retreat from Energodar, and are also seriously considering the option of withdrawing from Vasilyevka.
The line of defense of the RF Armed Forces in the Zaporozhye region is being formed around Melitopol.
I am highlighting this part of the post since it summarizes a lot of what we see from other sources. Melitopol is essential if Russia is to maintain the land bridge to Crimea. There is also an expectation of an offensive in the same Oblast:
The next full-scale offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be in the Zaporozhye direction, — Forbes writes about it.