Attempts to play down retreats in Ukraine no longer wash inside Russia

War’s supporters turn up criticism of Kremlin and military leaders as failures spill on TV screens at home

After Russia’s chaotic retreats in Kherson – less than a week after Vladimir Putin illegally annexed the Ukrainian province alongside three others – the region’s Moscow-appointed governor, Kirill Stremousov, sought to calm the mood.

Far from a rout, the withdrawal was a tactical “regrouping” to “deliver a retaliatory blow”, Stremousov said on Wednesday.

Continue reading…War’s supporters turn up criticism of Kremlin and military leaders as failures spill on TV screens at homeRussia-Ukraine war: latest newsAfter Russia’s chaotic retreats in Kherson – less than a week after Vladimir Putin illegally annexed the Ukrainian province alongside three others – the region’s Moscow-appointed governor, Kirill Stremousov, sought to calm the mood.Far from a rout, the withdrawal was a tactical “regrouping” to “deliver a retaliatory blow”, Stremousov said on Wednesday. Continue reading…