Many more evacuated people left Oleshky for Ukraine than for Russia, prompting Putin’s people to wonder why they were so unloved (Ukraine Battlefield update, day 1,712)

Every day, the Ukraine Battlefield update newsletter offers a clear look at how the war is unfolding on the ground. Subscribe for free here to get the full text delivered to your inbox. A well-known pro-war blogger revealed uncomfortable figures, prompting a search for excuses. Fighting in the Sumy direction is taking place in almost the same locations as a year ago. Russia has deployed a new version of the Gerbera drone, with a range of up to 1,200 km. Maps of the day – Sumy Videos of the day – events in Oleshky; Ukrainian drones detected and destroyed an Mi-8 helicopter; two different stories of Russian anti-drone team gunners; a Ukrainian military vehicle was saved from a Russian attack by a drone. A well-known pro-war blogger revealed uncomfortable figures, prompting a search for excuses. The ceasefire in Oleshky, in the occupied part of the Kherson region, has ended. It is generally expected not to last long and for the situation across the area to escalate. Both sides accused each other of using the temporary calm to strengthen their positions in the area and prepare for fresh fighting. The first video today allegedly shows a military convoy in which Russia sent reinforcements and supplies. It was, of course, not the only one: Some Ukrainian sources fear that Russia may now attempt to ferry small groups of soldiers across to the western bank of the Dnipro, and are certain that the “human safari” in neighbouring, free Kherson will intensify. For now, however, more attention is being drawn by the fact that the remaining residents of Oleshky have voted with their feet overwhelmingly in favour of Ukraine. Even more interesting is reading what Russian supporters of the war have to say about it. Their explanations vary, with some bordering on the absurd, but none allow for the possibility that the people of Oleshky simply did not want to live under Russian rule. All the following theories come from prominent Z channels followed by millions of Russians collectively. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login