Battleground 371. Assassinations, Attrition, and the Telegram Crackdown
Feb 13, 2026
Discussion of Russia throttling Telegram and the political fallout from cutting soldiers off from a key app. Examination of deepening recession across many Russian sectors and signs of systemic strain. Coverage of a high-profile assassination attempt on a senior Russian general. Updates on stalled Abu Dhabi peace talks and mounting pressure on Ukrainian leadership about wartime elections.
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Ukraine Presses Local Offensives Amid Static Front
- Ukraine increased offensive operations, claiming 25% of actions were offensive last week and capturing Russian troops.
- Roger Morehouse highlights that despite local gains the overall front remains broadly static.
High Russian Losses Strain Recruitment And Society
- Russian casualty figures are opaque but Ukrainian estimates suggest very heavy Russian losses, increasing strain on Moscow.
- Patrick Bishop argues Russia relies on recruiting low-paid, expendable men, which has long-term consequences for post-war society.
Assassination Attempt On Lt. Gen. Alexeyev
- Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev was shot multiple times in his building stairwell on 6 February and taken to intensive care.
- Roger Morehouse speculates his role in Azov's surrender and subsequent prisoner abuses may have motivated the attack.