Expert Kovalenko explained who and how manipulates narratives about the 'withdrawal' of Ukrainian troops.

Analyst Kovalenko discussed the withdrawal and tactical retreat of troops

Military-political analyst of the 'Information Resistance' group Oleksandr Kovalenko expressed his opinion on the prevalent narrative that Ukrainian troops are withdrawing. He stated this while answering viewer questions on Oboz.UA.

Kovalenko explained the difference between withdrawal and tactical retreat of troops. According to him, a real withdrawal occurs during a so-called 'front collapse', when the enemy breaks through the defensive line for a distance of at least 20 km and to a depth of no less than 30 km in the shortest possible Time.

'Front collapse' is the breakthrough of enemy forces in the most compressed time (2-3 weeks, for example) of a defensive line for a distance of at least 20 km, to a depth of at least 30 km. Why is this specifically considered a 'Front Collapse'? Because a depth of 30 km means actual access to the third defensive line - the rear one, not intended for holding off the enemy, and the front of at least 20 km allows for the formation of stable flanks to this depth. And here is the most interesting part, as only under such conditions does the withdrawal of troops occur. When it becomes necessary to retreat deep into the territory, occupied by the enemy or our own, but importantly - deep, at an operational-tactical level,' the expert explained.

At the same time, he emphasized that what we observe has a clearly defined name - tactical retreat. According to Kovalenko, a tactical retreat represents 'a forced withdrawal, under enemy pressure, from one position to a more advantageous other, third, fourth, and so on - to previously prepared positions that are always located behind'.

Kovalenko also expressed concern that some journalists use incorrect terminology, which can create 'an absolutely inappropriate notion about what is happening' and negatively affect the psychological state of the population, 'which is already experiencing significant stress from regular nighttime raids'.

'Perhaps, for some, it is not principle whether it is a withdrawal or a tactical retreat, but personally, it irritates me every time when some of our journalists, who put on airs as great war correspondents, continue to use distorted and manipulative terms in their terminology in the third year of the war, which create an absolutely inappropriate notion about what is happening regarding the LBS. Especially when this spills into the ears of even more uninformed masses, who are already experiencing significant stress from regular nighttime raids and other negative influences on mental health, of which there is not much left for us. Thank you for your attention', he added.