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Russia declared annexation of some occupied territories, but Ukraine counterattacked fiercely.

Following the recapture of Lehman, an important eastern point that served as a logistical base for the Russian army, the flag was again planted in some southern Kherson cities.



There is also an analysis that Putin, who is at a corner, is in a 'nuclear dilemma'.



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A Ukrainian flag is placed over a watermelon-shaped sculpture, the symbol of Kherson Province.



After Ukrainian forces captured the strategic northeastern strategic point of Liman, this time they also took control of some cities in the southern Kherson province.



[Vlodimir Zelensky/President of Ukraine: I am grateful to the soldiers of the 129th Brigade of Ukraine for their achievements in liberating the Arhanhelsk and Mirolivivka regions (Khersonism).]



U.S. State Department Special Representative for Ukraine I asked Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO, who had negotiated directly with Russia as well as Ukraine during his tenure, about the direction of the war.



[Kurt Volker/Former US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine: We are seeing the Russian military run out of conventional military power needed to seize territory.

They are now having a very difficult time defending their territory.]



In particular, Kherson, the only capital occupied by the Russian army, is blocked on the right by the Dnieper River, and in order to protect the city, there is no choice but to build a drainage camp.



It explained that the Ukrainian army is slowly losing power by isolating the Russian army while encircling it.



[Kurt Volcker / Former Special Representative for Ukraine, U.S. State Department: There are about 20,000 Russian troops (in Kherson).

They are isolated by a large river on one side.

Bridges are broken, roads are broken, railroads are out of service.

If the Russians do not withdraw, they are likely to be captured or killed.]



Russia is attempting to replenish its forces with a partial military mobilization order, but this has made the Russian people aware of Putin's failures, he explained.



[Kurt Volcker/Former US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine: Now everyone in Russia knows that the war is going badly with a lot of soldiers killed in the war, and that Putin is desperately pushing people into war.



] It is said that the process of incorporating some occupied territories into Russian territory was carried out through a vote.



[Kurt Volcker/Former US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine: Calling the region Russian territory includes threats that Putin may use tactical nuclear weapons to defend it.]



But Russia cannot easily use nuclear weapons .

I diagnosed the situation.



[Kurt Volker/Former US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine: The use of nuclear weapons will do nothing.

It is militaryly useless.

The use of nuclear weapons only makes certain areas uninhabitable because of their radiation.

If we use tactical nuclear weapons, the Russian military will face a very strong response.]



As winter passes, he predicts that the tide will be on Ukraine's side.



[Kurt Volker / Former US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine: (When and how will this war end?) No one knows for sure.

But as winter approaches, Ukraine will continue to grow stronger and Russia will become weaker.]



(Video coverage: Kim Won-bae, Video editing: Jeon Min-gyu)