CNN gains access to Ukrainian-held Russian town

Summary

In a dramatic turn of events, Ukrainian forces have reportedly taken control of a Russian town just six miles from the border, marking an unprecedented incursion into Russian territory. Journalist Nick Paton Walsh gains exclusive access to the occupied area, witnessing the intensity of the conflict and the struggle for control. Amidst the chaos, locals are left to grapple with the reality of war on their doorstep, as the world watches the shifting dynamics of power in this ongoing conflict.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated to the point where Ukrainian forces are now holding parts of Russian territory.
• 🏡 President Zelensky claims that Ukrainian forces have taken control of a Russian town approximately six miles across the border.
• 🎥 Nick Paton Walsh from CNN was granted access to the Ukrainian-held Russian territory, witnessing the situation firsthand.
• ⚔ The Ukrainian military's surprise assault resulted in the destruction of border posts and has pushed into Russian territory.
• 🚨 The report contains graphic content, depicting the harsh realities of war, including the presence of dead soldiers on the road.
• 🏰 Despite Russia's historical strength, it is currently unable to repel the Ukrainian forces, leading to a sense of humiliation.
• 🛑 The fighting is still active, with signs indicating that civilians are sheltering in basements to avoid the conflict.
• 🏘️ The local population is deeply affected, with many seeking shelter or struggling with the new reality of living in a war zone.
• 🛤️ Ukrainian forces have adapted by painting over road signs to confuse potential invaders.
• 🔄 The war has disrupted the world order, with the destruction that once plagued Ukraine now haunting Russian territory.
• 🔍 While the Ukrainian forces have made significant advances in some areas, there are concerns about Russian forces closing in on key Ukrainian military hubs in the east.

Q & A

What is the current situation between Russia and Ukraine as described in the script?

Ukrainian forces have taken control of parts of Russian territory, with President Zelensky claiming they have control of a Russian town about six miles across the border.

Who provided the first access to Ukrainian-held Russian territory?

Nick Paton Walsh from CNN was able to gain first access to the area and witnessed the control of the town by Ukrainian forces.

What precautions were taken by the Ukrainian military before releasing the video?

The video was reviewed by the Ukrainian military for operational security reasons without sound prior to its release, but they had no editorial control over the content.

What was the initial plan of Russian President Vladimir Putin as mentioned in the script?

The script implies that Putin's initial plan did not include the possibility of Russia being invaded, which is now happening.

What is the state of the town that the Ukrainian forces have taken control of?

The town is described as being heavily damaged with signs of intense fighting, and a statue of Lenin is mentioned as being unscathed.

How is the Russian military responding to the Ukrainian forces' advance?

The script suggests that the Russian military is attempting to push back but is unable to do so effectively, leading to continued humiliation for Putin.

What is the impact of the conflict on the local population?

The local population is described as being infirmed, isolated, and begging for calm, with many trying to find shelter from the ongoing war.

What is the significance of the Ukrainian forces' control over the town for the international community?

The control signifies a bold move by Ukraine, gaining international attention and showing that they are on the offensive rather than just defending.

What is the current situation near Prokhorov, a vital Ukrainian military hub?

The script mentions that Russia is getting closer to Prokhorov, potentially within 3 or 4 miles of the outskirts, which could be a significant loss for Ukrainian operations if Russia were to use its artillery on the hub.

How is the Ukrainian military managing the situation in the Kursk region?

The Ukrainian military is described as boldly pushing forward in the Kursk region, showing control and relative calm, and not planning to give up any time soon.

What is the overall tone of the script regarding the conflict?

The script has a grim and graphic tone, highlighting the intensity of the fight, the destruction, and the impact on civilians.

Outlines

00:00

🏹 Ukrainian Advance into Russian Territory

The first paragraph of the video script describes an unprecedented situation where Ukrainian forces have pushed into Russian territory, taking control of a town just six miles from the border. The report by Nick Paton Walsh details the first access to this area, showcasing the intensity of the conflict and the control exerted by Ukrainian forces. The video, reviewed by the Ukrainian military for security reasons, depicts the unexpected turn of events where Russian soil is now occupied. The script highlights the calm yet tense atmosphere, the destruction left by the Ukrainian assault, and the ongoing struggle to maintain control. It also touches on the historical significance and the current state of the town, with locals seeking shelter amidst the chaos.

05:03

🛡️ Ukrainian Military Strength and Strategic Concerns

The second paragraph delves into the capabilities of the Ukrainian military, which has managed to extend its operations significantly outside its borders. The lack of drone or aviation threats from the Russians within the town is attributed to the main fighting forces being engaged elsewhere. The paragraph also discusses the significant resources and equipment that Ukraine continues to invest in the occupied region, indicating a sense of control and relative calm. However, it also presents a more complex picture, with the Russian forces closing in on a key Ukrainian military hub near Prokhorov, posing a potential threat to Ukrainian operations in the east. The paragraph concludes with an acknowledgment of the bold advances made by Ukraine in the Kursk region, suggesting a determination not to relinquish any gains soon.

Keywords

💡Occupied Russian soil

This term refers to the territory of Russia that is currently under the control of Ukrainian forces. It is a significant development in the ongoing conflict as it represents a reversal of the typical narrative where Ukraine has been on the defensive. The script mentions this to underscore the unexpected turn of events and the boldness of Ukraine's military actions.

💡President Zelensky

President Zelensky is the leader of Ukraine, and his mention in the script signifies the political leadership and authority behind the military actions being described. His statement about taking control of a Russian town emphasizes the strategic and symbolic importance of the territory gained by Ukrainian forces.

💡Nick Paton Walsh

Nick Paton Walsh is a journalist who provides firsthand reporting from the conflict zone. His role in the script is to offer a credible and direct account of the situation on the ground, adding authenticity and immediacy to the narrative of the video.

💡Operational security

Operational security refers to the measures taken to protect military information from falling into the wrong hands, which could compromise ongoing operations. In the context of the script, the Ukrainian military reviewed the video for operational security reasons, ensuring that no sensitive information was disclosed that could jeopardize their position.

💡Graphic

The term 'graphic' is used as a warning to viewers that the content they are about to see contains intense and potentially disturbing imagery. In the script, it sets the expectation that the footage will depict the harsh realities of war, including scenes of destruction and possibly casualties.

💡Surprise assault

A surprise assault is a military operation launched without the enemy's prior knowledge, aiming to catch them off guard and gain an advantage. The script describes how Ukrainian forces conducted such an operation, destroying border posts and advancing into Russian territory, which was unexpected and caught Russia unprepared.

💡Humiliation for Putin

This phrase refers to the political and military embarrassment faced by Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the unexpected advances made by Ukrainian forces into Russian territory. It highlights the personal and national implications of the conflict's developments for Russia's leadership.

💡Front foot

Being on the 'front foot' in a military or competitive context means being proactive and taking the initiative. The script uses this term to describe Ukraine's aggressive stance and offensive actions in the conflict, suggesting a shift from a defensive to an offensive posture.

💡Prokhorov

Prokhorov is mentioned as a key location in the script, indicating a strategic point of interest in the conflict. It is described as a vital Ukrainian military hub, suggesting that control over this area is of high importance to both sides in the conflict.

💡Artillery

Artillery refers to large-caliber guns and other indirect-fire weapons used to support military operations. In the script, the potential use of Russian artillery on the Ukrainian military hub at Prokhorov is highlighted as a significant threat, indicating the destructive power and strategic importance of such weapons in the conflict.

💡Donbas

The Donbas is a region in eastern Ukraine that has been a focal point of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The script mentions the area in the context of Ukrainian operations, emphasizing its strategic importance and the ongoing military activities there.

Highlights

Ukrainian forces have taken control of parts of Russian territory, marking a significant shift in the conflict.

President Zelensky reports that Ukrainian forces have taken control of a Russian town just six miles across the border.

Nick Paton Walsh gains exclusive access to Ukrainian-held areas in Russia, providing a unique perspective on the conflict.

The Ukrainian military reviewed the video for operational security, but had no editorial control over its content.

Graphic content warning is issued for the report, indicating the intensity and severity of the situation.

Ukrainian forces have moved into Russia, crossing destroyed border posts from a surprise assault days prior.

The report captures the eerie calm on the road to Sochi, juxtaposed with the ongoing conflict.

A Russian soldier is found dead on the road, a stark reminder of the conflict's reach into Russian territory.

The Ukrainian assault is described as persistent, with Russia struggling to regain control.

The report highlights the humiliation for Putin as Russia faces the reality of occupation.

Locals in the occupied area are shown honoring their war dead, a poignant moment in the report.

The destruction in the town is likened to that seen in multiple Ukrainian towns over the last two years.

Civilians in the basement of a building are reported to be seeking shelter from the ongoing conflict.

The report shows locals trying to adapt to life amidst the war, with one man seeking calm in the chaos.

An elderly man expresses his desire to leave for Ukraine but is unable to find a way out.

The report describes the confusion and fear among civilians as they try to navigate the new reality of war.

Ukrainians are learning to paint over road signs to confuse invaders, a tactic born out of necessity.

The report concludes with a note on the uncertainty of Putin's return and the bold steps Ukraine is taking in the Kursk region.

Despite the gains, the report also mentions the challenges Ukraine faces in other areas, such as Prokhorov.

Transcripts

Get a view of the war

between Russia and Ukraine,

unlike any that we've seen until now

from occupied Russian soil.

Ukrainian forces are now holding

parts of Russian territory.

President Zelensky

says they've taken control

of a Russian town about six miles

across the border.

Our Nick Paton

Walsh was able to gain some

the first access

to Ukrainian held Russia Today

and witnessed their control over the town

and the intensity of the fight.

CNN was accompanied

by the Ukrainian military,

which reviewed the video

you're about to see

without sound prior to its release

for operational security reasons.

That said, they had no editorial control

over what you're about to see.

Here's Nick's report,

and we want to warn you

some of what you're about

to see is graphic.

This was

never in Putin's plan,

but still into Russia.

We cross with Ukrainian forces

moving forward

through the border posts

they destroyed in their surprise

assault ten days ago.

As we get closer towards Sochi.

We can see more smoke on the horizon.

But still it's

bizarrely calm on this road.

And pause a moment in these open fields.

And remember,

this is the Cold War superpower

unguarded, open and never expecting.

When Russian President Vladimir

Putin launched

his war of choice

two years ago to be invaded back,

a Russian dead soldier still in the road,

Ukraine only claimed here a day ago.

But not even

the statue of Lenin is unscathed here.

This Ukrainian assault so persistent.

And Russia, despite its sense of history,

its sort of

past, is being some impregnable,

completely unable

to push the Ukrainians out.

Hear the sound of small arms fire?

We can still hear so clearly.

There is a bid

for the Russians to push back,

but simply isn't working.

And the humiliation for Putin endures.

Days ago, locals had

honored their war dead,

but none since the Nazis

led Russia to face occupation.

And see the damage

that's been done to this street here,

from

intense fighting and rage to

still clearly active fighting

happening here,

a sign in the basement here

that if peaceful people, no soldiers

in 68 says 60 civilians are there,

why should any better?

You know, you don't know.

It's

just like we've seen in multiple

Ukrainian towns over the last two years.

Yeah.

The locals

trying to find some shelter

from the war around.

So let's take a closer look.

Stanislav shows his gray veneer

at the Sochi.

Still a you

can usually look

in the dark.

Hundreds.

Like so many Ukrainians now,

the infirmed, isolated, begging for calm.

Activity.

According to the Russian.

So that really

mean the minute you.

Feeling more ready for.

Him to the military.

Day night

light dark

news or blackout or blur into one.

You get in the worst

and you don't know for sort.

You give it up.

If he more is over 90

and wants to leave to Ukraine,

but there is no route out.

He says they took a better wait

to find out

more fun for them.

Yeah.

You know, and then you any, you know, a

yeah you the rookie.

Hey, I need one more year.

When you hear Ukraine's again.

Ordinary streets

that never guessed of their destruction

or new found fame days ago

awakened in the storm

around them.

Normal life here vanished in a hurry.

Leaving store floors as barracks.

And Nina, 74, out looking for a pharmacy

for her medication.

You three if you have a regular

gym with those in the region.

Seven years specifically to.

This seven years.

Glad this she mama my cousin Ukrainians

regime they love these images.

She was she's been in mind to.

It is a war that keeps turning the world

order on its head,

where wreckage

that lined Ukraine's fields

now haunts Russia's.

Ukrainians learn

to paint over their road signs

to confuse the invaders.

But still, here,

the signs ask

God to protect and save Russia.

That was Putin's job.

It is not clear

when he's coming back.

Now, Anderson, it's clear

that Ukraine does have the ability

to protect force

pretty far outside of such.

we're not quite clear

why there was so little drone

or aviation threat from the Russians

inside that town.

we were told,

because the main fighting

was using

all that capacity from Russia

further away from where we were.

But we also saw to

the volume of equipment and resources

Ukraine is still pouring

into that part of Russia

that it's taken,

including a trip we were on,

was designed to show

how much in control

they are and relatively calm

they are in itself.

But it is not all good news here.

This surprise assault

has certainly brought them

international attention

and the idea

that they're on their front foot.

But elsewhere in the east,

near Prokhorov,

a vital Ukrainian military hub,

they're seeing Russia

getting closer and closer,

potentially within 3

or 4 miles of the outskirts

of that key area.

And indeed,

if Russia were able to use its artillery

on that hub,

it would be a significant loss

for the Ukrainian operations

in the east, in the Donbas.

So give and take, certainly,

but be no doubt at all.

What we're seeing in the Kursk

region is Ukraine boldly pushing forward,

and it's fair to say,

not about to give up any time soon.

Anderson. Nick Paton Walsh, thank you.

Be careful.