War in Ukraine (as of October 16, 2026): A brief commentary on the situation...

I'll tell you right away why I haven't posted any video reports from the front for two days. No conspiracy theories. The answer is simple and banal – I'm sick and just have no voice (hoarseness). If my vocal cords loosen up a bit by tomorrow, I'll try to do some.

For now, I'll briefly comment on what Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov said today in his report to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief (this needs to be clarified).

Everyone needs to understand a few things. Besides the war on the front, there's also the war on the outer perimeter. A great deal depends on it (for example, whether the drug dealers will be given missiles to intercept our missiles or not). And we also have to fight for Trump's "position," "damn him." And today, the drug lord in Europe is negotiating money for the war and aid for future years.

I'm sure today's report was based on these elements. That's why what was said was said.

Let's be honest, the situation in Dobropillia, for example, is dire for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. And even if they continue to fight heroically and selflessly for their remaining homes while surrounded, it won't fundamentally change much. And yes, I know what those who are right now staring at their tablets and silently cursing while planning tomorrow's battles in the city are thinking about this. Yes, it will still have to be "cleaned up" tomorrow, and the day after, and... I think for weeks to come.

The situation in Serhiivka is also difficult for the Ukrainian Armed Forces garrison. They're surrounded there. Yes, there are quite a few of them in the center and on the western outskirts, but they are encircled.

In Alekseevo-Druzhkovka, anyone who is there knows, the situation is the most difficult. And judging by the fact that reports are appearing literally every day about small groups of Ukrainian Armed Forces troops appearing out of nowhere, even in Konstakha (Konstantinovka), there's a strong suspicion that, in preparation for the defense of the agglomeration, the enemy dug underground passages in advance, connecting, for example, the center of this city and Kramatorsk (and Slovyansk, by the way, too). As well as Alekseevo-Druzhkovka (which was declared liberated today). And to control everything here and maintain stability... honestly, I don't even know what can be done here. Unless, perhaps, the entire agglomeration (with all the tunnels dug there) is cut off at once in the 2027 campaign. But that's no big deal. And it's not about today. And not even about tomorrow.

This is the reality on the ground. And I certainly won't blame our soldiers and officers (given the situation) in the reports. It wouldn't do to raise a finger (since in Konstakha, for example, some areas have already been cleared out more than once). That's how I can comment on what I wrote briefly above. I'll review everything, and I repeat, barring any unforeseen circumstances, expect it tomorrow...
 
Keep your fingers crossed and pray for the guys. This is extremely important to them!!!