The Offensive Begins

On June 4th, Ukrainian forces launched what Russia’s defense ministry called a “large-scale” assault on five axes in the south-east of Donetsk province, in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainians have remained impressively mum about the offensive, leaving it to their adversary to make the announcement — but certainly offensive operations are underway. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has been positively lyrical in his opacity – “Words are unnecessary,” the Minister tweeted on Sunday, with acknowledgments to Depeche Mode (surely a first), “they can only do harm.” “Plans love silence,” his deputy added, “there will be no announcement about the beginning.”