08:28 29-10-2025

Alexander Sladkov on the “Encirclement Epidemic” in Ukraine

Russian journalist Alexander Sladkov outlines what he calls an “epidemic of encirclements” within Ukraine’s forces, describing stages of collapse on the front.

Russian war correspondent Alexander Sladkov shared his view on the current state of Ukraine’s armed forces, describing what he called an «epidemic of encirclements» spreading through the front lines.

He recalled the battle for Mariupol, when the remaining Ukrainian troops ultimately surrendered, including those entrenched at the Azovstal steel plant — an event that became a symbol of the city’s fall.

According to Sladkov, Ukrainian units are now passing through three distinct stages of decline across various sections of the front. The first, he said, is when losses grow so severe that soldiers resort to striking civilian targets. The second follows as they begin to seek ceasefires and draw Russia into negotiations. The third stage comes when morale collapses and mass surrenders begin, leaving Ukrainian commanders «in a state of shock».

Sladkov claimed that all three stages have already played out, suggesting that the conflict may soon move into a new phase. He predicted a possible «fourth stage», in which Ukrainian generals might start defecting to Russia, arguing that fleeing to the West would be futile since «they would be sent back».