The Duran Podcast Multiple cauldrons, Donbass capture. Zelensky SPINS victory
28 snips
Oct 15, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, political commentator Alexander Mercouris shares his insights on the rapidly evolving military situation in Ukraine. He reveals the formation of cauldrons around key locations like Pokrovsk and Kupiansk, signaling potential collapse of Ukrainian resistance. Mercouris critiques Zelensky's reinforcement strategies, highlighting disastrous counterattack losses. He also delves into the narrative management by Kyiv and Western media following battlefield setbacks, and discusses the strategic implications of losing Donbass and possible advances toward the Dnieper.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Multiple Cauldrons Signal Escalating Collapse
- Multiple simultaneous encirclements are forming across Donbass and indicate systemic collapse of Ukrainian local resistance.
- Alexander Mercouris says this pattern is unprecedented compared with earlier single cauldrons and signals a major shift on the front.
Burnt Vehicles Reveal Supply Routes Cut
- Drone footage and burnt-out vehicles show main roads around Pokrovsk are cut and the countryside north is deserted.
- Mercouris argues this visual evidence supports that Russians have effectively closed key supply routes.
Counterattacks Bled Ukraine's Best Brigades
- Ukrainian counterattacks northeast of Pokrovsk drained their best brigades and failed to break Russian gains.
- Mercouris says those counterattacks were costly and left Ukrainian forces short of men and equipment.