The President's Daily Brief PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 12th, 2025: Breakthrough: Russia Hits Ukraine With Surprise Offensive & Trump Grants Beijing Another Tariff Reprieve
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Aug 12, 2025 Tensions rise as Russian forces launch a surprise offensive in eastern Ukraine, aiming for dominance in Donetsk before a crucial summit with Trump. The implications for Ukraine’s defenses and U.S.-Russia relations are significant. Meanwhile, Trump’s latest move to delay tariffs on China by 90 days sparks debates over its impact on U.S.-China negotiations and trade dynamics. The podcast dives into the intricate dance of diplomacy and economic strategy amidst international turmoil.
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Offensive Timed To Strengthen Russia’s Hand
- Russia launched a surprise offensive in eastern Ukraine days before the Putin-Trump summit, likely to strengthen Moscow's negotiating position.
- The timing suggests pressure tactics to extract concessions at the talks instead of genuine peace offers.
Frontline Account Of Rapid Russian Gains
- Ukrainian troops reported sudden Russian advances of at least six miles after weeks of probing attacks that found a gap in defenses.
- An Azov Brigade officer said limited drone pilots and depleted infantry hindered their ability to repel the assault.
Pokrovsk: A Pivotal Logistics Prize
- Capturing Pokrovsk would sever a key logistics hub and could let Russia control nearly the entire Donetsk region.
- Taking that city is a long-standing Kremlin objective that would materially change battlefield logistics.