"Russian “Vostok” Battalion commander Alexander Khodakovsky suggested that Russia freeze the war in Ukraine along the current frontlines, reintroducing a narrative that had been largely dormant since Wagner financier Prigozhin’s armed rebellion.

Khodakovsky’s unit is defending in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border area & his comments about freezing the war follow the liberation of Urozhaine, suggesting recent UKR advances may be significantly weakening confidence in the RU defense along the wider front in southern Ukraine.

Khodakovsky has previously highlighted concerns about the Russian defense in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, specifically relating to poor Russian counterbattery capabilities, heavy Russian losses, exhausted Russian forces, and a lack of reserves.

Khodakovsky called for an operational pause on August 13 so that Russian forces could accumulate resources for a new operation.

Khodakovsky’s escalation from calling for an operational pause to suggesting that Russia freeze the conflict is likely associated with his firsthand experience of recent tactically significant Ukrainian advances and the degradation of defending Russian forces in Urozhaine".