Russia Defences in Kherson, Evacuating Civilians, Advancing Kharkov, Bakhmut; UK Defence Chief to DC (Alexander Mercouris)

The evacuations seem to be designed to clear areas in the expectation of a large Ukrainian assault. There seems to be no plan to withdraw from Kherson. It's likely this will turn into another massacre for the Ukrainian side. However the Russians do seem prepared to withdraw if necessary. One thing I would add is that any Russian talk of weakness is likely bait to get the Ukrainians to keep up their attacks in areas that are well defended. 

Meanwhile in the UK and the rest of Europe the energy crisis worsens.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, October 21, 2022.]