If Westerners are openly opining about a(nother) coup to replace the leadership of a sovereign country, I'm sure Putin is just crazy to view the West as a threat to Russian sovereignty.
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If Westerners are openly opining about a(nother) coup to replace the leadership of a sovereign country, I'm sure Putin is just crazy to view the West as a threat to Russian sovereignty.
Putin is literally dragging men off the street at gunpoint in some cases, sending them to "basic training" for a whopping two weeks, and then deploying them to Ukraine where they bumble and stumble around as cannon fodder.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Putin is crazy, and he's evil too. All the more reason to "take him out." Hopefully that'll be done by some sensible Russians who use some peaceful way to remove him from office. But, failing that, a coup is needed. Putin is deranged. He is a modern Hitler, Stalin, Genghis Khan.... murderers all! And to say Putin views the West as a threat, well, duh! He's only been saying that for 20 years. He is nutso anti-NATO making claims that NATO has it in for Russia. That NATO exists to isolate Russia and it's unfair all those countries would gang up against "him" and not take kindly to Russian aggression. So, to prove the point why NATO is needed, Putin has been hostile to those nations, such as Georgia, Ukraine, and others because they are without the protection of NATO membership.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Speaking of Georgia. A Russian cruise ship pulled into a port in a resort city in Georgia and angry Georgians met the ship and refused to allow Russian tourists to disembark. Riot police were called and eventually to avoid violence the ship departed. The Russian tourists just wanted to catch a Braves' game in Atlanta... :icon_roll:
Russia and Russians are getting a cold shoulder and they deserve it.
(that bolded sentence is meant as a joke...)
Confirmed: Ukran sea drone struck a Russian light cruiser which was sitting at anchor. No casualties reported and Russian source says the crew was ashore and only about 100 Russian marines were aboard guarding the ship. Well, good job Russian marines! Video released this morning by the British news media The Telegraph showing the cruiser being towed listing badly to port. The drone struck near the bow, left side of ship. Ironically this ship, which name I cannot possibly pronounce or spell, was sitting with other Russian navy vessels where they thought they were safe since they have suffered so many losses to Ukran drones when out to sea. Try again, Putin. :laugh:
Two Russian officers dead and 15 hospitalized in critical condition after being poisoned. Ukran partisans posing as a catering business put poison into food items for a Russian officers' gathering of some celebration. Reports say it was cyanide, but whatever it was, good show Ukran partisans! Next time use more poison.
Over 300 Russian soldiers are dead/wounded after an unwise "beach day" was authorized for R&R. Ukran HIMARS missiles struck the gathering on the beach. Yep, life can be a "beeetch" sometimes!
In the past 72 hours over 30 recruiting centers across Russia were firebombed as resistance to the war, and to Putin, continues to grow. Various reports on the damage, but regardless, it shows the Russian people have tired of this immoral war.
Not a cruiser, it is an amphibious assault ship, designed to deliver tanks and troops to shore. It was anchored in a port in Russia, not in an occupied Ukrainian port. This ship is the largest such ship in the Russian navy and was on-loan from the Baltic Sea fleet. It will be out of action for many months.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
The Ukrans have also attacked a Russian oil tanker, which was struck in the same vicinity as the warship. No reports of oil leakage but the tanker is dead in the water pending repairs. This tanker is not a military tanker which are used to refuel navy vessels, but rather a private company's tanker and it was enroute with Russian crude to a Persian Gulf refinery. It is a Russian oil company ship, not under a foreign flag. Not clear if the Ukrans knew the exact identification of the ship, as it was night and the tanker was not lit with all available lights, as is the norm with civilian tankers for safety reasons. Whether they knew the identity of the ship or not the Ukrans are not apologizing for the attack, citing the blatant Russian attacks against Ukrainian grain ships and grain facilities.
Another criminal terrorist attack by Putin. Russian missiles hit a civilian area in the city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine destroying one and damaging other apartment buildings. That was bad enough, but about 30 minutes later while rescue workers, firemen and other first responders, were busy trying to save lives, another round of missiles slammed into the exact same spots, killing and injuring some of the rescue workers. Exact casualty numbers have not been released since there are victims trapped in the rubble and now local officials are hesitant to send workers back in, fearing still another missile attack. There is little doubt this was planned. Putin is beyond an evil piece of shit. Yet, there are still many idiots who are cheering him on, including supposed conservative YouTuber Dr. Steve Turley, who hails every Putin attack as some great thing. Turley, and some of his followers, think Putin represents "old school" values, that Putin is anti-woke, anti-lbgtqxyz+, anti-lefty...whatever. Really? Putin is nothing but a self-serving thug. A modern-day Hitler. And a murderer.
One pundit, who happens to be a former Soviet Union government official, now living in England, summed up Putin's motivation and goals as wanting to resurrect the old Soviet Union and bring east Europe back under Russian control. And Putin thinks that end justifies any means...including wanton murder.
Update on dastardly attack on Pokrovsk... 7 dead: 5 civilians, 1 rescue worker, 1 soldier; with many dozens injured, some in serious condition.
The Ukrans have crossed the Dnieper River in a second place, apparently catching the Russians by surprise with a nighttime boat crossing. If they can establish a foothold and expand their position, they are right now only 1.5 miles from a major highway, which is the only supply route for most of the Russian forces in southern Donbas. The Ukranian strategy is starting to reveal itself. It is cleverly thought out and they do not have to successfully overwhelm/defeat all the Russians in eastern/southern Ukraine. The bulk of Putin's thugs will give up once some key points fall to the Ukrans. It'll be a mass surrender, which is good, there has been too much bloodshed already.
More news from the north, that Russian bulge, once 40 sq miles is down to 3 sq miles. They hold one ridge a little west from their original starting point. Putin's big push with 100,000 troops and 900 tanks has been utterly crushed.
Mostly quiet along the rest of the front. Plenty of fighting in spurts but neither side gaining any ground to speak of. The Ukran offensive south of Bakhmut has been halted, not by the Russians, but by the Ukrans. They are holding some key high ground and seem content to sit for the time being.
Very early report: Russians get clobbered in a major tank battle in southern Ukraine region. Sketchy reports reveal the entire Ukraine 1st Tank Brigade, 5 battalions of tanks and Bradley Fighting Machines, joined elements of other armor battalions (unidentified at this time) in what started as a probing attack but quickly developed into a full-scale battle. Official Putin propagandists made it a point to interrupt regular network programming to announce a big victory, but Russian independent sources quickly dispelled that fake news. Ukran tanks approached the town of Urozhaine and were fired upon with anti-tank guns, which up to now, would compel the armor to retreat to safety. But reports say the Ukran tanks accelerated and rolled over the Russian gunners and just kept going. More Ukran tanks appeared from various woods and stormed into and through the town, scattering Russian forces before them. About a 1/2 mile east Russian tanks appeared and the two sides went into combat in the open fields of the local farms. Too early for accurate losses/casualties, but it is clear from the reports from both sides the Russians got smoked.
This battle took place near the important crossroads town of Tomack, which is 60 miles northwest of the coast and the port of Berdyansk, the critical port city that remains the lone supply port for Russian forces via shipping.
Expect the YouTubers I follow to provide more information later tonight.
Little more news on the battle at Urozhaine...
The Vostok Battalion, which is a local militia unit loyal to Russia/Putin composed mostly of locals, those eastern Ukrainians with Russian cultural/family ties, has been obliterated. Their commander appeared on social media making a plea for prayers and for information on the whereabouts of his soldiers. Hah! I can tell where some of them are, bud, crushed under the tracks of Ukran tanks that rolled over them! Drone video shows Ukran tanks crushing a trench with Russkie soldiers trapped in it. Apparently, these were Vostok soldiers. The battalion scattered, running for their pathetic lives. I'm sure many of them will eventually turn up, with crap in their pants.
As for the tank battle, still no independent confirmation of the outcome, but early reports say 14 Russian tanks were destroyed, another 20+ damaged, and apparently the Ukrans suffered zero losses, at least that's what's being reported thus far. The Ukran 1st Tank Brigade is an elite unit, with mostly enhanced Russian T-72 tanks, as its main battle tank. Better than the Russian version of the T-72, but nothing special. Poland and Israel have supplied improved T-72s to Ukraine. Mostly the 1st Brigade's tankers, the crews, are highly-trained, professional soldiers and that makes them very good at their jobs. Read accounts saying the 1st Brigade would be equipped with Leopard and Challenger tanks, but I don't think that has actually happened yet.
Very latest...there are surrounded Russkie troops in the town of Urozhaine, and they are being shelled by Ukran artillery without mercy. One pro-Russian blogger was in tears begging for the Ukrans to cease the shelling and give the Russkies a chance to surrender. Very confused, chaotic situation, as the Ukrans say they have given them two chances to surrender already and they refused...or, did not respond. It's possible they want to surrender but communications have been knocked out. Raise a f--king white flag then.
Another breakthrough by Ukran forces, near the town of Robotyne. Using drones the Ukrans have mapped the Russian trenches/defenses and are targeting weak points to attack. There is still the problem of minefields and Russian artillery, but this is war. The Ukrans are going to suffer some losses, but they are doing a very good job of minimizing them, both in personnel and equipment.
President Z and his staff concluded an audit of his military organization, and Z fired every recruiting station director citing corruption. There were also dismissals and reassignments in other departments, especially supply and logistics. Asked for details Z's officials declined to respond offering only that corruption will not be tolerated and those responsible have been dealt with. Not sure what that entails, exactly. Personally, all the army officers caught should be handed an old rifle and sent to the front.
Does this ease all the concerns about President Z's/Ukrainian government corruption? I can't say. But it does seem to indicate that Pres. Z is trying to be a good steward of his nation's resources.
I know for a fact the US government in infinitely more corrupt than Ukraine's. But, I suppose there's the notion it's OUR money our guvmint is pilfering, while Ukraine, if corrupt, is pilfering US taxpayers' dollars. You outside fellows can't do that; only our crooked politicians are allowed to steal :icon_roll:
Ouch...some officials bought fancy cars and real estate elsewhere, mostly in Spain. All those guilty have been caught, fired, and will have to surrender all the ill-gotten booty. But, what else? Perhaps public executions will deter any such behavior in the future. Better yet, hand them an old K98 Mauser and have them attack a Russian machinegun nest. Can say, we could have equipped you better, but someone spent the money on a villa in Spain...
And here's another news story, one straight from some movie which seems totally ridiculous, not possible. Russian agents have been trying to buy western equipment, tanks, trucks, cannons, rifles, ammo, etc...via western arms-dealers. No chit! The Russians have lost so much equipment, between it being destroyed and captured* and the Russian economy is in shambles that their domestic military industry can't provide replacements fast enough. So, the Russians have been actually trying to buy equipment on the open market. This is nuts.
* Poland has been the #2 supplier of equipment/supplies to Ukraine. Israel, Turkey, Germany, and Great Britain have all been big suppliers, as has the US too, of course. But, the #1 provider of equipment/spare parts/supplies/ammo to Ukraine is Russia! This week the Ukrans found three tanks, two T-80s and a T-90, abandoned in a barn in a town recently liberated by the Ukrans. The tanks are in great shape, no damage, and they run just fine. Putin's guys are starting to mimic the French. "This tank has only been driven once, the gun never fired..."
Something behind the scenes has happened between Israel and Ukraine. I searched for news/details but can't find anything of substance. But, there is a war of words between the two nations and Ukrainian officials saying they will not attend a summit if Israel is also invited to it. I post this here on the "Russia" thread because the proposed summit is to address Russia's aggression and its stance on the world stage. Whatever has happened they need to reconcile their differences.
Speaking of Russian aggression, they have moved into Niger and are stirring up unrest there. The Wagner Group and the Soros Foundation have been involved in Niger and other African nations at least since 2017, and probably longer than that. The main target of the "protestors" is France, but the US and other western countries have a vested interest in Niger, and Russian-backed propagandists are attacking the US presence there too. Niger is a HUGE supplier of uranium to the world market, and there ya go, the reason the civilized world even cares about backwards Niger. And of course, China is sticking its dirty fingers in Niger as well.
The Kerch Bridge was struck again, at least one Ukran cruise missile hit the structure causing more damage. There were hundreds of witnesses to the attack as it occurred in broad daylight. Russian beach goers on the Russian side of the channel watched as anti-missile missiles were launched by the Russians trying to shoot down the incoming cruise missiles. It was quite a display, much better than a July 4th fireworks show, and many of the beach goers captured it on their phones. One fellow decided to go public with his video and added commentary about how the Ukrainians continue to best Russian attempts to protect the bridge. This guy was promptly arrested, and part of his penance was to make another video apologizing for his comments and that he loves and supports President Putin and he knows Russia is winning the war. He didn't sound very sincere making those comments.
Along the 900-mile front fighting continued overnight with the Ukrans make some small gains, but nothing too spectacular. They have enlarged and reinforced their second foothold across the Dniper River. It's been confirmed that this crossing was originally intended to be a commando raid, but it met with so much success the troops were told to dig in and hold their position, and now the Ukrans are expanding this incursion. This crossing point is 50 miles from the Crimean border.
And "Putin's tank" the T-14 Armata designed by Putin has met with complete failure and all of them have been withdrawn from Ukraine. Propagandists tried to downplay the withdrawal blaming inexperienced crews and saying that the T-14s and their crews will undergo further training and return to the battlefront soon. BS! Western experts had long ago said there was nothing special about the T-14 Armata that would increase its survivability. The Ukrans claim to have destroyed 6 T-14s the first week they appeared and then the tanks retired from the combat zone quickly. These numbers are unconfirmed. There is one video shot from a drone showing a kamikaze drone striking and blowing up a T-14 Armata tank and two other T-14s abandoning their position and hightailing it down the road.
I don't think the American Abrams Tank, as good as it is, is going to fair much better in this new drone-dominated combat environment. The very good German Leopard II tank has been having a hard time with Russian anti-tank drones and Russian artillery guided by drone surveillance. The tank is going the way of the battleship...it is obsolete on the modern technological battlefield.
Hundred+ Russian soldiers retreating from Urozhaine on foot because all their vehicles had been destroyed were targeted by Ukran artillery. Whoa! brutal video. Only a handful of the invaders escaped with their lives and even they were wounded. Ukran drone was hovering at a crossroads and watching the retreating Russians approaching, coordinates had already been fed to the artillery batteries. No escape, no mercy for the Putinites.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Another Putin offensive has been crushed and more pathetic drafted Russian saps, er, soldiers paid for the stupidity with their lives. For over a month the Putin propagandists talked up the pending offensive in the direction of a key crossroads, a town named K... whatever, the names all look/sound the same. Ukrainian officials gave the threat more credit than it deserved and took the steps of evacuating the town and surrounding villages/farms, not wanting civilian casualties in the battle. The offensive was completely smashed, and ridiculously easily and quickly. The Russians never got within 5 miles of the town of K...but were slaughtered in the open fields and roads. In one drone video three T-90M tanks, supposedly Putin's best tank, were knocked out in a matter of 30 seconds. The Ukrans were expecting the attack to come from exactly where it did and had already zeroed in their artillery. Four APCs following the tanks were also destroyed with some of the soldiers in them managing to escape; most did not. Then like in other cases hundreds of Russian soldiers were seen running for their lives back across the open fields with Ukran artillery being "walked" in pursuit killing/wounding a good number of them.
Near Bakhmut the Azov Brigade sent an elite Russian paratrooper unit scurrying for their lives, although these troopers did so in a more professional/organized manner. But retreat, they did! The Russians are losing every single encounter, especially when the Putinites dare to come out from behind their defensive works and engage in open combat. The Russians still have the potential of air superiority but they are so incompetent! Yesterday a Russian fighter-bomber, a SU-34, made a bombing run, missed the target then suddenly did a nosedive straight into the ground, killing the two-man crew. It was not shot down but rather it was pilot error as he lost control of the plane. Buffoons!
Things are looking bad for all you Putin supporters. Looks like your guy is getting his ass kicked. Well, not his pathetic ass, but those of the unfortunate souls pressed into military service by Putin's Gestapo.
Necessity is the mother of invention! Well, more kudos to the Ukrainians for their latest technological advance. Seems that landmines give off a heat signal shortly after the sun sets that can be detected by thermal imaging cameras, the kind the Ukrans have mounted to their drones. Now they are mapping the Russian minefields such that their engineers can clear them and/or their advancing units simply avoid them. Well done indeed!
And more Russkie incompetence! It's getting so bad it's comical, like the Keystone Cops. The commander of the Russian flight school that trains pilots crashed his jet into the frickin' control tower at the school's airbase. You can't make this stuff up! Guess he was trying to pull a Maverick move and do a flyby. "Negative ghost rider the pattern is...oh shit!" And the flight school's deputy commander was in the tower and was killed in the crash.
Russians in full retreat from the town of Robotyne too. Looks like the Russian defenses are starting to crack. The Ukran strategy is plain to see. They have picked out the weak points in the Russian defenses and are concentrating attacks at those points. And the crossing of the Dniper River in the Kherson region has opened up another opportunity. It is very possible the Ukrans can flank and get behind the extensive defensive works, the Putinites have spent a year building, rendering them irrelevant. In fact, trapping the Russians in their trenches for easy destruction.
German container ship departed Odesa testing whether the Russians will attempt to stop it, board it, and perhaps seize its cargo. Putin's pirates have started stopping civilian ships, flying the flags of various nations. No incidents yet involving casualties, but things are getting intense. The cargo on this German ship belongs to a Hong Kong company. i.e. the Chicoms. Since Putin cancelled the grain deal his pirates on the Black Sea have started intercepting grain shipments and also helping themselves to other cargo. The Ukrans announced they might assign their sea drones to escort vessels coming and going from Odesa.
Why is the rest of the world tolerating this? The world sure blasted the Somalian pirates into oblivion. Oh yeah...the poor Somalians don't have nukes.
d-80, I can’t stand to see you all alone on this thread, so I’ll jump in.
You seem to have access to some up-to-date info. I tried to keep up with the “war” in the beginning, but accurate information seemed hard to find. Where are you getting your best information?
For blow by blow from a more Russian perspective, I recommend:
https://twitter.com/witte_sergei (his blogposts are also very good on a wide variety of topics)
https://twitter.com/RWApodcast
https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps
Pretty fair, what I particularly like is 1) the level of detail, 2) the lack of bizarre Western propaganda with hilariously wild claims, and 3) *mostly* no dehumanization of the Ukrainian side like you see from so many warhawks of the Russians.
Lukashenko granted a long-awaited interview to a Ukrainian journalist today. He's a fascinating character.
Quote:
LUKASHENKO to Ukrainian reporter: "Your counteroffensive cost 45,000 people in dead and maimed. 45,000!.. Your losses are 1 to 8 at the frontline. And [Russia has] 250,000 people in reserve with cutting-edge hardware. You will be crushed... and the Poles rub their hands in glee. Pushed by the Americans, they will cut off the western regions... You have to take your head into your hands and act on the basis of reality. Act in the interests of this huge and beautiful territory."
I don't give any of the pro-Putin sources much of a second look. Even when they accidently present some facts it's always excused with extreme spin followed by, "our glorious forces will soon be marching into Berlin, Paris, and even London soon!" Okay...not to be guilty of the crap they put out, I admit I greatly exaggerated that. But, they do spin everything.Quote:
Originally Posted by ChipDog
One of my favorite YouTubers is a loyal Ukrainian fellow named Denys Davyoz. His name has been "westernized" and some other pundits using his material or quoting him refer to him as "Dennis Davidof," so he appears under several names. He is funny. I know, how can anyone be humorous reporting on a war, but he is. Not that he's trying to be. His mastery of English, while pretty darn good, still shows signs of an eastern European influence. His use of "kaboom" and "kaput" as legit descriptive terms is particularly funny.
I researched Mr. Davyoz and learned he served in the Ukrainian army and air force and is (or was until recently) a commercial airline pilot. He is obviously strongly biased toward the Ukrainian side (of course) but he reports ALL the news, even the bad news, and says "sorry, this happened and I have to report it."
Warthog is another pro-Ukrainian site, but they tend to report only good news and leave out any setbacks. They don't lie (like the Putinites do) but they are guilty of omissions.
Other pro-Ukrainian YouTube channels, like Omni (I think that's its name) are totally useless. It was this channel that falsely reported the USS Gerald Ford entered the Black Sea and proceeded to sink several Russian warships. Yeah...that blatant. Can't even say they are entertaining.
There is also a former US Special Ops soldier with a YouTube channel I follow. He is not on the cutting edge of news, but comments on events a day or two later. But I find his analysis to be accurate and interesting.
Finally, I still have connections to US Military sources who I can discuss events with, as long as they are not classified.
Biden Administration okays Denmark and The Netherlands to send F-16s to Ukraine. Ukran pilots have been training in F-16s at a British base, so I guess they are ready for the real thing now. The US sold F-16s, as well as other technologically advanced equipment, to various countries with a stipulation that the US has to approve those nations sharing the technology and/or transferring said equipment elsewhere. Now, the Bidenites have lifted the hold, so F-16 Falcons will soon be on their way to Ukraine.
The Falcon is a superior fighter jet, really a fighter-bomber since it serves well in close air support for ground troops. But, while a better plane, it is not invincible so a lot will depend on the skills of the Ukran pilots.
Speaking of superior US equipment, a Bradley Fighting Machine was bulls eyed by a Russian artillery strike. The Ukrans foolishly pushed their luck after successfully silencing Russian machinegun positions, and then driving toward a tree line where they encountered a deep trench. Unable to cross and unable to seek the cover of the trees, the Bradley hesitated in the open, which is a big mistake on a modern battlefield. A Russian drone spotted it and targeted artillery fire onto it. Just as the Bradley reached a road and was trying to flee back toward friendly lines, it got clobbered by incoming shells. The Bradley was so damaged it has been rendered destroyed, out of action. But the entire crew survived. All the Ukran soldiers sustained wounds, but all are expected to survive and probably return to duty. The Ukran officer, after rebuking his men for their stupid "charge" across an open field, proceeded to compliment the Bradley, its tough armor, and the survivability of the crews. All the Russian equivalents, armored "cars" or light fighting vehicles go up like a firecracker when hit by any type of munitions and the crews killed.
Have CNBC on monitoring the stock market, of course, and they broke in with some "news." Report says "US officials" place the casualties for both sides since the war started in February, 2022 as: Ukrainian 70,000 and Russian 500,000+. They did not specify what they mean by "casualties." In a traditional definition that would encompass killed, wounded, captured and missing. So, absent an explanation I have to assume these numbers represent that meaning.
As a historic side note, the figures reported during the American "Civil War" are misleading. After a typical major battle, numbers like Union losses 12,500 Confederate losses 10,700 included soldiers who showed up later. The day after a battle the First Sergeants of each company would call roll, usually just before dawn, in case a movement of the army was to occur that day. Anyone not answering the roll call was listed as a "casualty." If a soldier had been killed or wounded his buddies, his messmates, would tell the 1st Sergeant they confirm his status. But if no one was sure, then the term "missing" was placed by his name. Later that day or even many days later some of those soldiers would show up back in camp. Some of them became separated during the chaotic battle, perhaps cut off by enemy troops, and had to hide until it was safe to travel back toward their army. Others, if close to home, would use the confusion to sneak away to check on their families, and then return days or even weeks later.
The Battle of Gettysburg is reported officially as 28,000 Confederate casualties and 23,000 Union losses. Well over half of those fellows, probably close to 70%, returned to the ranks and may have been a "casualty" again at another battle.
Great news! Ukrainian forces have reached the outer defenses of the important crossroads city of Tokmak. The Ukrans easily traversed a minefield that the Russians were depending on to secure the northern approach to the town, but during the night, the Ukrans pushed significant units through the minefield. Officials refused to confirm if their use of thermal imaging played a role in identifying the exact location of each mine, but US officials speculate that it did.
Now the Ukrans are facing another tough obstacle, the actual main defenses of the city itself. The Russians have turned Tokmak into a fortress, a redoubt, with defensive lines on all four sides. I am no tactical/strategic expert on such matters...ahem :icon_roll:...but if it were me, I wouldn't waste a single Ukran soldier's life trying to capture this town. Instead, I would isolate it, bypass it, and use the very dry open fields to move my forces further south. Deny resupply to the defenders of Tokmak, starve 'em out. And/or move artillery closer and shell the hell out of it, make it a living nightmare for the Russkies trapped there. NOTE: at the present time the Russkies are not trapped as they still control three sides of the city including the highway south. But, if the Ukrans can cut the southern highway that will effectively trap those defenders.
Anyway, this movement is a big jump from where the battlelines existed just two days ago.
The Azov Brigade seized another hill south of Bakhmut. Tough fighting, heavier than usual casualties, but no details released yet.
The evil terrorist Putin struck another civilian target in Ukraine, this one killed 7 and injured 100+. Again, an apartment building was targeted, not even close to a military or industrial site. All of you Putinites, and you know who you are, line up behind this thug. Guess you're proud of your guy.
Reports about other Ukran gains along the front, but as usual, they are small, mostly capturing a Russian trench or position. Did see a good explanation of why the Ukrans are actually doing well in their counter-offensive. A pundit/historian reminded all of us that the allies sat bottled up in hedgerow country for months after the D-Day landing. The defenders, like the Germans in France, enjoy an enormous advantage. The Russians have built extensive defensive works and it is tough sledding for the attacking Ukrans. But they are making progress.
Latest report says Ukraine will receive 62 F-16s in the next few months. That's four squadrons. The first 19 Falcons, coming from Denmark, should be there this week. Will be some additional training for Ukran pilots, then off the real thing.
Ukran drones destroyed 10 Russian boats and killed/wounded 40 Russian soldiers. They were small boats, about 25-30 feet in length, armed with a mounted machinegun and used to move troops and supplies across a river, in this case, the Dniper River.
Russian counter-attack smashed near Kharkiva. Can't understand why the Russkies haven't learned about the dangers of moving vehicles in a column on open roads. Four tanks, 6 APCs and another 8 trucks and other vehicles were obliterated. Casualties are unknown but most of the Russians didn't survive the attack, only about 15-20 were seen, by a tracking drone, walking back up the road they had come. Can't fix stupid...:icon_roll:
A retired US Air Force officer, very familiar with the operation of the F-16 Falcon, has issued some cautionary concerns about the Ukrainians operating the jet. He said at best, with a complete immersion in a F-16 program, i.e. US Air Force personnel on the ground in Ukraine, training and working closely with the Ukrans, it would be 2027 before complete confidence could be achieved with the Ukranian AF being effective with the Falcons. The F-16 is one of the finest fighters in the world and as such is very sophisticated. This is akin to taking a bunch of average drivers and placing them behind the wheel of a powerful race car, with just minimal instruction.
Some pundits are saying the "Griffin" Jet Fighter, which is the Swedish built JAS 39 Gripen, would be a better choice for Ukraine. Very, very capable plane but a whole lot easier to learn how to fly and operate in a combat setting. And actually, President Z approached Sweden last year, before the transfer of F-16s was being seriously considered, but Sweden was not keen on that. They still aren't. The Griffin is a totally Swedish domestic design and build and apparently, they are very guarded about it being transferred to other countries.
BTW, here's a little trivia quiz for ya. There is just one fighter, in all of history, that has a perfect combat record, absolutely 100% victory record. Hint: it is not the F-16 Falcon.
France is sending the "Scalp" cruise missile to Ukraine. Several were sent last month and used to test their viability in long range attacks. The tests proved effective.
The Ukrainians have developed and are deploying a new "sea drone." This one can be classified as a submarine or a torpedo. Since the boat drones operate on the surface they are subject to defensive measures by the Russians, and there is video of the sea drones being destroyed by Russian naval fire and by attack helicopters. These new ones will travel underwater and only approach the surface when they are at their intended target. Ya gotta love it!
Two nights ago the surface sea drones successfully struck and damaged three Russian ships. One is a Russian navy vessel, thought to be a helicopter carrier/marine assault ship. The other two were not positively identified but the YouTuber speculates they are a Russian military supply ship and the other a civilian cargo ship, perhaps one flying an Egyptian flag but has been leased by a Russian import/export firm. Such ships were known to be the area of the sea drone attacks two days ago.
Putin has ordered the rounding up of all immigrants, especially Muslims, to be forced to join the army. Secret video, shared via banned social media outlets, shows hundreds of young Muslim men being forced into busses and then taken to a training camp. After only two weeks of the most basic of training, these "soldiers" are shipped to the front lines in Ukraine and used as cannon fodder. Apparently, Putin has emptied his prisons from which he sent criminals to join the Wagner Group last year and an estimated 45,000 were killed, and another 50,000+ wounded in the attacks at Bakhmut. So, now he is effectively kidnapping immigrants. Well, hmmm...it's an idea.
The Kerch Bridge was struck again last night. This attack was carried out by small drones seeking to strike trucks using the single lane still open for operation. The bridge was severely damaged two weeks ago and the Russians have laid planks across a massive hole in the road deck allowing traffic to use one lane. Right now, only military and critical supply trucks are being allowed to cross the bridge, no civilian traffic at all, which has ticked off Russian citizens living in Crimea and on the Russian side of the bridge. Early reports say the drones missed intended targets and explosions occurred on the bridge but did no significant damage. But, tell ya what, if you're one of those Russian truck drivers, this will make your cheeks pucker up!
US and British military advisors are encouraging the Ukrans to adopt a change in strategy along the front. Right now the Ukrans are probing along the whole 900-mile front and are presently trying to exploit 4 breakthroughs. Rumors are the US and Brits advise a more concentrated approach, to group a large attack force and strike at one weak point in the Russian defenses. Well...it's a good thing this is all being kept top secret else the Russians might learn of it and take steps to defend against such an attack :icon_roll:
Putin expressed incredulity that the Ukrainian leaders cared so little for their own people that they would send them over and over again into minefields and artillery cauldrons. Biden is determined to shed every last drop of Ukrainian blood.
Someone pointed out that the Russians and Americans faced a similar problem at the start of the war: all of their military experience was against opponents lightyears less advanced than they - the Russians weren't fighting literal Stone Age societies like we did, but the power gap meant they might as well have. Fighting an army with peer weaponry (even if you hold numbers advantage) is totally different. All the American mercenaries coming back over complained that it wasn't fair when the enemy can call an airstrike on you. It's interesting to think that at this point, any Ukrainian front-line commander who's survived thus far is more skilled in modern peer warfare than any American leader.
LOL! :laugh: Putin saying leaders cared so little... Holy shit! Putin and those of you who follow him are as stupid as Biden/Harris saying there is no crisis at the border.
And total BS! on any notion that Putin is winning this war. Back in February, 2022 many pundits (and me too) assumed if Putin was stupid enough, evil enough to actually invade Ukraine the Russians would walk over the country in less than a month. Just like Hitler did to Poland in 1939, and I guess France too in 1940. Total and complete victory. Lest some of you with your brains up your azz forgot, the Russians had a massive column of troops WEST of Kyiv. That bears repeating...WEST of Kyiv! The war was over, or so everyone thought. Now 18 months later the Russians are clinging to their defensive works and steadily losing ground daily. And all of this WAY over in the eastern most provinces. Wow, good job Russkies!
Whatever else can be said, one fact shines through, the Ukrainians have gallantly, bravely fought an evil invader, a neighboring country more than 10X its size. One with a supposed mighty military that in February, 2022 was considered one of the top 4 military elites in the world (along with the US, China, and India), but now is a mere shadow of its former self.
As for Ukrainian command, one of my favorite YouTubers, Dennis Davidoff (English version of his name), has often commented that middle and lower level officers in the Ukranian army are mostly incompetent. He says they are old, were trained in the old Soviet system and can't grasp the changes occurring in technology, etc...well, Mr. Davidoff, a former Ukrainian army officer himself, is much closer to this than I am so I have to defer to his opinion. But, the Ukrans are getting results on the battlefield. So, if the Ukran command structure sucks, what's that say about Russkies!?
Whatever faults the Ukrainians may have, they are the good guys in this war. They didn't invade Russia, they didn't start this insanity.
Prigozhin is dead!
Reports of a plane crash. Good riddance to that pig!
Pundit on CNBC commenting on the breaking news has actually said he is certain this was an assassination, ordered by Putin. I agree. This is Putin's MO.
It seems pointless to speak of anything "Ukraine" has done since 2014 after the CIA-backed coup. That's a good thing I guess. I suppose massacring civilians in Kiev was a good thing as long as it meant a more malleable government for VP Biden's money-laundering. The good guys, who then ignored the Minsk Agreement and continued bombing ethnic Russians in the Donbass.
"Ukraine" supporters are of course entitled to their opinion, but your bloodthirstiness is on your own head just as much as if you cheered on every action Putin's taken. And the destruction of "Ukraine" is on YOUR hands.
I wanted Ukraine to take the peace deal offered by Russia in the first month of the war. So did they. But I guess it's a good thing the Good Guys told Ukraine to reject it, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainians. But hey, they're the good guys. What use are a hundred cemeteries full of good guys?
Reasonable people can have reasonable discussions about war, its causes, its probable outcomes. The bloodlust you show here is extremely unreasonable and unbecoming, to put it mildly.
Just saw a video of the plane. It was a private jet with 10 onboard, passengers and crew. No survivors. The plane was trailing smoke and spiraling out of control all the way to the ground. Clearly something happened to it, like a bomb onboard or some kind of missile attack maybe. Also reported that Prigozhin's second in command was also onboard. Ironically, CNN had just released a video published by Prigozhin himself this morning saying he and his Wagner thugs were in Africa and will be operating there. The video and the plane crash both occurred near Moscow. I suppose Priggy was heading to Africa on that plane. Oops!Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
You don't get off that easy. When Putin invaded you were cheering his thugs on because you said Ukraine was nothing but Nazis and all deserved to die. Of course that was, and still is, a stupid assertion, proven to be nothing but Russian propaganda TRYING to win favor and support for their evil invasion. This was nothing but a greedy landgrab attempt by Putin and his inner circle of international criminals. It has failed. Thank God!Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Why should Ukraine have agreed to a peace deal then, or now for that matter, that leaves a portion of their nation in an invader's hands? Let's have Putin completely withdraw, including from Crimea, and then the two countries can sign a peace deal.
The destruction of Ukraine, as you say, is being conducted by your boy Putin. He, and his supporters, have blood on your hands. He has been murdering women and children and other non-combatants like Hitler did to London. Only recently has Ukraine retaliated and only with small drones since they still lack the long-range missiles to reach Moscow and other targets. And yes, DEATH TO ALL TYRANTS and ALL of their evil thug legions. No sympathy for evil-doers. What is reasonable about supporting invaders? Do you also support Hiter's aims of the 1940's? After all, Hitler was just trying to strengthen Germany's economy by seizing the oil fields in eastern Europe and in parts of Russia. Ole Adolf knew the Soviets wouldn't take too kindly to that, so he decided to strike first. From his POV, it was all "reasonable."
Yes, Ukraine's Nazi problem hasn't gone away, that's certainly true. But they're the good guys, so it's fine.
Oh, I don't know, to prevent the massacre of their population? Doesn't matter what you think about it, they were going to agree before the globalists in the White House nixed it and doomed them.
Putin is not "my boy" but his enemies are my enemies, for the time being. If he were as insane or insanely evil as your wild posts suggest, perhaps playing nuclear brinksman is a stupid idea. I thought then and still believe that Putin had perfectly reasonable concerns about a US-couped regime on his doorstep. If you don't want people to think you have a Nazi problem, maybe stop using swastikas and sonnenrads and singing Bandera's praises. We don't have to agree with Putin's or Hitler's chosen course of action to understand why they felt they had to take the actions they did to secure their nations. If you refuse to learn that you're just being purposefully ignorant.
I presume you don't support any of the US's "evil invasions" then. I honestly can't believe you see this conflict in such black and white terms, even after all of this. Your histrionic bloodlust is quite frankly repugnant.
I find you repugnant.
I know you don't give a shit about Ukrainian people, you know the average person just trying to live their lives, raise families, kind of like most of the rest of the decent world does, but I rejoiced with those just liberated in the town of Robetyne. Too bad they actually survived Putin's thugs who tried to kill them. They hid in a cave dug from their basement and managed to survive all these 18 months. How, I'm not sure. How did they get food and water, for instance. Must be an amazing story. But, when the GOOD GUYS drove out the evil invaders these people, and their neighbors who also managed to survive, came out. The raw emotion, the tears of joy...one woman went to her knees and then kissed the boots of the gallant Ukran soldiers. Even if I knew little about this war, knew and cared very little about what is going on there, all I would have to see is something like this to understand who needs to win this war. Unlike you, apparently, I am not as interested in the geopolitical ramifications as I care about the real human costs of this evil invasion. Not that I don't care about the bigger picture, but those concerns take a back seat to the suffering these innocent folks are going through.
In January 2022 Ukrainians were living peacefully, minding their own business and then Bam! here comes a piece of shit tyrant bent on restoring the old EVIL EMPIRE, as Ronald Reagan called it, and now these folks have had to endure 18 months of hell, not to mention the massive rebuild of their lives after the thugs are forcibly ejected from their country.
I suppose you will cheer on the Chicoms should they ever be stupid enough to invade Taiwan. Your advice would be for the Taiwanese to bend over, grab their ankles and take it up the ass, just so...what? Just to avoid a war? Really? I also see your strong anti-American sentiments shining through referring to our nation's necessary military actions as "evil invasions." Of course, a supporter of Putin and the Chicoms would think like that.
Well, here we are. You have your side you are rooting for: the Putinites, and I have my side: the Good Guys. Like fans of college football, eh. Hell, I know a lot of LSU fans. Can't understand that, but I suppose they have their reasons for supporting that "evil empire."
Keep posting though. Don't be a coward like Goosey is and disappear from this board just because you are wrong.
Absolutely insane.
I had my problems with Guislapp, I doubt we agreed on much at all except that you have completely lost your mind.
OUR invasions are always "necessary military actions," of course. One might even call them Special Military Operations.
Wagner seems to confirm Prigozhin has died. I'm not sure why he didn't take the first railroad out of Belarus the second he managed to walk away from Moscow. Putin explicitly said there would be "retribution" two months ago. If you come at the king, don't miss.
Does seem to be some question how it was done though. The damage on the aircraft doesn't seem consistent with AA, so it's probable it was internal sabotage of some kind. US citizens were warned to leave Belarus the day before, so that's curious timing.
Just watched a video by a retired army veteran who says he knows about AA missiles, and he says the damage to the plane is very consistent with an AA missile attack. Here's his reasoning...Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
the plane's fuselage was completely intact, meaning an internal explosion, a bomb, is unlikely.
the plane lost a wing, which is clear to see in the video of it spiraling towards the ground, again the type of damage a missile would do
and finally, video of the wreckage, that which didn't burn up, clearly shows shrapnel holes, again consistent with the way an AA missile works, as it explodes near the target sending shrapnel ripping thru the aircraft.
Does all of this mean it was a missile attack? No, but the evidence points in that direction.
Next, many pundits are scratching their heads pondering WHY, if true, would Putin order such an assassination of Prigozhin. It doesn't make sense. First, Priggy was leaving Russia, probably never to return on a permanent basis anyway. If Putin wanted ole Prig out of the way, politically, well that was happening. Secondly, if Putin wanted to assassinate Priggy then a much better way would have been to wait until he was in Africa, close to some combat, and have him shot by a hired sniper or something. Would have been a whole lot less scrutiny on Putin's involvement in this.
Now, while the pundits scratch their heads wondering, here's the answer to that question as to WHY? Putin is nuts!
Not completely. That would imply perfection and I am far from that. Well, not too far, actually, but I do have my flaws :shocked2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Last night the Ukrans landed commandos on Crimea, they knocked out a Russian AA battery and a radar station, inflicted some casualties and all returned safely by boat.
Putin suffers losses all day, every day. For example, two ammo dumps just suddenly exploded, one in occupied eastern Ukraine and the other across the border in Russia. No one has taken credit for this, but it is supposed that it was anti-Putin Russian Freedom Fighters, who have become more active again recently after laying low for some months after their attack on Belgorod. Whoever is responsible, good show!
Reminds me of this scene from The Patriot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO9QR5oN5is
It's certainly possible either way. The person I was reading contra AA pointed out other examples of AA hits which were completely different.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
I did see a few people suggesting it wasn't Putin at all, but a CIA hit. Not sure what the value of that would be. Putin said he would do it, then it happened. Seems open and shut to me, only question is mechanism which is really more of a curiosity.
The very latest on Priggy's assassination...US officials have removed the possibility of an AA missile strike, saying there was nothing that appeared on satellite imagery, no missile tracking. The theory now is, given the loss of the wing and no damage to the fuselage, is a bomb had been placed in the landing gear wheel well under the wing. That could have been done during routine refueling/maintenance of the jet just prior to takeoff. Well, there was damage to the fuselage as it was peppered with holes from shrapnel, but it was intact, so the bomb was not placed in the plane or in the luggage compartment.
And this is unconfirmed by reliable sources, but the rumors (news) is too good not to mention. The body of Dmitry Utkin, the true founder of the group, killed in the plane crash, was identified by his tattoos, one of which is the Wanton SS emblem, and another a swastika. Oh my! :shocked2:
US officials report that the Ukrans have punched a hole in one of the Russian main defense lines, but didn't say where. The main lines, as identified, are constructed from reinforced concrete, defended by rows and rows of "dragon teeth," minefields, trenches, pillboxes, and supported by batteries of artillery. There are miles and miles of such main defense lines, some having another line behind them, and they cover pretty much the whole 900-mile front. So, will have to see more details and especially the exact location of the breakthrough.
In more news, Putin has ordered the complete destruction of Wagner cemeteries. In one released video, workers are seen lifting crosses and head markers and stacking them off to the side. So far, the graves themselves, the bodies, have not been moved, and a large concrete monument dedicated to the bravery of Wagner soldiers also still stands, for now. This is occurring in a town in Russia very near the border with Ukraine. There are at least 15 such Wagner cemeteries, in eastern Ukraine and in Russia itself. The YouTuber claims he has heard from other areas where the removal of markers is taking place. Will Putin also move the bodies, or just remove all traces and leave the bodies in unmarked graves?
There are a lot of Russian citizens who held Prigozhin and Wagner in high esteem. There is a growing movement of folks disgusted with Putin and most blame him for Priggy's death.
The breakthrough the main Russian defenses occurred south of Robotyne.
The wing of Priggy's plane, the one that was off as the rest of the plane spiraled to the ground, was found about 5 miles from the crash site in a forested area. The wing is mostly intact and!!! the landing gear is fully extended (lowered) and undamaged. The whole landing gear assembly is undamaged and the whole wing itself shows very little damage, considering it fell into trees from 28,000 feet. This rules out the theory of a bomb going off in the wheel well. There are no signs of that. From viewing the video of the wing as it sits upside down, the landing gear sticking straight up, it appears that maybe the wing just came off. If that is true then it points to either sabotage or very, very poor maintenance. What is doesn't explain is the smoke pouring out of the plane as it spiraled down. Another rumor says a bomb was placed aboard in a wine crate.
The Russian 205th Rifle Brigade has been abandoned to their fate in the Kherson region, trapped on an island in the Dniper River. Other Russian commanders asked to be allowed to try to break thru Ukrainian forces to rescue the brigade but were denied. Requests for artillery support for the 205th have been denied. Finally, one company commander stormed into division HQ yelling that something has to be done and he was arrested and sent to a mental institution for evaluation. His company, over 100 soldiers, tried to interfere in his arrest, now they have all been disarmed and confined to barracks pending an investigation. Officials of the Russian army operating in the region released a statement that there is no 205th Brigade, period. It is not trapped because it does not exist. Ukran sources say, well, whether it is the 205th or not, there are Russians dug in on the island who continue to hold out and resist. What a mess!
The 3rd Assault Brigade, the Azov Brigade, seized a wooded hill and then utterly destroyed a Russian counter-attack, including 3 tanks, 4 APCs, and a platoon of infantry on foot. An Azov officer said, they are rank amateurs, they just came straight at us across an open field; we slaughtered them.
Incredible bodycam video released by the Ukrans, all shot in the Bakhmut area, the intense fighting in the wooded hills. One clip shows a Ukran soldier lucky to be alive, his body armor and a pack they carry on the front ripped to shreds by bullets fired at him by a Russian machinegun. He is leaning against the bank in the trench and his buddies come by offering encouragement, slapping him on the shoulder saying he's going to be fine. One hands him a lit cigarette and his hand is trembling so much he can't even bring it up to his lips. The look on his face coveys the utter reality that he dodged death and is lucky to do it.
The rest of the bodycam video released is brutal. Ukran soldiers gain a trench and charge down it with a machinegun blazing away and the Russians don't even realize it until it is too late. It smacks of murder. Reports by observers say Putin is sending in raw recruits with a minimum of training, certainly no combat experience since none of them survive first contact with the Ukrainians. There are no officers or NCOs either with some experience who might give these poor saps a fighting chance. Now, there are experienced Russian units mixed in in the area. The Russian elite 331st Paratrooper Regiment is known to be in the Bakhmut area, for instance. The Ukrans have to advance slowly and cautiously since they never know if the next trench is being held by elite troops. The 331st is part of a paratrooper brigade, part of which was driven off a hill last week by the Azov Brigade. The fighting was intense, and the Russians withdrew in good order inflicting casualties on the attacking Ukrans.
The Belgians just released a report stating the casualty rate favors the Ukrans at 8-1. That is consistent with the recent report released by other NATO sources that the Ukrans have suffered 70,000 casualties to Russia's 500,000+ since the war began 18 months ago.
In 1967 the Soviets deployed the MIG-25 Foxbat which was feared to be the best fighter in the world and all we had was the slow, inadequate F-4 Phantom, unfit for dogfighting. In 1972 the US revealed our latest fighter, the preeminent, unbeatable F-15 Eagle. It was officially retired in 2008, although there is an updated version in prototype waiting to be built and deployed. Its all-time combat record is 104-0. Over half of those victories are courtesy of Israeli pilots downing MIG-21s in their fights with Arab nations. US pilots did square off with MIG-25s over Iraq during the Gulf War(1991) and again in 2003-04. Those encounters ended Eagles 14 Foxbats 0.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
NOTE: a military aviation expert sent me an email after I had posted some questions about combat records on a blog. He says the F-16 Falcon is also undefeated in air-to-air combat, at 76-0. Okay, works for me!
"Rage!" that's the mantra of the 3rd Assault Brigade (the Azov Brigade). More bodycam footage released. Brutal. No mercy. Vicious. Not for the faint of heart to watch. Some will scream about "the rules of war." But, the evil invaders have shown no such consideration, even murdering women and children. When this war is over and the Putinites ejected from Ukraine, the total truth will come out. The mass graves of murdered civilians will be revealed, the horror stories made known to the world. And then all you azzholes who have supported Putin and/or called for the Ukrainians to take it up the ass just so you can stop worrying about the $billions "wasted" there, will quietly disappear, your position indefensible.
Most people, devoid of historical knowledge, secure in their ignorance think we fought Hitler's Nazis because of his atrocities toward Jews, and other undesirables. His disdain for Jews was well-known, yes, but his "final solution" was not discovered until the final month of the war in Europe. We did NOT fight Germany because of the concentration camps. No one outside of the Nazis, and the poor souls condemned to them, even knew about the camps until Soviet troops in the east and American troops, one of Patton's units being the first, came across the camps. It was commonly known at the time had the allies known about this before, they would not have treated surrendering Germans the way they did.
Today, the Ukrainians know of the atrocities that Putin's thugs have committed. So, when the Ukrans refuse to allow the thugs to surrender, so be it. Don't judge them until YOU find yourself in a situation where you come across butchered women and children, dozens of bodies piled in a barn or a building, and then you catch up to those who did it. Yeah, "RAGE!" One bodycam incident shows some Putin thugs held up in a shack, the Ukrans, in this case members of the Azov Brigade, have it surrounded. The thugs are yelling from inside for mercy, to let them surrender. Nope. A Ukran soldier stands outside the door and yells back "**** you!" and then tosses in a grenade. He then enters and you can hear his machinegun. A moment later he emerges with a grin on his face, and the Ukrans move on to root out more rats. The narrator of the YouTube video adds, "So it goes."
The mayor of Moscow, on the one hand claims all Ukran drones are being shot down, but then in the next breath complains about casualties and damage in his city. Well, which is it Mr. Mayor? The narrator of the video adds, "You want the attacks on your city to cease, then get the hell out of Ukraine."
Yeah, I know, I have a repugnant bloodlust. :icon_roll: Well, the Putinites can stop it...
This is a joke, meant to be humorous. But to be truly funny it is has to have a bit of truth in it. So...
someone posted a meme designed to look like a Twitter post from Prigozhin. The date and timestamp are about 40 minutes before his plane came apart and crashed. The Twitter (fake) post reads:
I have evidence that will get Hillary Clinton arrested.
I saw this on a British/Ukrainian YouTube channel, one of my sources. Now, tell me the US is not the laughing stock of the world due to the Clintons, obummer, the Biden crime family. The joke is funny because everyone knows the Clintons' reputation of murdering those who can harm them.
Cardboard drones! Yes, the Ukrans tested the use of attack drones made mostly from cardboard to avoid radar detection, and apparently, they worked very well. The Ukrans struck a Russian airbase at Kursk, using several regular drones as decoys and sending in the cardboard versions which damaged 3 fighter-bomber jets at the base, and also damaged a hangar and some ground equipment.
This is not your standard cardboard, but a material made from compressed paper and "glued" and treated to give the material strength. The technology was developed in Australia and the company worked with Ukrainian defense department engineers to build a drone from the material. Saw a brief video on it, and it does look just like cardboard, even the same drab brownish color. The cardboard drones are very light in weight and as such they were able to use a smaller motor, one with a plastic propeller, further reducing its radar signature. And, they are quieter than the standard drones, further increasing their stealth as they approach targets. As if the Russkies don't have enough to worry about now. Too bad.
More technological advances are being made by Ukraine. They have converted captured Russian S-200 surface to air missiles into long range ground to ground missiles for attacks into Russia. These are old missiles dating back to the 1960's. The Ukrans had access to warehouses of them left by the Soviets. But, they lacked spare parts to make them operational. That is until Putin sent refurbished S-200s to Ukraine last year with truckloads of spare parts, all captured by Ukrainian special forces, thankyaverymuch! A test launch of one worked to perfection striking a Russian supply depot 200km (120 miles) inside Russia. NATO has refused to supply the Ukrans with long range missiles so as not to escalate the war. Well, that is just plain stupid, but it appears the resourceful Ukrans have found a way to do it anyway. Well done indeed!
Counter and counter counter and counter counter counter attacks over Robotnye over the weekend (which has been "liberated" about 3 times now). Quite a different look from how they operated under Surovikin.
Russia must be using those mobile crematoriums from last year that completely vaporize corpses.
Russia has moved one of its elite units, the 76th Air Guard Assault Division, from the north to the Robotyne area, this to try to stabilize their weakening position there. No details, yet, on if it's the whole division or elements of it, and if the latter, how many units. No information on if it has already arrived or is in route. If still in route I would anticipate the Ukrans trying to strike it since moving convoys have proven to be easy targets for drones and long-range artillery (HIMARS). This also indicates Putin's situation has grown desperate as he obviously lacks reserves to send in, so he is having to rob Paul to pay Peter (or vice versa). This marks the second time Putin has repositioned one of his elite units to shore up a faltering line. The first being south of Bakhmut a couple of weeks ago. But, he weakens his line somewhere else.
Just watched a video on the criminals released from prison and used as cannon fodder at Bakhmut. Main focus was on one young man, age 22, now dead and his body back in the hands of his family for proper burial. Report says 50,000 prisoners were sent to the front lines, some willingly and others coerced with promises of suspended sentences if they served 6 months. Very few, if any, got anywhere close to 6 months. Priggy used them to rush Ukran positions just so the Wagnernites could then target those positions, like mortar positions and machinegun nests. Conservative estimates place the casualties at: 17,000 KIA and the rest, 33,000, either wounded or captured. If the prisoners turned away from attacking the Ukrans, Chechen thugs machinegunned them down. They were trapped in a kill zone, being fired on from both directions. One source claims the KIA number approaches 40,000.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
As for this dead fellow, his body arrived in a tin can, a metal coffin sealed up like a sardine can. His family was told what it was when the Russian soldiers delivered it, knocked on the door, and said, here is your son's body. But his mother refused to believe he was dead as she had just received a recording in the mail sent by him. But, that recording had been made weeks before but had only just reached her. Family members opened the coffin, and yep, it was him.
Now migrants, mostly Muslims, are being rounded up at gunpoint and being sent to the front lines to also serve as cannon fodder. But, Putin had better be careful. Muslims tend to be a tight-knit group and will act in unison when prompted by an elder. They may just turn on their Russian "comrades" in an armed rebellion.
Clash of the elites. The Ukran 82nd Assault Brigade engaged with elements of the Russian 76th Air Guard in what became a swirling fight of attack and counter-attack. This happened southeast of Robotyne in open fields of farms with neither side having the benefit of prepared defenses. The results were inconclusive.
Other units of the Russian 76th were repelled west of Robotyne, but the Ukrans have occupied the trenches built by the Russians around the town and this gave them the advantage in that encounter.
This is really it for Putin. He cannot afford for the 76th to fail here and his 331st to fail at Bakhmut. Those units are supposedly his very best and the last of his veteran reserves. Putin has already pulled a brigade from way across Russia, from Siberia, which had been guarding the Chinese frontier. They were deployed to Ukraine over 6 months ago, but little has been reported about them. Maybe they are still being held in a reserve role somewhere in eastern Ukraine.
Posted a question about the Siberian brigade and where they are, got a humorous reply: they only have white uniforms and snowshoes so they are little use in the summer, waiting for the first snowfall.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
But, joking aside, there is no information on them. One blogger speculated they were never deployed to Ukraine but have been kept closer to Moscow in reserve.
In other real news, a Chechen base/HQ was struck by Ukran cruise missiles overnight, 28 confirmed dead, dozens more wounded, and most of these were field grade officers and intelligence staffers.
Ukran advance stalls before Verbove, this village is centered in the main Russian defense line southeast of Robotyne. This is where the big fight took place yesterday between the elite units. The Russians, the 76th Division units, fell back to the defenses where they are now supported by Russian soldiers who were already there manning the trenches. That means that the Ukran 82nd Brigade effectively won the fight since it was the Russians who fell back. Russian propagandists (YouTubers, etc) are claiming the Ukrans are falling back now. Well, probably, since I am sure they have to retire some to regroup and to plan their tactics for attacking the defenses. Would be stupid to linger out in the open while they plan their next move.
Russians are pulling units from other areas along the 900-mile front to reinforce the lines south of Robotyne. Might be it will become impossible, or suicidal, to continue to attack here, and the Ukrans will seek a weaker place to attack. Will have to see what unfolds in the days/weeks to come.
But, to revisit the big picture: the war. Clearly Ukraine is winning and Putin is losing. Doesn't mean the Ukrans will enjoy a 100% tactical success rate, but they are winning strategically. It's the Russians who are on the defensive and it's the Russians who are giving up ground.
https://bigserge.substack.com/p/esca...-ukraine-rolls
Good article on the immense challenge Ukraine faces and the strategies they are relying on over the last few months. Although the comments correctly pointed out that normal attribution mechanics do not strictly apply: since the war is being waged by US/NATO, no amount of "Ukrainian" losses is wholly relevant to battlefield psychology.
Won't waste cyberspace commenting on that stupid long article.
Now, back to reality. The Azov Brigade has seized a sector of the railroad line which runs north-south east of Bakhmut. If you have been here for the duration, you might remember how long it took the Wagnerites to seize the RR line, and the enormous casualties suffered in doing so. What is significant is the advantage of holding the line has for defenders. Without getting too bogged down in the details, the RR line is elevated and has swampy areas flanking it, and there are large culverts which can be used for cover against artillery fire, and the RR also has concrete structures built by/for the RR that housed generators, communication equipment, etc. but have been converted into bunkers impervious to gunfire. Anyway, the 3rd Assault Brigade has seized a section and are now flushing the rats out of their holes all along the railway line. The Ukrans have also breached the Russian defenses north of Bakhmut and have also crossed the rail line up that way.
The Russkies are evacuating Tokmak in anticipation of Ukran forces rolling through there in the coming days. How long will it take? That depends on how many casualties the Russians are willing to take before they retreat again.
German military officials have debunked the Putin propagandists claims of the mass destruction of Leopard II tanks. The facts are this, 71 Leopards have been deployed by the Ukrans and 5 have been knocked out of action either by mines or artillery fire. There have been exactly ZERO Ukran deaths and a handful of wounded of the crews. In related news, Greece is sending Ukraine 20 enhanced Leopard I tanks. They lack the armor of the Leopard IIs but being lighter they are much faster. Will come in handy when they are chasing down the rapidly retreating Russkies.
Today has been a busy day and there is simply too much news to report, so I will leave it here for now.
Too long, me no read
I read it but it offered absolutely nothing new on what the critics have been saying for 18 months. Basically, for a variety of reasons, there are people who want Ukraine to bend over, grab their ankles, and allow Putin to butt f--k 'em. They grasp every opportunity to continue their diatribe against the Ukrainians. Meanwhile, the Ukrans are doing their best and fairing well on the battlefield, all things considered.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Ukran drones struck four Russian airbases overnight. Reports are sketchy but it is confirmed that in one attack 4 Russian IL-76 transport planes, the ones used to drop paratroopers, have been destroyed. More details will come out later today. In one video released, from a Ukran surveillance drone, you can see the airbase, with the IL-76 planes, video shot as the attack drones arrived. But, there was also a line of parked two-wingers. About a dozen or so, painted green with the Russian Airforce decals on them. Maybe they are trainers, but two-wingers? Putin is sporting World War I vintage aircraft!
Reports are flowing out about the Wagner Group switching sides, joining Ukraine. There is independent confirmation of one Wagner commander, and about 400 soldiers, requesting permission to cross into Ukraine, meet with Ukran military officials, and switch sides. But the Wagner Group itself is much larger, partially funded by organizations from around the world, including the Soros Foundation in their operations in Africa. No way is the whole Wagner Group in totality joining with Ukraine. But, I can see groups, like this one battalion, presently in Belarus or in Russia, switching sides. Whether Putin ordered Prigozhin's death or not, he is getting the blame for it. In Russia one Wagner unit reported a surge in volunteers in the wake of Priggy's death.
Putin continues to dig his own grave...politically...and hopefully literally too.
More bodycam footage released...
The 3rd Assault Brigade, the Azov Brigade, captured a line of Russian trenches/defenses east of Bakhmut. The video is a Ukran soldier walking the trench, probably close to a 1/4 mile and he is narrating (English subtitles included). Along the way you can see abandoned weapons, ammo, equipment and corpses. About 20 dead Russians left behind to rot in the trench. Several of the bodies were in an advance state of decay meaning they had been there for a while, not soldiers killed in that last attack. The Ukran soldier comments the stench is overwhelming and he can't understand how the Russians, who had just retreated from there, could stand the smell.
More video of Russian tanks and APCs being destroyed. Some of the video is graphic. In one you can see a Russian tanker trying to escape out the hatch but the flames got him and he disappears in the flames. Sometimes all or most of a tank crew, or APC are able to get out, just before the ammo "cooks off" and the vehicle explodes. BTW, I use the term APC to address all of the Russian armored vehicles, which are known as BMPs, BRTs and various other designations. Some are true APCs and others are armored cars which also carry 2-3 soldiers who can fight on foot.
Many former Russian and Wagner soldiers are now "living" in Ukraine. I use the term "living" loosely since they are homeless and abandoned. One video is an interview of two former Wagner soldiers now begging for food and money in a Ukraine train station. The videographer asks them questions: names, where are they from, why did they join Wagner, etc..`pretty pathetic. One says, "I have no one. I cannot walk since my leg was severely damaged by a mortar shell. I will probably die right here."
All of these reveal the human side of war, the raw reality. War is hell! Which is why this war needs to end ASAP. Putin can end this war by simply ordering his invaders to all come home.
Ukans have breached the Surovikin line at Verboze. Reports say Ukran units (no confirmed numbers) have penetrated and seized a segment of the line north of Verboze right at the angle where it makes a 90 degree bend to the east. This is not to say they can hold it as a concentrated Russian counter-attack could compel them to retreat. Just the fact they have gotten this far is encouraging news.
American mercenaries fighting in Ukraine. A unit called The Chosen Company released bodycam footage of American troops clearing a Russian trench. In the video there are about 10 US soldiers, they suffered no casualties. Didn't reveal a location nor how many men are in this unit.
Russians have test flown their first commercial airliner jet, built totally using domestic parts, engineering, and production facilities. This is a result of the sanctions.
Russians appear to have developed and deployed some kind of electronic weapon. Looks like something out of science fiction, Star Wars or something. The one shown on the released video is near a Russian airbase. They targeted an incoming Ukran cruise missile and filled the sky with bursts that looked like lightening. The cruise missile was not hit and went on to hit its intended target. You can hear a crowd in the background cheering on the weapon, yelling and screaming. Then when the cruise missile disappeared down range and the weapon ceased fire, there was a collective moan from the crowd. Regardless, this does appear to be an advance in weaponry. Maybe they just need a better targeting system.
A drone video shows Ukran soldiers capturing two Russian vehicles, one is a tank and the other an APC. The Russians were parked in a line of woods looking forward across an open field and didn't realize their defenses had been breached elsewhere. The Ukrainians literally walked up to the vehicles, knocked on the hatch and ordered the crews to surrender, which they did without resistance. The YouTuber narrator joked, "Hey buds, you can't park here."
Latest report on airbase attack...4 IL-76 transports destroyed, another 6 damaged. The two-wingers escaped without damage, which is good for Putin since he'll need those to defend Moscow! :shocked2:
Putin retaliated last night with a cruise missile attack on Kyiv. Two civilians killed, some number injured in the terrorist attack. The Ukrans attack military targets and some intelligence facilities, and Putin targets civilians. One British source says Putin is using up missiles faster than they can be replaced.
US built M113 APC, originally deployed in 1962, is still a mainstay of the US military, at least some updated versions, and NATO. Ukraine is using the M113 and they are glad of it. It can survive a Russian mine that utterly destroys Soviet built tanks and armored vehicles. Usually the M113 even after striking an anti-tank mine survives to the point all the soldiers in it survive. Some are slightly wounded, but none are killed. So far there have been only a few incidents but half the M113s striking a mine can be salvaged for further use, and there have been zero KIAs. Needless to say, the Ukrans love them, and the Russkies wish they had something even close to it.
Putin has been kidnapping Ukrainian children and sending them to reeducation camps to learn Russian, and Russian history (tainted). Putin and his director of the program, some woman, have arrest warrants on them for this barbaric practice. Recently, as a show of "good will" Putin allowed some of the children to return home to Donbas, except too bad for Putin, the Ukran forces overran the area and when the children arrived via train, it was Ukran soldiers and medics, and social workers there to greet them. The kids revealed their troubling stories, but it's not like Putin was trying to hide it. Russian TV networks had run programs showing, BRAGGING! about all the wonderful work being done at the reeducation centers. Putin is not just evil...he is sick too.
Putin murdered the head of Russian space science, whatever his official title was. In case you didn't know, Russia was trying to flex its technology muscle and land a robot, called Luna 25, on the moon. Instead, the craft crashed and was destroyed. Still another embarrassment for Putin. Well, seems this chief rocket scientist was very fond of some gourmet mushroom and Putin had sent a box to the space agency, to an assistant of the chief, with instructions to hold them until after Luna 25 had completed the mission. After the failure, Putin told the assistant to give the box of mushrooms to the director. Said chief scientist died that night of poisoned mushrooms.
And to add to Putin's dismay, the very next day, less than 24 hours later, India successfully landed a robot on the moon.
This also shows where the rest of the world is in comparison to the USA. Hell, we walked on the moon 50 years ago and have been successfully landing robots on Mars. The world is just now sending robots to the moon.
BTW, to rub salt in Putin's wound, one of my favorite Ukrainian YouTubers produced a video where he pretended to congratulate the Russians for landing on the moon. His joke video goes something like this: let's zoom in on the craft Putin sent to the moon...oh wait, that's not a robot, it's the turret from a blown-up T-72 tank! he then shows drone footage of a Russian tank exploding and the turret going up 30 feet and landing a distance from the destroyed tank.
The Russkies are deploying...no, not deploying, that's a legit military term...they are dropping/spreading "butterfly" mines all over Ukraine. These are small, plastic explosives that look like a toy and is designed to terrorize civilians. They can be lethal but usually mame/wound/injure as they have small charges. They can be dropped from aircraft, delivered in an artillery shell that airbursts and scatters the mines, or by a rocket warhead. They will float to the ground spinning like a top and its "wings" provide a soft landing such that they don't usually explode on impact. They have a minimal legit military usage as professional soldiers are trained to watch for them and they can be detonated safely with poles and other tools. The real danger is to civilians, especially children. These devices were developed by the US military and first used in Vietnam. Since then, just about every country has their own version. The Russians used them a lot in Afghanistan.
Russians attacked Odesa with drones and apparently some went off-course and struck a town in Romania, which is a NATO country. A few months ago, Russian missiles struck in Poland. They say it was an accident, which it probably was since Russkie technology is wantoning and mistakes happen...a lot. In fact, the Russians just blew themselves up! A Russian surface-to-air missile, intended to shoot down a Ukran drone, locked on to the missile battery's radar and destroyed the launcher. No reports of casualties, but the size of the explosion, since missiles stacked ready for use, detonated, indicates there had to have been Russian casualties at the site. Back to Romania...they are denying the incident, saying no Russian drones or missiles struck their side of the border. Pundits are assuming the Romanians are trying to side-step escalation of the war, but NATO did not declare war on Russia after the Polish incident.
Not much to report along the front. Perhaps later tonight when two of my sources release their reports, usually about 9PM our time.
A Russian "journalist," really a propagandist, published an article claiming 320,000 Ukrainian children have been "removed" to education centers, i.e. KIDNAPPED! He is so proud of this program saying these children, and more to follow, will come to despise the Ukrainian race and nation and embrace Mother Russia. Isn't it glorious! Other reports say Ukrainian parents, grandparents, other relatives and friends were shot when they tried to prevent their children being hauled away.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Yet, still, there are those who want us out of Ukraine. No more aid of any kind. There are those who still cast Putin as a hero...and I don't mean just his paid propagandists.
The good news is that even older men are being conscripted for Ukraine, so there's still an opportunity for you to put your money where your mouth is.
I have. I contribute monthly to an organization sending aid to Ukraine. And of course, I know you have been supporting your boy Putin financially too. Right?Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
No I get a check for 500 rubles every week
A Putin paid propagandist, well, good for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
The Ukrans have taken Klishchiva, a village south of Bakhmut, which the Russians have held since the beginning of their evil invasion. After 18 months of occupation the Putinites have been ejected. This has trapped a group of Russians in a pocket with their backs to a river. North of Bakhmut, more success as a company of Russians, or what was left of it, surrendered. This all part of the plan to retake Bakhmut by encircling it and forcing the occupiers to surrender or be blasted to pieces by artillery.
In the area of Robotyne, as previously posted, the Ukrans had penetrated the main defense line at Verboze, but couldn't remain there. The total of Ukrans who had done so was a mere 31 soldiers. They retired before they got trapped by a Russian counter-attack. For now, the Ukrans have solidified their position a 1/2 mile from Verboze. Directly south of Robotyne is another key position, the village of Novoprokovika, this west of Verboze and part of the main defense line. The Ukrans have captured the advance defensive line but have yet to attempt to attack Novoprokovika. It is a very strong position.
In the north the town of Marinka remains in a tug-of-war. Since the beginning of the evil invasion, the Russkies have held the eastern part of the town, the Ukrans the west. Yesterday, under intense aerial attacks and heavy artillery shelling, the Ukrans fell back two blocks. There aren't many, if any, civilians still there. The town has been blasted to pieces, every house, every building utterly destroyed in the back-and-forth fighting.
Drones have forever changed the battlefield. Of course, drones are not a totally new concept as the US used naval drones in World War II, specifically in the "second D-Day" landing in southern France, August, 1944. But, thanks to the war in Ukraine and not the least of which the ingenuity of the Ukrans, drones have reached a new importance and are here to stay. However, with the use of drones comes new concerns and "better watch out!" warnings.
Recently the Ukrans tracked a Russian surveillance drone back to its lair. Russian drone operators were using a bombed-out building in a village east of Bakhmut as their base. Actually, upon aerial surveillance by the Ukrans with their own drones, the silly Russians had hung those blue tarts over holes in the roof, to keep rain out, and by doing so marked their location. Still, the location was just on the edge of artillery range, so the Ukrans decided to use kamikaze drones to attack the position. With their own surveillance drone hovering to video record the attack, the Russian scout drone returned from a mission. It paused just outside the building, and then slowly disappeared through a hole in the roof, clearly showing the Ukrans where best to enter the lair. Minutes later a swarm of Kamikaze drones appeared and one by one entered through the same hole. A series of explosions rocked the complex, one huge explosion ripped the roof off the main structure. The Ukrans declared the site eliminated and subsequent drone footage the next couple of days confirmed it, as Russian soldiers were seen removing body bags from the complex.
Moral of this story is your own scouting drones can be followed so be careful to cover your exact location.
Reports that Russia has used poison gas. The only documentation, so far, is the word of a platoon of Ukran soldiers who say they were attacked with poison gas delivered by mortars. One soldier has been taken to the hospital displaying symptoms of some type of severe respiratory ailment. The others say their eyes were burning and it was impossible to breathe in the "cloud of gas," but fortunately the wind blew most of it away from them and they were able to retreat along the trench escaping the worst of it. Only one source has reported this so far and we only have the word of these soldiers. But, if true, Russia has violated the Geneva Convention's ban on the use of poison gas, mustard gas. Stay tuned.
One British Challenger II tank has been destroyed. The tank hit a mine and became disabled losing a track. The crew had to abandon the tank, hoping one of those retrievers could get to it, or mechanics could replace the track. But a Russian drone spotted it and soon artillery shells began raining down on the site. The tank was struck many times, finally catching fire. Some of the shells had been removed by the crew, as was other equipment prior to the shelling. The Ukrans had 14 Challenger II tanks, now 13. There were no casualties.
But, Putin has China problems. See the China thread.
Ukrainian men who've fled to Europe are receiving extradition summons for drafting. Zelenskyy has also authorized a draft for women, although its unclear if this is to fill the losses on the front lines or to free up administrative and support positions.
Putin murders 16 more civilians, with 47 injured. The Russkies struck a shopping mall with a cruise missile. There are no military facilities or important defense department manufacturing anywhere close to this mall, so they can't claim it was an "Oops!" Just another wanton act of terrorism by Putin.
The Ukrans have hacked into Russian surveillance cameras placed on major highways throughout eastern Ukraine and have been tracking the movement of Russian convoys, which is one reason the Ukrans have been so good at attacking and destroying these convoys. Okay, great...but why in the hell would you reveal this!? Dumb! A Ukran officer, a colonel, in charge of the hackers appeared on national TV, not so much to boast because he was so matter-of-fact about it all, but he did let the cat out of the bag. Why? Even the stupid Russians will unplug those cameras or do something different now. Sheeesh!
They are called DEWs, Directed Energy Weapons, and most, if not all developed nations have been experimenting with them. The US's version, well two types, are based on lasers and thermal energy. We have a couple of prototypes that are being developed primarily to deal with drones. Sweden and Japan have made advancements in this technology too. But, after viewing videos on all of these, I saw nothing that looked like what the Russians used. It's true the Russians failed to bring down a rather large, slow-moving target which was barely 500 feet up, but theirs looked impressive! Lightning bolts shot out of a cannon, more or less. Kool!Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Impressive that Russia was able to sneak into Ukrainian territory and steal a US missile and then fire it at a Ukrainian shopping mall and then sneak back into Russian territory.
Or, alternatively, the US missile was fired from a Ukrainian launcher. Shrapnel and burst on the video seem consistent with a AGM 88 HARM
You Putinites are so desperate for anything to what, hang your hat on, that you make up stupid conspiracy BS. It is so stupid that it does not warrant a response. Only, it's 4am and I'm just now starting my first cup of coffee, so...Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Please, tell me, for what possible purpose would President Z order an attack against random civilians in his own country?
Do you think he is trying to illicit more world sympathy by trying to blame the evil Putin? Why!!??? Putin has been attacking civilian targets for over 18 months. Putin has been murdering women and children for over 18 months. Hell, Putin invaded a sovereign nation, has arrest warrants out for him internationally, and in your feeble mind you actually think President Z thought: Heck, I better stage a fake Russian missile attack...
Was it an accident? Hmmm....why would the Ukrans be launching a missile from a location such that it would have to overfly that city. First, thanks to NATO's stupid-ass reluctance Ukraine has no long-range missiles, thus ALL of their launchers on in the combat zone of eastern Ukraine. This city is west of where the Ukrans have their combat units. But, oh, I see, they turned one of their launchers around 180 degrees and fired away from the bad guys!
Special kind of stupid alert!
Don't you just hate it when I am proven right...Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
I had thought the F-15 stood alone as undefeated, and I was right. After some more research I found one incident where an F-16 was lost in air-to-air combat. It was a Pakistan F-16 lost to a MIG-25 flown by a Russian pilot over Afghanistan. So, make that 76-1.
NOTE: during my research I found an article saying the British Sea Harrier is a perfect 20-0 in aerial combat. That is true for British pilots. But the Sea Harrier has also been flown by other countries and there is an account of two Harriers lost in aerial combat during the brief Chili-Argentina war. Also, one account of an Australian Sea Harrier lost during the Malaysian civil war, flown by a mercenary apparently.
BTW we shouldn't be surprised by the height of ridiculousness the Putin propagandists will put out there. In fact, if you live within reach of the evil POS Putin, you had better either lie on his behalf or just shut up. A poor woman, a social media influencer, has just been sentenced to 6 years in prison for daring to post the truth. She didn't lie, didn't post half-truths, didn't post rumors, only facts, and because the FACTS cast Putin in a bad light she was arrested and sentenced to prison. This should tell you all you need to know about the pro-Putin propagandist crowd.
Zelenskyy has been attacking his own civilians in the Donbass since the CIA-backed coup, so if it were intentional, that would not be surprising. But I don't think that's necessary or likely in this case. Probably just an unfortunate accident.
Elon Musk, what an azzhole!
Strategy starting to change as the Ukrans begin to think about the coming fall/winter and the rains and snow, which will turn the fields into quagmires. For instance, south of Bakhmut, the Ukrans have solidified their lines and are now attacking east/southeast away from Bakhmut trying to capture a major highway in the area. This is just one example of a change in immediate goals/targets. Once the rains set in there will be no more movement of vehicles across the open ground. This is occurring all along the front now.
Nothing new on the Putin terrorist attack that killed 17 people. Read an article that says this marked the 8th such attack by the Russkies on this town, as it does have some industry in it. But, not at the open market. The Romanians acknowledged a Russian missile did impact on the territory, but it hit a patch of woods and did no damage. However, the small village there is being evacuated.
Reports of 47 elite Russian paratroopers being killed in one fight near Bakhmut. And a report of a war crime by the Russians way up north near the Russian border. Seems a Ukran patrol, about 8-10 soldiers, was surprised and captured, and then murdered on video with the Russian commander boasting about it. The video was blurred out, but you can see the Ukrans were on their knees when shot. Now, there have also been some incidents of Ukrainians killing Russians after they surrendered, although the last such incident was several weeks ago, and was two Russians shot. Doesn't make it right for either side, although I can better understand the rage by the Ukrans as they are the victims in this war. I know if someone invaded my home and threatened my family, I'd be in a pretty sour mood too.
Lots of reports this morning of a Ukran success at the village of Klishvicka (sp?) south of Bakhmut. All are saying the same thing, the Russians are in full retreat from the village and giving up strong positions along the important railway line, but not much in the way of details, and no drone footage either...maybe that'll come later. However, there is documented proof of the 3rd Assault Brigade (Azov) making progress north of Klishvicka. They were making a reconnaissance in force approaching the railroad line and a VERY important highway beyond it, expecting to meet heavy resistance from the Russians, but then...nothing, save for a small band of Russians, numbering 8-10 soldiers. The 3rd seized the moment and overran the trench and then saw more Russians, about 40 soldiers, retreating up the highway. They quickly called in an artillery strike against those on the road, and there is drone video of that...brutal.
Last week, the Russians launched a concerted counter-attack using heavy tanks and about 600 infantry trying to retake the village of Klishvicka and the surrounding area. After some initial success, their attack bogged down and their tanks became sitting ducks. Six tanks were destroyed, others damaged, and the rest driven off.
Klishchiivka...that's how you spell it. Goofy names over there.
The plot thickens and the walls continue to close in on Putin. Armenia added its signature to the ever-growing list of nations supporting the arrest warrant for Putin and some of his inner circle of criminal thugs. The defense minister of Russia was incensed by this making threats on Armenia saying this could mean war. To which the Armenians responded, "yes, and sooner than you think." Armenia has officially called for its military to report for duty and some units have already moved to the Russian border. Now, complicating this...and man! such geopolitical happenings are never cut and dry...Iran has pledged support for Armenia and threatened any nation that tries to interfere with its proclaimed seizure of land, currently in Russia. Armenia claims a chunk of Russia saying it's its historic territory. Turkey has warned Iran to stay out of this, and that they support Armenia but only to the point they seize one province of the disputed land but not the others.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a fake election was held in Donbas with only Putin's hand-picked candidates on the ballots. They used write-in, paper ballots. Most of the ballots, like 80% of them, were not completed but rather had hand-written notes such as "F**k You!" and "Death to the invaders" and "Putin is a criminal" scribbled on them. Well, well, again where are my Putinites on this forum? One of the excuses used to support the Russian invasion was that Donbas (three provinces) was primarily ethnic Russians, in love with Putin and who wanted to be "liberated" from the Nazis in Kyiv. That stupidly ridiculous notion has been debunked already, as evidenced by the vast support for anti-Russian partisan actions (local militias, like the French Underground of WWII), and the out-pouring of love showered on the true liberators, the Ukrans, as they retake towns across eastern Ukraine. Those who actually do (did) support Putin's invasion represent a tiny minority and most of them have already fled across the border to Russia.
Putin is not losing the war...he has already lost it. It's just a matter of time and how many more lives have to be lost before the POS makes it official.
The German-built Leopard II tank is one of the best in the world, and some pundits crown it as the BEST tank in the world, even besting the US Abrams tank. Whatever its ranking on the world stage it is clearly MUCH superior to anything the Russians have, and the Ukrans are learning how best to use it.
The Ukrans have learned that only the very heaviest Russian weapons can affect a Leopard. Mortars, the lighter anti-tank guns, anti-personnel mines, most of the Russian drones, and their light missiles have zero effect on the German tank. The Ukrans, used to using the Soviet-built tanks, especially the T-72, started off very cautiously with the Leopards, fearing they would be as vulnerable as the T-72. Three Leopard IIs just wreaked havoc on the Russian defenses west and southwest of Robotyne, opening several miles of trenches to Ukran infantry. The Russians tried to counter and sent two T-90s and two T-80s to engage the Leopards. Bad idea. One of the Leopards broke off the attack on the Russian defenses and went to intercept the four Russian tanks. Ukran drones had alerted the tank crews and offered guidance on the Russian tanks' movements. The Leopard plowed through a brush line and caught the Russian tanks in the flank. Two shots in less than 25 seconds and two dead Russian tanks. The other two Russian tanks, including a T-90 returned fire. The T-90 missed and the T-80's shell harmlessly bounced off the Leopard's thick armor. Realizing their peril, the Russians fled. The Leopard was able to strike the T-90 just as it turned and the Russian crew had to abandon the crippled tank. The remaining T-80 sped away, later attacked and damaged by a Ukran drone.
The Leopard II is not invincible, as no tank is. The heavier Russian artillery and anti-tank missiles, and anti-tank missiles launched from fighter-bomber aircraft can knock out a Leopard, as they could an Abrams tank. But, the Russians have limited heavy weapons, and they certainly cannot be expected to always be in the right place to counter the advance of Leopards. In fact, using their drones for scouting, the Ukrans know where the heavy weapons are and try to avoid them as much as possible.
There is good drone video footage of a Leopard clearing an anti-personnel minefield, the small explosions doing zero damage to it, and then the tank attacking Russians in a trench, quickly clearing them out. Ukran infantry follow the path of the tank across the field, thus negotiating a minefield. Later, after the Russians have retreated, Ukran engineers finish clearing the rest of the mines. Anti-tank mines can damage a Leopard, at least knocking a track off and making it vulnerable to other attacks. That is what happened to the one Challenger II tank the Ukrans have lost. The Ukrans have done an awesome job of mapping the location of most of the anti-tank mines, which the Russians mostly confine to the roads, not in the open fields. And this is why it is critical for the Ukran counter-offensive to gain as much ground as possible before the fall/winter rains set in.
Ukran commandos have successfully captured the remaining two off-shore oil rigs the Russians had held in the Black Sea, between Crimea and Odesa. And the Russian terrorists have deployed 46 more Ikander long-range missile batteries near the border for the purpose of launching more attacks against civilian targets. Of course, some morons will try to blame President Z for the attacks when they happen...
More trouble brewing for Putin. The isolated "Russian" state of Kaliningrad may officially seek to secede from Russia forming an independent nation, or perhaps allowing itself to be annexed by Poland. A recent poll had 72% favoring independence, another 16% "not sure" and only 12% wishing to remain under Moscow's influence. And Armenia has made official gestures seeking stronger ties to the US and the West, severing its dependence on Russia.
Kaliningrad, or Kronsberg, its original Prussian name, sits between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea and is one of only two warm-water ports available to the Russians. The other ice-free port is Sevastopol, Crimea, and now Putin may be on the verge of losing both. Kronsberg has historic ties to Prussia, annexed by Germany, and then lost to the Soviet Union post-WWII. Even after the Baltic states all went independent, two now part of NATO, this small enclave has remained part of the Russian Federation and the west (NATO) has not rocked the boat, leaving it alone. In the wake of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and his published intent to revitalize the Soviet Union, by military force if need be, all bets are off.
Poor ole Putin, he had delusions of grandeur becoming ruler of a vast empire, but instead is presiding over the shrinkage of Russia, loss of influence...not to mention now being a wanted international criminal. It's appropriate that the little fat tyrant of North Korea is making an official visit to Putin today. They deserve each other, and the world will be better off when both are removed from power.
The verge of losing Crimea? :laugh:
Azerbaijan threatens to invade Armenia. They have been feuding over a province for decades.
A person-in-the-know goes to a town's mayor and warns him the dam up the valley is on the verge of collapse. The mayor laughs, why that dam has been there for years and it's doing just fine. Yeah, the mayor admits, there have been a few small cracks now and then, but our town engineers have always been able to plug them. The in-the-know person shakes his head, no Mr. Mayor, the dam won't fail incrementally in the eyes of the ignorant...no offense intended. He continues, what you don't understand is all those small cracks you can see are mere symptoms of a much bigger problem, and one day, Bam! there will be a total and catastrophic collapse.
Yes sir, Mr. Doubting Thomas, you are on the verge of losing that dam.
Ukrans hammer targets in Crimea with missile and drone attacks. The drydocks at Sevastopol are on fire and two Russian navy vessels, an LST and a Kilo-class submarine are on fire too. Extent of total damage to the facility won't be known until the smoke clears. Ukrans also struck an inland Russian army base with a drone attack. This base is situated in a valley, surrounded by mountains/tall hills and thought to be well-protected with AA batteries. The amount of damage is unknown at first reports, but clearly this attack surprised the Russians who thought the Ukrans incapable of striking it. Two coastal communities, mostly used by Russian civilians for vacations, were also struck last night with drones. Good job Ukrans! Smash 'em!
Ukrans are now using incendiary cluster bombs too. East of Bakhmut these new munitions completely wiped out a Russian defensive line burning the woods to a crisp, and apparently some unfortunate Russian soldiers too...boo hoo. The Ukrans have also discovered another benefit to using these "fire bombs" as they clear the ground of the tall grass, in which the Russians have placed mines. In one video a whole line of anti-tank mines is revealed now just sitting on the scorched earth. The Ukrans, ever clever with their inventions, have equipped their soldiers with a simple disarming tool for the mines. It's a simple device with a line, like thick fishing line, which is hooked to the detonator and with a push of a button the device spins the firing pin off the mine rendering it harmless. Then the Ukrans take the mines for their own use later.... thank you Mr. Putin for supplying Ukraine with hundreds of tank mines!
Both Russia (Putin) and Ukraine have rejected the G20's proposal to restore the grain trade coming across the Black Sea. President Erdogan made a separate proposal which greatly benefitted Turkey, but that was rejected by all nations.
Tunnel rats! Similar to the Viet Cong, the Russkies have constructed tunnels as part of their defenses. Not sure how extensive they are, but we do know they had a series of tunnels east of Bakhmut...said tunnels now in the hands of the Ukrans. These tunnels were abandoned without a fight. They appear to be well-built as video shot by bodycam from an officer of the Azov Brigade demonstrates. They are large enough that a normal man can easily walk through them without having to stoop. They ran electricity via generators throughout the tunnels, and there is running water and sanitation facilities too. Obviously spent a great deal of time and resources constructing the tunnels but didn't bother to even try to defend them. Are there such tunnels elsewhere along the Russian defense lines? Guess we'll soon find out after other Russians scurry away without a fight.
The attack on the Russian navy yard at Sevastopol was aided by Crimean partisans. Fires continue to burn. The Kilo-class sub has been pushed away from the burning docks by a tugboat. It has been damaged but how badly remains unknown. The fate of the LST is not known as it is still clouded by smoke from the raging fires. Partisan activity is picking up on Crimea. Russia has laid claim to Crimea for some 150 years. It was the war for Crimea which spurred the "Charge of the Light Brigade" as Britian and France tried to take it from Russia. Yeah, I expect Putin to try to keep Crimea, but it belongs to Ukraine, and Russia, if not Putin, will give it up eventually.
The sub is toast too! It's a complete loss, according to sources. Ukraine has accomplished something the US hasn't, and actually what no NATO country has ever done, taken out a Russian nuclear-powered sub in combat. And there was a third Russian ship destroyed in the attack, but it has not been identified. One YouTuber speculates it might be a combination tug/repair boat used for out-to-sea repairs by the Russian navy. Satellite images show this ship was docked next to the LST the day before the attack and it did not appear in a follow-up photo taken 24 hours later.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Sweden, set to become the 32nd NATO member, has issued some stern warnings to Russia re: it's navy's operations close to their territorial waters. Sweden is also indicating it may change its policy toward Russia, as in the past a Russian navy ship had only to contact one of its harbor authorities and be granted admission, but now Sweden is considering Russian navy ships having to follow a more stringent procedure prior to being granted permission. Naturally, Russian officials protested and issued a veiled threat, to which Swedish officials yawned. The walls are closing in on Putin.
Wow! in a complete departure from their recent/usual tough talk, the Kremlin released an official statement saying Russia stands ready to support Armenia in the case of a military attack from its much larger neighbor Azerbaijan. The statement points out the long historic ties of the two nations (yeah, the USSR invaded and occupied Armenia after WWI and held it until the USSR's collapse in the early 1990's), and that there are more ethnic Armenians currently living in Russia than the population of Armenia. Yep, and that is the subject of contention as Russia is occupying land claimed by Armenia as theirs. Iran issued a statement saying it will support Azerbaijan as it claims sections of Armenia as theirs, and Turkey reiterated its warning to Iran to stay out of the conflict, should one happen.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Presently Russia maintains a small military presence in Armenia, which the Kremlin call "peacekeepers." A small contingent of US soldiers have just landed in Armenia to take part in a joint military exercise. Moscow issued a rather calm...even sheepish...statement of protest saying the US's presence in the region will only heighten tensions. Given that Putin has already removed troops from the border region with Armenia and sent them to their deaths in Ukraine, the Kremlin knows its bark is worse than its bite, and that is why they are behaving so diplomatically.
The world teeters on the edge of World War III. Ah, not really. I don't think so. If Putin's blatant aggression against Ukraine didn't spur a wider conflict, nothing happening in the Middle East or sectors of the old Soviet Union will. I can say it's because cooler heads will prevail, but really, it's because the world simply doesn't give a shit and won't get involved. Now...China's invasion of Taiwan has a greater potential to escalate into a world war, but even then it is very, very possible nations like Japan, Australia, India, and the US will simply blink.
Has Wagner joined with Ukraine? That has been the rumor for weeks since Prigozhin's murder, er, death. But now a YouTuber is making the claim that Wagner soldiers attacked a Russian army base/POW camp and freed 110 Ukranian soldiers being held there. This base/camp is near the Belarus border. There is video of the event, reportedly showing the Ukran POWs getting into trucks for the trip back home.
An even wilder rumor has ole Priggy still alive and living on a tropical island, somewhere. Topless native girls! Doesn't get much better than that ;).
Back to the Wagner rumors, whatever is actually true it is confirmed there is high tension between the Wagnerites and Putin. Putin wants all Wagner soldiers to willingly join the regular Russian army, but most, like 90%+, have flatly refused preferring to remain an independent mercenary organization or quitting the career as paid soldiers. The Russian chapter of Wagner has always been separated from the larger worldwide organization, not seeing itself as being a part of it. Wagner, partially funded by the Soros Foundation, has operations in Africa, Middle East, and in South America, especially Brazil and Venezuela.
Russia's elite 72nd Brigade ceased to exist after the remaining units were wiped out. The 3rd Assault Brigade (Azov) had the privilege and the pleasure of delivering the fatal blow to the 72nd at the village of Andriivka south of Bakhmut. Last report said many dozens of the 72nd accepted an offer to surrender, but some refused and were killed to a man. The Russians were warned via a speaker on a drone to surrender or perish. Those who did surrender will eventually be used in a prisoner exchange. Members of an elite unit like the 72nd are prized and the Russians will be willing to exchange Ukran POWs from their better units. This has been the practice for almost a year, ever since Russia started losing the war.
The Ukrans are slowly, but surely, making progress south of Bakhmut, but north of the city it is a stalemate. The Russians occupy key high ground giving them a huge advantage on the defensive. The offensive in the northern area has effectively ground to a halt. Twice in the past few months the Russians tried to counterattack north of Bakhmut and both times they were pummeled. Neither side can advance against the other. The Ukrans had hoped to close around Bakhmut from both directions, but the terrain greatly favors the Russians to the north, so it is from the south that the Ukrans will get around Bakhmut and force its defenders to surrender or perish.
What the Ukrans are learning is that the Russians, for the past year, have built incredible defensives, including a bunker at Andriivka that was not, could not be, taken by military operations but rather its occupants accepted the offer of surrender. The extent of trenches, concrete structures, and bunkers the Russians have built is amazing. In open combat the Ukrans are slaughtering the Russians, but tucked behind their works, the Russians offer tough resistance.
Two more Russian ships videoed being towed by tugboats, obviously damaged and unable to move on their own. One is a corvette and the other a frigate. The Ukrans claim the ships were attacked by sea drones, but the Russians deny it, but offering no explanation why the ships cannot proceed under their own power. There is video from two nights ago of the corvette engaged in heavy combat with something. Its automatic weapons and its rapid-fire cannon were blazing away at the surface of the water near it. The Ukrans say it was sea drones, at least one of which struck the ship. And the Russians are evacuating their navy base at Sevastopol, at least removing its surface vessels, and moving them to a base on the Sea of Azov.
The Ukrans announced part of the attack on Sevastopol was conducted by 10 British-built Storm Shadow cruise missiles, launched from circling Ukran SU-24 (1970 era Soviet-built) fighter-bombers from a distance greater than 300 miles away. The jets were over Ukraine when the cruise missiles were launched. France is still considering selling Ukraine their version of the jet-launched cruise missile, nicknamed "The Stinger," or "SCALP" by the French. It has a greater range than the Storm Shadow. This demonstrates the Ukrans can strike Russian targets from jets that are behind a wall of ground-to-air missiles, protected.
General Kadyrov, commander of the Chechen forces allied with Putin, and whom had assumed the "hero" role vacated by Priggy, is reported dead. Kadyrov was hospitalized with reported kidney failure, and just now a usually reliable source is reporting he passed away from complications. The past several days the Chechen battalions, who had been located near Bakhmut, have been seen withdrawing. Also, all kinds of Chechen officials, in fancy cars, have been coming and going from the Moscow hospital where Kadyrov had been admitted just three days ago. If the reports are true, this is yet another blow to Putin who is losing the few remaining allies he has left. Will the Chechen units remain in Ukraine to continue fighting or return to Chechnya? The Chechens have not been as effective as Wagner was, but they have generally been tougher than the regular Russian army.
Russian soldiers, most from the destroyed 72nd Brigade, were shelled by Ukran artillery and by Russian artillery. Those poor saps were caught in a murderous crossfire and very few, if any, survived. Reports are the Russians purposely targeted their own troops, calling them traitors, as a lessen to other units not to surrender. There is some horrendous video captured by drones of dozens of these Russians, their hands in the air, clearly surrendering when a barrage of shells hit, wiping out all those who had just been seen by the drone. Those shells came from the Russians. The Ukrans shelled retreating Russians, who had not surrendered but who were trying to withdraw.
The Russian 31st Brigade was sent in a few days ago to try to support the 72nd, but it has suffered so many casualties that it too has lost its combat effectiveness. If they attempt to surrender, watch out! their own guys will shell them too.
This is barbaric and makes you wonder just how long will the Russian army continue to fight for Putin. Surely the artillery units can't be thrilled firing on their own troops. Of course, if they don't, they will be shot on the spot.