Russia

Speaks for itself...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaBBa9-EoY8

A Russian supply train was derailed by a pro-Ukrainian partisan group operating in the Crimea. They planted charges and blew a section of the tracks, causing the derailment.

Pro-Putin propagandists are reporting Bakhmut has fallen to Wagner thugs and that the remaining Ukran forces are in total retreat back to the west. The Russians did destroy two bridges further back to the west on the two main highways, this accomplished by long range missiles. Supposedly this is an attempt to trap the retreating Ukran units coming out of Bakhmut. But, I am not so sure the Ukrans, if indeed they are pulling out of the city, will necessarily try to go straight west because they can more easily move to one of the flanks where the Ukrans have total control, and they would actually reinforce those units.

The reports of the complete "capture" of Bakhmut has not been independently verified yet, so we shall have to see. That said, the Wagner thugs have been getting very close to taking the whole city and it will fall, if not already, then very soon.

Update...no US-built Abrams tanks have been delivered to Ukraine, none. The reports of such already occurring were either outright deception or just wishful thinking from Ukran sources. The propaganda machines are churning 24/7 by both sides. Furthermore, the number of other western-provided equipment, such as German-built Leopard tanks, has also been exaggerated. There are Leopards in Ukraine, but only a small number, used mostly to train Ukran tank crews in their operation. And the report of 4 Leopards engaged near Bakhmut is true, but apparently it was a "hit and run" attack and those tanks have been withdrawn from the combat region.

A Ukrainian spokesman said it is dangerous to create over-confidence and make everyone think Ukraine has everything it needs to carry out a successful counter-offensive when in fact, they do not...yet.

The Ukrans are still clinging to the western suburbs of Bakhmut this morning, this mostly to allow them control of the major highways/roads running back to the west. There is high ground west of the city and on both flanks, north & south, that the Ukrans occupy and this is preventing the Wagner thugs from capturing the whole city, as artillery and mortars atop the ridges command the open ground the Wagner bunch will have to cross to reach the Ukran positions in the suburbs.

Meanwhile, the Ukrans continue to make small gains on the flanks. The fighting is trench to trench, wood line to wood line, and hill to hill. The Russians are moving reserves out of Belarus toward their defenses east of Bakhmut in anticipation of the big Ukran counter-offensive everyone is expecting. The Ukran 10th Mountain Assault Brigade, veteran elite troops, which have been held in strict reserve heretofore, has now made an appearance in the combat zone, south of Bakhmut. Thus far their participation has been limited to mop up duty on the flanks of the Azov and 1st Guard brigades, who are doing the "heavy lifting."

Reports say the Russian 10th Tank Regiment was completely destroyed, caught in the open in a set trap. What was not killed, either surrendered or simply ran away, abandoning their vehicles. Drone footage shows Russian crews leaping from their tanks and scurrying away. The tanks, mostly T-72s, now belong to the Ukrans.

The British news agency, The Telegraph, just released a very interesting piece on the corporate Wagner Group. Prigozhin's thugs in Ukraine is just a very small part of the overall operation. They covered the worldwide organization which has offices/operations in Africa and South America, with Venezuela and Brazil hosting a major presence. Using legitimate companies and many shell companies as guises they also have a presence in Europe, Australia, and Japan, and one suspicious outlet in New York. It is in these operations that the George Soros Foundation has been an active partner. Soros has been heavily engaged in the African operations for many years, for instance with the vast gold mining there. Libya has become an active partner with the Wagner Group, again in cooperation with Soros. The Libyans routinely raid into neighboring countries like Chad and kidnap, i.e. place into slavery, black Africans forced to work in dangerous conditions in the mines. Of course, the world turns a blind eye to all of this because of the money and political influence involved.

They also mentioned that a subsidiary of the Soros business conglomerate offered to buy The Telegraph News a few years back, but a deal wasn't agreed upon. Wonder why Georgie boy Soros wanted to own the news network...maybe to silence it, ya think!

This media outlet, and others like the BBC, Australia's Sky News, and all those independent YouTube channels continue to bravely, rightly produce REAL news, unlike our corporate dipshit networks who are in cahoots with the globalists.

A private military company just beat NATO in a (very prolonged) urban battle. That's pretty interesting by itself, whatever happens next.

The pro-Putin propaganda outlets are reporting that Bakhmut has been completely taken, as of 9:00 CDT May 20. According to this source the Ukrans have retreated to prepared defensive positions west of the city. At almost the same time, a pro-Ukranian news outlet reported the fighting is continuing at Bakhmut, but the big story is Prigozhin is withdrawing his best troops and equipment and sending them to Sudan, as the government there is paying handsomely for mercenaries to fight the rebels.

Both "stories" can be true since it depends on how one defines exactly what Bakhmut is. There are villages west of the city, and some consider those separate from the city, and others say they are part of the "metropolitan" area of Bakhmut. What is not in dispute, as both sides report this, is that the Russkies again used incendiary shells on those villages last night, setting most of the houses on fire. This is the same tactic used on The Citadel a week+ ago. As this is clearly a civilian area, this represents another war crime committed by Putin and his thugs.

The Pro-Putin sources, and there followers who post on the blogs, are jumping for joy celebrating the "great victory" at Bakhmut. "Glory to Mother Russia!" they chant. It has taken 9+ months for the mighty Russkies to capture Bakhmut and they have suffered at least, 30,000 KIA, 100,000+ wounded, and have lost 1,800 vehicles, with a lot of those tanks. Again, it depends on the source reporting the casualties.

Speaking of tanks, the US-built HIMARS destroyed 9 T-90 Russian tanks, the best Putin has, and another dozen support vehicles and APCs that were parked in a wooded area, under camouflage netting. But, to show you how STUPID the Russkies are, the netting made it easier to target the tanks/vehicles. The nets are a distinct, bright green while the woods all around is mostly stripped trees, the leaves having been blown off during fighting. Drones quite easily picked out the location of the vehicles and the powerful and accurate HIMARS made short work of them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

A private military company just beat NATO in a (very prolonged) urban battle. That's pretty interesting by itself, whatever happens next.

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How many NATO troops were on the ground? Oh, that's right, NONE! And if you think the Wagner Group could have invaded Ukraine totally on its own and been successful, well, you are more foolish than you appear. This is RUSSIA's war against a small, neighboring country. Russia has depleted its resources and reserves, and most of the best NATO equipment has yet to be deployed. In fact, over 85% of what has been promised is NOT even in Ukraine yet, including British Challenger and American Abrams tanks, and the F-16s still to come.

I HOPE we don't get involved with "boots on the ground," and I'll say that for other NATO countries too. If we can stem Putin's naked, evil aggression by fighting a proxy war, even if it is protracted, then that is better than American (and NATO) troops dying on this European battlefield. JMO.

Prigozhin just released a video of him standing amongst the ruins of some neighborhood. He says his group has captured 100% of Bakhmut after 224 days of hard, brutal combat. They will remain there until May 25 allowing regular Russian units to dig in and build a defensive line. Then the Wagner Group is departing, first back to their homes and camps to see family, rest and then on to other duties, which is probably their relocation to Sudan as reported.

Prigozhin roundly criticized the Russian army and especially its weak leadership, and then complemented President Z's troops, saying they fought hard, bravely, and with honor and the Ukrans are "the second best army in this region, second only to the Wagner Group." A little tooting of his own horn is okay, I guess.

Truthfully, the Wagners are nothing but evil, paid thugs. The Mafia was "effective" in controlling cities and even whole countries, but their "successes" didn't make them good people to be revered. The Wagners sacrificed many thousands of lives in stupid "human wave" attacks. Yeah, they were mostly criminals from Russian prisons, who were lied to and often shot by their own officers if they refused to run across an open field and get killed.

In a separate video/blog addressing the civil war in Sudan, one poster says the Wagners got their azz kicked in Sudan already, last time they were there, and it will happen again. I don't know anything about that since I have not been following closely the war in Sudan. Or, any past history. But, if Prigozhin is indeed taking a sizeable force, of his best troops, to Sudan then it will be in the news and his own propaganda machine will make lots of information and updates available. And, if this move to Africa is true, then the poor ole Russians will be left on their own to ward off the anticipated Ukran counter-offensive.

All of this really just points to one inescapable conclusion...war is stupid! Why are human beings so hellbent on killing each other?

Is this true? Just saw a report released by a British news outlet that NATO is giving President Z just 5 months, until September, to prove the Ukrans can win this war. After that support will either be pulled or greatly diminished.

Well, a couple of things, I doubt very seriously that this story is true. Now, perhaps, a NATO minister or two has been questioning how long support should continue and/or what would are the parameters upon which future support will continue. Of course, such concerns would be considered normal among decision-makers. But, NO WAY has this small news outlet scooped the world press on what would be a huge breaking story.

Next, and more importantly, it would be absolutely STUPID for NATO to set such a deadline. Biden is stupid enough to, but I hope the rest of NATO knows that such an announcement will simply cause the Russians to hunker down and "run out the clock."

Naturally, much celebrating going on on the Pro-Putin side today. YouTube channels supporting the evil invaders are posting pics/videos of Wagner/Russian soldiers celebrating their "great victory" at Bakhmut. And one channel, one of the most one-sided Putin propaganda outlets posted estimates of Ukran losses during the 224 day battle. BTW, the fight at/for Bakhmut went on longer than the now heralded 224 days. The battle there began in February, 2022, that's 15 months, about 450 days.

Already brushed aside and forgotten were the early days when a single, battered Ukran brigade refused to retreat, even when ordered to by Ukran high command. Instead they dug in east of the city and held on for months against repeated Russkie attacks. They started their defense with about 900 soldiers still fit for combat, out of a brigade strength on paper of about 3,500. Half the brigade never made it to Bakhmut and instead they were reassigned to other units. About 1,800 or so Ukrans in that brigade were present when the war began. Early on, because of the surprise invasion, Ukran units like this one were caught unprepared. Entire companies had to flee because they could not get organized in the face of the fast-moving Russian units. The Russians completely, totally captured Bakhmut....for a few days. Then left a token force behind to garrison it. This one under-strength brigade attacked and drove the Russians out, dug in east of the city and that began the protracted struggle for it....15 months in total. The Russkies started the clock 224 days ago because that is when they decided to make Bakhmut the lone target of all of their efforts. This after the Putinites were crushed and humiliated everywhere else. I am sure you remember that Russian column stalled WEST of Kyiv before it was attacked and driven away.

Western sources estimate Russkie losses at Bakhmut to be 180,000 killed and wounded, while Ukran losses are placed at 40,000 total. There is no information on the plight of those original gallant 900 Ukrans who refused to give up the city without a fight. Are any still alive? One YouTuber is pledging to try to find out and report on it.

Now...as mentioned on the pro-Putin YouTube channel, there are FIVE more "Bakhmuts" still to be taken just so Putin can lay claim to the two eastern provinces he illegally annexed. If the fight for those five are as tough and protracted as the fight for Bakhmut, then woe! Looking at another 5-6 years of the war, provided the Putinites actually win those battles.

All Quiet on the Eastern Front

Both sides appear to be taking a break from hostilities. Only light skirmishing and sniping is being reported. The calm before the storm, because it won't stay this way very long.

Breaking news...

Ukrans launched a successful attack north of Kharkiv capturing many square miles of ground and destroying a Russian battalion.

But, the biggest news is a commando attack on the nuclear air base in Belgorod, Russia. Reports say about 100 Ukran special forces entered the base, intent on grabbing some nukes, and/or destroying the rest. But the Russians managed to save all the warheads, preventing any from being removed. Reports say the Ukran commandos are still either on the base, or just outside of it, as heavy fighting is occurring there. To have reached Belgorod, these Ukran troops either had to have helicoptered in or traveled by trucks, a distance of over 60 miles behind Russian defensive lines.

In a related story, citizens of Belgorod stormed a military HQ building, the mayor's office, and the main police station, demanding protection from the "invading Ukrainians." Panic broke out when the shooting started, and rumors swept the city about a big Ukrainian attack.

Heavy artillery exchanges have been occurring all along the front lines, from one end of Ukraine, near Crimea, to the border with Belarus in the north. One report says now that President Z is back in the country, after his trip to meet with the G7 (well G6 1/2 as Biden is barely half aware of anything), the counter-offensive has begun.

One YouTuber closed his daily report saying, hold on to your socks folks, the game is about to begin.

Very latest...

the fighting in Belgorod is escalating. Ukran tanks and other armored vehicles have reached the city and are in support of the special forces there. And, two large Russian, anti-Putin private armies, are there too. These are some of the same guys who sent the drones to attack the Kremlin and have been responsible for partisan activity in Russia, blowing up a supply train, blowing up supply depots, etc...Both leaders of the anti-Putin forces have gone public on social media, calling for all good Russians to rise up and put an end to Putin's regime.

There is drone footage from a Ukran source of Ukran tanks in Belgorod. The fighting raged from the air base into the city itself and in broad daylight. Also confirmed that the Ukran commandos arrived via helicopters.


And now the Putin propaganda media is in full meltdown mode, as they are learning the truth for the first time. One defense minister, still loyal to Putin, tried to calm nerves, but didn't help matters when he said on live network TV...of course the Ukrainians are performing well in this war, after all they are bloodthirsty Nazis hellbent on killing us all. That didn't help... A female reporter screamed aloud, on live TV, they will slaughter us all, and even kill our pets. :shocked2: It is a 3-ring circus in Russia! "...even kill our pets!" she screamed. Damn Nazis, they'll stop at nothing! :icon_roll:

Feel like I am watching a satirical movie, like "Dr. Strangelove."

The two anti-Putin armies are

Free Russia Legion (FRL)

and

Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC)