Russia

[dawg80]

Putin dismisses Biden's warning of a Russian attack against NATO. Putin says that is nonsense, he has no such plans. Technically that might be true, now, since he's gotten his ass kicked in Ukraine and realizes Russia stands no chance against NATO. But, it is most definitely true that Putin had plans to invade some NATO countries, starting with Poland, after he THOUGHT he could walk over Ukraine. The military reality may have caused him to refine his plans. But make no mistake about it, Putin still wants all of eastern Europe under his control.

According to reliable sources, Putin now aims for more realistic goals, and that is seizing and holding all of eastern Ukraine, the four provinces where he currently has some military possession, plus Kharkiv, which he took in 2022, but lost in the Ukrainian counter-offensive. Taking Kharkiv will secure Belarus' southern border and connect it to Russia via the territory. Putin's spokesman says Russia plans to accomplish all of this by the end of 2026. And that is an amaziing admission. Three more years of war just to seize what Russia briefly held in 2022. Of course, Russia has occupied Crimea since 2014. This is, however, a more realistic view of the situation. Putin is admitting all his grandiose schemes of sweeping across eastern Europe were just pipe dreams, were never going to happen.

And as one British pundit pointed out, Putin's costly war in Ukraine has removed Russia from the world's stage. Putin/Russia is no longer an international threat as their military is so depleted it couldn't invade Shangri-La. But this hasn't stopped Putin from beating his chest like a big gorilla, as his recent threats against Finland attests. The Fins would kick Russia's ass.

[dawg80]

In anticipation of reduced support, the Ukrans are building defenses. They are constructing 3 lines, about 4-5 miles apart in most areas, with minefields in-between the lines. They are placing dragon teeth and other obstacles for armored vehicles. Artillery batteries will have interlocking fire to cover the entire front. It is far easier, less costly, and requires less equipment and soldiers to be on the defensive vs. the offensive. A spokesman for Ukraine's defense department said given the political reality around the world they are being prudent but are not giving up on liberating their entire country from the Russian invaders.

Separately the Ukran defense department has announced a surge in domestic military production. Ukraine, much like Taiwan, understands the need for a strong domestic military industry to reduce dependence on the whims of other countries.

Meanwhile, out of necessity, the Ukrans have already adopted a more defensive posture as Putin continues to search for that elusive big victory that he needs for his own political future. Russian forces have been launching bigger and bigger attacks all along the line hoping for a breakthrough. Last night they tried in the Kharkiv region but only succeeded in suffering more losses. Putin does not care one iota about the lives of Russian soldiers, they are mere pawns in his delusional drive to restore the old Soviet Union.

It's not all a bed of roses for the Ukrans who are suffering losses too. An officer in the 47th Assault Brigade, which has been involved in very heavy combat near Robotyne, was interviewed by a German blogger and was published on-line. This officer, a major, a battalion commander in the 47th offered a dose of reality, a rather grim report, on the state of the brigade. His battalion, he said, was deployed to the eastern front, west of Robotyne in May, 2022 with a total strength of 1,500 soldiers, one of four battalions in the 47th Brigade. His was the smallest in number as it was designated the "light infantry" battalion for scouting, quick strikes and rapid movement. Now, 20 months later, his battalion has about 1,100 effectives but only about 40% of those are from the original 1,500. They have received replacements, but these new guys lack the proper training and mostly, get thrown into the teeth of heavy combat with no chance to acclimate into military life. He said it is true our brigade has enjoyed success as we have driven the "occupiers" out of Robotyne and back another 10km (6 miles) beyond that. But now the Russians are hunkered down in strong defensive positions, and we are unable to dislodge them. My battalion, the whole 47th Brigade, is worn out, he said. People...people from around the world, from Kyiv, should have to spend some time with us in the trenches to see what it is really like.

[dawg80]

Citing the movement of troops out of Belgorod, an anti-Putin rebel group attacked military and police facilities in the region. Last year two of the anti-Putin rebel organizations wreaked havoc throughout Belgorod causing the Russians to place some frontline units there. But, needing those units in Ukraine, they were moved out by the Russians leaving only a skeleton force behind. Another anti-Putin group called "Freedom of Russia" Legion launched a series of attacks inflicting casualties and destroying a police HQ building, damaging some army barracks, and destroying some equipment, mostly trucks and one APC. The fighting is continuing there at latest report.

This anti-Putin rebel group, together with the others, have said they will never stop fighting against Putin's regime, calling for a complete overhaul of the Russian government, one based on democracy. This does indicate that the Russians cannot let their guard down and will have to keep elite units at home. There has been a continuous series of attacks and sabotage across Russia aimed at military and police facilities, as well as military industrial complexes. This occurs almost daily (nightly). Putin needs to stop worrying about the war he is losing in Ukraine and focus on the war he is losing in Russia.

[dawg80]

Historic...

First Japan has built its first aircraft carrier since WWII, because of the Chicom threat to regional security. And now Germany is deploying troops to another country, to Lithuania, because of the Putin threat in eastern Europe. This is the first such troop deployment for Germany since WWII. Germany and Lithuania are strong allies.

[dawg80]

"Collapse is imminent!" so scream some pundits. The Russkies have launched three major offensives each designed to encircle and cut off a town held by the Ukrans. The fight at Avdiivka, ongoing since October 1, is their largest effort. But now, we are told, this is different. This time Putin is really serious and has deployed 80,000 crack troops, supported by columns of heavy tanks and air cover. It is true the Russians have launched assaults against three towns held by the Ukrans, one in the Kharkiv region, considered the northern front, and two along the eastern front. At one of them, a column of Russian armored vehicles was stopped in its tracks by artillery and drone attacks. But the Russians claim they have taken some ground and just stopped to allow more units to come up.

There are also concerns about the Ukrans running low on ammo, especially artillery shells. That is probably true, but thus far the Ukrans don't seem to be short of artillery along the front lines...just ask the Russkies.

These recent offensives are designed to deliver Putin a PR victory, one where he can thump his chest on national TV trying to convince voters to re-elect him. Of course, western sources discount the whole farce of the Russian presidential election saying Putin has already won it. They must use those same voting machines Biden uses.

Oh wait! Putin is not waiting for an actual success on the battlefield, he's claiming a "victory" just from the Russians "taking the initiative."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...25df88904&ei=9

[dawg80]

"You lucky bastard!"

A battalion of the 47th Assault Brigade has been redeployed to Avdiivka (from Robotyne), to provide reinforcements there. They have released about 30 minutes of bodycam footage, with closed caption in English. They are deployed along the railroad cut north of the city. In one segment Russian artillery shells are bursting all around them, their officers yelling "take cover." When the bombardment lifts an officer, whose bodycam you are seeing, moves along the line checking on his men. He stops at one fellow who was hunkered down under a bush and nudges the guy in his boot to get his attention, he then draws his attention to a Russian artillery shell buried about halfway in the mud. It landed less than 5 feet from that guy but it was a dud. "You lucky bastard," the officer says to him, and then moves on. Later we see that officer riding in the back of a pickup truck speaking to another officer. They were laughing, and the other officer says, "I told them NOT to use tracers in their machinegun." Then adds, "Guess they've learned why now that the Russians targeted them with that artillery." They laugh again, and the officer with the bodycam offers, "These new recruits will learn if they are not killed first." The officer who you can see looks directly at the bodycam and says, "This is war, folks."

I have watched many hours of these bodycam videos. The amount of ammo expended, by both sides, with no casualties is amazing. In this video release there is a segment of about 5-7 minutes of intense automatic weapons fire, the Ukrans behind a concrete wall which parallels the railroad tracks, they firing through holes in the wall, and then Russian bullets slamming into the wall, but not penetrating, some ricocheting off the top of the wall, lots of dust and noise, the Ukran soldiers ducking and then laughing when the enemy fire ends.

BTW, all this "laughing" is the release of nervous energy. No one finds this to be a true funny situation.

[dawg80]

Acted on their own initiative...

The Russians launched a big attack on the Ukran forces dug in around Krynky, started yesterday afternoon into the early hours of night. After being repelled and suffering more heavy losses, the remnants of the Russian units did what they have always done, retired back to their original positions. Heretofore, especially in the Krynky area, the Russians had the luxury of being able to retreat in rather good order because the Ukran defenders let them go. But...not last night!

Details are still sketchy since the fighting is continuing at this moment, but apparently Ukran local commanders decided to not allow the Russians to simply walk away unmolested. Early reports say two battalion commanders, probably with the rank of major or lieutenant-colonel, ordered their men to follow the retreating Russians. The action occurred in an open field bordered by thick forests into which the Russians retreated. Russian artillery, air force, and even drones would not have been prepared to fire on the advancing Ukrans, especially since they were right behind the withdrawing Russians. The retreating Russian units were completely unprepared and not ready to defend themselves from this unexpected attack. The Ukranian spin-masters are claiming a HUGE victory, total destruction of the Russian brigade and its support units, who are (were) engaged in this sector. No doubt the Ukrans have inflicted more losses on the Russians, but we'll have to see to what extent. And, even if true, now what? Those Ukran forces that advanced are now out of their defensive positions and no way will the Russians simply allow them to return. They will suffer losses trying to return to Krynky, having to cross open ground as Russian artillery, drones, and their fighter-bombers will attack them.

The Ukrans have done something similar near Avdiivka, they launched an attack against retreating Russian forces, but there they inflicted more damage and then quickly retired to the safety of their defensive works. But at Krynky, based on current reports, these Ukran troops are still in the forest engaged with Russian units.

[dawg80]

From a CNN report....FWIW

Russian losses since the war began in Feb. 2022.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has intensified.The Ukrainian Defence Forces have demonstrated their resilience and effectiveness on the battlefield, resisting Russian aggression and defending their country. According to their official reports, they have inflicted heavy losses on the Russian side, which are estimated to be approximately 346,070 military personnel, 5,739 tanks, 10,692 armoured combat vehicles, 8,137 artillery systems, 923 multiple-launch rocket systems, 609 air defence systems, 324 fixed-wing aircraft, 324 helicopters, 6,278 tactical UAVs, 1,610 cruise missiles, 22 ships and boats, 1 submarine, 10,766 vehicles and tankers, and 1,194 special vehicles and other equipment.

[dawg80]

Acted on their own initiative...

The Russians launched a big attack on the Ukran forces dug in around Krynky, started yesterday afternoon into the early hours of night. After being repelled and suffering more heavy losses, the remnants of the Russian units did what they have always done, retired back to their original positions. Heretofore, especially in the Krynky area, the Russians had the luxury of being able to retreat in rather good order because the Ukran defenders let them go. But...not last night!

Details are still sketchy since the fighting is continuing at this moment, but apparently Ukran local commanders decided to not allow the Russians to simply walk away unmolested. Early reports say two battalion commanders, probably with the rank of major or lieutenant-colonel, ordered their men to follow the retreating Russians. The action occurred in an open field bordered by thick forests into which the Russians retreated. Russian artillery, air force, and even drones would not have been prepared to fire on the advancing Ukrans, especially since they were right behind the withdrawing Russians. The retreating Russian units were completely unprepared and not ready to defend themselves from this unexpected attack. The Ukranian spin-masters are claiming a HUGE victory, total destruction of the Russian brigade and its support units, who are (were) engaged in this sector. No doubt the Ukrans have inflicted more losses on the Russians, but we'll have to see to what extent. And, even if true, now what? Those Ukran forces that advanced are now out of their defensive positions and no way will the Russians simply allow them to return. They will suffer losses trying to return to Krynky, having to cross open ground as Russian artillery, drones, and their fighter-bombers will attack them.

The Ukrans have done something similar near Avdiivka, they launched an attack against retreating Russian forces, but there they inflicted more damage and then quickly retired to the safety of their defensive works. But at Krynky, based on current reports, these Ukran troops are still in the forest engaged with Russian units.

Very latest! As anticipated, the Russians tried to strike the Ukran troops who advanced but lost three planes for the effort. The Ukrans also anticipated a response and had moved a Patriot Missile launcher closer to the area, but still across the river in Kherson, and just this morning they took out three Russian SU-34 fighter-bombers which were going in for an airstrike. This has been confirmed by both sides. Russian sources report 3 of the crewmen (2 per plane) were killed and 3 rescued and removed to a hospital. To launch their glide bombs the SU-34s had to climb to an attitude of some 10,000 feet and that made them perfect, and easy, targets for the Patriot Missiles. The pro-Ukran source giving the report says the Russians would have been better off trying their older SU-25 fighter-bombers which drop "dumb" bombs but at low altitudes. But then that makes them vulnerable to Stingers and other hand-held anti-aircraft weapons of which the Ukrans have plenty.

Related news: Japan is transferring Patriot Missile launchers and an undisclosed number of missiles to Ukraine!

No update on the advanced Ukran troops south of Krynky, except to say they are still engaged in active combat in the forest.

[dawg80]

The small country of Moldova, a part of the "Commonwealth" of Russia, has announced plans to sever all ties to Russia, become independent and eventually seek to join both the EU and NATO. It lies southwest of Ukraine with a port city near Odesa, Ukraine on the Black Sea. It has a population of 2.5 million and currently hosts 8,000 Russian troops, and a Russian airbase and naval station. Those Russian military units will be asked to depart when Moldova has declared itself officially out of Moscow's control. Needless to say Putin is pizzed! The more the azzhole Putin tries to tighten his grip, the more nations slip away from him. And, of course, Putin is threatening to take military action against the government of Moldova and replace it with a tyrannical puppet regime.

When asked about Putin's threats in a press conference, a spokesperson for the Moldavian parliament dismissed it and added they expect to complete the process before the end of 2024, ready for a new beginning of independence January 1, 2025.

GOOD FOR THEM!

[dawg80]

Russia announces plans to invade and annex Uzbekistan, a small, former Soviet state, but now a sovereign nation. Uzbekistan has called out its army to guard the border, saying NO WAY! will they simply allow the Russkies to walk in.

Meanwhile, the average Russian citizen is openly complaining about the lack of power, electricity, it is now winter and it is COLD! Brrrrr... Too bad, this is what you get having Putin as your "leader."

[dawg80]

46 Americans have been killed fighting in Ukraine. One of the latest is a former Marine, Ethan Hertwick from Missouri. He had just come off guard duty in a Ukran trench which also has a concrete bunker when he heard shouts of alarm. He grabbed his weapon and raced along the trench when he encountered about 20 Russians. Reports say he got 12 of them before they got him. He was 21 yrs old. This was his second tour of duty with the American mercenary unit. His family says he debated about returning to Ukraine for another tour and decided it was his duty to aid Ukraine against the evil invaders.

[FriscoDog]

From a CNN report....FWIW

Russian losses since the war began in Feb. 2022.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has intensified.The Ukrainian Defence Forces have demonstrated their resilience and effectiveness on the battlefield, resisting Russian aggression and defending their country. According to their official reports, they have inflicted heavy losses on the Russian side, which are estimated to be approximately 346,070 military personnel, 5,739 tanks, 10,692 armoured combat vehicles, 8,137 artillery systems, 923 multiple-launch rocket systems, 609 air defence systems, 324 fixed-wing aircraft, 324 helicopters, 6,278 tactical UAVs, 1,610 cruise missiles, 22 ships and boats, 1 submarine, 10,766 vehicles and tankers, and 1,194 special vehicles and other equipment.

That's less than 2 months of border crossings on US Southern Border..

[dawg80]

That's less than 2 months of border crossings on US Southern Border..

Motion-detector activated machineguns on the border...

[dawg80]

Very latest! As anticipated, the Russians tried to strike the Ukran troops who advanced but lost three planes for the effort. The Ukrans also anticipated a response and had moved a Patriot Missile launcher closer to the area, but still across the river in Kherson, and just this morning they took out three Russian SU-34 fighter-bombers which were going in for an airstrike. This has been confirmed by both sides. Russian sources report 3 of the crewmen (2 per plane) were killed and 3 rescued and removed to a hospital. To launch their glide bombs the SU-34s had to climb to an attitude of some 10,000 feet and that made them perfect, and easy, targets for the Patriot Missiles. The pro-Ukran source giving the report says the Russians would have been better off trying their older SU-25 fighter-bombers which drop "dumb" bombs but at low altitudes. But then that makes them vulnerable to Stingers and other hand-held anti-aircraft weapons of which the Ukrans have plenty.

Related news: Japan is transferring Patriot Missile launchers and an undisclosed number of missiles to Ukraine!

No update on the advanced Ukran troops south of Krynky, except to say they are still engaged in active combat in the forest.

Update...

the Ukrans who had embarked on this attack are safely back in their defensive works. The Russians tried to follow them, or at least two companies of Russian infantry did, and they got pummeled when they got caught in the open ground. Meanwhile, after the loss of the three SU-34s the Russkies have not carried out any air operations in the vicinity of Krynky. Guess they will try to locate the Patriot Missile battery, but they are highly mobile and is no longer in the same place it launched the attack from.