Russia

[dawg80]

Ukran sea drones struck, and have reportedly sunk, another Russian ship. This one the Sergey Kotov, a "patrol boat" as they call it, but it's the size of one of our Coast Guard cutters. The Ukrans have really developed their sea drones into very effective weapons, state-of-the-art, using satellite guidance, aided by drones, and the crafts are very, very fast that no navy ship can outrun them or out-maneuver them. The only recourse once a sea drone has locked onto a ship is to try to destroy it. Usually the Ukrans send two, sometimes three, drones after one ship, coming in from various directions, such that one of them is bound to get through. They carry a 1,000-lb, armor-piercing warhead, which will knock a hole in the hull. And, also, the back portion of the drone also carries explosives and often those make it into the ship after the hole is punched and explode inside the ship, a double whammy.

Another good job by the Ukrans.

Incredible video of the Russian ship under attack by the sea drones has been released. The best was shot by some Russian on the dock, as the Sergey Kotov was attacked and sunk in the harbor, less than a 1/2 mile offshore. The ship has a crew of 60 and 53 were rescued by boats, seven confirmed dead. The crew tried to destroy the attacking drones and the automatic gunfire, with tracers, lit up the night sky. The Ukrans sent 5 sea drones, but only 3 of those actually struck the vessel, the other two were recalled and have returned to base.

The Sergey Kotov was an all-purpose ship, with an attack gunboat and an attack helicopter on it. The helicopter survived the attack.

[dawg80]

Anti-Putin partisans destroyed some railroad track blocking a military equipment/supply train carrying Russian materials to Ukraine. This occurred over 400 miles inside of Russia. Yes, the damage was limited to track which can be repaired/replaced in time, so the train sits temporarily where it is. The partisans did not attempt to attack/destroy the train, which would have been more effective, probably because they are an "amateur" group, lacking proper military gear and weapons. But, the most important aspect of this is the ever-growing anti-Putin sentiment in Russia, people tired of the immoral war, tired of doing without life's necessities due to the sanctions and the fact Russia's infrastructure has been commandeered by the Russian military over civilian use; case in point is this train. Ukran commandoes and anti-Putin partisans have struck all across Russia showing Putin's war machine materials and facilities are not safe anywhere.

Now, the biggie remains the Kerch bridge. It has been struck many times, damaged, but thus far the Ukrans lack the weapon capable of destroying the bridge. The Kerch bridge is no minor structure, but rather a large concrete/steel and well-engineered structure and it's going to take something really powerful, or a series of powerful hits to bring it down. The French have such a weapon, a large missile which can carry a warhead capable of destroying the bridge. Thus far, in keeping with the NATO mantra of supporting Ukraine in some "limited" war, France has refrained from sending the Ukrans this missile system. But! President Macron of France has grown frustrated with this limited approach and is thinking of arming the Ukrans with it. That would be a game-changer. Not only could/would Ukraine take out the Kerch bridge, but other key Russian targets would be in play too. The other day so-called Russian intelligence thought the Ukrans were about to strike the Kerch bridge with some kind of large weapon and the bridge was closed for 36 hours to traffic. It has been re-opened since.

Clearly the US has relinquished our leadership role in the world, so I guess France needs to assume that mantle in Europe, much like Japan and Australia have stepped up to lead in the Pacific region vs. China.

[dawg80]

First, a little bad news, the Ukrans have lost a HIMARS missile launch system. It was taken out by a Russian Lancet drone. The HIMARS has been one of Ukraine's most effective weapons. The US donated 6 of the HIMARS systems to Ukraine, they are down to five. The Ukran YouTuber was adamant in blaming laziness on the part of the Ukrans manning that launcher saying they know better than to linger in one spot too long. The HIMARS is highly mobile mounted on a large vehicle. Hopefully, lesson learned.

Also, it has been confirmed that three Abrams tanks have been struck by Russian drones, and another hit a mine. One of the tanks is completely gone, kaput, the other three have been or will be repaired and return to operation.

Now, some great news! The Ukrans have done it again striking a Russian steel mill over 800 miles inside of Russia, wow! The mill is out of operation as the Ukran drone, carrying a 1,000lb warhead, hit precisely in the most critical part of the plant, the furnace which is the heart of the facility. And AMAZING!!! The Ukrans have built a drone capable of delivering a 1,000lb bomb 800 miles away! That is remarkable. No other nation, not the US, not China, no one has matched that capability (yet). About 6 months ago President Z announced the Ukrainian government was FINALLY getting behind the domestic drone industry. Before that it was small businesses working directly with the Ukran military that was developing their drone technology. Yes, Ukraine has purchased and was given some drones by the US, Israel and NATO countries, but they have moved way past that old technology now.

Anyway, the Ukrans have also struck another fuel depot, that one 350 miles inside of Russia. Huge fires reported burning out of control at the facility. Putin is getting hammered, how much longer will the GOOD people in Russia tolerate this lunatic as their "leader"? Of course, the civilized world is asking that same question about Americans and our lunatic "leader" Biden.

[dawg80]

"All quiet on the Eastern Front..."

Just a little borrowing from the famous book about WWI. The past 72 hours have been very quiet, by Russia-Ukraine war standards. There have been some exchanges, but only some small combat incidents involving small units. Western sources say the Russkies have shot their wad after the huge attack at Avdiivka and have simply run out of gas, lacking the resources of manpower and equipment to continue the offensive pace they have been on since last October. Both sides probably welcome the pause in the combat.

There was another defeat of a Russian advance at Robotyne two days ago, the Ukrans pretended to retreat from a position and the Russians took the bait, getting totally wiped out to a man. Two Russian armored vehicles and about 25 soldiers were destroyed, and then three other APCs damaged with more casualties inflicted, as they tried to assist their comrades.

Reports this morning that the Russians are pulling back from Krynky after several weeks of failed attacks there. Pundits say this is just a regrouping, a reorganization of the Russian units who have been fighting there. But it adds to the sudden lull in the fighting all along the 900-mile front. How long will this lull last? Probably not for very long. Putin is a lunatic and hellbent on seizing all of eastern Ukraine.

[dawg80]

Can they really be this stupid? Nah, surely not...

reports are that Russian high command in the Kherson region, and in fact right across the river from Ukranian-occupied Kherson itself, were using a wrecked oil tanker, beached on the south side of the Dnipro River, as a HQ. Ukran intelligence learned this and just blew the ship to bits with missile strikes. That is the report. One Ukran YouTuber remarked "surely not, they couldn't have been this stupid" and said he would wait for confirmation before believing it. I will too.

Of course, the Russkies have shown themselves to be so stupid time and time again, so, maybe it is true.

Meanwhile there are confirmed reports of more Ukran drone attacks on Putin's industries across Russia. Last night three Russian oil refineries were left blazing after being struck by kamikaze drones. Some folks insist Ukraine is not winning this war, and they can't possibly win it. Well...it's become quite clear Putin isn't exactly winning this war either. He's getting his ass kicked on the battlefields in eastern Ukraine and right at home too.

[dawg80]

The FRL (Freedom of Russia Legion), the anti-Putin partisans, have launched a major offensive in the Belgorod Region. They have attacked Russian locations before, last year mostly, but always withdrew when faced with a large Russian counter-attack; and they might do that again. But right now there is some serious combat on-going.

Ukran drones attacked a Russian airbase which repairs Russian jets, including the large A50 spy planes. A repair hangar was struck. A Russian IL-76 cargo plane was shot down by Ukraine missiles.

[dawg80]

The Siberian Battalion has switched sides! A large part of this anti-Putin attack includes most of the 2,000-man Siberian unit. According to a British source over 1,600 soldiers of the unit decided to fight WITH Ukraine against the Putinites. Of the other 400 who didn't want to its being reported they were arrested and are being detained as POWs by the Ukrainians. There is video footage of the Siberian soldiers fighting against pro-Putin Russkies in the Belgorod region. Ukraine loaned these anti-Putin forces some tanks, older T-64s mostly, enhanced with anti-drone cage protection. One of those tanks hit a mine and lost its right track but appears to be undamaged otherwise. The crew was not harmed. The FRL has enjoyed tremendous success in the first two days of this attack, but the Putinites are preparing to send substantial forces to the area to halt this incursion. It is estimated the FRL has right at 5,000 soldiers, 6 tanks, 10 APCs and one attack helicopter involved in this attack. They did shoot down a Russian SU-27 jet with a handheld stinger missile, the Russian jet was sent to scout the FRL's forces. The two Russian pilots ejected and were last seen in their chutes drifting over a forested area. No way can the FRL sustain this attack, not when the Putinites send 10X their number, supported by all kinds of equipment. But, it is another thorn in the side of Putin and his evil regime.

Meanwhile Ukran drones struck more Russian targets overnight. Nine more oil facilities, mostly storage tanks, were attacked and reports say there is substantial damage with fires raging at the various sites. One source says Putin has lost 10% of his oil processing capability, refineries, and about 5% of his current oil stock to these attacks. Since Turkey is now refusing to process Putin's oil he should start to feel the pinch soon.

A British commentator says the Ukrans have stepped up these attacks in Russia just ahead of the Russian presidential election to discredit Putin. But, Putin is the only candidate on the ballot, so what difference will it make politically?

[dawg80]

Watch this video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlSUJNlcGyQ

The slow drones are getting through all of Putin's defenses, listen to all the gunfire, and every one of them struck its intended target. Cool, right? Hooray for the Ukrans who are sending these drones literally many hundreds of miles into Russia and precisely hitting their targets. Remarkably simple but effective technology.

But...now think of NORCO just above New Orleans and the Baytown area near Houston and all of our oil refineries all of which have zero protection against drone attacks. It would be so easy for terrorists to launch drones like these from a ship out in the gulf and there is not a damn thing to stop them. Under Biden the US would probably prevent any efforts to stop the attacks. The Dems would support such attacks.

Anytime I predict or mention potentially terrible events I HOPE I am wrong. But, what if I am not wrong?

[dawg80]

More drone attacks on Russian oil facilities overnight. The Ukrans know where to strike Putin where it will hurt the most.

Not much to report on the front, just more back and forth and more dead Russian soldiers to show for it.

Ballot boxes are being destroyed across Russia as anti-Putin sentiment continues to foster. Yesterday two ballot boxes were set on fire in Moscow, these in a shopping mall. All the ballots in the boxes were destroyed. It's about the only way Russian people have to protest Putin and his crooked pending "re-election."

The FRL has seized control of the most important portion of Belgorod. Russian army units are being concentrated to counterattack and drive the rebels out. No way can the FRL hope to hold it, not against such odds. But, at least, they have stirred the hornets' nest and drawn attention to the anti-Putin movement encouraging other Russian citizens to join in the push to oust Putin and his evil regime.

[dawg80]

Kudos to India!!! Hah! When Turkey balked at receiving more of Putin's oil India quickly said they would take it. Well, never mind. After a Russian oil tanker at sea was ordered by Putin to head to an Indian oil port, India said, never mind, we don't want any of Putin's oil. And more drone attacks continuing against Russian refineries and oil storage facilities.

More attacks on Putin polling places. A woman in her 70's was roughly handled and arrested by Putin's thug police after she tossed a flammable liquid on a voting booth and set it on fire. She foolishly just stood there videoing the fire and was pointed out to police. There are other videos of arrests occurring across Russia of protestors at polling places. Also, there is something about the ballots themselves. Biden will want to use these too. Seems after a ballot is marked, and Putin's name is not checked, a little heat from a lighter makes the ink disappear and the ballot is remarked next to Putin's name. So, there are two other names on the ballot, but they won't be allowed a fair chance to win. YEP! look for the Dems to want to use such ballots too. Oh, but they need to alter the names or else Putin will win the US POTUS election too (yes, they are that stupid)

[dawg80]

Three more Russian oil refineries struck by drones. And the Moscow International Airport was also attacked by Ukran drones last night. Caused minor damage but did disrupt operations, flights diverted, flights cancelled. I have flown through that airport in Moscow three separate times. It is cold, "sterile" and remarkably quiet. Hundreds of passengers and not a one daring to, or wanting to, speak. All plain concrete with no decorations. Yuck!

[dawg80]

Putin gets 87% of the vote to win re-election for his 5th (6-year) term. The national police are now looking for the 13% that did not vote for him. Not going to kill them, they say, just take them to "re-education" camps.

Meanwhile, a pro-Ukranian Youtuber posted a brief video of Russian soldiers being blown to bits while riding atop an APC...video is captioned "they voted for Putin too."

[dawg80]

Apparently, the quick demise of the FRL has been much exaggerated; they are still advancing, still winning. Seems that some of Putin's troops sent to Belgorod to fight the FRL have switched sides and are now fighting with the rebels. How long this will last, can't say, but for now Putin is getting a bloody nose in his own territory. Last year he had to recall some of his elite units from Ukraine to stop the rebels, guess he'll have to try to do that again.

Being reported the US has sent another 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, more of the older, unmodified version. Russian propagandists laugh at the Abrams calling it a "tin can with a cannon." But, a British source reports while it is true Ukraine got older models, and yes, they need to be fitted with anti-drone protection, the truth is the Abrams is best offensive tank in the theater with vastly superior electronics and targeting systems. In fact, the Ukrans, known for being resourceful, are matching the Abrams with other tanks they have and having the Abrams serve as the leader in identifying and targeting Russian targets. With its superior systems it can exactly pinpoint targets then share precise coordinates for all the Ukran tanks to set their cannons on.

But, yeah, the Abrams need to be fitted with anti-drone cages/protection because the modern battlefield is ruled by drones.

[dawg80]

Being widely reported that Putin actually lost in at least one province although "official" results claim he carried the province with close to 80% of the vote. Locals have turned out in massive protests against the STOLEN election. Already dozens arrested and unrest is spreading as other provinces are questioning the reported vote results as well. Just like the democraps here, stealing elections.

[dawg80]

"Stupid" is how a Ukranian drone operator described the Russians. Six Russian armored vehicles, 2 tanks, 4 APCs, were totally destroyed and most of the Russian soldiers killed while the column was driving along a road, in daylight, with no cover. This happened west of Bakhmut. It has been several weeks since the Russians tried to advance west of Bakhmut so that region has been very quiet. A Ukran officer shook his head in utter disbelief at the stupidity of the Russians, adding "did they think we had just gone?" As if the Russians thought, we haven't tried to advance in weeks, surely the Ukrans have vacated the area. Nope!

The Russians tried to capture and haul off a damaged Ukran Leopard II tank, but Ukran drones took out the two retrieval vehicles sent to tow it away. The Leopard II is undamaged but lost a track after hitting a mine. It had to be abandoned by its crew and some supporting infantry when the Russians launched a heavy attack, and the tank was left in "no man's land" in between the lines. The tank is part of Azov Brigade's armored battalion, and it was Azov drones that destroyed the Russian retrieval vehicles. Now the Leopard tank is sitting on a road with a destroyed Russian vehicle in front and behind it blocking the road in both directions.

A Russian "trawler" thought to be a spy ship, exploded and sunk in the Baltic Sea, which Moscow now calls "NATO Lake" because Finland and Sweden have joined NATO making the Baltic Sea completely encircled by NATO members. The "trawler" was operating 7 miles off the coast of Kaliningrad, which is a Russian enclave on the Baltic Sea. One crewman was killed, the others wounded but rescued. Initially Russian sources say the explosion was an accident, but now some Putin-propagandists are floating the idea the ship was attacked by NATO or perhaps by Ukranian operatives.

North Korea successfully launched/tested some long-range, nuke-capable, missiles and are said to be sending some of them to Russia. The North Koreans want the Russkies to test them in actual combat situations. These missiles have the range of about 400 km, 250 miles, and can carry conventional, chemical, or nuclear warheads.

Otherwise, the front has been relatively quiet. The Ukrans have ceased all offensive operations and are just playing defense right now, and the Russkies seemed to have run out of steam as their offensive operations have grinded to a halt for the most part. Some western observers say the Russians are gearing up for a major spring/summer offensive which is why they have paused advances, mostly.