Russia

[dawg80]

Just to remind Putin they haven't forgotten Crimea, Ukraine just struck at Kerch, sinking a ferry boat carrying military supplies across the channel, using drones. Ukraine also hit an airbase on Crimea this morning.

Putin is crying that NATO countries are aiding Ukraine in their incursion into Russia. Germany has released a statement saying once they donate equipment to Ukraine it belongs to them, and they can do whatever they want with it. The Netherlands response was effectively...laughter. I think "bite me!" is a good response to Putin's whining.

[dawg80]

Russian nuclear bomber crashed in Irkutsk. Seems I remember that place from the game RISK. Apparently, bomber had mechanical problems, was not shot down. But is another loss for poor ole Putin.

[dawg80]

Ukrans are kicking ass in Russia! Unbelievable success continuing. Obviously, Ukraine has a master plan for this incursion, and they are carrying it out to perfection. Last night Ukrans utterly destroyed, completely collapsed into the river two major concrete bridges in the eastern part of the Kursk Oblast. Both of these bridges served two major highways which are critical supply/reinforcements routes for the Russians operating in that portion of the eastern front. Even if Ukraine were to withdraw from Kursk, they have already done major damage to Putin's war effort in the region. Used HIMARS missiles which the Ukrans were able to advance closer to the Russian border, placing these bridges in range of the HIMARS.

On this subject, the stupid Biden administration continues to hamstring Ukraine with silly limits on how Ukraine can use American-made/donated/sold weapons. This is especially true of the ATAMCS missiles. ATAMCS have a range of 100 miles, HIMARS 50 miles. These bridges were (and they are definitely "were" now!) 60 and 65 miles inside of Russia, beyond the reach of the HIMARS. But with this incursion, Ukraine was able to advance HIMARS batteries into Russia. Bam!

Also, the Biden administration turned up the heat with threats of halting support for Ukraine if they didn't stop attacking Putin's oil supply and facilities. Why? Because the dems are concerned it will affect their political campaigns, especially Harris' as it was affecting the world's oil market, driving up prices, which was causing higher prices at the pumps for American voters. Of course, we know it is the Biden administation/dems' fault since they stopped US oil production on federal lands, halted all leases in the Gulf, and thus restricting the world's oil supply. Iran and Venezuela and other bad actors have gotten rich as they continue maximum production at these higher prices. Back to Russia...Putin is buying oil on the world market and paying higher prices for it to replace all the oil he has lost due to Ukranian attacks on his oil industry. Politics at their worse.

[dawg80]

Putin propagandists are boasting Russian engineers are building pontoon bridges to replace the destroyed bridges and should have them completed by tomorrow. Great! the Ukrans will wait until they are finished and just destroy the pontoons too. But, at least Putin's apologists are admitting, to the Russian populace, the bridges were destroyed.

[dawg80]

Breaking news! Being reported Ukraine has struck the Kerch Bridge with ATACMS missiles, as many as 12 missiles targeted one span and it has collapsed. This has NOT been independently confirmed, and neither Kyiv nor Moscow have released any statements. If true, this is huge. We'll see...

[dawg80]

Breaking news! Being reported Ukraine has struck the Kerch Bridge with ATACMS missiles, as many as 12 missiles targeted one span and it has collapsed. This has NOT been independently confirmed, and neither Kyiv nor Moscow have released any statements. If true, this is huge. We'll see...

No real news on this, so the released "news" was probably some over-zealous pro-Ukrainian influencer.

But! there is real news. Ukrans have pushed deeper into Kursk and opened another front in Belgorod. One of the assault vectors, toward the town of Giri, ran into concentrated Russian forces and were turned back, with some losses. In Belgorod, we are now told, the whole point was to pin down Russian forces there to prevent their deployment into Kursk. In Kursk, once the Ukrans discovered the location of concentrated Russian units, at Giri, they destroyed a bridge across the Psel River and mined all the roads and fields between where they wanted to really go, and Giri. So now, this fairly large concentration of Russian forces is cutoff from where the "war is." To reach Ukrainian positions, the Russians will either have to risk using the mined roads, or back track some 40 miles and try another approach. But! the Ukrans have already scouted those roads and are prepared to mine those too.

To this point, latest reports, Ukraine has "liberated" 82 villages and towns and have 100% secured the critical city of Sudhza, which was complete with military infrastructure, and supplies, and ammo, and some Russian equipment, including 3 perfectly working T-80 tanks, which the Ukrans have now changed the markings on, put a Ukran blue and yellow pennant on, and are using it to kill Russians with. Ukraine has captured (liberated) more square miles of Putin territory in a week, than the Russkis have been able to gain in all of 2024, yes, 8 months' worth, back in Ukraine.

The most remarkable thing is 90% of the population is welcoming Ukrainian forces as liberators (yes, there are some pro-Putin morons too, about 10%). Like others who are closely following this incursion, I keep wondering when will it end. When will Putin be able to amass sufficient forces to halt the Ukrainian advance, and beyond that, drive them back across the border. Thus far, the Ukrans have had it all their way. And, wow, the Russian soldiers who have surrendered by the hundreds....mere boys, most of them. Saw a video of several dozen of them, have to be teenagers, some as young as 14 or so. Conscripts, forced at gunpoint to "volunteer" to join Putin's army.

[dawg80]

Ukrans are kicking ass in Russia! Unbelievable success continuing. Obviously, Ukraine has a master plan for this incursion, and they are carrying it out to perfection. Last night Ukrans utterly destroyed, completely collapsed into the river two major concrete bridges in the eastern part of the Kursk Oblast. Both of these bridges served two major highways which are critical supply/reinforcements routes for the Russians operating in that portion of the eastern front. Even if Ukraine were to withdraw from Kursk, they have already done major damage to Putin's war effort in the region. Used HIMARS missiles which the Ukrans were able to advance closer to the Russian border, placing these bridges in range of the HIMARS.

On this subject, the stupid Biden administration continues to hamstring Ukraine with silly limits on how Ukraine can use American-made/donated/sold weapons. This is especially true of the ATAMCS missiles. ATAMCS have a range of 100 miles, HIMARS 50 miles. These bridges were (and they are definitely "were" now!) 60 and 65 miles inside of Russia, beyond the reach of the HIMARS. But with this incursion, Ukraine was able to advance HIMARS batteries into Russia. Bam!

Also, the Biden administration turned up the heat with threats of halting support for Ukraine if they didn't stop attacking Putin's oil supply and facilities. Why? Because the dems are concerned it will affect their political campaigns, especially Harris' as it was affecting the world's oil market, driving up prices, which was causing higher prices at the pumps for American voters. Of course, we know it is the Biden administration/dems' fault since they stopped US oil production on federal lands, halted all leases in the Gulf, and thus restricting the world's oil supply. Iran and Venezuela and other bad actors have gotten rich as they continue maximum production at these higher prices. Back to Russia...Putin is buying oil on the world market and paying higher prices for it to replace all the oil he has lost due to Ukranian attacks on his oil industry. Politics at their worse.

Oops! sorry Charlie (er, Kammy) Ukraine just struck a major Putin oil storage facility. Huge fires, explosions, occurring. Too bad.

And this silly note, Putin's stooges on TV are accusing Ukraine of seizing Sudhza because it is, among other things, a major hub of pipelines, both natural gas and oil is transported through there, and the Ukrans expect Russia to counterattack and would damage the pipelines, therefore Europe will blame Russia for the loss of natural gas/oil. Well, those same pipelines, all of them, pass through Ukraine and if Ukraine wanted to cut off the supply of gas/oil to Europe, they could quite easily shut a valve off at any one of a number of places. When capturing Sudhza the Ukrans were careful to avoid the pipelines and hub stations, and have, in fact, placed a guard on them to prevent sabotage BY THE RUSSIANS!

One of Putin's clowns made the mistake of being honest and said on live TV, Russian national network, "we can still lose this war." He "tripped" down the stairs at the network building, reportedly broke his leg, and is in the hospital. They say he won't be on the air for a while (probably never again). And he did not "trip," he was pushed.

[dawg80]

The L'Gov-Belgorod Highway is very important to Putin's invasion units; it is the single largest route ferrying supplies, ammo, reinforcements into Donbas, eastern Ukraine. And now Ukranian troops are within artillery range of it as it passes through Kursk Oblast. Well, guess what! Yep! the shelling has begun. The highway passes through Povrosk (sp?) in the Kursk Oblast, and it is the hub of Russian army activity supporting the invasion on the eastern front. If Ukraine can capture this city and hold it for a month or so, Putin's invasion forces in Donbas will be cut off from resupply and be forced to leave! Is this Ukraine's target, the reason for the advance into Kursk? No one connected to the Ukran government is saying, one way or the other. Pundits on YouTube, experts in the various think-tanks are speculating this is Ukraine's goal, the capture of Povrosk (sp?). Guess, we'll see in time. But! the Ukrans are still about 45 miles from this city, long way to go yet. If indeed, it is their goal.

In a comical sidebar...the war map showing the ground Ukraine has seized in Kursk has taken on the shape of a hand, with the middle finger extended, and pointing straight at Moscow. I'm sure this purely accidental, but it does seem to send a message to Putin: "eff you!"

[dawg80]

Russians built a pontoon bridge across the Psel River to replace the destroyed bridge. Their engineers were videoed by hovering Ukran drones working diligently, non-stop for some 36 hours. Great job! You can see the Russian engineers pointing at, and in one instant, shooting at the Ukran drones, to no avail. Well, the pontoon bridge has been finished for almost a day now, and not a single Russian vehicle has tried to cross it. In fact, Ukran drones have gone further north and east from the river searching for Russian units, but there are none, nothing in sight. So, the pontoon bridge sits unused. Except! now the Ukrans might use it to continue their advance deeper into Kursk. One thing is for sure, and the Russians know it, the Ukrans have the pontoon bridge zeroed-in and will quickly destroy it should the Russians attempt a crossing.

In addition to this pontoon bridge there is one bridge still remaining that crosses the Psel River. Ukran commandoes have reached the village where this bridge sits and have sent the coordinates to their HIMARS batteries. No attack on the bridge has occurred yet, probably because Ukraine intends to use it themselves. And, to the south, some 2,700 Russian troops, and all their equipment, are trapped in the pocket between the Ukraine border and the Psel River. Ukraine has urged those troops to surrender to avoid being slaughtered, but so far, they remain hunkered down in their trenches/bunkers. Problem for them is, those defenses were built facing the Ukraine border and there are substantial Ukrainian units behind them now. Their only way out of the pocket is across one of the two bridges, and Ukran units have those targeted.

60 miles inside of Russia! This is the furthest reported incursion by Ukran forces, in this case, a small 12-15 man commando team. The Ukrans have dispatched these small teams to disrupt Russian communications and launch ambushes on Russian units. So far, they are batting 1.000, every mission has been 100% successful.

[dawg80]

Quick update: just reported Ukraine has destroyed Putin's pontoon bridge across the Psel River.

[dawg80]

Quick update: just reported Ukraine has destroyed Putin's pontoon bridge across the Psel River.

Sorry, got the rivers mixed up. The pontoon bridge was on the Seym River, also in Kursk. The Seym and Psel rivers merge further south toward Belgorod. Ukrans have destroyed bridges on that river too.

In other news, Putin's oil storage/oil refinery in Rostov is still burning, now some three days since it was hit by Ukran drones and missiles. Ten of the 25 large storage tanks have been utterly destroyed by the raging fire, and some of the others are in danger as well. One fire crew packed up and left, saying there is nothing they can do to contain such a fire and no sense risking their lives in a lost cause.

President Z released a statement partially explaining the reason for the Kursk incursion. Says western allies, especially the US, has forbidden them from using long-range weapons' systems, like the ATACMS missiles, in attacks in Russia itself...not wishing to escalate the war. So! the Ukrans were forced to bring the shorter-ranged weapons, like the HIMARS, closer to the Russian targets. Good stuff!

[dawg80]

Last year Putin used chemical weapons in a missile attack on Lyman, Ukraine, where a Ukrainian army HQ was located. Two of the HQ staff died and another 30+ were hospitalized after exposure to the chemicals. Dozens of civilians were also affected. Now, a huge explosion at a Putin chemical weapons' plant, also in Ukraine, built close to the Zapo nuclear power plant, is said to have klled 2,300 Russian soldiers, scientists, staff who were working at the chemical plant. This remains unconfirmed by reliable independent sources, so stay tuned. But, what has been confirmed is the chemical attack at Lyman. A Russian missile exploded 600 meters above the HQ complex, sending the dangerous chemical spreading over the site. At first Ukrainian officials reported, and thought, it was a standard high explosive warhead that simply malfunctioned and detonated too soon. But within 24 hours the truth was learned. Putin has an arrest warrant out for him by the International War Crimes Court.

Most of the anti-Ukraine/pro-Putin rhetoric has disappeared from social media. Many of the former pro-Putin Facebook pages, Tik Tok sites, YouTube channels, have been discontinued, shut down by their former owners. Why anyone with half a brain thought Putin was right and Ukraine wrong is beyond me. But, there were some. Actually, two pro-Putin YouTube channels still exist, but very few people are viewing their stupid crap anymore. Putin is nothing but a murdering thug, an international criminal, and he will get his come-uppance in time.

[dawg80]

Ukrans destroyed another of Putin's large ferry ships, this one loaded with 18 railcar tankers, each with thousands of gallons of diesel fuel. Kaboom! huge fireball. Ship gone, sunk after burning like a huge torch. This occurred at Kerch. Putin has one of the large ferry boats left, but it is currently in drydock after being damaged by a Ukran drone attack some months ago.

Ukraine continues its slow advance across Kursk. Has been systematically destroying Russia's pontoon bridges right after they are completed. Ukrans don't attack while the pontoon is being built, which generally takes from 24-36 hours for Russia's engineers to complete, depending on the width of the river crossing. Instead, they attack after the bridge is completed, in this way, they assure all the material, which includes those "boats" the bridge is built-upon, all get destroyed. Once they allowed a small contingent of Russian troops to cross, then destroyed the bridge behind them, trapping them and forcing their surrender.

In Ukraine, the Russians continue to try to advance west of Avdiivka, making some small gains. But the Ukrans have launched two counterattacks along the eastern front elsewhere, enjoying success there. The game has definitely changed, at least for now, and it's Ukraine on the initiative, forcing the Russians to have to react.

[dawg80]

Prime Minister Modi, of India, is in Kyiv to meet with President Z and Ukrainian leaders. Modi made a statement that he, India, is NOT taking sides in this war, but rather he wants to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Well...word of warning to Ukraine, Modi is an idiot, or at least he was in his dealings with Xi and the Chicoms. Don't let him sell you out to Putin.

After India's good PM was killed in a helicopter crash, Modi came to power. His first official act was to extend an olive branch to the Chicoms but unilaterally withdrawing all Indian troops from a disputed area along the border. Modi called on Xi to do the same from his side to create a buffer zone. Instead, Xi flooded the area with more Chinese troops and India lost hundreds of square miles along the border, including some prime grazing land in an upper valley. Modi admitted to his mistake and since then has taken a harder stance against Xi and China. Bullies like Xi and Putin don't give a crap about playing nice in the sandbox, they seize any and all opportunities to gain an advantage, and only understand strength and power against them.

Hopefully, President Z will politely receive Modi but tell him, go tell Putin to get his ass out of Ukraine, all of it, then maybe we can talk peace.

[dawg80]

Russian forces completely collapsed and retreated after a brief, stand-up, open, fair fight vs. inferior (in numbers) Ukrainian units. The city of Kornevo, Kursk, in what is the northeastern portion of the Ukran advance into Kursk, is now largely in Ukrainian hands. The Russians had the advantage of a river, but the Ukrans used US-made Striker APCs to cross the river and flank the Russians.

This continues a pattern which has been true since the war began in February 2022. Every time, 100% of the time, when Ukrainian units have met the Russians in open combat...i.e. the Russians not behind prepared defensive works and/or enjoying a huge advantage in numbers...the Ukrans have prevailed. This is why Ukraine easily swept aside Russian units in the Kharkiv offensive over a year ago. The Russians had an advantage in numbers, equipment, but it wasn't an overwhelming advantage, and the battle was all out in the open, no trenches or bunkers. Putin's crappy army has no chance in a fair fight.

The Rostov refinery/oil storage facility continues to burn. Over 50 of the 75 huge storage tanks have been destroyed by the raging inferno, and the remaining tanks are in danger.

Ukrans launched drone attacks close to Moscow, striking infrastructure and military targets just outside the city. In one strike the Ukrans sent 77 drones, of which about 40 were shot down by Russian air defenses. Some of these then crashed into residential areas, causing damage and casualties. Of course, the Putin propaganda machine was quick to show video of burning houses and calling on the international community to condemn Ukraine. The drones were not intended for residential areas, unlike Putin who deliberately targets Ukrainian civilians, and has been doing so for over 2 years. Oh, and the remaining 35+ drones hit their targets, Russian military storage warehouses, a training/recruiting center, and more Russian oil/fuel tanks destroyed.