Russia

[dawg80]

Whoa! a collection of videos of Russian wives, and in some cases, parents, complaining about the amount of money they received are will receive if their soldier (husband or son) is killed. One hopeful widow is openly rooting for her husband to be killed, rather than just wounded, since the payoff is higher for a KIA and besides, she says, she doesn't want to be stuck caring for a wounded husband soldier. One young (and attractive) widow posted photos and videos of her vacationing in the Maldives on a beach, and she says she doesn't care what people say as she is dealing with the death of her husband by really enjoying life! Goody! Another video was of parents demanding more money for the loss of their son.

Now, some of you will say, well, the same type of thing happens when a family sues for a wrongful death in an accident or something. True, but you don't see the level of cold-equation that comes through in these videos. Russia is a different culture where human life and human dignity is simply not respected.

[dawg80]

Really cool video footage of a large Ukrainian attack drone closing in on a Putin oil storage facility. The drone is guided by an operator who uses the camera to steer the drone onto the target. This one happened at Sochi, on the coast of the Black Sea, a large oil transport facility. The drone is about 50 feet up, skimming low over the sea, approaching the coast. It is dusk the sun is setting behind the drone. The sun's rays light up the target, large metal storage tanks reflecting the light. The Russian defenders use a patrol boat and an attack helicopter to attack the incoming drone. You can see rockets and tracers passing near the drone, but none hit. Then still several miles out the Russians launch their S-300 missiles, these explode near a target sending shrapnel in all directions, designed to take down a flying craft. S-300s pack enough punch to take down advanced fighter jet-bombers, provided enough of the shrapnel hits the target. Amazingly the Ukran drone has a small radar detection system which detects the approaching S-300 missiles and zig zags to avoid them. Five S-300s exploded fairly close but each time the drone was able to swerve and avoid the worst of the shrapnel. It did sustain a couple of hits but not in any crucial part of the drone. About a minute later the drone zeros in on a large oil storage tank...kaboom! Awesome FPV footage. Same thing the Ukrainian drone operator sees as he guides the drone.

This represents the very latest in drone technology. The Ukrainians launch these attack drones from back in the Kherson Oblast some 485 miles away. Navigating at low altitudes, mostly over open water (the Black Sea) and then bam! smack on target. My understanding is Ukraine, lacking satellites of their own, use US military satellites and Elon Musk's Starlink system for guidance. Ukraine will also "ping" Russian cell towers when those are available which helps immensely when over land. This is why Putin has ordered blackouts on cell phone usage at times near his critical infrastructure.

Cool stuff.

[dawg80]

Ukraine struck Putin's large Shahed drone manufacturing facility, located about 800 miles inside of Russia. This is at Yaluga. Early reports show minimal damage as Ukraine can only use its long-range drones for such attacks, and the Russians have heavily defended the facility. But this promises to be only the first of many attacks to come. This facility needs to be reduced to smoldering ruins.

[dawg80]

Well...Trump has deployed two nuke subs to "take up stations near Russia" and today US troops join British troops deploying to the Poland-Ukraine border.

An advanced detachment of US Marines and the US 2nd Cavalry (US Army) are in Poland. A video just released from a city in Poland as the US convoy passed through. Local people turned out to welcome and cheer the US troops. Locals interviewed had tears of joy as they expressed their appreciation of the US troops arriving. Putin has said Poland is on his list to annex, ah, but that'll never happen as he can't get past eastern Ukraine. But the Poles are understandably concerned anyway. Anyway, most importantly, the US is demonstrating a commitment to our NATO pledge.

In addition to these and other ground units being sent to Poland, now the US has deployed 12 F-22 Raptors to Poland. These jets belong to the 90th Fighter Wing HQed in Alaska. Polish media were invited to the airbase to watch and record the arrival of the Raptors. This is all about flexing some muscle as a warning to Putin, and to demonstrate the US's commitment to supporting NATO allies.

The F-22 has often been maligned as not being all it is made out to be. But pundits, and US pilots, know its capability. The Raptor would be the most capable fighter in eastern Europe should it be involved in combat with Russia. The Russian SU-57, their best, is a fine airplane, very capable, but it would lose a dogfight to the Raptor.

[dawg80]

More strikes on Putin's O&G industry. Last night the large refinery at Saratov was struck, fires raging there still.

Since the very beginning of the war Russians have, in small numbers, defected to Ukraine. But in recent months those numbers are exploding and as they do Russian soldiers are betraying their former comrades. For instance, near Kherson, 32 Russians came over to the good side, and as they did, they shared information on the location of hidden Russian equipment, supplies, HQ, and location of troops. Immediately, acting on that info, Ukran drones destroyed 6 Russian T-62 tanks which had been carefully camouflaged in a thick wooded area. Supplies, a battalion HQ bunker, and about 50 Russians were all taken out using the provided intelligence.

Russian soldiers, who have either been captured or willingly surrendered have been sharing information about what is going on in Putin's army. There is sabotage of equipment, most notably radios, such that that unit can say they never received orders to attack. Instead, they were able to remain safe in their trench. When confronted by higher-ups, they would say, sorry our radio doesn't work. The same thing has been happening with equipment, usually tanks and APCs, crews sabotage their vehicles so they can't enter the combat zone and most likely end up toast.

There's a YouTube video that documents this trend in detail. The premise is Putin is losing the war in Ukraine and at home. Russia, the people, are sick and tired of this illegal/evil war. Most know Putin is in the wrong and want the war to end.

[dawg80]

Putin living on borrowed time! This is amazing. There was an earthquake in Kamchatka this year. Historically, the following Russian/Soviet leaders all died within a year of an earthquake in Kamchatka: Lenin, Stalin, Yeltsin. Note each of their names ended in "in," just like Putin. Just saying!

On the battle front, Russia is pushing hard to seize Pokrosvk, and looks like they will take it fairly soon. Reported that they have committed 100,000 troops to the effort and are making progress on both flanks. This is the big prize for Putin prior to the onset of winter.

In Sumy the Ukrainians achieved total victory. Two units of the Azov Corps, the 33rd Assault Regiment and the 24th Special Azov Battalion, supported by aircraft and artillery, and drones too of course, crushed all Russian forces present in Sumy, chased the survivors back across the border, and have taken up positions inside of Russia, this in the Bryansk Oblast (Russia). This is significant for more than just the tactical victory as it places Ukrainian forces at a major intersection of two roads in the region. The Ukrans also captured/destroyed a critical communication station, a drone operation HQ, and tons of ammo and supplies. The Russians suffered about 150 KIA, 200+ wounded, and 100+ captured, including the confirmed deaths of the Russian brigade commander and most of his staff. Ukrainian losses were fewer than 30 killed/wounded. This setback for Putin/Russia assures the entire northern sector of the front is safe in Ukrainian hands until next spring at least.

But, Putin is focused on the eastern sector of the front for the rest of this year anyway. It's also quiet in the southern sector, where actually, Ukraine is enjoying small gains along the Dnieper River basin. Recently Ukran forces routed Russian forces on two islands in the basin. For their part, Russia is trying to isolate the industrial "triangle" of Kherson City by bombing the lone bridge which connects that area to the rest of the city. So far, despite 8 direct hits, the large concrete bridge is still standing. It does have holes which have to be driven around though. All civilians have been evacuated, and only Ukrainian troops are in the "triangle."

In summary, Pokrosvk is very likely to be taken by the Russians. Putin will celebrate that as a huge victory. But, unlike what was previously thought, that will NOT give him the whole of the Donetsk Oblast. Nope, sorry! The Ukrainians have been busy building defensive works west of Pokrosvk and no way will the Russians be able to get through those before winter sets in.

[dawg80]

In addition to these and other ground units being sent to Poland, now the US has deployed 12 F-22 Raptors to Poland. These jets belong to the 90th Fighter Wing HQed in Alaska. Polish media were invited to the airbase to watch and record the arrival of the Raptors. This is all about flexing some muscle as a warning to Putin, and to demonstrate the US's commitment to supporting NATO allies.

The F-22 has often been maligned as not being all it is made out to be. But pundits, and US pilots, know its capability. The Raptor would be the most capable fighter in eastern Europe should it be involved in combat with Russia. The Russian SU-57, their best, is a fine airplane, very capable, but it would lose a dogfight to the Raptor.

More US units have relocated to Poland, including the 3/10, or its advance logistics units. Also, a battalion of the 2nd Armored Brigade has entered Poland. The Brits have also sent in troops and equipment. Hopefully, this is nothing more than a show of force to discourage the stupid Putin from actually invading a NATO country.

[dawg80]

Whether by accident or design, the Russians smashed a homerun yesterday. Instead of continuing to attack/advance to the south, in their effort to encircle Pokrosvk, the Russians attacked straight west and found little to no resistance penetrating the main, and last, Ukranian defensive line in the Donestsk Oblast. The Ukrainians were not prepared at all and they, everyone, expected the Russians to continue southward. All Ukraine had in the area, and on the line, were engineers, logistics, and one company of the Home Guard, about 150 soldiers. The Russians burst from a wooded area on two vectors, about a 1/2 mile apart, with a full battalion of regulars on each, supported by armor, drones, and artillery. At least 1,000 Russian infantry easily swept aside the meager resistance, got through the defensive works in the two places, and immediately seized the highway that runs behind the defensive line.

This is the good news for the Russians. The bad news is this attack vector, along one road, now stretches like a snake for some 20 miles from the bulk of the Russian army, and their support, supply, and reinforcements. The race is on to see who can get troops into this area first. This is not the first time the Russians have enjoyed a success like this. In the previous events, the two sides are about 50-50 in what happens next. But, most pundits are leaning toward the Russians winning this one as they have flooded the Pokrosvk area with a reported 100,000 troops. If that is anywhere close to the real number then Ukraine cannot possibly match this move.

This is HUGE for Putin, HUGE!!! Pokrosvk will assuredly be evacuated by Ukraine now, and even their prepared defensive line to west, to hold onto Donetsk, may already be compromised. Putin will surely use this as a bargaining chip in his bro meeting with Trump in Russia** this Friday.



** twice in his press conference yesterday Trump referred to his pending meeting Friday with Putin "in Russia." He made that mistake twice, saying "in Russia." Trump is losing his mind. Either that or he is planning to hand Alaska over to Russia.

[PawDawg]

** You keep buying in to the leftist sources you get information from.

He’s Having the meeting in Alaska to rub Putin’s nose in the fact that Russia sold it to us. Every reference Trump makes to the meeting in Alaska is part of his game. You and the lefties are getting stirred up because he’s not being “presidential”

[dawg80]

** You keep buying in to the leftist sources you get information from.

He’s Having the meeting in Alaska to rub Putin’s nose in the fact that Russia sold it to us. Every reference Trump makes to the meeting in Alaska is part of his game. You and the lefties are getting stirred up because he’s not being “presidential”

Well, I certainly hope so.

[dawg80]

Whether by accident or design, the Russians smashed a homerun yesterday. Instead of continuing to attack/advance to the south, in their effort to encircle Pokrosvk, the Russians attacked straight west and found little to no resistance penetrating the main, and last, Ukranian defensive line in the Donestsk Oblast. The Ukrainians were not prepared at all and they, everyone, expected the Russians to continue southward. All Ukraine had in the area, and on the line, were engineers, logistics, and one company of the Home Guard, about 150 soldiers. The Russians burst from a wooded area on two vectors, about a 1/2 mile apart, with a full battalion of regulars on each, supported by armor, drones, and artillery. At least 1,000 Russian infantry easily swept aside the meager resistance, got through the defensive works in the two places, and immediately seized the highway that runs behind the defensive line.

This is the good news for the Russians. The bad news is this attack vector, along one road, now stretches like a snake for some 20 miles from the bulk of the Russian army, and their support, supply, and reinforcements. The race is on to see who can get troops into this area first. This is not the first time the Russians have enjoyed a success like this. In the previous events, the two sides are about 50-50 in what happens next. But, most pundits are leaning toward the Russians winning this one as they have flooded the Pokrosvk area with a reported 100,000 troops. If that is anywhere close to the real number then Ukraine cannot possibly match this move.

This is HUGE for Putin, HUGE!!! Pokrosvk will assuredly be evacuated by Ukraine now, and even their prepared defensive line to west, to hold onto Donetsk, may already be compromised. Putin will surely use this as a bargaining chip in his bro meeting with Trump in Russia** this Friday.

The Azov Corps, or elements of it, have been deployed west of Pokrosvk to reverse the breakthrough. If any unit(s) can get it done, the Azov can.

[dawg80]

The Azov unit present has already dispatched one of the attack vectors, the one to the west. Azov spokesman says 150 Russians were KIA, 100+ wounded/captured, the survivors retreated back toward the Russian line of advance toward the north. The Russians have attacked north, away from Pokrovsk, using a main road which passes through a wooded area. This attack vector split into two resembling rabbit ears on a map. Azov spokesman declined to confirm the identity of the units present, but one YouTuber speculates it is the 3rd Assault Regiment and the 12th National Guard Regiment as they were known to have been closest to the area, just last week. What is known these fresh Ukrainian troops are in the Azov 3rd Corps, which is composed of three brigades and various other infantry units, plus an armored brigade, artillery brigade, a specialized drone battalion, and logistics. We do know two Azov units, the 24th and the 33rd, are up in Sumy.

The Azov Corps is known as "the firefighters" being dispatched to critical locations along the front to "put out fires" i.e. deal with a precarious situation.

While the Ukrans enjoyed success today, the situation is still very dangerous. Putin is pouring reinforcements into the area. Recently, before this breakthrough, official sources for the Kyiv government said there are 100,000 Russian troops crowding into the Pokrovsk pocket. They have advanced about 2/3 of the way around Pokrovsk, and now there is only one major highway that Ukraine holds, and even it is subjected to artillery and drone attacks. Last report had fewer than 7,000 Ukrainian troops still in the city, and no way can Ukraine mount sufficient reinforcements to relieve the pressure. Pokrovsk, like Bakhmut and Avdiivka, will fall, just a matter of time.

Putin wants Pokrovsk in his pocket by Friday so he can hold it as a bargaining chip in his summit with Trump. This might have happened for sure had the Russians not veered off, away from the city, in the two advance vectors. Now a large portion of their force north of Pokrovsk is 6 miles further away and units of the Azov Corps are attempting to cut them off. Doubtful, against such odds, Ukraine can ultimately prevail, but it will delay the taking of Pokrovsk past this Friday, most assuredly.

[dawg80]

Update: the elite 47th Armored Brigade, 1st Azov Corps, has arrived in the area. The 47th is best known for holding the northeastern sector of the Kursk Salient for some 8 months against nearly impossible odds, inflicting huge losses on the Russians. The brigade withdrew from the Kursk Salient in good order, and it was their departure that finally allowed the Russians to retake the ground. One battalion is confirmed joining the fighting north of Pokrovsk. The brigade has two more combat battalions, and a supply/HQ battalion. It is equipped with Bradleys, Abrams tanks, and Leopard II tanks.

[dawg80]

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to degrade Putin's infrastructure attacking railroads, pipelines, bridges, power plants, O&G facilities, etc. The latest big hit was the total destruction of a key oil pipeline hub/pumping station. Surprised it took this long to hit it given it is located just 40 miles inside of Russia in the Bryansk Oblast. This hub is the distribution point taking the oil coming in a major pipeline and sending that oil in four directions, one feeds Belarus' oil needs, and one takes the oil to a port on the Baltic Sea where it is transferred to Putin's Shadow Fleet oil tankers. By destroying the hub all the oil proceeding west is now cut off, pending repairs to the station. Simple, inexpensive drones were used by Ukraine to utterly destroy the site. The Russians, for their part, must have anticipated this attack as to their credit they had installed a shutoff valve in the major pipeline about 3 miles east from the hub. It was staffed 24/7 and just as soon as the drones struck the valve was turned shutting off the flow of oil. That has saved thousands of barrels of oil from going up in flames and allowed firefighters a chance to control the fire burning at the station. But, of course, this doesn't help Putin raise funds to continue his evil war. And most certainly, Ukraine will simply strike the hub again once it is repaired.

It is no longer "news" when Ukrainian drones strike some Putin infrastructure. It is occurring nightly/daily across all of Russia. Has become so routine that the Number 1 Russian TV Network reports on the strikes like it was the weather.

[dawg80]

Some details on the fight at Pokrovsk, according to one YouTube channel, Kanal 13. This channel is usually reliable and often the first to report breaking news. They have reporters embedded in the Ukrainian army and so can gather/report news quickly.

According to Kanal 13 the primary Ukrainian unit defending Pokrovsk is the 4th Frontier Brigade, and it is supported by various independent units, the most significant being the Special "Typhoon" Battalion, which is an elite, battle-hardened veteran unit. There are also five Home Guard battalions in the area lending support and back-up to the regulars. These "Home Guard" units are a hodge-podge of veterans mixed in with basically amateur volunteers, and usually they have older weapons/equipment. The "Home Guard" is clearly distinguished from "National Guard" units which are army regulars, well-trained and equipped. A typical Home Guard battalion is composed of three companies totaling about 250-275 soldiers.

The deputy-commander of the 4th Frontier Brigade was interviewed by a reporter of Kanal 13 and he insists that the reported Russian "successes" are greatly exaggerated by panicked media. He says, yes, the Orcs are piling into the region but they are not making any progress toward closing the circle around Pokrovsk. Which is why they turned 180 degrees and launched that offensive northward, away from the city. He said it was true we (Ukraine) had not anticipated such a move and we had practically no units in that direction. He joked that there were Ukrainian deer and rabbits in the woods but they put up only light resistance against the Orcs.

With the deployment of elements of the 1st Azov Corps, if this is true, we should see positive results soon.