The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread

[hauritz]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1517253285496950786

Pretty serious losses for only 2 months, then add in this if confirmed

"Russian forces may be preparing to conscript Ukrainian citizens amid continuing recruitment challenges. The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported on April 20 that Russian occupation forces are planning to hold pseudo-referendums in occupied Zaporizhia and Kherson Oblasts to declare a forced mobilization and “throw ‘mobilized’ Ukrainians to the hottest parts of the front.”[1] If confirmed, this effort is highly unlikely to generate meaningful combat power and will provoke an uptick in protests and partisan actions against Russian forces in these regions. "

Institute for the Study of War

Russian forces made minor advances in the ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine on April 19, seizing several small towns and advancing into the key frontline towns of Rubizhne and Popasna. Russian forces continued major assaults with heavy air and

www.understandingwar.org

We've already seen a mobilization in LNR/DPR, by the looks of the troops it's pretty much every man that can hold a gun

View attachment 49184

Which leads to the questions, is Russia that desperate for any soldier they can get and how long can they keep going without at least going on the defensive?
Secondarily, Considering the amount of partisan activity in Kherson, I can't imagine handing a bunch of conscripts a gun is a good idea.

Along with more conscripts the Russian Army may need to order more body bags as well. I have been reading up a bit on the Russian army lately and was surprised to read that they lack NCOs.

Ukraine update: What is an 'NCO,' and why does Russia's lack of them cause them so much trouble

In any branch of the U.S. military, you can divide troops into two major categories: enlisted and officers. Officers are lieutenants, captains, majors, lieutenant colonels, colonels, and then generals. Officers are college-educated, having either gone...

www.dailykos.com

Basically they seem to rely on conscripts leading other conscripts. Explains why they are losing so many officers since there doesn't seem to be any effective chain of command.

From the videos I have seen of some Russian units in action I am thinking that my old paintball team could probably teach them a thing or two about skirmish tactics.

 

[Ananda]

have you got any data to support your position that it is just propaganda or is it just your opinion

Ok, do you accept Russian referendum results on Crimea ? That's referendum and basically on statistics base more dependent then pools. Still most in West would not accept any Russian originated referendum let alone polls.

That's my point, putting Ukranian polls is not have much different in quality then Russian ones. Remember I only question the Ukranian polls ones. But again fell free to believe any Ukranian polls.

 

[Feanor]

Along with more conscripts the Russian Army may need to order more body bags as well. I have been reading up a bit on the Russian army lately and was surprised to read that they lack NCOs.

Ukraine update: What is an 'NCO,' and why does Russia's lack of them cause them so much trouble

In any branch of the U.S. military, you can divide troops into two major categories: enlisted and officers. Officers are lieutenants, captains, majors, lieutenant colonels, colonels, and then generals. Officers are college-educated, having either gone...

www.dailykos.com

Basically they seem to rely on conscripts leading other conscripts. Explains why they are losing so many officers since there doesn't seem to be any effective chain of command.

From the videos I have seen of some Russian units in action I am thinking that my old paintball team could probably teach them a thing or two about skirmish tactics.

Russian conscripts tend to be led by contract soldier NCOs. They're nowhere near the standards of training that NCOs in western militaries have, but they're well ahead of the conscript NCOs that were the norm pre-Serdyukov. Russian units in Ukraine are almost exclusively contract soldiers to begin with. It's one of the reasons Russia leans on rebel reservists and Chechen volunteers. They don't want to use domestic conscripts because it could cause mass discontent at home.

 

[Feanor]

Update.

Kharkov-Sumy.

Ukrainian MANPADS operator using a Martlet to take down allegedly a Russian UAV.

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In Kharkov Russia hit a truck parking area near a Novaya Pochta delivery service. It's the second such location to be hit, and it's possible Ukrainian forces are using them as staging areas or for transporting military cargo.

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Russia has seized a munition storage facility in Balakleya.

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65-й арсенал ВСУ в Балаклее

65-й арсенал ВСУ в Балаклее Подъехало видео с 65-го арсенала ВСУ в Балаклее. Несмотря на то, что со складов шла незаконная торговля оружием, что-то было разворовано, что-то взорвано в ходе различных подрывов, а что-то уничтожено в ходе боевых действий, запасов там еще немало осталось.

colonelcassad.livejournal.com

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Russian forces allegedly heading towards Kharkov.

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A variety of Russian units moving through Kupyansk. These forces are likely headed to the Izyum salient.

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LNR forces in Kupyansk. I suspect we will see the rebel units more and more integrated with regular Russian army operations.

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Russian BMP-1AM in Kupyansk, this is the first sighting of the type on this conflict, and the vehicle hails from the Far East.

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Боевое крещение машины БМП-1АМ "Басурманин"

Боевая машина БМП-1АМ Басурманин 69-й бригады прикрытия одной из частей армейской группы V в ходе СВО.

altyn73.livejournal.com

Zaporozhye-Dnepropetrovsk.

Russian strikes in Zaporozhye.

Colonelcassad

Удары по Запорожью. 21.04.2022

t.me

Battle damage in Tokmak, allegedly from the recent Ukrainian Tochka strike.

Colonelcassad

Результаты вчерашнего удара ВСУ по городу Токмак. Одна из "Точек-У" разрушила птицефабрику. Ранее ее пытались выдать за военный объект.

t.me

Ukraine allegedly fired a Tochka at a Russian field hospital in Zaporozhye. Casualties and damage unclear at this time.

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Ukrainian An-26 went down in Zaporozhye. Allegedly an accident.

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Kherson-Nikolaev-Odessa.

Russia is using Bal AShM systems to strike ground targets. In principle a Kh-35U is usable against ground targets and has been done so in Syria. There are also some reports of them used from Su-34s over Ukraine. It's plausible they were able to launch the LACM variant from the standard launcher. Or they're using AShMs against ground targets.

Colonelcassad

Работа БРК "Бал" по целям на территории Украины.

t.me

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Russian strikes in Nikolaev continue.

Неофициальный Безсонов

В Николаеве сейчас так, до сих пор.

t.me

Рыбарь

Обстановка в Николаеве прямо сейчас. #Николаев #Украина @rybar *Поддержать нас: 4377 7278 0407 7977

t.me

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Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны

‼️Армия России наносит мощные удары по району Николаева Ранее отсюда ВСУ открывали огонь в сторону Херсона, занятого нашими войсками. t.me/RVvoenkor

t.me

Russia discloses casualties from the Moskva as 1 KIA, 27 WIA. This seems far too low.

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Russian security forces in Kherson.

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Засветился рейдовый бронированный автомобиль спецназа ФСБ ФТА-5901 Викинг

gurkhan.blogspot.com

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[Feanor]

The Izyum Salient.

Russian TOS-1 firing near Liman.

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Военное обозрение

Тяжёлая огнемётная система ТОС-1А «Солнцепёк» Вооруженные силы России уничтожает блокпост и блиндаж украинских боевиков в Лиманском районе на Славянском направлении

t.me

Ukrainian Varta captured near Izyum.

Военный Осведомитель

Захваченный на Изюмском направлении украинский бронеавтомобиль «Варта».

t.me

Captured T-64BVs, Ukrainian, in the Izyum salient towards Slavyansk-Kramatorsk.

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Weapons captured in the Izyum salient.

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Ukrainian forces have blown almost all the bridges towards Slavyansk.

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A Ukrainian territorial defense fighter from Izyum was apparently working for Russia all along. His name is Yuriy Kosenko and he helped Russian forces catch and destroyed a Ukrainian recon team, taking two POWs. He apparently requested his story to be published to inspire others to do the same.

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The LDNR Front.

Russia helos launching missiles, near Donetsk.

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Allegedly Russian air defenses firing over Kharcyzk, DNR area.

Рыбарь

Работа средств ПВО ВС РФ по перехвату воздушной цели над Харцызском (ДНР). Сегодняшний вечер, судя по данным местных источников, оказался весьма напряженным для подразделений ПВО. Только за последний час средства отработали по более чем десяти целям в разных районах ДНР. Работа ПВО...

t.me

Rebel artillery firing near Popasnaya.

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Rebel D-20s firing at Mar'inka.

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Abandoned Ukrainian T-64BM Bulat.

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Apparently Ukrainain POWs taken at Popasnaya.

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Russian and rebel forces in Popasnaya.

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Near Mar'inka, a Ukrainian technical was destroyed, carrying a .50 cal and allegedly a BMG.

Росич | Rosich | @rosich_rus

You can view and join @rosich_rus right away.

t.me

LNR forces have taken Kremennaya.

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Colonelcassad

Кременная после освобождения.

t.me

In the north LNR forces have reached the borders of Kharkov region. The Kharkov incursion area is now connected to the LNR held areas.

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Somali btln returning to Donetsk area.

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Mariupol'.

Old footage of DNR interior troops in action at the Il'yich plant.

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Old footage, DNR SpN in action, Mariupol'.

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Bombardment of Azovstal' continues. Russia has decided not to assault it, according to Putin to avoid casualties. Heavy shelling and bombardment will likely continue.

Zvezdanews

⚡️Огневые удары из РСЗО «Град» наносятся по националистам на «Азовстали» сегодня с самого утра, сообщает наш корреспондент. В то же время всем, кто до сих пор остается на промплощадке, постоянно предлагают сохранить жизни, сложить оружие и сдаться в плен.

t.me

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Russian armor in action, likely footage before the recent announcement that there won't be an assault on Azovstal'.

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Russian T-80BV in Mariupol'. Note, this is our first sighting of the type active there. Most of the assault was supported by T-72B3mod'16s, T-72Bs, and T-64BVs. It's possible this is a new unit to the area.

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DNR Somali Btln in Mariupol', presumably leaving town.

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Rebel fighters leaving Mariupol'. The label says reservists, but I suspect it's a mix. Also note they're riding Russian vehicles. It's quite plausible Russian vehicles are being used to add mobility to reservists rebel infantry. It's also plausible some vehicles were handed over.

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Rebel forces near Azovstal'.

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Chechen fighter with no body armor and a PPSh submachinegun in Mariupol'.

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Russian and rebel MChS working to clear the streets of Mariupol'.

МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫЙ ФАН

Наши корреспонденты сообщают, что в Мариуполе сотрудники и техника МЧС ДНР начали разбирать завалы драмтеатра и извлекать из-под обломков тела погибших. @riafan_everywhere

t.me

Battle damage in Mariupol'.

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Over 100 civilians exited through humanitarian corridors near Azovstal'. The civilians appear friendly to Russian and rebel soldiers.

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5 Ukrainian service members also exited Azovstal'.

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The West.

Russian strikes in Rovno region.

Dambiev

Вечерняя калибровка объектов военной инфраструктуры в Ровенской области Украины. 20 апреля 2022 года.

t.me

Misc.

Tank firing, presumably Russian or rebel. Location and context unclear.

Неофициальный Безсонов

Для связи: @Roman_oVZ ВК: https://vk.com/neoficialniybezsonov Поддержка канала: 2202 2036 5900 4800 (Сбер) 2200 7007 4040 8140 (Тинькофф)

t.me

Allegedly Russian SpN night ops. Location and context unclear.

Военный Осведомитель

Кадры работы российского спецназа по патрулю украинских сил.

t.me

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Russian SpN apparently ambushing a Ukrainian element. Location and context unclear.

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Allegedly Russian strike taking out a Ukrainian tank.

Старше Эдды

Писал сегодня про ночной бой, когда наша арта поразила танк и до взвода пехоты. Объективный контроль уничтожения украинского танка.

t.me

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Ukrainian Grads firing, location and context unclear.

Мужской Клуб Донбасса

"Грады" ВСУ работают рядом с опорой ЛЭП. Потом после прилёта ответки будет много воя.

t.me

Allegedly, overrun positions of Ukraine's 95th Para-Assault Bde. Warning footage of corpses. What I find significant is how many of the corpses look looted, and how many are missing shoes. I suspect this was a rebel unit, possibly even reservists.

Переход на Z.Soldier of Fortune.V

You can view and join @sofrezerv right away.

t.me

Ukrainian infiltrator team taken out by Russian forces, location and context unclear. Note the civilian vehicles and the captured munitions.

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Russian mortars firing, location and context unclear.

Военный Осведомитель

Эксклюзивные кадры ночной работы российских минометчиков по ВСУ. @milinfolive

t.me

Russian Smerch operations in Ukraine.

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Russian Su-34s over Ukraine.

Денацификация UA

На этих кадрах истребители-бомбардировщики Су-34 ВКС России наносят удары по укреплённым позициям и складам украинских вооружённых формирований

t.me

Russian CASEVAC from Ukraine, location and context unclear.

Росич | Rosich | @rosich_rus

You can view and join @rosich_rus right away.

t.me

Rare Russian BRDM-2A variant in Ukraine.

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Captured Ukrainian anti-tank weapons.

РаZвед_ДоZор

Пока старина Джо раздумывает о передаче новой партии «Джавелинов», ВСУ приходится использовать вот такие вот интересные устройства. Так и гляди с шашками на танки пойдут. #Демилитаризация На фото: - советский СПГ-9 образца 60-х годов; - чехословацкий РПГ-76 70-х годов; - американский M72 LAW...

t.me

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Uparmored Russian Tigrs in Ukraine.

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Russian National Guard returns to Volgograd from Ukraine.

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Volunteers from Kalmykia arrive in Ukraine.

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[Twain]

Ok, do you accept Russian referendum results on Crimea ? That's referendum and basically on statistics base more dependent then pools. Still most in West would not accept any Russian originated referendum let alone polls.

That's my point, putting Ukranian polls is not have much different in quality then Russian ones. Remember I only question the Ukranian polls ones. But again fell free to believe any Ukranian polls.

Do you realize one of the polls I posted was conducted in part by a russian polling firm?

"How they make pools on Crimea when they already under Russsia control. "

the poll you are referencing was conducted before russia took control of crimea

I just hate it when people try to pick something apart without even reading the linked information.

 

[T.C.P]

Kherson-Nikolaev-Odessa.

Russia is using Bal AShM systems to strike ground targets. In principle a Kh-35U is usable against ground targets and has been done so in Syria. There are also some reports of them used from Su-34s over Ukraine. It's plausible they were able to launch the LACM variant from the standard launcher. Or they're using AShMs against ground targets.

Colonelcassad

Работа БРК "Бал" по целям на территории Украины.

t.me

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There was a Russian video from March, where 4 P-800s were launching several salvos. So not the first time Russia has been using coastal defense missiles against land targets. Are they doing this for weapons testing or advertisement? Or is it because they dont have enough Iskander's and other land launched guided medium/long range missiles?

 

[Ananda]

just hate it when people try to pick something apart without even reading the linked information

Can you read that what I question is the polls that conduct by Ukranian ? I also question people that put something in online forum, and try to be defensive without reading the counter argument as whole context.

Yes it is done before Russian take over Crimea, but also already in Maidan environment. So Political bias is already matter. Do you accept Russian referendum results in Crimea ? Because it is clearly shown different results from the Polls (which raise question on validities of the polls).

If you question Russian referendum or their polls, then why do you accept Ukranian ones ? Again both Russian and Ukranian ones are questionable as both are done under Politically influence system which practically oligarchs based environment.

For me I don't want to take any polls conducted by both of them as reliable ones. However feel free to accept questionable Ukranian polls as reliable sources.

 

[Feanor]

There was a Russian video from March, where 4 P-800s were launching several salvos. So not the first time Russia has been using coastal defense missiles against land targets. Are they doing this for weapons testing or advertisement? Or is it because they dont have enough Iskander's and other land launched guided medium/long range missiles?

I suspect Russia has developed land-attack versions of them. Honestly the difference in launch setup between the Oniks family and the Kalibr family is completely artificial. They're so close together that with the right setup, the same VLS can do both. But without it, it can't (hence why it appears Russia's small missile ships and 11356 frigates can't carry Oniks variants). Why would they have two incompatible ground-based launchers? Poor planning and parallel developments. It should in principle be very easy to build a LACM variant (Brahmos anyone?) on the same TEL. Of course the really smart move would be to build launch containers for the Oniks family that can operate off of an Iskander TEL, and simply re-arm coastal troops with Iskander launchers. If they were maximizing for efficiency, they could even make it possible to launch X-35s off the same TEL (they're smaller after all).

 

[ngatimozart]

@Feanor The Chechen with the PPSh SMG, wonder how he managed to "acquire" one of those. Was it issued or "liberated"? Granted that they are good weapons but they are not modern weapons. However they would be ideal CQB weapons.

 

[Feanor]

@Feanor The Chechen with the PPSh SMG, wonder how he managed to "acquire" one of those. Was it issued or "liberated"? Granted that they are good weapons but they are not modern weapons. However they would be ideal CQB weapons.

It's an open question. I strongly doubt it was issued. Far likelier he found it in the warzone. In '14 a large number of frankly antique weapons went into circulation, including PTRDs, DP-27s, Soviet Maxim guns, etc. Some came from old weapon storage facilities near Artemovsk. Some came from Ukrainian Ministry of Interior storehouses, as Avakov was the first to arm his fellow right-wingers from government arsenals.

 

[ngatimozart]

It's an open question. I strongly doubt it was issued. Far likelier he found it in the warzone. In '14 a large number of frankly antique weapons went into circulation, including PTRDs, DP-27s, Soviet Maxim guns, etc. Some came from old weapon storage facilities near Artemovsk. Some came from Ukrainian Ministry of Interior storehouses, as Avakov was the first to arm his fellow right-wingers from government arsenals.

Hmm, maybe I should volunteer. Wouldn't mind a couple of PPSh myself Our current PM would probably get her undies in a twist if I did and followed Kiwi military practice of returning home with plenty of battlefield souvenirs that we just happened to stumble across, or fell off the back of a truck so to speak. One lot from WW2 bought a complete altar back from an Italian Roman Catholic parish church including the back part with all the decoration. Think it stood about 5m high. They returned it about 10 years ago.

 

[Feanor]

Hmm, maybe I should volunteer. Wouldn't mind a couple of PPSh myself Our current PM would probably get her undies in a twist if I did and followed Kiwi military practice of returning home with plenty of battlefield souvenirs that we just happened to stumble across, or fell off the back of a truck so to speak. One lot from WW2 bought a complete altar back from an Italian Roman Catholic parish church including the back part with all the decoration. Think it stood about 5m high. They returned it about 10 years ago.

It's a good question of what you could loot weapon-wise from war zone these days. There are a lot of uncontrolled weapons floating around Ukraine on both sides of the front line. Given the flood of western small arms, if Soviet antiques are your flavor, you may have to maneuver where exactly in the war you end up. Probably cozy up to the Ukrainian MVD, they're the ones most in touch with older weapons, from what I saw.

 

[ngatimozart]

Loot is such an unkind word. It is known as "liberating" .

 

[Rock the kasbah]

Loot is such an unkind word. It is known as "liberating" .

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/79/551/russian-ppsh41-submachine-gun

I might think if you came from Georgia, Somalia etc it may be quite the incentive
Bloody hell that's alot of money

 

[CumbrianRover]

Ukraine already has heavy artillery including SPGs. The guns which have been announced as being given are not a very large addition to numbers, though they may be more valuable than the raw numbers suggest, especially as they seem to be accompanied by lots of ammunition.

Is not a major benefit that of range?

Hence, if, they can over match Russian guns, they can push back RusMil but only by coordinated move forward; those are tactics that need time to perfect.

 

[John Fedup]

Junior has decided to provide 4 M777 guns from our inventory of 37. Considering his government nor any future government is likely to commit Canadian soldiers together with these guns to any conflict short of WW3, 10 would seem to be reasonable. Similarly, we have hundreds of LAVs that would be useful.

More Canadian weapons, including heavy artillery, arrive in Ukraine

The federal government announced that an unspecified number of M777 howitzers and the ammunition they require have now been sent

nationalpost.com

 

[STURM]

Similarly, we have hundreds of LAVs that would be useful.

Given the situation the Ukraine is in; almost anything would be useful but certain things would be more practical than others. As far as possible; the Ukrainians should be provided with stuff which they can easily operate due to familiarity and stuff which will not result in commonality issues.

 

[John Fedup]

Given the situation the Ukraine is in; almost anything would be useful but certain things would be more practical than others. As far as possible; the Ukrainians should be provided with stuff which they can easily operate due to familiarity and stuff which will not result in commonality issues.

I guess the problem with familiar kit now is sourcing it. Inventories from former Warsaw Pact countries must be getting low. The M777s that Canada and the US are providing will require some training but it should be minimal compared to Western MBTs, helicopters, or fighters.

 

[StobieWan]

Given the situation the Ukraine is in; almost anything would be useful but certain things would be more practical than others. As far as possible; the Ukrainians should be provided with stuff which they can easily operate due to familiarity and stuff which will not result in commonality issues.

Which is an excellent point - but I think we're starting to run out of immediately available items to transfer that are already in operation, and it's also starting to look like the Ukrainians can hang on a bit longer, making at least some items which require not too much training to be feasible to move over.

Certainly, yes, giving them a few dozen MBT's with a completely novel spares chain and training path is still less than useful however.