The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Oskol Front.

Russia striking alleged Ukrainian positions near Kupyansk.


Chechen fighters near Kremennaya, in dug in positions. You can also see the arrival of 200 new volunteer fighters that went through the training center in Gudermes.


LDNR Front.

DNR 11th rgt striking targets in Pervomayskoe. Note rebel forces have taken the outskirts of the village, but haven't been able to advance, after taking Peski.


Ukrainian positions near Mayorsk, just north of Donetsk, getting hit.


Large fire burns in Avdeevka. Presumably a Russian/rebel strike.


Allegedly a Ukrainian armored vehicle getting hit near Gorlovka. Can't really tell what type it is, but it definitely looks like a vehicle.


An allegedly Ukrainain BMP (2?) burns near Artemovsk/Bakhmut.


Quadcopter strike on a car near Gorlovka.


Sparta btln dropping munitions on Ukrainian forces near Optynoe. Allegedly a failed Ukrainian counter-attack.


Shellings of Donetsk continue.


A Russian unit in Lugansk region, we see a Strela-10 battery, a single T-72B3, and a bunch of MT-LBs likely being used as APCs, then some trucks, including towing what look like very small artillery pieces. I can't identify the type. It's interesting that there are no Z markings.


Another look at the LNR S-60 guntrucks.


Russian aircraft over Torez, Donetsk region.


Russian Su-25 near Artemovsk/Bakhmut.


Russia.

In Eysk, southern Russia, an Su-34 crashed into a residential building. Given the location it's almost guaranteed the base there supports Russian operations in Ukraine. The pilots apparently ejected.


Belaya Berezka village, Bryansk region, got hit.


An A-50 was spotted over Crimea. The type has been spotted more frequently lately, suggesting increased activity in line with Russia's air campaign.


Mobilized personnel training in Murmansk, note they're carrying AK-12s.


Russian mobilized personnel training fire and movement. It's starting to look like some mobilized units are past the most basic training and moving on to small unit tactics exercises.


Russian mobilized personnel complained on social media that they were issued fake body armor. But upon testing it with live fire, discovered it was real.


Equipment movements in Russia, a BTR-82A and Tigr column in Taganrog (1st), S-60s pulled from storage being transported somewhere (2nd).


The newly formed 78th Motor-Rifle Rgt is preparing for deployment to Ukraine. Note the BTR-82As, the MRAPs, and armored Kamaz trucks (the ones with tents and roof hatches). This is a newly formed unit with all new equipment. The scarcity of APCs and IFVs, and total lack of tanks and artillery, is noteworthy. Even wheeled light armor is rare, we have ~20 MRAPs and ~30 BTR-82As. So likely one btln rides BTR-82As, and some elements ride MRAPs, the rest - trucks, possibly armored, but not nearly to this level. There are some 120mm mortars, this is likely all their indirect fire support.


Some strange looking volunteers in Russia, with Turkish flag patches and a Turkish flag.


There are reports that Russia has stepped up fuel deliveries to the armed forces.


Misc.

Allegedly a Ukrainian BMP getting hit, location and context unclear.


Ukrainian fuel truck and excavator destroyed, Russian strikes/shelling.


Ukraine shows off the captured Mhajoer-6 that Russia managed to "drop" into the Black Sea.


A look at Ukrainian positions through a quadcopter's thermals at night. Location and context unclear.


Russia developed an acoustic and thermal based counter-battery system called 1B76 Penicillin that was apparently used in Ukraine.


4 Ukrainian Su-27s at once. It's unclear how many remain operational.


Russian National Guard operating a captured T-64BV. This haphazard addition of vehicles to units is likely a reflection of how unprepared the troops of interior are for a real war.


Another uparmored Russian truck, this one looks better then many of the others.


Russian FSB guntruck, a UAZ with an SPG-9 in the back.


More footage of T-90Ms in Ukraine.


Belarus.

Belarussian BTR-82A and BTR-80 column moving around.


Troops trains in Belarus, we have a 2S5 unit with new tactical markings (1st)


Belarussian Ministry of Emergency Situations has reported received weapons. They do have a civil defense mandate, but this is an alarm bell for me.


Belarus has reportedly increased border security near Ukraine.

 

STURM

Well-Known Member
An A-50 was spotted over Crimea. The type has been spotted more frequently lately, suggesting increased activity in line with Russia's air campaign.
I wonder if these are employed more for air space/battle management or early warning. I read somewhere a while back that the Russians have a very different approach with regards to such platforms. For that matter so did the Swedes. When Eriye first entered service it was used heavily as an airborne relay platform for various sensors or something to the effect; according to an article in Air Forces Monthly years ago.

Some strange looking volunteers in Russia, with Turkish flag patches and a Turkish flag.
There are ethnic Turks. At first it was thought that there were volunteers from Turkey but from their accents it was determined that they're Turkish speaking Russian citizens; Ahiska Turks.

Russia developed an acoustic and thermal based counter-battery system called 1B76 Penicillin that was apparently used in Ukraine.
Very interesting.
 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update. Oct 18th-22nd

A dramatic satellite view of Ukraine's power situation. You can easily see the old LDNR areas, and Crimea.


Kherson-Nikolaev-Odessa-Krivoy Rog.

Russian loitering munition Kub strike near Nikolaev.


Russian strikes in Nikolaev continue.


Ukrainian strikes against the Russian crossing near the Antonov bridge, Kherson. One of the interesting facets of this war has been that both sides have had situation where they can deliver ample strikes against enemy river crossings. Yet neither side has been able to destroy the other's crossings.


Destroyed Ukrainian T-72 with mine trawl and MT-LB, Kherson region. Warning footage of corpses.


A BTR-4 and Ukrainian armored car, allegedly both destroyed. We don't get a good look and the damage isn't obvious, but both are parked at a pretty odd angle.


A destroyed Ukrainian column, Kherson region. Unclear if this is recent or old, the equipment is completely burned out.


A captured M-113. It's probably the same one we've seen twice already.


A captured Ukrainian BMP-2 near Kherson.


Ukrainian sources report recent Russian strikes in Krivoy Rog damaging energy infrastructure.


A group of Ukrainian POWs captured during a recent failed attack. I count 5.


The West.

Burshtynskaya TES in Ivano-Frankovsk got hit. Reportedly 4 impacts.


Russian strikes against the Ladyzhinskaya TES in Vinnitsa, again. There is a clear pattern of follow-up strikes against targets not completely destroyed. This suggests that the current "infrastructure war" will continue.


Russian missile over Chernovitskaya region.


Russian strikes against energy infrastructure in Rovno and reports of strikes in Volyn.


Zaporozhye-Dnepropetrovsk.

Footage of the recent strikes against Energodar city administration.


The North.

Russian strikes in Chernigov.


One of the targets hit in Kiev is the Kommunar factory, that reportedly produces the Neptune AShM.


Russian Kh-101 over Kiev. Despite the heavy use of Shahed-136, other munitions remain in regular use also.


Kiev stands dark due to power issues.


Oskol Front.

Russian artillery strikes against alleged Ukrainian positions in the tree-line near Kupyansk.


Russian strikes in Kharkov are reported.


There are reports of some Russian gains north-east of Kupyansk, namely the village of Gorobyevka, and pushing into the neighboring Dvurechnoye. This might a local front correction due to overextended Ukrainian lines. No major counter-offensive reported at this time.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
LDNR Front.

Shelling of Donetsk continues, note the incendiaries being used. Warning footage of corpses.


Russian T-80BVs from the 57th Mech Bde providing fire support to Wagner Group infantry near Artemovsk/Bakhmut.


Allegedly an M-113 getting taken out at night by DNR forces using an ATGM near Vodyanoe. They're firing at some vehicle but I can't tell what it is.


Russian SpN delivering AGS-17 fires, near Starobel'sk, Lugansk region.


Fighting near Yakovlevka, Ukraine apparently lost a tank, a BMP-1, and allegedly a pickup truck. Another tank, knocked out, was allegedly evacuated by Ukrainian forces.


Sparta btln capturing a Ukrainian soldier.


Battle damage in Artemovsk/Bakhmut.


Russia.

Russian air defenses firing, Belgorod region.


A substation in Belgorod got hit, leading to blackouts, and an industrial object in Shebekino. There also reports of sporadic shelling of the town of Shebekino, leading to civilian casualties.


A Ukrainian UAV was apparently downed in Ivanovka, Crimea. I can't ID the type but it's quite large.


Russian Tu-95 spotted over Crimea.


Russia has reportedly begun construction of fortifications in Belgorod region.


Russian mobilized personnel training on a quadcopter, how to drop grenades, Murmansk area.


Russian mobilized personnel training on T-64MVs, D-30s and mortars, Russian Far East. Note the D-30s? The ones we recently heard referred to as being quite out of date. The T-62MVs are upgraded with new sights, including a thermal sight. It's interesting that despite spending the time to install relatively advanced new sights, they didn't bother installing K-1 over the spot where the IR projector used to.


Russia is reportedly launching a temporary relocation of civilians out of the border areas of Belgorod region.


Misc.

Russian Lancet strike against alleged Ukrainian positions and vehicles. Again I have to question the wisdom of using them in this manner.


Another series of Russian loitering munition strikes. Two are against radars, they also hit a Msta-B howitzer, an Ural 4320 truck, and a T-64BV. I'm suspicious of the radar strikes. In each case the radar is set up by itself, in the open, in what looks like the middle of a field. They look like real radars but they're not spinning. I can't help but wonder if these are non-functioning radars that Ukraine has given up on trying to repair being used as decoys.


Russian ATGM strike against a group of Ukrainian infantry.


Russian UR-77 getting hit by bomblets from a quadcopter. Location and context unclear.


Reportedly Ukrainian TOW usage against a Russian vehicle. Location and context unclear.


A Ukrainian fighter launches a missile that fails and explodes in midair.


Alleged Ukrainian munition storage getting hit.


Reportedly a failed Ukrainian attack. We have a knocked out tank and multiple KIAs. Location unclear but the landscape makes me think of Kherson or Zaporozhye area. Warning footage of corpses.


Reportedly a Ukrainian vehicle crew got taken out while trying to set up or remove a Starlink antenna. Location and context unclear.


Allegedly footage of BARS-8 in combat. However I have some doubts. Note the kitted out rifle of the guy filming. They're speaking Russian and they're using red arm bands, something Russian troops did do at one point in this conflict. I suspect this is either Russian SpN/recon, or possibly even a Ukrainian unit using red arm bands.


Ukrainian tank, after hitting a landmine. Location and context unclear.


Ukraine's 28th Mech Bde, apparently a failed attack. We have two knocked out T-64s, one might be a Bulat, a destroyed BRDM-2 and MT-LB. The MT-LB is a MEDEVAC variant so it might have gotten hit while trying to evacuate wounded from the other vehicles. Location unclear. Warning footage of corpses.


A couple of Russian prankers called Sergey Pashinskiy, a Ukrainian defense industry official, and in the call he stated that Russia shot down all of Ukraine's Bayraktars early in the war. This lines up with what we've seen. Initially the facility they're based in got hit hard, and they weren't active, but after the initial strike they rebased and began operating quite actively for a while. Then all mention of them dropped off. Then additional ones were provided by Turkey and they got active again for a while. Claims of downings came from Chernigov area in particular, with some confirmation. Then they were almost unheard of again. There was another burst of activity from them with the situation around Zmeiniy, followed by Russian claims of shoot-downs and strikes against their basing facilities, and since then it's been quiet again. This actually dovetails nicely with Russian use of Orions. Both types seem to be relatively vulnerable to air defense assets, and not very survivable in contested airspace.

He also stated that allegedly Ukraine is running out of S-300 and Buk missiles in October-November.


Igor Girkin/Strelkov has been spotted in Ukraine.


Unusual transport activity has been seen in Yazd, Iran, the location of one of their missile bases. This might be the start of missile deliveries to Russia.


Another video of the HEMTT spotted in Ukraine.


Russian T-90M somewhere in Ukraine.


Russian Tornado-U trucks in Ukraine, allegedly delivering humanitarian aid.


There are unconfirmed reports of Ukraine using Azeri MiG-29s that were undergoing repairs in Ukraine during the current war.


Russian T-72B3 uparmored haphazardly.


Belarus.


Russian A-50 and MiG-31s spotted over Belarus.


The new tactical marking of the joint Russo-Belorussian grouping is a white triangle with something inside of it. We have an Uragan column and a BTR-82A column.


NATO/EU.

Ukraine has reported receiving the first Greek BMP-1s.


Old Finnish M/50 frag grenades re-manufactured from mortar shells after WWII.


Lithuanian forces have been spotted during training exercises near the Belarussian border, wearing red bands.

 

seaspear

Well-Known Member
There is an allegation on a utube site that Russian parolees are now being sent to Ukraine via Wagner as part of the call up without the previous offer to convicts to volunteer ,there was earlier rhetoric by Russian television commentators that focused on the types of people to be sent to the Ukraine that seemed highly emotive at the time and was posted in this forum ,
This article suggests there is a sizeable population still to obtain "recruits" from
Russia’s prison population falls to a record low – still large by European standards, but far smaller than US’ — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
There is an allegation on a utube site that Russian parolees are now being sent to Ukraine via Wagner as part of the call up without the previous offer to convicts to volunteer ,there was earlier rhetoric by Russian television commentators that focused on the types of people to be sent to the Ukraine that seemed highly emotive at the time and was posted in this forum ,
This article suggests there is a sizeable population still to obtain "recruits" from
Russia’s prison population falls to a record low – still large by European standards, but far smaller than US’ — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
This isn't a new trend. Russian prison population has been steadily dropping. However it's entirely plausible that Russia is tapping them for service. I'm not sure why you think they would serve outside the existing pipeline, I haven't seen evidence of that.
 

seaspear

Well-Known Member
When you are referring to existing pipeline are you referring to Wagner or normal state recruitment officers who go door to door
there is also this article that conscripts are deployed in front of the more valued soldiers to conserve them (cannon fodder) this may also allow the seasoned troops to locate Ukrainian positions for artillery?
Russia uses conscripts to conserve professional troops, Ukraine says (yahoo.com)
Wagner mercenaries forcibly recruiting Russian prisoners for war, reports Russia media SOTA (yahoo.com)
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
When you are referring to existing pipeline are you referring to Wagner or normal state recruitment officers who go door to door
there is also this article that conscripts are deployed in front of the more valued soldiers to conserve them (cannon fodder) this may also allow the seasoned troops to locate Ukrainian positions for artillery?
Russia uses conscripts to conserve professional troops, Ukraine says (yahoo.com)
Wagner mercenaries forcibly recruiting Russian prisoners for war, reports Russia media SOTA (yahoo.com)
I'm referring to the established practice of Wagner recruiting from penal colonies.

I wouldn't regard a claim regarding Russian conscripts with no real evidence from a Ukrainian source as credible. There is also considerable issues with claiming conscripts are being used at all. Conscription has only seen wide use in the LDNR. Russian conscripts saw very little action early into the conflict, in what appears to be an oversight, and haven't seen action since then. Russian mobilized personnel may be seeing combat, though this remains quite sketchy.

From where I sit, articles like these are just propaganda nonsense, right next to claims of "viagra rape kits". We know this war is covered in a mountain of lies and propaganda from both sides. From what I can tell, using people who don't want to be there as a front line of defense against Ukrainian forces would simply lead to those lines collapsing.

From the recent leaked documents at Balakleya, we have the DNR 9th Rgt, the 336th MarBde, the 7th MarRgt, and a Russian BARS unit in play. They were the front line, they got hit, and they were forced back under threat of encirclement and destruction, with what appear to be heavy casualties. Where are these mythical conscripts? Why weren't they there to shield the relatively capable Russian Marines or the DNR 9th Rgt, which also has a good reputation, from the attack?

Regarding to the involuntary use of prisoners, how would that even work? They're given and live ammo, and sent to the front? What's to stop them from simply surrendering or deserting? This front line isn't that dense, and Russian control of rear areas is tenuous. Is there any actual evidence this is happening? The yahoo article quotes SOTA. What's SOTA? A quick google search turns up dozens of results, none immediately relevant to this context...

Nevermind that yahoo news is a garbage level source to begin with. Maybe not the outright propaganda mouthpiece that RT is, but in terms of quality of contents it's junk.
 

seaspear

Well-Known Member
This C.N.N report details reports of convicts recruited to fight
Russia dangles freedom to prisoners if they fight in Ukraine. Many are taking the deadly gamble | CNN
This report from the Moscow Times also shows recruitment of prisoners
Video Shows Prigozhin Recruiting Russian Prisoners for Ukraine Fight - The Moscow Times
This article from the Sun claims that some of these prisoners wear wristbands to identify themselves with H.I.V (wtf)
Wagner group: Russian prisoners recruited by mercenaries 'already captured by Ukrainian forces' | Middle East Eye
'We Are Cannon Fodder': Russian Conscripts Voice Their Fury (rferl.org)
President Putin from the fifth of March saying there are no plans for conscripts
Russia admits conscripts have been fighting in Ukraine, despite Putin's previous denials | CNN
This report suggest that newly arrived ex convicts are placed in positions in front of regular troops who are in a position to shoot them if they retreat
Russia's defensive lines led by convicts, intercepted call show | World | News | Express.co.uk
Perhaps in relation to your comment about where the conscripts were a question might be why the Wagner group operates separately and not in support e.g. Bakhmut
Wagner group: Russian mercenaries bombard Bakhmut as Moscow searches for a win | CNN
 

wsb05

Member
I'm referring to the established practice of Wagner recruiting from penal colonies.

I wouldn't regard a claim regarding Russian conscripts with no real evidence from a Ukrainian source as credible. There is also considerable issues with claiming conscripts are being used at all. Conscription has only seen wide use in the LDNR. Russian conscripts saw very little action early into the conflict, in what appears to be an oversight, and haven't seen action since then. Russian mobilized personnel may be seeing combat, though this remains quite sketchy.

From where I sit, articles like these are just propaganda nonsense, right next to claims of "viagra rape kits". We know this war is covered in a mountain of lies and propaganda from both sides. From what I can tell, using people who don't want to be there as a front line of defense against Ukrainian forces would simply lead to those lines collapsing.

From the recent leaked documents at Balakleya, we have the DNR 9th Rgt, the 336th MarBde, the 7th MarRgt, and a Russian BARS unit in play. They were the front line, they got hit, and they were forced back under threat of encirclement and destruction, with what appear to be heavy casualties. Where are these mythical conscripts? Why weren't they there to shield the relatively capable Russian Marines or the DNR 9th Rgt, which also has a good reputation, from the attack?

Regarding to the involuntary use of prisoners, how would that even work? They're given and live ammo, and sent to the front? What's to stop them from simply surrendering or deserting? This front line isn't that dense, and Russian control of rear areas is tenuous. Is there any actual evidence this is happening? The yahoo article quotes SOTA. What's SOTA? A quick google search turns up dozens of results, none immediately relevant to this context...

Nevermind that yahoo news is a garbage level source to begin with. Maybe not the outright propaganda mouthpiece that RT is, but in terms of quality of contents it's junk.
Is there any evidence that Wagner or the army are recruiting significant numbers from beyond Russia?
There are many options
1- Former CIS countries.
2- Internationally.

With the salaries offered by Wagner I am sure many ex military everywhere (Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, Afghanistan, CAR, CIS, South east asia, South America etc.) would want to join the fight. Most of whom already trained on soviet equipment.
 

seaspear

Well-Known Member

STURM

Well-Known Member
according to this Defence intelligence update ,it's hard to believe some of the stories I have posted about a supposedly modern 21st century army ,I could understand this from ww2
There are so many reports coming out from various sources with all manner of claims; making it hard to decide which is true; which is half true; which is completely untrue and which is pure disinformation.

Take the reports the Brits are regularly issuing; if we compile all the reports one gets the impression that the Russians should have collapsed a time ago. We keep hearing about how depleted Russia's stocks of missiles are but nobody can say how many missiles Russia had prior to 24th February and Russia is still firing missiles on a daily basis. We hear about how morale is so low yet why aren't there mass surrenders and desertions?
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Is there any evidence that Wagner or the army are recruiting significant numbers from beyond Russia?
There are many options
1- Former CIS countries.
2- Internationally.

With the salaries offered by Wagner I am sure many ex military everywhere (Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, Afghanistan, CAR, CIS, South east asia, South America etc.) would want to join the fight. Most of whom already trained on soviet equipment.
I haven't seen any evidence of this. It's plausible Russia would do this with service members from Central Asia, but it doesn't appear to be happening The salaries in Wagner, by the way, aren't very good. They're not the worst, but they're not competitive.

There are claims that recent "troops" sent by Russia may be unarmed and certainly may even have weapons that may be in a poor state of repair according to this Defence intelligence update ,
it's hard to believe some of the stories I have posted about a supposedly modern 21st century army ,I could understand this from ww2
View attachment 49817
Russian conscripts given 19th century rifles, made to drink from ponds filled with dead frogs | Daily Mail Online
At first I thought this was a propaganda piece mixing what took place in the LDNR back in March-April with what's taking place now to mislead readers. But then I checked the date. This article is from April and clearly refers to the LDNR.

Minor aside, they issued Mosin rifles to designatd marksman/snipers. Note the optics on it? We can discuss whether this was wise (spoiler; it wasn't). But this has little to nothing to do with Russia's current mobilization.
 
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Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
I am going to restate what I said when this conflict started and that the first casualty of war is the truth. Any single source material has to be viewed as suspect, I would tend to look for multiple independent sources to get information and even then I am, still a little skeptical as it is unlikely that the full truth will ever emerge in my lifetime.
The problem being long term that it is the victor that writes the history.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
There's some excitement. Two Mi-8s were downed over the Donbas. Russian sources are claiming they're both Ukrainian but Ukrainian sources are claiming one of them was Russian, and there's some evidence to support this position. The one by Konstantinovka is pretty clearly Ukrainian, even the unit is identified. But the one by Nikolaevka is in dispute. It lacks the typical tactical markings of Ukrainian helos, but the variant doesn't necessarily make sense for a Russian helo. One possible explanation that splits the difference is that this is a used Mi-8/17 purchased possibly through Belarus for use by Wagner fighters. This would explain the odd variant and the lack of Ukrainian tactical markings.


EDIT: Geolocation of the launch near Nikolaevka suggests that it came from Ukrainian controlled territory.


EDIT2: Russian sources are claiming the Makarov is undamaged and show photos of two 11356s parked in Sevastopol. Of course there's a third, and with the hull numbers conveniently missing, there's a lot of questions. If this is really the Makarov parked, is it possible another ship got hit? If any ship got hit, unless it sank, where is the damaged ship? If it did sink, information security is a lot better then it was for the Moskva. There's no rumors so far. Of course it's still early.

 
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