The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread

KipPotapych

Well-Known Member
Interesting developments on the “pressure” on Russia today. First to note is the secondary sanctions. The grace period of 50 days and “around 100%”. This is interesting for a couple of reasons. One is, according to the report from Axios (via Tatarigami for me because I did not read the actual article as I had no interest), Trump told Macron that Putin wants to take it all in 60 days, whatever that means.



I am only assuming that came from the recent conversation (a week or so?) Trump had with Putin. Unless, of course, he has some intel of what is about to happen, but this is highly unlikely (see the tweet cited above, for example and sake of some citation). In case of the former, the 50-day grace period roughly lines up with the 60 days to “take it all”. Basically, Trump is saying here that he is giving Putin a chance at this last push to see what happens. Given his “deadline” history, the 50 days to be extended for another 50 or something else has a rather high probability.

The other interesting thing is the “around 100%” secondary tariffs. I had said previously here that the 500% tariff threat is a complete nonsense and has no credibility. Around 100% somewhat coincides with what he is aiming for with China anyway. This number, for example, could be around 60% in his mind, could be something else. So he is inserting here a threat to Russia, via pressure on China (and India), by what he is intending to do anyway and those who follow the “tariff” game closely likely realize that this (100%)) is too high of a number as well (China has more cards here). At the end of the day, “probably around 100%” gives the threat (maybe) more credibility, but still falls way short.

I personally do not see any other way of looking at it yet. Maybe more will be revealed in the coming days, but this is the first impression.

The second development is the advertised Patriot somethings and a whole 17 of them. Some people jumped on the wagon and reported the upcoming delivery of 17 batteries.



That would be complete nonsense, again, in my opinion. Good luck with finding 17 batteries to provide, especially (some?) within days. Others interpreted Trump’s statement to mean 17 missiles for the Patriot. Well, that would be an even bigger nonsense, I would think. So what did Trump mean? Who the hell knows is probably the correct answer. When a reporter asked him to clarify if he was talking about missiles or batteries and the whole thing, he replied “It’s a full complement, with the batteries…” It is pretty clear he has no idea what he is talking about.

But Zelensky later (or was it before, actually?) “confirmed” that he is expecting 3 batteries, two coming from Germany and one from Norway. First thing here is that Norway doesn’t have a Patriot battery, but was willing to finance one. Germans, in turn, said that they are not providing anything else from their existing stock (and another no on the Taurus missiles).



it was also reported that Germany will supply their Patriots to Ukraine as it purchases replacements, which make a lot more sense.



Pistorius also said that the decision on Patriots is coming in days or weeks.



Trump also said that it is one country that has the 17 Patriot somethings and some of them will be sent to Warsaw. I would guess he meant Poland and then to Ukraine. Some “inside sources” (I do not trust) said the following, however:



I do not trust this to take as is, but it does make sense.

Furthermore, what is the number 17? 17 “units” would represent two full batteries at or near bear minimum (provided 6 launchers per). Anyway, who the hell knows. More details will probably be revealed.

The next development is the announcement of a $10-billion aid package to Ukraine.



First of all, this ain’t the “first aid package”. This is the first direct purchase of the American made weapons to (maybe) supply Ukraine. This is important. Why? Well, most importantly, this is likely the confirmation of the US withdrawal from providing aid to Ukraine. The fate of the USAI and PDA is yet to be determined, but the limit of newly approved aid from the USA to Ukraine is now approaching 0. Infinity used to be the implied answer to the equation. That’s a huge difference. Confirmed by Trump:



That’s not a full quote, by the way, but it projects the idea. This isn’t the worst case scenario for Ukraine, which is the US withdrawal and prohibition of US purchased weapons to be supplied to Ukraine discussed here previously, but it is certainly far from ideal or even good outcome.

The next thing to note, “sold to NATO allies” but “intended for Ukraine”, ultimately. Then there also was this reported:



it was stressed by Pistorius (I think) that these were not “intended for Ukraine”, but for the Russian deterrence. Question arises here, is it a part of the advertised $10B aid package? This wouldn’t be the first such occurrence and far from it. Maybe kato has more info on this.

A notable reaction from the Russian stock market after today’s announcements:



Dmitriev, however, went to the nuke threats again (something about global winter coming or whatever it was).

Funny that both markets, the American and Russian, basically perceive Trump to be a man of TACO. Well deserved though. The guy is an idiot.

Last thing that I thought was interesting. Rutte repeating Rubio’s unsubstantiated number of 100,000 Russians killed in 2025.



I would think it goes along with the “daddy” and “well-respected” comments, among others, and brown “stuff” with unpleasant smell (Trump perfume?) all over his face. But it seems to be working with the “dear leader”. Doesn’t go well with the “have to learn Russian” though.

Edit: Lemming take on the Russian stock market reaction:

 

KipPotapych

Well-Known Member
Browsing around more, I want to add these two posts to substantiate my claims above:






In regard to the former, I believe it is perceived to be the same. The difference is Biden’s messaging was different from Trump’s. Any way you slice it, it is a concession to Putin.

The latter… I think the withdrawal is obvious. Except I am talking about withdrawal from further (new) aid deliveries by the USA. Note that sales such that were advertised today were always available to Europe (and others). It was a deliberate choice by Europe not to do such procurement until today (which is not unreasonable).

Edit: To add one more thing here that is relevant to the discussion:



I am assuming aid to Israel is quite a part to the toll, but the priorities are certainly not the same. Also to consider: the current desirable stock is likely significantly higher than the level before the “military aid to Ukraine began”.
 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
This entire 50 and 60 day mess is very unclear. I don't believe we have a verbatim version of what Putin said, and some Russian sources are talking about it as though Russia intends to start a big push in 60 days, others suggest that it's the next 60 days. With the eastern flank of Pokrovsk area moving the way it is, it's very likely the fight for Pokrovsk will conclude over the next 60 days, so maybe that's what it refers to? It would make for the largest urban area Russia captured in Ukraine since '22, but hardly allows Russia to say they've taken everything. There has been movement in eastern Zaporozhye too so if that continues they could try to go for Gulyaypole. But on the whole it doesn't make much sense. Zaporozhye city, and Kherson city are both unattainable on timelines even well past 60 days. Slavyansk and Kramatorsk are also completely out of reach currently, and will likely remain that way for many months to come.

This could be completely meaningless posturing for public consumption. This could indicate Putin and Trump are brewing some sort of backroom deal, though I find this less likely by far. It could indicate some sort of real indication that Trump intends to put more pressure on Russia and has given them a timeline.

On the whole the front line isn't moving too dramatically. It appears Russia has halted advances in the western side of Konstantinovka. They're focused on cleaning up Ukrainian positions south of it, between Konstantinovka and Toretsk, and also are focusing on trying to take the rest of Yablonovka, and Aleksandro-Kalinovo. The focus right now seems to be Pokrovsk where Russia's eastern flank is enveloping north of Mirnograd. There are reports of Russian forces reaching Rodinskoe, but even if accurate, we're probably talking about recon elements. There are two large refuse mounds here, one north an one north-east of Mirnograd. Rodinskoe is a small town of just under 10k population, but it's relatively dense with about half of it being multi-story buildings. It's likely they won't be able to easily bypass both refuse mounds and the town. I think the fall of Rodinskoe will be the big sign that Pokrovsk is about to fall. The other area where Russia is advancing at a considerable speed is in the area where Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Dnepropetrovsk region meet. It looks likely that Russia will take the rest of the Donetsk region territory in this area over the next month or so.
 

vikingatespam

Well-Known Member
You were arguing that Russian demands on Ukraine were evidence that Putin doesn't fear NATO...
Yes, Putin making demands that he knows will not be accepted - the lack of compromise, is another indicator of a lack of fear of NATO.

You keep assuming present-day conditions, a unified Russia under effective central leadership, with a solid vertical of power. This is not a given. In fact it's almost certain that any NATO military action against Russia proper would come at a time when Russia is dealing with major internal problems that change the calculus of such an action.
At the end of the day, if the Russian fear scenario is so far from reality, then its fantasy. For example, under what possible condition would Germany be involved in an invasion of Russia ?

Its like me saying I am afraid of Canada invading the US. Sure, Canada right now cant do it, but what if they became strong enough to do so. The reality is that the conditions for such a scenario are so far form reality, you would be correct in calling me a looney.
 

vikingatespam

Well-Known Member
Points 1, 2, and 5 have been discussed ad nauseum. Points 2 and 3 depend on a highly specific discussion of a hypothetical that I'm not going to get into. You keep fixating on a full scale invasion of Putin's Russia in today's conditions.
So we have:

1) Russia engaged in a violent civil war
2) no Russian nuclear deterrent (did the west bribe all the nuke subs, too ?)
3) a rearmed Europe
4) a political situation that emboldens EU countries to invade
5) some sort of goal or payoff that would propel the west into a full scale war

Such a collection of events is so far from reality, its something we can write off as fiction.


This is not the concern I'm pointing out. I'm pointing out that if NATO has the ability to act against a weakened and divided Russia, they may choose to do so.
Act.How ? What could be accomplished by a not-invasion ? What is the west intending to do ?

Keeping NATO at a distance makes it far more difficult to do any of those things.
Except keeping the west at a distance is the opposite of what Putin is doing:

1) added another 833 miles of bordering a NATO country
2) doing his best to add another 700 some miles (Rumania and Poland) of NATO border
3) stoking a new cold war of EU military build ups

Whether intended or not, this is what is happening. Putin doesnt care about NATO. He is heedless of this Russian Fear scenario.
 

vikingatespam

Well-Known Member
Credible for the invaders or for the invaded?
Credible as in "capable of having a realistic chance of a favorable outcome".

You cannot limit the "issue" to your convenience. Was the invasion of Ukraine credible?
Yes, it was. Most people thought UKR would fold in 3 days.

No, not in a Afghanistan/Iraq style, invading and occupying the whole country.
Credible as in topple Zelinsky and install a UKR-Lukashenko. That was clearly the goal.
 

kato

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
The next thing to note, “sold to NATO allies” but “intended for Ukraine”, ultimately. Then there also was this reported:
[...]
it was stressed by Pistorius (I think) that these were not “intended for Ukraine”, but for the Russian deterrence. Question arises here, is it a part of the advertised $10B aid package? This wouldn’t be the first such occurrence and far from it. Maybe kato has more info on this.
Germany is considering possibly buying Typhon for itself, not for Ukraine. Typhon is considered one of multiple possible solutions for satisfying a long-range strike requirement for future corps artillery in the Bundeswehr. To that end, Germany is currently (planning to) initiate a FMS quote request with the US government, in order to have some idea about possible cost. If they are going to be ordered it wouldn't be short-term. Also it would of course not be Pistorius who decides that.

Basically, Pistories let slip about this possible Bundeswehr order during a talk with Hegseth about aid for Ukraine. This was probably intended by Pistorius to "publicize" the possible order in order to gauge public response in Germany - since it's after all not exactly a topic on which parties here agree.
 

rsemmes

Active Member
Credible as in "capable of having a realistic chance of a favorable outcome".
Yes, it was. Most people thought UKR would fold in 3 days.
Credible as in topple Zelinsky and install a UKR-Lukashenko. That was clearly the goal.
Great job at not addressing the point.
So, any country that thinks/states/believes that there is "a realistic chance of a favorable outcome" can do whatever it wants; as long as it can actually do it. We agree, it happened before.
(Edit:
I was just reading... Is the "neutralization" of Kaliningrad a credible threat to you? The only relevant point is if it is credible to Russia.)
I think Redshift meant "lesson learned" when he used "whataboutism"; maybe he was trying to find another word in English, that one that starts with "hi".

No, period.
Maybe you mean western media repeating what US says, as it were true; it happened before. Maybe you mean this:
The claims that Russia planned to capture Kyiv in two or three days lacked any corroborated primary sources. CIA director Bill Burns stated without providing any evidence or sources that Putin thought that he could capture Kyiv in two days.*14 But such a statement could also had been in his vested interest. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told US Congress members three weeks before the Russian invasion that Kyiv could fall within 72-hours.*15
*14 Epstein, J., & Davis, C. R. (2022). Putin thought Russia’s military could capture Kyiv in 2
days, but it still hasn’t in 20. Business Insider. 17 March.
*15 Heinrich, J., & Sabes, A. (2022). Gen. Milley says Kyiv could fall within 72 hours if Russia
decides to invade Ukraine: sources. Fox News. 6 February. https://www.foxnews.com/us/genmille...s-if-russia-decides-to-invade-ukraine-sources

Clearly?
I have mentioned "coup de main" a few times. A few people have been talking about the "existence" of Ukraine. It is not clear at all.
What it is "clear" is that western media (my educated guess is that just as Russian media) has been selling a lot of rubbish to create a very specific narrative; like a terrorist attack against Germany's energy supplies perpetrated by Ukraine. How clear is that for "most people"?
As a side note, 60 years old can join the Ukrainian Army. Russia is running out of men?


I haven't been able to do a deep reading of that "Nature and Origins" nor of "Analysis of the Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine. Col Rudibert Kilian" and "Why the Ukraine Crisis Is the West’s Fault. John J. Mearsheimer"; even if a few points have been argued before. On the other hand, you just need to refuse them (mind, not "refute", just "refuse"), just call that Brazilian Coronel and the Ottawa professor "Russian propagandists" (paid by the CIA or someone else) and that's it. Just like Foxnews: That's blasphemy!
 
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Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
The claims that Russia planned to capture Kyiv in two or three days lacked any corroborated primary sources. CIA director Bill Burns stated without providing any evidence or sources that Putin thought that he could capture Kyiv in two days.
One must also remember is that the CIA director or the head of any significant intelligence service would be party to information that they simply could not give information on, were that information came from and any conclusion that was made, would not divulge even the information that the conclusion was based on for fear of compromising the source.
 
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rsemmes

Active Member
One must also remember is that the CIA director or the head of any significant intelligence service would be party to information that they simply could not give information on were that information came from and any conclusion that was made would not divulge even the information that the conclusion was based on for fear of compromising the source.
I do agree. "Most people" are not heads of any intelligence service.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

Sumy area.

Ukrainian forces have bee fully expelled from Tetkino in Kursk region, and the fields east of it, and Russian forces crossed the border taking the village of Bezalovka, and entering Ryzhevka.. In Yunakovka Russian forces have advanced southward and now hold most of the village. On the eastern side Russian forces have pushed out from Gornal' towards Miropol'ye, and have entered the outskirts. They're also pushing westward out of the Gornal' area. Meanwhile Ukrainian forces have re-entered Kondratovka, contesting the village, and hold Andreevka.


Russian bomb strikes near Kondratovka.


Russia hits a Leo-2A6 near Pisarevka, Sumy region.


Russian drone hits a Ukrainian Bergenpanzer 2 near Dibrove, as it's hauling away a knocked out 2S1.


A knocked out Ukrainian BREM-1 being evacuated by an M88 in Sumy region.


Russia's 60th MRBde has captured a Pbv 302 in Sumy region.


Kharkov.

Ukrainian infantry element gets hit by a Russian drone strike while moving in a pickup near Volchansk.


Russian TOS-1 strikes in Volchansk.


Kupyansk area.

Across the Oskol Russian forces bit off a chunk of ground west of Kamyanka, and have grabbed the village of Melovoe, and a chunk of ground around it. They've also expanded their arear of control west of Topoli. Meanwhile after some clarifications it appears Ukraine still holds most of the area in Rad'kovka, and Kondrashovka, despite deep Russian penetration. It's possible much of this is all one large grey area with conflicting reports of control and contradictory footage. On the right shore of the Oskol Russia advanced in a narrow gully north of Zeleniy Guy. Kopanki is fully under Ukrainian control. It's unclear if this is the result of a recent counter-attack, or Russia never really consolidated there. A Ukrainian counter-attack pushed Russia out of most of Zagryzovo. North of there Ukraine has also recaptured some ground near Kolesnikovka.


Russian Lancet strike takes out a rare XA-180 APC near Glushkovka.


Russian strike on a Ukrainian vehicle, allegedly a Pbv 302, in the Kupyansk area.


Russia hits the crossing over the Oskol near Kupyansk-Uzlovoy again.


Oskol front.

Russian forces have expanded their area of control north of Grekovka. They've also gained ground west of Kolodezi, and south of Karpovka. Zelenaya Dolina is now fully under Russian control. Ukraine counter-attacked into Redkodub and now holds most of the village. In the north it appears Novoegorovka is contested by the Oskol.


Chasov Yar.

North of Chasov Yar Russia continues to expand their area of control along the canal. South of Chasov Yar Russian forces have taken all of Stupochki and have taken more parts of Chasov Yar.


Russian strike allegedly hits Ukrainian munition storage near Chasov Yar.


Russia hit targets in Tat'yanovka, near Kramatorsk. Targets unclear.


Russian drones are now hitting the road from Kramatorsk to Dobropol'ye, west of the former. They not only hit vehicles but a checkpoint, using Shaheds, against which the anti-drone netting isn't helpful.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Konstantinovka area.

Russian forces have broken into Rusin Yar, south-west of Konstantinovka. This is a minor resumption of northward movement after a pause in this area. Meanwhile Russian forces have taken most of Yablonovka, while Ukrainian forces have pushed them out of Aleksandrovo-Kalinovo. This opens a path out for Ukrainian forces trapped west of Torestk by the river. In the fields south of Yablonovka Russia continues to gain ground (in fact there isn't much left). North of Toretsk Russian forces continue to bite of pieces of country side along the rail line and along the canal. South of Kleban Byk area Russian forces have approached Katerinovka, and have taken all of Novospasskoe and Leonidovka. I'm of the opinion that the latter parts represent a Ukrainian withdrawal rather than a massive Russian assault


A Ukrainian, ex-Russian, T-80BK was taken out near Belaya Gora.


A Russian assault shed based on the T-72B3 was taken out after hitting a land mine, but allegedly it took 60 FPV drones without stopping, with the very robust armor. The vehicle reportedly belongs to Russia's 4th MRBde. In some footage you can see FPV drones tangled in the tank's "hair" ("fur"?).


Pokrovsk area.

On the eastern flank of Pokrovsk Russian forces have pushed through Razino, and into Boikovka, Fedorovka, and Novotoretskoe. Russian forces are also inside Novoekonomicheskoe from the north. Mirnoe is fully under Russian control. On the western flank of Pokrovsk Russian forces have pushed northward and entered the western part of Udachnoe and have gained some ground south of Muravka. Ukraine counter-attacked into the western outskirts of Novosergeevka.


Russian drones takes out a Ukrainian T-72EA, east of Mirnograd near Novoekonomicheskoe.


Another T-72, Ukrainian, hit indoors in Mirnograd.


Russian forces captured a Kirpi MRAP near Pokrovsk.


Russian Shahed strikes in the Yablonovka area.


Russia hit a Ukrainian locomotive near Dobropol'ye, and hit some cars inside Dobropol'ye. Right now the towns of Rodinskoe, Biletskoe, and Dobropol'ye are on the main logistical artery into the Pokrovsk conurbation.


Russia's 55th MRBde is still active in the Pokrovsk area, with their distinct 2S23s.


Russian Tor-M1 on the Pokrovsk direction, with anti-drone teams covering it.


Russia's new 2S44 Giatsint-K have shown up in the Pokrovsk area.


Dnepropetrovsk axis.


Russian strikes hit Ukrainian positions near Novoivanovka in Dnepropetrovsk region.


Russia takes out a bridge near Andreevka-Klevtsovoe, Dnepropetrovsk region.


Velikaya Novoselka area.


This area represents some of Russia's most consistent and substantial territorial gains. However there are no strategically significant population centers here. Russians gains here do put a large lithium deposit near Shevchenko under Russian control but it's not currently being developed, and really can't be developed unless and until the front line moves substantially further away. Russian forces have taken the villages of Voskresenka, Mirnoe, Novokhatskoe, Fedorovka, Tolstoi, Grushkovskoe, and Poddubnoe. Russia has also seized large chunks of countryside.


Russian LMUR strike hits a building in "Malinovka". But it's listed near Novoselka. I think this is Malievka, in the south-east of Dnepropetrovsk region.


Russian strike takes out a bridge in Novomihailovka, behind Temirovka.


Zaporozhye.

Russian forces have taken some fields near Malinovka. The village itself is firmly under Russian control. Kamyanskoe is now fully under Russian control, and next door Plavni is contested. Russian forces also gain some ground along the front east of it.


Russian forces assaulting Kamyanskoe.


Russia hit Gulyaypole, striking the command of Ukraine's 110th Mech Bde. They reportedly killed the XO and CO of the unit.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Dnepr front.

Russian drone strikes hit a Ukrainian howitzer being towed.


Russian LMUR strike in Tokarevka, Kherson region.


Russia hits a 2S22 in Kherson region.


Russia also hit Kherson proper, though the target is unclear.


It appears a series of Ukrainian strikes took place on Russian held targets in Kherson region. They hit two residential buildings, a medical facility, and a school. Note schools have been routinely repurposed into military staging areas by both sides.


Russia is purchasing civilian armored ambulances for Kherson region due to continued Ukrainian strikes. We've had Ukraine target healthcare facilities in the area. The first two vehicles have arrived, with a total of 15 planned.


Black Sea/Crimea.

Russia hit the island Pervomayskiy where a SoF base is located, just north-west off of Crimea. It's unclear if the facility is still active. This is a Soviet era facility with hardened shelters, so the amount of damage might be mild.


Ukrainian unmanned boats getting taken out near Novorossiysk. It's unclear if they did hit something.


Satellite imagery in Crimea shows burned patches on 3 Russian helicopter pads. There's no trace of wreckage, and it's unclear what exactly got hit.


Ukrainian drone-defense team on the Black Sea coast with a DP-27 MMG.


Russia has now at least 9 Orion-S drones in Crimea. They're likely the best solution Russia has to Ukraine's unmanned boat attacks.


Strikes.

There are two substantial changes in Russian strikes. First they started hitting Territorial Complectation Centers. These are Ukraine's draft points. They've been hit here and there before, but this looks systematic. Secondly Russia has shifted to massing strikes against single targets. Instead of many strikes on many targest we're seeing massive strikes in single areas.

Russia hit Kiev with a massive Shahed strike. Based on data about fires burning afterwards, targets include the Analitpribor factory, the Artem factory, the Meridian factory, some car garage structures, the Zhulyani airport, storage facilities, the 410th Aviation plant, the SBU Academy, and the Kuznya on Rybal'ski factory complex. These links show at least 3 different waves of strikes. Munitions used include a mix of Iskander-M, Iskander-K, and drones. Rumors continue to swirl about Patriot positions getting hit but specifics are lacking.


Russia hit the Vasil'kovo airfield south of Kiev.


Russian Shaheds hit Ukrainian radars in Chernigov region. They may have been equipped with air burst warheads. It's also not obvious how they found the radars, unless Ukraine parked them and operated them from static positions for a length of time. Perhaps Russia is testing anti-radar Shahed variants?


Russia hit Shostka, Sumy region. The target is a tuberculosis treatment facility. It's unclear what purpose it's currently serving.


A Russian strike hit Sumy city, causing blackouts.


Russian strikes on Kharkov. Targets include an aviation maintenance facility, a telecom facility, and the TCC. These are at least three separate waves of strikes.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Recent Russian strikes destroyed a Ukrainian gas transit station in Kharkov region near Mar'ino.


Russia hit Ukraine's TCC in Pervomayskoe, Kharkov region.


Russia hits Chuguev, Kharkov region. Targets include a fuel storage facility.


Russian Iskander strike near Chuguev, allegedly targeting a Ukrainian staging area of the 154th Mech Bde.


Russian strikes landing in Poltava. Targets include the TCC. The links are at least two waves of strikes and it appears both waves targeted the TCC.


Russia hit the TCC in Kremenchug.


Russian strikes in Slavyansk, targets unclear.


Russian strikes landing in Kramatorsk.


Russian strikes on Dnepropetrovsk city and region. In Novomoskovsk, Dnepropetrovsk region, Russia hit the local TCC. Fires are reported in both Dnepropetrovsk and at a nearby airfield.


Russia took out another locomotive, this one in Dnepropetrovsk region. With the extension of range of Russian drone strikes, Ukraine will likely have to push train-based logistics further from the front line.


Russian strikes on Krivoy Rog. Blackouts are reported. These are at least two separate waves of strikes.


Russian drone strikes in Zaporozhye.


Russia hit a Ukrainian training ground near Davydov Brod and reportedly Moldavia service members were killed in addition to Ukrainian ones.


Russia hit some storage buildings in Baratovka, Nikolaev region, with an Iskander-M strike.


Russia hit Nikolaev, blackouts are reported.


Russian strikes on Izmail, Odessa region. The Vostok sanatorium was apparently hit. Also in Odessa region Russia hit Chernomorsk, and Belgorod-Dnestrovskiy. Another target in Odessa region is the old Krug ELINT/SIGINT facility. It's unclear what purpose it was being used for. Also Russia may have hit an S-300 position though it's hard to make out. Russia did also hit Odessa itself where targests include the TCC, the port area, and the Stal'kanat factory whose underground areas were also alledgedly being used as TCC facilities. These links represent multiple waves of strikes on multiple targets.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Russian strikes hit Lutsk. Targets include the Motor factory and a nearby airbase where they took out some recently rebuilt buildings. These are at least two separate waves of strikes.


Russia hit targets near Zhitomir, including a Polish-owned factory called Buczynski near Zhitomir causing a massive explosion, and the Ozernoe airfield. The facility may have been used to produce munitions. Zhitomir itself was also hit but the targets are unclear.


Russian strikes landing in Vinnitsa. Targets include a factory owned by a Polish firm called Barlinek Group. Air quality warnings were issued to the population.


Russia hit Chernovtsi, targest include the local airfield. The strike may have taken out a Ukrainian An-26, but details are lacking. Other targets include the Elektronmash factory.


Russia hit L'vov, targets include the Elektron factory. It's significant to note that even with the massive volume of strikes, large objects often require many repeated strikes to ensure destruction. And the number of such targets in a country the size of Ukraine is large.


Ukraine hit a Russian munition storage facility near Khartzysk, Donetsk region.


Ukraine struck the Belgorod Arena sports club and the local court.


Ukraine hit a medical clinic and a agro-company office in Ryl'sk, Kursk region.


Ukraine attempted to hit industrial targest in Tula, the results are unclear.


Ukraine has tried to strike targets around Moscow repeatedly, but it doesn't appear anything substantial was hit.


Ukraine attempted to hit Kursk, landing on a beach. 3 civilians are reported dead, 6 wounded.


Ukraine hit Voronezh, but it appears the strike did not hit the intended target. Some drones hit random residential buildings. Multiple civilian wounded are reported but no KIA.


Russian air defenses firing on Ukrainian drones near Lipetsk.


A Ukrainian UAV ran into an under construction apartment building in Yelets, Lipetsk region.


Russian Ka-52 downs a Ukrainian UAV with likely an Igla missile, and autocannon fire, in Lipetsk region. Helicopter have emerged from both sides as a common way to deal with UAS inbounds.


Construction of air defense towers around Moscow continues.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Interesting bits.

We recently saw a rare BTR-80 variant with an RCWS that was originally being used on the Bumerang platforms. It has now been destroyed.


During a recent Ukrainian strike two high ranking Russian officers were killed, including the current and former commanders of the 155th Marines. One is Major General Gudkov, the other Colonel Il'yin. The former was promoted from that position to a deputy of the Pacific Fleet commander, responsible for coastal troops. The other was the new 155th MarBde commander.


Russia's TOS-3 has shown up in Ukraine. It's apparently being tested on a T-80 chassis. Of course production on any scale will require either a lot of old T-80 chassis, or a restart of chassis production, which is of course possibly part of the plan.


Russian BMD-4Ms with new armor kits have shown up at the front. This is the second type of up-armor kit for the BMD-4M has shown up.


Some new Russian Grad rockets have shown up that are visually similar to Serbian munitions, but they don't appear to be Serbian. Serbian mortar shells have shown up in Russian hands, but they may be captured from Ukrainian positions.


A Ukrainian BvS-10 up-armored in various ways.


A new Ukrainian loitering munition called Dart was recently shown.


Latvia is reportedly delivering their Patria 6X6 to Ukraine. First deliveries have occurred with 42 total planned.


Ukrainian forces training with a ZPU-1 AA HMG.


An interesting new Ukrainian UGV light MLRS being operated by the 92nd Assault Bde.


Ukrainian tankers training on Leo-1A5s in Germany. The tanks are ex-Belgian.


Ukraine's 223rd Air Defense Rgt with Raven SAMs.


Ukraine's 25th Airmobile bde now has received some Bradleys.


Ukrainian Su-24MR with a western cruise missile.


Ukraine's 1st Tank Bde is reportedly now a heavy Mech Bde, with two tank btlns and two mech btlns. This might be due to a shortage of MBTs, or it might be due to changes in how Ukraine operates their units.


Another exchange of bodies took place between Ukraine and Russia. This time it's alleged Russia returned 1000 Ukrainian KIAs, and Ukraine returned 19 Russian dead.

 

crest

Member
One must also remember is that the CIA director or the head of any significant intelligence service would be party to information that they simply could not give information on, were that information came from and any conclusion that was made, would not divulge even the information that the conclusion was based on for fear of compromising the source.
Also worth noting it's from the CIA who also does propaganda as part of its operations. And it (especially at the time) entirely fitting with the native the u.s.a wanted to project to point out how badly the Russian war was/is going.... The CIA in particular has does ALOT of this and should in my opinion be have there statements taken with a bit of salt especially when they line up with whatever the current native from the government as a whole is..... I'm in no way suggesting the CIA doest have infromation unavailable to most I'm just saying its job is more then information gathering

I will also say it's obviously clear Russias plans for the initial invasion far outstripped there abilities. Tho a 180k man invasion force to take Kiev in three days does sound more then a little ambitious I don't the the u.s even planned to take Afghanistan in three days just to put things in perspective.
 
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swerve

Super Moderator
The Russians seem to have fallen for their own propaganda, & expected the Ukrainians to crumble, with soldiers changing sides or deserting en masse & civilians welcoming the invaders with open arms.

They even had a victory announcement prepared in advance & scheduled for release a week or so after the invasion, & forgot to cancel it completely. It appeared online & was copied by quite a lot of people before it got taken down.
 
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