- Sep 13, 2002
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This might be a little tougher than Putin thought...
- Thread starter Nole Lou
- Start date
One of these days it is goin' down!
- Sep 13, 2002
- 99,266
- 208,326
- 113
Pretty sobering (but not hopeless) read here. It is a free link:
Page 2 bump
www.forbes.com
Where Are Russia’s Missing Tanks?
Russia's fleet of T-90A tanks, one of their most modern types, seems to have gone AWOL on Ukraine. One possible explanation is that they never existed.
www.forbes.com
Russia keeps locking up peaceful protestors. This will give Trump ideas for his second term...
What I found unique about this case is how vocal people were at the sentencing. Aleksandra Skochilenko placed 5 small tags on items in stores commenting negatively about the war in Ukraine. For that she will spend seven years in a gulag. When she was allowed to speak at her sentencing she referenced how weak Russia is if it cannot allow this small bit of dissent.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023...r-seven-years-over-anti-war-price-tag-protest
What I found unique about this case is how vocal people were at the sentencing. Aleksandra Skochilenko placed 5 small tags on items in stores commenting negatively about the war in Ukraine. For that she will spend seven years in a gulag. When she was allowed to speak at her sentencing she referenced how weak Russia is if it cannot allow this small bit of dissent.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023...r-seven-years-over-anti-war-price-tag-protest
I’ve been looking for updates on how the Abrams tanks we sent over are doing. Has anyone seen anything?
A couple good maps in the linked article...
Ukrainian and Russian forces are digging in on different parts of the 600-mile frontline as rainy and freezing weather arrives in the war zone, which is expected to significantly slow major mechanized operations until early 2024.
The Institute for the Study of War's Sunday night bulletin set out the situation along the long contact line, where at several points fierce combat continues as both sides seek to seize key territories ahead of the traditional winter slowdown. Both are in a race against time, as in the combat zones in southern and eastern Ukraine temperatures fall below, or approach, freezing point.
"Ukrainian and Russian forces are continuing combat operations in eastern and southern Ukraine, although the rainy weather will likely continue to slow the pace of combat operations until winter conditions fully set in," the ISW's latest update said.
Newsweek has contacted the Russian and Ukrainian defense ministries by email to request comment.
Ukrainian troops are still pushing their main counteroffensive operation in the southern Zaporizhzhia direction, where Kyiv had planned to break Russian lines and sever the so-called "land bridge" connecting occupied Crimea to western Russia. Hindered by Russian defenses, Ukraine's progress there has been slow, though officials in Kyiv have pointed to success in the erosion of vital Russian supply networks and artillery forces.
Ukrainian units are also on the attack across the Dnieper River—called the Dnipro in Ukrainian—on the southern Kherson front. Kyiv's forces have established several small footholds on the Russian-occupied east bank of the river, which since Kherson's liberation in November 2022 has formed much of the southern front line.
The waterway is a significant barrier, but any sustained Ukrainian success there poses a threat to Russian positions in occupied southern Ukraine and along the narrow approaches to Crimea, with the peninsula standing as one of the key strategic goals of the conflict. Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the former commander of U.S. Army Europe, has told Newsweek that Crimea is the "decisive terrain" of the war.
Russian forces, meanwhile, are still on the attack in northeastern Luhansk Oblast and around the Donetsk Oblast city of Avdiivka, which since 2014 has been heavily fortified by the Ukrainian military. Russia is attempting to encircle the town—reportedly at high cost—with tactics one senior Ukrainian lawmaker told Newsweek suggest a "repeat [of] the situation with Bakhmut," referring to the grinding and bloody capture of the devastated Donetsk city earlier this year.
On Saturday, the British Defense Ministry suggested that the front may become even more static in the coming months. "As colder winter weather sets in earnest in eastern Ukraine, there are few immediate prospects of major changes in the frontline," the ministry said in its daily update.
"Over the last week, the most intense ground combat has been taking place in three areas: on the Kupiansk axis, in Luhansk Oblast; around Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast; and on the left bank of the Dnipro river in Kherson Oblast, where Ukrainian forces have established a bridgehead."
Frozen ground—hard enough to support heavy tracked vehicles like tanks—can prove to the benefit of an attacking force. Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, towards the end of the winter freeze. Though ultimately unsuccessful in reaching Kyiv and toppling the government, the late winter offensive seized swathes of Ukraine.
Despite complications, fighting will not stop through winter, ISW predicted. "Freezing weather conditions during the winter will likely prompt the resumption of more active combat operations, and ongoing rainy weather is unlikely to halt Ukrainian or Russian attacks," the think tank wrote.
Last year, Russia launched a largely unsuccessful winter offensive, though the operation set the stage for the late spring capture of Bakhmut. This year, Kyiv expects more action around Avdiivka as fall turns to winter.
"We expect the third wave of the offensive—an attempt to encircle Avdiivka," Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said this weekend. "We are waiting, we are preparing."
Volodymyr Fitio—another Ukrainian military spokesperson—meanwhile, said Kyiv's forces are planning their own winter actions. The military's "main task" through the cold season will be to disrupt Russia's logistics "so that they are hungry, cold, and have no desire to fight," he said. "Thus, the enemy should expect surprises from the sky."
www.newsweek.com
Ukrainian and Russian forces are digging in on different parts of the 600-mile frontline as rainy and freezing weather arrives in the war zone, which is expected to significantly slow major mechanized operations until early 2024.
The Institute for the Study of War's Sunday night bulletin set out the situation along the long contact line, where at several points fierce combat continues as both sides seek to seize key territories ahead of the traditional winter slowdown. Both are in a race against time, as in the combat zones in southern and eastern Ukraine temperatures fall below, or approach, freezing point.
"Ukrainian and Russian forces are continuing combat operations in eastern and southern Ukraine, although the rainy weather will likely continue to slow the pace of combat operations until winter conditions fully set in," the ISW's latest update said.
Newsweek has contacted the Russian and Ukrainian defense ministries by email to request comment.
Ukrainian troops are still pushing their main counteroffensive operation in the southern Zaporizhzhia direction, where Kyiv had planned to break Russian lines and sever the so-called "land bridge" connecting occupied Crimea to western Russia. Hindered by Russian defenses, Ukraine's progress there has been slow, though officials in Kyiv have pointed to success in the erosion of vital Russian supply networks and artillery forces.
Ukrainian units are also on the attack across the Dnieper River—called the Dnipro in Ukrainian—on the southern Kherson front. Kyiv's forces have established several small footholds on the Russian-occupied east bank of the river, which since Kherson's liberation in November 2022 has formed much of the southern front line.
The waterway is a significant barrier, but any sustained Ukrainian success there poses a threat to Russian positions in occupied southern Ukraine and along the narrow approaches to Crimea, with the peninsula standing as one of the key strategic goals of the conflict. Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the former commander of U.S. Army Europe, has told Newsweek that Crimea is the "decisive terrain" of the war.
Russian forces, meanwhile, are still on the attack in northeastern Luhansk Oblast and around the Donetsk Oblast city of Avdiivka, which since 2014 has been heavily fortified by the Ukrainian military. Russia is attempting to encircle the town—reportedly at high cost—with tactics one senior Ukrainian lawmaker told Newsweek suggest a "repeat [of] the situation with Bakhmut," referring to the grinding and bloody capture of the devastated Donetsk city earlier this year.
On Saturday, the British Defense Ministry suggested that the front may become even more static in the coming months. "As colder winter weather sets in earnest in eastern Ukraine, there are few immediate prospects of major changes in the frontline," the ministry said in its daily update.
"Over the last week, the most intense ground combat has been taking place in three areas: on the Kupiansk axis, in Luhansk Oblast; around Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast; and on the left bank of the Dnipro river in Kherson Oblast, where Ukrainian forces have established a bridgehead."
Frozen ground—hard enough to support heavy tracked vehicles like tanks—can prove to the benefit of an attacking force. Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, towards the end of the winter freeze. Though ultimately unsuccessful in reaching Kyiv and toppling the government, the late winter offensive seized swathes of Ukraine.
Despite complications, fighting will not stop through winter, ISW predicted. "Freezing weather conditions during the winter will likely prompt the resumption of more active combat operations, and ongoing rainy weather is unlikely to halt Ukrainian or Russian attacks," the think tank wrote.
Last year, Russia launched a largely unsuccessful winter offensive, though the operation set the stage for the late spring capture of Bakhmut. This year, Kyiv expects more action around Avdiivka as fall turns to winter.
"We expect the third wave of the offensive—an attempt to encircle Avdiivka," Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said this weekend. "We are waiting, we are preparing."
Volodymyr Fitio—another Ukrainian military spokesperson—meanwhile, said Kyiv's forces are planning their own winter actions. The military's "main task" through the cold season will be to disrupt Russia's logistics "so that they are hungry, cold, and have no desire to fight," he said. "Thus, the enemy should expect surprises from the sky."
War map shows Ukraine, Russia dig in as winter freeze looms
Both sides are on the offensive in different parts of the 600-mile front, looking to make valuable gains before the weather complicates operations.
www.newsweek.com
According to regional reports, Finland is moving to provide greater security with military help, which includes bolstering construction of the border fence in key spots:
Building a border wall?
Stupid Finns!
What provoked this?
Finland's border authorities have said over 300 undocumented asylum seekers have recently arrived, mostly at four southern crossings which at this point have been closed. In some instances this has led to violence, with border guards having deployed riot control measures to keep migrant groups from breaching the border.
Building a border wall?
Stupid Finns!
What provoked this?
Finland's border authorities have said over 300 undocumented asylum seekers have recently arrived, mostly at four southern crossings which at this point have been closed. In some instances this has led to violence, with border guards having deployed riot control measures to keep migrant groups from breaching the border.
Wonder if they are holding them back in Kiev for defense should another push be made from the north…..if that’s even possible.Just did the google...nope
probably saving their best tanks Abrams, Challengers, Leopard 2's to exploit a breakthrough or react to a Russian one.
Back in June they lost some Leopard 2's attacking those fortified defenses..
My hope is they are being clustered for a giant ferrying operation across the Dnipro, and will be used to cut across to the Sea of Azov, isolating Crimea. But, there are a billion mines across Ukraine now. I wonder how effective tanks are even going to be?
It's been 10 years since the uprising in Ukraine that led us to today.
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-...a-war-maidan-2f73f31a5aec45bd7dbcddae8f72edac
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-...a-war-maidan-2f73f31a5aec45bd7dbcddae8f72edac
May be on the move.
"Beautiful video of the 129th separate brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine"
"Beautiful video of the 129th separate brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine"
"Germany will supply Ukraine with 20,000 more strategically-important 155mm artillery shells as part of a new £1.1 billion military aid package.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the package would also include four additional IRIS-T air defence units and anti-tank mines.
The artillery shells come on top of 140,000 155mm rounds Germany has already pledged to deliver next year.
Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that artillery shell deliveries had “really slowed down” since the Israel-Hamas war began, with the European Union admitting earlier this month that it would fail to meet its pledge to supply one million shells by March next year.
“This underlines that we stand with Ukraine sustainably and reliably,” Mr Pistorius said during an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Tuesday.
The aid will supplement an £880,000 “winter package” announced by Berlin last month."
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-n...russia-war-news-live-putin-us-defence-latest/
One of the biggest reasons we waited so long to send them is they need a lot of logistical support and training to be effective on the field. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if they are still training up people to maintain the tanks.
The preview game me chills...
www.vox.com
A harrowing film exposes the brutality of Russia’s war in Ukraine
A conversation with a Ukrainian journalist who documented the siege of Mariupol.
www.vox.com
WASHINGTON — The White House voiced concern Tuesday that Iran may provide Russia with ballistic missiles for use in its war against Ukraine, a development that likely would be disastrous for the Ukrainian people, a U.S. national security official said.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby noted that Iran already has been providing Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, guided aerial bombs and artillery ammunition, and may be preparing “to go a step further in its support for Russia.”
https://www.military.com/daily-news...de-ballistic-missiles-russia-use-ukraine.html
"According to TCM, Washington has asked Yerevan [the capital of Armenia] to provide Ukraine with Osa-K air defense systems, which are also in service with the Armenian army.
The United States and Great Britain have long traveled the world in search of remaining Soviet standard weapons that could be sent to Ukraine, writes TCM.
“And given Pashinyan’s general pro-Western course, this news does not seem incredible. He may find a ‘moral justification’ for this act in the fact that Russia sells arms to Azerbaijan,” commented the Russian blogger on Telegram.
TCM fears that Armenia, the USA, and Washington will not limit themselves to the already mentioned Soviet weapon systems. Armenia has at least five divisions of S-300PS and at least as many S-300 PTs. “Armenia also has five divisions of Iskander ballistic missile systems,” TCM also wrote.
“By the way, given the specifics of Ukrainian logistics, it can be assumed that Point-U from Armenia may already be in Ukraine,” the Russian blogger suggests.
Tochka-U and Osa-K
The OTR-21 [Yochka-U] is a streamlined mobile missile launcher system, specifically created to operate seamlessly within land combat scenarios. However, the 9K52 Luna-M missile system is somewhat larger and lacks the precision of the OTR-21. Yet, the OTR-21 excels in size and accuracy, making it a formidable navigation tool.
This missile can hit enemy targets such as control posts, bridges, and storage facilities with precision. It can target troop concentrations and airfields as well. The fragmented warhead can be replaced with a nuclear, biological, or even chemical weapon. The solid propellant ensures ease of maintenance and deployment.
The 9K33 Osa showcases an integrated 9A33 transporter-launcher and radar vehicles capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging aircraft independently or with the help of regimental surveillance radars. Its transporter vehicle, the VAZ-5937, boasts full amphibious capability and air mobility. The ground coverage is estimated to be around 500 km.
S-300
The S-300, developed by the former Soviet Union, is a long-range surface-to-air missile system series. It was industrially produced by NPO Almaz for the Soviet Air Defence Forces as a defensive measure against air raids and cruise missiles. Even today, the S-300 is considered one of the most effective anti-aircraft missile systems in operation. "
Armenia may deliver 200 ballistic missiles and S-300s to Ukraine
Russian Telegram channel Militarist [TCM] reports that "Yerevan intends to hand over the launchers of the Tochka-U missile system and 200 missiles to Ukraine."
bulgarianmilitary.com
Excellent. Putin took sides in the Armenian / Azerbaijani dispute, or, to be precise, he stepped aside. Actions have consequences.
"According to TCM, Washington has asked Yerevan [the capital of Armenia] to provide Ukraine with Osa-K air defense systems, which are also in service with the Armenian army.
The United States and Great Britain have long traveled the world in search of remaining Soviet standard weapons that could be sent to Ukraine, writes TCM.
“And given Pashinyan’s general pro-Western course, this news does not seem incredible. He may find a ‘moral justification’ for this act in the fact that Russia sells arms to Azerbaijan,” commented the Russian blogger on Telegram.
TCM fears that Armenia, the USA, and Washington will not limit themselves to the already mentioned Soviet weapon systems. Armenia has at least five divisions of S-300PS and at least as many S-300 PTs. “Armenia also has five divisions of Iskander ballistic missile systems,” TCM also wrote.
“By the way, given the specifics of Ukrainian logistics, it can be assumed that Point-U from Armenia may already be in Ukraine,” the Russian blogger suggests.
Tochka-U and Osa-K
The OTR-21 [Yochka-U] is a streamlined mobile missile launcher system, specifically created to operate seamlessly within land combat scenarios. However, the 9K52 Luna-M missile system is somewhat larger and lacks the precision of the OTR-21. Yet, the OTR-21 excels in size and accuracy, making it a formidable navigation tool.
This missile can hit enemy targets such as control posts, bridges, and storage facilities with precision. It can target troop concentrations and airfields as well. The fragmented warhead can be replaced with a nuclear, biological, or even chemical weapon. The solid propellant ensures ease of maintenance and deployment.
The 9K33 Osa showcases an integrated 9A33 transporter-launcher and radar vehicles capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging aircraft independently or with the help of regimental surveillance radars. Its transporter vehicle, the VAZ-5937, boasts full amphibious capability and air mobility. The ground coverage is estimated to be around 500 km.
S-300
The S-300, developed by the former Soviet Union, is a long-range surface-to-air missile system series. It was industrially produced by NPO Almaz for the Soviet Air Defence Forces as a defensive measure against air raids and cruise missiles. Even today, the S-300 is considered one of the most effective anti-aircraft missile systems in operation. "
Armenia may deliver 200 ballistic missiles and S-300s to Ukraine
Russian Telegram channel Militarist [TCM] reports that "Yerevan intends to hand over the launchers of the Tochka-U missile system and 200 missiles to Ukraine."
