Originally Posted by
ORAC
First Ukrainian units have reached Chkalove. If they break those lines they can roam behind the main defense lines in the North and disrupt the Russian positions in Davydiv Brid and the newly established defensive at Dudchany.
Not sure, but it appears that the drive towards Chkalove is pushing against the 11th Separate [air] Assault Brigade, from the VDV. If that is the case, they may get some good repossession of Ukrainian territory. The 11th reportedly lost their deputy Lt Col Glebov, on 7 Mar @ Kharkiv, (probably misreported... their CO since 2020 has been Colonel Denis Nikolayevich Shishov) but their HQ was hit. By July they had lost half of their establishment according to Russian sources, 18 July, 78 of the force refused to fight. reportedly 8 of the refuzniks were split up and sent off to other sections, and came back wanting to go out with machine guns on their motorcycles (more voltage, Igor? Good CRM Skipper!). On 26 July, their HQ was hit by Ukraine. Again. Just outside of Kharkiv. Again.
So they are a fine force of well trained, rested, supplied, motivated,
heros of the soviet union, bunch, or not.
On aviation themes, as part of the VDV, their parachutes will help keep them warm in winter, (warmer than the new recruits on the ground outside of VDV bases in Omsk and the subtropical paradise of Norilsk etc. (sub-arctic? 300km north of the arctic circle?-1C at the start of October... ). These troops should be in fine form. Portends a lot of A&E visits with broken ankles.