Ukraine War Thread Part 2 [Archive] - Page 35

Tartiflette Fan

16th Feb 2024, 16:19

Yeah, the details have to evolve, though the (Western ??) expert impression isn't that rosy.

Let alone, how to install a Patriot-sized weapon system on a carrier, that thingy does require a 1, max 2 seconds reaction time, between (potential detection) and the missile "to be destroyed". Not to speak about the debris with warhead just following its original course.

The missiles used in the naval AEGIS system are larger ( 7 m ) than Patriots ( 5.8 m )and obviously the carrier battle group with its Hawkeye AWACS and all the many surface radars has many many multiples of the computing and detection power availabe to the land-based Patriots, so at first sight it seems feasible.. Maybe its unnecessary as I'm certain the DoD and USN rate the carrier battle group as their most precious asset, and therefore anything good used elsewhere would be incorporated PDQ.

rattman

16th Feb 2024, 19:38

Could anyone here shed some light on the size/yield of the weapon that did this?
Edit, to be clear, I mean the crater in the woods, not the S300 attack.

https://twitter.com/TWMCLtd/status/1758221623436398858?t=QlKLQQuxbZv_SLdha5yoAg&s=19

I saw discussion it was iskander / tochka or more specifically the NK version of the Tockha. It says it in the thread

Andrewgr2

16th Feb 2024, 19:41

That looks like a very expensive way of clearing a few acres of woodland and creating a pond. Let’s hope their targeting remains as poor.

langleybaston

16th Feb 2024, 19:59

Looks like the end of Adviikva is near, thanks to the excellent and timely support from western democracies!

Maybe, but history is replete with examples of very costly [to the defenders] of real estate: Ypres [Ieper] and Verdun in the Great War for example.
One problem is that they become emblamatic, sacred ground for which so many have sacrificed their lives, whereas a Gallipoli, an Arnhem or a Dunkirk withdrawal only leaves a small chunk of battered landscape to the "winners".

Much easier to judge in an armchair with a glass of house red, but I would "fold my tents in the night" and admit a setback.

DogTailRed2

16th Feb 2024, 20:03

All good armies know when to retreat. Just make sure the enemy has paid a fair price for the land they have won.

NutLoose

16th Feb 2024, 20:40

And leave a smorgasbord of mines and booby traps for them

Herod

16th Feb 2024, 21:09

And leave a smorgasbord of mines and booby traps for them
As long as you know where they are, for when you advance again.

IlyaMuromets

16th Feb 2024, 22:06

For your info:
When it is spelt as Adveekva the posts tend to be Russian, Ukraine uses Adviika

Correct, except it's Avdeevka : Avdiivka.

Please

IM

ORAC

16th Feb 2024, 22:14

https://x.com/maks_nafo_fella/status/1758598387987820935?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

I know who poisoned my wife. In the near future you will see the answer on the territory of the Russian Federation, and everyone will understand it,

Budanov

ORAC

17th Feb 2024, 06:59

https://x.com/igorsushko/status/1758727470071808416?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

🔥 Russia: Shopping mall building converted to a military drone factory has burned down in Izhevsk.

ORAC

17th Feb 2024, 07:06

https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1758660131435479187?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

BREAKING:

The Ukrainian Army announces its complete withdrawal from Avdiivka to avoid encirclement

https://x.com/osinttechnical/status/1758650818234917266?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Footage of Ukrainian forces from the 3rd Assault Brigade, newly deployed to Avdiivka to secure the Ukrainian retreat from the city.

https://x.com/ralee85/status/1758638627545063926?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

This is a critical moment. Given Russia's manpower and resource advantages, Ukrainian units being encircled or taking heavy losses in a withdrawal could have a significant effect on the war. The relative resources expended in this battle will likely be the most important factor.

henra

17th Feb 2024, 07:58

BREAKING:
The Ukrainian Army announces its complete withdrawal from Avdiivka to avoid encirclement

Right choice! Just make sure the opponent paid dearly for this bit of acre.

FUMR

17th Feb 2024, 08:55

Yes, but a choice they may not have had to make had they received sufficient ammo supplies from their "friends"!

rattman

17th Feb 2024, 10:43

Claims of 2 SU-34 and 1 SU-35 sambushed again

“On the morning of February 17, 2024, in the Eastern direction, units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed three enemy aircraft at once - two Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter!” - Commander of the Air Force of Ukraine

DogTailRed2

17th Feb 2024, 11:29

Yes, but a choice they may not have had to make had they received sufficient ammo supplies from their "friends"!
I find it frustrating and sad our indecision is costing Ukrainian lives. It must impact their morale but then I wonder if that is NATO's game plan all along. Let this conflict drag out into a stalemate where Russia wins. Kicking the can down the road.

DogTailRed2

17th Feb 2024, 11:31

And leave a smorgasbord of mines and booby traps for them
Shame they have insufficient arty and air support. They must have that area well zeroed in. Plaster it as the enemy advances.

henra

17th Feb 2024, 13:58

t must impact their morale but then I wonder if that is NATO's game plan all along. Let this conflict drag out into a stalemate where Russia wins.
Why should this be NATO's game plan? I think it is more the problem that too many Countries have reaped too much of peace dividend over the last 30 years and are now so short on stuff that they are reluctant to give away their own last stocks. Cue the discussions in big European nations about their amunitions stock lasting for max 1 week of real war. That is probably why supply is rather slowing down. Excess stocks have been given to Ukraine, now everyone is down to their core arsenal. And production of new stuff takes quite a lead time. Everything Military was switched from Serial production to manufactory (Rheinmetall currently producing only 70000 Arty shells per year in Unterluess, that is a one weeks throughput of Russian Army at the moment). Going back to mass production takes time. Looking at the European manufacturers I expect signifcant ramp up only next year.
US being the only real exception. They are purely stuck in a political skirmish.

Geriaviator

17th Feb 2024, 14:08

I agree with @henra's assessment. Our politicians grandstand on the world stage but have nothing to back up their rhetoric. Makes one wonder what will happen if Putin continues his advance into Ukraine despite the brave efforts of its citizens.

ORAC

17th Feb 2024, 15:23

https://x.com/wartranslated/status/1758795834206887975?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Think all the armchair warlords and russians-by-spirit from Nigeria would greatly benefit from knowing what russians themselves think of the bloody meat grinder that is Avdiivka. Not the officially aligned propagandists. The real people...

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/603x496/image_f7af5c03458911138b5157c0ad3d6bb0a283332d.png

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/602x447/image_9e88f251e196e1ffd80e77fe7205e0f5b9cb37d4.png

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/603x418/image_892156afa0a759c7918c8ec53973f3359c8076ef.png

ORAC

17th Feb 2024, 15:25

https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1758789705473069201?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Terrifying video of Russian attacks on Avdiivka.

DogTailRed2

17th Feb 2024, 19:42

Russia developing 'troubling' new anti-satellite weapon, US says - BBC News (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68309496)

ORAC

17th Feb 2024, 22:51

This is separate to the 3 yesterday…

https://x.com/osinttechnical/status/1758960199174423006?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Footage of a Russian fighter, downed by a Ukrainian SAM earlier today (likely PATRIOT), falling near Dyakovo, Luhansk Oblast.

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 11:23

SU 34.

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1759161234312532005

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1759161234312532005

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 11:27

June is the planned arrival of the F16’s

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1759153957048316063

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1759153957048316063

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 11:32

WOW

DENMARK WILL TRANSFER ALL ITS ARTILLERY TO UKRAINE

Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, gave a statement in which she made clear her country's commitment to the definitive defeat of Russia. "Leaders of European countries often talk about problems with weapons production, citing them as the reason they cannot increase aid supplies to Ukraine. However, they are now opening new defense companies for the future," stressed Frederiksen.

The PM added that discussions at the Munich Security Conference did not sufficiently emphasize the urgency of transferring the weapons it now needs to Ukraine. "Ukraine is asking us for ammunition and artillery now. We, Denmark, have decided to transfer all our artillery to Ukraine.

So, sorry, friends, there is military equipment in Europe, it's not just a matter of production. We have weapons, ammunition, air defense systems, which we have not yet used. They must be delivered to Ukraine". Denmark was invaded by Nazi Germany on April 9, 1940 and until the end of the war in 1945 it was under occupation. Thousands of Danes died during the five years, they know what it is like to live under the oppression of the invader, they know that Russia needs to be stopped now! .

https://twitter.com/Acontece_ndo/status/1759174987469017338

https://twitter.com/Acontece_ndo/status/1759174987469017338

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 11:44

Russias advances in the Adviivka region as posted by a Russian oriented poster.

https://twitter.com/TobiAyodele/status/1759193676339610100
https://twitter.com/TobiAyodele/status/1759193676339610100

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 12:13

Russian losses trying to take Adviivka, if the Ammo hadn’t become an issue it would have continued to be a Russian killing field.

https://twitter.com/TOGAjano21/status/1759163005663654281

https://twitter.com/TOGAjano21/status/1759163005663654281

wondering

18th Feb 2024, 12:44

Sadly, Ukrainians run out of ammo before Russia run out of meat. The peace dividend went one bridge too far.

Rheinmetall started building it´s new ammo plant on Feb 12 this year. Initial production will be 50000 shells next year. 100000 shells the year after. Eventually reaching 200000. Russia manufactures more like two million shells a year. Is it too little, too late?
https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2024/02/2024-02-12-rheinmetall-builds-new-ammunition-factory-in-unterluess-ground-breaking-ceremony-with-chancellor-scholz

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 20:34

Ukraine destroying an abandoned Leopard and Bradley as they retreat.

https://twitter.com/RadarFennec/status/1759307356670697645

https://twitter.com/RadarFennec/status/1759307356670697645

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 20:49

More lost Leopards

https://twitter.com/lostarmour/status/1758132663544901748

https://twitter.com/lostarmour/status/1758132663544901748

https://twitter.com/lostarmour/status/1758548371189448794

https://twitter.com/lostarmour/status/1758548371189448794

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 21:09

Russian artillery working over Adviikva

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1758789705473069201?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1758789705473069201?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 21:17

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1759326761978884313

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1759326761978884313

NutLoose

18th Feb 2024, 22:18

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1200x859/image_2f413698deb21b32ae997919bb315fb200d6bf0c.jpeg

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 04:25

I hate to keep repeating myself, but FFS, haven’t we all being saying this from the start.

https://twitter.com/pravda_eng/status/1759427588995326226

https://twitter.com/pravda_eng/status/1759427588995326226

.. (https://twitter.com/pravda_eng/status/1759427588995326226)

rattman

19th Feb 2024, 09:13

Claims of another SU-34 and SU-35

If the claims are true been a pretty devestating 3 days for the russians

4 - SU-34's and 2 SU-35's shot down

antheads

19th Feb 2024, 09:14

Yeah, yeah it's RT via Russia in Global Affairs think tank, but I think it provides some extra info to this thread. ie russian perspective on what happened in Avdiivka in terms of military strategy and optimistic ruski predictions for 2024.

https://www.rt.com/russia/592642-sergey-poletaev-second-anniversary/

The Russian Army’s advantages in the air and in armored vehicles have not yet been translated into success; even weak Ukrainian air defenses keep our air force on our side of the front, while armored vehicles, which are forced to gather in columns in minefields, are easy targets for drones and precision fire, even if they are few in number. Yes, things are worse for the enemy, and there are fewer chances of a breakthrough, but the fact remains that since the autumn of 2022, when the current front was formed, we have not seen a single successful attack of operational significance, and the frontal shifts in units of kilometers have been achieved as a result of months of exhausting battles fought virtually on foot.

I hate to keep repeating myself, but FFS, haven’t we al being saying this from the start.
No point crying over spilt milk, old chum. Hmm maybe it's time to negotiate, or wait till 2025 or another 30 year war?

ORAC

19th Feb 2024, 09:49

Russian troops are attacking in 5 directions at once, while Ukraine lacks weapons and soldiers - New York Times

The Russians are attacking simultaneously on the Avdiivka, Maryinka, Robotyne, Kremenka and Bakhmut fronts.

ORAC

19th Feb 2024, 09:51

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, two more Russian fighter planes have been shot down over the Sea of Azov this morning, one Su-34 and Su-35S.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x1213/image_2f7bbb9a7ae638b2fd2b0284f19ae0e4d583d851.png

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 10:25

Already posted ORAC

[email protected]

19th Feb 2024, 10:46

Hmm maybe it's time to negotiate, Negotiate what exactly? Anything other than a complete withdrawal to 2014 borders is just giving the Russians an excuse to keep taking territory every couple of years.

Herod

19th Feb 2024, 10:52

Certainly not time to negotiate. Ukraine HAS to win this, and should have months ago. Now, let's give them everything they need and hopefully save the free world. The alternative isn't a pleasant thing to contemplate.

Buster Hyman

19th Feb 2024, 11:13

This was never a fight Ukraine could win without constant, unwavering support from the West. Sadly, despite a brave fight, I think they should end it now (if they can) as the support appears to be wavering.

My reasoning would be that by ending it, they can get their NATO membership sorted, rebuild their Cities & armed forces, and then wait for Vlad the Ludicrous to do his next stupid act. At that time, they can launch into regaining their rightful territory.

This all assumes that the West continue the ridiculous trickle of support & Vlad doesn't press any advantage by not negotiating & going for all of Ukraine.

Just my 2c, which is probably worth less at these exchange rates!

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 11:54

It surprises me when you see people run away from the likes of this

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1759560022692884724

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1759560022692884724

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 12:03

Yawn..... He better be ULEZ compliant.

https://twitter.com/ImtiazMadmood/status/1759556878843978198

https://twitter.com/ImtiazMadmood/status/1759556878843978198

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 12:06

I seriously seriously hope this is true.. FINALLY, if funding is approved.

https://twitter.com/Azovsouth/status/1759552576146616534

https://twitter.com/Azovsouth/status/1759552576146616534

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 12:10

France announced 4 billion in aid for 2024

https://twitter.com/Azovsouth/status/1758631143199437073

https://twitter.com/Azovsouth/status/1758631143199437073

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 12:12

Murdering Ukrainian soldiers.:mad:

https://twitter.com/uarealitynow/status/1759472973663105146

https://twitter.com/uarealitynow/status/1759472973663105146

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 12:15

Remains of one of the downed fighters floating in the sea.

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1759538866174804064

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1759538866174804064

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 12:17

Italy to allocate 1.5 billion Euros to Ukraine

https://twitter.com/Feher_Junior/status/1759514593884287079

https://twitter.com/Feher_Junior/status/1759514593884287079

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 12:19

Some equipment provided has been found unsuitable.

https://twitter.com/Feher_Junior/status/1759282125734359336

https://twitter.com/Feher_Junior/status/1759282125734359336

Wokkafans

19th Feb 2024, 13:48

First Sighting Of British Banshee Jet-Powered Drone In Ukraine

"At least one British-made Banshee target drone has been reported crashed behind Russian lines. The Banshee Jet 80 is a high-performance twin jet drone used by the Royal Navy and others. In Ukrainian service it is likely being used as a one-way attack drone (OWA-UAV) to strike high value targets deep behind the front line." Article continues...

H I Sutton - Covert Shores

https://www.qinetiq.com/en/what-we-do/services-and-products/banshee-jet-80-plus (http://www.hisutton.com/Ukraine-Banshee-Drone.html)

According to Russian sources:

"Russian forces have intercepted a British-made kamikaze jet drone in the southern part of Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), the head of the Russian region, Denis Pushilin, has said.In a statement on Monday, Pushilin said that the UK-made Banshee Jet-80 had been neutralized by Federal Security Service (FSB) operatives, military police, and the National Guard over the Novoazovsk district.

The official noted that after a “controlled landing,” Russian bomb experts had disarmed the kamikaze UAV, removing 7kg of explosives that were swiftly destroyed at the scene.

Produced by UK-based company QinetiQ, the Banshee Jet-80 is a twin-engine drone that can fly up to 720 km/h and has a range of more than 100km. In the past, drones of this type were used in military drills to simulate threats from cruise missiles, warplanes, and other fast-moving targets.

Pushilin went on to say, citing the drone’s decrypted flight plan, that the aircraft was aimed at “a major civil infrastructure facility” in the port city of Mariupol, without providing further details of the target. He added, however, that the aircraft was supposed to swoop in on the facility from the sea side.

”We see that Western terrorists, together with their Ukrainian accomplices, once again wanted to stage a monstrous terrorist attack and pin the blame on Russia,” Pushilin stated, praising law enforcement agencies for managing to prevent numerous casualties.

According to the DPR head, the planned attack sought to destabilize the situation in Donbass as Ukrainian troops retreated from the key city of Avdeevka."

ORAC

19th Feb 2024, 14:35

The United States should approve a new aid package to Ukraine so as not to send American troops there, - Republican presidential candidate and former permanent representative to the UN Nikki Haley

"Ukraine is not asking for troops, they are simply asking for equipment and ammunition to win this conflict. They have a lot of fighting power, we need to give them what they need so they can win so we can prevent any of our troops from being sent," she said.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x682/image_7b5ecb6c1e4d007ef24b78244e64d192a7d61c9e.png

GlobalNav

19th Feb 2024, 14:54

Negotiate what exactly? Anything other than a complete withdrawal to 2014 borders is just giving the Russians an excuse to keep taking territory every couple of years.

Only the time and place to bury Putin.

NutLoose

19th Feb 2024, 16:34

A German donated patriot battery is doing well. :ok:

The German donated Patriot battery has already downed 18 enemy air targets in Ukraine
3 Mi-8;
1 Su-24;
9 Su-34;
3 Su-35;
1 A-50;
1 Il-22M (damaged).

https://twitter.com/jurgen_nauditt/status/1759595616752046389

https://twitter.com/jurgen_nauditt/status/1759595616752046389

ORAC

19th Feb 2024, 17:15

https://x.com/wartranslated/status/1759301892386025742?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Orcs entered Avdiivka, and thought they'd keep going, but now they're getting obliterated in Lastochkyne, to the west of the town.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1201x683/image_b81614f8a8ffc42760207f51ff3794914438b3a7.png

Pali

19th Feb 2024, 18:58

This is longer but very sobering letter written by an American military veteran. 20 or so Putin's rogue representatives in Congress are holding USA and Ukraine hostage.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1759295578482106674

havoc

19th Feb 2024, 19:43

Russian Chopper Pilot Who Defected to Ukraine Found Dead in Spain (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-chopper-pilot-who-defected-to-ukraine-found-dead-in-spain/ar-BB1ixiTm?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=9a46fd46ba1f40de9b25ed5e9aff2c94&ei=24)

The Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine (https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-pilot-maksim-kuzminov-duped-his-own-crew-while-defecting-to-ukraine) last year by flying a military Mi-8 helicopter across the shared border has been found dead in Spain—months after the government he abandoned swore it would seek revenge.

Maksim Kuzminov briefly captured the world’s attention last summer when it initially seemed as if his chopper had simply disappeared, only for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate to reveal that it had secretly been plotting his defection (https://www.thedailybeast.com/ukraine-to-russia-your-lost-mi-8-helicopter-pilot-actually-defected) for six months and arranging for his family’s safe escape from Russia.

At a press conference, Kuzminov recalled how he tricked his two crew members but managed to stop them from killing him mid-flight because he was the only one able to keep the aircraft from crashing.

The Ukrainian intelligence agency would later say that Kuzminov’s two companions refused to surrender and “died immediately after landing.” But the incident became a scandal back home in Russia, where local media reported that the military intelligence agency GRU had a standing order with “no expiration date (https://www.newsweek.com/kuzminov-russia-spies-ukraine-kremlin-1831274)” to assassinate the pilot.

On Monday, the news site Ukrainska Pravda (https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2024/02/19/7442591/) quoted Ukraine’s military intelligence stating that Kuzminov had “decided to move to Spain… invited his ex to his place and was found shot.”

Intelligence sources apparently said his killers were found fleeing the scene of the pilot’s burned-out car.

Wokkafans

19th Feb 2024, 21:23

Evacuation footage of the 2nd mechanized battalion of the 3rd assault brigade - contains images of injured troops.

"One of the small episodes of our evacuation, when mostly there were only lightly concussed wounded. Carefully! In the video there is a girl whose balls are much bigger than many men in this country!"

https://Twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1759701176365232477?s=20 (https://x.com/NOELreports/status/1759701176365232477?s=20)

https://Twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1759701176365232477?s=20 (https://x.com/NOELreports/status/1759701176365232477?s=20)

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 00:56

Putting a point over in London :D

https://twitter.com/pravda_eng/status/1759729326080381345

https://twitter.com/pravda_eng/status/1759729326080381345

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 01:31

Wow, first we have flying UAV’s , then drone attack boats and mining and resupply tracked drones, and now Ukraine has developed a collapsable remote controlled stretchers to possibly evacuate the wounded under fire.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/19/7442613/

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 01:45

More reports of Russian murders.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1759647811681816858

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1759647811681816858

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 01:57

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/621x900/image_79d6cd4991c00d09f7eb24bc7228701fc2618edb.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/639x900/image_f2f8c01ae0558c684503bed7655d04dc49ee26b3.jpeg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/618x900/image_0f0b35ec79e2a620e3bb3d0e7c5cb279562c8489.jpeg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/646x900/image_3596b471169fb12f296fcf22c8fc8f23c8de3efb.jpeg

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 02:27

Another one bites the dust.

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1759728447835021459

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1759728447835021459

Ivan Sechin died under bizarre circumstances: At 4:30am he suddenly felt like he was suffocating and lost consciousness. His bodyguard gave the wrong address for the ambulance, so they didn't reach him for 2 hours. Ivan was living under the pseudonym Evgeny Anatolievich Panin.

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 02:32

Only in Russia.

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1759098979336532020

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1759098979336532020

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1758741662531244467

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1758741662531244467

Low average

20th Feb 2024, 03:44

From an American in Avdiivka: What is Congress doing?
This is well written. Fully agree with his analysis of the root cause of the war - the Russian leaders could not tolerate having a fledgeling Democracy as a close neighbour.

admikar

20th Feb 2024, 08:02

Yeah, having largest miltiary alliance right on your border had nothing to do with it. It's like you people think Russians are living just like North Koreans and have no access to outside information, so they don't know how the world actually lives.
Besides, you seem to ignore the fact that tensions really arose when Ukraine announced they will not renew lease of Sevastopol base. I agree that it is arogant of Russia to go to war over it, but USA was ready for full on WW3 over missiles in Kuba. Russia did what every country that has means to do did and is doing to this day, protected its interests.

Sallyann1234

20th Feb 2024, 08:16

keith williams

20th Feb 2024, 08:26

Admikar

So if Putin wins this war and Annexes the rest of ukraine, (as he has already done with the occupied areas) he will then have Poland, which is a member of NATO right next to Russia's border. Presumably he (and you) will see that as justification for invading Poland. If you wish to ignore that question, let's look at the Baltic States. They are already members of NATO, so would he be justified in invading them? If so, where will this justification end?

admikar

20th Feb 2024, 08:54

Just a hint, you would be more convincing if you didn't use the Russian spelling of Kuba.
Really? That's your best argument?
If you'd like, I can write this in my native language and let you translate it.
Stvarno? To ti je najbolji argument?
To ne mijenja činjenicu da je Amerika bila spremna na novi rat da spriječi projektile na Kubi.
Sally, does this makes me more convincing? Kuba is how we spell it here and no, I am not even close to Russia. I am sorry that I hurt your snowflake feelings.

Admikar

So if Putin wins this war and Annexes the rest of ukrain, (as he has already done with the occupied areas) he will then have Poland, which is a member of NATO right next to Russia's border. Presumably he (and you) will see that as justification for invading Poland. If you wish to ignore that question, let's look at the Baltic States. They are already members of NATO, so would he be justified in invading them? If so, where will this justification end?
Yes and no. Warsaw pact countries were never part of USSR. They were just a buffer, nothing more. Ukraine would be the same.
Regarding Baltics, my guess is that Russia believes Belarus is an ally, which leaves quite narrow coridor to get to those states in the first place. If I remember correctly, it's quite swampy terrain, so not as much threat as open plains of the south west.
This invasion also deals with danger to their Black sea fleet base and even more importantly, oil fields in the south.
To make something clear, I do think this is wrong, but moral high ground some of you show here is funny at the very least, considering your actions.

Video Mixdown

20th Feb 2024, 08:59

admikar

20th Feb 2024, 09:15

How are Russian interests protected by getting hundreds of thousands of your citizens killed and military equipment worth billions destroyed?
I guess they miscalculated.
It seems to me that Putin really thought it would just be a walk in the park and Ukrainians would side with him against the government.
If Russia lose this, they will have a lot more problem with Muslim majority regions within Russia. Russia was considered a 2nd military power in the world. Even though it is still considered #1 military in the world, USA withdraval from Vietnam and Afganistan had consequences.
Putin can not stand to lose. Both his internal and international position would be compromised.

ORAC

20th Feb 2024, 09:21

https://x.com/tendar/status/1759855578145268029?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Ukrainian drone operators located a concentration of Russian hardware inside a large warehouse somewhere in the south of Ukraine, preparing for an assault.

The very skilled drone operators sent in several drones and eliminated several MBTs, IFVs, trucks and more. In the end, the fire set the entire warehouse ablaze and destroyed whatever was left.

RedToo

20th Feb 2024, 09:37

Ecuador backtracks on plan to send weapons to Ukraine.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240219-ecuador-backtracks-on-plan-to-send-weapons-to-ukraine

B Fraser

20th Feb 2024, 09:55

f Russia lose this, they will have a lot more problem with Muslim majority regions within Russia. Russia was considered a 2nd military power in the world. Even though it is still considered #1 military in the world, USA withdraval from Vietnam and Afganistan had consequences. Putin can not stand to lose. Both his internal and international position would be compromised.

Russia is the number 2 military power in Ukraine and the number 2 naval power in the Black Sea. The latter is all the more remarkable as the number 1 power does not have a navy.

Video Mixdown

20th Feb 2024, 10:09

I guess they miscalculated.
It seems to me that Putin really thought it would just be a walk in the park and Ukrainians would side with him against the government.
If Russia lose this, they will have a lot more problem with Muslim majority regions within Russia. Russia was considered a 2nd military power in the world. Even though it is still considered #1 military in the world, USA withdraval from Vietnam and Afganistan had consequences.
Putin can not stand to lose. Both his internal and international position would be compromised.
Nevertheless, Putin is going to lose - in many ways he has already lost. He has no 'international position' except as a supplicant in Pyongyang and Beijing, and his days of strutting at summits are gone for good. Russia is falling apart, he can do nothing to prevent it and the only question is whether old age, illness or his own disillusioned cronies get him first.

Herod

20th Feb 2024, 10:54

Ukrainian drone operators located a concentration of Russian hardware inside a large warehouse somewhere in the south of Ukraine, preparing for an assault.

The very skilled drone operators sent in several drones and eliminated several MBTs, IFVs, trucks and more. In the end, the fire set the entire warehouse ablaze and destroyed whatever was left.

Teach them not to leave the doors open!! :ok:

admikar

20th Feb 2024, 11:44

Nevertheless, Putin is going to lose - in many ways he has already lost. He has no 'international position' except as a supplicant in Pyongyang and Beijing, and his days of strutting at summits are gone for good. Russia is falling apart, he can do nothing to prevent it and the only question is whether old age, illness or his own disillusioned cronies get him first.
Agree, but problem here is not how we see it, but how Putin sees it.

DirtyProp

20th Feb 2024, 12:29

....
Yes and no. Warsaw pact countries were never part of USSR. They were just a buffer, nothing more. Ukraine would be the same.
...
No, Ukraine would become a second Belarus. Something that the Ukrainian people clearly refuse.
And those buffers in the Warsaw pact were filled with weapons against us.

admikar

20th Feb 2024, 12:50

It ain't much of a buffer if you can just drive through it?

T28B

20th Feb 2024, 12:58

Russia is the number 2 military power in Ukraine and the number 2 naval power in the Black Sea. The latter is all the more remarkable as the number 1 power does not have a navy. As neither Mod nor Admin:
It occurs to me that Turkey is currently the Number one naval power in the Black Sea. ;)

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 13:10

Agree, but problem here is not how we see it, but how Putin sees it.

I doubt he eats anything these days without the worry it may be his last meal, Loyalty is fine unless someone offers your Chef ( The new one) or people serving you seriously large amounts of money. Same goes for sleeping, one would imagine he locks himself inside like Fort Knox.

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 13:19

Aerial drone wars

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1759860158899835032

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1759860158899835032

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 13:28

Aviation Content:

Ok, its official, the low flying record is...... unless you know one lower. More like a rotary wheelbarrow.

https://twitter.com/uarealitynow/status/1759713293650768285

https://twitter.com/uarealitynow/status/1759713293650768285

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 13:34

The illegal Government of the DPR appear to have a fire in their building

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1759908809558921399

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1759908809558921399

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 13:36

Sweden provide details of their latest aid package

https://twitter.com/Feher_Junior/status/1759912965585690645

https://twitter.com/Feher_Junior/status/1759912965585690645

GlobalNav

20th Feb 2024, 16:28

Nevertheless, Putin is going to lose - in many ways he has already lost. He has no 'international position' except as a supplicant in Pyongyang and Beijing, and his days of strutting at summits are gone for good. Russia is falling apart, he can do nothing to prevent it and the only question is whether old age, illness or his own disillusioned cronies get him first.

Sadly, Putin losing doesn’t erase the murderous deeds he committed and is still committing.

ORAC

20th Feb 2024, 16:48

https://x.com/carroll_darian/status/1759900439259062273?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Su-25 wheels up in the Rostov region after taking a hit from Ukrainian AD.

MPN11

20th Feb 2024, 16:55

Aviation Content:
Ok, its official, the low flying record is...... unless you know one lower. More like a rotary wheelbarrow.

“Too close for guns, switching to tyres:”

RedToo

20th Feb 2024, 16:58

I think that's an old piece of footage, recently reposted. I'm sure I've seen it before.

Peter_K

20th Feb 2024, 17:42

Just a hint, you would be more convincing if you didn't use the Russian spelling of Kuba.Actually, this is how you spell Cuba in Ukrainian. If you see Russian in it, mabe you are {removed} mistaken.
You seem to be new here.
Please play the ball, not the man.

T28B

ETOPS

20th Feb 2024, 18:25

Stvarno? To ti je najbolji argument?
To ne mijenja činjenicu da je Amerika bila spremna na novi rat da spriječi projektile na Kubi.

Croatian

Really? That's your best argument?
This does not change the fact that America was ready for a new war to prevent missiles in Cuba.

T28B

20th Feb 2024, 18:59

As neither Mod nor Admin:
Aren't we all glad that cooler heads prevailed?

As Admin: (gentle reminder)
Please play the ball, not the man. Let's remember the first P in PPRuNe, please.
(This thread has generally been doing well, let's keep that trend up).
Thank you all in advance.
T28B

Beer_n_Tabs

20th Feb 2024, 19:45

“Too close for guns, switching to tyres:”

I rarely log in anymore, I just read threads,

I thought this was bloody funny though ! Although maybe its a well know bit of humour I have never heard before

Wokkafans

20th Feb 2024, 22:30

"Extremely grim results of today's strike by Ukrainian forces against a large group of Russian soldiers who lined up on an empty field filmed from the side. The strike was reported earlier today, but surprisingly, footage emerged."

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081074984481171?s=20

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081077849199100?s=20

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081081041100919?s=20

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081074984481171?s=20

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081077849199100?s=20

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081081041100919?s=20

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 22:40

Some may see this as just farmers protecting their livelihoods, but I see it different, farmers in Ukraine are risking their lives from land mines and booby traps to get this grain to where it needs to go and to feed the countries of Africa and the like. Many farmers and workers have been killed to see their efforts dumped on the side of some Polish road…. It sickens me that they are being allowed to do this.

https://twitter.com/thevtalks/status/1759901317336830416

https://twitter.com/thevtalks/status/1759901317336830416

I would bulldoze their tractors off the roads.

NutLoose

20th Feb 2024, 22:46

Winemaker

21st Feb 2024, 00:14

"Extremely grim results of today's strike by Ukrainian forces against a large group of Russian soldiers who lined up on an empty field filmed from the side. The strike was reported earlier today, but surprisingly, footage emerged."

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081074984481171?s=20

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081077849199100?s=20

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760081081041100919?s=20
I get a 'page does not exist' for all three of these links......

jolihokistix

21st Feb 2024, 02:23

One of the Musk-a-tears been at work?

DirtyProp

21st Feb 2024, 05:19

Sadly, Putin losing doesn’t erase the murderous deeds he committed and is still committing.

True, but at least the Russians would hopefully have their chance at steering their country in a better direction and stop invading their neighbours.

antheads

21st Feb 2024, 05:35

some Polish road…. It sickens me that they are being allowed to do this.I would bulldoze their tractors off the roads.
I'm Polish-Australian and could write you a long reply why the Polish farmers are doing this.
- grain and other foodstuffs not going to Africa but flooding the EU market, destroying farmers lives.
- grain and other foodstuffs use pesticides and farming methods banned in the EU.
- top ten agribusinesses that dominate Ukraine, are domiciled overseas and do not pay tax in Ukraine.

But hey, isin't posting about farmers and grain on a military aviation forum off topic?

Back on topic, seems like the hawks on this thread are in the extreme minority amongst European society. Maybe it's just a pommy thing?

Support for Ukraine (https://www.theguardian.com/world/ukraine) among Europeans remains broad, but nearly two years after the full-scale invasion barely 10% now believe it can defeat Russia, according to an EU-wide survey – with some form of “compromise settlement” seen as the most likely end point.

The shift in sentiment – this time last year, more Europeans than not said Ukraine must regain (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/21/war-in-ukraine-defining-new-world-order-says-thinktank) all its lost territory – will demand that politicians take a more “realistic” approach that focuses on defining what an acceptable peace must actually mean, the report’s authors argue.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/21/barely-10-per-cent-of-europeans-believe-ukraine-can-defeat-russia-poll

Beamr

21st Feb 2024, 06:47

Back on topic, seems like the hawks on this thread are in the extreme minority amongst European society. Maybe it's just a pommy thing?

I've no idea what hawks you are referring to, maybe such gibberish is a polack convict thing.

Meanwhile in our on-topic program, Ukrainian air defences are on a roll. Another SU-34 shot down today.

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1760204664572961212

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1760204664572961212

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 08:09

I get a 'page does not exist' for all three of these links......

I think that that happens when images or film clips are behind the sensitive content windows and you have to open them to view, only the ones that are open will be viewable to you.

konstantin

21st Feb 2024, 08:18

From that Guardian article;

"Support for Ukraine (https://www.theguardian.com/world/ukraine) among Europeans remains broad, but nearly two years after the full-scale invasion barely 10% now believe it can defeat Russia, according to an EU-wide survey – with some form of “compromise settlement” seen as the most likely end point."

Was pretty self-evident from a few months into Vlad`s "special military operation".
Sooner or later Zelensky will have to bin his "reclaim every inch of territory" aspirations and rhetoric - it ain`t gonna happen, matey... you ain`t got the comparative manpower.

Crimea is gone forever, you can forget that for a start.
Ukraine, with gritted teeth, will eventually have to cede Kherson and Zaporozhie (at least the bits East of the Dnieper?), and probably all of Luhansk and Donetsk.... If they`re lucky, noises coming from Rusland already about Kharkov region as well (!)... "historically a Russian area" etc.
And god help Ukraina if Rossia perseveres with that nutter Medvedev`s (and Co) pronouncements - "we might leave them the Lvov region enclave" etc.
Cultural and geographic genocide is effectively what is being advocated.... and that may very well happen, if this goes on for the medium term future.

DirtyProp

21st Feb 2024, 08:30

Russian mil blogger committed "suicide". Apparently he wrote that the losses in Avdiivka were extremely high and asked for an official enquiry to be opened.
Why am I not surprised?

https://istories.media/news/2024/02/21/rossiiskii-voenkor-i-voennosluzhashchii-andrei-murz-morozov-pokonchil-s-soboi/

https://twitter.com/francis_scarr/status/1760217486018920705?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7 Ctwgr%5Etweet (https://istories.media/news/2024/02/21/rossiiskii-voenkor-i-voennosluzhashchii-andrei-murz-morozov-pokonchil-s-soboi/)

just another jocky

21st Feb 2024, 08:51

Very strange occurrence’s

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1757476864279376257

From that Guardian article;

Was pretty self-evident from a few months into Vlad`s "special military operation".
Sooner or later Zelensky will have to bin his "reclaim every inch of territory" aspirations and rhetoric - it ain`t gonna happen, matey... you ain`t got the comparative manpower.

Crimea is gone forever, you can forget that for a start.
Ukraine, with gritted teeth, will eventually have to cede Kherson and Zaporozhie (at least the bits East of the Dnieper?), and probably all of Luhansk and Donetsk.... If they`re lucky, noises coming from Rusland already about Kharkov region as well (!)... "historically a Russian area" etc.
And god help Ukraina if Rossia perseveres with that nutter Medvedev`s (and Co) pronouncements - "we might leave them the Lvov region enclave" etc.
Cultural and geographic genocide is effectively what is being advocated.... and that may very well happen, if this goes on for the medium term future.
Aren't some of those Eastern regions high in rare mineral deposits? Perhaps another reason to continue the fight?

ORAC

21st Feb 2024, 09:15

Putin isn’t going to stop with half of Ukraine - read what he’s written and hear what he’s said. The mistake in the past was not believing him.

Russia is pushing for a ceasefire in order t9 gain to time to rearm and rebuild their army - and they are doing both far faster than the West.

Politicians and the military Finland, the Baltics, Germany and others have warned us that we have only 5 years before Russia moves into to attack a NATO nation - again read what they have written and hear what they have said and believe them.

If we don’t help fight them in Ukraine we will have to fight them on our own soil.

ORAC

21st Feb 2024, 10:24

Beamr

21st Feb 2024, 10:58

If we don’t help fight them in Ukraine we will have to fight them on our own soil.
Agree. The intel community should be listened to. And everyone should remember that it is not just a fight between armies: Russians will enslave, torture or kill everyone ending in their hands. Nothing has changed from the days of the red army in 1944 when they raped and looted even on their own territory while pushing towards Germany.
Remember the videos of the castrated Ukrainian soldier? Remember the bombed theater in Mariupol? Remember the mass graves in Bucha?

Russia has already entered wartime economics, they need to be stopped in Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/Tetiana_UK_/status/1760059646356705662

https://twitter.com/Tetiana_UK_/status/1760059646356705662

jolihokistix

21st Feb 2024, 11:13

Putin says Russia will push further into Ukraine after 'chaotic' fall of Avdiivka | Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-says-russia-will-push-further-into-ukraine-after-chaotic-fall-avdiivka-2024-02-20/)
Hoping this has not already been posted.

Beamr

21st Feb 2024, 11:33

Russia is really pushing at the moment, 70(!) destroyed APC's in one day. They are really going for it probably due to the presidential "election" and current shortage of ammunition in Ukraine.
all in all the accumulated numbers of Russian losses are extraordinary: +400k troops, +6500 tanks, +12k APC's, 10k artillery pieces, 1k MLRS...

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1760213960123404561

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1760213960123404561

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 11:54

An Alternate view of the war.

https://twitter.com/GOP_is_Gutless/status/1760272741179986004

https://twitter.com/GOP_is_Gutless/status/1760272741179986004

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 12:01

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 12:17

Some high ranking Russian Military are toast. he must shop at an RAF tailor BTW

HIMARS strike in Volnovakha district previously eliminated the Russian lieutenant colonel and brigade commander of the 36th hOMSBr Musayev.

https://twitter.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1760289911284916621

https://twitter.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1760289911284916621

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 12:21

Re the Polish farmers at the Ukraine border causing disruption... WTF is this guy in their country, let alone protesting.

https://twitter.com/United24media/status/1760260771471036627

https://twitter.com/United24media/status/1760260771471036627

212man

21st Feb 2024, 12:28

An Alternate view of the war.

https://twitter.com/GOP_is_Gutless/status/1760272741179986004
I didn’t even bother watching after reading this:
He tells us exactly what’s happening behind the curtain in the Ukraine, why it’s went on for three years now and what will happen after the war is done and over with .

Last time I checked, the full invasion started two years ago this Sunday, and the smaller conflict ten years ago yesterday.

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 12:31

The North Korean Missile that hit in Ukraine contained

Of the 290 components studied: 75% were developed in the United States, 16% are associated with European companies, 9% are made by Asia-based companies.

So much for Western Sanctions to North Korea.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1760218420933493137

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1760218420933493137

The Guidance must have been homegrown.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1758202296993783821

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1758202296993783821

Lonewolf_50

21st Feb 2024, 12:42

In response to the NK missile forensics...
"Treason doth never prosper. What's the reason? Why if it prosper, none dare call it treason."

In news that is on topic: (Source = BBC) At least 60 Russian troops have been killed after a training area in occupied eastern Ukraine was hit by two missiles, reports say.

Sources familiar with the situation told the BBC that troops had gathered at the site in Donetsk region for the arrival of a senior commander.

Video footage of the incident appeared to show large numbers of dead.

Tartiflette Fan

21st Feb 2024, 13:18

https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-political-crisis-taurus-cruise-missiles-ukraine-marie-agnes-strack-zimmermann/

Germany faces a political crisis over sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine

BERLIN — Germany's governing coalition is splintering over whether to send Ukraine its powerful Taurus cruise missiles.

On Tuesday, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and chair of the Bundestag's defense committee, said she'll support an opposition Christian Democrat measure that explicitly calls for sending the missiles to Kyiv.

"I will personally vote for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group's motion in the plenum this week, as it will explicitly include the Taurus demand," she told POLITICO.

The FDP-Greens-Social Democrat coalition is putting forward a resolution on arming Ukraine that calls for "the delivery of additional necessary long-range weapons systems and ammunition to enable Ukraine to carry out international law-compliant, targeted attacks on strategically important targets deep in the rear area of the Russian aggressor."

The capabilities mentioned in the coalition resolution "can only mean Taurus cruise missiles. However, the SPD failed to mention them by name," Strack-Zimmermann tweeted (https://x.com/MAStrackZi/status/1759902731089633482?s=20)….

Strack-Zimmermann flagged her intention to also vote for the resolution put forward by the opposition on a Tuesday morning flight from Greece with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

She blamed the "stubbornness of the chancellor's office" for the absence of a Taurus reference — "it lacks exactly one word" — in the government's resolution.

The Greens have also backed sending the Taurus to Ukraine, and the party's MPs could join Strack-Zimmermann in supporting the opposition resolution later this week….

"Ukraine is fighting for our peace, our freedom and our future in Europe," Strack-Zimmermann tweeted.

Its only significance is increasing pressure on Scholz: he is the only person to be able to say "GO"

Differing reports I have read say that a russian victory would likely mean another 10 million Ukrainian refugees, mainly fleeing West. Given that there are already 1 million in Germany, many would be attracted to go there. Germany is currently in a difficult economic and political situation - stagnant economy , government dead-in-the-water, and immigration the most pressing issue for voters: given the accumulation of these effects, Scholz's continued vacilation is just mind-blowing, especially as his Defence Minister mention the possible need for re-introducing conscription just a few weeks back.

How much would the German budget have to increase if Ukraine fell ( both for Defence ans Social Security ) ? In a recent report ( can't find it again ) it was said that when the special E 100 Bn defence budget-addition runs out in two years, then Germany will need to increase its planned defence budget by 40% annually to even reach the 2% NATO recommendation ( and which has become even more important since Trump started raving again )

EDIT: Feb 21st p.m. Scholz once again rules out deliveries of Taurus in Bundestag speech.

https://www.focus.de/politik/ausland/ukraine-krieg-im-ticker-ukraine-krieg-kostet-deutschland-mehr-als-200-milliarden-euro_id_57275780.html

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 14:30

MURDER, plain and simple.

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1759938483186004053

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1759938483186004053

admikar

21st Feb 2024, 14:30

Its only significance is increasing pressure on Scholz: he is the only person to be able to say "GO"

Differing reports I have read say that a russian victory would likely mean another 10 million Ukrainian refugees, mainly fleeing West. Given that there are already 1 million in Germany, many would be attracted to go there. Germany is currently in a difficult economic and political situation - stagnant economy , government dead-in-the-water, and immigration the most pressing issue for voters: given the accumulation of these effects, Scholz's continued vacilation is just mind-blowing, especially as his Defence Minister mention the possible need for re-introducing conscription just a few weeks back.

How much would the German budget have to increase if Ukraine fell ( both for Defence ans Social Security ) ? In a recent report ( can't find it again ) it was said that when the special E 100 Bn defence budget-addition runs out in two years, then Germany will need to increase its planned defence budget by 40% annually to even reach the 2% NATO recommendation ( and which has become even more important since Trump started raving again )

EDIT: Feb 21st p.m. Scholz once again rules out deliveries of Taurus in Bundestag speech.

https://www.focus.de/politik/ausland/ukraine-krieg-im-ticker-ukraine-krieg-kostet-deutschland-mehr-als-200-milliarden-euro_id_57275780.html
On the other hand, German economy need a million workers per year to combat retirements. Conspiracy, anyone?

Tartiflette Fan

21st Feb 2024, 15:27

On the other hand, German economy need a million workers per year to combat retirements. Conspiracy, anyone?

You have omitted the most important words which are "qualified" and "skilled". The Ukrianians are much more likely to fulfill these needs than Afghans, but integration and providing necessary finance, accommodation and schooling would overwhelm German infrastrucure which is already at breaking point in nearly all towns. If you read the German press how often to you see an appeal like the one below from a Bürgermeister ?

https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus248339066/Migration-Wir-schaffen-es-nicht-mehr-sagt-der-Buergermeister.html

ORAC

21st Feb 2024, 15:58

https://x.com/colbybadhwar/status/1760309656902090870?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

BREAKING: Iran has provided Russia with approx 400 ballistic missiles, including many from the Fateh-110 family, such as the Zolfaghar.

In contrast with North Korean BMs, Iranian made ones are known to be considerably more accurate.

This is a major escalation in Iranian material support for Russia and will strain Ukrainian's Patriot batteries even further at a time when they can least afford it.

https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-sends-russia-hundreds-ballistic-missiles-sources-say-2024-02-21/

DUBAI, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Iran has provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, six sources told Reuters, deepening the military cooperation between the two U.S.-sanctioned countries.

Iran's provision of around 400 missiles includes many from the Fateh-110 family of short-range ballistic weapons, such as the Zolfaghar, three Iranian sources said.

This road-mobile missile is capable of striking targets at a distance of between 300 and 700 km (186 and 435 miles), experts say.

Iran's defence ministry and the Revolutionary Guards - an elite force that oversees Iran's ballistic missile programme - declined to comment. Russia's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The shipments began in early January after a deal was finalised in meetings late last year between Iranian and Russian military and security officials that took place in Tehran and Moscow, one of the Iranian sources said.

Lonewolf_50

21st Feb 2024, 18:16

Aviation Content:
As Russia's ground forces pushed to capture Avdiivka, its air force appeared to establish air superiority over the war-torn town, clearing the way for critical close-air-support missions, conflict analysts assessed.Although only temporary and localized (https://www.businessinsider.com/air-superiority-only-possible-short-bursts-us-air-force-officer-2024-1), it appears to be the first time Russia has taken control of the skies in a front-line area since their full-scale invasion began almost two years ago. And if it continues or expands, a real possibility as Ukrainian air defenses are under significant stress, it could be "devastating," war experts said.

On Saturday, Russia claimed victory in Avdiivka, a Ukrainian town northeast of occupied Donetsk. Despite it being hailed as Russian President Vladimir Putin's biggest victory since the fall of Bakhmut in May 2023 — and a timely one given the upcoming Russian presidential elections next month — it came at a high cost. Moscow has suffered severe losses of both troops and equipment since focusing its forces on Avdiivka last fall. Above is excerpted from a Business Insider article yesterday.

As regards the TBMs Iran is providing to Russia:
They had a bit of a "SCUD war" with Iraq in the 80's ... the "improved accuracy" aspect is concerning.

Beamr

21st Feb 2024, 20:28

A strong message from a British volunteer medic somewhere in the front. A video for everyone to see.

https://twitter.com/KonstantinTeam/status/1760399283210039441

https://twitter.com/KonstantinTeam/status/1760399283210039441

Wokkafans

21st Feb 2024, 20:49

"Yesterday, Russians reported about the strike on a lined up Russian infantry formation in Donetsk region. Today the similar incident happened in the Oleshky forest area of the Kherson region."

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1760420485450342900?s=20

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1760420485450342900?s=20

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 22:33

Openly admitting warcrimes.

https://twitter.com/NatalkaKyiv/status/1760154124958449971

https://twitter.com/NatalkaKyiv/status/1760154124958449971

NutLoose

21st Feb 2024, 22:50

Those preventing aid are complicit in these acts.

https://twitter.com/TheWarMonitor/status/1760396829290647559

https://twitter.com/TheWarMonitor/status/1760396829290647559

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 01:31

The US is still shipping previously agreed munitions.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1758761894775591303

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1758761894775591303

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 02:44

Some good news.

Russia is struggling to provide ammunition and weapons for its war in Ukraine, according to Western officials.

It is facing "extreme challenges" in obtaining sufficient equipment and materiel, an official said.

It comes as concerns over the provision of Western weapons to Ukraine are mounting.

As the war enters its third year, the supply of ammunition, arms and manpower looks set to be a critical factor.

"Russia's domestic ammunition production capabilities are currently insufficient for meeting the needs of the Ukraine conflict," a Western official claimed, saying Moscow has been able to increase its supply only by seeking out alternative sources of ammunition and weapons, which does not offer a long-term solution.

They pointed to the impact of sanctions as one cause.

"Sanctions are hitting the Russian military industrial complex hard, causing severe delays and increasing costs. An inability to access Western components is severely undermining Russia's production of new systems and repairs of old systems, with long-term consequences for the quality of weapons produced," they said.

Russia has made advances recently, such as taking the town of Avdiivka (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68323366), and appears to have the upper hand on the battlefield.

But officials believe Moscow's ability to deliver these successes has come at a high cost in terms of casualties. Russia is firing artillery shells at a far higher rate than Ukraine - five times more by some estimates - but fewer than it was in 2022 and is believed to still not be producing enough to replenish what it is using.

Russia accused of executing prisoners of war in Avdiivka (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68338550)
Dozens of Russian troops 'die in Ukraine air strike' (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68358008)
Zelensky warns of 'artificial deficit' of weapons (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68325022)

The claims about Russian supply come amid growing pessimism in some quarters about Ukraine's prospects after the relative failure of last year's counter-offensive. The comments by officials appear to be an attempt to focus on the fact Moscow may have its own problems. Previous predictions that Russia was about to run out of missiles or other weapons have not always proved correct.

The official said Russia has been having to turn to foreign sources for arms. These include drones and missiles from Iran (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-62225830) and ammunition stocks from North Korea (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67109719). Some of this is also believed to be poor quality as well as having taken extensive negotiations, including a visit from Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66321742) to North Korea, to secure.

The official also said Russia is requisitioning equipment due to be delivered by its defence industry to other countries. This includes India, which has long been reliant on Russian weaponry for its armed forces, and whose air force a year ago said it was not receiving what it expected.

The claims about Russian weapons supply come ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. The assessment from Western officials is that Russia has not given up on its original goals of "subjugating" Ukraine.

But they said Russia does not have a clear plan to bring that about other than hoping that in the long term its superior manpower and resources will make the difference by grinding its neighbour down.

Russia is currently producing more ammunition than Ukraine is receiving. However, Russia may be close to its limits of supply while there remains the possibility that Ukraine could still get more from its allies.

That makes clear that Western support and its supply of arms to Ukraine looks set to be a critical factor in the war's outcome. And with a US package, which includes $60bn (£48bn) for Ukraine, currently stalled in Congress (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68330570), the concern is that even with Russia struggling over its supply, it may still be able to outlast Ukraine if Western support does not come through.

[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68364924

wondering

22nd Feb 2024, 04:58

Some good news.

[[url]https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68364924

Sorry, I've heard it too often the last two years. RU is running out of this and that. Really? RU still outnumbers Ukraine in basically everything. Everybody could see the last weeks how RU artillery and meat waves rolled slowly over Ukraine. A million, two million or more RU KIA? Russians are oblivious to huge casualties. Casualties Ukraine can ill afford.

RU imports hundreds of ballistic missiles. Yet the West won't provide ballistic missiles. Out of fear of what exactly? Every restraint by the West is interpreted as weakness by Vlad.

At this stage, time is on Vlads side.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4481737-russia-broken-stalemate-ukraine-gates/

Beamr

22nd Feb 2024, 09:02

Something to keep an eye on, might cause more Russian activities in the Kherson/Odessa region.

https://twitter.com/RealDacianDraco/status/1760417131257004478

https://twitter.com/RealDacianDraco/status/1760417131257004478

Beamr

22nd Feb 2024, 09:11

Medvedev: the goal of the SMO is not achieved until Kyiv is taken.
It's the first time the Russian administration says out loud the specific goal of the SMO.
Now is the time to wake up and realize that Russia must be stopped and pushed back to its corner.

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1760571805234761785

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1760571805234761785

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 09:26

More aid from New Zealand

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1760598280348553245

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1760598280348553245

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 09:28

A lone Ukrainian fighting for his life.

https://twitter.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1760406983235047607

https://twitter.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1760406983235047607

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 09:30

Russian suicide or attempting to get warm?

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1760578438023299508

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1760578438023299508

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 09:34

Good News, Ukraine have got their Raccoon back.

https://twitter.com/FrontFroid/status/1757586081300836790

https://twitter.com/FrontFroid/status/1757586081300836790

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 09:37

BE AWARE If any you are involved in Ukrainian donations.

https://twitter.com/GlasnostGone/status/1760364736846172223

https://twitter.com/GlasnostGone/status/1760364736846172223

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 10:03

Solovyev is threatening to send missiles to the Houthis to sink British and American shipping... I wonder where he is going to get them from considering Russia is having to beg for missiles for use in Ukraine?

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1760310747052003334

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1760310747052003334

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 10:09

https://twitter.com/JosephPolitano/status/1760012404207845503

https://twitter.com/JosephPolitano/status/1760012404207845503

ORAC

22nd Feb 2024, 10:17

https://x.com/jurgen_nauditt/status/1760509940106457367?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Canada is ready to pay for the delivery of 800,000 shells that the Czech Republic found for Ukraine

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said Monday that Ottawa is in talks with the Czechs.

He emphasized: "I have signed a memorandum of understanding with one of our European allies, the Czech Republic, regarding the possible acquisition of ammunition that they currently have in their possession, which will allow us ... to provide it to Ukraine more quickly as we increase our own production."

Wokkafans

22nd Feb 2024, 11:50

Russia ‘threatened to shoot down French aircraft over Black Sea’
‘Aggressive behaviour’ is explained by the country’s difficulty on the battlefield in Ukraine, France’s defence minister says

https://x.com/Telegraph/status/1760640862688534857?s=20

https://x.com/Telegraph/status/1760640862688534857?s=20

"Russian forces threatened to shoot down a French patrol plane over the Black Sea in a signal of increasingly hostile behaviour.On Thursday, Sébastien Lecornu (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/21/uk-considering-restricting-arms-exports-israel-rafah-gaza/), France’s defence minister, said that Russia is returning to a “particularly aggressive” posture reminiscent of the former Soviet Union (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/soviet-union/) during the Cold War (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cold-war/). “A month ago, to give you a very concrete example, a Russian air traffic control system threatened to shoot down French aircraft (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/26/ukraine-russia-war-news-latest-drones-pows-human-shields/)in the Black Sea (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/17/putin-sacks-head-of-black-sea-fleet-after-ukraine-sinks-war/)when we were in a free international zone where we patrol,” he said on RTL radio. “The behaviour of Russia in 2024 bears no relation to what we saw in 2022 and, obviously, before the aggression in Ukraine,” the minister said. “It is explained by the fact that Russia is in difficulty on the battlefield in Ukraine (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/russia-ukraine-war/).”

French air force pilots regularly patrol on the eastern flank of Nato, part of efforts by the 31-nation military alliance to boost its defences since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine two years ago come Saturday. French flights include long-range patrols by its AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) surveillance aircraft. Stationed high above the Black Sea coast, they use their powerful radar and other monitoring gear to peer across to the Crimean Peninsula that was seized from Ukraine by Russia and annexed in 2014. This surveillance can spot missile launches, airborne bombing runs and other military activity in the Ukraine conflict.

Russian pilots have at times made clear that they do not like being watched. In 2022, a fighter jet released a missile near a Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft that was flying in international airspace over the Black Sea, the UK Government said.
The United States government released video in March 2023 of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a US Air Force surveillance drone. The drone crashed into the Black Sea.

DogTailRed2

22nd Feb 2024, 12:17

https://twitter.com/JosephPolitano/status/1760012404207845503
Why is total lower?

DogTailRed2

22nd Feb 2024, 12:20

Russia ‘threatened to shoot down French aircraft over Black Sea’
‘Aggressive behaviour’ is explained by the country’s difficulty on the battlefield in Ukraine, France’s defence minister says

https://x.com/Telegraph/status/1760640862688534857?s=20

"Russian forces threatened to shoot down a French patrol plane over the Black Sea in a signal of increasingly hostile behaviour.On Thursday, Sébastien Lecornu (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/21/uk-considering-restricting-arms-exports-israel-rafah-gaza/), France’s defence minister, said that Russia is returning to a “particularly aggressive” posture reminiscent of the former Soviet Union (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/soviet-union/) during the Cold War (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cold-war/). “A month ago, to give you a very concrete example, a Russian air traffic control system threatened to shoot down French aircraft (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/26/ukraine-russia-war-news-latest-drones-pows-human-shields/)in the Black Sea (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/17/putin-sacks-head-of-black-sea-fleet-after-ukraine-sinks-war/)when we were in a free international zone where we patrol,” he said on RTL radio. “The behaviour of Russia in 2024 bears no relation to what we saw in 2022 and, obviously, before the aggression in Ukraine,” the minister said. “It is explained by the fact that Russia is in difficulty on the battlefield in Ukraine (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/russia-ukraine-war/).”

French air force pilots regularly patrol on the eastern flank of Nato, part of efforts by the 31-nation military alliance to boost its defences since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine two years ago come Saturday. French flights include long-range patrols by its AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) surveillance aircraft. Stationed high above the Black Sea coast, they use their powerful radar and other monitoring gear to peer across to the Crimean Peninsula that was seized from Ukraine by Russia and annexed in 2014. This surveillance can spot missile launches, airborne bombing runs and other military activity in the Ukraine conflict.

Russian pilots have at times made clear that they do not like being watched. In 2022, a fighter jet released a missile near a Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft that was flying in international airspace over the Black Sea, the UK Government said.
The United States government released video in March 2023 of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a US Air Force surveillance drone. The drone crashed into the Black Sea.

The BBC reporting Russian aircraft making mock attacks on the UK. Not sure if this is just the tabloid press type of thing but I think inevitably NATO will be involved one way or another.

NutLoose

22nd Feb 2024, 16:46

They have been doing penetrations to test our airspace defence response for years... I would think it is simply the press trying to fill paper.

melmothtw

22nd Feb 2024, 17:59

I don't know the nature of the 'mock attacks' being reported by the BBC, but if they are anything like the mock attacks the Russians staged against Sweden a few years ago in 2013 where multiple bombers and strike aircraft staged coordinated, low level and high speed runs close to Swedish airspace (in 2022 they went one better and entered Swedish airspace), they will be nothing like the one or two bombers that have cruised on the edge of UK airspace over the decades. Certainly worthy of press attention in the current climate.

Beamr

22nd Feb 2024, 19:03

tdracer

22nd Feb 2024, 19:12

GlobalNav

23rd Feb 2024, 00:00

Russia ‘threatened to shoot down French aircraft over Black Sea’
‘Aggressive behaviour’ is explained by the country’s difficulty on the battlefield in Ukraine, France’s defence minister says

https://x.com/Telegraph/status/1760640862688534857?s=20

"Russian forces threatened to shoot down a French patrol plane over the Black Sea in a signal of increasingly hostile behaviour.On Thursday, Sébastien Lecornu (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/21/uk-considering-restricting-arms-exports-israel-rafah-gaza/), France’s defence minister, said that Russia is returning to a “particularly aggressive” posture reminiscent of the former Soviet Union (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/soviet-union/) during the Cold War (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cold-war/). “A month ago, to give you a very concrete example, a Russian air traffic control system threatened to shoot down French aircraft (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/26/ukraine-russia-war-news-latest-drones-pows-human-shields/)in the Black Sea (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/17/putin-sacks-head-of-black-sea-fleet-after-ukraine-sinks-war/)when we were in a free international zone where we patrol,” he said on RTL radio. “The behaviour of Russia in 2024 bears no relation to what we saw in 2022 and, obviously, before the aggression in Ukraine,” the minister said. “It is explained by the fact that Russia is in difficulty on the battlefield in Ukraine (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/russia-ukraine-war/).”

French air force pilots regularly patrol on the eastern flank of Nato, part of efforts by the 31-nation military alliance to boost its defences since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine two years ago come Saturday. French flights include long-range patrols by its AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) surveillance aircraft. Stationed high above the Black Sea coast, they use their powerful radar and other monitoring gear to peer across to the Crimean Peninsula that was seized from Ukraine by Russia and annexed in 2014. This surveillance can spot missile launches, airborne bombing runs and other military activity in the Ukraine conflict.

Russian pilots have at times made clear that they do not like being watched. In 2022, a fighter jet released a missile near a Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft that was flying in international airspace over the Black Sea, the UK Government said.
The United States government released video in March 2023 of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a US Air Force surveillance drone. The drone crashed into the Black Sea.
NATO might need to perform some "airbase renewal" for Russia if this happens.

Winemaker

23rd Feb 2024, 01:19

Last winter the Russkies targeted electrical infrastructure in Ukraine but this winter we didn't see so much of that. Ukraine could have targeted Moscow's electrical system but didn't; I wonder if there was some back and forth with an agreement to both hold off. Pure speculation.

Solar

23rd Feb 2024, 06:55

Hi Winemaker
Would be nice to think that but knowing Russian history of honoring any agreements that don’t benefit themselves totally I would have my doubts.

wondering

23rd Feb 2024, 07:10

Where are the Russian soldiers from, interesting analysis based on bank activity. Poor, uneducated and from remote areas from Moscows point of view. Not quite unlike the red army hordes of WW2.

https://twitter.com/jakluge/status/1760358885339086853

I reckon, areas which are home to the military industrial complex should see an increase in bank rolls as well.

But yes Tuva and Buryatia looks about right. Poor sods. They never got a fair chance by Moscow.

ORAC

23rd Feb 2024, 07:20

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/warning-transnistria-may-organize-referendum-annexation-russia-support-russian-hybrid

WARNING: Transnistria May Organize a Referendum on Annexation to Russia to Support Russian Hybrid Operation Against Moldova

The pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria may call for or organize a referendum on Transnistria’s annexation to Russia at a recently announced Transnistrian Congress of Deputies planned for February 28. The pretext for such a call would be the purported need to protect Russian citizens and “compatriots” in Transnistria from threats from Moldova or NATO or both.

Russian President Vladimir Putin could, in the most dangerous course of action, declare Russia’s annexation of Transnistria during his planned address to the Russian Federal Assembly on February 29, although that appears unlikely.

Putin will more likely welcome whatever action the Transnistrian Congress of Deputies takes and offer observations on the situation. ISW offers this assessment as a warning for a high-impact event of indetermined probability.

Moldovan government officials state that the situation in Moldova is unlikely to worsen as of February 22…..

Tripwire

The Transnistrian government on February 21 unexpectedly announced that the situation in Transnistria “has deteriorated sharply since January 1, 2024,” and that it has decided to convene a previously unplanned Congress of Deputies in Tiraspol on February 28.

The Transnistrian government accused the Moldovan government of “destroying” Transnistria’s economy, Moldovan officials of “violating human rights and freedoms in Transnistria,” and unspecified actors of exercising “external political and economic pressure” against Transnistria, which, it claims, has sharply worsened conditions for “socially vulnerable segments of [Transnistria’s] population.”

The Transnistrian Congress of Deputies rarely convenes, and its last meeting was in March 2006, when it decided to hold the referendum to join Russia and not reunify with Moldova later that year.

A prominent Transnistrian opposition activist warned on February 21 that the Transnistrian Congress of Deputies will ask the Russian Federation to annex Transnistria on February 28.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver his annual state of the nation address to the Russian Federal Assembly on February 29 and could use that forum to address any announcements made by the Transnistrian Congress of Deputies…..

Forecast

The Transnistrian Congress of Deputies will likely either initiate a new referendum seeking annexation by Russia or propose or demand action on the 2006 referendum it has already staged.

Putin will likely welcome whatever actions the Congress of Deputies takes, although he may stop short of acting on a request for immediate annexation if the Congress makes such a request…..

Russian military intervention would be challenging for Moscow since Moldova (and Transnistria) is landlocked and accessible only through Romanian or Ukrainian territory. The Russian forces currently in Transnistria are not capable of posing a meaningful military threat to Ukraine without reinforcements….

The most likely course of action, therefore, is that the Transnistrian Congress of Deputies and Putin’s speech will mark an inflection in Russian preparations for hybrid warfare against Moldova, possibly intended to set conditions for an imminent political crisis.

The most dangerous course of action appears at the moment to be a Transnistrian request for annexation followed by Russian action to annex the territory. This course of action appears unlikely at this time…..

ORAC

23rd Feb 2024, 07:33

https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1760797415257305316?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Looks like a MiG-29 fighter jet was sent to Ukraine today from across the Polish border.

Gargleblaster

23rd Feb 2024, 08:46

Here's an interview with an Ukrainean F16 pilot training in Denmark: https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1760922613495296324?s=20

NutLoose

23rd Feb 2024, 09:25

Looks like a MiG-29 fighter jet was sent to Ukraine today from across the Polish border.

Spares ship? No engines fitted and I can't see why you would remove them to ship it.

admikar

23rd Feb 2024, 09:35

Hi Winemaker
Would be nice to think that but knowing Russian history of honoring any agreements that don’t benefit themselves totally I would have my doubts.
They wouldn't be the first to do so....Minsk agreement and Frau Merkel rings any bells?

nevillestyke

23rd Feb 2024, 15:24

Did Merkel sign that? I wasn't aware that she did.

Fly-by-Wife

23rd Feb 2024, 16:19

They wouldn't be the first to do so....Minsk agreement and Frau Merkel rings any bells?

The Minsk agreement was signed by Angela Merkel together with then-French President François Hollande, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September 2014.

fdr

23rd Feb 2024, 16:35

Right choice! Just make sure the opponent paid dearly for this bit of acre.

406,000 RU-ZZian #200's to move Putins wine cellar 8km is pretty good going. Thats ~19mm per dead Russian. Progress, Mir.

In dollar terms, thats cost Russia about 187,0000UISD per mm.

Beamr

23rd Feb 2024, 16:53

Red on red again apparently, Russian channels reporting own SAM shooting down a A-50 AWACS.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1761083196546920513

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1761083196546920513

Wokkafans

23rd Feb 2024, 17:09

Clips claiming to show the A50 deploying countermeasures to avoid the incoming missile - these won't render on the forum so you will need to open the Reddit links.

It looks like at least one of the decoys worked (explosion top right), though a second missile hit the target after.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/1ay6dme/allegedly_another_russian_a50_spy_plane_shot_down/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/1ay6hzj/another_ruzzian_a50_was_shot_down_today_it_tried/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/1ay6j26/supposedly_the_crash_site_of_a50_spy_plane/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

ORAC

23rd Feb 2024, 17:20

Video of the engagement on Twitter.

https://x.com/wartranslated/status/1761086281893687500?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

ORAC

23rd Feb 2024, 17:30

Being claimed by the Ukrainian Air Force commander…

https://x.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1761092333276184690?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1628x1628/image_59831d55bdab8f28271a70bc4c4f43b44d3d89c1.png

DogTailRed2

23rd Feb 2024, 17:45

Good kill. How many do they have left? Poke out the eyes, the rest is a lot easier.

RAFEngO74to09

23rd Feb 2024, 18:39

(3) Visegrád 24 on X: "BREAKING: The Ukrainian Army just shot down a Russian A-50 early warning and control (AEW&C) plane worth USD 500 mln This video shows the moment the already burning plane disintegrated in the skies above the Azov Sea & then crashed in Krasnodar Krai 15 Russian soldiers killed https://t.co/HK9WEbIuFY" / Twitter

Beamr

23rd Feb 2024, 18:46

Good kill. How many do they have left? Poke out the eyes, the rest is a lot easier.
should be 6 or 7 left, depending on the fate of the one damaged by a drone in Belarus.

Beamr

23rd Feb 2024, 19:23

Allegedly civilian footage of tail section of the wreckage.

https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1761120248130883610

https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1761120248130883610

NutLoose

23rd Feb 2024, 19:47

Wow… good old Denmark.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1761010922506588230

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1761010922506588230

NutLoose

23rd Feb 2024, 21:28

A Modernised A-50U lol, I take it IFF is a concept alien to Russia

ORAC

23rd Feb 2024, 21:28

Russian Air Force is having a bad couple of weeks….

https://x.com/maks_nafo_fella/status/1761140108453888041?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

🔥👀 There is a possibility that 2 Su-34s were shot down, Genichesk area.

NutLoose

23rd Feb 2024, 21:29

Oh dear. It’s a bad night ANOTHER SU- 34 bites the dust.

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1761131231108817224
https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1761131231108817224

Wokkafans

23rd Feb 2024, 23:20

"Russian media - “Residents of Lipetsk, Russia, reported the sound of explosions in the city. According to locals, smoke was visible in the area of the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant. Before this, they reported the sound of drones in the sky. There are no official data now.” 280km from Ukraine border."

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1761183491578810497?s=20 (https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1761183491578810497?s=20)

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1761183491578810497?s=20 (https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1761183491578810497?s=20)

Tartiflette Fan

23rd Feb 2024, 23:47

A Modernised A-50U lol, I take it IFF is a concept alien to Russia

I have read things on PPrune that say it is not perffect in western aircraft either.

Winemaker

24th Feb 2024, 01:00

konstantin

24th Feb 2024, 03:01

Color (colour) me confused. ORAC's post #8671 is a claim by Ukraine that they shot the plane down but other posts are saying it was a Russkie IFF failure.... Having said that, the rate the Russian air force is falling from the sky is encouraging.
Denys Davydov last youtube vid says it could have been a Uke S200 - apparently they have a pretty long range...

Beamr

24th Feb 2024, 04:23

There are reports of an Il-22M being shot down as well.

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1761153773425017103

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1761153773425017103

ORAC

24th Feb 2024, 07:22

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.

Video and text.

https://x.com/glandsbergis/status/1761164490026983874?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Today we, the Baltic States 🇪🇪🇱🇻🇱🇹 and Czechia 🇨🇿 come to this Council to address the entire international community with a very simple message:

For all our sakes, wake up. 🧵

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1761164490026983874.html?utm_campaign=topunroll

ORAC

24th Feb 2024, 07:24

A recap of the week…

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1088x1533/image_9d7dce09bd909ff59b445de736a1dea350887ea0.png

DogTailRed2

24th Feb 2024, 09:34

A recap of the week…

A healthy war of attrition. Lets just hope their resupply isn't good enough to replace the losses.

ORAC

24th Feb 2024, 09:40

You might replace the airframes (except in the case of the A-50), but they won't be able to replace the combat ready crews inside....

DogTailRed2

24th Feb 2024, 09:54

dead_pan

24th Feb 2024, 10:06

How long would it take Russia to build something like an Su34, given the sanctions regime etc? I did read somewhere that they were knocking out tanks at a fair old rate (although no info on their build quality, fit out etc). Re the A50 loss, you can bet your ar5e Russia is looking at the possibility of shoehorning an AEW system into something like their MC21 ('Wedgetailski')

I know the A50 may have been red-on-red, but its intriguing as to why these are being deployed comparatively far forward. I'm guessing the radar systems associated with the big SAM complexes like S400 are uber vulnerable to HIMARs, Storm Shadow etc, and therefore require a fair number of short range air defence systems to protect them.

Low average

24th Feb 2024, 10:14

Latest update.

https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1761316030121423346?t=dDoGKGCj0AQRM9cEOLDLrg&s=19

henra

24th Feb 2024, 10:22

How long would it take Russia to build something like an Su34, given the sanctions regime etc? I did read somewhere that they were knocking out tanks at a fair old rate (although no info on their build quality, fit out etc).

Good question!
The relatively high number of Tanks they are putting out is simply due to just refurbishing old ones taken out of storage, not entirely new builds if I'm not completely mistaken. There were said to be thousands of old tanks in storage in various states.
Looking back at the Aircraft production of the last few years around 15 - 20 overall new main Fighter Aircraft per Year seems to be the rough ballpark figure. Considering not all will be SU-34s maybe 10 per Year seems realistic. Not considering longer Term effects of sanctions.

Beamr

24th Feb 2024, 11:25

Good question!
The relatively high number of Tanks they are putting out is simply due to just refurbishing old ones taken out of storage, not entirely new builds if I'm not completely mistaken. There were said to be thousands of old tanks in storage in various states.
.
This. We've already had confirmed videos of T54/T55 in combat use. Last year those were only used as remote controlled mines filled with HE. None were seen in 2022.

Beamr

24th Feb 2024, 11:35

One more SU-34 down.

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPR/status/1761308845807149101

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPR/status/1761308845807149101

balsa model

24th Feb 2024, 13:40

You might replace the airframes (except in the case of the A-50), but they won't be able to replace the combat ready crews inside....

Which is why we need to end this conflict sooner rather than later. This war has shown Russia to be lacking in well trained personnel. Lets not give them time to reverse that trend.
"we"? Is Putin in the room?
It's one of his propaganda goals to change how the war is described in public, that it is NATO that keeps the war going. Hey, he will even say to a willing listener that we started it. We ought it to Ukrainians to resist on this front, way behind the lines.

Beamr

24th Feb 2024, 14:48

SAAB Marketing Director stated that they could send Gripens to Ukraine in a rapid fashion if the SWE government decides so. Apparently, based on other news outlets, the decision is somewhat tied with the NATO accession, ie not happening before it.

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761173244843811067

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761173244843811067

Tartiflette Fan

24th Feb 2024, 14:55

nevillestyke

24th Feb 2024, 15:13

Drone strike this morning on the Novolipetsk steel works - an arms factory - in Lipetsk causing a major fire, . This is the largest steel-works in Russia

https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-lipetsk-fire-drone-1873023

If the owner's insurance policy doesn't cover him against 'act of war', would it still cover him against 'act of special military operation'?

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 15:33

I think the opposite is true and she cannot see it.

https://twitter.com/LaddooBaba1/status/1761377805051253176

https://twitter.com/LaddooBaba1/status/1761377805051253176

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 15:50

It looks like they took out the cooling systems for the steelworks.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1761314832853107067

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 15:57

One man’s war against the odds.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1761338156912136388

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1761338156912136388

DogTailRed2

24th Feb 2024, 18:14

One man’s war against the odds.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1761338156912136388
Those grenades make a bit of a mess don't they. I think this clip shows that the fight isn't really in the Russians. Most likely poorly trained saps press ganged into the fight.
It was one Ukrainian but he had drone support. That's a force multiplier for sure.

Beamr

24th Feb 2024, 19:10

Those sneaky Americans. Stealing launch codes and launching Russian AA missiles against Russian planes.

https://twitter.com/reshetz/status/1761306317489086969

https://twitter.com/reshetz/status/1761306317489086969

GlobalNav

24th Feb 2024, 19:32

If the owner's insurance policy doesn't cover him against 'act of war', would it still cover him against 'act of special military operation'?
Hard to say. Only Russia is conducting an SMO. Ukraine is fighting an existential war.

212man

24th Feb 2024, 19:57

Hard to say. Only Russia is conducting an SMO. Ukraine is fighting an existential war.
pretty sure it was a facetious/humorous rhetorical question.

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 20:17

Part of the evacuation of Adviivka filmed from one team.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760781564516987157

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1760781564516987157

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 21:17

More falling back by Ukraine to consolidate their positions.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1761439000336732449

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1761439000336732449

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 22:25

U.K. financing artillery shells

https://twitter.com/United24media/status/1761321384125345961

https://twitter.com/United24media/status/1761321384125345961

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 22:30

Ukrainian F16’s will have the ability to strike targets outside of Ukraine, so no lobbing of weapons into Ukraine from Russian airspace then, and the ability to strike into Russia. :ok:

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761525831858323796

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761525831858323796

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 22:35

Four minute film and interview with the crew on using HIMARS in Ukraine

https://youtu.be/IyuUAbtwkwQ?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/IyuUAbtwkwQ?feature=shared

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 22:44

The sooner Ukraine rids their country of these basta*rd’s the better, preferrebly sending them home in a zinc box.

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761524676558311430

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761524676558311430

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 22:56

Ukrainian military at its best, totally dominating the opposition.

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761395706995134701

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761395706995134701

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 23:03

Meanwhile at the Polish border.

https://twitter.com/jurgen_nauditt/status/1761073885942845502

https://twitter.com/jurgen_nauditt/status/1761073885942845502

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761370865734672505

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 23:10

Outstanding bravery of an M113 crew under fire in rescuing wounded Ukrainian troops.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1760772427146047878

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1760772427146047878

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 23:29

M1 Abrams in action.

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761012285907079310

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1761012285907079310

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 23:33

Whatever these guys are engaging it has to be close judging by the elevation.

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1760843341850181727

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1760843341850181727

NutLoose

24th Feb 2024, 23:49

It looks like they are getting more M113’s but it doesn’t say who from.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1760688391648370843

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1760688391648370843

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 00:10

U.K. sending 200 more Brimstone.

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1760702488611537008

https://twitter.com/Jamie04381095/status/1760702488611537008

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 06:37

https://x.com/maks_nafo_fella/status/1761331695221879065?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

🇳🇱 The Netherlands announced the transfer of the VERA-NG radar to Ukraine.

VERA-NG provides an advanced and modern passive surveillance system designed to detect, locate, identify and track air, ground and sea targets.

https://www.era.aero/en/military-security/vera-ng

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x733/image_a0d9077ef5fee73fc9cea117f3cb7a6e62d3b42f.png

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1088x728/image_b09f010d5efcffe0e9329d64ccf6ed5cc4b32545.png

fdr

25th Feb 2024, 11:27

More falling back by Ukraine to consolidate their positions.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1761439000336732449

This is still a logistics fight, keeping losses of Ukrainian lives at a minimum keeps the number of NATO fatalities at zero. The point that Mr Johnson seems to have missed in his attempts to support Putins Pet Party in their whackadoodle village without an idiot politics. Seems that the lunacy hasn't been kept up with; Transnistria is a contested part if NATO territory and Putin is starting to salivate over making waves there. Given the GOP's short sighted position on anything other than supporting what passes for their best candidate they can come up with, getting US boots into a shooting match seems to be getting more likely by every day of GOP BAU. Own goals of that level are normally only found in the Old Testament.

Ukraine has every right under international law to defend itself, the UN has every obligation to support a country being attacked by an aggressor nation, and Russia is, was, and will continue to be a terrorist nation, irrespective of the fact that the UN assembly has a need for hormone replacement therapy.

Our governments whined about ammo being escalatory, then tubes, then missiles, then tanks, then aircraft, and seems to continue to take every opportunity to bleed Ukrainian defenders blood while they whinge about the cost. The whinging will increase when Transnistria ends up with an Article 5 condition occurring, and it will be about damned time.

Apparently irrespective of the evidence to hand that the Ukrainians have acted with valour to defend their lands and lives, our side is still snoozing at the wheel, Watch this space.

Beamr

25th Feb 2024, 11:37

; Transnistria is a contested part if NATO territory .

But Moldova is not part of NATO, how the changes in Transnistria would trigger Art.5?

Beamr

25th Feb 2024, 12:50

Somethings cooking. BUDANOV: "In 2024, the Russians will receive surprises and I do not recommend the civilian population to use the Crimean Bridge,"

https://twitter.com/TOGAjano21/status/1761730677794291835

https://twitter.com/TOGAjano21/status/1761730677794291835

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 12:55

https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1761385101173125391?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

⚡️Information about the flight number of the 🇷🇺Russian A-50U (42, RF-50610) that was shot down yesterday has appeared.

It is also reported that 10 Russians died in the downed A-50, five of them majors - 🇺🇦Ukrainian Pravda with reference to GUR.

In addition to the majors, three captains, an ensign and a lieutenant were killed. The Russians have about 7 such aircraft left.

Source: https://t.co/8Q0YwZdxm9

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 13:01

Yesterday evening…

https://x.com/pstyle0ne1/status/1761456755215593472?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Ukraine struck another large gathering of Russian soldiers in Donetsk city center this evening

The target was the Arkadia restaurant…

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 13:09

https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-jets-sukhoi-crash-1873037

Russia Loses Ninth Fighter Jet in Days

Russia's aviation capabilities in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has suffered a further blow, following the crash of another of its military aircraft and news that the plant in Moscow that makes the Sukhoi fighter jet was on fire.

Footage shared on social media purportedly showed the wreckage of a Sukhoi Su-34 plane in the Henichesk district of Ukraine's Kherson region. Eyewitnesses, quoted by Radio Liberty and the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, said that the fighter jet went down just after 10 p.m. Friday.

Crimean Wind said the plane had vanished from radar screens at an altitude of 6,000 feet above the Henichesk district after launching missiles at Ukrainian cities. At least four fire engines and ambulances went to the crash site. Newsweek emailed the Russian Defense Ministry for comment on Saturday.

Meanwhile, footage posted to social media showed warehouses on fire belonging to Sukhoi in Moscow's Begovoy district on Saturday. "This company is involved in development, production, marketing, training of flight personnel, after-sales service of combat and civilian aircraft of the "Su" (Sukhoi) and "Be" (Beriev) brands," posted Anton Gerashchenko, Ukrainian internal affairs adviser, on X, formerly Twitter.….

FUMR

25th Feb 2024, 13:10

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 13:21

"All is ready. We can destroy the Crimean Bridge. But we will do it when we need it" - leader of the Crimean Tatar nation Mustafa Dzhemilev.

DogTailRed2

25th Feb 2024, 13:28

Anyone have any information on the USAF B1 deployments to Sweden?

Tartiflette Fan

25th Feb 2024, 13:46

If the owner's insurance policy doesn't cover him against 'act of war', would it still cover him against 'act of special military operation'?

Well according to the insurance company's book of definitions...................................:}

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 14:06

Not sure the defence press should be publicising the location of such companies, just in case.

https://x.com/ukdefjournal/status/1761677969372639452?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Cook Defence Systems 'on track' to support Ukraine - To reverse-engineer new tracks compatible with the Soviet-era vehicles, the experts at Cook Defence Systems had to rely on museum pieces.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=48359

Winemaker

25th Feb 2024, 14:43

Caution, aircraft content! From Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/russia-helicopters-aircraft-missing-fsb-investigation-rosaviatsiya-1869107

Russian authorities are investigating the mysterious disappearance of several aircraft, several of which ended up in the hands of Ukrainian forces battling Moscow's troops, according to Russian media.

Russia's domestic security service, the FSB, is looking into allegations that Moscow's Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, sent Russian civil aircraft and helicopters to nations including "unfriendly countries," state-backed Russian newspaper, Izvestia, reported on Monday.

"The Federal Security Service opened two criminal cases — negligence and abuse of power — against several employees of the Federal Air Transport Agency," according to Izvestia. The employees are "suspected of illegally removing 59 planes and helicopters from Russian jurisdiction" after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, the newspaper reported.

A number of the unaccounted-for aircraft were used by Ukraine in military operations against Russia, Izvestia reported, citing two anonymous Russian law enforcement sources and an unnamed source in Moscow's transport ministry.

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 14:53

This must be to keep the Russians second guessing?
.
https://twitter.com/Azovsouth/status/1761737976977990039

https://twitter.com/Azovsouth/status/1761737976977990039

FUMR

25th Feb 2024, 15:03

This must be to keep the Russians second guessing?
.

https://twitter.com/Azovsouth/status/1761737976977990039

Already mentioned some posts ago. And, as I said, it seems odd to give the Russians a heads up on this. Might be a distraction tactic for another target.

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 15:07

Dozens of T62’s in Crimea.

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761755042439164225

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761755042439164225

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 15:12

So Ukraine was consolidating their positions when the withdrew from the two villages.

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761746949894516806

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761746949894516806

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 16:31

This sounds bad, they need ammo now. Not exactly clever giving Russia a game plan.

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761656351548125575

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761656351548125575

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 16:43

Six pilots trained on the RAF Tutor are now training on the F-16

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761644701864636658

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761644701864636658

FUMR

25th Feb 2024, 17:21

This sounds bad, they need ammo now. Not exactly clever giving Russia a game plan.

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1761656351548125575

Nutty, I think that's exactly why she (they) are saying it. It's aimed at putting pressure on western politicians to act and act fast!

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 17:42

Hahahahaha…… I would like to see Russia’s idea of not minimising troop losses.

https://twitter.com/Kanthan2030/status/1758710637994401809

https://twitter.com/Kanthan2030/status/1758710637994401809

DogTailRed2

25th Feb 2024, 18:02

Hahahahaha…… I would like to see Russia’s idea of not minimising troop losses.

https://twitter.com/Kanthan2030/status/1758710637994401809
Paying a high price for churned soil.

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 20:02

But Moldova is not part of NATO, how the changes in Transnistria would trigger Art.5?

i cannot see any logic in it, if they declared it as part of Russia, then Moldova and Ukraine could close the borders and effectively starve them out, it’s not like Russia would be able to resupply the place from the Air, and a land bridge is a pipe dream.

.

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 20:20

Murder of 9 surrendered Ukrainian soldiers who they had lying down by their trench having surrendered…. :mad:

https://twitter.com/IntelCrab/status/1761809220167454841

https://twitter.com/IntelCrab/status/1761809220167454841

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 20:26

:sad:

https://twitter.com/markomihkelson/status/1761753651893198868

https://twitter.com/markomihkelson/status/1761753651893198868

DogTailRed2

25th Feb 2024, 20:29

Murder of 9 surrendered Ukrainian soldiers who they had lying down by their trench having surrendered…. :mad:

https://twitter.com/IntelCrab/status/1761809220167454841
If word gets around the Russians are going to find it a lot harder to take positions and receive more casualties them selves. You treat the enemy pow's fairly because you want them to treat you fairly. Looks like it's going to be gloves off time.

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 20:53

Robotyne, normally I would expect to see arty dealing with the likes of the BMP’s

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1761479705713095108

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1761479705713095108

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 22:23

https://x.com/noclador/status/1650470511695085568?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

The Pentagon gave Ukraine at least one Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) Engagement Operations Center (EOC).

This is huge.

IBCS connects sensors and effectors never designed to work together into one command and control system, so air defense commanders can see and act on data across the entire battlefield more swiftly and use their shooters more efficiently.

This is the most modern air defense command and control system on the planet.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1088x816/image_320a0b30dd3b7d01ae2005583a11adb7c85445ef.png

ORAC

25th Feb 2024, 22:43

https://x.com/trenttelenko/status/1761878402947002377?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Why eco-friendly military kit...isn't:

"Weaponry systems in Ukraine, many of which were supplied by European countries, have been rendered unworkable, not due to Russian interference, but because of damage caused by mice and other rodents.

Seemingly, these creatures have developed a preference for cable insulation made of corn fiber over synthetic materials. This predilection leads to malfunctioning electrical installations, rendering the expensive

https://essanews.com/rodents-incapacitate-millions-in-eco-friendly-military-equipment-in-ukraine-the-unforeseen-problem,6999091736315521a

Rodents incapacitate millions in eco-friendly military equipment in Ukraine: the unforeseen problem

Tartiflette Fan

25th Feb 2024, 22:50

Already mentioned some posts ago. And, as I said, it seems odd to give the Russians a heads up on this. Might be a distraction tactic for another target.

Well, it's hardly a secret is it ? They already have very heavy anti-air protection, plus booms and block-ships against sea-borne attack. If they choose to increase this further on the basis of this comment, then its material and man-power that can't be used elsewhere.

Tartiflette Fan

25th Feb 2024, 22:55

At a presidential press-conference today, Zelensky quoted a figure of 31 000 soldiers killed in the two years since the war began. This is the first time an official figure has been given by the Ukrainian side.

16.47 Uhr: Der ukrainische Präsident Wolodymyr Selenskyj hat die Zahl der bisher infolge des russischen (https://m.focus.de/orte/russland/) Angriffskriegs getöteten Soldaten seiner Streitkräfte mit 31.000 angegeben. Die von Selenskyj am Sonntag bei einer Pressekonferenz angeführte Zahl ist die erste offizielle Nennung von Opferzahlen des Militärs im nunmehr zwei Jahren andauernden Krieg gegen die russischen Invasoren.

https://m.focus.de/politik/ausland/ukraine-krieg-im-ticker-zweiter-jahrestag-des-ukraine-kriegs-von-der-leyen-und-meloni-zu-besuch-in-kiew_id_57275780.html

NutLoose

25th Feb 2024, 23:00

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1053x827/image_fd3ebc59bfa102339fee66e27beec1f31cddac0a.jpeg

wondering

26th Feb 2024, 03:56

Tartiflette Fan

26th Feb 2024, 04:47

Russian losses:

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/02...ssian-soldiers (https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/02/24/at-least-75-000-dead-russian-soldiers)

Seems like the ratio is roughly between 2 and 3:1. Not good enough for Ukraine.
Strange ! All the totals I read give numbers around 400 000

antheads

26th Feb 2024, 05:02

The decision to negotiate and come to an agreement with russia has already been made. Now it's mainstream medias role to convince the public (and dissenting elites) to this new reality, hence Quincy Institute of Responsible Statecraft being given prominence everywhere. (Politico, Guardian, Time, Wapo etc)

The Biden Administration’s strategy is now to sustain Ukrainian defense until after the U.S. presidential elections, in the hope of wearing down Russian forces in a long war of attrition. This strategy seems sensible enough, but contains one crucially important implication (https://asiatimes.com/2024/02/kiev-needs-new-strategy-not-just-a-military-reshuffle/) and one potentially disastrous flaw, which are not yet being seriously addressed in public debates in the West or Ukraine. The implication of Ukraine standing indefinitely on the defensive—even if it does so successfully—is that the territories currently occupied by Russia are lost.

As I found (https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/04/17/lieven-inside-ukraine-some-real-breaks-and-insights/) in Ukraine last year, many Ukrainians in private were prepared to accept the loss of some territories as the price of peace if Ukraine failed to win them back on the battlefield and if the alternative was years of bloody war with little prospect of success.

A successful peace process would undoubtedly involve some painful concessions by Ukraine and the West. Yet the pain would be more emotional than practical, and a peace settlement would have to involve Putin giving up the plan with which he began the war, to turn the whole of Ukraine into a Russian vassal state, and recognizing the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its de facto present borders.

https://time.com/6695261/ukraine-forever-war-danger/

Strange ! All the totals I read give numbers around 400 000
That figure always included the wounded and not just KIA.