Ukraine Open Thread 2023-210
Another wonder-weapon has met its fate.
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Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict.
The current open thread for other issues is here.
Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators.
Posted by b on September 5, 2023 at 15:39 UTC | Permalink
next page »Unless tanks can deploy active defense systems that provide hemispheric coverage, they have no future on the battlefield. Cheap drones can take out the biggest tanks if there is no means of disabling or destroying them. Like the armored knight, the battle tank may be relegated to the pages of history.
Posted by: HH | Sep 5 2023 15:46 utc | 2
VDV is counterattacking.
According to boris Rozhin: 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 In settlements at 17:00.Pyatikhatki - a gray zone.
Rabotino - the south is behind us, the north is behind the enemy, part of the village is not occupied by anyone.
Willow - behind us
Harvest - behind the enemy
Staromayorskoye - center and north, behind the enemy, south is a gray zone
Novodonetskoe - behind us
Novomayorskoe is behind us.In general, the enemy continues to successfully get stuck in our defensive positions, losing strength and, most importantly, time
Posted by: too scents | Sep 5 2023 15:47 utc | 3
History Legends channel has a video of AFU counter-offensive near Robotyne. RU is building more forts further south, they still hold the flanks and more reinforcements arrived from the Kupyansk and perhaps other sectors. Basically enough that RU could theoretically launch a counteroffensive either directly on the spent AFU spearhead or on their flanks further north, but we'll see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9vuyg7e0Ks
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 15:48 utc | 4
The British army has just released a new recruitment ad, I've seen it on TV a few times now. It depicts what is clearly meant to be Ukraine (Steppe-style farm houses and a big wheat field) with British soldiers in a Chinook evacuating white civilians who look and are dressed like Eastern European Slavs. (Who are silent so they aren't explicitly Ukrainian but who else they might be is a mystery) In the background you can see smoke from fires, this is a combat zone. The tagline is ironically, "You Belong Here".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iEuw_TMrY8
What does the MoD mean by this?
Posted by: Altai | Sep 5 2023 15:54 utc | 5
UKR stepping up provocations via Kerch Bridge attacks -
forwarded on the very good blog by Natylie Baldwin:
"Stephen Bryen: Washington Takes Big Risks to Salvage Ukrainian Army Counter Offensive, Risk of Wider War"
https://natyliesbaldwin.com/2023/09/stephen-bryen-washington-takes-big-risks-to-salvage-ukrainian-army-
counter-offensive-risk-of-wider-war/
"The problem for the Russian side is that if they wait too long they will have to repeat everything again and take losses that the Russian public might not be willing to accept. There is a lot of talk in Moscow and on social media, some by serious politicians, that Russia should nuke Ukraine and go home. Others say that Russia should attack the supply depots in Germany and Poland and elsewhere, to in effect strangle the Ukrainian army. None of these proposals have gained much traction, but that could change if the war is drawn out. Oddly, Ukrainian attacks using drones and sabotage of installations on Russian territory may backfire on Ukraine by creating significant public anger in Russia that will require strong action by the government."
Bryen overestimates substantial UKR operational capabilities and threats on RU territory.
But the escalation is of course intended I assume by some in D.C. too with the hope of provoking RU to those very attacks on NATO territory Bryen fears. (I am surprised he doen´t get that.)
But they would make little sense from my humble POV for RU´s long shot game.
Posted by: AG | Sep 5 2023 15:58 utc | 6
The tagline is ironically, "You Belong Here".
What does the MoD mean by this?
Posted by: Altai | Sep 5 2023 15:54 utc | 7
It would be far more accurate and just.
If it was Biden, Blinken, Nuland Johnson VDL etc.
That were standing in that place.
Posted by: jpc | Sep 5 2023 16:06 utc | 7
https://t.me/CyberspecNews/41285
🇺🇸🇷🇺🇪🇺 🇺🇦 🇬🇧 The West is preparing the ground for the start of negotiations with Russia on Ukraine
✅ Politicians do not announce the “future large-scale plan” first, but “instruct” this to the media, which first launch the “trial balloon”, writes Advance.
❗️Articles about the possibility of negotiations have already been published by The New York Times, New Yorker, Foreign Affairs.
The Americans are less and less willing to give Ukraine billions, while Europe itself plunged into a crisis.
In this regard, an opinion appeared that “it is better to leave Vladimir Zelensky to the mercy of fate,” and there are more and more supporters of this opinion, the author of the publication believes.
Posted by: SlowSoft | Sep 5 2023 16:07 utc | 8
>British-made tanks are about to sweep Putin’s conscripts aside – http://archive.today/NPud4
>Ukraine has lost its first Challenger 2 tank: official British cope – http://archive.today/YTjS0
where are the abrams!
Posted by: leaf | Sep 5 2023 16:08 utc | 9
How many Russian T72, T90, and Armatas have been lost in battle? I do not trust the Ukrainian / NATO numbers. BTW I am speaking about the RUSSIAN operated tanks, not the ones operated by Ukraine.
Posted by: Christian J Chuba | Sep 5 2023 16:19 utc | 10
At this stage im absolutely convinced several plots are afoot to assasinate Putin
He must be very, very careful
Posted by: HERMIUS | Sep 5 2023 16:20 utc | 11
Serving the Kool-Aid.
"On June 4, Ukraine launched its long-awaited offensive. The operation has proven to be a test of Ukrainian determination and adaptation. Despite stiff resistance, Ukrainian forces have made steady gains in a set-piece battle against a heavily entrenched force."
Posted by: John Doe | Sep 5 2023 16:21 utc | 12
From the Forbes article
"Take comfort that, three months into Ukraine’s counteroffensive, the Ukrainians have lost just six of their 105 Western-made tanks: five of 71 Leopard 2s and one of 14 Challenger 2s. None of the 20 delivered Leopard 1A5s yet have been destroyed."
Err seriously?
Read the article linked by AG, its a hoot
Posted by: Tommy | Sep 5 2023 16:26 utc | 13
Our source in the OP said that Bankova needs a track with total mobilization in order to scare the Ukrainians as much as possible and put them before a choice, whether they are ready to fight to the last Ukrainian or negotiate.The Office of the President uses this technology to create a request in society to freeze the conflict, given the sociology in which the majority of Ukrainians are against general mobilization.
https://t.me/rezident_ua/19521
🧩🎥🧩 Why all this hysteria!We constantly cover how mobilization has tightened recently:
✅ in addition to the videos flooding the social networks with a tough trapping of conscripts by the military commissars,
✅ massive delivery of subpoenas at checkpoints and shopping centers, the dishonest cancellation of the deferment to those who were entitled to it, for example, graduate students,
✅ Venislavsky's ideas about the abolition of deferrals for students who do not receive their first higher education ...✅ The recent decision to mobilize men who are limitedly fit for military service, and these are, for example, patients with hepatitis, HIV, mental illness, causes a shock reaction in Ukrainian society, all the media and social networks write about it massively, social tension is growing.
✅ As well as fresh (delusional) threats from the authorities to return male refugees from abroad, looking for them as draft dodgers.
Why try to extradite, if you can get much easier in Kyiv restaurants?
The authorities purposefully escalate the topic of women's mobilization.
✅ The fact that from October 1 military registration and possible mobilization will also affect women (medical and pharmaceutical workers will be required to register at military enlistment offices) has been known for a year already. But then suddenly yesterday everything exploded!
We also write here announcements about the appearance and production of women's military uniforms, incl. and for pregnant women?
At the same time, apart from panic, all this news does not lead to anything good.
From a military point of view - nonsense. AIDS patients, lunatics and dodgers will not add to the strength of the army at all. Yes, and the losses are not so significant as to declare a total mobilization as in Germany in April 1945. Yes, 6-7 brigades have lost the ability to conduct attacking actions, but the current mobilization framework is enough to compensate for these losses🧩
Plus, we don't believe that a government that can only do one thing - content (but does it better than anyone else in the world) shoots itself in the foot so stupidly. If you evaluate this with phrases from the cinema, then: "the grandmaster surrendered the queen."
Therefore, in our opinion, this campaign is carried out as part of a total intimidation, a nightmare of Ukrainian society, creating social tension and causing a desire to negotiate. Peace negotiations on any terms, even at the cost of possible territorial concessions 🧩
Otherwise, this task cannot be solved, because the authorities themselves “fired up” the desire of Ukrainians for a complete victory with access to the borders of 1991. and raised expectations for a successful counteroffensive. It is perhaps impossible to bring down this “wave of expectations” and bring society to the realization to stop and start peaceful negotiations to resolve the military conflict in a different way (there is a variant of a small military defeat, but where are the guarantees that the Russian Federation will stop).
Therefore, the case of mobilization is aggravated and brought to a peak so that people already agree to everything, “negotiations even with the devil, even with God”, just to stop the war 🧩
https://t.me/rezident_ua/19523
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:26 utc | 14
@leaf 9
thx for the 2 pieces
">Ukraine has lost its first Challenger 2 tank: official British cope – http://archive.today/YTjS0
where are the abrams!"
any expert view on the numbers of tank losses & operational hazards mentioned in the Forbes article?
Posted by: AG | Sep 5 2023 16:27 utc | 15
Serving the Kool-Aid.
Posted by: John Doe | Sep 5 2023 16:21 utc | 12
---
Posted by: too scents | Sep 5 2023 16:27 utc | 16
As I posted at the beginning of this war, Russia should reduce every federal government building in western Ukraine to rubble. Then tell the military to cease any activity or get the same treatment.
Any kind of nuke event would be insanity.
Posted by: Drapetomaniac | Sep 5 2023 16:27 utc | 17
The much anticipated and publicized counter-offensive did not bring significant territorial success in three months - in the battles for small villages, Ukraine "burned" not only a significant part of Western military equipment, but also lost the most combat-ready formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.And although the authorities are trying to somehow “retouch” it, it turns out badly for them - the Western authoritative media regularly report on the heavy losses of Ukraine, noting that only in the counteroffensive the victims from the Ukrainian side number in the tens of thousands.
At the same time, Ukraine did not succeed in breaking through the Russian defense. It's no secret that the concept of "breaking the front" works when everything happens in a few hours, at most days. Then the enemy does not have time to react and the attackers successfully move forward, breaking the defense and entering the operational space.
At the same time, the tactical successes achieved by the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not yet allow us to predict not only the time of access to the Sea of Azov and the Crimea, but even to Melitopol and Tokmak. In a certain sense, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are now in a worse position than they were three months ago: then they had an advantage in choosing the direction of the strike, but now they are stuck. Under Rabotino, they fell into a "rut", and it will be extremely difficult for them to get out.
https://t.me/rezident_ua/19530
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:29 utc | 19
According to the sociological measurements that are already being carried out, it turned out that Ukrainians are more interested in the topic of arrests of oligarchs, the overeaten elite and the struggle for justice within the country than the military case (people are tired of the war and are starting to abstract from it).This means that even in Ukraine itself, the topic of war fades into the background. In the West, the Ukrainian crisis has long lost the front pages and now it is discussed more from a critical point of view.
Everyone is hinting that Zelensky will be forced to make territorial concessions by signing a certain “Minsk-3” (Istanbul agreements 2.0). This is connected with such a tough approach of Bankova in the case of mobilizations, which is used as intimidation of the people, who, in a frightened state, will agree to a “freeze of the war” on such conditions, the main thing is to stop the unlimited mobilization and war.
So there will definitely be elections in 2024, and Zelensky is diligently preparing for them.
https://t.me/legitimniy/16182
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:31 utc | 20
🇬🇧 Cheer up Britain. There's a first time for everything
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/79884
Posted by: Norwegian | Sep 5 2023 16:31 utc | 21
@ Altai - 5
-------
Nothing its a desperate manifestation of imperial, phantom pain, posturing. To make seem as if the UK had any geopolitical relevance beyond being Washington's Renfield.
The British army is a husk of its former self. Even compared to ten years ago, never mind twenty.
They've farmed out recruitment to private firms, who've been trying various marketing gimmicks to boost recruit numbers. It hasn't worked, Ukraine is the latest gimmick. It won't work either.
Posted by: Urban Fox | Sep 5 2023 16:32 utc | 22
⚡️🇺🇦⚡️ Increase in the number of "running".According to our information, the number of attempts to illegally cross the border of Ukraine has significantly increased over the past 3 weeks.
The news fund dedicated to tightening mobilization, the abolition of delays for many categories, contributes to the intensification of illegal crossing attempts.
In the social networks and the Darknet are mushrooming groups looking for opportunities to cross the border.
Also, an increase in the cost of a “legal” exit contributes to an illegal transition. If earlier the price tag was from 3,000 dollars, now it is unrealistic to leave for less than 10,000.
The border guards requested additional formations to seal the border guards. By the way, a thieves place of service, we recommend it to everyone.
Drones with thermal imagers are also deployed to the border. The task is to ensure the tightness of the border‼️
I won’t be surprised if they send Bayraktars there. All the same, at the front there is not much use from them, purely intelligence.
https://t.me/ZeRada1/15579
We confirm the information of our colleagues that the authorities, with their tightening of mobilization, provoked panic among the population, which is beginning to realize that it will not be better, looking at how Zelensky is trying to replenish manpower in the army, it means that the losses during the offensive turned out to be high, that the reserves thinned out.The authorities are now strengthening the borders by sending additional patrols, and many UAVs have been removed from the front and sent to guard the border from their own citizens who want to escape from mobilization.
The price tag has grown, we immediately insided about it, warning the Ukrainians.Everyone will be cowardly, we have also been inside about this many times since the beginning of the year.
According to our data, Bankovaya will also expand the staff of military commissars to catch the peasants.
https://t.me/legitimniy/16180
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:34 utc | 23
It’s all operational tactics 101 now, the Ukrainians better hope the Russian’s don’t have an armoured division waiting, otherwise the historical parallels to Operation Fredericus will be getting eerily familiar.
Posted by: Milites | Sep 5 2023 16:35 utc | 24
According to our information, the Office of the President wants to extend the creeping offensive until the end of the year, without giving the Russians an advantage. With such a strategy, they can keep the message that the offensive is ongoing and has not failed.There is even information that the offensive will be held until the elections in order to provide Zelensky with a high rating.
Zelensky set a goal, access to any large settlement / city and its assault (Vasilyevka, Tokmak, etc.) - this will be considered the minimum successful result of the offensive. Everything else is a failure.An important goal is to prevent the Russians from seizing the initiative in winter. According to the GUR, the Russians are preparing large reserves for a large-scale broad offensive from different sides.
https://t.me/legitimniy/16179
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:36 utc | 25
Perhaps went unnoticed due to all events in Kleschevka and Robotyne-Verbove, but AFU also launched several attacks between Novodonetske and Novomaiorske (east of Urozhaine).
The first one was directly on Novodonetske with 2 AFVs. One was hit with artillery, second retreated. An hour later they launched a massive assault with 5 AFVs and a tank. The tank immobilized from a mine and Russians shelled the rest of the column.
The third attack was an infantry assault supported by 2 tanks which was hit with all sort of weapons and was defeated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8hOG1MUK30
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 16:37 utc | 26
Putin's addressing the Pobeda Committee today, which will eventually appear at my substack. Zakharova has given her weekly briefing that begins with a preview of Lavrov's activities this week followed by a rundown of events to occur at the upcoming eighth Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok September 10-13. As usual, her Ukraine review is lengthy, so I'll just supply the following excerpt:
For many years, the member states of the [NATO] alliance have nurtured Ukrainian neo-Nazism and cultivated hatred of Russia. As a result, neo-Nazism is rampant in Ukraine. Now it is directed not only against Russia, Russians, Hungarians, to whom they have regularly cultivated hatred for a long time. Aggressive nationalism and chauvinism are ultimately completely "detached" from any goal, task. That hatred in itself. This is pure, absolute evil. Under the auspices of the Kiev authorities, Nazi "choruses" are celebrated. They are passed on to the younger generation of the country's inhabitants, false values are imposed, and a perverted concept of good and evil is instilled. For example (there are actually many of them), on September 1, a song about the murder of "Muscovites" sounded in one of the Ukrainian schools. The fact that the Kyiv regime hates children has been clear for a long time. But many believed that this was about Russian, Russian-speaking children, as well as other nationalities living in certain territories. But they also hate their own. Only from the depth of hatred for your children can such anger be instilled. All this clearly indicates that this policy has been pursued there for a long time, systematically and purposefully. This fits into the policy of the West to turn the children of Ukraine into mindless zombies who will be used without a trace, as is now happening with their parents. [My Emphasis]
Yes, quite ugly. Any counter-argument from the fleas? Unmentioned this time is the vast black/dark market for Ukrainian children for body parts with infants being part of the supply. The same was done previously during the war to destroy Yugoslavia then Serbia by NATO whose dark side established the body parts network now being employed. I should add the comment Zakharova had to say about NATO earlier in her briefing:
On September 7, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta.We consider this platform, which is part of the system of mechanisms of our strategic partner, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as an important element of the regional security architecture with the potential to develop multi-vector practical cooperation.
During the event, we consider it important to discuss the challenges that the Asia-Pacific region is facing today. In particular, we intend to draw attention to the risks of an aggravation of the military-political situation in the Asia-Pacific region against the backdrop of the West's implementation of the policy of expanding the geographical area of "NATO responsibility" and the desire to open a "NATO umbrella" over this region as well. The difference between a NATO umbrella and a conventional umbrella is obvious - when an ordinary umbrella is opened, it protects, in particular, from rain. When the "NATO umbrella" is opened, rain pours over the opener. And by no means as pleasant as a natural phenomenon. As a rule, bloody. There is also a substantive discussion about maintaining the stability of the ASEAN-centric architecture, which is under serious pressure from alternative block sites. [My Emphasis]
Security is yet another reason to merge the ASEAN with the SCO.
Putin said much in his discussion with the Pobeda Committee today with this excerpt bearing on this topic:
Attitude in the world to events related to the prerequisites for the beginning of the Second World war, its course and results, in many respects gives an understanding modern processes. And the new meanings, the challenges of the time clearly show, that in 1945 Nazism was defeated, but, unfortunately, if it is not eliminated - it again manifests itself in the same Russophobia or anti-Semitism, and the glorification of Nazi criminals, direct propaganda Nazism in the Baltic countries, in the same Ukraine, in general, they became Norm. As if there was no Nuremberg. There are no international laws, prohibiting such actions.Nay History began to be used as a weapon of ideological struggle, and we An adequate protection tool is needed that can not only reflect, but also to prevent all sorts of blows of this kind.
As Putin points-out, the entire NeoNazi/NATO "norm" is against international law as there're no statutes of limitation against Nazis and Nazism--an important fact buried by the West for obvious reasons.
Our source reports that during the 550 days of the war, military enlistment offices and VVK earned more than 50 billion hryvnias, on fake certificates and slopes from mobilization.
The figure is approximate, as many of our sources are sure that the amount is much higher. Everyone earned.Everyone knows that the functionaries of the Office of the President received a share of 40-55% from these topics. But now the situation with the shortage of manpower has become so aggravated that it threatens the entire government. Here Bankovaya began to clean indicatively the lower classes (military commissars and doctors from the commission) in the mobilization case, as well as “screw” loopholes along the slopes and expand the list of everyone who can be mobilized.
According to our data, the situation is really catastrophic. But this is not sadder, but the fact that the situation in the replenishment of manpower in the Armed Forces of Ukraine cannot be fundamentally corrected, it will always be aggravated due to heavy losses, and the Ze-office will constantly tighten mobilization in order to maintain power. It is a spiral of death and a path to nowhere.
https://t.me/legitimniy/16178
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:38 utc | 28
1) FYI David Axe (the Forbes writer) is a glorious nincompoop who thinks he knows something about warfare: a total elite chairborne warrior. He's given me as many laughs as Father Dougal, although not quite as bright as that renowned Catholic seminarian.
2) The figures he quotes for Ukranian losses of western tanks come from mega liars Oryx. In fact at least 30-40 Leo 2s have been lost, from visual confirmations.
3) Most Western decision makers and pundits believe totally the Oryx figures (their own propaganda psyop). GIGO is the result: where they act as if delusional losses are real, thus condemming the Ukies to defeat and slaughter.
Posted by: JulianJ | Sep 5 2023 16:40 utc | 29
Down South
is it really you?
I believe I haven´t seen you in a long time.
Someone suggested you were on vacation.
(Or is just stupid me?)
welcome back if I´m correct
Posted by: AG | Sep 5 2023 16:45 utc | 30
Posted by: AG | Sep 5 2023 16:45 utc | 30
Yes. It’s me. Thank you.
The problem with posting daily multiple updates for several months continuously is eventually you get tired of it. It becomes a chore. Took a break.
Spamming has resumed :)
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:54 utc | 31
even today the Ukronazis bombed the city of Donetsk
Is it possible that the Russian army after more than 18 months is not able to eliminate the Ukronazi criminals and move the front at least 30/50 km away from the cities?
Posted by: A.cagliostro | Sep 5 2023 16:54 utc | 32
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:54 utc | 31
I appreciate your efforts, I know it must be a grind.
Posted by: pretzelattack | Sep 5 2023 16:55 utc | 33
Post on a website that is seen as having the pulse of the MAGA constituency.
“September 5, 2023 12:29 pm
9/4/23: First Challenger Tanks Burn as East Continues to Rise in Power-
No Ukrainian advance beyond first Russian defense lines. Ukraine sent lightly armed infantry for photo op by dragon’s teeth tank traps and then withdrew.
This article is very detailed on the wheat deal with Turkey, Ukrainian losses, Ukrainian prisoner exchange 15 to 1 and Challenger Tank losses:
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/sitrep-9423-first-challengers-burn”
At the start of the SMO it was a 50/50 split for pro Ukraine/Russia stories posted, now 90/10 pro-Russian, with lots of comments about recent YouTube clips of the St Petersburg nightlife and highly favourable comparisons to their US counterparts.
Posted by: Milites | Sep 5 2023 16:57 utc | 34
Posted by: pretzelattack | Sep 5 2023 16:55 utc | 33
Thank you. It only becomes a grind if you don’t take a break.
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:59 utc | 35
"At this stage im absolutely convinced several plots are afoot to assasinate Putin
He must be very, very careful
Posted by: HERMIUS | Sep 5 2023 16:20 utc | 11"
The West knows if that happens. Biden, Scholtz. Blinken and Nuland will be terminated as well.
Then its off to the nuclear hellfires for all.
Posted by: Comandante | Sep 5 2023 16:59 utc | 36
Posted by: Comandante | Sep 5 2023 16:59 utc | 36
US left a big stash of weapons in Afghanistan. Surely it wouldn't be that hard to obtain some Hellfire missiles from Taleban, modify some drones to carry them that have ability to launch from a cargo ship and launch it toward some neoliberal gathering beach party. No trace left of drone which fell into the sea and US weapon.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 17:04 utc | 37
" At this stage im absolutely convinced several plots are afoot to assasinate Putin
He must be very, very careful
Posted by: HERMIUS | Sep 5 2023 16:20 utc | 11 "
I've suspected this for a awhile as it explains Putin's reluctance to leave Russia. However, its a troubling development when the leader of a powerful , nuclear armed nation fears for his safety while Western leaders travel where they want, when they want.
Posted by: Shocked | Sep 5 2023 17:04 utc | 38
@JulianJ 29
thx for pointing out
I did read that FORBES piece and it was so brazen in its MIC-loyalty. You had to wonder where the warning sign is for product placement.
But problem is, where will those FORBES regular readers see the numbers YOU give?
Who will question Oryx?
Damn I walking in circles...
Posted by: AG | Sep 5 2023 17:08 utc | 39
There is a prophecy out there that ww3 starts with the assassination of "the third man". Commonly interpreted as the 3rd powerfull man in the world.
Its not that i give a lot about prophecies but once you heard one its a hard to get rid of it.
Now you have it too.
Posted by: Orgel | Sep 5 2023 17:11 utc | 40
"You Belong Here".
-Posted by: Altai | Sep 5 2023 15:54 utc | 5
It looks like the target audience is sub-moronic deplorables.
Posted by: Figleaf23 | Sep 5 2023 17:13 utc | 41
Posted by: JulianJ | Sep 5 2023 16:40 utc | 29
Some unknown number of the "lost" ones have been recovered and repaired. This happens on both sides.
Posted by: Ed4 | Sep 5 2023 17:23 utc | 42
According to Ray McGovern on today's Judge Napolitano program, Judging Freedom: Russian President Putin, apparently with the blessing from President Xi, has given (sold?) ICBMs to North Korea that can (according to McGovern) reach Washington D.C. or New York.
Ray says that he is baffled that Putin and Xi Jinping, who have up to now been very cautious about expanding nuclear weapons capabilities to North Korea, and Russia would never have done so without China's approval. McGovern says that he is even more mystified that the MSM have not mentioned this anywhere, or that the Biden Administration has not informed the public about this turn of events.
I personally do not know what to think or believe.
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 17:27 utc | 43
We wrote about the fact that the counteroffensive turned into a massacre near the Sea of Azov, now the Western media are writing about it.The British Times writes about the high losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the southern front. The article is titled "Ukraine's Counteroffensive: "I'm Ready to Die. 90% of the guys here will also die."
In the material, the Ukrainian military said that the unit, abandoned to “turn the tide at the front,” has already lost 75% of its composition.
Elite Ukrainian troops reveal the terrible price they are paying to breach Russian lines during summer counter-offensive.
“According to doctors attached to various military units, the death toll is measured in four figures. Ukrainian soldiers are wondering “what is the price” of such operations, given the result in the form of small villages destroyed to the ground.
“When I hear people sitting on sofas at home or abroad and saying: “Oh, the Ukrainian army has Bradleys and Leopards, now they will show the Russians what’s what,” I clutch my head in my hands. I would like them to be able to come here and see the reality of our struggle," the Ukrainian fighter told reporters.
https://t.me/rezident_ua/19533
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 17:42 utc | 44
Some unknown number of the "lost" ones have been recovered and repaired. This happens on both sides.
Posted by: Ed4 | Sep 5 2023 17:23 utc | 42
Perhaps you could point out, on this heavily surveilled battlefield where Western MBTs have been recovered? There ought to be visual evidence, e.g. a knocked-out Leo2, then it's not there and track marks from a recovery vehicle. I put it to you that we haven't seen evidence of that on the Ukie side.
1.Because the West never bothered to send them any ARRVs (Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicles). Recovering 60-70 ton immobilised vehicles can be a little tricky.
2. Because recovering vehicles in minefields under artillery/drone/atgm/air attack isn't easy.
3. Because the Ukies haven't got any trained recovery crews, 'cos you can't learn that in 3 weeks. Incidentally I read part of the Abrams training manual about recovery of damaged tanks and it was a complete skillset in itself.
4. Because the moment the Russians saw an ARRV it would become a priority target.
Posted by: JulianJ | Sep 5 2023 17:43 utc | 45
One other thing, tanks that catch fire are generally considered irrecoverable, because so much damage is done and the heat causes the armour to lose its protective shielding, especially so in modern composite armours which have plastic, rubber and aluminium components.
Posted by: JulianJ | Sep 5 2023 17:49 utc | 46
If Russia want to win it should start destruction of Ukro 750KV electrical network now.
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 17:55 utc | 47
Without an adequate advancing force with fast transport, tanks are dubious as now they have to go for the front at maximum speed as not to get hit by local artillery. The path and deviations has to be cleared.
Maybe the Ukrainians should have had an iteration of this;
Avro Canada Arrow -> Avian certified autogyroplane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_ig6xtQn1k
Tactics and transport have not evolved to meet the battlefield requirements, most are too expensive and/or not maneuverable enough.
Posted by: T S | Sep 5 2023 18:01 utc | 48
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 17:27 utc | 43
Heard rumors there are some kind of technology exchange (even submarines) and agricultural product exchange going on between North Korea, which could provide something in return. It's healthy, every neighbor country should have healthy trade relations.
Also NK is being integrated into China-Russia partnership more closely.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 18:16 utc | 49
It's official. Ukraine's counteroffensive has miserably failed.
Posted by: AI | Sep 5 2023 18:27 utc | 50
50 - Replacing Reznikov could be considered a tacit admission of that.
Posted by: Waldorf | Sep 5 2023 18:31 utc | 51
Posted by: Comandante | Sep 5 2023 16:59 utc | 36
Actually Putin is the best friend of western partners
His slow & soft approach only guarantees the save & increasing supply of of western weapons to ukros
If they take him out somebody new in Kremlin will turn the western ukronazi friendly Slomo into speedy hurricane
Posted by: SlowSoft | Sep 5 2023 18:45 utc | 52
Arming North korea may be a smart move to stretch out the USA.
I guess its harder to prepare for a taiwan operation when you have to divert resources to south korea.
Posted by: Orgel | Sep 5 2023 18:51 utc | 53
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrKLdSsuSpw
Oh, by the way - Russia is running out of missiles. Again.
Could we culturally go back to stoning false prophets? I think it was a good idea.
Posted by: Eighthman | Sep 5 2023 18:52 utc | 54
@Ed | Sep 5 2023 17:27 utc | 43
That sounds like nato propaganda. Also, did you notice how he kept saying that Putin has to get permission from Xi for everything, including for the smo?
Posted by: rk | Sep 5 2023 18:52 utc | 55
RE: Ed | Sep 5 2023 17:27 utc | 43
Did McGovern mention where his information came from?
Posted by: Figleaf23 | Sep 5 2023 19:00 utc | 56
The Brits at best have about 170 of those tanks ready for service as they have not been producing them for years and are having to cannibalize some of them for spare and replacement parts. When the Brits delivered their latest aircraft carrier they had to borrow US F35's because they could not afford to buy them at that time. That aircraft carrier's task force always includes foreign ships as the Brits can't afford all the ships required. At most the Brits have 77,000 regular troops (the French have 110,000). The Brit Defence Minister left because the US wouldn't support him for head of NATO and he started complaining about the US bilking the Brits on a helicopter deal.
And yet the Brit elite yap like they still have an empire, rather than being a sad and declining island off the coast of Europe. The Russians are destroying the image of Europe in the world by their actions, aided by the self-harming actions of the Europeans themselves. The "garden" is being seen for the declining rump that it is, as with the French in Africa. The end of deference is an important part of the process of removing colonized thinking among the world's leaders and intellectuals.
Posted by: JulianJ | Sep 5 2023 17:43 utc | 45
It has been long known Ukraine got some armoured vehicle recovery equipment to do it from both the US (below), Sweden and possibly others:
and built some of their own since the war started:
https://defence-blog.com/ukrainians-built-a-recovery-vehicle-out-of-captured-russian-t-62-tank/
Plus they would have had some of their own since before the war.
Things being recovered:
https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/1699008869731811352
Things being repaired:
https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-mechanics-refurbish-captured-russian-tanks/32280903.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukraine-russia-invasion-tanks-mechanics-fix-front-lines-rcna67217
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/15/world/europe/ukraine-war-mechanics-tanks.html
https://twitter.com/RasReload/status/1696522359002567056
https://twitter.com/ChallengerInUA/status/1696606503157821553
I agree with you that the recovery vehicles would be a priority target and it is known Ukraine has lost some. I also agree both side watch the battlefield. The possibility of recovery is the reason given in some videos why a abandoned vehicle gets re-visited by a drone. But it does happen.
Posted by: Ed4 | Sep 5 2023 19:22 utc | 58
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 17:27 utc | 43
Heard rumors there are some kind of technology exchange (even submarines) and agricultural product exchange going on between North Korea, which could provide something in return. It's healthy, every neighbor country should have healthy trade relations.
Also, NK is being integrated into China-Russia partnership more closely.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 18:16 utc | 49
Thanks for your comments, I think that if it is true, it is a big thing. Something is cooking in the far East. Ray McGovern says that he believes that the decision between China and Russia to draw North Korea closer into their orbit was made after the US, via BoJo Johnson, stopped the peace talks in March 2022.
At that point (and of course I am paraphrasing), both Xi and Putin understood that the US wasn't interested in Ukraine and couldn't give a rat's ass if Ukraine ever joined the NATO bloc. The US / NATO goal was to take out Russia first, and then China, and of course taking out NK would just be icing on the cake.
Anyway, hopefully you (and the disinterested MoA commentors) can see the programs on YouTube below. Napolitano discussed the Ray McGovern program with other guests such as Larry Johnson and Col. Doug Macgregor. Except for Ray McGovern, I have always taken the Judge and his other guest with a certain amount of skepticism. Yes, most guest say they oppose the US proxy war in Ukraine, but China is another matter for some of his guest. Also, I wonder if they would be so opposed to a proxy war if the President was a Republican, like for example Ronold Reagan Contra war with Nicaragua '
This morning when I first saw Rey McGovern present this news about ICBMs to NK, I was wondering what the F**k is wrong with McGovern, has he gone to the dark side? But the programs(s) have all aired and I don't think that the story would have aired if not based on some solid ground. But where is the MSM on this subject? Where is the Biden condemnation of Russia?
https://youtu.be/PB4btU2jI-E
https://www.judgenap.com/
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 19:27 utc | 59
RE: Ed | Sep 5 2023 17:27 utc | 43
Did McGovern mention where his information came from?
Posted by: Figleaf23 | Sep 5 2023 19:00 utc | 56
----------------------------------------------------------
See my comment at # 59, better yet go the site and view it, as well as the comments from the other guest, none of which disputed the story.
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 19:31 utc | 60
Spamming has resumed :)
Posted by: Down South | Sep 5 2023 16:54 utc | 31
------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back.
We wondered what happened to you.
Posted by: Acco Hengst | Sep 5 2023 19:35 utc | 61
At this stage im absolutely convinced several plots are afoot to assasinate Putin
He must be very, very careful
Posted by: HERMIUS | Sep 5 2023 16:20 utc | 11
---
I've suspected this for a awhile as it explains Putin's reluctance to leave Russia. However, its a troubling development when the leader of a powerful , nuclear armed nation fears for his safety while Western leaders travel where they want, when they want.
Posted by: Shocked | Sep 5 2023 17:04 utc | 38
###########
@HERMIUS, I am sure that all of the criticisms of how weak Putin has been will be transferred onto the next leader. The person is merely a target, the ChairForce criticisms are evergreen regardless of context or nuance.
@Shocked, the year is 2023. A lot can be done without travel that wasn't even possible 10 years ago. Travel time is a luxury when you're operating at the level Putin is operating. I know I seem to post this almost daily, but beyond the SMO, the man has a LOT on his plate, as much as any human has ever had before.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Sep 5 2023 19:42 utc | 62
Posted by: Ed4 | Sep 5 2023 19:22 utc | 58
Excellent! Thx for the effort.
From the german side:
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/service/military-support-ukraine-2054992
Military Engineering Capabilities
"
15 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*
2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3
"
Recovering vehicles is daily business on both sides, from the start. Its part of daily life in mechanized units. They break down or get stuck even in peace time constantly.
Because the partys know this, recovery attempts get ambushed frequently.
If someone has in interest in the conflict but do not even has common knowledge, its strange.
One wodka for your work!
Здоровье!
Posted by: 600w | Sep 5 2023 19:42 utc | 63
Hit the damned RECRUITMENT CENTERS and help save the Ukies. Alienate the people from their BUTCHERS.
Posted by: JimG | Sep 5 2023 19:45 utc | 64
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 17:27 utc | 43
###########
I do not understand people who take McGovern seriously. He does that moronic Russian accent and roleplays people he has never met. It's like Alex Jones drunk and with a concussion.
Not a credible person IMO, even if he seems to be "on our side".
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Sep 5 2023 19:45 utc | 65
Down South: Great to see you back! As always, thanks for the postings.
Posted by: Konami | Sep 5 2023 19:48 utc | 66
leaf | Sep 5 2023 16:08 utc | 9
*** >British-made tanks are about to sweep Putin’s conscripts aside – http://archive.today/NPud4
>Ukraine has lost its first Challenger 2 tank: official British cope – http://archive.today/YTjS0
where are the abrams!***
Waiting till several South Korean tanks are visibly burning up as well.
Maybe sent in via Poland?
So, where are he Abrams .... in 2024 NATO sales brochures of course
as the only brand that allegedly didn't get totalled in Ukraine.
Posted by: Cynic | Sep 5 2023 19:52 utc | 67
Posted by: Ed4 | Sep 5 2023 19:22 utc | 58
Predicted this two months ago, the redefinition of destroyed changes if it’s a friendly or enemy tank. Same move the Germans pulled in WW2 to improve their kill ratios.
Definition of friendly destroyed = a vehicle that cannot be repaired, however badly damaged, however long it took to repair and return.
Definition of enemy destroyed = any type of kill, mobility, fire power however repairable
Given that it is highly unlikely that the Ukrainians could try to recover 70 tonne tanks in the FEBA it seems the majority of damaged tanks have been either hit in storage or far from the FLOT. The video clip of the 2A4 shows minimal damage to the engine deck, nothing like the results of an ATGM, drone, mine, APFSDS or CLGP strike. Again manipulation of the narrative is all they have now, all these articles (from notoriously biased publications/sites) show NATO must have been rattled by the bad publicity to create this latest ‘miracle story’ of Western ingenuity.
I’m waiting for Duke Nukem to suggest hitting the Polish repair facilities with a few 10 KT warheads.
Posted by: Milites | Sep 5 2023 19:56 utc | 68
Dima says Ukraine managed to get the high ground from the Russians.
We can count destroyed tanks but that didn't matter in this case.
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 19:57 utc | 69
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 19:57 utc | 69
> Dima says Ukraine managed to get the high ground from the Russians.
> We can count destroyed tanks but that didn't matter in this case.
Correct. The only thing that matters is what Dima says.
Posted by: hopehely | Sep 5 2023 20:07 utc | 71
Posted by: james | Sep 5 2023 15:41 utc | 1
Thank you, james. I loved the final video: relationships.
Posted by: juliania | Sep 5 2023 20:08 utc | 72
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Sep 5 2023 19:45 utc | 65
------------------------------------------------------------
Funny, I always found Ray to be a straight shooter, why would a person say such things in front of the whole world if there wasn't at least a kernel of truth. I suspect your problem with Ray McGovern has something to do with his left affiliations since he retired in 1990 after 27 years in the CIA. When I say "left", I don't mean the neo-liberal Democratic Party:
McGovern was arrested in 2011 and brutalized after peacefully and silently standing with his back to Hillary Clinton as she gave a policy speech condemning authoritarian governments who repress dissenters and internet freedom.
As described in the Civil Complaint by The Partnership for Civil Justice Fund has which filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of the U.S. military veteran and former CIA analyst Ray McGovern against John Kerry, in his capacity as the Secretary of State, and against officers at George Washington University:
"As Secretary Clinton was reading from her prepared remarks regarding Egypt’s dictatorship saying, 'Then the government pulled the plug,' the then-71-year-old McGovern was forcibly and falsely arrested by GWU police officers, grabbed by the head, assaulted, and as Secretary Clinton continued undisturbed stating, 'the government ... did not want the world to watch,' Mr. McGovern was removed from public view with excessive and brutal force, taken to jail, and left bleeding with bruises and contusions."
https://www.justiceonline.org/ray-mcgovern
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 20:19 utc | 73
Posted by: Milites | Sep 5 2023 19:56 utc | 68
Regarding vehicle recovery. There have been videos where they use multiple tanks or AFVs in a chain to tow one heavy tank. There have also been reports that sometimes the vehicle that was sent to tow another vehicle was also hit, and then they sent a third vehicle to recover the second vehicle, or something to that tune.
The British are especially strict that AFU must not allow any Challenger tank to get into the hands of RUAF. This has led to them not using Challenger tanks all together as it was never viable. Most likely Germany has been more lenient.
But now the British have probably allowed use Challenger tanks because there's no other tanks left and the situation was dire.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 20:20 utc | 74
Posted by: Drapetomaniac | Sep 5 2023 16:27 utc | 17
As I posted at the beginning of this war, Russia should reduce every federal government building in western Ukraine to rubble. Then tell the military to cease any activity or get the same treatment.
=====================================================================================
In my experience your not allowed to make such common sense statements on these pages or you will be met with on onslaught of personal attacks on your ignorance.
I find it sadly amusing how both sides can clearly see the brainwashing and propaganda of the other side while being totally blind to their own. When asked why the lights are still on in Ukraine, or why the government and command and control facilities go untouched, or why Russia is still selling large amounts of energy to a Europe bent on Russia's destruction, or why the bridges and RRs remain intact and allow the quick supply of military hardware to the front, the usual reply seems to be, it's 5D chess and you shouldn't question because you just wouldn't understand.
I don't think you need to be a genius to know how wars are won and that all of these steps would quickly bring this war to an end. But Russia just won't do it and the question is why...but don't ask because then you really will be attacked with ferocity because you are quickly approaching the line at which it all begins to require your own critical thinking instead of just parroting the words of others.
The reason this war is not brought to a quick and decisive end, is because too much money is being made on all sides so those in power do not want it to end. When it comes to war profiteering Russia is just as guilty as Washington and NATO and just as corrupt. I can feel the brains breaking as they read such heresy....
Posted by: JustAMaverick | Sep 5 2023 20:21 utc | 75
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 19:57 utc | 69
Same Dima that said Robotyne was lost a week ago and Kleschevka a month ago. Dima uses open sources (some with a clear agenda) and puts his amateur spin on it, so, even if true, Ukraine have the high ground, now what? This isn’t an RTS objective worth x victory points that unlocks new units, this is where you do have to count your lost equipment and personnel and see what you have left, then start looking for the dictionary definition of a Pyrrhic victory and see how close you are to fulfilling it (hint, the Ukrainians are very close to unlocking that special feature).
Posted by: Milites | Sep 5 2023 20:25 utc | 76
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 19:57 utc | 69
> Dima says Ukraine managed to get the high ground from the Russians.
> We can count destroyed tanks but that didn't matter in this case.
Correct. The only thing that matters is what Dima says.
Posted by: hopehely | Sep 5 2023 20:07 utc | 71
-------------------------------------------------------
I have been starting to wonder about Dima, he has started to show more and more videos provided by Kiev forces and less and less from pro-Russian sources: Benjamins could explain it, or he is just being "fair and balanced."
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 20:29 utc | 77
the bridges and RRs remain intact and allow the quick supply of military hardware to the front, the usual reply seems to be, it's 5D chess and you shouldn't question because you just wouldn't understand.
Well, this is a long-lasting question. This is just speculation, but lets consider objective facts.
If the bridges across Dnepr are destroyed, it won't stop new stuff coming from the west. The stuff will only pile somewhere in central part of Ukraine, where it is out of reach. Yes, it reduces combat and casualties in the medium term, but Nato will not stop the war. That means all that stuff needs to be fought against, just more to the west, and perhaps across the Dnepr. This stretches things and makes things harder.
Russia knows the west doesn't really have industrial capacity, due to various reasons related from education to raw materials to reduced trade power to reduced ability to run unlimited deficits. US (which is the de-facto only real economic power) is mostly reliant on Chinese sub assemblies for weapon production.
However, do those indirect reasons matter for RU case in Ukraine? I don't think so. So really the only viable reason is what suggested first.
I believe in the beginning of SMO Mr. Stoltenberg, Blinken and some other neocons also said that everything will be settled on the battlefield. Putin later joined them saying everything will be settled on the battlefield.
I still believe RU will go into central Ukraine, at least as part of a hook that will basically collapse Odessa. If AFU loses Zaporozhye, and potentially Dnepropetrovsk, they will probably be in a very bad shape and withdraw north-west toward Lvov border. Odessa region is basically periphery in terms of resupply, especially as the port infrastructure is pretty much destroyed. There is nothing, in military terms.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 20:31 utc | 78
So figleaf23 @41
I'm curious if you might care to enlighten us all as to the virtues of the non-"deplorable" class vs the "deplorable" class?
Was it the mindless and subhuman immediate enthusiasm displayed by the non-deplorable masses toward this war that earn them the distinction of being non-deplorable?
Perhaps the militant support for prosecuting ex president trump while a vile cabal of actual criminals places the entire human race at risk of nuclear extinction would be another characteristic typically present in the non-deplorable humans you apparently deem somehow morally,or at least ethically superior to those you judge to be "deplorable"?
You and Hillary may very well spend eternity together...
Have fun.
Posted by: Robert Hope | Sep 5 2023 20:38 utc | 79
Funny, I always found Ray to be a straight shooter, why would a person say such things in front of the whole world if there wasn't at least a kernel of truth. I suspect your problem with Ray McGovern has something to do with his left affiliations since he retired in 1990 after 27 years in the CIA. When I say "left", I don't mean the neo-liberal Democratic Party:
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 20:19 utc | 73
#############
Your hyper-partisan American lens and questionable discernment tend to make for entertaining reading. Thank you.
I don't care about right/left, or socialism/capitalism. These are simplistic labels that people use too liberally, IMO.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Sep 5 2023 20:45 utc | 80
Posted by: Ed | Sep 5 2023 20:29 utc | 77
More likely out of his depth, now the conflict is turning into a fluid mobile engagement. Russia’s steady as she goes tactics benefitted the YouTube amateur pundits because the largely static front, or obvious offensive axes, allowed them to draw arrows and make predictions. As soon as any fluidity breaks out, the analysis tends to breakdown and the latest ‘news’ becomes fact, until it isn’t.
There’s also the monetisation of the perpetual cliffhanger, and YouTube’s war on any content creator who is not balanced, I.e not following the narrative. Brian Berletic, Martynov and MacGregor all have got the basics right, if not the details sometimes. Ukraine’s offensive, if continued at their current loss rate, could lead to the beginning of the collapse of the Southern Front and possibly the regime. Could does not mean will, but the odds are dramatically shortening, especially if Russia decides the conditions and correlations are favourable for a decisive blow (perhaps that stockpile of A/GLCM’s isn’t for an autumn offensive after all).
Posted by: Milites | Sep 5 2023 20:47 utc | 81
@ james | Sep 5 2023 20:35 utc | 79
fake james.. reported..
Posted by: james | Sep 5 2023 20:49 utc | 82
9
somewhere some how 10 Abrams out of 30 are on their way .. two sets of 30 soldiers being have been trained in their use . I forget where I read it today usually I read RT Sputnik slavyangrad and the likes.
Russia has announced couple days ago it has its own gas turbine engined tank of greatly superior means than the gas turbine Abrams.
Posted by: Jo | Sep 5 2023 20:49 utc | 83
Yes, for sure if Russia would only flatten Ukraine (bomb 'em back to the stone age, as Americans say), and kill every last Ukrainian (Kill them all, and let God sort them out, as Americans say), then surely the war would be finished, and Russia could live in peace, because the Americans would be SO upset at the carnage that they would never again think of carrying on their attacks on Russia through proxies.
Why doesn't Putin think of that?
Posted by: wagelaborer | Sep 5 2023 20:53 utc | 84
@Ed | Sep 5 2023 20:29 utc | 77
I have been starting to wonder about Dima,I have not been following him, as I saw one or two appearances with the Duran more than a year ago, and I thought something was off.
Posted by: Norwegian | Sep 5 2023 20:55 utc | 85
JustAMaverick75 @75
Yours is a common thought however. There of course is an enormous amount of speculation and frustration being expressed by individuals who I believe are legitimately very frustrated at the seemingly at times perhaps inept, or intentionally timid efforts of the SMO to date. I don't see it that way. I don't cling to the delusion of the Russian military being perfect, unable to make unfortunate tactical, even possibly operational errors.
I do suspect, based on an enormous amount of data, that it is entirely possible this entire engagement of Russia vs the clearly rotten and anti-human designs of the western elites is being played brilliantly by Putin, Zi, and many other major power brokers within the total geopolitical space.
Don't forget that the United States and much of the e.u. is beyond broke.
They are on a limited timeline before systemic collapse becomes much like a tsunami.
Russia and the BRICS and other multicolor agreements/treaties and whatnot are literally building a path of independence seperate from the dying from within, rotting corpses of what not long ago was heralded as being the 'pinnacle' of human civilizational acheivement'.
Destroyed in a multi generational transformation of government from being a servant of the people, to a destroyer of society and western culture in general.
Human beings in western 'societies' today are treated like defective children by psychotic parents. It's all ideological horse crap and virtually zero genuine humanity.
Posted by: Robert Hope | Sep 5 2023 21:01 utc | 86
" @Shocked, the year is 2023. A lot can be done without travel that wasn't even possible 10 years ago. Travel time is a luxury when you're operating at the level Putin is operating. I know I seem to post this almost daily, but beyond the SMO, the man has a LOT on his plate, as much as any human has ever had before.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Sep 5 2023 19:42 utc | 62 "
That is true, however, leaders do many " time wasting " activities for many varying reasons ( i.e. protocol , ceremonial, traditional, exposure and so forth ) . Traveling overseas to represent their nation is one of the major ones. If Putin is prevented from performing one of his major functions due to overt threats from the West then that is very telling in itself.
Posted by: Shocked | Sep 5 2023 21:08 utc | 87
Posted by: JustAMaverick | Sep 5 2023 20:21 utc | 75
You could be on to something.
The Ukrainians might not be as quick on accepting this revelation.
They are being butchered.
For what exactly,,?
Propaganda is a powerful tool for sure.
Posted by: jpc | Sep 5 2023 21:08 utc | 88
Dima is the only expert on daily front situation.
At this moment there is no better.
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 21:12 utc | 89
As promised, Putin's discussion with the Pobeda Committee is now translated, commented upon and ready to read, "Putin's Discussion with Pobeda Committee". As has become the norm it seems, this too is a longish read which includes the link to Russia's 2021 National Security Strategy in English, which I don't recall providing before. The content is deeply related to the Ukraine thread as you'll discover upon reading.
Trains and Railroads
I suspect there is an off the record agreement that neither side will significantly attack the others moving trains. This is because both sides could do it very effectively and neither side wants the associated large scale civilian or operational disruptions and destruction.
Bridges and railroad stations seem to be the occasional exceptions.
Posted by: Jerr | Sep 5 2023 21:25 utc | 91
In 1945 Nazism was defeated, but, unfortunately, if it is not eliminated - it again manifests itself in the same Russophobia or anti-Semitism, and the glorification of Nazi criminals, direct propaganda Nazism in the Baltic countries, in the same Ukraine, in general, they became Norm. As if there was no Nuremberg. There are no international laws, prohibiting such actions.
As Putin points-out, the entire NeoNazi/NATO "norm" is against international law as there're no statutes of limitation against Nazis and Nazism--an important fact buried by the West for obvious reasons.
Posted by: karlof1 | Sep 5 2023 16:38 utc | 27
--------------------------------------------------------
This is the big deal to de addressed as part of the new security structure after the fall of Kiev. I like that term "The Fall of Kiev,' it sounds like 'Th Fall of Berlin.'
Posted by: Acco Hengst | Sep 5 2023 21:28 utc | 92
White House warns North Korea would 'pay a price' if it supplies Russia with weapons
The lack of irony again, when issuing such threats is beyond parody.
What to do to make the North Korean bad guy realise the error of his ways this time.
Stop supplying him with Mc Ds?
Posted by: jpc | Sep 5 2023 21:41 utc | 93
Human beings in western 'societies' today are treated like defective children by psychotic parents. It's all ideological horse crap and virtually zero genuine humanity.
Posted by: Robert Hope | Sep 5 2023 21:01 utc | 87
I agree. Those are the current western "values". Psycho- and sociopaths are ruling the western countries.
Posted by: Patience | Sep 5 2023 21:48 utc | 94
Looks like Armenia are about to get attacked by Azerbijan yet again. Why they keep voting for US-centric leaders I know not.
Never sure if Azeri moves are US-inspired to give Russia another frontier headache or whether Erdogan-inspired. He must be uncomfortable with 50% inflation.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Sep 5 2023 21:52 utc | 95
What does the MoD mean by this?
Posted by: Altai | Sep 5 2023 15:54 utc | 5
It means we could be seeing many more burnt out challengers, both human and machine by the time 2024 is over ...
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Sep 5 2023 21:56 utc | 96
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 21:12 utc | 90
Rubbish.
All of these do a more level headed analysis:
1. DPA
2. weeb union
3. Thetis Mapping
I listen and compare all 4 daily.
DPA is in my opinion hands down the best.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Sep 5 2023 22:00 utc | 97
If Putin is prevented from performing one of his major functions due to overt threats from the West then that is very telling in itself.
Posted by: Shocked | Sep 5 2023 21:08 utc | 88
############
If onlys and buts were candy and nuts, then every day would be Erntedankfest.
All we have at this time is speculation. We see a situation and prescribe a cause for it.
What if he is not traveling because he has more important things to do? Right now, he's trying to manage the potential of nuclear conflict, and I am certain that other world leaders will allow ceremonial observance to take second place among his priorities.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Sep 5 2023 22:00 utc | 98
Posted by: simplex | Sep 5 2023 21:12 utc | 90
Try Defence Politics Asia. This guy always tells you his sources and if it is Ukraine or Russian bias. Now I have not looked in the last week or so, but he keeps up to date.
Posted by: watcher | Sep 5 2023 22:02 utc | 99
But now the British have probably allowed use Challenger tanks because there's no other tanks left and the situation was dire.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 5 2023 20:20 utc | 74
Agreed.
Just a couple of days ago we were being told in the media the challenger is best used as a "sniper tank" far from the front lines due to its long range cannon.
(Naturally one wonders why not just supply mobile artillery instead of tanks if that is true!)
The british media is taking remarkably Pratchettian tone lately.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Sep 5 2023 22:06 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
simplicius latest for anyone who missed it..
SITREP 9/4/23: First Challengers Burn as East Continues to Rise in Power
Posted by: james | Sep 5 2023 15:41 utc | 1