Ukraine

[ryoder 1,590]

About damned time!

US approves sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands

[Phil1111 1,149]

13 minutes ago, ryoder said:

About damned time!

US approves sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands

Now they need some jamming pods and standoff weapons. In other news. The  "North Korean missile capable of striking the U.S. most likely a result of cooperation with Russia, think tank says" "The Hwasong-18 missile’s physical dimensions and its flight trajectory data appear “nearly identical” to those at of Russia’s Topol-M ICBM"

"The Topol-M, designated the SS-27 by the United States, is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile with a reported range in excess of 10,000 kilometers. The missile can be deployed on both silo-based and mobile land-based launch platforms. Roughly similar to the U.S. Minuteman III in capability and sophistication, the Topol-M is deployed with a single warhead with an estimated yield of 550 kilotons, although the missile can be modified to carry at least three warheads." It is usually equipped with maneuverable warheads.

Putin/Russia is also providing nuclear and missile technology to Iran in exchange for weapons.

[jakee 1,498]

3 hours ago, Phil1111 said:

Now they need some jamming pods and standoff weapons. 

Yep. While this is a huge step forwards, it’s crazy how this is seen as the endgame win for the Ukrainians, when the USAF would never, ever countenance sending F16s into combat on their own without cover from F15 and/or F22 heavy fighters. Worth keeping in mind for expectations that while they will be getting some western fighters they really aren’t getting the western air power that we’re used to.

Which is understandable in this case, but it is something that’s repeated a lot. We’re teaching Ukrainian commanders all about modern NATO tactics that have developed alongside and rely on a combined arms approach with technological superiority at every level… then we’re sending them back to fight an infantry war with a bit of artillery support.

[ryoder 1,590]

Putin's invasion of the moon also fails:

Reuters: Russia's first lunar mission in 47 years smashes into the moon in failure

Perhaps some Russian space engineers will be falling from windows?

[Phil1111 1,149]

2 hours ago, ryoder said:

Putin's invasion of the moon also fails:

Reuters: Russia's first lunar mission in 47 years smashes into the moon in failure

Perhaps some Russian space engineers will be falling from windows?

I was thinking that there may be problems with that mission. It's been two generations since Russia did anything new on its own in space. All its rockets are old with the exception of some new missiles.

The Russian space agency/company is called Roscosmos. It has been Putin's favorite grounds for scooping up cash. "Russia's Audit Chamber, a parliamentary body of financial control, said financial violations at Roscosmos in 2017 stood at 760 billion rubles (around $11.7 billion), accounting for nearly 40 percent of the total irregularities in the entire economy that year.

Roscosmos told AFP that "eradicating corruption" is one of its "primary goals", adding that it regularly cooperates with investigations by the authorities." Now that Russia isn't flying cargo and paying passengers into space. Real cash to keep things running is in short supply.

So much winning in Russia. Sorry Slim.

Edited August 20, 2023 by Phil1111

[JoeWeber 2,722]

18 minutes ago, Phil1111 said:

I was thinking that there may be problems with that mission. It's been two generations since Russia did anything new on its own in space. All its rockets are old with the exception of some new missiles.

So much winning in Russia. Sorry Slim.

They might be losing a bit in their war, too. It seems the Ukrainians have made it through a mine field and are attempting to take the high ground outside of Tokmak. They are confident enough that they've apparently committed their 82nd Brigade equipped with Challenger Tanks and Marder and Stryker fighting vehicles. If they are successful they will have a hill within artillery range of Tokmak. That could be a very big deal.

[Phil1111 1,149]

6 minutes ago, JoeWeber said:

They might be losing a bit in their war, too. It seems the Ukrainians have made it through a mine field and are attempting to take the high ground outside of Tokmak. They are confident enough that they've apparently committed their 82nd Brigade equipped with Challenger Tanks and Marder and Stryker fighting vehicles. If they are successful they will have a hill within artillery range of Tokmak. That could be a very big deal.

In two locations they have broken through the minefields, trenches and "dragon's teeth". But I'm guessing they are reluctant to commit reserves due to Russian airpower over any breakout. The general strategy in degrading Russian capabilities behind the lines seems to be more and more successful. I read more and more reports where Russians on the front have no armor support, no artillery support and non existent closely linked command. In addition Ukrainian armor seems to be able to operate with relative freedom. Which means Russian ATGMs seems to be in short supply. At least until Iran and N.Korea rushes supplies.

[JoeWeber 2,722]

40 minutes ago, Phil1111 said:

In two locations they have broken through the minefields, trenches and "dragon's teeth". But I'm guessing they are reluctant to commit reserves due to Russian airpower over any breakout. The general strategy in degrading Russian capabilities behind the lines seems to be more and more successful. I read more and more reports where Russians on the front have no armor support, no artillery support and non existent closely linked command. In addition Ukrainian armor seems to be able to operate with relative freedom. Which means Russian ATGMs seems to be in short supply. At least until Iran and N.Korea rushes supplies.

The 82 Air Assault Brigade is one of their most powerful brigades, to my understanding. It has been held in reserve so, if that's accurate, they are now committing reserves. The 82nd seems designed to exploit a breach in a defensive line. The leaked documents gave it 14 Challenger Tanks, 90 Strykers, 40 Marders and 24 M113's. If they take Tokmak they will hold the high ground while they finish cutting the land bridge. They won't need to make it to the sea to have effectively cut off Russian supply routes to Crimea. Now if we'd just send enough ATACMS's for Ukraine to take down the Kerch Bridge the counter offensive will have been a resounding success.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

53 minutes ago, Phil1111 said:

In two locations they have broken through the minefields, trenches and "dragon's teeth". But I'm guessing they are reluctant to commit reserves due to Russian airpower over any breakout. The general strategy in degrading Russian capabilities behind the lines seems to be more and more successful. I read more and more reports where Russians on the front have no armor support, no artillery support and non existent closely linked command. In addition Ukrainian armor seems to be able to operate with relative freedom. Which means Russian ATGMs seems to be in short supply. At least until Iran and N.Korea rushes supplies.

EVERYTHING is in short supply.

Ukraine has figured out how to destroy the supplies before they can reach the front lines.

Due to the defensive fortifications (primarily the minefields), the 'spectacular breakthrough' like was seen last year is unlikely to happen.

But the Russians are being slowly driven back. 

As Joe noted, they don't have to get all the way to the sea to cut off supply routes. Within artillery range of the coast roads will allow them to wreak havoc on Russian resupply efforts. 

Or, more accurately 'wreak more havoc'.

[Phil1111 1,149]

5 hours ago, wolfriverjoe said:

EVERYTHING is in short supply.

Ukraine has figured out how to destroy the supplies before they can reach the front lines.

Due to the defensive fortifications (primarily the minefields), the 'spectacular breakthrough' like was seen last year is unlikely to happen.

But the Russians are being slowly driven back. 

As Joe noted, they don't have to get all the way to the sea to cut off supply routes. Within artillery range of the coast roads will allow them to wreak havoc on Russian resupply efforts. 

Or, more accurately 'wreak more havoc'.

Obviously real battlefield results are above our pay grades. Well mine anyway.  President Biden has approved F-16 exports and perhaps 50-60 are on the table, But Ukraine has had very good success with Storm Shadow missiles and the French version of same. Obviously the US and NATO Europe is supplying intel.

The Netherlands has promised 6 F-16s at the end of this year, 18 in 2024 and 5 in 2025.

I wonder if more of the same and ATACM missiles could result in a Ukrainian victory in itself? Air power without the bombers so to speak. Russia is losing equipment and skilled troops at a massive scale. They don't seem to have any program to fully train and fully equip top notch formations. Instead relying on pouring more and more contracted peasants from the far east. Anyone that can hold a Kalashnikov and use a shovel if good enough.Did you hear that Slim?

Ukraine is massively expanding a domestic drone industry and striking further and further. Its starting to have better results at sea and on land.

Edited August 20, 2023 by Phil1111

[JoeWeber 2,722]

24 minutes ago, Phil1111 said:

Obviously real battlefield results are above our pay grades. Well mine anyway.  President Biden has approved F-16 exports and perhaps 50-60 are on the table, But Ukraine has had very good success with Storm Shadow missiles and the French version of same. Obviously the US and NATO Europe is supplying intel.

I wonder if more of the same and ATACM missiles could result in a Ukrainian victory in itself? Air power without the bombers so to speak. Russia is losing equipment and skilled troops at a massive scale. They don't seem to have any program to fully train and fully equip top notch formations. Instead relying on pouring more and more contracted peasants from the far east. Anyone that can hold a Kalashnikov and use a shovel if good enough.Did you hear that Slim?

Ukraine is massively expanding a domestic drone industry and striking further and further. Its starting to have better results at sea and on land.

Russia is mimicking Wagner by forming penal battalions. They're called Storm-Z units whose highest and best use is to go forward until shelled by artillery. Rumor is that regular military is right behind with automatic weapons to keep them motivated and heading in the right direction. That's one way to deal with overpopulation in your prisons, I guess.

[JerryBaumchen 1,365]

1 minute ago, JoeWeber said:

Russia is mimicking Wagner by forming penal battalions. They're called Storm-Z units whose highest and best use is to go forward until shelled by artillery. Rumor is that regular military is right behind with automatic weapons to keep them motivated and heading in the right direction. That's one way to deal with overpopulation in your prisons, I guess.

Hi Joe,

That worked for Stalin in WW II, why change now?

Jerry Baumchen

[olofscience 480]

42 minutes ago, Slim King said:

As far as the war goes the Ukrainians need to seek peace. They lost about 60,000 kids since I posted 6 weeks ago. Heavy Russian losses too. All for NOTHING as some day both sides will negotiate PEACE as I've stated before.... Wasted lives ..More and more every day.

WEEB is pretty neutral in reporting...

 

Geez this war crime supporter again, why is he in this thread again?

[olofscience 480]

8 minutes ago, Slim King said:

Why are YOU here? To find the truth or just muddy the waters and eliminate anyone who seeks peace?????

You're not seeking truth, and you're not seeking peace either.

Edited August 20, 2023 by olofscience

[winsor 236]

34 minutes ago, Slim King said:

Why are YOU here? To find the truth or just muddy the waters and eliminate anyone who seeks peace?????

Peace through superior firepower is the only option available to Ukraine.

The Russian - Ukrainian Friendship Treaty is still in effect, so a negotiated peace is pretty well covered.

You are perhaps recommending that Ukraine do the same thing and expect different results?

That's precious.

[Phil1111 1,149]

29 minutes ago, olofscience said:

You're not seeking truth, and you're not seeking peace either.

Agree, just as he doesn't believe in the US constitution, freedom or democracy.

Hell, he doesn't believe in science, acknowledging mistakes, paying for mistakes, the rule of law, equality under the law, international law, etc. etc.

[Phil1111 1,149]

1 minute ago, winsor said:

Peace through superior firepower is the only option available to Ukraine.

The Russian - Ukrainian Friendship Treaty is still in effect, so a negotiated peace is pretty well covered.

You are perhaps recommending that Ukraine do the same thing and expect different results?

That's precious.

Wunderbar we agree again!

[jakee 1,498]

2 hours ago, Phil1111 said:

Obviously real battlefield results are above our pay grades. Well mine anyway.  President Biden has approved F-16 exports and perhaps 50-60 are on the table, But Ukraine has had very good success with Storm Shadow missiles and the French version of same. Obviously the US and NATO Europe is supplying intel.

I wonder if more of the same and ATACM missiles could result in a Ukrainian victory in itself?

The only problem with Storm Shadow / SCALP is that we don't have enough of them and can't replenish them very quickly. Same with the cruise missiles Germany is planning to supply. So they have to be used extremely carefully. So while they've been incredibly useful they can't be used to directly support an offensive, just to reduce the Russian's overall capabilities. 

There was an interview with a retired US General though who did suggest what you mention above. His view was that, since it's now obvious that Kyiv is off the table, Crimea is the only thing that really matters to Putin. Supply of sufficent numbers of ATACMs and full permission to use them could effectively make all of Crimea unuseable to the Russian military. Sevastopol and other ports and airfields could be bombarded to the point that the Russian Navy and Air Force simply can't risk basing useful, high value ships and warplanes there. And at that point, maybe Putin accepts that there is no benefit left at all in continuing the war. I think he's being a little optimistic with that, but it's a course of action that would be sure to pile a lot of internal pressure on a man who's already faced one rebellion.

[jakee 1,498]

32 minutes ago, Slim King said:

I seem to be the ONLY ONE seeking peace... I've said it a zillion times .. SEEK PEACE NOW!!!!!!

You don't seek peace. You seek conquest. Time and time and time again you refuse to call for Russia to leave Ukraine, which anyone with half a braincell knows is the only possible foundation for real peace.

[olofscience 480]

2 hours ago, Slim King said:

Stop the KILLING....

That would easily be done if the Russian army just packed up and left Ukraine.

[jakee 1,498]

11 minutes ago, Slim King said:

Virtually all wars end in negotiations unless you drop a couple of atomic bombs.... and guess what .. Russia has thousands of them. The ONLY way for peace here without a nuclear war is negotiations. At least call a CEASE FIRE and begin talking. But NO!!!! Ukraine must sacrifice their children for America..... INSANE

Threatening nuclear war if we do not allow Ukraine to be subjugated by Russia is page one of Putin’s playbook - so as I said, it’s conquest that you’re after, not peace. You want Putin’s barbaric war of aggression to be successful and for Russia to keep the land it has seized.

But it’s a play that Putin has made far too many times before. He’s set red line after red line in this conflict over what we should not give Ukraine or else… and nothing has happened. And nothing will happen. Putin is out to do what’s best for Putin, and dying in a nuclear holocaust isn’t good for him. 

[olofscience 480]

2 hours ago, Slim King said:

Are you suggesting we give Zelenski NUKES????????????

Making up more arguments of the other side, geez.

You really have no chance don't you? The value of the ruble is dropping, I guess.

[olofscience 480]

37 minutes ago, Slim King said:

I think we should let the people in that region vote to see if they want their independence from Zelenski

They did that already in Kherson City and Mariupol while the Russian Army was there.

Voting at gunpoint.

So why don't the Russian Army leave Ukraine first, then the United Nations can preside over a referendum?

You'll say "the UN can't be trusted, but we can trust Russia and Putin, hail Putin thank you for my salary". You're very predictable.

[jakee 1,498]

1 hour ago, Slim King said:

I think we should let the people in that region vote to see if they want their independence from Zelenski ... It's the Democratic way ... Right? Have an election ... Where did I hear that before????

An election at the point of a gun? I don’t know, where have you heard that before? An election after you’ve killed or captured all of the opposition leaders and activists? I don’t know, where have you heard that before? An election after everyone who doesn’t support your cause has fled from the destruction caused by your army? I don’t know, where have you heard that before? 
 

Funnily enough I did hear about Ukrainian elections in 2014. Putin didn’t like those results, so he invaded. Is that the Democratic way you’ve heard about?

[Phil1111 1,149]

2 hours ago, jakee said:

An election at the point of a gun? I don’t know, where have you heard that before? An election after you’ve killed or captured all of the opposition leaders and activists? I don’t know, where have you heard that before? An election after everyone who doesn’t support your cause has fled from the destruction caused by your army? I don’t know, where have you heard that before? 
 

Funnily enough I did hear about Ukrainian elections in 2014. Putin didn’t like those results, so he invaded. Is that the Democratic way you’ve heard about?

A recent poll showed that a third of republicans believe violence may be necessary to keep trump in power. Florida is the home of MAGA republicans. Where Slim has heard it before? Likely something he believes in and heard and repeated himself many times before.

President Volodymyr Zelensky explaining to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark that this is the release button to drop a 2000 pounder on Putin's bridge. She was enthusiastic that Ukraine could put them to good use helping Russians to find their way home.

Sixty one F-16s have been pledged to Ukraine to date from Denmark and the Netherlands.Still waiting to hear from President Biden on a US donation.

Edited August 21, 2023 by Phil1111