What's going on in Ukraine?

[tabascoboy]

Not sure what is happening in Severodonetsk currently, Chechen leader Kadyrov claims their forces are in the city and have control while UA says they are still defending against assault while the inevitable artillery pounding goes on. Another city for Russia to be proud over controlling piles of rubble and corpses...?

Isn't he miles behind lines using his forces to threaten russian conscripts?

He may well be back in Chechnya, but a group of his forces reportedly seized a hotel to use as a base in the northern outskirts of the city. Fighting is ongoing this morning so as whole the city is not yet under Russian control but:

We have more from Serhiy Haidai, Luhansk regional head, on what is going on in the city of Severodonetsk which is facing an assault from Russian forces.

He says there is virtually no gas, water and electricity in the city, and the only communication lines the Ukrainian authorities currently have are with a humanitarian centre in Severodonetsk and a hospital via Starlinks (Elon Musk’s internet).

About 90% of houses in the city have been damaged by shelling.

Describing the Russian tactics, Haidai says: “They would be shelling for three, four, five hours and then advance. Those who are attacking are being killed, and then shelling starts again, and then another attack. And this would be happening until they are able to break through our positions somewhere.

“The weather is quite hot right now. And all over Severodonetsk’s outskirts, we have this persistent corpse stench because they [Russians] are not taking the bodies.”

What's more, he says, “one million people [across the Luhansk region] are left without water”.

Haidai describes the Ukrainian defenders as “heroes” because they are in “the most difficult situation” on Ukraine’s battlefields.

“We are being fired upon with all the Russians have at their disposal. And despite this, the boys are holding on in this part of the Luhansk region until our country’s military get the necessary weapons” to push back the enemy.

[Flockwitt]

(map)

Saw this on Denys' channel... and was very happy

This is a damning indictment on the state of the Russian army. They worked for weeks to achieve some sort of breakthrough, and having achieved it were not able to execute an encirclement. Simply not having the reserves to push through and complete the job it now looks like they are not going to find or attempt to reposition if reports on their latest troop movements are correct. A stalemate there and even might start thinking this could be a high water mark for the Russians with only one way to go from here.

Russian can grind their way into Severodonetsk all they want. Woopdyeffingdo.

Slava Ukraine!

[happytramp]

T62s Jesus christ.

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1530 ... 34848.html

40 years old my arse; they're 50+ years old, & may have had a new engine installed, or some other upgrades, but fundamentally they're still a slightly up-armored 1950s tank, that was retired because it was too slow to keep you with the, then new, BMP-1s

If I was told this was my new ride; I'd either roll a grenade into my COs tent, or just desert.

6 of them destroyed around Kherson yesterday.... Not off to a great start.

[fishfoodie]

T62s Jesus christ.

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1530 ... 34848.html

40 years old my arse; they're 50+ years old, & may have had a new engine installed, or some other upgrades, but fundamentally they're still a slightly up-armored 1950s tank, that was retired because it was too slow to keep you with the, then new, BMP-1s

If I was told this was my new ride; I'd either roll a grenade into my COs tent, or just desert.

6 of them destroyed around Kherson yesterday.... Not off to a great start.

No auto-loader means the Russians die 4 at a time, now

6x tanks would be 20% of those they deployed only 5 days ago.

[tabascoboy]

There was a video of what appeared to be ( to those who know these things) T-72s on railcars at Rostov-on-Don yesterday. Whether they are:

1) Additions for redeployment from elsewhere in Russia
2) Repaired tanks on their way back to the war zone
3) Or this was old footage being shown as if recent to suggest that resources are far from depleted...

If they are scraping the barrel with T-62s already then my money is 3)

EDIT actually maybe these?

[Hellraiser]

Saw someone describe this war as an anachronistic mess; WWI battles using Cold War tanks and futuristic drones.

[Flockwitt]

Satellite wi-fi and molotov cocktails

[tabascoboy]

Guessing that the hypocritical sack of shit is talking about what appears to be a possible partisan action car-bombing earlier in Melitopol near the main square and City Administration Offices.

EDIT another report says it was an IED in a manhole that exploded as a car went over it, but this news item sticks with the car bomb theory https://www.barrons.com/news/two-injure ... 07?tesla=y

Russia says attacks in Russian-controlled territory of Ukraine are 'outrageous'

The Kremlin said today that attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine were "outrageous".

Meanwhile it's all OK for Russia to launch shells and rockets at homes, hospitals, theatres, shopping malls etc

[Hellraiser]

[TheFrog]

I hope this runs out of control at some point. And that they pack up their stuff and drive toward Moscow.

[Blake]

I hope this runs out of control at some point. And that they pack up their stuff and drive toward Moscow.

We can only hope...

[Hellraiser]

[tabascoboy]

Russia hails Biden's decision not to send Ukraine long-range rocket systems

This afternoon, Joe Biden confirmed that the US has no plans to send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach into Russia.

The US has provided Ukraine with a significant amount of military aid since Russia launched an invasion of the country in late February.

Russian Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev has now hailed Washington's decision as "rational".

Moscow has openly condemned the US for supplying weaponry to Ukraine throughout what it calls a "special military operation".

Reports had emerged that the Biden administration was preparing to send advanced long-range rocket systems to Kyiv.

This was dismissed by Mr Biden this afternoon.

[Hellraiser]

Russia hails Biden's decision not to send Ukraine long-range rocket systems

This afternoon, Joe Biden confirmed that the US has no plans to send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach into Russia.

The US has provided Ukraine with a significant amount of military aid since Russia launched an invasion of the country in late February.

Russian Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev has now hailed Washington's decision as "rational".

Moscow has openly condemned the US for supplying weaponry to Ukraine throughout what it calls a "special military operation".

Reports had emerged that the Biden administration was preparing to send advanced long-range rocket systems to Kyiv.

This was dismissed by Mr Biden this afternoon.

The qualification in the statement is the important bit.

[tabascoboy]

More batshittery from Russian State TV: "The special operation in Ukraine is over, it's time to demilitarize NATO!"

[Hellraiser]

More batshittery from Russian State TV: "The special operation in Ukraine is over, it's time to demilitarize NATO!"

The worse the situation gets for you the more strident and absurd the propaganda, e.g. the Nazis after Stalingrad, and more recently Comical Ali.

[Raggs]

More batshittery from Russian State TV: "The special operation in Ukraine is over, it's time to demilitarize NATO!"

Jesus, they're talking world war 3 and taking out nato... How are they going to do that with how well Ukraine is going...

[Hellraiser]

The Ukrainians have retaken Davydiv Brid and secured the bridge over the Inhulets River. They probably now have control over a chunk of the main road to Beryslav and Nova Kakhovka.

[TheFrog]

I read that Russian aviation is much more active in Donbass and one of the reasons the Ukrainians are on the verge of collapse there.

[Blake]

I read that Russian aviation is much more active in Donbass and one of the reasons the Ukrainians are on the verge of collapse there.

"Verge of collapse" is maybe a bit hyperbolic; but they are taking a pounding. With the shorter supply lines the Russian Eastern front can finally use their superior numbers until they run out of bodies, ammo and fuel; and also enjoy some close air support while the infantry with MANPADS are dodging artillery shells.

Hopefully the Ukrainian defenses can hold tight while they launch some counter-offenses elsewhere where Russia has pulled some BTGs away, and until their new units are trained up on the new NATO equipment. Really hope the US supplies some MLRS platforms. Ukraine desperately needs the range. Maybe they can come to some agreement if Ukraine pinky swears not to fire into Russia itself, but I fear that is wishful thinking. Russia knows they will be a game changer so are really trying to block them.

[average joe]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

[tabascoboy]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

Russia regularly claims to destroy supplies in warehouses with targeted missile strikes, no-one's telling of course how much damage is really done.

[laurent]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

Russia regularly claims to destroy supplies in warehouses with targeted missile strikes, no-one's telling of course how much damage is really done.

Apparently they got caught out early on with some stuff I doubt they store anything in bulk after one of the garrison was destroyed in Lviv early in the conflict. (this was were the "foreign" legion was being formed if I recall properly)

[average joe]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

Russia regularly claims to destroy supplies in warehouses with targeted missile strikes, no-one's telling of course how much damage is really done.

Apparently they got caught out early on with some stuff I doubt they store anything in bulk after one of the garrison was destroyed in Lviv early in the conflict. (this was were the "foreign" legion was being formed if I recall properly)

How is it coming in?

[laurent]

Russia regularly claims to destroy supplies in warehouses with targeted missile strikes, no-one's telling of course how much damage is really done.

Apparently they got caught out early on with some stuff I doubt they store anything in bulk after one of the garrison was destroyed in Lviv early in the conflict. (this was were the "foreign" legion was being formed if I recall properly)

How is it coming in?

By Road or train (Aircrafts came disassembled).

[Hellraiser]

I read that Russian aviation is much more active in Donbass and one of the reasons the Ukrainians are on the verge of collapse there.

Where the hell are you getting this "verge of collapse" nonsense?

[Hellraiser]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

Russia regularly claims to destroy supplies in warehouses with targeted missile strikes, no-one's telling of course how much damage is really done.

They haven't made any credible claims like that in weeks. Partly because they don't actually know where the weapons are and partly because they're running out of guided missiles.

[Blake]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

A lot of it is actually getting to the front surprisingly fast. I've seen some video of the US M777 towed and also of the French self-propelled artillery in the field already.

The bottleneck seems to be training the Ukrainian servicemen in their use; pulling guys from the field, the reserves and the TDF, sending them to Europe, cramming knowledge and training into their heads for 3-4 weeks, and sending to the front with their new toys.

Also the logistics and support vehicles than accompany them all need to be coordinated and the artillery units need to be integrated into the Ukrainian custom designed fire control center. It seems the limited number of systems that have already been deployed to the front are being manned by servicemen that have gone to joint NATO training missions prior to the war so have some familiarity with the systems, but there aren't that many of them to pull from.

Unfortunately it isn't a turn key situation with many of these systems that are getting donated. If they aren't from old Soviet supplies that the Ukrainians can easily incorporate into their fighting force, there is a bit of a learning curve and lag before they can be safely and effectively deployed.

Meanwhile the infantry just need to hold out...poor buggers.

[Blake]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

Russia regularly claims to destroy supplies in warehouses with targeted missile strikes, no-one's telling of course how much damage is really done.

They haven't made any credible claims like that in weeks. Partly because they don't actually know where the weapons are and partly because they're running out of guided missiles.

That, and the fact that it appears the guided missiles they do have miss their target half of the time...

[yermum]

Meanwhile the infantry just need to hold out...poor buggers.

PBI
was always such...

[FalseBayFC]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

A lot of it is actually getting to the front surprisingly fast. I've seen some video of the US M777 towed and also of the French self-propelled artillery in the field already.

The bottleneck seems to be training the Ukrainian servicemen in their use; pulling guys from the field, the reserves and the TDF, sending them to Europe, cramming knowledge and training into their heads for 3-4 weeks, and sending to the front with their new toys.

Also the logistics and support vehicles than accompany them all need to be coordinated and the artillery units need to be integrated into the Ukrainian custom designed fire control center. It seems the limited number of systems that have already been deployed to the front are being manned by servicemen that have gone to joint NATO training missions prior to the war so have some familiarity with the systems, but there aren't that many of them to pull from.

Unfortunately it isn't a turn key situation with many of these systems that are getting donated. If they aren't from old Soviet supplies that the Ukrainians can easily incorporate into their fighting force, there is a bit of a learning curve and lag before they can be safely and effectively deployed.

Meanwhile the infantry just need to hold out...poor buggers.

A lot of training happening on the low down. Poland just announced a 18 KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzers transfer. They also said 100 Ukrainian redlegs had been trained already for the kit. What would really get me erect is if a couple of dozen Ukie pilots had been in F16 training for the last 3 months. I've heard it would take about a year to transfer skills from a Mig 29 to a 4th gen fighter but it would be hella cool for the Ukies to suddenly get 20 F16s with AIM air to air and just shred the oppo jets.

[Hellraiser]

[TheFrog]

I read that Russian aviation is much more active in Donbass and one of the reasons the Ukrainians are on the verge of collapse there.

Where the hell are you getting this "verge of collapse" nonsense?

Couple French newspapers reports.

[TheFrog]

I read that Russian aviation is much more active in Donbass and one of the reasons the Ukrainians are on the verge of collapse there.

"Verge of collapse" is maybe a bit hyperbolic; but they are taking a pounding. With the shorter supply lines the Russian Eastern front can finally use their superior numbers until they run out of bodies, ammo and fuel; and also enjoy some close air support while the infantry with MANPADS are dodging artillery shells.

Hopefully the Ukrainian defenses can hold tight while they launch some counter-offenses elsewhere where Russia has pulled some BTGs away, and until their new units are trained up on the new NATO equipment. Really hope the US supplies some MLRS platforms. Ukraine desperately needs the range. Maybe they can come to some agreement if Ukraine pinky swears not to fire into Russia itself, but I fear that is wishful thinking. Russia knows they will be a game changer so are really trying to block them.

They surely need the tools to cut these supply lines coming from Russia into Ukraine.

And more AA stuff to send the ground attack aircraft and helicopters packing.

[FalseBayFC]

If you're going to eat a dog then a yorkie ain't going to really do it.

[TheFrog]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

A lot of it is actually getting to the front surprisingly fast. I've seen some video of the US M777 towed and also of the French self-propelled artillery in the field already.

The bottleneck seems to be training the Ukrainian servicemen in their use; pulling guys from the field, the reserves and the TDF, sending them to Europe, cramming knowledge and training into their heads for 3-4 weeks, and sending to the front with their new toys.

Also the logistics and support vehicles than accompany them all need to be coordinated and the artillery units need to be integrated into the Ukrainian custom designed fire control center. It seems the limited number of systems that have already been deployed to the front are being manned by servicemen that have gone to joint NATO training missions prior to the war so have some familiarity with the systems, but there aren't that many of them to pull from.

Unfortunately it isn't a turn key situation with many of these systems that are getting donated. If they aren't from old Soviet supplies that the Ukrainians can easily incorporate into their fighting force, there is a bit of a learning curve and lag before they can be safely and effectively deployed.

Meanwhile the infantry just need to hold out...poor buggers.

Yes, I read that the troops now using the French artillery pieces had been in training in France for at least a month.

[redderneck]

If you're going to eat a dog then a yorkie ain't going to really do it.

Hey, if your food budget's only RUR 5,000, you ain't tucking into no labrador.

[laurent]

How much of the heavier equipment sent to Ukraine actually make it to the front?

A lot of it is actually getting to the front surprisingly fast. I've seen some video of the US M777 towed and also of the French self-propelled artillery in the field already.

The bottleneck seems to be training the Ukrainian servicemen in their use; pulling guys from the field, the reserves and the TDF, sending them to Europe, cramming knowledge and training into their heads for 3-4 weeks, and sending to the front with their new toys.

Also the logistics and support vehicles than accompany them all need to be coordinated and the artillery units need to be integrated into the Ukrainian custom designed fire control center. It seems the limited number of systems that have already been deployed to the front are being manned by servicemen that have gone to joint NATO training missions prior to the war so have some familiarity with the systems, but there aren't that many of them to pull from.

Unfortunately it isn't a turn key situation with many of these systems that are getting donated. If they aren't from old Soviet supplies that the Ukrainians can easily incorporate into their fighting force, there is a bit of a learning curve and lag before they can be safely and effectively deployed.

Meanwhile the infantry just need to hold out...poor buggers.

A lot of training happening on the low down. Poland just announced a 18 KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzers transfer. They also said 100 Ukrainian redlegs had been trained already for the kit. What would really get me erect is if a couple of dozen Ukie pilots had been in F16 training for the last 3 months. I've heard it would take about a year to transfer skills from a Mig 29 to a 4th gen fighter but it would be hella cool for the Ukies to suddenly get 20 F16s with AIM air to air and just shred the oppo jets.

Mig 29 or SU 27 are 4th gen (whatever that means).
The system is very different (Migs and Sukhoy have some tools F16 don't ) you need to learn how to use the aircrafts and its system that takes a long time. (takes about 1 year in French air force on top of the pilot training)

[FalseBayFC]

A lot of it is actually getting to the front surprisingly fast. I've seen some video of the US M777 towed and also of the French self-propelled artillery in the field already.

The bottleneck seems to be training the Ukrainian servicemen in their use; pulling guys from the field, the reserves and the TDF, sending them to Europe, cramming knowledge and training into their heads for 3-4 weeks, and sending to the front with their new toys.

Also the logistics and support vehicles than accompany them all need to be coordinated and the artillery units need to be integrated into the Ukrainian custom designed fire control center. It seems the limited number of systems that have already been deployed to the front are being manned by servicemen that have gone to joint NATO training missions prior to the war so have some familiarity with the systems, but there aren't that many of them to pull from.

Unfortunately it isn't a turn key situation with many of these systems that are getting donated. If they aren't from old Soviet supplies that the Ukrainians can easily incorporate into their fighting force, there is a bit of a learning curve and lag before they can be safely and effectively deployed.

Meanwhile the infantry just need to hold out...poor buggers.

A lot of training happening on the low down. Poland just announced a 18 KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzers transfer. They also said 100 Ukrainian redlegs had been trained already for the kit. What would really get me erect is if a couple of dozen Ukie pilots had been in F16 training for the last 3 months. I've heard it would take about a year to transfer skills from a Mig 29 to a 4th gen fighter but it would be hella cool for the Ukies to suddenly get 20 F16s with AIM air to air and just shred the oppo jets.

Mig 29 or SU 27 are 4th gen (whatever that means).
The system is very different (Migs and Sukhoy have some tools F16 don't ) you need to learn how to use the aircrafts and its system that takes a long time. (takes about 1 year in French air force on top of the pilot training)

Yeah. I meant to switch platforms from a Soviet to Western 4th gen fighter. Like I said it was wishful thinking.

[Blake]

A lot of training happening on the low down. Poland just announced a 18 KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzers transfer. They also said 100 Ukrainian redlegs had been trained already for the kit. What would really get me erect is if a couple of dozen Ukie pilots had been in F16 training for the last 3 months. I've heard it would take about a year to transfer skills from a Mig 29 to a 4th gen fighter but it would be hella cool for the Ukies to suddenly get 20 F16s with AIM air to air and just shred the oppo jets.

Would've been nice but from what I've read and watched pilot training is less than half of the challenge.
The real challenge is maintenance...