Janster
3367
What, that link works for me ?
I think they might actually stop short of that. A puppet government will still need to be propped up militarily by Russia, which still basically makes it an occupation, and you would think they have some kind of memory of Afghanistan.
I think it’s obvious to anyone that we’re gonna do everything we can to make an occupation of Ukraine hell for them, like we did then. We’re gonna send in Sylvester Stallone to befriend the babushkas and shit.
I think there’s a realistic chance that they may try to salvage their reputation somewhat, and settle for Ukrainian disarmament and neutrality. That way they have at least some chance of retaining a minimum of economic ties, and possibly rebuilding relations with the West (in the long term, obviously).
Who knows though, Putin seems extremely unhinged. He could very well choose the stupidest thing.
Because then we’d be at war with the Russians, and in all scenarios, that becomes a nuclear war within a very short time.
For that reason, our focus has to be making a show of strength against the Russians by isolating them, rearming ourselves (here in Europe) and reinforcing the Baltics, so they won’t try anything like this again.
Yes, it’s a disgrace for Russian military.
Internal Russian propaganda now says that Russia doesn’t really fight there, we’re just at the border giving everybody a chance to surrender. That why there are no reports about victories. I’m serious.
Menzo
3370
That is a story about Ukranian military forces being seen in Kyiv. Does that indicate their military has faded away or fallen?
abrandt
3371
That tweet I posted(that I have no idea on the authenticity of, but I really liked that guy, I hope he’s legit) is the first mention I’ve seen of Ukraine using Turkish drones. Interesting that this hasn’t been talked about more.
strummer
3372
You had a bad link, missing part of the URL.
Considering the proximity of Kyviv to the borders, I’d expect Russian units on the outskirts of the city by now.
That’s some seriously ridiculous PR spin, lol
Janster
3375
I could be that they don’t want a huge battle in the city to preserve it, but then I don’t get why the president is still in it…
I’m VERY confused by these strategies…
vyshka
3376
The NW pincer from Belarus through Chernobyl appears to have been their most successful push. They were into the nw parts of Kiev earlier today. The advance from the NE to Kiev sounded like it had been stopped. The fighting elsewhere also seems to be back and forth. There are a number of images/videos online of what appear to be wrecked Russian convoys and vehicles with the markings seen elsewhere from border crossing cameras. I doubt it goes as well as their MoD says, but they are fighting hard and dying while we all watch.
The last time the Russian Army had any serious urban combat was, what, Grozny?
If Kyviv gets anywhere the same treatment, the world outrage is going to go to a whole new level.
vyshka
3378
Here’s hoping they get what they got the first time they went to Grozny.
Janster
3379
Yeah, I’d love to see that happen, but will it? I have no way of really knowing whats actually in Kiev, but I fear its just a token force.
CraigM
3380
I was. going to remark on the size of someones shoulders for that to be shoulder mounted, but then I realized that must just be the carrying case.
CraigM
3381
Here’s the thing with asymetric warfare in a city environment, which is where this goes, the complexity and variability of the environment can neutralize the larger force advantage.
When every house could hold a javelin or anti tank munition, taking the city becomes a big deal
abrandt
3382
I guess take heart that so far that some combination of Russia underachieving and Ukraine overachieving has occurred. Don’t let yourself think they’ll pull out miracles, but so far we’re on the timeline that could still end very very badly for Putin.
Ukrainians are clearly bought into Ukraine and are willing to fight and die for their country.
Janster
3383
Here is what I think happened…
Russia doesn’t really want a bloodbath, so they have attacked everywhere the Ukranian army is not, which is actually great military strategy, airpower pins them and they can’t move…they move on towards the lightly defended and unprepared Kiev, and hope they will surrender…
A huge brawl in there would benefit Ukrain but leave the city destroyed and public image fucked for Russia…
Thus peace talks soon…
The fact that they hit the power plant makes me think they might encircle the city. No fuel coming in means no power. For anything. Hospitals, field hospitals, freezers full of food, communications etc.
Don’t forget the babushka with a molotov. Ukrainian grandmas are no joke.
Grozny is the only big city in Chechnya so it’s a different strategic situation. Also Kiev is huge. If there’s insurgence Russia doesn’t have enough troops to control it.
Again, I don’t see them preparing for more than a few hours of fighting. They expected the government fall after the first night.
