Any thoughts on what would happen if Russia really loses Wagner? My gut tells me this conflict is not too popular with the avg Russian male that has been forced (called up) to service. As in they are fragile, unprofessional and of course led by alcoholic generals that DGAF. "Comrade num nuts, glorious leader has invited you to 12th floor balcony of Black Sea Dacha for Vodka, to celebrate your excellent retreat from Bakhmut - dress lightly, no white clothes" The situation around Bakhmut the last 72 hours must be alarming to the Kremlin. Still early, but if Russia is forced to evacuate even the most hardened Kremlin sympathizer will be hard pressed not to recognize it for what it is - Putin getting his special military operations "teeth" knocked out.
Excellent, but I would opt for Tennyson if we are going to use a historic Russian victory, as it is more geographically connected
Putin borrows a line from Seinfeld and says, "Don't look at our country--it's hideous!" Concerned about exodus from Russia, Putin orders country to be made "attractive" (yahoo.com)
Russia would go downhill quickly if Wagner bailed or got eliminated. The Russian army has lost whatever fight it had left in it. Putin expended the lives of most of his best troops (special forces, etc.) in the last year, and the majority of what he has left is inexperienced conscripts. The military's leadership is a hot mess, thanks in part to Putin's meddling. The primary plan seems to have been to hope that Ukraine ran out of people to fight with before the new weapons started becoming available. He miscalculated by a country mile on that one.
Ukraine already unleashes devastation on the Russian army with Storm Shadow missiles. They are even more destructive when used in combination with U.S. MALD decoy missiles, which attract missile defense systems like bears to honey. A weapons depot 80 miles from the front lines, which was previously too far back for Ukraine to attack, was struck and heavily damaged. Storm Shadow missiles in devastating strikes far behind Russian lines (yahoo.com)
More on the MALD missiles. Evidence Of ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoy Use By Ukraine Emerges (yahoo.com)
Russia's personnel losses are believed to exceed 200,000 in the war, including 45,000 dead. That would be triple what they experienced when they left Afghanistan after a decade of fighting and then watched their economy collapse. This does not include losses by Russian people's militias. Russian irretrievable losses in war against Ukraine reach 200,000, report says (yahoo.com)
All indications are that Ukraine is making progress on the ground, even though the main effort of its offensive, supposedly, has not yet started. We will know if it’s true once the Russian spin of “We were withdrawing anyway,” “That terrain is worthless,” “The rebellious Little Russians are just hitting air,” or “All of a part of our plan to cause disproportionate casualties” starts pumping up again. ‘Moving forward’: Ukraine claims gains on Bakhmut front
I think those estimates are on the high side. But, as I’ve said, even if only half correct … staggering losses.
Well, imagine one old WWII tank rolling through Red Square in front of thousands set to the tune of “All By Myself” ….. don’t want to be all by myself anymore.
Yes. I couldn’t believe it when Obama and trump kept providing dates of our actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Russian air defenses finally shoot something down--a helicopter (or two). Russian air defence shot down its helicopter in Bryansk Oblast (yahoo.com) Keep up the good work, boys!
This one takes the cake. Russia is thinking about building a village outside Moscow to attract Americans who want to live in a "Christian country" with no liberal idealogies. Russia thinks of itself as a "bastion of traditional moral values", you know, like invading, killing and raping. So if this version of Christianity appeals to you, buy a one-way ticket to Moscow now! You get a free conscription to the local newspaper if you sign up immediately. (fine print: American must drive to Bakhmut to fight for newspaper every day). Russia is floating a plan to build a village for conservative Americans who want to move to a 'Christian country' and are tired of liberal ideology in the US (yahoo.com) How stupid would you have to be to sign up for this program?
