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War in Ukraine

Discussion in 'Too Hot for Swamp Gas' started by PITBOSS, Jan 21, 2022.

  1. uftaipan

    uftaipan GC Hall of Fame

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    Yes, I saw that. That is not remarkably different than China's earlier claim about being able to detect the F35 by its infrared signature. So my response will not be much different either: If it's true, then why tell us? And even if you can track F35s under peacetime conditions, how would you have the first idea what they look like under combat conditions? Finally, if it's true, then why is China's whole anti-stealth strategy still based on destroying the aircraft on the ground with long-range missiles? Inquiring minds and such.

    For what it's worth, China also thinks they can track our submarines based on how they run under normal peacetime conditions. They might be in for a nasty surprise on that front, too.
     
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  2. Gatorhead

    Gatorhead GC Hall of Fame

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    Comments from Donald Trump yesterday regarding the war in Ukraine:

    Donald Trump seemed to turn on Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at the White House on Monday, telling reporters that Putin is the "number one" person to blame for the conflict. "I would say three people," Trump said in response to a reporter's question about who started the deadly three-year war. "Let's say Putin number one, but let's say Biden, who had no idea what the hell he was doing, number two, and Zelensky [number three]." The president seemed to acknowledge that Putin started the war as well as he said, "Putin should have never started it."

    "Our time can be pretty violent, as we know. But that's a war that should have never been allowed to start. And Biden could've stopped it, and Zelensky could've stopped it, and Putin should have never started it. Everybody's to blame," Trump told reporters from the Oval Office. In another part of the same discussion, a reporter asked, "Mr. President, you repeatedly stated last night that Russia's attack on Ukraine was a mistake. What is the exact mistake, and have you given Putin a deadline to actually move toward a ceasefire?"

    "The mistake was letting the war happen," Trump responded. "If Biden were competent, and if Zelensky were competent - and I don't know that he is - we had a rough session with this guy over here - he just kept asking for more and more."
     
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  3. G8trGr8t

    G8trGr8t Premium Member

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    china cutting way back on russian gas, cars, and oil purchases from Russia. this is a big strain on an already strained economy

    Russia economy on the edge as major ally snubs Putin’s oil

    As Russia’s economy continues to struggle since the start of the war in Ukraine, Moscow is now facing a sharp decline in oil, gas, and car exports to China.
     
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  4. VAg8r1

    VAg8r1 GC Hall of Fame

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    Trump's criticism of Putin will never go beyond verbal posturing with Vlad. Trump is a weak leader who doesn't have the cojones to stand up to Putin. Trump has been metaphorically castrated by Vladimir Putin. As long as Russia is making progress on the battlefield Putin will never agree to a cease fire with his actions speaking louder than any words. If Trump was really serious about pressuring Putin to negotiate a peace agreement he would immediately resume US military aid to Ukraine and if Vlad didn't end offensive operations in Ukraine including the immediate cessation of missile and drone attacks again Ukrainian cities he would increase aid to a level greater than that provided to Ukraine under Biden. If Trump actually demonstrated that he has the balls to stand up to Putin, Vladimir would end the war in a matter of days.
     
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  5. chemgator

    chemgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Captured Chinese "soldiers" describe Russian army as "weak". They were fighting in response to an advertisement for mercenaries. They also said that Russian camps were lacking in food, water, and electricity. They were not soldiers at all, but unemployed people in Russia looking for work. One signed up to be in construction, and the other signed up to be a physical therapist. Both were then sent to the front lines to fight.

    Russian forces weaker than they claim, say Chinese POWs

     
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  6. Gatorhead

    Gatorhead GC Hall of Fame

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    Trumps comments amaze. Putin orders an armored column into Kiev 2/22/22 estimated to be 20 miles long and he holds Zelenski partially responsible? For defending his country?? After Russian incursions into Crimea and Donets previously?

    Trump also claimed he would end the conflict in....what did he say? Ummm 24 or 48 hours after being elected? Or something along these lines as I recall.


    .
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 1:06 PM
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  7. duggers_dad

    duggers_dad GC Hall of Fame

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  8. duggers_dad

    duggers_dad GC Hall of Fame

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    And there you have it, Trump says Ukraine started the war, best place him on ignore …
     
  9. uftaipan

    uftaipan GC Hall of Fame

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    Well, we know that just can’t be. I’ve been told with good authority that Putin is going to have his crack troops out of the trenches and sweeping away what remains of the Little Russian resistance, like, any day now. The only thing holding back Putin is his own good grace and humor.
     
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  10. chemgator

    chemgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Dimwit Donald spends a lot of time managing the past. And using his imagination (and arrogance) to claim that he could have prevented the war. About as likely as him coming up with a health care solution in his first term.
     
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  11. homer

    homer GC Hall of Fame

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    Water is wet.

    Why is this post awaiting moderator approval? Must have a Ruskie as a moderator?
     
  12. chemgator

    chemgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Germany is about to make things interesting in Ukraine. They are providing Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles. Wise choice, Germany. Merz is taking over from Sergeant Schultz. The missiles have a range of over 300 miles. Merz is willing to let Ukraine use them to target the Kerch Bridge to Crimea.

    Germany ready to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

     
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  13. RIP

    RIP I like touchdowns Premium Member

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    Because it contains a Yahoo link
     
  14. CaptUSMCNole

    CaptUSMCNole Premium Member

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    That is good to see. The questions that need to be answered is if Germany will allow the AFU to employ them without restriction. Can they be fired into Russia proper? If so, there is no point in targeting the KSB since it is more of a symbolic target for the Ukrainians. Additionally, I'm not sure this cruise missile will be any better of a munition for striking the KSB than ATACMS are. I believe that cruise missiles also have a higher intercept rate than munitions like the ATACMS.
     
  15. Gatorhead

    Gatorhead GC Hall of Fame

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    Good point, however if the Administration has put a hold on supply of ATACMS that means that makes that system useless.
    Perhaps NATO allies supporting Ukraine may still be supplying them? I thought the Trump Administration turned the spigot off.
    Anyone that knows if the USA is or is not supplying them, please enlighten me.
     
  16. CaptUSMCNole

    CaptUSMCNole Premium Member

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    What do you mean the system is useless without more ATACMS? M-270's and M-142 fire the full range of GMLRS, which the ATACMS are part of.

    As far as I am aware, no other country that has ATACMS, has stated they will donate any of them.
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 3:39 PM
  17. Gatorhead

    Gatorhead GC Hall of Fame

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    Thank you for the correction. I assume the M-270's and M-142's of which you speak are made available by other countries?
    I am not in the warfare business so my lack of knowledge is showing.
     
  18. uftaipan

    uftaipan GC Hall of Fame

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    I’m not sure in either case. On the subject of interceptability, my understanding is the ATACMS’ high arc makes it more susceptible to detection (the first ingredient of interception) than many cruise missiles that might be able to fly nap-of-the-earth, such as a Tomahawk. I’m not sure about the profile of this German weapon. Another factor might be the ease with which an ATACMS can have its guidance package jammed (early detection helps with that as well). Some cruise missiles have backup navigation that can read terrain and are consequently immune to GPS jamming. Again, not sure about this new system.

    What I do wonder, though, in terms of the Kerch Bridge is the penetrating and explosive power of an ATACMS compared to some of the other munitions out there. As far as I know, ATACMS was designed for soft targets in the open, such as radars, aircraft, etc. I know you’re an old King of Battle Marine. You tell me. How would an ATACMS fare against a hardened concrete and steel target like a bridge?
     
  19. uftaipan

    uftaipan GC Hall of Fame

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    I assume what he means is that the launch vehicles themselves are useless without a steady resupply of more ATACMS. But as you correctly point out, the launch vehicles also fire a variety of other munitions, and they do so in greater frequency and volume than with ATACMS, which are a relatively rare commodity even when we provide them regularly.
     
  20. JustaGator

    JustaGator All American

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    Taurus is a game changer. It has 6!?! navigational systems, stealthy, tandem warhead, can be re-targeted in mid-flight, etc.

     
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