Honestly, I wouldn't put it past Putin to kill innocent civilians just to kill a political enemy like Prigozhin.

Dude just seems like that kind of dick to me.

Or a faked death.  Something seemed fishy to me with the speed Prigozhin both made it outside Moscow and agreed to surrender.  I wouldn't be surprised if the rebellion was staged to bring out opposition to Putin and the plane didn't have Prigozhin in it.

A deep dive into the circumstances and potential consequences of Prigozhin's apparent demise.  A lot of it's conjecture given the lack of solid facts, it's nonetheless a compelling analysis. 

Anything happen while I was gone?

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on September 01, 2023, 05:27:39 PMAnything happen while I was gone?

Putin may or may not have been involved in the death of Yevgeny Prighozin and 10 others on a private plane.

Other than that, not much.

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 01, 2023, 05:59:48 PM

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on September 01, 2023, 05:27:39 PMAnything happen while I was gone?

Putin may or may not have been involved in the death of Yevgeny Prighozin and 10 others on a private plane.

Other than that, not much.

That and more Russian nuclear sabre rattling.

Russia claims Sarmat intercontinental missile on 'combat duty'

Prigozhin being dead isn't exactly a shocker. His days were greatly shortened by his march on Moscow. As the master tactician and warrior philosopher Yoda said; "Either do or do not, there is no try".

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on September 01, 2023, 09:05:15 PMPrigozhin being dead isn't exactly a shocker. His days were greatly shortened by his march on Moscow. As the master tactician and warrior philosopher Yoda said; "Either do or do not, there is no try".

When it comes to military wisdom, Master Yoda is starting to give Sun Tzu a run for his money.  

Moves are afoot in the Ukraine. In all the business in the ME it was missed that the US handed over ATACMS to the Ukes. Apparently Russian intelligence was unaware and the Ukes quickly wiped out a couple of pesky airfields. Deep fires was one of the missing pieces from last summer that led to the failure of the campaign.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-decision-send-long-range-missiles-kyiv-grave-mistake-russias-envoy-2023-10-18/

US long-range ATACMS missiles 'fired for first time' at Russian helicopters (msn.com)

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on October 18, 2023, 08:06:38 PMMoves are afoot in the Ukraine. In all the business in the ME it was missed that the US handed over ATACMS to the Ukes. Apparently Russian intelligence was unaware and the Ukes quickly wiped out a couple of pesky airfields. Deep fires was one of the missing pieces from last summer that led to the failure of the campaign.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-decision-send-long-range-missiles-kyiv-grave-mistake-russias-envoy-2023-10-18/

US long-range ATACMS missiles 'fired for first time' at Russian helicopters (msn.com)

When I saw this in the news it made me wonder if they'll use them against the Kerch Strait Bridge next.  I know it's not a long distance away, but those might be able to do more significant damage to it than some of their other weapons.

Quote from: EBuff75 on October 18, 2023, 09:14:08 PM

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on October 18, 2023, 08:06:38 PMMoves are afoot in the Ukraine. In all the business in the ME it was missed that the US handed over ATACMS to the Ukes. Apparently Russian intelligence was unaware and the Ukes quickly wiped out a couple of pesky airfields. Deep fires was one of the missing pieces from last summer that led to the failure of the campaign.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-decision-send-long-range-missiles-kyiv-grave-mistake-russias-envoy-2023-10-18/

US long-range ATACMS missiles 'fired for first time' at Russian helicopters (msn.com)

When I saw this in the news it made me wonder if they'll use them against the Kerch Strait Bridge next.  I know it's not a long distance away, but those might be able to do more significant damage to it than some of their other weapons.

They agreed not to use them in "Russian Territory". I would shoot them at the bridge until it was completely submerged and ask for more missiles. Once Crimea is cut off that part of the war is over and they can focus all their combat power in one spot and finish it. They could roll up the whole line from South to North and this thing would be over in a couple of months.

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on October 18, 2023, 09:22:54 PM

Quote from: EBuff75 on October 18, 2023, 09:14:08 PM

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on October 18, 2023, 08:06:38 PMMoves are afoot in the Ukraine. In all the business in the ME it was missed that the US handed over ATACMS to the Ukes. Apparently Russian intelligence was unaware and the Ukes quickly wiped out a couple of pesky airfields. Deep fires was one of the missing pieces from last summer that led to the failure of the campaign.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-decision-send-long-range-missiles-kyiv-grave-mistake-russias-envoy-2023-10-18/

US long-range ATACMS missiles 'fired for first time' at Russian helicopters (msn.com)

When I saw this in the news it made me wonder if they'll use them against the Kerch Strait Bridge next.  I know it's not a long distance away, but those might be able to do more significant damage to it than some of their other weapons.

They agreed not to use them in "Russian Territory". I would shoot them at the bridge until it was completely submerged and ask for more missiles. Once Crimea is cut off that part of the war is over and they can focus all their combat power in one spot and finish it. They could roll up the whole line from South to North and this thing would be over in a couple of months.

And given Russian reliance on rail, I'd also be giving a hard look at any rail yards that they're using for resupply (and any other rail bridges in the occupied areas).  Also any bridges that they're using for resupply via trucks in those areas where they don't have rail.  The ATACMS are an interesting development and one that I'm sure Putin is very unhappy about!

Japanese AI Play "Where is Waldo" With Putin Doubles

Putin does use body doubles, according to Japanese AI research (msn.com)

QuoteWhile Putin body doubles have been denied by the Kremlin, Russian sources and Ukraine's military have appeared to confirm them in the past.It has also been alleged the dictator is seriously ill and uses body doubles to disguise his ill health.The analysis found the Putin who hosted this year's annual Red Square Victory Day parade on May 9 was real.But the Putin who inspected the Crimean Bridge ten months ago was only a 53% match with the Putin on Red Square.

The "Putin is Dying" card has been thrown every day for the last two years. Be nice if he could get it over with.


ATACMS Also Works on Russian Navy Yards

Missile hits Russia's Black Sea Fleet weapon stockpiles (msn.com)

This is going to be a serious game changer, especially if they have them in quantity. Most of the Black Sea Fleet departed last week. One wonders if they got wind of the missile transfers early and found fairer seas before they went hot.


Total Russian Casualties Now Exceed Population of St. Louis, Morale said to be less than ideal

Nearly 1400 Russian troops, 55 tanks eliminated over past 24 hours (msn.com)

With way more than half of their armored fleet and 1/3 of their aircraft destroyed, any Russia victory, no matter how great, will be the embodiment of Pyrrhic. Even if the Ukraine numbers were halved it is a catastrophe on WWII levels.


Kazakhstan Jumps in on Russian Embargo

Former ally strikes at Russia. They have banned the export of over 100 goods (msn.com)

Most of Central Asia has been making bank on embargoed goods. Going to be interesting to see if it is legit.

It's being reported that 54% of Russian casualties involve an amputation of some type.  Not only will that have a long-term effect on the country (mainly in long-term medical care costs), but it also limits the ability of injured soldiers to return to active duty after recovery.  It also makes me wonder if this is a result of poor medical facilities on the front lines which are unable to provide less drastic care for limb injuries.

https://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-glaring-issue-more-161239369.html

Quote from: EBuff75 on October 20, 2023, 11:09:32 AMIt's being reported that 54% of Russian casualties involve an amputation of some type.  Not only will that have a long-term effect on the country (mainly in long-term medical care costs), but it also limits the ability of injured soldiers to return to active duty after recovery.  It also makes me wonder if this is a result of poor medical facilities on the front lines which are unable to provide less drastic care for limb injuries.

https://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-glaring-issue-more-161239369.html

Word is that officers go to the rear for surgery and enlisted get an automatic chop at the front.

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on October 20, 2023, 11:36:29 AM

Quote from: EBuff75 on October 20, 2023, 11:09:32 AMIt's being reported that 54% of Russian casualties involve an amputation of some type.  Not only will that have a long-term effect on the country (mainly in long-term medical care costs), but it also limits the ability of injured soldiers to return to active duty after recovery.  It also makes me wonder if this is a result of poor medical facilities on the front lines which are unable to provide less drastic care for limb injuries.

https://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-glaring-issue-more-161239369.html

Word is that officers go to the rear for surgery and enlisted get an automatic chop at the front.

That wouldn't surprise me at all.  Reports about the medical care on the Russian side often sound like something right out of the 1800s - lack of anesthetic, bandages, syringes, medications, etc.  If you don't have the supplies for proper treatment, amputation is a last-ditch way to keep the patient alive.

I wonder how long it'll be before we start seeing mass desertions of Russian troops given that the Kremlin doesn't give a rat's ass about them.

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on October 20, 2023, 12:31:45 PMI wonder how long it'll be before we start seeing mass desertions of Russian troops given that the Kremlin doesn't give a rat's ass about them.

It is nearly impossible to desert so I figure it will be another troop revolt. It isn't like the US where you can avoid the law and hide in plain sight. They have hard core people control there.

https://istories.media/en/stories/2023/08/15/deserters/

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on October 20, 2023, 12:38:12 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on October 20, 2023, 12:31:45 PMI wonder how long it'll be before we start seeing mass desertions of Russian troops given that the Kremlin doesn't give a rat's ass about them.

It is nearly impossible to desert so I figure it will be another troop revolt. It isn't like the US where you can avoid the law and hide in plain sight. They have hard core people control there.

https://istories.media/en/stories/2023/08/15/deserters/

If they do revolt, I wonder if it'll go better than the last one.

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on October 20, 2023, 12:58:14 PM

Quote from: Uomo Senza Nome on October 20, 2023, 12:38:12 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on October 20, 2023, 12:31:45 PMI wonder how long it'll be before we start seeing mass desertions of Russian troops given that the Kremlin doesn't give a rat's ass about them.

It is nearly impossible to desert so I figure it will be another troop revolt. It isn't like the US where you can avoid the law and hide in plain sight. They have hard core people control there.

https://istories.media/en/stories/2023/08/15/deserters/

If they do revolt, I wonder if it'll go better than the last one.

If they learn from the mistakes of others they will roll all the way to the Kremlin and then hunt down Putin and kill him. It's a tall order but not impossible. Just about every senior general officer left alive has served in the Ukraine and been fired from there.