War in Ukraine

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Ukraine fires between 3,000 and 7,000 rounds each day, or the equivalent of yearly orders for a small European country...

BTW the US produces 15,000 155mm rounds per month so in 48 hours a month of production has been expended.

For comparison, the U.S. [color=rgba(255, 42, 45, var(--tw-text-opacity))]produces[/color] about 15,000 artillery rounds per month, the NYT reported.

https://dailycaller.com/2023/04/09/pentagon-muntitions-congress-hearings-budget-china/

This is actually how NATO had planned to defeat Russia during the Cold War or as Clancy put it.... "The profligate expenditure of ammunition". The US can ramp up production quite easily, and they have to some degree. But not enough. They should have started last year in anticipation of the Chinese invasion of Taiwan, but they didn't.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Lukashenko being simply sick is what I suspect as well. The guy is nearing 70, is overweight and has a stressful job.
I don't understand these guys. As soon as I'm of pensionable age I'd like to retire and take a holiday, not become dictator.

Too hard to tell if malingering or not. I'm a lot younger than Lukashenko and wouldn't even want to visit Belarus, much less rule it.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Kiev Mayor WBC Champion, "Dr. Iron Fists" Vitali Klitchko, Welcomes Rising Star 5-0 "Iron General"

Ukraine's 'Iron General' is facing off against his 4th Russian war commander. Here's why the others lost their jobs. (msn.com)

The Iron General's Record vs.
 
(W) Putin, AKA "Grandpa" retired from match Round 3, claiming groin injury
(W) Dvornikov, AKA "Butcher of Syria" KO Round 2
(W) Zhidko, AKA "The Hero" TKO Round 4 due to bleeding from the Kharkiv
(W) Surovikin AKA "General Armageddon", TKO Round 3
(W) Prigozhin AKA "Putin's Chef", Went the distance in all 12 rounds, lost in split decision, looking from the rooftops for a rematch.

The upcoming bout with Gerasimov the current Champion, promises to be a Battle Royale. Having already sent a retinue of fighters against Zaluzhnyi the champ is coming off the bench to face him, himself.


With Hundreds of Trillions of Rubles Lost and More than 200K Casualties, Russia Considers Taking the War Seriously

Russia-Ukraine war live: 'We have enormous resources and haven't started yet to act very seriously,' says Kremlin ambassador to UK (msn.com)

I can't improve on the Ambassadors comments. This war will continue so long as Russia drinks it's own pee, until they run out that is. I imagine they will be the sorest of losers and try to destroy everything on the way out the door, if they can't have it the stolen land, then no one will. Assholes.


After Being Placed in 20th Floor of Moscow Hospital For Medical Treatment Lukshenko Offers Free Nukes For any New Union State Allies

https://news.yahoo.com/lukashenko-offers-nuclear-weapons-nations-032643380.html

Literally can't make this shit up.

He also promised the safety of those weapons, saying: "This is not even up for discussion. Don't worry about nuclear weapons. We are responsible for this. These are serious issues. Everything will be alright here."

Iran, Nigeria, Venezuela, Cuba, Syria and Nicaragua all express interest. 

No seriously, literally can't make this shit up. Is it a "false flag" attack if everyone sees you doing it? I mean sure, everyone wants you to join their buyers club, rewards club or whatever for free shit. But free nukes seem like they might have a few protons attached.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

I suspect that the PRC is still probably full of ammo spam can stockpiles but who knows.

PRC is living large. Their Navy now outnumbers the US in combat vessels, will soon surpass the US in Gen V fighters and other capabilities. They have indebted large portions of the 3rd World with Capital Projects through Belt and Road and are now demanding the money like a back alley loan shark. Or other concessions. Their map of claims in the South China Sea is... telling and would be hilarious if they weren't so serious about it.

The plan was always to fight a two front war with allies holding back China and Russia until the US got spun up on production of munitions. It seems like no one realized that the war started 16 months ago. When it kicks off in Taiwan the PRC will clear the seas of Navies of the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia and anyone else who stands in their way through force or threat of force.

China hasn't been fulfilling the largest military build up since WWII to fight regional powers. They can destroy any regional power they want today with little effort. Russia and the EU aren't a threat.... that leaves the US.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Putin Invites Wagner Chief to Victory Tour at Lakhta Center

Wagner founder scores bloody political victory in Bakhmut (msn.com)
Former Russian commander in Ukraine says Putin could be overthrown by the Wagner mercenary army (msn.com)

No matter how good his Pelmeni is, there can be only one. The sudden withdraw of Wagner has the rumor mill flying. In an autocracy most high performers out live their usefulness. The thing is, his mouth has been writing checks his troops can't cash.


Wagner Swaps Prisoners with Ukrainians

Watch: Ukraine Swaps Prisoners with Russian Paramilitary Group Wagner | Watch (msn.com)

Note that the faces are redacted to comply with Geneva Convention rules.


Kiev Returns Defective Drones to Moscow After Failed Light Show

Moscow attacked by drones | Watch (msn.com)

The Mayor of Moscow noted that the damage was insignificant. He isn't wrong. What he is missing is the looks on the faces of the people. That was the whole point of the attack, which will likely increase in numbers and size.


Kiev Attacked by Unrestricted Missile Attacks 16th Straight Day

Russia hits Kyiv in pre-dawn attack | Watch (msn.com)
Patriot air defence system defeats Russia's latest missile attack on Kyiv (yahoo.com)

If  that is "victory" I hate to see what defeat looks like. They seem to have forgotten that whatever goes up, must also come down.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

You Honey Bye Bye, Russian Ships Leave Port of Berdyansk

Explosions hit Berdyansk port in Russian-controlled Ukraine | Watch (msn.com)
Russian ships flee after strong blast in the occupied Sea of Azov port of Berdyansk (msn.com)

It's almost like they don't want them there.


Ukraine Accuses Russia of Planning Yet Another False Flag Attack

'Chornobyl 2.0' – Russians planning explosion at Crimean Titan plant in occupied Armyansk (msn.com)

I don't know whether they are planning this or not but I do know that Putin won't care if Western Russia gets irradiated. It will just be another natural barrier for NATO to go around.


Russia Fields New Riot Control Gear to Control Rabble at Wild Mint Festival

Russia deployed its feared thermobaric missile launcher on its own territory to repel an attack by insurgents, UK intel says (msn.com)

A Russian border town becomes a front line in the Kremlin's war in Ukraine. (msn.com)

Anti-Kremlin rebels are back marauding inside Russia and triggering fears Putin's forces can't defend the homeland (msn.com)

There will be no "flashing for beads" this year, enforced strictly. With pepper spray at a Scoville Heat Units (SHU) of around 2,000,000,000, It's going to a lot of milk to wash the after taste out.


US/ NATO Continue "Vietnamazation" of War in Ukraine

Ukraine won't strike Russia's Iskander launch sites with foreign weapons due to promises to partners (msn.com)

Unnamed sources in the Pentagon were quoted as saying; "If the Ukrainians keep trying to win this war the US is committed to sending in advisors to make sure they don't succeed. This absolutely will not result in an escalation of the conflict. The war must continue until perpetual stalemate or until Raytheon achieves a new 5 year high."

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Governor of Belograd Invited to Spend Trinity Day with Local Volunteers and the Troops

Russian Volunteer Corps and Freedom of Russia Legion report capture of Russian regular army soldiers in Belgorod Oblast, call governor for meeting (msn.com)

Pro-Ukraine Russian fighters claim captives, offer trade for meeting with governor (msn.com)

Hopefully spreading the message of love, forgiveness and world peace.


Resurrection of Richard Donner During Filming of Omen V Creates Chaos in Vatican

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/naked-man-jumps-on-altar-of-st-peters-to-protest-ukraine-war/articleshow/100695925.cms
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/purification-rite-st-peters-after-naked-man-desecrated-popes-altar-2023-06-03/

The Optimist in me says that at least he didn't glue his pecker to the altar. Not that I would have, but it was an option.


Zelinsky Requests Entire US Army Inventory for Counter-Offensive

Ukraine's counteroffensive will be very impressive – US General (msn.com)

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-president-zelenskyy-ready-for-offensive-but-fears-major-casualties/articleshow/100726798.cms

I make it at 64 batteries in the entire US arsenal, less the eight they already gave to Ukraine. If they get 50 more, this leaves six for the entire rest of the world for the US. The PATRIOT was never intended to BE an Air Force. It was intended to back stop the air force, not the other way around.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Ukraine Counterattack is underway... or not... It is going great... or not.

Russia Claims to Repel Ukrainian Surge (msn.com)
Russia bragged that it easily defeated a Ukrainian tank attack, but even pro-Russia bloggers say the battle didn't go well (msn.com)
Russia claims Ukraine have launched 'major counter-offensive' (msn.com)
'More alarming every hour': Russians admit Ukraine gains. Is counteroffensive underway? Live updates (msn.com)

A lot to unpack in the fog of war. We aren't at the Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf level yet. That is going to be a hard line to cross if we ever get there. More like an "FBI Spokesperson says...." level, so maybe.



Max Headroom Alerts Russian Citizens to Danger

New Weapon Unveiled in Russia's War With Ukraine (msn.com)

The good news is that Putin was up 11 points in the polls, at least until they found out he was a computer generated deep fake. After that the Deep fake was up to 20 points with Putin largely trailing.


Wagner Group Relieves Battalion Commander After DUI Arrest

Wagner forces 'capture Putin's army officer' while Russian tension intensifies (msn.com)
Wagner Parades Captured Russian Colonel as Feud With Kremlin Boils Over (msn.com)

His rights were absolutely not violated during enhanced interrogation. Wagner group swears.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Russia Conducts Delayed Maintenance on Kakhovka Dam During Ukraine Counter-Attack, Things Go Swimmingly

Russian troops flood own positions by destroying dam, risk detonating landmines — Malyar (msn.com) 
Western journalists speculate that it might not have been explosion that destroyed dam at hydroelectric power plant (msn.com)
Ukraine's Defence Intelligence has evidence that explosives were used to blow up Kakhovka power plant (msn.com) 

There is an argument that it is a "coincidental accident" because the Russians had let the reservoir overfill and they lost a bunch of crunchies in the flood. It isn't like they let it fill up on purpose and then blew up the dam during the Ukraine Attack with dramatic effect. Putin would never, ever, ever kill his own men to achieve some kind of political or strategic goal or to have his coffee piping hot. I also have a bridge over the Dnipro for sale...


Record Number of Russia Troops Earn the Coveted Scuba Badge

Stranded Russian troops seek refuge in trees as demolition of Kakhovka dam causes widespread flooding (msn.com)
Russian troops flee first line of defense near Kherson... all wet (msn.com)

One soldier was asked what were the keys to success in the course; "Cardio, lots and lots of cardio. Followed by good climbing skills.... and yeebat Putin."


Unhappy With How Russians Destroyed Dam and Damaged the Environment and Agricultural Production Ukraine Says They will Rebuild Dam and Get it Right the Second Time

Official: Ukraine to build new station instead of destroyed Kakhovka hydroelectric plant (msn.com)
Engineers modeled the disastrous flood that would follow a key dam in Ukraine being destroyed. The reality is even worse, they say. (msn.com)
Waters continue to swell as flooded southern Ukraine copes with day after dam breach (msn.com)
Crimea Faces Decades Without Water After Ukraine Dam Collapse: Kyiv Adviser (msn.com)

Some people are just perpetual optimists.
If the destruction of the dam forces the evacuation of Crimea one wonders what the Russians are in it for now? Mayhem? This is part of that scorched earth I alluded to a few posts ago. It scares the ever living shit out of the West. If Putin will massacre his own men, destroy the environment, reduce world food supplies, level cities, destroy major infrastructure projects and energy reserves on a whim, no telling what he would do if he were serious.

[majorhavoc]

The cause of the dam damn breach has yet to be determined, but experts are saying the most likely explanation is an deliberate explosion inside the dam structure, which has been under Russian control.

Also unknown at this point is whose military effort stands to gain the most (or more properly, loses the least) from this.

What is clear is this is an unfolding humanitarian, economic and ecological disaster.

War is indeed hell.

[Raptor]

This article (at least the english version of it I do NOT speak Russian) says

Vladimir Rogov, a Russian installed official in Zaporizhzhia, said the dam collapsed due to earlier damage and the pressure of the water. Russia's state news agency TASS carried a report to the same effect.

There is proof of earlier damage but that is not proof that the damage caused the failure.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/what-is-kakhovka-dam-ukraine-what-happened-2023-06-07/

Note this link has politics in it and thus is not being quoted (as per forum rules) simply as the referenced source for the quote above. Access it at your own risk.
https://tass.com/politics/1628815

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Series of Odd Mishaps Plague Infrastructure Along Russia-Ukraine Border

Large-scale fire breaks out on paint factory in Russia's Shebekino (msn.com)
Russian Defence Ministry recognizes detonation of ammonia pipeline in Kharkiv Oblast but says it was saboteurs (msn.com)
Archaeologist lists biggest historical losses caused by destruction of Kakhovka power plant (msn.com)
Ukraine dam attack will exacerbate Russia false flag concerns over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (msn.com)

When the Russian spokesman was asked if anything bad had happened to the Zapoizhzhia Nuclear Plant he checked his watch and said; "Not Yet".


Prigozhin Requests 200K Troops to Halt Ukraine Advance

Ukraine Offensive Has 'Broken Through' Russian Lines: Prigozhin (newsweek.com)
Ukrainian assault battalion says it stormed Russian positions near Bakhmut | Watch (msn.com)
Russians retreat up to 15 km from Dnipro River after Kakhovka dam destruction (msn.com)
Russians are losing ground near Bakhmut – Commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces (msn.com)

Putin was just slightly curious about what happened to the last 200K he gave him? They aren't exactly a set of car keys.
 

Russia States Unequivocally at World Police Tribunal Court that They Didn't Blow up the Dam

Moscow-backed official says Russian army gains advantage from Ukraine dam breach (msn.com)
We are now dangerously close to nuclear war (msn.com)

Video transcript follows:

[majorhavoc]

Note the two residents on paddleboards.  Like most challenges in this ridiculous war, Ukrainians are dealing with this latest crisis with uncommon grace and style. 

[NT2C]

Hope they remember to duck when they get to power lines.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Zelinsky Genuinely Surprised UN and Red Cross Slow to Deploy into Middle of Battlefield

Kakhovka HPP blowing up: Zelenskyy shocked by reaction of UN and Red Cross (msn.com)
Ukraine accuses Russia of shelling rescuers amid dam evacuations | Conflict News | Al Jazeera

In their defense the UN never had a good riverine force. Their website has pictures of trucks and their training packets are meaningless goop. Any self respecting riverine unit will at least have a picture of their boat. If you have doubts, check it yourself:
https://peacekeepingresourcehub.un.org/en/training/stm/riverine
https://resourcehub01.blob.core.windows.net/training-files/Training%20Materials/014%20STM-Riverine/014-001%20UN%20Military%20Riverine%20Unit%20STM.pdf


A10 Fans Still Seek Warrior's Death for A-10 Warthogs to Ensure "BRRRRRRTTTTTTttt" in Valhalla

A-10 Warthog: Headed to the Junkyard or the Ukraine War? (msn.com)
Ukraine Asked For 100 A-10 Warthogs Just Weeks After Russia's Invasion (thedrive.com)

The A-10 has been near exclusively an air supremacy weapon for decades. Given the air picture of near parity where both sides are relying heavy on ADA missiles and Russia can still field fighters, the A-10 would likely be blown out of the sky with ease. Would this be a better death for them than parking them in a graveyard where meth heads cut out the metals for scrap? The pilots might want a vote. While some still push this, the Ukes walked back their request months ago.


Partisan Party Bus to Visit Crimea

Ukraine Situation Report: 'Partisans' Threaten Crimean Incursion Next (thedrive.com)

Don't forget to tip the driver.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Ukraine Files for Damn Dam Damages in Hauge

Russia files lawsuit against Ukraine in The Hague for the alleged destruction of the Kakhovka HPP (msn.com)

Russia has agreed to settle out of court. They will send another thousand tanks, drones and missiles in lieu of cash.


It's Official, Ukraine is Attacking

Ukraine starts counteroffensive against Russia – Western media (msn.com)
Ukraine Launches 'Full Scale Offensive' in Zaporizhzhia (msn.com)

What could go wrong?


Belograd Rebels Recon Tall Buildings in Moscow to Jump Out or Off of

Belgorod Rebels Eye 'March on Moscow' When Crimea Falls: Official (msn.com)
China and Xi are making a backup plan in case Putin dies or gets deposed, analyst says (msn.com)

They need a marching jody to sing all the way to Moscow. If I could be so bold....

Once there was a silly old ram
Thought he'd punch a hole in a dam
No one could make that ram, scram
He kept buttin' that dam

'Cause he had high hopes, he had high hopes
He had high apple pie, in the sky hopes

Some Days you are the ram, some days you are the dam.


Elon Musk Files to Acquire FBI in Hostile Backflip Takeover

New Twitter Files claims FBI worked on behalf of Ukraine to censor accounts on Twitter: 'Block' these accounts (msn.com)

Musk was quoted as saying; "We can probably eliminate half our staff due to duplication of effort, resulting in increased shareholder value."

[Raptor]

Elon Musk Files to Acquire FBI in Hostile Backflip Takeover

New Twitter Files claims FBI worked on behalf of Ukraine to censor accounts on Twitter: 'Block' these accounts (msn.com)

Musk was quoted as saying; "We can probably eliminate half our staff due to duplication of effort, resulting in increased shareholder value."

Yes that is funny but lets be accurate when attributing a quote to an article.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Western Media Begins Managing Expectations of Ukraine Offensive

Why even limited Ukrainian breakthroughs will pose special challenge for Russian forces (msn.com)
US officials confirm Ukrainian advances but say forces suffer losses – CNN (msn.com)
'Smashed Tanks': New Ukraine Footage Shows 'Elite' Leopard 2 Destroyed (msn.com)

It's their first time attacking Russia, mistakes will be made. At least Putin can't throw another river at them.


Russia Continues Old School Diplomacy With Ukraine Allies

UK jets scrambled to escort Russian planes near NATO airspace: govt (msn.com)
Russian Foreign Ministry threatens Japan with "serious consequences" for providing weapons to Ukraine (msn.com)
Russian Foreign Ministry threatens Japan with "serious consequences" for providing weapons to Ukraine (msn.com)
Russian, Chinese Bombers Make 2nd Round of Flights Near Japan, Korea - USNI News

Now go away or Russia shall taunt you a second time.


Germany Provides Guarantees War Will Never End

Germany considers provision of airfields for training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s (msn.com)

Quote: "Ukraine cannot become a NATO member at this time. This is prohibited by the charter, as Ukraine, although not to blame, is in a state of war. The requirements to become a NATO member are complex and diverse. They must always be fulfilled," she said. "Nevertheless, it would be wise for Ukraine to participate in the meeting in Vilnius, especially since it will also be very important how NATO will provide Ukraine with security guarantees after the end of this war."


Putin Attempts to Manage Expectations of Entire Special Operation

Putin Cops to 'Significant Losses,' Inferior Weapons in Stunning War Admission (msn.com)

In country where people are known for their overwhelming lack of curiosity about things, wondering where the kids are buried might be on the list.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Prescient Russian Legislature Passes Law Prohibiting the Investigation of Dam Collapses Shortly Before Dam's Collapse

Russia's 'Smoking Gun' on Ukraine Dam Collapse | Watch (msn.com)
Military expert explains Russia's decision to destroy Kakhovka dam, details preparations (msn.com)

Damn, these guys are good. I know where I will getting my picks for the next Grand Prix of Moscow.


Belarus Trades Conventional Ammo for Nukes

Lukashenko's regime supplied 131,500 tonnes of ammunition to Russia in one year (msn.com)
Putin says Russian tactical nuclear weapons to be deployed to Belarus next month (msn.com)

AK vs MIRV arguments are as old as the internet. Personally I prefer the AK, less recoil, upkeep and better accuracy over raw power. Sure, some will argue that you don't have to aim with a MIRV. But one solid hit with an AK is better than 10 misses with 5 MT nukes, maybe....


Ukraine Attack Goes at Least as Well as Russian Attack Year Prior

Zelenskiy guarded on Ukraine's counteroffensive, but says generals happy (msn.com)
Ukraine's Armed Forces advance another 1,400 metres on Bakhmut front (msn.com)
With Probes of Russian Lines, Ukraine's Counteroffensive Takes Shape (msn.com)
Ukrainian counteroffensive: ISW analyses success of Ukrainian defenders (msn.com)

It's ok, if your attack is going well I hear it is usually an ambush.


Putin Opens Mouth and Removes All Doubt About His Understanding of Military Strategy

Ukraine counteroffensive underway, but failing: Putin | Watch (msn.com)

For a man who said so little, there is a bit to unpack here. Firstly the Strategic Reserve hasn't been deployed, until it is, the direction of the attack is unknown. Secondly, nothing is "totally obvious" in war, especially what your enemies objectives might be.


Zelinsky Makes Christmas Wish List Public Early This Year

Zelenskyy about French, German and Polish leaders: I hope they are thinking about Ukraine joining NATO (msn.com)

I guess we will see who has been naughty and nice. Sweden for example is sill on the naughty list for spreading rumors about their neighbors not keeping their hands to themselves. Nobody likes a tattle tale.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Ukraine Reports "Gains" of 300-1500 Meters

Ukraine announces gains in "first results" of counterattack against Russia (msn.com)
Ukraine announces gains in "first results" of counterattack against Russia (msn.com)
Armed Forces of Ukraine liberat Ukraine Makarivka and advance on several fronts – Deputy Defence Minister (msn.com)
Ukraine Situation Report: Advances Made In Grueling Fight (msn.com)

Figure if they make a mile a day they will be in Moscow by Fall of 2027.


Russian Minefield Causes a few Russian Soldiers to Level Up

Russian soldiers awarded highest military honours for destroying Western tanks (msn.com)

Putin is thrilled Western Tanks and Bradley's were destroyed. Mostly these are mobility kills from driving over mines. But they are still out there kind of indicating that the Ukes lack the resources to recover them, also they obviously lack the resources to breach a minefield. "Asked whether they had captured any ground despite coming under such heavy fire, one of the soldiers held up his finger and thumb in a gesture to indicate very small progress."


Prigozhin Doubles Down on Zero Fucks to Give

Wagner Founder Rebuffs Order Requiring Contract With Russia's Defense Ministry - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Russian Defence Minister forces all mercenary groups to sign contract with Russian MoD; Wagner Group's Chief refuses (msn.com)

Showing some things that the US and Russia have in common Wagner Group Leader suggested that the DM had a dick growing from his forehead. This is a huge step up towards cordial relations where he previously had called him "goat penis dandruff". If you are wondering what that means, it means exactly what you think it means.