ALERT RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE - Consolidated Thread

jward

passin' thru
:hmm:

Iran Observer
@IranObserver0

⚡️BREAKING

Russia and Iran will sign their comprehensive strategic partnership agreement after the BRICS summit in Moscow - Iranian ambassador

If this agreement is similar to the one Moscow signed with North Korea, the Russians will provide military support to Iran in the event of a regional war
 

jward

passin' thru
Legitimate Targets
@LegitTargets

BREAKING: RUSSIA offers FINAL peace deal to Ukraine:

✅ No NATO membership, neutral status
✅ Restoration of rights of the Russian population
✅ Restoration of the church
✅ No possibility for the west to use Ukraine as a proxy again!
✅ Liberated territories in Ukraine remain Russian
 

Abert

Veteran Member
Legitimate Targets
@LegitTargets

BREAKING: RUSSIA offers FINAL peace deal to Ukraine:

✅ No NATO membership, neutral status
✅ Restoration of rights of the Russian population
✅ Restoration of the church
✅ No possibility for the west to use Ukraine as a proxy again!
✅ Liberated territories in Ukraine remain Russian
Effectively the same issues for the last 2+ years of the SMO and longer.
But about half the population gone to Europe, and maybe 1 million dead and likely as many disabled to keep the conflict going. How does this help Ukraine?
 

wait-n-see

Veteran Member

Kaliningrad: Life Inside Russia's Military Enclave | Full Documentary​

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLr78zOubfI

Run time - 54:40
Oct 17, 2024

This film was first released in 2023

Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, between Poland and Lithuania, Kaliningrad is a piece of Russia in the heart of Europe. A curious territory, isolated from Moscow after the fall of the USSR, today transformed into a military fortress facing NATO. In Kaliningrad, headquarters of the Russian Baltic fleet, there are 30,000 soldiers, hypersonic missiles and nuclear capability.

We were able to enter this territory almost inaccessible since the war in Ukraine. In this closely guarded enclave, the journalists followed the elections for the new governor. The outgoing candidate, Antone Alikhanov, who is totally loyal to Vladimir Putin, renewed his mandate with 80% of the votes. Kaliningrad is under economic embargo by the European Union and its population is suffering. Foodstuffs are becoming scarce. The price of coal is exploding. But, fed by the Kremlin’s television propaganda, most of the population supports the war. Only the Europeanized youth dare to half-heartedly criticize the government.

The strategic situation of Kaliningrad and Putin’s desire to conquer it are worrying its neighbors, the Baltic states. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, former Soviet republics, have been members of NATO and the European Union since 2004. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has revived the spectre of the Soviet occupation. So the three Baltic countries are doing everything they can to defend themselves.

In Lithuania, ordinary citizens are taking up arms and training to become soldiers. In civilian life, Smilte is a communications director. On weekends, she puts on fatigues and participates in exercises with a Lithuanian paramilitary militia.

In Latvia, the government wants to wipe out its Soviet past. It has ordered the dismantling of buildings glorifying the USSR era and restricted the use of Russian in public spaces. A decision that raises the anger of the Russian-speaking minority that represents a third of the population. Elena and her daughter are part of this minority, economically disadvantaged and increasingly ostracized.

Between a war of memories and a highly militarized territory, we dive into the heart of the tensions between Kaliningrad and the Baltic States.
 
Last edited:

Abert

Veteran Member

Korean Troops Heading To Kursk - Fierce Fighting Along The Oskol River​

Latest updates - more comments on NK Troops. (11 min)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnF6SK9ZUdk


Another different view on the NK troops from MoA - More a RAND / CIA propaganda op than real - good comments

Note: the videos by Military Summary above of NK troops are likely taken during one of the yearly LAROS maneuvers during which troops from Laos and Russia perform military drills. The caps worn by the soldiers in the -Ukraine provided- CNN video look like the caps of Laotian soldiers.


Ukraine - Threat Of North Korean Soldiers Is Based on U.S. Info Campaign​

 

raven

TB Fanatic

Korean Troops Heading To Kursk - Fierce Fighting Along The Oskol River​

Latest updates - more comments on NK Troops. (11 min)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnF6SK9ZUdk


Another different view on the NK troops from MoA - More a RAND / CIA propaganda op than real - good comments

Note: the videos by Military Summary above of NK troops are likely taken during one of the yearly LAROS maneuvers during which troops from Laos and Russia perform military drills. The caps worn by the soldiers in the -Ukraine provided- CNN video look like the caps of Laotian soldiers.


Ukraine - Threat Of North Korean Soldiers Is Based on U.S. Info Campaign​

Kursk is in Russia.
North Koreans In Kursk - It is how TREATIES work.
What did you expect?
 

jward

passin' thru
NEXTA
@nexta_tv

❗️Le Monde: US no longer opposes Ukraine's invitation to join NATO

This became known after the talks between Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Keir Starmer in Berlin on October 18.

The source also noted that the change in Washington's position might influence the decision of Berlin, which is still against inviting Kyiv to the alliance.
 

Doc1

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Anton Gerashchenko
@Gerashchenko_en
6h

Russian Telegram channels report that hundreds of buildings are without electricity in Russian St Petersburg.

Local authorities claim it was an "accident". Locals say they accident was preceded by explosions from a drone attack.
View: https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1847612402415665528

Like most of you (all of you?) I watch the Russian-Ukraine war with a lack of very comprehensive understanding. A lot of it just doesn't make much sense. Some of it I can only ascribe to backroom deals being worked out between East and West.

The above post is the most recent example. The Ukrainians have hit Russian electrical, military and industrial installations many times and, of course, the Russians have hit Ukrainian targets many more times. So, just for a few minutes, let's forget about who's right and who's wrong and just consider this: Why does Russia allow Ukraine to have any mains electricity or power grid?

The Russians, incomparably stronger and with vast inventories of smart bombs and missiles could shut down Ukraine's grid overnight if they so chose. They've come close to doing so in the past. I've heard the explanation that the Russians are allowing Ukraine to have electricity for "humanitarian" reasons, but by my lights that doesn't wash. Every day the Russians allow Ukraine to have a functioning power grid only prolongs the war and helps the Ukrainian side.

Do you want them to be humanitarian? Okey dokey...announce that Ukraine has one week to relocate their civilian population to surrounding European countries and then the lights go out. Let it become a problem for Poland, Romania and other nearby countries. Then destroy the grid and keep destroying it 'til the war is over. On the cusp of winter, this would be a huge problem. Why don't they do it?

Similarly, why do the Russians tolerate the blockade of Kaliningrad (as seen in post #69,246, above) ? They were supposed to have transit rights before the Ukrainian war began. Why do they tolerate interference with their overland transport now, instead of bluntly stating that we're going to insist on our passage rights and any interference will be seen as an act of war?

Obviously these are hard questions, but I can only suspect that much is happening behind the scenes.

Best
Doc
 

Abert

Veteran Member
NEXTA
@nexta_tv

❗️Le Monde: US no longer opposes Ukraine's invitation to join NATO

This became known after the talks between Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Keir Starmer in Berlin on October 18.

The source also noted that the change in Washington's position might influence the decision of Berlin, which is still against inviting Kyiv to the alliance.
So instead of just Ukraine being defeated by Russia - we would now have a NATO nation defeated by Russia - without other NATO members taking an active part - it will be impossible to SPIN that as some kind of a win.
 

Abert

Veteran Member
Like most of you (all of you?) I watch the Russian-Ukraine war with a lack of very comprehensive understanding. A lot of it just doesn't make much sense. Some of it I can only ascribe to backroom deals being worked out between East and West.

The above post is the most recent example. The Ukrainians have hit Russian electrical, military and industrial installations many times and, of course, the Russians have hit Ukrainian targets many more times. So, just for a few minutes, let's forget about who's right and who's wrong and just consider this: Why does Russia allow Ukraine to have any mains electricity or power grid?

The Russians, incomparably stronger and with vast inventories of smart bombs and missiles could shut down Ukraine's grid overnight if they so chose. They've come close to doing so in the past. I've heard the explanation that the Russians are allowing Ukraine to have electricity for "humanitarian" reasons, but by my lights that doesn't wash. Every day the Russians allow Ukraine to have a functioning power grid only prolongs the war and helps the Ukrainian side.

Do you want them to be humanitarian? Okey dokey...announce that Ukraine has one week to relocate their civilian population to surrounding European countries and then the lights go out. Let it become a problem for Poland, Romania and other nearby countries. Then destroy the grid and keep destroying it 'til the war is over. On the cusp of winter, this would be a huge problem. Why don't they do it?

Similarly, why do the Russians tolerate the blockade of Kaliningrad (as seen in post #69,246, above) ? They were supposed to have transit rights before the Ukrainian war began. Why do they tolerate interference with their overland transport now, instead of bluntly stating that we're going to insist on our passage rights and any interference will be seen as an act of war?

Obviously these are hard questions, but I can only suspect that much is happening behind the scenes.

Best
Doc
Good question and asked by a LOT - both pro and anti.

One factor could be the remaining Nuke Plants - even in shutdown - they need grid power for cooling - so some power needs to be produced to avoid a "Nuke Event" and related bad Optics for Russia.

Then there is the long term practical aspect - when or if Russia were to take over the entirety of Ukraine you would like to not have every apartment and home in the cities uninhabitable as a result of frozen water pipes from no heat. That presents a major rebuilding effort and does not do too much in the way of winning the hearts and minds of the populations.

To keep NATO and EU out of directly getting into the war - cut all the power in winter and the bulk of the remaining population will try to bug out to EU nations - several million flooding the EU and you may have the trigger NATO has been looking for.

So far it appears they have taken out 50-70% of the electric power - the remaining could be taken out quickly in a few weeks. Little to no power now is a PITA but if they play this card in a month or so when winter hits it will be much more effective - but to what end?

Likely other dozens of other factors - all guesses on our end - what the Russian reasons are - no way for us to know.


.
 

seraphima

Veteran Member
Russia sees Ukraine as part of Russia, historically, linguistically, religiously, culturally, and doesn't want to destroy it- more it is currently as a rebellious and dysfunctional family member - and who hasn't had one of those in their family? The present government of Ukraine is still busy kicking every shin in sight and having unreasonable tantrums day and night. They are ony hurting themselves at this point. I pray for the poor people of the Ukraine and Russia who just want to live their lives in peace with their families, attending their churches and growing their crops, etc. Lord, have mercy!
 

wait-n-see

Veteran Member

Putin Firm, 4 Regions Rus, No Ukr Nuclear; Kiev Panic Front Collapses; US Rushes Aid; Kursk Cauldron​

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtV3lIF_Koo

Run time - 1:26:53
Oct 19, 2024


00:08 Israel considering escalating conflicts despite suggestions for an offramp
03:16 Netanyahu calls for military action after Hezbollah drone strike
09:27 Putin gives massive press conference ahead of BRICS Summit
12:29 Putin emphasizes BRICS as most important event globally
18:23 Putin dismisses the idea of a single currency for BRICS states.
21:25 Putin addresses Ukrainian nuclear claims
26:48 Putin highlights Ukraine's nuclear ambitions
29:37 Putin firm on no Ukrainian nuclear weapons
35:09 Ukraine's potential nuclear capability
38:04 Putin dismisses Ukraine-Russia settlement
43:41 Putin confirms four regions as part of Russia, no further discussion
46:35 US and allies working to prevent Ukraine collapse
52:10 US promises $20 billion aid to Ukraine
54:48 US pressure on Ukraine to lower conscription age
1:00:46 Putin open to dialogue on Ukraine settlement
1:03:34 Western policy held hostage by Zelinsky, no peace but war
1:09:04 Russian control expanding in Ukraine
1:11:45 Russian control expanding in key areas
1:17:10 Ukrainian defense fragmented in Toretsk and Chasiv Yar on the brink of falling
1:19:55 Russian forces making significant advances in eastern Ukraine
1:25:35 Media platforms where programs can be found and supported

Crafted by Merlin AI.
 

Doc1

Has No Life - Lives on TB
NEXTA
@nexta_tv

❗️Le Monde: US no longer opposes Ukraine's invitation to join NATO

This became known after the talks between Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Keir Starmer in Berlin on October 18.

The source also noted that the change in Washington's position might influence the decision of Berlin, which is still against inviting Kyiv to the alliance.

As a purely practical matter - and one of realpolitik - I think Ukranian membership in NATO would be an absolute disaster...for NATO. Assuming that Ukraine was given NATO membership, then what? Does NATO tell Russia to leave Ukraine or we'll...we'll...we'll, what? Start a nuclear war over eastern Ukraine? Send Russia a nasty note? Send European and US .mil personnel to an enlarged ground war? Start drafting US and European men into a suddenly vastly expanded military machine?

None of those choices seem very wise, or practical to me. I don't think US or European men are in any mood to be drafted to fight the Russians and it would also open up the whole can of worms about women being drafted and sent into combat (a singularly BAD idea IMHO).

Short of a nuclear war - which is another singularly BAD idea - NATO would lose. I don't say this as a Russophile, but as a pragmatic appreciation. First, any potential European battlefield is across the Atlantic and the US just doesn't have the Navy or Merchant Marine we had in WWII. How do we quickly get those divisions across "The Pond"? Note that I highlighted "quickly" because it would have to be so. The Russians have a small but competent Navy which, most importantly, includes a large submarine fleet. Does anyone think the Russians are going to sit on their hands while we send tens of thousands of soldiers across the Atlantic? Their air force and missile forces are also capable of taking out surface ships.

The Europeans share a common continent with Russia so they don't have the ocean problem the US does, but they haven't fought a major war since WWII. Thus far the Russians have more or less been fighting the Ukrainians with one hand tied behind their back. I honestly wonder how the Europeans would respond to the absolute bloody horror of an all-out conventional war with Russia. We could see European and American casualties in the millions. Who is ready for that?

Furthermore, who is ready to see US or European cities bombed? There wouldn't be the vast armadas of bombers darkening the skies of Europe as in WWII, but vast swarms of missiles targeting specific sites in DC, New York, Kansas City and hundreds of smaller US cities which contain important .mil targets. That's not even considering European cites. Remember that we're talking conventional war, not - as of yet - going nuke.

Does anyone want that...over f*cking Ukraine and its corrupt and blood-thirsty oligarchy?

All of the above, and much more, is what we'll get through a Ukrainian NATO membership.

Best
Doc
 

Techwreck

Veteran Member
Good points Doc, but you're willing to accept and adapt to reality.
Sane.
The leftists and neocons won't.
Reality has to be shaped to suit their feelings.
Ie. stealing the vote to protect democracy.
And men can get pregnant.
how do we coexist with this irrational mindset?
maybe we cease to exist if their delusions rule
Russia, like Trump = reality, and they hate that
 

jward

passin' thru
National Interest
@TheNatlInterest
37m

There are reports that at least 18 of the North Korean soldiers sent to Ukraine have already deserted from the Russian lines.
 

Abert

Veteran Member
Yes Russian outlet - but given how much the US and EU tries to block them - maybe they have something to say.

Mission Impossible: Ukraine Would Have to Beat Corruption to Even Have a Shot at NATO Membership​


Having announced this week that NATO members have to agree on the criteria for Ukraine’s possible admission, Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans mentioned one such potential criteria – a criteria Kiev is very unlikely to meet.
Brekelmans suggested that Ukraine should make progress in fighting corruption - something that has long become synonymous with the powers that be in Kiev.
One need look no farther than to the Kiev’s war machine as Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense got embroiled in a number of corruption scandals.


Numerous examples in linked article -
 

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
As a purely practical matter - and one of realpolitik - I think Ukranian membership in NATO would be an absolute disaster...for NATO. Assuming that Ukraine was given NATO membership, then what? Does NATO tell Russia to leave Ukraine or we'll...we'll...we'll, what? Start a nuclear war over eastern Ukraine? Send Russia a nasty note? Send European and US .mil personnel to an enlarged ground war? Start drafting US and European men into a suddenly vastly expanded military machine?

None of those choices seem very wise, or practical to me. I don't think US or European men are in any mood to be drafted to fight the Russians and it would also open up the whole can of worms about women being drafted and sent into combat (a singularly BAD idea IMHO).

Short of a nuclear war - which is another singularly BAD idea - NATO would lose. I don't say this as a Russophile, but as a pragmatic appreciation. First, any potential European battlefield is across the Atlantic and the US just doesn't have the Navy or Merchant Marine we had in WWII. How do we quickly get those divisions across "The Pond"? Note that I highlighted "quickly" because it would have to be so. The Russians have a small but competent Navy which, most importantly, includes a large submarine fleet. Does anyone think the Russians are going to sit on their hands while we send tens of thousands of soldiers across the Atlantic? Their air force and missile forces are also capable of taking out surface ships.

The Europeans share a common continent with Russia so they don't have the ocean problem the US does, but they haven't fought a major war since WWII. Thus far the Russians have more or less been fighting the Ukrainians with one hand tied behind their back. I honestly wonder how the Europeans would respond to the absolute bloody horror of an all-out conventional war with Russia. We could see European and American casualties in the millions. Who is ready for that?

Furthermore, who is ready to see US or European cities bombed? There wouldn't be the vast armadas of bombers darkening the skies of Europe as in WWII, but vast swarms of missiles targeting specific sites in DC, New York, Kansas City and hundreds of smaller US cities which contain important .mil targets. That's not even considering European cites. Remember that we're talking conventional war, not - as of yet - going nuke.

Does anyone want that...over f*cking Ukraine and its corrupt and blood-thirsty oligarchy?

All of the above, and much more, is what we'll get through a Ukrainian NATO membership.

Best
Doc

The pre-positioned equipment, to the extent that it hasn't been pulled upon for the 10,000 US troops rotating into and out of Poland now, is supposed to alleviate part of that, but it wouldn't be able to make up the need for massive re-supply from the US, assuming those stocks even exist in the US at this point, let alone the shipping to move it all.

And yes, an all-out conventional war between NATO and Russia would be as Doc1 put it, an "absolute bloody horror". The significant difference between it and the current fighting between Ukraine and Russia would be that it would be not limited in the way it is on the part of Ukraine but would have, as long as stocks of arms, aircraft and air and ground crews remain, limited to a majority ground defense or offence but would have a significant offensive air component to it. The very nature of which could easily tip the situation with the Russians out of the "conventional" realm.
 

Knoxville's Joker

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The pre-positioned equipment, to the extent that it hasn't been pulled upon for the 10,000 US troops rotating into and out of Poland now, is supposed to alleviate part of that, but it wouldn't be able to make up the need for massive re-supply from the US, assuming those stocks even exist in the US at this point, let alone the shipping to move it all.

And yes, an all-out conventional war between NATO and Russia would be as Doc1 put it, an "absolute bloody horror". The significant difference between it and the current fighting between Ukraine and Russia would be that it would be not limited in the way it is on the part of Ukraine but would have, as long as stocks of arms, aircraft and air and ground crews remain, limited to a majority ground defense or offence but would have a significant offensive air component to it. The very nature of which could easily tip the situation with the Russians out of the "conventional" realm.
The other problem is NATO really screwed up gifting all that fancy stuff to Ukraine as they now have good experience on countering things...
 

Doc1

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm amazed that Ukraine still has a foothold in Kursk. If for no other reason that national pride, I would've thought that the Russians would have made crushing the Ukrainian Kursk salient a major priority. I don't know what the Russian's game is there.

I have considered the possibility of the Russians using a small (air burst) nuclear weapon against the Ukrainian forces still on Russian soil. That would certainly cause the sweat glands to go into overdrive across all of the Western capitols, but what could they do about it and how could they even seriously protest it?

The key words here are "still on Russian soil." How does one protest a country using a nuclear weapon within their own borders? That's a very different dynamic than using a nuclear weapon against another country. Additionally, with the right weapon and the right targeting, there would be very, very little residual radiation produced. The tactic would be to force the Ukrainian forces into a central "kessel" or cauldron and then nuke the center of their remaining forces.

As ridiculous as it may sound, that would immediately eliminate those Ukrainian forces as a viable fighting force and scare the absolute crap out of the rest of Europe...and especially any of those countries considering expanding the Ukraine war.

Best
Doc
 

Knoxville's Joker

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm amazed that Ukraine still has a foothold in Kursk. If for no other reason that national pride, I would've thought that the Russians would have made crushing the Ukrainian Kursk salient a major priority. I don't know what the Russian's game is there.

I have considered the possibility of the Russians using a small (air burst) nuclear weapon against the Ukrainian forces still on Russian soil. That would certainly cause the sweat glands to go into overdrive across all of the Western capitols, but what could they do about it and how could they even seriously protest it?

The key words here are "still on Russian soil." How does one protest a country using a nuclear weapon within their own borders? That's a very different dynamic than using a nuclear weapon against another country. Additionally, with the right weapon and the right targeting, there would be very, very little residual radiation produced. The tactic would be to force the Ukrainian forces into a central "kessel" or cauldron and then nuke the center of their remaining forces.

As ridiculous as it may sound, that would immediately eliminate those Ukrainian forces as a viable fighting force and scare the absolute crap out of the rest of Europe...and especially any of those countries considering expanding the Ukraine war.

Best
Doc
Now here is a kicker. Russia may be making the appearance that they are still alive to make for some very fake optics. Plus Russia is stinking huge. And has not seen internal combat like this in well over 50 years...
 

wait-n-see

Veteran Member
I'm amazed that Ukraine still has a foothold in Kursk. If for no other reason that national pride, I would've thought that the Russians would have made crushing the Ukrainian Kursk salient a major priority. I don't know what the Russian's game is there.

I have considered the possibility of the Russians using a small (air burst) nuclear weapon against the Ukrainian forces still on Russian soil. That would certainly cause the sweat glands to go into overdrive across all of the Western capitols, but what could they do about it and how could they even seriously protest it?

The key words here are "still on Russian soil." How does one protest a country using a nuclear weapon within their own borders? That's a very different dynamic than using a nuclear weapon against another country. Additionally, with the right weapon and the right targeting, there would be very, very little residual radiation produced. The tactic would be to force the Ukrainian forces into a central "kessel" or cauldron and then nuke the center of their remaining forces.

As ridiculous as it may sound, that would immediately eliminate those Ukrainian forces as a viable fighting force and scare the absolute crap out of the rest of Europe...and especially any of those countries considering expanding the Ukraine war.

Best
Doc

I think Russia is using the Kursk episode as a kill box of the most highly trained Ukraine men and best equipment.

Ukraine is thoughtfully ensuring to keep this kill box stocked with game for the Russian kill teams.

A winning situation for Russia as they don't have to hunt for these units and are able to strike them using much shorter supply lines compared to defeating them in the Donbas, and they can use forces in Kursk that can't be used outside of Russia under Russian law.
 

Abert

Veteran Member
I'm amazed that Ukraine still has a foothold in Kursk. If for no other reason that national pride, I would've thought that the Russians would have made crushing the Ukrainian Kursk salient a major priority. I don't know what the Russian's game is there.

I have considered the possibility of the Russians using a small (air burst) nuclear weapon against the Ukrainian forces still on Russian soil. That would certainly cause the sweat glands to go into overdrive across all of the Western capitols, but what could they do about it and how could they even seriously protest it?

The key words here are "still on Russian soil." How does one protest a country using a nuclear weapon within their own borders? That's a very different dynamic than using a nuclear weapon against another country. Additionally, with the right weapon and the right targeting, there would be very, very little residual radiation produced. The tactic would be to force the Ukrainian forces into a central "kessel" or cauldron and then nuke the center of their remaining forces.

As ridiculous as it may sound, that would immediately eliminate those Ukrainian forces as a viable fighting force and scare the absolute crap out of the rest of Europe...and especially any of those countries considering expanding the Ukraine war.

Best
Doc
Well it does have some advantages for Russia

Given it is Russian soil they can rotate in general conscripts which can not be used in the SMO - gets them some actual combat experience. Not likely front line but some actual exposure.

Solidifies public support for Putin - Russia has been attacked. It is not just a SMO anymore but Kursk has been cast as an Anti-Terrorist operation - much like our 911 did. Plus you can't overlook the optics of German Armor in the Kursk again - flash back to the Great Patriotic War - something all Russian remember! Once again they are trying to kill us!

And as others have said - for Ukraine it is critical they do everything and anything to try to hold some ground - once again a 100% PR driven military operation. For Russia now that the NPP is out of reach all they are dealing with effectively is just farmland and forest - no rush - especially as Ukraine keep sending troops and armor into the area covered by Russian drone, artillery and air - pushing them out slow works just as well and at a lower cost than a major high loss operation. Besides this is NOT where the critical action is - top in the press - but not the actual SMO contact line.
 

Knoxville's Joker

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I'm amazed that Ukraine still has a foothold in Kursk. If for no other reason that national pride, I would've thought that the Russians would have made crushing the Ukrainian Kursk salient a major priority. I don't know what the Russian's game is there.

I have considered the possibility of the Russians using a small (air burst) nuclear weapon against the Ukrainian forces still on Russian soil. That would certainly cause the sweat glands to go into overdrive across all of the Western capitols, but what could they do about it and how could they even seriously protest it?

The key words here are "still on Russian soil." How does one protest a country using a nuclear weapon within their own borders? That's a very different dynamic than using a nuclear weapon against another country. Additionally, with the right weapon and the right targeting, there would be very, very little residual radiation produced. The tactic would be to force the Ukrainian forces into a central "kessel" or cauldron and then nuke the center of their remaining forces.

As ridiculous as it may sound, that would immediately eliminate those Ukrainian forces as a viable fighting force and scare the absolute crap out of the rest of Europe...and especially any of those countries considering expanding the Ukraine war.

Best
Doc
Interesting take. And I suspect they may use this option, however, if outside forces are blocking nuclear devices from functioning in such endeavours. What is not to say both sides have not tried and failed to engage nuclear devices, but outside interference stopped them from working...
 

Abert

Veteran Member
As has been pointed out over the last few months - Ukraine is out of troops - Per Ukrainian source

Ukraine does not have enough soldiers to stop Russia​


Eugene Churbanov, deputy intelligence commander of the 46th Airborne Brigade and a military veteran decorated with the highest honors of the Ukrainian state.

According to Churbanov, the biggest challenge for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kurakhove isn’t Russian military superiority or a lack of weapons; it’s the shortage of soldiers in his regiment that has enabled the recent, relentless Russian advances. Soldiers from four brigades defending Kurakhove share the same grim assessment during the three days that EL PAÍS traveled through this sector of the front. They believe the war’s future looks bleak due to insufficient replacements. “Why are we retreating? Because we have no rotations, we don’t rest, and we are demoralized,”


More in Article.
 

jward

passin' thru
NEXTA
@nexta_tv
Oct 20

BREAKING:

Britain and Germany to sign historic security pact.

The pact is expected to allow British and German forces to conduct joint military exercises on NATO's eastern border with Russia, most likely in Estonia and Lithuania.

But not only there.



Insider Paper
@TheInsiderPaper

NEW - Germany opens NATO naval command centre on Baltic Sea
READ: Germany opens NATO naval command centre on Baltic Sea
 

jward

passin' thru
Mike
@Doranimated

This is a big deal. NATO requested Monday that South Korea send a delegation to brief it on reports that North Korea is sending troops to Russia.

The request was made during a call between NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

During the call, President Yoon said, among other things, that:

1) North Korea has gone beyond providing Russia with large-scale lethal weapons and has now sent elite troops, and that approximately 1,500 North Korean special forces have been dispatched to Russia to receive training.

2) The security of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions are inextricably linked.

3) South Korea we will actively take step-by-step, practical countermeasures with NATO and NATO member countries to match the progress of Russia-North Korea military cooperation.

4) South Korea would promptly dispatch a delegation to Europe to activate security cooperation between Korea, Ukraine, and NATO.

尹 대통령, 북대서양조약기구(NATO) 사무총장과 통화 게시글 상세 페이지 | 대통령실 뉴스룸 > 보도자료
Image
 

jward

passin' thru
Colby Badhwar
@ColbyBadhwar
7h

Direct provision of lethal defense articles will require amendments to South Korean law, which will take some time. In the interim though, they could backfill US stocks again to free up US ammunition for drawdown to Ukraine.


Jeff2146
@Jeff21461
KFN News, the official news channel of the South Korean Armed Forces, reports that the South Korean government is considering supplying Ukraine with 155mm shells in light of North Korea sending soldiers to Russia.

So far, South Korea has blocked the transfer of its arms and ammunition to Ukraine even by a third party, as such transfers are prohibited by the countries Defence Procurement Act and Foreign Trade Act. Both would likely need to be amended for this transfer to be possible.

This is, however, not the first time South Korea has considered changing its stance on providing weapons and munitions to Ukraine, either directly or through a third party. It had previously considered such things back in July of this year and April of last year.

The chance of this actually resulting in any direct change is thus limited as Ukraine still awaits delivery of earlier pledged K600 mine clearance tanks.

Source in the replies.
 

Doc1

Has No Life - Lives on TB
National Interest
@TheNatlInterest
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There are reports that at least 18 of the North Korean soldiers sent to Ukraine have already deserted from the Russian lines.

Yes. I hear they defected to Haiti, which for them was a huge improvement over their homeland...

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