"Ukraine invasion: Recent photo analysis" Topic

A Sobering Reflection on the Russia-Ukraine War by World War I Historian

link

Ukraine's Big Offensive: What's Happened So Far And What Might Happen Next

link

Armand

A few things to keep in mind. Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union and thus many of their older/higher rank officers were taught Soviet style warfare. After 2014 there have been "Western training" to officers but change come slowly and officers all around the world are usually a quite conservative bunch…

My point is that even though Ukraine have gotten western training most of their senior officers are still "soviet training in heart and soul".

All their recently trained soldiers (since the war started) are hastily trained to say the least. I know some who are trained as mech inf plat leaders who were civilians in early januari this year. So from civilian to Platoon leader in a mech inf coy in six months. No matter the quality of the training that is a very very short time.

Ordinary soldiers receive about six weeks of basic training and then, maybe, a few weeks of "specialist training" and the off to war with a new unit.

Crew members are in many cases given an even shorter "basic soldier training" and the training on the vehicle. But still it is very short time.

No wonder if those do not perform greatly the first time in battle…

right or wrong that is just the way it is.

All the gear given to Ukraine is theirs to do what they want with. We have given them the gear but not "the tactics or best way to use them". So basically it is hastily trained troops with western gear used in a "Soviet manner"

My points are of course a slight simplification but you get the drift, hopefully.

Ukrainians are tough and they are learning but they are still "communism influenced" where you follow orders and do what you are told. We cannot expect them to perform like NATO troops who have long training and lots of practice both in peace time and war.

"Ukrainians are tough and they are learning"

A big change since the 2014 debacle when the Russians first invaded.

Tally Ho!

The learning curve is steep for many units when the first see combat. Gaining experience is important … But hopefully not too costly.

"This will change the game"

Which game changer is this? Number 5? Number 6? You're becoming delusional my friend.

"I also affirm that everything is just beginning, both sides have huge reserves. And luck can smile on either side."

THIS is the beginning? What has the last 16 months been?

"For now, there will be a period of tension and proxy wars between the leading powers."

So Russia won't be involved, because she certainly isn't a leading power any more. Or are you admitting she's fighting as a Chinese proxy?

"

June 17 news update from Facebook source. Note there is a rather disturbing item at the end.

Top Stories
-- Heavy fighting continues across the front line.
Military
-- The general reports from both sides is that the fighting is heavy, and that Ukraine has made advances.
-- While Ukraine remains dead silence on what is happening on the front, Russian sources say that Ukraine has captured the town of P'Yatykhatky.
-- Russia is using around 20 attack Helicopters to good effect to slow down Ukrainian offensives.
-- A number of reports that the Russian trench systems are much more elaborate and deeper then expected, and much time is being taken to carefully clear each bunker and complex.
-- A fair amount of MR-2 VIktor anti-drone systems being documented on the front lines.
-- These Ukrainian systems are a ZPU-2 anti-air guns on a Toyota Land cruiser in a very professional Technical.
-- Denmark is willing to give F-16 to Ukraine, pending US approval (US must approve the transfer.)
-- Belgium to send 40-50 M113s APCs to Ukraine after they are fully refurbished.
-- Sweden to allow Ukrainian pilots to test fly Gripen fighter jets
-- Ukraine is seeking weapons that can strike with precision at at least 200km
-- TASS shows a story of Russian soldiers to rig a Bradley IFV to destroy it. However it a painfully bad disinformation due to the fact that the IFV is a YPR, and the YPR was identified as one captured by Russia in September 2022.
Other
-- The New York Times publishes a detailed report that strongly points to a internal explosion causing the Kakhovka dam Collapse.
-- Russia states that there is no real chance of a extending the black sea grain deal.
-- The African delegation for a peace proposal of the conflict has ended up as a farce.
-- As reported yesterday, the South African Delegation who had to take cover due to Russian attempts to hit Kyiv with missiles, denies that Russia carried out the attack.
-- In addition, South Africa did not get the permits to have weapons in Poland, and thus did not leave the plane while in Poland.
-- Russia carries out work/inspections on Kerch Bridge
-- Russia's Sberbank is now exited the European Market, with the selling of its Austrian subsidiary
-- Azerbaijan, Armenia border skirmishing is flaring up
-- Happy Independence day Iceland (Iceland became Independent 79 years ago.)
WARNING: Disturbing content
-- It has been reported today by The Times that there a pattern of Russia castrating Ukrainian POWs.
-- Ukraine has been aware of this for some time, but has been keeping it private due to the private health issues this involves.
-- Additional reports state that at least 100 Ukrainian POWs have been mutilated in this way.

A number of reports that the Russian trench systems are much more elaborate and deeper then expected, and much time is being taken to carefully clear each bunker and complex.

UK MOD briefing is reporting heavy causalities on both sides. There was a reason why Ukraine raised volunteer assault brigades.

-- Russia carries out work/inspections on Kerch Bridge

For those who have't seen or heard there are apparently some rather spectacular vertical fractures in the concrete support pylons (not sure its the road or the rail ones).

Good intel williamb …