"Tactics of the Ukrainian war" Topic

A city in Ukraine that held out against the Russians for almost four years has fallen:

link

For 4 years … only one town … ? At what cost ? Guess the Russians and their allies are not the big bad threat that the rest of us have been told … Mostly by Putin, etc. …

The Russia's performance in Ukraine, with very high losses and little ground gained is not impressive. Not in the least. Too bad so many had to die by the actions of the likes of Putin …

Siverks "City" population 10.000

Russian casualties … thousands and thousands…

Good job!

Armand

There's been no population there for a long time—they were evacuated back in 2022, and the city was turned into a fortified area. Active fighting for the city took place mainly in 2022 and early 2023. After that, it was a quiet part of the front.
Tango, where did you get the casualty figure? From a Ukrainian propaganda leaflet?))) The Ukrainians lost the city because they don't have enough men, despite the fact that they're catching people for their army off the streets like animals. There hasn't been any mobilization on the Russian side for several years—only volunteers are fighting. So who has the highest casualties?

Interesting bonus for Putins war effort via the EU + India deal. The European Union–India trade push isn't officially about oil, but energy access is the unstated core that made everything else possible: Europe sanctioned Russian crude and fuels faster than it could replace them, creating a diesel and jet-fuel gap that India filled by buying discounted Russia crude, refining it, and selling finished products back to Europe under a different legal origin. The result isn't a clean break so much as a rerouting — same hydrocarbons, new paperwork, altered margins — with India capturing refining profits, Europe stabilizing supply, and Russia retaining a reduced but resilient revenue stream. In practice, the trade deal is a broader strategic package, but oil is the quiet load-bearing beam holding it up.

The EU should either get serious about Ukraine or just support a peace deal to end the war.

SB this is interesting and true. But in fairness, the U.S. has imported from them as well. It started to dip at the end of 2025. Don't know if that is a future pattern. Stats only went through October 2025.

"Yes, the European Union (EU) receives significant amounts of refined oil from India, which has become a top supplier of refined products (diesel, jet fuel) to the bloc by processing discounted Russian crude oil. India's exports of petroleum products to Europe reached 27.48 million tons in 2023, with substantial volumes continuing into 2024–2025.

Key Details on India-EU Refined Oil Trade:
Volume & Growth: India's exports of petroleum products to Europe grew significantly, jumping from 11.84 million tons in 2021 to 27.48 million tons in 2023. By November 2024, Indian refined fuel exports reached approximately 400,000 barrels per day.

Share of Exports: By 2024–25, 24%–26% of India's total petroleum product exports were destined for the 27 EU countries.
The "Russian Oil Loophole": India imports record volumes of Russian crude, refines it, and exports the products to the EU. In 2023, India's diesel exports to the EU surged by 58% in the first three quarters.

Key Destinations: The Netherlands is the largest destination in Europe for Indian refined oil, acting as a hub for further distribution.

Recent Developments: While the trade has been high, new EU regulations aimed at curbing imports of fuels made from Russian oil have begun to shift these flows, with India reporting a potential reduction in direct diesel shipments to the EU in early 2026.

Key Indian refineries involved in this trade include Reliance Industries' Jamnagar facility, Vadinar, and state-owned facilities, with exports to the EU reaching 6.7 million metric tons by August 2024."

The US has offered to be the supplier for EU energy needs, and indeed, US oil and LNG is a CLOSER supply chain directly across the Atlantic subject to less disruption than India. BUT -- EU leadership are having a foot stomping moment and seem willing to cut their nose off to spite their face.

Open Season on Ghost Fleets in Wake of U.S. Venezuela Operations

link

Armand

North Korean Soldiers Provide More Advanced Support for Russia's War on Ukraine

link

Armand

Russia's Strategy for Dominance in Eurasia

link

Armand

Oh, bravo, Tango. Finally, a truly interesting, thoughtful article. Although it was written by an enemy who placed emphasis on things according to his interests, overall it is quite objective.
I'll add that similar policies are currently being pursued by all major states or unions aspiring to create their own independent economic macroregions in the future world. Even Europe, which currently wants to draw as many countries and territories as possible into its sphere of influence (Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Serbia, Armenia). But to participate in this new global race, they will have to abandon their outdated left-liberal concepts… Or become outsiders—the object of politics, not its subject.
At the moment, Europe is trying to return to where it voluntarily left not long ago – to world politics. But NONE of the major players speaks to them as equals anymore… Now they're already calling the US (Trump) an enemy, greater than Putin))) But they are treated the way they allow themselves to be treated. This is the cruel world of the right, not the sweet fairy tale of the left…
We live in extremely interesting times, albeit very troubling ones…

So, a new review from "HistoryLegends." The assault on Kostiantynivka. A city comparable in size to Bakhmut, it is one of two key positions for the final liberation of the DPR from Ukrainian nationalists…

link

Nigeria warns against enlisting abroad after reports of deaths in Ukraine

link

Once again, the Russian Nazis lie to the "volunteers" who go for the money and citizenship, telling them they will only do rear-guard work…

Attacking Russia's Center of Gravity: A Clausewitzian Answer

"…A better approach would be to increase the pressure on Putin in the only way he seems to respect—making the war militarily unwinnable for him, which will also raise the risks for his political survival. At root, this approach is a strategy of denial. It is usually associated with deterrence strategies; however, there is no reason it cannot apply to defensive strategies as well. The aim of this denial strategy would be to preclude Putin's operational and strategic goals from being accomplished, thereby undermining his credibility as a leader. Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which clearly did not go as planned, created an existential problem for his regime; if it continues to fail, he will be seen as weak. Autocracies are sensitive to perceptions of weakness and to internal threats, because they often give rise to some form of leader reshuffling.[31] All the more reason, then, to strengthen the strategy of denial against Putin by presenting his regime with additional security dilemmas to contend with, such as playing Russia's major institutions against one another, bribing or coopting some of his officials or his disgruntled oligarchs, supporting revolutionary groups or resistance movements that openly agitate for regime change. Such actions would add fuel to the feelings of suspicion and distrust that already exist within the regime.

To be sure, Putin controls Russia's media outlets and the main narratives fed to Russian society. But recent polls show his control is not absolute: many of those who voted for him in the 2024 elections, for instance, did so "not from genuine loyalty or agreement with his policies but from political apathy, the lack of viable alternatives, and his symbolic role as a figure of state power beyond criticism."[32] Furthermore, while Russians continue to support the actions of their armed forces in Ukraine, approximately two-thirds of them believe "peace negotiations should be initiated."[33] Overall, Russians still believe the high costs of the special military operation have been worth the "global respect" the Motherland has gained.[34] But taken together, these polls also suggest Russian opinion is shifting; the majority now feels the special operation has accomplished its mission, and it is time to reconnect with Western economies and to return to normalcy. In other words, Putin could well increase the risks to his regime by overplaying his hand at this point…"

link

Armand

Putin again))) Russians are fighting not because Putin wants it that way, but because they see a threat to their country and people.

Putin doesn't need to win—he's already largely achieved his goals. All that's left is to replace Ukraine's leadership… Soon))) Your expert himself writes that the majority in Russia believes the SVO's objectives have been accomplished. Another example of a split consciousness.

Putin can be easily replaced—Russia has far tougher leaders. Putin, in my opinion, is too slow, too soft, too susceptible to making promises even when the other side has broken them.

Ukraine makes fastest battlefield gain in 2.5 years

link

Putin Could End The Ukraine War But Won't. That Means A Coup In Russia Is Possible

link

Armand

Tango, all that's left is to confirm these victories with geolocated video))) But there are still problems here))) But by the time of the negotiations, this news creates some necessary background)))

How can a coup happen if Putin has already destroyed the entire opposition? It's like schizophrenia again, where mutually exclusive thoughts coexist in one head)))

Among the many contradictions… how is it that…

"…Putin can be easily replaced—Russia has far tougher leaders…"

and on the other hand…

"How can a coup happen if Putin has already destroyed the entire opposition?…"

Who and where are those brave tougher leaders?…

The recent gain of Ukraine was confirm by your buddies yesterday…

Armand

It appears to me and others that Putin and his cronies would be very happy to continue the war in Ukraine. As long as Russia with help from their allies can continue their war there. They will … regardless of Russia's horrendous losses, with little ground gained.

Seems nothing that the US really says, Putin is going to not budge. Even if the US is expecting Ukraine to give up some things to the Russians. Until Putin somehow puts a puppet gov't there. As Stalin did in many of Eastern Europe he occupied on the way to Berlin.

The Iranian gov't is trying something somewhat similar. They want nukes no matter what. However, the US [and probably the IDF AF] have assets building up in that area. Firstly to act as a deterrent to Iran's leaders who know they won't last long is the POTUS releases those US assets.

And of course they have stop supplying other islamic terrorist. And stop killing off so many of their population. Who don't like the Ayatollah, the regime, etc.

If I had to put $ on it. I think it is the time to surgically hit key targets including IRGC assets, C3, etc., etc. The US must take advantage of the regime's weakness.

Tango – at this point, I'd bet on Alexey Dyumin)))

link

A Ukrainian victory? The most elite Ukrainian troops (7 brigades) recaptured four small villages in a week on a secondary front line from the Russians, exhausted by a six-month offensive, and weren't even able to push them back across the river to gain a foothold along the bank? This was just a minor tactical success, ending immediately after the Russians brought in reserves. An insignificant combat episode… A PR stunt for the next round of negotiations…

Legion 4, no one wants negotiations. Otherwise, the Ukrainians wouldn't have staged a sabotage attack on General Alekseyev, First Deputy Chief of the General Staff, just as negotiations were beginning in Abu Dhabi.
I don't understand the purpose of such negotiations – neither the West nor Ukraine simply have anything to offer Russia…

Otherwise, the Ukrainians wouldn't have staged a sabotage attack on General Alekseyev,

There is a question of who staged that, did it actually happen, etc. ?

neither the West nor Ukraine simply have anything to offer Russia…

Other way around Russia really has nothing to offer but leave Ukraine. As it has been said many times … There generally is little made in Russia, etc. that can't be acquired elsewhere …

The only useful purpose of negotiations is the exchange of prisoners… if one is not sensitive to them, one can be considered a heartless beast who has surely never seen battle in his life.

Perhaps Russia doesn't want or need anything from the West… maybe so… but if the West is its enemy… I suppose you'll realize that they're all rubbing their hands together with pleasure and glee… given that Russia loses dozens of soldiers, military equipment, and quality infrastructure every day, while the West doesn't lose a single soldier and can rearm itself however it wants, utilizing and expanding its powerful infrastructure.

I feel sorry for the poor Ukrainians, but this is the price they are paying for having a border with the Nazis and wanting to become independent from them.

Armand

Legion 4, why would the Russians stage an assassination attempt and then still go to negotiations? In both Abu Dhabi and Geneva? I don't see the logic…

Russia has only one option, and it has never backed down from its demands: no threat to Russia's security should emanate from Ukrainian territory, with full and absolute guarantees from the West. How exactly this can be achieved is up for debate.
Russia is currently producing much more than it did before the war. And it will produce even more. Russia should be able to be as autonomous as possible, and it has all the prerequisites for this. This is how it was before, and we are working hard to restore this situation.
"Let's make Russia great again!"

Tango01, perhaps it's safer for a Ukrainian soldier to be in Russian captivity now than in Ukraine, where he'll be sent back to die in the trenches. That's why many Ukrainians are refusing exchanges.

The West, in our case Europe, is losing its industry, its jobs, its social guarantees, its political agency. And now – vast territories. It's strange you haven't noticed. And if it weren't for the desire to push NATO to Russia's borders, none of this would be happening…

Ukrainians are paying for believing in the West's promises. The West has taken thousands of lives, their mineral wealth, fertile land, and millions of workers. The West has robbed them of their future. Even if they suddenly, at the whim of higher powers, win the war, Ukraine will be relegated to the margins of life… They will have to work off the loans they received for generations… The country is bankrupt, having lost its sovereignty forever. Although those who become part of Russia will not find themselves in such a situation.

Honestly… your arguments are so ridiculous, out of place, and incredibly misguided… that I don't know where to begin…

Armand

And this is the best possible answer)))

Intelligence report says 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine

link

Armand

"Ichung'wah told parliament that said the National Intelligence Service report shows that 89 Kenyans were on the front line, 39 were hospitalized, 28 were missing in action, others had returned home, and at least one was confirmed dead. The report also provides details about the recruitment agencies that allegedly took Kenyans to Russia".

It seems like they added an extra zero to the number)))
How do these figures compare to others cited in the same article? And why shouldn't Kenyan citizens sign military contracts, receiving Russian citizenship and good money (and prospects in Russia) in exchange? And how is that any worse than the 7,000 Colombian mercenaries fighting on the Ukrainian side?
Nonsense…

Intelligence report says 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine

Oh I'm sure they will be a game changer ! So let's see … let's do a body count : North Korea, [and Cuba?] have reportedly sent troops. Nepal and some Chicoms have "volunteered" to fight for Putin. Are there any Mercs[what were they called?] left fighting for Putin ?

And how is that any worse than the 7,000 Colombian mercenaries fighting on the Ukrainian side?

What ?!?!? Never heard of that ? More spin, disinformation, propaganda ? A slow news day ?

What I would be interested in knowing is there still men from the western countries, including the US, that are still in Ukraine fighting on their side.

If so … no one is talking about it. As we know lot of stuff goes on behind closed doors. We'll never hear about …

As of early 2026, it is estimated that Russia has recruited at least 18,000 foreign fighters from 128 countries to fight in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022. This figure, reported by Ukrainian intelligence, specifically excludes the separate contingent of over 12,000 North Korean troops.

The recruitment of foreign nationals has increased significantly as Russia seeks to fill manpower shortages. Reports indicate that by late 2025, one in three contract advertisements on Russian social media was targeted at foreigners.

Latin America: Thousands of Cubans, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to over 20,000.

Many foreign volunteers are lured by promises of high salaries, bonuses, and Russian citizenship. However, reports indicate that many are deceived and sent directly into combat, often referred to by officials as "meat grinder" assaults.

As of late 2025, it was reported that at least 3,388 foreign fighters have been killed fighting for Russia.

Russia is expected to continue trying to enlist more foreign fighters in 2026 to offset high battlefield losses.

About Ukraine…

theins.ru/en/politics/281953

Armand

Legion 4, there's a lot you haven't heard. Simply because your media doesn't talk about it)))

Grattan54, more and more. Ukraine has major personnel problems, but there's enough foreign money to pay mercenaries.

This isn't easy to find. Censorship in the West actively suppresses the publication of such articles.

Pay attention to the time when articles were written – many of them were written a long time ago, and the number of mercenaries has been growing since then.

Ukraine needs more troops fighting Russia. Hardened professionals from Colombia are helping
link

Colombias Mercenaries a Growing Concern:
link

Over 300 Colombian mercenaries killed in Ukraine as war reaches 1,000 Days
link

Latin American mercenaries fight against Russia in Ukraine
link

Colombians to the front. 2 thousand mercenaries fight for Ukraine and for dollars
link

List of Western mercenaries in Ukraine published
link

Mercenaries in Ukraine- Will They Win the War?
link

10,000 Foreign Fighters Killed Fighting For Ukraine: Colombians and Poles Play Vital Role in Holding Frontlines
link

And a video from a year ago about Colombian mercenaries:
link

Simply because your media doesn't talk about it)))

Don't get me started about the US media. Much of it is so biased, so narrative and agenda driven, failing to do accurate reporting is in many cases, etc. It has become more of about entertainment than news.

Columbian Mercs ?

Admittedly I have not heard that … But how do I know that is not propaganda, etc. ? Frankly if true … Well, the Russians use outside forces/allies to assist with their war in Ukraine. So, no surprise that Ukraine does too. Both sides can play that game.

As we see Putin is not going withdraw from Ukraine. Or stop the killing and death to all involved. So the war continues. And if "mercs" are to be deployed so, be it. It is not the first time mercs have been use in recent conflicts.

The forecast for that location is more and more dying … repeat …

The explanation for the large number of Colombians in the Ukrainian Army is easy to understand. For decades, Colombia has been embroiled in a perpetual war against guerrillas and drug traffickers. This led its armed forces, and their opponents on the other side, to employ the most advanced methods of modern warfare. When the peace accords were finally signed, and the guerrilla factions laid down their arms, the thousands of combatants on both sides, who knew nothing but war, found themselves unemployed. The Army froze salaries and discharged most of its veterans, and the guerrillas were equally unsure of what to do.

Therefore, they offered to continue "working" in the only thing they knew how to do: war.

Apparently, according to reports, they are more than good at it.

Armand

Therefore, they offered to continue "working" in the only thing they knew how to do: war.

Apparently, according to reports, they are more than good at it.

Yes, reports, even from a comrade from the 101. Who worked the Columbian Army. Made it clear the Columbian Military vets, etc. have seen some action vs. the guerillas. That live in that country. They are good at what they do … In this situation, killing Russians, North Koreans, etc., etc.

Four years into its full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia is feeling the effects

link

Armand

Tango01, perhaps it's safer for a Ukrainian soldier to be in Russian captivity now than in Ukraine, where he'll be sent back to die in the trenches. That's why many Ukrainians are refusing exchanges.

You reckon?

link

Putin's Russia, the same as Stalin's Soviet Union.

Tango01, ask the Europeans if they're feeling the consequences of this war))) The article describes everything correctly, but again, the emphasis is misplaced. The main thing is that people support this just war and are willing to endure any hardships, just to push NATO away from their borders. That's what you need to pay attention to in this article.

Tango01, this is a fresh military cemetery in only one Ukrainian city – Kharkiv. Filmed – a year ago. They say it's twice as big now. Show me something similar in Russia…
link

goibinu, more propaganda nonsense.

First, just don't watch what the prisoners say on camera. They'll say anything because their lives are in danger.

Second: you're forgetting that the Russian army is made up of volunteers. And they all come back periodically on leave, communicate with their friends and family… Your entire article is pure nonsense.

And third: how many Russian soldiers refused the exchange? Where are the numbers, where are the lists? There aren't any, and there never will be… Because it's a lie)))
This nonsense began immediately after the war began. Four years have passed, and Western propagandists still can't get off the ring road.

link

Today's article on BBC News regarding Russian "meat storm" tactics and executions of Russian troops by their own commanders:
link

@noggin2nog

Get with the programme. I've already posted it, and Cuprum's already said it's lies without even reading it.

:)

There are cemeteries all over Russia… the poor Russia of small and medium-sized towns where "volunteers" go to die not for their country… but for the exorbitant salary they are offered… we have spoken about and documented this several times… there are no "volunteers" in Russia, there are only those enlisted for money, who now don't even show up and are therefore replaced by Cubans, Africans, etc…

Armand

noggin2nog, yes, that's just stupid propaganda))) Why don't Russian soldiers, in that case, just shoot their commanders and defect to the "elves"? Probably because they fight with shovels?))) Or will their relatives be publicly executed in the Gulag for treason))) I don't understand people who seriously believe such nonsense…

goibinu, I honestly read it… About halfway through. Then I got bored to the point of yawning. I like fantasy, but only good ones…

Tango, stop with the empty words – show me the video…

goibinu … I think this is the first and possibly last time I will say this.🤔 But I agree with you. 🤨 But we shouldn't get too used to it.🤫

E.g.:

Putin's Russia, the same as Stalin's Soviet Union.

Cuprum's already said it's lies without even reading it.

:)

Tango +1

OVI +1

Ukraine's drone war is also being waged on the ground

link

Armand

About Russian Cementeries…

link

link

link

link

link

link

And while we're at it… a little tidbit about how wonderful it is to live under Nazism…

khpg.org/en/1608815522

khpg.org/en/1608815499

If you want more… find them yourself…

Armand

Tango, why the empty words and vague photos? Just provide a drone video that would show the number of military graves, easily identified by their military flags.
Look – Ukrainian videos of military cemeteries have been edited into a four-hour video… This is much more informative and honest than what your corrupt scribblers are saying.

link

I'm tired of arguing with a Nazi… live your lie with your people and enjoy the successful military campaign you've been running for the last four years.

Armand

FWIW … In the USA today. The words Nazi and racism are used so often by politicians, the media, celebs, etc., for so many things for whatever reasons. They have no meaning …

So… A Nazi is a person who hates a particular nationality… A racist is a person who hates a particular race.
It's simple.

No … it should be that simple … However, for some American politicians, the media, celebs, etc., it is not that simple. You would be surprised what some say that is supposed to be Nazism and racism, etc.

E.g. Some in the media, said, something like, and I'm paraphrasing – The USA Olympic Hockey Team was said to be racist because they are all white men and all straight. That is what passes for an intelligent comment from someone I'd hope who knew better. But that is just the tip of the iceberg … e.g. since its white it is racist …

🤔