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Ukraine Invasion: Part 44

981 replies

MagicFox · 20/08/2023 12:43

44th thread, all the usual thanks and appreciation

**

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341
TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 02/09/2023 21:49

They don’t deserve to see Barbie though!

blueshoes · 02/09/2023 22:28

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 02/09/2023 21:49

They don’t deserve to see Barbie though!

No, they don't deserve Barbie. Only back-to-back anti-Ukraine Russian propaganda movies. It is an exquisite purgatory for them.

RedToothBrush · 03/09/2023 08:30

Noel Reports AT Noelreports
“The Armed Forces broke through the first line of Russian defense in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Russians spent 60% of their time building it,” says Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Tavria Operational and Strategic Grouping of Troops

A little expansion on this from elsewhere

Ukrainian Armed Forces have broken through the first line of defense of Russian troops in the south, Tavria group commander Oleksandr Tarnavsky tells the Guardian

"We are now between the first and second lines," Tarnavsky said, referring to the Robotyno-Verbove area.

According to him, Ukrainian troops are now expanding the area of the front line breakthrough in both directions. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are completing the destruction of enemy units covering the retreat of Russian troops behind the second line of defense.

Apparently they lured the Russians towards Novoprokopovk (that's where the two most experienced Ukrainian brigades are currently), which left gaps on the Verbove side. The Russians didn't expect the Ukrainians to be able to make such short work of the minefields (minefields only work if you don't know where the mines are and you are under fire). The fresh 82nd and 46th then moved in to exploit the gaps, and what was left of several Russian units on some of the higher ground and the west of Verbove fled, by all accounts. It's not clear how close to taking hill166 they are at this point.

DancesWithDucks · 03/09/2023 10:26

Kyiv Independent Telegram

⚡️ISW: Russian officers reportedly contact former general https://kyivindependent.com/isw-russian-officers-reportedly-contact-former-general-amid-deteriorating-conditions-on-front-line/ amid deteriorating conditions on front line.
Officers from the Russia's 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA) in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast have reportedly reached out to their former commander, Major General Ivan Popov, the Institute for the Study of War said in their latest update. This development comes as the situation on the Russian front line continues to deteriorate.

⚡️Top presidential aide confirms https://kyivindependent.com/yermaks-deputy-confirms-brother-received-state-payment-for-solar-energy-during-occupation/ his brother got money for solar plants in occupied areas.
Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy chief of staff for President Volodymyr Zelensky, has confirmed that his brother had received money from the Ukrainian government for solar plants located in Russian-occupied territories under the green tariff scheme. He denied the accusations of wrongdoing.

⚡️Justice Minister: Ukraine wants to extradite corrupt officials who fled country https://kyivindependent.com/justice-minister-ukraine-wants-to-extradite-corrupt-officials-who-fled-country/ Justice Minister Denys Maliuska said on national television on Sept. 2 that Ukraine is working with European countries on extraditing corrupt officials who fled the country.

⚡️Lawyer: Kolomoisky won't pay bail in fraud case.
Oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky will not pay the Hr 509 million ($14 million) bail set by Kyiv's Shevchenkivskyi district court on Sept. 2 and will appeal the ruling, Kolomoisky's lawyer Oleksandr Lysak said. Law enforcement officials escorted Kolomoisky to a vehicle to transport him to a detention facility

Still jawdropping numbers of vehicles and fuel tanks destroyed and a very respectable 22 artillery.
Ragnar Gudmundsson
WAR IN #UKRAINE - SEP 3
■ 2nd day in a row: 20+artillery strikes
■ Troop losses above average, triple-digit equipment
■ Most vehicle losses in over 12 months
■ Oryx: +13, +14 Ru:Ukraine - 30-day ratio down to 1.6x

Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
DancesWithDucks · 03/09/2023 10:29

UNITED24 Media Telegram

🇰🇵 North Korea simulated a tactical nuclear attack during exercises
Two long-range cruise missiles with simulated nuclear warheads were launched. They covered 1,500 km at a height of 150 meters.
According to CNN, the simulation is in response to joint military exercises the United States conducted earlier this week with South Korea.

Canada plans to train Ukrainian judges and auditors to strengthen the country's anti-corruption potential, reports The Globe and Mail with reference to Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalia Tsmots.

The enterprises of the fuel and energy complex of Ukraine jointly donated for the purchase of 50 American M113 armored personnel carriers for the State Border Service of Ukraine.

DancesWithDucks · 03/09/2023 10:38

Live: Ukraine Telegram

⚡️The Ukrainian Armed Forces have broken through the first line of defense of Russian troops near Zaporizhzhia, - the commander of the Tavria operational and strategic group of troops for The Guardian.

At night, the Russians attacked the south of Odesa region with 25 Shahed-136/131 attack drones, the Air Force destroyed 22 UAVs.
There were hits to port infrastructure, two civilians were injured.

22-year-old British volunteer Sam Newey died defending Ukraine.
Sam previously studied psychology at Birmingham University. After the full-scaleinvasion began, he decided to join the fight.
Daniel Newey, Sam’s elder brother, shared news of his death in a tribute posted on social media: “I cannot put into words how broken I feel. I also cannot emphasise how proud I am of my little brother. He’d just turned 21 when he decided to answer the call and travel to Ukraine to push back against Russian imperialism. Sam, you gave your life for people you never knew and acted with courage, morality and honour. Not only are you my little brother, but you’re an exceptional man, a good soldier and one of the bravest people I ever had the privilege of knowing.”
Eternal memory and eternal glory to Hero!

Kramatorsk.

Last year, this defender's daughter went to school for the first time. However, he was unable to attend the celebration because he was in Russian captivity.
This year he is able to be with his family and support his daughter!

St. Petersburg

Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 03/09/2023 11:57

Thank God the Russians are stupid enough to get rid of their competent commanders because of their tendency to speak truth to power! What is that quote about not interrupting your enemy whilst they're making a mistake:

An audio recording has been published of part of a conversation between Popov and his former subordinates, in which he talks about his dismissal in July 2023 after he complained about high casualties and the lack of artillery support.

https://x.com/chrisowiki/status/1698266043821555729?s=61&t=NaIdJJ_hpeHJ7BCXblc3CMg

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 03/09/2023 11:59

Lawrence Freedman's latest post just dropped:

samf.substack.com/p/american-grand-strategy-realism-and?utm_medium=web

blueshoes · 03/09/2023 14:39

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-2-2023

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast and reportedly advanced on September 2.
  • Select Russian sources claimed that Russian officers of the 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA) defending in Zaporizhia Oblast contacted former 58th CAA commander Major General Ivan Popov due to the worsening situation at the Russian frontline.
  • The Russian ultranationalist information space response to a Russian critique of anti-Western mindsets and Russian propaganda demonstrates that the ultranationalist community retains the ability to coalesce around certain issues.
  • Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and advanced in some areas on September 2.
  • Ukrainian forces conducted offensive operations along at least one sector of the front on September 2 and advanced near Bakhmut, in western Donetsk Oblast, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
  • The Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) has formed its own Rosgvardia (Russian National Guard) units, elements of which reportedly operate both on the front line and in far rear areas of occupied Ukraine.
  • Russian and occupation authorities are encouraging residents of occupied Ukraine who are residing in Russia to vote in the occupation regional elections, likely to increase voter turnout and the perception of electoral legitimacy.
* *
Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
Igotjelly · 03/09/2023 21:10

Looks like Oleksii Reznikov is being relieved of his duties.

minsmum · 03/09/2023 21:53

@Igotjelly I saw that and wondered how significant is it that he is being replaced by a Crimean tartar

Naem · 03/09/2023 22:08

Don't know how to link these things, but as someone (Benjaminruben30 - although I don't know anything more about him than this) said on twitter (X)

"What a racist country! Jewish president and Muslim Defense Minister"

DancesWithDucks · 03/09/2023 22:11

Kirill will have conniptions.

MMBaranova · 03/09/2023 22:34

Sunday roundup

If I have the strength I make a point of trying to keep up with relatives (almost always female) and contacts in Ukraine on a Sunday. Sometimes I find it difficult to, but that's me within reach of a Waitrose.

Today I seemed to be discussing how one goes on through wartime and what 'normal' life amounts to.

A contact in Odessa tries to go to dance classes when she can. 140 UAH per session. That's about £3. The thing that often deters her, apart from the cost, is that there are often issues with electricity at the dance studio. 'For now it is okay, but in the winter the problem will come back, last year we had electricity like 2 days on a week.' There might be 15-20 taking the class at any time.

A relative in Dnipro told me her make a wish at the moment is that everyone around the world who supports the Russian invasion would just drop dead and the war would stop.

Both these conversations were... unexpected.

Another relative close to Dnipro had a stoical take on things. See image. By this point I could not spell the word 'things'.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
Gothambutnotahamster · 03/09/2023 23:27

Oh wow @MMBaranova - praying for strength for you & all your family & friends.

blueshoes · 03/09/2023 23:27

@MMBaranova thanks for sharing a glimpse into your relatives' and contacts' daily lives in Ukraine. It is unimaginable for us to fathom in our warm beds. Such is the human spirit to find solace in little pleasures even though the situation is utterly beyond their control. It is also my dearest wish that the Russian invaders and their supporters will all drop dead and for the war to end immediately. Flowers

MMBaranova · 04/09/2023 00:01

Thanks. I try to pass on some glimpses of the realities that are under the radar.

Igotjelly · 04/09/2023 08:26

Lots of rumours on Twitter and now seeping into the mainstream (Sky etc.) that Reznikov is set to be the next Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK.

RedToothBrush · 04/09/2023 08:56

Igotjelly · 04/09/2023 08:26

Lots of rumours on Twitter and now seeping into the mainstream (Sky etc.) that Reznikov is set to be the next Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK.

Rumoured to have authorised the purchase of uniforms for three times the real price so losing defence job, and will be instead given the Ukrainian ambassador job.

Someone is having a bit of a laugh there aren't they?

Igotjelly · 04/09/2023 09:17

Sky News reporting that some of the drones launched on Izmail last night fell onto Romanian territory. Seems unclear at this stage whether that was after they had been intercepted by Ukraine (seems like 23 of 32 were intercepted).

DancesWithDucks · 04/09/2023 09:58

Kyiv Independent Telegram

⚡️Defense Ministry reports https://kyivindependent.com/defense-ministry-reports-gains-in-donetsk-zaporizhzhia-oblasts/ gains in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
Ukraine’s military has made gains near Klishchiivka, some five kilometers from Bakhmut, and Novoprokopivka south of Robotyne, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported on Sept. 4.
Ukrainian forces have liberated three square kilometers around Bakhmut over the past week, Maliar said. According to the official, Ukraine has regained a total of 47 square kilometers of land in this area since the start of the summer counteroffensive.

⚡️Zelensky: Two more ships successfully pass https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-2-more-ships-successfully-pass-through-temporary-grain-corridor/ through temporary grain corridor.

⚡️Air Force: Ukraine preparing https://kyivindependent.com/air-force-ukraine-preparing-for-possible-russian-attacks-on-energy-infrastructure/ for possible Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
Ukraine is strengthening its air defense to prepare for Russia's potential mass attacks on critical infrastructure facilities this fall, Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on Sept. 3.

⚡️Zelensky holds phone call with Macron on military https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-holds-phone-call-with-macron-discusses-military-aid-and-frances-role-in-ukrainian-peace-formula/ aid, Ukrainian peace formula. Topics of discussion included France's military support for Ukraine, the country's urgent needs, and the "active role of France" in the Ukrainian peace formula ahead of the Global Peace Summit, to be held on Oct. 25-28 in New York.

⚡️Zelensky announces dismissal https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-announces-dismissal-of-defense-minister-reznikov-replaces-him-with-former-head-of-state-property-fund/ of Defense Minister Reznikov.
Reznikov will be replaced, Zelensky said, by fomer MP Rustem Umerov, who since September 2022 has served as head of the State Property Fund.
Reznikov held the post of Defense Minister since November 2021, including the entire period of the full-scale war.
As Russia’s full-scale war continued however, the ministry was beset by numerous scandals, particularly involving the procurement of equipment and supplies for Ukrainian soldiers.

⚡️Defense Minister Reznikov submits https://kyivindependent.com/defense-minister-reznikov-submits-his-resignation/ his resignation.
[It may be necessary but it's also a bit of a shame. From afar, he seems to have really done his best]

⚡️Defense ministry amends https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-ministry-of-defense-expands-list-of-persons-with-diseases-suitable-for-mobilization/ rules exempting Ukrainians from mobilization on health grounds.
From now on, people with clinically cured tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, slowly progressing blood diseases, thyroid gland diseases with minor functional disorders, and those who are HIV-positive but without symptoms, are considered still fit for military service. [that .. doesn't seem like a good sign at all to me]

⚡️Draft bill submitted https://kyivindependent.com/presidents-representative-in-parliament-submits-bill-on-mobilization-of-students-over-30-years-old/ to parliament looks to cancel mobilization exemption for over-30 students. [ and again, the implications aren't good]

Russian forces have consistently targeted medics and the vehicles evacuating the wounded – including ambulances – throughout the full-scale war.
Medics are instructed to prioritize their safety over the wounded, but they often risk their own lives in an attempt to save as many lives as possible. https://kyivindependent.com/just-hold-on-front-line-medics-race-against-time-to-save-wounded-soldiers/ and

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff Gergely Gulyas said that to achieve peace in Ukraine, the West "must give security guarantees to Russia, but definitely not NATO membership to the Ukrainians," the Hungarian public broadcaster MTVA reported. https://kyivindependent.com/media-hungarian-official-claims-west-should-give-russia-security-guarantees-reject-ukraines-nato-bid/

The hardware losses are sky high again.
Ragnar Gudmundsson

WAR IN #UKRAINE - SEP 4
■ Combat engagements below average for the 2nd day in a row
■ Troop losses below 7-day average, triple-digit equipment losses
■ First reported naval loss since Jan 23
■ Oryx: +6, +1net change - ratios unchanged

Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
BezMills · 04/09/2023 10:06

A stirring tale on Reporting from Ukraine today. An overboard special ops soldier was rescued after 12 hours in the water. Meanwhile his team were being strafed continually by Russian aviation, which prevented them picking him up sooner.

This shows the difference between the UAF and those of Russia - their regard for the soldiers.

3 Sep: FOOTAGE: Unfazed Ukrainian Fighters Rescue Their Friend, Dodging Russian Rockets

✅ Support me by checking out my sponsor!✅ Grab Atlas VPN for just $1.79/mo + 4 months extra ONLY with my link: https://get.atlasvpn.com/reportingI am Ukraini...

https://youtu.be/gnRIRP3vo6o?feature=shared

DancesWithDucks · 04/09/2023 10:24

UNITED24 Media Telegram

At the Putin-Erdogan talks scheduled for September 4 in Sochi, the parties will discuss the exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, — Sarah & TRT Haber.
There will also be a dialogue on the renewal of the grain agreement.

The Liberal Party of Sweden approved the placement of NATO bases on the country's territory, party leader Johan Persson commented to Sveriges Radio.

The Bundestag said that Scholz is the only one blocking the supply of Taurus to Ukraine, — the head of the Bundestag defense committee.

The Navy of the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed an enemy boat during a landing attempt in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
The Russian enemy suffered losses in the amount of 6 liquidated and 2 wounded occupiers. [Saboteurs]

❗️At night, "Shahed" drones fell and detonated on the territory of Romania
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this is another proof that the Russian Federation poses a threat not only to Ukraine, but also to other countries, including NATO countries.
Partners were urged to accelerate the provision of additional air defense systems to Ukraine.

France will train Ukrainian pilots. This was stated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The US seized over $1 billion worth of Russian assets abroad, — CBS News.
The first deputy head of the US Department of Justice said that she is seeking from Congress the authority to transfer frozen assets to Ukraine.

The Russian Federation no longer has such stocks of missiles as last year, but the enemy is increasing the production of drones, — Ignat
Defense forces are currently strengthening air defenses, particularly to protect critical energy infrastructure. Last year, the occupiers began to actively attack our power plants from September.

Russians are trying to protect Tu-95 bombers with car tires, — mass media
Most likely, this is how the Russians want to protect the bombers from attacks by kamikaze drones. Judging by satellite images, they tire the wing and the central part of the plane. [see photo]

The Prime Minister of Armenia called security dependence on Russia a "strategic mistake". Yerevan's security architecture was 99.999% tied to Russia, including the procurement of weapons and ammunition. Now the Russian Federation is spending all this on the war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian winter campaign will have three strategic goals, Australian General Mick Ryan said in his Futura Doctrina blog.

▫️Maintain combat capability and strategic initiative. An important element of this item will be diplomacy aimed at continuing supplies of equipment and ammunition to Ukraine and "preventing senseless peace initiatives."

▫️Maintain the momentum of ground, air, and sea operations to avoid a winter stalemate that Russia can use to negotiate a cease-fire.

▫️Get funds to survive a harsh winter as Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure provoke political pressure on the government.

The main struggle of the winter of 2023, Ryan calls the battles for logistics and transport nodes. According to the general, both sides will try to capture or strike at key locations.

This time, in his opinion, will also be used to gather intelligence and logistical preparation necessary for military operations in 2024, writes "Voice of America".

Yesterday during the Lviv Invincibility 2023 half-marathon, 11-year-old Yana and her brother Yaroslav are bravely covering the distance.
Yana's resilience shines brightly; she lost her legs due to a Russian missile attack on Kramatorsk railway station in 2022

Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
Ukraine Invasion: Part 44
notimagain · 04/09/2023 10:33

@DancesWithDucks

Russians are trying to protect Tu-95 bombers with car tires, — mass media
Most likely, this is how the Russians want to protect the bombers from attacks by kamikaze drones. Judging by satellite images, they tire the wing and the central part of the plane.

Something that has been causing much mirth/head scratching elsewhere for several days now.

Various theories include:

An attempt to disrupt the visual outline to confuse any optically guided/fused devices...

Using the tyres (excuse the Brit spelling) as a crude form of Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) to confuse any radar guided/fused devices....

Perhaps hoping any shrapnel will bounce off the rubber rather than punch a hole in the aircraft skin....

General opinion ATM is it's all probably going to be about as effect as some of the crude attempts the Russians made early in the war to protect their Armoured Fighting Vehicles from armour piercing warheads by using chicken wire to make "cope" cages...