Here we go again-Ukraine once again pt2

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Commander Wallace

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. TV Series 1964.

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Ukraine 2024.

Precisely

[Jimbuna]

Eastern residents brace for Russian advance

In eastern Ukraine, the tide of this war hasn't just changed - it's coming in fast.

"We know what's coming," says Mariya as she packs up the TV in her flat in Kostyantynivka. She's having it delivered to Kyiv before making the journey there with her son.

"We're tired all day [and suffer] moods and panic attacks. It's constantly depressing, and we're scared."

In February, Russia captured the strategic town of Avdiivka. Since then, the invaders have advanced further west, and taken several villages.

Ukraine says its forces are "holding on". But Russian troops are now attacking in five areas along the 1,100km (700 mile) front line.

Over 1.2 million people - or two thirds of the population - have left the Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk region since Russia's full scale invasion two years ago.

And it's here in the eastern Donetsk region that Ukraine's defenders are being tested the most.

People in cities like Pokrovsk, Kostyantynivka and Kramatorsk are now facing a fast-approaching front line, and even occupation.

Mariya and her mother Tetyana are finding life increasingly difficult as the Russians advance closer.

Their city is littered with signs of the approaching threat 30km (19 miles) away.

Almost every street has a damaged building. Workers replace gold panels on a church after they were blown off by a missile strike on the neighbouring train station, now destroyed.

Anxiety fills the cold air in this town, once part of the industrial heartland of the former Soviet Union. Russia slowly destroys Ukraine's cities as it tries to take them. That's what is feared the most here.

Mariya explains that her mother Tetyana is staying, but she's confident she'll follow her eventually.

"I've already left twice, what's the point?" says a defiant Tetyana from her apartment around the corner. She gives us slippers to wear around her home, which explains why it's spotless.

"It's scary everywhere. The whole country is on fire."

Her eyes moisten. It's one thing to stay in your home for as long as you can, it's another to risk death or Russian occupation.

While the whole of Ukraine is a war zone, the Donetsk region - along with four others - is a battlefield. When you weave through its dense forest and expansive, rugged terrain, you always feel like you're approaching the coal face of this conflict.

You can hear heavy fire from as far as 40 km away, so the distant sound of artillery is constant. From one vantage point you can see the erosion of Ukrainian territory.

Plumes of smoke come from the directions of Avdiivka, a town Russia has recently taken, and Horlivka, which it's controlled since 2014.

Russia is using its size, air superiority and deeper ammunition reserves to keep pushing, at a time when Western military aid to Ukraine is running low or being held up by domestic politics.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68493215

[Dargo]

The Ukrainian army is preparing for new counterattacks against the Russians.

A major counteroffensive is not realistic, but "our mission is to stabilize the front line and kill as many Russians as possible," said Oleksander Pavlyuk, the new commander of Ukrainian ground forces. In a TV interview with Ukraine's public broadcaster, Pavlyuk said the situation at the front is "difficult, but under control." According to the commander, Moscow has been trying in recent months to make as much progress as possible ahead of Russia's presidential elections, which start next Friday. Currently, Russian attacks are said to be concentrated at a rapid pace in and around the eastern cities of Avdiivka, Kupyansk, Lyman and Cheyiv Yar west of Bakhmut. But the Ukrainians are not letting themselves be small, emphasized Pavlyuk who said the Russians are suffering heavy losses in their offensives. "Our task is to stabilize the front line, kill as many Russians as possible - which we are doing - and regroup ourselves so that units that need help can withdraw," he said. Troops that can be freed as a result could then try to seize the initiative later in the year through counterattacks.



A new major counteroffensive is therefore unlikely this year, and would not be smart, according to military analysts. Yet, one does not preclude the other. Military strategist Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian and Ukrainian military, also launched the "hold, build & strike" concept for the Ukrainian army in 2024 back in late December. That idea of holding the front, rebuilding the army and simultaneously conducting local smart counterattacks fits in perfectly with Pavlyuk's plans. "Despite the fierce fighting, our men continue to hold out," Pavlyuk said. "The enemy's losses are huge. I think we will soon stabilize the situation and do everything possible to prepare the troops for more active operations where we can take the initiative." A few days ago, the British Defence Ministry also said that Russian losses in Ukraine were never as high as in February: London reckons that an average of 983 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded on the battlefield every day last month. "That increase is almost certainly a sign of Russia's intention for a massive war of attrition," the British said. "However costly in terms of human lives, the result may have increased the pressure on Ukrainian positions at the front." https://www.demorgen.be/oorlog-in-oe...eren~b40f3155/

Russian air force takes more risk over Ukraine and appears to have lost many aircraft quickly

Russia is taking great risks in supporting its ground forces in Ukraine from the air. The Russian air force seems to have suffered heavy losses in a short period of time. 'That is not good for Russian prestige.' Russia's main fighter-bomber force, which is supposed to support ground forces' operations from the air, is said to have been especially vulnerable in recent weeks. Ukraine claims to have downed at least 13 modern Su-34s, an unprecedented number in such a short time. Kyiv also claims to have downed a second A-50. This radar aircraft coordinates air strikes and guards against the dangers posed by Ukraine's air force and ground-based air defences.

General b.d. Dick Berlin, a former F-16 pilot and former commander of the Royal Air Force, called the loss of so many aircraft remarkable. 'For any air force, this would be a bash,' said Berlin, who was also Commander of the Armed Forces until 2008. 'The Su-34 and the A-50 are important and expensive aircraft. The Su-34 is an advanced aircraft that can fire precision weapons. And of the A-50, the Russians don't have many. These planes - but also your expensive pilots - you don't like to lose.' The Russian losses have not yet been confirmed by independent sources. But the authoritative American think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) does not doubt the Ukrainian claims. Military experts also speak of a loss. 'The loss is certainly not insignificant for the Russian military, since Russia probably has some three hundred different Sukhoy fighters,' said the institute, which is meticulously surveying the war. The blows the Russians had to take - a Su-34 costs some 50 million euros - represents a break with the performance so far of the Russian air force. This armed force unit had come through the war relatively unscathed in the past two years. Partly because of Ukraine's air defences, the Supreme Command in Moscow did not dare to deploy the air force on a large scale.

It seems that the Russians are abandoning this caution for a while to allow for more successes on the battlefield after the capture of Avdiivka. Russian combat units near Avdiivka are trying to push forward into the part of the Donetsk region still held by Ukraine. In doing so, they are taking advantage of the opponent's shortage of weapons and ammunition. Aerial support from Su-34s, an aircraft designed to support ground attacks, could serve them well. 'The Russian military appears willing to risk sustained air losses in its attempt to make tactical gains in eastern Ukraine,' the ISW said. Russian fighter pilots are particularly at risk because they have been without support from A-50 radar aircraft for just under a week, according to Kyiv. In early January, Ukraine succeeded for the first time in downing an A-50, of which only six were said to be operational. Two weeks ago, Ukraine announced the destruction of a second A-50. With what weapons the Ukrainian air defense managed to shoot the A-50s and Su-34s out of the sky, Kyiv did not disclose. There is extensive speculation that the Ukrainians moved a Patriot battery to the front line in Donetsk to threaten the Russian aircraft. Ukraine has received Patriots from the Netherlands, among other countries.

For the Russians, the loss of so many Su-34s in a span of just two weeks is a considerable humiliation. The fighter-bomber, similar to the U.S. F-15, has only been operational since 2014 and is considered one of the Russian Air Force's most important fighters. By comparison, the F-15 has been in use by various air forces since 1976, but none has been shot down in a dogfight so far. However, two were shot down in 1991 in the Gulf War. Before the war began, Russia had some 140 Su-34s. According to the military blog Oryx, which tracks Russian military losses, 26 Su-34s have so far been lost in combat. Dick Berlin points out that the loss of Su-34s could cost the Russians dearly: "The Su-34 is considered superior in certain scenarios. Russia likes to advertise it. They also want to sell the aircraft abroad. But the aircraft now turns out to be vulnerable after all. This is not good for Russian prestige. In terms of morale, this loss is not good either. It will have an impact on the pilots and the atmosphere in such a squadron.'

The Su-34 can use an arsenal of precision weapons, including high-tech cruise missiles, to launch attacks to assist troops who have launched the attack. At Avdiivka, mostly traditional, old-fashioned bombs were used. However, these have been "made high-tech" by putting them in an "electronic jacket," complete with wings, allowing them to be guided by GPS to their target. The deployment of these devastating bombs, in the final days of the battle for Avdiivka, would have ultimately led to the Ukrainian withdrawal. https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-ach...oren~b673c588/

[mapuc]

Markus

[Skybird]

Now it's happening after all.


[Focus] General Valery Salushnyi, who was dismissed as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces around a month ago, is to become the new ambassador to the UK. President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has spoken out in favor of Salushnyi's appointment to the post, the Foreign Ministry in Kiev announced on Thursday evening. The British side must now give its official approval. Last July, Zelensky recalled the then Ukrainian ambassador in London, Vadym Prystayko, shortly after he had openly criticized him.


Note the great distance between Kyiv and London.

[Skybird]

The formal process to admit Sweden as a full member of NATO was completed today. NATO now has 32 members.

[ET2SN]

Originally Posted by Skybird

The formal process to admit Sweden as a full member of NATO was completed today. NATO now has 32 members.

For those of you who have doubts about what's really going on, ask yourself how ####ed up things had to get for Sweden to join NATO.

I'm still wondering if Gripens make more sense than F-16s?

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by ET2SN

For those of you who have doubts about what's really going on, ask yourself how ####ed up things had to get for Sweden to join NATO.

I'm still wondering if Gripens make more sense than F-16s?

These Gen-4 jets are highly capable aircrafts while the Gripen is famous for its advanced avionics and sensor capabilities, the F-16 is known for its agility and maneuverability. The Saab Gripen is cost effective as compared to F-16 and it makes an attractive option for countries with a smaller budget. The choice between the two jets depends on the specific needs and requirements of the military and the resources they have at their disposal. https://www.defencestreet.com/saab-g...ghting-falcon/

Sweden and Finland joining was no surprise both countries trained and worked together for years with NATO, it was Putin action that did make them to decide.

[Jimbuna]

Britain increases drone funding for Ukraine by over $150 million

Britain will increase its spending on drones for Ukraine by 125 million pounds ($160 million), raising the total number of drones supplied to more than 10,000, the government said on Thursday as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited Kyiv.

Britain’s support comes at a crucial time for Ukraine in the two-year war. Vital U.S. military aid has stalled, while Russia’s offensive looks more assertive after it took the city of Avdiivka last month, its biggest gain since May 2023.

Drones, which are cheap to produce and can conduct surveillance or target enemies with great accuracy, have emerged as a key weapon in the conflict, with both Ukraine and Russia striving for the upper hand in technology.

“I am ramping up our commitment to arm Ukraine with cutting-edge new drones coming directly from the UK’s world-leading defence industries - straight from the factory floor to the frontline. I encourage international partners to join the UK in this effort,” Shapps said, as he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Britain said it would expand its drone package to 325 million pounds from the 200 million pounds announced in January.

The package includes thousands of first-person view drones, 1,000 one-way attack drones researched and developed in Britain as well as surveillance and maritime drones.

[ET2SN]

Originally Posted by Dargo

These Gen-4 jets are highly capable aircrafts while the Gripen is famous for its advanced avionics and sensor capabilities, the F-16 is known for its agility and maneuverability. The Saab Gripen is cost effective as compared to F-16 and it makes an attractive option for countries with a smaller budget. The choice between the two jets depends on the specific needs and requirements of the military and the resources they have at their disposal. https://www.defencestreet.com/saab-g...ghting-falcon/

The F-16 requires a dedicated air base and clean runways, the Gripen can operate off a highway and doesn't need as much "turn around" time.

[Commander Wallace]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Precisely

I should have said, Voyage to the bottom of the Sea - Russian Ships - Ukraine - 2022 to 2024 and counting. However, I'm sure everyone except Russia understands and appreciates the humor in all this and everyone of course has their own thoughts.

[Skybird]

Gripen is capable, and was one of the very best in class at the days it was released - but the A-D variants have their best days behidn them.

Two big advantages: it starts from and land on very short runways and public streets, and it is way more cost efficient than American jets.

The latest version E is a completely new development of the Gripen, not just an update of the older lines. Under war conditions the plane can land, refuel, rearm and take off again within 10-15 minutes. The engine can be completely replaced in one hour. Combine that with the ability of operating outside airbases, from within forests, from public roads, which reflects demands of Swedish defence doctrine. - That is what the printed papers say.

Its fourth generation combat plane, but amongst fourth generation fighters the latest E-version is one of the most modern ones. And: for the price of one Eurofighter you can get 2.5 - 3 Gripens. Wowh. Numbers are an arugment, as I often have insisted on. And the numbers you can get right with this price tag. If you have enough pilots and engineers.

I always had a soft spot for the Gripen. It did not export well, arms deals are always political deals, but imho it is one of if not THE most underrated modern MR fighters there are. The new E version is very very interesting and is expected to blow another 50 years of life into the model. Also, the E-version is globally met with renewed interest.

And no, the E-variant means not to fly all "electrical".

[Commander Wallace]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Gripen is capable, and wa sone of the very best in class at the days it was released - but has its best times behind it. Two big advanatges: it is start and land with very short runways, and it is more cost efficient than American jets. The latest version E is a complete new development of the Gripen, not just an update of the older lines. Under war ciodnitons the plane can land, refule, rearm and tak eoff again withion 10-15 minutes. The engine can be completely replaced in one hour. That is what the printed papers say.

Its fourth generartion, but amongst fourth generation fighters the E-version is one of the most modenr ones. And: for the price of one Eurofighter you can get 2.5 - 3 Gripens. Wowh.

I always had a soft spot for the Gripen. It did not export well, but imho it is one of the most underrated modern MR fighters there are. The new E version is very very interesting and is expected to blow another 50 years of life into the model. Also, the E-version is gloobally met with renewed interest.


And no, the E-variant means not to fly all "electrical".

Sweden has an established Fighter aircraft Industry and it's subsidiaries with Saab and Erickson among others providing electronics and other components. With the Draken, Viggen and Gripen paving the way and acceptance into NATO, I would expect the Gripen to be upgraded straight away. With the exceptional designs of the Gripen and the Avionics Sweden is known for, The Gripen remains an excellent platform that can be easily upgraded, If needed.

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Putin orders Russian troops to give flowers to women in Ukraine

Masked Russian soldiers handed out flowers and performed a conflict-inspired “festive concert” to mark International Women’s Day in occupied Ukraine.

Footage shared on social media by Russia’s defence ministry showed soldiers in military fatigues and scarves pulled over their faces distributing flowers to female workers in Mariupol.

In the video, two fighters in combat uniform entered a medical facility bearing burgundy paper gift bags and red flowers.

The men, who are both sapper engineers, presented a bouquet of flowers and a gift bag to a woman in a doctor’s gown before awarding the same gifts to two more women in the Ukrainian port city that was captured by Russian forces at the start of the war.

Fighters in army uniform, wearing bulletproof vests and with camouflage painted on their faces also staged a conflict-inspired “festive concert” routine for women at a local school, the video showed.

Intense Russian bombardment of Mariupol destroyed the city and killed tens of thousands of civilians in 2022.

Elsewhere, in Moscow, masked riot police handed out flowers to women in the city centre.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, also hailed women soldiers fighting on the front line and supporting his country’s armed forces, stating: “I would like to especially address the women who are in the zone of the special military operation, performing combat tasks.”

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, thanked the mothers of soldiers fighting in Ukraine. “You have raised true patriots and valiant defenders of the Fatherland,” he said.

The Kremlin charm offensive comes amid a growing wave of Russian women protesting at their husbands and sons being called up to fight in Ukraine.

Every week, wives and mothers of mobiled Russian soldiers lay down red carnations at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one of Moscow’s best known monuments.

The movement, called The Way Home, has gathered 65,000 followers on Telegram with about 20 women regularly turning up to their protests in Moscow.

At one protest last month outside the Kremlin to mark 500 days since Russia’s mobilisation was declared, at least 27 people were detained – most of them journalists covering the event OVD-Info, a human rights group, reported.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...e43507b9&ei=14