Here we go again-Ukraine once again pt2

[Jimbuna]

France to deliver nearly 80 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine

France will soon be able to supply Ukraine with 78 Caesar self-propelled howitzers and increase the delivery of ammunition, states the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu.

He clarifies that an agreement has been reached between France, Ukraine, and Denmark to finance the 155mm self-propelled howitzers Caesar, enabling France to "quickly deliver" them.

France also aims to provide Ukraine with 80,000 shells for 155mm guns this year. The Minister reminds that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, France has provided only 30,000 shells.

France is also searching for existing stocks of gunpowder and ammunition that could be purchased from countries outside the European Union.

In January, it was reported that Ukraine would receive six Caesar self-propelled artillery units from France in the coming weeks.

In February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would receive a new package of military assistance from France, including Caesar self-propelled artillery units.

In March, Denmark announced another military aid package to Ukraine worth $330 million, which includes Caesar self-propelled artillery units.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...79966318&ei=44

[mapuc]

Markus

[Jimbuna]

First Marder 1 infantry vehicle captured by Russia in Ukraine conflict

Russian soldiers managed to capture a Marder 1 infantry fighting vehicle, marking the first occurrence of its kind during the war in Ukraine. Let's revisit the key features of the Marder 1, which, despite its age, still excels in combat conditions.

The Marder 1 is a product of German engineering, created by the Rheinstahl conglomerate. By the end of 2023, Ukraine had taken delivery of 60 of these infantry fighting vehicles, and Germany announced it would send an additional 40 units to the front. Although several have been destroyed, the capturing of a vehicle in a condition suitable for thorough examination and review of the design solutions implemented is now touted by the Russians as a significant achievement.

Defence analyst Jarosław Wolski highlighted that the Marder 1, being over 40 years old, still outperforms its Russian counterparts in terms of crew safety.

Wolski also pointed out that this is the third type of Western vehicle the Russians have captured, following the seizure of a Swedish CV90 and an American M2A2 ODS Bradley.

Produced between 1970 and 1975, the Marder 1 was seen as a revolutionary NATO infantry fighting vehicle upon its introduction. It was celebrated for its robust armour yet retained high mobility. Its potent armament, which remains effective to this date, also set it apart.

The Germany-provided 1A3 version vehicles are outfitted with a Rheinmetall 20 mm calibre cannon with a range of approximately 2.5 kilometres, a Milan anti-tank guided missile launcher, and two 7.62 mm calibre machine guns. They also feature an improved gunner's station with thermal imaging capabilities.

Equipped with such hardware, Ukrainian crews can engage not only Russian infantry but also armoured vehicles and, in some instances, tanks. This is particularly crucial given that members of Putin's forces often resort to using outdated, 60-year-old tanks with inferior armour.

Inside the Marder 1 infantry fighting vehicle, there is room for 10 personnel, with three seats designated for the crew. The 1A3 version supplied to Ukraine is further distinguished by its enhanced armour, featuring sturdier front hull and sides, along with a roof offering better protection against bomb fragments from cluster munitions.

The Marder 1 is powered by an engine delivering nearly 800 horsepower, enabling speeds of up to 75 km/h. Germany's choice of tracked traction aids its ability to traverse challenging terrains and surmount obstacles with ease.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...2ad75b39&ei=24

[Jimbuna]

Humiliation for Vladimir Putin as Russia forced to deploy tanks 'first used in Chernobyl'

Vladimir Putin's desperate military officials have resorted to using tanks designed in the 1970s as equipment shortages take their toll.

The Ukrainian military claim they spotted the Lagoda, an ultra-rare Soviet-era armoured vehicle, on the battlefield. A video released on social media appears to show a Ukrainian military drone striking the Russian vehicle near the Kreminna Forest in eastern Ukraine.

The deployment of the 'doomsday tank' exposes the dire state of Russia's military circles. The rare nuclear command tank was first tested 38 years ago, during the Chernobyl meltdown.

The sighting is even more incredible given that only five Lagodas were ever built. The vehicle's interior includes several plush chairs and tables, given its intended use by the Soviet Union's high command.
The vehicle was designed to operate in environments with high levels of radiation, chemical, or biological contamination - not on the frontline of a slow-moving conflict.

AFV Recognition, a social media account tracking the Russian military in Ukraine, posted: "Out of all the vehicles that have been pulled out of storage and used by Russia in this war, this is one that was really at the bottom of my list to even see in theatre, never mind destroyed."

It is thought that Russia has lost 6,904 tanks since the start of the invasion, according to Ukraine's defence ministry.

This figure far outpaces the number of newly built combat vehicles, which is thought to be around 500 to 600 a year.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...dad528a5f&ei=8

[mapuc]

Markus

[mapuc]

This video is long(around 51 min.) but it is worth watching



Markus

[Jimbuna]

Europe has entered a 'pre-war era' and is not prepared for what Putin will do if he defeats Ukraine, Poland's PM warns as NATO jets are scrambled to protect the country's airspace

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared Europe is now in a 'pre-war era' and warned a Ukrainian defeat to Russia would only embolden Vladimir Putin.

'I know it sounds devastating, especially to people of the younger generation, but we have to mentally get used to the arrival of a new era. The pre-war era,' he said in a speech to foreign journalists.

'I don't want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept from the past. It's real and it started over two years ago.

'We are living in the most critical moment since the end of the Second World War... literally any scenario is possible,' he concluded.

His warning came as Russia launched another large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure with a mass barrage of drones and airstrikes hitting regions across the country overnight, Kyiv officials claimed.

The bombardment also prompted Poland to scramble its own warplanes to protect its airspace from any wayward drones, missiles or bombers.

Last week, Warsaw demanded an explanation from Moscow after one of its missiles strayed briefly into Polish airspace during a major missile attack on Ukraine, prompting the NATO member to activate F-16 fighter jets.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...899366cd&ei=59

[Dargo]

[mapuc]

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of March 30

n Ukraine, 72 combat clashes took place at the front during the day. The enemy is actively trying to advance in the Lyman, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka directions, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russian attacks

Overall, the enemy launched 38 missile strikes and 75 airstrikes, conducted 98 shelling operations with reactive multiple-launch rocket systems against the positions of our troops and civilian settlements. Unfortunately, due to Russian terrorist attacks, there are casualties and injuries among the civilian population. Numerous high-rise buildings, medical facilities, vehicles, schools, kindergartens, and other objects of civilian infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed.

During the night, Russian occupiers once again attacked Ukraine, using UAVs of the Shahed type and various types of guided missiles. Details regarding the attack are being clarified.

Over the past day, populated areas in Kyrykivka, Sumy region; Bochkove, Uspenivka, Khrypuny, Iziumske, Zybyne, Lyman, Kharkiv region; Novoyegorivka in Luhansk region; Terny, Yampolivka, Andriivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Oleksandropil, Karlivka, Kurakhove, Berdychi, Nevelske, Novobakhmutivka, Mezhove, Yasnobrodivka, Krasnohorivka, Kostiantynivka, Staromayorske, Donetsk region; Orihiv, Novodanylivka, and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia region were subjected to airstrikes.

Approximately 120 populated areas of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire.

Situation at frontlines

The operational situation remains unchanged in the Volyn and Polissia direction.

In the Siversk and Slobozhanske direction, Russia maintains a military presence in the border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened areas, and increases the density of minefields along the state border.

Russians did not conduct any offensive (assault) actions in the Kupiansk direction.

In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 16 Russian attacks in the vicinity of Terny, Donetsk region and Bilohorivka, Luhansk region, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried to break through the defense of our troops.

In the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 4 attacks near Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk region.

In the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 20 Russian attacks in the areas of Berdychi, Umanske, Tonenke, Semenivka, Pervomaiske and Nevelske, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried to knock out our units from the occupied lines.

In the Novopavlivka direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russians in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka and Vodyane, where the Russians tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops 25 times.

In the Orikhiv direction, the enemy carried out 4 unsuccessful attacks on the positions of our defenders near Staromayorske, Donetsk region and north-west of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia region.

In the Kherson direction, Russians do not give up their intentions to knock out our units from the footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Over the past day, 3 attacks were made on the positions of Ukrainian troops.

Russian losses

During the past day, the Defense Forces' aviation conducted strikes on 1 command post, 1 anti-aircraft defense facility, and 10 areas of enemy personnel, armament, and military equipment concentration.

Rocket troops units inflicted damage on 2 areas of enemy personnel concentration, two anti-aircraft defense facilities, and an enemy artillery piece.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is likely preparing for a new offensive, which could occur at the end of May or in June.

However, General Charles Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, believes that these concerns may be exaggerated.

According to ISW data, the Russians are attempting to advance on the Kupiansk direction.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...49754b58&ei=81

[mapuc]

Markus

[Skybird]

Colonel Reisner, March 25th.


https://www-n--tv-de.translate.goog/...en&_x_tr_hl=de


He agrees with my earlier comments that the victories of Ukraine at sea are good for creating spectacular headlines, but are of no further relevance for the war on land.

[ET2SN]

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by ET2SN

From minute 17. I am preaching this since - well, since sometime in year one.

[Skybird]

[FAZ] The Ukrainian electricity supplier DTEK expects repair times of up to 18 months following the recent damage to its power plants caused by Russian bombing. In the attacks on March 22 and 29, five of the six power plants of Ukraine's largest private electricity supplier were severely damaged, said DTEK manager Dmytro Zakharuk on Ukrainian television. As a result, around 80 percent of the power generation capacity was paralyzed. DTEK power plants usually generate around a quarter of Ukraine's electricity.

Following the massive Russian attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine, the state grid operator Ukrenergo temporarily switched off power in several regions on Saturday. The energy supplier DTEK announced "emergency power cuts" in the regions of Dnipropetrovsk in the south and Donetsk in the east of the country. In the regions of Sumy in the north-east and Poltava in the center of the country, the regional authorities announced the interruption of the power supply. The energy supplier and the authorities did not provide any information on the number of households affected.
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Its not just the households and hospitals and powerplants missing power - its also the producing factories where they want to build ammo and weapons.

It gets repprted that the Ukrianian air defence has significantly lost in efficiency, due to lacking ammo. The Russians will make hay while the sunny day lasts. Means: degrading of the critical infrastructure will grow much worse - and since it already has suffered terribly, the destruction likely will accelerate in pace.

I still see only symbolic and not really decisive decisions and actions being taken in Europe, Washington. As long as this does not change dramatically, I stick to saying: Ukraine is in the process of loosing the war, and likely sooner than some predict. The way things go now you cannot win against the Russians in Ukraine.


I expect not more than cosmetic corrections from the imminent delivery of F-16s. They are simply not enough.