Ukraine 4

[kevindavis007]

https://twitter.com/officejjsmart/status/1667448395303141378

[kevindavis007]

https://twitter.com/officejjsmart/status/1667255609647943686

[Timber Rattler]

Even-handed article about what happened with that Ukrainian armored recon/breaching/mine-clearning column on Thursday.  I like David Axe's writing.  His sources are good and he generally knows what he's talking about.

The Ukrainian Army Lost Bradley Fighting Vehicles And A Leopard 2 Tank Trying And Failing To Breach Russian Defenses In Southern Ukraine

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/09/the-ukrainian-army-lost-a-leopard-2-tank-and-bradley-fighting-vehicles-trying-and-failing-to-breach-russian-defenses-in-southern-ukraine/?sh=43ee447532c9&fbclid=IwAR1d55SF3oS3BsE8gHNmHOmXTE7QyRhgdRcbhRZech8tqz4n4l6S3xXPz0s

The Ukrainian army’s 33rd Mechanized Brigade and 47th Assault Brigade massed their Leopard tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles for a powerful assault on Russian positions two miles south of Mala Tokmachka in southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast on or before Thursday morning.

A dense minefield lay between the Ukrainians and their objective. And the Ukrainians knew it. They deployed at least one IMR-2 engineering vehicle and a Leopard 2R breaching vehicle in the hope of plowing away the mines and clearing a path for at least a company of 47th Brigade M-2A2 Bradleys and some attached Leopard 2A6s from the 33rd Brigade.

The engineers failed—either because the minefield was too dense or Russian helicopters or artillery interrupted their efforts to clear the mines. In short order, the IMR-2, a rare Leopard 2A6 and as many as nine Bradleys piled up, out in the open. Exposed, under fire and taking damage, the surviving crews and passengers bailed out—and took their dead and wounded with them.

The assault—a so-called “breach” targeting prepared enemy fortifications—failed. That doesn’t mean the Ukrainians have failed in their wider attempt to advance south into Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, a prerequisite to an armored breakthrough that itself is a prerequisite to a large-scale liberation of occupied southern Ukraine.

But it’s a setback. And a potentially serious one if the Ukrainians can’t recover and repair some of the damaged vehicles. Ukraine’s allies so far have pledged to the war effort just 21 long-gun Leopard 2A6s and 109 missile-armed M-2s. The 33rd Brigade-47th Brigade battlegroup lost much as five percent of each vehicle consignment in a single morning.

Context is important. Breaches are the most difficult and usually costliest phase of any armored offensive. What we’re observing near Mala Tokmachka could be one of the most painful battles of this phase of Russia’s 15-month wider war on Russia—for both sides. But especially for the attacking Ukrainians.

EXCERPT

[PeteS in CA]

For those who don't have the Reddit app - like me - Ukraine war: Kyiv breaks through Russia's first defensive lines

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/06/10/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-counter-offensive-putin/

Ukraine has broken through Russia’s first line of defence in several places, 48 hours after launching its long-awaited counter-offensive, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Ukrainian forces have “likely made good progress” and forced Russia into a disorderly retreat in some places, though it may be struggling in other areas, the MoD said.

No specifics in the article. The specific areas of the front would be interesting as clues to what areas Ukraine is trying to liberate and in what sectors they are trying to cause exploitable chaos.

[PeteS in CA]

https://twitter.com/officejjsmart/status/1667255609647943686

For the sake of context, Ufa is about 600 miles east of Moscow. Other than possible very long-term effects it's probably anti-Putin people doing this for their own purposes rather than Ukrainians trying to impede Russian forces in Ukraine.

More broadly, from what I've heard, there are up to a dozen private armies such as the Wagner Group or the Chechen group fighting in Ukraine. Putin is situated somewhat similarly to Chiang Kai-Shek in the late 20s and early 30s. These neo-warlords could be a threat to Putin, and if Putin somehow is no longer in leadership, could throw Russia into internal conflict. However the current Ukrainian invasion turns out, Russia's future is likely to be dark, messy, and possibly bloody.

[Elderberry]

Ukraine and Canada Joint Declaration

Le Lézard 6/10/2023

KYIV, UKRAINE, June 10, 2023 /CNW/ - At their meeting in Kyiv on Saturday, June 10, 2023, the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Canada adopted the following declaration. The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Canada reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine has shown remarkable determination in exercising its inherent right to self-defence against this unprovoked and unjustified invasion. Russia must immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Canada remains unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Canada commends the determination and courage of the Ukrainian people and armed forces in defence of their independence. Their resolve and valour on democracy's front line are not only safeguarding the security of Europe in the face of Russia's violent expansionism, but also bolstering the rules-based international system and demonstrating that no matter how brutal the foe, might does not make right.

As they do so, the people of Ukraine can count on Canada to continue its political, financial, humanitarian and military support for as long as it takes ? individually and through international cooperation within the G7, NATO, the United Nations and any other forum where Canada can bring its weight to bear.

Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $8 billion in wide-ranging assistance to Ukraine. Canada is providing unprecedented military support, including tanks, air-defence systems and artillery, and continues to develop new assistance measures based on Ukraine's needs.

More: https://www.lelezard.com/en/news-20938905.html

[Hoodat]

Kherson:  Russians fire on rescuers.

from r/UkraineWarVideoReport

https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineWarVideoReport/comments/146cdlg/kherson_russians_are_shooting_at_volunteers_who/

[Kamaji]

The battle the world has been waiting for: As Ukraine's counter-offensive gets underway, a breakdown of what has been achieved so far, with Russia on the backfoot and Western weapons turning the tide

    Ukraine's armed forces are attacking on three fronts: in the east, south-east, and south of the country
    There have been early successes, but also signs that Russia is inflicting losses on the advancing Ukrainians

By Chris Pleasance
10 June 2023

The long-awaited moment has arrived: Ukraine's counter-attack, for which the country has been preparing since late last year, is now underway.

Kyiv is saying nothing, but Ukrainian officials, Western analysts and Russian military bloggers all agree the attack began early this week with fighting ramping up across the frontline since then.

Ukrainian officials say there will be no single thrust and the offensive is designed as a series of operations that will take months to play out. What we have seen over the last week is merely the opening gambit. But things are already starting to take shape.

Ukraine is attacking on three fronts in the east, south-east, and south of the country: Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last month; Velyka Novosilka & Novodonetsk, in Donetsk oblast; and Orikhiv, in neighbouring Zaporizhzhia.

There have been early successes. Ukraine says it is making steady advances around Bakhmut and Russian military bloggers acknowledge Ukraine broke through their lines in Novodonetsk early this week - though now claim some of those gains have been reversed.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12177823/Ukraines-counter-offensive-gets-underway-MailOnline-breaks-achieved-far.html

[Kamaji]

Ukraine retakes village in eastern region of Donetsk and hoist flag over destroyed building as Kyiv launches counter offensive against Russia in 'at least four areas'

By CHRIS MATTHEWS  and CHRIS JEWERS and ELENA SALVONI
11 June 2023

Ukraine has announced the first success of its highly-anticipated counter offensive against Russian forces, with video showing troops hoisting a yellow and blue flag over a village in the eastern Donetsk region. It was earlier revealed that Kyiv's troops were pushing back against Putin's forces in 'at least four areas,' with Russia moving its 'most combat ready troops' away from Kherson to prepare for new attacks. Ukraine's ground forces said in a statement today that soldiers of the 68th separate ranger brigade had 'liberated the settlement of Blagodatne,' and shared a video showing soldiers triumphantly raising a Ukrainian flag over a destroyed building. Military spokesman Valeriy Shershe said in televised remarks that Ukraine's forces captured several Russian and pro-Russian troops as they stormed the area.

He added that the retaken village was located on the border of Donetsk and the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, where Moscow has reported heavy Ukrainian assaults over the past week. The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, said Ukraine is focusing its attacks on Rozdolivka, Bakhmut, Blahodatne and Zaporizhia Oblast. Ukraine initially suffered a defeat in Zaporizhzhia, with video showing multiple armored vehicles and at least one tank - which Moscow claims is a German-supplied Leopard - being blown up by a mixture of mines and artillery. Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Malyar also said that Putin was moving his some of his most combat-ready troops - the marines, airborne troops and the 49th army - from Kherson as he readied soldiers for a redeployment against Ukraine's counteroffensive.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/galleries/article-12183379/Ukraine-retake-village-counter-offensive-four-areas.html

[Kamaji]

Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin says his fighters will not sign any contract with Russian army as Moscow moves to take control of paramilitary group

Russian Defence Ministry said all 'volunteer detachments' must sign contracts
Yevgeny Prigozhin often attacks Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's war record
It comes after a Russian general accused Wagner group of kidnapping his men

By ELENA SALVONI
11 June 2023

The chief of the feared Wagner mercenary group has resisted an attempt by the Russian defence minister to take control of its ranks, as a bitter feud between the private fighting force and Moscow appears to come to a head.

Yevgeny Prigozhin said today that his fighters would not sign any contract with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, publicly defying what appear to be efforts to rein in his influence.

Prigozhin has repeatedly attacked President Vladimir Putin's top military brass for what he casts as treachery, slamming him for failing to fight the war in Ukraine properly and taunting him about coming to the frontline.

Tensions with Moscow were ratcheted up when mercenaries kidnapped a frontline Russian general last week, who admitted in a humiliating video to being drunk on duty after allegedly firing on a Wagner vehicle.

A video later emerged which showed the general, Roman Venevitin, accusing Wagner of torturing Putin's soldiers and Prigozhin of discrediting the army - a crime which could see him jailed.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12183235/Wagner-mercenary-chief-Yevgeny-Prigozhin-says-fighters-not-sign-contract-Russian-army.html?ico=topics_pagination_desktop

[Timber Rattler]

Next up...forced conscription of the surviving Wagner mercs and convicts into the Russian Army.

[Kamaji]

Next up...forced conscription of the surviving Wagner mercs and convicts into the Russian Army.

Yup.

[DefiantMassRINO]

It's one thing to have a mercenary force fighting foreign wars on your behalf; it's another to have such a force on your own soil.

Wagner mercenaries are loyal to Wagner and their paychecks, not Putin.  Wagner is a poltical threat to Putin that he must eliminate before they turn on him.

[Kamaji]

It's one thing to have a mercenary force fighting foreign wars on your behalf; it's another to have such a force on your own soil.

Wagner mercenaries are loyal to Wagner and their paychecks, not Putin.  Wagner is a poltical threat to Putin that he must eliminate before they turn on him.

That is what it's beginning to sound like.

[PeteS in CA]

The blowing of the dam upstream from Kherson benefited Putin's orcs in several ways:

* It made an entire potential front impassible; this reduced the front the orcs would have to defend by 25%-35% and protected the orcs' flank in neighboring Zaporizhzhia;

* Orcs that would have had to be stationed to defend this area could be moved elsewhere (though some orcs were left behind);

* The remaining front area is the orcs' most heavily fortified, and Ukraine's ground attacks are funneled into these areas.

[PeteS in CA]

It's one thing to have a mercenary force fighting foreign wars on your behalf; it's another to have such a force on your own soil.

Wagner mercenaries are loyal to Wagner and their paychecks, not Putin.  Wagner is a poltical threat to Putin that he must eliminate before they turn on him.

As I mentioned above, the Wagner Group and the Chechen group that is also fighting against Ukraine are but two of a number of private armies. Putin has the dilemma of his attempt to conquer Ukraine having to depend on two private armies that are a potential threat to his power.

[Kamaji]

Ukraine claims recapture of 4th village in eastern Donetsk

By Isabel Keane
June 12, 2023

Ukrainian military officials on Monday said their troops have reclaimed another southeastern village from Russian forces just days after ramping up their efforts to counterstrike.

Ukraine’s flag was once again flying over the village of Storozhov, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said in a Telegram post.

The news comes after officials announced they had taken back three other villages in the eastern Donetsk region: Blahodatne, Makarivka and Neskuchne.

In the northeast, Ukrainian troops said they repelled Russian fighters from the village of Blahodatne.

Ukraine’s 68th Separate Hunting Brigade shared a video on Facebook showing soldiers claiming victory by installing a Ukrainian flag on a damaged building in the village.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/06/12/ukraine-claims-recapture-of-4th-village-in-eastern-donetsk/

[mystery-ak]

Tanks a Lot! After Battlefield Losses, Ukraine Tells Germany to Send More Leopard 2s

Against a background of Ukrainian battlefield losses of Western-built tanks, Kyiv is asking Germany to send more armour east.

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2023/06/12/tanks-a-lot-after-battlefield-losses-ukraine-tells-germany-to-send-more-leopard-2s/

[Kamaji]

Tanks a Lot! After Battlefield Losses, Ukraine Tells Germany to Send More Leopard 2s

Against a background of Ukrainian battlefield losses of Western-built tanks, Kyiv is asking Germany to send more armour east.

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2023/06/12/tanks-a-lot-after-battlefield-losses-ukraine-tells-germany-to-send-more-leopard-2s/

Not sure why anyone should be surprised that some of those tanks will get blown up.

[Timber Rattler]

Tanks a Lot! After Battlefield Losses, Ukraine Tells Germany to Send More Leopard 2s

Against a background of Ukrainian battlefield losses of Western-built tanks, Kyiv is asking Germany to send more armour east.

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2023/06/12/tanks-a-lot-after-battlefield-losses-ukraine-tells-germany-to-send-more-leopard-2s/

I imagine that the Leopards are a high priority target for the Russians and that they have been tracking them ever since they arrived in Ukraine.  Damaging and destroying them on the battlefield makes for great propaganda photos and videos, as we have seen this past week, and it also causes consternation among those Western countries that donated them, i.e. Germany, Poland, and Finland.

With that said, while Russia's combat arms are obviously mediocre and incompetent, their engineer, reconnaissance, and artillery units are quite good, and are performing well on the defense.  And plus the Russians had all winter to dig in and turn southern Ukraine into one vast minefield.

[Kamaji]

I imagine that the Leopards are a high priority target for the Russians and that they have been tracking them ever since they arrived in Ukraine.  Damaging and destroying them on the battlefield makes for great propaganda photos and videos, as we have seen this past week, and it also causes consternation among those Western countries that donated them, i.e. Germany, Poland, and Finland.

With that said, while Russia's combat arms are obviously mediocre and incompetent, their engineer, reconnaissance, and artillery units are quite good, and are performing well on the defense.  And plus the Russians had all winter to dig in and turn southern Ukraine into one vast minefield.

[Timber Rattler]

Chechen Force Signs Contract With Russia's Defence Ministry That Wagner's Prigozhin Refused

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-06-12/chechen-force-signs-contract-with-russias-defence-ministry-that-wagners-prigozhin-refused

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Monday it has signed a contract with the Akhmat group of Chechen special forces, a day after Russia's powerful mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refused to do so.

The signing followed an order that all "volunteer units" should sign contracts by July 1 bringing them under the control of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, as Moscow tries to assert its control over private armies fighting on its behalf in Ukraine.

In return, volunteer fighters would get the same benefits and protections as regular troops, including support for them and their families if they are wounded or killed.

Prigozhin, who has waged a running feud with the defence ministry and accused it of failing to provide adequate ammunition supplies to his Wagner mercenaries in Ukraine, said on Sunday he would refuse to sign any such contract.

He said that Shoigu "cannot properly manage military formations".

The contract the defence ministry signed on Monday was with the Akhmat paramilitary group that has often been called the private army of Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of Russia's Chechnya region.

Unlike Prigozhin, Kadyrov has recently refrained from criticising the defence ministry. Members of the two groups have openly sparred, with one of Kadyrov's close allies on Thursday casting Prigozhin as a blogger who yells all the time about problems.

Akhmat commander Apty Alaudinov, who took part in the signing of the contract, said the unit has "prepared and sent tens of thousands of volunteers" to Ukraine in the past 15 months.

EXCERPT

Alaudinov is an idiot.

[240B]

It's one thing to have a mercenary force fighting foreign wars on your behalf; it's another to have such a force on your own soil.

Wagner mercenaries are loyal to Wagner and their paychecks, not Putin.  Wagner is a poltical threat to Putin that he must eliminate before they turn on him.

No way to know if this is actually true or not. But it is at least possible.

[sneakypete]

No way to know if this is actually true or not. But it is at least possible.

@240B

Well,it's not REALLY a Civil War because one side is comprised of native Russians,and the other side is comprised of mercenaries from where ever they came from.

The Soviet "leadership" seems to be comprised of damn fools who are also senile.

Not that the mercs are any smarter. The typical Russian citizen MIGHT hate their masters,but they seem to truly LOVE "Holy Mother Russia". You have to be out of your freaking mind to go up against people like that in their own country. The  Babushkas will be out in the streets with their butcher knives,looking for heads to cut off.

[Kamaji]

Shocking drone footage shows 'Russian deserters being stopped by Putin's forces and shot as they try to flee', in scenes reminiscent of Stalin's 'No One Turn Back', Ukrainian sources claim

Video shows three armed Russian barrier troops and seven fleeing soldiers
The trio appear to fire on the fleeing troops and order others to the ground

By CHRIS JEWERS
13 June 2023

A shocking video has shown Russian barrier troops appearing to execute their fellow soldiers as they attempt to flee the field of battle, Ukrainian sources have claimed.

Captured by a Ukrainian drone and posted to online messaging platform Telegram, the footage shows three Russian soldiers aiming weapons in the direction of at least seven comrades, and seemingly firing off rounds.

The brutal clip emerged as Ukraine stepped up its counteroffensive, with Kyiv's forces claiming they have liberated at least four front-line villages - amid reports that Russian troops are being killed fleeing through their own minefields.

There have also been reports of Russian troops retreating as Ukraine breaks through Moscow's defensive lines, with a number of other videos posted online appearing to show dozens of soldiers running across fields as they abandon their positions.

The latest clip was first posted to a channel called 'Look for Your Own', a project created with the backing of Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs to share photos of Russian invaders captured or killed in Ukraine, to help their relatives identify them.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12189359/Ukrainian-sources-say-shocking-footage-appears-Putins-forces-shot-try-flee.html