The Ukraine war thread

[Mik]

This is all well and good. I just wish we'd stop announcing it and giving the location.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-to-expand-combat-training-for-ukrainian-troops/ar-AA15kxQO?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=f60ce41f3f3e43d9ab5441a4c4184571

[Renauda]

@Mik

I see another side to announcing it. It is an open declaration of defiance to Putin’s intimidation tactics against NATO. It also counters Kremlin disinformation regarding covert NATO support to Ukraine. I trust that the Pentagon knows what it is doing.

[Mik]

Could be.

For all his nuclear saber rattling, I can't imagine Putin has too much confidence in his nuclear forces after the performance of his conventional ones.

[George K]

It's interesting (for lack of a better word) to see Putin's objection to the US delivery of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. This is 100% a defensive weapon.

[Copper]

Maybe the US troops aren't operating the equipment, but it sounds like they are standing there watching it operate. And they are training the guys operating it.

That is pretty close to fighting in the war.

[Mik]

Kissinger says we should not crush Russia but should negotiate. He thinks Ukraine should cede territory to Russia. I will consider what he says, but it is near impossible to think Russia should be rewarded for aggression.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-suffering-crippling-loss-in-ukraine-threatens-world-order-kissinger/ar-AA15mZZ1?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=312ff191994d47eca422f68f09b2ec94

[Copper]

@Mik said in The Ukraine war thread:

t is near impossible to think Russia should be rewarded for aggression.

The reward isn't for the aggression, it's for winning.

Or in the case of a negotiated settlement, the reward is negotiated. Stopping the aggression is worth something.

[George K]

[Renauda]

@Mik

At the this point, Russia is only prepared to dictate terms of surrender to Ukraine that amount to nothing less than the unconditional surrender of its territory and sovereignty.

So no, in the foreseeable future it is folly to even consider the Kremlin could sit down and negotiate in good faith a stop to its aggression against Ukraine and, by extension, NATO.

[Jolly]

Somebody has to run out of will, money or bodies at some point.

[Renauda]

@Jolly

Although it has an abundance of will to defend itself, Ukraine is out of money and running out of bodies.

Russia is flush with cash, has plenty of bodies in reserve and is sufficiently deluded to believe in its own infallibility to fight NATO indefinitely.

[George K]

@Renauda said in The Ukraine war thread:

Ukraine is out of money and running out of bodies.

Several sources claim > 90K Russian dead. If the ⅓ ratio holds, that adds up to 270K casualties.

I've not seen anything about Ukranian casualties. I imagine it's probably similar.

[Renauda]

@George-K

I can’t imagine Ukrainian casualties being much different.

Casualty estimates for both sides is a cloudy issue that’s for sure. I came across the following this morning breaking down confirmed Russian KIAs:

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/16/5-graphs-analyzing-10000-russian-soldiers-confirmed-killed-in-ukraine-a79699

[George K]

I saw this in the New York Times earlier today, and it's a long, LONG, article.

This Twitter thread hits the highlights (lowlights?).

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1604142037770575872.html

[LuFins Dad]

Why do Russians have so much trouble with stairs?

[Mik]

One Russian tank unit attacks another over argument. Love this. Maakes you wonder if one day the Russian occupiers may desert and turn Ukrainian. Wouldn't that be something.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/a-russian-tank-unit-deliberately-attacked-another-russian-position-in-ukraine-report-says-illustrating-vicious-rivalries-within-putin-s-army/ar-AA15q1Kf?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=85f3fc7219314acdbb1130fc1b59a9aa

[jon-nyc]

Wow.

[George K]

@jon-nyc they'll have to leave the country to buy them, I assume.

Perhaps they'll also be encouraged by the musicians and circus performers at the front.

[George K]

More mobilizations coming?

2/ This follows earlier indications that the Russian authorities are preparing to mobilise government and emergency service workers, including police officers and firefighters, as well as more civilians.

3/ According to the Baza Telegram channel, Moscow police officers have been given a list of items that they must immediately acquire for themselves, as early as today. They have reportedly been told their bags will be checked for compliance.

4/ The list includes items such as clothes, towels, a compass, a torch, an combat mission plotter, a day's worth of food, a one-litre flask of water and a first-aid kit. The officers were additionally ordered to pack a sleeping bag and a camping mat.

5/ The purpose of the order isn't stated, but as the Military Ombudsman Telegram channel notes, "for those involved in the army, the purpose of such a duffel bag is quite recognisable." /end

[Renauda]

Zelensky in Washington tomorrow?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64047058

Am seeing this on other sites as well.