The Ukraine war thread

[Renauda]

@Mik

I get that it is a recognized dilemma in this war. Nevertheless at least by sending Ukraine the Soviet era aircraft the NATO states close to Ukraine and Russia can modernise their air forces. As well, by supplying Ukraine with more air capability, Russia will continue to be held back from gaining any meaningful air superiority over a wide area in Ukraine.

Besides this war is not about to end any time soon. We either support Ukraine to the hilt or not.

[Mik]

Agreed. We have to stand fast here, regardless of duration. Otherwise we leave it that states can advance through military means.

[Renauda]

Here’s link I came across a couple of weeks back on the comparative relevance of the A-10 and SU-25 to the Ukrainian theatre at this time

https://www.google.com/amp/s/theaviationgeekclub.com/su-25-vs-a-10-heres-why-the-frogfoot-might-be-better-suited-than-the-warthog-for-cas/

[Mik]

Interesting. I wonder how much they are actually using them right now.

[Jolly]

GROM

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/evidence-of-russia-using-grom-standoff-weapons-in-ukraine-emerges

[Jolly]

@Renauda said in The Ukraine war thread:

Here’s link I came across a couple of weeks back on the comparative relevance of the A-10 and SU-25 to the Ukrainian theatre at this time

https://www.google.com/amp/s/theaviationgeekclub.com/su-25-vs-a-10-heres-why-the-frogfoot-might-be-better-suited-than-the-warthog-for-cas/

Old argument. Back in the day, I made the argument that the U.S. should buy some Frogfoots from the Russians, plonk some new avionics in them and give them refueling capability.

They are a very capable airframe that can operate off of truly horrendous runways.

[Jolly]

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovak-government-send-mig-29-fighter-jets-ukraine-pm-2023-03-17/

Good. Now, I wonder how the U.S. program is progressing that allows NATO weapons to be used on Soviet and Russian aircraft?

[Mik]

Putin was indicted before Trump! Who would have guessed that? It doesn't mean a whole lot, but it does put a little more pressure on him by further harming his international stature.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/international-arrest-warrant-issued-for-vladimir-putin-but-will-the-russian-president-be-taken-away-in-cuffs/ar-AA18LfJ8?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=af5a6f5c9c564939b840bf42de05bd53&ei=32

[Mik]

An offer he can't refuse

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-may-find-itself-receiving-an-offer-from-china-it-cannot-refuse/ar-AA18N2B9?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=062e341c21ec47eca9cfcaebb42f54fa&ei=27

[Renauda]

@Mik

Indeed it will be interesting to see what comes out of that summit next week, other than the usual overwrought theatre.

[George K]

[George K]

[Renauda]

@George-K

Theatre of the perverse.

[jon-nyc]

[Mik]

Could be behind the reports of him looking puffy.

[George K]

It's been said that the configuration of one's ears as unique as a fingerprint. Look at #1 and #2. They are the same person, based on the shape of the ear. I can't tell about #3. But, are they Putin? I dunno.

ETA: AHA!

https://news.yahoo.com/putin-using-body-double-listen-035201450.html

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/putins-body-double-mystery-finally-29121981

[Mik]

Bluster and fear is all he's got left.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-threatens-to-blow-up-icc-with-hypersonic-missile/ar-AA18QozP?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=eca961c8ad17487fa775fc6ced26b38c&ei=13

[Renauda]

As expected it was a whole lot of nothing other than more trouble down the road:

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/21/as-xi-visits-putin-allies-trumpet-new-era-but-offer-little-substance-a80559

[Mik]

The only thing at all significant is the implication that if the parties don't come to a political settlement China will start providing lethal aid.

[Renauda]

@Mik

Like I said, more trouble down the road.

There ain’t going to be a settlement.