Russia's War Against Ukraine

[Sir Slash]

I think in this war, actually controlling a position is not as important as being able to hit it with firepower. The sack the Ukes have around Robovney can be hit from 3 sides with everything the Russkies can hit it with, thus the need to disperse their troops. And the need to enlarge the position. The first line as I understand it was just a Tank Ditch and Dragon's Teeth, not the actual trenches. The UAF is using almost exclusively infantry here as armor gets clobbered right away. How far can an Infantry-only drive get? Unless they get their arty to dominate, this maybe just a jumping-off place to hold onto until next Spring.

[GDS_Starfury]

you might want to go back a few pages and scroll through the trenchs post I put up.  that first line was not just a ditch and some concrete blocks.

[GDS_Starfury]

https://warontherocks.com/2023/09/perseverance-and-adaptation-ukraines-counteroffensive-at-three-months/

[Sir Slash]

Pardon me if I put more faith in what others post than you Star. It's not personal. There was video a couple of days back of a Ukrainian soldier walking to the east of the of the tank ditch and dragon's teeth which were clearly visible in the distance. If there was more than that there, I didn't see it.

[GDS_Starfury]

 

[Sir Slash]

In related news, I see the Ukrainians are altering their Draft/Conscription rules to include persons previously deferred for Medical Reasons as Able-Bodied now and subject to call-up. Also they're doing away with deferments for persons attending college previously not being called-up.

Probably most of this was needed and past due, and the Russkies are doing far worse to recruit men for the war, voluntarily or involuntary. But it does look more and more likely this war ain't near close to being over. 

[JasonPratt]

The mobile SAMs on blocks are weird enough, but there's a photo or video floating around of another mobile SAM system (maybe not that large) up on a 20 to 30 foot steel scaffold.

At least the ones on the blocks could still theoretically roll back off on their tracks (there are stair-steps behind them).

[JasonPratt]

Re the abandoned teeth and trenches: I think the point is that they have been ABANDONED now rather than still being held. They were supported before now. Orks are falling back to the second line. Or father. To quote a movie I can't recall, "There may be no minimum safe distance." 

[GDS_Starfury]

The mobile SAMs on blocks are weird enough, but there's a photo or video floating around of another mobile SAM system (maybe not that large) up on a 20 to 30 foot steel scaffold.

that would be this Pantsir, but don't put faith in that.   

[Con]

Interesting read on unspecified NATO training vs Combat Reality for Ukrainian forces on the ground.
Sounds like at least in this case some of the training is to fight the last/cold NATO war again and not what the Ukrainians are fighting.  Tree line by tree line assaults against unimaginable numbers of mines, arty and drones in record numbers impacting CC and the OODA loop.

https://twitter.com/Teoyaomiquu/status/1699193558685618235

[GDS_Starfury]

a clearer picture of russias new tire armor on a Tu-95:

[Gusington]

^Holy moly...is that real?

[GDS_Starfury]

ya, I only posted the original pics 2 days ago.
it also seems to be a different bomber.

[Gusington]

That is insane-balls and just reeks of desperation.

[GDS_Starfury]

the first pic from the last page seemed to be operational as there are shadows from the propellers on the tarmac.
this pic doesn't have those shadows and its in a different location judging from the marks on the ground and orientation.
still.....