Russia's War Against Ukraine

[JasonPratt]

It turns out that trying to mobilize 300,000 troops may perhaps affect a nation's economy, possibly, according to Russia itself!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/putin-called-an-additional-300-000-men-into-the-military-a-month-ago-and-it-s-taking-a-toll-on-the-economy/ar-AA13dtFm?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=cfbda87ac786457ebe1005b4bbbf53f3#image=AA13dk47|1

But only possibly.

In other not-news, Russia still doesn't understand economy. 


Or maybe they're learning a little? If you don't outfit or supply those 300K troops, then your economy might not be affected much, right...?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-russian-army-has-given-newly-drafted-soldiers-absolutely-no-equipment-forcing-families-to-buy-armor-and-clothing-so-conscripts-have-a-chance-to-come-back/ar-AA13cJQw?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=cfbda87ac786457ebe1005b4bbbf53f3

[Crossroads]

In the Shadows of FRIDAY, or, Ukraine

Did not want to steal the thunder at Computer Gaming, and a better match here regardless.

Fresh out today by the old feather head with his band and the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra.

Combining the legendary rock song with the unique sound of Ukrainian folk, we created "In The Shadows of Ukraine"

Original lyrics: "They say that I must learn to kill before I can feel safe, but I'd rather kill myself than turn into their slave." - reflects the feelings of Ukrainians during the long war in their country.

Our mission is to let as many people as possible know about this war and the courage of the Ukrainian people. That's why we decided to shoot a video for this song.

We believe that "The sun will rise, and all enemies will disappear".

Glory to Ukraine!

O0

[Windigo]

In this day and age how can fortified lines still be a thing?

Precision munitions mean they will be destroyed.

Also, I am aware of a few sources that say Wagner is having morale issues now and their troop quality is dropping. Once their profitability drops, then what?

[SirAndrewD]

In this day and age how can fortified lines still be a thing?

Precision munitions mean they will be destroyed.

Also, I am aware of a few sources that say Wagner is having morale issues now and their troop quality is dropping. Once their profitability drops, then what?

"Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man." - George S. Patton. 

[Dammit Carl!]

In lieu of combined arms training, fixed positions are all the Russians are going to have to offer as they get plussed up with those poor conscripted/mobilized fodder folks.

Re: Wagner Group - most recent "Popular Front," podcast covers PMCs and paramilitary groups sent into Ukraine by Russia and is a good listen.  Thought Wagner was a homogeneous organization and the podcast painted them more as a patchwork sort of thing.

[Tripoli]

In lieu of combined arms training, fixed positions are all the Russians are going to have to offer as they get plussed up with those poor conscripted/mobilized fodder folks.

Re: Wagner Group - most recent "Popular Front," podcast covers PMCs and paramilitary groups sent into Ukraine by Russia and is a good listen.  Thought Wagner was a homogeneous organization and the podcast painted them more as a patchwork sort of thing.

There has been some reporting that Wagner is recruiting among the Russian prisoner population, so the quality of their formations will likely decrease/become more "patchy."  See https://greekreporter.com/2022/09/18/russian-mercenary-group-recruiting-prison/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62922152

[FarAway Sooner]

You got to admit, standing in a trench is safer than standing in the open!  As was discussed upthread, it seems more like those are anti-tank trenches than anything else.  The lack of any zig-zag pattern means that, once a trenchline is breached, it's easy to shoot up and down the length of the thing.

Or maybe this was just a multimedia production made to inspire the Russian people, many of whom don't seem inclined to ask tough questions of their government broadcasts right now in any event.

[JasonPratt]

The lack of any zig-zag pattern means that, once a trenchline is breached, it's easy to shoot up and down the length of the thing.

It's also easy for precision munitions to spread up and down the length of the thing -- as has been seen repeatedly with drone cameras.

[Dammit Carl!]

You got to admit, standing in a trench is safer than standing in the open!  As was discussed upthread, it seems more like those are anti-tank trenches than anything else.  The lack of any zig-zag pattern means that, once a trenchline is breached, it's easy to shoot up and down the length of the thing.

Deffo anti-tank ditches, but they seem to be not wide enough to really stop anything with treads - slow them, yes, and couple ditches with mines and you've got some good area denial going on. 

Lol.  Reminds me back in my Army Engineer days when we were told as heavy equipment operators, "You'll be the only guys with your backs to the enemy as you use your D7s to breach that obstacle and get our M1s through!"  Yeah, puttering about in our unarmored D7s obviously trying to fill in the holes the enemies made had our lifespan down to mere minutes, but they never told you that little bit of info.

[GDS_Starfury]

not your daddys Caterpillar.

[Dammit Carl!]

not your daddys Caterpillar.

Beefiest ones we ever used were up-armored D7s for anti-mine work circa '05.  Armor package had these narrow, tiny windows where you could just only make out your blade edges up front.  Had radios in them, so your spotter(s) in the Humvee nearby could give you directions.  Biggest sphincter-tightening moment I had was, when spotting and within 10-15 meters of the machine, the dozer uncovered an old Soviet arty round; just grazed right across the top of the thing.  Much rapid evacuation from the area enused.

[Windigo]

There still remains the challenge of logistics. I am not sure how a force without supply, especially a low-morale force can hold up against even a tepid push/test of defenses.

BTW if the ruskies withdraw under fire, where will they likely go? I mean sooner or later they will run out of room.

[Gusington]

Carl you used those bulldozers? No wonder your handle is Dammit Carl!

[Dammit Carl!]

Carl you used those bulldozers? No wonder your handle is Dammit Carl!

Nah, never the high-tracked stuff, but just your basic D7s - no armor, no cab, no nothing.  ROPS and a seatbelt topped out the trim package on our stuff.

[Gusington]

Clearly you were skilled enough not to get...injured.