Page 186 of 215
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2023 10:48 pm
by bfcjg
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2023 4:59 pm
by Lancasterclaret
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 3:30 pm
by Lancasterclaret
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:30 pm
by Pendle Bella
Always worth listening to for an understanding of Geopolitics:
Sergey Lavrov Speech - ENGLISH TRANSLATED - Russian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w3MB44X8us
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:52 pm
by Lancasterclaret
https://twitter.com/AKamyshin/status/16 ... 5870660610
Unlikely anyone remembers, but I posted back in the summer about attempts to reconnect Ukraine railways to the Romanian one?
Well, its up and running
Essentially, that means freight can move directly from Romania into Southern Ukraine, and vice versa, which should help both Ukrainian exports and imports
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:16 pm
by bfcjg
https://uk.yahoo.com/finance/news/putin ... 39760.html
Information regarding the financial hit to Russia, bearing in mind how small in world terms its economy is.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:25 pm
by Corky
Haven't posted anything for a while. This is what Ben Wallace has had to say about latest supplies of weaponry.
“In December I told the House that I was developing options to respond to Russia’s continued aggression in a calibrated and determined manner. Today I can announce the most significant package of combat power to date to accelerate Ukrainian success. This includes:
A squadron of Challenger 2 tanks with armoured recovery and repair vehicles.
We will donate AS90 guns to Ukraine. This comprises a battery of eight guns at high readiness and two further batteries at varying states of readiness. This donation will not impact our existing AS90 commitment to Estonia.
Hundreds more armoured and protected vehicles will also be sent including Bulldog.
A manoeuvre support package, including minefield breaching and bridging capabilities worth £28 million.
Dozens more uncrewed aerial systems worth £20 million to support Ukrainian artillery.
Another 100,000 artillery rounds; on top of the 100,000 rounds already delivered.
Hundreds more sophisticated missiles including GMLRS rockets, Starstreak air defence missiles, and medium range air defence missiles.
An equipment support package of spares to refurbish up to a hundred Ukrainian tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
While the tanks and the AS90s will come from our stocks, along with their associated ammunition, a significant number of the other donations are being purchased from the open market or from supportive third-party countries.”
He also added:
“This week dozens of nations will meet in Ramstein, Germany, to progress further donations and international coordination. The Kremlin will be in no doubt that we are resolved to stand by Ukraine in her fight. Doubling down on the success of our basic training of Ukrainian military in 2022 in the United Kingdom, we are also now increasing this number this year to a further 20,000. Canada, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, the Netherlands have already joined this effort and I’m pleased to say we are now going to be joined by a group of Australian military to train in this country as well. Leaving their summer to join our winter.
Our decision today is a calibrated response to Russia’s growing aggression and indiscriminate bombing. The Kremlin must recognise that is it their behaviour that is solidifying the international resolve and that despite the propaganda Ukraine and her partners are focused on the defence of Ukraine. None of the international support is an attack on Russia, or NATO-orchestrated aggression, let alone a Proxy War.
At its heart it is about helping Ukraine defend itself, upholding international law and restoring its sovereignty. We believe that in 2023, increased supplies, improved training, and strengthening diplomatic resolve will enable Ukraine to be successful against Russia’s poorly led and now badly equipped Armed Forces.
From the outset President Putin believed his forces would be welcomed with open arms, that Ukrainians wouldn’t fight and that Western support would crumble. He has been proved wrong on all counts. Today’s package will help accelerate the conclusion of Putin’s occupation and all its brutality and ensure that in 2023 and beyond if necessary, Ukraine maintains its momentum, supported by an international community that is determined more than ever that Putin’s illegal and unprovoked invasion will fail.”
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:55 pm
by Lancasterclaret
Denmark/Lithuania/Estonia/Sweden all announced military aid packages to Ukraine today
Pretty clear the idea is to make sure Ukraine wins (by that, I mean take back areas currently under Russian control) as soon as possible
May seem very obvious, but if Russia is going to try to switch to a war footing with its economy (as has been rumoured), then the quicker Ukraine achieves its objectives, the better
Very unlikely to change Russian plans by the way, but it will make justifying them (even with complete tv/radio/internet control) to ordinary Russians very hard indeed
https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/sta ... 6052566018 - Denmark
https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/ ... 6758344705 - Sweden
https://twitter.com/kajakallas/status/1 ... 2779101185 - Estonia
https://twitter.com/Lithuanian_MoD/stat ... 8897238016 - Lithuania
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:57 pm
by Lancasterclaret
The more thorny issue of tanks (Leopards, as they are the only European tank still being produced and with sufficient stocks in reserve) depends on the big NATO meeting later this week I think
But there is no reason not to send them
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 3:23 pm
by Lancasterclaret
https://twitter.com/ianbremmer/status/1 ... 2901321729
All I would say to this is that I hope the social media team at the Russian embassy in Sweden work in the basement
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 3:31 pm
by LeadBelly
Haha yes- although I wouldn't put it past the Kremlin to suggest whoever is responsible fell up the stairs and broke their neck(s).
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 4:39 pm
by Hipper
As someone on there pointed out the colours represent low or high prices, not countries.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 4:41 pm
by Lancasterclaret
Hipper wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 4:39 pm
As someone on there pointed out the colours represent low or high prices, not countries.
Still doesn't change the fact that Crimea is the same colour as Ukraine Hipper, with all the respect in the world
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 11:06 am
by Lancasterclaret
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:14 am
by Lancasterclaret
https://twitter.com/DofConsequence/stat ... 2336110594
Logistics, logistics, logistics
Its all about logistics
Wonder why on earth both sides are battering away at places that look insignificant on a big map?
Wonder no more!
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:49 pm
by Lancasterclaret
https://twitter.com/Justin_Br0nk/status ... 0895858691
Good thread on sending F-16s to Ukraine and whether they are in fact a priority
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:46 pm
by JarrowClaret
People talk about the F16 being used by the Ukrainians it would no doubt be useful in both FGA and AD roles but I imagine it is better suited to AD due to its speed and manoeuvrability. In fact it was very often the CAP protecting AWACS when I was in Iraq.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:50 pm
by Lancasterclaret
JarrowClaret wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:46 pm
People talk about the F16 being used by the Ukrainians it would no doubt be useful in both FGA and AD roles but I imagine it is better suited to AD due to its speed and manoeuvrability. In fact it was very often the CAP protecting AWACS when I was in Iraq.
Would they be helpful in stopping the missile strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities?
I assume that their hard points can be modified to take Soviet era AAMs?
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:50 pm
by Vegas Claret
Ukraine needs A10's and B1's - it would be over in 2 days
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:56 pm
by bfcjg
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/russia-elite- ... 04315.html
Interesting observations regarding the collapse of the Wagner group, pure cannon fodder.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:12 pm
by Lancasterclaret
ISW reporting that Putin has swung back to relying on the army rather than Wagner, as they have proved no more successful in taking Bakhmut than anyone else
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:12 am
by Lancasterclaret
https://twitter.com/terischultz/status/ ... 0690445314
German Defence Minister says that they haven't decided whether to send Leopards, but other countries that have them can send them
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:17 am
by NewClaret
I’m confused on this…
Why are Germany dragging their feet with providing Leopards?
And why is it even in question that countries who have Leopards (presumably purchased?) could be vetoed by Germany? Or are those on loan from Germany?
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:22 am
by Lancasterclaret
NewClaret wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:17 am
I’m confused on this…
Why are Germany dragging their feet with providing Leopards?
And why is it even in question that countries who have Leopards (presumably purchased?) could be vetoed by Germany? Or are those on loan from Germany?
To do with Germany have a veto about re exporting them
Germany has already provided a load of stuff, far more than most to be fair, and I'm sure they will end up supplying them
I get the worries about escalation 100%, but we are well past the stage where we have any choice, and there is a very strong argument that we should have provided more stuff a lot earlier (after 2014)
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:33 am
by robinoz
NewClaret wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:17 am
And why is it even in question that countries who have Leopards (presumably purchased?) could be vetoed by Germany? Or are those on loan from Germany?
It was explaining on the radio that there's a concern that German manufacturing would suffer. America has said that if other countries (not Germany) send their Leopard Tanks to Ukraine, then America will replace them with American made tanks. If that happens and the other countries switch to US supplied tanks, then German manufacturing suffers.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:37 am
by bfcjg
If Russia succeeds in Ukraine, not only will they blackmail the West with oil and gas they will control the world's grain basket, and that is a real concern.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:39 am
by NewClaret
Lancasterclaret wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:22 am
To do with Germany have a veto about re exporting them
Germany has already provided a load of stuff, far more than most to be fair, and I'm sure they will end up supplying them
I get the worries about escalation 100%, but we are well past the stage where we have any choice, and there is a very strong argument that we should have provided more stuff a lot earlier (after 2014)
I agree.
Irrespective of whether you believe the Ukrainian numbers, Russia have now taken heavy losses. If the West wanted to finish them off very quickly they could, but of course such a stark and embarrassing defeat could escalate in to something nobody wants.
I think they’re playing a very good game - give them just enough, keep Russia sending more and more armour to Ukraine to destroy, then destroy them slowly but comprehensively such that they cannot launch any attacks in future.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:32 am
by Lancasterclaret
robinoz wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:33 am
It was explaining on the radio that there's a concern that German manufacturing would suffer. America has said that if other countries (not Germany) send their Leopard Tanks to Ukraine, then America will replace them with American made tanks. If that happens and the other countries switch to US supplied tanks, then German manufacturing suffers.
Poland is in very deep discussion with South Korea about exactly that
They already have a very successful SP artillery piece from that (which has been sent to Ukraine)
South Korea effectively have limitless military manufacturing capacity (for very obvious reasons) so there is a danger for the German economy
But again, the reason the Leopard II is very popular is because its one of the best tanks in the world (M1 Abrahams are of course v good as well, but we are talking about a completely different maintenance/fuel set up
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:56 pm
by bfcjg
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 2:23 pm
by NewClaret
2 planes and 4 helicopters downed yesterday according to Ukraine!
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:08 pm
by Hipper
Lancasterclaret wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:32 am
Poland is in very deep discussion with South Korea about exactly that
They already have a very successful SP artillery piece from that (which has been sent to Ukraine)
South Korea effectively have limitless military manufacturing capacity (for very obvious reasons) so there is a danger for the German economy
But again, the reason the Leopard II is very popular is because its one of the best tanks in the world (M1 Abrahams are of course v good as well, but we are talking about a completely different maintenance/fuel set up
.... which is surely a point against the idea that Poland etc. will convert to US made tanks. They presumably have a good relationship with Rheinmetall and have tools and experience of maintaining Leopards. Furthemore a good showing in Ukraine will boost orders further.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 6:09 pm
by Lancasterclaret
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschl ... 2d58fd850f
Germany to send Leopards to Ukraine
Rheinmetall have about 100 Leopard 2 and about 100 Leopard 1
Need some work like, but that would be 200 MBTs that are all superior to anything, and Leopard Is are probably ok v T-90s (of which Russia hasn't got a lot of and little chance of making more)
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:30 am
by Hipper
Is there any report on the performance and effects of main battle tanks on both sides in this war?
I would like to know:
1. What have they achieved?
2. Losses - numbers and how (another tank, air or surface attack, maintenance issues), for both sides.
3. What are they expected to achieve in the next phase of this war?
4. How quickly can they be trained to operate well these three tanks (Abrams, Leopard 2, Challenger 2).
5. How difficult will it be to manage munitions and maintenance (different skills and tools)?
5. How quickly can Ukraine integrate four different types of tank (Abrams, Leopard 2, Challenger 2, plus whatever they have remaining) into their operations?
I was reading that earlier types of Leopard 2's had proved vulnerable to 'mines, mortars and anti tank missiles' in Syria when used by the Turks so of course the performance of these three tank types offered will depend on their upgrades or lack of them.
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-bes ... ?r=US&IR=T
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 12:54 pm
by bfcjg
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/moscow-quiet- ... 00317.html
Not Russians support Putin and his war,in fact according to polls the support has dwindled away.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 1:56 pm
by Lancasterclaret
Hipper wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:30 am
Is there any report on the performance and effects of main battle tanks on both sides in this war?
I would like to know:
1. What have they achieved?
Advancing without armor support is essentially pointless, as the Russians are proving at Bakhmut and elsewhere - tanks remain the best way of taking ground and helping hold it, but are still horribly vulnerable in built up areas (as proved numerous times)
2. Losses - numbers and how (another tank, air or surface attack, maintenance issues), for both sides.
Oryx count on twitter is best for this - staggering amounts lost, especially of Russian vehicles
Put it on here about a month ago but the disparity in forces, especially in armor and artillery has narrowed massively thanks to Ukrainian capture of Russian equipment and Western aid
3. What are they expected to achieve in the next phase of this war?
Depends on which side you mean
Russia I'm sure still think they can do some sort of WWII "Bagration" type operation to end the war with them rolling through Kyi'v with the Ukrainians completely encircled - realistically they will try to occupy Donestk and Luhansk oblasts fully
Ukraine, to blunt the next stage of the Russian offensive and then to counter attack to the border
4. How quickly can they be trained to operate well these three tanks (Abrams, Leopard 2, Challenger 2).
No idea to be honest
5. How difficult will it be to manage munitions and maintenance (different skills and tools)?
Depends on the supply chain from the West - the weight and size will aslo dictate where they can operate due to bridging limitations etc
5. How quickly can Ukraine integrate four different types of tank (Abrams, Leopard 2, Challenger 2, plus whatever they have remaining) into their operations?
Depends on 4 I suspect - would be surprised if there hasn't been some training already going on
I was reading that earlier types of Leopard 2's had proved vulnerable to 'mines, mortars and anti tank missiles' in Syria when used by the Turks so of course the performance of these three tank types offered will depend on their upgrades or lack of them.
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-bes ... ?r=US&IR=T
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:34 pm
by KateR
I think the tank training will all be in Europe and none in the USA. Potentially besides these tanks I think some Russian tanks will be moved from Europe to Ukraine and they will be replaced in donor countries by western tanks. Both side will be planning for the Spring offensive, some of these are better in muddy conditions than others, but especially the other armored vehicles that have been supplied in far larger amounts than I expect main tanks will be.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:32 am
by Hipper
Tanks are a bit 'glamorous' like battleships used to be. Seeing a tank move about with it's gun training on something makes impressive film.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:26 am
by AlargeClaret
While modern (ish) tanks have a dazzling array of both short and long range weaponry , gizmos etc. The sheer “ click and play” ease , mobility ,range and accuracy of the best anti tank guns like Javelins /The Saab ones and equivalents have almost overnight turned tank warfare on its head . The classic role of infantry support has become far more vulnerable for tanks. They appear to be used far more in “ static “ artillery bombardments ,using their agility after firing to great advantage.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:46 am
by Lancasterclaret
AlargeClaret wrote: ↑Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:26 am
While modern (ish) tanks have a dazzling array of both short and long range weaponry , gizmos etc. The sheer “ click and play” ease , mobility ,range and accuracy of the best anti tank guns like Javelins /The Saab ones and equivalents have almost overnight turned tank warfare on its head . The classic role of infantry support has become far more vulnerable for tanks. They appear to be used far more in “ static “ artillery bombardments ,using their agility after firing to great advantage.
Well, yes
But if one side has modern MBTs, and the other side doesn't have Javelins or modern MBTS, then its still going to have a very positive effect on battlefield outcomes
I'm not sure the Russian military inventory includes enough modern weaponry to consign Abrahams and Leopards to that role
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 6:25 pm
by Lowbankclaret
This is real life account of the Abrams against I think T72 in the gulf war.
https://youtu.be/U4d9KsTMA4E
As the tank guy says an abrams don’t miss and can fire every 3 seconds with a good loader.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 6:30 pm
by Lowbankclaret
I have not posted for a while as not a lot of significance has been going on , on the ground.
Suddenly us Brits broke the mould and have Ukraine tanks and the flood gates opened.
Lots of clips of Russian TV on line. They are going berserk talking again about full scale nuclear war .
These modern tanks will make a massive difference, Russia has depleated its resources so much it’s only really fighting a trench war now.
If and I mean IF the Ukrainians can master these tanks quickly, Russian soldiers are in for a very bad spring.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:33 pm
by bfcjg
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/iranian-milit ... 14518.html
The comments from the Ukrainian minister is interesting.
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:21 pm
by IanMcL
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2023 11:07 pm
by bfcjg
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:03 am
by Hipper
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:24 pm
by Lancasterclaret
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:34 pm
by Lancasterclaret
Dunno how accurate this is to be honest, but it does show the dramatic drop in Russian oil exports over the past year
https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1620112965113630722
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:39 pm
by GodIsADeeJay81
Out of interest, Israel blowing up Iran's drone making facilities is a problem for Russia also, yes?
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:01 am
by NewClaret
GodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:39 pm
Out of interest, Israel blowing up Iran's drone making facilities is a problem for Russia also, yes?
Presumably in the short term but they’re apparently building their own factory to make them somewhere.
I think they disclosed the location, but I doubt even Russia would be stupid enough to tell the world where it really plans to make them!
Re: Russia Invades
Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:11 pm
by KateR
just thought I'd add below, this war is having far reaching repercussions in terms of modern warfare and adapting accordingly, I would say the "West" have a great "training/testing" ground for numerous weapons and other potential game changers such as intelligence gathering and maximizing the use thereof.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64294915
Russia must also be learning fast in terms of what they had is just not good enough in the warfare of today and the future, I'm sure there will be people looking at what needs to change as and when they rebuild from this, the mantra must surely have changed from if we take on NATO we'd destroy them from a couple of years ago.
Poor Ukraine getting the brunt of it due to, well you all know who!