Posted on 02/24/2015 2:57:00 PM PST by dynachrome
The problem is, Ukraine is using old, badly neglected equipment which often doesn’t work, or doesn’t work well. This is not a new problem for them, but Yanukovych’ gutting of the military was even worse, and surely was part of Putin’s plan. For example, at the outset of the conflict Ukraine had a huge problem with even having working batteries to start anything from jeeps to tanks. Also, though Ukraine does have a large defense industry, it is HIGHLY interwoven with the Russian defense industry. Both sides ship lots of components to the other, but Ukraine in particular produces VERY few weapons that are not dependent on Russian parts.
As for the difference on the battlefield, Ukraine seems to have a LOT of poorly trained soldiers - those conscripts you mention, and volunteers too. I’ve read that “half the men who took part in Maidan are dead”, and I don’t think many of them were soldiers at that time. But, worse, the Ukrainian Generals have repeatedly let their troops get bottled up and routed, so in that area, I do agree with you. It’s hard to keep soldiers wanting to fight when the leadership stinks. Additionally, some Ukrainians, perhaps many, see the lack of support from the West and conclude they are pawns whom the West is content to use as cannon fodder. I am beginning to myself subscribe to the notion that Obama, Merkel, etc., are “ok” with a long bloody war to weaken Russia, rather than giving Ukraine the means to push the Russians out, and be done with it (such that Russia could easily recover by 2010 or so.)
However, Ukraine is in serious trouble, which has VERY troubling long term implications far beyond the region, and far into the future. IMO, that’s probably why Britain sees fit to send advisors, to at least try to address the leadership / tactics / strategy problems.
Correct. Though, after Yanukovych, I'm not sure what wasn't in abysmal condition...
Brits have over 400 tanks.
There have been several Ukrainian military factories just plainly stolen by Russia from the territory they control. Russian “humanitarian” trucks arrive with ammo and leave with factory machinery.
Chicago Council report I linked in post 19 does not list tanks among the weapons they think Ukraine needs as aid.
Eh, did you see the vid where one of the Russians, er, separatist leaders is talking to a camera, and a guy a few feet behind him gets whacked by a sniper. Talker never even winces - just keeps talking to the camera.
The Russians (er, separatists) have a big qualitative edge in weaponry. Snipers are not going to stop tanks. However, I think snipers could do damage behind the lines, if they have the guts to view themselves as expendable, and go after high value targets...
Yes - It is rarely discussed, but I think those Ukrainian defense factories are a BIG part of what Putin is after. Russia has had huge problems in trying to set up to manufacture themselves the components Ukraine manufactured for them in the past.
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