Update from Ukraine | Frontlines are Boiling Ukraine Advances on the South Ruzzia sends more forces

Youtube.com ^ | 11-18-2023 | Denys Davydov

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

Update from Ukraine | Frontlines are Boiling Ukraine Advances on the South Ruzzia sends more forces

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjElWt-iU2w

Offensive through the eyes of a soldier November 17, 2023 https://militaryland.net/news/invasion-day-630-summary/ Offensive through the eyes of a soldier Company commander of 47th Mechanized Brigade speaks about the unit and combat in the south.

Mykola Melnyk is an officer of Ukrainian Armed Forces, owner of Bohdan Khmelnytsky Order. In 2022, he joined 47th Mechanized Brigade (back then a battalion) and became company commander. He recently gave an interview to Ukrainian Front 18 channel, where he speaks about the brigade and the offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

[NOTE: two summaries per week, released on Wednesday and Sunday]

*** Great interactive maps with viewer controlled Map magnification tool to use for each Front!

https://militaryland.net/maps/

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

VIDEO COMMENTARY

18 Nov: CRAZY ASSAULT! Russians SUFFER 90% DEATH RATE | War in Ukraine Explained
Reporting from Ukraine
438K subscribers
11-19-2023 3:00 a.m. EST
5:00 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgSE16yHF2c

⚠️ Watch RFU in 20 languages: https://www.youtube.com/@RFU/channels

I am Ukrainian. My country has been invaded by Russia. In this video I will tell you what happened on the six-hundred-thirty-third day of the war.

Day 633: Nov 18

Here, the Russian offensive operation recently slowed down. And this is not surprising because the most recent wave of attacks that took place in the northern part of the region brought little to no results and forced Russians to rethink their tactics.

The main goal of the Russian forces in this region is to breach the Ukrainian defenses in the chemical plant and enter the facilities. This was supposed to be another blitzkrieg operation that should have ensured the rapid collapse of the Ukrainian defense and surrender of Avdiivka because by establishing control over the chemical plant, Russian forces would cut off all supply roads to the town, effectively closing the pocket around the main Ukrainian stronghold.

Unfortunately for Russians, as reported by the Ukrainian soldiers that are currently holding defense in front of the chemical plant, Russians were completely dismantled. Ukrainian soldiers admitted that the recent Russian attempt to establish a foothold on the plant territory presented a lot of challenges for Ukrainians, especially because the weather was less than perfect. Russian forces tried to leverage rains and dense fog in the morning because this was when Ukrainians struggled to use their drones efficiently.

Moreover, one Ukrainian fighter said that holding continuous defense is challenging because the personnel becomes exhausted, while Russian forces send a new assault unit the moment the previous one gets destroyed.

Ukrainian Tavriisk Group of Forces Spokesman Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun reported that Russian “Storm” and “Storm-Z” assault elements suffered significant losses, and only about 10 to 15 percent of some detachments’ original personnel survived. In order to keep the Russian forces motivated, the soldiers were ordered to put Russian flags along the contact line. Russian soldiers would have to risk their lives to put the flag as close to the Ukrainian positions as possible.

In the meantime, Ukrainian forces are tightly controlling Russian positions, and the moment the number of Russian soldiers starts to visibly increase in a particular direction, Ukrainians make it a priority target. This way, Ukrainians managed to prevent Russians from accumulating a critical number of forces and conducting an assault.

Ukrainians also continue controlling Terrikon from the sky and eliminating enemy personnel and equipment. A Ukrainian fighter reported that over the last several days, they managed to destroy several ammunition depots full of missiles for ATGM systems. Terrikon is a very convenient place for ATGM positions because it allows hitting almost any target in a 4-kilometer radius.

Moreover, Russian sources report that the usage of Russian nightmares or heavy assault octocopters is increasing. The drone has devastating power because while a regular drone carries grenades, the so-called Baba Yaga easily carries four huge mines. The caliber of these mines is 82 millimeters. Sometimes, the drone is equipped with warheads from RPG-7. The drone is usually used for destroying enemy forces concentration inside the shelters in trenches and ammunition depots or tanks and other heavy equipment.

Interestingly, just like with regular aviation, the drone is never sent alone on a mission and is usually supported by at least one reconnaissance drone to see the whole picture and at least one small assault drone with grenades to chase off Russian soldiers that might try to shoot down the octocopter before it reaches the main target. The application of such tactics along the contact line in the northern part of the region helps to stabilize the situation a lot, although it is still not easy.

In the face of high resistance from Stepove to the chemical plant, Russian forces decided to slightly shift their focus. The new objective of the Russian assault units in the region became establishing a foothold on the outskirts of the residential area south of the reservoir. Right now, tough clashes are taking place at the water pumping station.

Ukrainian fighters think that the attacks here are temporary and that Russians will return to their attempts to cut the supply roads once again. However, Ukrainian fighters said that the Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny is paying close attention to Avdiivka and controls many aspects of the defense himself, so the soldiers believe that the encirclement that Russians try to conduct will never happen.

*** Select the 3 horizontal dots to view the Complete Transcript [Below video/ top right corner]

[BroJoeK]

Worldtraveler once upon a time: "It’s Time to End Magical Thinking About Russia’s Defeat Wall Street Journal, 16 November 2023"

From Day One I've said the major problem with our aid to Ukraine is that we've sent them just enough to keep fighting, but never enough to actually win.
The obvious reason is because that's the way our Democrats love, love, love to fight wars -- jump in quick with no plans for victory, fight, fight, fight, die, die, die, then run for the hills and surrender disgracefully, as in Vietnam or Afghanistan.

It's the Democrats' way of war, and does not bode well for Ukraine.

On the other hand, Ukraine does not depend 100% on our Democrats.
Plus, Russians -- regardless of how much you sugar coat them -- have many of their own serious problems.

One major problem for Russia is that they will soon run out of non-Russians, Russian country-folk and criminals to send in suicidal "Meat Wave" assaults against Ukraine.
When big-city Russians are eventually forced to conscript their own children for war, then Vlad the Invader's adventures in Empire Building will come to a screaming halt.

[ransomnote]

Your post is a bizarre concoction of propaganda.

This next part is your rapid departure from reality. But that is the nature of Ukrainian propaganda. Russians were losing 1 soldier to 7 Ukrainians killed and Denys Davydov’s group brags the opposite. The Ukrainians didn’t have enough bullets - Russians were firing many times the bullets fired per day by Ukrainians, and still, the Ukrainian propaganda says the opposite.
!!!!
“It has always been a case of three Russians or more to one Ukrainian.
What’s made it “a close call” is Russia’s willingness to sacrifice thousands of their own soldiers in suicidal “Meat Wave” assaults for the gain of just a few yards.
In such “Meat Wave” assaults, Russian losses are typically three or more to one Ukrainian.”
!!!!
It’s the Ukraine that was forcing their men forward into mind fields without sufficient air cover.

The US’gave enough money. The US gave far more to the Ukraine than to any other nation we’ve donated to in history, and this vast expenditure took place in less than 2 years, dwarfing the money we gave Afghanistan over 23 years.

[Rocco DiPippo]

The disparities in nearly every category are enormous. They are what they are and no amount of Youkazoidal flim flam and propaganda can change any of them. Then one must also consider another fact: Ukraine's infrastructure is being gutted, wrecked. Russia's is not. And then, of course, the demographic issue is the elephant in the room. Ukraine is emptying out. Russia is not. Twenty five percent of its people have fled since the war started. Most are never coming back. In spite of these realities, never underestimate a Youkazoid's ability to twist, lie and spin about what is obvious.

The Great Glorious Victorious Spring-Summer-Fall-Winter-Mother's Day-Kwanzaa Victory™ is at hand!

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

“From Day One I’ve said the major problem with our aid to Ukraine is that we’ve sent them just enough to keep fighting, but never enough to actually win.
The obvious reason is because that’s the way our Democrats love, love, love to fight wars — jump in quick with no plans for victory, fight, fight, fight, die, die, die, then run for the hills and surrender disgracefully, as in Vietnam or Afghanistan.

It’s the Democrats’ way of war, and does not bode well for Ukraine. On the other hand, Ukraine does not depend 100% on our Democrats.

Plus, Russians — regardless of how much you sugar coat them — have many of their own serious problems.

One major problem for Russia is that they will soon run out of non-Russians, Russian country-folk and criminals to send in suicidal “Meat Wave” assaults against Ukraine.
When big-city Russians are eventually forced to conscript their own children for war, then Vlad the Invader’s adventures in Empire Building will come to a screaming halt.”

I appreciate your ‘words of wisdom’ with these 4 major points you have made.

[Rocco DiPippo]

You asked for it!

[BroJoeK]

bimboeruption: "So Russians are corrupt and Ukrainians are as pure as the driven snow?
That’s a laugh."

Then you are a funny person.

Here is a summary according to the Corruption Perception Index.
Over the past 25 years,

1. Ukrainians have improved their corruption score by more than double, putting them well ahead of Russia today.

2. Russia's scores have fluctuated but remain among the world's most corrupt countries.

3. USA scores have gotten worse by more than 10% in recent years.

So claims we see frequently from pro-Russian propagandists that Ukraine is irredeemably corrupt are outdated at best.

[Rocco DiPippo]

"Does Davydov mention that?"

Davydov is a liar, fanatasist and draft-dodging coward getting rich from the blood money he gloms from his social media. Nothing more.

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

INCIDENTALLY:

General Ben Hodges, Trouble Brewing In Russia, Putin Shoots Own Foot,
Info Flow
Nov 18, 2023 5:00 p.m. EST
10:37 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_wfr4yF8bQ

In this video, watch as General Ben Hodges discusses the current situation in Ukraine and what is happening with President Zelensky. He also discusses how Putin is shooting on his own foot and why the United States should get involved.

---

“Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.”

[BroJoeK]

ransomnote: "The Ukraine is losing, despite having night vision goggles.
THey keep throwing conscripts into the meat grinder and eventually, they will run out of soldiers to waste in their futile efforts. "

That is a clear case of psychological projection of Russia's basic tactic onto Ukraine.

The truth is that Russia's suicidal "Meat Wave" assaults are how they took Bakhmut and may eventually take Avdiivka.
These run Russian losses to over 1,000 per day and would seem difficult to sustain for the gain of only a few yards of Ukrainian territory.

Sure, there's no doubt Ukrainians are facing high odds, but they've proved now for nearly two years that Vlad the Invader's "special military operations" are anything but a walk in the park.

[BroJoeK]

tennmountainman: "Pure, unfiltered Ukraine Propaganda. Nothing more."

Except where interrupted by posts of pure, unfiltered Russian Propaganda. Nothing more.

[BroJoeK]

higgmeister: "So now you are trying to get sympathy?
Just because you won't accept the truth about your lost cause in the Ukraine, doesn't mean you'll get any sympathy from me."

Sadly, nobody here expects sympathy from you, FRiend.
We do still hold out the perhaps forlorn hope of even occasionally seeing something resembling sanity from you.

But so far, you've only disappointed.

[tennmountainman]

Where have I EVERY posted anything about Russia?
Get your facts straight.
I don’t want American Tax Dollars supporting Corrupt Ukraine.
I could care less who wins that war.
Let Europe deal with it.

[ransomnote]

And yet the international community believes that the Ukraine is a lost cause and is withdrawing funding and calling for the Ukraine to negotiate. It’s almost like the International community doesn’t believe Ukrainian propaganda or something.

[rxh4n1]

“Victory is just around the corner.”

General Westmoreland

We even get a body count on these threads.

[rxh4n1]

They know they can’t win this. That’s why they’re desperate to get NATO (meaning the USA) into it to save them.

[gleeaikin]

Regarding our Vietnam difficulties, I have some historical perspective. It was not long after the Johnson victory over Goldwater. I was in my later 20s and spending some time with a mixed age group of news junkies ranging from mid 20s to mid 40s. There was a lot of arguing about how Congress should vote on the Gulf of Tonkin resolution. Older Democrats were arguing Congressional Dems should support Pres Johnson and vote for it. Some people knew freshly elected Dems who were against the war and wanted to vote against the
resolution. The older Dems said they should support the Pres or they would lose any chance of political favors on behalf of their districts. The younger Dems said these Congresspeople were elected by their constituents for their anti war views and should honor their voters’ wishes. I think there were 3 senators and 7 Congresspeople who voted against the resolution, and the war escalated.

The propaganda for the Vietnam War insisted on the “Domino Theory”, that if Vietnam fell to the Communists the countries of SE Asia would fall one by one to Communism like a row of dominoes. I was undecided so read the long article on the history of Vietnam in my Encyclopedia Britannica. I decided from that information that Vietnam had successfully kept China from controlling it for most of 700 years. In that same period there was often war between North and South Vietnam, and sometimes an independent Middle Kingdom which also was some times a part of the South or the North during that 700 year history. I discarded my fear of dominoes.

About that time I also recall seeing some information that caused me to conclude Kennedy was assassinated by Texans who wanted the war to grow to get big development contracts for a major Vietnam port handling war supplies, and other lucrative contracts, as well as other interested parties. I thought Johnson may have been aware of this, and his guilty conscience was one reason he pushed so hard for the Civil Rights Act.

A few years later I read that there were probably off shore oil deposits near Vietnam and also Lebanon. Possibly also reasons for some of the attention paid to these countries by political interests.

When the Tora Bora caves were being searched to find Osama bin Laden, I was shocked to learn the maps the CIA had made of those caves could NOT be found. I believe they were made/lost around the time of Bush 1’s CIA job or Presidency. Some military people I know believe bin Laden was allowed to escape so the US Military Industrial Complex (MIC1) could make lots of money on sales of war materiel. Now that our Medical Industrial Complex (MIC2) has milked most of the money from the Covid emergency, it appears political interest has moved back toward the interests of the MIC1 businesses.

Ukraine, very wisely, has also decided to start producing its own war materiel, especially the lower cost less highly technical ones like drones. It has also arranged for money and technical assistance from other European countries to help support this home grown military production. Lower cost items like night vision tools are also important military positives, and Ukraine is already doing a lot of damage with their lower cost methods. The cluster munitions give to Ukraine by the US are proving to be quite effective during the Russian “meat assaults.” We would have had to deactivate them soon ourselves for old age. Are we saying their full new price came out of the Ukraine budget, or was Ukraine charged the salvage cost and shipping? With careful budgeting and European support Ukraine can continue to fight quite well. Time will tell.

[BroJoeK]

ransomnote: "Your post is a bizarre concoction of propaganda.
This next part is your rapid departure from reality.
But that is the nature of Ukrainian propaganda."

I'd say, your post is a bizarre concoction of propaganda.
This next part is your rapid departure from reality.
But that is the nature of Russian propaganda.

Clearly you suffer from the Russian propagandists' mode of thinking -- psychological projections of your own condition onto others.

ransomnote: "Russians were losing 1 soldier to 7 Ukrainians killed and Denys Davydov’s group brags the opposite."

Sure, doubtless that was true at some place and time in the past nearly two years.
It's the reason Ukrainians gave up such tactics months ago.

But just in the past two months we've seen similar tactics -- now called suicidal "Meat Wave" assaults by Russians themselves -- frequently from Russians around Avdiivka & Bakhmut, with Russian losses in the range of 1,000 per day and relatively few Ukrainian casualties.
The result has been Russian gains of a few square miles of Ukrainian territory.

ransomnote: "It’s the Ukraine that was forcing their men forward into mind fields without sufficient air cover."

Possibly, briefly, last spring, but Ukraine obviously cannot sustain such losses and so stopped doing it.
In recent months we've seen almost daily suicidal "Meat Wave" assaults by Russians around Avdiivka and also Bakhmut.

ransomnote: "The US’gave enough money.
The US gave far more to the Ukraine than to any other nation we’ve donated to in history, and this vast expenditure took place in less than 2 years, dwarfing the money we gave Afghanistan over 23 years."

Of course, that's total nonsense, more Russian propagandist psychological projections.
Your words are certainly true regarding Russia's war in Ukraine versus Russia's war in Afghanistan, but for American aid, it's not even close.

1. Over 9 years in Afghanistan, Russia lost circa 70,000 killed or wounded, compared to over 300,000 in less than two years in Ukraine.

2. The US global War on Terror cost roughly $400 billion per year for 20 years, with our military suffering around 60,000 total casualties, including about 7,000 US military deaths.

3. US aid to Ukraine has so far cost the US around $110 billion over nearly two years, or roughly $55 billion per year.
   US military casualties in Ukraine are at or near zero.

So the comparison to Afghanistan is totally apt for Russia, not so much for the USA.

[ransomnote]

Your financial data is a mess. The rest - you just swap the context, you’re basically using what I write and swapping the words Russia and Ukraine....while accusing ME of doing this.

THe Ukraine is lost. It means NATO’s latest bid for regime change and world dominion is lost. If Ukraine were doing as well as you claim, support would not be withdrawn. Mercifully, the senseless killing will stop soon. Can’t happen soon enough.

[BroJoeK]

ransomnote: "And yet the international community believes that the Ukraine is a lost cause and is withdrawing funding and calling for the Ukraine to negotiate.
It’s almost like the International community doesn’t believe Ukrainian propaganda or something."

No doubt that's true of some, because that's their nature, to abandon our friends when they need us most.
It's what we Americans did in Vietnam and Afghanistan, so why not in Ukraine too?

For certain, that's what Vlad the Invader is counting on, and who can say with certainty he's wrong?

From Day One I didn't see a plan for Ukraine's victory, and to this day I don't know if there ever was one.
But I could easily be wrong, and certainly so long as Ukrainians are willing to defend their country, I think we should help as best we can.

And before you guys begin dividing Ukraine up into new Russian oblasts, this is my prediction: the US Congress will vote substantially more aid to Ukraine but at the price of forcing our Democrats to do things like border enforcement which Democrats have become loathe to do, and getting our worthy allies to pony-up their fair shares of the costs.