Posted on 12/16/2023 11:12:31 AM PST by UMCRevMom@aol.com
Update from Ukraine | The Worst Army in the World Fails again | Putin wants more blood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1V2r9Q8itA
Militaryland news: Invasion Day 658 – Summary. The summary of the situation of Russian re-invasion to Ukraine covering the recent developments on the battlefield, as of 9th December 2023 – 22:00 (Kyiv time). https://militaryland.net/news/invasion-day-654-summary/
[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/
Update from Ukraine | The Worst Army in the World Fails again | Putin wants more blood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1V2r9Q8itA
Militaryland news: Invasion Day 658 – Summary. The summary of the situation of Russian re-invasion to Ukraine covering the recent developments on the battlefield, as of 9th December 2023 – 22:00 (Kyiv time). https://militaryland.net/news/invasion-day-654-summary/
[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/
VIDEO: DAILY WAR SUMMATION
15 Dec: CRITICAL DAMAGE! Russian Military Crippled. THE RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE IN DANGER | War in Ukraine
Reporting from Ukraine
449K subscribers
12-16-2023 3:30 a.m. EST
5:48 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtOzTDfsGW0
⚠️ 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-sixtieth day of the war.
Day 660: Dec 15 Today, there is a lot of news from the southeast.
Here, Ukrainian forces conducted a massive missile strike on the main Russian bases in southern Ukraine. The goal of this campaign was to undermine the Russian offensive capabilities because, as mentioned last time, Russian forces decided to launch multiple offensive operations along the eastern front to seize the theater-wide initiative.
According to the latest updates, Russian forces identified 5 main directions, namely, the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Kurakhove directions. Geolocated footage from these regions confirms that Ukrainians are facing intense assaults, where Russians are sending company-size infantry units, each reinforced with a dozen tanks and armored fighting vehicles. However, this heavy use of equipment and personnel also means that Russian logistics are running at their maximum capacity to maintain the offensive posture and the pace of the operations. Any damage to the Russian logistics, therefore, will cause disproportionate disruptions to their offensive operations and alleviate the pressure on the Ukrainian defenses.
The FIRST target of the Ukrainian missile strike became Donetsk. Here, Ukrainians destroyed a Russian fuel depot in the southeastern part of the city. Russian sources claimed that the strike was conducted with HIMARS and that at least 2 rockets managed to pass the Russian air defense and hit the target. This is already the second destroyed fuel depot in Donetsk over the last week. Taking into account that Ukrainians also destroyed a massive ammunition depot last week, we can see that Ukrainians are helping Russians to deprioritize this direction faster. Given that Russians are already rationing the use of heavy equipment in the Avdiivka direction, the destruction of one more base will put even more strain on the use of armor.
The SECOND target became Mariupol, which is one of the main logistical hubs for the Kurakhove direction. According to the latest reports, Ukrainians struck multiple military objects at once. The first one was the concrete factory, which Russians were using as a warehouse for heavy equipment, while the second one was the Port-City area, which Russians used as a base for their air defense systems. Russian sources reported that Ukrainians conducted the strike with HIMARS and used ATACMS missiles.
The THIRD target became Henichesk, which was previously the safest and most important Russian logistical hub in the Kherson region. In fact, Russians even closed Arabat Spit and allowed to use the road exclusively for military purposes until Ukrainians destroyed all bridges with Storm Shadow missiles. Still, the warehouses and bases remained, and Russians continued to use them, which is why today it suffered a massive strike. Russian sources reported that they intercepted 15 missiles. The available footage, however, only shows the interception of 1 missile and captures how some missiles reach their targets.
Ukrainians also struck 3 more targets in Crimea. Even though Crimea is seemingly too far from the eastern front, where Russians are conducting their offensive operations, it is still a very important logistical hub that Russians extensively rely on. Crimea has a direct railway connection to mainland Russia, which is also very far from the front line, allowing Russians to move in and accumulate forces in many different bases and cities, such as Kerch, Dzhankoi, Sevastopol, and all military bases and warehouses along the railways that connect these cities. It’s been a while since Ukrainians hit the Russian railway bridge near Chonhar, which likely means that Russians have restored the connection to the Ukrainian railway system and are actively sending more forces to the front.
The targets of the Ukrainian strike became Sevastopol, Dzhankoi and Chornomorske. What is interesting is that 2 days prior to the strike, the Ukrainian partisan group Atesh conducted reconnaissance near the Russian airfield in Dzhankoi and identified multiple valuable targets, such as radars. When it comes to Chornomorske, Russian forces have one of their main air defense bases here, so Ukrainians likely attempted to target them to aggravate the shortage of air defense systems on the front even more. In Sevastopol, the Russian air defense was actively shooting down Ukrainian drones. So far, the details are unknown, but it is possible that it was a decoy.
*** Select the 3 horizontal dots to view the Complete Transcript [Below video/ top right corner]
ARTICLE - Speech by President Zelenskyy
This week, 104 out of 112 Shahed drones used by Russia destroyed – address by the President of Ukraine
President of Ukraine
Official website
16 December 2023 - 18:42
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/za-cej-tizhden-znisheno-vzhe-104-shahedi-zi-112-zastosovanih-87801
I wish good health to all Ukrainian men and women!
I held a Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff meeting. Various issues and diverse defense aspects. It lasted almost three hours.
The topics ranged from military concerns, veteran issues, brigade matters, fortifications, to weapon production. We are working to implement all our arrangements with partners regarding new weapon production – joint production facilities and a shared repair base. The goal is to maximize Ukraine’s strength, with each month adding power to our defense.
I want to commend our sky defenders: in just one night, they destroyed 30 Shahed drones. A potent result. Overall, 104 Shahed drones out of the 112 used by Russia have been destroyed this week – most of them. Each destroyed drone means saved lives and preserved infrastructure. I express gratitude to all the warriors in our mobile fire groups, pilots, engineers of the Air Force, and all our anti-aircraft gunners. Well done! This week also witnessed missile interceptions, including ballistic ones. Systems like Patriot, NASAMS, Gepard, and other provided by our partners are working excellently. I thank everyone worldwide who helps!
We are preparing for further strengthening air defense – we have already reached agreements on this. The theme of air defense arises in almost every meeting and talk with world leaders. There will be more systems, more protection for the sky.
And one more thing.
Christmas is approaching, and while political activity may relax in many countries, we continue to work rigorously with all partners who can help now and provide support in the future. We are preparing important foreign policy contacts until the end of the year. The entire team – our team, the team of our diplomats – is working 24/7. I express gratitude to everyone in the country who maintains the same pace, who tirelessly defends, works, and helps.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlhwTjpVDvU
No money, No F-16s, But There Is A Plan For A New Counteroffensive. Military summary For 2023.12.16
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJdvzMmtKgM
VIDEO
Ukrainian T-64 Destroys T-72 At Very Close Range with APFSDS Round
Suchomimus
245K subscribers
12-16-2023 5:45 a.m. EST
2:57 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCYJLkJayl0
VIDEO
Ukrainian drones decimate Russian targets, disrupting military equipment in precision strikes
The Sun
1.63M subscribers
12-16-2023 5:45 a.m. EST
1:02 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yge8dO1a2Io
SnowStorm | Endless Russian Assault And Constant Pressure Give Results. Military Summary 2023.12.15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLXTPawqppM&t=260s
ARTICLE - Russian loss update
Total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.2022 to 16.12.2023
Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
16 December 2023 07:56
https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/zahalni-boiovi-vtraty-protyvnyka-z-24022022-po-16122023
The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.2022 to 16.12.2023 were approximately:
• personnel ‒ about 344820 (+930) persons,
• tanks ‒ 5720 (+14),
• APV ‒ 10667 (+13),
• artillery systems – 8100 (+1),
• MLRS – 920 (+0),
• anti-aircraft warfare systems ‒ 605 (+0),
• aircraft – 324 (+0),
• helicopters – 324 (+0),
• UAV operational-tactical level – 6238 (+12),
• cruise missiles ‒ 1609 (+1),
• warships / boats ‒ 22 (+0),
• submarines – 1 (+0),
• vehicles and fuel tanks – 10710 (+11),
• special equipment ‒ 1190 (+1).
Russia reached southern edge of Novomykhailivka; Advanced south of Krasnohorivka - Donetsk Front
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R6UG0NG1ZI
Reagan challenged the USSR as an empty shell and they collapsed under their own weight.
Not too sure that China isn’t basically the same. Lots of sabre rattling but internally weak.
VIDEO
NOWHERE TO HIDE - RUSSIAN SOLDIER ARE TERRIFIED OF UKRANIAN DRONES | 2023
Warthog Defense
12-16-2023 6:30 a.m. EST
8:20 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMK361mcF9Q
Russia may at collapse again:
VIDEO
Food Shortages in Russia: Sanctions Bring Russia Back to USSR
UATV English
404K subscribers
12-16-2023 8:30 a.m. EST
3:10 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-zHMNDIl6g
VIDEO
$100 Billion For War: Russian Economy On the Verge of Collapse
UATV English
404K subscribers
12-16-2023 11:00 a.m. EST
3:41 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCpOjaUMr-0
ARTICLE
Situation in energy system on 16 December – Ukraine Energy Security
Ministry of Energy of Ukraine,
16 December 2023 12:01
https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/sytuatsiia-v-enerhosystemi-na-16-hrudnia
No electricity shortage in the energy system, one TPP unit restored to operation
Power generation
No electricity shortages have been recorded and are not expected for the current day. Electricity generated by Ukrainian power plants is sufficient to meet the needs of consumers.
During the day, a thermal power plant unit was out of service for an emergency, which has now been brought back online.
The coal mines that were without power as a result of the 110 kV line outage have been powered.
No blackout schedules are applied in any of the regions. The situation is under control. The power system is balanced.
Situation at the ZNPP
The water level in the cooling pond is 15.66 metres. This is sufficient to meet the needs of the plant.
Import/export
Electricity imports for the current day are expected at 8,941 MWh. No exports are expected.
VIDEO
Russian serviceman shows their military equipment struck on snowy roads of Avdiivka
Kanal13
1.59M
12-16-2023 9:15 a.m. EST
1:21 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGmkGYNpryY
VIDEO
Ukraine troops storm Russian trenches in intense Kupyansk battle forcing enemy soldiers to surrender
Daily Mail
3.02M subscribers
12-16-2023 5:30 a.m. EST
7:41 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRz26jXAJO8
Ukrainian troops stormed Russian trenches in an intense battle in Kupyansk. Kyiv’s men attacked Russian positions inside a M113 armored vehicle before dismounting and charging into a trench network where enemy soldiers were hiding they used guns and grenades to flush them out, successfully taking the position.
The Ukrainians also used a tank to blast Russian trenches, before more soldiers stormed in, taking the position along with two Russian prisoners. But Putin’s men fought back, launching bombs from Su-34 fighter-bombers which blew up Ukrainian command posts and tanks, before launching an assault. One tank and four armored vehicles took part in the attack, but it was stopped. Ukrainian artillery battered the Russians and forced them to withdraw, before their ground troops finished the last of the Russians off.
ARTICLE - The Netherlands
The Netherlands to further provide assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector
Ministry of Energy of Ukraine,
15 December 2023 21:14
https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/niderlandy-prodovzhat-nadavaty-dopomohu-enerhetychnomu-sektoru-ukrainy
The Netherlands will continue to support the energy sector of Ukraine and is interested in deepening cooperation in sustainable energy and decentralization of generation. This was discussed at a meeting between Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Yaroslav Demchenkov and a delegation of the Netherlands headed by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Geoffrey van Leeuwen. The meeting took place at one of the energy facilities that was damaged during the russian attacks.
Geoffrey van Leeuwen expressed his admiration for the work and resilience of Ukrainian energy workers and congratulated Ukraine on the European Council’s decision to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, stressing the prospects for full integration of the Ukrainian and European energy markets.
“Ukraine has a high potential for the development of the energy sector. We are not waiting for the end of the war and are already working on projects that will strengthen the resilience and flexibility of our energy system. Given the successful policy of the Netherlands to abandon fossil fuels and the significant increase in renewable energy capacity, we offer to join projects in Ukraine in solar and wind generation. At the same time, Ukrainian specialists who have gained extraordinary experience in the face of military challenges can share their knowledge with the Dutch side,” said Yaroslav Demchenkov.
On behalf of Energy Minister German Galushchenko, the Deputy Minister thanked the Netherlands for its assistance to Ukraine. the Ukrainian energy sector, in particular, in the restoration and repair of energy infrastructure. The Netherlands has allocated about EUR 650 million to support Ukraine’s urgent needs (including more than EUR 120 million for the energy sector) and sent 84 humanitarian aid consignments totaling more than 1,000 units of energy equipment.
The Deputy Minister also briefed the guest on the state of natural gas production in Ukraine and outlined the prospects for attracting Dutch traders to store natural gas in Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities. In addition, he addressed the Dutch side with a proposal to involve Ukraine in a programm for retraining oil and gas and coal industry workers to work in the renewable energy sector.
VIDEO
Air force success: Ukraine downs 30 Russian drones in impressive aerial defense operation
The Sun
4.63M subscribers
Dec 16, 2023
0:42 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDv_Z0lFW4c
Ukraine’s air defense and mobile groups of drone hunters shot down 30 out of 31 Russian drones over 11 regions across the country on Saturday (December 16), the air force said. A series of explosions resounded throughout the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as air defense units engaged Russian drones, Reuters witnesses said. There were no casualties and no major damage reported in Kyiv, Serhiy Popko, head of the city’s military administration said. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said anti-aircraft units went into action as groups of the Russian drones flew across the outskirts of the city and targeted areas near the city centre. Read more: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2503811...
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