Posted on 01/31/2023 12:17:30 PM PST by dennisw
A former Kremlin official has said that prior to Russian President Vladimir Putin's partial mobilization order in September 2022, Russia's Airborne Forces had lost up to half of their personnel.
Mikhail Zvinchuk, creator of the Rybar Telegram channel, and former Kremlin military press agent, was speaking on his state TV show.
An excerpt of the program was posted on Twitter by Dmitri, a member of War Translated, an independent project that translates materials about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"The creator of Rybar channel who now has a live TV program admits that Russian VDV forces lost 50% of personnel by September last year," Dmitri tweeted, sharing a 27-second clip of the broadcast.
Zvinchuk addressed what he said are concerns that the Russian military's elite airborne forces, known by the acronym VDV, are not being seen on the front line.
Russia's airborne forces led units of the country's military in the initial advance into Ukraine from Belarusian territory after Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
High casualties figures for the airborne forces were reported within weeks of the conflict starting.
"Unfortunately, this is the objective reality: by the start of mobilization, our airborne forces lost 40-50 percent of staff," said Zvinchuk, according to captions provided by War Translated.
He added: "As of now, out of the old and tested formations with designated equipment, not that many are remaining."
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Then Ukraine doesn’t need help, good.
No money, tanks, jets, or training.
What a load of BS. All reports about Russia-Ukraine are BS, made worse by the pom-pom wavers here.
Well thats a dumb conclusion.
“What a load of BS”
and former Kremlin military press agent, was speaking on his state TV show.
So you think its worse that 50%? Since this is state sponsored BS?
“Everyone in Russia is Dead, Ukraine on Verge of Victory!”
Russky Airborne are some of the elite forces. These goons were decimated and repulsed when they tried to land and takeover that airport just outside of Kiev.
Putin’s plan was to decapitate the Ukrainian leadership. To kill them or drive them out of Kiev and into Poland or Europe. The first step was for the Russian Airborne to take over that airport and then fly in supplies and equipment. This plan was a total failure.
I have no idea what the truth is. Neither do you or anyone else on this forum.
Well, I will say I have excellent sources, enough to say this is pure propaganda.
Probably the most accurate thing that will be said about that war. Propaganda. I don't find your assessment all that surprising.
“What a load of BS. All reports about Russia-Ukraine are BS, made worse by the pom-pom wavers here.”
You are just rattling off FReeper talking points. That everyone is a liar in this bullcrap world. Can you sing this chorus louder? Clown. And afterwards, stick your Ostrich head in the sand.
When it comes to Russia-Ukraine, yep! Total bullcrap being reported. And go ahead and try to find me supporting anyone in that war. Otherwise, cut the cr@p with the personal insults.
Freepers can be the ultimate illogical skeptics. They are so skeptical, that when they take a piss, they are not sure they are pissing in their own toilet bowl.
The ghost of Kiev again?
LOL!
Personal insults? I find your hair on fire, loud mouth, insanity insulting. Take your super know it all skepticism and..... stick it.
“Ukraine has reported more than 108,190 Russian troops have been killed in action. A rough estimate of the number of Russian soldiers wounded in this period would be north of 324,000.Jan 11, 2023”
~ Voice of America
Damn. If this is true, that is a blow. For those who understand the Russian military these were their best units. Their equivalent of our 82nd or 101st and Ranger Regiments.
Conscripted units can be replaced with little drop-off in ability. These units are not easily replaced.
Thank you for taking a hand in countering people who say nothing of substance.
You presented a simple article which quoted a Russian. Thank you for that.
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