Posted on 10/17/2026 6:03:04 AM PDT by UMCRevMom@aol.com
The russians are facing non-stop military losses on Ukrainian soil. About 1,557,350 aggressor's troops were eliminated, 569,514 air targets of invaders were shot down, thousands of tanks, armored vehicles and trucks were destroyed by the defenders of Ukraine
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has published a new summary of total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 04.08.26. Find them in the infographics by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine:
Dear FRiends,
We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.
If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:
Click here: to donate by Credit Card
Or here: to donate by PayPal
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you,
Jim
Total BS! For lies to be effective, they have to be in the relme of possibility!
More on the situation in Ukraine here:
VIDEO
Ukrainian Phoenix Drone Unit Destroys Three russian BM-21 Grad MLRS in One Week (Video)
October 13, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V1uvXFHMZ8
Ukrainian border guard drone pilots from the Phoenix unit destroyed three russian Grad multiple rocket launchers in a week and struck two tanks, two D-30 howitzers, one Giatsint-B gun, and one Typhoon-VDV armored vehicle
Ukrainian border guard drone pilots from the Phoenix unit destroyed three russian BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers in one week.
The Phoenix unit of Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service reported the results, publishing details of strikes against russian military equipment on several frontline sectors.
Ukrainian Vampire Heavy Bomber Rams russian Fixed-Wing Drone Out of the Sky (Video)
On the Lyman axis, Ukrainian drone pilots destroyed russian Typhoon-VDV armored vehicle. They also detected the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher heading toward a combat mission and struck it before it could proceed.
Another Grad launcher was destroyed on the Toretsk axis. According to the Phoenix unit, the system was fully loaded with ammunition at the time of the strike.
On the same axis, Ukrainian drones also struck two russian D-30 howitzers, the 2A36 Giatsint-B towed gun, and two tanks. The unit did not specify the models of the tanks.
Russian troops attempted to hide in shelters and use improvised means to shoot down Ukrainian drones, but these efforts did not prevent the reported strikes, the unit said.
The third Grad launcher was located on the Dobropillia axis. Russian forces had attempted to camouflage the system, but the Phoenix drone operators detected and destroyed it.
The unit also reported repeatedly spotting russian personnel wearing anti-thermal-imaging cloaks in the Dobropillia sector. The camouflage did not prevent its operators from detecting the troops.
These statistics are actually pretty close to UK, US, and UN estimates... The shady propaganda is using words like “eliminated” which implies deaths but herein includes injury casualties. Russia has been dealt more casualties than the US did in both world wars combined! (Only a fraction of THEIR casualties in WW2, however.)
Ever wonder why there are no pictures of the carnage, the dead, the mutilated, the wrecked equipment, videos of crowded hospital wards or interviews with the aggrieved. Anyone with a cell phone could document yet why has it not been done?
You really are a special kind of stupid to think that many people have been killed but life just goes on in Russia.
ARTICLE
Ukrainian FP-1 Drones Strike russian UAV Storage Site and EW Equipment in Donetsk Region (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_fp_1_drones_strike_russian_uav_storage_site_and_ew_equipment_in_donetsk_region_video-20077.html
[Ukrainian FP-1 drones have struck russian UAV storage facility, workshop, and electronic warfare equipment in Donetsk region, reportedly destroying the building and its contents more than 100 kilometers behind russian lines]
“Operators of Ukraine’s 237th Battalion have struck russian unmanned aerial vehicle storage facility, workshop, and electronic warfare equipment in Donetsk region. The operation targeted a site located deep behind russian lines on Monday, October 12.
The target was located inside a five-story residential building in Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces identified the facility as a location used to store and prepare equipment for russian military units operating in the area.
According to the 7th Rapid Response Corps, reconnaissance operators established that equipment intended for russian combat units was regularly dispatched from the location. This made the site a logistical hub supporting the enemy’s operations.
Ukrainian forces used FP-1 drones to strike the target, which was located more than 100 kilometers behind russian lines. The operation demonstrated the ability of Ukrainian unmanned systems to reach military infrastructure well beyond the immediate front line.
The strike reportedly destroyed the building along with the equipment stored inside. The Ukrainian military released footage showing the attack and its impact on the target.”
VIDEO
https://twitter.com/i/status/2109618615943090523
Gawwwww-olll—lly!
The Ukes be REALLy winning bigly!
Pooty-Poot must be begging for unconditional surrender under his white flag!
...What?! Pooty-Poot’s ready to fight on?!?!
With CAJONES like that, he CAN’T lose!
VIDEO
@armyinformcomua
Army Media 🇺🇦
@armyinformcomua
Ukraine’s Defense Forces have shot down Russia’s latest Molniya-13 reconnaissance drone.
The four-engine UAV is 1.5 times larger than the standard Molniya and was unveiled by Russia only in June 2026.
The drone was designed for reconnaissance, monitoring and search-and-rescue missions.
The UAV was intercepted by Ukrainian troops operating under the command of the 8th Air Assault Corps.
ARTICLE
Ukrainian Reconnaissance Drone Detects russian Irbis Counter-Battery Radar (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_reconnaissance_drone_detects_russian_irbis_counter_battery_radar_video-20040.html
ARTICLE
Ukraine’s Khyzhak Brigade Uses Stork and Mace Systems to Destroy russian Radar (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraines_khyzhak_brigade_uses_stork_and_mace_systems_to_destroy_russian_radar_video-20007.html
“Ukrainian operators targeted russian radar deployed on a vehicle trailer in the rear of the enemy’s positions, eliminating both the system and its crew
Ukraine’s Khyzhak Brigade has destroyed russian radar station used to detect Ukrainian drones and aircraf.
The brigade released footage showing the combat operation and the destruction of the radar system. The target was reportedly located behind russian frontline positions, where it had been deployed to support the enemy’s air surveillance and air defense capabilities.
According to the unit, the radar station was mounted on a trailer attached to a vehicle. Its deployment on a mobile platform allowed russian forces to position the system closer to areas where it could monitor Ukrainian air activity while retaining the ability to relocate it.
To strike the target, the Khyzhak operators used a combination of the Stork and Mace systems. The unit did not provide additional technical details about the specific configuration used during the operation.
The strike also reportedly killed the personnel operating the radar station. This means the attack targeted not only the equipment itself but also the crew responsible for maintaining the system and processing the information it collected.”
One observes that this post is Ukrainian-sourced, as are continuing comments, and specifically on behalf of the Ukrainian government.
From the promoted site which begins this thread:
"Defense Express is a partner of the Ukrainian Defense Industries (Ukroboronprom) State Corporation. "Ukrainian propaganda, posted as if "news."The "Defence" address: Illinska St, 10 / Illinska St, 10, Kyiv, 02000
LIVE STREAMED 8 HOURS AGO
3:49:10
PUTIN LOSING CONTROL AS ATTACKS SHUT MOSCOW AIRPORTS, KURDS STRIKE IRAN! Breaking News The Enforcer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVujUnGU-Og
VIDEO
Russians surrender on masse as Ukrainians clear up the failed Russian encirclement attempt
RFU News — Strategic Geopolitics
Oct 16, 2026
Length 4:53
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtGw5f8wLEA
“Today, there is important news from the Kharkiv direction.
Here, Russia’s attempt to encircle Ukrainian forces near the border north of Kharkiv is running into serious trouble, as the Ukrainian troops have exposed a critical weakness in the Russian offensive, isolating the enemy infiltration groups that cannot survive without continuous reinforcements.
The situation became particularly dangerous around Zakharkivka, near Vovchansk, where small Russian groups infiltrated Ukrainian defensive positions. Their objective was to establish footholds that could eventually connect with other Russian advances to the east, creating an encirclement, as only a twelve-kilometer corridor would have remained available for Ukrainian forces to avoid being surrounded. Losing that corridor could threaten withdrawal routes, complicate resupply, and expose Ukrainian soldiers to attacks from multiple directions. As a result, Ukraine needed to eliminate the infiltrators before they could consolidate and threaten the western flank of the corridor.
As you may remember from a previous report, the Ukrainian response began well behind the immediate frontline, as Ukrainian drone operators concentrated on disrupting Russian logistics. Supply vehicles, reinforcement routes, and troop movements became targets, preventing infiltrating groups from receiving ammunition, food, replacements, and rotations, exploiting the fundamental weakness of Russia’s infiltration tactics. Small groups can slip through gaps in defensive lines, but controlling territory requires continuous support. Without reinforcements, an infiltration remains an isolated position rather than a sustainable breakthrough. Consequently, Russian troops attempting to complete the encirclement increasingly found themselves stranded inside Ukrainian-controlled or contested territory.
One particularly revealing operation unfolded around Zakharkivka, after Russian soldiers infiltrated it and prepared to move further forward, but Ukrainian reconnaissance identified their movement. Drone crews from the Achilles Brigade immediately launched unmanned aircraft to locate and track the group. The Russians attempted to conceal themselves inside a shelter, hoping to avoid detection and wait for an opportunity to continue their mission.
Instead, Ukrainian Achilles heavy bomber drones, supported by operators from the Astur Unmanned Systems Regiment, attacked their hiding position. The coordinated pressure forced the Russians to abandon their shelter and retreat, but escaping the building did not mean escaping Ukrainian surveillance. Ukrainian drones continued tracking the soldiers as they moved through the area, leaving them exposed and unable to reestablish a concealed position. Realizing they were surrounded by Ukrainian observation and facing further attacks, the Russians raised their hands to signal surrender.
At that moment, the Ukrainian mission changed from eliminating the assault group to capturing its surviving members. Drone operators maintained surveillance while soldiers from the Ukrainian Rangers Special Operations Forces Regiment approached on foot. The Ukrainian infantry completed the clearing operation and took the Russians prisoner. The coordinated action of three Ukrainian formations therefore prevented another infiltration group from attacking Ukrainian positions while securing additional prisoners for future exchanges. More importantly, this engagement illustrates how Ukraine is dismantling the Russian encirclement attempt, with the contested grey zone becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to hold.
Overall, the stabilization around Zakharkivka weakens the western pincer of the attempted encirclement, protecting Ukrainian movement routes and reducing pressure on the remaining corridor. Combined with stabilization of the eastern flank, this denies Russian forces the opportunity to connect their advances and trap Ukrainian troops near the border. The broader significance extends toward Vovchansk and the northern approaches to Kharkiv, where preventing Russian footholds from developing into permanent positions remains crucial. Russia’s infiltration strategy depends upon establishing positions faster than Ukraine can eliminate them, but systematic Ukrainian interdiction is reversing that calculation and trapping the Russian infiltrators, so they have no choice but to surrender in groups.”
Who cares?
Why capitalize Ukraine, but not Russia?
Kind of petty, IMO.
“Who cares?”
That explanation matches my thoughts created as a result of looking at the daily reports of the ISW at:
understandingwar.org
We have lots of ex-military here. Military tactics are of interest.
The Russians seem to be able to make headway since the Wildberries attacks and Russian retaliatory strikes, unlike the situation in 2025, but don’t seem to hold it in many cases.
I suspect Ukraine has substantially restored its drone production after those Russian retaliatory strikes.
I could say more but won’t.
The Russians as attackers normally suffer higher casualties than Ukrainian defenders.
I suspect they lose about 60,000/year killed and similar numbers of permanently disabled servicemen.
The Russian commanders are not as careless as in the first three years of the war.
However, infiltrations are risky and infiltrators are typically killed.
Bear in mind, Ukraine tries to prevent openings limiting the number of infiltration attempts.
VIDEO
Riots in Moscow... Russian Citizens Have Had ENOUGH & Other Russia-Ukraine Stories
The Military Show
2.3M subscribers
10-16-2026
Length 1:12:28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g0dL-3SC1k
“Down with the zar. Down with the zar. That’s the chant that rang through the streets of Moscow as protesters [music] gathered to let Putin know their thoughts about his corrupt regime and the war that he has forced down Russian throats.
There are riots in Moscow. Putin’s own people have turned against him, and we may be on the verge of witnessing a seismic shock in Russian politics. On October 4th, Russia’s Communist Party held a large rally, ostensibly to commemorate the events of Russia’s 1993 constitutional crisis. But really, this was all about thousands of people coming together to express their anger at Putin and the policies that have led Russia into a black hole.
The Moscow Times reports that an estimated 2,000 people gathered for the memorial, which is held annually to honor those killed in the 1993 crisis. It wasn’t long before those gathered decided to vent their frustrations about their leader.
Down with the ZAR became a rallying cry. Other protesters delivered their own slogans. Freedom for political prisoners was another chart highlighting the anger those in attendance feel about Putin’s suppression of any and all opposition to his rule. For fair elections was another slogan timely [music] delivered in the wake of what many believe to be a sham state doomer election period.
What started as a memorial descended into pure anger. White-hot rage directed at a man who has crippled his own country due to his obsession with the war in Ukraine. And in a moment, we’re going to explain all of the reasons why this protest turned into a riot that the Kremlin struggle to contain. But first, everything you see here is researched, verified, and produced by real people.
Police descended on the protest, of course. Arrests were made and the Kremlin did its best to shut down an event that had spiraled out of control from Putin’s perspective. But here’s the craziest thing. It was the Kremlin that approved this gathering in the first place. Protests like these don’t just happen in Russia as the Kremlin wants to keep tight control over any public dissent. Putin’s lackey is signed off on the Communist Party gathering because they believed it would just be a memorial and nothing more. After all, this is the Communist Party we’re talking about.
While technically an opponent of Putin’s United Russia Party, they’re usually opposition in name only. When push comes to shove, the Communist Party will rubber stamp whatever policies Putin puts forward. That’s what makes this protest so big. What started as an approved event became something that the Kremlin couldn’t handle. And what this shows us is that for all of his claims of control, Putin no longer has his finger on the pulse of the Russian people. If he did, he might have seen this riot coming.
After all, there are plenty of reasons why what was supposed
to be a memorial became a riot. We’ll start with Russia’s recent elections held in September. The State Doomer...”
(Excerpt)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.