Russian troops advance in Ukraine as Kyiv runs low on air defenses

The Washington Post ^ | April 12, 2024 | Isabelle Khurshudyan and Serhii Korolchuk

[MinorityRepublican]

As Ukrainian officials plead for more Western arms and a U.S. aid package remains stalled in Congress, Russia is advancing on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, seizing new territory and intensifying attacks to capture the town of Chasiv Yar and others in the Donetsk region.

Away from the front line, Ukraine’s dwindling air defense capabilities are showing vulnerabilities, as more Russian missiles and drones are able to hit targets such as critical infrastructure facilities.

Outside Kyiv — considered Ukraine’s best-protected city — the largest power plant serving the capital was destroyed Thursday, stoking concerns that Ukraine might be running out of surface-to-air missiles to counter the Russian airstrikes.

“We need air defense systems and other defense assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

For months, Ukrainian military personnel have described the battlefield situation as dire due to a shortage of weapons and soldiers amid a renewed Russian offensive. They have reported increased Russian bombardment using guided air bombs, dropped from their planes onto Ukrainian military positions.

With resources running low, this assault in eastern Ukraine could threaten larger towns and cities such as Kostiantynivka, just west of Chasiv Yar — potentially advancing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s goal of seizing the entire Donetsk region, which he has already declared, illegally, to be annexed by Russia.

[sauropod]

‘S ok, little buddy.

Didn’t mean to jolt you out of your slumber.

And, FTR, I am NOT a “neocon.”

[gleeaikin]

It’s a shame Putin does not understand the concept of fair and reasonable negotiations, or where Russia’s borders end and those of other people begin.

[ConservativeMind]

I want both sides to lose—and without US dollars being used.

The best option, when you have no trained military or much military spending, and you have the EU insisting on not having a decent military, is to negotiate a peace treaty, giving up some disputed land.

This is far better than the alternative of losing your country or all your men, in a senseless, unwinnable war.

[gleeaikin]

An interesting idea. Here is another. Allow long term leases of surplus govt buildings, likr 30 or 50 years, to permit building of low cost condo rentals in places where affordable housing for teachers, police, and people with even lower incomes cannot find decent affordable housing. Also provide tax breaks for the builders if they meet certain requirements.

[blitz128]

Calling it a shame is a tragic understatement.
Putins desires Trump everything else. As a dictator the only limit to his desires is reality

Would really love to know what he is being told, and what he thinks is the status of his SMO

Regardless his very existence, not just his position and power are at stake, and that I think he rightfully understands