That is an understatement...like saying Talent is just a douchebag...
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In Ukraine today, Russian ground combat operations are said to be decreasing in intensity as Russian forces "gather, regroup and resupply" in rear areas. Wagner forces have made an information space point that they are withdrawing forces from Bakhmut to be replaced by regular Russian Army forces and militia's from the DNR. Militias have been geolocated inside Bakhmut but not regular Russian Army troops. Ukrainian forces still hold positions inside Bakhmut and the advantageous high ground on its flanks despite claims of complete victory by Prigozhen. It is clear that if it chose to do so, Ukraine could attack in the direction of Bakhmut as a component of any counter-offensive operations. Which, BTW, the Ukrainian forces chief has been talking about starting "soon." That is new coming from that level within the Ukrainian armed forces. Clearly part of a Ukrainian information campaign.
The air war continues unabated carried out by air, ship and ground launched cruise and Isklander missiles. Another weapon Russia has introduced are Soviet era glide bombs launched from aircraft outside the radius of Ukrainian air defense batteries. The bombs, although they are not precision weapons, are penetrating air defenses and doing a lot of useless damage and killing of civilians. Missile and drone strikes are heavy every night with Ukraine reporting they intercept them all - not likely.
The most interesting analysis the last few days has been political and speaks to Putin's likely feigned apparent lack of interest in what's going on in Ukraine. He rarely talks publicly about on going operations and has described his war in Ukraine as an "unfortunate circumstance." He remains in a cocoon that he implemented at the start of COVID and has not exited it, Visitors need to isolate for a week before meeting him in person and you've all seen pictures of him at the end of a long table with the visitor on the other end. He conducts the daily business of the head of the Russian state as if the losses he is suffering in Ukraine don't exist. He is being identified in some Russian circles as an "absent Commander and Chief."
The problem for Putin is that political analysts inside and outside of Russia sense cracks in support by the Russian people of Putin's actions in Ukraine. This analysis is new. It is described as moving from unwavering support to skepticism and the same kind of disinterest displayed by Putin. The trend is a result of recent public announcements from Prigozhen of upwards of 20K KIA (combined Wagner and Russian soldiers lost since the effort to capture Bakhmut that started in January.) I wrote in my last post on Ukraine that the efforts by Prigozhen to elevate his political stature could be a threat to Putin given the muffled grumbling of high level military professionals and the impatience of elites in Putin's inner circle. In the UK's daily report from it's MoD, the retiring British Air Force's Air Marshall said, if Putin "disappears" (meaning he is replaced in a sham political process or falls out of a window of a high building) as a result of his failures in invading Ukraine, Russia will emerge as a vindictive and dangerous threat to NATO.
Regardless, recent political dialogue on a peace plan involving various heads of states and associated foreign service staff aren't going anywhere. That is because both Russian and Ukrainian positions on the war are, at present, immoveable. That is to say neither leaders will deal with the other as heads of state in peace negotiations. Both remain committed to hardline goals set out from the beginning of this mess. More recently, economic and political analysts are doubting Putin can conduct this long, long war his spokespeople have indicated Russia is prepared for, outlasting the west until the Zelenski government in Ukraine collapses. There are no serious indications that western/NATO nations are losing interest in giving Ukraine the means to defend it's territorial integrity and economic viability. At this point, it seems more likely that from a purely economic/political standpoint that Russia will blink first. It has more military power at it's disposal but that advantage is eroding while at the same time Public support inside Russia may be eroding. It is believed the re-election of Donald Trump to the US presidency could be problematic for Ukraine but even Trump seems to be talking more about insuring a "Ukrainian victory" than ending US involvement there.Mission to CFB's National Championship accomplished. But the shine on the NC Trophy is embarrassingly wearing off. It's M B-Ball ..... or hockey or volley ball or name your college sport favorite time ...... until next year.
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At Vortex. Had the “Fat Elvis Burger”. Half pound grilled burger with fried plantains, bacon, and peanut butter. Onion rings, and four 20-ounce amber beers.
I need a nap now, but heading out to sit in the sun for 3 hours to watch the Braves.Attached Files"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that it is sometimes hard to verify their authenticity." -Abraham Lincoln
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Texas House votes to impeach Ken Paxton in a 121-23 vote, despite Trump, Ted Cruz, Kari Lake, and other trash racing to defend him and saying only a total RINO would have a problem with corruption and criming.
He’s suspended from office immediately until the Texas Senate votes on his ultimate fate.
EDIT: Oops Mike beat me to it.
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