Zaluzhny: There is currently a dead end at the front, like during the Kursk adventure

Former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valeriy Zaluzhny, believes the current situation on the front can be described as a stalemate, similar to the one that developed during the Ukrainian invasion of the border regions of the Kursk region. Zaluzhny also considers the Ukrainian Armed Forces' "Kursk adventure" a complete failure and one that cost Kyiv too much.

Zaluzhny, currently Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, notes that the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technology allows both sides to detect enemy forces in advance, making it virtually impossible to prepare and launch surprise attacks to break through defensive lines.

Anticipating possible objections and reminders of the sudden breakthrough during the Ukrainian Armed Forces' invasion of the Kursk region, Zaluzhny recalled that, ultimately, an isolated tactical breakthrough on a narrow section of the front did not bring success to the Ukrainian side. The Russian Armed Forces managed to take advantage of both technological and tactical advantages and not only prevented the Ukrainian Armed Forces' tactical breakthrough from turning into operational success, but also subsequently carried out a tactical advance of their own. It is clear, however, that the price of Zelenskyy's "Kursk adventure" was too high.

Zaluzhny summarizes that the positional stalemate is due to the impossibility of breaking through defensive lines and, simultaneously, the inability to accomplish operational objectives, including entering the operational space. However, it's worth noting that, although the retired Ukrainian commander-in-chief tries to claim that both sides in the conflict are currently in the proverbial "deadlock," the Russian Armed Forces continue to advance, liberating new territory daily.

Comments

[Murmur 55]

Only time is the best judge, only it will show who was right and who was wrong and whose strategy and tactics were correct.

[AllX_VahhaB]

Quote: Murmur 55

Only time is the best judge, only it will show who was right and who was wrong and whose strategy and tactics were correct.

Yes sir, Cap!

[Pleiades]

Remember 2022 https://www.vice.com/en/article/cope-cages-on-busted-tanks-are-a-symbol-of-russias-military-failures/
... but Captain Hindsight ruled the Western Bloc propagandist - instead, the Russian cope cages were an innovation that DID work, 2 years later and 20/31 Abrams less they started to copycat. :p

[multi-category]

Neither the Ukrainian Armed Forces nor the Russian Federation had a "correct" strategy. This is already evident from the losses and damages incurred.

[Andobor]

Russia is at war with the entire world, and part of the entire world, represented by the United States, is already retreating, so Russia's strategy is working.

[multi-category]

Quote: Andobor

Russia is at war with the entire world, and part of the entire world, represented by the United States, is already retreating, so Russia's strategy is working.

The strategy was to let the entire world get sucked into the SVO??? And what was the name of the department head who adopted this plan? Masachist Bol Vazgenovich?

[Andobor]

Quote: multicaat

let the whole world get drawn into the SVO?

Do you think they'll just throw up their hands? If they stay on the sidelines, Europe will still have to sign a capitulation clause in the form of recognizing new territories, but Trump wisely avoided that fate by refusing direct support.

[multi-category]

What would have happened if, like in Crimea, all key points, at least east of the Dnieper, were under control within five days? And would at least part of the Ukrainian population have been happy about that? Are you sure there would have been armed resistance?
But what actually happened? They were dragged in with clearly inadequate forces, with numerous deployment blunders, and with the local population completely misunderstanding and rejecting what was happening. Russia was literally asking for a response, acting so clumsily. And it followed, even Ukraine itself, with its own resources and no outside help, created enormous problems, and when Western assistance began, well, it was quite sad. This certainly wasn't according to plan. It took our Air Defense Forces a year and a half to even out the number of personnel with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Before that, they were vastly inferior. If that's the plan, it should be ignored, not implemented.

[Andobor]

The war is not in Ukraine, but across the entire globe, and the entire world needs to be crushed, some put on our side, others bent, the main enemy has already retreated.
Ukraine is just territory and meat. Simply seizing Ukraine solves nothing, and we don't need it.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

They were drawn into the conflict with clearly inadequate forces, with numerous deployment blunders, and with the local population completely confused and unwilling to accept what was happening. Russia was literally asking for a response by acting so clumsily.

There were no plans for an invasion. They acted according to two principles:
1. If a fight is inevitable, strike first.
2. Let's get into a fight and then we'll see...

Quote: multicaat

And it followed, and even Ukraine itself, with its own resources and without outside help, created enormous problems, and when Western aid began, well, it became very sad.

Ukraine has had Western assistance from the very beginning, namely intelligence and communications systems. Ukraine's own resources would have been sufficient for a war, under any circumstances, for a maximum of six months. These are the estimates of foreign experts.

Quote: multicaat

It took our Air Defense Forces a year and a half to even out its personnel numbers with those of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Before that, it was far inferior.

But this is the flaw in the Russian VPR. Because of it, significant territories have been lost, which now have to be reclaimed with bloodshed.

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

Ukraine has had Western assistance from the very beginning, namely intelligence information and communications systems.

but they didn't have about 7 Western armored vehicles, they didn't have millions of shells, they didn't have several dozen anti-artillery radars, they didn't have dozens of units of the most modern mobile artillery, and many other things didn't exist and wouldn't have appeared if the SVO had planned conscientiously.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

but they didn't have about 7 Western armored vehicles, they didn't have millions of shells, they didn't have several dozen anti-artillery radars, they didn't have dozens of units of the most modern mobile artillery, and many other things didn't exist and wouldn't have appeared if the SVO had planned conscientiously.

This would have added to the general chaos without information from Western intelligence centers. Furthermore, the Russian leadership did not strike "decision-making centers."
To conduct the SVO properly, with "conscientious planning," the Russian leadership would have had to mobilize and train troops from the very beginning. This would have been a VERY significant event for our country and our neighbors in the West.
But if you got into a fight, you SHOULD have started it right away.

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

In order to conduct the SVO with "conscientious planning" as it should be, the Russian leadership initially had to mobilize and train troops.

We had to make good use of what we had. Who prevented us from organizing the security for the columns, which, by the way, was prescribed by the regulations?
Who prevented the operations of the first days from being planned in more detail and in greater detail?
Who prevented you from using more modern technology?
Who prevented Chechnya from finally equipping its troops with digital communications? (By the way, they reported that they had equipped them, but in reality, they embezzled the budget.)
There would have been no need for mobilization if everything had been planned conscientiously.
An example of such an operation is the suppression of the uprising in Romania or the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

We had to make good use of what we had. Who prevented us from organizing the security for the columns, which, by the way, was prescribed by the regulations?
Who prevented the operations of the first days from being planned in more detail and in greater detail?

As they say, everything looked good on paper, but they forgot about the ravines...
There's not a single war where everything goes according to plan from the very beginning. Even the Germans, after invading the USSR in 1941, immediately went wrong...

Quote: multicaat

An example of such an operation is the suppression of the uprising in Romania or the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

You are somewhat confusing the suppression of insurgents with armed struggle with a regular army, at least equal in numbers and with prepared fortified areas, as in Donbas.

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

As they say, everything looked good on paper, but they forgot about the ravines.

All that was needed was to follow the regulations, as they taught in training.
Was it really that incredibly difficult?

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

All that was needed was to follow the regulations, as they taught in training.
Was it really that incredibly difficult?

This is the usual army chaos and sloppiness. Do you think the dicks had less of it? As one soldier put it: the one with the least mess wins.

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

As one military man put it: the one with the least mess wins.

That's why I wrote in this thread that both sides lost.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

That's why I wrote in this thread that both sides lost.

Undoubtedly. The collective West won (though Europe also suffered some losses). But we were simply left with no choice... Ukraine itself suffered more than anyone else, having ALLOWED itself to be drawn into a war with Russia. They were heading for this from the very beginning, whipping up a tide of Russophobic hysteria with the full support and favor of the West, which gave them certain hopes of being accepted into the ranks of the "civilized world." So they tried... We have to bring them to their senses.

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

They were heading towards this from the very beginning.

As it turns out, the entire Russophobic hysteria is a paid-for process in the media and other information spaces. Moreover, it turned out to be many times cheaper than the Kremlin's investments in normalizing relations.
After Trump cut off funding, information emerged about who was on the payroll and for what, and it turned out, surprisingly, that almost all the Russophobia was paid for. Everyone checked names. And then, when this hysteria gradually became the norm for Ukrainians, they themselves began to get involved. They began rewriting textbooks, etc., and starting with Yushchenko, children were indoctrinated from school to hate Russian culture.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

As it turns out, the entire Russophobic hysteria is a paid process in the media and other information spaces.

Captain obvious....

Quote: multicaat

And then, when this hysteria gradually became the norm for Ukrainians, they themselves began to get involved. They began rewriting textbooks, etc., and, starting with Yushchenko, children were indoctrinated from school to hate Russian culture.

Well, that's what I'm talking about... As the classic said: Ah, it's not hard to deceive me! I'm happy to be deceived!
As the saying goes: what you fight for, you reap. And then the cry went: what are we doing?!

Quote: multicaat

Moreover, this turned out to be many times cheaper than the Kremlin’s investments in normalizing relations.

So it's the Kremlin's fault that THEY refused to normalize relations in order to avoid being drawn into a FRACIDAL war? Russia helped them a lot, but they responded by saying, "Cut the Russians!"? There's a saying: "Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind." Now they're reaping the fruits of their labor.

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

So it's the Kremlin's fault,

Don't make up words for me, that's not what I said.

THEY did not want to normalize relations in order to avoid being drawn into a FRACIDAL war?

The fratricidal conflict had already begun before 2014. But as I already said, who are these "they"? Those who dragged Ukraine into these events have no intention of taking any responsibility or thinking about the country's future.
They sowed your storm, and the inert population will reap it, it is already reaping it.

Quote: Askold65

Russia helped them well

Who's "them"? Those who came to power after the last Maidan—did you help them? But they were enemies from the start. Yanukovych? Well, he didn't want to risk it and simply fled.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

Don't make up words for me, that's not what I said.

Many here on the site preach the idea, in a similar context to your text, that the Ukrainian elite should have been bought off, rather than helping the Ukrainian population.

Quote: multicaat

The fratricidal conflict had already begun before 2014.

That's right. But the Minsk agreements managed to dampen it down. In 2022, their Ukrainian civil war escalated into a bloodier interstate conflict, with a larger number of proxy parties.

Quote: multicaat

Those who dragged Ukraine into these events have no intention of taking any responsibility or thinking about the country's future.
They sowed your storm, and the inert population will reap it, it is already reaping it.

Well, yes.... It's like the German population in the 40s giving the Nazi salute to their Führer and demanding living space in the East. And then, in 1944, the "Eastern Orcs" (as the Ukrainians call us, copying the German Nazis) stood at the borders of their Fatherland, and a collective howl erupted: "Why are we being punished like this?!"
Ukraine wasn't exactly known for its inert population. Hatred of "Muscovites" there was off the charts. I watched the chat roulette recordings our bloggers posted on YouTube. It's just crazy how they've manipulated the population... Nothing's changed in their minds yet. They're completely screwed.

Quote: multicaat

Who's "them"? Those who came to power after the last Maidan—did you help them? But they were enemies from the start. Yanukovych? Well, he didn't want to risk it and simply fled.

They were helping the Ukrainian state. Before the Maidan. Putin gave them (Yanukovych) the last tranche of $3 billion right during the Maidan. They gobbled it up and didn't even choke. Before that, they received raw materials at "fraternal" prices and enjoyed all the trade benefits of the CIS countries, but without being members of this supposed "union."

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

Many here on the site preach the idea, in a similar context to your text, that the Ukrainian elite should have been bought off, rather than helping the Ukrainian population.

This may be true, but I believe that we would have achieved much more by investing the same money not in Ukraine, but in neighboring regions.
Money flowed into Ukraine to cover investments, primarily from Moscow capital, in Ukraine, which had been flowing in since the collapse of the USSR.

Quote: Askold65

But it was finally dampened by the Minsk agreements.

Not with the Minsk agreements, but with military aid to the republics and a couple of very sensitive cauldrons, this forced the leadership in Kyiv to act more cautiously, but the conflict was far from subsiding, and the republics were experiencing colossal fatigue from what was happening.
Therefore, the need for some kind of decisive conclusion was clearly recognized back in 2015, and many did not understand why it did not begin then.

Quote: Askold65

It's like the people of Germany in the 40s giving a Nazi salute to their Führer and demanding living space in the East.

Once again, you're misinterpreting things here. The Germans themselves admitted that, driven by revanchism and the hardships of WWI, they wanted war; they admitted they'd gotten carried away.
In Ukraine, 90% of the population didn't need any form of acute conflict. Nazis and other radicals were active, but not numerous. They were active because of the support of various foundations, which allowed them to turn rebellion into a paid profession.

Quote: Askold65

Helped the state of Ukraine.

No. It was all a bribe for some groups that privatized state aid through structures they controlled. This aid was not intended for either the state or the population.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

This may be true, but I believe that we would have achieved much more by investing the same money not in Ukraine, but in neighboring regions.

What regions are these? Please clarify.

Quote: multicaat

Money flowed into Ukraine to cover investments, primarily from Moscow capital, in Ukraine, which had been flowing in since the collapse of the USSR.

There was also considerable investment from Ukraine into Russia. This is precisely why groups close to Yanukovych delayed association with the European Union, as they would have suffered significant losses.

Quote: multicaat

not the Minsk agreements, but military aid to the republics and a couple of very sensitive cauldrons, this forced the leadership in Kyiv to act more cautiously,

First the cauldrons, then Minsk. Cause and effect. Where are the contradictions here? I'm talking about the fact itself, and everything before it was actions.

Quote: multicaat

Therefore, the need for some kind of decisive conclusion was clearly recognized back in 2015, and many did not understand why it did not begin then.

The Kremlin most likely understood the situation in Ukraine. Even in Donbas, pro-Russian sentiment was 60%. And they had no desire to get drawn into THEIR civil war. But abandoning those who had opposed the Nazis to their fate was also unsightly. Therefore, they decided to maintain the existing status quo, as in Transnistria, hoping that over time, things would die down and the Ukrainians would calm down.

Quote: multicaat

In Ukraine, 90% of the population didn't need any form of acute conflict. Nazis and other radicals were active, but not numerous. They were active because of the support of various foundations, which allowed them to turn rebellion into a paid profession.

Ukrainians ALREADY found themselves in a bitter conflict after the Maidan. And their territory was offered for the deployment of NATO infrastructure, with subsequent accession to the organization. 90% of the Ukrainian population didn't want a bitter conflict on THEIR territory. Just like the Germans in the 40s. But they were willing to do whatever it took to harm Russia. And don't blame it all ONLY on their "elite."

Quote: multicaat

No. It was all a bribe for some groups that privatized state aid through structures they controlled. This aid was not intended for either the state or the population.

Yes, they presented the tranche to Yanukovych through the English financial system as a "bribe" to Yanukovych personally, but in fact, Yanukovych paid off debts to public sector employees.
Before Yushchenko, Ukraine's population enjoyed cheap gas. Just like their industry, which provided hundreds of thousands of jobs and taxes. I'm not even mentioning the millions of Ukrainians who worked in Russia and transferred money to Ukraine. Don't paint Ukraine's population as poor. Their standard of living wasn't much lower than in Russia. And in the big cities, it was even better... They sold many industrial products in Russia that they couldn't sell in other countries. And they made good money doing it.

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

What regions are these? Please clarify.

First of all, the Krasnodar Territory and its neighbors

Quote: Askold65

This is precisely why groups close to Yanukovych delayed the association with the European Union.

Yanukovych was stopped by something entirely different: the EU's blatantly discriminatory position in the trade agreement. Essentially, it all boiled down to Ukraine giving up its internal market for nothing.

Quote: Askold65

I'm talking about the fact itself,

The Minsk agreements were merely a formality, intended to formally record the situation. Kyiv did not comply with them at all.

Quote: Askold65

The Kremlin most likely understood the situation in Ukraine. Even in Donbas, pro-Russian sentiment was 60%. And they had no desire to get drawn into THEIR civil war. But abandoning those who opposed the Nazis to their fate was also unsightly. Therefore, they decided to maintain the existing status quo, as in Transnistria.

No. The Surkovites clearly understood what kind of government the republics would have if they acted immediately—independent. No one in the Kremlin wanted that. The years since 2014 have been spent establishing tight control, ensuring that power in the republics was completely subordinated to the interests of the Kremlin. In this regard, I want to recall the entire chain of deaths of the republics' leaders and heroes at the time, which could not have been accomplished without help from within.

Quote: Askold65

But they were ready to spoil Russia in every possible way.

Are the residents of Khatai Krai ready? Are you serious?

Quote: Askold65

And according to the fact, Yanukovych paid off the debts of public sector employees

In fact, Yanukovych replenished the budget, and not just for public sector employees. Some of the money went to traditionally budget-dependent entities, and some wasn't taken from them. When you pour water into a glass and it mixes, it's difficult to separate what goes where.

Quote: Askold65

There is no need to make poor people out of the Ukrainian population.

I didn't do that. Unlike the people of the RSFSR, they didn't live through the entire turbulent 90s, but rather happily and calmly devoured the very rich Soviet legacy. I certainly didn't intend to consider them poor souls.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

First of all, the Krasnodar Territory and its neighbors

That's a strange statement. We're talking about Ukraine, so what do Russian regions bordering Ukraine have to do with it?

Quote: multicaat

Yanukovych was stopped by something entirely different: the EU's blatantly discriminatory position in the trade agreement. Essentially, it all boiled down to Ukraine giving up its internal market for nothing.

That too. But joining the association was precluded by preferential treatment with Russia. Yanukovych requested compensation from the EU, but this too was denied.

Quote: multicaat

The Minsk agreements were merely a formality, intended to formally record the situation. Kyiv did not comply with them at all.

Partially, but he did comply. There were no large contingents in Donbas, and shelling was sporadic, mostly along the line of confrontation.

Quote: multicaat

The years since 2014 have been spent establishing tight control, ensuring that power in the republics is completely subordinated to the interests of the Kremlin. In this regard, I would like to recall the chain of deaths of the republics' then-leaders and heroes, which could not have been accomplished without assistance from within.

That's right. Otherwise, it would have been just like Abkhazia. These heroes were offered to submit to the structures of the LPR and DPR, but they refused. And in the Kremlin and Donetsk, guerrilla warfare was not needed in principle. What was needed, especially under such conditions, was a strict vertical chain of command to ensure that resources were being channeled.

Quote: multicaat

Are the residents of Khatai Krai ready? Are you serious?

As it is, fear the indifferent, for the most terrible crimes are committed with their tacit consent. They don't care about Ukraine, much less Russia. They wanted to join the EU, but there, let the grass not grow... But after the Maidan, the number of hut-scratchers has dwindled significantly, favoring outright enemies of Russia.

Quote: multicaat

In fact, Yanukovych replenished the budget, and not just for public sector employees. Some of the money went to traditionally budget-dependent entities, and some wasn't taken from them. When you pour water into a glass and it mixes, it's difficult to separate what goes where.

I don't understand why you're generalizing so much here? Should Russia have instituted controls over the disbursement of funds, ensuring they went exclusively to the population? Did they give them money? They did. Where they stole it is the concern of Yanukovych and his friends. But some of the money still ended up in the hands of Ukrainians. They steal just as much from us. So what now – freeze the payments?

Quote: multicaat

I certainly didn't intend to consider them poor fellows.

So you're all worried that ordinary Ukrainians aren't getting the benefits of their relationship with Russia. They had their own turbulent 90s, with their oligarchs and gangsters.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

What would have happened if, as in Crimea, within 5 days all key points, at least to the east and up to the Dnieper line, were under control?

Would you like to compare the territory of Crimea and the whole of Ukraine up to the Dnieper River?

[multi-category]

The forces were quite proportional. According to various estimates, between 30 and 70 "little green men" were operating in Crimea.
At the beginning of the SVO, according to estimates, about 360 thousand participated, plus 60-80 thousand from the republics of eastern Ukraine, for a total of at least 420 thousand, which is 7-8 times more.
The population east of the Dnieper and on the Dnieper is about 11 million
Crimea's population is 2.2 million—a fivefold difference. So the forces are quite comparable, even higher per capita density than in Crimea.
plus an incredible amount of technology.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

forces are quite proportional. In Crimea there was

I'm not talking about population, but about territory. Taking control of such a space at the same speed is physically impossible.

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

It is physically impossible to take control of such a space at the same speed.
Reply
Quote

The Kharkiv region's territory is quite comparable in size to Crimea. And we're not even talking about the entire area, just about half of it in the east. So, did you get it?
Just compare the level of coordination of forces in Crimea and there.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

The Kharkiv region's territory is quite comparable in size to Crimea. And we're not even talking about the entire territory, just about half of it in the east.

After which the same thing would have started, only in a slightly different place. Although you don't want to take the entire territory up to the Dnieper anymore, that's good.

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

Although you don’t want to take the entire territory up to the Dnieper, that’s good.

The Dnieper is only the second phase of the operation, which would have been difficult to plan. We're talking primarily about areas where movement can be planned for a day or two.
Well, for example, Kherson - it was possible to get there quickly
As far as Zaporizhzhia and Odessa, too, but it's quite difficult to quickly deploy sufficient forces. But it was entirely possible to deploy sufficient forces to Kharkiv within 1-2 days.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

We are talking mainly about those territories where it is possible to plan travel in a day or two.
Well, for example, Kherson - it was possible to get there quickly

It's possible. But what would have changed during the Second World War? Only a slight reconfiguration of the front line.
The comparison with Crimea is essentially meaningless, because Crimea is a small region that can be easily cut off from the enemy and quickly brought under control, despite the fact that significant military forces were initially present there. Such a feat would not have worked with the whole of Ukraine—there's too much space. So, that's what we have.

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

Crimea is a small region that can be easily cut off from the enemy and quickly brought under control, despite the fact that significant military forces were initially present on its territory. This wouldn't have worked with all of Ukraine—there's too much space.

Not quite so. The decision to launch large-scale military operations was made not by the Kremlin, but by Kyiv. The Air Defense Forces did everything they could to avoid fire contact for the first day or two. But to implement such a decision, resources must be managed. If Kharkiv, the semi-circle of Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia had been completely encircled in the first two days, and Kherson had been captured, the three mobilization units in Ukraine would have been severed. The mobilization potential of the west would have been cut off from its main units, warehouses, and industrial areas, and it would have been impossible to quickly deploy units more powerful than the Volkssturm. Half of the combat-ready units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces would have been isolated from logistics, and the mobilization resources of the east would have been blocked from use. Under these conditions, the decision to go to war would have been impossible to follow through with mobilization, and the Air Defense Forces would have crushed any resistance.
What actually happened? They advanced, but failed to establish a stable and advantageous position anywhere except Kherson. Logistics were disrupted by numerous attacks, and the army found itself teetering dangerously close to defeat.
According to eyewitnesses, the first serious problems for the advancing group in the Kharkiv region began after just two hours.
Who plans operations like that? Something similar happened during the Gostomel operation—the columns on the ground were under initial attack within an hour, which they were able to repel, but at a cost in men and time.
Why did this happen? Poor coordination; they didn't take everything into account.
Who prevented them from moving out a couple of days before February 24th and covering the convoys' route? Who prevented them from forming the columns, as they did in Chechnya, so they could immediately fight off the partisans?
And then a host of questions immediately arise. Starting with the negative personnel policy in the special forces, which largely caused him to lose his hard-won combat experience. It also led him to make the same mistakes he had already made in the Chechen campaigns.
There are a lot of uncomfortable questions about planning an operation.
In particular, it is now known that a whole list of completely incompetent officers have been appointed to lead military operations, and this despite the presence of a sufficient number of officers with combat experience.
I have a feeling that they were planning a tourist excursion.
This is inadequacy!

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

If in the first 2 days Kharkov had been completely surrounded, Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia had been half-ringed, and Kherson had been taken, it would have turned out

That the majority of our troops are cut off from their rear, and all communications are controlled by enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

Quote: multicaat

logistics were disrupted by numerous attacks and the army began to balance dangerously close to defeat

That's the point.

Quote: multicaat

Who prevented you from moving forward and covering the route of the convoys a couple of days before February 24?

On foreign territory? What does that mean?

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

That the majority of our troops are cut off from their rear, and all communications are controlled by enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

Where did you get that from? Security had to be organized on the communications lines.

Quote: Dart2027

That's the point.

This happened because the army leadership completely ignored the reality.

Quote: Dart2027

On foreign territory? What does that mean?

Read what the Germans did from April to June 1941.
The Brandenburg Regiment, sabotage and reconnaissance missions, reconnaissance of movement routes by various means, agent infiltration, panic and false information in cities, serious work to disrupt communications. They even taught the PZIII how to drive underwater so the first day would go smoothly.
And what did our Ministry of Defense do from this list?

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

it was necessary to organize security on the communications

which would have become an easy target, since the entire enemy infrastructure remained in the uncleared area.

Quote: multicaat

because the army leadership completely disregarded the reality

Which is what you are calling them to do.

Quote: multicaat

Read what the Germans did from April to June 1941.

Well, you can read about how the partisans frolicked behind their lines. None of this really helped.

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

Read about how the partisans frolicked behind their lines.

mainly in Belarus, where there are many forests, swamps and only one highway.
Auxiliary theater of military operations. Such guerrilla warfare is impossible in Ukraine.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

In Ukraine, such guerrilla warfare is impossible.

Yeah. Tell that to those who were victims of sabotage and reconnaissance groups when they thought the same thing.

[multi-category]

Let's not get hysterical. If around 10 people died and an hour was lost, that's one thing.
But if entire columns of personnel were ambushed and killed, that's a completely different matter. It's impossible to guarantee complete immunity from guerrilla warfare, but its impact on troop movements can be reduced to near zero.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

But if they ran into ambushes and entire columns of personnel were killed, that's a completely different matter.

Unfortunately, the losses were not 10 people, but rather...

[Alex777]

Quote: multicaat

the strategy was to let the whole world get drawn into the SVO???

Tell me, please, are you at the front or on the couch?

[multi-category]

I was there 2 years ago, but that has nothing to do with the question.

[Alex777]

Quote: multicaat

I was there 2 years ago, but that has nothing to do with the question.

For me it does.

[multi-category]

I saw with my own eyes how Donetsk was being destroyed by Khaimars and artillery
I saw what Mariupol turned into when it was just recaptured.
I don't think this was something worth planning in the SVO.

[Alex777]

Are you from Ukraine to have seen so much?
Did you fight for Russia at the front?

[multi-category]

No, I went with the refugees to their home.

[Alex777]

I had friends who fought there then and who are fighting there now.
Do you think that if the SVO hadn’t existed, things would be better in Donetsk and Mariupol now?

[multi-category]

Quote: Alex777

Do you think that if the SVO hadn’t existed, things would be better in Donetsk and Mariupol now?

When starting a war, you need to plan how to end it, not how to start it.
The Second Military District should have been completed in its force phase within a week, or two at the most, completely blocking the possibility of army mobilization. But in reality, it still hasn't ended. That's the problem, not whether to start or not. And, in theory, it should have begun in 2014-2015.

[Alex777]

Quote: multicaat

The SVO had to be completed in the force phase within a week, well, two at the most, completely blocking the possibility of mobilizing the army.

It was necessary, but everything didn't go as planned. This often happens.

Quote: multicaat

That's the problem, not whether to start or not.

It's too late to talk about that now. We need to finish off the 404 mode.

Quote: multicaat

Well, in theory, we should have started already in 2014-2015.

They weren't ready for sanctions back then. They weren't ready for a lot of things. So it's not a given that things would have been better.

[multi-category]

Quote: Alex777

It was necessary, but everything didn't go as planned. This often happens.

Who prevented the creation of reserves for the SVO operation? After all, no response was prepared for the eventuality of Ukraine starting mobilization—and despite some heroic resistance, the army was forced to surrender many already controlled territories in 2022.
Moreover, in some places, especially the Kharkiv part of the beginning of the operation and the participation of the DPR raises a lot of questions - was anything planned there at all???
It looks like the plan was sketched out on a piece of paper from a bathhouse broom in a couple of minutes.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

When starting a war, you need to plan how to end it, not how to start it.

To unleash a war, a chain of cause and effect leading to it is necessary. Either we face a choice: shame or war.
A war can be ended on two conditions: the complete defeat of the enemy or on terms that are favorable to oneself.

Quote: multicaat

The SVO had to be completed in the force phase within a week, well, two at the most, completely blocking the possibility of mobilizing the army.

How quick you are... How can you possibly block the mobilization of such a large country as Ukraine in a week?

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

How can you possibly shut down the mobilization of a country as large as Ukraine in a week?

Well, at the beginning of the SVO they showed a lot, it was just crudely executed.
Kyiv was encircled and cut off from logistics, the Kharkiv region, Kherson, and parts of Zaporizhzhia were completely under control, and an advance on Mariupol was underway from the west and east. It turned out that the entire east was paralyzed, the Donbas group was encircled, and there was no industry in the west. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Armed Forces recruited primarily from the east, leaving the west untouched for a long time. I believe the hope for resistance after the full implementation of such a plan was extremely low, but in reality, most of these points were either partially implemented or not completed at all.
Kyiv isn't blockaded, Kharkiv isn't under control, Kherson isn't under stable control, and Zaporizhzhia hasn't been attacked at all. Basically, a blitzkrieg may have been planned, but it wasn't executed. In fact, the Zelenskyy administration hasn't lost control anywhere. Take the Gostomel operation, for example. Seemingly simple at its core, but the plan there changed dramatically, and they suffered a number of senseless and unnecessary losses. And then there's the propaganda. Simply appalling preparation. Even Ukrainians loyal to us didn't understand the beginning of the SVO.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

Kyiv is encircled and cut off from logistics, the Kharkiv region, Kherson, and parts of Zaporizhzhia are under complete control, and the advance toward Mariupol is underway from the west and east. It turns out that the entire east is paralyzed, the group in Donbas is encircled, and there is no industry in the west. Moreover, the Ukrainian Armed Forces recruited mainly from the east.

Can you even imagine the troop concentration that would have been required to carry out such a daring plan? I told you so: to do this, we would have had to begin increasing our troop concentration long before the Second World War. And that was politically impossible. Apparently, they were counting on the Ukrainian Armed Forces not daring to attack Donbas after its recognition, but they launched a DEMONSTRATIVE shelling of Donetsk. And that was a "casus belli" before the choice: shame or war. No one was planning a blitzkrieg; they simply used the forces they had. To persuade Kyiv to negotiate on acceptable terms. It seemed like they had reached some agreement in Istanbul, but then the Anglo-Saxons intervened again...

[Dart2027]

Quote: Askold65

I wrote to you exactly this: to achieve this, we would have had to begin increasing the troop concentration long before the Central Military District. And that was politically impossible.

It's not just politics. Those who shout about how mobilization should have been carried out earlier somehow fail to consider that once it begins, everyone will immediately realize why it's being carried out and won't wait.

[Askold65]

Quote: Dart2027

It's not just politics. Those who shout about how mobilization should have been carried out earlier somehow fail to consider that once it begins, everyone will immediately realize why it's being carried out and won't wait.

This is called a military-political decision, in all respects. As Shaposhnikov wrote in his works: mobilization is essentially a declaration of war.

[Dart2027]

Quote: Askold65

mobilization is essentially a declaration of war

That's exactly what I mean. For some reason, many people are convinced that we would have been given the opportunity to calmly prepare while it was going on.

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

For some reason, many are sure that we would have been given the opportunity to calmly prepare while it was going on.
Reply
Quote

What a kindergarten, as if you don't know that there are countless ways to conduct a covert mobilization. Finland, for example, suddenly had more troops at the start of the Winter War than the USSR had allocated because it conducted a covert mobilization that doubled the size of its army.
Who prevented them from preparing a plan to transfer conscript reserves to the borders within a couple of days? Simply so there would be someone to man the border, support logistics, etc. When suppressing the rebellion in Hungary, the USSR had a three-stage plan for the lightning mobilization of reserves, and only the first was implemented. It was planned in two days.
Who prevented the incompetent Black Sea Fleet command from improving the level of training for its command staff? After all, incidents like the loss of the cruiser Moskva or the several times the Black Sea Fleet ships simply slept through attacks are blatant negligence.
No, I don't think the preparation was done in good faith.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

As if you don't know that there are a lot of ways to carry out covert mobilization

In this day and age, when every little thing is posted online? Do you really believe that none of the relatives of those mobilized would have written anything down? And where will you put modern intelligence? And how will you hide them while they're undergoing training, because it's not enough to just conscript people; they also need to be trained.
How annoying it is

Quote: multicaat

Who prevented you from preparing a plan to transfer conscript reserves to the borders in a couple of days?

Nobody uses conscripts in the BD.

Quote: multicaat

After all, episodes like the loss of the cruiser Moskva or how the ChM ships repeatedly stupidly slept through attacks are blatant sloppiness.

Did you oversleep? A missile attack?

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

And how will you hide them during the time they are undergoing training?

and there is no need to hide anyone - just prepare and carry out the preparations.
Please, we're not talking about tens of millions of soldiers. Tens of thousands could be hidden even in plain sight if you wanted to. For example, consider building a cosmodrome in Belgorod and bringing in a division of military "builders." The example is exaggerated, but the idea is perfectly clear. Furthermore, I'd like to remind you that we're also talking about reserves quickly deployed to pre-prepared logistics points within 1-2 days. The military is trained for this. Or do you think rookies are organizing all this? The clashes in Kharkiv started on the 24th.
For example, who prevented the overnight transfer of, say, 20000 soldiers from the Lipetsk or Moscow regions by rail between the 23rd and 24th to form a reserve for the units advancing in that area? No intelligence service could have detected such a maneuver in advance, and most importantly, organized a countermeasure.
Now a very simple question: were methods of rapid deployment of large forces in the rear used at all at the beginning of the Central Military District?
I haven't heard of anything like that. This speaks to the poor planning of the operation.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

Please, we're not talking about tens of millions of soldiers here. A few tens of thousands could be hidden even in plain sight if you wanted to.

Do you even understand the meaning of the word "mobilization"? It's when reservists are called up en masse, not when troops are redeployed.

[multi-category]

First, let's decide - how much force was enough???
Judging by the estimates of the numbers, the task was quite proportional to the events in Crimea - the balance of forces was approximately the same.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

the task was quite proportionate to the Crimean events

Quote: Dart2027

I'm not talking about population, but about territory. Taking control of such a space at the same speed is physically impossible.

[multi-category]

No, not at the same speed, but... trucks can drive across the Kharkiv region in a single day! What prevented them from developing a plan that would organize a consistent, rapid advance along roads with obstacles scouted and cleared in advance?
For example, a couple of days before the air defense, deploy cover groups along the roads, prepare air reserves, and perhaps tactical airborne assault forces by helicopter or towed glider. A wooden glider suddenly disappears from radar and missiles can't be guided.
But... almost nothing was done! Most of the columns had very limited security, and only at the front. Many drivers were unfamiliar with the roads, maps, etc.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

What prevented you from drawing up a plan that would organize a consistent, rapid advance along roads with obstacles reconnoitered and eliminated in advance?

At least the enemy won't sit still. And by the way, what will you do if you drive past a chemical weapons system in trucks? Do you even know that territory needs to be controlled?

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

the territory needs to be controlled.

Through key points—Guderian described in detail how this should be done in his memoirs. You don't need to control the entire territory; you need to control the territory's activity through control of key points.
Well, remember what it was like in Petrograd during the revolution—they didn't station soldiers on every corner, but they seized the telegraph office, the post office, the train stations, and administrative buildings. No one ventured into the parks or the slums.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

There is no need to control the entire territory - you need to control the activity of the territory through control of key points.

The partisans approve.

Quote: multicaat

Well, remember what it was like in Petrograd during the revolution - they didn't station soldiers on every corner, but they seized the telegraph, post office, train stations, and administrative offices.

Were there cell phones and internet back then?

[multi-category]

You are probably confusing the first phase of the operation with the gradual strengthening of control.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

the first phase of the operation and gradual strengthening of control

At first, they tried to do it this way. The results weren't very good.

[multi-category]

Quote: Dart2027

The result was not very good.

The question is: you're entering a country where hatred is part of the ideology with military columns, highly vulnerable to small arms fire, and you're doing nothing to protect them. Why? Within the first 24 hours, the number of shellings on the columns was in the dozens. No one expected this??? Seriously?

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

question - you enter the state in military columns, very vulnerable to small arms fire

That's exactly what you're proposing—dashing throws in the spirit of the mid-20th century. And if you do it right, there won't be any quick grabs.

[multi-category]

"correct" - what does that mean?
I suggested that at least the first 150 kilometers of the columns be taken care of in advance to ensure they passed without interference. This wasn't done.
And this had to be done quickly - within one and a half to two days, so that the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces would not have time to take measures for mobilization.

[Dart2027]

Quote: multicaat

I suggested that at least the first 150 kilometers of the columns be taken care of in advance to ensure they passed without interference. This wasn't done.

Once again, how was this supposed to be done in enemy-controlled territory?

Quote: multicaat

And it had to be fast - within one and a half to two days.

Don't you remember what you wrote?

Quote: multicaat

the columns on the ground were already under the first blows within an hour

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

the strategy was to let the whole world get drawn into the SVO

You speak as if the whole world was not involved from the start and only reluctantly got drawn into it against its will after the war began.

Quote: multicaat

and when did Western aid begin?

And when do you think Western aid began? Was it really only in the summer of 2022?

[multi-category]

Quote from: nik-mazur

And when do you think Western aid began? Was it really only in the summer of 2022?

It's one thing to send a dozen instructors, a batch of grenade launchers, and a couple of rusty armored vehicles; it's quite another to have supplies flowing in like a river comparable to the country's GDP. This allows for a three- to four-fold increase in mobilization. And if you look at the events, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have suddenly grown to almost 800,000, essentially adding the strength of two separate groups of the Air Defense Forces in a single month. That's the difference in aid.

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

Here's the difference in help

So the West did help Ukraine before February 2022, just not on such a large scale?

[multi-category]

That's right, it helped a thousand times less, but even with such a small amount of help, Ukraine was able to create a certain reserve of trained infantry from 2014 to 2022, which only dried up at the end of 23 or in 24.

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

That's right, it was a thousand times less helpful.

So, the West was helping Ukraine even before the Second World War. Which contradicts your claim that it was Russia that dragged the West into the war.

[multi-category]

Quote from: nik-mazur

Which contradicts your statement that Russia dragged the West into the war.

What??? Where did I say that?

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

Where did I say that?

Yes, here are your words about the Russian strategy:

Quote: multicaat

the strategy was to let the whole world get drawn into the SVO

Or did you mean something different than what you said?

[multi-category]

no need to cut words out of context
There was sarcasm there, related to the negative consequences of delaying the operation. Or should I speak to you like a child?

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

there was sarcasm here related to the negative consequences of delaying the operation

So your sarcasm didn't imply that Russia's strategy forced the entire world to fight on Ukraine's side? And you actually think otherwise, perhaps even quite the opposite?

[multi-category]

I think this is an extremely undesirable consequence of the cascade of poorly executed planning tasks for the SVO. In fact, the original SVO plan was supposed to be completed in a matter of days, not a year.

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

This is an extremely undesirable consequence of a cascade of poorly executed tasks in planning the SVO.

So, in your opinion, the West began to help Ukraine (which it was already helping) only because of the poor planning of the Central Military District?

Quote: multicaat

The initial plan for the SVO was to be completed in a matter of days

Wow! You're being kept informed at this level?

[multi-category]

Quote from: nik-mazur

So, in your opinion, the West began to help Ukraine (which it was already helping) only because of the poor planning of the Central Military District?

Large-scale assistance capable of significantly influencing the course of events, yes, only began because the operation was delayed

Quote from: nik-mazur

Wow! You're being kept informed at this level?

Open the media of February 22. It says it all.
Besides, I can't imagine any reason to plan for slow combat if there is a way to do it faster.
The same Schlieffen Plan in WWI envisaged a very large-scale war, much larger than the Central Military District, to be completed in a matter of months. Incidentally, it was this plan that forced the German leadership to significantly increase the forces involved from the very beginning.

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

Large-scale assistance capable of significantly influencing the course of events, yes, only began because the operation was delayed

A small war means a small amount of help. A big war means a big amount of help. This is as obvious as it is banal.
But... initially, the discussion wasn't about the size of the aid, but about drawing the West into the war. In fact, the West was involved in the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia even before 2014. Moreover, it was the West that orchestrated this confrontation.
Therefore, to say that Russia’s actions have somehow pushed the West to do something is rather naive.

Quote: multicaat

Open Media February 22

Are there any official statements about the SVO being designed to last for several days? Could you spare a link or a quote? Or are you suggesting we just listen to the speculations of experts, analysts, and other bloggers?

Quote: multicaat

The Schlieffen Plan in WWI planned a very large-scale war, much larger than the Central Military District, to be completed in a matter of months.

Do you think the same thing should have been planned?
Although, as far as I remember, the Schlieffen Plan wasn't exactly a success. Perhaps the planning was just as botched as the CBO's?

[multi-category]

Quote from: nik-mazur

As far as I remember, the Schlieffen Plan was not very successful.

On the contrary, the Schlieffen Plan was a complete success. But in the second phase of the fighting, it was the Germans themselves who thwarted it.

Quote from: nik-mazur

There are official statements that the SVO is designed for several days

There are very few official statements about the planning of the SVO. And all of them are vague and unclear.
But there is, for example, a direct quote from Putin during a speech in Tbilisi

We will strive to get this completed, and the sooner the better.

That is, the SVO was planned on the basis that the sooner the better (but without undue haste). This is confirmed by the course of events in the first days - the landing in Gostomel, the rapid advance of columns and raiding parties, and on February 24, armored cars were already driving around Kharkov and leading
battle. That is, there were goals for rapid advancement.

[Konnick]

Quote: multicaat

But there is, for example, a direct quote from Putin during a speech in Tbilisi

Tbilisi???

[multi-category]

yes, exactly there
but probably not only there - just the first thing I found

[Konnick]

Quote: multicaat

yes, exactly there
but probably not only there - just the first thing I found

Putin has never been to Tbilisi

[nik-mazur]

Quote: multicaat

The Schlieffen Plan was a complete success. But in the second phase of the fighting, it was the Germans themselves who thwarted it.

So, in the end, it failed. There are different opinions as to why.

Quote: multicaat

There are very few official statements about the planning of the SVO.

Which doesn't stop armchair analysts from knowing exactly how it really was.

Quote: multicaat

The SVO was planned on the basis that the sooner the better

Most likely so. And?

[Novosibirsk]

He was still driving away, like, it's a dead end. Even before Kursk.

[Ryazan87]

As for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, their strategy was simple: don't collapse under the first blow, form a stable front, and buy time to begin receiving Western military aid. The Ukrainian Armed Forces succeeded. Moreover, by initiating the mechanism of permanent mobilization and receiving Western technical support, the Ukrainians were able to achieve significant success, primarily in eliminating the Kherson bridgehead. Then, of course, a certain dizziness with "counteroffensives" began, and in the end, everything returned to the same old story: Ukrainian It holds the front, imposes frontal assaults on endless "fortresses," and generally tolerates no military catastrophe. Moreover, it regularly strikes the Russian rear and actively operates in the Black Sea. After the Kursk epic, it's clear that the Ukrainians retain the capability to conduct limited offensive operations. Finita...

[Askold65]

Quote: Ryazanets87

After the Kursk epic, it was clear that the Ukrainians retained the ability to conduct limited offensive operations. Finita...

Where did they even conduct a limited offensive operation? The most they can do is shift reserves from one direction to another to prevent a collapse, and launch counterattacks against the advancing Russian forces.

[Ryazan87]

Kursk was such an operation, which, by the way, caused a serious crisis at the initial stage.
Could the Ukrainians pull something like that off now? I wouldn't risk saying a definitive "no." They have reserves.

[Askold65]

But you wrote it like this:

After the Kursk epic, it was clear that the Ukrainians retained the ability to conduct limited offensive operations. Finita...

So, they used their reserves at Kursk, abandoning a group in Donbas, where the front finally advanced all the way to Pokrovsk. And the Ukrainians were forced to urgently wind down the operation and transfer their combat-ready units from Kursk back to Donbas. Then our forces entered Sumy Oblast, and the Ukrainians threw some of their reserves there. They're wasting their reserves on patching up holes. To be fair, we don't have much of them either...

[multi-category]

Quote: Askold65

The most they can do is transfer reserves from one direction to another.

The theater of operations is structured like a wheel, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces inside and the Air Defense Forces group outside, making it much easier for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to redeploy forces than for the Air Defense Forces. This is a strategic advantage; for the SVU group, it's more advantageous to mass combat contacts across the entire front and tie down the Air Defense Forces, preventing them from moving freely and losing their advantage. The intense encounter battles near Pokrovsk and a number of similar episodes speak to the feeblemindedness of the Ukrainian leadership, which sacrifices its advantages for paltry PR purposes.

[Askold65]

Quote: multicaat

In turn, it is more advantageous for the SVU group to mass the number of combat contacts along the entire front and tie down the SVO forces in combat so that they cannot move freely and lose their advantage.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces lack strategic initiative, and only this disposition allows them to quickly redeploy reserves. Therefore, the Russian command attacks from multiple directions, splitting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The extremely sparse combat formations (on both sides) allow for infiltration into the immediate rear of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, creating tension in one area or another. The Ukrainian Armed Forces suffer losses, including during the redeployment of reinforcements and during counterattacks to restore the situation.

[multi-category]

Quote: Ryazanets87

To avoid collapse under the first blow, to form a stable front, and to buy time to begin receiving Western military aid. The Ukrainian Armed Forces succeeded in this. Moreover, by launching a mechanism of permanent mobilization and receiving Western technical support

If it had been possible to cut off the industrial centers, the eastern group of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the western region with its population into three unconnected groups, and to largely blockade Kyiv along the perimeter, then a mass mobilization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces would have been impossible. As it is, the Zelenskyy administration is left with several large industrial centers with ample logistics for the full formation of army units. This opportunity should never have been given. I was very surprised by the Istanbul agreement, which they shamefully kept quiet about publicizing, because it was precisely this agreement that completely untied the hands of the Ukrainian Armed Forces for a mass mobilization. And this after Kyiv's complete degradation as a party capable of fulfilling the agreements.

[ZovSailor]

Murmur 55
Today, 13: 31
Only time is the best judge, only it will show who was right and who was wrong and whose strategy and tactics were correct.

Why was this weirdo still acting up while he was still free, when the Nazis had already collected evidence of the Nord Stream bombings involving this same long-term resident?

[Lemon]

Valerik is a good talker!)) Everyone remembers his statements about how he "defeated" the professional army of the Russian Federation and that he could easily cope with the mobilized ones.))) His comrades echoed him, saying that the Russian Federation has run out of missiles, and only the Young Army is fighting. )) Fabulous star-gazers!

[Alex777]

Н

Quote: Lemon

Valerik is a good chatterbox!))

Our Rogozin is no better. He pulled off the same thing about the stalemate at the front a day or two earlier.
I would like it to be done with as little bloodshed as possible, and on foreign soil, but so far that hasn’t worked out.
But it is already clear that if it were not for the SVO, we would have lost the LPR and DPR.
Together with those people who have been there since 2014. They would have been cut out.

[Ryazan87]

A surprisingly similar assessment from Mr. Rogozin:
"...Here's the dead end, the problem with trench warfare. That is, the forces are roughly equal in equipment, preparedness, even motivation," the senator emphasized.
He cited the situation in the Kherson region as a clear example, where, in addition to the factors listed above, the Dnieper River is an obstacle to offensive operations by the Russian Armed Forces. According to him, crossing the river is currently out of the question.
https://topcor.ru/64441-rogozin-vs-rf-i-vsu-dostigli-pariteta-na-fronte-prodvizhenie-prakticheski-nevozmozhno.html

[snow mountain]

Never mind, never mind! Once he becomes a president, then he'll show everyone

[Bomb]

Quote: Askold65

1. If a fight is inevitable, strike first.

According to the rules, only gopniks started fights in the 90s

[Sergey Mitinsky]

Zaluzhny is preparing himself for the presidency by speaking critically about Zelensky's adventures.
It looks like Russia is facing a new wave of mobilization, which, in theory, should finally break the resistance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas designated by Putin. The whole issue now comes down to human resources. Russia has them, but in Ukraine, after the general mobilization, they are being rounded up on the streets, and nothing more is expected.

[gribanov.c]

How do we overcome this impasse? I'm not in a trench, I'm on the couch, but I know. First, we need to change tactics. From the front line, toward the enemy, measure out 150 kilometers in depth, along the entire length. Divide these 150 kilometers into three 50-kilometer zones. All three zones must be under the absolute control of reconnaissance and target designation forces, in real time. And conduct the operation like this: 80-90% of the enemy's forces, reserves, ammunition, and supplies in general must be destroyed in the third zone, using reconnaissance, target designation, drone strikes, and all other precision weapons—bombs, missiles. In the second zone, finish off those who somehow managed to penetrate. The appearance of enemy forces in the third 50-km zone, directly adjacent to the front line, is already an emergency; to eliminate such breakthroughs, it is necessary to attract large forces, for which purpose reserves, tank, infantry, missile and artillery, and large air forces must be ready in the near rear.
And these three lines, they must, of course, not be static, the front is not on the defensive, they must slowly, but still advance.
This tactic must be supported by the appropriate quality and quantity of military equipment that will allow such tasks to be accomplished in this manner.
The main role here should be played by unmanned aircraft, for which the military-industrial complex could develop and launch into mass production a whole “line” of unmanned aircraft returnees (not kamikazes!) Reconnaissance and attack aircraft with a range of 1000 km, sufficient to reach a rear airfield, drop bombs or missiles, and return. We also need a very good and inexpensive ground-launched missile with a range of up to 200 km, high precision, and a variety of warheads and guidance options—coordinate-based, laser-guided from a UAV, or ground-based.
We need to develop and mass-produce various ground-based remotely controlled vehicles for reconnaissance, target acquisition, assault, combat engineering, and supply. One of these is a light assault tank with a 57mm automatic cannon.