Russian-Ukrainian War: Combat Tactics & Strategy

Deans · Post by **Deans** » 08 Oct 2022 15:34

IndraD wrote:Crimea bridge attack is proper terrorist attack, vehicle IED used, so someone volunteered to drive it (soosai ied). This tactics was last seen in Iraq and came to an end with defeatof ISIS> now US is using it again.

A remote controlled explosive on a fuel or ammo truck could have been used. Explosion was timed to coincide with a train carrying fuel moving on the adjacent rail line.

dnivas · Post by **dnivas** » 08 Oct 2022 16:07

Raja wrote:Laughable that the usual Russian fan boys are getting all bent up about a stupid bridge exploding. Russia has razed entire cities and killed thousands of people. Your hero Putin is not a saint.

It's just so freakishly weird to see a desi lampooning a country that has helped Bharat multiple times. In any given rational exercise the amount of collateral damage caused by warmonger Inc is much much greater than what Russia has done.But again somehow facts seem to stream past your eyes and brain.

Deans · Post by **Deans** » 08 Oct 2022 16:38

Raja wrote:Laughable that the usual Russian fan boys are getting all bent up about a stupid bridge exploding. Russia has razed entire cities and killed thousands of people. Your hero Putin is not a saint.

Far from being a stupid bridge, its probably the most important one in the Ukraine conflict and its damage is a significant tactical victory and morale booster for Ukraine.
As per the official UN figures of the number of civilians killed in the war, they are remarkably low. Most of them were in cities being fought over.
Cities where there is no fighting have had civilians killed by both sides. While Putin is no saint, he does have the capability to send Ukrainian cities into the stone age (without nukes) and we might be getting to that point. From Ukraine's point of view its stupid bridge vs a few thousand Ukrainian lives.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 08 Oct 2022 17:00

Russian Ministry of Transport claims that the railway part of the bridge will be fixed by tonight & the first trains will be able to cross the Crimean bridge at 8pm.
https://twitter.com/RWApodcast/status/1 ... Y1FfSdJ4kQ

ks_sachin · Post by **ks_sachin** » 08 Oct 2022 17:02

dnivas wrote:
Raja wrote:Laughable that the usual Russian fan boys are getting all bent up about a stupid bridge exploding. Russia has razed entire cities and killed thousands of people. Your hero Putin is not a saint.
It's just so freakishly weird to see a desi lampooning a country that has helped Bharat multiple times. In any given rational exercise the amount of collateral damage caused by warmonger Inc is much much greater than what Russia has done.But again somehow facts seem to stream past your eyes and brain.

Its a difference of opinion. Respect that. BRF does not need to be an echo chamber. The Russians did not help us out of some great altruism.

Cyrano · Post by **Cyrano** » 08 Oct 2022 20:02

Not opinion, just gleeful trolling.

Like I choose to ignore this Raja, Russia should ignore this meaningless provocation by Ukraine designed to stay in the world headlines and continue begging for weapons, aid, money and support. And spitefully curse them and their 'place in history ' if someone like India does not oblige.

Russia should & I think they will continue to minimise their casualties, territory can be gotten back, but not men; and focus on Bakhmut/Karamatorsk sector. As soon as they have assembled the required assault forces they will increase the attack on this lynch pin of Ukranian defense west of the Dneipre river. The Ukrainian counter offensives in the north and south are designed to be military distractions and media events at tremendous losses to themselves.

Attack on the Crimea bridge accomplishes precious nothing. Rail line reopens tonight, half the roadway by tomorrow. Just like calling us fanboys etc. We'll keep posting what we feel is right and useful to fellow Bharat Rakshaks.

ks_sachin · Post by **ks_sachin** » 08 Oct 2022 20:55

Then best to ignore no?

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 08 Oct 2022 21:35

Russia appoints new general to lead Ukraine offensive
General Sergey Surovikin, 55, who has been leading the ‘South’ forces in Ukraine, will be ‘commander of the Joint Grouping of Forces in the areas of the special military operation’
He has combat experience in the 1990s conflicts in Tajikistan and Chechnya and in Syria in 2015

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia- ... gn=3194815

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 08 Oct 2022 21:49

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/28/the-us- ... raine.html
The U.S. and Europe are running out of weapons to send to Ukraine
But ramping up defense production is no quick or easy feat

Deans saar cpmments pls! It also has been said in the past one who holds ammo will win, can Ru outlast US in ammo supply ?

YashG · Post by **YashG** » 08 Oct 2022 21:55

But a nuclear state cannot be defeated by a non-nuclear state, as long as nuclear state has deployable nuclear weapons. I dont think pentagon or nato has properly figured out the end game here. It will be quite sad if army lobby in US is capable of bringing world to a nuclear flash point.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 08 Oct 2022 22:01

Our sources report that the driver of the truck has been identified. According to our sources, he could be Biji al-Kamurji, a native of Syria. The information is being verified. https://twitter.com/wargonzoo/status/15 ... TtrnvBcFIg

madhu · Post by **madhu** » 08 Oct 2022 22:21

IndraD wrote:Russian Ministry of Transport claims that the railway part of the bridge will be fixed by tonight & the first trains will be able to cross the Crimean bridge at 8pm.
https://twitter.com/RWApodcast/status/1 ... Y1FfSdJ4kQ

Train traffic & civlian vehicle traffic has resumed on the Crimean bridge

Its done as per battleinsights.

Cyrano · Post by **Cyrano** » 08 Oct 2022 22:33

Meanwhile Ukraine has released garish postage stamps of the bridge being blown up. Now that will be a collector's item.

Deans · Post by **Deans** » 08 Oct 2022 22:38

IndraD wrote:https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/28/the-us- ... raine.html
The U.S. and Europe are running out of weapons to send to Ukraine
But ramping up defense production is no quick or easy feat

Deans saar cpmments pls! It also has been said in the past one who holds ammo will win, can Ru outlast US in ammo supply ?

Russia has more stocks of artillery shells (152 & 122mm) and MLRS rockets compared to NATO and will have an advantage over the next 12 months.
On other armaments, NATOs production capacity far outstrips Russia, provided they supply in quantities that will affect their own readiness.

Russia is short on PGMs for the air force (SU-30 pilots complain that MANPADS prevent them from flying low enough to release bombs), probably short on spares to get armored vehicles operational & gun barrels (arty gun barrels have to be reconditioned after a certain no of shells and that point has been reached for most of the artillery deployed).

dnivas · Post by **dnivas** » 09 Oct 2022 01:53

ks_sachin wrote:
dnivas wrote:
It's just so freakishly weird to see a desi lampooning a country that has helped Bharat multiple times. In any given rational exercise the amount of collateral damage caused by warmonger Inc is much much greater than what Russia has done.But again somehow facts seem to stream past your eyes and brain.
Its a difference of opinion. Respect that. BRF does not need to be an echo chamber. The Russians did not help us out of some great altruism.

I understand about difference of opinions. We have a difference of opinion regarding this conflict, but i agree that's part of life and we respectfully move on.
The terms Raja used seemingly are filled with deprecating terms and is just acerbic in nature. anyway moving on

ks_sachin · Post by **ks_sachin** » 09 Oct 2022 03:54

Actually dnivas we dont. I just have a very dim view of Russian military capability and planning.
Show me one post where I have said Russia is wrong?
I prefer friends who tell me the honest truth to my face. That does not make them my enemies.

Al the other geopolitical lines of thought I think we are in agreement with or in some cases I have no opinion ad I dont know enough.

I don’t support UKR but in a tactical and combat strategy perspective I am interested in how they are prosecuting this campaign. Ditto for Russia.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 09 Oct 2022 05:49

Please stop discussing about Raja. His behavior towards other members got him a moderator note and a warning. Opinions are fine, the lack of civility however is not.

dnivas · Post by **dnivas** » 09 Oct 2022 07:10

ks_sachin and Karan. Sorry about off topic in previous posts.

With regard to the conflict, it is really concerning how Iran has made massive strides in combat drones. Seeing and hearing reports of drones flying for more than 800 km and then blowing up a whole building.

It's amazing how war has changed and these smaller / newer inventions are changing the course of battle.

some areas that our army/nation can focus on

-regular russian troops and Ukr troops seem to have first class battle outfits with protection all over. I cant even imagine wearing such a bulky outfit in Indian context with the heat, but the outfits seem to be protecting troops quite a bit
- artillery and logistics
- how to procure and manufacture weapons under international sanctions or blockade
- media coverage for local population - how do we prevent propaganda from infecting the minds of our citizens. how can we control FB,WA,twitter and the other long arms of foreign inimical media orgs
- drone and other newer technologies
- supply chain redundancies

The improvements in our warriors have been huge the past 10 years and I am excited to see the other areas we can excel/ improve upon.

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 09 Oct 2022 07:13

Deans wrote:
Tanaji wrote: The bridge attack is escalatory without a doubt.
It is escalatory and forces Russia to retaliate. Russia has seen Ukraine commit terrorist acts (as they define it) with impunity - weather assassinations in Moscow, or protected officials in the Donbass, shelling of Civilians and now attacks on the most high profile target, whose defense Russia made a priority. This, coupled with constant Ukrainian attacks all over the front, is lowering Russian morale. Unless there are massive strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, Putin will look useless.

I think people in kyiv and lviv better start taking cover. The Russians haven't used this option yet and my guess is that they'll do it slowly, step by step, well before even thinking of the nuke option.

First, electricity and gas supplies will probably be taken out. Then water. They will bring the city to it's knees, like old time sieges.

This should take them to winter, which will be absolutely unbearable. I think the citizens of these cities will probly present Putin mamu with Zekenskys head on a platter. Crying uncle to Uncle Sam is unlikely to help.There will be sincere negotiations then.

If somehow this fails, then a nuclear scenario might be possible.

Jmtp

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 09 Oct 2022 07:26

Russia is not seeing Ukraine as the enemy.

Russia considers the US as the opponent. So, IF Russia does react, it will be someplace in Germany. Perhaps the new US command in Germany.

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 09 Oct 2022 08:16

^That'll be ww3

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 09 Oct 2022 09:18

Cain Marko wrote:^That'll be ww3

US-Russo, using EU as the playground, by itself, will not escalate to nukes. They both will let EU areas get blasted with conventional stuff - Ukraine is a live example. With the current German leadership, Germany is irrelevant - if Merkel were still around I seriously doubt UKR would have happened. There is no EU leader that can stand up to the US (or the UK), none.

And, what I mean by "US" is just a handful of people in the US, not the entire SD, and absolutely not the DoD. IF those few US people are gone, things will revert to what we were used to - UKR will grid to a halt.

What will escalate is IF and WHEN the petro-dollar is dethroned - something the Saudis have signaled (Biden has stated that the Saudis are aligned with Russia). Saudi-China and Saudi-Russia have already come to an agreement - BUT, they both are bilateral deals. IF these agreements break into international deals (India being a major player), where every other nation uses a currency other than USD, then, yes, all hell will break loose. Fully expect armed intervention across the map. And, that would escalate to nuclear.

BTW, check out the Russian website that has Putin's speeches. He never said he would use nukes unilaterally. Besides, Russia has a doctrine too.

bala · Post by **bala** » 09 Oct 2022 10:11

Kinzhal/Zircon missile attack on Ukraine interior may happen with the decision of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, appointing Army General Sergey Surovikin commander of the joint grouping of the forces in the area of the special military operation. Army General Sergey Surovikin, who has been heading up the ‘South’ grouping of troops in Ukraine and Donbass, will assume overall command of Russian forces. Surovikin was given the nickname ‘General Armageddon’. BTW the Crimean Bridge is open for traffic. Putin signed an edict to provide more security for the bridge. Elon Musk's starlink communication is having issues, this is being used by the Ukr armed forces.

The incessant chatter of nuclear weapons is being pitched by media and people with very little understanding of nuclear doctrines. Both Russia and US have a well defined doctrine for nuclear deployment. The only nation that has used nuclear weapons is the US. Nato and the US have already signaled that the use of nuclear weapons is ruled out. Russia also has said that many times. Only Ukr madman elensky is pushing the theme and of course his darling media operatives. The powers behind nuclear weapons are fully aware of the consequences of any accidental/hot headed usage of such weapons.

Parasu · Post by **Parasu** » 09 Oct 2022 17:19

IndraD wrote:why has russia spared supply lines to Kiev from West> are they incapable?

Yes.
Because Ukraine is the largest European country and Russia has not managed air superiority over it.

Deans · Post by **Deans** » 09 Oct 2022 17:57

IndraD wrote:Russia appoints new general to lead Ukraine offensive
General Sergey Surovikin, 55, who has been leading the ‘South’ forces in Ukraine, will be ‘commander of the Joint Grouping of Forces in the areas of the special military operation’
He has combat experience in the 1990s conflicts in Tajikistan and Chechnya and in Syria in 2015

Some points of interest about Surovikin: Spetznaz (Spl forces) officer in the Afghan War. Battalion commander at 29 - of an elite unit in Tadjikistan.
Divisional commander at 36, which is very unusual in the Russian army. At 38, commanded a Guards division, involved in counter insurgency in Chechnya. Thrice decorated for bravery.

He is a techie and has written scholarly papers on the use of tech in the army - not like the hard drinking generals who like to talk of their peasant origins. He was commander of Aerospace forces - which involved the integration of satellites and drones with the ground forces. Success in that led him to becoming theatre commander in Syria. He also set up a new look military police department in the army.

In Ukraine, he commanded the forces of the southern district, which fought far better than those under the Western and Central theatre's (both those commanders were sacked).
By making him overall commander in Ukraine, the Chief of Army staff (who may be on the way out) has been bypassed. Earlier the General staff in Moscow were coordinating between the army and air force and different military districts of the army.

Interestingly he twice faced an enquiry for corruption. The first time he apparently had nothing to do with the matter. The second occasion was when he `encouraged' a corrupt Lt Col to shoot himself (which he did).

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 09 Oct 2022 18:36

Parasu wrote:
IndraD wrote:why has russia spared supply lines to Kiev from West> are they incapable?
Yes.
Because Ukraine is the largest European country and Russia has not managed air superiority over it.

a simple google search tells US is using sea route mostly and not using planes to offload lethal aid to Ukraine

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national ... pping-sea/

(US has delivered 1 million rounds of shells of Howitzer

)

Mort Walker · Post by **Mort Walker** » 09 Oct 2022 18:42

Cain Marko wrote:
I think people in kyiv and lviv better start taking cover. The Russians haven't used this option yet and my guess is that they'll do it slowly, step by step, well before even thinking of the nuke option.

First, electricity and gas supplies will probably be taken out. Then water. They will bring the city to it's knees, like old time sieges.

This should take them to winter, which will be absolutely unbearable. I think the citizens of these cities will probly present Putin mamu with Zekenskys head on a platter. Crying uncle to Uncle Sam is unlikely to help.There will be sincere negotiations then.

If somehow this fails, then a nuclear scenario might be possible.

Jmtp

This should have happened back in February. Russians don't seem to have heart in this fight. All major cities and infrastructure should have been destroyed in the first few weeks much like Iraq in 1990 and 2003. The US wouldn't think twice about this.

sanjaykumar · Post by **sanjaykumar** » 09 Oct 2022 20:37

That is my disappointment with the media: the suppression of facts.

Russia can make life unbearable for the majority of Ukrainians.

They can bring the war into their living rooms.

S_Madhukar · Post by **S_Madhukar** » 09 Oct 2022 21:25

I hope someone in IAF and IA are taking lessons in limited war and all that great theory we are hatching to have a fair and just war cold start etc. without the ability to carpet bomb the shit out of your enemy and civilians our boys will not be respected. At least carpet bomb infrastructure ports power stations and like because if you don’t they will and the west will egg on from the sidelines justifying David and condemning Goliath.

eklavya · Post by **eklavya** » 09 Oct 2022 22:39

S_Madhukar wrote: … without the ability to carpet bomb the shit out of your enemy and civilians our boys will not be respected.

Attacking civilians does not advance military goals. It is a sign of weakness. This is the tactic of terrorists, not professional armed forces.

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 09 Oct 2022 23:00

eklavya wrote:
S_Madhukar wrote: … without the ability to carpet bomb the shit out of your enemy and civilians our boys will not be respected.
Attacking civilians does not advance military goals. It is a sign of weakness. This is the tactic of terrorists, not professional armed forces.

Totally agree. I take it you expressed your disapproval and condemnation to your local senator or representative when US did the same in many places?

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 09 Oct 2022 23:01

sanjaykumar wrote:That is my disappointment with the media: the suppression of facts.

Russia can make life unbearable for the majority of Ukrainians.

They can bring the war into their living rooms.

It is interesting to note that rt.com is banned in Netherlands and Uk and maybe other places in Europe. Not just the TV channel, the website as well

Guddu · Post by **Guddu** » 09 Oct 2022 23:20

"With the appointment of Surovikin as the General for the Ukr war, I expect some Russian victories, Surovikin is known to be brutal, gets things done and is not very particular about following Queensberry rules."

sanjaykumar · Post by **sanjaykumar** » 09 Oct 2022 23:34

Ah yes. That makes him a unique enemy of civilisation.

dnivas · Post by **dnivas** » 09 Oct 2022 23:56

C in chield ok Ukr army puts out a tweet. Ppl immediately find a Haken Kreuz on him. It's like Ukrainians cannot stop themselves from flaunting nazi symbols

https://twitter.com/CinC_AFU/status/157 ... 00/photo/1

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 10 Oct 2022 13:23

dnivas wrote:C in chield ok Ukr army puts out a tweet. Ppl immediately find a Haken Kreuz on him. It's like Ukrainians cannot stop themselves from flaunting nazi symbols

https://twitter.com/CinC_AFU/status/157 ... 00/photo/1

Yup, a bracelet on his right hand wrist with the haken kreuz.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 10 Oct 2022 13:48

why it is reported as Swastika in media, later belongs to Hindus of India! Is it deliberate?

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 10 Oct 2022 13:51

multiple missile attacks on Kiev, apparently SBU HQ hit, apart from other targets unclear at this point. https://twitter.com/neeraj_rajput/statu ... Rpo7UJlkgg

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 10 Oct 2022 13:55

Most Ukrainian cities are reporting a loss of power - Kiev, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhe, Kremenchug, Khemelnitsky, Lvov, Zhytomyr

The driver of the truck that exploded on the Crimean bridge received an order to transport fertilizer via the internet, a source in law enforcement told RBK.
According to the source, the driver was not aware of the planned attack. https://twitter.com/RWApodcast/status/1 ... Rpo7UJlkgg

Cyrano · Post by **Cyrano** » 10 Oct 2022 14:14

How the hell did the driver survive the blast?!