Big change in six days. Ukraine has recovered over 2,300 sq miles in the last week.

Remember when Russian forces were at the outskirts of Kyiv...quite a change.

Just now, Jumper_Dad said:

Remember when Russian forces were at the outskirts of Kyiv...quite a change.

It really is always hard to tell how much good information we are receiving all the way over in the USA.  With that said, the seasons are changing.  Lots of the landscape in Eastern Ukraine has changed drastically over the last 6+ months.  I could see members of the Russian military wanting to fall back to "safer" grounds.  I could also we them not wanting to spend another winter there at all.  Hard to say for certain what's actually happening. 

41 minutes ago, sportsfan41 said:

It really is always hard to tell how much good information we are receiving all the way over in the USA.  With that said, the seasons are changing.  Lots of the landscape in Eastern Ukraine has changed drastically over the last 6+ months.  I could see members of the Russian military wanting to fall back to "safer" grounds.  I could also we them not wanting to spend another winter there at all.  Hard to say for certain what's actually happening. 

It is, that's why I try to read several pieces from different sources before posting anything. One thing that is coming through strongly, is that the strength and ability of the mighty Russian Army has been greatly overstated for decades.

1 minute ago, Jumper_Dad said:

It is, that's why I try to read several pieces from different sources before posting anything. One thing that is coming through strongly, is that the strength and ability of the mighty Russian Army has been greatly overstated for decades.

Which should be worrisome for the rest of the world.  Hate for them to try to prove their might to "restore order".  Or even worse, how long until big time Russian weapons start to turn up missing and or wind up in other countries either under dispute or in the hands of terrorists. Scary stuff. 

Just now, sportsfan41 said:

Which should be worrisome for the rest of the world.  Hate for them to try to prove their might to "restore order".  Or even worse, how long until big time Russian weapons start to turn up missing and or wind up in other countries either under dispute or in the hands of terrorists. Scary stuff. 

I agree. There seems to be no clear end game for Russia. They may try to negotiate to keep Donbas but I feel that Ukraine will never go for that. Russia must save face, in their own eyes, but I'm not sure how that happens. 

Just came across a new article that was published about two articles after my previous comment.  Long story short, it stated that Ukraine's allies should be ready for an all out war if Russia decides to go nuclear to save face in this conflict.

25 minutes ago, sportsfan41 said:

Just came across a new article that was published about two articles after my previous comment.  Long story short, it stated that Ukraine's allies should be ready for an all out war if Russia decides to go nuclear to save face in this conflict.

Well, that's the $20 question isn't it? Hopefully cooler heads will prevail.

I'm not even sure what the response would or should be, if a small low yield nuke is used in Ukraine by Russia. 

 

From several articles, Russian volunteers refusing to go into combat due to mounting losses and ineffective battle field leadership. 

Russia is also offering imprisoned convicted felons freedom if they volunteer for front line service in Ukraine. With the caveat they will be shot in the field if they desert their post or refuse to fight.

Several Russian's are protesting using felons, but a Russian Military leader replied, "It's either them or your children."

Also of note and from the Great Google Machine:

U.S. F-22s forward deploy to 32nd Tactical Air Base, Łask, Poland. Twelve U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, forward deployed, Aug. 4, 2022 to the 32nd Tactical Air Base, Łask, Poland, to support NATO Air Shielding.Aug 4, 2022

2 minutes ago, theguru said:

Also of note and from the Great Google Machine:

U.S. F-22s forward deploy to 32nd Tactical Air Base, Łask, Poland. Twelve U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, forward deployed, Aug. 4, 2022 to the 32nd Tactical Air Base, Łask, Poland, to support NATO Air Shielding.Aug 4, 2022

Russia doesn't want that smoke!

18 minutes ago, Jumper_Dad said:

Russia doesn't want that smoke!

The problem with that smoke is what is next.

49 minutes ago, theguru said:

The problem with that smoke is what is next.

True, but I think just the presence of the F-22s is enough to keep Russia in check up that way.

Just now, Jumper_Dad said:

True, but I think just the presence of the F-22s is enough to keep Russia in check up that way.

I agree but that means if Russia wants to escalate things a tactical nuke becomes a more likely option.