Kramatorsk II.

This is coolbert:

The Russian speaks! Target Kramatorsk a legitimate military target? Pizzeria a gathering place for senior Ukrainian military personnel and foreign interventionists.

1. "REVEALING TRUTH BEHIND THE STRIKE IN KRAMATORSK"

From https://southfront.org | 29.06.2023 - 

"On June 27, explosions thundered in the city of Kramatorsk, which is located in a part of the Donetsk People’s Republic controlled by Ukrainian forces. At the same time, the Ukrainian media, supported by Western journalists, broke out with headlines about another ‘cruel Russian strike on civilians’."

"According to Kiev, a Russian missile killed 10 people, including 3 children, in an ill-fated pizzeria. A total of 56 civilians were injured. The head of the regional administration confirmed that three foreigners were among the wounded. Numerous foreigners spotted on the sight were widely called 'tourists' and 'journalists'."

2. "Russia’s strike on Kramatorsk eliminates two Ukrainian generals, 50 officers — top brass"

From https://tass.com  |  29 JUNE.

"It is noted that Ukrainian troops continue attempts to advance in three directions"

3. "Two Ukrainian Generals, 20 Foreign Mercenaries Destroyed in Strike on Kramatorsk - Russian MoD"

MoD =Ministry of Defense.

From https://sputnikglobe.com        

"MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Defense Ministry reported on June 28 that a point of temporary deployment of the commanders of the 56th motorized infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kramatorsk was hit."

4. "Majority of foreign mercenaries fighting for Ukraine stationed in Kramatorsk — DPR head"

From https://tass.com  |  29 JUNE.

"Denis Pushilin noted that thanks to enhanced technologies, including drones, Russian forces could see the contingent located there"

"MOSCOW, June 29. /TASS/. The foreign mercenaries that are fighting on the side of the Ukrainian army are predominantly stationed in Kramatorsk, Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Acting Head Denis Pushilin said."

See previous blog entry as relevant:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/06/pizza.html

coolbert.

Hospitalier.

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Preparing for war, are we mon ami?

"France Builds New Military Hospital In Preparation For War"

From https://www.zerohedge.com | article by TYLER DURDEN | JUN 30, 2023.

"On his second day in Marseilles, Tuesday, June 27, Macron announced that a new military hospital would be built on the Sainte-Marthe site by 'the beginning of the next decade,' reports CNews."

"French President Emmanuel Macron announced the construction of a military hospital in Marseilles, with the facility intended to 'prepare France for a possible high-intensity war.'”

High intensity war often defined as combat using atomic weapons!

Although Macron said in a statement that the hospital will be able to provide a range of healthcare services, it will 'play a key role in the event of a major war,' the president said, adding that 'the next-generation medical center is intended to meet the needs of the army for decades to come.'”

Macron needs to super fast-track that hospital! Construction only going to BEGIN the start of the next decade? Might be needed much sooner. But what do I know?

coolbert.

FIM-92.

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Actually a much acute problem than mentioned in the Sputnik article.

"Stinger Swindle: Why US’s 40yo MANPADS Don’t Stand a Chance Against Russia in Ukraine"

MANPAD = Man Portable Air Defense.

 From https://sputnikglobe.com.

"US defense giant Raytheon has had to rely on pensioned-off employees familiar with the Stinger man-portable air defense system’s (MANPADS) production process, bringing them back to help restart manufacturing after a two-decade hiatus in production and deliveries to Ukraine left the US military’s Stinger stocks drained."

"Retired Raytheon employees enjoying their golden years have been brought back to train the current workforce to make FIM-92 Stingers, with the MANPADS’ production process so antiquated that its seekers must be assembled by hand, Raytheon President Wesley Kremer has revealed."

Going to be YEARS before AMERICAN wartime stockpiled Stinger inventory replenished. Not even counting a continuous stream of MANPAD sent to the Ukrainian.

PARTS as used in the ORIGINAL production line of Stinger no longer available? Seeker from the warhead going to have to be redesigned.

See previous blog entries as applicable:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/04/dwindling.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/05/blurry.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/05/stinger-ii.html

coolbert.

P2 Italia.

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Gladio we have not discussed in a long time. NATO stay-behind units to be activated and become active in case of a massive Soviet Red Army attack on western Europe.

Here we have the Italian connection! With a twist!

"Declassified files expose British role in NATO’s Gladio terror armies"

From https://thegrayzone.com | KIT KLARENBERG· | JUNE 19, 2023.

"Newly declassified British files shed disturbing light on the origins and internal workings of Operation Gladio, a covert NATO plot deploying fascist terror militias across Italy. Have spies in London applied these lessons in Ukraine?"

"Newly declassified British Foreign Office files have added disturbing details to the history of Operation Gladio. The covert operation was uncovered in 1990, when the public learned that the CIA, MI6 and NATO trained and directed an underground army of fascist paramilitary units across Europe, deploying its assets to undermine political opponents, including through false flag terror attacks."

"Among them was a young Silvio Berlusconi, the media oligarch who served as Italian Prime Minister in four separate governments between 1994 and 2011. Listed as a member of the P2, the secret Cold War-era cabal of political elites devoted to Gladio’s aims, Berlusconi undoubtedly took some weighty secrets to the grave when he died this June 12th."

Calling Gladio fascists and terrorists too harsh! Paramilitary organized/trained/armed to resist a Soviet attack on NATO. Not to say there might have been extremist individuals among Gladio personnel but their numbers probably a small percentage of the entire force.

See previous blog entries [with many additional embedded links] that topic Gladio:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/01/ates.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/10/sf-roc.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/08/reprise.html

coolbert.

Pizza.

This is coolbert:

Ukrainian whores? Catering to the American GI the Ukraine Conflict?

1. "Kramatorsk: Pizzaria Scam as Russians Destroy Hotel Housing US/UK Special Forces Advisors/Contractors and Ukrainian Whores – Many US/NATO Dead"

Article from INTEL-DROP June 28, 2023.

— 🌐World News 24 🌍🌎🌏 (@DailyWorld24) June 28, 2023.

"Media is being hoaxed again by Ukraine, this time a Russian missile attack on a hotel housing members of the 101st Airborne Division, illegally fighting in Ukraine was hit by an Iskander missile that evaded an American manned Patriot missile battery."

[....]

— Sprinter (@Sprinter99880) June 28, 2023.

"Yesterday a local Ukrainian volunteer in Kramatorsk gave up the location of American and Canadian mercenaries with a post on Instagram, apparently it was so easy to geo locate that not long after the Russian army struck with missiles the regular dining place of the foreign…" pic.twitter.com/dsC2LaSgpf

— Neodvisni Novinar (@EZdionica88) June 28, 2023.

2. "Ukraine Arrests Man Accused of Directing Russian Missile Strike on Pizza Restaurant Popular With Army Officers and Journalists"

From https://www.breitbart.com/europe | 28 Jun 2023.

"KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian authorities arrested on Wednesday a man they accused of helping Russia direct a missile strike that killed at least 10 people, including three teenagers, at a popular pizza restaurant in east Ukraine."

"The Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk wounded 61 other people, Ukraine’s National Police said, in the latest bombardment of a Ukrainian city, a tactic Russia has used heavily in the 16-month-old war."

Ukrainian man favorable to the Russian side of the conflict a collaborator? Gave targeting information that resulted in many dead? Normally he would be classified as a SPY. His fate presumably going to be grim!

coolbert.

Protest.

This is coolbert:

More the rebellion/coup/mutiny the Wagner Group PMC.

1. "Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin breaks silence, claims attempted Russian coup was just a ‘protest’"

NY Post ^ | June 26, 2023 | Ronny Reyes | the tip from Freeper.

"Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin broke his silence Monday to claim his attempted coup against Russia was nothing more than a protest as some top Kremlin officials plotted to nix his mercenary army."

2. "Wagner Called off Moscow March Over Kremlin Threats to its Families: Report"

New York Post ^ | June 26, 2023 | Ronny Reyes | tip from Freeper.

"The Wagner Group called off its attempted coup in Russia after Kremlin intelligence services threatened to harm the families of its leaders, UK security sources say."

3. "Russian military contractor Wagner Group to disband"

From Arutz Sheva ^ | 26/6/23 | tip from Freeper.

"The leader of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced that the unit would cease to operate on July 1st, just two days after the rebellion against Russia. He explained that "the purpose of the march to Moscow was to demand accountability from those who made mistakes in the conduct of the operation" 

Keep in mind that Wagner PMC operates on a global scale, with reach into the Middle East and Africa rather significant. 

Troops [contractors] Wagner have a variety of options that will be offered to them?

1. Be absorbed into the Russian army? 2. Continue duty with various other Russian PMC?

Trustworthiness questionable from this point forward? 

See listing and prior blog entries alternative Russian PMC:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/05/gazprom.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/02/enot.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/12/competitor.html

coolbert.

Capa.

This is coolbert:

The famous "falling soldier" image from the era of the Spanish Civil War.

"Falling Soldier image really was faked, says Spanish researcher"

Iconic image of war a fraud and hoax?

Courtesy the archive |  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/  |  David Sharrock, Madrid | June 27 2023.

Image of Mr. Robert Capa courtesy AP.

"An image that became synonymous with the Spanish Civil War and catapulted the photographer Robert Capa to fame is a fake, new research has confirmed."

"The Falling Soldier, showing a Spanish fighter apparently frozen in the moment of his death, was published by Life magazine in 1937. The caption read: 'Robert Capa’s camera captures the instant when a Spanish soldier is shot in the head by a bullet on the Cordoba front'."

"Capa, who died in 1954 aged 40, always insisted that it was not fake, but its authenticity has long been questioned."

Indeed, the "Falling Soldier" iconic image the subject of controversy for many decades. The jury has been out during the period yea or nay but now the verdict and final word has been announced. See the wiki entry for "Falling Soldier".

coolbert.

Toast.

This is coolbert:

Sergei toast? Under interrogation and "vanished"? Conspiracy?

"Toast: Destroyed, terminated, ceased functioning, ended abruptly by external forces"

1. "Russia's General 'Armageddon' vanishes amid suspicion he is being interrogated about prior knowledge of Wagner's mutiny in first sign Putin's purge has begun"

From the "Daily Mail" ^ | 6/28/2023 | Surovikin

"A top Russian general has 'vanished' amid claims he had advance knowledge of the weekend armed revolt which threatened Vladimir Putin's regime. One theory is that General Sergei 'Armageddon' Surovikin is under interrogation over a plot to oust defense minister Sergei Shoigu amid a hunt to purge the enemies within. Surovikin, 56, is the second-in-command of the Russian armed forces."

Surovikin the commander of Russian ground forces the Ukraine Conflict. It doesn't get much higher.

2. "Russian General May Have Been in on Coup Attempt, US Officials Say"

From https://freebeacon.com | article by Karl Salzmann | June 28, 2023.

"A top Russian general knew that Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was planning a coup against President Vladimir Putin and might have helped plan the coup, U.S. officials told the New York Times."

NOT just mutiny but coup. Not only KNEW but helped plan? Sergei in big trouble an understatement!

coolbert.

Untouchable.

This is coolbert:

Yevgeniyy walks on water? His situation untenable but still he survives. Living quite comfortably in Belarus.

"Why Did Putin Let Prigozhin Walk Away?"

From https://www.thedailybeast.com | the article by Allison Quinn  |  Jun. 24, 2023.

"The chaotic spectacle of Prigozhin’s armed uprising shattered Putin’s carefully cultivated image as a strongman leader. But the Kremlin seemed powerless to do anything about it."

"The same government that has been slaughtering Ukrainian civilians for more than a year because it claims NATO baddies are too close to its borders allowed its own rogue mercenary boss to shoot down military helicopters on Saturday and, according to state media, kill several soldiers before calmly waltzing away to a new life in Belarus."

"The Kremlin even publicly guaranteed that Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin had President Vladimir Putin’s 'word' he could safely leave the country—after conveniently having criminal charges against him dropped."

"So why is Prigozhin so untouchable? Or is the Kremlin simply biding its time to deal with him in a less public manner?"

Mostly in the debit side of accounts consider all the vitriolic pronouncements of Yevgeniyy directed repeatedly at the upper Russian ruling:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/06/s-s.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/05/dramatic.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/03/explosive.html

And yet Prigozhin at least from outward appearances at this exact moment does seems to be exceedingly fortunate in a manner you could never imagine.

coolbert.

Dodgy.

This is coolbert:

It is all your fault! Don't feel sorry for yourself. You only have yourself to blame Be ashamed too!

Inadvertent bio-warfare the Ukraine Conflict. Sickness. Bad water!

"Putin's army ravaged by 'cholera outbreak' following destruction of dam"

https://www.dailystar.co.uk |  article Perkin Amalaraj  | 19 JUN 2023.

"A military movement said that Russia appears to have shot itself in the foot, after several of its soldiers have been taken out due to cholera that was brought on by dodgy water"

"dodgy:  adjective | Evasive; shifty. Unsound, unstable, and unreliable. So risky as to require very deft handling."

Mad Vlad’s invading army has been ravaged by an outbreak of cholera just days after it hit a major dam in Ukraine, killing dozens and forcing tens of thousands to flee in terror.

"Atesh, a military movement made up from Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, said via its Telegram channel today (June 19) that its informants had revealed that dozens of Russian soldiers are being admitted to hospital to treat the deadly bacterial infection.":

Such was the force of the water that cemeteries and graves downstream have been opened with decaying corpses exposed and floating among the debris? So as reported. Contamination. 

Among the traditional two biggest historical killers in warfare the drinking of contaminated water by soldiers.

See previous blog entries the Ukraine Conflict instances or possible instances of bio-warfare:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/06/malaria-ii.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/05/burials.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/10/mosquitoes.html

coolbert.

Single-handedly.

This is coolbert:

Back in the old days of the Korean War the North Korean [or was it Chinese communists] offered a bounty of $10,000 USD for any American serviceman willing to "kill officer and bring tank". Come on over to our side!

Here a Russian trooper single-handedly credited with destroying a Leopard tank. Losing his arm in the process. Bounty to be collected of $13,000 USD but at a high cost!

"Russian collects reward for destroying German tank"

 From  https://www.russiaherald.com/news/ |  Jun, 2023.

"Andrey Kravtsov was awarded the bonus for eliminating a Leopard 2 in Ukraine"

"Andrey Kravtsov has become the first Russian soldier to receive a million-ruble reward, the equivalent of $13,000, for destroying a German-made Leopard tank on the battlefield in Ukraine. The money was provided by entrepreneurs from Novosibirsk Region through the Care of Siberia fund."

[....]

"Kravtsov is currently undergoing treatment for his wounds at the National Medical Research Center for High Medical Technologies in Moscow. The soldier says he did not even know that he had successfully destroyed a German tank during the battle until he arrived at the hospital."

Evidently this Russian serviceman engaged the Leopard tank with a rocket-propelled-grenade [RPG] and quite successfully so. But again, at great cost to himself!

coolbert.

Coot-B.

This is coolbert:

Wagner PMC air defense the bane of the Russian air force? Seems to be so!

"Vladimir Putin breaks his silence in 'pre-recorded' interview about 'stepping up efforts' in Ukraine after Prigozhin's failed coup 'inflicted worst daily air force losses of the war with 39 pilots and crew killed by Wagner'"

From "Daily Mail" ^ | 6/25/2023 | Will Stewart | the tip from Freeper.

"Vladimir Putin has broken his silence about 'stepping up efforts' in Ukraine in pre-recorded interview that aired after he suffered his worst daily air force losses of the war. The Russian president, on state television today, said he was 'confident' in his forces where he alleged are 'in a position to implement all the plans and tasks ahead of us'. His speech aired today after it was claimed that Wagner mercenary fighters killed 39 pilots and crew by downing strike helicopters and a military plane during Prigozhin's rebellion"

Fixed wing and rotary wing Russian warplanes both in the sights of Wagner. At least for several days.

2. "Wagner Forces Shoot Down Russian Airborne Command Post Inside Russia"

From https://aviationweek.com | article by Tony Osborne June 26, 2023.

"Imagery published on social media has confirmed that a Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-22M airborne command post platform [Coot-B] was among several military aircraft shot down inside Russia in an apparent attempted coup by the Wagner Private Military Co."

Among those Russian air force warplanes vanquished by Wagner air defense a normally high-flying Il-22 Coot-B flying command post!

No small potatoes there! Must have been especially galling and grating to Vlad!

coolbert.

Shield.

 This is coolbert:

Within recent sinister and threatening talk that was the subject of a prior blog entry see further input.

"URGENT!! UPDATE 2:32 PM EDT -- NOT Zaporozhye NPP . . . South Ukraine NPP ??? - Being Used to Store US Weapons and Intelligence HQ"

From https://halturnerradioshow.com | HAL TURNER 23 JUNE 2023.

"The chatter about an attack upon a nuclear power plant inside Ukraine has ramped-up exponentially of late, and many of us believed the chatter was about the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) but it's not.   Turns out it is about the South Ukraine Nuclear Power plant because it is being used to store US/NATO high-tech weapons, and is now the Intelligence HQ for NATO in the war."

"The US and NATO are creating all this bluster about invoking NATO Treaty Article 5, 'Collective Self-Defense' if there is a tactical nuclear explosion in Ukraine OR IF there is an attack upon a nuclear power plant which causes radiation leakage." 

Senator Graham does mention the ZNPP and Article 5 of the NATO charter but ZNPP not foremost in the concerns of the Senator.

The "human shield" during a time of war more or less everyone is familiar with. Using an active nuclear power plant as a shield we have NEVER heard of! I guess there must be a first for everything!

Hal Turner INDEED loves his alarmist and way-over-the-top sensationalized headlines!

coolbert.

Musicians.

 This is coolbert:

Over even before it really began so it seems. At least from my perspective.

The "march on Moscow" and the rebellion by Wagner Group has come to an end and very abruptly.

Thanks here from the tips from Freeper.

1. "Russia says Wagner Group’s leader will move to Belarus after his rebellious march challenged Putin"

From  | AP ^ | June 24, 2023.

"The rebellious Russian mercenary commander who ordered his troops to march on Moscow before abruptly reversing course will move to neighboring Belarus and not face prosecution, the Kremlin said Saturday, as part of a deal to defuse a crisis that represented the most significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin in his more than two decades in power. The charges against Yevgeny Prigozhin for mounting an armed rebellion will be dropped and the troops who joined him also will not be prosecuted"

2. "Wagner leader Prigozhin will move to Belarus following the mercenary group's uprising against Putin, Kremlin spokesman says"

From Business Insider ^ | Jun 24, 2023 | Michelle Mark.

"The Kremlin has forged a deal with Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to defuse the mercenary group's uprising on Saturday. In exchange for Prigozhin's exile to Belarus, the mercenary leader won't be prosecuted, the Associated Press reported, citing a Kremlin spokesperson. The reported agreement comes after a paramilitary rebellion on Saturday in which the Wagner Group marched across Russia before suddenly turning around just 120 miles from Moscow."

Comfortable [?] banishment and exile for Yevgeniyy to Belarus. For a man who was a personal confidant of Vlad Putin this must represent a very come-down!

Those very heated and repeated public displays of vitriol directed by Yevgeniyy toward the ruling elite in Moscow too an indication that "things" hardly going according to plan, the Russian effort the Ukraine Conflict creating great strain among the major players.

coolbert.

Mutineers.

This is coolbert:

See here video of Wagner Group and Russian army elements in mortal combat!

"WAGNER MUTINEERS FIRE ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILE AT RUSSIAN ATTACK HELICOPTER OVER VORONEZH (VIDEOS)"

From the Russian controlled [?] Internet web site https://southfront.org and thanks to same | 24.06.2023. 

"Fighters from the Wagner Group, which is now waging an armed mutiny, attempted to shoot down a Russian attack helicopter over the city of Voronezh while advancing towards the Russian capital, Moscow, on June 24."

"The fighters fired a missile from a Strela-10 short-range air defense system at the helicopter, a Ka-52. However, the helicopter fired flares and was able to dodge the missile, which apparently went on to hit a fuel depot and started a massive fire."

"Earlier reports said that Wagner fighters were able to shoot down at least one helicopter, a Mi-8, of the Russian military over Voronezh."

My thought is that the Russian army never expected to face Wagner PMC mutiny. Hell, the whole war was supposed to be over in two to three weeks max anyhow!!

"the best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry" 

coolbert.

Suffer.

 This is coolbert:

"Everyone who organized and prepared the military mutiny, who took up arms against their comrades — they betrayed Russia and they will be held accountable for this," - Vlad Putin.

"Putin: All those involved in military coup will suffer inevitable punishment"

From https://english.pravda.ru  |  24.06.2023.

"In 1917, 'intrigues, squabbles and politicking' triggered a civil war because Russia's victory had been stolen, Putin said in a televised address to the nation in the morning of June 24. He vowed not to let this happen again."

"In his address to Russian citizens and military men, Putin said that masterminds of the armed rebellion were traitors. The president promised that they would suffer 'inevitable punishment.'"

"Similar actions led to the collapse of the army and the state in 1917, when Russia lost vast territories and found itself in the midst of a civil war."

The Russian Revolution of 1917. Russian collapse during the Great War from gross governmental incompetence resulting in cataclysmic events!

Perpetrators of modern-day revolt and rebellion their fate going to be grip if the coup fails!

coolbert.

Vexing.

This is coolbert:

Surrender en masse Russian troops to Wagner PMC now occurring? Surely such behavior extremely worrisome to Vlad Putin and the Kremlin elite if true.

"US Says Wagner Coup Is ‘Real’ And ‘Serious’ As White House Consults Allies"

From the Internet web site "Blazing Cat Fur" and thanks to same.

Rostov, Voronezh, Krasnodar, Volgograd all gone. Russian military contingents those major Russian cities either laying down their arms or maybe even joining the rebels? Major population centers given up without even a fight

* "Joe Biden has been briefed on the chaotic situation in Russia with US officials describing it as 'serious'."

* "The president was being kept informed as Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was accused by Moscow of launching an armed rebellion."

Can we yet think the Russian Revolution of 1905 or the Russian Revolution of 1917? Not at this exact moment but we are getting close!

coolbert.

Rapid.

This is coolbert:

Courtesy Esteban and within context of the Russian Wagner PMC rebellion/mutiny/coup consider how the French newspapers of 1815 covered the return of Napoleon from exile.

"Headlines from March 1815 in the Paris Universal Monitor, the French government’s newspaper, recounting the overthrown Napoleon’s escape from Elba and advance on Paris during the Hundred Days in which he (temporarily) overthrew King Louis XVIII:

* 9th March, the Anthrophagus [cannibal] has quitted his den

* 10th, the Corsican Ogre has landed at Cape Juan

* 11th, the Tiger has arrived at Gap

* 12th, the Monster slept at Grenoble

* 13th, the Tyrant has passed through Lyons

* 14th, the Usurper is directing his steps towards Dijon, but the brave and loyal Burgundians have risen en masse and surrounded him on all sides

* 18th, Bonaparte is only sixty leagues from the capital; he has been fortunate enough to escape the hands of his pursuers

* 19th, Bonaparte is advancing with rapid steps, but he will never enter Paris

* 20th, Napoleon will, tomorrow, be under our ramparts

* 21st, the Emperor is at Fontainebleau

* 22nd, His Imperial and Royal Majesty, yesterday evening, arrived at the Tuileries, amidst the joyful acclamations of his devoted and faithful subjects."

HEADLINES as purportedly describing the "advance and march" on Paris by Napoleon all a hoax and fake. Hopefully CNN, the Internet and global worldwide television can do a better job than the French newspapers of 1815.

coolbert.

Secure.

This is coolbert:

Those Russian elites ensconced Moscow obviously fearing an advance and march on Moscow by the rebellious Wagner PMC? Defenses the Russian capital being formed to thwart coup? Situation fluidic.

1. "PUTIN FEARS COUP Russian tanks in Moscow ‘to secure Kremlin’ amid fears Wagner group is launching coup to overthrow Putin"

From "The U.S. Sun" ^ | 6/23/23.

"Tonight, footage taken on the streets of Moscow showed armored vehicles racing to secure the Duma building, Russia’s parliament." 

2. "Russia investigates Wagner chief for ‘armed mutiny’ after call for attack on military"

From "The Guardian" ^ | June 23, 2023 | article by Pjotr Sauer.

"Russia’s FSB security service has opened a criminal case for armed mutiny against Wagner’s Yevgeny Prigozhin after the mercenary chief accused the Russian military of targeting his forces and vowed to “destroy” his rivals, in an unprecedented escalation of infighting among Russia’s elite"

SITUATION FLUIDIC TO SAY THE LEAST! I WOULD LIKE TO THINK  INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES AMERICAN AND NATO BOTH FOLLOWING CLOSELY BUT EVENTS TRANSPIRING TOO FAST FOR OBJECTIVE AND RATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION TO BE MADE WITH ANY DEGREE OF ACCURACY FOR DECISION MAKERS!

coolbert.

Betrayal.

This is coolbert:

Very big things Russia right now as we speak! Hardly could be bigger! Mutiny alone or coup d'etat at this point-in-time unclear! Much more to follow in the days to follow I am sure. A few days ago, whoever would have ever thought such a thing might occur?

"LIVE — Russia's Wagner chief faces 'mutiny' charges"

"Russian authorities have called for the arrest of Wagner group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin amid claims of mutiny. While Ukrainian forces said they were 'watching' the situation unfold."

From "German Voice" [DW].

Keypoints and take-away:

* "Russia launches criminal investigation into Wagner chief Prigozhin"

* "Prigozhin said Russian military attacked his forces"

* "Prigozhin vows retaliation and says his forces have crossed into Russia"

* "Prigozhin says Wagner forces have been fighting Russian troops in Rostov"

* "Spat comes after Prigozhin criticized Russia's military leadership"

Yevgeniyy the owner of Wagner PMC AND generally considered to be a PERSONAL CONFIDANT of Vlad Putin his actions now in the extreme!

We follow activities with bated breath as they say. We have only just begun!

"with bated breath: adverb | Eagerly; with great anticipation."

coolbert.

Brutal!

This is coolbert:

OH, I am telling you people none of this is good. Such rhetoric and menacing talk hardly helpful during a time of overt conflict.

1. "NATO MISSILES STRIKE TO INVITE RETALIATION"

 22.06.2023 - From Russian controlled [?] Internet web site "South Front".

[....]

"Today’s [6/22/23] strike on the Chongar bridge was also predicted. It took place only two days after, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu warned that the Kiev regime was going to launch missile strikes on the territory of Russia, including Crimea, with the help of NATO weapon. Then, the Russian Minister stressed that such attacks would not remain unanswered. 'The use of these missiles outside the zone of a special military operation will mean a full—fledged involvement of the United States and Great Britain in the conflict and will entail immediate strikes on decision-making centers on the territory of Ukraine,' Russian Defense Minister declared."

2. Further and within context of threat we have counter-threat!

Hear from the tweet the comments of Senator Graham. 

Attack or damage to the ZNPP Ukraine will be considered to be an attack on NATO with all that will mean!

It doesn't get much more brutal than that! I hope people at the very top have thought this all through with all the implications and consequences that might rapidly ensue. I would like to think so.

coolbert.

Wreckers II.

This is coolbert:

Wreckers Ukraine Conflict? As was the case Battle of Brody 1941 as it is in the Ukraine now?

“'Ukrainian Tank Crews feigning Damage to Avoid Fighting Russians”. Der Spiegel'"

From https://www.vtforeignpolicy.com | article by Fabio G. C. Carisio -June 21, 2023.

"Ukrainian tank crews have been faking malfunctions on their tanks to justify not going into combat against Russian forces, fellow soldiers operating German Leopards have told Der Spiegel magazine. The revelation was part of a frontline report published by the news outlet."

"The magazine spoke to three German-trained Ukrainian troops who were among the crew of two Leopard 2A6 tanks provided to Kiev by the Bundeswehr."

"The report cites a loader nicknamed Gutsik, who claimed that some crews fake technical malfunctions to avoid being sent to the frontline. He reportedly told the magazine that dodging an engagement altogether was better than entering combat only to pull out after the first shot."

AND TO ALL THIS J. STALIN WOULD SAY EXACTLY WHAT?

See previous blog entries as relevant and germane:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/04/brody-1941.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/10/wreckers.html

coolbert.

Malaria II.

This is coolbert:

"The flooding of Kherson Oblast [region] planned by the Kyiv regime can complicate the situation, including with regard to arbovirus infections," - Kirillov.

"Arbovirus = refers to any virus that is transmitted by arthropod vectors, including insects, ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies, and biting midges"

Flooding the lower section of the Dneiper creating a situation advantageous bio-warfare?

1. "Biowarfare incoming? Russia accuses US of planning to drop malaria-infested mosquitoes on Russian troops in Ukraine"

Thanks to https://www.naturalnews.com |  article 06/21/2023 // Arsenio Toledo.

"A high-ranking Russian general has alleged that the United States is planning to use drones to drop mosquitoes infected with malaria onto Russian soldiers in Ukraine."

"Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, commander of the Russian Armed Forces' Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops, made this claim during an address televised by the Russian state-owned media as he also accused Ukraine of targeting the Nova Kakhovka dam and flooding the entire region."

Undoubtedly blame will be assessed to the "American" bio-weapon labs Ukraine! Weaponized malaria as a WEAPON of war. 

Flooding of an apocalyptic nature as creating a situation favorable for bio-warfare hardly limited to the Ukraine Conflict. Think World War Two and the Italian Campaign!

2. "Nazi mosquitoes drew blood on Italian front"

 Courtesy "The Sydney Morning Herald" |  February 15, 2006 — 

"ROME: The Nazis tried to halt the advance of British and American troops through Italy during World War II by unleashing malaria-carrying mosquitoes in what is believed to be the only biological warfare attack carried out in Europe, according to new research."

"It was meant to hinder the Allied push from the south and to punish the Italian people for what the Germans saw as treachery after Italy switched sides."

[...]

 "The Germans flooded the marshes that lay on the path into Rome from the south by reversing the pumps that drained them. They then introduced millions of larvae of Anopheles labranchiae, a species of malaria-carrying mosquito."

The Pontine marshes even during Roman time the legions marching through the area in the most expeditious manner possible no delay. Avoid the miasma if possible. 

On a planetary scale it is estimated that half the number of human beings that have ever lived [about 100 billion] have perished either from malaria or complications from contracting malaria!!

See previous blog entries as applicable:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/02/malaria.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/10/dubonnet.html

And comrade have you studied the efficacy of Dubonnet liquer as a prophylactic against malaria??

coolbert.

MARS2.

This is coolbert:

From the prior blog entry:

Eric R. | June 18, 2023 at 6:12 pm:

"A country of 10 million [Israel] continues to eat our lunch when it comes to military technology.

It’s amazing what you can do militarily when you focus on military things rather than on pronouns and systemic racism." 

Here with yet one more example of "what you can do". $1 billion USD a copy. Don't leave home without one!

"Israel unveils new $1 billion spy plane at Paris Air Show"

"The Oron stealth aircraft is designed for strategic intelligence gathering using perimeter tracking within a radius of thousands of kilometers, with advanced cameras, large-scale sensors, listening capabilities as well as AI technologies"

 From https://www.ynetnews.com | the article by Yoav Zitun.

"Just months before it becomes operational, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and the Israel Aerospace Industries on Wednesday presented the new Israeli stealth jet, 'MARS2 ELI-3150' at the Air Show in Paris."

Go see the embedded video! Very impressive indeed. 

That vast preponderance of the $ 1 billion USD per plane fully equipped devoted electronics "suites" I can easily assume. Not that the airframe and fly-able aircraft cheap. All the goodies inside most costly of the entire package.

coolbert.

Skysonic.

This is coolbert:

From ILTV Israel News the tip from "Legal Insurrection".    

What has been thought to be impossible is now possible? 

Intercept the vaunted and much ballyhooed hypersonic missile.

"ballyhooed: ADJECTIVE - US - INFORMAL - 1. talked about or praised by many people in an excited way"

"Israel’s New Skysonic Interceptor."

"Israel unveils its new advanced air defense system, the Skysonic, the first of its kind to respond to hypersonic or cruise missiles."

Eric R. | June 18, 2023 at 6:12 pm:

"A country of 10 million [Israel] continues to eat our lunch when it comes to military technology.

It’s amazing what you can do militarily when you focus on military things rather than on pronouns and systemic racism."

And Eric R. is correct 100 %. Israel does have impressive military technology. Able to take at one time a proven American combat warplane [F-4 Phantom] and make no less than five-hundred changes to the model as flown during that period of the Vietnam War. Enhanced combat capability even the USA had never thought of.

coolbert.

Trojan War?

This is coolbert:

See these You Tube video the epic and saga of the Trojan War. All very interesting. The question being - did it all really happen or at least a facsimile of?

"Did the Trojan War Really Happen?"

Thanks in this particular case to "Kings and Generals".

"Kings and Generals' historical animated documentary series continues with a video on the Trojan War, as we talk about the historicity of the conflict between Trojans and the Greeks depicted in the immortal Iliad of Homer. We also cover the Mycenaean and Hittite civilizations. How did this story come to be? Is it just a myth or is there historical proof that it happened? What does archeology tell us about the conflict at the end of the Bronze age? Were Hector, Achilles, Helen and Paris even real?"

See additionally the Michael Wood six-part series a more in-depth discussion of "the historicity of the conflict".

1. "In search of the Trojan war - The Age of Heroes (1/6)"

 2. "In search of the Trojan war - The Legend Under Siege (2/6)"

  3. "In search of the Trojan war - The Singer of Tales (3/6)"

 4. "In search of the Trojan war - The Women of Troy (4/6)" 

  5. "In search of the Trojan war - Empire of the Hittites (5/6)"

6. "In search of the Trojan war - Fall of Troy (6/6)"

See also what is referred to as the: "The Bronze Age Collapse (approximately 1200 B.C.E.)"

Somehow the COLLAPSE as deemed took place in close proximity to or at the same time as the Trojan War? The experts must decide this and not me. If they are able to.

Nonetheless, a very interesting topic that has endured now for at least three-thousand years since actual events as described by Homer.

coolbert.

Goliath.

This is coolbert:

Soviet Cold War era armor T-54 tanks enters the battle, Ukraine Conflict!

"Russians send Soviet-era tanks packed with explosives into Ukraine"

From https://dnyuz.com | June 19, 2023.

"Russian soldiers are packing defunct, Soviet-era tanks [T-54] with devastating explosives and rolling them directly into Ukrainian positions in the latest desperate attempt by the Kremlin to gain an advantage on the battlefield."

"In video footage posted online, a 70-year-old T-54 tank rigged with six tons of explosives could be seen guided by remote control as it rolls toward a Ukrainian trench."

Did not however reach target! VBIED detonated from an anti-tank land mine!

"The vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, however, is obliterated into a cloud of dust and smoke when it suddenly strikes a mine before being demolished by a Ukrainian anti-tank missile, according to Forbes."

See the wiki entry for the German Goliath of the Second World War. Remotely operated itty-bitty tracked vehicle mission of which was:

"intended to be used for multiple purposes, such as destroying tanks, disrupting dense infantry formations, and the demolition of buildings or bridges. Goliaths were single-use vehicles that were destroyed by the detonation of their warhead."

Amount of bang-stuff as carried by the T-54 about sixty times greater than the Goliath. 

The Russian inspired by the VBIED as was used by the Islamic State? Weapons of this sort while seeming to be awesome rather ineffective in most cases however?

coolbert.

Embarrassment.

This is coolbert:

“The ability to express opinions, criticize, make assumptions, or form value judgments — especially regarding public officials — is a quintessential part of democratic society.”

Never heard of such a thing. Never even believed I would hear of such a thing.

"Pentagon program hunts those who ‘embarrass’ its generals – Intercept"

"A new system is capable of pinpointing the ‘exact location’ of anyone who could cause reputational damage to its charges"

From https://www.rt.com/news | 17 Jun, 2023 | the original story "The Intercept".

"A secretive division of the Pentagon is now tasked with protecting its high-ranking officials not only from assassination and other bodily harm, but also from negative portrayals on social media, according to a procurement document obtained by The Intercept and published on Saturday."

While military records officially state the US Army Protective Services Battalion protects its charges from 'assassination, kidnapping, injury or embarrassment,' this now includes monitoring social media for 'direct, indirect, and veiled' threats, as well as identifying 'negative sentiment' about individuals like Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, according to the document" 

Read the entire "Intercept" article for yourself.

Comrade Pentagon! Any questions concerning my blog or a specific entry just make a comment to an article where you might have concerns. Expect a rapid and courteous reply.

coolbert.

Eagle.

This is coolbert:

To what extent this is war grave desecration I cannot say. 

"Uruguay to Melt Nazi Bronze Eagle, Recast it as Peace Dove"

From Yahoo News! ^ | Fri, June 16, 2023 the tip thanks Freeper.

"Uruguay will melt down a bronze eagle found on a sunken World War II-era German destroyer [actually a pocket battleship] off its coast 13 years ago, and recast it as a dove of peace, the South American country's president said Friday. The 350-kilogram (770-pound) 'symbol of violence and war' will be turned into a 'symbol of peace and union,' President Luis Lacalle Pou told journalists in the capital Montevideo. The two-meter (6.5-foot)-tall bird with a Nazi swastika gripped in its talons adorned the stern of the Admiral Graf Spee, a battleship involved in one of the first naval skirmishes of World War II."

Evidently the Graf Spee is not a war grave. No bodies on the scuttled ship! Recovering parts of the sunken warship not a violation of any protocols.

This too! This melting down and recasting the bronze eagle is a compromise? 

"On 2 January 2022, a newspaper in Punta del Este reported that an Argentine Jewish businessman, Daniel Sielecki, had offered to buy the eagle and swastika crest from the Admiral Graf Spee from the naval warehouse. Sielecki said he wanted to explode the crest into 'a thousand pieces' in order to keep it out of the hands of neo-Nazis."

Peace and union it will be then. Nothing wrong with that.

coolbert.

Lassies.

This is coolbert:

Lads and lassies both in big trouble.

Azov battalion personnel captured the steelworks siege now on trial as terrorists and war criminals!

I venture not going to go well for them.

"Ukraine ‘Azov regiment’ prisoners of war go on trial in Russia"

https://www.aljazeera.com/news |15 Jun 2023.

"Eight women are among the 22 Ukrainian prisoners of war who are accused by Russia of membership in a ‘terrorist group’."

"More than 20 Ukrainian soldiers who were taken prisoner during the months-long battle to defend the port city of Mariupol from Moscow’s forces have gone on trial in southern Russia."

"The captured soldiers were members of the Azov regiment, an elite Ukrainian armed forces unit that fought against Russian troops for months in the Sea of Azov port of Mariupol."

Lady soldiers [terrorists?] described by some as cooks and nothing more than that?

These persons on trial will be subjected to a type of procedure as you would have seen during the Stalinist period? 

Care to make a sincere statement of repentance and you life will probably be spared. For some the death penalty will be meted out no matter what.

Going to be rough for all you can guarantee it!

coolbert.

Gota Fría.

This is coolbert:

All thanks here to Count Raimundo an extract from an article of his. Consider within context of the breached Dneiper river dam and the flooding of land downstream as a weapon of war.

As it was in 1094 so as it is in 2023. Eternal warfare.

According to the Count:

"Acting fast, the Cid, who was camped outside the walls of Valencia, destroyed all of the bridges leading to the city and flooded the countryside with water from the canals, so that only one strip of land, which he now controlled, was dry."

The great campeador of Spain - Roderick Díaz of Vivar at work. The Battle of Valencia, 1094. El Cid. Valencia better described as a siege.

“Campeador” comes from the Latin campi doctoris (a battle planner and teacher)

And here from the website https://stmuscholars.org a much more cogent description of the flooding of the ground Valencia: 

"On the tenth day of the siege, Valencia’s farmers informed Rodrigo that they had seen birds randomly appearing and keeping their flight so close to the ground that they almost skimmed it, which meant that the 'Gota Fría' (the rainy season) was almost there. Indeed, that night, black clouds covered the city of Valencia"

"The rain turned into a deluge and, as expected by Rodrigo, the Turia river had increased its flow so much that it caused huge torrents, entering the Almoravid camp at El Cuarte and taking pavilions, campaign tents, food and war supplies with it, mainly caused because Rodrigo had ordered to stop the functioning of the irrigation system of the fields of Valencia, so that the water would not have any other option than to accumulate on the surface. The rain turned into a deluge and, as expected by Rodrigo, the Turia river had increased its flow so much that it caused huge torrents, entering the Almoravid camp at El Cuarte and taking pavilions, campaign tents, food and war supplies with it, mainly caused because Rodrigo had ordered to stop the functioning of the irrigation system of the fields of Valencia, so that the water would not have any other option than to accumulate on the surface."

That overland relief force of the Muslim Almoravid their supplies and impedimenta of war damaged or destroyed, the only access route to Valencia block by Roderick. No option but to withdraw, overland relief as planned unsuccessful.

See additionally those most recent applicable blog entries:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/06/waterworks-ii.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/06/waterworks.html

coolbert.

Burt USAF.

This is coolbert:

“Transformational cultural change requires leadership from the top and we do not have time to wait. Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at that state level. That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for our service members, their families and the readiness of the force as a whole." -LTG Burt USAF.

End of career? Controversial pronouncements LTG Burt USAF. 

"Woke Space Force LT Gen admits she WON’T hire someone because of 'anti-LGBTQ' state laws"

From https://therightscoop.com  |  JUN. 15, 2023.

"At a pride event last week at the Department of Defense, Chief Operations Officer for the U.S. Space Force Lt. General Deanna Burt admitted that her hiring policies are biased against states which have passed laws protecting minors from the alphabet mafia."

Speech of this type can be construed as a violation of UCMJ? Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Political speech by military personnel highly frowned upon. Can  anyone suggest her words are less than political.

Criticism of Members of Congress or the President covered by UCMJ Article 88 UCMJ.

State officials not covered by any particular item in UCMJ [?] so maybe this LTG will get a pass. Perhaps a reprimand and nothing more.

coolbert.

DIRCM.

This is coolbert

More You Tube video the Ukraine Conflict. MANPAD = Man Portable Air Defense.

Russian rotary wing combat aircraft now having embedded electronic apparatus able to defeat heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles. Measure and counter-measures. Pea-shooter surface-air-missile no longer effective?

"Russian Ka-52 helicopter deflected 18 Western MANPADS by jamming all warheads"

"Vitebsk currently equips almost all the helicopters in the Russian Air Force, according to the MoD, while the export variant, President-S, has been delivered to Egypt for their Ka-52s and Mi-17s, Algeria for their Mi-17s, Mi-26s and Mi-28s, Belarus for their Mi-8s."

Hardly is this brand-new technology. Military equipment that can be retrofitted on existing warplanes and offer greater protection than flares alone. Air Force One according to what I understand has just a system in place and has had for some time.

coolbert.

BTM-3.

This is coolbert:

Courtesy You Tube a video of the Russian trench digging machine.

Impressive! And as is relevant to the fortifications of the Russian army the Ukraine Conflict.

"Russian BTM-3 Trench Digging Machine"

"The Russian Army is deploying BTM-3s, fast-moving trench digging machines capable of digging ditches and trenches in soils ranging from sandy to frozen earth in preparation for the coming winter season."

"This is the first time such engineering machinery has appeared on video footage from the conflict zone. The use of these large numbers of engineering vehicles is necessary for the efficient and effective construction of defensive lines in a fraction of the time."

See the protection provided even a simple below-ground open trench the soldier laying prone in the trench during a bombardment. 

BTM-3 too I might think a big morale booster?

coolbert.

PaK.

This is coolbert:

“'We should learn from our enemy on how they construct their trenches, because they are so excellent at that,' . . . 'They use specialized vehicles, not only hands.'”

Fortification Russian the Ukraine Conflict formidable. Reminiscent of the PaK front World War Two? Creating great difficulty for the Ukrainian counter-offensive?

"The Russian fortifications Ukraine needs to break through in its counter-offensive"

"New satellite images reveal the array of minefields, anti-tank ditches and trenches lying ahead of Ukrainian troops"

From the archive of the "Telegraph" | Joe Barnes | BRUSSELS CORRESPONDENT | 11 June 2023 • 

PaK = PanzerabwehrKanone. Defensive structures primarily [?] a feature of warfare the Eastern Front, WW2?

Defensive architecture consisting of anti-tank obstacles, anti-tank ditch, mine field of both anti-personnel and anti-tank land mines, firing positions for anti-tank guns [include anti-tank guided-missiles in the modern context] carefully sighted with interlocking fields of fire. Soviet sections of PAK front constructed in depth on occasion to a distance of fifty miles [eighty kilometers]. 

Specially selected firing positions for anti-tank guns the PaK front. One commander directing as he saw the selection of targets. I might expect to find that the Russian to include both anti-tank guided-missiles and traditional anti-tank guns of the T-12 100 mm and 125 mm Sprut variety as a mix.

Read of the Russian BTM trenching machine. Effective and making things infinitely easier for the simple soldier on the ground.

"The BTM can dig trenches in curves with a minimum radius of 25 m. The vehicle can switch from transport mode to operating (digging) mode in 10 minutes. When digging at 3rd gear, the BTM can approximately dig an 800 meter long man-sized trench in one hour."

Read also previous blog entries the Russian fortifications the Ukraine Conflict:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/04/bulwark.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/06/minelayers-ii.html

coolbert.

Goryachev.

This is coolbert.

Storm Shadow British cruise missile on target! One more senior Russian officer vanquished!

"SHADOW STRIKE ‘British Storm Shadow missile’ kills top Putin general in most senior Russian loss since Ukraine counterattack launched"

https://www.thesun.co.uk | the article by Katie Davis Will Stewart | 13 Jun 2023.

"A TOP Russian army general has been killed in Ukraine in the latest blow to Vladimir Putin."

Major-General Sergey Goryachev, 52, was struck by a long-range British-supplied Storm Shadow missile in Zaporizhzhia region, according to Moscow war sources. 

Goryachev reputed to the Chief of Staff [CoS] the Russian 35th Combined Arms Army. Goryachev the most senior Russian general officer a combat fatality?

See all previous blog entries [some with further embedded links] the combat deaths of Russian general officers during the Ukraine Conflict. Persons I imagine not so easily replaced:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/02/ulyanov.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/06/kutuzov.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/05/obligated.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/04/49th-caa.html

Hey! Nobody ever said this war in Ukraine was going to be easy, did they?

coolbert.

2S7 Pion.

This is coolbert:

Yet more munitions as supplied by the American government for Ukraine.

"IMMEDIATE RELEASE"

"Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine"

From American Department of Defense [DoD] | June 9, 2023 |   

"Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a new security assistance package, underscoring the unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine. This package, which totals up to $2.1 billion and includes critical air defense and ammunition capabilities, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)."

"This USAI package illustrates the continued commitment to both Ukraine’s critical near-term capabilities as well as the enduring capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term."

[....]

Among those items as procured and will be sent to the Ukrainian armed forces:

"105mm and 203mm artillery rounds"

Presumably that 203 mm round meant for Ukrainian artillery firing what was in Soviet/Russian nomenclature the 2S7 Pion howitzer. Ukraine already having a number of such weapons fielded and active.

U.S Army at one time also fielding the M110 203 mm howitzer but I believe that weapon not even mothballed any more.

2S7 howitzer still maintained in the inventory of [presumably with stockpiles of ammunition] a number of nations to include: Angola,  Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia.  Former operators too still having stockpiled ammunition?

USA has purchased quantities of 203 mm ammo for delivery to the Ukrainian. And from WHO exactly is not stated and perhaps never will be known.

coolbert.

PMC Rus.

This is coolbert:

Regard this as a possible major event? Wagner PMC in particular the target here.

"Shoigu orders all PMCs to be placed under Russian Defense Ministry control, Prigozhin immediately refuses"

Source: The New Voice of Ukraine | June 11, 2023.

"The order, published on the Russian Defense Ministry’s Telegram channel on June 10, reads that it aims to grant the volunteer formations the 'necessary legal status and establish standardized approaches to organizing comprehensive support and task execution.'”

[....]

"Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder and leader of the Wagner PMC, immediately and vehemently rejected Shoigu’s directive, asserting that he will not enter into any contracts with the Ministry of Defense."

YEVGENIYY DEFIANT! YEVGENIYY BEHOLDEN TO VLAD PUTIN ALONE AS HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY AGREED? THIS WILL NOT NECESSARILY TURN OUT WELL FOR PRIGOZHIN.

Patriot, E.N.O.T, Gazprom and Wagner PMC's all active in the Ukraine Conflict. Patriot the PMC as associated with Shogui himself!

See previous blog entries the various Russian PMC additional to Wagner:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/05/gazprom.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/02/enot.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/12/competitor.html

coolbert.

Beasts.

This is coolbert:

The most dangerous beast of them all! The Russians too have them.

"US Magazine Names Four Most Dangerous Bombers in Russia's Military Arsenal"

The article, published this weekend, argues that upgrades coupled with improvements in standoff missiles and precision-guided munitions are the reason for the might of Russian aircraft.

"US international affairs magazine The National Interest has named the Tu-95, Tu-22M, Tu-160, and the cutting-edge PAK DA as Russia's 'most dangerous bombers'."

Bomber aircraft with the exception of the PAK DA of rather ancient vintage. All from the Soviet era , Tu-95 design quite old. PAK DA even exists as a deployed combat warplane?

Similar to the B-52 but still can be formidable with the mission of a stand-off delivery system firing air-to-ground missiles with nuclear warhead. Used in a judicious manner a threat that cannot be ignored.

See previous blog entries here, here and here regarding the American B-52 and longevity of same. Russian bomber warplanes can be expected to undergo a similar evolution? A whole bunch of relatively minor but incremental improvements can go a long way.

Rather OLD but still useful heavy bombers of Soviet vintage their combat record as stand-off delivery systems the Ukraine Conflict not so terribly impressive?

coolbert.

Bloated.

This is coolbert:

Sounds way too easy and way too good to be true!!

"One option is to design carriers without complex systems"

 From https://www.isegoria.net       June 11th, 2023.

"The US Navy is complacent, Austin Vernon suggests, after lacking a competitor for so long"

"Modern carrier design reflects that. Thankfully physics has little to say about how much a carrier needs to cost. The new USS Ford weighs 100,000 tons. Steel costs ~$700/ton, so the basic materials are only $70 million. Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are roughly the same size. They cost ~$90 million, barely more than steel and engines. Crew quarters for 5000 sailors, nuclear reactors, radars, catapults, flag accommodations, specialized systems, and general government bloat get you to a $10+ billion ship."

The minimum requirements for a carrier are:

* "Launch full-size aircraft"

* "Have space for bombs, fuel, and crew"

Devoted readers to the blog are strongly encouraged to read the entire isegoria.net article for themselves.

Frankly a warship based on a design of a VLCC converted for military use sounds familiar to the arsenal ship concept. A lot traditional naval aviation firepower at a fraction of the cost in a fraction of the time is a do-able idea? State of art technology to be eschewed? Go with you got and what is familiar and dependable. Survivability not guaranteed but enhanced by simpler-is-better bare bone?

To be honest, whatever in warfare is guaranteed survivable? Cheaper, simpler, easier? As I said, sounds to good to be true.

coolbert.

RAAMS.

This is coolbert:

The Ukrainian counter-offensive has begun!

And the results so far are?

"Reports of Russian casualties as they 'withdraw through their own minefields' driven back by Ukraine's counteroffensive, UK intel says"

From https://www.businessinsider.com | the article by Isobel van Hagen Jun 10, 2023.

* "Reports of Russian casualties as they 'withdraw through their own minefields,' per UK intel."

* "Military progress on both sides of the conflict has been mixed in the last two days, the UK MoD said."

* "This comes as Ukraine's long-anticipated counteroffensive began this week."

That SPRING counter-offensive delayed until almost SUMMER!

Two US officials told CNN on Thursday that mines were also having a negative impact on Ukraine's armored vehicles.

As at Kursk WW2 as is now the Ukraine Conflict.

Ukrainian have been supplied with artillery-delivered Remote Anti-Armor Mine Systems [RAAMS] USA. And as are fired by the American M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. Evidently the M777 howitzer too can fire the RAAMS round.

That use of RAAMS in a very critical mission similar to the use of Cofram during the Vietnam War? Special permission needed for the release of such munitions?

coolbert.

Waterworks II.

This is coolbert:

Here links to various previous blog entries the topic the breaching of dams and dikes as a weapon of war. An ancient and venerable practice and as relevant to most recent events the Ukraine Conflict:

From that period of the Islamic State [ISIL] insurgency:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/04/tabqa.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2015/04/thar-thar.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/08/mosul-dam.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/07/haditha-mosul.html 

From that period of the Saddam insurgency in the aftermath of Gulf War Two:

https://www.danielpipes.org/blog/2007/11/the-latest-about-mosul-dam

Further and in historical context the Yellow River flood, 1938-47:

"In June 1938, Chinese Nationalist armies under the command of Chiang Kai-shek breached the Yellow River’s dikes at Huayuankou in Henan province in a desperate attempt to block a Japanese military advance . . . Perhaps the single most environmentally damaging act of warfare in world history . . . Between 1938 and 1947, this disaster killed more than 800,000 people in Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu and displaced nearly four million."

And the culprit the Dneiper river flooding is? We might never know with any degree of certainty?

coolbert.