On the ground in Kharkiv | Ukraine: The Latest | Podcast

Day 218.
Today, we hear from our Senior Foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant on the ground near Kharkiv and Dominic Nicholls discusses the latest updates from the battlefront. Plus, as the United States' mid-terms move into view, our Washington Editor Rozina Sabur analyses the U.S. support for Ukraine.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Host). Follow David on Twitter @djknowles22
Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). Follow Dom on Twitter @DomNicholls
Rozina Sabur (Washington correspondent). Follow Rozina on Twitter @RozinaSabur
Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). Follow Roland on Twitter @RolandOliphant.
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[@sherrillwhately7586]

As an American 🇺🇸, my heart leaps with joy to of hear Ukraine 🇺🇦 getting 12 billion more 💪🏼💛💙🌻🌾🔱➕💥💥💥

[@elinorwright7044]

Keep pressure on your government. I'm Canadian and I'm continuing to pressure my government to continue to support Ukraine 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@sherrillwhately7586]

@@elinorwright7044 I’ve written to Biden 3 times to send more HIMARS. I’ve never written to a President before that.

[@mgilmore5931]

@@elinorwright7044US is the only country. The Europeans and Canada playing free loaders as usua. The US Taxpayer is dumb to pay for a losing war halfway around the world. Collapse is neigh.

[@andregrysify]

Whatever hardships we in the West suffer (costs of fuel, food and resources and then recession) that is nothing to the suffering in Ukraine and the tears shed for those killed and badly injured. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@JamesSmith-er2pn]

Until Russia hit the nuclear button because we gave gave to much and their doing a bit too well.

[@alainlefebvre9860]

@@JamesSmith-er2pn well, the Russians are very weak and that's all they've got. Failed military. Nice yachts though!

[@HungryGhost999]

@@JamesSmith-er2pn what ?

[@hhKJgf1M8a0rzt8hP]

We will weather it through. If Putin wins, recession will be the least of our concerns.

[@Blessedmantoday]

Appreciate your show guys 👍 Greetings from Bergen Norway 🇳🇴. God bless

[@steve-real]

Brothers and Sisters, This is hands-down thee best podcasts of the year! bar none Just a superior product. And today was really premium stuff. So impressed.

[@thecfbutcher1174]

It can't be 'one of thee' if it's bar none.

[@MB-to5gl]

I could not agree more. This is the first news I listen to at work everyday.

[@markosimonic]

This is becoming one of my favourite KZbin channels lately. Professional, unbiased journalism.

[@HungryGhost999]

We’re all struggling to get by in the West but we must continue the fight against Putin 🇺🇦❤️🇬🇧

[@benndanny12]

This is, literally, the BEST podcast on Ukraine. Top experts on every day, delivered totally free! Thanks alot guys and keep it up.

[@RdamplificationUk1]

My understanding from recent military comments is that the M1 tank is very complex to maintain and keep active in the field since it is essentially a turbine jet engine with a gun! Suggestions are that the German Leopard is a more suitable tank for this application. The M1 requires huge support capability and its also very heavy to recover for repair etc and requires sophisticated maintenance capability.

[@chrishooge3442]

Russians just donated more tanks and APCs than all of NATO.

[@jct1616]

Exactly my understanding. Required extensive training for support crew on an unfamiliar technology. Since nothing is compatible with their current equipment, so it would hinder in the short term. The M1 at 70 tons, requires a heavy trucks to haul it back for maintenance, some bridges cannot support its weight.

[@invarietateconcordia1988]

Leo2s have the same weight as the M1 are also packed with tech we don't want to see in russian hands. In addition, the Leo2s are optimized for in-field repairs and if Ukraine doesn't has the logistics to change a motor block within 2 hours its a waste of capabilities, imho.

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

The same is true for the Leo!

[@maureenwood1653]

It's also 60 tons plus, T72 variants 40 tons. Doesn't sound important but from a logistics point of view roads bridges trucks etc brings difficult challenges. Worth remembering by far the largest supplier of hardware is Russia from captured equipment. Excellent video available from Perun on KZbin, in fact all his videos are fascinating.

[@kenlang1070]

When did Canada leave NATO? Did someone let them know?

[@markb8468]

Great content as always from great lakes region 🇺🇸

[@juliec5309]

My take on the pipeline is that Putler ordered them destroyed. If they are left usable, it makes him more susceptible to removal so that someone else can be installed to get commerce going again and start fixing stuff. If there is no pipeline why remove him it won't change much. It's the only reason i see this happening

[@andikasic4793]

With the recent „suicides“ of Gazprom excecutives, I’m afraid this makes sense.

[@villageobserver1011]

Additionally Russia now has a reason to not deliver gas in the future. Their narrative is that they are reliable and that they stopped delivering gas because of technical issues and sanctions blocking their repair. So they needed a better reason since Europe (or anyone else) wouldn't keep sanctions that block the repair or they would repair it themself if technical issues were the real reason. Furthermore it shows the vulnerability of Europe and also the vulnerability of communication (under-sea-cables) between USA and Europe. Also Russia now claims to have been attacked and would justify further aggression with this claim. Finally the speculations about an US attack alienate Europe and USA. So it clearly plays into the Kremlins hands.

[@chrishooge3442]

It's also an implicit threat that any pipeline can be taken offline. It's a warning.

[@johnpanc]

As an American I personally am happy that the weapons we provide help to eliminate murders, rapists and thieves.

[@waynefaram2333]

Leopard 2 is the answer. Perfect for the terrain. Easier maintenance and transportation. It’s no secret why it’s so popular around the world. A game changer.

[@kh5736]

They at least should send leo a1s marders and transport vehicles.

[@invarietateconcordia1988]

In the podcast they talked about how the west doesn't want to feed the russian narrative that this is war with the west. I wonder how the russians would perceive a western tank from Germany.. Anyway, the US have to move first, Germany won't step out of line on it's own.

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

@@kh5736 Marder and Fuchs would be great for Ukraine. Ukraine gets 50 Dingo transport vehicles from Germany. I think light tanks and troupe transporters are much more suitable than heavy tanks in this war. More self-propelled hauwitzers and rocket systems like the MARS and HIMARS would be more effective than tanks.The Leo is not less "complicated", or less heavy (62 tons) than the M1, and needs a functioning supply line and support as well. Driving him doesn't mean one can use him properly, it's not "done" with a delivery only when wanting to use a Leo properly! But.......

[@alanchristensen5735]

Anticipating a breakthrough near Lyman. Encirclement of the Russian forces there would be great.

[@chrishooge3442]

That front is likely a mess after the hasty withdrawals. I expect Ukraine is consolidating and probing for another weakness they can exploit. Forget the towns...cut the routes and threaten to encircle the towns and Russians will likely rout again. It avoids the costly urban fights.

[@haakontangvald-pedersen8374]

A bit curious if the russian Lyman garrison do a 'last stand' for once. Somewhere between 1000 and 2000 troops I understand. Might take a long time to force them out, giving the main russian line more time to consolidate furter east.

[@ceetee9659]

@@haakontangvald-pedersen8374 If the Russians don't surrender or withdraw I bet ukraine just puts a seige on the enemy in Lyman and bypasses the city, keeping the pressure on the frontlines moving eastward. That way fewer troops will be needed to just let the Russians starve and freeze for a little while

[@idontknowhowtonamemychannel]

@@haakontangvald-pedersen8374 one can surround them and move forward. They will run out of ammo someday

[@shyrose39]

Ukraine needs a lot of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV). Afaik there are quite many M2 Bradley IFV's in storage.The Ukrainians could start using them in a few months. And M270 MLRS is based on the Bradley chassis, so maintenance should not be an issue.

[@mariarucci78]

Slava Ukraine ❤❤❤

[@eddiewashen7093]

I'm from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada... Love the Pod cast. 🇨🇦

[@dantarradellas7351]

It’s been said that the American tanks are so huge, heavy and incredibly complicated to maintain due to its turbine system, that it would not be practical and why many insist the German Leopards are a more practical option.

[@dalephillips7576]

Trade x Warsaw pack Abrams and have the T72-60 sent to the Ukrainian

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Given all the equipment abandoned by Russia, tanks may not be the greatest need.

[@whssy]

The Torygraph is a horrific paper for most things - but even I appreciate its coverage of Ukraine.

[@dearmas9068]

I dont personally think that Ukraine needs to have every single weapon we have available to offer. I'm fine withholding Abrams tanks as long as we never stop providing HIMARS, Hummers, Javelines, and - of course - ammo.

[@nmiller601]

Correction at 47:06. Canada IS a (founding) member of NATO

[@rhomacity]

And the present Trudeau government has made Canada a laughingstock...wokeism has gutted the military, political correctness is all that matters/ #Trudeau must go

[@melaniecortez1423]

There smiles are amazing 👏 there Moral and knowing WHY they are Defending there country is why Ukraine will prevail SLAVA UKRAINE🇺🇦💪🇺🇦💪🇺🇦💪🇺🇦Victory will be yours!!!!

[@andrewgarner9194]

From what I understand the technology in the HIMARS is primarily in the rockets themselves which would be hard to reverse engineer once used, Western 3rd gen tanks may have some technological advantages that we're unwilling to share.

[@tompendergast8796]

The Abrams tank would need trained men to operate them, first because the engine is a turbine, radically different from kit like the T-series of Warsaw Pact type tanks. Secondly because of Abrams' massive size. It's slower and less maneuverable than the T series.

[@maryswanson9506]

Recently viewed an interview with General Ben Hodges. He described why Abrams cannot be sent to Ukraine.

[@nicholaselliott2484]

I heard this as well.

[@brucenorman8904]

It is not slower and less maneuverable than the Russia tanks. It is far heavier and Ukraine does not have the maintenance chain to support the vehicle.

[@wildweasel3001]

Needs jet fuel

[@mkrmkr3805]

An excellent review again. Many thanks. 🙏

[@denniswrobleski4439]

What seems not to be mentioned about why the U.S. isn't providing tanks is the M1A2 abrams is a very big tank at 55 tons. It has trouble crossing bridges and Ukraine has already partially destroyed many of them in Ukraine. The U.S. has got to transport them to the other side of the planet which is very costly and time consuming. The M1A2 Abrams has a turbine engine that runs on jet fuel. Ukraine logistics are set up to transport deisle fuel for tanks. And lastly the maintenance on the tanks turbine engines requires specialist and also would need it's own special recovery vehicles. So the U.S. would have to send contractors to repair them on the field who could get captured and labeled as mercenaries. It would be more logical for Germany to send Leopards as they have deisle engines and can get them there quickly. But Germany won't until the U.S. sends M1A2 Abrams first which they know won't happen.

[@gregadair9905]

Excellent points!. I tried to say some of the same things, but my comment was so long I'm sure nobody will read it ;)

[@tvwatcher1883]

-my understanding Abrams tank -weights more than 10 tons more than t80 (42 vs 55), it has turbo engine runs on jet fuel not diesel, and requires a whole maintenance crew

[@user-zp8sp4hj3d]

Nope The reason America doesn’t give takes is because America tanks use jet fuel, not diesel. Also it take different spare parts. It’s also a different system and mechanics to learn for the tank crew. It’s more effective to send what can be used now.

[@KN-xl6lw]

Weighs fifty percent more and uses double the fuel. 'Standard' vs metric tooling requires a duplicate set of SAE wrenches etc. Leopard 2 is the ideal MBT and widely used throughout NATO

[@philipwoodgate9555]

Regarding tanks, there is no way to provide Abraham tanks as the complexity of maintenance is extreme, the training involved would take a long time.

[@CS79N]

I can't remember where I saw it, but there was a concern around the maintenance of the M1 Abrams tank, due to its drivetrain (e.g. a gas turbine rather than a standard diesel) and general complexity. The theory was that maintenance and repair would be easier in the field with the Leopard tank rather than the M1. That could just be an excuse though, I'm not sure.

[@gagamba9198]

The M1 is battlefield tested and proved, Is the Leopard 2? No.

[@ilhamconte5408]

It doesn't matter who's in the white house when it comes to foreign policy is the same

[@ptnogo122]

As an M1A2sepV2 Gunner, The tank is a whole job. 19Kilo takes time and years to step up. I can’t speak for the Mother Lands tanks, which look soft... But I’ve seen an MRS update and pulling Pack challenge people.

[@kbkb1290]

Victoire Ukraine

[@kaiserschnitselsr.9228]

Z - target practise

[@terryd7852]

Multiple reasons for no M1 Abrams including difficulties of maintenance & battlefield repair; necessary training; too heavy for many local bridges & the forthcoming Ukrainian mud; the US wouldn't want any captured (even though ISIS captured a couple from the Iraqis); different ammo requirements complicating supply. Finally, to make the tank fully effective against a modern anti-tank capability, the M1 would also require additional add-on armour / defence packages, which is costly if added to the earlier M1 and M1A1 versions that would likely be sent from US stocks.

[@MrFacemeltify]

Not to mention the fuel needs. The M1 are notoriously thirsty tanks due to the turbine engine, each tank requiring roughly 300 gallons every 8 hours of use. The multi-fuel system does offer some supply flexibility, but the sheer amount of logistics & support required just to operate a handful of these tanks takes time, recourses, and manpower that could be better used elsewhere.

[@magesalmanac6424]

Who design this tank?? The more I hear about it, the less useful it sounds.

[@jasonbrightwell2578]

@@magesalmanac6424 the tank has been in service for roughly 40 years. Every upgrade comes with a weight increase. The use of the Abrahams is dependent on the battle space. The Abrams was built for a long range war doctrine not an urban environment.

[@patrickcleary1246]

Per H R Masters of the Goodfellows, says Abrams are not being given because they weigh 70 tons, probably not suitable for Ukraine roads and mud. Maintenance is highly technical and would have to go back to Poland for repair and upkeep.

[@kevinbailey2518]

Family ❤❤I'm a believer to also it's the truth averyone I do respect averyone peace

[@considerthis7712]

Australia is non NATO, but supporting equipment and part of “ alliance” . Technically as not NATO , could send in special services, military training and leadership support?

[@PELEGON1]

And why ot?

[@bobwoods7233]

please put a map on your online site to enable people to follow your commentary. I am listening from Bali Indonesia.

[@blakeruddle2652]

The question asked about the donation of US tanks shows a rather substantial lack of understanding of the logistical and support demands of an Abrams tank. These tanks do not have diesel engines and use different grade fuel. Putting Abrams into Ukraine creates substantial complications to the Ukrainians. Do your homework, please.

[@Eric-ff4bf]

Two thoughts about the structuring of the most recent US Military Aid package: first, given the likelihood of the GOP controlling the House of Reps by January, this is a way to lock in aid arriving in two years, when either the war will still be ongoing, or Ukraine will be building up its defenses; second, producing new HIMARS links arming Ukraine to producing jobs for Americans, a much better thing to sell politically to the American electorate.

[@mkrmkr3805]

I agree Eric. My immediate thought was aside from the U.S changing the supply of weapons and sustainability model, it showed longer term support and commitment for Ukraine from the USA. I applaud them for that and for their overall leadership during this travesty.

[@David-ew5sx]

29:59 Roland's voice cracking there got me right in the feels. hard.

[@robmackinnon7577]

What about putting NATO troops along Belorussian border to free up Ukrainian troops. Same for Moldova Tranistria b

[@sherrillwhately7586]

Fortunately Ukraine 🇺🇦 has all those tanks Russia 🇷🇺 donated ➕➕➕

[@kaiserschnitselsr.9228]

and getting used as target practise by Russia

[@louisemarianiehausniehaus6680]

With all love and respect to your female reporter in the USA, her reporting style is just not up to par with your male reporters who are to the point and concise.

[@eddiewashen7093]

A year plus ago... NATO had a chance to deploy a KFOR style deterance, showing that we meant business, it would have prevented this destruction and heartache.

[@musictravelgaming215]

Question: if it turns out that “a state” was responsible for the act of sabotage/attack on Nord stream and this is proven. Does this then fall under the category of Geneva convention violation as Nord stream could be considered critical civilian infrastructure? Furthermore where does the line then get drawn between this critical civilian infrastructure being that partially owned/funded by a nato state with regard to article 5.

[@wildweasel3001]

Sounds like they (EU/NATO/UN) don't plan to do anything about it. Trying to leave Putin a get out and let things de-escalate. May be when the investigation is complete, then we'll see more condemnation and extra sanctions.

[@chrishooge3442]

I suspect it's a Russian threat against any and all undersea pipelines the EU is dependent on.

[@robertwilliams7350]

Yes the US has openly attacked german property.

[@musictravelgaming215]

To be honest I can’t see much reason behind Russian doing this, even if I do suspect this was them. However as an attempt the solidify the unity in Europe and make it easier for governments to support Ukraine and eliminate any chance for the let’s sit down and talk and agree and get our gas back. The motive from the west to destroy the pipeline is actually pretty compelling. The timing with the referendum providing an opportunity for Europe to again press Ukraine to agree to the annexation to stop the war also feeds into this. inside job? hate to say it and don’t support what Russia is doing but it’s on the cards and if some western nations needed the nudge the solidify support amounts their own governments to commit to the direction of upholding the UN charter in the face of impending energy/ financial crisis at home And the temptation of it simply being lest stop down play nice and switch the tap back on. Destroying the tap would be one way to go about it

[@invarietateconcordia1988]

All these arguments against the delivery of american tanks... do they also apply to german tanks? And if so, why is everybody bashing Germany to supply the Leopards for months now?

[@wildweasel3001]

Looks like they are diesel, so no fuel problem but would require logistics and training. With winter coming they will still sink in the mud. I think Ukraine are better off with lots many light vehicles that wasting resources on more tanks.

[@PlanetFrosty]

The 4 blasts and making repair larger is a pattern with Russian fiber optic destruction cutting out sections

[@jct1616]

M1 requires complex logistics to support, US is Asking NATO ally countries to find any tanks in their stock that Ukraine can already support and offering to supply M1 tanks to back fill their stock. Russian built equipment just works in mud. US equipment is powerful, but needs constant cleaned/maintained or that power stops working and or tears itself apart. Logistic of spare parts keeping up with front lines requires change how they operate. From a close friend in US Army, they don’t ‘repair’, but swap out parts and ship back to a specific US state to be rebuilt.

[@Laura-S196]

I live on the West coast of America, and I do not love China. My spouse lives on the west coast of America works in Big Tech, and he does not love China either.

[@mgilmore5931]

Is this not a NATO war? What is the UK supplying? Germany? France? Crickets..

[@kenlang1070]

Ukraine being able to maintain the Abrams tanks is a very heavy haul. They are turbine not diesel engine. Plus they are a massive heavy tank like 70 tons so will rail infrastructure and bridges handle them. Plus the amount of training is a big curve Everytime they need maintenance they'll need to be hauled back to Poland, from Donbas, not working

[@gagamba9198]

Leopard 2 weighs about 7% less.

[@kenlang1070]

@@gagamba9198 they can't use tanks in winter so none of it matters

[@DukeSRogers]

Abrams tanks are very heavy and are relatively difficult to maintain. At the same time, Ukraine has more tanks now (captured from Russia) than at the start of the war. German Leopard tanks are a better option.

[@SN-sz7kw]

I don’t get the Lockheed Martin timeline. In my experience, it doesn’t seem accurate. I suspect it could be a case of equipment supplied as available - all units in country NLT. That keeps the Russians guessing as well. WH might also be cramming the package full of projected requirements, in case they lose the House in the midterms.

[@brianeleighton]

Support for Ukraine has bipartisan support in the US Congress. Both Republican and Democrat members have been near unanimous in their votes. This means that the midterm elections will not significantly impact support for Ukraine.

[@patrickcleary1246]

Regarding NOATO boots on the ground; doing so would really reduce Western popular support and increase the chance of Russia using nuclear weapons.

[@waldemardossantos2512]

Glória A Ukraina 🇺🇦💙💛🙏🇧🇷

[@kaiserschnitselsr.9228]

stoop11d bot

[@nhansemark]

Russian law regarding conscripts mean he can now push them into these four regions as well, right?

[@RayBecker]

Our main battle tanks are WAY too large for Ukraine. Their roads and bridges could never support 62 ton tanks

[@emaw5425]

What is the reasoning behind the speculation that Russia would blow up their own pipeline when they could shut it off?

[@brianeleighton]

Because they are bound under contracts. If they just simply stop supplying gas, they are on the hook for more financial penalties laid out in the contract. If the pipeline is damaged or destroyed, Russia can stop supplying gas without incurring financial penalties.

[@errolkim1334]

@@brianeleighton shutup

[@emaw5425]

@@brianeleighton Thanks for the reply. It's all about the money, then.

[@elinorwright7044]

USA tanks are even heavier and may not be able to be effective to get around easy on the rails and roads in the mud. They would do better with the German tanks also closer to get them in the theatre. The problem is getting the German government engaged.

[@edwardsianski725]

God bless Ukraine! May Our Lady of Czestochowa intercede with the Almighty to protect Ukraine from Putin’s aggression and bring about a just peace. May Putin, Lavrov, Shoigu and their minions be removed from power and tried for war crimes. May St Therese of Lisieux, St John Paul II, St Faustina and the holy angels help with this.

[@endintiers]

All the US has to do to reduce its food prices is to agree to a proper free-trade agreement with Australia... All they have to do is put their farmers to the sword like the UK has.

[@rjwesquire]

At the risk of sounding like "a stopped clock that tells time twice a day" (I spit out my tea, in Jersey as in new USA) I just wanted to say, it is my understanding, that the top us tank the Abrams or whatever the hell it's called the m70s I don't even know what their names are, I know this much, or this is what I'm told where I've seen on youtube, General Ben he says this they have jet engines inside them, and they use jet fuel that sounds like a crazy configuration but, as I understand it that is the truth. For highly complex machines the tanks were talking about I'm sorry the US can't send the tanks because these jet engines that are artillery platforms surrounded by huge pieces of metal are difficult to transport difficult to maintain. For some reason also the general said that we have to take our stuff all the way back to Poland to get prepared because we USA can't even repair our stuff on Ukraine soil which sounds ridiculous to me. If I were up to me I'd be sending them tanks and planes to get the job done, and end the pain sooner. Great stuff, have a great day.

[@applepie8772]

The A1 needs aviation fuel - they are turbine based there is no fuel chain. Secondly tech landing in their hands can be replicated.

[@jenniferwagner4595]

As far as equiping the M1, it involved a huge supply chain, and the Ukraine already had tanks they know hör to use, maintain, supply, etc. It is a balancing act of supplies for the tanks....Hopefully Russia will continue to donate supplies to the Ukrainian forces as the advance to the rear.

[@mlhutche]

Bad answer on tanks. Tjhe Abrams is huge for Ukraiian bridges and roads and would be incredibly difficult to provide maintenance/logistics because of it's turbine engine. The Leopard or other properly sized diesel tanks are a far better choice, AFTER scouring absolutely all "Russian" tanks.

[@Laura-S196]

I assumed that funding for Ukraine would transition to the EU,away from the US taxpayer.

[@dalephillips7576]

Ant-aircraft drone systems

[@wildweasel3001]

I'm not sure western tanks are as useful as they sound. They need special fuel and logistical support. They are slow compared to the light vehicles used in the lightning offences. And Ukrainians already have portal anti-tank weapons they can throw on the back of any truck which is working fine.

[@tomwaltermayer2702]

Nicholls interesting on why US won't send Abrams. Old cavalryman that he is, I wish he'd respond in detail to Petraeus's explanations, namely that the Abrams would be hard to get to Ukraine, that it would require extensive training of the Ukrainians, and that it is very finicky, requires a vast support system. P says his reservations are based on his experiences commanding the Abrams in combat. Does cheeky Dom think general Dave is blowing as PR smoke as cover for his government's misguided stinginess?

[@sherrillwhately7586]

Don’t worry, some Republicans don’t think Biden is being tough enough.

[@darrenbolam]

🇳🇿👍

[@duncanstewart6381]

Vladimir Lisin the Russian Oligarch may face sanctions

[@melisandebrassard3825]

Question: Could the Russian position re: annexed territories hamper post-war security guarantees the West could offer i.e NATO membership? From Canada.

[@gregadair9905]

That is a very good question! But note, conversely; President Zellensky timed Ukraine's announcement of Ukraine's official request to join NATO on an expedited basis to this morning. That is, it was timed to coincide exactly with Putin officially announcing "his" new "Russian" territory.

[@Laura-S196]

I have anticipate that America will donate F-15C air superiority fighters to Ukraine. Of course these aircraft would require months of training on the part of Ukrainian pilots. These fighters would be more effective than almost anything that Russia deploys.

[@Edo9River]

So are there also a host of drones spotting the artillary positons? And are there anti-drone drones operating? So how is the drone operations expanding in personnel?

[@okolona1]

Ukrainian sappers don't use sniffer dogs? This is surprising.

[@docbogus6128]

Enough of the nuke talk. When the Saki air base was bombed the nuke bluff was already in effect.

[@The_ZeroLine]

Putin’s pipeline strategy: after blowing Nord 1 + 2 pipelines, the only NG pipeline left is under Ukraine (and turned off by them). Putin hopes both that RF can hold their lines deep into winter and the EU will get so desperate due to shortage + huge price spikes they will force Ukraine into a ceasefire/peace in exchange for the pipeline getting turned back on (a total pipe dream). If that doesn’t work or he needs to end it sooner, VP will create a nuclear disaster at the Zaporizhzhya NPP as an excuse to pull all his troops out of everywhere but Crimea and its near bank to the Dnipro River to retain a buffer force to protect Crimea. To add credence to this theory, it’s reported that Russian soldiers in Kherson have been receiving iodine tablets.

[@edwardsianski725]

May Our Lady of Czestochowa intercede with the Almighty to protect Ukraine from Putin’s aggression and bring about a just peace. May Putin, Lavrov, Shoigu and their minions be removed from power and tried for war crimes.

[@toby9999]

What Lady?

[@robertferguson851]

It is ridiculous for the US to allow armaments decisions in the Ukraine war to be influenced by Russia's perceptions, opinions and feelings.

[@KW-hk2jd]

They have to keep the Europeans on board.

[@robertferguson851]

@@KW-hk2jd What we in US need to do is to show resolve and leadership. We do not need to keep the Germans and the French "on board".

[@wildweasel3001]

Also managing russian people's perceptions and other russian allies. Has a real impact in favour of Ukraine. Think about all the Russians refusing to mobilise. That's a big win from information space being managed

[@robertferguson851]

@@wildweasel3001 Politics and military decisions in the context of a hot war are two different things. A nation generally needs to fight to win and let the politics take care of themselves. Nothing speaks louder or is more influential than creating new facts on the ground. This is a lesson that some of our political leaders , particularly in the State Department, have had a hard time learning.

[@KW-hk2jd]

@@robertferguson851 Yeah we do. Because in the long run Europeans will need to deal with Russia while we are possibly tied up in the Pacific. Remember the BIG PICTURE.

[@sd1262]

*As a democratic Europe we should respect the referendum! Four Regions of Ukraine have asked Russia to invite them into Russian Federation! We see a pure democracy! All the referendum's procedure was legal international observers say! These 4 regions have their right to vote for Russia! Let's respect their choice!*

[@Me-ds3nm]

Nuke alert. Get right with god brethren

[@kevinbailey2518]

Family ❤❤I do respect averyone its the truth I'm being blocked from just about anything naw even my cellphone numbers tex messages to also I do respect averyone its the truth averyone ok peace

[@tigerphoenix7121]

All due respect but, trying to describe politely and in a kind way: US reporter has a distracting habit. Breathing in, pausing, then making a king of champing noise with mouth. Couldn’t concentrate on her words; the habit was too distracting. So sorry to mention this and don’t want to be impolite. If the habit is trained out; I’m sure that the content and voice will be heard more clearly

[@nextlevel2933]

Mumu Ukraine

[@AntonGleufhoed]

Bleauh what a posh accent that women in the middle. Pffffffff go hunting in your wax coat

[@Edo9River]

Don't we all expect that Kyiv is going to be hit , . Isn't ALL of Ukraine within range of the cruise missiles? I would expect Kyiv to be hit before there is nuclear weapon activity?

[@callumharper3281]

Kyiv means too much symbolically to Putin, I imagine he wants to keep Kyiv largely intact, give or take a few residential blocks.

[@LODOWICKMUGGLETON]

Technically and logistically incompetent reporting. Do your homework!

[@toby9999]

What?

[@abr5819]

Ahh yeah , I’m American , my tv told me to pretend to be human and feel sorry for these Ukrainians 😂🙈 so I will yaay my deepest condolences omg I can’t believe what they are going through how savage how dispicable how can. Country do this to another country even though my country does this I still can’t beleive another country cAn do it it’s not fair only my country can kill murder and it’s a good thing when we kill and invade it’s not right other countries can’t do that that’s not fair ok I feel so sad ok I’m off to sleep bye il feel More sorry Tomrow for ukraine oh wait it makes sense now