Silicon Bites #44 - Russia Opens a New Frontline North of Kharkiv - Reported to Sustain Huge Losses.

Edition No44 | 13-05-2024
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Key developments on May 11,12:
- Putin proposes firing Shoigu, appointing new defense minister
- Zelensky says Russian troops try to "gain a foothold" in Kharkiv Oblast; heavy fighting ongoing
- Russia's breakthrough attempt halted, situation in several sectors' changing rapidly,' Syrskyi says
- Russia attacks 106 infrastructure facilities in Ukraine in one day
- Media: Ukrainian drones attack military targets in 3 Russian oblasts overnight
- Russia seeking to blame Ukraine after apartment building collapses in Belgorod, reportedly killing at least 7.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on May 12 proposed firing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and nominated Andrei Belousov to replace him, according to the Telegram channel of the Federation Council, the Russian parliament's upper house. Putin appointed Shoigu as the secretary of Russia's security council, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Shoigu is replacing Nikolai Patrushev, who has been the council's secretary since 2008.
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[@DarkestAlice]

Thank you, Jonathan, for another excellent episode of Silicon Bites. Very much appreciated. 🇺🇦 Перемоги і миру всім українцям! 🇺🇦

[@donotmislead]

The Muscovites have zero chance even to approach Xarkovъ, not to speak of capturing. The defensive operation is headed by general Drapaty, one of the best Ukrainian commanders. He became famous back in 2014 when being just a captain he successfully led the breaking from encirclement at Izvarine and saved his brigade from inevitable death or captivity.

[@j.dunlop8295]

I was deeply sorry to hear of Shoigu leaving his level of gross incompetence, will seriously be missed!😅 Slava-UA 💙🇺🇦🩵🚀

[@j.dunlop8295]

Non military dictators seriously fear a military coup! Putin had more FSB intelligence men, than military men! He put Soigu ex-army commander, had absolutely no military experience! Except being Putin's loyal functionary!😅 Shoigu's new book, "How to lose a war, for idiots!?"

[@stephenhill545]

His wheel-barrel couldn't carry any more.

[@bobjohnbowles]

We can look forward to even greater incompetence and grift from his successor.

[@djparn007]

Thank you, Jonathan. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

[@millerwtf]

Jonathan yes really how Ukraine has had to cope against a "Superpower" with one arm tied behind it's back is amazing and can only be ascribed to the fact that people fighting for their own country will fight like demons to protect their families and citizens. Ukraine has to beg for assistance and then gets arms at fits and starts and has little time to train to use these highly complex modern pieces of equipment. As one American ex Abrams tank crewman recently said about the Russian capture of an older model Abrams is that the Abrams is a very complex tank and is meant for offence operations and not defensive purposes and extensive training is required , a luxury the Ukranians could not afford. The same goes for the F16 fighter which requires specific skills to master. Thanks for your great work.

[@stevenpalmer3040]

Thank you Jonathon for all that you do. Keep saying it like it is! Slava Ukraine🇺🇦

[@ldt6513]

Thank you Jonathan for the high quality work you do! I'm trying to listen to every episode

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@APW-ry2ok]

@@SiliconCurtainHi Jonathan ,where is your MUGA hat ? As endorsed by MTG.

[@olivemd]

I had trouble finding time to listen to them, but now that garden weather is here, I listen while I garden. I really learn a lot too.

[@paulyoung4422]

If the Tzar needs a new General, Steven Seagal, is available.

[@SiliconCurtain]

😂

[@philippage60]

Such a detailed, in depth analysis and review is absolutely compulsory viewing/listening. What makes it work is Jonathan doesn't just report events. He breaks them open and looks inside. World class commentary.

[@frankbarnwell____]

I'm not making light of war, but. This "attack ", and previous high casualty offensives put in mind the Crusifiction scene in , Life of Brian, by Monty Python. The suicide squad attacking. The Russian... sorta army is a horrific comedy.

[@j.dunlop8295]

Definitely, Ukraine civilian soldiers, GPS every likely spot, in retreat villages for connon attention later in the "given up" village's! Slava-UA 💙🇺🇦🩵🚀💥💥🧸 bear fodder!😮 Non military dictators seriously fear a military coup! Putin had more FSB intelligence men, than military men! He put Soigu ex-army commander, had absolutely no military experience! Except being Putin's loyal functionary!😅 Shoigu's new book, "How to lose a war, for idiots!?"

[@tomispev]

Russia allocated only 50.000 meatmen to this new front, which means they'll last about two months. :D

[@j.dunlop8295]

Non military dictators seriously fear a military coup! Putin had more FSB intelligence men, than military men! He put Soigu ex-army commander, had absolutely no military experience! Except being Putin's loyal functionary!😅 Shoigu's new book, "How to lose a war, for idiots!?"

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

Weeks

[@anthonyhulse1248]

Or less.

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

@@anthonyhulse1248 32000

[@philippage60]

Nom nom nom 😊 Ukraine loves meat.🇺🇦

[@oscarmora4602]

Informative

[@party4one]

♥️🇺🇦

[@danielhargreaves5992]

Top quality analysis

[@luminyam6145]

That was just excellent, thank you.

[@user-fp1sp1cr8n]

Putin has put an economist in Shoigus job to go through the books and report to Putin.

[@SiliconCurtain]

The entire system is corrupt, so it won’t help at this stage.

[@geoffgill5334]

​@@SiliconCurtain😂😂😂 👍

[@geoffgill5334]

Military are not going to like their golden goose going away

[@stephenhill545]

Another young talent comes through. There are so many there.

[@artmcteagle]

How to you think Putin got his billions? He is probably the richest man in the world and Bill Browder estimates that the russian elites have stolen over $1 trillion dollars from the russian public. Belousov can probably squeeze a bit more from the military-industrial complex, but it's all about power dynamics in the vertical heirarchy of power and removing any potential future threats to Putin's power.

[@Donovanwashere]

🇬🇪🇺🇦🇬🇪🇺🇦🙏💪

[@5ty717]

You’re an eloquent wordsmith and unbowed warrior JF… … love it.

[@qrsx66]

US, EU and others, all are really weak and slow. We''re lucky to have Ukraine, not the reverse.

[@stephenhill545]

Not weak, just don't care enough, which is sad, because the majority of European citizens do.

[@4mb127]

@@stephenhill545 Inability to act rationally, ingeniously, swiftly and effectively, because unfamiliarity or denial of the new state of the world--it is weakness.

[@rg-cc5kg]

I like your interviews and your excellent partners but I also like to hear your point of view and your analysis. Thank you.

[@hrvojesvetec3058]

Ty Jonathan for your work,support for Ukraine👍🙏we in Sweden belive in and support Ukraine!🇺🇦❤️🇸🇪👍

[@paulyoung4422]

Russia's last throw of the dice.

[@allo-other]

45:14 ".... which can't happen soon enough." On behalf of Chechens: Hear! Hear!

[@tractorpoodle]

Well said Jonathan. Ukrainian victory is paramount. The US can pump more oil.

[@mwtrolle]

Slava Ukraini, from Denmark.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@j.dunlop8295]

Non military dictators seriously fear a military coup! Putin had more FSB intelligence men, than military men! He put Soigu ex-army commander, had absolutely no military experience! Except being Putin's loyal functionary!😅 Shoigu's new book, "How to lose a war, for idiots!?"

[@BogdanTestsSoftware]

Thank you Denmark for supporting Ukraine and its heroes!

[@squireson]

Denmark has been remarkable in it's support and insight. I would very much like to know the difference in public debate in Denmark vs public debate in the U.S.

[@mwtrolle]

@@squireson there isn’t any MAGA!

[@artmcteagle]

Hi Johnathan, Konstantin gives a very insightful analysis of Shoigu's demotion and the reasons for Belousov's promotion in his latest video, it's not what most western analysts suppose. Great overview as usual!

[@dananorth895]

KGB/FSB in charge of operations?

[@arch.blender1178]

Slava Ukraini. Free Ukraine of Russians, Free Russia of Pootin

[@user-fz7zt6cw6f]

Dobryy vecher Jonathan 😺 Spasibo za vash analiz. Working with Ukrainians and watching news I am learning Russian and Ukrainian!😊

[@johncromwell2529]

Thx Jonathon Great work!

[@draganjagodic4056]

Jonathan, what removed Milošević, were empty shelves, ques for bread and basic food, cold homes in winter, electricity and water supply shortages. And exorbitant inflation, nearly comparable with Germany in 1920es. As long as EU companies and banks laugh at our face and keep making profits with Vladolf Putler and his supporters, he will continue like this. Jonathan, my concern goes now beyond this war. Where and when will our companies stop committing such acts of treason? P.S. this concern is based on the direct experience with some EU companies, obviously run by psychopathic, seriously psychopathic, greedy management. Do they know the limits of their greed and are they capable of setting priorities in the case of broader conflict?

[@SiliconCurtain]

I absolutely agree. I’ve always said Russians won’t revolt, as long as they have bread, cheese, sausage and vodka… we are doing nothing that would deny them these things…

[@draganjagodic4056]

​@@SiliconCurtainThank You dear Jonathan 🌞

[@itaiberger7366]

Thank you sir 🇺🇦

[@dennismunsterman]

love how you just discuss stuff and no 'effervescent' stuff makes it into your comments. A big fan, wish more knew and listened to your work. thanks a lot.

[@royjones1053]

Thank you Jonathon, always a well researched and balanced perspective. Слава Україні

[@steveday6246]

nice artwork!

[@HNH421]

that was ace

[@garmar704]

I'm surprised putin hasn't yet placed Mike Flynn in the role.

[@artmcteagle]

Jeez, don't give them ideas! He's a traitor but still a relatively competent general.

[@ItsMe_Hello_People]

Thank you so much for everything you do! 💙💛

[@Martin-mc6hr]

Great coverage as always. Thank you 🇺🇦🇦🇺

[@MsZeeZed]

The Kharkiv offensive is being led for Russia by General Lapin who has failed twice against Ukraine already. His orders haven’t really changed, secure the border of Belgorod Oblast. He just been given more troops to pursue this and given his track record he is starting this “defense” in Ukrainian territory, so when he is pushed back to the border he’ll have “succeeded”. Its not clear where Russia have taken these ground troops from, but its doubtful the VKS can fly two large operations at once. The offensive has to be taken seriously, but the tactical airpower directed at Kharkiv Oblast itself can’t be used in Donetsk as well. It seems unlikely that this serious aggression from Russia will make Western Europe less committed to opposing Russia. Its interesting that if the supply of F-16s to Ukraine doesn’t neutralise this threat, it seems NATO discussions have started to take more direct action in protecting Ukraine.

[@Nick-from-norfolk]

Thanks

[@SiliconCurtain]

Thank you, that really helps!

[@kralikkral5560]

Why Russians attacked now and why Charkov ? Putin finally understood that the West will not let him defeat Ukraine - and he found out that Shoigu told him a lot of "stories". So he developed a new plan: He still wants whole Donbass - and now he tries a typical KGB method: he is trying blackmailing. His plan: take a part of Charkov region, and after that go in peace negotiations with the proposal to change this territory against the rest of Donbass etc.

[@SiliconCurtain]

Interesting idea.

[@dananorth895]

RU has long planned attack on kharkiv and Ukrain has known this and watched the buildup. This is an attempt by RU to draw UK forces from south and east to rebuild logistics lines and forces for summer offensive while digging in futher like ticks. It also helps to depleat RU supplies/lines before supplies come in full.

[@mikeshaunnessey9303]

In WWII they called that "Strategic Bombing".

[@paulchambers3142]

Very good reporting 👏

[@galacticambitions1277]

Thanks, man. Respect.

[@fredericklynch3193]

Dude, the people who listen to your podcast are already up on the news. We watched you because of commentary. I literally did not hear one new thing however, in general, I love your podcast, so it's just a bit of tough love

[@lifelearner47]

love what you've done to the images you showed, making them look like oil paintings.

[@kevinleecaster2698]

Really good discussion of difficult subjects

[@TheKirstebee]

Thank you for all your efforts Jonathan! Is Shoigu being moved away from the defence department and army or towards the new role?

[@ericwillis777]

Brilliant - corruption - a normal system - not a " bug" !

[@veikkonurmiranta624]

Top information, to everyone.👍

[@Grahamgusbull]

👍🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@MsZeeZed]

39:25 Let’s not forget that the Westminster parliament skipped an entire election cycle from 1940 - 1945 and that all Party support for Churchill’s War Ministry, as it was called, was how this was made legal. Once the Opposition Party’s support was withdrawn after VE day then UK elections were rapidly held.

[@kinleydorji]

Slava Ukraini! ❤❤❤

[@blasterrax5621]

o7

[@ZillionDollarSadist]

Great channel, thank you very much ❤

[@johnwalsh4857]

and I think he was appointed since the war is really badly impacting the Russian economy. and the real reason why Shoigu was fired to keep shoigu on the leash and lessen his power. and Berlusov is a perfect yes man nobody who putin can control much more easilly than Shoigu

[@geoffgill5334]

Ukraine is not doing a blanket recruitment from prisons

[@SiliconCurtain]

No, it’s not. Exactly what I said in the video.

[@paulblack8887]

Important to recognize that the German and USSR fight was between competing totalitarian regimes, with leaders who had great regard for the other on those terms. (The only man Stalin ever trusted was Hitler, Khcrushchev famously said). Putins professional life was as an instrument of the elite formations, his ideology is power accumulation.

[@dananorth895]

For a different perspective read Victor Surorov works/analysis on ww2. See "Icebreaker: How Stalin Won WWII".

[@Mariupol_is_Ukraine]

Some sources claim, that Shoigu is dismissed, and will later be taken out completely. The position he is appointed to now, is only there for him to save face. The thing is, that he is appointed to Patrushevs position. One of the most powerful people in russia. So how is it a just parking of an unpopular minister, to appoint him to the position of patrushev? And what does it mean, that a patrushev just gives up his position? This man is one of the most influential and powerful people in russia. He is a decision maker. You said that it isn’t clear, how Shoigus movement to being patrushevs successor, can be seen as a demotion. I really wonder how others interpret it as a demotion. Absolutely strange.

[@skippy9659]

The president of Georgia will veto the bill. Then…???

[@voggunn]

Interesting that if it was not for US supplies to the USSR during WW2 the Soviets would have failed against the German onslaught, due to Stalin's purges that gutted the officer ranks before WW2 that placed communist dogma over military skill, this lead to Soviet forces being badly led at the onset of Operation Barbarossa. Russians seem to gloss over the fact that a huge mass of Ukrainian men that died in Soviet service.

[@mortenjohansen4120]

Why didn’t you mention that the UK also skipped an election during ww2?

[@hjhstaff]

I don’t think we should give the FSB all the credit for planning. Some times people in power can see what worked for others to hold onto power and decide to emulate what worked for Putin. They don’t necessarily want to be inline with Putin, but they want the level of power he has.

[@garywalls5181]

How long will it be before the USA money and supplies reach the front lines?

[@Dragonfly-sr5uw]

NATO must open it's own front.

[@Dragonfly-sr5uw]

Cope, ruscists.

[@j.dunlop8295]

Article 5 is pretty clear on this! Breaking treaty regulations, not happening! 🩵🇺🇦💙

[@MrShuraj]

You think Russians are scared of NATO? Russia Dares!

[@j.dunlop8295]

Definitely, Ukraine civilian soldiers, GPS every likely spot for connon attention later in the "given up" village's! Slava-UA 💙🇺🇦🩵🚀💥💥🧸 bear fodder!😮 Non military dictators seriously fear a military coup! Putin had more FSB intelligence men, than military men! He put Soigu ex-army commander, had absolutely no military experience! Except being Putin's loyal functionary!😅 Shoigu's new book, "How to lose a war, for idiots!?"

[@petergeerts8895]

Go tell that to Macron. Got a briefing recently on what he is up against. End of story. , same goes for the Brits with an asshole D.Cameron.

[@squireson]

Each according to their *station,* not a new story, all told. Compared to class systems of yesteryear, at least modern Kleptocracies had the feature that the station of a person could be correlated to performance. In theory...

[@WalterBurton]

👍👍👍

[@ahartify]

Is Shoigu a good typist, though?

[@stephenhill545]

He has a very big wheelbarrow.

[@misterjones7929]

Thanks Jonathan, a valuable update on the ominous developments around Kharkiv. Johnson and Trump have a lot to answer for.

[@TheSteve8rox]

At 39 : 52, how many readers have noticed a cleverally touched up facial features depicting brutal ugliness effect ?

[@antonzadorozhniy6605]

Minister of defense is not in charge of strategy on the battlefield, and military strategy at all. Chief of the general staff position exists, he is appointed not by the minister, but by putin himself, and currently the position is occupied by gerasimov. MoD is largely an economic and logistics agency.

[@jmoehr747]

Love your Channel. Watching it regularly. I s there any way you could improve the video interaction between your back ground and your face? I find the oscillations between your facial features, glasses, etc., disappearing and reappearing very distracting. Get your techies to take care of it, PALEEZE! Jochen

[@johnwalsh4857]

well in 2023 the Russians tried a offensive vs. Kharkov with around 100K men and hundreds of tanks, well it failed badly due to overstretched poor Russian logistics which was hit hard by the Ukrainians and the fact the Russians were attacking uphill, in open heavilly mined areas vs. strong Ukrainian positions. The 2023 Russian offensive vs. Kharkov failed badly with thousands of casualties and most of these guys were withdrawn and repositioned to the Donbass.

[@JaneSoole]

I should amend my last sentence....is PARTLY a lie..because ordinary Russian forces fought so very bravely.

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

I appreciate your presentations. However, although the video quality has improved from 360p to 720p (which is now perfectly ok for KZbin) there are strange artefacts surrounding your head. Is that the Holy Ghost?

[@mvjh2277]

Dora Chomiak , CEO of Razom for Ukraine received, on behalf of Razom, Order of Merit from President Zelenskyy. 2023 September

[@geoffgill5334]

How are the Free Russian Legion and associates doing with recruitment?

[@cheblack677]

Losses? As new York Times stated no long ago Russia lost around 60 000 men. Ukraine, on the other hand, have already 600 000 casualties and twice as much wounded many of which permanently disabled. Russia is not playing games. They burn Ukrainian positions before the advances. If they meet some resistance, they withdraw and bombs start raining for days. After that Russians repeat the exercise. In Kharkiv regions Ukrainians simply abandoned the defence line. Whoever left, surrendered to avoid the war.

[@stephenhill545]

Enjoy your tax increases and currency devaluation. Soon phones will be too expensive to buy for you.

[@pablom-f8762]

If UA lost 600k men there would be no Ukraine anymore. Get a grip.

[@DavidCarvalho-iz4ny]

100% spot on

[@ozymandias5130]

What will you say when Ukraine capitulates and most regions join RF? Will you still mumble about Ukraine victory like nothing happened?

[@davidgleinbach7316]

RESPECT, SHADES OF FACHIESTA HISTORY IN FUGITIVE PUTIN NAMEING SHOE GOOS REPLACEMENT REMINDS ME OF APPOINTING ALBERT SPEER ARMAMENTS & WAR PRODUCTION MINISTER. PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ECONOMIC STABILLITY 1942 TO 1MAY1945 A. H. APPOINTS A.SPEER Personal ARCHITECT 1933 to 1945. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA, OUT 🔱⭐

[@westbenchmancave]

Ukraine victory? No men, no weapons, no ammunition, begging for everything? Can’t win a war by begging for bullets. What will Ukraine look like in 4 more years? Think hard about that….

[@ulrichvonhermann2548]

You can say the same for soviets during ww2...

[@westbenchmancave]

@@ulrichvonhermann2548 Sure buddy. Your “Coping skills” are lame, trying to rewrite history? Hahaha good luck, maybe your liberal democrat friends will believe you? Most won’t….

[@DavidCarvalho-iz4ny]

@@ulrichvonhermann2548BS they had the men Ukraine doesn’t that’s pretty clear

[@christopherfritz3840]

Only six more months.. ..... TRUMP2024 🇺🇲 ✊️😡

[@18_rabbit]

i'm a centrist in the U.S. and if he wins, Ukr is done. DJT and his cronies have demonstrated repeatedly over the past 8 years that they do not support anything except a mindless 'great powers' concepts of nationalist major powers manipulating the countries in their spheres. This is a classic social-militaristic view that originated more than two millenia ago. These ppl are deeply stupid and i suggest u check your head and your strange biases. Look up a list of cognitive biases (aka thought defects, that ALL ppl are vulnerable to everyday! Wake the eff up!

[@user-kk9eh3po3b]

Jonathon---don m,ake these vidioes, just with you alone they are not attractiv--you are booring you need a famous guest--sorry

[@terryhand]

Then don't watch them. Most of us find them extremely informative.

[@EU_values]

👍👍👍