Ukraine's lightning counter-offensive has been successful - but what next?

In the past five days, the Ukrainian military has liberated 3,000 sq km of occupied territory in their country.
General Sir Richard Barrons says that Ukrainian forces skillfully conducted operations to retake the land and while doing so have highlighted the fragility of Russian forces' resistance.
The former head of Joint Forces Command warns that if Russia starts to feel that it is on the brink of defeat, this could lead to their use of either tactical nuclear or chemical weapons.
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[@petertwiss4215]

Putins special military humiliation.

[@nodisalsi]

NATO donated some hardware and taught Ukrainians how to use it. When this is over, Ukrainians are going to teach NATO how they used it.

[@rogerwilco5918]

They're using it just like we showed them how.

[@whatisahandle_69]

Considering the US wargamed the counteroffensive with Ukrainian leaders and has donated tens of billions in weapons and training, (not to mention all the intel they provide) I think they might be aware of how their weapons are being used.

[@stuco81]

@@rogerwilco5918 troops in the field will always find new ways of operating kit. I imagine the main sponsors of Ukraine are going to be very interested in how the weapons systems they have supplied have performed in 'real world' combat.

[@mastermariner490]

@@stuco81 US have had observers in Ukraine since 2014,they know every move,every equipment and everyway Russia fights

[@seanp8840]

I see the point. U.S. hasn't fought in a trenched in/ WWI theatre in decades. While we have a lot of experience and intel, I'm pretty sure the tactics that Ukrainian army developed on their own with wester hardware with will be studied be the West.

[@jasonthewatchmansson8873]

It's startling to hear the retired general talk about the prospect of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons. Of course, even a complete defeat in Ukraine would not be an "existential" threat to Russia, only to Putin's grip on power.

[@BipoIarbear]

They been talking bout dropping some nuke above Ireland and they said it would destroy the United Kingdom with a tsunami, thats scary

[@kirishima638]

They are one and the same.

[@nutyyyy]

There's been similar situations before that didn't result in the use of nukes. I wouldn't want to jinx it but resorting to nukes is a step too far even for Putin. Especially considering the likely sorry state of Russia's nuclear arsenal.

[@NMonte1000]

Russia lost in Afghanistan and did not resort to nukes. I do not think they will use them now.

[@kirishima638]

@@NMonte1000 A) Russia was not facing a conventional army or even nation in Afghanistan. They held all of the cities but just like the US decades later, were worn down by the resistance fighters. Their withdrawal was politically motivated. B) Brezhnev started the war in Afghanistan but was out of power shortly after. Two more Soviet leaders would come and go before Gorbachev ended it. C) Afghanistan was not a threat to Russia. The weapons supplied to the fighters were defensive only. You cannot compare the two conflicts. One was low intensity counterinsurgency. The other is a full-scale invasion against the largest country in Europe armed with modern weapons and an army trained to a NATO standard.

[@MrSatyre1]

He continues to ignore basic facts. Namely, that the Russians who fled left behind nearly all of their supplies, ammo, weapons, and armor. Those troops cannot be easily put back into action because Russia is already woefully short of those exact same things to resupply them.

[@Marc_Gagné]

@@leeii337 YAY!

[@normanboyes4983]

I do not get the impression that Richard Barrons ignored any ‘basic facts’, you do need to pay attention at the back. Barrons had a very good grasp of the strategic matters in place, rather than focusing solely on one spectacular battle won.

[@mikecrooks8085]

I do not know that the Russians were woefully understocked on items, they just did not seem to deploy and employ men and materials well. From some of the pictures it looked like they had lots of stuff that the Ukrainians will likely put to good (better) use. It is always hard to get an exact picture of what is going on from news reports and talking heads. I will agree that judging by past performance the Russians may be in over their heads.

[@normanboyes4983]

@@mikecrooks8085 There is a big difference between the stocks ‘in theatre’ and getting them to the troops at the front.

[@Realist-sh3dg]

He continues to ignore basic facts. Wrong. Russia is already woefully short of those exact same things to resupply them. Uknown. Ukraine occupies the Kharkiv region True. The Russian convoy heading to Kharkiv was supposedly a hoax filmed somewhere else. I'd like to know where Ukraine is getting the fuel to run their heavy armor talking logistics, the most important aspect of war. Russia and Belarus supplied 70% before the war and Europe is exhausted.

[@toastrecon]

"after really quite light fighting, the Russians have removed themselves from the battlefield at pace". I was going to make a Brave Sir Robin joke here, but I really hope that more of that removal is self-imposed, and they remove themselves back to Russia. This war needs to come to a swift end for humanity's sake.

[@HANKTHEDANKEST]

When danger reared its ugly head, the ruskis turned their tails and fled!

[@noelle3551]

You mean "bravely ran away" . I was thinking the same thing!! Or maybe if they run away further to confuse the enemy!! 😎

[@Wanderer21766]

You don’t understand what he’s saying here. If they’re being removed purposely, then they’re being removed for a reason… Just because they retreat, doesn’t mean they’ve given up.

[@Acepilot235]

A large scale retreat could entail that a counter attack/offensive is going to happen. That's something I'd be worrying about.

[@fossils-z9d]

dont forget the Ukrainians were chasing after them in panic XD

[@TaxTheMonkey]

" the Russians have removed themselves from the battlefield at pace". A very British way of saying they ran away like a bunch of panicked sheep!

[@stephensaines7100]

"Runaway!" - Monty Python

[@Wanderer21766]

That’s the thing, if a nation with the 2nd largest army in the world with semi-modern equipment, decides to all of a sudden retreat? Then that can mean that either they’re sustaining losses that could damage their image, or they’re planning on using some of their more dangerous toys.

[@anonnimoose7987]

Retreating victoriously: "we owned the Ukrainians by scribbling on their houses that they don't exist"

[@ayaka308]

@@Wanderer21766 I have this in mind. I think they will likely play with more dangerous toy to also destroy the new gears Ukraine has obtained.

[@nulian]

@@Wanderer21766 In budget wise but rusia has spend their budget on flashy expensive weapons like the supersonic missiles and completely done nothing about maintenance on their equipment.

[@Langhammar]

Glory to the heroes! Glory to Ukraine!

[@leszekladzinski73]

good news for ruZZia NAZZI Vladimir Vladimirovich Vladimirow Putinov got new YACHT 2.00000000000 rubles Zelenski 0 !

[@alonzocalvillo6702]

Or Heroyam Slava! Slava Ukrainiani!

[@russianbear8894]

Long live Mother Rooosia,

[@fpark101]

Must to a total victory for Ukraine. Next would be rebuilding strong free and prosperous Ukraine.

[@kahotoyeptho5310]

Long live Ukraine🙋‍♂️👍 God bless Ukraine 🙏❤️😘😘😘

[@hangcao5250]

我用中文的目的是让世界知道，中国大陆有一群有良知，有人性的人们在坚定支持乌克兰保卫领土，天佑乌克兰！

[@Sleeplessmclean]

ID RATHER DOUBT IT.

[@trevornelmes9331]

Senior Brit military expert after expert says the same thing. Having good diction and a posh voice does not make you intelligent or worthy. Caution, fear, it can't last ... I really hope we have better backboned people in charge in UK forces, otherwise, should we need to defend our interests, I can see this type of person ruining our chances. In the last 2 weeks in the North, the Ukrainians have expended very little in the way of munitions, food or fuel. They have suffered very few personnel or equipment losses. In effect, other than needing to sit on the Russian border, they are pretty much still at the same strength. They have probably gained vehicles and ammunition. The Russian have lost huge numbers of vehicles and munitions, and huge numbers of personnel have been killed, injured or been taken captive. Do not think the Russians can counter attack from Belgorod so easily. The terrain is awful for machinery, which is why they used trains to invade that area in April. This time, they can't. Let's look at where the Russians stand. Running out of food and ammo. In summer clothes as nighttime temperatures fall to freezing. Lost huge numbers of senior staff/officers, and what officers they still have, have often deserted their men. They are demoralised from the last few days, in the mindset of retreat and survive. When they come under close attack, they run. No, I totally disagree with those toff private school educated British 'experts'. In the next two weeks, Ukraine will have taken all of the Luhansk Oblast north of Luhansk itself, and will start encircling Luhansk. If they can take Luhansk, there is nothing to stop them circling around the rear of Russian forces in Donetsk. By then, the Kherson campaign will be over, with huge numbers of Russians taken prisoner, and any heavy equipment not already destroyed taken. But very little ammo will be found. It has been used up, which is why I think the Russians will surrender. A soldier with no bullets is either a POW or a corpse. There are signs today that Ukraine is starting a new attack on Donetsk. There can be no doubt that they intend to sever the link between Russia and Mariupol/Melitopol. To force the Russians to retreat via Crimea. The Russian residents will see all these trucks and troops filing past, retreating. Moral will be very low. As soon as they can, the Ukrainians will use HIMARS on the Crimean bridge. They need to get as close as Feodosia, which is a tough ask. There can be no doubt. The Ukrainians do NOT intend to let the Russians stay on their soil for even the remainder of this year. By Christmas and New Year, they want them gone, and they will succeed. What then, with Russia out? How long will Putin survive? Not long. When he falls, will Ukraine make a really big push to take advantage of this? Of course they will. With Russia gone, and Ukraine starts to rebuild, will the West strangle Russia still until reparations are agreed and paid? They might just do that if Ukraine can get its oil and gas flowing to Europe. How will Ukraine deal with those countries who did not help it, or who dragged their feet? Italy, France, Spain. Even Germany. Ukraine got something from them, but far short of what Poland, Finland, Sweden, UK and the USA gave. Or worse, countries that actively support Russia? Plenty of those in Europe. Hungary, Greece and many others. After this war, the power map of Europe will look very different. Too many people would not back Ukraine. Shame on you, what goes around comes around.

[@cameronclarke7028]

With love from Canada 🇨🇦❤️

[@mosquitocoast25]

It is simply not true that the Russians use tactical nuclear weapons ‘routinely’ when they face strategic defeat as stated here. They have never used tactical nuclear weapons no one has ever used battlefield nuclear weapons. This almost sounds an attempt to create the pressure for a deal. Ukraine can win this war.

[@panzerfaust1]

Russia is as far as I aware the only nation to retain and have a doctrine to use low yield battlefield Tac Nuclear weapons. Such weapons intended to hit infrastructure targets .I.e bridges, bunkers, airbases etc. This gives them a weapon which if used makes any NATO (if targeted) response a nightmare - as there is no direct like for like.

[@hgv1947]

Russian media personalities on russian state TV mention nuking the UK

[@Marc_Gagné]

@@panzerfaust1 More than likely to use them on the remaining nuclear power plants and all around Kyiv.

[@TEdwards3161]

Did CNN just flipantly condone Russia using nuclear weapons against Ukraine? Shoddy reporting to create hype and clicks during very dangerous times.

[@richdobbs6595]

@@Marc_Gagné Nuclear, coal fired, and hydro-electric power plants. Seems to be pointless and risky to just target Kyiv in general.

[@john_in_phoenix]

Next is Kherson. 25,000 Russian troops with supplies and retreat cut off. That river is far too wide to swim.

[@Marc_Gagné]

If only the Ukrainians would destroy or at least damage the bridge that Vlad built between Crimea and the Russian Federation.

[@fossils-z9d]

@@Marc_Gagné they will as soon as they are in effective range

[@fossils-z9d]

@@Marc_Gagné its 250km from the closest Ukrainian front

[@john_in_phoenix]

@@Marc_Gagné I am pretty sure that when the time is right, that bridge will cease to exist. Likely when the Russians need it to retreat would be my guess.

[@chrisdyer6370]

Punch through to Mariupol, take down the Crimea bridge and the entire Russian army will be cut off from logistical assistance; not just Kherson.

[@Edgar876]

Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦. Love from Ghana 🇬🇭 💙💙💙💙💛💛💛💛💛

[@a564-c3q]

If Russia goes for WMDs then NATO needs to go in, help push the remaining Russian forces out and secure Ukraine.

[@nutyyyy]

Yes any use of WMD warrants and immediate response from NATO.

[@1ndragunawan]

Even Xi Jinping has a 2013 agreement with Ukraine in case of Nuclear attack. Whether Xi will honors that agreement or not, that's a different matter.

[@Marc_Gagné]

@@1ndragunawan Would I be able to find that document on the U.N. website?

[@1ndragunawan]

@@Marc_Gagné Not that I aware of. There are news about it even from Chinese media, just search: 2013 Xi Jinping Yanukovych agreement

[@fossils-z9d]

@@1ndragunawan i think Xi would use it as a reason to retake some land XD

[@Steve-gc5nt]

Clearly the Ukrainians are incredible soldiers and highly motivated. The Russians, not so much.

[@MrSatyre1]

That's what you get when you spend 10-15 years training with the West.

[@Monia_V]

@@MrSatyre1 Ukraine did not receive such training in such a time frame, in recent years a small number of Western instructors were present in Ukraine, they trained several units ... You will get this if the country has been at war for 9 years. Before the invasion in Ukraine there were more than 200k regular professional army and 400k veterans who had gone through the fighting.

[@robertstanley3799]

Most of the troops that took it was from Poland not Ukrainian

[@rocketsalami8703]

No that’s what happens when you’re Ukrainian!!

[@Monia_V]

@@robertstanley3799 I think you should see a doctor

[@hansulrichboning8551]

The Key-question is how far will the russian army follow Putin.When a frustrated Army turns against him the game is over, like for Ceaucescu.

[@chris-vn6sw]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦 Keep strong Keep safe Love from the UK 🇬🇧

[@lw1zfog]

Bandera tropes for Nazi dopes

[@CetinAmsterdam]

Our Proud brave friends 🙌🏼🇺🇦

[@CRF-2013]

There are reports, unconfirmed, that some Russian units defending the Kherson area are negotiating their surrender with their Ukrainian counterparts as they have either run out of supplies or are close to doing so. Wouldn't be surprised if this is true as the Russians have 25-30,000 of their best troops north of the river with just two ferries bringing supplies in... There is no way they can bring in sufficient materiel while engaged in heavy combat with that... Reminds me of the Luftwaffe trying to supply Paulus' troops in Stalingrad during WWII - and failing miserably. With the bridges down and the Ukrainians destroying any attempts at building pontoon bridges the river has effectively cut off Russia's forces. They can't resupply and they can't retreat - they either stand and die or surrender en masse...

[@mosquitocoast25]

Hope it's true.

[@MXB2001]

Yes I still think Kherson was their main offensive and Kharkov was just a target of opportunity. Their prospects in Kherson are, as you laid out, excellent. It just needs time to work as low supplies need to be given a chance to have their effect. As long as they keep pushing and forcing the Russians to use up their stockpiles it must eventually pay off. Even if Russia is managing to chopper in supplies and maybe has managed to build more ferries and pontoons at some point the thin trickle of supplies is just going to be too little to sustain defensive operations. I can foresee a bigger disaster for Russia near Kherson. Those troops can't flee with the river at their back. Even swimming isn't plausible. That is one crazy wide river at that point.

[@John-hu9qg]

There are similar reports (unconfirmed) that the Kherson offensive has been stopped in its tracks due to unsustainable Ukrainian losses of men, equipment and ammunition storage depots. The Russians there are apparently a lot more battle hardened than Kharkiv, and have much greater air support which is making the difference. Especially standoff missile strikes on Ukrainian positions.

[@donnievance1942]

@@John-hu9qg Bull$h!t misinformation. Reported.

[@tinkertailor7385]

Yep. Paulus' 6 th Army is a good analogy for the supply problems of the Russian held Right bank of the Kherson trap.

[@mikecrooks8085]

That is the first time I have heard that description of the Russian Rout, "the Russians have removed themselves from the battlefield at pace". Nicely understated!

[@жительевросоюза]

most important now is to see how Ukraines strategic allies will help and support ukrainian civilians during this winter to prove that military result is not the only thing they care about.

[@thescoop9096]

Keep pushing with slow and steady progress….

[@jasonharryphotog]

Keep hitting them hard Their best are done for already Glory to Ukraine

[@AtomicExtremophile]

Because the ordinary Russian soldiers are having to make do with inadequate rations, munitions, support etc they know there's no chance of relief...yet have the misery of Autumn flooding followed by a bitter cold Winter to look forward to - I'd be running for home too!

[@foedspaghetti3290]

Let the Finns take 2000 Ukrainians for training between now and Christmas and let’s see what happens. There’ll be a competition to beat Simo Häyhä’s tally of 500 kills in 100 days.

[@TheHabsification]

They're being trained in the UK

[@foedspaghetti3290]

@@TheHabsification That’s already ongoing. Additional training in the artic circle will give them an edge this winter.

[@chrisdyer6370]

When the snow comes down and vehicles become useless, a million strong Ukranian infantry advance would be unstoppable.

[@Youtoosin]

Excuse me, this video was uploaded 58 min ago. And Ukraine has already got 6000 km back. Update news

[@fabiocossa2420]

latest rumors are about 9.000 kmq

[@destroyer0685]

All the media talks about artillery and drones et al. But in the end its the grunt, the soldier with rifle and bayonet, who ensures victory. This formula has worked since the time of the Romans.

[@STARČEVIČ-e3y]

VIKTORY UKRAINE 👍👌✌🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@alexisgapedids1681]

i think some soldiers refuse to be back to front lines because of their experiences they were traumatised they dont want to die for no reasons some believes that ukraine is not an enemy...

[@mariobianchi1909]

Russia "cannot" use nuclear power if there's no threat to its existence. So liberating Ukraine is not a trigger. Otherwise the NATO+allies response could be extremely devastating.

[@stevemccall5825]

If putin uses tac nuke weapons, I would expect Nato would jump into the fight and eradicate the area that they came from. If putin has a full mobilization his own people will take him to the basement.

[@danielsaavedra8520]

If NATO attacks Russia I would expect them sending thousands of nuclear weapons to NATO countries, with dozens of them getting through the missile defences, that means US, Canada and every European country devastated with at least 1/3 their population dead, a nuclear winter that will last for decades and kill billions of people world wide from hunger, only countries in the southern hemisphere and away from conflict zones may pull out of it in some form, thankfully i'm from Chile so i'll eat my pop corns watching you guys kill each other, i think at this time the only chance of the Russian people is getting rid of Putin and pinning this disaster war on his head.

[@theimmortal4718]

Kinda doubting the Russians have nukes. They probably rotted away 20 years ago

[@TheCaptainSplatter]

Absolutely. Using nukes of any kind is the red line.

[@K1lostream]

I saw what I thought was a good point by another observer - we don't want to be differentiating between different types of nuclear weapons - to do so invites the use of one of them. Putin ought to believe that we're not picky and using any nuclear weapon would be a bad idea.

[@davidhouseman4328]

It's not about us differentiating, it's about Putin.

[@K1lostream]

@@davidhouseman4328 The point was made if he hears we differentiate between S-nuke and T-nuke, he might get the idea that we’d respond differently and one might be less bad for him than the other, incentivising the use of the one we see as ‘less bad’. He needs to hear nukes are nukes, don’t go there.

[@davidhouseman4328]

@@K1lostream I don't think our response would matter to him, we wouldnt start a nuclear war over either and thats what it would be at that point. Chinas reaction might.

[@stenly311]

Very good interview and comments made on it

[@extracrispywally2892]

Winter means Russian campfire to stay warm… easy to spot when ya got killer drones with thermal cameras 😬

[@kentclark6420]

Ukraine needs to step up even more and continue with the offensive to get all the Russians out of Ukraine. Keep supplying them with weapons and ammo, and volunteers. If Ukraine had 2 million fighters, it would sure help.

[@chrisdyer6370]

They probably have more than 2 million ending training as we speak. Remember, every Ukrainian man that can has been recruited to fight.

[@alhambrabiker1476]

They need more weapons

[@uostap1]

We in Ukraine need more heavy weapons. It is not very convenient to attack enemy defense lines on a Humvee :) Tanks and F16 needed. And we will finish this war very fast. Perhaps some politicians in the world are not very interested in a quick end to the war. I do not know...

[@Its_A_Gundam]

When a rabid animal is cornered, it becomes less predictable. That doesn't mean you shouldn't put it down.

[@class2instructor32]

Rabid animals do not have nukes

[@Its_A_Gundam]

@@class2instructor32 Fair point, but you don't corner one unprepared. I hope that no weapons of mass destruction are used. Unfortunately given Putin's track record, it would be foolish to not have contingencies in place. Doing too little on too many occasions is a big part of what caused this war. The idealist in me wishes everyone would get along. The realist in me however, sees we have cornered a rabid animal.

[@TheWorldInsider]

This is a prime example of will to fight vs a lack of will to fight.

[@sonnyday6830]

So are they saying there is no chance the wind can blow the results of tactical nuclear or chemical weapons if used?

[@290766rene]

Maybe it should consider already now whether Ukraine should have strategic nuclear weapons or not, so that they can deter Russia from using them. It is better to do it now than to wait until it is too late. If Ukraine wants it. It's crazy to think about, but as they say here, nobody knows what Russia might come up with, so it's better to be prepared.

[@heberje]

Narrowing and consolidating Russian initiatives is logical since their combat effectiveness has been severely damaged.

[@GoGetaFriggenJob]

Most people do not understand that tactical nuclear weapons can be fired by an artillery weapon. This was developed in the late 1950s early 1960s by the US. Once done, countries came to the grips that nuclear weapons are NOT an option, because if you can do it, so can your opposing force.

[@marjoriecoey3418]

Exactly. And they would.

[@lisaweber3798]

If Russia uses WMD, NATO should respond in kind.

[@chrisdyer6370]

They morally can't. What they can do is obliterate Russian infrastructure with conventional weapons. The only time they can go nuclear is if russia nukes a NATO member.

[@Dave_Sisson]

That's the way World War 3 could start. At the moment your house is in no danger of being nuked, but if the west and Russia start exchanging nukes then things could become very nasty.

[@C25-150]

And then we all die

[@lesnar3259]

🇺🇦❤️💪

[@CharlesDParker]

Russia has had minimal support from back home. Supply lines have been destroyed and munitions have been depleted without resupply. Ukrainian troops have the unskilled Russians scared and retreat is their best option. Russian military leadership has been depleted, their losses weigh heavy on the survivors who don't want to die in Ukraine.

[@chrisbreezy-ryanbarbosa4320]

The Iraq and Afghanistan Vietnam wars had minimal support. How long it lasted? 10, 20 years a piece... The Ukranians cannot relax, its unfortunate but there is a real possibility the Russians withdrew to resupply for the winter and will return spring. Or are planning to use tactical nukes. They need to HEAVILY Fortify defenses for the new border they have won back, and if the West is truly on the side of UA new weapons and supplies will be flowing in more then ever. America has done enough, Europe needs to do their part. Its their continent.

[@eedragonr6293]

@@chrisbreezy-ryanbarbosa4320 I have no intention to die for the vassals of the USA. The Americans may do it as they did it before.

[@r0der1ck_0nl1ne]

The Ukrainians pinned the best troops down in the south at Kherson, so they can wipe up the conscripts in the North. Genius play. Now Russia has to make decision whether to weaken their forces in the south to aid the north, or take the L.

[@bambang303378]

Man...the fact that Russian Army is falling apart was something unthinkable in January 2022.

[@davidking4672]

Sad part is. Damage is done…. Quite literally…

[@TogtherWeThrive]

🪖 Russia Successfully completed A Victorious RETREAT! 😂 Russia is Scared! 🔱 Slava Ukraine! 💛💙

[@ethanrichardson126]

The Ukrainian people will thrive 🗽💞💙💛🗽

[@ivangl8936]

Next, Ukraine needs more high precision weapon, more ammo and clever strategy to defeat russian army

[@fossils-z9d]

more range they need more range NATO is just worried they would strike russia itself if they got it

Lend Lease will kick in November. During WW2 the USA sent its Russian ally [Soviet Union ATT] the following military equipment: 400,000 jeeps and trucks 14,000 airplanes 8,000 tractors 13,000 tanks 50 million rounds of ammunition 2.5 million blankets 15 million pairs of army boots 107,000 tons of cotton 2.7 million tons of petroleum products (to fuel airplanes, trucks, and tanks) 4.5 million tons of food

[@hansweissmann_xviii6754]

The spirit better be high! As the Ukro-N@ZIS don’t have anything else…..

[@esmenhamaire6398]

I think a lot of people are forgetting that anyone interviewed in videos like this who knows their stuff militarily may be cautious about what they say publicly, and for very good reasons. However, it became clear within days of the start of the current fighting in February that, much to everyone's surrpise, Russia does not have a proper army at all. After decades of corruption, and funds intended for the military finding their way into individuals pockets, what Russia has is a large armed ground force with very few of them trained and equipped to the standards of a modern professional military force. A few elite units fronting a horde of poorly equipped untrained conscripts that are poorly led can look impressive if the only opposition they encounter is light, disorganised and demoralised. But that wasn't the case in Ukraine. The Russians had spetsnas units in the frontline early on in this fighting - and they were rendered combat ineffective very rapidly by the determined Ukrainian resistance, which, despite being poorly armed, was extremely determined, and backed by a very supportive civilian populace equally determined to do their best to resist the invaders. What was supposed to be the second mightiest army in the world struggled to make significant progress after the first few days to the extent that their capture of individual villages became news of note. Which is pathetic for a so-called superpower fighting a much smaller country. The forces that opposed the Ukrainian counterattack in the north-east were not conventional military units - they were armed police and suchlike never intended to be operating in the front line of a war. And they were there because the Russians had nothing else to try to hold the front line with after they'd moved what forces they could from there to the Kherson front. And even around Kherson, it's the Ukrainians who are gaining ground now, not the Russians. Ukraine has destroyed what effectiveness the Russian army had at the start of all this, whilst increasing in effectiveness themselves. Their competence has been growing whilst the Russian competence has been worsening even further by the day. Shelling civilians rather than enemy military and sending large numbers of untrained poorly equipped conscripts to the front hasn't worked before, so what have the Russian leadership decided to do? Even more of the same! They're simply piling failure upon failure. As for nukes - IF they have been properly maintained all these years, don't forget that it isn't just down to what Putin or his cronies want - it's also down to the people who have the job of firing the nukes, too, and there was at least one instance during the Cold War when a Russian soldier prevented WWIII because they deiberately did not immediately report what they saw on radar (what appeared to be a handful of US ICBMs incoming) because they believed, with good reason, that it was more likely a radar malfunction (it was) and he didnt want his superior to go off on one, follow protocol and launch a counterattack over a radar glitch. Never forget the human factor - just because Putin orders it, it doesnt mean that it will happen, if the people tasked to do the job feel its not called for and refuse to follow those orders.

[@NMonte1000]

A very good analysis. I quite agree that, even if Putin ordered it, it is highly unlikely that the order to nuke Ukraine would be followed. So many people think that Putin has his finger on the nuclear button. Like all leaders of countries with nuclear weapons, he does not. It is some oik a long way down the line that actually has to launch the things. Someone with a family and the clear knowledge that Ukraine has not attacked Russia.

[@colinevans2000]

It's interesting to hear the numbers game but how many fighting troops do the Russians have left. From the initial estimates and the losses that they have incurred, injured or dead, they would be struggling over the whole front. Be clever and keep pushing. Be bold you are on a roll.

[@YouD0ntSay]

Much less than 100k. Against 1m Ukranians.

[@chrisdyer6370]

@@YouD0ntSay I agree. When the war started almost every Ukrainian man was conscripted and then silence.

[@stephendeadman7131]

Goly to Ukraine 🇺🇦 and the free world ✌️ ❤️ 💪

[@leannestainton8807]

I hope they use the momentum to regain more territory from the aggressors who have invaded their sovereign lands. Power to them. From Australia 🇦🇺🥰

[@cdl0]

NATO should apply to join Ukraine. :-)

[@Ron13579]

Doubtful Nato could satisfy Ukrainian standards.

[@tomjaap2933]

no

[@liveuk]

Makes you wonder how many Generals he has left and where does a sacked General go....

[@NMonte1000]

Wherever he goes he had better not drink the tea, or stand near any windows :)

[@AussieStandsWithRussia]

When the enemy surrenders ground and invites you into a spear head most strategist would call that a trap

[@daniels0376]

Ah yes, surrendering a battallion's worth of Armored vehicles to the enemy and having 1000 men become POWs, as well as taking over 1000 dead and wounded in 6 days, losing your main 2 supply hubs in the region and retreating by trowing your weapons and uniforms away and starting running surely is a very ingenious trap.

[@maryginger4877]

@@daniels0376 Have you any idea of the extent of the losses in the Kherson Offensive ?

[@daniels0376]

@@maryginger4877 The losses in personnel of the Ukrainians don't matter, this is what Russians don't understand. They will empty all the cannon fodder from all the prisons and foster homes and homeless shelters and villages from dumbfuck Siberia and send them all to their deaths with a gun at their backs and the Ukrainians will still have motivated volunteers eager to jump in the Russian trenches and shoot them in the face. As with losses in equipment, they really haven't been that great considering the Ukrainians haven't even trown in their mobile reserve yet. Most losses in Kherson have been things like Humvees and M113s plus a handful of T72s. Nothing that Russian captures and NATO aid can't replace in a month. But keep coping. I'm sure the big Russian breaktrough is coming, though you might be disapointed to find out it'll probably be in the other direction lmao

[@296jacqi]

This attitude is so frustrating. “Oh no! Ukraine is doing exactly what we’ve been sending them weapons to be able to do!” 🤦🏽‍♀️ Enable them to keep pushing! They’ve already shown us Russia isn’t to be feared like we believed for decades.

Lend Lease will kick in November. During WW2 the USA sent its Russian ally [Soviet Union ATT] the following military equipment: 400,000 jeeps and trucks 14,000 airplanes 8,000 tractors 13,000 tanks 50 million rounds of ammunition 2.5 million blankets 15 million pairs of army boots 107,000 tons of cotton 2.7 million tons of petroleum products (to fuel airplanes, trucks, and tanks) 4.5 million tons of food

[@Fabian-Wenzel]

Mordor's military reconnaissance must have totally failed, because the Orcs must have seen that Ukraine brings war equipment and troops to the East. It could also be that the Orcs ignored it because of their arrogance. A diplomatic solution would mean rewarding a fascist and tyrannical dictator for his aggression. This must not happen under any circumstances, the whole thing must come to an end, with an absolute defeat of Mordor by wearing down its troops or by the unconditional surrender of Mordor's forces. As the spokeswoman of the Ukrainian Southern Military District has tweeted, the officers of the Orc forces in Kherson region have started negotiating for a surrender. I think the Orcs want to avoid a POW and are probably offering to hand over all tanks, ammunition, pistols, assault rifles and other weapons systems in return. The Ukrainians should urgently pursue and terminate fleeing Orc units. The fewer soldiers Mordor has, the less able it is to regroup its forces behind the border. After the war Ukraine should be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons as a warning to Mordor if you attack us again it will rain nuclear bombs on your big cities. Ukraine should completely seal off the borders to Mordor and Belarus, with military fortifications. The behaviour of Belarus and Mordor clearly proved that they are not brother peoples of Ukrainians. Mordor must be permanently deterred from further aggression against Ukraine.

[@NMonte1000]

Arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons would be a mistake and there is no need. Once the war is over Ukraine will be invited to join NATO and then would come under the protection of the NATO nuclear umbrella.

[@tomiv3751]

Its really nice to see polish Tanks there

[@maryginger4877]

I was surprised they had any left after the Kherson disaster.

[@sheldon-cooper]

@@maryginger4877 what disaster? Or are you high on copium ?

[@alonzocalvillo6702]

This isn’t a retreat it’s a “tactical regrouping”.

[@RoninTF2011]

lol

[@aliciadessironaldochavez8202]

RTTV NEWS LIVE / RADIO RADIO IT.

[@franciscoluiszapatagil7809]

Traducir al Español

[@omg-uh2bn]

God bless Ukraine country

[@dougcoombes8497]

Now Ukraine is in a position to shift to the Kherson offensive once again and Russia will have nothing to send there.

[@etienecalvacante5902]

Viva Ucrânia 🇺🇦 forças vocês já são mais que vencedores vocês são uns seres humanos que merece serem felizes, viva Ucrânia 🇺🇦

[@seantigo3331]

4th

[@OHFORPEATSAKES]

It is amazing how well Ukraine is doing. Well done. What's more amazing is how poorly Russia is doing. What an exercise in failure.

[@shovelhead4558]

Self belief and love of the past led to this madness yet again by a dictator.

[@Nathan-ry3yu]

They will have to do the same in other areas as they have done in the north east. Try and overrun Russian forces as quickly as they can before Russia regroup and reinforce their positions

[@peterc8204]

If we have to compare with WW2, this could have been the equivalent of D-Day. Hope that Ukrainian don't become too cocky. The Russian already walked that road and are now paying the price

[@macmcleod1188]

Russia it was beyond cocky. Putin was threatening arresting or killing anyone who told him about reality. As a result he was completely delusional.

[@jjcustard6378]

Loving the Wehrmacht markings, they're slowly showing their true colours

[@fatuboba2718]

Glory to Ukraine.

[@countmorbid3187]

What does he mean "Russia chooses not fight for the area" ... is he for real? He needs to have a look at the map and the supply routes for the Donbas area. The Donbas area Russia cares about way more according to him.

[@iopehopr7936]

Slava Ukraine💛💙

[@andrewmorgan-williams2244]

A rubbish throwaway comment about tactical nukes Russia is currently conducting a Special Military Op, not an Anti Terrorist Campaign nor a War, which puts constraints on itself in terms of mobilisation, troop numbers etc. I suppose if they upgrade to an Anti Terrorist Campaign they could use nukes ..but as the General says, Russia decided not to defend that area of Ukraine given their troop numbers.

[@mookiefinn4732]

Defeat on land that is not Russias should not constitute the use of WMDs. If that happens, i feel the world community will respond to striking targets in Ukraine that are Russiasn..Bully gets knocked out in the 12th, gets up with a gun and shoots the victim lolol. Sounds Russian.

[@marcvg1625]

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@talkingebikes]

This retired general patronisingly talks about the Ukrainians like they're amateurs. Let me remind him that he has zero experience at this level. None.

[@catparka7698]

And your experience at the General's level... or anything comparable? Uh huh.

[@talkingebikes]

@@catparka7698not too smart, are you, genius? I'm not the one pontificating.

[@maryginger4877]

Last war on this scale was Korean Conflict.

[@lornamorgan3575]

This is not the first winter of the war. Its been ongoing since 2014.

[@NMonte1000]

I am not sure I entirely agree with the analysis. If the Russians were so dismissive of the Kharkiv Oblast they would not have lost so many lives trying to take it. If they do not retake it it is because they cannot. Bearing in mind that the liberating Ukrainian forces will take advantage of the pre-prepared defensive positions that the Russians have abandoned. Assaulting hose positions held by highly motivated troops would be enormously costly for the Russians and there is no guarantee that their forces would obey orders to attack.

[@ryansurgison3618]

I think they abandoned their plan to take it months ago, after probably weighing up potential losses (some lost already of course). Kherson is very different and the Ukrainians have made much less progress in more time. My prediction is the Kherson operation will fail, which could end up leaving mykolaiev exposed. Who knows I could be completely wrong. One thing Russia has lacked completely is a great general. Dornikov seems to have been the best so far, but that's not saying much. It's hugely important in any war to have a great general and Russia seems to lack any. I suppose we'll see by the end of this month anyway.

[@NMonte1000]

@@ryansurgison3618 I am sure you are right on the first point. The second remains to be seen. It will be much more difficult as the Russians have their backs to the wall and only have the choice of fight or surrender as they would be slaughtered if they tried to retreat across the river. I would hope they choose to surrender 🤞

[@Marc_Gagné]

@@ryansurgison3618 The Kherson Operation cannot fail. Ukraine must retake Crimea. End of story.

[@Marc_Gagné]

@@NMonte1000 The soldiers WILL surrender and only Vladimir Putin will continue to send cruise missiles and longest range artillery into Ukraine because he is "BATSHIT CRAZY".

[@ryansurgison3618]

@@Marc_Gagné some of the other territory yes. Crimea comes up a lot recently, however Crimea is completely different to the rest. It is now considered Russian, in Russia. I know what you ll say it's illegally taken territory same as the rest. In Russia though by the russian government and people is considered part of the russian federation. Attacking it will be considered an invasion of Russia, if that happens they'll play right into Putin's hands and he will declare war + full mobilisation.

[@thomassecurename3152]

Fine video. Thanks.

[@edwardsianski725]

May Queen Elizabeth who is a proven woman of faith, ask the Almighty to remove Putin, Lavrov, Shogui and their minions from power. May they all be tried for war crimes. May Ukraine fight for a just peace. May the Virgin of Vladimir help with this as well.

[@shooth100]

It's crazy to think they did this with mainly light vehicles, pickup trucks etc. Then solidified the lines with heavy vehicles after. Crazy to think what they will do in the spring with western MBTs and IFVs.

[@joseytheman6735]

To victory ✌.

[@andydunbar3205]

The Russian military will have it in mind that the war might be over soon and will be more than happy to retreat and get back to Russia.

[@rosegreensummer]

Ukraine found out Kharkiv was held by LPR-DPR 'cannon fodder' conscripted all mean 16-60 even sick and mentally ill with WW2 weapons - they ran. Their experienced professional troops are elsewhere. That's why they attacked there. It's great, but not representative of what'll happen elsewhere

[@maryginger4877]

The mistake by LPR-DPR was they did not use mine fields, which is why the attackers could advance so fast.

[@NORJScorpOfficial]

Too early to celebrate,,war with russia is not that easy

[@thetruthshallsetyoufree1700]

It’s not about land. It’s about how to encircle the Russians and neutralise them quickly before they can effectively regroup. HIMARS to take out their supplies is critical.

[@reinaldodelgadodosreisnad0413]

👏🏿👏🏿🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦👊tem q se preparar agora pq os ocs vão querer retalhar com mísseis d Cruzeiro tem q proteger ao máximo as tropas e peças bélicas d artilharia p continua avançando que DEUS proteja vcs 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦👏🏿👏🏿👊👊👊👊👊👊

[@onceANexile]

WHAT next?? Next month they will return where they cometh from, IF, THEY ARE STILL BREATHING. PUTIN FOR PREZ-2024 PUTIN FOR PREZ-2024 PUTIN FOR PREZ-2024

[@ermawilujeng8033]

👑 Ukraina Good🇺🇦🙋👑👑👑👑

[@gazzergizmo]

Slava Ukraine 🥰🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@verdebusterAP]

Dig in and wait

[@wolfer8300]

WATCHING THIER BACK DOOR FROM BELARUS 👍

[@manuelteixeira2496]

The management of success is critical. Stay focused and sober. keep up the good work with a humble heart, obeying command strategy, and a mute mouth on your personal fone towards veryone.

[@fossils-z9d]

i dont see the ukrainians being surrounded with so many NATO sats over looking the area

[@dereckjtbear2175]

SLAVA UKRAINE 💙💛 SLAVA UKRAINIANS💙💛

[@Bungiman]

Russia planning something