Didn't they used to be called MLRUs (mobile launch rocket system), right? Launch from distance, no specific targeting ability (unlike artillery or air).
I do think some people are getting a little carried away with the narrative, even though I'd love to see Putin "lose" and leave. He's definitely losing the global PR battle but had to expect that.
The Russians seem to be blowing up fuel depots and gas pipelines right now. They're targeting all of the Ukranian energy infrastructure to create panic and force mass migration. This is probably going to be the most impactful night of the war thus far. Scary times..
Two things: 1. You know how you can access the internet from all over the world? You can turn on the TV and get all kinds of different view points? Well, Russia controls that for their own people. So a very high percentage of people in Russia didn't even realize that they are invading a country until it happened...and what they DO know is what their state has told them: they are going to liberate their Russian speaking cousins from Nazis. 2. It is becoming clearer and clearer that the average soldier had: a. no clue they were going to invade, b. no idea they were expected to fight, and c. no idea where they even are in many cases.
You've got to think he did not anticipate the level of blowback. He probably thought it would be similar to when he took Crimea. Some strongly worded letters and slap on the wrist sanctions.
The Soviet aged stuff yes that is correct. That is mostly what we are seeing. The newest stuff like the tornado-s has their version of gps guidance, longer range, and better rounds including thermoberic rockets. I've seen a few of the newer launchers being shown in theater or maybe it was Belarus. They also have some rocket systems mounted on a t-72 or t-90 tank chassis called the tos-1 and a newer model called the tos-1a. They are shorter range (up to 6 kilomoters) but can also fire thermoberic rockets. They are usually used as direct fire support for advancing armor and infantry and not as accurate as the Tornado-s with the GPS systems, but the Tos-1a that came out in the early 2000s has a better ballistics computer than the way older soviet stuff.
one thing that bothers me about the videos of destroyed tanks and armor...where are the bodies? maybe our videographer is being discrete for sensitive audiences....but they didn't all run away into the forrest.
I've got a starlink. Its just a satellite dish connected to a router. If you can power the router, and that dish is activated, you get internet. Its a lot like DirecTV. The only question is if they had to move satellites over Ukraine or not.
I don't think his goal is panic and mass migration, but it is to destroy Ukraine militarily, politically, and economically. Turn it into a failed state, put a pro-Russia regime in that is 100% dependent on Russia to survive and thus has no choice but to ally and serve mother Russia. And he will succeed in that objective. No amount of sanctions or bad PR, or Ukrainian resistance will stop him. The interesting question is, once he has done all of that, will he be able to withdrawal Russian forces and will that regime not topple from the inside?
If Ukraine somehow survives this I would expect a major infusion of foreign cash to rebuild infrastructure and strengthen the military.
Maybe you are looking at the wrong sources. I've seen a lot of bodies including some crispy Russians and also dead Ukrainian civilians. Usually the dead Russians are being filmed by soldiers that just killed them....
Been reading that most of the Russian military is corrupt and that while on paper they have weapons, ammo, tanks, food etc, that many commanders sell those things on the black market.....and that most of the military is broke and doesn't have the resources they say or they claim to have...... Maybe the world should offer $$$$ and free location to any Russian soldier that lays down their arms.......citizenship in another country and 100k as starter cash? DD
Germany is finally stepping up with lethal aid for Ukraine, sending 500 Stinger anti-air missiles and 1,000 anti-tank missiles to the country. They are also allowing the Netherlands to send Ukraine 400 German made anti-tank missiles. Germany has veto power over where a recipient country can send German made weapons. That's not an unusual caveat for weapon sales. The US and the UK, for example, have the same addendum to armament contracts. Up until now, Germany had prevented several European countries who have German made lethal military hardware to send it to Ukraine. I'm very glad to see Germany changing it's mind. They have been receiving a lot of criticism for their previous policy towards Ukraine and arms sales. Putin has really united NATO with his barbaric invasion of Ukraine.
