For Those Who Might Be Wondering Why We Might Be In Ukraine

[ChloeTzang]

RUSSIA’S ENERGY SHOCK: UKRAINE STRIKES REFINERIES EVERY DAY​

- Gas prices 50% higher, shortages getting way more serious
- Gas stations closing because no fuel to sell, many types of commonly used gas not available, even in Moscow
- No gas at all in Crimea - 50% of gas stations in Crimea do not have gas to sell
- Lukoil on the brink of bankruptcy
- Local authorities are blaming "problems with logistics"
- A lot of deliveries depend on trucks which cannot get fuel to make deliveries
- Consequences are becoming more and more apparent. Things like car sales are dropping precipitously (27% drop in car sales, 37% drop in trucks)
- Come business now on 4 day working week

 

[ChloeTzang]

Russia's Fuel Crisis Deepens As Ukraine Expands Strikes

Jay does pretty good coverage of the Russian gas shortages. Quite funny in places LOL

 

[ChloeTzang]

Black Sea Fleet Hides After Breach at Novorossiysk​

At 19:00 UTC in Novorossiysk, Ukrainian sea drones breached a protected Black Sea harbor. Port defenses and barrier booms were penetrated, and warships moved inside their own base. Authorities raised coastal alerts, and beaches in Sochi were cleared. The key point is a visible change in behavior inside what Moscow called a safe rear area, and the growing cost required to keep ships hidden.

The same night the pressure spread across Russia’s energy network. Strikes on refineries and key fuel infrastructure slowed processing and stalled pipeline segments. When throughput drops, fuel fails to reach core regions. Shortages and restrictions appeared around Moscow and the Leningrad region, with additional reports from other areas. As a result, stations run dry, queues lengthen, and distribution is rerouted. This is how a system pays more to deliver less.

Meanwhile, a parallel front opened in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian intelligence reportedly extracted about 100 terabytes of administrative data, including official correspondence and interministerial files. Documents create leverage because they expose procurement, logistics, and potential crimes. They also force the regime to spend time and money on internal damage control while the battlefield continues to shift.

The direction of travel is one way. Ports harden, ships disperse, and energy flows sputter. Secrecy leaks into daylight, and budgets strain to cover growing losses. In the days ahead we will track three outcome markers that matter more than headlines. First, we will watch how quickly harbor barriers expand and whether the Black Sea Fleet remains inside. Next, we will assess whether refinery output and regional deliveries recover or continue to fail. Finally, we will examine what the Crimea data haul changes about occupation planning and legal exposure.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 War at Home: Novorossiysk Attack & Russian Panic
03:11 Russia's Industrial & Energy Sites Targeted
04:06 Fuel Crisis and Economic Pain Spreads
07:28 Kremlin Conflict: The Political Purge Begins
12:24 The Collapse of Russia's War: Why It's Untenable
15:06 Outro

 

[Lazaran]

Interesting:

Some good, some bad, some quite concerning news…

 

[ChloeTzang]

 

[ChloeTzang]

 

[ChloeTzang]

 

[ChloeTzang]

So much for the big Russian breakout this summer.

Ukrainian forces have created their largest encirclement of Russian troops yet in the Pokrovsk direction, trapping enemy soldiers in three separate pockets with no escape routes. The operation relied heavily on drone swarms that hunted down Russian reinforcements and supply convoys before they could reach the frontlines. Ukrainian ground forces liberated 331 square kilometers of territory, including 16 settlements, while systematically cutting off Russian positions from resupply. Russian commanders continue sending reinforcements into what has become a kill zone, feeding more troops into Ukrainian-controlled areas where drones dominate the skies. The encirclements have effectively dismantled Russia's offensive operations around Pokrovsk, turning their planned advance into a defensive disaster.

Ukraine’s troops have started advancing southward, pushing the Russians back and retaking key ground in and around Pankivka. This advance was made possible due to the intensive work of Ukrainian drone operators, working around the clock to spot and destroy every movement of the Russians. As a result, Ukrainian ground forces were able to push forward, and the 1st Azov Corps confirmed that Ukrainian units had fully cleared Pankivka. Russia tried to counter this by rushing in four infantry units and a marine regiment, but Ukrainian tactics of striking reinforcements on the move are blunting every effort.



These tactics, coupled with Russia’s habit of denying surrounded soldiers the permission to withdraw, have now produced a third pocket of trapped Russian troops in the largest encirclement to date, left without supplies or a way out. This has helped the noose to tighten around the Russian positions, and even though Ukrainian advances have already split the battlefield into separate cauldrons, the latest developments between Razine and Boikivka are making matters worse for the Russian command. This strip of land has become a lethal grey zone: any Russian soldier trying to move through it is immediately spotted and targeted by drones. Ukrainian operators dominate the area, preventing resupply convoys or reinforcements from breaking in and even blocking Russian soldiers from pulling back.

Colonel Valentyn Manko, head of Ukraine’s Assault Troops Command, confirmed that Russian forces near Dobropillia have been cut off for three weeks, and there are now three distinct pockets under Ukrainian control. With Ukrainian drones swarming overhead and artillery covering every approach, these Russian formations face the same fate as those in the first northern cauldron that was cleared already.

Amid these developments, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a symbolic visit to the front, as a video from the Pokrovsk–Dobropillia axis showed him meeting soldiers engaged in the counter-offensive, presenting state awards, and receiving briefings from commanding General Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy used the occasion to underline the scale of Ukraine’s progress in the latest counter-offensive operation, in which, despite tough battles, Ukrainian troops have inflicted the enemy with serious losses. Zelenskyy confirmed that 160 square kilometers have been fully liberated, another 171 square kilometers cleared but not yet consolidated, including 7 freed and 9 cleared settlements.

During the battle for the Dobropillia salient, more than 100 Russians were captured, 1,322 killed, and another 1,134 wounded. The presented numbers match the evidence on the ground, where geolocated footage confirms Ukraine’s steady gains, heavy Russian casualties, and dire situation for the Russian armed forces.

Overall, Ukraine’s multi-layer campaign around Pokrovsk is paying off. By combining air strikes, drone warfare, and persistent raids against Russian depots and supply routes, Ukrainian commanders have choked Russia’s ability to sustain its offensives. Ammunition shortages, disrupted logistics, and depleted reserves have left Russian units unable to consolidate and even hold on to their positions. The result is more territory being retaken by Ukraine, and more isolated pockets of Russian soldiers left to die. With three separate groups now encircled around Dobropillia, Ukrainian forces are well placed to continue their tactic of starving them out before moving in for the kill.

For Russia, each attempt to reinforce these doomed positions simply feeds more troops into the Ukrainian kill zones. Step by step, the encirclements and steady counterattacks are not only reclaiming land but also dismantling the very offensive the Russian command had hoped would break Pokrovsk.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Over 3000 Russian soldiers killed in the encircled pockets

"In one case, Russian artillery units being dragged by a truck just drove up to a Ukrainian position, thinking that they were reinforcing a Russian position and were immediately just wiped out."

Thousands of Russian troops are reported to have been encircled after over extending in Putin's push on Pokrovsk, leaving reserve units in disarray as Ukraine's 1st Azov Army corps claims more than 3000 Russian casualties, reports The Times's Maxim Tucker from Eastern Ukraine. The 3000# is video-verified.

One of the things to keep in mind now is that Eussian "infantrymen" is now mostly a misnomer - there is essentially nobody left in the russian infantry that has gone through any type of training. These are just dudes from the street who volunteered to fight in Ukrane for large sums of money - and who were given guns. They have mo experience, no experienced officers and are now being directed with the most crude of commands.

This clip is really good. Loaded with info and really good assessment

 

[ChloeTzang]

Must be time for some patriotic Ukrainian music

 

[ChloeTzang]

Putin faces domestic security crisis in Russia as cannon fodder strategy backfires​

"In a war where huge amounts of resources are being allocated to the front line, what that does is create domestic security gaps back in Russia."

Russia is experiencing a resurgence in domestic terrorism partly due to Vladimir Putin's resources and manpower dwindling from the Ukraine war, says senior Russia analyst for the Royal United Services Institute, Emily Ferris.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Ukraine Strikes Air Base in Crimea | Ruzzia Retreats from Sumy​

 

[ChloeTzang]

Special Forces of the Ukrainian military law enforcement service

Protection of foreign delegations, complex evacuation and covert missions – special forces of the military law enforcement service perform many important tasks. They all speak English and undergo rigorous training, during which they practice various scenarios of events.

Ukrainian Army TV visited one of the VSP training grounds, where special forces improve their skills. In the new Army TV material, you will get acquainted with the combat units of the VSP, on whose professionalism the success of many important operations depends.

 

[ChloeTzang]

British JUNK (it's not) on Wheels: FV432 Truth From Ukraine’s Frontlines​

Old British Troop Carrier FV432 in Ukraine

When the AZOV Brigade received this classic British FV432 APC, it was little more than a rusted troop carrier with two rows of unsecured seats. But after a complete overhaul, this 1960s warhorse has been transformed into a modern battlefield lifesaver. The FV432 and it's derivatives were cutting edge for the 160's but their original design combined with Ukrainian genius makes a mockery of modern Russian 'superiority'. 65 year old APC's dping the job they were designed to do and still doing it well with a few mods and upgrades.

Designed for casualty evacuation, the upgraded FV432 now features reinforced tracks for rough terrain, a Rolls-Royce engine, improved seating and stretchers, advanced lighting for medics, an autonomous heating system, and a filtered ventilation system. Cameras and a fire extinguisher enhance driver safety, while oxygen concentrators and storage for medicine and blood help save lives on the move. Even a small fan was added to keep crews cool under the scorching summer sun.

This is the war these old machines were built for. The battlefield has changed but the terrain has not. Impressed with the ukrainians for taking them down to the motorhome supply store and grabbing the diesel heater, fan, inverter and backup cameras from a modern motorhome to bring these up to date. This transformation shows how ingenuity and practical upgrades can turn a decades-old vehicle into a frontline hero. With its armor, mobility, and medical capabilities, the FV432 has already made a critical difference in saving soldiers’ lives.

 

[ChloeTzang]

STRYKER Under REAL FIRE: ​

Soldiers Spill Hard Truth About America's Combat Vehicle

The Stryker vehicle, one of the most widely used US armored combat vehicles, is now tested in real battle. From Stryker APC and ICV (Infantry Carrier Vehicle) to modern IFV and armored personnel carriers, this video shows how Stryker armored vehicles are performing in the Russia Ukraine war. Soldiers reveal how the Stryker in Ukraine stands against Russian weapons, giving raw military analysis and insights into US military technology.

We break down the role of US weapons and US armored vehicles in the Ukraine war, comparing the Stryker armored personnel vehicle to other APC and IFV on the battlefield. From weapons of victory to modern military summary, see the Stryker in action and understand why this armored personnel carrier is both praised and criticized in war in Ukraine updates. SOmething to keep in mind id you watch this is that Strykers are meant to be a troop transport to get troops into the fight and go, if you are staying for longer than 5 minutes in a place you are going to die. It does what it’s supposed to and the times it's used incorrectly it dies.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Swedish CV90 IFV in Ukraine

It is often called the best infantry fighting vehicle in the world — stealthy, highly mobile, and incredibly powerful. The CV90 belongs to the family of Swedish-designed infantry fighting vehicles, renowned for their balance of firepower, protection, and mobility.

In January 2023, the Swedish government approved the transfer of 50 CV90s to Ukraine, marking a significant boost to the country’s mechanized capabilities. The vehicle’s primary weapon is the 40 mm Bofors L70 automatic cannon, capable of firing up to five rounds per second — a rate of fire that can shred light armor, enemy positions, or low-flying drones. Additionally, the CV90 can be fitted with various machine guns from different manufacturers, further enhancing its versatility on the battlefield.

With its combination of advanced protection, high firepower, and excellent mobility across difficult terrain, the CV90 is more than just a troop carrier — it is a force multiplier designed to dominate modern battlefields.

Ukraine will soon have brand new CV90s. They will be arriving soon if they have not already arrived, and are to be fitted with the 35 mm canon and 1000 hp engine. It also has a tea/coffee making machine (something the Swedes picked up from the British Centurions they bought in 1953 LOL)

 

[ChloeTzang]

SWEDISH PBV 302 in Ukraine​

The PBV 302 stands out for its reliability, better mobility, and improved ergonomics compared to older platforms. Thanks to Sweden’s support, Ukrainian crews are now mastering this APC both as drivers and as gunner-operators. Learn more about how mechanics and gunners are being trained to operate the PBV 302 in the Ground Forces of Ukraine — from classroom theory to hands-on driving and gunnery drills with the Swedish vehicle. Comes with a 20mm cannon.

These vehicles are from the 1960-ies and they were great back then - they were replaced by CV90's in the 1990-ies. No, it is not a modern vehicle but they have better armour and better armament then a M113. Nice to see these old IFV's get a nice retirement saving lives in Ukraine doing what they were designed to do - taking on the Russians. While they are classed as APC's today, they were designed as IFV's back in the day. They were supposed to transport troops, then stand and fight together with the infantry, supporting them. They also have very low ground pressure - ideal for soggy Swedish tundra areas - and many places in Ukraine.

The Swedes had 300 of these retired (in 2017) and in storage - they have sent all of them to Ukraine along with all the spare parts, ammo and everything else associated with them. They were designed to be used and maintained by conscripts, so very simple and straightforward.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Old British Spartan IFV in Ukraine

The FV103 Spartan may be a Cold War relic, but it’s still making an impact on today’s front lines. From its speed and agility to its adaptability in urban combat, the Spartan has become an unexpected hero for Ukraine’s troops. While its aluminum armor can withstand some hits, its age and limitations are hard to ignore. However, upgrades like the Browning M2 and modern communication systems have allowed it to keep pace in the ongoing war.

With only about a thousand Spartans left in service worldwide, Ukraine has been getting creative, even crowdfunding to bring more onto the battlefield. While the Spartan might not be the ultimate choice for every mission, its versatility, speed, and ability to slip past enemy defenses are making it an essential asset in the fight against Russian forces. It also has the British tea/coffee making machine. Essential!!!!

The Spartan series of IFVs had to be small and lightweight because it is airmobile. In other words, can be carried in aircraft. The aircraft it was designed to be carried in was the C130 Hercules. The spartan only weighs about ten tonnes, so a Hercules could carry two of them. The idea was to provide some armour for airmobile forces but it had to sacrifice armoured protection, which is, of course, heavy, and to substitute protection with speed and mobility in a quick deployment. The fact that the Ukrainians can still make good use of it after all this time when they're using it in roles for which it was not primarily designed at all is, of itself, remarkable.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Dutch ARMOR: The YPR-765 APC in Ukraine

While it might look like just another Cold War-era APC, this Dutch vehicle has taken on a second life in modern warfare. Ukrainian crews share real combat experiences—surviving anti-tank mines, drone strikes, and artillery barrages. Despite serious issues like its sluggish automatic transmission in mud, the YPR has proven itself capable of protecting lives and completing missions under fire. It's NOT an IFV, but an APC. Basically an armoreded battle taxi.

Equipped with remote-controlled weapon stations, advanced optics, and a floating hull design, the YPR-765 isn’t just a relic—it’s a workhorse. Troops rely on it for evacuations, fire support, and direct combat, even in some of the most dangerous zones like Bakhmut. It may not be perfect, but when survival is on the line, this vehicle still earns its place on the battlefield.

 

[ChloeTzang]

German MARDER IFV: Protecting Ukrainian Infantry and Destroying Russians​

The German Marder IFV has already proven itself well in eliminating Russian occupiers during this war. The tracked infantry fighting vehicle, developed by Rheinmetall, is equipped with a 20 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun. Its main task is transporting infantry to the line of contact and providing cover for soldiers during combat.

This very IFV is being used in battles by the 100th Mechanized Brigade. Junior Lieutenant Serhiy Lipko personally learned from them about all the advantages of German defense industry embodied in this vehicle. In particular, the cannon of this machine has two special ammunition belts that can be switched automatically. One is usually loaded with high-explosive rounds, and the other with armor-piercing ones.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Polish ROSOMAK Tears Through Russians​

Ukrainian crews share their firsthand experiences taking the M120K RAK self-propelled mortar and the KTO Rosomak armored vehicle into combat against Russian forces. From high-speed escapes under drone attacks to rapid-fire missions on fortified positions, these vehicles have proven their value on the battlefield. Automatic systems, powerful weapons, and excellent maneuverability give crews a fighting chance in some of the most dangerous situations. The Polish Rosomak is a licensed version of the Finnish Patria. Any modifications made by Poland are in line with their specific requirements, but the fundamental integrity and the innovative nature of the Patria AMV XP remain intact.

Despite their strengths, these machines have challenges — from risky turns under a heavy turret to awkward rear doors that require training to operate efficiently. This video highlights real battlefield stories, drone encounters, and fast-paced operations, showing how Polish engineering performs under modern combat conditions.

 

[ChloeTzang]

BUSHMASTER: the Australian MRAP in Ukraine​

The Australian Bushmaster has become one of Ukraine’s most trusted armored vehicles on the front lines. From Donbas to Kharkiv, it’s used to transport troops, evacuate the wounded, and even survive direct hits from Russian RPGs and mines. Ukrainian soldiers share how the MRAP performs under fire — revealing its real value in combat. With thermal cameras, a remote weapon station, and a 20-ton winch, the Bushmaster proves that Western vehicles can handle the worst the battlefield throws at them. Having already survived IEDs in Afghanistan, the Bushmaster is now adapting to a new kind of war — facing FPV drones, artillery, and electronic warfare.

Caterpillar 3126E engine, a maximum speed exceeding 100 km/h, and an operational range of 800 km and takes 10 troops Battle proven in Afghanistan. V shape floor slips blast penetration well. Very hi tech electronic systems for night thermal enemy detection, drone protection. Good armour needing two RPGs to penetrate.

It's a beast.

 

[ChloeTzang]

MAXXPRO in Action: US MRAP in Ukraine​

The International MaxxPro MRAP has proven itself as a lifesaving asset on the front lines of Ukraine’s war, surviving intense Russian attacks, including direct hits from tanks and anti-tank missiles. Despite the harsh conditions and constant threat, Ukrainian forces rely on the MaxxPro for medical evacuations, troop transport, and logistics. This video explores its remarkable durability, design features, and real-world performance, with soldiers sharing firsthand accounts of how the vehicle has withstood explosions, sniper fire, and minefields. With its heavy armor, powerful mobility, and ability to keep crews safe, the MaxxPro stands as a testament to American engineering and military resilience.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Italy's old M113 APC's in Ukraine

Italy’s Cold War-era M113s were nearly scrapped—until Ukraine transformed them into fast, adaptable, and surprisingly lethal machines. From troop carriers to battlefield ambulances and even drone defense, these armored vehicles are proving their worth decades later. With Italy now delivering 400 more, Ukraine strengthens its mobility and resilience on the frontlines, showcasing ingenuity and turning “obsolete” machines into vital assets of modern warfare.

 

[ShandyLeer]

Italy's old M113 APC's in Ukraine

Italy’s Cold War-era M113s were nearly scrapped—until Ukraine transformed them into fast, adaptable, and surprisingly lethal machines. From troop carriers to battlefield ambulances and even drone defense, these armored vehicles are proving their worth decades later. With Italy now delivering 400 more, Ukraine strengthens its mobility and resilience on the frontlines, showcasing ingenuity and turning “obsolete” machines into vital assets of modern warfare.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Chloe love, but over on the Generals conclave thread Buffalo gal has informed us all that

the Ukrainians are about to collapse
the Europeans it turns out want and need a war for “re setting” (to glass I assume)
the Poles are about to attack
the 101st Airborne parachuted into Polands border with Ukraine last night
we’ve got less than an hour left

So it’s not all good news apparently.

Buffalo gal currently in the basement with 120 tins of beans and a chemical toilet last I heard.

Godspeed.