Commanderski

Yep, but the political signal is there. This will be a very speedy application process, me thinks.
 
 

And now to something to get a smile on your face:
 
 

This is not unconrol sharing of the weapon. You come to enlist center and enlists either to local Territorial defense battalion as reservist-contractor, and receive all gears and weapon, or like a volunteer, attached to this battalion, and then, you receive only a rifle with ammunition (or you can take own legelly bought rifle). So, these units are combatants, because they are acting under subordination of local Territorial Defense Command and local civil administrations, which during martial law times also are a military administration.
BTW. USSR in 1941 also armed dozen thousands of civilians in so-called "fighter battalions" (rus. "istrebitel'nyi battalion") or united them in so-called "people militia divisions". Why in that case it is god and why in our cas it is bad?  

Bayraktar's strike. At least minus one Buk or even more because of detonation of missiles. 20 km NW from Ivankiv, Kyiv oblast

Falaise,

Don't know where this originated, but it sure is helpful. In English it loosely reads

Z alone, forces from Russia            
Z with square, forces from Crimea
O forces from Belarus
V marine infantry
X Chechens
A special forces

Got Z right, Z with square partially right (was Russian) and partially wrong (Crimea fail), O right (conclusion by entry point and historical Soviet ID markings for operational strategic offensives); but had no idea and offered no opinions on V, X, and A. 

Regards,

John Kettler

I suspect the belorussian units will be of cannon fodder level. What a mess... Kim Yong will be watching this and thinking they all have gone mad. 

That video of the tank driving over the car is only one view. There was another angle of the same incident and it was on the same street as the above mentioned truck incident. 
That truck was ambushed and that tank also came under fire and swerved into the car. It was more than likely unintentional.  Both videos were also reviewed and commented on several hundred posts ago.

Well, for the best results, one waypoint needs to be placed immediately before the bridge starts and a second waypoint immediately after the bridge.  They could have saved these vehicles if they had trained with Combat Mission prior to the invasion. 🙂 😆 😎

@DesertFox
Here is their first probe on Pryluky. But their column was ambushed near Sribne village in 32 km eastern from Pryluky. 

 

Ukrainian army is searching for a column of Russian equipment marked with a "V" that is heading for Kyiv.
Ok, the column was found and completely destroyed in Bucha. I don't know - either airstrike, or artillery. I can't count all of them - looks like a comapniy of VDV on BMD-2, BTR-D, Nona (at least one teared off turret seen) and 1-2 motor-rifle platoons of BTR-82 + 1V14 FO vehicle and fuel tanker
Local inhabitant speech, which filmed this devastation contains mostly selected filthy language in adress of Russians, which I can't adequately translate in English
Two parts of video
 

Thank you Mr. Molotov...
 
 
 

Send in NATO troops from the west, to free up Ukrainian forces and secure logistics and a stream of weapons. And join the fighting if necessary.
If Ukraine can't come to NATO, NATO will come to Ukraine. Let's see how brave Putin is.

he Haiduk,
I want to thank you for your very up-to-date, and as I see it even under these dire circumstances remarkable impartial, information.
I feel that partly because of that, on this site we are better informed then our national news services are.
It must be weird though, communicating with sometimes judgemental people in safe places, while you are in a spot of bother.
I really hope this crap will end soon and I wish you al the luck possible. 

Flakpanzer Gepard is finally going to war if they can train crews quick enough:
German company KMW offers to deliver 50 Flakpanzer Gepard anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine According to information published by the German newspaper Die Welt on February 25, 2022, German armament group Krauss-Maffei Wegman (KMW) could deliver 50 decommissioned Gepard anti-aircraft (Flakpanzer) tanks to Ukraine – relatively quickly, they say. The German federal government has to decide. But a problem would be the training of the crews, as this defense system is somewhat sophisticated.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/german_company_kmw_offers_to_deliver_50_flakpanzer_gepard_anti-aircraft_tanks_to_ukraine.html

Honestly, I am getting really angry at the voices in the US, political voices, speaking in support of Putin and Russia.  It's shameful, anti-democratic and disgusting.  
I dread to think what the people of Ukraine, fighting for their very lives and land now, will think when the see and hear this garbage.
I'm not trying to get into US politics but am just thinking existentially.  Not trying to cross any lines.
I'm extremely happy in the fact that it appears our intelligence services are still top notch and performing remarkably despite all the scorn heaped on them in the recent past.

So it is about 11 pm in Kyiv so let's summarize day 3 of this nasty bit of business.  If I miss anything feel free to jump in. [aside: people will recall when Iran shot down that Ukrainian airliner (just weird) how a bunch of internet nerds figured out where the shooter were before western intel did, well this little thread is doing one bang up job of intel analysis so I wanna try and capture that].
Caveat - this assessment is based on unclassified open source intelligence, much of it unverified or unverifiable at this time.
Strategic Level:  While the strategic causes of this military action by Russia remain vague and unconfirmed (i.e. I still have not seen a reason "why now" beyond "why not"), the overall most likely strategic objective is the total defeat of Ukraine as a nation, followed by installation of a puppet regime as a demonstration to NATO and western powers of Russian power in the region. 
The overall Russian strategy in this action was to overwhelm the Ukrainian forces quickly with a knockout blow aimed at Kyiv designed to break the will of Ukrainian resistance.  It appears that this objective was in a 48-72 hour window, other strategic objectives are largely unknow at this time (?).  One of the biggest strategic unknowns at this time is the overall will of the Russian people to continue to prosecute this war, current Russian leadership likely remain fully committed and short of a regime change will not likely voluntarily pull out.
Over the last 72 hours Europe and the West appear to have solidified their stance on this war with respect to increasing sanctions and military support to the Ukraine.  China and India remain two global powers who have not engaged in punitive measures against Russia, nor have they provided direct support to Ukraine. Another unknown at this time is whether Turkey will close the Black Sea to additional Russian maritime forces.  
It is clear that outside Russia, at least, Russia has not managed to control the strategic narrative for this war nor have dis/mis information campaigns been effective widening divisions in Western responses.  In fact the opposite appear to be true as this action has created unity in NATO and the European community, at least in the short term.
Operational Level:
- As of 72 hours into the war there is evidence that Russia has not achieved air superiority, information/cyber superiority, decision superiority or effectively eroded the Ukrainian infrastructure (military or civilian) or power centers of gravity at the operational or tactical level.  Russian advances on a multi-pronged assault have made modest gains however it appears that some lines of advance may have stalled. 
- Russian casualties are likely high (again very hard to get specifics) or at least higher than expected.
- There are indications that Russian logistical systems have failed in some locations, whether this is an indicator of isolated issues or a broader issue remains unknown.  Evidence of fuel shortages has been presented suggesting disruption in operational LOCs
- Russian forces are currently of questionable quality along some axis of advance at least based on captured POWs.  Further based on largely anecdotal evidence, it appears that Russia has not employed a form of Mission Command, nor really provided any detailed SA to some Russian tactical units (again based on POW interviews).
- Latest reports are that heavy concentrations of artillery are forming one the outskirts of Kyiv, which could signal a shift in strategy from a "knock out maneuver" toward a more "shock and awe" approach, or the Russians have essentially opted for an attritional approach to Kyiv at least. 
- Ukrainian forces have demonstrated a level of lethality and coordination beyond expectations of open source analysts and likely Russian planners.  How much of this is do to outside support and how much is due to Russian setback remains unclear.  
Tactical:
- Ukrainian forces have broadcast examples of both ambush and deep strike, the role of specific military capability remains vague.   The effectiveness next gen ATGM systems and MANPADs remains unknown but reported high armored vehicle casualties indicate they have been effective.
Overall Summary:  As of the first 72 hours of the war, it appears that the Russian military has overestimated its own capabilities and/or the capabilities of Ukrainian resistance and has not likely met the timelines it had set during pre-war planning.  The assessment is that the next 24-48 hours will be critical in the outcome of this war and if Russian forces are not about to take Kyiv and inflict some serious damage to the Ukrainian people's will, their own strategic center of gravity will become more vulnerable. 
Did I miss anything?  Seriously, jump in.

Amateurs study tactics; professionals study logistics.
    -- Omar Bradley

Large operations succeed or fail based upon the ability of logistics to keep the forward elements well supplied. During the First Gulf war, it was said that you could tell where the U.S. armor forces were by tracking where the fuel trucks were heading.
 
 
 

No. Russians BTG's attacked our sector D, which was weaken by three-week artillery/MLRS shellings on the border when about 60-70 % of vehicles were destroeyed or damaged and many of conscripts had a low motivation. On the moment of invasion, most of trops of Sector D already breakthrough from the pocket. So, Russians attacked remains of Sector D group with alsmost disrupted C&C and some volunteer units almost w/o armor near Ilovaisk. Russians have overhelming superiorirty (add DNR units also) in personnel, equipment and they were fresh. 
In sector A, when UKR troops mostly saved C&C capabilities, sucess of Russian BTG's was minimal. Rugged defense of Luhansk airport and heavy battle for Georgiivka are examples of UKR could successfully fight with Russian army  

I am pretty sure that getting to a crisis point has been part of the game plan (as a contingency or a milestone I don't know) since the civil war in Syria started, if not from the day that Bill Clinton (and George Bush later) laughed off the question put forward by Putin to join NATO.  
Following up the discussions on logistics, saw a video of some Russian soldiers helping themselves to the shelves of a supermarket in Melitopol, and I remembered this very good article I read back in Xmas
https://warontherocks.com/2021/11/feeding-the-bear-a-closer-look-at-russian-army-logistics/
 

I have to give President Zelenskyy the Man of the Year Award and great respect for the internal fortitude and courage he is showing in the face of overwhelming odds. Unlike others who fawn over dictators, talk tough, incite insurrection and chaos and bail when the going get tough, Zelenskyy has more than shown his meddle.
This is going to change a lot of people perceptions on the cast of characters who dominate the spotlight.
We've entered a new world...

I'm ok. I just too tired about all these news monitoring, so I havn't enough energy to write here. Today I tried to depart my wife from the city to her parents in more calm Cherkasy oblast, but we can't reach to railway station. Municipal transport stopped on the left bank of Kyiv, though on the right it works like and subway. 
All day from my balcony, wich exits to Obolon' and Vyshhorod periodically heard a sounds of shellings. Now I heard outcoming shots of our 2S7 Pion guns, located in 5 km from my house close to city limit. They fire somewhere to the west, where Russian troops concentrates to attack on the city. All day there were periodycal clashes on the line Irpin'-Bucha-Vorzel-Hostomel. There was attempt of Russian tank attack from Chernobyl zone through Ivankiv on Kyiv, but because of we had a time to demolish the bridges through the Teterev river, they halted. 

Michael, your watch is done.  You have been promoted and reassigned.  Thank you for your service to those around you.  Rest well and blessings to those you have left behind.

Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 35m   "In a few days of intervention in Ukraine, as many Russian servicemen will be killed as in two Chechen wars. Thousands. Thousands" – Minister of Defense of Ukraine Reznikov has just addressed Russians, "especially the wives, mothers, girlfriends of Russian soldiers and officers". Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 58m   22:00 EET The situation now is threatening for Kyiv - without exaggeration. The next night, especially in the morning, will be very difficult. Russian troops are close to the capital. The military and law enforcement are neutralizing sabotage groups in the city, - Kyiv mayor           Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 56m   To defend the capital from the advancing aggressor, the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade of Kyiv is already complete on 100% by volunteers. Now we are deciding on the creation of additional units of defenders of Kyiv - the mayor Vitaliy Klychko. Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 55m   In the capital, bridges have been taken under protection and special control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are also setting checkpoints not only at the main entrances to the city, but also block traffic near strategic facilities in the capital, - Kyiv mayor Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 3h   "At the moment, the fiercest fighting is in the Kharkiv direction, Sumy Oblast and in the south of Ukraine." – Mychaylo Podoliak, Presidential Office, 18:50 EET.   Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 2h   20:00 EET Fake information massively spread in Sumy region. Information that cities"surrendered" and the authorities fled - fake. Sumy and other district centers of the region are under our control - Head of Oblast Administration Fighting in the region continues - Military   Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 1h   20:00 EET Further information from Sumy region head. Situation in the city is calm, territorial defense undergoes its formation and deployment, large groups of Russian vehicles are moving towards Kyiv, a large group of tanks is reported. Connection with local districts is stable   Euromaidan Press@EuromaidanPress·1h🇵🇱🇺🇦The convoy with the ammunition from Poland has entered Ukraine.

Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 3h   16:00 EET Russian reconnaissance and sabotage groups operate insidiously, disguising themselves in civilian clothes and infiltrating Ukrainian cities in order to destabilize the situation by carrying out sabotage operations - General Staff Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress · 4h   Suspilne reports that after heavy battles Ukrainian forces lost bridge to Kherson. We can't verify this because the official web-source is down.

https://t.co/6dlQj1N6NW
  Euromaidan Press Retweeted             Stratcom Centre UA   @StratcomCentre · 2h   The Russian occupiers are shelling in Kharkiv where over a million civilians live. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively resisting and defending our city. We believe in our Ukrainian army! #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StandWithUkraine #StopWar

Euromaidan Press@EuromaidanPress·4h🇱🇹🇺🇦   Lithuania will help Ukraine by providing additional armoured vests, helmets, automatic rifles and ammunition. I would note Germany is sending 5000 helmets, with delivery at Polish-Ukrainian border. This is from another Euromaidan Press post, but by then, I'd run out of steam.
      Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress Consequences of the Russian artillery attack on the North-Luhansk town of Starobilsk (Copy link  function didn't work again, its default setting!). It's easily found by scrolling until you find a devastated town, part of which is burning and most of which is heavily damaged or destroyed. Currently, it's at the 5 hours ago location in the thread, right above the pics of the bunkering ship hit.     Euromaidan Press   @EuromaidanPress ·   This is the most recent directly military stuff on this site, but there is much, too, on sanctions, alliances, expressions of determination (including Zelensky's being in Kviv and declaring he's staying with the people, solidarity with Ukraine, blistering of Putin, even the authorization of the issuance of military bonds, what we in the US called war bonds. It's unclear to me whether the statement about Russian sabotage groups is based on attacks made and more to be prevented or simply an understanding of how Russian diversionary troops operate.   Regards,

John Kettler

Looks like Ukraine is getting resupply 
Russia invades Ukraine: Live updates (cnn.com)
First publicly acknowledged military aid arrives in Ukraine since invasion
From CNN's Paul P. Murphy and Josh Pennington

Poland has shipped a convoy with ammunition to Ukraine, according to the country's Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak, making it the first publicly acknowledged shipment of military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.
“A convoy of ammunition we are donating to Ukraine has already reached our neighbors. We stand by the Ukrainians, and show solidarity against Russian aggression," he said in a tweet.
The tweet neither described the sort of ammunition Poland sent the Ukrainians nor the amount.