Thanks for keeping this thread open. As a non-professional reader of military history and wargamer, in addition to wishing the best for Ukraine, I am following like you all seem to be, what I can of the tactics, equipment and strategy employed. It does appear that the Russian military has not achieved the quick and easy victory it appears to have thought it could achieve. It also appears the Ukrainians are fighting hard and inflicting significant casualties.
As many of you I am sure have read, all this is happening in places with familiar names and geography from WW2s battles on the Eastern Front. The fourth battle of Kharkov appears to be unfolding in front of us. I recall from reading on this WW2 theater that battles, especially the breakthrough phase of an offensive, can go slowly for the attacker at first. There are several lines of defense for the attacker assault before an operationally significant breakthrough is achieved. That said, I have no idea if the Ukrainian military was prepared for the assault with prepared defensive positions. Though I assume that during these first couple of days the Russians are facing the best that Ukraine can throw at them. Might a breakthrough occur as these units are worn down?
Also, senior leadership, Hitler and Stalin in WW2, can play a significant role in forcing a military to stand and fight when military logic would argue a retreat to better lines. Ukrainian forces are doing well, they have not allowed a deep penetration into their territory. But I assume their forces are massed in the east fighting in Kharkov and near Donetsk as well as in the north. What happens if a breakthrough does occur? Will the Ukrainian military pull back, or will political leadership insist on holding at all costs?
We don't necessarily see this happening here. But I wonder about Ukraine's forces in the east as the southern offensive moves north, particularly if it gains steam. I am also curious about the Ukrainian military's ability to sustain the defense it has been putting up. Do they have reserves to replace units that have been attrited in defensive combat, can they move ammo to resupply once on hand stocks are depleted. I'd be also very interested to know whether they can incorporate reserve soldiers, and mobilized civilians, into their combat units or put them under some sort of command and control to incorporate them into the defense.
I look forward to reading all of your continued comments on this thread.
