Running Newsticker for the War in Ukraine

I thought that very interesting, English sub title..

But one conclusion I have a hard time to follow. The Russian threat, considering what is happening in Ukraine and its massive losses in number 1 hardware. But then I am just a old fart.

Nachgefragt: Die aktuelle Lage in der Ukraine und im Nahen Osten | Bundeswehr (youtube.com)

 

The Euros are stepping up.

Ukraine Conflict Updates
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 16, 2024

Click here to read the full report with maps
Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian forces have begun to withdraw from Avdiivka, and Russian forces appear to be focused on complicating or preventing a complete Ukrainian withdrawal.
• Ukrainian forces may have to conduct counterattacks to conduct an orderly withdrawal from Avdivika, and Russian efforts to complicate or prevent a Ukrainian withdrawal may become increasingly attritional.
• Germany and France both signed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine on February 16.
• NATO officials are increasingly warning that Russia poses a significant threat to NATO’s security.
• Independent Russian survey data suggests that most Russians are largely apathetic towards Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly Russians who have not personally lost family members in Ukraine and are thus able to avoid thinking about the war entirely.
• The Russian reaction to the reported death of imprisoned opposition politician Alexei Navalny on February 16 was relatively muted.
• Russian forces recently made confirmed advances along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, northwest of Bakhmut, and near Avdiivka.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to posture himself as an involved and effective wartime leader.
• Russian-controlled courts in occupied Ukraine continue to pass harsh sentences on Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs). . . .

Ukraine officials continue to highlight the importance of Ukrainian technological innovation and Ukraine’s defense industrial base (DIB) in supporting the Ukrainian war effort. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov stated on February 16 that Ukraine is innovating and developing a new doctrine of war through its use of drones.[62] Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk stated that Ukraine’s efforts to develop an unmanned systems force will minimize human participation and casualties in the war.[63] Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov stated that Ukraine’s private and state DIB companies are playing a major role in Ukraine’s war effort and noted that whoever masters new technology will win the war.[64] Danilov stated that Ukraine’s missile program is advancing and working to overcome unspecified technological challenges.[65] Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated on February 15 that Ukraine and NATO should focus on building long-term defense capabilities and a sustainable DIB and noted that Ukraine is prepared to work with its partners to create joint ventures and invest in scaling up Ukrainian domestic production.[66] . . . .

 

Russian-speaking people are those who are developing
Ukrainian-speaking people will be developed

 

At least we're making the Russians pay.

Ukraine Conflict Updates
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 17, 2024

Click here to read the full report
Key Takeaways:

• Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that Russian forces have established “full control” over Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast as Russian forces continued to advance in the settlement on February 17, and Ukrainian forces have likely withdrawn from Avdiivka.
• Russian sources largely characterized the Ukrainian withdrawal as disorganized and costly and claimed that Russian forces managed to encircle large Ukrainian groups in Avdiivka, but ISW has observed no evidence supporting these Russian claims.
• Russian forces appear to have temporarily established limited and localized air superiority and were able to provide ground troops with close air support during the final days of their offensive operation to capture Avdiivka, likely the first time that Russian forces have done so in Ukraine.
• Delays in Western security assistance may lead to further significant constraints on Ukrainian air defenses that could allow Russian forces to replicate the close air support that facilitated Russian advances in Avdiivka at scale in Ukraine.
• Ukrainian forces reportedly shot down three Russian fighter aircraft—two Su-34s and one Su-35—over Donetsk Oblast on February 17, likely having committed scarce air defense assets to help cover the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka.
• Russian authorities arrested several hundred demonstrators on February 17 amid slightly larger demonstrations responding to imprisoned opposition politician Alexei Navalny’s death.
• The US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced on February 17 that the US sent $500,000 of forfeited Russian funds to Estonia to repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
• Russian forces made confirmed advances near Bakhmut and Avdiivka and in western Zaporizhia Oblast
• Russian occupation authorities continue efforts to propagandize and militarize Ukrainian youth in occupied areas. . . .

Ukraine and its European allies continue efforts to build up their respective defense industrial bases (DIB) and innovate and adapt new battlefield technology. European Commission President Ursala von der Leyen stated on February 17 that the European Union (EU) is currently considering ways to integrate Ukrainian domestic defense production with European companies and that the EU intends to open an innovation office in Kyiv.[61] Von der Leyen stated that the European Commission will announce a new plan to build up Europe’s DIB in the coming weeks that will emphasize increasing investment in European DIB companies and learning from Ukrainian battlefield innovations. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk stated on February 17 that Ukrainian manufacturers are modernizing and producing new anti-tank guided missile (ATGMs) systems, drones, ammunition for thermobaric artillery systems and grenade launchers, and air defense systems that should increase the stealth of Ukraine’s air defense operations.[62]

Ukrainian state-owned joint-stock company Ukroboronprom (Ukrainian Defense Industry) stated on February 17 that it signed a cooperation agreement with German Dynamit Nobel Defense company, a subsidiary of the Israeli Rafael company.[63] . . . .

 

It is time to remove obstacles and get more aid flowing into Ukraine.

“Don’t seize. Borrow.
Western leaders have thrown their support behind the idea of financing Ukraine’s fight against Russia by impounding and cashing Russian-owned assets. But while this plan may sound enticing in Washington and Brussels, it violates the American commitment to fund Ukraine “as long as it takes.”

There is a fiscally responsible and dignified alternative. Instead of confiscating the frozen foreign exchange reserves of the Russian Central Bank to offset political shortfalls in Western aid to Ukraine, consolidate those frozen assets in a trust fund that allows Western governments to borrow short-term, while the balance sheet remains intact for Ukraine’s reconstruction.”
THE HILL, OPINION>FINANCE, Proposing the ‘Russian Trust Fund for Ukraine’, BY MICHAEL S. BERNSTAM & STEVEN R. ROSEFIELDE, OPINION CONTRIBUTORS - 01/23/24 4:00 PM ET.
https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/4424451-proposing-the-russian-trust-fund-for-ukraine/

 

Interesting.

 

From Hayes post # 9452———“

• Germany and France both signed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine on February 16.
• This is a good development

 

WarTranslated (Dmitri) on X: "Think all the armchair warlords and russians-by-spirit from Nigeria would greatly benefit from knowing what russians themselves think of the bloody meat grinder that is Avdiivka. Not the officially aligned propagandists. The real people. https://t.co/meAGOdh5bL" / X (twitter.com)

Read the English translation of this Russian soldier about Avdiiyka


.

It is stunning.

Reading between the lines, something is brewing.

 

Let's hear no more about the Euros' alleged lack of commitment.

Ukraine Conflict Updates
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 18, 2024

Click here to read the full report
Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian forces will likely be able to establish new defensive lines not far beyond Avdiivka, which will likely prompt the culmination of the Russian offensive in this area.
• Delays in Western security assistance to Ukraine are likely helping Russia launch opportunistic offensive operations along several sectors of the frontline in order to place pressure on Ukrainian forces along multiple axes.
• Russian forces are likely seeking to take advantage of two windows of opportunity with the recent initiation of their simultaneous offensive operations—the period before the upcoming spring thaw and the nuanced dynamics of Western aid provision.
• The Russian capture of Avdiivka after four months of intensified offensive operations exemplifies the way that Russian forces pursue offensive operations that do not necessarily set conditions for wider operational gains but still force Ukraine to commit manpower and materiel to defensive operations.
• Russian forces have not yet demonstrated an ability to secure operationally significant gains or conduct rapid mechanized maneuver across large swaths of territory, and the capture of Avdiivka should not be taken as demonstrating this capability.
• Ukrainian officials are investigating two instances of apparent Russian violations of the Geneva Convention on prisoners of war (POWs) in occupied Donetsk Oblast.
• Russian milbloggers criticized the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) for failing to recognize 1st Donetsk People’s Republic Army Corps (DNR AC) Commander Lieutenant General Sergei Milchakov and the “Veterany” Assault Brigade (Volunteer Corps) for aiding in the Russian capture of Avdiivka, highlighting continued tension between Russian regular and irregular forces.
• The Washington Post reported that the Kremlin has been orchestrating a large-scale effort to spread disinformation in the Ukrainian media since January 2023, corroborating recent Ukrainian official reports about Russian information operations that use fake Telegram channels to infiltrate the Ukrainian information space.
• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on February 18 that Denmark is donating its “entire artillery” to Ukraine.
• The US is reportedly turning to India and China to engage Russia about Russia’s reported intent to launch an unspecified anti-satellite nuclear weapon into space.
• Russian forces recently made a confirmed advance in western Zaporizhia amid continued positional engagements along the entire line of contact on February 18.
• Russian occupation officials continue to use educational programs as means of Russifying occupied Ukraine. . . . .

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced on February 17 that it will open a new ammunition plant in Ukraine with a local Ukrainian joint venture partner. Rheinmetall noted that the plant will produce a “six-digit” number of 155mm caliber shells per year. Rheinmetall already announced that it will establish a repair center in Ukraine for Leopard tanks and other German-provided military equipment.[66]

Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov stated on February 18 that the Ukrainian-made analog of the Russian Lancet loitering munitions has passed preliminary testing and that Ukrainian forces will soon test the model in combat.[67] Fedorov initially announced the Lancet analog on February 7.[68]

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated on February 17 that the Netherlands is “on schedule” to provide Ukraine with at least 24 F-16 aircraft but did not specify a date for the transfer.[69] Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas stated that the first F-16s may appear in Ukraine by June 2024.[70] The Netherlands is currently leading an international coalition alongside Denmark to provide F-16 aircraft to Ukraine and is involved in training efforts for Ukrainian pilots in Romania.[71] . . . .

 

finally, Ukrainians westernized

 

I would really like to see the long range ATACMS in Ukraine.

Ukraine Conflict Updates
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 19, 2024

Click here to read the full report.
Key Takeaways:

• Russian actors conducted a cyber operation regarding Russia’s seizure of Avdiivka, likely aimed at generating panic in the Ukrainian information space and weakening Ukrainian morale.
• The tempo of Russian offensive operations near Avdiivka has reportedly dramatically slowed following the Russian seizure of Avdiivka.
• Ukrainian officials reported that Ukrainian forces shot down two more Russian fighter aircraft, a Su-34 and a Su-35S, in eastern Ukraine on the morning of February 19.
• The White House is reportedly considering the provision of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in the event that Congress passes security assistance for Ukraine.
• The Russian government eased the requirements for “compatriots” living abroad to apply to resettle in Russia.
• Emirati banks reportedly began to limit some transactions with Russian entities and close Russian citizens’ accounts in September 2023 due to the risk of Western secondary sanctions.
• Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated that Armenia does not support Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine against the backdrop of deteriorating Russian-Armenian relations.
• Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Donetsk City and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
• Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitri Medvedev claimed on February 19 that the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has recruited more than 53,000 military personnel since January 1, 2024.
• Russian authorities have reportedly returned Ukrainian children in occupied Ukraine and Russia to relatives in Ukraine. . . . .

Ukrainian defense industrial base (DIB) enterprises and their European partners are producing ammunition for Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian Armor stated on February 19 that it delivered a shipment of “thousands” of 122 mm artillery shells that it produced in partnership with an unspecified Eastern European ammunition company to Ukrainian forces.[73]

Russia likely used its trade relations with Ecuador to prevent Ecuador from sending Soviet-era military equipment to Ukraine via the US. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced in January that Ecuador was going to send $200 million worth of Soviet-era weapons to the US in exchange for modern weapons, but Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld stated on February 19 that Ecuador would not send any military equipment to countries that are involved in international armed conflicts.[74] Russia partially lifted its ban on imports of Ecuadorian bananas, which Russia recently imposed allegedly for phytosanitary issues, on February 16.[75] . . . .

 

Sukhoi Massacre. Ukraine Has Shot Down Six Of Russia’s Best Jets In Just Three Days.






The Ukrainian air force is desperately short of its best munitions, including its 90-mile-range, U.S.-made Patriot air-defense missiles.

But the air force rarely wastes a missile. So when it does fire off one of its dwindling number of Patriots, it seldom misses.

Which is why, even as the Ukrainians scream, beg and politic for more munitions, they’ve shot down as many as six Russian fighter-bombers in just the last three days. A rate of loss the Russian air force cannot sustain.

“Russian planes continue to fall!” the Ukrainian defense ministry crowed on Monday. The claimed tally includes four twin-seat Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers and two single-seat Sukhoi Su-35s.

The Su-34s are the Russian air force’s best supersonic strike planes. Lately they mostly have flown close-air-support missions—streaking high and fast toward the front line and lobbing KAB precision glide-bombs from as far away as 25 miles.

The supersonic Su-35s are air-superiority fighters: they escort the Su-34s.

The Ukrainians bagged the first three Sukhois on Saturday as the jets were flying 60 miles east of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, apparently lining up for a glide-bombing raid on the Ukrainian troops retreating from that ruined city.
....

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davida...best-jets-in-just-three-days/?sh=f8669a6655f7

 

Russian Troops Left Their Warehouse Doors Open. Ukrainian Drones Flew Right Inside—And Blew Up A Bunch Of Armored Vehicles.



Seemingly emboldened by the Russian conquest of Avdiivka, a former Ukrainian stronghold in eastern Ukraine, the Russian army reportedly shipped some of its best armored vehicles to southern Ukraine in anticipation of a separate offensive.



But Ukrainian forces located the warehouses where the Russians were stashing the T-72 and T-80 tanks, a BMP-3 fighting vehicle and a BREM engineering vehicle.


And then some very skilled Ukrainian drone operators from the Separate Presidential Brigade flew their explosives-laden first-person-view drones through the warehouses’ open doors and systematically demolished the vehicles inside. “As if in a shooting range,” according to Ukrainian media outlet Censor.


Soon the warehouses were burning. And the vehicles inside—two tanks, a BREM, a BMP and several gun-trucks and supply trucks together worth millions of dollars—cooked. There’s video of the whole debacle.

...

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davida...-a-bunch-of-armored-vehicles/?sh=2b6e4f945666

 

A fighting withdrawal is among the most difficult military maneuvers. The Euros are standing strong.

Ukraine Conflict Updates
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 20, 2024

click here to read the full report
Key Takeaways:

• Ukraine has been defending itself against illegal Russian military intervention and aggression for 10 years.
• Russia’s grand strategic objective of regaining control of Ukraine has remained unchanged in the decade since its illegal intervention in Ukraine began.
• Russia worked hard to obfuscate its grand strategic objectives of regaining control of Ukraine between 2014 and the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
• Russian military intelligence is reportedly learning from its failures in recent years and has renewed efforts against NATO states.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu preened themselves on the Russian seizure of Avdiivka.
• Shoigu also claimed that Russian forces completely seized Krynky in east (left) bank Kherson Oblast, although available open-source visual evidence and Ukrainian and Russian reporting suggests that Ukrainian forces maintain their limited bridgehead in the area.
• The Kremlin likely prematurely claimed the Russian seizure of Krynky to reinforce its desired informational effects ahead of the March 2024 presidential election, although the Kremlin is likely setting expectations that the Russian military may fail to meet.
• The New York Times (NYT) reported that the Ukrainian withdrawal from Avdiivka may have left hundreds of Ukrainian personnel “unaccounted” for.
• Ukrainian officials launched an investigation into additional apparent Russian violations of the Geneva Conventions on prisoners of war (POWs) in Zaporizhia Oblast.
• Russian forces made a confirmed advance west of Avdiivka amid continued positional engagements along the entire frontline.
• The Kremlin continues to promote Russia’s efforts to expand its defense industrial base (DIB).
• Zaporizhia Oblast occupation authorities are expanding public services provision in occupied parts of the oblast to consolidate bureaucratic control and generate dependencies on the occupation administration. . . .

The Ukrainian General Staff reported on February 20 that Ukrainian defense industrial base (DIB) manufacturers have started serial production of 2S22 155mm self-propelled “Bohdana” artillery systems.[78] The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the “Bohdana” artillery system can shoot 100 shells per day and only needs to fire one shell to "warm up“ the artillery barrel whereas Soviet-era Msta-B artillery systems need to fire two shells to do so.[79]

Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson announced a $683 million security assistance package to Ukraine on February 20, Sweden’s largest aid package for Ukraine to date.[80] Jonson stated that the package will include artillery ammunition, RBS70 portable air defense systems, anti-tank missiles, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles, hand grenades, 10 CB-90 fast assault watercraft, and 20 boats.[81] The aid package also includes roughly 1 billion Swedish Kroner ($96.5 million) for the joint Swedish-Danish procurement of CV-90 armored vehicles for Ukraine.[82]

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced on February 19 that Canada will send more than 800 SkyRanger R70 drones to Ukraine as part of an upcoming aid package.[83] Blair stated that the drones are valued roughly at $95 million and that the package is a part of the $500 million of security assistance that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in June 2023.[84]

Ukraine continues to sign agreements with German manufacturers aimed to expand Ukraine’s DIB. Ukrainian defense industry company Ukroboronprom announced on February 20 that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany company MDBA Deutschland GmbH for the research, development, and production of air defense systems, specifically for countering drones.[85] Germany company Dynamit Nobel Defense announced on February 20 that it is considering localizing production of Panzerfaust-3 anti-tank weapons in Germany as part of cooperation agreements that it signed with Ukroboronprom on February 17.[86]

Germany is reportedly planning to provide Ukraine with long-range strike capabilities. German outlet BILD reported on February 20 that the Bundestag plans to vote on an aid package for Ukraine in the coming week that will include artillery ammunition, equipment, and weapons to Ukraine.[87] BILD reported that the draft proposal includes the delivery of additional long-range weapons systems ”to enable targeted attacks on strategically relevant targets” in the Russian rear and suggested that these systems might be Taurus missiles.[88] . . . .

 

#191 Die Lehren aus Awdijiwka | Podcast Was tun, Herr General? | MDR (youtube.com)

This I one of the best Podcasts, of those podcasts.

In Europe they are now talking about the Russian thread to Europe.
I was a soldier during the CW. Our thread was millions of Warsaw pact soldiers, with thousand of tanks and arty and a mighty air force.

My big question with what would Russia attack Europe. As Buhler said, they are now down to T 55 and 62. When I was in the Army those were already obsolete and I am nearly 70.
Russia/Putin spent 20 years and over a Trillion of Dollars to modernize and revamp the Russian Military. All of it got wasted in 2 years in the Ukraine.
How would they are be able to even think about attacking Europe.
With what, T55 or 62?

Can anybody explain that to me, please?

 

Hint: Don't hold parade formations within artillery range of your enemy.

World·Ukrayinska Pravda
Russian media identifies 68 soldiers killed in Ukrainian strike while on parade – photo

 

Ukraine remains too tough for Russia to conquer.
Ukraine remains stronger than you might think
Kyiv continues to stymie Russia’s greatest ambitions to take over its country.
Opinion by Michael O’Hanlon

 

It will probably take them at least 2 years to rebuild their military. Stricter sanctions could slow them down. Russia's war production is apparently running at full capacity 24/7 now.

 

Ukraine is a death trap for Russia.

By Marc Champion
July 5, 2023 at 6:00 PM EDT
Ukraine Has Caught Up With Russia's Tank Numbers ...
Bloomberg.com
https://www.bloomberg.com › news › articles › shift-in-b...
Jul 5, 2023 — Ukraine Has Caught Up With Russia's Tank Numbers, Data Signal. New ... How to Invest $10,000 Right Now. by Suzanne Woolley. US Bets on $2.3 ...
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...-of-arms-in-ukraine-underscored-by-fresh-data

 

Russian QIWI Bank has finally collapsed....be interesting to watch if there is any ripple effect

 

This war has become The Mother of All Ripple Effects for Russia.

“Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, EU export flows have been increasingly reoriented towards other economies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.”

“Since March 2022, EU trade sanctions have nearly halved the bloc's goods exports to Russia and Belarus.”

“The likelihood of a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine war remains low over the short term, pointing to a prolonged conflict and trade sanctions. The trade diversion and influx of economic activity will have a longer-lasting impact beyond the current war. Previously dormant investment in infrastructure, IT, and production is awakening.”
S&P GLOBAL MARKET INTELLIGENCE, Economic implications of trade rerouting since Russia–Ukraine war, By Andrew Birch, Lilit Gevorgyan, Shuchita Shukla, Feb 20, 2024. (Emphasis mine)
https://www.spglobal.com/marketinte...ons-of-trade-rerouting-since-ukraine-war.html

 

I do not have the confidence that you have with Ukraine being able to defend itself from being over run by Russia. Ukraine was given help a lot of it but getting help was -
- delayed
- restricted in types of weapons-
- restricted in amount of weapons
- not provided enough aircraft for air support and provided late. Likely too late to make a difference
- de lay and possible death of the Ukraine age package.
Basically Ukraine’s sovereignty is being sacrificed for the whims of one guy who is running for POTUS. The basis for that guy’s hatred towards Ukraine is that the Ukrainians did not lie about Young Biden. Ironically the criminal who told the Congress that he had proof turned out to be lying since the proof he was giving the House “investigating” committee was provided by Russian intelligence sources. He is going back to prison. Nice going Jimmy Jordan.

 

I remain hopeful.

 

Russian losses are staggering.

Ukraine Conflict Updates
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 22, 2024

Click here to read the full report.
Key Takeaways:

• Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia would likely have to seize Kyiv sooner or later while identifying Russia’s possible further territorial objectives in Ukraine.
• Medvedev’s mention of Russia’s possible intentions to occupy Odesa may be worth noting in light of recent developments in the pro-Russian breakaway republic of Transnistria in Moldova, the southern tip of which is about 50 kilometers from the city.
• Medvedev also described Russian plans to repress Ukrainian citizens in occupied Ukraine.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) leaders and Republic of Tatarstan Head Rustam Minnikhanov on February 21 and 22.
• Ukrainian forces conducted another successful strike against a Russian training ground in occupied Kherson Oblast on February 21 and likely inflicted significant casualties.
• Ukraine’s European and Western allies continue to ramp up their support for Ukraine.
• Russian opposition outlet Proekt reported on February 22 that the Russian government has subjected at least 116,000 Russians to criminal and administrative charges since the start of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fourth term in office in 2018.
• Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on February 22 that the Kremlin does not regard Russian military correspondents (voyenkory) and milbloggers as participants of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, shortly after the suicide of a prominent Russian milblogger on February 21.
• Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
• A Russian insider source claimed that Russian officials have postponed creating Rosgvardia’s 1st Volunteer Corps from remaining Wagner Group detachments because of an ongoing rotation of former Wagner personnel in Africa.
• Russia continues to export its state policies on systemic religious persecution to occupied Ukraine. . . .

A Ukrainian military analyst stated that Russian forces lost roughly a division’s worth of tanks and roughly two divisions’ worth of armored vehicles in the Russian campaign for Avdiivka. Ukrainian military analyst Colonel Petro Chernyk reported on February 22 that Russian forces lost 364 tanks and 748 armored vehicles, which Chernyk stated amounts to just over one division’s worth of tanks and nearly two divisions’ worth of armored vehicles, respectively.[50] Chernyk stated that Russian forces have not suffered equipment losses at this scale since the Second World War and noted that Soviet forces only lost a maximum of 180 tanks in the entire nine-year war in Afghanistan.[51] Chernyk warned that Russian forces will use infantry to compensate for extreme vehicle losses, which is consistent with ISW’s observations about Russian attritional infantry-led “meat assaults” observed near Avdiivka and elsewhere in the theater.[52] . . .

The Danish Ministry of Defense and US Department of Defense announced on February 22 that the Air Force Capability Coalition expects to provide the first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in summer 2024.[76] . . . .

 

Ukrainians have indeed paid dearly for the West's inability or unwillingness to provide the kind of weapons systems they needed to defeat and expel the Russian invaders.

Putin has turned Russia into a suicide drone.

“Renaud Foucart, a senior economics lecturer at Lancaster University, pointed to the dire economic situation facing Russia as the war in Ukraine wraps up its second year.”
“As long as it remains isolated, Russia's "best hope" is to become "entirely dependent" on China, one of its few remaining strategic allies, Foucart said.
"A protracted stalemate might be the only solution for Russia to avoid total economic collapse," Foucart wrote. "The Russian regime has no incentive to end the war and deal with that kind of economic reality. So it cannot afford to win the war, nor can it afford to lose it. Its economy is now entirely geared towards continuing a long and ever deadlier conflict."
BUSINESS INSIDER, ECONOMY, Russia's economy is so driven by the war in Ukraine that it cannot afford to either win or lose, economist says, By Jennifer Sor, Feb 23, 2024, 12:23 PM EST. (emphasis mine)
https://www.businessinsider.com/rus...ary-spending-inflation-worker-shortage-2024-2

Putin's war is worse than a catch 22 for Putin -- Russia can't win for losing.