https://www-spiegel-de.translate.goo..._x_tr_pto=wapp


Defector from the Kremlin Presidential Guard speaks out on Putin's fears. In an interview, a fled officer of the Kremlin Presidential Guard reports on the life and tricks of his ex-boss. Putin is healthier than many other people of his age.

By the above I presume he means that Russia keep the territory they have occupied.

The timing of the document leak makes it look suspicious. It could be an Ukrainian trick to put the Russians on the wrong foot.

You are not the only one. It made me think of this special operation "Operation Mincemeat" which toke place in WWII.

Markus

If the Russians are only now discovering that the Americans and Europeans are busy training nine to 15 brigades, something is wrong. That information is known. Also, the Russians should actually know better than anyone how many HIMARS missiles they are in Ukraine. In previous wars, there was a whole accounting system around these soldiers had to count how much they were being shot at. It gave an indication whether the enemy was up to something or not.

^ Disagree with. If they have nothing better to do than to risk Western tanks for operations like this, then we should stop providing them. Its easier to throw our money out of the window ourselves.

The Western tanks will not be used till at least after May, and certainly not to counter Russia around Bakhmut.

I think the tanks they receive from the west will be used in their upcoming offensive which will take place in 3-4 weeks from now.

Markus

Another batch of files leaked - or whatever.


https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/u...ents-leak.html

An amphibious landing by Ukrainian special comamndos to retake the nuclear reactor at saporishja has failed. 600 elite soldiers tried to land with over 30 fast attack boats, "hoping" the Russians would not dare to fire with heavy artillery in the vicinity of the reactors, German media report. But they did, plus fire form tanks, and heavy fortofcation, also the ground is heavily mined. The Ukrainian commander decided after some hours to poull his forces back instead of wasting them uselessly.

This might only be an outlook of what an Ukrainian offensive hase to overcome. Heavily fortified defence lines, dense mine fields, entrenched tanks and artillery. The Russian defences are much otugher this time than they were at Cherson or Charkiv. It it looks like this all across Crimea and in many parts of the frontline in Luhansk and Donbass. Well, the Ukrainian offensive will not be self-perpetuating. And I dont take a success as granted. If it succeeds, the Ukrainians nevertheless will pay a high blood toll.

It also gets reported that several missiles were shot down over Crimea and several others impacted and caused detonations. Some say that this might be preparatory fire to suppress air defences and artillery, and that it indicates the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive. Maybe it is, maybe not. I dont know.