Russia-Ukraine War - News and Developments PART 2

[Soldier35]

Video of the use in the Kursk region of the Russian FPV drone "Prince Vandal Novgorodsky", controlled by a fiber optic cable. In the video, the FPV drone "Vandal" attacks the Ukrainian IFV "Marder" 1A3. Made in Germany. The IFV "Marder" was adopted by Germany in 1971. Ukraine received about 90 units of the IFV Marder 1A3. The IFV Marder 1A3 is a modification of 1989. Technical information is on the channel. The IFV Marder 1A3 is already in the Russian army. As a result of the strike of the FPV drone "Vandal", the IFV Marder 1A3 was damaged, the extent of the damage is unclear. The Ukrainian IFV Marder 1A3 was attacked by two drones, as it turned out later.

 

[HaiderAfan]

A massive missile attack by Russia has targeted multiple cities across Ukraine, including Lutsk, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Rivne, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, and the Dnipropetrovsk region. This coordinated assault has resulted in widespread damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure and has left over one million householdswithout power.

Key Details:​

• Extent of the Attack: The missile strikes occurred early on November 28, 2024, with explosions reported in various cities. Ukrainian officials indicated that the attacks were aimed primarily at critical energy facilities, which have been targeted repeatedly throughout the conflict.
• Emergency Power Outages: In response to the attacks, Ukraine's energy operator implemented emergency power outages across the country. Significant disruptions have been noted in regions such as Lviv, Volyn, and Rivne. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko described the situation as a "massive enemy attack," stressing the urgency of restoring power amid dropping temperatures.
• Casualties and Damage: While initial reports indicate injuries in regions like Vinnytsia and Odesa, there have been no immediate fatalities reported from Kyiv. The Ukrainian Air Defense successfully intercepted a significant number of incoming missiles and drones; however, some managed to strike their targets.
• Context of Increased Attacks: This missile barrage follows a record attack earlier in the week when Russia launched 188 drones at Ukraine. The recent escalation is seen as part of Russia's strategy to undermine Ukraine's energy capabilities as winter approaches.
• Official Responses: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as part of Russia's ongoing "terror tactics" against civilians. Officials have called for increased international support to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against such assaults.

Conclusion​

The latest missile attacks on Ukraine underscore the ongoing intensity of the conflict and Russia's focus on crippling Ukraine's infrastructure. As emergency measures are enacted to address power shortages and restore services, the humanitarian impact continues to grow amid an already challenging winter season. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as both sides respond to this escalation.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1862060942193832160

 

[Soldier35]

An episode of the battle near the village of Berestki in the Kurakhovsky direction. The video shows the assault by the Russian 114th motorized rifle brigade of a fortified area of the Ukrainian army. Judging by the video, the Ukrainian army is creating sufficiently extensive fortifications

 

[Soldier35]

Footage of a strike by a Russian 300 mm Tornado-S MLRS rocket with a cluster warhead near the village of Zhuravka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. The forest area reportedly housed a temporary deployment point for the Ukrainian Ptahi Madyara unit, which specializes in working with drones. The strike was allegedly carried out by a Russian 9M55K rocket with a cluster warhead containing 72 warheads containing 360 and 96 falcons, weighing from 0.75 to 4.5 grams.

 

[Soldier35]

Footage has been published of the aftermath of a strike by a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile on a Ukrainian underground command post in the Chasov Yar area. The strike by the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile was carried out on April 11, 2022, presumably by a MiG-31K aircraft.

 

[HaiderAfan]

In 2024, Ukraine has seen a dramatic rise in desertion cases among its military personnel, with 60,000 troops prosecuted for unauthorized abandonment of positionsfrom January to October. This figure is nearly double the total number of similar cases from the previous two years combined, highlighting a significant challenge for the Ukrainian armed forces amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.

Overview of Desertion Rates​

According to reports, the 60,000 desertion cases opened this year reflect a critical situation within the Ukrainian military. The General Prosecutor's Office indicates that these prosecutions are part of a broader trend, as more than 100,000 soldiers have faced charges for desertion since the onset of the war in February 2022. Nearly half of these cases have emerged in the last year alone, coinciding with an aggressive mobilization drive that has faced criticism for its effectiveness.

Causes of Desertion​

Several factors contribute to this alarming rate of desertion:

• Exhaustion and Lack of Rotation: Many soldiers report severe fatigue due to prolonged deployments without adequate rest or rotation. Some units have not had rotations in over three years, leading to mental and physical exhaustion among troops.
• Psychological Impact: The psychological toll of continuous combat and trauma has left many soldiers demoralized. Reports indicate that soldiers experience guilt and anxiety about their ability to continue fighting, contributing to their decision to abandon their posts.
• Poor Conditions and Resources: Soldiers have expressed frustration over inadequate supplies and support. Incidents where entire units have left their positions due to insufficient weaponry and equipment have been reported, further compromising Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
• Exploitation of Training Opportunities Abroad: Some Ukrainian personnel have exploited opportunities to attend military training camps in allied countries as a means to desert. Reports suggest an average of 12 soldiers desert each month during training in Poland.

Implications for Military Operations​

The high rate of desertions poses significant risks for Ukraine's military operations. Analysts warn that this issue could undermine Ukraine's defensive strategies, particularly as Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine. The loss of manpower is critical at a time when Ukraine is facing increasing territorial threats.Military commanders have acknowledged that desertion is one of the main reasons for recent territorial losses, such as the town of Vuhledar. The inability to maintain effective troop levels could hinder Ukraine's ability to respond to ongoing Russian offensives effectively.

Government Response​

In response to the rising desertion rates, Ukrainian authorities have implemented measures aimed at addressing the issue. These include legal provisions that allow first-time deserters who voluntarily return to service to avoid prosecution. However, critics argue that these measures may not be sufficient to address the underlying causes of desertion.The ongoing challenges underscore the need for comprehensive reforms within Ukraine's military structure and support systems. As the conflict continues into its third year, addressing issues related to troop morale, resource allocation, and effective mobilization will be crucial for sustaining Ukraine's defense efforts against Russian aggression.

Conclusion​

The prosecution of 60,000 Ukrainian troops for desertion in 2024 highlights a critical juncture for Ukraine's military amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. As desertion rates soar, addressing the root causes—such as exhaustion, inadequate resources, and psychological impacts—will be essential for maintaining operational effectiveness and ensuring the resilience of Ukraine's armed forces in the face of persistent challenges.

 

[Soldier35]

A strike by a Russian RBK-500 SHOAB 0.5 cluster bomb. The RBK-500 SHOAB-0.5 bomb with the UMPK kit was dropped by a Su-34 frontline fighter-bomber. The video was filmed near Orekhov in the Zaporizhia region of Ukraine. The RBK-500 SHOAB-0.5 bombs were accepted into service in 1969