quote:
A prominent Russian military blogger has raised concerns that Moscow is faltering in its offensive in the Kharkiv region amid high losses, which could precede a Ukrainian counterattack, as a map shows the latest state of play.

A push started on May 10 by Moscow in the northeastern Ukrainian region just over the border has seen Russian forces gain momentum, reportedly capture several settlements and enter the town of Vovchansk. Newsweek has emailed the Russian Defense Ministry for comment.

However, a Telegram post by the channel WarGonzo, which is associated with Russian special services and has more than 1 million followers, described how large losses by Moscow's forces could precede Ukrainian forces seizing the initiative.

Further down the article, it says this which I find particularly interesting…

quote:
Noting a Russian breakthrough to the village of Lyptsi and entry into Vovchansk, the post adds, "the bad thing is that every day if becomes more and more difficult." Russian forces faced Ukraine's "massive artillery fire" combined with drones and reserve troops.

After observing roads in the area, WarGonzo said that Ukrainian forces were "not knocked out and have begun to hit back," and that "now the numerical superiority...is on the enemy's side."

Newsweek

This Russian blogger quoted by Newsweek is claiming Ukrainian forces are establishing both numerical and fires superiority in the Kharkiv region. If true, this would be a significant development. But of course, as is the case with all reports on this war, this report must be taken with a rather substantial grain of salt.

3 ...

Report Post

Posted by IAmNERD

Member since May 2017

19364 posts

Posted on 5/22/24 at 7:51 am to Darth_Vader

quote:
According to Newsweek, Russia’s offensive toward Kharkiv is “faltering”…

They didn't build up near enough men or materiel to take a city the size of Kharkiv. Especially with the few villages they've had to waste time securing (some they still havent) on the way. No way Ukraine was going to let Kharkiv fall.

Now if Ukraine is moving that superior firepower and manpower from elsewhere a ross the front and leaving those forces stretched thin, that could be very dicey and play right into what Russia wanted them to do.

3 ...

Report Post

Posted by CitizenK

Member since Aug 2019

9860 posts

Posted on 5/22/24 at 8:15 am to Darth_Vader

quote:
According to Newsweek, Russia’s offensive toward Kharkiv is “faltering”…

Topography matters, Vovchansk is in a valley where Russians have to go down a ridge to it, and Ukrainian positions on the opposite ridge to the south able to defend it. The small river is on the south side of the town.

It is high ground from the border to the town. Russia has taken ground from the border along elevations in its northern offensive. Mostly high ground but some low flat ground which is on both side of the border.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by RuLSU

Chicago, IL

Member since Nov 2007

8126 posts

Posted on 5/22/24 at 2:49 pm to Darth_Vader

quote:
Noting a Russian breakthrough to the village of Lyptsi and entry into Vovchansk, the post adds, "the bad thing is that every day if becomes more and more difficult." Russian forces faced Ukraine's "massive artillery fire" combined with drones and reserve troops.

After observing roads in the area, WarGonzo said that Ukrainian forces were "not knocked out and have begun to hit back," and that "now the numerical superiority...is on the enemy's side."

Girken was thrown in prison for 4+ years because he dared to speak up about the Russian war effort failing.

WarGonzo is far more optimistic than Girken was. If WarGonozo is willing to say things aren't looking good, you had better believe it's not looking good

quote:
This Russian blogger quoted by Newsweek is claiming Ukrainian forces are establishing both numerical and fires superiority in the Kharkiv region. If true, this would be a significant development. But of course, as is the case with all reports on this war, this report must be taken with a rather substantial grain of salt.

155mm artillery platforms are superior to 152mm artillery platforms. When Ukraine can fire at a 1:4 ratio, they crush Russian equipment.

The 155mm weapons are more accurate and have better range. They can destroy Russian equipment at a distance that Russian equipment doesn't threaten them.

I remember some of our 'friends' in this thread laughing at me saying that all Ukraine needed was 155mm shells. Doesn't sound like WarGonzo is laughing, though.