Russia has dealt Ukraine a death-blow
Avdiivka, a must-hold town for Ukraine in the on-going and devastating war has just fallen into Russian hands.
It seems as if the inevitable fall of Ukraine to Russia is at hand. The question remains, since Russia had to sacrifice so-much to conquer eastern Ukraine, will they stop there? Will Russia move into Kyiv and head to the Western border? With Nato stopping short of sending troops into Russia, will this be considered a “loss” for Nato?
These questions are yet to be answered, but there is likely to be a downturn in the dollar if Russia manages to fully conquer Ukraine. This may also lead to the US being on war footing in three regions, the Middle East with Iran, China, and Ukraine/ Russia. Got Gold?
I received this report from Patricia Marins, a reporter covering the current Russia/ Ukraine conflict extensively, she reported the following:
“War isn't a 100-meter dash; it's a marathon. Months ago, as with Bakhmut, Avdiivka fell to Russia after intense fighting, but one thing remains common: the Russians can be delayed, but they never cease their advance. The fall of Avdiivka signifies that even in defensive positions and within strong fortifications, the Ukrainian army can at most delay the Russian progression.
Now, only a few more such fortresses, perhaps 4 or 5, constructed years ago by Ukrainian forces, stand in the Russian path. As I have reported for months, the Ukrainian army lacks a variety of resources—from personal equipment to ammunition, vehicles, and anti-air missiles. To be realistic, the Ukrainian army has not yet collapsed solely due to the heroism of some commanders and their men. With an average age of 45, the Ukrainian army is now fighting a losing war, where there is an eminent risk of the Russians opening two new fronts, further complicating the already chaotic situation for Ukrainian forces. These last remaining fortresses will delay the Russian advances, but what prospects does Ukraine have after the allies cease weapon deliveries? Essentially none.
Once the Russians pass these remaining defenses, they will have an open route to the center and north, with major cities in their path. This is where the war could become a real disaster for civilians. Ukrainians are reluctant to fight, especially because they hear firsthand reports from friends who have been on the front lines. Meanwhile, we have been largely fed unrealistic, positive news about Ukraine's situation. Though the Russians have lost a considerable number of tanks in Ukraine, they currently have deployed more tanks there than the total number possessed by all European countries' armies—not counting Russian reserves, just the units deployed. The prognosis is even bleaker. After resolving the electronics bottleneck, opening a new engine factory, and expanding gun barrel factories, the Russians have now opened a new transmission factory. They are preparing for a prolonged war, with a production curve that sharply contrasts with that of the Ukrainian forces. This doesn't even account for North Korean support. NATO's logistics have been one of the weak points of this conflict. Approximately 70 percent of military equipment transferred from the United States and Sweden arrives with spare parts, from the UK—up to 40 percent. From other countries—up to 10 percent, and countries like Poland and Slovenia provide no spare parts at all. The Leopard 2A6 tanks must be repaired in Lithuania, and only now are the 2A4s starting to be serviced in Poland. The Ukrainian T-64s theoretically could be repaired at VOP CZ in the Czech Republic, but not a single tank has reached any of their workshops. I have been analyzing several aspects of both armies for several months, ever since the provision of weapons began to compromise Ukrainian forces. Is there any possible shift in this balance that could favor Ukraine? Highly unlikely would be the answer, but time will tell.”
Stay Vigilant.
-Russell
This is horrible news for Ukraine. I hope it can be turned around, somehow.