Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: Snipers #2, Penal Unit Woes, Drone Help, & Far-Right Russia
Table of Contents 📖
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"You've just got to look at what the Russians are doing and have the stones to say, that's wrong. And I'm going to do something about it."
Hello Team!
Jonathan shares an article from the BBC discussing the difficulties Ukrainian forces are facing in overcoming Russian defenses, particularly the extensive minefields. Even with specialized mine-clearing equipment like rollers, the Russians have been stacking mines to destroy the equipment more quickly. This makes the process of clearing paths for troops time-consuming and costly in terms of equipment and lives.
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Drones Helping Wounded Soldiers
In a positive story, Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance used drones to locate and aid wounded soldiers from the 1st Tank Brigade in the Zaporizhzhia sector. The drones dropped water and medicine to the soldiers, who were possibly behind enemy lines or in the grey zone, and successfully brought them back to Ukrainian positions.
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Snipers in Ukraine - Part 2
Continuing the article on snipers, it discusses how crucial snipers are for reconnaissance. With their high-powered optics, they can provide detailed information on enemy positions and movements. An anecdote is shared about how a group of snipers completely mapped out Russian positions during the successful counter-offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in 2022, allowing Ukrainian forces to liberate villages with minimal losses. The article also mentions that the components of a successful sniper are:
- 20% shooting ability
- 20% camouflage skills
- 20% getting to a position unnoticed
- 20% leaving a position unnoticed
- 20% reconnaissance skills
Snipers often direct artillery fire as it can be more advantageous than shooting themselves. Night snipers, mostly women, are highly respected and always provided with the best equipment. With the right scopes, they can eliminate targets up to 2km away at night.
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Penal Unit Woes
Russian penal unit soldiers who previously refused to fight have reportedly been rounded up at gunpoint, had their phones destroyed, and taken back to the front lines. Originally a group of 43, they had posted videos refusing orders after suffering heavy losses. Some managed to hide, but most were forcibly returned to fight under a new commander. Their relatives fear for their safety, with one wife saying "our boys will be killed soon" and that the army warned her to stay away from her husband.
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Far-Right Groups in Russia
A thread by Pekka Kaljoniemi discusses the prevalence of neo-Nazi and far-right groups in Russia, contrary to the Kremlin's claims of "denazifying" Ukraine. Points include:
- The Russian government has utilized neo-Nazi groups to counter opposition through "managed nationalism"
- Prominent neo-Nazi paramilitary groups like Wagner and Rusich are fighting in Ukraine, with Rusich expressing genocidal intentions towards Ukrainians
- The Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) has provided paramilitary training to far-right militias in several countries
- Russia uses Nazism in cynical ways: to control domestic opposition, train foreign extremist groups, blame others as a casus belli, and as a propaganda tool
The thread concludes that the only country in need of denazification is Russia itself.
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Veterans Helping Ukraine in Dnipro Delta
British, American, and Australian veterans and volunteers, known as the "Ten Strong Team," have been helping Ukrainian forces drive Russians out of the Dnipro Delta islands. Over 8 weeks of intense fighting, they've helped secure a bridgehead on the occupied side of the river. The team believes this will open up a new avenue of attack for Ukraine's summer counter-offensive. Using drones, fast boats, and heavy weapons, the team has given Ukrainian special forces an edge, particularly after the flooding caused by the destroyed dam. Two British veterans, Harry Rowe and Tony, discuss their motivations for fighting, including the massacres at Bucha and wanting to take a stand against Russian actions despite the risks of capture and torture.
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Supporting Ukraine from Australia
Jonathan highlights a resource shared by a viewer, Lionhearted Fella, called "United Resource for Ukrainians in Australia." It provides ways for Australians to support Ukraine through donations, attending events, writing letters, and more. Jonathan encourages his Australian viewers to check out the website and spread the word to drum up support for the Ukrainian cause.
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Wrap up
Jonathan expresses his appreciation for all those fighting for Ukraine, especially the foreign volunteers who are risking their lives for what they believe is right. He thanks his viewers for their support and mentions he will have more content to share in upcoming videos.
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