Current Events > Russia is retreating from Kharkiv

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-world-news-kharkiv-e06b2aa723e826ed4105b5f32827f577

At this rate, Ukraine might as well take back Crimea

I would definitely pump the brakes on thinking they're on their way to retaking crimea. Not only is it the hottest tourist destination for russians, but it contains the only port in the entirety of Russia that doesn't freeze in the winter which is why they keep their Black Sea fleet there.

It makes sense as a strategic target to force Russia to deploy a lot of resources to protect it, but it's going to be a much harder fight to retake that than it will be various chunks of the donbas and I think you can expect an uptick of war crimes coming from Russia the closer Ukraine gets to retaking it.

I wouldnt seriously suggest that Russia is letting them advance so rapidly in order to draw the Ukrainians into a trap, as they have shown nothing but strategic ineptitude since the invasion began. However if the Ukes were smart, that possibility would at least be on the back of their minds.

mustachedmystic posted...

I wouldnt seriously suggest that Russia is letting them advance so rapidly in order to draw the Ukrainians into a trap, as they have shown nothing but strategic ineptitude since the invasion began. However if the Ukes were smart, that possibility would at least be on the back of their minds.

This would make zero sense, as the loss of this territory further constrains their ability to supply and reinforce their forces fighting to hold Kherson.

If it is a deliberate strategy on Russia's part, in otherwise words, it's too clever by half.

ElatedVenusaur posted...

This would make zero sense, as the loss of this territory further constrains their ability to supply and reinforce their forces fighting to hold Kherson.

If it is a deliberate strategy on Russia's part, in otherwise words, it's too clever by half.

In terms of retreating in the north, the only strategic benefit I can see is that with the US HIMARS outranging their own artillery, Russia may be forced into getting close enough to their own border for their air defense capabilities to provide enough coverage for them to destroy those anti-air systems using more traditional means.

A big advantage Russia has in the East is that they can attack from their territory while Ukraine can't reach them and because for the most part everyone's been avoiding attacking targets in russia. The closer the Ukrainian army gets to the Russian border, the bigger combat advantage Russia will have which could lead to significant losses leading into winter. They may be hoping to stall long enough so that by the time they resume the offensive most of Europe is choking under a lack of gas and oil, leaving Ukraine isolated.

I'm all for any "Good News" for Ukraine in general.

My hearts go out to Ukraine's war efforts.

only way this'll end is with nukes getting deployed or zaporizzja getting turned into a second chernobyl

putin's probably livid

Kaiganeer posted...

only way this'll end is with nukes getting deployed or zaporizzja getting turned into a second chernobyl

putin's probably livid

At this point, there is literally no strategic or political reason for Russia to continue this conflict. It's 100% Putin's ego on the line.

You see, the Russian front fell off. That's not very typical, I'd like to make that point.

Fuck it, they should just invade Russia now

damn this is such a relief. great news!