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The up-gunned, tracked MT-LBs are further evidence of the Kremlin’s worsening equipment crisis as it struggles to make good its losses in Ukraine.
The first of these weirdo MT-LBs started showing up in Ukraine last month. On or before Feb. 3, Ukrainian forces in Vuhledar captured from hapless Russian brigades a 13-ton, two-crew MT-LB sporting a 2M-7 gunboat turret.
The 2M-7 is an over-under pair of 14.5-millimeter machine guns behind a steel shield. It entered service with Soviet forces in 1945.
Ukrainian missile teams, tankers and artillery gunners—including the crews of MT-LB-12s—can hit the weirdo Russian vehicles from thousands of yards beyond the weirdos’ own firing range. That might not be such a big problem if the MT-LB were better-protected.
Now, the Russian MT-LB/2M-3/7 might have an anti-aircraft role—which, of course, would obviate the armor problem. But the vehicle lacks a radar to guide its gunfire. So if it is an air-defense system, it’s a bad one.
teachings of the Bible are so muddled and self-contradictory that it was possible for Christians to happily burn heretics alive for five long centuries. It was even possible for the most venerated patriarchs of the Church, like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, to conclude that heretics should be tortured (Augustine) or killed outright (Aquinas). Martin Luther and John Calvin advocated the wholesale murder of heretics, apostates, Jews, and witches. - Sam Harris, "Letter To A Christian Nation"
(March 7, 2023 at 7:24 am)Belacqua Wrote: Here is a blog post by a British guy who lives in China. I cannot vouch that is 100% accurate, but it might make sense for you to read something by someone who is actually there. He gives links to other sites. Many of the sources I see, both independent (non-corporate) anglophone media and media from Chinese-speakers, corroborate what he's saying.
March 7, 2023 at 6:55 pm (This post was last modified: March 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm by The Architect Of Fate.)
Quote:Here is a blog post by a British guy who lives in China. I cannot vouch that is 100% accurate, but it might make sense for you to read something by someone who is actually there. He gives links to other sites. Many of the sources I see, both independent (non-corporate) anglophone media and media from Chinese-speakers, corroborate what he's saying.
The China shilling on this site is freaking amazing
Quote:You have to be very careful with Falun Gong sources. They are big on Q-Anon, they say that evolution is a lie, they are big pro-Trump people. Japanese people tend to lump them in with other new religions like the Moonies.
There is a great deal of misinformation on the Internet.
Says the person who falls for every Anti-West Anti American conspiracy on the net. Your lack of self-awareness is truly amazing.
Quote:Why do you think this will make me happy? Do you think I am in favor of forced labor?
At this point, if it defended your position yes I think you would defend forced labor if it was China or Russia doing it.
Quote:Believe you on what? That China is Orwellian?
It freaking is
Quote:And no one is surprised that Ukrainian soldiers are in bad condition in Bakhmut. Ukraine is losing badly.
False. Even if Russia manages to take the city it might as well be a defeat for the ungodly losses they have taken for a worthless pile of rubble that will be difficult to defend from counter-attacks and they have not even come close to anything essential in Ukraine. If you call Ukraine losing badly you need to have your head checked. See I actually can give reasons why Russia is losing all you can do is proclaim Ukraine is losing.
Just more nonesense
"Change was inevitable"
Nemo sicut deus debet esse!
“No matter what men think, abortion is a fact of life. Women have always had them; they always have and they always will. Are they going to have good ones or bad ones? Will the good ones be reserved for the rich, while the poor women go to quacks?” –SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
March 7, 2023 at 11:20 pm (This post was last modified: March 7, 2023 at 11:23 pm by The Grand Nudger.)
Ukraine is inflicting a casualty rate on russia somewhere between 5-1 and 7-1, depending on who you believe, in bakhmut. It's estimated that a rate of 2-1 holds for the conflict overall since 2014. The KIA-WIA within those rates are assessed to be much higher for russian forces, due to a lack of adequate combat medical gear. If that's what it looks like when ukraine is losing, then it's worse for russia than anyone imagined.
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!
(March 7, 2023 at 11:20 pm)The Grand Nudger Wrote: Ukraine is inflicting a casualty rate on russia somewhere between 5-1 and 7-1, depending on who you believe, in bakhmut. It's estimated that a rate of 2-1 holds for the conflict overall since 2014. The KIA-WIA within those rates are assessed to be much higher for russian forces, due to a lack of adequate combat medical gear. If that's what it looks like when ukraine is losing, then it's worse for russia than anyone imagined.
Let us remember that a 3:1 offensive ratio is considered minimum for good chances of success.
(March 7, 2023 at 11:20 pm)The Grand Nudger Wrote: Ukraine is inflicting a casualty rate on russia somewhere between 5-1 and 7-1, depending on who you believe, in bakhmut. It's estimated that a rate of 2-1 holds for the conflict overall since 2014. The KIA-WIA within those rates are assessed to be much higher for russian forces, due to a lack of adequate combat medical gear. If that's what it looks like when ukraine is losing, then it's worse for russia than anyone imagined.
Even if Ukraine were to capitulate today, Russia has already lost the war. Leave aside the massive loss of manpower/equipment, the loss of Russia’s status as a near-peer, and the exposure of the inadequacies endemic in the Russian military. Since Putin’s rationalization for this mess was his opposition to NATO expansion, I think he’d be stunned by how quickly Turkey and Hungary drop their objections to new admissions.
If you fail to achieve your stated objectives, you’ve lost the war.
Boru
‘I can’t be having with this.’ - Esmeralda Weatherwax
(March 8, 2023 at 6:07 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote:
(March 7, 2023 at 11:20 pm)The Grand Nudger Wrote: Ukraine is inflicting a casualty rate on russia somewhere between 5-1 and 7-1, depending on who you believe, in bakhmut. It's estimated that a rate of 2-1 holds for the conflict overall since 2014. The KIA-WIA within those rates are assessed to be much higher for russian forces, due to a lack of adequate combat medical gear. If that's what it looks like when ukraine is losing, then it's worse for russia than anyone imagined.
Even if Ukraine were to capitulate today, Russia has already lost the war. Leave aside the massive loss of manpower/equipment, the loss of Russia’s status as a near-peer, and the exposure of the inadequacies endemic in the Russian military. Since Putin’s rationalization for this mess was his opposition to NATO expansion, I think he’d be stunned by how quickly Turkey and Hungary drop their objections to new admissions.
If you fail to achieve your stated objectives, you’ve lost the war.
Boru
Stop reading news that dont agree with Bel. You are propagandized!
Oh and Russia is not responsible for Russia invading Ukraine. After 300 pages Bel was not able to make that simple statement, probably knowing how asinine that would sound.
Yet thats what he is trying (not) to say for the past 100 pages, without saying it out loud.
(March 5, 2023 at 10:58 pm)Belacqua Wrote: This is a handy guide to the kinds of statements that make up pro-war propaganda, compiled by a Belgian historian.
We could use the list to play Bingo on this thread.
1. We don't want war, we are only defending ourselves!
Quote:‘No other option’: Excerpts of Putin’s speech declaring war
Before launching the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II, Putin addressed his nation.
[...]
“Today, I again consider it necessary to come back to the tragic events taking place in the Donbas and the key issue of ensuring Russian security. Let me start with what I said in my address of February 21. I am referring to what causes us particular concern and anxiety – those fundamental threats against our country that year after year, step by step, are offensively and unceremoniously created by irresponsible politicians in the West.
“I am referring to the expansion of the NATO to the east, moving its military infrastructure closer to Russian borders. It is well known that for 30 years we have persistently and patiently tried to reach an agreement with the leading NATO countries on the principles of equal and inviolable security in Europe. In response to our proposals, we constantly faced either cynical deception and lies, or attempts to pressure and blackmail, while NATO, despite all our protests and concerns, continued to steadily expand. The war machine is moving and, I repeat, it is coming close to our borders.”
(March 5, 2023 at 10:58 pm)Belacqua Wrote: 3. Our adversary's leader is inherently evil and resembles the devil
The Ukrainian government is Nazi and we need to remove them from power.
Quote:“What I think is important to emphasise further is that the leading NATO countries, in order to achieve their own goals, support extreme nationalists and Neo-Nazis in Ukraine, who, in turn, will never forgive the Crimeans and Sevastopol residents for choosing reunification with Russia.
“They, of course, will crawl into the Crimea, just like in the Donbas, in order to kill, just as the gangs of Ukrainian nationalists, Hitler’s accomplices, killed defenceless people during the Great Patriotic War. They openly lay claim to a number of other Russian territories.
“The course of events and the incoming information show that Russia’s clash with these forces is inevitable. It is only a matter of time: they are getting ready, they are waiting for the right time. Now they also claim to acquire nuclear weapons. We will not allow this to happen.”
(March 5, 2023 at 10:58 pm)Belacqua Wrote: 4. We are defending a noble cause, not our particular interests!
No one wants another Nazi induced war in Europe. We need to stamp that out before it even begins.
{Same as above}
(March 5, 2023 at 10:58 pm)Belacqua Wrote: 5. The enemy is purposefully committing atrocities; if we are making mistakes this happens without intention
Ukrainian army uses civililan structures to shield themselves from our bombs... so what can we do? We bomb hospitals and schools.
Quote:Ukraine: military endangering civilians by locating forces in residential areas - new research
Schools and hospitals used as military bases by Ukrainian forces
[...]
‘Being in a defensive position does not exempt the Ukrainian military from respecting international humanitarian law’ - Agnès Callamard
The Ukrainian military has endangered Ukrainian civilians by establishing bases and operating weapons systems in residential areas - including in schools and hospitals - as it has sought to repel the Russian invasion, Amnesty International said today.
Ukraine’s tactics have violated international humanitarian law as they’ve turned civilian objects into military targets. The ensuing Russian strikes in populated areas have killed civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure.
Not every Russian attack documented by Amnesty has followed this pattern. In certain locations in which Amnesty concluded that Russia had committed war crimes - including in some areas of the city of Kharkiv - Amnesty did not find evidence of Ukrainian forces located in civilian areas unlawfully targeted by the Russian military.
Quote:When Russia invaded Ukraine, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) did not hesitate to throw its support behind the Kremlin’s war against a neighboring Orthodox nation. Far from wavering, that support has only grown more strident as the war progressed.
The reason is not just that the church is used to giving its blessing to any actions taken by the country’s leadership. Quite simply, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, head of the ROC, is betting on Putin’s tanks to preserve the institution of the church throughout the fallen empire.
(March 5, 2023 at 10:58 pm)Belacqua Wrote: 10. Whoever casts doubt on our propaganda helps the enemy and is a traitor
Quote:LONDON, March 16 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday delivered a stark warning to Russian "traitors" who he said the West wanted to use as a "fifth column" to destroy the country.
The Kremlin leader assailed Russians who he said were more mentally in tune with the West than Russia, and said the Russian people would quickly be able to tell the difference between traitors and patriots.
"Of course they (the West) will try to bet on the so-called fifth column, on traitors - on those who earn their money here, but live over there. Live, not in the geographical sense, but in the sense of their thoughts, their slavish thinking," he told government ministers, three weeks into Russia's war with Ukraine.
"Any people, and especially the Russian people, will always be able to distinguish the true patriots from the scum and the traitors, and just to spit them out like a midge that accidentally flew into their mouths."
All that to show that Russia is a textbook example of pro-war propaganda. Gotcha!
March 10, 2023 at 11:02 am (This post was last modified: March 10, 2023 at 11:05 am by Fake Messiah.)
Putin's No 1 enemy Bill Browder says dictator has 'no reverse gear' and war will get worse
Quote:Putin has no reverse gear, he has no ability to compromise, he doesn't negotiate, he just doubles down, triples down, and quadruples down. And so we should expect really nasty stuff in the future. More troops being drafted, more equipment coming in there.
Putin has been in power for 22 years. In that 22 years, he and about a thousand people around him have stolen a trillion dollars from the Russian state. That's money that should have been spent on hospitals, schools, roads, but was spent on private jets, Villas and Swiss bank accounts. You can do that for a year or two or five, but you can't do it for 22 years without people getting angry. And at some point Putin was afraid that people would be angry and say, "Vladimir, we don't want you here anymore."
In Russia, if you get kicked out as a dictator, you go to jail, your money gets taken away, and you probably die. So for Putin, he's scared to death of his own people. And the best way of dealing with that fear and to deal with that anger is to try to get them angry at somebody else. It's Machiavelli 101 to create a foreign enemy, start a war, and so the Russian people will be mad at the enemy not at Putin. That's what this war is all about.
Well, Putin has been losing this war even though he has more troops and more equipment than the ukrainians. The Ukrainians are defending their Homeland. They understand that if the Russians succeed, the men would be killed, the women raped, and the children taken away -- that's a pretty big motivation. and so every time they get any kind of equipment to fight the Russians they use it to its
teachings of the Bible are so muddled and self-contradictory that it was possible for Christians to happily burn heretics alive for five long centuries. It was even possible for the most venerated patriarchs of the Church, like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, to conclude that heretics should be tortured (Augustine) or killed outright (Aquinas). Martin Luther and John Calvin advocated the wholesale murder of heretics, apostates, Jews, and witches. - Sam Harris, "Letter To A Christian Nation"
(December 18, 2022 at 12:58 pm)Thumpalumpacus Wrote:
(December 18, 2022 at 12:35 pm)Irreligious Atheist Wrote: And Boris Johnson publicly spoke out against a peace deal many times, so yeah, big conspiracy theory tin foil hattery to suggest that he would tell Zelenskyy at their meeting not to take any peace deal. Maybe you just haven't been following the news the past little while, so I forgive you for the ignorance.
Boris Johnson doesn't speak for America, nor NATO, for that matter. To what shall we attribute your ignorance of this basic fact?
Also, I never said anything about this being tin-foil conspiracy, so that renders part of your post a straw-man. Was this deliberate, or are you simply unfamiliar with spotting fallacies in your own thinking?
(December 18, 2022 at 12:35 pm)Irreligious Atheist Wrote: And I love Hitchens and have read some of his books, but he died still claiming there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Just sayin.
You'll struggle in vain trying to find any post I made where I asserted everything he wrote was correct.
That doesn't, however, reduce the validity of his point, which is that without evidence, what you wrote may well be bullshit, and skepticism is entirely warranted. Do you need any other obvious truisms explained for you?
(December 18, 2022 at 12:27 pm)Irreligious Atheist Wrote: NATO has now attacked their nuclear triad brazenly.
This is rot. NATO forces haven't attacked any Russian asset. Ukrainian forces have.
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