Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Take your GOP plan out of the witness protection program.

Ah, the different things are different argument.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

In short, I come down firmly on all sides of the issue.

Why is it so hard for them to condemn hate?

A snarling mass of vitriolic jackals

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

American History and Black History Cannot Be Separated

Thanks for reminding me that Van Jones needs to be slapped.

The GOP is a fucking disgrace.

And we’re all out of bubblegum.

Red lights blinking on democracy’s dashboard

I’d like to think you all would remain faithful to me if i ever tried to have some of you killed.

Prediction: the GOP will rethink its strategy of boycotting future committees.

New McCarthy, same old McCarthyism.

Let me eat cake. The rest of you could stand to lose some weight, frankly.

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

Take hopelessness and turn it into resilience.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

You can’t attract Republican voters. You can only out organize them.

“Can i answer the question? No you can not!”

I’m pretty sure there’s only one Jack Smith.

They love authoritarianism, but only when they get to be the authoritarians.

You are here: Home / Foreign Affairs / War for Ukraine Day 475: Here’s Your Inflight Update

War for Ukraine Day 475: Here’s Your Inflight Update

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(Image by NEIVANMADE)

They had to reroute my flight around a line of storms, so that’s added about an extra 30 to 45 minutes of flight time. So I’m going to try to crank out a quick update for you all right now on my iPad Mini. Keep good thoughts.

The Russians once again opened up on Ukrainian civilian targets in the small, quiet hours of the night. They hit Kryvih Rih to fatal effect.

Here’s the full text of the tweet:

russia attacked Kryvyi Rih with cruise missiles. One of the missiles hit an apartment building. According to

@SESU_UA

, at least 4 people were killed, 21 were injured, and 12 were saved from under the rubble. The rescue operation is ongoing. russia exploits loopholes in the sanctions regime and continues to produce missiles that kill Ukrainians.

Here’s President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump:

Together with our partners, we must ensure such physical conditions that make Russian terror impossible – address by the President of Ukraine

13 June 2023 – 22:46

Fellow Ukrainians!

This afternoon, the rescue and rubble removal operations in Kryvyi Rih after a terrorist missile attack have been completed. Unfortunately, 11 people were killed, including one child… My condolences to the families and friends. In total, more than 30 people were injured. All of them are being provided with the necessary assistance.

I would like to thank each and every person who took part in the rescue operation: rescuers, doctors, police, volunteers, local authorities, and ordinary citizens. Thank you for every life saved! Thank you for every person you helped today.

This deliberate Russian strike on an ordinary city only proves a simple truth once again: together with our partners, we must ensure such physical conditions that make Russian terror impossible.

The first is our sky shield. A sufficient number of air defense systems of sufficient capacity. Plus modern fighter jets. When the Russian ability to attack our cities and villages is physically limited by our sky shield, only then will the terrorist state realize that there are no alternatives to peace for all Ukrainians and defeat for Russia.

The second is the destruction of the basis for terror, for the production of new missiles by a terrorist state. Unfortunately, Russia still has the ability to obtain critical components for missile production from companies around the world, including companies from some partner countries. These components are then shipped to Russia in various ways. If we take, for example, one of the missiles that hit Kryvyi Rih today, about 50 components in it – mostly microelectronics – were produced in other countries.

And today, representatives of our state met with diplomats from the respective countries. All partners have a list of companies that supply Russia with components for murder. This list is available. Everyone in the world also understands how Russian terrorists are trying to deceive the world. And we are waiting for conclusions and swift action to stop Russian missile terror.

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on all companies in Russia that produce missiles. Such complete sanctions should be imposed globally against all of them. Every way of circumventing sanctions should be appropriately punished at the global level as well. Export controls over critical components must be tightened as much as possible. If someone acts as an intermediary or works together with Russia so that terrorists can continue to blow up residential buildings and kill people, such entities – whether business or government – deserve a response from the world. A tough response. Our partners have all the information on this.

It is definitely cheaper to cut terrorists off the supply of components for terror once and for all than to constantly spend more and more money on new air defense missiles.

Today, we also held a meeting to ensure inevitable, legal and fair accountability of Russia for this aggression. We are working on several scenarios for creating a special tribunal for the crime of aggression. A crime for which the highest Russian leadership must be held accountable. The crime that gave rise to all other crimes of this war. And this accountability will surely come. Indeed, this is not an easy task. But Ukrainians have already accomplished so many difficult tasks that they will not only accomplish it for sure, but will do it with pleasure. There will be a tribunal.

Today I met with IAEA Director General Grossi. We are working very actively to prevent any incidents at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP. As long as the invaders are there, there is a risk for the whole world, and this is obvious. Only complete de-occupation of the plant and its return to Ukrainian control can guarantee safety. And we will do everything for this.

It’s good that the IAEA is offering to send a group of experts to Ukraine to assess the consequences of Russia’s destruction of the dam and other structures at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. The world needs to know in detail what is happening and what crime against nature and people Russia has committed. I hope the IAEA experts will start working shortly.

And of course, our warriors, our heroes. I thank all of you who are now in combat, who are protecting and advancing our positions.

For example, the Bakhmut direction – and these are, in particular, the warriors of the 80th separate airborne assault brigade… There is advancement in different areas. I am grateful to you! Thank you for your extraordinary bravery!

The units of the Tavria operational and strategic group of troops – despite extremely fierce fighting, despite the occupiers’ air and artillery superiority, they are moving forward! Thank you, warriors! Thank you for every step and for every meter of Ukrainian land that is being liberated from Russian evil. Marines of the 35th and 36th separate brigades, the 110th separate mechanized brigade, the 128th separate mountain assault brigade, paratroopers of our great “Seventy-ninth”, artillerymen of the 55th separate brigade ” Zaporizhzhia Sich “. Thank you to all of you! Thank you for your strength!

And I thank everyone in our society who understands that the liberation of our land from such occupiers requires hard, heroic and intensive actions that day after day, step by step, give the necessary power to our offensive!

Glory to Ukrainian heroes! Glory to everyone in the world who helps!

Today I thank the United States for another timely package of defense support. Artillery, armored vehicles, ammunition for our HIMARS. Thank you, America!

Glory to Ukraine!

It’s HIMARS O’Clock!

Zaporizhia and Nikopol:

Tatarigami also has a long thread regarding what is going on south of Staromlynivka. First tweet from the thread followed by the rest from the thread reader app.

2/ While obstacles can be effectively bypassed using mine-clearing vehicles, bulldozers, mine plows, and other engineering equipment, it becomes challenging to do so with the presence of drones that provide real-time corrections to artillery fire and alert ATGM/helicopter teams.Image
3/ In anticipation of the AFU potentially capturing settlements on the flank, the enemy has deployed additional defensive systems, including anti-tank ditches, mines, and infamous dragon’s teeth. These measures are implemented to hinder flanking maneuvers by the AFU.Image
4/ While trenches and obstacles play role, the key consideration lies in the enemy’s available manpower and resources deployed in the area. Observers often overlook details such as the vulnerability of the area of responsibility between two units or unit’s combat readiness 
5/ It may seem counter-intuitive, but we are unlikely to witness adequately equipped or manned vehicle revetments and trenches here. Despite the russians following textbook requirements for defenses, in practical terms, I have not observed orthodox troop deploymentImage
6/ Instead of deploying conventional linear defenses as outlined in textbooks, the enemy opts for smaller units such as squads positioned in tree lines, buildings, or other locations that provide concealment from satellites and drones, while also offering basic protection. 
7/ An often overlooked aspect of the offensive is the success ratio of Ukrainian ranged targeting of russian troops, command centers, and logistics. This factor plays a key role in determining the outcome of the offensive, even though it may not be immediately observable 
8/ Independent observers can’t track progress solely by looking at maps. As a result, a “breakthrough” or its absence can seem random. Operational success isn’t just capturing positions, but also maintaining momentum and advancing after breaching enemy defenses. 
9/ It’s essential to recognize that if Ukraine successfully breaches enemy defenses and gains momentum in its advance, it will be a remarkable achievement in modern military history. This feat would entail overcoming a major military power, even in the absence of air superiorityImage
10/ Despite internal conflicts and limitations in strategic assault capabilities, the Russian army remains a formidable adversary. To ensure victory in any upcoming battle next year, preparations need to start tomorrow, if not today 
11/ @RALee85 and @KofmanMichael in their article for FP, emphasize the need for the West to focus on a long-term strategy rather than solely on counter-offensive: “history shows that wars are difficult to end and often go on well beyond the decisive phases of fighting”https://www.foreignaffairs....
12/ Considering recent news of russia bypassing sanctions and successfully restoring its pre-war import levels of microchips and electronics, I think that we cannot build a strategy that relies on a black-swan event that would abruptly defeat Russia and bring an end to the war.https://www.politico.eu/art...
13/ To prevent prolonged war, Ukraine must address negative Soviet legacy issues. Simultaneously, the West should bolster military aid and production. Western equipment has been proven to save lives of our soldiers, a major element for achieving victory. 

When I eventually get to where I’m going, I’ll check and see if there’s any formatting that needs fixing. Until then you’ll have to make do.

That’s enough for tonight given the current conditions.

Your daily Patron!

There’s a new video at Patron’s official TikTok, but it won’t embed. So here’s the link.

Open thread!

 

 

Reader Interactions

46Comments

  3. 3.

    Anonymous At Work

    Adam,

    I’m taking the view that General Goryachev, CoS of the 35th Combined Arms Army being killed means that RU is trying to adapt to stem retreats by sending what’s left of its senior officer corps back to the front lines and well into range of conventional artillery.  They won’t leave untrained soldiers and junior officers to retreat like last year but they’ll let their senior military commanders die BEFORE the untrained soldiers and junior officers flee.

  4. 4.

    Alison Rose

    All of these lives stolen, all the people inflicted with injuries and trauma, all the displaced families, all of it because of the maniacal fantasy-fueled narcissism of one pathetic little man. To paraphrase the Bard, the world is out of joint.

    Thank you as always, Adam, especially for getting this post up while traveling and dealing with related woes. I hope you get to where you’re going soon and safely.

  5. 5.

    Ksmiami

    Why can’t we seize all Russian assets held outside the country and redirect them to Ukraine? Seriously bankrupt the fuckers

  6. 6.

    Carlo Graziani

    Hi Adam.

    Most of Tatarigami’s tweets from 3/ onwards show up as white font on white background, but become visible when selected. I’ll copy-paste them here for the moment, you can fix them when you get to them.

    3/ In anticipation of the AFU potentially capturing settlements on the flank, the enemy has deployed additional defensive systems, including anti-tank ditches, mines, and infamous dragon’s teeth. These measures are implemented to hinder flanking maneuvers by the AFU.
    4/ While trenches and obstacles play role, the key consideration lies in the enemy’s available manpower and resources deployed in the area. Observers often overlook details such as the vulnerability of the area of responsibility between two units or unit’s combat readiness
    5/ It may seem counter-intuitive, but we are unlikely to witness adequately equipped or manned vehicle revetments and trenches here. Despite the russians following textbook requirements for defenses, in practical terms, I have not observed orthodox troop deployment

    6/ Instead of deploying conventional linear defenses as outlined in textbooks, the enemy opts for smaller units such as squads positioned in tree lines, buildings, or other locations that provide concealment from satellites and drones, while also offering basic protection.
    7/ An often overlooked aspect of the offensive is the success ratio of Ukrainian ranged targeting of russian troops, command centers, and logistics. This factor plays a key role in determining the outcome of the offensive, even though it may not be immediately observable
    8/ Independent observers can’t track progress solely by looking at maps. As a result, a “breakthrough” or its absence can seem random. Operational success isn’t just capturing positions, but also maintaining momentum and advancing after breaching enemy defenses.
    9/ It’s essential to recognize that if Ukraine successfully breaches enemy defenses and gains momentum in its advance, it will be a remarkable achievement in modern military history. This feat would entail overcoming a major military power, even in the absence of air superiority
    10/ Despite internal conflicts and limitations in strategic assault capabilities, the Russian army remains a formidable adversary. To ensure victory in any upcoming battle next year, preparations need to start tomorrow, if not today

    11/ @RALee85 and @KofmanMichael in their article for FP, emphasize the need for the West to focus on a long-term strategy rather than solely on counter-offensive: “history shows that wars are difficult to end and often go on well beyond the decisive phases of fighting”
    12/ Considering recent news of russia bypassing sanctions and successfully restoring its pre-war import levels of microchips and electronics, I think that we cannot build a strategy that relies on a black-swan event that would abruptly defeat Russia and bring an end to the war.
    13/ To prevent prolonged war, Ukraine must address negative Soviet legacy issues. Simultaneously, the West should bolster military aid and production. Western equipment has been proven to save lives of our soldiers, a major element for achieving victory.

  7. 7.

    Torrey

    Thank you for the updates, Adam. Wishing you a pleasant time with the Ducks ‘n Danes

    I have a question for those who are knowledgeable about such things regarding the video from Dmitri posted in last night’s update showing the Russian Volunteer Corps commander Nikitin talking to a bus full of Russian soldiers departing for a prisoner exchange. He asked if anyone wanted to join the Ukrainian side (including the Russian Volunteer Corps). I understand this was a last chance for them and therefore had to take place on the bus before departure, but I’m wondering about the wisdom of posting the full information about that one soldier who said he did not want to return to Russia on Twitter. And why was he sent back to sit down among his now presumably hostile compatriots when he’s just announced that he isn’t going back? Granted, the word would get out eventually, but broadcasting it like that seems to put even more of a target on the guy’s back–or, more to the point, on the backs of any family he has back in Russia.​​​

  8. 8.

    Lyrebird

    Thank you Adam for going even more above and beyond than usual!

    There are some pale grey text blocks remaining. It’s not a problem to highlight them and get more contrast while reading, but if you’re bored while changing planes or something it’s in what you have shown from Tatarigami, from
    3/ in anticipation …
    to “absence of air superiority” right before
    10/

     

    ETA: Carlo types faster and solved it for comment readers!!

  9. 9.

    Manyakitty

    Do you think they’re trying kill Zelensky’s parents? That town gets hit a lot.

  10. 10.

    Alison Rose

    @Manyakitty: I’ve been wondering about them. I would hope they’ve been moved elsewhere, either to another part of the country or out of the country entirely. If Olena and the kids are targets, so are his parents.

  11. 11.

    Bill Arnold

    Another perspective on electronics components availability in Russia, thread, plus a threadreader link:

    1/ Russian defence workers say they are facing a chronic shortage of electronic components, leading to them reusing old components, 'cannibalising' them from other devices and increasingly using unreliable Chinese substitutes. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/RH5Ek1iQNu— ChrisO_wiki (@ChrisO_wiki) June 10, 2023

    https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1667544167705092097.html

  14. 14.

    Jay

    @Torrey:

    It’s a propaganda video, and it had it’s effect, Wagner is freaking out on Telegram.

    The bus doesn’t leave, the idea is to let the idea sink in.

    As for the Orc’s going after his family, he’s Wagner, a Convict, so is he “connected” to family? If the Orc’s go after his family, if they disavowed him,………. or not,…….. another bad look for the Orc’s who are using every grift in the book to not pay soldiers, can’t deliver Lada’s to the mothers of the dead, best you will get is a bag of carrots or a potato.

  15. 15.

    oldster

    That salvo of rockets in Ilia Ponomarenko’s tweet — I assume those are not really HIMARS? I think of those US rockets as expensive and accurate and to be used one-by-one — that salvo looks like old-fashioned, Stalin’s-organ style unguided stuff. Honestly, I wonder how effective that sort of huge salvo is, except as a means of pulverizing a very broad area. Possibly better for wreaking havoc on a town than for softening up defenses? But what do I know. I’m pretty confident I would not want to be on the receiving end.

    I was pleased to see Biden and Blinken release another shipment of arms. The Ruzzians are making a big deal about killing a few Bradleys — we need to let them know that there is plenty more where those came from, and that we are sending them to Ukraine.

  16. 16.

    Jay

    SBU questioned two Russian captives, one of them is a machine gunner of the FSB commandant unit, which was used as barrier troops to prevent the Storm Z death squads from retreating. An intercepted call at the end confirms the disposability of the Storm Z units. pic.twitter.com/aq1c8zd1k8— Dmitri (@wartranslated) June 13, 2023

  18. 18.

    NutmegAgain

    @Alison Rose: I mean, of course–the Russians would be just that cruel and petty, no? What could destabilize the president more than going after his (presumably) older parents. Nasty, nasty… I need Jay’s offer of invective here~

  19. 19.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @oldster: Honestly, I wonder how effective that sort of huge salvo is, except as a means of pulverizing a very broad area.

    Sometimes what you need to do is pulverize a large area.  A railroad yard, a POL dump, an ammo storage facility, etc.

  20. 20.

    Jay

    @oldster:

    According to many. the Leopard and Bradley “kills”, ( other than the wooden mock up), were mobility kills and everybody survived. One of the Bradley Squads, driving a vehicle named NAFO, lost all their gear*, and has already been crowdfunded.

    *bivvy bags, sleeping bags, clothes, toiletries, etc

    And there is already video of an engineering vehicle hauling away one of the Leopards, which lost a track.

    As Arnold said, “I’ll be back”,…..

    https://twitter.com/NAFOMemesCenter/status/1668479351372025858/photo/4

  23. 23.

    Gin & Tonic

    One of the russian targets in Kryvy Rih was a bottled-water factory (uh, bottler? not sure) that was supplying Kherson, among other areas. So blow the dam, drain the reservoir and then a week later destroy a water bottler. Русский Мир indeed.

  25. 25.

    Lyrebird

    @Gin & Tonic: Wow.  Words fail.

     

    Wanted to say thank you for sharing a gift link with the photos and profiles of those soldiers badly wounded in Kherson.

    FWIW, I read and prayed for each one, and for the medical teams working with them and other Purple Hearts.  (so to speak)

  27. 27.

    Gin & Tonic

    @Lyrebird: You’re welcome, but if that was the article from yesterday or the day before, they were wounded in Bakhmut, not Kherson. Don’t mean to be pedantic about it, but being precise about location matters (at least to me.)

  29. 29.

    Lyrebird

    @Gin & Tonic: Duh, yes!!!  Thanks for correcting the record, especially in case someone else missed the link in your other comment & wants to go back and look for it!  I was thinking of the right place, the one fought for by the meter…  I’m glad they brought in an excellent photographer.  I hope the beautiful portraits help each of those men in their uphill paths.

    And for the language pedantry junkies, I don’t know if the person with the massive hearing loss is interested in learning Ukrainian Sign Language, but it’s related to ASL, because both were influenced by French Sign Language.

  33. 33.

    Maxim

    Thank you, Adam, for taking the time to update us. I have nothing to add besides fuck Putin and fuck Russia.

  36. 36.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Jay: I made it. Flight arrived about 6:45, was on my way by 7:05. Checked into hotel at 8:15. TaMara and I then went to her place where I got jumped by all three Danes at once! But especially Scout. Of the three current Danes, Scout is the only one I’ve met before and she appears to have really missed me. After we ate I spent the next two hours or so with Scout lying on me giving her and the other two Danes and Zander the cat attention. It was a good evening. Gonna rack out in a bit.

  37. 37.

    Debbie (Aussie)

     

     

    @Adam L Silverman:  Glad you are having a break from your usual routine. Can’t express how thankful I am for your daily updates. Give the Danes a scritch for me. Thanks Adam.

  39. 39.

    HeartlandLiberal

    FWIW, the Russians keep targeting Kryvyi Rih because Zelenskyy grew up as a native Russian speaker in Kryvyi Rih. Once again proving beyond proof that #RussiaIsATerroristState.

  40. 40.

    Geminid

    In Germany on Monday, NATO kicked off “Air Defender,” its largest air exercise ever. Participating are 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel from 23 NATO countries plus Sweden and Japan.

  42. 42.

    Carlo Graziani

    @Geminid: June 12-23. Very fortuitous timing, having an air armada of that size at full combat readiness simultanously with the UA counteroffensive entering a critical phase. It will give the Russians something to think about, should they feel the need to make more nuclear threats.

  45. 45.

    Bill Arnold

    Statement by Ms Catherine Colonna – Foreign digital interference – France’s detection of an information manipulation campaign (13 June 2023)
    Emphasis mine. Feisty!

    The French authorities have revealed a digital information manipulation campaign against France involving Russian actors and to which government bodies or bodies affiliated with the Russian State have participated by spreading misinformation.
    This campaign consists, among other things, of creating fake web pages usurping the identity of national media outlets and government websites as well as creating fake accounts on social media.
    …
    The implication of Russian cultural centres and embassies that have actively participated in spreading content produced by this campaign, including via their institutional accounts on social media, is further proof of the hybrid strategy that Russia is implementing to undermine the conditions for peaceful democratic debate, and therefore damage our democratic institutions.
    France condemns these acts, which are not worthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. No manipulation attempt will dissuade France from supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression.
    The French authorities are working in close collaboration with their partners to ensure the failure of Russia’s hybrid war.

  46. 46.

    Jinchi

    @HeartlandLiberal: So if Zelensky grew up as speaking Russian and Putin justified his war as a defense of Russian speakers, do Russians consider him a race-traitor? Or does the fact that he’s Jewish mean he was always an outsider?

Comments are closed.