Not that its a proxy war...Well equipped, US trained Ukrainian soldiers using US tactics, sophisticated US weapons, assisted by US contractors - vs - Antiquated Soviet era military reinforced with sheep herders and invalids from around the country.
What could go wrong for pootin?
I know that you’re kind a hung up on dropping that bridge, but consider this scenario from a world-opinion perspective.Odd, they never mention taking out the Kerch bridge to cut off and trap the Russians in Crimea, after possibly splitting them in the south, or going the long way through Luhansk and Donbas.
One reason not to destroy the Kerch bridge would be partly political, all the Russians and Russian loyalists are using it to flee Crimea. This would depopulate the region of Russian sympathizers and loyalists and leave an escape route for Russian troops, but perhaps not their equipment, tanks would be worn out getting there without rail transport and everything could be out of fuel.
It's the fear of its destruction, not the actual act that would be most beneficial, if the Ukrainians arrived on the shores of the sea of Azov. There is a critical rail junction in northern Crimea that could be taken out with HIMARs and that would serve the same military function of cutting the logistics for the Russians remaining in the south and western Crimea. So not blowing up the bridge might be more beneficial from a political and military perspective, fear of its destruction should do the work of making the Russians withdraw and their sympathizers to flee to Russia.I know that you’re kind a hung up on dropping that bridge, but consider this scenario from a world-opinion perspective.
Ukraine could leave the bridge intact while isolating and then retaking Crimea, allowing Russians (not just army) to bug out without reprisal, then take possession of the full span. (Not necessarily annexing its eastern anchor.) “We did not practice unnecessary destruction. Oh and we possess Putin’s Pride.” Definite win in the news.
They could expand a part of the east causeway into a toll booth, exacting a high toll on nonresident eastbound traffic. Call it a reconstruction assessment.
The rail junction has none of the symbolic value. If hitting it would have the necessary logistical effect, that would be a better solution imo.It's the fear of its destruction, not the actual act that would be most beneficial, if the Ukrainians arrived on the shores of the sea of Azov. There is a critical rail junction in northern Crimea that could be taken out with HIMARs and that would serve the same military function of cutting the logistics for the Russians remaining in the south and western Crimea. So not blowing up the bridge might be more beneficial from a political and military perspective, fear of its destruction should do the work of making the Russians withdraw and their sympathizers to flee to Russia.
The idea is to get the hardliners and pro-Russians out of there of their own accord, they know what they did! If the war and sanctions haven't changed minds in Crimea by the UN referendum, nothing will, they already had a majority that were pro Ukraine and that will be much larger. All those abandoned homes will end up being given to people from other parts of Ukraine who had their home destroyed by the Russians.The rail junction has none of the symbolic value. If hitting it would have the necessary logistical effect, that would be a better solution imo.
It also avoids trashing the highway, which would be how civilians evacuate.
they have their own tucker carlson, apparentlyHow about just leaving Ukraine and living like shit in Russia?
Several Bagdad Bobs in what looks like a game show set, I expect bells to ring and prizes to be handed out. Tuck should pay a visit as a guest; he'd fit right in and can explain it to his fans for a week when he gets back from Moscow. I think Tuck should visit Ukraine though, more drama, higher ratings, more profit for foxnews. Tuck is disposable and Rupert is a prick, it might be a good way to get out of his contract...they have their own tucker carlson, apparently