[GK3]

IMHO the following article summarizes the military situation in Ukraine today.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/life-ukrainia...40264.html

It explains the current situation, but it also gives lots of hope for the future. The Ukrainian troops discuss the problems the open terrain in the Donbas is creating for them. They also discuss their current artillery disadvantages. The arrival of the M777s from the US will certainly help this situation. It isn't yet "the answer", but in a few weeks/months it may be. The question is are 90 tubes enough?

The weakness of the Russian's "reconnaissance to contact" advances in Ukraine is largely due to the Ukrainian infantry not being engaged by Russian infantry and driven off/fully engaged before they can use their anti-armor missiles. The BTG organization has been criticized because it does not provide enough organic infantry support even when the infantry is enthusiastic in their support. With reluctant warriors it has got to be even worse. Bad move by the Russians to destroy their Cold War structures for a "new model" that apparently has major problems.

From what I have read the CEP of the finned, gps guided M 777 rounds is only 4 meters.  If they have the ammo, they can shoot and scoot far more easily than in past conflicts.  Also the Russians are reputed to have carried over design flaws from their T72 tanks to the latest models.  In the T72 the tank had 3 crew, and the gunner, loader and all the ammo was stored in the turret.  A penetration through the top of the tank usually led to ignition of the ammo supply and blowing the turret far into the sky.  Current pictures seem to support the flaw continues.
I remain surprised that the Russian forces don't have enough air power to supress the Ukrainian artillery.  
The Ukrainian forces seem to have a substantial lead in leadership and morale.  Two wonderful attributes to have on your side in a close contest.
My experience dates back to the second half of the 1960's in Vietnam. Times and equipment have sure changed, but the importance of leadership and morale has not.

[GK3]

IMHO the following article summarizes the military situation in Ukraine today.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/life-ukrainia...40264.html

It explains the current situation, but it also gives lots of hope for the future. The Ukrainian troops discuss the problems the open terrain in the Donbas is creating for them. They also discuss their current artillery disadvantages. The arrival of the M777s from the US will certainly help this situation. It isn't yet "the answer", but in a few weeks/months it may be. The question is are 90 tubes enough?

The weakness of the Russian's "reconnaissance to contact" advances in Ukraine is largely due to the Ukrainian infantry not being engaged by Russian infantry and driven off/fully engaged before they can use their anti-armor missiles. The BTG organization has been criticized because it does not provide enough organic infantry support even when the infantry is enthusiastic in their support. With reluctant warriors it has got to be even worse. Bad move by the Russians to destroy their Cold War structures for a "new model" that apparently has major problems.

From what I have read the CEP of the finned, gps guided M 777 rounds is only 4 meters.  If they have the ammo, they can shoot and scoot far more easily than in past conflicts.  Also the Russians are reputed to have carried over design flaws from their T72 tanks to the latest models.  In the T72 the tank had 3 crew, and the gunner, loader and all the ammo was stored in the turret.  A penetration through the top of the tank usually led to ignition of the ammo supply and blowing the turret far into the sky.  Current pictures seem to support the flaw continues.
I remain surprised that the Russian forces don't have enough air power to supress the Ukrainian artillery.  
The Ukrainian forces seem to have a substantial lead in leadership and morale.  Two wonderful attributes to have on your side in a close contest.
My experience dates back to the second half of the 1960's in Vietnam. Times and equipment have sure changed, but the importance of leadership and morale has not.