The Russians spent the month of October trying to take Avdiivka. So, let’s have a look at their progress…

4 comments

1. The more dead Russians the better.

2. Actually, Russia accomplished a lot. They demonstrated that the summer Ukrainian offensive hasn’t eliminated all their reserves or material. Further, it demonstrates the brutal will of Russian leaders (and population) to spend life of their own citizens in vast quantities even for the attainment of small objectives.

   These offensives are succeeding in attriting Ukrainian forces. Ukraine really can’t sustain losses at this level for long periods of time. A 20 to 1 loss ration in favor of Ukraine is still success as far as Russia is concerned. Russia is more than willing to lose 2 million more of it’s citizens in this war where Ukraine may not be able to handle even 100K more KIA without civil disruption.

   Lastly, these Russian offensives seize the initiative from Ukraine and prevent Ukraine from chipping away at places where Russia may be weak.

3. Captain Darling: Look, this is the amount of land we’ve recaptured since yesterday.

   General Melchett: Oh, excellent. Um, what is the actual scale of this map, Darling? –

   Captain Darling: Um, one-to-one, sir.

   General Melchett: Come again?

   Captain Darling: Er, the map is actually life-size, sir. It’s superbly detailed. Look, there’s a little worm.

   General Melchett: Oh, yes. So the actual amount of land retaken is?

   Captain Darling: Excuse me, sir. Seventeen square feet, sir.

   General Melchett: Excellent.

4. Stop linking to Twitter.