Part II: Comments from a Military Man – July 25, 2014

Authored by John Kohchang / Edited by S. Naylor

Strelkov: “Over the course of yesterday and today our losses near Marinovka-Kozhevnya-Dubrovka totaled approximately 50 men (almost all of them – wounded), 2 tanks, 2 BMPs, and 1 BTR.”

Comment: The Ukie Army can afford large loss of men and material as they have US/NATO behind them, the capacity of the state to enforce conscription; and PMC (Paid Military Contractors, mercenaries) to make up losses in men. The Tanks/IFVs plus equipment can be made up with old CCCP stock still available to Kiev plus the steady arrival of NATO equipment.

The SDF (Novorossia Militia) do not have the men or material (despite the MSM fraudulent claims of Russian aid) and losses to the SDF can not be easily replaced. What shocked me reading one of your posts about how an entire Base with Tanks/IFVs and Equipment was not utilized until a few days ago. That, to me, is disgusting, as some of those battles in Slavyansk could have used the equipment and possibly still be holding out.

The Ukraine military has the advantage of a massive superiority of men and material, but the SDF – when engaging in combat on the ground of their choosing or in ambushes – can usually defeati the UA. But as they have so few men, SDF can not defend on all fronts, so we will continue to see Strekov having to contract his forces and give up ground; these tactical withdrawals are not defeats they are a necessity.

Strelkov: “Losses of the enemy exceed ours several times over. The enemy sustained particularly large losses to its manpower. Heavy casualties were also inflicted on the freshly arrived Nazi-scum [National Guard] Battalion Azov. The enemy is severely demoralized, but continues to latch on to the “corridor”, although the latter has narrowed to 1 kilometre”

Comment: Again, here we see the SDF giving up ground but continuing to attack the MSR(main supply route) to the armored columns of the UA. Cutting or interrupting the flow of logistics and loss of men will, as Strekov states, demoralize the UA Forces.

Strelkov: “Between the settlements of Konstantinovka and Novomikhailovka (to the south-west of the settlement of Marinovka, on the western outskirts of Donetsk), our Saboteur-Reconnaissance Group (“SRG”) “Ptitsa” [Bird], which is part of the 2nd Slavyansk Infantry Battalion, using remotely controlled mines blew up two Kamaz trucks with enemy infantry. Yesterday, the same group destroyed the enemy Grad system that was being transferred to a firing position in order to attack the city”

Comment: This is a perfect example small unit being a force multiplier and hitting out of all proportion to its size. As stated in an earlier report these actions can reduce the fighting ability of the UA considerably.

Strelkov: “The battles for the settlement of Blagodatnoye (to the north of Amvrosievka) continue. Supported by 4 tanks and 4 BTRs, the enemy again attacked the village. In the course of the battle, our maneuverable groups, composed of the personnel of the 4th Regiment of the 3rdSemenovka Infantry Battalion, were able to destroy 1 BTR. The experienced commander of the regiment (“Kozyr” [Trump Card]) used prescribed tactical orders, pursuant to which our infantry avoids defending checkpoints and stationary fortifications when faced with an attack by obviously superior enemy armored forces and forces them into a maneuverable battle directly in an urban area or in a forested zone, paying the most attention to eliminating the enemy’s manpower. Frequently, the enemy reacts very nervously to such a tactical maneuver and retreats.”

Comment: Again as stated in my earlier report, the holding of CPs (Check Points) against these massive UA Tank columns is useless. Instead the SDF are pulling back and maintaining a fluid defense; hitting the columns in prepared ambush of point/choke points where they can use their limited artillery to its full potential. They are also hitting the rear logistics and to draw the UA into built up areas and engage.

General Comments: Stockpiling of material for the defense of Lugansk and Donetsk should be well under way by now for a long drawn out siege, with food/ammo and if possible winter stores.

I must commend the militia on their Intelligence collation it seems top notch (is this the only way the Russians are really assisting?)

It is worrying that talk of American involvement OTG (on the ground) in Ukraine is increasing daily. More elite United States Army troops have arrived in Kiev under strict security: 180 personnel from Rangers and Police ‘Specialist’ units. Many of them have had intensive Ukrainian language study at Fort Benning under Special Operations Forces command.

Most of the newcomers have experience and training in South and Central America, within the framework of military and military-industrial cooperation, as well as in intelligence and Counterintelligence for the United States’ geopolitical interests.

There are also reports that a Dutch Para Battalion (do not know how accurate) has been put on stand-by RTM to Ukraine!

Russia needs to recognize that NATO is not going to stop, they are moving in BATT/SAD (Special action Division) training teams. In the eyes of the MSM, Russia is already supplying the militia, so, in my eyes, the Russians might as well do it with some conviction; still keep it covert, but increase the flow considerably.

We are starting to witness the same effects on the Ukraine public as on the Americans in the Vietnam era. Constant loss of loved ones – not reported by the Junta – are being passed around by word of mouth, but today we have the Internet so losses cannot be hidden effectively. Social media is showing the growing unrest of mothers and families here, here, and here. Do not under-estimate how badly this effects the fighting troops.