# Russia invades Ukraine {2022-02-24} (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** ukraine-invasion, breaking-news\ **Created:** [October 29, 2022, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972 "2022-10-29T17:49:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 161
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3255 "2023-03-27T19:06:53Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Shit just got real. Russia will soon face a counter offensive supported by 40 Marder Infantry fighting vehicles, 14 UK Challenger 2 and 18 Leopard 2 tanks. That should finally give Ukrainian forces a chance to significantly push Russian forces out of Eastern Ukraine. > > Guardian blog They should have about 60 or so Bradley’s as well. Shit hasn’t gotten real yet, but from the Russian perspective it’ll be getting there soon. ---
**Author:** ![Askance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askance/32/8281_2.png) [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3256 "2023-03-27T19:41:28Z")
> **[Russian soldiers say commanders used ‘barrier troops’ to stop them retreating](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/27/russian-soldiers-commanders-used-barrier-troops-stop-retreating)** > > Assault unit members claim in video that superiors ‘want to execute us’ after ‘huge’ losses in eastern Ukraine > Members of a recently formed Russian assault unit say their commanders deployed troops to stop them from retreating and threatened them with death after they suffered “huge” losses in eastern Ukraine. > > The Storm soldiers in the video alleged they were being forced to give money to their commanders and those who refused were sent to the frontline. > “We sat under open mortar fire and artillery for 14 days,” Alexander Gorin, a Russian soldier, is heard saying in the appeal, [which first appeared on Friday](https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1634860992973660160)on Russian Telegram channels. “We took huge losses. Thirty-four people were injured and 22 died, including our commander.” > > Another soldier said the unit initially comprised 161 men at the start of the operations. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3257 "2023-03-27T20:21:24Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Putin may be tempted to shoot one of his tactical nukes at them. Putin may then be shocked and surprised to have China join a complete and total blockade of anything going in or our of Russia. North Korea may still be on board though, so Putin will have that going for him. ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3258 "2023-03-27T20:32:52Z")
Sadly, use of ‘barrier troops’ is a time-honored Russian military tradition. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3259 "2023-03-27T21:13:34Z")
[Orlando Bloom visited Kyiv.](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bloom-unicef-ambassador-actor-visits-childrens-centre-kyiv-2023-03-26/) Not war news, I know, but still I’m happy he’s putting himself at risk to help where he can. ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3260 "2023-03-27T21:23:57Z")
A beaver attacked a Ukrainian position: > Most beavers are working on the Ukrainian side to keep out the invaders: > **[Ukraine credits local beavers for unwittingly bolstering its defenses — their...](https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-says-defenses-stronger-thanks-beavers-dams-2023-1?r=US&IR=T)** > > A local beaver population has been busy making dams along Ukraine's border with Belarus, unknowingly helping Kyiv in its defense. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3261 "2023-03-27T23:08:57Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Putin may be tempted to shoot one of his tactical nukes at them. Yes. That is a risk. Tactical nukes have been a risk since the 1950’s. Granted, they are more of a risk at some times and locations than others but this has been a concern since the early days of the Cold War. I try not to think about the possibility too much as there’s really nothing I personally can do about it. I do know that militaries around the world have drawn up plans around their use, but none of them have been tested in real life. I hope they never are. > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Putin may then be shocked and surprised to have China join a complete and total blockade of anything going in or our of Russia. North Korea may still be on board though, so Putin will have that going for him. Yes, that might happen. Or it might not. We really don’t know what the result of tactical nukes would be. Would China join in with others in utterly rejecting any nation that uses them? Again, I’d be happy with never knowing a definitive answer. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3262 "2023-03-28T01:45:50Z")
Putin is in a position to use nukes. Surely North Korea will stick with China, their ally in the Korean War. Their Dear Leader, however is just as nuts as Putin. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3263 "2023-03-28T03:32:41Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Their Dear Leader, however is just as nuts as Putin. And probably just as physically ill. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3264 "2023-03-28T04:42:19Z")
I over looked the 20 UK Bulldog armoured troop carriers. I haven’t seen any information if they’ve been delivered. It’s better to leave Russia guessing. Ukraine will eventually have Bradley’s, Bulldogs, and Marder infantry fighting vehicles. That’s a lot of firepower if it’s deployed strategically. Russia had similiar equipment but I think a lot of that inventory has already been used. > [@](#): > > As well as the 14 UK Challenger tanks, the UK is sending Ukraine 20 Bulldog armoured troop carriers and 30 AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns. ---
**Author:** ![Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiendish_astronaut/32/3295_2.png) [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3265 "2023-03-28T11:19:47Z")
The Ukrainian Defence Minister just posted this picture of some recent arrivals. [![](https://scontent-lcy1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/337735730_242265518188266_1813231483440711380_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=OcfvpQ4pqAgAX9K7Z_S&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBrHKeC-PyxzguQPz8w_7W_gGIyS5mLXKyqiP4mq9k_FA&oe=64277F07) ](https://scontent-lcy1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/337735730_242265518188266_1813231483440711380_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=OcfvpQ4pqAgAX9K7Z_S&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBrHKeC-PyxzguQPz8w_7W_gGIyS5mLXKyqiP4mq9k_FA&oe=64277F07) Germany have also just confirmed the delivery of the first shipment of Leopard 2s. In that picture you can see the British Challenger 2 which is the first of the modern NATO battle tanks to arrive. The minister described it as “a work of military art”. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3266 "2023-03-28T12:04:39Z")
That is some serious gun elevation on the Challenger. ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3267 "2023-03-28T12:22:13Z")
Useful for urban warfare. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3268 "2023-03-28T14:24:18Z")
Happily, [the IAEA will be placing experts at all Ukrainian nuclear plants going forward.](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/28/zelenskyy-accuses-russia-of-radiation-blackmail-at-zaporizhzhia) And repaired hydro power equipment will now be hidden underground. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3269 "2023-03-28T14:25:21Z")
What is the flag on the far left? It’s similar to Montenegro, but without the crown at the top and a motto scroll added at the bottom. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3270 "2023-03-28T14:33:08Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > Happily, [the IAEA will be placing experts at all Ukrainian nuclear plants going forward.](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/28/zelenskyy-accuses-russia-of-radiation-blackmail-at-zaporizhzhia) And repaired hydro power equipment will now be hidden underground . This reminds me – whatever happened to the Ukrainian nuclear scientists working at the Zaporizhzhia power plant and held captive by Russian soldiers? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3271 "2023-03-28T14:34:41Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > What is the flag on the far left? It’s similar to Montenegro, but without the crown at the top and a motto scroll added at the bottom. Some airborne unit. The [winged parachute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachutist_badge) is a dead giveaway. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3272 "2023-03-28T14:39:19Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > What is the flag on the far left? It’s similar to Montenegro, but without the crown at the top and a motto scroll added at the bottom. Flag of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces: [Ukrainian Air Assault Forces - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Air_Assault_Forces) ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3273 "2023-03-28T14:47:20Z")
Thanks for the flag check. That’s what the SDMB is for! I don’t expect that vehicle can fly? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/3274 "2023-03-28T15:01:47Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > I don’t expect that vehicle can fly? Airborne units are often more a historical designation than a current one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972.md?page=160) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972.md?page=162)