# 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:** 321
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6517 "2023-12-21T17:47:19Z")
Just to tie this all to a news story: > **[Russian military's capability hurt by command ignoring "mouse fever": Kyiv](https://www.newsweek.com/russian-military-capability-hurt-command-ignoring-mouse-fever-kyiv-1853957)** > > Ukraine alleged Russia's command thought sick soldiers were feigning illness to avoid fighting in the war. This is described as a type of hantavirus. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6518 "2023-12-21T18:26:21Z")
I note this paragraph from the story you linked: > In a Telegram post, [Ukraine’s military intelligence directorate (GUR)](https://www.newsweek.com/russian-soldiers-suggest-mutiny-against-moscow-1852696) [reported](https://t.me/DIUkraine/3219) that mouse fever has spread through the ranks of the Russian troops “due to inadequate provision of winter clothing and a complete lack of medical care.” The post did not indicate how many soldiers were believed to be sick. Also this: > GUR wrote that the outbreak of mouse fever occurred near the city of Kupyansk in [Kharkiv Oblast](https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-war-kupyansk-map-evacuated-1818873), where the combat capability of the sickened Russians has been “significantly reduced” as a result. This is, of course, from Ukrainian sources, and the Russian response is of course denial that there’s any problem, but I know which side’s version I believe is closer to the truth. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2023, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6519 "2023-12-21T20:29:27Z")
Trench foot is from wet socks and cold weather. Something that’s almost impossible to avoid in a trench during winter battles. A soldier might be lucky to have 3 pair socks to wash and use. Would a soldier have 2 pairs of boots? It would take over a day for leather to dry outside in the cold. Today you can factor in the increase of diabetes in modern diets. There has to be some nasty, bone-deep wounds and amputations. ---
**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:** [December 22, 2023, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6520 "2023-12-22T13:39:20Z")
Who’s on First? It’s the Dutch government. 18 F-16’s are a nice development in defending Ukraine. Finding airstrips will be challenging. AFAIK there is no place inside Ukraine that Russia can’t successfully target. The Guardian feed > [@](#): > > ## Dutch government to deliver F-16 jets to Ukraine > > The Dutch government will send an initial 18 F-16 jets to Ukraine, President [Volodymyr Zelenskiy](https://www.theguardian.com/world/volodymyr-zelenskiy) announced on Friday following a conversation with the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte. > > “We discussed frontline developments, the situation in the Black Sea, and Ukraine’s current military needs, including artillery, drones, and air defence,” Zelenskiy wrote on X. > > We agreed to continue our joint work on security guarantees following the G7 Vilnius Declaration. We also discussed the next Peace Formula meeting and efforts to further consolidate international support for the Ukrainian vision of a just peace.” > > **The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions.** > > But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said. > > “Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government’s decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine,” Rutte wrote on X. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2023, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6521 "2023-12-22T18:38:37Z")
It’ll be a year before those planes are delivered. This is good news, but it’s not good _active_ news. ---
**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:** [December 22, 2023, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6522 "2023-12-22T19:18:43Z")
I bolded the sentences that referenced establishing the necessary infrastructure. Parking planes on an air strip would only get them bombed and destroyed. It’ll take a air defense artillery battalion to protect an airfield. I remember at the start of the invasion the Russian paratroopers almost seized control of a cruical airbase outside Kiev. (The Battle of Antonov Airport aka battle of Hostomel Airport) I’m not sure if its fully operational today. ---
**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:** [December 22, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6523 "2023-12-22T21:40:57Z")
> **[Russia warns US and Europe over reports Ukraine may get its seized assets](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/22/russia-europe-us-ukraine-seized-assets?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)** > > Kremlin threatens ‘serious consequences’ if there is an unprecedented seizure of Russian assets held abroad ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2023, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6524 "2023-12-22T22:30:40Z")
Speaking of fighter jets, the Ukrainian Air Force today claimed 3 Russian Su-34 shot down south of Kherson. OSINT Twitter speculation is that the latest Patriot battery from Germany has been deployed to the southern front. Also, the loss of these aircraft will force the Russians to reconsider their use of FAB-500 glide bombs. They’ve been using them extensively against the bridgehead at Krynky because their ~50km range allows (or rather, used to allow) for sufficient stand-off capability to avoid vulnerability to air defense. Apparently there has been significant wailing and gnashing of teeth on Russian Telegram channels, which is generally taken as confirmation of the Ukrainian claims. > ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2023, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6525 "2023-12-22T23:52:17Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > That assumes that the objective in war is to kill the enemy, Sun Tzu weeps. If Sun Tzu was living today he’d be rolling in his grave. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2023, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6526 "2023-12-22T23:54:37Z")
![](https://media1.tenor.com/m/ha3wrNQn2tQAAAAC/malcolm-reynolds-no-comment.gif "Malcolm Reynolds No Comment GIF - Malcolm Reynolds No Comment Speechless -...") ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2023, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6527 "2023-12-22T23:59:29Z")
It’s a paraphrased Randy Newman lyric from _[The World Isn’t Fair.](https://genius.com/Randy-newman-the-world-isnt-fair-lyrics)_ ---
**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:** [December 23, 2023, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6528 "2023-12-23T16:43:33Z")
The setting in a bombed building makes this more poignant. It’s humbling to realize the stress humans can endure and their spirit remains strong. Link [War is NOT over! Watch Ukraine soldiers sing their own versions of Christmas favourites including Let It Snow and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas in bomb-shattered Bakhmut | Daily Mail Online](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12896121/Ukraine-soldiers-sing-Christmas-songs-Bakhmut.html#v-60740755525647306) > [@](#): > > Inna Korolenko, a combat medic for almost two years performing on guitar and vocals, said: 'During the Christmas holidays, people naturally distance themselves from other people’s problems. I would very much like this project to make the world understand that the war is not over and it is necessary to get involved as much as possible. ---
**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:** [December 23, 2023, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6529 "2023-12-23T17:00:45Z")
Found the original link > **[I Wont Be Home for Christmas: Ukrainian soldiers share their versions of...](https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/12/23/7434332/)** > > Ukrainian soldiers have shared their versions of four popular Christmas songs, changing their lyrics to reflect the reality of the war and stress the importance of the world’s support for Ukraine. The songs they chose are Happy Xmas (War is over),... ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6530 "2023-12-23T18:30:38Z")
The NY Times is reporting Putin is “privately signalling” openness to a ceasefire. I don’t have a NYT subscription but you can read the highlights of the story [here.](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/ukraine/2023/12/23/report-putin-privately-signals-interest-in-ceasefire-in-ukraine/72019370007/) > Russian President Vladimir Putin has been privately signaling that he is open to a cease-fire in Ukraine, the [New York Times reported](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/23/world/europe/putin-russia-ukraine-war-cease-fire.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare) Saturday, despite publicly saying he won’t back down from the conflict that has been ongoing since early last year. > Putin has been indicating since at least September that he is open to stopping the fighting at the current boundary lines, the Times reported, citing two former senior Russian officials close to the Kremlin and other American and international officials. > Putin also “sent out feelers” for a cease-fire last fall, according to the Times, and communicated that he was satisfied with the territory they had taken. But sources cited by the Times also warned that it could be an attempt at “misdirection” or that Putin could change his mind if his troops regain momentum. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6531 "2023-12-23T19:28:06Z")
Of course he wants a cease fire. He’s bleeding resources dry and needs to regroup. What’s left of his soldiers lack food/weapons and are suffering from disease in the trenches. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6532 "2023-12-23T19:40:37Z")
Exactly. A ceasefire is much more useful to Russia than it is to Ukraine. The latter is still receiving a lot of support and materiel, and the former is haemorrhaging resources. Losing those three Su-34s in one day, and the probability of losing more, has got to hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6533 "2023-12-23T19:52:27Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Finding airstrips will be challenging. AFAIK there is no place inside Ukraine that Russia can’t successfully target. There’s no point in Ukraine that Russia can’t hit, on a good day, if they’re lucky, and if they’re really willing to spend heavily on it. There are plenty of places in Ukraine they can’t reliably hit. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6534 "2023-12-23T21:17:44Z")
@Johnny_L.A, @Magiver, I agree, Putin’s not looking for more than a chance to repair his war machine. Still, it’s interesting that this is being allowed to become public; perhaps a PR move, perhaps a sign of desperation? ---
**Author:** ![Mops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mops/32/16494_2.png) [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6535 "2023-12-23T21:26:37Z")
No downside to Putin offering a ceasefire IMO. If turned down, Ukraine can be cast as warmongers; if accepted, military advantage plus Ukraine‘s supporters not going to back a resumption of hostilities by Ukraine. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/6536 "2023-12-23T21:28:33Z")
You’re not warmongers while trying to repel invaders. Only idiots would accept such a spin. Ukraine should not accept ceasefire without Russia leaving the Ukraine. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972.md?page=320) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972.md?page=322)