# 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:** 375
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7613 "2024-10-11T06:42:53Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It depends on what N Korea is sending. Would they sacrifice their own people as cannon fodder in a foreign war? Unless - gawdelpus - they see this as an opportunity to see in real life, rather than show pieces, what they might be able to do against a Western-backed neighbour. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7614 "2024-10-11T10:01:11Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > what they might be able to do against a Western-backed neighbour. I find it weird that they specified it was NK “officers” who were killed. Usually, it’s the enlisted men doing most of the dying, so why are so many “officers” being killed, without any mention of enlisted ranks? It feels like NK is only sending officers, which might be consistent with them training Russians on NK weapon systems, but not actually fighting themselves. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2024, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7615 "2024-10-12T04:33:55Z")
Russia lost a non-trivial number of brass in this war. The back ranks have been somewhat poorly protected. ---
**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:** [October 12, 2024, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7616 "2024-10-12T18:24:15Z")
Might also be that they’re sending ordinary schlubs, but that there’s some sort of propaganda value in promoting all of those schlubs to officer rank. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7617 "2024-10-12T18:30:22Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > I find it weird that they specified it was NK “officers” who were killed. Did they say if the entry wounds were in front or back? ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2024, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7618 "2024-10-12T18:32:20Z")
Exposure to actual combat is the best training any military can have. North Korea is taking advantage of a training opportunity that rival militaries in places like S. Korea and Japan do not have access to. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2024, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7619 "2024-10-12T19:29:58Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > Exposure to actual combat is the best training any military can have. Failure to survive changes it from training to culling. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7620 "2024-10-12T19:59:58Z")
Yeah, but even then, there’s still a lot more grunts dying. These guys didn’t even have a sergeant or two standing close to them? ---
**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:** [October 12, 2024, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7621 "2024-10-12T22:34:00Z")
The battlefield keeps rapidly evolving. Right now it’s the Russians going through Drone hell. The Combatants of the next wars will face similar challenges. The Russians called the night drones “Baba Yagas” after a forest witch from Slavic folklore. There is a video from the drone attack at night. Link [Ukraine’s Night Drones Are Bombing Moving Russian Tanks Now](https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/10/12/ukraines-night-drones-are-bombing-moving-russian-tanks-now/) > [@](#): > > Night capability is one of the branch’s priorities. Early in the wider war, most drones were strictly equipped with daylight cameras and were ineffective at night. Late last year, the Ukrainians began deploying so-called “vampire” drones fitted with infrared cameras, giving the soon-to-be-independent military drone groups their first true nighttime capability. > [@](#): > > A Ukrainian drone team from the Nemesis group scored one of the more impressive kills of Russia’s 31-month wider war on Ukraine last week when it spotted a fast-moving Russian turtle tank and, carefully leading the speeding vehicle, dropped one grenade to crack open the tank’s add-on armor—and then dropped a second grenade under the tank’s tracks. _At night._ ---
**Author:** ![Kelevra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/97f17d/32.png) [@Kelevra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kelevra)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7622 "2024-10-15T13:39:47Z")
Russia has apparently learned some lessons. They have been advancing more quickly this year due to a change in tactics and possibly lack of weapons/manpower for Ukraine. What I’ve read it seems the Russians are using glide bombs to destroy an area then move in. Not a lot that Ukraine can do about it although I did see a Russian fighter/bomber was shot down by an F-16. But I don’t think one succesful interception is going to change the Russian strategy. > ---
**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:** [October 15, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7623 "2024-10-15T16:35:11Z")
Inspiring story. The Ukrainians continue to fight in every way they can. They found a important role for older women that normally wouldn’t be soldiers. Ukraine’s Home Guard Obviously this isn’t sustainable. Arming and training older civilians is considered a last resort. Ukraine is running short of soldiers. Russia just keeps pressing forward. Taking ground regardless of their losses. I think this Unit can be effective shooting down drones. I’d hate to see them trying to engage Russian troops in a fortified building. > **[Ukraine war: Meet Bucha's female unit who gun down Russian drones](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62gx6rvv5wo)** > > The Witches of Bucha, as they call themselves, help protect Ukraine's skies from Russian drones. > [@](#): > > “About 90% of my men ended up in the army and another 10% hid, scattering like rats. We were left with barely anyone,” Col Verlaty says bluntly. “Just men with no legs, or half a skull missing.” > > He had a choice: to fill the roles with men below mobilisation age, or recruit women. > > “At first it was like a joke: ‘Let’s take women!’ There wasn’t much trust in them, in the armed forces. But that has really changed,” he says. > > The Witches spend their weekends undergoing a broader military training. On the day we visit, it’s their first lesson on storming a building. They practice in the ruins of a farm outhouse, poking rifles round empty doorways before edging warily past. > > Some manage to look more convincing than others, but the women’s commitment and focus is clear – because their reasons for doing this are deep and personal. ---
**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:** [October 16, 2024, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7624 "2024-10-16T14:00:04Z")
[North Korean Troops Deserting Ukraine Frontline Days After Arrival](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/north-korean-troops-deserting-ukraine-frontline-days-after-arrival-report/ar-AA1smcBI) > Some 18 North Korean soldiers are believed to have deserted the Russian frontline, with Kremlin fighters reportedly searching for them. … > > Intelligence officials cited by the broadcaster said the Russian military is searching for the North Korean soldiers, while commanders are trying to conceal the desertion from their higher-ups. South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun said that reports of troop casualties are likely to be true. Also: > _The Kyiv Post_ and _Interfax-Ukraine_ quoted intelligence sources saying six North Korean officers were killed on the Russian frontline near the Donetsk region in Ukraine on October 3. ---
**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:** [October 16, 2024, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7625 "2024-10-16T23:18:36Z")
> **[Six Russian soldiers granted French visas after fleeing war in Ukraine](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/16/six-russian-soldiers-granted-visas-to-france-after-fleeing-war-in-ukraine)** > > Organisations assisting Russian deserters hope France’s decision will lead to more soldiers fleeing ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7626 "2024-10-17T04:42:55Z")
And speaking of soldiers fleeing that war, [_Chosun Ilbo_ has this interesting article](https://www.chosun.com/english/north-korea-en/2024/10/16/JABL7BZ6FNFO7A53YDY3ZWVNTM/). > **Exclusive: Eighteen North Korean troops reportedly desert Russian frontlines** > > A group of North Korean soldiers recently deployed to support Russia deserted near the border close to Bryansk, Russia, a senior Ukrainian military official said on Oct. 15. The troops are believed to be part of a contingent sent by North Korea to assist Russia under a growing alliance between the two nations. The desertion is seen as further evidence of the military cooperation outlined in a North Korea-Russia agreement signed in June, which includes provisions for mutual military support. > > The Ukrainian official told The Chosun Ilbo that intelligence reports indicated 18 North Korean soldiers deserted approximately 7 kilometers northwest of the Ukraine-Russia border, between Bryansk and Kursk. “Russian forces are currently tracking the deserters,” the official said. “The soldiers have not been apprehended yet, and local Russian military units are reportedly attempting to hide the incident from higher command.” The exact military unit these soldiers belong to and their reason for desertion remain unclear. The article really shows some interesting things about the incident, especially the bit about trying to hide the situation from higher echelons. I wonder how long it will take those desertees to make it deep into Ukraine and freedom. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7627 "2024-10-17T04:46:05Z")
…and Disneyworld? ---
**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:** [October 17, 2024, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7628 "2024-10-17T05:15:59Z")
Ukraine should welcome the lost N. Koreans. Give the others more reason to desert. ---
**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:** [October 17, 2024, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7629 "2024-10-17T05:49:32Z")
> **[Australia gives ‘retiring’ tanks to Ukraine for war efforts](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-gives-retiring-tanks-to-ukraine-for-war-efforts-20241016-p5kivb.html)** > > The donation of 49 Abrams tanks will take the total of Australian aid to $1.5b for the embattled nation. > Australia will donate 49 tanks to Ukraine to help its army fight a renewed assault from Russian forces amid fears the growing attacks are putting nuclear power stations at risk. ---
**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:** [October 17, 2024, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7630 "2024-10-17T12:33:25Z")
They’re pretty beat up. Are parts vehicles worth shipping from Australia? It is a nice gesture to repair some of them. Updated electronics and weapons systems are needed to make them useful to Ukraine. > [@](#): > > The 49 Australian tanks are nearing the end of their working lives. Some will be repaired before being delivered, while others will be used for spare parts in Ukraine. > > The Australian Army will keep several of the older M1A1 tanks while it moves to a new version called the M1A2, with 120 new tanks on order under a [$3.5 billion deal finalised in January 2022](https://www.smh.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p59mub). ---
**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:** [October 17, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7631 "2024-10-17T14:16:40Z")
Zelensky didn’t give much details in the speech. He’s been briefing European leaders in private meetings. I get the impression he wants missile systems that would act as a deterrent to Moscow? Negotiate for peace or we’ll hit Russia with missiles? That doesn’t sound very effective against a country with a nuclear arsenal. Russia will win a pissing contest every time. I read yesterday that Biden is supposed to attend the EU conference. > **[Zelenskyy lays out Ukraine ‘victory plan’ which Moscow calls an escalation](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/16/zelenskyy-ukraine-victory-plan-nato)** > > Ukrainian president wants ‘unconditional invite’ to join Nato and rules out conceding territory to Russia ---
**Author:** ![Kelevra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/97f17d/32.png) [@Kelevra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kelevra)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972/7632 "2024-10-17T14:28:36Z")
Strange events. Someone is placing “dragon’s teeth” anti-tank obstacles on roads used by the Russian military. They are placed at night. There have been a number of accidents caused by people running into them. No one is sure who is doing it. They aren’t exactly light. > > > WarTranslated (Dmitri) @wartranslated [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972.md?page=374) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24-part-2/973972.md?page=376)