I wouldn't put much weight in the drones either. They aren't UCAVs, so that only leaves recon duty - which is useful for an attacking army, but not so much for defense, especially against open-field armored vehicles. Everyone already knows where the Russian tank columns are, satellite imaging already does a good enough job for that. Drone recon is simply not the right tool to use here. And I suspect the donors are well aware of that.
Instead, in addition to money-laundering, the whole donation op seem like an attempt to saturate the area with small arms and RPGs, not to pose a credible resistance, but as a kind of scorched earth tactic. Coupled with Zelensky's order to release the combat-capable criminals from prisons, this mass armament will result in a "Lord of War" situation, turning Ukraine into a failed state... which is convenient for both sides, since Russia won't rush to officially claim the territory, and the west will be unable to setup any strategic missile installation more complex than a couple of guys with handheld rocket launchers. Everybody wins... except for those civilians unlucky enough to still be within this newly-formed Euro-Somalia.
But I agree the graphics are much bigger on paper. But who is doing that audit? The big one is Slovakia air defenses, and other potential MiGs, and repeated calls for cruise.
Haven't the peace talks failed? Did that broadcast change. Or has it committed more?
The peace talks are ostensibly stalling, which ties in to the operation described above - they're buying time to complete the weapon saturation. The lines from both sides that "compromises are discussed on key issues" are exactly the kind of generic non-commentary politicians say when they don't want to say anything.
However, Russian info agencies have started claiming that a resolution will come within a week now... not that we haven't heard that spiel a thousand times already, on certain other modern political matters. The question is how the cards will play out. There could simply be a cold shake of hands, with Russia assimilating the fledgling Donetsk and Lugansk republics while agreeing to leave Kiev alone. But I suspect the endgame won't be so smooth. I'm not expecting another "shot heard around the world", but I wouldn't be surprised if one comes along anyway.
A fair assessment. Except why the later broadcasts from both.
One is still calling for aid, topic, missiles, no fly zones, and continues to remain committed too the last man.
While the other said objectives will be met, further condemning traitors.
Talks we heard a million times. But last conflict Syria, differences. What did they achieve? Despite the assumed positives.
Curiously any news is all over the place. Neutrality, Crimea, parts of a deal.
Meanwhile that shot gets louder and louder by further propagation and provocation. But in any event nobody wants hot if they can keep it cold.
Although who is listening to much at this rate, even Eastern Europe, where they could even charge in. Meanwhile the Saudis start trading yuan. It's getting edgier.
I am not expecting much they will finally agree on. They'll both dangle offers to draw it out. For the intent of looking meaningful in the larger picture for population, conflict, international. But are nowhere near ready to sign, despite the optimism
I wouldn't put much weight in the drones either. They aren't UCAVs, so that only leaves recon duty - which is useful for an attacking army, but not so much for defense, especially against open-field armored vehicles. Everyone already knows where the Russian tank columns are, satellite imaging already does a good enough job for that. Drone recon is simply not the right tool to use here. And I suspect the donors are well aware of that.
Instead, in addition to money-laundering, the whole donation op seem like an attempt to saturate the area with small arms and RPGs, not to pose a credible resistance, but as a kind of scorched earth tactic. Coupled with Zelensky's order to release the combat-capable criminals from prisons, this mass armament will result in a "Lord of War" situation, turning Ukraine into a failed state... which is convenient for both sides, since Russia won't rush to officially claim the territory, and the west will be unable to setup any strategic missile installation more complex than a couple of guys with handheld rocket launchers. Everybody wins... except for those civilians unlucky enough to still be within this newly-formed Euro-Somalia.
Read somewhere they're kamikaze attack drones?
But I agree the graphics are much bigger on paper. But who is doing that audit? The big one is Slovakia air defenses, and other potential MiGs, and repeated calls for cruise.
Haven't the peace talks failed? Did that broadcast change. Or has it committed more?
The peace talks are ostensibly stalling, which ties in to the operation described above - they're buying time to complete the weapon saturation. The lines from both sides that "compromises are discussed on key issues" are exactly the kind of generic non-commentary politicians say when they don't want to say anything.
However, Russian info agencies have started claiming that a resolution will come within a week now... not that we haven't heard that spiel a thousand times already, on certain other modern political matters. The question is how the cards will play out. There could simply be a cold shake of hands, with Russia assimilating the fledgling Donetsk and Lugansk republics while agreeing to leave Kiev alone. But I suspect the endgame won't be so smooth. I'm not expecting another "shot heard around the world", but I wouldn't be surprised if one comes along anyway.
A fair assessment. Except why the later broadcasts from both.
One is still calling for aid, topic, missiles, no fly zones, and continues to remain committed too the last man.
While the other said objectives will be met, further condemning traitors.
Talks we heard a million times. But last conflict Syria, differences. What did they achieve? Despite the assumed positives.
Curiously any news is all over the place. Neutrality, Crimea, parts of a deal.
Meanwhile that shot gets louder and louder by further propagation and provocation. But in any event nobody wants hot if they can keep it cold.
Although who is listening to much at this rate, even Eastern Europe, where they could even charge in. Meanwhile the Saudis start trading yuan. It's getting edgier.
I am not expecting much they will finally agree on. They'll both dangle offers to draw it out. For the intent of looking meaningful in the larger picture for population, conflict, international. But are nowhere near ready to sign, despite the optimism