[Goose]

Is Bakhmut “something stupid”?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/27/world...khmut.html

BC

Yes, but probably not stupid enough to defeat the Russians. The battle there is very bloody for both sides, probably more so for the Russians but not overwhelmingly so. The defensive positions Russia is building are designed to force Ukraine into bloody attacks on prepared positions where the Russians can prevail with low-quality troops and suffer only "moderate" casualties. The Russian casualties in Bakhmut are generally better troops and are "heavy", not "moderate". This is bad but not disastrous. It also uses up lots of Russian and Ukrainian artillery. Russia should stop the nonsense but probably Putin has to save face.

We need Putin to loose patience with the "rope-a-dope" and come out swinging. That way Ukraine can fight on ground of their own choosing when they have an advantage. This can result in "disastrous" casualties for Russia, and that is what we need. It would be equally good for Ukraine to achieve a breakthrough and exploit it, but the former is difficult and risky. The latter Ukraine seems unable to execute.

[Goose]

Is Bakhmut “something stupid”?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/27/world...khmut.html

BC

Yes, but probably not stupid enough to defeat the Russians. The battle there is very bloody for both sides, probably more so for the Russians but not overwhelmingly so. The defensive positions Russia is building are designed to force Ukraine into bloody attacks on prepared positions where the Russians can prevail with low-quality troops and suffer only "moderate" casualties. The Russian casualties in Bakhmut are generally better troops and are "heavy", not "moderate". This is bad but not disastrous. It also uses up lots of Russian and Ukrainian artillery. Russia should stop the nonsense but probably Putin has to save face.

We need Putin to loose patience with the "rope-a-dope" and come out swinging. That way Ukraine can fight on ground of their own choosing when they have an advantage. This can result in "disastrous" casualties for Russia, and that is what we need. It would be equally good for Ukraine to achieve a breakthrough and exploit it, but the former is difficult and risky. The latter Ukraine seems unable to execute.