Poroshenko claims Ukraine is now being offered weapons by NATO.

[JayH]

BB has tried to tell us about the incompetence of Ukrainian military and the superiority of the Russians as a fighting force-even incorrectly claiming that the Donetsk airport was lost 2 days ago-- fwiw-no one is underestimating how difficult a task Ukraine faces-but it is a mistake to overestimate Russian capabilities.If the Russian forces were not using civilians and civilian areas to shelter- they would have suffered even more significant losses.
Ukraine has done its best to respect civilian areas-- while part of the Russian agenda is to destroy infrastructure and housing.Using a policy of scorched earth if they are forced to retreat--the aim is to leave Ukraine with a huge cost to resurrect industry ,infrastructure,housing etc
Chances are that if Ukraine is ever able to force a withdrawal-that will be Russian reaction--one of Putin's aims is to attempt to break Ukraine economically by costing it huge amounts to defend itself and rebuild.Ironically--the Russian invasions will result in far more help from the west to rebuild Ukraine.
The long term war will be won if Ukraine can succeed in being a democracy  with a free market economy-that alone will sink a Russia as it is and has been.

Todays news!!

Ukrainian military managed to push militants from Donetsk airport about a mile in the direction of "Spartacus."
Reported by journalist Andrew Tsaplienko in Facebook , citing company commander assault "PS" with the call sign "Bars".

"Force ATO pushed militants from the airport for about half a mile in the direction of" Spartacus ", the stripping stumbled on fortified area" sepa "in Ukrainian security forces are" three hundred "in particular" Legal Sector "two" - he wrote.

Recall, as previously reported 93 soldiers brigade two kilometers deepened in Donetsk . In Donetsk airport all day fierce fighting continues. Volunteers reported that the airport was taken three dead and 20 wounded soldiers. However, another volunteer physician reported 20 dead and more than fifty wounded . The commander of the 5th Battalion single "Right Sector" with the call sign "Black" denied reports 20 dead . Adviser to the President Yuri Biryukov said that the situation in Donetsk airport as of 20:00 "missed something." Some fighters have deserted , but there is a lot. Defenders Donetsk airport, referring to the Ukrainian, promised not to depart terminals and win Ukrainian land.
http://24tv.ua/news/showNews.do?sili_ato_vidsunuli_boyovikiv_vid_aeroportu_donetska__dzherelo&objectId=532665

[AC]

Jay, your post is not really accurate because the fighters in E. Ukraine are a mixture of Ukrainians who are ethnic Russians, mercenaries from Chechnya and Russia, and actual Russian soldiers.  Should Putin really invade then unfortunately we are likely to see that a full Army of Russian regulars can and will overwhelm the Ukrainians.

It does not make me happy to write that but it's realistic and not wishful thinking like most of what you write.

[JayH]

AC-- serious post gets a serious reply--mostly what I post is linked to supporting article--bit it is not always my opinion in every article and often I do not agree 100% -but the general direction has merit.
For example-- todays link is a work in progress. It does go to rebut BB's repeated posts of Ukrainian military being a failure-- and there is so much needed to cover that.  You mention Chechyans above as mercenaries-that is not necessarily so--there are regiments of Russian Army in Ukraine from Chechnya-- so dangerous to presume that equals mercenaries.
eg-- a ceasefire has been in place that supposedly locked in frontlines-these have not been respected by the Russian side and many breaches of the protocols have been recorded by the OSCE observers. Until recently-Ukraine respected those theoretical lines on the map-- so making progress by moving forward  was not on Ukraines agenda-- but BB's comments ignore those simple enough points.
Today--interesting reports are flowing-time will tell us more soon--

In Donetsk are active street fighting - witnesses
Oleg Mysko January 18, 2015, 00:04

Residents of Donetsk began reporting on social networks about the fact that Ukrainian troops entered Donetsk and street fighting erupted in the city.

Reported journalist Alexander Argatov, news reports "Press Ukraine".

"As a result of the release operation Donetsk airport and Ukrainian military forces aircraft took Duc strategic base. They're coming battles in the city," - said Argatov.

This information confirmed by other users of social networks.

"Sepa Russians and Ukrainian GVA today gave a little tough" - written by journalist Peter Shuklinov.

Recall that the Ukrainian military took corridor Donetsk airport and trying to keep up, and soldiers from 93 Brigade Armed Forces went to 2 km in Donetsk - coming battle. Militants and Russian secret services attempt to fight off the airport and attack with all weapons, including "Hurricane."
http://uapress.info/uk/news/show/57300

[JayH]

More issues=-- note-these are the writers views--I do not necessarily agree!

'The Russian Army Has Huge Problems'
The following is an interview with Rajan Menon, a professor of political science at the City College of New York and a senior research scholar at the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University.

MOTYL: Every one-two months, Ukraine expects a massive Russian invasion. Is this a valid fear?

MENON: The Russian army has huge problems. People tend to tally Russian divisions, not realizing that a significant number aren’t fully staffed, equipped, or combat-ready. Moreover, the poor quality of recruits mirrors Russia’s health crisis. Russia already has thousands of troops deployed—unsuccessfully—to quell a 20-year insurgency that’s spread across the entire North Caucasus.

Ukraine is large and populous; Russian generals will be hard-pressed to sustain an army in the field, especially once their units enter regions with hefty Ukrainian majorities. Ukrainians have a history of partisan warfare and will resist. Urban warfare is a bloody business, and Russia would pay a heavy price to conquer and hold big Ukrainians cities. Russian airpower and artillery can cause huge damage, but only ground forces can seize and retain territory: that’s where Russia’s military weaknesses will become apparent. In Crimea, Russia had unique advantages (troops and military infrastructure in place plus a welcoming Russian majority) that it won’t have elsewhere in Ukraine. Politically, a full-blown Russian invasion would eviscerate Moscow’s relationship with the West, rendering Russia a raw-material appendage of China.

http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/alexander-j-motyl/russian-army-has-huge-problems

[bagalia]

Interesting isn't it? Made a corridor and pushed back the trash by 2 kilometers. If it is true (probably is) and that won't be a reality for a few more hours. I would like them to keep moving and throw it all in the bucket. Most likely they will not.

[lordtiberius]

Billy B has attempted to argue the superiority of Russian military strength with dubious result.  The Ukrainian high command assessed by John Schindler is not in doubt.  They suck.  Poroshenko's tolerance and his approach to government is an open question.

[AC]

Billy B has attempted to argue the superiority of Russian military strength with dubious result.  The Ukrainian high command assessed by John Schindler is not in doubt.  They suck.  Poroshenko's tolerance and his approach to government is an open question.

 

[mendeleyev]

Personally, I like Poroshenko. His travels to, and interactions with the troops, are impressive and recognized as such by those he visits.

The question in my mind is whether he can reform a very corrupt system. The Oligarchs who thwart progress really don't care to see an open and transparent society developed. To a degree, they also do not care whether Ukraine is free, or a vassal of Russia. Right now, Poroshenko must convince them that were Ukraine to be conquered by Russia, they could be replaced by a new set of Oligarchs from Moscow.

[BillyB]

Billy B has attempted to argue the superiority of Russian military strength with dubious result.  The Ukrainian high command assessed by John Schindler is not in doubt.  They suck.

LT, you are so upset with what I write, you're failing to comprehend. I said the Russian military will dominate a fight against the Ukrainian military but they will suck if the American military shows up. For some reason you think Putin has thrown everything he's got in Ukraine and can't make progress.

Poroshenko must convince them that were Ukraine to be conquered by Russia, they could be replaced by a new set of Oligarchs from Moscow.

Putin must prove to the Ukrainian people the new boss is the same as the old boss and won't make any progress to improve their lives. Putin also must prove their military is in sorry shape. He must break Ukrainians will to resist and fight. The Donbas airport is of little strategic value since it's destroyed but it will be great for the propaganda machine for both Ukraine and Russia.

[papacool]

What is doing NATO in Ukraine, today zero.
I write this message for the second time.
Ukraine and south of Russia were jewish during 2.000 years. Russia win this country, and now Israel want to come back in Ukraine, the country of fathers. In my state, Cherkassy oblast, 45% were jewish before bolcheviks start to kill them.
These people will come back in Ukraine and fight since Maidan against Russia and now in Donbass.
They are masters with drones, 18 19 August russian army had to go to Crimea but was stopped and this was done without died in Ukraine army.
3 days before, russian wanted to take airport in Donetsk. About 200 of the best soldiers commandos russian died, zero from Ukraine.
Only drones can do this.
Yes this week Canada official, but this is USA send 42 monsters bags (I dont know the name in english) arrived in Ukraine.
The real work is made from Honolulu or Birmark or Providence, or Haifa with men with the joistick command for drones.

And I give you last news, Europe and soon all occidental countries block change with rouble, that is, it will be impossible for russian people to go in our countries. This is same as blocus of visas.

[JayH]

The Battle to control the airport & surrounds is ongoing. Ukrainians managed to clear the area yesterday --but as I write the Russians have mounted a huge attack again.
So far--Ukrainians are holding--but surrounded again.

The airport has assumed huge significance beyond any tactical importance. Russian media have repeatedly claimed it is under Russian control and repeatedly looked foolish when reports proved premature.
The incredible effort to hold off the Russians has become symbolic for Ukrainians where the "Cyborgs" have carved their own legendary status--and shown Ukraine could stand up to the Russians despite all the difficulties they have faced. 

Or we create the conditions for the effective protection of the Donetsk airport, or we lose it.


The concept of this - to expand the control zone to the entire Donetsk and Lugansk regions. And Zakharchenko, and Carpenter have previously stated that they need full control over the territory of the region - as "new republics". To achieve this goal has been developed military operation. Of course, not only them, but also by Russian special services. They identified several objects that are signed, including the airport - they believe both strategic object and symbol of the intransigence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, if the militants and the Russian military will be able to seize the airport, it will be for them a great value. Sign, which will give them the feeling that they have the priority that they have a victory - not only moral, but also military.
Больше читайте здесь: http://ru.tsn.ua/analitika/uderzhat-aeroport-405797.html

[lordtiberius]

What grade would you give the West?  I would give Saudi Arabia an A+ and the rest of the West an F.

[JayH]

AIRPORT UPDATE-- still in Ukr hands


 
marqs
‏@MarQs__
Adviser to #Poroshenko: Tonight we evacuated all wounded from the new terminal at #Donetsk airport & did a partial rotation of our forces
http://twitter.com/MarQs__/status/557064606137745409

MOIn Donetsk airport hosted an epic battle with dozens of tanks and artillery duels
Більше читайте тут: http://tsn.ua/ukrayina/pid-doneckim-aeroportom-vidbuvsya-epichniy-biy-iz-desyatkami-tankiv-i-artileriyskimi-duelyami-403401.htmlRE DETAILS__ Video
Ukrainian paratroopers stormed the enemy positions.

The intense battle on the outskirts of the airport lasted two hours, commandos ran into a strong fortification by militants. Command sent to the aid of a few tanks and soldiers. Among the many soldiers originating from the Donbas. In their eyes before the fight was not a hint of fear. They were going to fight for her house, protect and return their homeland.
Більше читайте тут: http://tsn.ua/ukrayina/pid-doneckim-aeroportom-vidbuvsya-epichniy-biy-iz-desyatkami-tankiv-i-artileriyskimi-duelyami-403401.html

More--

War of Ukraine
ANALYSIS OF COMBAT in Donetsk AЄROPORTU 15 January 2015 G. Why is this fight? For the first time in a very long time at the actions of the Russian side appeared tactical approach and the overall planning of combat. Caution will express their own assumption - planned and commanded the battle one person. Most likely - someone from the staff officers of special forces mid-level (battalion, regiment). Callsign "Bumblebee". The main task - to eliminate a group of Ukrainian Armed Forces at the airport.

[lordtiberius]

NATO Secretary welcomes Ukrainian membership

http://ukraineenglishnewsforum.createaforum.com/general-discussion/nato-ukraine-is-ready-to-consider-an-application-for-membership-stoltenberg/new/#new

[AkMike]

LT stop quoting another forum.. Poor Taste.

 Besides that isn't the source.

[lordtiberius]

LT stop quoting another forum.. Poor Taste.

 Besides that isn't the source.

I report.  You decide.

[AkMike]

Your other report from that other forum is suspect.. I didn't find the actual article on Gordon..  Nor anywhere else so far about the 230000 hrn bribe that they caught from the Natl. Guard.

[fathertime]

LT stop quoting another forum.. Poor Taste.

 Besides that isn't the source.

Is it poor taste to quote another forum?  Did you not like the information he quoted? There is no forum war....


Fathertime! 

[lordtiberius]

If I reported something false, please tell me so I can correct it.  Thx

[Steamer]

NATO Secretary welcomes Ukrainian membership

That's the same as a bank "welcoming" my request for a $10 million loan.


For Ukraine to be accepted into NATO it would take unanimous approval by all standing members. Knowing that the first thing Ukraine would do upon membership would be to invoke article 5 (an attack against one is an attack against all). The majority of members would not support this. This is why Ukraine will never be in NATO.

[lordtiberius]

And yet the courtship continues .. .

Finland and NATO

http://geographical.co.uk/geopolitics/geopolitics/item/483-will-finland-say-joo



Sweden and NATO

http://m.thelocal.se/20150109/more-swedes-show-support-for-nato

[Steamer]

And yet the courtship continues .. .

Finland and NATO

http://geographical.co.uk/geopolitics/geopolitics/item/483-will-finland-say-joo



Sweden and NATO

http://m.thelocal.se/20150109/more-swedes-show-support-for-nato

If Sweden and Finland want in to NATO I don't think they would have any problem. Ukraine... huge problem.

[Muzh]

If Sweden and Finland want in to NATO I don't think they would have any problem. Ukraine... huge problem.

As it stands today, you are absolutely correct.

[lordtiberius]

Why?

[Muzh]

Why?

Think man, think.