Ukraine War Update NEWS (20230827b): Pt 2 - Overnight & Other News
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Table of Contents 📖
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"If you can succeed in doing stuff like this, then that's half the job of being a popular politician."
Fighting over Boyko Towers in the Black Sea
- Ukraine and Russia are fighting over the Boyko Towers, strategically important gas and oil platforms between Crimea and Odessa
- The platforms can be used as forward deployment bases, helipads and for placing long-range missile systems
- After the 2022 invasion, Ukraine struck several platforms controlled by the Russians
- Both Russia and Ukraine periodically occupy the platforms with their troops
Frontline Update: Robotna and Vobove
- Ukrainian forces are making progress in Robotna and south of Bakhmut at Klishchiivka
- Russians are withdrawing units from the contact line to behind defence fortifications, leaving Novopokrovka mostly on foot
- Ukrainian artillery fired on Russian cars retreating from Novopokrovka with good results
- Once Ukrainians take Russian positions on the flanks, the offence will move faster as there will be fewer minefields between defence lines 2 and 3
- Russians are almost completely driven out of Klishchiivka
- Ukrainians are advancing towards Vobove, 2.2 km from the town, and have taken control of key roads
Russian Reinforcements: 76th Guards Air Assault Division
- Elements of Russia's 76th Guards Air Assault Division (VDV), considered their best unit and part of strategic reserves, have been transferred to the Robotna/Tokmak axis
- This strengthens Russian operational capacities but their failure would critically impair Russia's combat-ready reserves for rapid deployment
- Patches from the 76th Guards are being found, confirming their presence
- Bringing in the 76th Guards is a "do or die" moment for Russia, possibly indicating they don't have much left in reserves
Challenges of the Frontline Environment
- The flat terrain makes it difficult to maintain concealment from the enemy
- Russians have established an extensive system of trenches, dugouts, underground tunnels, anti-tank ditches and minefields
- Aerial reconnaissance and guided bombs like KAB cause significant issues for Ukrainian forces
- Western equipment like Bradleys are saving Ukrainian lives, allowing soldiers to survive direct hits and fight again
- Defending is easier for Russians as they don't have to deal with their own minefields
- Ukraine is putting in tremendous effort to break through these defences
Military Aid and Mobilization
- No significant military aid news in the last 24 hours
- Russia arrested 540 immigrants in Krasnodar, fabricating criminal charges to conscript them into the army to fight in Ukraine
- This "crypto mobilization" provides Russia with more troops, albeit untrained and poorly equipped, to throw at the frontline
Geopolitics
- Canadian PM Justin Trudeau says G7 and NATO are ready to support Ukraine as much as necessary because Russia cannot be allowed to win
- Estonian PM Kaja Kallas faces resignation over her husband's business ties to Russia, despite claims she is not involved
- Video of Ukrainian President Zelensky warmly greeting his wife amidst other officials goes viral, showcasing his likeable persona
Renewable Energy and Energy Security
- Jonathan emphasizes the need to move away from hydrocarbons for environmental and energy security reasons
- Relying on hydrocarbons from certain parts of the world gives those regions leverage
- Renewables and nuclear should be part of the energy mix for a carbon-neutral future
- Portugal's electricity mix: 91% renewable energy (61% wind, 21% solar, 6% biomass, 3% hydro), demonstrating the feasibility of transitioning to renewables
Wrap up
Jonathan thanks viewers for their support and encourages them to take care.
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