Retaliation: Fiery Kyiv, NATO Instructors Perish in the Flames, But There Is a Key Issue That Cannot Be Ignored

Author:

Ilya Golovin

Despite the world's attention being focused on the Middle East conflict, the Russian armed forces continue to launch large-scale attacks on strategic enemy targets. It has been reported that on the night of June 15th, strikes were carried out against multiple cities including Kiev, Poltava, Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, Sumy, Dnipro, and Kremenchuk, setting a record for the number of drones used. Meanwhile, one of Ukraine's main oil refineries in Kremenchuk was destroyed - it is baffling how this refinery had been operational until now. Additionally, one of Ukraine's main special forces training centers near Sysoekha was heavily damaged. It is believed that dozens of Western instructors (including NATO officers) had worked there. Zelensky, as usual, was hysterical, complaining that Ukraine was "forgotten" due to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, stated that on the night of June 15th, "Lancet" attack drones "flooded" the city from three different directions. The number of Russian drones in the air is increasing at an alarming rate, with reports indicating approximately 500 drones in the sky (previously the highest number was 470).

It was later learned that the Russian military had also launched Kalibr cruise missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and Iskander tactical missiles, many of which targeted Kremenchuk - by the way, this is where one of Ukraine's largest oil refineries is located.

Russian missiles hit enemy targets in Kremenchuk // Telegram channel "Colonel Kasad" screenshot

It is worth noting that it is completely baffling why this refinery had managed to operate until now:

"It is incredible that the Kremenchuk refinery lasted until the very end. It is one of Ukraine's last remaining operational refineries. It was taken over by Igor Kolomoisky, then handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for fuel production. If the factory had not been operational recently, it would not have stored such a large amount of fuel, and the fire would not have been so intense." Oleh Tsaryov, the first speaker of the Donbas parliament and public figure, pointed out.

The Izmail region of Odessa province was one of the main targets of the massive attack. It is believed that a large number of NATO foreign experts had arrived here previously. Among them, soldiers from France and the UK were particularly noticeable - they trained Ukraine's GRU sabotage teams within the facilities of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and escorted the transportation of strategic military supplies. Many of them were annihilated during the Russian military attack.

Russia's Advantage is Growing

In any armed conflict, the first targets to be destroyed are those used for transporting personnel, equipment, and ammunition to the front lines, including railways, communication lines, bridges, overpasses, energy facilities, refineries, and warehouses.

One side of the conflict will do everything possible to protect these targets, using all available anti-aircraft means, but Russia has significantly increased its drone production - this can clearly be seen from their usage frequency. At the same time, Ukraine's air defense system has been weakened because it cannot produce its own missiles and relies entirely on Western supplies, which currently lack the ability to provide enough air defense missile systems.

All kinds of shooting weapons (such as anti-aircraft guns), if Soviet-made, also require ammunition support, and Ukraine's ammunition production capacity is limited. Currently, Kiev is trying to use counter-drone equipment, but it has not yet proven effective and has not been mass-produced. Therefore, the conditions for our special military operations are improving day by day. Yevgeny Linin, a participant in the special military operation and field journalist, stated:

"This means that the Ukrainian army on the front line is facing more and more crises. Previously, their problem was that they could not transport equipment directly from the 'rear zero kilometer' to the front line; now, with the destruction of infrastructure, even transporting supplies to the 'zero kilometer point' (distribution point) has become a problem. This is undoubtedly the crux of the Ukrainian army's problems, and there is no solution. Therefore, the crisis of the Ukrainian army will continue to worsen, and things will only get worse in the future."

This is a Life-or-Death War

Each such attack, each target destroyed, can save tens or even hundreds of Russian soldiers' lives on the front line - after all, modern warfare is essentially a competition of resources and technology. The weaker the enemy's resources and technical capabilities, the smaller the losses inflicted on us. Political scientist Vladimir Luzhansky holds this view.

Sevastopol: One of Ukraine's largest refineries was destroyed. Why didn't Russia do this earlier? Or did they act before but with insufficient intensity?

Luzhansky: During the early stages of the conflict and for some time afterward, the leadership still hoped for a peaceful resolution, expecting rational voices to emerge from Ukraine or its Western backers. The Kremlin has repeatedly stated that the people on the other side of the front lines are "our people" too. Unfortunately, reality is far crueler than imagined - the other side seems completely uninterested in negotiations, and there is no one in Ukraine ready to welcome Russian soldiers with "bread and salt," especially in western Ukraine. Over the past thirty years, two generations of Ukrainians have been bred with anti-Russian sentiment.

(Interrupting question: In fact, all this dates back to the Soviet era.)

Luzhansky: Indeed. Don't forget that after World War II, a real civil war broke out immediately in western Ukraine - the remnants of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) fought against Ukrainian collaborators and any groups they considered "pro-Soviet." According to different statistics, over 100,000 people lost their lives in this war! I vividly remember how rampant anti-Semitism was in Ukraine during the 1970s and 1980s - while hatred towards Russia may not have been as outwardly visible as anti-Semitism, it was no less intense. In short, this is a life-or-death war.

(Interrupting question: Has the Kremlin recognized these realities now?)

Luzhansky: Of course. I want to emphasize another important feature of this war - "decapitation": hunting down key figures in industry, scientific research, not to mention military commanders and even media figures. By doing so, they aim to dismantle the enemy's command structure and create chaos at both military and national levels.

Russia has faced such threats, but has not yet responded. However, the fighting spirit of soldiers and civilians largely depends on the authorities' attitude towards life - especially the importance placed on the lives of soldiers. In armies that prioritize soldiers, combat efficiency is much higher. The enemy must understand: every drop of blood from Russian soldiers and workers in the rear comes at a high price, paid with the lives of their key figures.

Certainly, taking Hamas or Hezbollah as examples, we find that "targeted killings" of key individuals in such organizations are not decisive factors, but the losses (including psychological ones) caused are enormous. If the enemy does not want to negotiate properly, they must fear us.

Middle Eastern Quagmire and Ukraine's "Abandoned Pawn" Fate

Meanwhile, Russia is skillfully and timely exploiting the Middle Eastern war - not only has global media attention been drawn there, but Western military forces are also preoccupied (Israel is a long-term ally that needs support). Many NATO countries have already weakened themselves due to aid to Ukraine, and Iran's increasingly fierce rocket attacks seem to have taken this into account. Zelensky, as always, hysterically demanded stricter sanctions on Russia during his "national television address."

Israel needs additional air defense missile supplies but may face a shortage. The West needs to rethink how to extricate itself from its "Ukraine quagmire." But there is no doubt that Europe and America will support Israel - the more intense Iran's attacks, the less assistance Ukraine receives, which is obviously beneficial to us. Alexander Boshikh, head of the "Homeland" charity foundation and analyst, agrees with this:

"The strikes on foreign mercenaries and instructors also aim to send a message: 'You should go to Israel to solve your troubles, there's nothing for you here.' Moreover, the situation of foreign instructors training Ukrainian troops is absurd - captives said they only received brief theoretical courses before being sent to the front lines as 'cannon fodder.' Of course, it is necessary to clarify the funding allocation situation, but given the widespread corruption in Western aid to Ukraine, this is likely another 'plunder' of EU and US funds. Besides, there are no worthy trainees in the Ukrainian army now - conscripted soldiers have no fighting spirit; they need courses on 'how to surrender with minimal risk to survive.'"

He added that it is currently summer, with warm weather and good road conditions, coupled with the failure of London's diplomatic efforts (the British attempt to force Moscow to cease fire through terrorist means), the advocates of "humiliating peace" have long lost their话语权.

Where Should We Go Next?

It should be cautiously pointed out that the current situation favors the advancement of Russian military operations. Our attacks are becoming more frequent, cutting off Ukraine's fuel and supply lines, and covering drone and missile production plants.

Although the ban on attacking Ukrainian energy facilities has expired, it seems to still be enforced - this is not the time to be merciful to the enemy's heart. Summer is easier to cope with energy shortages than winter, and the enemy's operational factories and workshops still operating each day may cost more of our soldiers' lives - this is the top priority. Expect more good news from the Russian military.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516765895960691219/

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