The Russians defensive strategy for the much ballyhooed Ukrainian counteroffensive has been nothing short of brilliant. From Ilya Tsukanov at sputnikglobe.com:
The former head of Estonian foreign intelligence has acknowledged that Kiev’s summer offensive has been brought to a standstill by the “long defensive lines along the entire length of the front” prepared by Russia. How have Russian troops been able to halt the NATO-trained, armed and equipped Ukrainian forces? Sputnik spoke to experts to find out.
The colloquially named ‘Surovikin Defensive Line’ has thrashed Ukrainian forces, with the Russian military reporting thousands of enemy casualties and the destruction of nearly 200 tanks and over 400 armored vehicles over the past two weeks.
Named after Sergei Surovikin, the Russian general who commanded the Joint Group of Forces in the Special Military Operation Zone last fall and winter, and who was charged with the task of preparing Russian defenses for a Ukrainian counteroffensive, the Surovikin Line consists of vast networks of zigzag infantry trenches, anti-tank dragon’s teeth, berms and minefields across a frontline that stretches hundreds of kilometers.
But, but, but, Ivan is a big dumb vodka swilling lout who can’t WAR?
The ammo will run out any day now. (honk!)