Ukraine Attacks Across the Front
05JUN2023
Ukraine Launches Attacks Across the Front
Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Ukraine launched a large-scale offensive in south Donetsk. Stating that the 23rd and 31st mechanized brigades were utilized that included six mechanized battalions and two tank battalions. They added that the attack was unsuccessful. There’s little to no information from the Ukrainian side on the progress of this attack.
Russian media reports that Ukraine has launched attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region. Some channels say Russian forces were pushed back from their positions, others that the attack was repulsed.
Russia released footage showing the destruction of a Ukrainian armored element in the Zaporizhzhia region as evidence of the thwarted attack.
This morning, Russian media announced that Ukrainian forces attacked again near Vuhledar adding that this time they were successful. Up to 30 armored vehicles were able to move to the line of contact unnoticed adding that the situation is in development.
Wagner reports that Ukrainian forces have advanced into southern Bakhmut retaking a series of positions that came under Russian control on May 19th.
Fighting is ongoing in Novaya Tavolzhanka, a town in Belgorod Russia. Videos and pictures are emerging showing what are believed to be elements from the Russian Volunteer Corps or Freedom of Russia Legion fighting in the town itself. This comes after towns all across Belgorod bordering Ukraine have been under shellfire for days.
https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1665397564210806785
A Look Inside A New Ukrainian Unit Built For the Offensive
Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade has been established exclusively to participate in their coming offensive operation against Russia. The brigade leadership was able to run through simulation exercises to learn how Russia may react, gathering feedback from NATO officers along the way. Additionally, the unit, outfitted with Bradley Fighting Vehicles and other new western equipment, said that many of their junior leaders are in touch with their counterparts that trained them. That open line of communication is used often to troubleshoot problems and provide reminders on the gear that’s been recently fielded.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/04/ukraine-nato-training-counteroffensive-47th-brigade/
Polish Volunteers Take the Fight to Russia
The Polish Volunteer Corps published photos and videos showing their participation in the recent cross border raid into Belgorod, Russia. The raid included elements from the Free Russia Legion and Russian Volunteer corps, the later of which issued a statement saying, “Our comrades-in-arms from Poland have indeed been fighting shoulder to shoulder with us for freedom and independence of Ukraine for many months. The soldiers of the Russian Volunteer Corps are sincerely grateful to the people of Poland for their brave warriors in this war!"
Zelensky: We Are Ready
Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal stated, “I believe that today we are ready to do this (conduct the counteroffensive). We would like to have some things, but we can’t wait for months.”
https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-we-are-ready-for-counteroffensive/
Widespread PTSD Looms Large For Russian Veterans
An interesting analysis from Dara Massicot states, “Russian psychologists estimate that more than 100,000 veterans will need professional help to cope with mental-health disorders from the war. Russia does not have anywhere near enough psychiatric facilities for this number.” She notes that untreated combat trauma increases the risk of criminal behavior, substance abuse, domestic violence and problems at work. Not as quantifiable as ammunition production or soldiers drafted but the psychological impact of this war will certainly be felt on the home front.
https://www.rand.org/blog/2023/06/the-russian-militarys-looming-personnel-crises-of-retention.html
China Cuts Off US Warship Near Taiwan
After a Chinese jet flew by the nose of a US plane over the South China Sea on May 27th, another close call happened at sea. During a freedom of navigation patrol in the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese ship came within 150 yards of the USS Chung-Hoon. China warned the ship that they were entering Chinese territory despite the mission taking place in internationally recognized waters. According to USINDOPACOM, these were unsafe maneuvers that violate the maritime ‘Rules of the Road’ of safe passage in international waters. Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu responded by saying, ““Why does this all happen near China’s sovereign waters and airspace? Chinese ships and aircraft never go near other countries’ airspace and waters.”
https://globalnews.ca/news/9743650/china-warship-nearly-hits-us-destroyer-taiwan-strait/
https://www.ft.com/content/d0309449-553c-4a01-9a82-92a8db22f86a?shareType=nongift
Israeli and Egyptian Casualties in Skirmish at Border
Three Israeli soldiers and one Egyptian police officer were killed on Saturday in the first deadly exchange between the two nations in more than a decade. Reports are that a drug smuggler was being pursued as he crossed the border from Egypt into Israel at a remote area between Mount Harif and Mount Sagi. During the chase, it’s believed that the Egyptian officer crossed the border at which point a firefight ensued. The incident is under investigation by both sides but both Egypt and Israel appear to be working together and there are no indications that this will expand beyond just an isolated incident.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/3/israeli-soldiers-killed-in-shooting-near-egypt-border
Great resource to have in addition to your videos Preston, thanks.