Do you want to know why Russia has not retaken the part of its land near Kursk that Ukraine invaded and occupied beginning three weeks ago? The answer is to be found in what Russian forces are doing in Ukraine right now. They are engaged in bloody battles to take the towns of Pokrovsk and Toretsk, located about 30 miles from Avdiivka in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
Change area Ukraine occupies to 500 square miles, and Los Angeles county to Los Angeles. Also, the date of the inauguration is Jan. 20, 2025, of course. Not 2024. Typing too fast.
Oy, vey. Typing. It’s a curse. But you’re a good man, Lucian K. Truscott IV — thanks for this take on the progress of that conflict. Would that we could convince Ol’ Vlad to do what Nixon did — Declare ‘victory’ and get the hell out …. {though, when Nixon did it, he left a lot of people in great jeopardy, and that was horrible. Still, if Vlad would cut and run, a lot of people in the region would be spared these bombardments.}
The young man who went to West Point comes through loud and clear in this one.
And you just won my Hed of the Month with this one: "Kursk invasion: The most important territory Ukraine occupies is inside the head of Vladimir Putin."
Jeez tecolote42 I really hate when I need to reach for a dictionary to look up words but thank you for adding defenestration to my limited vocabulary. Can’t wait to impress the guys at my America Legion hall. Most are Vietnam veterans and will probably think, as I did, that it is a variation of “defoliation” by Agent Orange.
Bit of historical trivia: the "defenestration of Prague" was involved with the initiation of the Thirty Years War in 1618. (The victims in this case survived by landing in a dung heap.)
I say no, for the same reason I don't think Trump would take himself out. Common wisdom has it that narcissists couldn't quite manage such an act, and both men think they're too important to call it a day.
then what? the same way that the persian, ottoman, austro-hungarian, british, french, dutch, spanish empires fell apart/ended - so will this one. each of those endings was long and painful, but ultimately/eventually the center understood that it was over. after the end/break up, most went on to become smaller nation states. so it will be with russia. in 1948, people still referred to the British Empire as a political reality. While the symbolic end of the British Empire came with the return of Hong Kong in 1997 - the truer reality is that by the early 1960s, it was no longer the power it had been just 50 years earlier in 1910. And in between was alot, alot of bloodshed. Same with Russia. In 2041 - 15 years from now - it will have been 50 years since 1991 - and a similar fate will befall russia, despite Putin's obsession to recreate an empire. This entire war is Putin's adrenalin-rushed last gasp before the death of russian imperialim. Not to worry, it will be fine. Russia will never be a western-style democracy - but will be a smaller strongman nation state. While 15 nation states have already spun off (1991) - some more territories will follow in the next two decades. A few may choose to form a political commonwealth aka Australia, New Zealand, Canada with England - but maybe not. Russia may have one more Putin-style obsessive leader before the final end, but my bet is that the oligarch class will kick in and choose one of it's own and say "enough" - we do not have to be a land empire and control people to be successful - let's just do deals and become strong again with money.
….and, Putin will die. Always it seems the strongman (and wannabes) forget this essential human fact: death comes for all. Also, I’m not going to bet on what Russia will become. There are other Navalny’s.
Putin forgets the lessons Stalin taught Hitler in WWII, a determined army defending its homeland is more dangerous than anything else. The Ukrainians will never give up until the last Ukrainian is gone. In the meantime Ukraine is on the march in the Kursk region, the site of one of the greatest tank battles of WWII, and along with Stalingrad, one of the battles that rang the death knell of the Germans on the Eastern Front. A Russian defeat in Kursk would be brutal for morale, and very dangerous for the ongoing survival of Putin in office.
Yes, I read up on the Kursk tank battle last night and it was incredible. Actually, I'm surprised the Germans kept fighting after 1943. It was a long death struggle.
I taught English in four Soviet schools during Gorbachev. Such a wonderful people only to re-tsared by Putin. At that time, they were coming close to finding a way out of Communist oppression, oh so close. But habits are deep, one-man rule continues. And a bad one at that.
And I’ve written about my time teaching in Leningrad, Moscow, and Alma ATA, Kazakhstan, in “ Behind the Red Veil: An American inside Gorbachev’s Russia. “ Lots of good responses.
"January 20, 2024 is going to be the worst day in Putin’s history and one of the best in ours. When we beat Donald Trump, we’ll beat Vladimir Putin, too. Glory be!"
I think you mean Lucian's Ukraine commentary is the best and clearest. But all his columns are worth reading and among the 2-3 best I've found on Substack. He should be a major media columnist and star. And a frequent guest on Stephen Colbert.
Thank you, Lucian, for this update on this senseless war. Ukraine, now armed with proper military equipment, is steadfast to achieving victory. I hope to hell they penetrate even further inside, close to Moscow. I want Putin’s apprehension so badly that I can taste it. That would be the ultimate triumph. Slava Ukrainia! The land of my father.
Lots of things about that war that are head scratchers. You hit upon one, casualties.
Uk doesn't release their number of mil KIA. WIA, or POWs however somehow finds a way to count Ru's. Ru doesn't release their numbers and on ocassions claims to have killed, wounded or captured some number of Uk mil. Uk does release the total number of civs killed and wounded.
And no surprise the mil KIA never fail to be a number with lots of zeroes preceded by iithah a single or double digit. Hamas does the same thing. Truth be told it is irritating on many levels with the top one being the disregard for the fallen. To some 3517 is just a number but not to the wives, husbands, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, former co-workers, friends, and battle buddies it ain't numbers, it's names and faces. Sterilizing war by reducing hooman sacrifice to a number is another cheap parlor trick.
That's another reason the ANC incident is not playing well in the greater vet/surviving family world. Reducing hooman sacrifice to a TikTok campaign vid and claiming it honors the fallen is absurd.
Have no idea what's behind Uk's taking of Ru dirt. Beyond the mil definition of bold )1sr bold move since the war began in earnest) and yes occupying space in Putin's head, holding on to the hope that is what P-Zelensky says it is, some path to resolving the madness. Truly disappointed Uk and Zelensky waited to the 2024 elx in the US to make a move. If Trump gets elected Winter is Coming to Uk.
Lucia, how do you acquire all this detailed information? Mainstream media just glosses over what's going on ver there, at the moment, at least on CNN it's Harris.Walz practically all day longm very little world news at all. It's good of course that they are doing well in the polls, and Trump and Vances inane utterances are good for our side, but it does get tiring at times. especially when they give so much air time to Republicans who gleefully badmouth the democrats and talk about how great they are.
But back to Ukraine, by knocking out those bridges that should really cut down supplies of food and ammunition and reinforcement to the Russians occupying Ukraine territory, thereby slowing their advance. I wonder if Ukraine forces in Russia can create a pincer movement to basically lock them in and attack from both sides? .
Yes, makes sense, Charles. I see also a delegation from Ukraine is visiting Washington to ask for permission to strike deeper into Russia to destroy the missile launchers that are doing such tremendous damage right now to water and electricity infrastructure inside Ukraine, not to mention the lives being lost daily. Apparently we are "thinking about it" . While we are thinking this over Ukraine is suffering more and more damage and loss of life. Timidity and hesitation never won a war. Ukraine is at a very critical point t right now. If they had that extra advantage I think they could actually win this war. If they lose not only will it mean that all those billions of dollars in aid is down the drain but Putin will be emboldened to take more territory because he knows we are too chicken to do anything about it. WE must look stupid to him. I'm imagining a scene where a lone woman is being attacked by a big man and the surrounding crowd of men throw her a knife to defend herself but are afraid to step in to fend off the attacker. We are that crowd atchingthe woman struggling to defend herself.
I was just about the mention the date as well. I can't wait until January 20, 2025! Thanks for the update! I believe War is barbaric and there are far too many currently! The mid-east war has expanded to the West Bank, however, that's another story!
I am optimistic about next year and I am "doing something" as Michelle Obama stated at the DNC. I am writing letters to the swing states to encourage people to vote. Right now, I'm working on Pennsylvania!
Change area Ukraine occupies to 500 square miles, and Los Angeles county to Los Angeles. Also, the date of the inauguration is Jan. 20, 2025, of course. Not 2024. Typing too fast.
Oy, vey. Typing. It’s a curse. But you’re a good man, Lucian K. Truscott IV — thanks for this take on the progress of that conflict. Would that we could convince Ol’ Vlad to do what Nixon did — Declare ‘victory’ and get the hell out …. {though, when Nixon did it, he left a lot of people in great jeopardy, and that was horrible. Still, if Vlad would cut and run, a lot of people in the region would be spared these bombardments.}
If only …
'sOK.
we know the date you meant.
numbers, date, years, phsst
Understood.
RE: typing too fast "I've got blisters on my fingers!" Lennon (John)
That was Ringo having thrown his drumsticks across the studio after a three-hour recording session.
Ukraine is in Putin’s head, Harris is in Trump’s…the world turns in mysterious ways.
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
The young man who went to West Point comes through loud and clear in this one.
And you just won my Hed of the Month with this one: "Kursk invasion: The most important territory Ukraine occupies is inside the head of Vladimir Putin."
I did pay attention in military history and tactics.
You listened to your grandfathers teachings. I am reading Twilight of the Cavalry now.
Great commentary.
Putin will die by the hands of Russians.
…..or maybe by his own hand.
Defenestration Special, anyone?
Jeez tecolote42 I really hate when I need to reach for a dictionary to look up words but thank you for adding defenestration to my limited vocabulary. Can’t wait to impress the guys at my America Legion hall. Most are Vietnam veterans and will probably think, as I did, that it is a variation of “defoliation” by Agent Orange.
Bit of historical trivia: the "defenestration of Prague" was involved with the initiation of the Thirty Years War in 1618. (The victims in this case survived by landing in a dung heap.)
Wundaboy.
Maybe martial arts influence. And he dosen't want one of the Oligarchs Sicaros to do it.
I say no, for the same reason I don't think Trump would take himself out. Common wisdom has it that narcissists couldn't quite manage such an act, and both men think they're too important to call it a day.
Tell that to Adolph Hitler and his number two man Herman Goebels.
correction: Hermann Goring
Then what?
Quien sabe
Eric. I was just a local cop.
You are tje smartest guy on the block. You tell me.?
then what? the same way that the persian, ottoman, austro-hungarian, british, french, dutch, spanish empires fell apart/ended - so will this one. each of those endings was long and painful, but ultimately/eventually the center understood that it was over. after the end/break up, most went on to become smaller nation states. so it will be with russia. in 1948, people still referred to the British Empire as a political reality. While the symbolic end of the British Empire came with the return of Hong Kong in 1997 - the truer reality is that by the early 1960s, it was no longer the power it had been just 50 years earlier in 1910. And in between was alot, alot of bloodshed. Same with Russia. In 2041 - 15 years from now - it will have been 50 years since 1991 - and a similar fate will befall russia, despite Putin's obsession to recreate an empire. This entire war is Putin's adrenalin-rushed last gasp before the death of russian imperialim. Not to worry, it will be fine. Russia will never be a western-style democracy - but will be a smaller strongman nation state. While 15 nation states have already spun off (1991) - some more territories will follow in the next two decades. A few may choose to form a political commonwealth aka Australia, New Zealand, Canada with England - but maybe not. Russia may have one more Putin-style obsessive leader before the final end, but my bet is that the oligarch class will kick in and choose one of it's own and say "enough" - we do not have to be a land empire and control people to be successful - let's just do deals and become strong again with money.
….and, Putin will die. Always it seems the strongman (and wannabes) forget this essential human fact: death comes for all. Also, I’m not going to bet on what Russia will become. There are other Navalny’s.
Putin forgets the lessons Stalin taught Hitler in WWII, a determined army defending its homeland is more dangerous than anything else. The Ukrainians will never give up until the last Ukrainian is gone. In the meantime Ukraine is on the march in the Kursk region, the site of one of the greatest tank battles of WWII, and along with Stalingrad, one of the battles that rang the death knell of the Germans on the Eastern Front. A Russian defeat in Kursk would be brutal for morale, and very dangerous for the ongoing survival of Putin in office.
Yes, I read up on the Kursk tank battle last night and it was incredible. Actually, I'm surprised the Germans kept fighting after 1943. It was a long death struggle.
Were it not for Adolph, they might have!
Kursk is what got the Valkyrie plot rolling.
You keep fighting if you’re sufficiently fanatical.
I taught English in four Soviet schools during Gorbachev. Such a wonderful people only to re-tsared by Putin. At that time, they were coming close to finding a way out of Communist oppression, oh so close. But habits are deep, one-man rule continues. And a bad one at that.
And I’ve written about my time teaching in Leningrad, Moscow, and Alma ATA, Kazakhstan, in “ Behind the Red Veil: An American inside Gorbachev’s Russia. “ Lots of good responses.
What am I missing? Articles? Book? Where?
See frankthoms.com for all my books. Thanks for your interest.
Thank you for your selfless career.
"January 20, 2024 is going to be the worst day in Putin’s history and one of the best in ours. When we beat Donald Trump, we’ll beat Vladimir Putin, too. Glory be!"
From your lips to God's ears.
Let us make it so.
Chef's kiss Lucian. Just Bravo! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦!
Fascinating. I only read your Ukraine commentary because it is the best.
I think you mean Lucian's Ukraine commentary is the best and clearest. But all his columns are worth reading and among the 2-3 best I've found on Substack. He should be a major media columnist and star. And a frequent guest on Stephen Colbert.
That's what I mean! Of course I read Lucian's commentary on everything else too.
Thank you, Lucian, for this update on this senseless war. Ukraine, now armed with proper military equipment, is steadfast to achieving victory. I hope to hell they penetrate even further inside, close to Moscow. I want Putin’s apprehension so badly that I can taste it. That would be the ultimate triumph. Slava Ukrainia! The land of my father.
Take Kursk and pivot right. They can roll up the Russian flank forcing them to pull back.
Brilliant commentary. Grateful admiration to you.
Putin may be looking to beat djt's covid kill record, >400,000. Which monster is worse? You don't have to answer that.
Lots of things about that war that are head scratchers. You hit upon one, casualties.
Uk doesn't release their number of mil KIA. WIA, or POWs however somehow finds a way to count Ru's. Ru doesn't release their numbers and on ocassions claims to have killed, wounded or captured some number of Uk mil. Uk does release the total number of civs killed and wounded.
And no surprise the mil KIA never fail to be a number with lots of zeroes preceded by iithah a single or double digit. Hamas does the same thing. Truth be told it is irritating on many levels with the top one being the disregard for the fallen. To some 3517 is just a number but not to the wives, husbands, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, former co-workers, friends, and battle buddies it ain't numbers, it's names and faces. Sterilizing war by reducing hooman sacrifice to a number is another cheap parlor trick.
That's another reason the ANC incident is not playing well in the greater vet/surviving family world. Reducing hooman sacrifice to a TikTok campaign vid and claiming it honors the fallen is absurd.
Have no idea what's behind Uk's taking of Ru dirt. Beyond the mil definition of bold )1sr bold move since the war began in earnest) and yes occupying space in Putin's head, holding on to the hope that is what P-Zelensky says it is, some path to resolving the madness. Truly disappointed Uk and Zelensky waited to the 2024 elx in the US to make a move. If Trump gets elected Winter is Coming to Uk.
Lucia, how do you acquire all this detailed information? Mainstream media just glosses over what's going on ver there, at the moment, at least on CNN it's Harris.Walz practically all day longm very little world news at all. It's good of course that they are doing well in the polls, and Trump and Vances inane utterances are good for our side, but it does get tiring at times. especially when they give so much air time to Republicans who gleefully badmouth the democrats and talk about how great they are.
But back to Ukraine, by knocking out those bridges that should really cut down supplies of food and ammunition and reinforcement to the Russians occupying Ukraine territory, thereby slowing their advance. I wonder if Ukraine forces in Russia can create a pincer movement to basically lock them in and attack from both sides? .
That should be the goal.
Yes, makes sense, Charles. I see also a delegation from Ukraine is visiting Washington to ask for permission to strike deeper into Russia to destroy the missile launchers that are doing such tremendous damage right now to water and electricity infrastructure inside Ukraine, not to mention the lives being lost daily. Apparently we are "thinking about it" . While we are thinking this over Ukraine is suffering more and more damage and loss of life. Timidity and hesitation never won a war. Ukraine is at a very critical point t right now. If they had that extra advantage I think they could actually win this war. If they lose not only will it mean that all those billions of dollars in aid is down the drain but Putin will be emboldened to take more territory because he knows we are too chicken to do anything about it. WE must look stupid to him. I'm imagining a scene where a lone woman is being attacked by a big man and the surrounding crowd of men throw her a knife to defend herself but are afraid to step in to fend off the attacker. We are that crowd atchingthe woman struggling to defend herself.
I was just about the mention the date as well. I can't wait until January 20, 2025! Thanks for the update! I believe War is barbaric and there are far too many currently! The mid-east war has expanded to the West Bank, however, that's another story!
I am optimistic about next year and I am "doing something" as Michelle Obama stated at the DNC. I am writing letters to the swing states to encourage people to vote. Right now, I'm working on Pennsylvania!
Have a peaceful Labor Day weekend everyone!
Me, too, but I’m writing to Nebraska; in my basket to go out oct 1: 500 letters going to NC, GA, and Nebraska so far👊🏼
Thank you for your service, Grace.
Thank you for your service Lisa.
Nobody does war like you, LKTIV. And what a tragedy this one is. ...And Kursk again, stirring up the ghosts of WW2.
I really count on your commentary on military matters. Thank you!