Ukraine offensive over, U.S. weapons to Mideast.

 RUSSIA CONTINUES WAR OF ATTRITION

UKRAINE PLANNING ASSAULT OVER DNIEPER

The Ukrainian counter offensive is now mostly over and Russia has upped the intensity of its offensive by forcing Ukraine to defend its lines in numerous places. It seems Russia is not in a hurry, but wants Ukraine to move troops in defending one place after another, then continues to slowly and methodically destroy men and equipment of Ukraine. While Russia is taking loses it is no where near the casualties of Ukraine. The latest estimates from numerous sources estimate that Ukraine has had between 450,000 and 500,000 killed and the severely injured may be double that. The Ukrainians continue to put up a strong fight, but it is amazing that they have continued for this long. 

There are reports that Ukraine is planning an assault across the Dnieper river near Kherson. It seems to be common knowledge, and if so, I assume the Russians have a plan to inflict heavy loses on the Ukrainians. The logistics of such an assault do not make much sense. 

There are also reports that some U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine had been sold and moved out of the country via grain exports to the middle east. Both Russia and some Ukrainians have claimed this is the case. There are reports that these weapons have turned up in the hands of Hamas. It seems that Hamas has used these weapons against Israeli tanks and aircraft. So far, Israel has not verified these accusations and they may be under pressure not to reveal any such information. If it is the case, Hamas will likely use these weapons in any Israeli ground assault in Gaza.

At present Russia has made incremental gains moving west in Ukraine. Ukraine's advances have been stopped. It seems Russia is content to force Ukraine to defend, then back up and pound any concentration of troops. It is a strategy to minimalize loses and keep Ukraine under continuous pressure. Ukraine is now drafting women and hunting down any able bodied conscripts they can find. Most analysts have concluded this war is in effect over, but dying will continue until there is some form of negotiated settlement. That does not seem to be in the immediate future.