From "The Analyst":
FRONTLINE 9-10 JANUARY
It’s been far too cold for much fighting - the vast majority of the frontline has been static, with the exception of Avdivka.
The problems for Ukraine are a lack of shells on demand if they need them. Recent interviews suggest that they really are at the point of using drones for far more of their anti-vehicle and anti-personnel attacks than ever before.
There is much to be said that the use of drones is probably cheaper and more accurate than endlessly shelling but it’s better to have the option when you need it.
Things are very tough on the front right now.
The Russians are using subterfuge elements such as loud explosions, played over speakers or the sound of drones approaching, to lure Ukrainians out of their cover and reveal themselves.
The cold is biting hard and making it more difficult for absolutely everyone.
So welcome to Krynky….
What is the point of this tiny enclave and why is Ukraine making so much effort to hold it?
There’s been a lot of criticism of the Russian commander - General Toplinsky, that he hasn’t managed despite having been given his much vaunted VDV troops - of which he is overall commander as well as commander in occupied Kherson.
Why has he failed to expunge this irritating and resources sapping carbuncle of resistance?
Firstly it’s in a really awkward geographic position and it’s hard to attack without being seen.
The Ukrainian forces dominate the other side of the river which is thirty or more meters higher than the other bank. They have fire control over the whole area. They also have EW and drone superiority the Russians are unlikely to ever be given in this low priority area for the high command.
For the Russians this is defensive position. It’s never going to be the path of an offensive any time soon.
And the Ukrainians stay because the amount of resource they have to commit is relatively minor, compared to the huge amount of effort the Russians have to put in to try and remove it. The losses Russia suffers are more than worth the price of staying. So they stay.
Slava Ukraini !
