solarz
Brigadier
That's what's worrying though, a military force that in theory is answerable only to itself.
Sure they may prove useful in the current conflict, but afterwards?
The War in the Ukraine
- Thread starter SampanViking
- Start date
That's what's worrying though, a military force that in theory is answerable only to itself.
Sure they may prove useful in the current conflict, but afterwards?
there are still conflicts in other part of the world. Africa, Myanmar/Burma, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and maybe South America. They can and will be guns for hire there, i feel it's unlikely that they will run out anything to do regardless Ukrainian war result.
Even with defeat of Russia, they may change name or shape and maybe can be part of "New Russia" Just like whatever Blackwater become.
Wagner Group is definitely authorized by the Russian state even if it's not official. This unofficial authorization and operating openly in the grayzone likely means Yevgeny Prigozhin has close ties with Putin and the state apparatus. We've seen Prigozhin being a close ally of Putin for many years now, initially being the preferred catering business for the state.
They have a modern office building that recently finished construction in St. Petersburg with their organization name (ЧВК Вагнер Центр/PMC Wagner Center) displayed prominently on the building.
Wagner enables the Russian state greater flexibility in security matters. Seemly private organization allows for a certain degree of plausible deniability, reduced political ramifications of losses, retention of career soldier skillsets outside of the armed forces, and injects new thinking to military matters.
The office looks to be open for private sector organizations to apply to rent their office spaces. These would likely be groups and individuals in the defense, political and ideological spheres. This office space would be a place to watch as we will likely see synergy and cross pollination of ideas from various domains that were previously siloed. Maybe we will see development of the Russian thinktank industry and influencing the Russian state.
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Just see what happened to 湘军, 淮军, 甘军 and Zeng Guofan, Zuo Zongtan and Li Hongzhang after Taiping rebelling? It all depends on the political skill of Russian president. Zeng Guofan voluntarily disbanded most Xiang army, both Zeng and Li became very devoted and loyal ministers of the dynasty. What they want were prestige or chance to shape the country, but not to destroy the state machinery. So I would not worry anything if Wagner CEO shares the same political vision with Putin for Russia.
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solarz
Brigadier
Thanks, that was very informative!
It has been identified as a modified RZ-60 target drone by the Kharkiv Aviation Institute. The specs were already published a long time ago so the 1000km range is mostly bull.
According to the Ukrainians themselves, the drone has a range of 300km with a payload of 3kg
Thanks, i would expect they scaled it somewhat tho. either adding more fuel or make the drone bit bigger.
Size of the drone seems to be roughly the same of the Shahed but the shape of the latter is probably what gives it a payload and range advantage over the RZ-60, which is why I'm doubtful of the 1000km range claim.
They'd have to sacrifice payload for more fuel capacity, and at 3kg, there isn't much to pick from.
Footage of Russian troops attempting to assault Vuhledar and ended up in a minefield. No gore but it is disturbing to see how Russian troops didn't account for the oldest trick in the book.
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Lancet takes out a Ukrainian SPG this one a 2S1.
DPR artillery hits a Ukrainian shelter or make shift HQ after drone tracks personnel moving in and out of the place.
Russian artillery firing at Ukrainian positions and troops. Some of the Ukrainian troops are seen carrying the wounded and there seems to be fallen casualties. Drones are used to assist artillery.
That's a Novator, a new Ukrainian vehicle similar to a Humvee. However this one got taken out by a Lancet.
DPR artillery hits a Ukrainian shelter or make shift HQ after drone tracks personnel moving in and out of the place.
Russian artillery firing at Ukrainian positions and troops. Some of the Ukrainian troops are seen carrying the wounded and there seems to be fallen casualties. Drones are used to assist artillery.
That's a Novator, a new Ukrainian vehicle similar to a Humvee. However this one got taken out by a Lancet.