Ukrainian forces are facing minefields, anti-tank ditches, armored counterattacks, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, ATGMs, loitering munitions, and intense artillery fire.
- There are no tactical successes reported whatsoever.
Where there have been gains, Russian units retreat, rain hell upon the AFU and go back in.

Hi AC,

Yes, it is a hard slog for the Ukrainian forces, but if they breach the Russian lines they will force a lot of Russian troops to abandon their positions without a fight. Ukraine is conducting well planned and coordinated assaults, unlike the Russian firewall and meat wave tactics.

"...but if they breach the Russian lines they will force a lot of Russian troops to abandon their positions without a fight."

i.e. 'Russian troops will drop their weapons and run away'
I really hope that's not the Ukrainian battle plan (for their sake) because it would be as reckless as the Ukrainians just murdering their troops themselves...
- But I have a sad feeling that it actually IS the plan.

What's the Plan B if Russians decide to stand and fight?
- Ukraine's taken 100 sq kilometers and lost 7500 troops in 10 days, and 40% of the Leopard 2's have already been destroyed amongst other losses.

http://twitter.com/squatsons/status/1668002649541599232

By contrast, Crimea is 27000 square kilometers.
I hope Ukrainians aren't planning on sunbathing on a Crimean beach anytime soon, because it's not going to happen.
(Never was, Russia will use tactical nukes before it ever comes to that)

At this rate they have an extremely poor chance of even getting through Russian fortified defensive lines and making it to Tokmak, let alone Melitopol, as well as cutting off the 'land bridge' to Crimea.
- But I told you all this would happen.

AC,

Your figures of Ukrainian losses are pure fantasy, Ukraine has taken 100km2 incl 7 villages and hundreds of prisoners in a week and the main force hasn't yet been committed. This is not the meat waves of the Russian army.

I believe that they have just Himarsed about 300 Russians.

Tokmak is just 25km from Ukrainian lines and can be easily made non-functional for Russian transport. I see that partisans have blown up rail bridges in Crimea and Zaphorisia.

Hi AC,

The weakness of defensive lines becomes apparent when they are breached, as happened with the Maginot line. Russia's problem is that the Ukrainians have very accurate artillery with much greater range, which allows the Ukrainians to disable Russian artillery as they advance. Russia could use tanks and other mobile armour to defend against assaults, but even Putin admits that they are running out of such things:

https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-ukraine-war-russia-doesnt-have-enough-weapons-and-drones-putin-admits/

I have been reading about Putin's good mate in North Korea. Lots of people starving to death there. Apparently Kim Jong Un is terrified that the citizens will see how wealthy South Korea has become and overthrow his regime, so he has prohibited engagement with the outside world: Breaking this rule will get you executed. Kleptocratic leaders hate seeing prosperity in those who leave the fold. Perhaps that was Vlad's motivation to rain murder and destruction on Ukraine?

I'm not the one whos saying it SM

Ukr Offensive Stuck, Rus DefMin Claims 7.5k Ukr Casualties in 10 days, Rus Economy to Grow 2% 2023
http://youtu.be/Ek77_C_ME7Q

Ukraine is taking 10 to 1 casualties
10 Ukrainian casualties to 1 Russian casualties
(watch a minute or so of this)

http://www.youtube.com/live/RtPPafaA_og?feature=share&t=240