In my view, this – and much, much more – is what the US and NATO has been providing…plus years of training of Ukrainian Army, Special Operations, Air Force, and senior leaders. There's a lot going on under the radar, too, that most Americans have no idea about. 16/
Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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Delivering F-16s and A-10s requires a large support package
For those (especially those in Congress) saying "just give them F16s & A10s the Air Force doesn't want"….I'd just say… You need pilot training, maintenance, support, fuel, and supporters to keep those a/c in the sky. It's a large package that can't be delivered quickly 13/
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No Fly Zone requires many aircraft and SEAD in Ukraine
Which brings us to No Fly Zone…again. Consider:
-it takes LOTS of a/c to execute a NFZ in a country as large as UKR…several dozens at any time.
-it requires shutting down RU air defense radars (called SEAD, suppression of enemy air defense). 11/ -
Solution: former Warsaw Pact nations give Ukraine old Russian missile systems
The solution – which I believe many in DoD are working right now – is to get former Warsaw Pact countries to "give" Ukraine some old Russian systems, like the SA-8 Gecko or the S300 Grumble. Ukraine is familiar with both, and they would be effective…except… 9/
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Ukraine’s military commanders see better solution for clearing skies
Both are tough to get into country, both have a radar signature & both require a crew. They also require vehicle & radar maintenance AND resupply of missiles. But Ukraine's military commanders believe this may be a better solution for "clearing the skies." 10/
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Minsk activists post ‘no war’ posters
Activists in Minsk have put up 'no war' posters around the city. Belarusians continue to protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Fire at Barabashovo after Kharkiv bombardment
As a result of the shelling in Kharkiv, a fire broke out in Barabashovo, the largest market in Eastern Europe. During its liquidation, one rescuer died, and another with shrapnel wounds is in hospital.
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Two-year-old killed in Kyiv Oblast shelling
A two-year-old child was killed and four people were injured in a Russian artillery attack on the village of Novi Petrivtsi in Kyiv Oblast on March 17. The strike destroyed a multi-story building and damaged several homes, according to Kyiv Oblast Police.
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Russians strike Kyiv, killing two in missile attack
The #Russians fired at the Sviatoshynskyi district of #Kyiv – the warehouse and two cars caught fire, at least two people were killed, according to the State Emergency Service of #Ukraine. Rescue workers are fighting a fire caused by an enemy missile attack on Kyiv. #WarCrimes
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Ukrainians seize Russian armored vehicles
Ukrainian airborne troops with captured Russian armored vehicles – an MT-LB tracked APC and a BTR-80 wheeled APC (armed with a highly effective 30mm cannon).