Russian General Surovikin Speaks, Kherson Battle Looms, Drone/Missiles Strikes Continue

Update on Russian military operations against Ukraine for October 19, 2022

– Russian missile and drone strikes continue for over a week, knocking out much of Ukraine’s electric grid;

– Ukraine is wasting precious small arms ammunition in failed attempts to counter Russian Geran-2 drones;

– NATO claims it will send means to counter them – nothing of substance actually revealed;

– Russian forces continue to advance in Bakhmut, indicating Ukrainian forces are stretched too thin;

– Russian General Surovikin is focused on the defense of Kherson which is being evacuated;

Fighting may reach the city, Russia has in the past withdrawn forces rather than have them destroyed or captured;

– Whatever gains Ukraine makes will be temporary – Kiev is trading its entire army for territory hoping for a political resolution in its favor ahead of a military resolution in Russia’s;

References:

Guardian – Ukraine says 30% of its power plants destroyed in last eight days: https://www.theguardian.com/world/202…

Politico – U.S. industry cranks up HIMARS production as Ukraine war intensifies: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10…

RT (Russian media) – Russian general in charge of Ukraine operation speaks out: https://www.rt.com/russia/564934-gene…

Bloomberg – Crimea’s Water Crisis Is an Impossible Problem for Putin (2021): https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/art…

Reuters – Russian troops destroy Ukrainian dam that blocked water to Crimea – RIA (February 27, 2022): https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/…

Interview with the Commander of the Russian Army in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin

Russian Defence Ministry Report on the Progress of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine (19 October 2022)

Russian Gains in Bakhmut, Ukraine Overextended, & US Lectures India