This week we survey the battlefield, discuss some of the most well-known stories on the war, and discuss the shocking prospect of the US cutting aid to Ukraine
Thanks for the podcast. I found it very informative.
There is still some opportunity to improve Mykola's audio. It sounds like he may be coming in via speakerphone?
I found this referenced in a forum, and it sounds like it might be worth looking into, if you haven't already. Regardless, thanks again for the updates and for the podcast.
First audio volume is great this time, thank you for improving it from episode 3.
Beyond that, I'm hearing lots of people expecting that the ground war might not exchange much territory in 2024 so looking to build for 2025. But they're all talking about building ground forces. If we have over a year to build, what about building the air force to the point where it can reliably achieve at least operational air superiority in an area for a period to support ground operations from the air. And ideally enough to start doing deep bombing raids to hit logistics at will.
Though I guess that would require the kind of political will that Biden is lacking.
A long term build is obviously important--but Ukraine is probably having serious ammunition issues now. Aid must be approved asap, then the longer term issues can be faced.
Biden is in a bind. But would not a clear victory for Ukraine, facilitated by full on US aid, before the 2024 election be a massive electoral win for Biden? Then he could pivot back to his southern border issues?
It's the fact that the passing of aid for Ukraine by Congress would indeed represent a major political win for Biden that is motivating Republicans to withhold that funding...and thereby that win for Biden leading up to the presidential election. These are pathetically small minded politicians and not statesmen in even an ounce of their being. They do whatever they think will help Trump get re-elected, United States national security, helping a crucial democratic ally, protecting other European allies, even providing weapons manufacturers in their own districts with an economic win....all of that and more they simply spit on.
I know I sound like a broken record, but I strongly suspect the military does not want to give them up. Although, I guess I don't really have a basis for that other than a deep suspicion of the U.S. military.
Mikola's English is simply too difficult to understand. Ambiguous pronouns, dropped prepositions, but esp. his indistinct mouth-full-of-marbles pronunciation. It Might be that these defects are aggravated by poor audio equipment.. P. Forman
Appreciate that Paul--just Mykola has a Ukrainian accent, nothing can be done (or should be done) about that. We are paying for this ourselves, and we have done what we can to get good equipment and pay for a sound engineer. We can only do what we can do
"The more you listen to a foreign speaker, the more your brain will adapt to understand their speaking style." Very true. as we focus more on the *content* of what a person is saying and less on the unfamiliarity of the *sound*, the more we'll *get* what they're saying.
It was, as far as I recall, the Biden Administration that first linked funding to “defend the Southern border of the United States” to funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
And that linkage speaks to Biden’s genteel and quaint view of “legislative compromise”: The Administration offers something up (more border enforcement) and the Republicans take the incremental “win” back to their base.
This approach collides with the MAGA zealots in Congress who refuse to compromise. They want “total victory” and nothing less. And they will gladly throw Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan under the bus until their draconian immigration “reforms” are enacted.
So Biden is now in a bit of a pickle. Absent reasonable Republicans stepping up to support a compromise, funding for Ukraine and will now hinge on his willingness to give the “Magats” their “total victory” on immigration.
Yep--the Biden administration first made the linkage (and might very well give way). The worry is that the populists will use the linkage to scupper any deal. I hope not.
Oh Come on! Its called a Ukrainian accent. Fine with my lugoles and the analysis is really excellent. Keep it coming.
For those of us consulting military history it is indeed frustrating to watch the west fail to take arming Ukraine seriously.
very much so
Thanks for the podcast. I found it very informative.
There is still some opportunity to improve Mykola's audio. It sounds like he may be coming in via speakerphone?
I found this referenced in a forum, and it sounds like it might be worth looking into, if you haven't already. Regardless, thanks again for the updates and for the podcast.
https://cleanfeed.net/
Thanks for that Paul
I set up a recurring monthly contribution to Come Back Alive.
Thats tremendous--thanks so much Paul
First audio volume is great this time, thank you for improving it from episode 3.
Beyond that, I'm hearing lots of people expecting that the ground war might not exchange much territory in 2024 so looking to build for 2025. But they're all talking about building ground forces. If we have over a year to build, what about building the air force to the point where it can reliably achieve at least operational air superiority in an area for a period to support ground operations from the air. And ideally enough to start doing deep bombing raids to hit logistics at will.
Though I guess that would require the kind of political will that Biden is lacking.
A long term build is obviously important--but Ukraine is probably having serious ammunition issues now. Aid must be approved asap, then the longer term issues can be faced.
Biden is in a bind. But would not a clear victory for Ukraine, facilitated by full on US aid, before the 2024 election be a massive electoral win for Biden? Then he could pivot back to his southern border issues?
One would think it would help...however the administration does seem worried about escalation
It's the fact that the passing of aid for Ukraine by Congress would indeed represent a major political win for Biden that is motivating Republicans to withhold that funding...and thereby that win for Biden leading up to the presidential election. These are pathetically small minded politicians and not statesmen in even an ounce of their being. They do whatever they think will help Trump get re-elected, United States national security, helping a crucial democratic ally, protecting other European allies, even providing weapons manufacturers in their own districts with an economic win....all of that and more they simply spit on.
Thanks David. Could Biden give them enough on the border issue to get Ukraine aid over the line?
The failure to deliver sufficient ATACMs : could this be a supply issue (like the shortage of artillery rounds) ? Or is it purely political ?
Its political/strategic. The administration does not want Ukraine to have them
I know I sound like a broken record, but I strongly suspect the military does not want to give them up. Although, I guess I don't really have a basis for that other than a deep suspicion of the U.S. military.
the administration could order the military to hand them over, if they really wanted to
True.
ok why?
Fear Putin will go nuclear?
Happy to bleed/attrite Russian forces, at Ukraine's expense?
Cost?
... what?
Mikola's English is simply too difficult to understand. Ambiguous pronouns, dropped prepositions, but esp. his indistinct mouth-full-of-marbles pronunciation. It Might be that these defects are aggravated by poor audio equipment.. P. Forman
No one will force you to listen. We are doing our best.
Philips, Just so you know that my money is where my mouth is -- on your and Mikola's recommendation of Come Back Alive I gave them $1000. pf
Appreciate that Paul--just Mykola has a Ukrainian accent, nothing can be done (or should be done) about that. We are paying for this ourselves, and we have done what we can to get good equipment and pay for a sound engineer. We can only do what we can do
"Mikola's English is simply too difficult to understand."
The more you listen to a foreign speaker, the more your brain will adapt to understand their speaking style.
I don't have difficulty understanding Mykola, and I appreciate his contribution.
"The more you listen to a foreign speaker, the more your brain will adapt to understand their speaking style." Very true. as we focus more on the *content* of what a person is saying and less on the unfamiliarity of the *sound*, the more we'll *get* what they're saying.
Hi Paul,
I would like to discuss Mykola’s English with you next time.. in Ukrainian. Let’s see if your mouth gets filled with marbles.
Seriously, get a grip! Someone learnt a foreign language, you should be complimenting them, not complaining
It was, as far as I recall, the Biden Administration that first linked funding to “defend the Southern border of the United States” to funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
And that linkage speaks to Biden’s genteel and quaint view of “legislative compromise”: The Administration offers something up (more border enforcement) and the Republicans take the incremental “win” back to their base.
This approach collides with the MAGA zealots in Congress who refuse to compromise. They want “total victory” and nothing less. And they will gladly throw Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan under the bus until their draconian immigration “reforms” are enacted.
So Biden is now in a bit of a pickle. Absent reasonable Republicans stepping up to support a compromise, funding for Ukraine and will now hinge on his willingness to give the “Magats” their “total victory” on immigration.
Yep--the Biden administration first made the linkage (and might very well give way). The worry is that the populists will use the linkage to scupper any deal. I hope not.