๐งตJust off the phone with an officer from Ukraine's military intelligence service (GUR). Someone I've known now for four years who's often rolled his eyes at official Ukrainian government pronouncements.
A few observations/comments:
A few observations/comments:
I asked how his spirits were holding up. Answer: "Now is not the time for crying; now is the time for laughing."
He meant at Russia's military performance and its enormous losses in manpower and firepower in the field.
He meant at Russia's military performance and its enormous losses in manpower and firepower in the field.
"They have lost far more than they expected. That is why they started peace negotiations on the second day of the war."
"Yesterday, they lost 30 helicopters in the vicinity of Kherson where our marines destroyed them. The government announced this. Frankly speaking, it's true."
"There was also some evidence for the loss of two aircraft in the airspace around Kyiv."
"Our mood: Everything is OK. We are defending our soil, our Motherland. We have nothing to lose. They are conquerors. They are the fascists. And we will win. I have no doubt."
I asked about all the Russian deserters abandoning their undamaged tanks, BTRs, air defense systems. Where did they go and where are they now?
"They fled into the woods. Sometimes they're marodyory [looters, marauders]. Even according to our interceptions we can determine many are robbing civilian houses and occupying them."
"We also have evidence that even when the Russians occupy villages and towns they face resistance. In Kyiv they will meet extremely tough Territorial Defense."
He also confirmed the majority of Ukraine's Air Force is still in tact, on Day 12, including fixed wing and rotary aircraft. I asked how many operational Bayraktar TB2 drones Ukraine has in its arsenal. He laughed. "OK, Michael, can I just say: 'It's enough.'" // END
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