Ukraine has lost over 15 percent of the Bradley fighting vehicles that the US has provided, a US military official told The New York Times in an article published on Monday.
The article detailed how Ukraine was struggling to make gains in its counteroffensive that was launched about three weeks ago due to heavy minefields laid by Russian forces and other stiff resistance.
The report reads: “The fierce resistance has taken a toll on Ukraine’s weaponry. The United States committed 113 Bradley fighting vehicles in March. At least 17 of them — more than 15 percent — have been damaged or destroyed in the fighting so far, the official said.”
The US announced a new $325 million weapons package for Ukraine earlier this month that included 15 Bradley vehicles to replace ones that were damaged or destroyed in the first few days of the counteroffensive. Ukraine has also been losing German-made Leopard tanks and is seeking more from Berlin.
The Times report also quoted an unnamed senior Biden administration official who said Ukraine’s struggles in its counteroffensive have been “sobering” for the US. “They’re behind schedule,” the official said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that the counteroffensive was going “slower than desired” but vowed his troops will fight on. “Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It’s not,” he said.
While acknowledging that the counteroffensive has not gone well for Ukraine so far, US and Ukrainian officials have stressed the assault is in its initial stages and that significant advances could still be made.
Leading up to the counteroffensive, the Discord leaks and media reports revealed that the US did not expect Ukraine to regain significant territory. But the Biden administration pushed for the assault anyway and has rejected the idea of a ceasefire or peace talks.
Well, Wash. will have to allocate another billion to make more, won’t they?
And now they found them in Columbia and some in Mexico driven by cartels
Citation needed.
Your lack of sense of humor is as dry as Death Valley.
i think you had better provide a reference for that, pal
Right? I mean, a LACK of a a sense of humor can’t be dry.
But then, Analzyer’s logic seems as parched as Death Valley itself.
Why, because I asked for evidence of a claim I have seen made absolutely nowhere else?
Why can’t your response for once not be in a form of a question?
Oooooh, my bad! I was under the impression this was “Jeopardy.” But I guess you’re more of a “Wheel of Fortune” guy.
Still did not answer my question. What are you hiding?
Me: “Citation needed.”
You: “Your lack of sense of humor is as dry as Death Valley.”
Me: “Why, because I asked for evidence of a claim I have seen made absolutely nowhere else?”
You: “Why can’t your response for once not be in a form of a question?”
Me: “Oooooh, my bad! I was under the impression this was “Jeopardy.” But I guess you’re more of a “Wheel of Fortune” guy.”
You: “Still did not answer my question. What are you hiding?”
The only thing I’m hiding, if we must play this game of pretend intrigue, is the monumental effort it takes to suppress my disdain for such a convoluted line of thought.
The post could have been taken either way.
There are over 7,000 Bradley’s produced over 45 years. Serving in at least 4 countries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradley_Fighting_Vehicle
Surely, you are not saying that it is impossible that one or two out of over seven thousand could end up in a drug cartel?
Also, LemonyAlpaca simply asked a question.
She did not insult the guy.
Lighten up, please.
You’re right. Which means our weapons aren’t secure in other places besides Ukraine.
True.
Though things have changed from when the Bradley was designed.
I am miles from an expert.
But it seems that the warfare in Ukraine is incredibly intense in terms of guided munitions. Far more so then had a major war erupted during the Cold War.
I am not sure anything that does not cost a ridiculous amount of weight/money (too much?) can be realistically expected to survive for long in that environment.
It seems the days of Dessert Storm with huge battles with one side getting barely grazed are gone.
Imho, the next step is automating/remotely controlling the weapons systems.
Because it seems that no matter how good your tank is? It’s highly vulnerable.
Let alone, relatively thin-skinned, APC’s/IFV’s like the Bradley.
I’m a woman, but I appreciate the support!
No problem.
No wonder you don’t seem to overreact to personal attacks.
Us men tend to take debates more personally/competitively than most women I have seen in chat forums (with exceptions – of course).
Myself included.
Well, that’s a refreshing perspective … far better than the old “hysterical woman” trope.
I do find it’s true though … a lot of the men here get VERY VERY OFFENDED if you don’t lick Putin’s boots, and decide you’re a troll or a bot or, apparently, Don Julio.
There has been talk about anti-tank weapons seen in Mexico. The MIC and the media are spinning like heck to disclaim the claim. Of course weapons provided to Kiev are finding their way, far away from the battlefield. It is called the black market. The MIC does not really care, because we (taxpayers) have paid for them, and that is that. More to come.
It is clear that none of this is working out to the neocons advantage; the “coup” that wasn’t, as well as the “counteroffensive” that isn’t. Too bad for the innocents that Biden’s reelection campaign will likely keep the US/Ukraine away from the negotiating table, unless forced there by events or the US public, The latter is particularly unlikely (heavy sigh).
I doubt that Washington will have much influence on the final outcome in Ukraine. They’re untrustworthy and as you say, everything that they’ve tried has been an abysmal failure – no surprises there, the incompetence & hubris in DC is astonishing.
You may very well be right (I hope you are). The US has badly overplayed their hand, especially regarding sanctions. The US is only hastening the day when the fact that they are past peak empire becomes very obvious.
Ukraine is advancing and nearing the main Russian defensive line. We’ll see how it goes. (I can also attach a video of a Bradley nailing Russian armor with a couple of TOWs — if you’d like?)
The “coup” has replaced the “counteroffensive” for the political purpose of justifying continuing support of Ukraine.
LOL. No need. At this brainwashing cycle, they can say: “blah, blah, blah Ukraine” and Zelensky receives billions. Imagine all the US politicians’ talking heads replaced with printers that print money for Zelensky non-stop. It’s like that and that’s the way it is. …What’s that? …You think I’m exaggerating? Sorry. I can’t hear you. The sound of all the money printing machines is buzzing in my head. (Sarcasm alert)
Given the pathological lying from the Pentagon and Washington DC in general, as well as credible video from Ukraine, we can assume that the true figure is closer to 85%.
It looks more like 40% than 15%, but then Ukraine’s losses have been a constant subject of a stream of lies from DC, admitted in their own leaked documents.
I hope to take the grandchildren to visit the Bradley square one day before they clean it all up. I heard it’s more magical than Disney World. (Sarcasm)
If this official is close to western decision makers about how the next phase of the war will be fought, then I expect better combat results for Ukraine.
The US seemed to believe its propaganda, and acted as if it were true, with bad results for the west (Ukraine / NATO / US).
If this is indicative of new battle tactics for the west, then I would expect better results to follow.
Spin is reality in politics. It wins elections and gives power.
However, it is not reality in the real world. It loses wars in collision with the real world. “Buy their own BS,” a constant in the legal and business worlds that our powerful come from.
Our spinners spin, and they think it is real, they believe their own spin. It always worked for them before, getting them the power they now misuse.
Wow! “Spin is reality in politics. It wins elections and gives power. However, it is not reality in the real world. It loses wars in collision with the real world. ‘Buy their own BS,’ a constant in the legal and business worlds that our powerful come from.” I spent decades in Corporate America and rubbed elbows with CEOs. Most people don’t understand the depth of what you just said. No wonder they call you: Mark “the truth” Thomason.
Nobody really has a clue what is going on in Ukraine, apart from those on the ground.
Don Julio knows
maybe Ukraine is just another convenient junk yard for old buckets of bolts, like Iraq and Afghanistan were
Russia claims Ukraine is slighty above 250 tanks lost with the other stuff like the Bradleys are above 750.
I was goi g to assume so good ‘ol inflation like we always do on our side but Russia’s numbers might be accurate given the sharing of “15%” in this “unofficial” press relea…. “leak”.
Will Russia be bringing wrecked Bradleys and Leopards to Moscow to be placed in front of the US and German embassies?
No surprise.
They are relatively, thinly armored.
And made of aluminum to boot.
If Russian and Ukrainian tanks – that are far better protected – are being obliterated by the hundreds.
Why would Bradley’s be any different?
US Official Says Ukraine Has Lost 51% of Its Bradley Fighting Vehicles