Russias war effort is like the scene in "Star Wars: A New Hope" when Han Solo charges screaming into a Hangar full of Storm troopers and then comes running the other way screaming, chased by all of the stormtroopers.
Ukraine seems to be really good at giving Russia dilemmas. Russia keeps getting forced by Ukraine to make choices between bad options. I don't think any of this is a coincidence.
There is this saying, "in war, you don't want to give problems to your enemy, you want to give them dilemmas" (problems have solutions, dilemmas don't)
Kerch bridge bombing is ideologically important for Ukraine. Apart from its logistical value, it's THE holy trinity of must-hit targets, along with moscow and Nordstream. The fact we managed to hit all THREE, multiple times, is just... I'm wet. It's sexually pleasing for Ukrainians to see every time a russian invader is forced to flee Crimea, when muscovites cry scared, and when gas doesn't flow to Germany yet. The NS pipelines built were the biggest loss for Ukraine in nearest history. Destroying them cannot be overstated. Now only thing that remains is russian tanker fleet and oil pipes (most of which we control) to completely stop them from selling fossil fuels.
Seriously. You think Putin who has outsmarted the West at every new development is now so unstable because of his success that he has been provoked to make a decision? You need to read what he has written (written when Biden can barely stay awake) Putin "Many have probably heard of the so-called “grain deal,” whose initial purpose was to ensure global food security, reduce the threat of hunger and help the poorest countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America - the reason why Russia undertook the obligation to facilitate its implementation in the first place. This “deal,” however, while it was publicly advertised by the West as a gesture of goodwill that benefited Africa, has in fact been shamelessly used solely for the enrichment of large US and European businesses that exported and resold grain from Ukraine. Judge for yourselves: in almost a year, a total of 32.8 million tonnes of supplies were exported from Ukraine under the “deal,” with over 70 percent of the exports ending up in high- and upper-middle-income countries, including in the European Union, whereas such countries as Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia, as well as Yemen and Afghanistan, received less than 3 percent of the supplies, i.e. less than one million tonnes. In the meantime, none of the “deal” provisions relating to the exemption from sanctions of Russian grain and fertiliser exports to world markets, were fulfilled. Moreover, barriers have been mounted even to our attempts to supply free of charge mineral fertilisers to the poorest countries in need. Of 262,000 tonnes of goods blocked in European ports, only two shipments were delivered - one of 20,000 tonnes to Malawi and one of 34,000 tonnes to Kenya. The rest is still unscrupulously held by the Europeans. And this is a purely humanitarian initiative we are talking about, which should be exempt from any sanctions as such. Considering all these facts, there is no longer any use in continuing the “grain deal” as it has failed to serve its original humanitarian purpose. We argued against further extending the “deal,” which terminated as of July 18" Viewing Putin as irrational makes us into fools If we cant respect the calculated decision making of our enemies, we will never win. This is not a game of calling names ...Putin is serious in what he does at every step and turn.
Another analysis different from many journalists and experts but when you think about it, it’s just, again, brilliant and awesome!!!! Merci beaucoup Anders ! 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇦💪👍
Anders is the only Naval War expert I've seen comment on this war on mass media / social media. His unique background and insight, even if just an initial hypothesis, is therefore much valuable.
I wouldn't at all be surprised if Russia fell for another trap. By their own reckoning this misadventure was meant to be over in days. But all the while the Ukrainians have shown themselves to be much smarter than the Russians and done much more with less than anyone could have imagined. The Russians, in most instances, are their own worst enemy.
@glennvanhoecke7798 Your uncalled for, unjustified, juvenile insult that has no connection to what anyone has said suggests that you have very serious problems. Strongly recommend that you stay offline until you take a good look at yourself and fix that. Because right now you're just making yourself look juvenile, immature, crude and nasty.
Was it not Napoleon who said, and I paraphrase here; don't give your enemies problems, give them dilemmas. Problems can be solved, while dilemmas are decisions between two bad choices. Ukraine has become a master of this endgame. Thank you for another interesting analysis
I think the important part of the story is the shipping insurance. After Russia's withdrawal from the grain agreement, the cost of shipping insurance to/from Ukraine will certainly skyrocket, possibly making shipping too expensive. I also think that the timetable for the Kerch bridge bombing depends primarily on other, more important aspects, such as the weather, the Russians' movements, etc.
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Well, western countries could offer to subsidize insurance?
The bombing of the harbor facilities renders the question of insurance rather moot, right? If the ability of loading ships is not possible, then there will be no need for insurance. You are correct, though, the rates will be prohibitive. But this works for Russian grain shipments also. And remember, most of the insurers are western companies.
Any interested state could jump in and subside the insurance, communicate this openly and align that with UN Food program's efforts to ease the situation. And now wait for Russian reaction. The political price of a sunken ship will be enormous.
@@Grumpyoldman037That’s the idea. Ruzzia is hitting Odesa because there’s less political cost than sinking merchant ships. If Ruzzia starts doing that, the fence-sitters in Africa and India will turn against it. The flaw in this is that the damage to the port infrastructure can be repaired relatively quickly, and now Odesa will receive a lot more air defenses, which are currently on the way. Ruzzia is just hoping that the damage to perception is already done. My opinion is that Turkey should just escort grain ships anyway, and that Putin isn’t stupid enough to attack. Turkey’a Navy greatly outclasses the Ruzzian Black Sea and Mediterranean assets, and has backup if Ruzzia tries to move other assets to the Med to threaten it. Ruzzia will not risk a shooting war with NATO, no matter how much Putin bluffs. But the lowest risk approach is for Turkey to just close the Bosporus Straits to any Ruzzian ship except for food ships. No oil or anything else. Ruzzia would rejoin the grain deal within a day.
I hope developing countries see what's going on and get the message that they also need to help Ukraine win as quickly as possible in order to protect their own interests and that standing on the sidelines letting aggression like Russia's continue is courting disaster.
According To US Department of Agriculture report, global production of wheat in 2022 was about 780 million metric ton. Ukraine wheat production was about 20 million or about 2,5% of world production. Whereas Russia wheat production in 2022 was about 91 million ton or 12% global production. Russia has more than enough wheat to replace Ukraine wheat...
Blockade highlights Russian willingness to use grain to blackmail and underlines the desirability of Ukraine getting back Crimea to secure it's own grain shipping route. From a world perspective this makes Russia look bad, assuming that bothers them.
Unfortunately it doesn't seem like those most likely to suffer due to grain shortages are going to stop supporting Russia. Their politicians have already been bought.
@@gambaridupthat does not make it okay. It’s bad news for the world but good for Russia - unfortunately. Russia will have more influence on grain prices. Not good at all!
Slavia Ukrainia ! Herojam Slava ! Great to see you having some downtime Anders. Why Kerch Bridge burning? Thank you for sharing your view on the Black Sea What Ukrainians being clever and smart, and Ruzzians dumb? Who knew the Ukrainians are this smart ?
How prophetic. Now 11 days later you appear to have been spot on the money. Well done for your analysis and for the video. I am finding all your videos informative and interesting. Thank you.
My blood boiled a little bit when I heard Russia had pulled out. It's nice to hear that - in some ways at least - they're not going to get away with it.
Did you think Russia is governed by a bunch of idiots? The idiots are from Ukraine as they were earning money from the grain deal, but they decided to attack Crimea and obviously, the Russians had enough of Ukraine's lack of fulfillment of the agreement, not to mention NATO. They were too smart for their own good.
As always, very interesting. If it's true that the grain destroyed was for China and that the Chinese consulate was damaged in the Russian attack, will the Chinese make as firm a denunciation as they did when the US accidentally damaged their embassy in Belgrade? Will they "request" that Russia stop interfering with China's food supply?
Turns out you were right. Ukraine has pushed the black sea fleet back far enough to give themselves a relatively safe place for their shipping. They took out a radar site on Crimea which I think lead to the storm shadow strikes taking out a submarine, landing ship and headquarters.
A question that hasn't been answered is why Turkey has shifted it's diplomatic stance to essentially full support for Ukraine. The return of the Azov officers was a major embarrassment for Moscow (even if it didn't get much attention in western media) and it caps off a series of moves that pushed turkey firmly into the western camp, and no longer a sort of neutral moderator between Kyiv and Moscow. I think Russia pulling out of the grain deal has as much to do with this as anything else. I suspect Washington has been active behind the scenes giving Erdogan things he wants. Maybe Turkey has been promised a return to the F-35 program?
@@timpetersen11 Loose cannon is still a cannon... at least it isn't a half dead/unedible sack of meat. Russia attacked under Biden and not Trump for a reason ;)
11:20 this is entirely speculation on my part based on observation: Nothing the AFU have done in regards to the Kerch bridge appears to have been coincidental. Ever. Thank you very much for sharing your analytic thoughts on this Anders, much appreciated as always.
@@tjpld It was intended to afaik, but happened technically on the next day. But yes, AFU / SBU seems to be very deliberately use the bridge if they want it to be personal message
Amazing analysis. Dang there's such a difference between a professional doing a analysis and all these amateurs populating the internet. Always a pleasure to hear this man's thoughts
@@YouKnowItMang well he states that his views are just that his views and should not be taken as facts. Which is a obvious. Nevertheless, they are the result of a analysis of the known facts. This is not speculation. He still may be wrong but his reasoning still holds.
@@maxdelaserna9540 False. Too many of his claims are made on speculations or opinions not facts. Its a very mixed bag. He doesn't present it as fact but reasoning only holds in a speculative sense. You also contradicted yourself. If his views "Should not be taken as facts" then its literally speculation LOL
Even if they are complete nonsense like in this video. I don't know the regional political landscape, but I DO know that no merchant ships will sail into a warzone if they are being threatened by both sides. There will be no grain ships going to Odessa until russia backs down OR NATO protects them. And NATO direct intervention will be the absolute brink of a nuclear WW III. Since we won't let Ukraine use long range NATO weapons in Russia there is no way NATO will send a navy into the Black sea.
Let me add my voice to the many comments of thanks!! Your experience and expertise make your videos more informative and thought provoking than almost all commentators on RUclips. I really appreciate your efforts! Hope the weather improves for your stay in the countryside!!
Others have mentioned that if the grain deal is off, and any ships that may be carrying cargo in the Black Sea are under threat (whether Russia really can enforce the blockade) it means that insurance carriers will refuse to insure any of those ships in which case the shipping may be limited without any real fighting, simply the threat of being sunk. Which is much cheaper than a blockade. Conversely this means that Russia now has the same problem after Ukraine said it would treat Russian ships the same way.
Lots of good points, but I think you missed some important geographic context - namely territorial waters of the black sea; which might not occur to western viewers may tend to think of blockades like those of uboats in the Atlantic and how there's an extremely small amount of ocean that is Ukrainian along the supply routes. Russia can't exactly go sinking ships in Romanian or Turkish waters, for an example. (Not to mention that they're not at "war", it's merely a "special millitary operation", and it looks pretty bad to try to do a blockade when you haven't declared war)
@@petefrys545Well, there not being a legal war declared means for example that other countries can 'escort' (or just sail alongside) ukrainian cargo vessels without participating in any ongoing conflict. Meaning russia cant fire at them. See turkeys assurance that they would protect grain vessels for example. Russia can do little about it other than declare war. And then we have article 5
Well gosh. That’s a whole lot of perspectives I had no idea about. But the thought about the timing did run through my mind on some semi-conscious level. I assumed an atypical blunder by Ukraine not understanding it could work to their benefit.
Thank you for your Analysis of the Grain Deal. It really puts a lot of things into a perspective that I haven’t thought about. I look forward to more Videos from you. Many Thanks from Texas.👍👍❤️
EXCELLENT analysis! I hope you are correct because I agree that Ukraine is really good at outsmarting its much larger opponent. Plus I want to get back to painting ships getting blown up in the Black Sea before summer’s end. Love the change of scenery in the background, not only did it not rain, but the sun came out- a fitting ending to a stimulating video, thank you.
There are other good reasons to hit the Kerch Bridge. I'm not impressed with the damage I see in the pictures of the grain storage buildings. Just knocking the building down doesn't necessarily destroy the grain. I'm a farmer and any good farmer would immediately set about cleaning up & salvaging the grain.
Thank you Anders for sharing your thoughts with the grain deal … I didn’t think about that It was a trap set by Ukraine… could ships come by the Moldova coast line to access Odessa ports? Slava Ukraine
Thanks, I didn't understand the timing of the Kerch Bridge bombing, this makes sense of it. In reality the end of the grain deal leaves Russia with a whole boat load of dilemmas. Also in practice the Russians were obstructing the flow of grain to the point the deal had become pointless for Ukraine.
A very interesting perspective on the grain deal. Also this is in line with the self-destructive behavior Russia has displayed for the last year and a half but staying with the grain deal after the bridge explosion would have allowed Russia to be able to claim that they were the "Adult in the Room", which would have been sort of hard to deny by the rest of the world. I wouldn't have thought of this without your video and this may have been worth more to Russia than anything else could and I'll tell you why. When you have a really bad actor such as a worker with a bad attitude and they do just one thing that is surprisingly good, suddenly they appear as though they have turned a major corner in their lives. So compared to, say, last week they look like a hero. Never underestimate the damage Russia is willing to do to Russia with their tried and true process of terror tactics.
Thanks for taking the time out to give us your thoughts on the grain deal issue, Anders! As always very thought provoking! Now enjoy the rest of your holidays and, hopefully, better weathr 🙂
indsigtsfuld og fyldestgørende analyse som altid. Du er altid en af de faste analytikere som jeg går til når jeg skal have fordøjet Ukraine krigen. fortsæt dit gode arbejde.
Tilbaketrekking av kornavtalen og importforbudet for ukrainsk korn av Polen, Slovakia, Ungarn, Romania og Bulgaria er utmerkede nyheter for ukrainsk økonomi! 🇺🇦 Ukraina kommer til å vinne!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
@@m93p "Puck" has won this war, already. Why? Ukrainians has done everything NATO asked them to do. Result? More than 300000 death Ukrainian soldiers, 20 milion displaced and homeless people, who knows how many wounded Ukrainians, and lost teritory. We, NATO countries, has disintegrated one whole country and nation. Again. And we continue to babble about grain deal??? We shoud report ourselves to Hague tribunal for crimes against humanity in Afganistan, Iraq, Libia, Ukraine, etc, and discus our own atrocities. But, it is easier to be cynic, and grind grain.
Very interesting as always. What's your perspective on the role of Turkey in the grain deal and potentially offering security to ships carrying grain in the Black Sea, and the developments in the naval balance of power between Turkey and Russia in the Black Sea in general? Would love it if you would make a video on the second topic
Why would Turkey risk direct Turkish and NATO involvement in this war though? It makes little sense. Never interrupt your enemy when they’re making a mistake.
Turkey and the US said that they are not going to deploy their warships to protect cargo vessels. Russia is in an angry and pugnacious mood, and as much as the US may provide weapons to Ukraine, it is very careful to not cross certain lines.
@@MusicalMemeologyinteresting point. Until now I was not aware Russia did not have the power capabilities to enforce the blockade. It seems horrible to think about grain merchant ships being sunk. All the death and destruction Russia's insanity is causing.
It does seem possible (if not probable) that the date of the Kerch bridge strike was a calculation, assuming technically it could have been moved forward / backward a few days if needs be - e.g. there were no pressing weather conditions, other military events etc. that forced it to occur that day - leaving the grain deal expiry as the only related event. In which case also related may be the supply of Swedish RBS-15 anti-ship missiles (plus their Neptune stocks) now coming into play as Putin throws his toys out of the pram (again) ...
The point made matters little since once Russia has declared that it will intercept ships entering or leaving Ukrainian ports because once such a possible attack is `present, how are the owners of these ships be able to buy insurance for them. No one will insure anything in such circumstances.
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@@thomasjhenniganwWestern countries could subsidise insurance.
@@thomasjhenniganw How do we insure a nuclear powerplant? You cannot go to a private company to insure it. The cost will be too high if an accident happen. So the state insure it. We all will pay. So a country can insure a vessel. And flagg it. So if someone attack it, it will be a declaration of war.
Great video, thank you so much Anders! russia's disregard for any other country or any human life, has once again been shown. Victory, Freedom, Full Reparations, and all of Ukraine's Land for Ukraine! 💙💛
The is a great analysis. I think you are really on to something and I think Ukraine is laying a big trap for Russia. Also Russia attacking wheat etc will help Ukraine with more western support.
Great analysis, but what about the insurers? If the Underwriters refuse to write policies on the cargo ships due to these threats, what companies would be willing to send their ships to Ukraine? Even if the ships are safe from a physical blockade, they would be quite vulnerable in port. It seems to me that Russia can achieve, not a low cost blockade, but effectively, a total blockade free of charge.
I wondered about this, too. But the same applies in reverse: If I understood Ukraine's recent statement about this correctly, they will consider all ships headed for Russian or Crimean black sea harbors as fair game. If this is the case, the situation looks a lot like a stalemate to me, in particular if Russia wants to continue exporting crude via the black sea...
that's more of an issue for Tankers. For grain and other cargos just use old ships that are ready for the breakers, they're only worth 20 million to 30 million. On the other hand no one in their right mind is going to let a tanker carrying oil or other petroleum products in their harbor without reputable insurance. Who in their right mind is going to trust Russian self insurance to pay a multi billion dollar cleanup bill on their coast. Insurance is a to a far bigger issue for Russia than it is for Ukraine.
Even in the short term this could be bad for Russia. Ukraine has reciprocally declared that Russian shipping is reciprocally vulnerable. What the Russians have likely disregarded is the ability of the Ukrainians to interdict Russian shipping in the Black Sea. Among other things, Ukraine has the capacity to build one of the most capable antishipping missiles, the same missiles in fact that sank Moskva. The Russians have chaotic "leadership," and the climate within the Kremlin is a problem.
Well they aren't strategic thinkers, they are klepocrats trying to stay in power. When you think about it, Russians are corrupt in the silliest way possible. There is a budget for something and they all steal money off the top so nothing substantive can really be done. It's much better to take a percentage of all proceeds going forward. So instead of building an unstable bridge, they could have had a toll and take a % of that. The Americans ran into this problem in the 90s. There were a lot of business men who wanted to sink money into Russia. The Russians just stole the investments, ran out the Americans & the people with expertise and were left with nothing for the future.
Agreed. In the grand scheme of things, the amount of money from lost grain sales isn't that bad for Ukraine. OTOH, several nations dependent on that grain to survive will lessen their support for Russia.
@@joachimfrank4134They’ll be even less amused if Ruzzia can’t get oil tankers insured in the Black Sea. Or if Turkey just refuses to allow tankers to pass until Ruzzia re-enters the deal.
@@joachimfrank4134 China can find a way to gain advantage out of anything. They can just apply pressure on Russia in secret to receive a special discount on Russian grain and secure extra delivery for themselves, but in return will continue delivery to Russia of everything they already deliver, because hey look, money! Russia doesn't actually mind throwing ever more of its population into poverty in an attempt to further its "goals", and the people are too inert to actually attempt to do anything about that.
Anders what's your guess on if the *Turkish* navy gets involved? (directly or indirectly) Surely the *food crisis-affected countries* will want to bribe/persuade Turkey into helping UA in some way. Or Turkey only allowing UA ships through Bosporous. A Turkish blockade of the Black Sea of sorts (or big shipping tariffs on RU) I know Turkey is in NATO, but they are very independent and could back out of it (and rejoin later).
I hope what your reading about the bridge is true as it would mean that the Ukranians are super clever strategists but I suspect they had intel that Russia was pulling out so they thought we might as well blow the bridge to hurt the Russians replenishment as well as Putin pride.
Very useful unconventional viewpoint. Ukraine should convince its partners to enable grain transport and full control over its territirial waters. Thank you for the report!
Dear Anders, once again a brilliant and very interesting analysis! Hope you can stay longer away from your office with nice dry weather outside! Have a good rest!
Excellent video Anders, love the Country views! I think you are spot on at the end - Ukraine likely wanted to expand the war into the sea, and the Kerch bridge attack & suspension of the grain deal are likely to benefit Ukraine much more than Russia. Kalibur missiles are being used to destroy grain terminals, the Russian Black Sea fleet once again on the front line. All good news for Ukraine, at a difficult time with the counter offensive stalling.
I agree and have supported your comment, regarding most of what you have said. Except with regard to the progress of the counter-offensive. It seems to me that there is a considerable amount of activity which is not yet translating into movement on the front. Ammunition depots, fuel storages and enemy forces are being eliminated. Also Russian hardware as the Russians endeavour to make progress into Ukrainian held positions. This process of attrition is definitely prefereable to full-on attacks against enemy fortifications and defenses, that would cost many more Ukrainian lives. Furthermore, Russia seems to be doing as much as they can to self-destruct. Many of their senior ranked personnel have been eliminated or "purged" for their views. Why provide a distraction for the Russians while all that is taking place.
If this theory about the timing of the Kerch Bridge attack just before the grain deal expiration turns out to be true, now that would be an actual 4d chess move. Badass.
You know you holiday in Northern Europe if you wear a sweater during the day by the end of July! Cheers from Vienna in 34 degrees heat, thanks for the excellent analysis as always! 🙂
Very interesting and informative commentary. I do wonder what Russia would do if some of the grain ships are reflagged as being American or from another NATO country. What would Russia do even if an American flagged ship was blatantly taking weapons to Odessa? Trying to sink an American ship would be a very dangerous action for Putin. I do hope that more people in regions of the world that were invaded and colonized by Western European countries will finally clue in to the fact that Ukraine was never an Imperialist country but that Russia was and that Russia is Europe's last Imperialist country and that ensuring a Russian defeat is the best way to end European Imperialism. And that they understand that the terrorist Russian regime is happy to launch terrorist attacks to cause suffering and starvation of the world's most vulnerable people if it thinks doing so will serve Russian Imperialist interests. Russia is no friend to Africa, South Asia, East Asia, South East Asia, Latin America or the Caribbean.
Dear Anders, thank you for this analysis - it is very interesting and informative. It’s also clear to me that you understand the Russian language very well. Best regards
“A range of dilemmas they hadn’t thought through”. That describes the entire war.
Russias war effort is like the scene in "Star Wars: A New Hope" when Han Solo charges screaming into a Hangar full of Storm troopers and then comes running the other way screaming, chased by all of the stormtroopers.
Ukraine seems to be really good at giving Russia dilemmas.
Russia keeps getting forced by Ukraine to make choices between bad options.
I don't think any of this is a coincidence.
"We are Doomed''
- private frazer (Dads Army)
There is this saying, "in war, you don't want to give problems to your enemy, you want to give them dilemmas" (problems have solutions, dilemmas don't)
Well the Ukrainians know the ruZZians better than anyone.
Only good options for Ukraine!!! 🇺🇦 Ukraine is winning!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
Ukraine is going from good to better!!! 🇺🇦 Ukraine! Freedom! Democracy!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
You might have a point. The kerch bridge bombardment could've been a deliberate provocation for which Putin fell.
Kerch bridge bombing is ideologically important for Ukraine. Apart from its logistical value, it's THE holy trinity of must-hit targets, along with moscow and Nordstream. The fact we managed to hit all THREE, multiple times, is just... I'm wet. It's sexually pleasing for Ukrainians to see every time a russian invader is forced to flee Crimea, when muscovites cry scared, and when gas doesn't flow to Germany yet. The NS pipelines built were the biggest loss for Ukraine in nearest history. Destroying them cannot be overstated. Now only thing that remains is russian tanker fleet and oil pipes (most of which we control) to completely stop them from selling fossil fuels.
If that was the case Ukraine would have moved more air defenses to Odessa prior to the bridge attack
@@ArmySigs They don't have enough to do that. If they do, Kyiv gets hit instead
Seriously. You think Putin who has outsmarted the West at every new development is now so unstable because of his success that he has been provoked to make a decision?
You need to read what he has written (written when Biden can barely stay awake)
Putin
"Many have probably heard of the so-called “grain deal,” whose initial purpose was to ensure global food security, reduce the threat of hunger and help the poorest countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America - the reason why Russia undertook the obligation to facilitate its implementation in the first place. This “deal,” however, while it was publicly advertised by the West as a gesture of goodwill that benefited Africa, has in fact been shamelessly used solely for the enrichment of large US and European businesses that exported and resold grain from Ukraine.
Judge for yourselves: in almost a year, a total of 32.8 million tonnes of supplies were exported from Ukraine under the “deal,” with over 70 percent of the exports ending up in high- and upper-middle-income countries, including in the European Union, whereas such countries as Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia, as well as Yemen and Afghanistan, received less than 3 percent of the supplies, i.e. less than one million tonnes.
In the meantime, none of the “deal” provisions relating to the exemption from sanctions of Russian grain and fertiliser exports to world markets, were fulfilled. Moreover, barriers have been mounted even to our attempts to supply free of charge mineral fertilisers to the poorest countries in need. Of 262,000 tonnes of goods blocked in European ports, only two shipments were delivered - one of 20,000 tonnes to Malawi and one of 34,000 tonnes to Kenya. The rest is still unscrupulously held by the Europeans. And this is a purely humanitarian initiative we are talking about, which should be exempt from any sanctions as such.
Considering all these facts, there is no longer any use in continuing the “grain deal” as it has failed to serve its original humanitarian purpose. We argued against further extending the “deal,” which terminated as of July 18"
Viewing Putin as irrational makes us into fools
If we cant respect the calculated decision making of our enemies, we will never win.
This is not a game of calling names ...Putin is serious in what he does at every step and turn.
They started the play with the Azov officers. It's a game they played hand in hand with Erdogan. And he has loved it.
You were right sir, again! Another ship has been effed up and on a russian base proper. Hope you can make a video on this new success!
Another analysis different from many journalists and experts but when you think about it, it’s just, again, brilliant and awesome!!!!
Merci beaucoup Anders !
🇨🇦❤️🇺🇦💪👍
Anders is the only Naval War expert I've seen comment on this war on mass media / social media. His unique background and insight, even if just an initial hypothesis, is therefore much valuable.
I wouldn't at all be surprised if Russia fell for another trap. By their own reckoning this misadventure was meant to be over in days. But all the while the Ukrainians have shown themselves to be much smarter than the Russians and done much more with less than anyone could have imagined. The Russians, in most instances, are their own worst enemy.
@glennvanhoecke7798
Your uncalled for, unjustified, juvenile insult that has no connection to what anyone has said
suggests that you have very serious problems.
Strongly recommend that you stay offline until you take a good look at yourself and fix that.
Because right now you're just making yourself look juvenile, immature, crude and nasty.
Its different because its drivel. You agree with it because you believe the propaganda.
He's a fool. The entire rationale of the video is nonsense and is just wishful thinking. To win a war you need realists not fantasists.
Thank you for a well thought-out perspective - Roger
Nice view on this matter, very interesting angle. Thanks for all your work. Please keep it coming..
Every time I turn on RUclips, I hope for some new video from you. I really admire your work here, keep on!
Best info that I have hears or seen about the grain deal. really thoroughful and easy to understand
Very interesting indeed. If you are correct, someone deserves a medal😉
Дуже Дякою
- From Ukrainian diaspora in Canada
Check slide word "standars" instead of "standards". Great analysis.
Very interesting, I agree, there’s something “off” with the latest chain of events.
Was it not Napoleon who said, and I paraphrase here; don't give your enemies problems, give them dilemmas. Problems can be solved, while dilemmas are decisions between two bad choices.
Ukraine has become a master of this endgame.
Thank you for another interesting analysis
I think the important part of the story is the shipping insurance. After Russia's withdrawal from the grain agreement, the cost of shipping insurance to/from Ukraine will certainly skyrocket, possibly making shipping too expensive. I also think that the timetable for the Kerch bridge bombing depends primarily on other, more important aspects, such as the weather, the Russians' movements, etc.
Well, western countries could offer to subsidize insurance?
The bombing of the harbor facilities renders the question of insurance rather moot, right? If the ability of loading ships is not possible, then there will be no need for insurance. You are correct, though, the rates will be prohibitive. But this works for Russian grain shipments also. And remember, most of the insurers are western companies.
Any interested state could jump in and subside the insurance, communicate this openly and align that with UN Food program's efforts to ease the situation. And now wait for Russian reaction. The political price of a sunken ship will be enormous.
@@peterm.2385 Assuming you have ships going on suicide mission what destroyed Ukrainian port will they arrive in?
@@Grumpyoldman037That’s the idea. Ruzzia is hitting Odesa because there’s less political cost than sinking merchant ships. If Ruzzia starts doing that, the fence-sitters in Africa and India will turn against it. The flaw in this is that the damage to the port infrastructure can be repaired relatively quickly, and now Odesa will receive a lot more air defenses, which are currently on the way. Ruzzia is just hoping that the damage to perception is already done.
My opinion is that Turkey should just escort grain ships anyway, and that Putin isn’t stupid enough to attack. Turkey’a Navy greatly outclasses the Ruzzian Black Sea and Mediterranean assets, and has backup if Ruzzia tries to move other assets to the Med to threaten it. Ruzzia will not risk a shooting war with NATO, no matter how much Putin bluffs.
But the lowest risk approach is for Turkey to just close the Bosporus Straits to any Ruzzian ship except for food ships. No oil or anything else. Ruzzia would rejoin the grain deal within a day.
I hope developing countries see what's going on and get the message that they also need to help Ukraine win as quickly as possible in order to protect their own interests and that standing on the sidelines letting aggression like Russia's continue is courting disaster.
According To US Department of Agriculture report, global production of wheat in 2022 was about 780 million metric ton.
Ukraine wheat production was about 20 million or about 2,5% of world production.
Whereas Russia wheat production in 2022 was about 91 million ton or 12% global production.
Russia has more than enough wheat to replace Ukraine wheat...
Blockade highlights Russian willingness to use grain to blackmail and underlines the desirability of Ukraine getting back Crimea to secure it's own grain shipping route. From a world perspective this makes Russia look bad, assuming that bothers them.
Unfortunately it doesn't seem like those most likely to suffer due to grain shortages are going to stop supporting Russia. Their politicians have already been bought.
@@gambaridup Are you saying Russia didn't know what to do with 20 mln t?
20+% of its production ??
@@gambaridupthat does not make it okay. It’s bad news for the world but good for Russia - unfortunately. Russia will have more influence on grain prices. Not good at all!
Slavia Ukrainia ! Herojam Slava !
Great to see you having some downtime Anders.
Why Kerch Bridge burning?
Thank you for sharing your view on the Black Sea
What Ukrainians being clever and smart, and Ruzzians dumb?
Who knew the Ukrainians are this smart ?
Great point of view. Definitely worth considering.
look at the railway vloggers footage, plenty of UKR oil tankers and bulk grain wagons running up through Poland to the Baltic ports.
This is in my view your best and most insightful video in a long time. Mange tak. 🙂
How prophetic. Now 11 days later you appear to have been spot on the money. Well done for your analysis and for the video. I am finding all your videos informative and interesting. Thank you.
Your analysis is something I literally am hanging out for - thank you!
Loving the backdrop! 👍
Thanks Anders for a thought provoking insight into sea denial and control…
My blood boiled a little bit when I heard Russia had pulled out. It's nice to hear that - in some ways at least - they're not going to get away with it.
Did you think Russia is governed by a bunch of idiots? The idiots are from Ukraine as they were earning money from the grain deal, but they decided to attack Crimea and obviously, the Russians had enough of Ukraine's lack of fulfillment of the agreement, not to mention NATO. They were too smart for their own good.
As always, very interesting. If it's true that the grain destroyed was for China and that the Chinese consulate was damaged in the Russian attack, will the Chinese make as firm a denunciation as they did when the US accidentally damaged their embassy in Belgrade? Will they "request" that Russia stop interfering with China's food supply?
China already demanded that grain exports should continue, with pretty clear words.
Of course China will keep quiet.
It’s in China”s benefit to keep the war going so the west is distracted from focusing on them
@@traumflug "We are Doomed''
- private frazer (Dads Army)
Accidently. That's funny.
Even if the grain was not destined for China, the statement from Ukraine was another blow to the wedge between Russia and China relations.
Turns out you were right. Ukraine has pushed the black sea fleet back far enough to give themselves a relatively safe place for their shipping. They took out a radar site on Crimea which I think lead to the storm shadow strikes taking out a submarine, landing ship and headquarters.
A question that hasn't been answered is why Turkey has shifted it's diplomatic stance to essentially full support for Ukraine. The return of the Azov officers was a major embarrassment for Moscow (even if it didn't get much attention in western media) and it caps off a series of moves that pushed turkey firmly into the western camp, and no longer a sort of neutral moderator between Kyiv and Moscow. I think Russia pulling out of the grain deal has as much to do with this as anything else.
I suspect Washington has been active behind the scenes giving Erdogan things he wants. Maybe Turkey has been promised a return to the F-35 program?
Lol "senile" Biden strikes again
@@nfrl-hs2ly Probably better than "loose cannon" Trump
@@nfrl-hs2ly and the American taxpayers are once again on the hook
Another way to look at it is that Turkey risked becoming a pariah if it continued its neutral/friendly stance towards Russia.
@@timpetersen11 Loose cannon is still a cannon... at least it isn't a half dead/unedible sack of meat. Russia attacked under Biden and not Trump for a reason ;)
Anders, based on the recent actions hapoening in Black Sea, seems you were once again right with your analysis! Keep up with the good work!
11:20 this is entirely speculation on my part based on observation: Nothing the AFU have done in regards to the Kerch bridge appears to have been coincidental. Ever. Thank you very much for sharing your analytic thoughts on this Anders, much appreciated as always.
Wasn't the first Kerch Bridge attack on Putins Birthday? Will be interesting to see what they have as a gift this year.
I think theyre trying to sink it. Carfull not to draw links that probably dont exist.
@@tjpld It was intended to afaik, but happened technically on the next day. But yes, AFU / SBU seems to be very deliberately use the bridge if they want it to be personal message
I hope you get a chance to relax. Cheers, thanks for taking the time to share yoyr analysis.
Amazing analysis. Dang there's such a difference between a professional doing a analysis and all these amateurs populating the internet. Always a pleasure to hear this man's thoughts
Don’t encourage him , this is pure garbage
This is not analysis it's speculation and opinion. He says it himself. 11:14
@@YouKnowItMang well he states that his views are just that his views and should not be taken as facts. Which is a obvious. Nevertheless, they are the result of a analysis of the known facts.
This is not speculation. He still may be wrong but his reasoning still holds.
@@maxdelaserna9540 False. Too many of his claims are made on speculations or opinions not facts. Its a very mixed bag. He doesn't present it as fact but reasoning only holds in a speculative sense. You also contradicted yourself. If his views "Should not be taken as facts" then its literally speculation LOL
Even if they are complete nonsense like in this video. I don't know the regional political landscape, but I DO know that no merchant ships will sail into a warzone if they are being threatened by both sides. There will be no grain ships going to Odessa until russia backs down OR NATO protects them. And NATO direct intervention will be the absolute brink of a nuclear WW III. Since we won't let Ukraine use long range NATO weapons in Russia there is no way NATO will send a navy into the Black sea.
Tusind mange TAK for indsigt & perspektiver!
Tusind tak for din altid indsigtsfulde analyse. En fornøjelse at lytte til og få en professionel synsvinkel på militære forhold.
Ukraina! Økonomisk styrke! Frihet! Kornavtalen! Demokrati! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
for noe drit, snakker ikke om hvordan avtalen påvirker de fattiges mat sikkerhet med ett eneste ord.. som om ukraina er alt alle bryr seg om.
@@NTravellerWhat! A strange! Post! 😂🤦🏼♂️
Let me add my voice to the many comments of thanks!! Your experience and expertise make your videos more informative and thought provoking than almost all commentators on RUclips. I really appreciate your efforts! Hope the weather improves for your stay in the countryside!!
Others have mentioned that if the grain deal is off, and any ships that may be carrying cargo in the Black Sea are under threat (whether Russia really can enforce the blockade) it means that insurance carriers will refuse to insure any of those ships in which case the shipping may be limited without any real fighting, simply the threat of being sunk. Which is much cheaper than a blockade.
Conversely this means that Russia now has the same problem after Ukraine said it would treat Russian ships the same way.
Only difference is who is giving insurance for Russian ships??😮
@@claus-not-santaSame companies that insure Ukraine’s ships.
@@grahamstrouse1165 I did not know Russian State was doing this for Ukraine!
Lots of good points, but I think you missed some important geographic context - namely territorial waters of the black sea; which might not occur to western viewers may tend to think of blockades like those of uboats in the Atlantic and how there's an extremely small amount of ocean that is Ukrainian along the supply routes. Russia can't exactly go sinking ships in Romanian or Turkish waters, for an example. (Not to mention that they're not at "war", it's merely a "special millitary operation", and it looks pretty bad to try to do a blockade when you haven't declared war)
The US blockaded Cuba and they weren't at war.
Dont think Russia is bothered about the definitions
@@petefrys545Well, there not being a legal war declared means for example that other countries can 'escort' (or just sail alongside) ukrainian cargo vessels without participating in any ongoing conflict. Meaning russia cant fire at them.
See turkeys assurance that they would protect grain vessels for example. Russia can do little about it other than declare war.
And then we have article 5
Well gosh. That’s a whole lot of perspectives I had no idea about. But the thought about the timing did run through my mind on some semi-conscious level. I assumed an atypical blunder by Ukraine not understanding it could work to their benefit.
Thank you for your Analysis of the Grain Deal. It really puts a lot of things into a perspective that I haven’t thought about. I look forward to more Videos from you. Many Thanks from Texas.👍👍❤️
EXCELLENT analysis! I hope you are correct because I agree that Ukraine is really good at outsmarting its much larger opponent. Plus I want to get back to painting ships getting blown up in the Black Sea before summer’s end.
Love the change of scenery in the background, not only did it not rain, but the sun came out- a fitting ending to a stimulating video, thank you.
There are other good reasons to hit the Kerch Bridge. I'm not impressed with the damage I see in the pictures of the grain storage buildings. Just knocking the building down doesn't necessarily destroy the grain. I'm a farmer and any good farmer would immediately set about cleaning up & salvaging the grain.
A surprising perspective. Haven't heard this from anyone else.
Many thanks!
Wonderful to hear your thoughts! And the comments of your viewers are also insightful. Thanks.
Fascinating perspective here.
Anders, I think you are absolutely right in your analysis of the grain deal situation.
russia been stalling the inspection of ships for months to stop shipments anyway so UKraine not lost anything
Very good analysis again.
Thank you Anders for sharing your thoughts with the grain deal … I didn’t think about that It was a trap set by Ukraine… could ships come by the Moldova coast line to access Odessa ports? Slava Ukraine
Very thought provoking - thank you Anders. Slava Ukraine!
You always have perspectives that make sense but which others fail to come up with.
A very interesting perspective. Thanks
Thanks, I didn't understand the timing of the Kerch Bridge bombing, this makes sense of it. In reality the end of the grain deal leaves Russia with a whole boat load of dilemmas. Also in practice the Russians were obstructing the flow of grain to the point the deal had become pointless for Ukraine.
A very interesting perspective on the grain deal.
Also this is in line with the self-destructive behavior Russia has displayed for the last year and a half but staying with the grain deal after the bridge explosion would have allowed Russia to be able to claim that they were the "Adult in the Room", which would have been sort of hard to deny by the rest of the world. I wouldn't have thought of this without your video and this may have been worth more to Russia than anything else could and I'll tell you why. When you have a really bad actor such as a worker with a bad attitude and they do just one thing that is surprisingly good, suddenly they appear as though they have turned a major corner in their lives. So compared to, say, last week they look like a hero.
Never underestimate the damage Russia is willing to do to Russia with their tried and true process of terror tactics.
Thanks for taking the time out to give us your thoughts on the grain deal issue, Anders! As always very thought provoking! Now enjoy the rest of your holidays and, hopefully, better weathr 🙂
Thanks for posting!
indsigtsfuld og fyldestgørende analyse som altid. Du er altid en af de faste analytikere som jeg går til når jeg skal have fordøjet Ukraine krigen. fortsæt dit gode arbejde.
Puck should dig a hole for himself and spend the next two months in it.
Tilbaketrekking av kornavtalen og importforbudet for ukrainsk korn av Polen, Slovakia, Ungarn, Romania og Bulgaria er utmerkede nyheter for ukrainsk økonomi! 🇺🇦 Ukraina kommer til å vinne!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
@@m93p "Puck" has won this war, already. Why? Ukrainians has done everything NATO asked them to do. Result? More than 300000 death Ukrainian soldiers, 20 milion displaced and homeless people, who knows how many wounded Ukrainians, and lost teritory. We, NATO countries, has disintegrated one whole country and nation. Again. And we continue to babble about grain deal??? We shoud report ourselves to Hague tribunal for crimes against humanity in Afganistan, Iraq, Libia, Ukraine, etc, and discus our own atrocities. But, it is easier to be cynic, and grind grain.
@@m93pRussian bot
Great information and great thinking!!!👌
The third one is coming! Ukraine's goal is to disable the bridge completely.
I agree with 'eskimotoon'. This helped to join a lot of dots. Very thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing your insights.
This one was really interesting, totally captivating follow through on the grain deal and its consequences, inciteful, thank you.
Kerch Bridge attack timing definitely deliberate. Masterstroke.
Very interesting as always.
What's your perspective on the role of Turkey in the grain deal and potentially offering security to ships carrying grain in the Black Sea, and the developments in the naval balance of power between Turkey and Russia in the Black Sea in general?
Would love it if you would make a video on the second topic
Why would Turkey risk direct Turkish and NATO involvement in this war though? It makes little sense. Never interrupt your enemy when they’re making a mistake.
Turkey and the US said that they are not going to deploy their warships to protect cargo vessels. Russia is in an angry and pugnacious mood, and as much as the US may provide weapons to Ukraine, it is very careful to not cross certain lines.
@@MusicalMemeologyinteresting point. Until now I was not aware Russia did not have the power capabilities to enforce the blockade. It seems horrible to think about grain merchant ships being sunk. All the death and destruction Russia's insanity is causing.
@@MusicalMemeologybecause Turkey would profit from an escalation. They could force Russia to make concessions in the Türkise Syrian border.
@@dimbwemazala8978 Pootin has already shown that he is pluffing. NATO only has to raise and he will fold and take a flight out of Moscow.
Hello Andres, Can you please make a follow-up video on how the Russia Black Sea blockade work out?
It does seem possible (if not probable) that the date of the Kerch bridge strike was a calculation, assuming technically it could have been moved forward / backward a few days if needs be - e.g. there were no pressing weather conditions, other military events etc. that forced it to occur that day - leaving the grain deal expiry as the only related event. In which case also related may be the supply of Swedish RBS-15 anti-ship missiles (plus their Neptune stocks) now coming into play as Putin throws his toys out of the pram (again) ...
Good point about the anti-ship missiles. Putin seems to be overriding his generals and this seems like a perfect trap.
The point made matters little since once Russia has declared that it will intercept ships entering or leaving Ukrainian ports because once such a possible attack is `present, how are the owners of these ships be able to buy insurance for them. No one will insure anything in such circumstances.
@@thomasjhenniganwWestern countries could subsidise insurance.
@Maybe willing but but subsidy won't help if insurance companies refuse to insure since the chances of a loss are so great.
@@thomasjhenniganw How do we insure a nuclear powerplant? You cannot go to a private company to insure it. The cost will be too high if an accident happen. So the state insure it. We all will pay.
So a country can insure a vessel. And flagg it. So if someone attack it, it will be a declaration of war.
Great video, thank you so much Anders!
russia's disregard for any other country or any human life, has once again been shown.
Victory, Freedom, Full Reparations, and all of Ukraine's Land for Ukraine! 💙💛
The is a great analysis. I think you are really on to something and I think Ukraine is laying a big trap for Russia. Also Russia attacking wheat etc will help Ukraine with more western support.
I would be interested in a video about how the Nato-Membership of Finland and Sweden changes the safety and strategy of the nordic nations.
Great analysis, but what about the insurers? If the Underwriters refuse to write policies on the cargo ships due to these threats, what companies would be willing to send their ships to Ukraine? Even if the ships are safe from a physical blockade, they would be quite vulnerable in port. It seems to me that Russia can achieve, not a low cost blockade, but effectively, a total blockade free of charge.
Türkish ships docked beside cargo ships and you will suddenly see a mirracle. NATO troops stationed at any place is the best air defence available.
Ukraine also threatened all Russian ships and achieved the same thing though.
I wondered about this, too. But the same applies in reverse: If I understood Ukraine's recent statement about this correctly, they will consider all ships headed for Russian or Crimean black sea harbors as fair game. If this is the case, the situation looks a lot like a stalemate to me, in particular if Russia wants to continue exporting crude via the black sea...
We have to remember that one third of russian oil export is going through Black Sea.
that's more of an issue for Tankers. For grain and other cargos just use old ships that are ready for the breakers, they're only worth 20 million to 30 million. On the other hand no one in their right mind is going to let a tanker carrying oil or other petroleum products in their harbor without reputable insurance. Who in their right mind is going to trust Russian self insurance to pay a multi billion dollar cleanup bill on their coast. Insurance is a to a far bigger issue for Russia than it is for Ukraine.
Looks like an accurate prediction, Anders.
Well articulated. I believe you are spot on.
Even in the short term this could be bad for Russia. Ukraine has reciprocally declared that Russian shipping is reciprocally vulnerable. What the Russians have likely disregarded is the ability of the Ukrainians to interdict Russian shipping in the Black Sea. Among other things, Ukraine has the capacity to build one of the most capable antishipping missiles, the same missiles in fact that sank Moskva. The Russians have chaotic "leadership," and the climate within the Kremlin is a problem.
Well they aren't strategic thinkers, they are klepocrats trying to stay in power.
When you think about it, Russians are corrupt in the silliest way possible. There is a budget for something and they all steal money off the top so nothing substantive can really be done. It's much better to take a percentage of all proceeds going forward. So instead of building an unstable bridge, they could have had a toll and take a % of that.
The Americans ran into this problem in the 90s. There were a lot of business men who wanted to sink money into Russia. The Russians just stole the investments, ran out the Americans & the people with expertise and were left with nothing for the future.
Ukraine has the advantage that it has no ships which the Russians could sink.
Thank you.
Agreed. In the grand scheme of things, the amount of money from lost grain sales isn't that bad for Ukraine. OTOH, several nations dependent on that grain to survive will lessen their support for Russia.
Some of the grain which burned in Odesa was said to have been destined for China. China is probably not amused by the end of the grain deal.
There are several bigger exporters of grain. It's sad, but it's war.
@@joachimfrank4134They’ll be even less amused if Ruzzia can’t get oil tankers insured in the Black Sea. Or if Turkey just refuses to allow tankers to pass until Ruzzia re-enters the deal.
@@joachimfrank4134 Absolutely. Actually, China is the biggest importer of Ukrainian grain, some 5-6 million tons/year.
@@joachimfrank4134 China can find a way to gain advantage out of anything. They can just apply pressure on Russia in secret to receive a special discount on Russian grain and secure extra delivery for themselves, but in return will continue delivery to Russia of everything they already deliver, because hey look, money! Russia doesn't actually mind throwing ever more of its population into poverty in an attempt to further its "goals", and the people are too inert to actually attempt to do anything about that.
Thank you, very interesting insights that I was oblivious to in these emotional times.
Anders what's your guess on if the *Turkish* navy gets involved? (directly or indirectly)
Surely the *food crisis-affected countries* will want to bribe/persuade Turkey into helping UA in some way.
Or Turkey only allowing UA ships through Bosporous. A Turkish blockade of the Black Sea of sorts (or big shipping tariffs on RU)
I know Turkey is in NATO, but they are very independent and could back out of it (and rejoin later).
Clever. Thanks
Thanks Anders! Lucid and logical as always.
Gosh, I love the way you think.
Looking forward to more videos while you are travelling.
Thanks for all the analysis and insights 🙂
I think you are right with regards to the Kerch bridge. I don´t believe in coincidences either... :-)
Thank you for taking the time to explain this to us
Really excellent 2nd & 3rd order analysis. Very original, too. Thank you for your effort in this.
I hope what your reading about the bridge is true as it would mean that the Ukranians are super clever strategists but I suspect they had intel that Russia was pulling out so they thought we might as well blow the bridge to hurt the Russians replenishment as well as Putin pride.
As always very informative analysis. Thx Anders!
Very useful unconventional viewpoint. Ukraine should convince its partners to enable grain transport and full control over its territirial waters. Thank you for the report!
Dear Anders, once again a brilliant and very interesting analysis!
Hope you can stay longer away from your office with nice dry weather outside! Have a good rest!
Excellent video Anders, love the Country views! I think you are spot on at the end - Ukraine likely wanted to expand the war into the sea, and the Kerch bridge attack & suspension of the grain deal are likely to benefit Ukraine much more than Russia. Kalibur missiles are being used to destroy grain terminals, the Russian Black Sea fleet once again on the front line. All good news for Ukraine, at a difficult time with the counter offensive stalling.
I agree and have supported your comment, regarding most of what you have said. Except with regard to the progress of the counter-offensive. It seems to me that there is a considerable amount of activity which is not yet translating into movement on the front. Ammunition depots, fuel storages and enemy forces are being eliminated. Also Russian hardware as the Russians endeavour to make progress into Ukrainian held positions. This process of attrition is definitely prefereable to full-on attacks against enemy fortifications and defenses, that would cost many more Ukrainian lives. Furthermore, Russia seems to be doing as much as they can to self-destruct. Many of their senior ranked personnel have been eliminated or "purged" for their views. Why provide a distraction for the Russians while all that is taking place.
Thank you for this analysis. Absolutely fascinating! Hope the weather is kind.
Interesting video 👍
Excellent analysis, as always Anders.
Excellent and insightful analysis, had not heard anything similar anywhere else. Thanks!
Fantastic, thought provoking analysis, as always.
You are very, very correct. Great job 👏
If this theory about the timing of the Kerch Bridge attack just before the grain deal expiration turns out to be true, now that would be an actual 4d chess move. Badass.
Great analysis
Very insightful about this topic... You always bring up very interesting thoughts !
I certainly did not think of it like that, so I think this video just grew me a couple new neurons in my head. Thank you for the analysis!
Thank you Anders for these very helpful insights. Your analysis makes excellent sense 🇺🇦
You know you holiday in Northern Europe if you wear a sweater during the day by the end of July!
Cheers from Vienna in 34 degrees heat, thanks for the excellent analysis as always! 🙂
Very interesting and informative commentary.
I do wonder what Russia would do if some of the grain ships are reflagged as being American or from another NATO country.
What would Russia do even if an American flagged ship was blatantly taking weapons to Odessa?
Trying to sink an American ship would be a very dangerous action for Putin.
I do hope that more people in regions of the world that were invaded and colonized by Western European countries
will finally clue in to the fact that Ukraine was never an Imperialist country
but that Russia was and that Russia is Europe's last Imperialist country
and that ensuring a Russian defeat is the best way to end European Imperialism.
And that they understand that the terrorist Russian regime is happy to launch terrorist attacks
to cause suffering and starvation of the world's most vulnerable people
if it thinks doing so will serve Russian Imperialist interests.
Russia is no friend to Africa, South Asia, East Asia, South East Asia, Latin America or the Caribbean.
Very interesting again Anders .Thank you.🇬🇧🇺🇦
Dear Anders, thank you for this analysis - it is very interesting and informative. It’s also clear to me that you understand the Russian language very well. Best regards