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gab13by13

(33,141 posts)
Sun Jul 5, 2026, 11:20 PM Sunday

Putin Is On The Verge Of Losing Crimea

Zelenskyy owns the Black Sea. Russian officials are shuffling documents out of the country. Ukraine just blew up 2 Hangars with Russian aircraft inside. Gasoline is being limited to government vehicles. Crimea has rolling blackouts from Ukrainian attacks on the power infrastructure.

Crimea was a huge asset in Putin's goal of capturing eastern and southern Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine is on the offensive reclaiming Russian occupied land. Putin has had to relocate air defense systems from eastern and southern Ukraine to defend Moscow. Ukraine has incapacitated 20% of Russian oil production.

Putin is losing the war, all he can do is fire missiles and drones into civilian buildings in Ukraine, had the US supplied Ukraine with air defenses Russia wouldn't even be successful in doing that.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-has-lost-the-black-sea-zelenskyy-just-declared-victory-in-crimea-and-officials-are-reportedly-evacuating-sensitive-documents/ar-AA27f3Oq?

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Putin Is On The Verge Of Losing Crimea (Original Post) gab13by13 Sunday OP
Militarily, he's lost Crimea. OAITW r.2.0 Sunday #1
Modern warfare at its finest gab13by13 Sunday #2
Now all he has to do is blow up the bridge. Historic NY Monday #14
That would leave Russians INSIDE Crimea. Grins Monday #19
Right. Ukraine is in a position to take the bridge out now Bluetus Monday #28
And... Fiendish Thingy Sunday #3
Uh, they need Patriot batteries Chuuku Davis Monday #32
I thought they got those from other European countries Fiendish Thingy Monday #37
See this: Blood on Trump's Hands as Ukraine Runs Out of Missiles and Russia Runs Wild Amaryllis Monday #40
Not for long..."Freya" is the top priority for Ukraine now. OAITW r.2.0 4 hrs ago #69
ETTD not fooled Monday #36
Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦 Deuxcents Sunday #4
I think it is more dire than that for Putin drray23 Sunday #5
This winter will be awful for Russian citizens. OAITW r.2.0 Monday #8
May it be worse for them than what they have done to Ukraine. niyad Monday #44
I think it will be a lot worse, actually. Russia will need at least 1/2 the remaining energy output for their war. OAITW r.2.0 4 hrs ago #68
Best estimates are 1/2 million dead SCantiGOP Monday #9
It is amazing what happens when you are no longer fighting with your hands tied behind you. state of stupid Monday #11
YES!!! YES! YES!! Grins Monday #21
Who is this walking zombie you speak of? ornotna Monday #57
The guy that according to Stormy Daniels fulfilled "the worst 90 seconds of her life" and state of stupid Monday #63
That's why Putin will throw billions at the midterms. yardwork Monday #18
Putin is attacking civilian targets and UKraind needs patriot interceptors to stop the drones. Trump won't give them. Amaryllis Monday #41
Ukraine is developing their own capabilities drray23 Monday #42
Did you read the article i linked to? HAve you been following the recent attacks on Kyiv by Russia on civilian targets? Amaryllis Monday #43
Thank you all who have supported Ukraine. 🇺🇦 oasis Sunday #6
That 20% reduction in refining capacity is what russia admits -misanthroptimist Sunday #7
Conditions Are Not Ripe On The Ground DallasNE Monday #10
Personally, I hope the Ukrainians ask THE KING OF STUPID would he rather kiss a Tiger's ass state of stupid Monday #12
It will be Grand when NATO ignores the toddler dave99 Monday #35
Maybe we were wrong: maybe putin will be the one who flees his country--not trump. C Moon Monday #13
putin better have his windows bolted solid MerryBlooms Monday #15
While I would LOVE that; it's not happening anytime soon. Callie1979 Monday #16
Right now Ukraine is leaving the bridge there so that ruzzian niyad Monday #45
good point; HE could drop it to KEEP them there. Callie1979 Monday #58
Actually, there really are not. Ukraine has been systematically niyad Monday #59
If only Chump hadn't become president, we could have been a good partner to Ukraine FakeNoose Monday #17
And we wouldn't be wasting munitions in the Persian gulf. Ray Bruns Monday #29
Ahhhh...America's Allies Learn Not to Scrutinize TOO Closely... ForeGoneLegsBirne Monday #62
Ukraine hasn't crossed the Dneiper to get anywhere near Crimea. maxsolomon Monday #20
You misunderstood my OP or didn't read the part gab13by13 Monday #30
Are you Jack Buckby? maxsolomon Monday #34
True The Bopper Monday #64
It's great that after 4.5 years of war, he is losing territory he's held for a decade. SamuelAdams Monday #22
Ukraine has to take the remainder of Kherson first. OnlinePoker Monday #23
Crimea is becoming an albatross around Putin's neck. Martin68 Monday #24
If that fucker uses a tactical nuke purr-rat beauty Monday #25
The sooner Putin rids the world of his evil existence, the better! Initech Monday #26
And his puppet! niyad Monday #46
Trump and Netanyahu both! Initech Monday #48
KoKo comes to mind. niyad Monday #49
Slava Ukraini! duckworth969 Monday #27
Putin, Crimea river. harumph Monday #31
snicker niyad Monday #47
Fucking Republicans, made they ALL Burn. dave99 Monday #33
GOOD orangecrush Monday #38
Yes, BUT: Blood on Trump's Hands as Ukraine Runs Out of Missiles and Russia Runs Wild Amaryllis Monday #39
How will they retake it? Drive across the bridge? Paaratroops? WarGamer Monday #50
None of this is a laughing matter. niyad Monday #51
what's worth laughing about is how people make comments suggesting impossible things happen. WarGamer Monday #52
Impossible? Based on what assessments and expertise, pray tell? niyad Monday #53
just tell me how... 5000 paratroopers? WarGamer Monday #55
You made the statement. I asked on what expertise or information niyad Monday #56
The same expertise that has delivered so many amazing and unintentionally funny moments. BannonsLiver Monday #60
Ahhh, thank you. niyad Monday #61
Maybe the Kurds will lead the way again...? Torchlight 18 hrs ago #65
At least Kurd involvement was plausible... talked about by academics... WarGamer 6 hrs ago #66
Ukrainian drone roams freely over downtown Moscow in daylight... Norrrm Monday #54
These verges take a lifetime lame54 6 hrs ago #67

gab13by13

(33,141 posts)
2. Modern warfare at its finest
Sun Jul 5, 2026, 11:29 PM
Sunday

Zelenskyy is retaking Crimea without needing a massive land force to capture it.

Grins

(9,627 posts)
19. That would leave Russians INSIDE Crimea.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:17 AM
Monday

Russians who shouldn't be there at all, and who Ukraine wants out.

Expend just a couple of scare munitions and hit a Russian-populated area of Crimea to provide "clarity" for those
Russians who might be on the fence on running back to the Motherland. Remind them why they should get the hell out now!

The visuals of them fleeing - GREAT media!!!

Bluetus

(3,393 posts)
28. Right. Ukraine is in a position to take the bridge out now
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:45 PM
Monday

It is Putin who is more likely to destroy the bridge in order to force Russians to remain there.

I completely agree with your scenario. Zelenskyy will continue to make life unbearable for the Russians that remain in Crimea. And once most are gone, they will be able to get in close to set big explosives that will take out a bunch of the piers, ending that chapter. I predict that will happen within 4 months.

Surely there are few supplies moving through Crimea now. As this progresses, that will allow Ukraine to concentrate more assets on the supply lines along the west bank of the Sea of Azov. This becomes a phase of war where Ukraine doesn't have to engage the enemy in close combat so much. THey can basically get the russians out by attrition.

Fiendish Thingy

(24,654 posts)
3. And...
Sun Jul 5, 2026, 11:37 PM
Sunday

Trump can’t do a thing to stop it.

Ukraine doesn’t need the US anymore.

Things seem to be accelerating exponentially in Ukraine’s favor , and Russia is flailing desperately.

Fiendish Thingy

(24,654 posts)
37. I thought they got those from other European countries
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 03:02 PM
Monday

And those countries replenished with purchases from the US, so no additional congressional approval needed.

Amaryllis

(11,588 posts)
40. See this: Blood on Trump's Hands as Ukraine Runs Out of Missiles and Russia Runs Wild
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:04 PM
Monday
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221353195
It's more complicated than that. And Trump is the bottleneck.

OAITW r.2.0

(33,040 posts)
69. Not for long..."Freya" is the top priority for Ukraine now.
Tue Jul 7, 2026, 11:19 PM
4 hrs ago

An anti-ballistic missile system that will get built and tested in real time. I expect it will exceed current Patriot missile performance standards at a price-point Europe will love.

With 6 months, Ukraine gains their own "golden dome".

not fooled

(6,829 posts)
36. ETTD
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:07 PM
Monday

When krasnov threw in his lot with fellow psychopath putin, the latter should have realized that Everything Trump Touches Dies*.

*Rick Wilson's take, which is proven more and more as time passes.

drray23

(8,874 posts)
5. I think it is more dire than that for Putin
Sun Jul 5, 2026, 11:49 PM
Sunday

I believe he is losing the war outright. The pressure Ukraine has been applying via their drone attacks leading to fuel shortages is also very effective. War is now an every day reality for the population in Russia, not something relegated to the front lines. They do not like it at all.

I would not be surprised if Putin start losing his grip on the country as well. He is an aging dictator with an angry population. Russia's main income is the sale of oil and that is dropping drastically. The economy is collapsing.

I bet that within a year this war will end. Either Putin will try to negotiate with Ukraine and end the war, trying to keep his control on Russia or he will be overthrown.

OAITW r.2.0

(33,040 posts)
68. I think it will be a lot worse, actually. Russia will need at least 1/2 the remaining energy output for their war.
Tue Jul 7, 2026, 10:55 PM
4 hrs ago

That leaves fuck-all for Russian society.

And that assumes Ukraine leaves the remaining energy infrastructure intact.

SCantiGOP

(14,794 posts)
9. Best estimates are 1/2 million dead
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:19 AM
Monday

Russian military has lost a half million men, more than the US lost in WW II.
And there is no way Putin can put any positive spin on his disaster.

state of stupid

(256 posts)
11. It is amazing what happens when you are no longer fighting with your hands tied behind you.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:29 AM
Monday

Because of The Walking Zombie in the White House, Ukraine was only allowed to
defend their territory with no strikes to Russia. Now that the Dictator, the Liar and
Thief is irrelevant and Ukraine is hitting Russia where it hurts (something that should
have been allowed from the beginning) in a real war where your homeland is a target,
my oh my how the tables start to turn.

Grins

(9,627 posts)
21. YES!!! YES! YES!!
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:49 AM
Monday

I remember all the hand-wringing after Putin invaded that a big reaction by the west would lead to Armageddon. "You're risking WWIII!" they would scream.

We can't give them F-16's. Can't give them Abrams tanks. Can't give them long-rage munitions. Can't give them our strategic intelligence on what Russia was doing and where to hit them back. Can't give, can't give, can't give - the things that would have ended this war years ago. And saved millions of lives and trillions of dollars in infrastructure.

And that "wider war" shit? Trump picked it up and publicly threw it in Zelenskyy's face.

The Russian military fails were everywhere, the Russian deaths were everywhere, the Russian draft, the off-the-street impressment of young Russian men, the Coup d'Etat attempt by Putin's own and murderous supporters, the sinking of Russian ships - and subs! - the destruction of 1/3rd of Russia's strategic bomber force in ONE HOUR (imagine if that happened to us!), the buying of munitions from Iran and N. Korea because Russia could not produce them, the luring of foreign mercenaries from Africa, Cuba, N. Korea to serve and die for Mother Russia because they couldn't field enough Russian "patriots," were everywhere illuminating that - RUSSIA IS A PAPER TIGER!

And, still, they stuck to that damn myth. And if we didn't have a Russian asset in the White House today, we would (I can only hope) be doubling down on our support

state of stupid

(256 posts)
63. The guy that according to Stormy Daniels fulfilled "the worst 90 seconds of her life" and
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:27 PM
Monday

Last edited Tue Jul 7, 2026, 02:13 AM - Edit history (1)

paid her 130,000 dollars for it!!! That comes to 260,000 dollars for three minutes times 20 for
an hour equals 5,200,000 dollars for an hour. I cannot speak for you but only a brain dead
zombie mofo would pay that for something that normal people hook up and do for free
(otherwise known as a one-night stand).

yardwork

(70,163 posts)
18. That's why Putin will throw billions at the midterms.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 10:01 AM
Monday

His only hope is preventing a Democratic takeover of Congress.

Democracy is hanging in the balance. I think November's elections are the most important of my life.

Amaryllis

(11,588 posts)
41. Putin is attacking civilian targets and UKraind needs patriot interceptors to stop the drones. Trump won't give them.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:07 PM
Monday
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221353195
It's more complicated than that. And Trump is the bottleneck.

drray23

(8,874 posts)
42. Ukraine is developing their own capabilities
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:10 PM
Monday

As a matter of fact, countries are now looking up to them on how to conduct a modern drone war. I don't think patriot missiles are the optimal tool anymore, especially to intercept drones.

The EU has significantly ramped up to compensate for Trump. I think Putin is toast and its a last desperate attempt.

Amaryllis

(11,588 posts)
43. Did you read the article i linked to? HAve you been following the recent attacks on Kyiv by Russia on civilian targets?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:35 PM
Monday

“As long as Patriot missiles remain in our allies’ stockpiles, Russia is only encouraged to keep ‘vanquishing’ residential buildings,” Zelensky said after the attack. “The United States and Europe have enough strength to stop this terror”.

But the Trump administration has not only refused to send additional Patriot missiles — it has halted key weapons shipments altogether. The White House excluded funding for military aid to Ukraine from its record-breaking $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027. This follows a pattern of withholding assistance that has left Ukraine exposed and bleeding.

-misanthroptimist

(2,117 posts)
7. That 20% reduction in refining capacity is what russia admits
Sun Jul 5, 2026, 11:58 PM
Sunday

Independent analysts put the real reduction at 40-47%. Russia is screwed.


DallasNE

(8,026 posts)
10. Conditions Are Not Ripe On The Ground
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:28 AM
Monday

In Ukraine (including Crimea), for peace talks to start. So why, at this awkward moment, is Trump pushing peace talks? It makes no sense. Putin is still demanding all of the partially occupied areas of Ukraine, when they will soon hold less than half of that - assuming that Crimea falls to Ukraine in the next month or so.

Putin must have reminded Trump how much is riding on the next moves, so Trump is going to the NATO meeting to raise hell and pressure Ukraine to give Putin everything that he wants. I am hoping NATO leaders are ready this time. It is no sure thing.

state of stupid

(256 posts)
12. Personally, I hope the Ukrainians ask THE KING OF STUPID would he rather kiss a Tiger's ass
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:37 AM
Monday

or a rabbit between the ears. If he chooses the rabbit, they simply thrust their hips forward,
turn their front pocket inside out and say, "What's up Doc".

C Moon

(13,857 posts)
13. Maybe we were wrong: maybe putin will be the one who flees his country--not trump.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:06 AM
Monday

Because I wonder how much more of this the public and military will put up with. Maybe there will be a coup soon?—of course, that's not always good.

MerryBlooms

(12,650 posts)
15. putin better have his windows bolted solid
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:18 AM
Monday

Wouldn't want him to fall out a window right about now, would we? 🤫🤔🫡

Callie1979

(1,529 posts)
16. While I would LOVE that; it's not happening anytime soon.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:09 AM
Monday

There's no way for UKR to get troops or anything else to Crimea. But if they can make the imported Russians scared to STAY there thats a victory itself.
And PLEASE put that damn bridge in the ocean.

niyad

(135,732 posts)
45. Right now Ukraine is leaving the bridge there so that ruzzian
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 08:29 PM
Monday

civilians can leave. It is a smart thing to do. putler, on the other hand, does not care about the civilians trying to flee. Who knows what he might do.

Callie1979

(1,529 posts)
58. good point; HE could drop it to KEEP them there.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:24 PM
Monday

I know there are other ways but thats the easiest route out

niyad

(135,732 posts)
59. Actually, there really are not. Ukraine has been systematically
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:31 PM
Monday

taking down other access points, basically creating a single funnel.

FakeNoose

(43,259 posts)
17. If only Chump hadn't become president, we could have been a good partner to Ukraine
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:51 AM
Monday

We could have helped the good guys, instead of slinking around in back alleys dealing with dictators and tyrants.

In future negotiations, this will come back to bite us in the butt, over and over.

62. Ahhhh...America's Allies Learn Not to Scrutinize TOO Closely...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:06 PM
Monday

Remember Churchill"s Quote... "Americans always do the right thing... after exhausting all other options."

maxsolomon

(39,520 posts)
20. Ukraine hasn't crossed the Dneiper to get anywhere near Crimea.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:39 AM
Monday

Lots of unhatched chicken counting in this OP.

This war is a long way from over.

gab13by13

(33,141 posts)
30. You misunderstood my OP or didn't read the part
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:48 PM
Monday

where I said that Ukraine is going to retake Crimea without having to send massive amounts of troops there.

When Putin took Crimea he gave Russians sweetheart deals to move there but one of his guarantees to them was that he would protect them. Putin cannot protect the Russians in Crimea, thousands are already leaving.

Was it Mitt Romney who coined the phrase, self-deport?

How long before the Russians who Putin put in charge of cities and towns decide it's time to leave?

I agree with you, Ukraine doesn't have the troops to spare to send to Crimea, I'm saying that not many troops will be needed.

Think modern warfare not Revolutionary War tactics.

The Bopper

(333 posts)
64. True
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:28 PM
Monday

But right now, stalemate is working against Putin by showing how big a liar he is. Sooner than later, a military coup may be the result..

OnlinePoker

(6,177 posts)
23. Ukraine has to take the remainder of Kherson first.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 11:59 AM
Monday

Trying to supply Crimea without a land bridge would be virtually impossible. Even with a land bridge, Russia is struggling because of Ukraine's drone sanctions.

purr-rat beauty

(1,718 posts)
25. If that fucker uses a tactical nuke
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:21 PM
Monday

I still am uneasy with that being an option and that putin has considered it before

Amaryllis

(11,588 posts)
39. Yes, BUT: Blood on Trump's Hands as Ukraine Runs Out of Missiles and Russia Runs Wild
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:02 PM
Monday
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221353195


https://itskeifer.substack.com/p/blood-on-trumps-hands-as-ukraine

Long snip here. PLease go to the link to read. I was unsure what to snip because it's all important. The point is that Russia is continuing to hit civilian targets and Ukraine needs interceptor missiles to stop them: "Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that all 29 ballistic missiles launched by Russia during the overnight assault struck their targets. This was not bad luck. This was not a tactical failure. This was a direct result of one thing: Ukraine has run critically low on Patriot interceptor missiles. And one man refuses to send more. "

Trump’s Betrayal

President Volodymyr Zelensky has been begging for Patriot missiles for months. He has asked for licenses to manufacture them in Ukraine. He has pleaded with NATO allies and the United States to send interceptors that are sitting in stockpiles.

“As long as Patriot missiles remain in our allies’ stockpiles, Russia is only encouraged to keep ‘vanquishing’ residential buildings,” Zelensky said after the attack. “The United States and Europe have enough strength to stop this terror”.

But the Trump administration has not only refused to send additional Patriot missiles — it has halted key weapons shipments altogether. The White House excluded funding for military aid to Ukraine from its record-breaking $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027. This follows a pattern of withholding assistance that has left Ukraine exposed and bleeding.

Critics have accused Trump of actively undermining Ukraine while aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has cut off all military aid — “even though Europe will pay for the weapons,” one columnist noted — including the very air defense systems Kyiv desperately needs to stop the ballistic missiles raining down on civilians. Trump has blood on his hands. Again.

WarGamer

(18,969 posts)
52. what's worth laughing about is how people make comments suggesting impossible things happen.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:10 PM
Monday

WarGamer

(18,969 posts)
55. just tell me how... 5000 paratroopers?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:14 PM
Monday

Amphibious landing craft? Driving across Kerch?

How?

niyad

(135,732 posts)
56. You made the statement. I asked on what expertise or information
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:21 PM
Monday

YOU based YOUR statement.

BannonsLiver

(21,152 posts)
60. The same expertise that has delivered so many amazing and unintentionally funny moments.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:36 PM
Monday

Hits like “the people of Iran will rise up” and “the Iranians can’t close the strait”.

WarGamer

(18,969 posts)
66. At least Kurd involvement was plausible... talked about by academics...
Tue Jul 7, 2026, 09:06 PM
6 hrs ago

No one talks about Ukraine invading Crimea.

Norrrm

(6,272 posts)
54. Ukrainian drone roams freely over downtown Moscow in daylight...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 09:13 PM
Monday

Ukrainian drone roams freely over downtown Moscow in daylight...

Embarrassing.



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