Jimmy_D

Still one hell of a clearing operation to perform, but the Ukrainian flag has been raised and Kherson has been liberated. Historic day, but also one to remember those who gave everything to make this possible.

One Russian state tv host threaded the needle on that.

That'll do! Just! Sounds like it was a high quality penalty shoot-out at least...

Kherson is the biggest gain Russia have made during this war, they wouldn't be giving it up unless they absolutely had to. There are a few things that have factored into it. Firstly is Urkraine's tactical success in drawing a massive portion of Russia's more competent troops into Kherson, then severely restricting their resupply routes. There was also the meeting with China, after which Russia's rhetoric about using nuclear weapons was massively rolled back. Seems it was made clear that, if it did all kick off, China's nukes wouldn't be on Russia's side. Between Russia's conventional forces being too weak now to prevail, and Russia's nuclear bluff called, there's less and less prospect of any benefit from throwing forces away to delay Kherson being retaken. Aside from that, there was the drone attack that crippled the Black Sea fleet, and has made it too dangerous for it to operate. This not only stopped any seabourne long range missile support, but also pushed Russia into their massive terror campaign where they used a large portion of their remaining land based precision missiles causing terrible pain on civilian targets. It was a long shot was hoping to force some political advantage that hasn't worked, and that didn't actually help them militarily. Also, the public perception of the war has massively changed in Russia since the 'partial' mobilisation. It's getting through, even on state tv, that it has NOT been going well for Russia, and that, for all the sacrifice that they've been making, they're not getting any benefit for it. Putin has a terrible amount of control over the populace in Russia, but it's not infinite, especially now that, in effect, civilians are ending up on the front lines for Russia. Russia retreating doesn't mean that the fight for Kherson is over of course, but Ukraine won't be relying on anything Russia say to guide their actions. They'll be doing it by the book and making sure any actions are based on properly sourced intelligence information.

It's been coming for a while, but Russian forces now officially ordered to retreat from Kherson. On top of that, any candidates sympathetic to Russia (or Trump) in the US midterm elections have generally been taking a bit of a pasting.

Excellent day for Sholing down in the lower leagues, 4-0 against 2nd in the league Exmouth and now six points clear at the top with a goal difference miles better than anyone else. Look the team to beat this season.

Good job the sanctions aren't having any effect or I guess they'd be in real trouble...

Unconfirmed reports that the frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen were hit, as well as a minesweeper, and a landing craft. Also seems that a submarine pen in Sevastapol was hit. There’s convincing video that the Admiral Makarov was hit and on fire for a few hours at least, starting around 4:20 this morning and extending into daylight hours. There’s also more recent speculation it’s actually sunk. Even if it hasn’t, if it’s confirmed it was on fire that long, it’ll be out of action for the foreseeable future. Either way, seems that, in a fight against an adversary with no navy, Russia has lost its flagship. Twice.

Game of two halves, didn’t take advantage of ‘our’ half. Annoying. On to the next.

It’s a good sign, especially in terms of getting through this winter, but it also indicates that more storage capacity is needed.

Ukraine now apparently advancing on all fronts. Towards Svatove/Kremina in the North West Ukraine are approaching the outskirts of the city. What’s left of Wagner seems to have broken itself against Bakmuht and is finally being pushed back. There’s still an information blackout about Kherson but Russia certainly aren’t claiming any victories. Meanwhile the shift to blaming Satanism instead of Nazis is amusing, but seems to be part of a broader info strategy of abandoning old lies that don’t have any traction any more in favour of new ones as the old ones break against the reality of Russia’s performance in the war. While the tone of State TV has been changing over the course of the war, there seems to have been another noticeable recent shift. The Moskva sinking actually being attributed to Ukraine is an interesting one. Being that scathing about the state of Russia’s forces too. The state of Russia’s nuclear capability being openly questioned on state tv is surprising to say the least. One common thread that’s still there, and always have been, is that these failures are attributed to people who aren’t Putin of course. Seems to me they’re preparing the ground to shape it as a ‘victory’ when they heroically manage to stop all of NATO and Satanism at Russia’s border with Ukraine.

That was a great game to watch! Either team could have won but a draw felt fair in the end, great point for us to pick up, and St Mary’s remains a bogey ground for Arsenal. Our equaliser was a beautiful beautiful goal! Looking forward to seeing replays of that.

And now conceded two quick goals to be 2-1 down Still top of the league though.

Sholing are having a brilliant season in Southern League Div 1, currently winning today to remain top. If they go up they’ll be eligible for the Dafuge or Youth Challenge in next year’s Football Manager.

They’re probably complaining that Forest raised their game because they were against Liverpool

League looking ridiculously tight this season, 8 points between 7th and 20th.

Add Man Utd into that list this season too!

Gerrin! Hard fought win there, but we were able to close it out professionally there.

Che Adams outstanding tonight.

Great goal to put us 1-0 up. We’ve looked decent in spells but between Bournemouth knackering themselves with a ridiculously high press, us playing some long ball to break that, and the ref having a Bournemouth shirt on under his, it’s been a bit patchy. We’ve been able to break through a few times, if we can get one of them to count we’ll be in a very nice position.

Bloody hell ref, it’s not Old Trafford or Anfield.

Gerrin!