Russia Biggest Assault of the War on Ukraine w/Andrei Martyanov

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Jun 9, 2025

Andrei Martyanov, a veteran author and Russian military expert, shares his insights on the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine war. He critiques Western misconceptions about military effectiveness, emphasizing that retreats can indicate disadvantage against a superior foe. Martyanov argues that traditional artillery remains more destructive than drones, and stresses the importance of integrated operational planning. He also highlights Russian restraint amid provocations and dissects misreadings of Putin's intentions by Western leaders.

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ADVICE

Distrust Western Media Narratives

Do not trust mainstream Western media for accurate military analysis.
Recognize many journalists lack understanding of modern warfare, reducing their credibility.

INSIGHT

Zelensky's Limited Success Measure

Zelensky defines success as merely hindering the Russian advance, accepting ground loss.
This mental standard implies eventual defeat given Russia's superior manpower and firepower.

INSIGHT

Artillery Trumps Drones in Warfare

Modern warfare is not dominated by drones but by heavy artillery firing with devastating effect.
Massed artillery fire causes far more destruction than drone strikes, redefining combat effectiveness.

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The conversation critiques Western misunderstandings of modern military operations and operational planning, especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. Key points include:

Combat Effectiveness Misunderstood: Western commentators, particularly those without military experience, misinterpret military retreats (like Ukraine’s) as tactical when in reality they signify losing ground to a better-equipped adversary.

Modern Warfare Misconceptions: The idea that drones dominate modern war is rejected. Traditional heavy artillery, such as battalions of self-propelled guns, still inflict far greater destruction. Drone strikes are limited in scope compared to massed artillery fire.

Operational Planning Requires Integration: There is no "wonder weapon." Victory comes from the coordinated use of multiple military systems—drones, artillery, electronic warfare, logistics—not from isolated technologies.

Media and Political Narrative Failures: Many in Western media and politics push a narrative disconnected from battlefield realities, often to serve political aims (e.g., propping up a side despite military disadvantages).

Russian Strategy and Restraint: Russia is portrayed as operationally and strategically advanced, evolving since 2022. Despite provocations (e.g., British involvement in Ukrainian strikes), Russia exercises restraint to maintain legitimacy with the Global South and avoid escalation.

Zelensky and Western Leadership Misread Putin: Zelensky claims Putin doesn’t want peace, but critics argue Putin is simply not willing to stop while holding a military advantage. Stopping now would forfeit that edge.

Broader Implications: The discussion warns that if roles were reversed—say Russia supporting an enemy during a U.S. war—the U.S. would not show the same restraint. Yet Russia, being “judicial” and strategic, avoids overt retaliation to maintain global diplomatic leverage.

In essence, the segment argues that real-world military planning and effectiveness are being poorly understood in the West, with consequences for both battlefield success and geopolitical narratives.

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