The Russo-Ukrainian War 2

 
 
 
 

Vocabulary

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Transcript

As the fighting continues, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes.

While Russian forces have been gaining ground, their advances have been much more slower — and far more difficult — than anticipated.

CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports on what the war in Ukraine tells us about the abilities and shortcomings of Russia’s military.

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The stalled and sputtering spectacle of the Russian military is making of itself in Ukraine came as a revelation to General Frank McKenzie — and almost certainly to Vladimir Putin as well.

General Frank McKenzie: “I am surprised at the problems they are having. It should be very concerning for the Russian leadership.”

As commander of US Forces in the Middle East, McKenzie has spent the last three years operating in close proximity to the Russians in Syria. And knows their history as one of the world’s great tank armies.

All of which has been belied by the first three weeks of war.

General Frank McKenzie: “They haven’t been able to maneuver their armor effectively. There’s a tremendous history of that in the Russian military, being able to do deep armored operations. In the end of the Second World War, they were as good as anybody else.

But these guys don’t seem to have remembered that.”

Journalist: “Should heads roll?”

General Frank McKenzie: “I would not be happy if that’s the way US Forces would be performing. We have non-commissioned officers that are the backbone of the joint force.

They’re the people that actually make sure things are done. That continued actions are taken, that you dig in, that your tanks aren’t running out of fuel.”

McKenzie, himself a tank commander as a young officer, watched in disbelief as an entire army of armored column advancing on Kyiv literally ran out of gas.

General Frank McKenzie: “If you are going to operate and drive a main battle tank as a commander, and I have, then you are thinking all that time of fueling that beast.

If you’re not thinking of fueling that beast, then you are behind. And they have appeared to have not taken logistical considerations as they move forward.”

Journalist: “Are you surprised that they seem to be sticking to the roads?”

General Frank McKenzie: “That’s a lack of training. You’ve got to get off the roads to maneuver. Those are death traps, particularly for armored vehicles. Particularly for when you are fighting with people with good anti-tank systems. And the Ukrainians do have good anti-tank systems.”

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On Wednesday, President Biden promised the US will send nine-thousand more anti-tank weapons.

Joe Biden, US President: “United States and our allies and partners are fully committed to sending weapons of assistance to the Ukrainians. And more will be coming.”

Including the shoulder fired Javelin, which dives down on top of the tank where the armor is thinnest.

Using everything from the high-end Javelin to workday rocket-propelled grenade launcher, the Ukrainians have destroyed several hundred Russian vehicles.

Journalist: “Also how much of this is due to Russian incompetence as opposed to Ukrainian skill.”

General Frank McKenzie: “That’s a great question, and I think we’re going to see how this progresses further before I will be able to answer that question.

I would tell you this though: the Ukrainians have shown great bravery defending their country.

It’s less clear to me how aggressive and motivated Russian forces are down to the individual soldier level, the platoons that are driving on the roads meeting the enemy.”

Ukrainian resistance foiled Russia’s plans to take the capital of Kyiv in a lightening strike in the opening days of the war. Their vaunted tank army stalled, the Russians have resorted to siege tactics, pounding their cities and residents with rockets and artillery.

They are expected to regroup and try again.

Journalist: “Is it conceivable to you that Russia could just flat out fail to take Kyiv?”
General Frank McKenzie: “I would be surprised if that outcome happened. Taking Kyiv is very important to them. So I predict they will try very hard to take it. I think there could be a horrific price to be paid by the civilian population as they move into the city.”

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Questions

Gun, Rifle, Pistol. Has the Russian military operation in Ukraine been smooth? Has everything gone according to plan?

Machine Gun. Are military experts surprised by the Russian army advances thus far?

Grenade, Hand Grenade. General Frank McKenzie is very familiar with the Russian military while he was stationed in Germany. True or false?

Grenade Launcher, Shoulder Fired Missile, Rocket Launcher. Have the Russian army and tank brigades improved considerably since World War Two?

Rocket, Missile. According to Gen. McKenzie, the foundation of troop leadership are generals and high ranking officers. Is this right or wrong?

Artillery, Mortar. Does Gen. The only important aspect of tank operations is firepower, shooting and accuracy. Is this correct or incorrect?

Tank, Armored Vehicle, Troop Carrier. Have Ukrainians been defending their territory using tanks? Are their weapons domestically produced?

Supply Truck. Is there a difference in troop morale and motivation between the Ukrainians and Russians? What has Russia done to address its shortcomings?
 
 
 
Warplane, Jet Fighter, Bomber. I am familiar with many different wars, weapons, tactics and strategies. Yes or no?

Helicopter. Who are some great or famous generals or military leaders? What are some famous or important wars and battles?

Drones. Which nations have had great armies or warriors?

Helmet, Flak Jacket, Bullet-Proof Vest. Is there a lot of glorification of war and fighting and soldiers and fighters?

Camouflage. My friends and I would like to be “soldiers of fortune” or action heroes.

Radio, Antenna. What might happen in the future?

Warship, Destroyer, Frigate. What could or should people, governments and Hollywood do?