April 17, 2022 (The New Atlas) Update on Russian operations in Ukraine recorded April 15, 2022:
1. Russian guided missile cruiser Moskva sinks after a fire and explosion on board, Ukraine claims it was the result of “2 Neptune cruise missiles but provided no evidence;
2. The cruiser’s loss will have a minimum impact strategically;
3. Pentagon admits Russia is “shaping the battlefield;”
4. The US is sending weapons Ukraine is unfamiliar with, affording them only “days” of training when weeks or even months are required to use these systems effectively;
5. Ukraine is carrying out non-strategic attacks on Russian territory, resulting in Russia ramping up more aggressive target selection for Ukraine’s command and control.