'Failed to learn that lesson': Retired maj. general reacts to Ukraine counteroffensive

Ukraine has ramped up its attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea as US officials grow skeptical of the counteroffensive. CNN military analyst Maj. Gen. James "Spider" Marks (Ret.) explains why he believes these attacks are distractions. #CNN #News

[ragingsushi]

Those "concerned" officials, could always lobby for more gear to go where it's needed, but that would require effort. Also, CNN, jeez... 2months in the counter-offensive and we're still going with the "why is it slow?!" question. Short term memory?

[RS-hrmj]

Maybe the retired general would like to remind us when is the last time in recent history when the US has concluded a successful military campaign without an air force against a major military power.

[xtrajently]

US provided 31 tanks after more than a year of begging by Ukraine.
US refused to provide air power and Ukraine had to go onto counteroffensive without the air support, wich US would never do in their military operations.
And now, “US officials”, have the nerve to criticize Ukraine’s performance and try to pressurize Ukrainians into doing things that would be more comfortable for them politically? If allies behaved like this during WW2, we all would be talking german right now.

[EliteGeeks]

The plant that was hit north of Moscow was not a distraction, that was a Optics plant that made Optics for the tanks... The base hit up north destroyed 2 Bombers... their hits in the northern areas are war targets

[SNOWDONTRYFAN]

Disagree with the idea that the Crimea bridge and other bridges are not vital targets being vital logistical routes, the Crimea bridge, the more it gets attacked the more the illegal squatters in Crimea will start to seriously start thinking about how and when ? to get out before its to late and the moment that convoy happens it will give Ukraine a massive phycological boost

[EliteGeeks]

it is not a stalled counter offensive... ffs, they are gaining ground each week, it may not be as fast as you hoped, but they are gaining

[MichaelWalker-wupq]

Different military leaders have different perspectives. Even here on CNN one of their military analyst who is a retired Air Force officer actually stated that it's very vital for Ukraine to attack targets in Crimea and other locations. Presidents will get different advice from advisors and must weigh out all the advice and come to their own conclusions.

[TraderTimmy]

I thought we were going to help Ukraine have the means to fight the war the way they decide to fight it. I think the officials who are complaining are not giving the Ukrainians credit for taking the fight to Russian forces in the first place. I support the Ukrainians to make their own decisions on how to fight. We can advise, but we shouldn't engage in this kind of public confusion. That's what Putin loves. we must stand unanimous in our support. Lives are at stake. For real. We're not kidding around here. As for any concerns, there's proper channels for that. Complaining in public hurts the cause for democracy and freedom. America needs to stay the course and speak with one voice. And the only message we should give to Putin is that we are in this until he gets all of his military out of Ukraine.

[PluckMe]

I would imagine they're capable of focusing on both Crimea and Counteroffensive. It's not like they're using up all that much sending some rockets and drones in. All things considered, often it's use it or lose it.

[lukeamato]

How is taking out russias abilities not necessary

[DutchFR]

Its because we as in the west failed to provide long range missiles and airfighters

[nigelleyland]

A retired general should know full well, we do no know Ukraine's plan or situation on the ground. He should also know random air attacks tie up air defenses across Russia which then cannot be deployed defending the front lines. Disruption of supplies and supply lines is a of princi[al of war, that is as effective today as it was when castles were laid seige to. Randomly attacking shipping has concigned the Russian Black Sea Fleet to the furthest port they can find. Ukraine is doing the fighting, not analysts! Slava Ulraine!

[williamhancock]

It would be idiotic not to attack Crimea. All of Russia's logistics come through Crimea. Soldiers cannot fight without beans and bullets. Deprive Russia of those.

[courierton]

Gaining ground is not important rather eliminate the occupiers is necessary. The ground will be there till the day of judgment.

[dominicdmello]

After delaying delivery of vital hardware it's rich that the allies are critical of Ukraine strategy. If the hardware was given months ago, wouldn't that make a big difference giving time for the Russians to build up defences. Reminds me of the Charge of the Light Brigade.

[Stepheart]

CNN's own military analyst yesterday said [in response to this game lady's comments.] "Retired colonel: ‘Military malpractice’ if Ukrainians don’t go after targets in Crimea" The other guest analyst next to him heartily agreed. What could hurt to use a few drone boats to hit the bridge? Small effort / large potential interruption and logistics gain

[courierton]

This guy seems reading a script written in Kremlin

[markcleary]

Wondering if this is one of the general's who said Ukrainian would fail in a week when Putin invaded?

[robertcoffman]

I think if the US has these concerns they should discuss them with the Ukrainian government directly, not through anonymous sources and leaked reports. My advice to those flapping their tongues if they want to help out they should keep their mouths shut.

[digitalwarz]

US can't beat talibans on pick ups, but they can assess on a war they don't fight.