A short, confused clip showing combat in the snow in the Kreminna Forrest. Though the camera attached to the Ukrainian operator does not show much, we can hear him and others around him firing, we can see him reload, and we can see the snow and the fact that he is not wearing gloves. The footage skips show a wounded Russian soldier on his back in a clearing, apparently indicating his comrades’ location. The source post indicated that a group of Russians was eliminated in this engagement without specifying the exact number. As we roll into December, conditions will only worsen, and both sides will have to contend with the friction imposed by the cold. The Eastern European winter is notorious for crushing armies, and while the legions of Napoleon and Hitler had to contend with bitter cold, winter in Ukraine is characterized by damp and mud. The latter will turn fields and trails into quagmires, limiting mobility and complicating supply and logistics, while wet, cold weather will sap troop morale and lead to medical issues like trench foot. Seeing this soldier in the snow, no gloves on his hands, is just a reminder that the weather is about to get much colder, and life much more miserable.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.