Moskva Cruiser Sinks, US Sending More Weapons, US Admits Russia “Shapes” Ukraine Battlefield

Update on Russian operations in Ukraine for 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.

References: TASS – Moskva cruiser sank while being towed in a storm — Russian Defense Ministry:
https://tass.com/russia/1438045

US Department of Defense – Senior Defense Official Holds A Background Briefing, April 14, 2022:
https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcri…

News.com.au – Sneaky way Ukraine distracted Russian warship Moskva:
https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/…

Defense Brief – Ukrainian Navy receives first Neptune coastal missile systems:
https://defbrief.com/2021/03/15/ukrai…

History Lists – List of 6 British Ships Sunk During the Falklands War:
https://historylists.org/other/list-o…

CSIS – Will the United States Run Out of Javelins Before Russia Runs Out of Tanks?:
https://www.csis.org/analysis/will-un….

USMC – Marine Corps Cannoneer School:
https://sill-www.army.mil/usmc/cannon…

NYT – Fact and Mythmaking Blend in Ukraine’s Information War:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/03/te…

NBC – In a break with the past, U.S. is using intel to fight an info war with Russia, even when the intel isn’t rock solid:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/nati…

TASS – Russia to intensify missile strikes on Kiev sites in response to attacks on its territory:
https://tass.com/defense/1438195

TASS – Russian troops destroy 456 drones, 2,213 tanks in Ukraine special operation — top brass:
https://tass.com/defense/1438181