Here we go again-Ukraine once again [Archive] - Page 24

Skybird

08-20-22, 08:25 AM

NATO treaty, article 5, original text:

The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

That formulation leaves plenty of flexibility for member states qwhetehr they agree with a situaiton of an attack on one member, and if so, in what way they react. It is left to ever ymamber sttae to fight, to send military aid, or to react in any other way - or not to react at all.

Its always implied that article 5, if triggered, means an automatic military committment of all member states for other member states. This impression is wanted - but it is wrong. The critical legal formulations are two-fold: 1. "shall be considered" - that is not the same as "must/will be considered", its juristic and treaty langauge haisplitting but leaves the wanted escape hatch open; and 2. "action as it deems necessary", which in the context refers not to the alliance as a whole or to its institutional control board to decide, but refers to each any every member state to individually assess what it deems necessary.

Note that the UN is also given a word in all this. Without its recognition of a justified case for troiggering artiocle 5, it cannot be activated.

You maybe ignore all this, thinking its all irrelevant hairsplitting. But this is a legal text, and you can bet your life on that not a single sentence and word was chosen by random, or carelessly.

These are not just my personal conclusions, but I just repeat what experts on the matter on various occasions have said or written.

mapuc

08-20-22, 08:36 AM

Skybird

08-20-22, 08:40 AM

Everybody raising his hand who thinks European states are 1. willing, and 2. economically and 3. militarily capable to declare war on Russia and start to war-fighting it, everywhere.

Now...?

Dargo

08-20-22, 10:24 AM

Really? Will they...?

Wait, watch and be surprised.British MP Ellwood can say what he wants don't know his party and certainly other countries will listen to any warmonger that desperately need votes. As you can see at the satellite images of the nuclear plant, there is no damage Putin blackmails, again let us not be played here.

Dargo

08-20-22, 10:33 AM

Hope I'm wrong.

The Danish politicians about a majority will try to downgrade the situation-There will be a massive discussion in the Danish Parliament and among the civilian ending with a withdrawal from Article 5.

Hope I'm wrong, that Denmark will stand op for it's - One for all principal.

MarkusAnd that is a good thing Parliaments needs to decide in a democracy not a couple of hawks decide the hawks in Russia are in power and it has not a politburo like in the USSR to remove the hawks I rather live in a country that decide by the will of all than in Russia by the will of the few.

Dargo

08-20-22, 10:41 AM

Everybody raising his hand who thinks European states are 1. willing, and 2. economically and 3. militarily capable to declare war on Russia and start to war-fighting it, everywhere.

Now...?No European state or the US will consider this proposal what are you thinking will happen I know mutual destruction will happen I never raise my hand for that.

Jimbuna

08-20-22, 12:28 PM

Everybody raising his hand who thinks European states are 1. willing, and 2. economically and 3. militarily capable to declare war on Russia and start to war-fighting it, everywhere.

Now...?

:haha:

Jimbuna

08-20-22, 12:31 PM

Drone attack targets Russian Black Sea fleet in Crimea

Russian forces in Crimea have been targeted by a fresh drone strike.

The Russian-appointed regional leader said a Ukrainian drone targeting Russia's Black Sea fleet in the city of Sevastopol was shot down on Saturday.

It follows a string of attacks on Russian forces and installations in the annexed peninsula this month.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62618538

The BBC have been a tad slow of late.

Jimbuna

08-20-22, 12:35 PM

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation accused Ukraine of using chemical poisonous substances against Russian servicemen and civilians.

The ministry said that Russian military personnel who were "performing tasks" near the village of Vasylivka in Zaporizhzhia Region were allegedly taken to a military hospital with signs of severe poisoning, and a toxic substance, botulinum toxin type B, was detected in their bodies.

"On the fact of chemical terrorism sanctioned by the Zelensky regime, the Russian Federation is preparing supporting documents with the results of the analyses conducted," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

They add that there is an additional investigation into the poisoning with "military toxic substances" of the head of the provisional administration of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, given the evidence of "state terrorism of the Kyiv regime". Source: https://censor.net/en/n3362073

"Danger, Will Robinson!"

Dargo

08-20-22, 12:36 PM

Jimbuna

08-20-22, 12:37 PM

mayor media?

Dargo

08-20-22, 12:40 PM

mayor media?Oops "main" or "general" media

Jimbuna

08-20-22, 12:42 PM

Gotcha.

mapuc

08-20-22, 12:43 PM

"Danger, Will Robinson!"

Sniff sniff....smells like a false flag operation

Some input from twitter

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1560883687306268678

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1560895718033956866

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1560895857477689345

Markus

Jimbuna

08-20-22, 12:45 PM

Give that man a cigar :yeah:

Dargo

08-20-22, 01:26 PM

Institute for the Study of War: Russian advances stagnate across all fronts, Ukraine continues to decimate Russia's logistics. The U.S. think tank said in its report that Russian forces conducted multiple unsuccessful ground assaults in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts on Aug. 19. Russian authorities are visibly increasing security measures in Crimea, indicating growing worry among Russian authorities and civilians about the threat of Ukrainian strikes on rear areas previously believed to be secure. Despite Russian claims that Ukraine would create provocations at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, no significant activity was reported from the area over the past 24 hours.

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1560862097327566849

Day 178 of my 3-day war. Russians in Crimea are making "goodwill gesture" and leaving in panicked drove.

I remain a master strategist. https://twitter.com/DarthPutinKGB/status/1561015777314148353

Sniff sniff....smells like a false flag operation

Some input from twitter

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1560883687306268678

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1560895718033956866

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1560895857477689345

MarkusBroad daylight, a drone has just passed the whole Crimean air defense layer :haha:

Even the guards noticed it before the air defense. They attempted to shoot it down with their AKs https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1560884390850437121

https://i.postimg.cc/PqJdVQC6/WAIRDEFENSE.png

OTD in 1968 Soviet Russia sent a 200,000 strong mechanized humanitarian aid division on holiday to save Czechoslovakia from the Prague Spring.

We said we were protecting them from Nazis. Imagine such a bull**** excuse today...
https://twitter.com/DarthPutinKGB/status/1560983294124113922

Jimbuna

08-20-22, 01:47 PM

Negotiations with Turkey regarding accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO will take place next week

The first meeting of the permanent joint mechanism, created within the framework of the tripartite memorandum signed between Turkey, Finland and Sweden at the Madrid NATO summit, will be held on August 26 in Finland.

This was reported by the Communications Department of the Turkish President's Administration, writes Censor.NET with reference to the Turkish Anadolu agency.

The Turkish delegation at the meeting will be led by President's Press Secretary Ibrahim Kalin and Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal.

It is assumed that the delegation will include representatives of the ministries of justice, defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Intelligence Organization.

The tripartite memorandum was signed on June 28, 2022 in the presence of the President of Turkey, the President of Finland, the Prime Minister of Sweden and the Secretary General of NATO.

Within the framework of the memorandum, Finland and Sweden, as future NATO allies, pledged to fully support Turkey in the fight against all threats to its national security and gave a number of commitments on which Turkey's approval of their NATO membership depends. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3362060

Dargo

08-20-22, 01:49 PM

Putin revives Soviet ‘Mother Heroine’ award for women who have 10 children
Faced with a worrisome decline in Russia’s population, President Vladimir Putin this week revived a Soviet-era award launched in 1944, to encourage Russians to supersize their families. The “Mother Heroine” award published in a decree on Monday goes to women who bear 10 or more children, offering financial incentives and social kudos in a bid to spur population growth.

The honorary medal was first established by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union and given to about 400,000 citizens, according to Russian media. The revived award will offer Russian citizens a one-time payment of 1 million rubles ($16,500) after their 10th child turns 1 year old — and only if the other nine children have all survived... https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/17/russia-ukraine-putin-mother-heroine-award-children/

Dargo

08-20-22, 01:53 PM

Russian air defenses in occupied Sevastopol sound hysterical and desperate tonight https://twitter.com/loogunda/status/1561059132756688898

Dargo

08-20-22, 02:11 PM

“The beach season has been completely ruined. Completely!”
https://i.postimg.cc/zDcfgBfm/beachseason.jpg

Catfish

08-20-22, 02:23 PM

Dargo

08-20-22, 02:25 PM

The Chief Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reports that Belarusian specialists repair Russian fixed-wing aircraft at an airfield near Moscow.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/08/20/7364117/

Dargo

08-20-22, 02:31 PM

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Russia's Permanent Representative to the international organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov who quoted Zelensky's tweet regarding new military aid from the U.S. with a write-up "no mercy to the #Ukrainian population!" The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described such utterance as unacceptable. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials, including Oleg Nikolenko, emphasized that Ulyanov is using "genocidal language."

mapuc

08-20-22, 02:37 PM

I got what they in German call Schadenfroh or in Swedish Skadeglädje

In English it would be like Damagejoy

The background is the video I've seen from Crimea.

In a video posted by some guy he showed us where the rich Russian lived or had vacation in Crimea. Then the video from MSM showing them fleeing...made me...

Do understand I don't want any civilian getting hurt in this war-It is however time these Russian learn there's a war going on and they aren't save.
Not that UA is targeting these civilian, no they are targeting military targets nearby.

Markus

Catfish

08-20-22, 02:39 PM

Interesting.. i hope they will succeed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7XMvByPm5o

Dargo

08-20-22, 02:58 PM

For centuries, Russia has depended on its harsh winter weather to help turn back invaders. But as summer turns to fall in Ukraine, it might be Russian forces who find themselves on the losing side of the “rasputitsa” — the wet, muddy period caused by melting snow in the spring and heavy rains in autumn.

https://news.yahoo.com/the-return-of-rasputitsa-and-what-it-means-for-russias-war-in-ukraine-183138153.html

Dargo

08-20-22, 03:01 PM

#Ukraine's "strategy of corrosion" is proving strikingly effective on the battlefield, says retired Maj Gen Mick Ryan @WarintheFuture
. "What we have seen is the Ukranians pulling the Russians in multiple different directions...attacking the Russians indirectly." https://twitter.com/holmescnn/status/1560852766771363840

Dargo

08-20-22, 03:05 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/pd4Gg4Q1/welcome.jpg

Entrance to Crimea signs were hacked. "Welcome to Ukraine"

mapuc

08-20-22, 03:07 PM

Dargo

08-20-22, 03:14 PM

Isn't this a form of modern guerrilla warfare ?

MarkusIn the East it was also during WWII, a combination of a normal and partisan war.

Dargo

08-20-22, 03:17 PM

Chornobaivka Kherson Region results of Ukrainian strikes today ammunition cooking off.
https://i.postimg.cc/j2PSzpvV/Chornobaivka.jpg

Dargo

08-20-22, 03:32 PM

I do not know about Botulinum "type B", but normal botulinum can form in expired tins/cans under the absence of oxygen.
Long expired cans are known to have been given to russian soldiers by their own army :hmmm:
Oleksii Arestovych (Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine) commented on the mass poisoning in the Russian troops. “In the troops of the Russian Federation, something is not going well again - if not Himars, then canned food is unusable. Mass poisoning in the Russian troops - 22 people two hundredth at 17 pm, and some went to Sevastopol. We are lost in conjectures, but it seems that the rear services there have messed up something with canned food, ” he said.

mapuc

08-20-22, 03:32 PM

Danish TV2News wrote:

Attack on Crimea is a shock for Russians - and a worry for Ukrainians, says correspondent

A series of attacks has shown that the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula is a vulnerable target. But many Ukrainians fear Russian retaliation.

It is a new sensation for Russians and Ukrainians alike that Ukraine has now successfully attacked military targets on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula several times.

For the Russians, it is an unexpected blow to national military pride.

And for Ukrainians, it's a delight - mixed with worry about how the Russians will respond.

That's the assessment of TV2's correspondent in Ukraine, after Ukraine carried out the latest in a series of attacks on Crimea early Saturday morning.

The attack, carried out by drone, set fire to the Russian Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea.

- It's high stakes from the Ukrainian side. They know they are hitting Russia right in the heart. It hurts the Russians because ever since the annexation in 2014 they have been trying to reinforce the area militarily. That's why they didn't expect these attacks

The Ukrainians, on the other hand, are proud that the military is now able to carry out these attacks. But the pride is mixed with anxiety.

- These attacks cannot go unanswered from the Russian side. And many Ukrainians fear, for example, that the response will be a resumption of bombing of the capital Kiyv, as happened at the start of the war

Series of attacks against Crimea
Over the past few days, Ukrainian drones have not only attacked the Russian naval headquarters in Sevastopol. There have also been attacks on the port city of Yevpatoria north of Sevastopol and on Kerch in easternmost Crimea, where a large, newly-built bridge provides a direct link between the Crimean peninsula and Russia.

However, none of these attacks can match the significance of the one that hit the Russian Saki Airbase on 9 August. Here, a large number of Russian fighter jets were destroyed while standing idle on the runway.

Western experts have since estimated that that attack alone halved the Russian air force in the Black Sea region.

There are at least two possible explanations for why Ukraine is now stepping up its attacks on the Crimean peninsula.

Perhaps it is simply because Ukraine has received new and more powerful weapons from the West, making it now practical to carry out these attacks.

However, the fact that Saturday's attack on Sevastopol was not carried out with sophisticated long-range weapons, but with a low-flying drone that crashed into the building, militates against this explanation.

The other explanation may be that the Ukrainians will now try to retake the area around the major city of Kherson just north of Crimea.

- Russian forces in that area are being supplied with soldiers, weapons and ammunition from Crimea. So the attacks in Crimea, which among other things have blown up an ammunition depot and sabotaged the electricity supply, may be a preparation for a Ukrainian offensive against the Kherson area, Claus Borg Reinholdt estimates.

The bridge to the motherland
Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean peninsula have so far hit military targets or critical infrastructure - such as transformer stations - very accurately without causing major civilian casualties.

Now both sides are waiting anxiously for the Ukrainians to try to hit the target that is most important both practically and psychologically.

Namely, the new bridge between the Crimean peninsula and Russia, inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018.

- The Crimean bridge is the pride of the Russians, and was opened to great fanfare. Finally, there was a direct link between Crimea and motherland Russia. If that bridge is destroyed, it will really hurt the deep Russian feeling that Crimea is Russian territory

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

I think he's right Russia will retaliate these attacks and most likely they will go after Kyiv.

I hope not he(Putin) will use Nuke as some of you mentioned some weeks ago if UA manage to destroy or damage the Kerch Bridge.

Markus

Dargo

08-20-22, 03:45 PM

Danish TV2News wrote:Do not think Russia has any answers left, else they would have done it week ago with the airport attack in Crimea and what is the point Russia only hits civilian targets is that the famous 2nd army of the world got no strategic value. Russia's bombing will not deter Ukraine will to fight.

mapuc

08-20-22, 03:48 PM

Do not think Russia has any answers left, else they would have done it week ago with the airport attack in Crimea and what is the point Russia only hits civilian targets is that the famous 2nd army of the world got no strategic value.

I can come up with some type of answers to the attack on the Russian heart in Ukraine-The biggest question is-Will they do it/Do they dare.

They will be the loser well we all will.

Not going to happen and I know I'm right on this.

We will se Russia leaving the entire Ukraine in some years from now.

Markus

Dargo

08-20-22, 04:16 PM

I can come up with some type of answers to the attack on the Russian heart in Ukraine-The biggest question is-Will they do it/Do they dare.

They will be the loser well we all will.

Not going to happen and I know I'm right on this.

We will se Russia leaving the entire Ukraine in some years from now.

MarkusOver 22,000 "precision" strikes have targeted Ukraine civilian infrastructure, just a little over 300 precision weapons used against Ukraine's military forces and Ukraine did not surrender now Ukraine target Russian and Russian occupied areas with a couple of attacks result is Russians flee a mass that tells a lot who is gone to win this.

Dargo

08-20-22, 04:33 PM

Russian social media are in hysterics as air defence alerts are issued throughout temporarily-occupied Crimea.

Crimean Tatar leader Refat Chubarov reported that in the Black Sea near Alupka 6-7 flashes were visible, and then an explosion was heard. https://twitter.com/mhmck/status/1561101786286620678

Dargo

08-20-22, 04:41 PM

Successful assassination attempt in Moscow: a car blown up on Mozhayskoye highway. A female driver died on the spot. According to yet unconfirmed news it could be Darya Dugina, the daughter of Alexander Dugin (Putin right-hand man) Darya was a political figure in her own right. She used the name and image of her father to establish herself in Moscow high society and tried to play in political games. https://twitter.com/kamilkazani/status/1561098120506769410

Dargo

08-20-22, 04:52 PM

Russia accuses Ukraine of poisoning several Russian servicemen in late July in the Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian government believes the servicemen may have eaten tainted food.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a number of soldiers were hospitalized July 31 with serious symptoms of poisoning. The ministry did not report how many people were involved. Tests reportedly showed that they had ingested botulinum toxin type-B. This neurotoxic substance is used in some medicines, but can also be misused to poison people.

On Telegram, Ukrainian Interior Minister Herashchenko comes up with a different statement. "The Russian ministry does not clarify that the poisoning could have been caused by spoiled meat, in which botulinum toxin is often found." According to him, there is a lot of tainted food in circulation among Russian troops in Ukraine.

The Russian ministry says it will soon come up with more evidence and send documents on the "chemical terror" to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The ministry also announced it would begin an investigation into an incident in which the Russian-appointed head of the occupied Kherson region fell ill, reports state news agency.

According to Russia, the United States has undertaken "biological military activities in Ukraine." In response, the UN agency WHO (the World Health Organization) said it was "not aware of any activities by the Ukrainian government that violate international conventions, in terms of chemical or biological weapons."

https://nos.nl/artikel/2441444-oekraine-ontkent-vergiftigen-russen-ze-aten-mogelijk-bedorven-vlees

mapuc

08-20-22, 04:57 PM

The Russian ministry says it will soon come up with more evidence and send documents on the "chemical terror" to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The ministry also announced it would begin an investigation into an incident in which the Russian-appointed head of the occupied Kherson region fell ill, reports state news agency.

According to Russia, the United States has undertaken "biological military activities in Ukraine." In response, the UN agency WHO (the World Health Organization) said it was "not aware of any activities by the Ukrainian government that violate international conventions, in terms of chemical or biological weapons."

As I wrote before it smells like a false flag operation

It also makes me worried.

Markus

Catfish

08-20-22, 05:15 PM

I am a bit disappointed. The daugher of russian fascist chief ideologist Dugin (New Russia etc. blah, we had this here some time ago) has been blown up in a car. Seems they changed cars shortly before.

https://au.topnews.media/ukraine/the-death-of-russians-the-daughter-of-one-of-the-ideologues-of-the-russian-world-dugin-died-in-russia-social-networks-08-21-22-0028-abroad/

Well...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azn8X1e9xtE

Dargo

08-20-22, 05:34 PM

Skybird

08-20-22, 06:23 PM

Dargo

08-20-22, 06:44 PM

Be advised that that link triggers a security warning and gets blocked by Malwarebyte'S Antimalware Scanner, categorizing it as "riskware".
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11130731/Daughter-Ukraine-war-mastermind-blown-pieces-Moscow-car-bomb.html

Jimbuna

08-21-22, 06:52 AM

https://i.postimg.cc/ZR8kMZSZ/126364064-putinimage.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Jimbuna

08-21-22, 07:23 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaU1bXUWMsg

Jimbuna

08-21-22, 07:40 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0wWNJTjcXY

Jimbuna

08-21-22, 07:47 AM

Hghlights of destruction of Russian equipment during the week. VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOuyOU1Deys&t=171s

Jimbuna

08-21-22, 09:09 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2nMjKn8sto

Skybird

08-21-22, 10:13 AM

Growing anger over Germany's muddling-through. FCOUS writes:

Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves makes serious accusations against the German government. They should be taken seriously - because he is not the first to complain about Germany's "moral double standards" with which the chancellor is trying to muddle through.

Before we get right to it here, a few notes on Toomas Hendrik Ilves. The man who would later become Estonian foreign minister and then president was born in Sweden after his parents fled there to escape the Russians. He studied in the United States, more precisely in Cambridge. Ilves is a social democrat.

One had better take Ilves seriously, if only because he is neither the only nor the first to complain about Germany's "moral double standards," which the chancellor in particular uses to try to muddle through. We know this from the Polish government.

The consequences of Scholz's "muddling through" can be seen in the chancellor's failed meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. First Scholz remained silent, then he delayed in condemning Abbas's anti-Semitic outbursts, and in the meantime and even afterwards, Scholz's communications chief took responsibility for the chancellor's lack of reflexes. Before Scholz's mishap with Abbas happened, Scholz afforded himself another foreign policy dubiousness:

To the chagrin of other European countries such as the three Baltic states and Finland, which is in the process of joining NATO, Scholz declared Russia's attempt to wipe out Ukraine "Putin's war." By which he tried to avert a visa ban on ordinary Russians - for which the Eastern Europeans are lobbying.

For they do not consider the war of aggression to be the exclusive affair of the Russian head of government, but see the Russian people as jointly responsible. A view with which Olaf Scholz has "difficulty." What makes Scholz's word about "Putin's war" so problematic is Germany's past. It is reminiscent of the attempt by Germans to relativize their involvement in the Nazi atrocities by saying that it was "Hitler's war.

And now to the Estonian statesman Ilves, and how he "sees Germany and its role in Europe".

Even before the Ukraine war, Germany's policy had been "to do as little as possible, to promise as little as possible and to postpone as long as possible what was promised. In other words, nothing changed when the war began, an allusion to Germany's arms export policy. As a reminder, the promised "ring swap" - Eastern Europeans deliver ex-Soviet tanks and get German equipment in return - still does not exist.

Ilves rightly points out that Russian dissidents do not need tourist visas at all, because the European Union grants visas for humanitarian reasons; asylum, for example. Scholz's refusal to support a visa ban for Russians willing to travel therefore lacks any logic.

And that's not all: Scholz "knows very well" that the Russians, for their part, would have terminated the travel facilitation agreement with the European Union. This is also correct, because: On April 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 183 on "visa retaliation in connection with unfriendly actions by foreign states." But, instead of now reacting to this in turn with a visa ban, Germany under the Scholz government prefers to play the "moral superpower."

Ilves then - slyly - rejects the assumption that what the German government is doing is a de facto repetition of the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact. A reminder of the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939, by which the two totalitarian dictators divided Poland between themselves and thus wiped it out. Ilves now says one might come up with the Ribbentrop-Molotov comparison - given the "slimy" behavior of Gerhard Schröder and the Ostausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft (Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations) - two key players who for years pursued Germany's energy policy extradition to Russia. However, he said, that was not his view.

But if not Ribbentrop/Molotov, then what? The main reproach to Scholz follows. Ilves: "I think Germany wants to position itself as an 'honest broker' to show Russia it's not one of those 'crazy Russophobic Eastern Europeans' or a 'warmongering Yank' - hoping that Russia will take this from Germany and give it back its advantages in the future."

As an attempt to get more gas from Russia again, this might even work, Ilves says. However, because of its selfish energy policy and its "economic duplicity," Germany has lost any claim to be taken seriously by the rest of Europe.

Ilves recalls the German accusations against the Greeks in the euro crisis, those of "moral hazard" - which are now backfiring on Germany itself. In the meantime, Germany itself is the moral problem, and that's not all.

Ilves: "The Franco-German engine has turned out to be as creditworthy as VW's data on diesel exhaust emissions." And the ex-president goes one better: nothing will be able to stop Germany from this egoistic claim of wanting to be a broker with regard to Russia. But then Germany "will negotiate with Russia alone. The rest of us will not join in. It will be a lonesome dance ("just a lonesome pas de deux").

Carlo Masala, the internationally respected foreign policy analyst from the Bundeswehr University in Munich, puts the former president's fierce statement in political terms. He says that one does not have to agree with everything he says, but at least it shows "how Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic states look at us." And he, too, wondered:

"What advantage does Germany expect from this?"

Jimbuna

08-21-22, 10:26 AM

"The Franco-German engine has turned out to be as creditworthy as VW's data on diesel exhaust emissions."

:haha:

mapuc

08-21-22, 11:17 AM

Seem to have read more of this than this one

The Russian army fights among itself-Buryats and "Kadyrovtsy" staged a firefight among themselves for control over the city in Vasylivka, the Zaporizhzhia region

Both sides are reported to have taken significant losses

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1561374457893195776

They the Russian is going down the drain.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-21-22, 01:10 PM

How my heart bleeds for them.

Catfish

08-21-22, 02:53 PM

"Do you mean the firefight between Russian soldiers and the Don Don's? That was over loot. They were driving away the loot the Russian soldiers collected and the Russians decided to fight it out with the Chechens."

Lmao. How f'ed up is this russian 'army' anyway?

Older interview with Dugin from 2017. You know the guy telling that Russia should become a "superpower" again and explaining the steps to achieve that, called the brain of Putin, one sick "philosopher".
Whose daughter has been killed in an assassination aimed at Mr Dugin himself.

"You proposed that Russia annexes Ukraine, you suggested that Britain should be encouraged to leave the EU [...] And it is happening right from your textbook. [...]"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du7fOoW_euE

Skybird

08-21-22, 03:37 PM

I prefer another quote by him, from 2014 or 2015. About Ukrainians he said:

"Kill them all, you just gotta kill them all. Leave nobody, kill them all."

mapuc

08-21-22, 05:37 PM

Following is unconfirmed information.

18 Ukrainian SU25 pilot with good English skills are being trained in using the
A10 Warthog

There wasn't anything on the rumours about F-16.

Markus

Jeff-Groves

08-21-22, 05:41 PM

Really don't recall being asked if us puny TAX PAYERS think it's OK to just send Billions of support as we suffer massive inflation and can't afford Gas for our cars.

August

08-21-22, 05:58 PM

Really don't recall being asked if us puny TAX PAYERS think it's OK to just send Billions of support as we suffer massive inflation and can't afford Gas for our cars.

You mean they didn't call you to get your personal OK? Obviously an oversight because they called everyone I know. :hmmm:

mapuc

08-21-22, 06:01 PM

Really don't recall being asked if us puny TAX PAYERS think it's OK to just send Billions of support as we suffer massive inflation and can't afford Gas for our cars.

Would it make a different that it's older version of A10 ?

Another thing.

Many countries, Like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, UK and others have decided to send instructors to UK, Poland and Estland(I think it was) to start training Ukrainian soldiers-They will get 1!! month training.

So it starts. First we send weapon, then we send instructors to neighbour countries to train the Ukrainians-Next step will be Instructor from these countries and a few more being send to Ukraine.....

Markus

Skybird

08-21-22, 06:02 PM

Really don't recall being asked if us puny TAX PAYERS think it's OK to just send Billions of support as we suffer massive inflation and can't afford Gas for our cars.
Your national debt is currently over 28.5 trillion, and you will spend this year 580 billion alone for servicing the interest rates of these debts (not paying any of it back - just talkig n abiotzuh the interest payments alone). You lived on tick since decades to acumulate this unimaginable heap of debts, so why crying over the small - yes, the small - money spent on Ukraine now? You "printed" money before, and you continue to do so. Thats where inflation is coming from. ;) Corona and Putin only served as catalysts to accelerate the spiral a little bit.

mapuc

08-21-22, 06:13 PM

This information is what I call misinformation it even made me laugh.

Nato preparing to intervene on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

I wrote as an answer beware of misinformations.

Markus

Jeff-Groves

08-21-22, 07:01 PM

You mean they didn't call you to get your personal OK? Obviously an oversight because they called everyone I know. :hmmm:

Probably showed up as a SPAM call.
:har:

Jeff-Groves

08-21-22, 07:02 PM

You "printed" money before, and you continue to do so.
I didn't print JACK ****! But I might start now.
:har:

August

08-21-22, 10:58 PM

Probably showed up as a SPAM call.
:har:

:haha:

Jimbuna

08-22-22, 04:15 AM

Peace talks will not be possible if Russia puts Ukrainian soldier on trial, Volodymyr Zelensky has warned.

Russia might take the provocative step of putting Ukrainian fighters captured during the siege of Mariupol on a public trial to coincide with the 31st independence anniversary on Wednesday.

Ukraine's Independence Day, Aug 24, will also mark six months since Russia invaded the former Soviet republic, in a devastating war that has cost thousands of lives.

Zelensky said on Sunday: "If this despicable court takes place, if our people are brought into these settings in violation of all agreements, all international rules, there will be abuse.

"This will be the line beyond which no negotiations are possible."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-war-peace-talks-are-dead-if-putin-puts-our-soldiers-on-trial-warns-zelensky/ar-AA10UK4i?ocid=mailsignout&li=BBoPWjQ

Jimbuna

08-22-22, 04:31 AM

Russia appeals for new recruits for war effort
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62553629

Jimbuna

08-22-22, 05:08 AM

Kyiv officials ban mass events in the Ukrainian capital, while the northern city of Kharkiv plans a curfew from Tuesday evening.

It comes after Ukraine's President Zelensky warns Russia could do "something particularly ugly" ahead of independence celebrations.

Wednesday marks the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence from Soviet rule and six months since the start of Russia's invasion.

Meanwhile, artillery shells have hit the southern city of Nikopol, near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the regional governor says.

The situation at the nuclear power plant is "tense" as Russia is rotating its troops there, according to Ukrainian TV

A top Russian diplomat has ruled out the possibility of a negotiated solution to the war in Ukraine.

And Russia has launched an investigation into a car bombing that killed Daria Dugina, the daughter of a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

mapuc

08-22-22, 09:07 AM

This doesn't come as a surprise.

Partisan movements in occupied territory are huge.

Believe me they are working constantly

This reminds me of the French resistance in world war 2 but on a much bigger scale

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1561437216395632643

Markus

Dargo

08-22-22, 11:52 AM

Following is unconfirmed information.

18 Ukrainian SU25 pilot with good English skills are being trained in using the
A10 Warthog

There wasn't anything on the rumours about F-16.

Markus
Need to create account to read this article. https://time.com/6207115/ukraine-train-fighter-pilots-russia/
Without accounts:
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukrainian-fighter-pilots-are-training-on-diy-a-10-warthog-simulators
https://czechia.postsen.com/world/33307/The-Ukrainians-have-assembled-their-own-A-10-trainer-and-pilots-are-training-on-it.html

Dargo

08-22-22, 12:05 PM

Explosions are heard in Sevastopol in the temporarily occupied Crimea, – subscribers report. We are waiting for information from officials. https://twitter.com/Flash43191300/status/1561730492902375425
Russian pro-war channels report of "major explosion felt throughout Sevastopol", "windows blown out, walls shaking" "New explosion just now, louder than 20 minutes ago" https://twitter.com/christogrozev/status/1561733956315267078
Reports say #Ukraine hit the Kherson city Antonivka bridge again, part of it said to have collapsed. Say a Russian ammo convoy was hit while crossing the bridge - but last week images showed a pontoon bridge being built here, so it may have been targeted https://twitter.com/GlasnostGone/status/1561736265992634370

https://i.postimg.cc/sxcC9v8Z/Putin-Pizza.jpg

Dargo

08-22-22, 12:28 PM

Manifest of the National Republican Army claiming responsible for the attack on Darya Dugina the Russian former MP Ilya Ponomarjov, who now resides in Ukraine, said in a TV broadcast last night that the NRA is responsible for the bombing, and is planning more armed actions.

We, Russian activists, soldiers and politicians, now partisans and fighters of the National Republican Army, stand up against warmongers, robbers and oppressors of the peoples of Russia! We declare President Putin a power monger and war criminal who has altered the Constitution, unleashed a fratricidal war between the Slavic peoples and sent Russian soldiers to senseless death. Poverty and coffins for some, palaces for others - all this is the essence of his policies. We believe that people whose rights have been taken away have the right to revolt against tyrants. Putin will be deposed and destroyed by us! Our goal is to stop the destruction of Russia and its neighbors, to stop the activities of a handful of Kremlin businessmen who are draining our wealth and committing crimes inside and outside the country. We declare that officials of the Government of the Russian Federation and regional authorities are complicit in this overwhelming. Those who do not resign their powers will be destroyed by us.

We label businessmen who make their money through corruption and connections with officials - as traitors to the motherland. Those people and their property who do not repent and speak out publicly against this government and its war, we will destroy. We declare people in the power structures as accomplices of the usurper. Those who do not lay down their hands and take off their shoulder straps will be destroyed by us. We state that we will destroy military cargoes and the cargoes of those who make money in the war. We remember the bombing of homes in Russia that brought Putin to power. We know that the regime will not stop at one of the most heinous crimes. And we declare: we will carry out actions only against persons in power. We will not attack civilian objects and citizens. If Putin's security forces engage in provocations and attribute the victims to us, do not believe them! We call on the soldiers of the Russian army to stop shooting at our brothers from other countries - Georgia, Syria etc.

We call on all Russians to join our ranks and raise the white-blue-white flag of the new Russia instead of the tricolor disgraced by Putin's government We call on those who are willing to fight to follow our example and overthrow this inhumane, hypocritical and anti-people regime! We find it unacceptable that Russians around the world have been vilified for war crimes committed by those who have neither nationality nor homeland, and who love only money and power. The world is not an enemy of Russia and Russia is not an enemy of humanity, and we will prove this with deeds. We will offer protection to all who follow our call. Anyone who carries out our program until the regime change is exempt from liability under the laws of the usurper. After our victory, we will immediately release anyone who has been illegally convicted by the Putin authorities.

We will give freedom to all peoples living in Russia and build a new society - a society without oligarchs, without corruption, without arbitrariness of officials, without degrading poverty. A society where everyone is rewarded according to his work. Society without wars and violence. A society where power will belong to the people, where citizens will choose their own leaders and organize the life of their towns and villages themselves. A society where the rulers cannot sacrifice human lives for their own greatness, but will think about issues. Education, medicine, scientific progress. A society in which everyone will be proud to have been born on the territory of Russia and want to live in it! Long live free Russia! Wherever you are - fight like us, fight with us, fight better than us! Let's cleanse our motherland of dirt! The victory will be ours!

Translated from Russian to Dutch to English, can not say it is exactly the same.

Dargo

08-22-22, 12:36 PM

This doesn't come as a surprise.

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1561437216395632643

MarkusRussian-appointed “Deputy Department of Internal Policy of the Kherson State Administration” was assassinated by partisans https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1561767435283451910 Install killed, Install killed, Install killed, etc. They drop like flies :D

Dargo

08-22-22, 12:44 PM

Retired U.S. Army General Mark Hertling said Saturday that Russia is currently on "defense" while Ukraine is able to "pick where they attack" as the war between the two continues to rage on.

"Early RU [Russia] goals were beyond their capability. Reducing the goals didn't help. Now, RU's defending in more places against a growing conventional UA [Ukraine] threat & an expanded guerilla war. UKR has transitioned to the offense & can pick where they attack; RU is now on the defense," he wrote on Twitter in a thread.

https://www.newsweek.com/russia-now-defense-ukraine-can-pick-where-they-attack-hertling-1735426

mapuc

08-22-22, 12:48 PM

Need to create account to read this article. https://time.com/6207115/ukraine-train-fighter-pilots-russia/
Without accounts:
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukrainian-fighter-pilots-are-training-on-diy-a-10-warthog-simulators
https://czechia.postsen.com/world/33307/The-Ukrainians-have-assembled-their-own-A-10-trainer-and-pilots-are-training-on-it.html

Thank you Dargo for the links.

Looking at the pictures made me wonder-Is it DCS they are using ?

TV2News writes:

Here is the most likely scenario for the next few weeks of war

Ukraine is probably preparing thoroughly right now how an offensive could be approached. The question is where and when it will come.

Since early August, it has been widely believed among observers that Ukraine was preparing an offensive in the south of the country.

Ukraine's defence minister, Oleksij Reznikov, even said that the major city of Kherson would be recaptured by the end of August. Yet the fronts in both southern Ukraine and the Donbas have been largely stagnant for three weeks.

Despite the stalemate, the Ukrainian attacks deep behind the front line and the shelling of the bridges over the Dnipro river in particular give a clue as to how the war will develop.

But what do the sensational attacks mean for the war? And will there even be an offensive at Kherson?

Attacks are high risk
During July, there was dynamism on the southern frontline. Ukrainian troops were quietly gaining ground and the introduction of the advanced HIMARS missile system in early July meant that Russia was finding it harder to resupply its troop

Pressure in Kherson province prompted Russia to transfer large numbers of forces there from the front in the Donbas. As the size of Russian combat units varies more and more as the war progresses, it is difficult to get reliable figures. The most educated estimates are around 20,000 troops in the part of Kherson province north of the Dnieper River. This is a large concentration of troops.

It is clear that Russia will try to hold on to Kherson city, and probably hope to hold a referendum to incorporate Kherson into Russia. The Russian reinforcements mean that a Ukrainian attack would carry a high risk of heavy casualties. This has undoubtedly influenced Ukrainian decisions on how to approach an offensive.

Battlefield prepared far from front line
What the Ukrainians are doing now is probably a thorough preparation of the battlefield. Since Ukraine got the HIMARS system, Russia has not been able to adjust its supply lines, and thus they have lost the initiative in the war.

In the last two weeks, Ukraine is believed to have been able to carry out spectacular and highly effective attacks deep inside Russian-controlled areas - far deeper than the 80 kilometres or so that the previously recognised HIMARS missile can reach.

It started with a number of attacks on ammunition depots located along the railway network just north of Crimea, supplying both the front at Kherson to the west and Melitopol to the east. This was 100-150 kilometres from the front line. On 9 August came the signature attack on the Russian airbase at Saky in Crimea, which took out 10-15 Russian fighters. From Saky it is just over 200 kilometres to the front line.

Since then, there have been a number of attacks both in Crimea and on the supply and rail hubs just north of the peninsula.

How they were carried out is not clear. All indications are that special forces, local resistance cells and drones have all been used. Most recently, a drone was shot down on Saturday, hitting the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol.

Missiles are also likely to have been used. Either the US has supplied Ukraine with the so-called ATACMS missiles, which can be fired from the HIMARS platform, or Ukraine has been helped to equip a homegrown missile type with GPS technology.

The battlefield is also being prepared closer to the front line
Closer to the frontline, HIMARS and its British, Norwegian and German counterparts continue to have a major impact. Ammunition dumps are being hit and, in addition, the Ukrainians have managed to take out a number of forward military headquarters both in the Donbas, Kherson and at Melitopol.

At Kherson, it is clear that the Ukrainian General Staff has given priority to taking out the bridges over the Dnieper River. This is partly to make it much more difficult to resupply Russian troops west of the river, and partly to make any withdrawal much more difficult.

So where and when will the Ukrainian offensive come?

The sad answer is that it is impossible to say. As I said, it seems that the Ukrainian General Staff is proceeding cautiously and wants to avoid launching an offensive where it risks suffering heavy casualties. Defence Minister Reznikov's prediction that Kherson will be in Ukrainian hands by the end of August is unlikely to come true.

If Kherson becomes a target for attack in the next few weeks, it will be because the Ukrainians have managed to make the supply situation so impossible for the Russians that it is a tender force they face. It is also possible that the Ukrainians will choose to launch their main offensive elsewhere. It could be, for example, east of the Dnieper River down towards Melitopol or towards the strategically important town of Izium just north of the Donbas.

The most likely scenario
So far, the Russian ability to make heavy artillery attacks is going down. They can still get supplies to the front, but on a much smaller scale than before. Supply lines are badly hit all along the front line.

The most likely scenario for the next few weeks is that we will see the thorough Ukrainian preparation of the battlefield continue - including with more spectacular Ukrainian attacks well behind the front line. We will also continue to see the Ukrainians laying smoke screens to create as much uncertainty as possible among the Russians about their intentions.

Since July, the Ukrainians have succeeded in taking the war away from the degrading front line where Russia was strongest. When Ukraine resumes frontline warfare in earnest, they will be sure that that relationship has changed. Russia is unlikely to be able to adapt to the capabilities that the Ukrainians now possess.

Momentum will therefore remain on the Ukrainian side, and they will choose time and place.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Markus

mapuc

08-22-22, 02:03 PM

44 of their attack helicopter arrived yesterday to the Danish town Esbjerg a port city who will be the link between US and Scandinavia-East Europe.

It was these guys who will fly over Denmark to Poland(refueling of course)

https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/units-tenants/1st-armored-division/combat-aviation-brigade-1st-armored-division

Markus

Jimbuna

08-22-22, 03:12 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5mpxYIGXQw

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 05:22 AM

Putin reeling as EU tipped to SLASH his cash with new Cyprus gas in major breakthrough

Energy giants TotalEnergies and ENI reported making a huge gas discovery off the coast of Cyprus. The find at the Cronos-1 well in Block 6, 160km off the Cypriot coastline, involved a well encountering an important gas column in a carbonate reservoir. The companies say this is part of a successful effort to boost Europe's gas supply, which comes as the EU scrambles to wean itself off Russian energy.

Kevin McLachlan the Senior Vice President of Exploration at TotalEnergies, said in a statement: "This successful exploration well at Cronos-1 is another illustration of the impact of our Exploration strategy which is focused on discovering resources with low technical cost and low-carbon emissions, to contribute to energy security including to provide an additional sources of gas supply to Europe."

It comes as Putin has been slashing gas deliveries to the bloc, on which it still heavily relies (Russian gas accounted for 40 percent of the EU's total supplies last year).

And in a bid to sanction Russia for its Ukraine invasion, the EU is hoping to wean itself off Russian gas by following its REPowerEU energy strategy.

The blueprint to slash billions worth of funds from Russia as it continues to unleash havoc on its neighbours partly involves diversifying its gas sources.

The Cyprus gas find could then mark a huge win for the bloc in the face of looming threats from Putin.

Putin is still raking in billions of EU cash amid the Ukraine conflict, despite the bloc trying to batter the Russian economy and end the despot's war efforts.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/putin-reeling-as-eu-tipped-to-slash-his-cash-with-new-cyprus-gas-in-major-breakthrough/ar-AA10WZq8?ocid=mailsignout&li=AAnZ9Ug

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 05:29 AM

Putin ‘torn’ between accepting defeat and using nuclear weapons as Russian death toll hits 60,000

Vladimir Putin will soon no longer be able to hold meetings due to his sharply deteriorating health according to sources, and is spiralling due to the war in Ukraine. The Russian president is said to be torn between using tactical nuclear weapons and accepting defeat as officials warn he is ‘out of good options’. As the Russian death toll reached 60,000, Putin reportedly raised the ‘extreme’ option of handing back newly invaded territories in private conversations with top officials.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/putin-torn-between-accepting-defeat-and-using-nuclear-weapons-as-russian-death-toll-hits-60000/ss-AA10Vry4?ocid=mailsignout&li=AAnZ9Ug

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 06:35 AM

The US state department warns Russia is planning to launch fresh attacks against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and government buildings.

The warning comes ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day on Wednesday - which also marks six months since Russian troops invaded.

Kyiv has already banned public events to commemorate Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union.

Ukraine's President Zelensky has warned Russia could do "something particularly ugly" ahead of Wednesday's holiday.

Tensions are particularly high following a string of explosions and attacks in Russian-occupied Crimea.

A memorial service is held in Moscow for political commentator Daria Dugina who was killed in a car bomb outside the city on Saturday.

Russia has blamed Ukraine for the attack, but Kyiv denies involvement.

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 06:47 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP22kDDdjx4

mapuc

08-23-22, 08:29 AM

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 08:41 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SJHZAG4c2w

mapuc

08-23-22, 09:08 AM

^ NO to do so they need to change attitude from general down to the soldier and the need to adapt another way of fighting.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 09:10 AM

No attitude or tactic changes will be possible without prior permission from the dictator.

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 09:49 AM

Turkey claims that several NATO member countries want the Ukraine-Russia war to continue

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Tuesday that several member countries of the Atlantic Alliance, not just the United States, want the war between Russia and Ukraine to continue.

"There are those who wanted to sabotage the grain deal. But it is not the United States. The contribution (of Washington) has been the removal of restrictions on export of Russian fertilizers, unblocking of ports, (removal of restrictions) on banking operations," he stressed.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/turkey-claims-that-several-nato-member-countries-want-the-ukraine-russia-war-to-continue/ar-AA10Z4fw?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=623b13fd627d46b9cbd9bcf707af994d

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 09:59 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLMUSgFsU2A

mapuc

08-23-22, 10:13 AM

His army may be on the track on defeat, however Putin has never earn so much money since the start of the war.

China's spending on Russian energy imports shoots up to $35 billion since the outbreak of the Ukraine war

https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/chinas-spending-on-russian-energy-imports-shoots-up-to-35-billion-since-the-outbreak-of-the-ukraine-war/articleshow/93710871.cms

Markus

August

08-23-22, 10:24 AM

Dargo

08-23-22, 11:47 AM

His army may be on the track on defeat, however Putin has never earn so much money since the start of the war.

https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/chinas-spending-on-russian-energy-imports-shoots-up-to-35-billion-since-the-outbreak-of-the-ukraine-war/articleshow/93710871.cms

MarkusI do not think the amount ($35 billion) can be the same as we pay for it China will buy, but the price they have to pay will be a lot less would not be surprised they're paying before invasion price for energy. EU's gas imports from Russia fall 70% from July '21 to July '22 the rise of 53% of china imports is on imports of oil, natural gas and coal combined. So Russia loss in export of natural gas they do not sell to Europe is bigger than the import of china.

Dargo

08-23-22, 11:58 AM

I wonder if they have cut their other imports by the same amount or if they are just taking advantage of a good deal to build their stockpiles.
They do last winter Asia bought a lot of LNG now china can buy it cheap of Russia and make profit selling it at current price to the rest of Asia.

Dargo

08-23-22, 12:02 PM

Dargo

08-23-22, 12:15 PM

^ NO to do so they need to change attitude from general down to the soldier and the need to adapt another way of fighting.

MarkusTo rebuild, they need to rebuild their economy to the old soviet economy now it is too global it needs too much western high-tech components on massive scale and no China can not produce them on this scale either one of the reasons China wants Taiwan back.

mapuc

08-23-22, 12:24 PM

To rebuild, they need to rebuild their economy to the old soviet economy now it is too global it needs too much western high-tech components on massive scale and no China can not produce them on this scale either one of the reasons China wants Taiwan back.

In fact it's a lot more comprehensive than I find word for it than the ones I have used.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 01:26 PM

I wonder if they have cut their other imports by the same amount or if they are just taking advantage of a good deal to build their stockpiles.

I'm guessing the latter.

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 01:30 PM

War must end with just peace based on territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, - Erdogan

The war must end with a just peace based on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this at the second summit of the Crimean Platform, Censor.NET informs with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

"We believe that the war, which has been going on since February 24, should end with a just peace based on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Turkey has made extraordinary efforts to create an effective diplomatic channel to achieve this goal. We have significant achievements in this matter. In particular, we can mention the meeting of foreign ministers in Antalya in March, the peace talks in Istanbul, the grain agreement," Erdogan said.

He emphasized that maintaining the pace, turning this process into a lasting result depends on the actions of the parties on the way to peace.

"We are determined to continue our efforts, facilitating and mediating tirelessly in the process of restoration and establishing peace," the Turkish president assured.

Erdogan emphasized that international law requires Crimea to be returned to Ukraine. "This is critically important for the entire region and for the world security system, for stability, for maintaining the territorial integrity of Ukraine, its sovereignty, for the political system," he explained.

Erdogan said that Crimea is Ukraine, and Turkey supports Crimea as part of Ukraine. The President of Turkey added that Crimean Tatars are citizens of Ukraine, and Crimea should develop in their interests. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3362655

Jimbuna

08-23-22, 01:35 PM

World will never recognize attempts of Russian Federation to occupy territory of Ukraine, - Sholtz

The world did not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea eight years ago, nor does it recognize attempts to annex new Ukrainian territories.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Federal Republic of Germany stated this while addressing the participants of the second summit of the Crimean Platform, Censor.NET informs with reference to Ukrinform.

"The international community will never accept Russia's illegal imperialist annexation of Ukrainian territory... We condemn Russia's attempts to forcefully integrate parts of Ukrainian territories. Our message is clear: any shameful referendums and other attempts to change the status of parts of Ukrainian territory will never be recognized," - emphasized the German politician.

He noted that "such steps will make any negotiations impossible."

Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine has met with strong opposition from the Ukrainian people, whose determination and courage are respected around the world, Scholz said.

Ukraine, as he noted, refused to submit to the rule of the strong, a situation where large powers can "swallow" smaller ones whenever they want.

The Summit of the Crimean Platform demonstrates that Ukraine's partners are more united today than ever, Scholz is convinced. He called the holding of the summit more than timely and reminded that today the world commemorates the victims of Stalinism and fascism. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3362630

Skybird

08-23-22, 02:40 PM

Bubble-Olaf has promised more weapons for Ukraine. Value: 500 million.

Hooray!

Hooray...?

They will be delivered not before 2023, and are part of a German idea about sustainably modernising the ukrainian forces (with pickups and engineer tanks...)

That they must win the running war first, apparently did not come to his mind.

No tanks or IFVs or APCs. Instead stuff that not even the Bundeswehr has. Next year. If so.

BTW, the Ringtausch-"deals" with 3 or 4 European neighbours that Germany suggested and planned and endlessly talks about, still have not materialised. Month 6 of the war. The dozens of Marders and Leopards the industry could deliver immediately, still are being ignored by the joke-chancellors office.

:dead:

mapuc

08-23-22, 03:14 PM

In a twitter account following was posted some hours ago

"Russian Air Force strategic bombers are active.
Listen to air raids"

Then Denys posted this video some minutes ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9AQN2oS6-U

Again Russia is up to no good it seems

Markus

em2nought

08-23-22, 09:09 PM

U.S. to announce a $3 billion arms package for Ukraine tomorrow, the single largest yet. https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1562120889658970113

Meanwhile the invasion of "our" southern border continues unabated. :har:

mapuc

08-24-22, 07:37 AM

Citizens in the Danish port city Esbjerg who is located on the west side of Jutland is protesting against the harbour is being used as port of debarkation of Mostly American supply of military stuff.

They fear Putin may attack the city.

Said to some of them-Is not going to happen.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-24-22, 01:09 PM

The six-month anniversary of Russia's war in Ukraine is a "sad and tragic milestone", UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says.

He was speaking as world leaders backed Ukraine on its Independence Day and UK PM Boris Johnson visited Kyiv.

Ukrainians are marking 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union.

President Zelensky vows to fight Russia’s invasion “until the end” and without “concession or compromise”

Public events for Independence Day have been banned in Kyiv over concerns they could become a target for renewed Russian attacks.

Global leaders are reaffirming their support for Ukraine, with Johnson insisting "Ukraine can and will win this war"

The US announces a fresh $3bn (£2.5bn) military aid package for weapons and equipment as Joe Biden says Ukrainians have "inspired the world”

mapuc

08-24-22, 01:10 PM

Washington Post: On Feb. 24, Russia asked Ukraine to surrender, Reznikov responded he is ready to accept capitulation from Russia.

According to Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, he received a call from his Belarusian counterpart, Viktor Khrenin

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1562429072449232896

Markus

Jimbuna

08-24-22, 01:12 PM

Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said households across Europe have to endure the cost-of-living crisis to counter Russian aggression during a visit to Ukraine.

Mr Johnson said the West must "stay the course" on Ukraine despite rising living costs, driven by the war.

He said while energy bills were high "the people of Ukraine are paying in their blood" for Russia's "evils".

Mr Johnson visited the capital Kyiv to mark Ukraine's independence day.

A close ally of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Johnson was making his third visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded six months ago.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-62663247

Jimbuna

08-24-22, 01:18 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlqKpeHhzn0

Dargo

08-24-22, 01:18 PM

This USAI package, which is being announced on Ukraine Independence Day, underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine over the long term – representing a multi-year investments to build the enduring strength of Ukraine’s Armed Forces as it continues to defend its sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression. Unlike Presidential Drawdown (PDA), which DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine in the mid- and long-term to ensure Ukraine can continue to defend itself as an independent, sovereign and prosperous state. It is the biggest tranche of security assistance for Ukraine to date. Capabilities include:

Six additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) with additional munitions for NASAMS;
Up to 245,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition;
Up to 65,000 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition;
Up to 24 counter-artillery radars;
Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and support equipment for Scan Eagle UAS systems;
VAMPIRE Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems;
Laser-guided rocket systems;
Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3138105/nearly-3-billion-in-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/

Jimbuna

08-24-22, 01:21 PM

Russia tried to prevent Zelensky from remotely participating in UN Security Council

The representative of Russia in the UN Security Council, Vasiliy Nebyenzia, tried to block the participation of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi via video link during the meeting of the body on Wednesday, but his proposal did not find support at all.

At the beginning of the meeting, Nebyenzya said that Russia objects to Zelensky's virtual participation in the meeting - Moscow "in principle is not against" the participation of the President of Ukraine or his representative, but demanded that it be in person.

"This is not our whim, but the rules that regulate the council's work. There is no politics here, it is only a matter of procedure," the Russian edition of RBC quoted the ambassador of Russia to the UN as saying.

The issue was put to a vote, but only Russia supported this proposal, China abstained, and the remaining 13 members of the UN Security Council voted against.

"Well, the Russians are notorious for being global leaders in shooting themselves in the foot. They, like masochists, offered to vote for Ukraine's request for Zelensky to address the UN Security Council. No one supported Russia's vote against. 13 strong votes in support of Ukraine." noted the representative of Ukraine at the UN, Serhiy Kyslytsia.

The meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday is devoted to the situation in Ukraine in connection with the full-scale invasion of Russia. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3362922

Jimbuna

08-24-22, 01:27 PM

Johnson announced £54 million in military aid to Ukraine

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, during an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, announced the allocation of a new package of military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 54 million pounds.

The new military aid package complements Britain's training of vehicles to search for mines in the waters off its coast. In the coming weeks, Ukrainian personnel will be trained to use them in British waters.

Military assistance includes unmanned surveillance systems and anti-tank ammunition. These include, in particular, 850 hand-held Black Hornet micro-drones, which are specially designed for use in cities and villages and are designed to detect approaching enemy forces.

"Military personnel can be trained to fly unmanned aerial vehicles, which are smaller than a mobile phone, in less than 20 minutes. Each drone transmits real-time video and still images so that ground forces can safely defend urban areas," the British government explained.

"Today's package of support will give the brave and resilient Armed Forces of Ukraine another boost in capability, allowing them to continue to repel Russian forces and fight for their freedom," Johnson said.

According to the British government, Great Britain has allocated more than £2.3 billion in military and financial aid to Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022.

We will remind you that on Wednesday, when Ukraine is celebrating Independence Day, the Prime Minister of Great Britain Boris Johnson came to Kyiv for the third time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3362896

mapuc

08-24-22, 01:54 PM

If Russia are going to win this war some kind of miracle has to happen

As the Russo-Ukrainian War drags on, more and more Russian soldiers are beginning to grow weary of fighting. Intercepted audio shows troops are beginning to question their involvement in Ukraine, while numerous reports hint that the Russian forces are suffering high casualties. In an attempt to get away from the fighting, soldiers have begun turning to drastic measures.

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/news/russo-ukrainian-war-russian-soldiers.html

Markus

Dargo

08-24-22, 03:02 PM

Russian soldier calls his distressed wife on Ukraine’s Independence Day from someone else’s phone, and says he is in a dangerous position.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXoOQit6D2Y

https://wartranslated.com/intercepted-call-we-are-surrounded/

Reece

08-24-22, 06:47 PM

The meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday is devoted to the situation in Ukraine in connection with the full-scale invasion of Russia.

"full-scale invasion of Russia" :hmmm:

August

08-24-22, 08:50 PM

"full-scale invasion of Russia" :hmmm:

I'm thinking that "of" was actually supposed to be a "by" but the profession of news editing has gone to crap since the invention of spell checkers.

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 06:45 AM

Russia ‘in very fragile position’ and bracing for ‘major’ Ukrainian counterattack, say UK

Russia is in a “very fragile position” as it braces for a major Ukrainian counterattack, the UK has said as Vladimir Putin’s war hit the six-month mark.

British defence secretary Ben Wallace, who was briefed by intelligence chiefs on Wednesday morning, said Russia’s advance “is grinding” in parts of Ukraine.

Speaking as Ukraine celebrates its 31st Independence Day, Mr Wallace told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Russia’s advance can be measured in metres per week, not miles. It is grinding in small parts of the country in an attempt to advance – completely opposite of the three-days special operation that it touted at the beginning of this, six months ago.

“We pretty much accept, well, we do accept, the sort of observations of Russian losses to be – if you combine deaths, injuries, desertions – over 80,000 of their armed forces. That’s 80,000 in six months compared to 15,000 they lost in a decade in Afghanistan.

“I think we are in a position where Russia is in a very fragile position.”

He added that the morale of Ukrainian troops is “leagues ahead” of the spirits of Russian’s “poorly-trained” troops.

In an update on Wednesday morning, the UK’s Ministry of Defence also said that Russian commanders are anticipating a “major Ukrainian counterattack”, while suffering a shortage of military equipment.

It said: “The Donbas offensive is making minimal progress and Russia anticipates a major Ukrainian counterattack.

“Operationally, Russia is suffering from shortages of munitions, vehicles and personnel. Morale is poor in many parts of its military and its army is significantly degraded. Its diplomatic power has been diminished and its long-term economic outlook is bleak.”

The last six months of war have proven both “costly and strategically harmful,” the MoD added.

The war has killed thousands of civilians, forced over a third of Ukraine’s 41 million people from their homes, left cities in ruins and shaken global markets. It is largely at a standstill with no immediate prospect of peace talks.

Meanwhile, Ukrainians are on Wednesday marking 31 years since they broke free from the Russia-dominated Soviet Union.

It will be observed with subdued celebrations under the threat of further Russian attacks. Public gatherings are banned in the capital Kyiv and a curfew is in force in the front-line eastern city of Kharkiv, which has weathered months of shelling.

The government laid out the remains of burnt-out Russian tanks and armoured vehicles like war trophies in central Kyiv in a show of defiance.

On Tuesday night, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned of the possibility of “repugnant Russian provocations”.

“We are fighting against the most terrible threat to our statehood and also at a time when we have achieved the greatest level of national unity,” Mr Zelensky said.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-in-very-fragile-position-and-bracing-for-major-ukrainian-counterattack-say-uk/ar-AA112ist?ocid=mailsignout&li=AAnZ9Ug

mapuc

08-25-22, 06:47 AM

The Ukrainian forces don't have to fight the Russian. they are doing this by them self

Russian Spetsnaz have been reported to have got into a bloody firefight with a Wagner elite unit.

GRU high ranking officials were called in to calm tensions.

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1562722055530786818

Edit
Tried to find a second source to this story

"Putin signed a decree to increase number of servicemen in Armed Forces of Russia to 1.15 million
General mobilisation starting…"

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1562768185753214979
End edit

Markus

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 06:51 AM

Soldier’s diary of Ukraine campaign exposes a Russian army in disarray

Pavel Filatyev, a former paratrooper in the Russian army, published his diary on a Russian social media site earlier this month detailing his experience in Ukraine. He then fled his country. Filatyev’s harrowing testimony is the first detailed account of the realities facing Russian soldiers still fighting in Ukraine six months after the invasion began.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/soldiers-diary-of-ukraine-campaign-exposes-a-russian-army-in-disarray/ar-AA114w1W?ocid=mailsignout&li=AAnZ9Ug

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 07:01 AM

Anti-Putin group claim responsibility for car bomb death of ‘war guru’s’ daughter

A violent anti-Russian group is claiming it assassinated the daughter of the mastermind behind Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine invasion. The ‘National Republican Army’ (NRA) announced it was responsible for the Moscow car bomb that killed 30-year-old Darya ‘Dasha’ Dugina on Telegram. However, Russian FSB intelligence officials had bizarrely blamed the blast on Saturday night on a female Ukrainian spy, who they named as Natalia Vovk.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/anti-putin-group-claim-responsibility-for-car-bomb-death-of-war-gurus-daughter/ss-AA1137EG?ocid=mailsignout&li=AAnZ9Ug

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 07:43 AM

Russia railway station strike kills 25, injures dozens

A Russian rocket strike on a railway station killed 25 people, Ukraine says, on the day marking six months since Moscow's invasion began.

Five of the victims of the attack in the eastern town of Chaplyne burnt to death in a vehicle, officials said. Two boys aged six and 11 were also killed.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the strike during a UN Security Council meeting. A further 31 people were hurt.

Russia said it hit a military train killing hundreds of Ukrainian troops.

"As a result of a direct hit by an Iskander missile on a military train at the Chaplyne railway station in the Dnipropetrovsk region, more than 200 servicemen of the reserve of Ukraine's Armed Forces and 10 units of military equipment were destroyed, on their way to combat zones in the Donbas," its defence ministry said in a statement.

Ukraine has made no mention of military deaths in the strike.

Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilian infrastructure. Speaking on Thursday, UN human rights commissioner Michelle Bachelet called on Russia's president to halt armed attacks on Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky said he had learned of the strike on Chaplyne, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, as he was preparing to speak to the Security Council, adding: "This is how Russia prepared for the UN Security Council meeting."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62666188

mapuc

08-25-22, 07:45 AM

The first appearance of a German-supplied Flakpanzer Gepard SPAAG, armed with two 35mm autocannons, in Ukraine. These are generally regarded as being very capable against low-flying aircraft and ground targets.

https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1562720020995899398

Markus

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 07:51 AM

Spain increased aid to Ukraine. Sent anti-aircraft battery, ammunition and armored cars, - El Pais

Spain has announced the sending of additional means of defense to Ukraine in the war against Russia.

The military aid shipment will include 20 armored vehicles, 75 pallets of field artillery ammunition, and a full anti-aircraft battery, as well as 1,000 tons of diesel fuel worth an estimated €2.5 million. Both armored vehicles and ammunition are already at the disposal of the Ukrainian authorities.

In addition to weapons, a shipment of 30,000 units of military uniforms for the winter, 15,600 jackets, 15,000 suits, and several thousand units of additional clothing has been prepared "on urgent request". Shipment is scheduled for September.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Spain Serhii Pohoreltsev, however, noted that Ukraine is most interested in the supply of 155-mm howitzers and 122-mm mortars, which he has already informed the Spanish government about.

"The process is not easy, but we are working and we are very grateful," he emphasized.

Spain will also teach the Ukrainian military how to operate an anti-aircraft battery, as well as conduct training for the personnel of the Ukrainian Air Force "in an ally country", the name of which was not specified by the Ministry of Defense. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363060

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 07:55 AM

Putin increased full-time number of servicemen in Russian Armed Forces by 137,000

Путін збільшив штатну чисельність військовослужбовців ЗС РФ.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to TASS.

It is noted that the Russian dictator increased the number of personnel of the armed forces of the Russian Federation from 1.9 million to 2.04 million people from 2023.

According to RIA Novosti, the full-time number of military personnel will be increased by 137,000. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363100

Dargo

08-25-22, 11:41 AM

OSLO, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Norway plans to maintain its current high gas production level until the end of the decade as Europe plans to ditch Russian imports over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, its energy minister said on Tuesday.

"I expect that we can maintain the production levels we are at now until 2030," Terje Aasland told Reuters in an interview.

"We see that there are projects and also plans for development and operation coming now that can help maintain the high gas volumes going forward," he said.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/exclusive-norway-eyes-high-gas-output-until-2030-says-energy-minister-2022-08-23/

https://i.postimg.cc/L4C6d4ht/norwayrussiangas.png

Dargo

08-25-22, 12:18 PM

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu stated on August 24 that Russian forces are slowing down the overall pace of their offensive operations in Ukraine, while reaffirming that Russia’s objectives in the war have not changed. Shoigu's statement may also represent an attempt by the Russian MOD to set information conditions to explain and excuse the negligible gains Russian forces have made in Ukraine in the last six weeks. Russian forces have lost an area larger than Denmark since the high-water mark of their invasion of Ukraine in mid-March, and gained an area the size of Andorra (one percent of what they have lost) in the last 39 days. https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-24

em2nought

08-25-22, 12:25 PM

Putin increased full-time number of servicemen in Russian Armed Forces by 137,000

Putin just wants to stay ahead of the IRS. :har:

mapuc

08-25-22, 12:37 PM

Putin just wants to stay ahead of the IRS. :har:

I read earlier today that Putin had signed a decree in which he mobilize 1.15 million men. First out was these 137,000.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 12:54 PM

Currently, there is no safe successor to Putin in Russian landscape for Ukraine, - Simmons

Today, the Russian Federation does not see a successor to President Volodymyr Putin, whose rule would be safe for Ukraine.

British Ambassador Melinda Simmons stated this in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Censor.NET informs.

According to her, Russians should determine their own future.

"And I also think that it is difficult to see in the Russian landscape a person who could replace Putin, who would immediately make Ukrainians feel safer," Simmons said.

She also emphasized that it takes time to change the political regime or democratize the Russian people.

"Regardless of what the citizens of Russia decide, whether they want something different or not, it will take time. Therefore, I believe that all of us, Ukrainians and neighboring countries, European countries and others, must admit that we are looking at the long-term perspective. And that we should all change our policy accordingly," the ambassador said.

As an example, she cited the growth of NATO's presence in countries neighboring Ukraine. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363126

Dargo

08-25-22, 12:54 PM

I read earlier today that Putin had signed a decree in which he mobilize 1.15 million men. First out was these 137,000.

MarkusDoes not matter if it is 1.15 million or 137,000 where do they get people, a lot already fled abroad to prevent to serve in the Russian army.

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 12:59 PM

Scholz visited Ukrainian defenders at training ground in Germany: We will continue to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons systems

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training on Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery systems and promised further military support.

Thus, on Thursday, the Chancellor of Germany visited the Putlos military training ground in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, where the Ukrainian military is trained.

"Germany wants to help provide soldiers with the optimal support they need. Germany provides modern and effective weapons because Ukraine has the right to defend its country, integrity, independence and sovereignty," Scholz emphasized.

The chancellor also inspected one of the Gepards and took a picture with it. He stated that he was impressed with the capabilities of the Gepard and saw how effective it was in organizing defenses against air attacks.

The chancellor confirmed that Germany will continue to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons systems - he named self-propelled howitzers, multiple-launch rocket systems and the IRIS-T air defense system, which is capable of "carrying out the defense of the entire city's airspace."

Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363122

Dargo

08-25-22, 01:01 PM

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 01:02 PM

Doubt we'll see another like him for a few decades.

Dargo

08-25-22, 01:08 PM

I read earlier today that Putin had signed a decree in which he mobilize 1.15 million men. First out was these 137,000.

MarkusIt isn't as simple as drafting more soldiers. Russia has lost a lot of officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, and conscript units particularly need to have competent officers and Non-Commissioned Officers for them to function. Not to mention, Russia doesn't have the personnel to train more conscripts. Conscripts still aren't supposed to be deployed into Ukraine unless they sign a contract. The conscripts who were deployed in the 1st week were sent back. Even if Russia increases the manpower of the military, that doesn't mean it will have more personnel available to send to Ukraine.

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 01:10 PM

The final pair of working reactors at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were cut off from Ukraine's power grid on Thursday, Kyiv officials say.

After being disconnected twice, power to the Russian-controlled site is believed to have been restored.

Ukraine's nuclear agency said the problem was caused by nearby fires that damaged overhead electricity lines.

It comes amid growing concern over fighting near the complex, which is the largest nuclear plant in Europe.

The fires, at a nearby coal power plant, interfered with the power lines, temporarily cutting Zaporizhzhia off from from the national grid for the first time in its history, Ukraine's state nuclear agency said on Thursday.

"As a result, the station's two working power units were disconnected from the network."

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that having "a secure off-site power supply from the grid is essential for ensuring nuclear safety".

Satellite images taken on Wednesday showed an extensive fire burning in the immediate vicinity of the nuclear complex.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62679066

mapuc

08-25-22, 01:12 PM

It isn't as simple as drafting more soldiers. Russia has lost a lot of officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, and conscript units particularly need to have competent officers and Non-Commissioned Officers for them to function. Not to mention, Russia doesn't have the personnel to train more conscripts. Conscripts still aren't supposed to be deployed into Ukraine unless they sign a contract. The conscripts who were deployed in the 1st week were sent back. Even if Russia increases the manpower of the military, that doesn't mean it will have more personnel available to send to Ukraine.

I remembered the post after I read Jim's comment about these 137,000 I also remember thinking on copying the url-then I thought-Hmm doubtful I remember what Dargo have said to me about generel mobilization in Russia.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 01:15 PM

US bank Citigroup is to close its remaining branches and consumer banking operations in Russia as it exits the country in protest at the war in Ukraine.

The move, which affects 2,300 staff in the country, follows an exodus of Western businesses over the conflict.

Citi, the US bank with the biggest presence in Russia, had said it planned to leave back in April.

But it has been trying unsuccessfully to find a buyer for its business.

A spokesperson told the BBC that while its local consumer business would close, Citi would continue to support multinational institutional clients in the country.

"Particularly those which are undergoing winding down their own operations in the country," they said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62659394

August

08-25-22, 01:18 PM

Doubt we'll see another like him for a few decades.

You can see him today as he is still kicking. Old as the hills but definitely still above ground.

mapuc

08-25-22, 01:18 PM

I follow this on twitter-Can't say how reliable it is.

Here's a status from this account-WarMonitor3

Kherson- Russian forces tried to carry out combat reconnaissance in the area of the settlement of Blahodatne, suffered losses and withdrew.

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1562831759209025537

Markus

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 01:24 PM

You can see him today as he is still kicking. Old as the hills but definitely still above ground.

Yeah, fully aware Dave but I was meaning we will have to wait for the next generation with a non-brainwashed (I'm struggling for the right word here) mindset to come along.

Dargo

08-25-22, 01:27 PM

I follow this on twitter-Can't say how reliable it is.

Here's a status from this account-WarMonitor3

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1562831759209025537

MarkusRussian suffered losses and withdrew I see for weeks :D

Russian Spetsnaz have been reported to have got into a bloody firefight with a Wagner elite unit.

GRU high ranking officials were called in to calm tensions. https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1562722055530786818

mapuc

08-25-22, 01:30 PM

Russian suffered losses and withdrew I see for weeks :D

Russian Spetsnaz have been reported to have got into a bloody firefight with a Wagner elite unit.

GRU high ranking officials were called in to calm tensions. https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1562722055530786818

As I wrote in #5863(Page 391)

The Ukrainian forces don't have to fight the Russian. they are doing this by them self

Markus

Jimbuna

08-25-22, 01:33 PM

You most certainly did :yep:

mapuc

08-25-22, 01:41 PM

I also follow Denys Davydov on yt-He gives daily updates on the war.

I think he is a tad more reliable-Why !? He isn't afraid of saying things like...Here you can see that Russia has gained land lets measure how much...1.3 km on 3 days.

While in the WarMonitor3 status it's always..and they were repelled(almost)

Markus

August

08-25-22, 03:17 PM

I follow this on twitter-Can't say how reliable it is.

Here's a status from this account-WarMonitor3

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1562831759209025537

Markus

True or not, I wouldn't read too much into it Markus. Reconnaissances usually end up in contact with the enemy and when that happens the recon force usually suffers some casualties and must be withdrawn before it can be surrounded and destroyed behind enemy lines.

I think they still call it a "Reconnaissance in Force". It's a completely different animal than the "Sneaky Pete" type of recon involving a small group of infiltrators, possibly inserted by helicopter or parachute whose lives depend on staying undiscovered.

An RiR by contrast is a large force, one that goes in armed to the teeth with armor and air support actually looking for a fight with the enemy. The intention is to test the enemy's response and strength rather than just report on the presence of enemy asset with is about all a small team could do.

August

08-25-22, 03:20 PM

Yeah, fully aware Dave but I was meaning we will have to wait for the next generation with a non-brainwashed (I'm struggling for the right word here) mindset to come along.

I don't know if that is even possible Jim. Gorby was a real anomaly when it comes to Russian potentates.

mapuc

08-25-22, 03:26 PM

True or not, I wouldn't read too much into it Markus. Reconnaissances usually end up in contact with the enemy and when that happens the recon force usually suffers some casualties and must be withdrawn before it can be surrounded and destroyed behind enemy lines.

I think they still call it a "Reconnaissance in Force". It's a completely different animal than the "Sneaky Pete" type of recon involving a small group of infiltrators, possibly inserted by helicopter or parachute whose lives depend on staying undiscovered.

An RiR by contrast is a large force, one that goes in armed to the teeth with armor and air support actually looking for a fight with the enemy. The intention is to test the enemy's response and strength rather than just report on the presence of enemy asset with is about all a small team could do.

Thank you Dave..I learned something new today.

Another thing.

Jim posted a comment where he wrote that some group in Russia who said it was them who committed this terror attack that killed this young lady(Forgot this group name and the name of this young lady) Today I also read that someone had sabotaged the rail track outside Kursk.

These and other things I've read-Could this be the first small step towards a Civil war in Russia ??

Markus

mapuc

08-25-22, 03:43 PM

From twitter as I remember it

To protect their tanks, armoured vehicle when they has to cross the river they mix them with civilian cars with civilian in them-This to prevent UA from attacking them-This should be near Kherson

Markus

August

08-25-22, 03:58 PM

Thank you Dave..I learned something new today.

You are quite welcome.

Another thing.

Jim posted a comment where he wrote that some group in Russia who said it was them who committed this terror attack that killed this young lady(Forgot this group name and the name of this young lady) Today I also read that someone had sabotaged the rail track outside Kursk.

These and other things I've read-Could this be the first small step towards a Civil war in Russia ??

Markus

I heard the same thing, that it was some obscure group of Russian Partisans who did the deed, but I have yet to find a name or transcript or anything so I wonder how accurate this claim really is.

Dargo

08-25-22, 04:40 PM

You are quite welcome.

I heard the same thing, that it was some obscure group of Russian Partisans who did the deed, but I have yet to find a name or transcript or anything so I wonder how accurate this claim really is.The sabotaged rail track outside Kursk could be anarchists and other anti-war demonstrators they attack across Russia have targeted railroads, military recruiting centers, vehicles belonging to pro-war zealots, and Russian state propaganda messaging in favor of the war. One of the groups promoting these attacks is known as the Anarcho-Communist Combat Organization. They are supporters of partisan methods: sabotage, direct action, partisan war against the fascist Putin regime.

mapuc

08-25-22, 04:59 PM

Todays 25th of August war update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BevrSgU8xrA

Markus

Dargo

08-25-22, 05:01 PM

I don't know if that is even possible Jim. Gorby was a real anomaly when it comes to Russian potentates.That time the politburo was dying out after Brezhnev who was so demented he could only be present 15 minutes a day all leaders were old and sick 3 Soviet leader died in less than three years. Gorbachev was 54 when he became General Secretary, that was very young for a soviet leader.

mapuc

08-25-22, 05:11 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfNJuV67iMM

Markus

mapuc

08-25-22, 05:35 PM

They haven't even started yet...
russia plans to increase the number of armed forces’ personnel to 2 million+.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1562871756762673152

Markus

Jimbuna

08-26-22, 03:45 AM

Russians are torturing us so we don't talk to UN, Ukraine nuclear plant workers say

Russian security forces are torturing personnel at the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to prevent them from telling UN inspectors about safety risks, workers there have told The Telegraph.

The claims by serving and recently escaped workers come amid mounting fears that fighting near the facility, which Russian troops seized in March, could lead to a Chernobyl-style nuclear disaster.

Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are expected to arrive at the power plant to check safety there in the coming days.

Rafael Grossi, the chief of the IAEA, and Alexei Likhachev, the head of Russian state nuclear monopoly Rosatom, held talks on the visit in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Rosatom said in a statement after the meeting that it would organise an IAEA mission to the plant “as soon as the military situation on the ground allows it” and that security at nuclear installations is a “top priority for Russia”.

But employees who spoke to The Telegraph on condition of anonymity described an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, including multiple arrests.

“We all worry about the possible visit of the IAEA representatives. That they will set up some provocations and then blame them on Ukraine. It feels like that’s exactly what they plan to do,” one engineer said.

“They grabbed our management by the balls: for the period of the visit, they plan to minimise the presence of our staff, and put a couple of their representatives in every control room, who will loudly shout how they were waiting for ‘liberation from the Kyiv regime’,” he went on.

The employee, whose identity The Telegraph has confirmed but is not publishing, added that multiple staff members had been arrested at home or on their way to work.

“Now I understand that their army is weak, but their FSB service is working. One of their methods here is to take the control room workers to the basement,” said the engineer, using a Russian colloquialism for detention and torture by secret police.

“Our management keeps silent about it, not to create panic, but people who return after those basement ‘conversations’ don’t say anything at all. It will be no surprise if during the mission they will suddenly start saying what they were told to say.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russians-are-torturing-us-so-we-dont-talk-to-un-ukraine-nuclear-plant-workers-say/ar-AA114Azi?ocid=mailsignout&li=BBoPWjQ

Jimbuna

08-26-22, 03:50 AM

Ukraine recaptures territory larger than Denmark from Russian invaders

Russian forces have lost an area of captured territory larger than Denmark as they struggle to turn territorial gains into operation successes, according to military analysts.

The Kremlin's invasion has made little progress in recent months, after its troops were forced back from Kyiv in the early weeks of the war.

Vladimir Putin’s troops have only managed to seize an area the size of Andorra – an estimated one per cent of what they have lost – in the last 39 days, the latest assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US-based think-tank, suggests.

It came as Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, told a conference that Russian forces had deliberately slowed down their offensive operations in Ukraine to reduce the number of civilian casualties.

Despite the apparent slow-down, Mr Shoigu insisted Russia's invasion was going according to plan and his forces would achieve their maximalist objectives.

Russia's ministry of defence has previously stated it still intends to topple the Ukrainian government despite its withdrawal from Kyiv to focus on the eastern Donbas region.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-recaptures-territory-larger-than-denmark-from-russian-invaders/ar-AA115Bs4?ocid=mailsignout&li=AAnZ9Ug

Skybird

08-26-22, 05:35 AM

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62652133

How dared we expecting anything else than this?:03: No surprise to be seen here, don't read, just move on.

Skybird

08-26-22, 05:47 AM

German media report that the German training for Ukrainian PZH2000-crews has been spied on and observed by Russian agents and drones.

I could imagine that reaction times, timetables for firing and moving procedures and such are relevant tactical data.

The german army has dismantled its last anti-air defence unit several years ago. It currently holds zero capability to defend itself against enemy drones, armed or unarmed. We had instead an interesting debate for many years whether we even need drones, especially armed drones, at all. Until the war the answer was a loud-sounding No. :haha:

Otto Harkaman

08-26-22, 05:48 AM

Interesting the political coin Ukrainian grain has gained internationally. Now being used to win hearts and minds in Africa?

UN: US buying big Ukraine grain shipment for hungry regions

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-droughts-united-states-nations-africa-7fc5a61b8728fd962128afb40acb0cbf

- older article but relevant
AfDB president: Ukraine war could trigger a food crisis in Africa

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/3/29/afdb-president-ukraine-could-trigger-a-food-crisis-in-africa

Dargo

08-26-22, 12:57 PM

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62652133

How dared we expecting anything else than this?:03: No surprise to be seen here, don't read, just move on.This is going on for months, and now they notice Russian burning surplus natural gas? Gazprom cannot process all gas into liquid at the LNG plant, so they burn it over 4 million cubic meters of natural gas per day.

Dargo

08-26-22, 01:03 PM

Bayraktar producer ‘will never’ supply drones to Russia.

“No matter how much money they offer us, frankly, there is no question of handing drones over to them," Haluk Bayraktar, the CEO of Turkish Baykar, told BBC. "All our support is completely on the side of Ukraine."

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1563159212167168002

Skybird

08-26-22, 02:20 PM

This is going on for months, and now they notice Russian burning surplus natural gas? Gazprom cannot process all gas into liquid at the LNG plant, so they burn it over 4 million cubic meters of natural gas per day.
Indeed, similar reports were posted already a few weeks ago, I am not certain but I think I linked to one such story.

One cannot just close and shut down an opene dgas fiueld, the pressure is too high, i mean you can do it, but only with immense financial burdens and engineering efforts for closiung it, and againf or openign it. A certain ammount always must be allowed to get out, and then gets burned.

Skybird

08-26-22, 02:38 PM

For a long time, Eastern European NATO states have been stocking up on weapons from Germany. But now they are ordering from the USA and South Korea. Berlin has lost confidence because of its reluctance to support Ukraine.

Since Russia's attack on Ukraine, Poland has become a frontline state. More than any other country, it has supplied heavy weapons to Kiev and needs to replenish its stockpiles. Soon, Poland will have the largest conventional force in Europe. For Washington, the country is likely to become a key security partner. Smaller countries such as Slovakia and the Baltic states are also expanding their arsenals in the face of the Russian threat.

For Western arms manufacturers, this is an opportunity for huge business. However, German arms manufacturers such as KMW and Rheinmetall, which have been well represented in East-Central Europe, are not on Warsaw's shopping list.

Who can blame them?

Dargo

08-26-22, 03:25 PM

The Russian volunteer and blogger Murz who has been deeply involved with providing repairs and collecting aid for the so-called “People’s Militia” of the so-called “Donbass Republics” has published his view of the results of the six months of the special operation. It is somewhat of a long post, but the level of self-awareness (with few exceptions) of Murz is quite striking.

Murz first admits that the most combat-ready Russian forces have mostly been destroyed in the first stages of the war, and Russia has no other choice but shell to death Ukrainian positions with hope of the latter to retreat. He admits this is an extremely inefficient and tedious process. He also says that the reservist recruitment program in Russia has failed, as these units are too fresh to be effective in the battle:
https://wartranslated.com/lpr-volunteer-murz-on-the-6-month-results-of-the-smo-we-are-in-the-as/

Catfish

08-26-22, 03:40 PM

For a long time, Eastern European NATO states have been stocking up on weapons from Germany. But now they are ordering from the USA and South Korea. Berlin has lost confidence because of its reluctance to support Ukraine.

Since Russia's attack on Ukraine, Poland has become a frontline state. More than any other country, it has supplied heavy weapons to Kiev and needs to replenish its stockpiles. [...]

Does not make sense. Poland and other eastern-european nations from the former Warsaw pact had mostly soviet-style military hardware, which they wanted to modernize or exchange for western-made weapons.
When they heard about the "Ringtausch" they wanted to voluntarily and oh-so-generously give their crap to Ukraine, while expecting Germany to send them the most modern weapons, in numbers Germany did not even have enough for itself.
So they did not get the most modern weapons without having to pay for those, but one or two generations back like Leopard 1 enhanced and so on.
How sad, it would have been such a good deal to get the latest technology with german citizens paying for it.
Not that one generation back is so bad at all, and it is still free.

Skybird

08-26-22, 05:37 PM

A bit of agreement (I originally also thought so, too, but changed my mind with later reports coming in) and a bit of disagreement from me. Numerically the Scholzianers wanted to give them too little, and stretched over many, many years with a frequency of 1-2 tanks - per year. And I wonder what the Germans confusingly told them that they took the arrangement so very wrongly as you imply.

I think another motive, that does not get mentioned in the media, also plays a role. When you buy military weapons from another country, that country usually reserves a legal word in for what you can use them and for what not. It can also veto you if you want to give these weapons to somewbody else. And that both is is I think what they no longer accept due to no more trust on Germanatics in foreign diplomacy. They see how Bubble-Olaf practices salamic-tactics towards the ukraine, and they want to not get limited by such German annoyances again.

When a few weeks back Rheinmetall revealed its new Leopard-2-killer MBT and the trailer I saw mentioned big business opportunties, I immediately had doubts about the Easterneuropeans being willing to buy. After this year and the pitiful performance of Germany, I would scratch Germany from my list of trustworthy allies, too.

In any way, I expect a massive powershift from Germany and France eastward. Even more so if the next US president will be a Republican,. because then the remasn of America's interest in Europe will shift form germany to Poland and the Baltic states. Poland for its growing military strength, and the Baltics for being frontline states.

ET2SN

08-26-22, 06:18 PM

Poland has been doing a "power up", mostly with US hardware, for several years now. :yep:

I get the feeling their military and Gov't leaders are thinking, "Aw.. Not this #### again..." :Kaleun_Mad: and if they get invaded, someone else is going to get hurt. :yep:

mapuc

08-26-22, 06:28 PM

Don't know exactly what this mean

"[The West] must understand that neither helicopters nor planes will save them if they go for escalation. We, along with Putin, said once in St. Petersburg that we will adapt the Belarusian Su [-24] planes as well to make them capable to carry nuclear arms. Do you think we were just yakking? Everything is ready!" Lukashenka told reporters in Minsk.

https://www.rferl.org/a/32005797.html

Markus

em2nought

08-27-22, 12:26 AM

Do Ukrainians have any outstanding student loans that need to be payed while we're at it? :har:

Jimbuna

08-27-22, 05:10 AM

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62652133

How dared we expecting anything else than this?:03: No surprise to be seen here, don't read, just move on.

We certainly didn't need a crystal ball to see that one coming.

mapuc

08-27-22, 07:44 AM

Found this status on twitter
(Have translated it)

Conflict researcher Jan Øberg: 'If the West is to save itself from an economic disaster, then now, we must stop sending weapons to Ukraine and sit down at the negotiating table with Russia.'

- The West and Denmark are to blame for the Ukraine war!

He got a lot of answers one of them wrote.
- Congrats you won this years Chamberlain prize.

Markus

Skybird

08-27-22, 07:57 AM

A signficant group inside the SPD also has recently demanded that one should negotiate with Russia.

As if it is up to us to negotiate. It was Russia making negotiations first pointless, then technically impossible.

The amount of reality denial of some people is surreal.

Its becoming how it was predeicted. The deeper the winter criis becomes, the louder the demands will become to stop supporting the Ukraine (except in words and solidarity and heart-felt support and all that nonsense) and bow to Russian demands.

Dargo

08-27-22, 08:49 AM

After six months of war in Ukraine, the conditions for the end of the struggle have been tightened. Zelensky wants the Russians driven out of all Ukrainian regions. Putin will certainly not be satisfied with the current gains in territory. 'What we see as the end of the war,' Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday, on the 31st Ukrainian Independence Day. 'We used to say: peace. Now we say: victory.' Vladimir Putin said a week earlier at a military-patriotic amusement park - where Russian children can storm a replica of the Reichstag - that 'the special operation' will end once the security of 'Russia, our citizens and the residents of the Donbas' is guaranteed. After six months since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's largest ground war since 1945 appears to have only just begun. The tens of thousands of deaths between February 24 and August 24, 2022, will likely go down in the history books as the victims of the first battles. The 14 thousand deaths of the past eight years in eastern Ukraine have already been forgotten. Some commentators saw in the agreement on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports a prelude to a cease-fire agreement or even peace. But where in the first weeks Zelensky and Putin were still sending negotiating teams in each other's directions, they now give the impression that the war, can only be ended in one place, and that is on the battlefield.

'We are not going to seek agreement with terrorists,' Zelensky said. 'Having gone through so much, we don't have the right to not go through to the end.' Reducing the Russian army to the positions of February 24 is no longer enough for Ukraine. Zelensky only wants to speak of victory when all 25 Ukrainian regions have been cleansed of Russian soldiers, including Crimea and the parts of the Donbas that Russia took in 2014. Without concessions or compromises, because "those words were destroyed with missiles," said Zelensky, who as recently as spring said that only diplomacy alone could end the war. Military experts consider recapture of Crimea completely unrealistic. But Zelensky wants to convey that Ukraine is ready for a war of attrition. Recent attacks by Ukraine on Crimea should bolster his ambitions. Oleksi Danilov, chairman of the Ukrainian Security Council, called the attacks part of "a step-by-step demilitarization of the peninsula with subsequent liberation.

Ukraine must first prove that it is not only capable of holding Russia back, as it is now succeeding almost everywhere along the front, but also of driving Russia back. The only major area recapture, in the north of the country, dates from April. A counteroffensive toward the southern port city of Cherson has yielded little yet. Russia has moved weapons and troops south in anticipation of a heavier Ukrainian counterattack. Western allies say the Ukrainian military is keeping its plans strictly to itself. This was already true leading up to the war: the U.S. said it knew more about Russian invasion plans than Ukrainian defense plans. Like Zelensky, Western leaders say they are ready for a war that will last for years. Aid to Ukraine will continue "for as long as it takes," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday on Ukraine's Independence Day. The U.S. gave the Ukrainian military a birthday gift of 3 billion euros in weapons. In addition to sending supplies, the U.S. government has now placed orders with arms manufacturers to provide Ukraine with long-term weapons. Included in a short-term delivery are 40 vehicles to clear minefields, intended to give Ukraine a better chance of recapturing territory.

Russia is also preparing for a long war now that the blitzkrieg has failed. Using terms like "denazification" and "demilitarization" of Ukraine, Putin has vaguely defined Russia's goals to be able to declare victory at any time. But now that even the only concretely formulated goal - taking the Donbas - has not been achieved, Putin will not be satisfied with the current gains in territory. He also apparently considers it too early for annexations of occupied territory, possibly because he first wants to conquer the Donetsk province. Russian stamina will be put to the test. The Russian military in Ukraine was at its limit in recent months, the conclusion seems to be since hardly any territory has been conquered since early July. Defense Minister Sergei Shoygoe this week, after six months of war crimes against the Ukrainian civilian population, came up with a most implausible explanation: the Russian military would operate more slowly due to measures to avoid civilian casualties.

Putin has put domestic industry in war mode. Russia's defense industry is many times larger than that of Ukraine, but it is under pressure. Western sanctions are making it difficult to produce modern weapons systems that work with foreign chips. Last month, Putin signed a law that is being used to allow arms manufacturers to ramp up production through night shifts and longer work weeks. For a revolt by his own people, Putin does not seem to have to fear. But the further the losses mount (Western governments estimate that Moscow has lost more soldiers in the past six months than it did during the ten-year Soviet operation in Afghanistan), the more difficulty he has in justifying his operation. Even for Russians, "the special operation" is beginning to look suspiciously like a war.

https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/rusland-en-oekraine-de-oorlog-is-nog-maar-net-begonnen~b7e5dfa2/

Dargo

08-27-22, 09:03 AM

Russia's economy would suffer little from all the sanctions, it is often claimed. The opposite is true, according to a study by Yale University. Russia's economy is anything but resilient. A parade of rusty tanks, trucks and rocket launchers passed through Khrushchatyk, Kyiv's main street, last week in celebration of Ukraine's 31st Independence Day. 'Putin wanted a military parade on Khrushchev. Here it is," tweeted parliamentarian Oleksi Hontsjarenko to a photo of Ukrainian day-trippers strolling among cannons and other captured Russian war materiel. Besides the ceremonial uniforms left behind in the Russian tanks, freshly steamed up for the triumphal march through Kyiv that never came, Ukrainian soldiers have been surprised at something else over the past six months: the pitiful state of the tracked vehicles. Lately, Russian tanks even appear to be full of microchips scrapped from refrigerators and dishwashers. This is because the sanctions against the Putin regime have made it impossible for the Russian military to obtain chips from Taiwanese global market leader TSMC, as well as other advanced semiconductors. In desperation, Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko has offered that his poverty-stricken country will supply chips then - although Belarusian microchips are slightly less "micro" than those of the competition, Lukashenko admitted.

For months now, the media and reports from clubs like the IMF and the World Economic Forum have echoed the same refrain: that the Russian economy is proving so resilient despite all the sanctions. In a speech recently, Putin even bombed the West's "economic blitzkrieg" into failure. This despite an economic contraction of 4 percent in the second quarter - at least according to official Kremlin figures - while the Dutch economy still grew 2.6 percent. 'Once again, the weapon of sanctions proves to be a double-edged sword, which does as much, if not more, damage to its proponents,' Putin said nonetheless. In reality, the Russian economy is not in much better shape than the rusty tanks on the streets of Kyiv, a recently published Yale study shows. Twenty economists led by Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld not only checked the increasingly scarce statistics that the Kremlin still entrusts to the light of day, but also dug up a series of figures that do not have Putin's blessing, such as ship data, black market transactions, trade balances and customs data. From these, they purged six reasons why Russia's economic "resilience" is a myth.

1. Less gas
That Europe has blundered in recent decades by making itself dependent on Russian gas is a truism. What gets less attention is that Russia is actually much more dependent on Europe than the other way around. Before the start of the Ukraine war, 83 percent of Russian gas went to Europe, while Europe itself got 54 percent of its natural gas from non-Russian sources, such as Norway, Qatar and Algeria. Six months after the start of the war, Europe is already consuming more than 60 percent less Russian gas than it did a year ago, while the United States, with its liquefied natural gas, has surpassed Russia as a gas supplier. A big problem for Putin, because of every five rubles in his treasury, he owes three to oil and gas. At least: before the war. Now that the West has eliminated virtually all other Russian goods, his budget presumably leans even more heavily on the black and blue gold. Simply selling more gas to China won't do. There is only one pipeline, operating at half speed, from Eastern Siberia to China, and to make matters worse, there is no pipeline running between Eastern Siberia and Western Siberia, where the gas meant for Europe comes from. So diverting European gas supplies to China is out of the question, quite apart from the fact that China, thanks to an abundance of cheap coal and renewable energy, is also not keen on Russian natural gas. Last year, China took only 2 percent of Russian natural gas. By necessity, much Russian gas now remains in the ground. According to Gazprom's own figures, gas production is 35 percent lower than a year earlier. Russian oil revenues have also declined sharply. A barrel of Russian oil has fallen more than 30 percent in price since the end of February compared to a barrel of Brent oil, the benchmark for oil from the Middle East and North Sea. In all, more than half as much oil and natural gas revenue flowed into the Treasury in May, the last month for which the Kremlin published figures, than the previous month.

2. No 'turn to the east'
In recent years, Putin has been talking highly of a "turn to the east. The idea is that doing more business with China should make Russia less vulnerable to Western sanctions. So far, however, little has come of this turn. Chinese exports to Russia have shrunk by more than half since the war began. Indeed, for China, Russia is an insignificant trading partner, less important than, say, Mexico, Vietnam and the Netherlands. And China's main trading partner, the United States, does not hesitate to hand out draconian penalties to Chinese companies that do business with Russia. Hence, the world's largest bank, China's ICBC, no longer lends in Russia, Chinese energy giant Sinopec is washing its hands of Russian oil projects, and the world's largest smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi is now ignoring Russia.

3. Fewer imports
China is not the only country that has opposed Western sanctions, yet trades less with Russia. The Peterson Institute for International Economics, a U.S. think tank, analyzed the export figures of 54 countries, which together accounted for ninety percent of Russia's imports in 2021. It showed that exports to Russia from countries that are not pro-sanctions are now on average 40 percent lower than a year earlier, compared to a 60 percent drop in the case of countries that do support the sanctions. As a result, Russian industry is facing a dire shortage of parts. Production of Ladas, UAZ off-road vehicles, GAZ minivans and other Russian cars was 75 percent lower in May than a year earlier, as Russian manufacturers are unable to get their hands on brakes, airbags, microchips and other parts. Tank manufacturer UralVagonZavod recently even sent its workers on leave - in the middle of a war - because it ran out of chips for armored vehicles.

4. Artificial ruble
A showpiece of Putin's propaganda is the exchange rate of the ruble. In early March, the ruble shot to an all-time low: 150 rubles for every euro. Six months later, however, a euro is worth only 60 rubles, the highest ruble rate in years. However, this rate is no more a sign of health than the steady heartbeat of a coma patient. What does the exchange rate of a currency that is barely redeemable say? Just as doctors keep a coma patient alive with artificial respiration, the Russian central bank props up the ruble with a series of monetary horsepower. By restricting the exchange of rubles for dollars and euros, Russia prevented the tatters of its currency. The ruble trade has since collapsed completely, except in the black market, where rubles are worth up to twice as little as in the legal market.

5. Diminishing reserves
Thanks to oil and gas roubles, Putin managed to save more than $600 billion in international reserves in recent years. This war chest was supposed to protect Russia from Western sanctions. At the end of February, however, the U.S., Japan, the EU and others froze half of Russia's bank balances, bonds and other reserves, which Putin's regime had deposited mostly in euros, pounds and dollars in the West. Of the remaining $300 billion, Putin has now rushed a quarter through, partly by sprinkling money around to keep the economy afloat. At this rate, Russia will run out of reserves within a few years.

6. Exodus
The Ukraine war has triggered a Russian migration. More than half a million mostly highly educated Russians have left their homeland since late February. More than 800 international companies have left for good or not, another 300 firms are putting their Russian operations on hold for the time being. Together, these companies had more than $600 billion in capital outstanding in Russia, more than one-third of Russia's GDP. As long as the West does not take its boot off Putin's neck, the Yale researchers conclude, his regime is heading inexorably toward "economic oblivion. 'The facts show that the Russian economy, at whatever level and with whatever yardstick you look, is teetering, and that now is not the time to apply the brakes (in terms of sanctions, ed.).

https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/zes-redenen-waarom-de-veerkracht-van-de-russische-economie-een-sprookje-is~b8f8d642/

Skybird

08-27-22, 10:27 AM

Jimbuna

08-27-22, 11:47 AM

The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia plant is once again powering Ukraine's electricity grid, the state nuclear company has confirmed.

It was disconnected on Thursday after fires reportedly interfered with nearby power lines - raising concerns over whether crucial safety mechanisms would continue to operate at the complex.

If back-up electricity supplies hadn't kicked in, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, the situation would have become a "radiation accident".

The plant is at the centre of a storm of claims and counter-claims by Ukraine and Russia - each accusing the other of disregarding basic safety protocols around the site.

Jimbuna

08-27-22, 12:09 PM

Air forces of Czech Republic and Poland will patrol skies of Slovakia so that it can hand over its MiG-29s to Ukraine

Slovakia signed an agreement on August 27 under which NATO members the Czech Republic and Poland will patrol its skies as Bratislava decommissions Soviet MiG-29s, potentially freeing up those planes for deployment to Ukraine.

Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad told reporters at an air show on August 27 that Bratislava is ready to send planes to neighboring Ukraine, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

"There is political will, and it makes sense to help those who need help. This possibility is under consideration and when an agreement is reached, we will let you know," Nad said.

Slovakia has already transferred to Ukraine the S-300 air defense system, military helicopters of the Mi series, self-propelled howitzers, and "Hrad" rocket launchers. This week it said it would send 30 BVP-1 tracked infantry fighting vehicles.

Nad, who valued the MiGs at around 300 million euros, said Slovakia would demand some financial or material compensation to support the modernization of its forces.

Under the deal, Slovakia's neighbors, the Czech Republic and Poland will protect its skies from September, while Slovakia awaits delivery of 14 new US-made F-16 fighter jets. The F-16 deal was signed in 2018, and the planes should be delivered in 2024. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363524

Jimbuna

08-27-22, 12:15 PM

Military of Russian Federation refuse to return from Kazakhstan, so that they are not sent to war in Ukraine, - Defence Intelligence

Russian troops stationed in Kazakhstan refuse to return in order not to participate in the war against Ukraine.

The military contingent of the Russian Federation stationed in Kazakhstan refuses to return to the places of permanent deployment. The formal reason for the refusal is the lack of special air transport, which is fully engaged in the war with Ukraine.

According to the Defence Intelligence, in fact, they do not want to replenish the composition of the occupation contingent, and the command of the Russian Federation does not abandon its intentions to completely withdraw the troops from the territory of Kazakhstan, which were introduced there during the suppression of January rallies against the current government.

Intelligence reports that there are almost a thousand Russians in Kazakhstan with full weapons and equipment - they guard airfields, military training grounds, oil depots, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, etc.

The Defence Intelligence knows that the Russian Federation almost completely withdrew its military contingents with weapons and equipment from the territories of Tajikistan and Armenia to participate in the war against Ukraine. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363500

Dargo

08-27-22, 01:18 PM

^that is all nice and clena opn an academic's table where theory meets bthesory and practice plans not so much a role, but truth is Russia has all it needs to stay for itself and be autark, if that is what it wants. It must not depend on the gpoobal currency system. It has metals and ores, rare earths, ressources for a heavy industry, it has farmlands and an agricxultre sector capable tpo keep the people away from staravtions, it has energy resaources, and it has plenty of bright lights and loud sounds: military.

It needs the world to gi89ve the impresison to be a modenr, civilized o****ry, but that is just an imporession. It doe snot need ther world at all to just exist and live in its own way.

And it has a population that since egeneraitons is used to that thigns are like they are, who are sub,missve and obedient due to fear and habit, pretty much comoaravle to the blind trust int eh state that Germans have.

Finally it has an autocratic regime and strrictures of power thjat exost sicne centuries and that pretty much are the essenc eof Russian history.

I am a bit tired of hearing, reading time and again how bad it will be for Russia and that it is close to collapsing and will pay a price in the future. It will, yes. Its just that it must not care for that. Its not relevant.

We should be much more concerned about our own survivability. What we are in right now, namely in Europe, is an existential threat to the very fundaments of our civilization that we call "the West". Currently evertyhing, really EVERYTHING, works against us, and nothing, absolutely nothing works in our favour. The perfect storm, i do not predict it anymore - ITS HERE. And I expect it to last for the rest of my lifetime. The best I hope for is stagnation. More likely is sometimes steeper, sometimes more moderate but constant decline.Russia has a global economy so heavily depended on other countries there will be no starvation, but production is halted. Sanctions against the Putin regime have prevented the Russian military from obtaining chips from Taiwanese global market leader TSMC, as well as other advanced semiconductors. Tank manufacturer UralVagonZavod even sent its workers on leave recently - in the middle of a war - because it ran out of chips for armored vehicles all other military production have same kind of problems. You can state oh they have piles of old ammunition, but that did not win this war for them wars are not won by artillery only and in case of the Russians it will not either like we have seen in the last couple of months. Putin’s assumption that he can win the long game is yet another Russian miscalculation, they exhausted themselves in offensives against defensive lines that Ukraine held Russia can not rearm their forces in Ukraine with the needed good trained personnel and high-tech material a risky offensive is not the proper course to victory.

Main cause of the USSR fall was it could not produce enough anymore the production system had collapsed, not saying Russia will collapse now, but it is struggling the authoritarian system has to explain that authoritarian systems do not exist on its own it needs the elite of Moscow and St Petersburg to survive. On our own survivability I see no big problems we have solved crisis bigger than this and with the global partnership we cope I see no ending of times.

Jimbuna

08-27-22, 01:22 PM

They have plentiful quantities of chemical weapons and tactical nukes which they may well decide to use should matters begin to look bleak at home and on the battlefield.

mapuc

08-27-22, 01:27 PM

They have plentiful quantities of chemical weapons and tactical nukes which they may well decide to use should matters begin to look bleak at home and on the battlefield.

Lets pray Putin has so much sense of humanity that he isn't even thinking on using these weapon.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-27-22, 01:30 PM

Amen

Dargo

08-27-22, 01:39 PM

They have plentiful quantities of chemical weapons and tactical nukes which they may well decide to use should matters begin to look bleak at home and on the battlefield.I do not see Putin explain the use of chemical weapons and tactical nukes on Russians, his main goal in this war to remake Ukraine Russia again and will he dare to isolate himself that bigger partners will oust him I hope not.

Skybird

08-27-22, 01:58 PM

Russia has a global economy so heavily depended on other countries there will be no starvation, but production is halted. Sanctions against the Putin regime have prevented the Russian military from obtaining chips from Taiwanese global market leader TSMC, as well as other advanced semiconductors. Tank manufacturer UralVagonZavod even sent its workers on leave recently - in the middle of a war - because it ran out of chips for armored vehicles all other military production have same kind of problems. You can state oh they have piles of old ammunition, but that did not win this war for them wars are not won by artillery only and in case of the Russians it will not either like we have seen in the last couple of months. PutinÂ’s assumption that he can win the long game is yet another Russian miscalculation, they exhausted themselves in offensives against defensive lines that Ukraine held Russia can not rearm their forces in Ukraine with the needed good trained personnel and high-tech material a risky offensive is not the proper course to victory.

Main cause of the USSR fall was it could not produce enough anymore the production system had collapsed, not saying Russia will collapse now, but it is struggling the authoritarian system has to explain that authoritarian systems do not exist on its own it needs the elite of Moscow and St Petersburg to survive.
I cannot follow you in this totality. What yoiu say, in lesser doses has been said baout russia since years, I do not know since how many years these things are beign said about Russia. And yet it is still there, and a bigger nuisance than before. Nobody plans to invade Russia or to threaten them directly, chip shortages will not be the argument to declare their military dead. They are autark in their basic needs, and such a nation cannot be economically sanctioned into obeidnece or submission, even less so when you depend as heavily on them as Europe depends on Russian imports of ores, gas (and not just for energy), energy. They import luxury goods and high tech from us - but we import profound industrial commodities and basic ores and energy from them - who needs who more here, eh? What easier to pass on: luxury, or essential, indispensable commodities? You maybe think the3 depend more on us than we on them, or you think the dependency is mutual and equally distributed. That is wrong. If the going gets desperate ands the break becomes irreversible (it probably, I even say: hopefully, is irreversible), they can go on without our exports to them longer then we can run without their exports to us.

Its not about only Putin, why are people so fixiated with him alone? Who said his successor will be not even worse than he is? The oligarchs are not the grey eminence of the Russian state, Putin fought them down very explicitly in the early years of his presidency and executed several precedence examples as warnings, to hammer that lesson home: make your gains and play your games, but if you get into the state's and my (Putin'S way) this my state will turn mercilessly against you. He has installed not the military buit the secret service as the guarantor iof his power in this state. The oligarchs may or may not do corrupt business with the military (obviously they do), but with the FSB?
Putin is a trenchcoat man, not a uniform man. His guard is not nbthe military, but the secret servic eand intle community. To give it the correct name: KGB.

On our own survivability I see no big problems we have solved crisis bigger than this and with the global partnership we cope I see no ending of times.I strictly disagree here, we are in what is the worst and biggest social and economical crisis since WW and the biggest military crisis since Cuba. And Cuba was something where Europe has had no word in, so one could say it is the biggest military crisis since WW2 again.

And lets not forget, Russia is not isolated. China and India, Brasil, South Africa and several others more refuse to condem,n them, do bsuiness with them, even NATO member Turkey. The so-called West's position in this confrontation is not that of the global majority. And we currently see the strongest anti-West coalition being formed that there ever has been since WW2. We are in the weaker position. Ifd this coaltioiin decides to break with the West and ntoaccepot a world order any longer that was formed by the West and by Western rules, then we wiull look very silly. The russian financial status and gold reserves look not relevant as long as they stick to global sysstem rules defined by the west, but when this coalition of the willing is deciding to no longer play by Wetsenr global ruzles, then we will look very silly while Russia suddenly is the rich man in the room.It were diplomatic defeatsd for Wahsington andEuroope that both India and Southg Africa refused to follow calls by the West to join the anti-Russian position. Especially India, the pharmaceutical powerhouse of the world and soon the country with the biggest population in the world and a rising power economy.

It all comes together, and it all is against us. You see, I have no idea how this cirsi8s will end and whetehr or not Russia wins the war. But I refuse to fall for a daydream of that in the loongterm all will be good and Russia will lose anyway. They cna keep the war simmering FOR YEARS TO COME, slowly destroying the ukrainian cities and infrastrruicture and producitron during that time. I do not say they WILL win, but some in the West seem tio think that in the end they will end, this way or the other. Sorry, right now I can not see them loosing decisevly, an they can stil, always unpack the rla big clubs that they so far have no used, just threatened to use. If its worth it for the kremlin, for whatever their motives are, they can sustain this war for a way too long time as if Europe can cope with that. They can also decide to pay the price and simply wipe the ukraine out, with welcomed side-effects for Europe.

I am convinced that this game for time is part of Putin's calculation. Time is working for him, and he knows it.

Lets hope I am wrong.

Skybird

08-27-22, 03:44 PM

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/27/politics/russia-ukraine-resistance-warfare/index.html

mapuc

08-27-22, 03:52 PM

Russia has almost run out of high-precision weapons, and there are no reserves of some types of rockets. In particular, there are not enough Kalibr, Iskander and Kinzhal missiles left.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/08/27/7365019/

Markus

Skybird

08-27-22, 03:52 PM

Three possible putcomes and endings of the war:
https://abcnews.go.com/International/months-invasion-endgame-ukraine/story?id=88210112

Russia holds ground in Donbas, Ukraine relinquishes territory

In a "best-case scenario" for Russia, its troops will continue to gain incrementally in the Donbas and hold their ground against Ukrainian forces, Ganyard said. If Ukraine doesn't have the arsenal to push back or can't hold out amid a downhill economy, that could put them in a position to sue for peace, he said.
"Where the Russians are pushing in from the east toward the west, that is the bread basket of Ukraine," Ganyard said. "That is where not only most of the industry is, but it's where most of the agriculture, very rich agricultural area, all of that gets transported down the Dnipro River.
"If Russia would be able to hang on to that, it would almost cut Ukraine in half, and certainly cut the Ukrainian economy by more than half," he continued.

Ukraine regains territory in the Donbas, Russia cuts its losses

If Ukraine manages to recapture some of the territory in the Donbas claimed by Russian forces since the invasion started, that could pressure Putin to end the invasion to stave off further embarrassment, Ganyard said.
"If he began to lose, if he began to take even heavier losses, if the Ukrainians were able to recapture parts of Ukraine that the Russians have taken, at some point Putin may decide to cut his losses and declare victory and take whatever's left on the table in terms of the territory that he's taken thus far," Ganyard said.

Ukraine regains territory in the Donbas, Russia escalates

Alternately, Putin may push back against the political embarrassment of losing territory it had gained since the start of the invasion, Ganyard said.
"The more gains that the Ukrainians make, it's actually going to make the whole situation more dangerous because Putin may react in a way that escalates to de-escalate," Ganyard said. "We've heard that term in the past, and usually that refers to the use of tactical battlefield nuclear weapons.
"The danger here is if the Ukrainians continue to do better, what does Putin do to save himself to save his beloved, domestic political position?" he continued. "Does he do something that would shock the whole world and try to scare the Ukrainians into an early surrender?

Skybird

08-27-22, 03:55 PM

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/08/27/7365019/

Markus
They run out of rapiers? They could take the twohanders and morning stars instead. Much more collateral damage.

Catfish

08-27-22, 05:12 PM

They run out of rapiers? They could take the twohanders and morning stars instead. Much more collateral damage.
Depends. I hear boots on the ground especially from Kazakhstan are becoming rare. Maybe they can send drones fighting with two-handers, but drones also aren't Russia's forte :O:

Really, this is so ridiculous. Does anyone out of Russia believe that the "Donbas" wanted to join Russia? Maybe not even believed in Russia.

Skybird

08-27-22, 05:22 PM

Numbers, numbers, whatever they may be worth...

https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html

https://i.postimg.cc/D02yqBgq/Unbenannt.png (https://postimages.org/)

Catfish

08-27-22, 06:45 PM

So true.

https://twitter.com/EerikNKross/status/1563489232420622337/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwte rm%5E1563489232420622337%7Ctwgr%5E56b358d1567b418d c023ccc240e601c6781fb6d7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fs9e.github.io%2Fiframe%2Ftwi tter.min.html1563489232420622337

Jimbuna

08-28-22, 05:16 AM

Russia's plan to expand its armed forces is unlikely to have an impact on the Ukraine war, the UK's Ministry of Defence has said.

Vladimir Putin recently signed a decree to increase the Russian armed forces' military personnel to more than 1.15m - a potential increase of 137,000.

But the MoD said the boost was unlikely to increase Russia's combat power - partly because of ongoing losses.

President Putin's decree came amid a military recruitment drive.

There have been reports that recruiters have even been visiting prisons, promising inmates freedom and money.

Currently, Russia has a limit of just over a million military personnel, plus almost 900,000 civilian staff.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62705001

mapuc

08-28-22, 06:31 AM

They run out of rapiers? They could take the twohanders and morning stars instead. Much more collateral damage.

...and here is what they are using their advanced missile system to

The Kh-59 high-precision air-to-surface missile has been used by the Russian military to destroy a public toilet located on the outskirts of Novovorontsovka, Kherson Region.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3559651-hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars-wasted-by-russians-to-destroy-public-toilet-in-kherson-region.html

:har::har:

Markus

Reece

08-28-22, 06:48 AM

and what a crappy job they done of it too!! :doh::yep:

mapuc

08-28-22, 09:17 AM

Danish DR-News writes

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, signed a decree yesterday that will give Ukrainians an economic benefit if they come to Russia.
This is written by Reuters.If you leave Ukrainian territory in favor of Russia, you can therefore collect 10,000 rubles a month from the Russian state.

Markus

Jimbuna

08-28-22, 01:22 PM

Troops of Russian Federation are concentrating their efforts on establishing full control over territory of Donetsk region, but they are not succeeding, - General Staff

The troops of the Russian Federation continue to focus their efforts on establishing full control over the territory of the Donetsk region, maintaining the captured districts of the Kherson region, parts of the Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv regions.

This is stated in the summary of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine regarding the Russian invasion as of 6:00 p.m. on 08/28/2022

"Glory to Ukraine! The one hundred and eighty-sixth day of the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian nation to the Russian military invasion continues.

The enemy continues to focus its efforts on establishing full control over the territory of Donetsk region, maintaining the captured districts of Kherson, part of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Mykolaiv regions.

Air and missile strikes on civilian objects on the territory of Ukraine continue.

The situation in the Volyn and Polissia directions has not changed significantly.

In the Siversk direction, the enemy continues to hold separate units of the Western Military District in the border areas of the Bryansk and Kursk regions. In order to constrain the actions of the units of the Defense Forces, the enemy shelled the areas of the settlements of Hremiach of Chernihiv region and Nova Sloboda, Novovasylivka, Iskryskivshchyna and Turya of Sumy region. Conducted aerial reconnaissance of the border regions of the UAVs.

Made an attempt to improve the tactical near Svitlychne, had no success, left.

In the Slavyansk direction, enemy attacks were recorded near Dovhenke, Dolyna, Dibrivne, Velyka Komyshuvakha, and Karnaukhivka.

With offensive and assault actions, the enemy tried to advance in the Borohodichyne area, suffered losses and was pushed back.

In the Kramatorsk direction, the enemy continued to fire near Sloviansk, Verkhnyokamyansk and Spirne. Airstrikes near Hryhorivka.

In the direction of Bakhmut, the enemy fired at civilian infrastructure in the areas of the settlements of Bakhmut, Vesela Dolyna, Soledar, Mayorsk and Rozdolivka. The districts of Kodema and Yakovlivka were hit by enemy aircraft. Defense forces of Ukraine repelled the offensive of the invaders near Vesela Dolyna.

In the Avdiivka direction, the enemy shelled the areas of Nevelske, Opytne, Orlivka, Novooleksandrivka, New York, Krasnohorivka and Pervomaiske settlements with tanks, barrel and rocket artillery. He made an unsuccessful offensive attempt in the Pervomaiske area, suffered losses and withdrew.

In the direction of Novopavlivsk, the enemy continued shelling near Vuhledar, Bohoiavlenka, Velyka Novosilka, and Novomykhailivka. He tried to improve the tactical position near Pavlivka, but was unsuccessful.

In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the enemy shelled the districts of Huliaipole, Huliaipilske, Kamian, Burlatsky, Vremivka and Chervone with tanks, barrel and rocket artillery. Carried out airstrikes near Poltavka.

In the South Bug direction, the enemy fired from the available types of weapons in the areas of Mykolaiv, Lupareve, Stepova Dolyna, Posad-Pokrovske, Shiroke, Partizanske, Kyselivka, Velyke Artakove, Andriivka, Olhyne, Knyazuzka, Topolyna, Myrne, Kvitneve, Vesely Kut and Lozove settlements. . Areas near Andriivka and Oleksandrivka were hit by air strikes. High activity of enemy reconnaissance UAVs is recorded.

The situation in the water areas of the Black and Azov Seas has not undergone significant changes.

Our rocket-artillery units continue to fire at concentrations of personnel and military equipment of the Russian occupiers. In some directions, the enemy has significant losses in manpower.

We believe in the Armed Forces! Together we will win! Glory to Ukraine!" - says the summary. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363655

Jimbuna

08-28-22, 01:29 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eri5qTNb1w

Catfish

08-28-22, 03:04 PM

Warning drastic footage

"Russian mercenary Igor Mangushev (Bereg) made a performance with the skull of a Ukrainian soldier killed near Azovstal.

In his speech, Mangushev said that Russia is at war with the Ukrainian idea, so all Ukrainians must be killed."

Igor Mangushev is from from Moscow or so he says.
The Russian authorities deny that the Russian army organized the massacre in Bucha.
But the Russian military openly calls for massacres and takes pride in torturing and killing Ukrainians.

https://twitter.com/den_kazansky/status/1563755138891800578

https://twitter.com/den_kazansky/status/1563753741697916928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1563753741697916928%7Ctwgr% 5Eed154eb5307e163b078b5b70fc1a01b6201d5764%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fs9e.github.io%2Fiframe%2Ftwi tter.min.html1563753741697916928

Jimbuna

08-29-22, 05:55 AM

Occupiers are forming "commissions" in Mariupol to hold "referendum", - Andriushchenko

The invaders stepped up preparations for holding a so-called "referendum" on joining the Russian Federation in captured Mariupol.

Petro Andriushchenko, the adviser to the mayor of the city, writes about this on Telegram, Censor.NET reports.

"According to our information, a new fantasy instruction has arrived from the Kremlin - to go to the border of the Donetsk region by September 15. Therefore, preparations for the "referendum" have been renewed. They are trying to form 4 election commissions - so far without success," he writes.

According to him, the occupying "authorities" are mass-calling Mariupol residents with the question of whether they are going to "vote".

The date of the "referendum" is not mentioned by the invaders, as before. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3363735

Jimbuna

08-29-22, 05:57 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVT5lzDxH9E

mapuc

08-29-22, 09:33 AM

Dargo

08-29-22, 12:26 PM

There's something big going on in the Kherson Oblast area..Have read a lot and a lot of short status on Twitter.

"The first line of defence of Russians on the Kherson Front has been broken"

"In the Kherson region the Russian military flee from Tomarino"
(Unconfirmed)"

"It is reported Russian air defences in Kherson region are degraded.
(Unconfirmed)"

"Kherson counteroffensive confirmed from three frontline sources.

It is not mentioned if it will be successful but it had definitely started"

And many more

MarkusUkrainian sources mostly keep silence, many Russian sources who can hardly have knowledge of the situation speculate a lot. I doubt that we'll know something earlier than today or even tomorrow, unclear if this is small scale attacks like those we saw throughout the last month or something more of a big offensive all bridges on the Dnjepr are only useable for walking

Dargo

08-29-22, 12:54 PM

Russia reports the elimination of the Ukrainian Air Force again! On the same day that multiple Ukrainian jets carry out attacks on Russian forces in the Kherson region. :o

https://tass.com/defense/1499195

mapuc

08-29-22, 01:07 PM

We are only getting some part of information

Ukrainian forces are all making gains on the Zaporizhzhia frontline in some areas I won't specify yet.

Remember they said "Southern offensive"

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1564295895218282496

Markus

Dargo

08-29-22, 02:40 PM

Dargo

08-29-22, 02:47 PM

Today, the only possible option for negotiations with Russia is being conducted by a special Ukrainian delegation in the southern and other directions of the frontline. "Negotiations" are going well. We expect new "compromises" in the form of "gestures of goodwill". https://twitter.com/Podolyak_M/status/1564262813970857985

Adviser to Zelensky, sticking the knife in :D

Catfish

08-29-22, 02:49 PM

Russian tourists being confronted in – Kazakhstan!

Having a Zwastika sticker on your car is probably not a clever move outside of RuSSia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g19jdzG19SY

Skybird

08-29-22, 02:52 PM

In two or three days the fog of war may have lifted a little bit, then we see more.

Catfish

08-29-22, 03:33 PM

How Putin, Medjedjew and following russian leaders prepare russian children for the coming wars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dYXYI8PdCE

Maybe a decisive strike against RuSSia would indeed be best for all.

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 07:54 AM

Ukraine's military says it has destroyed key Russian control points, weapons and warehouses as it tries to take back occupied Kherson.

It follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks aimed at cutting off Russian forces in the southern region, which has been controlled by Moscow since March.

Russia is reorganising its forces around Kherson, the UK’s Ministry of Defence says, as Ukraine goes on the counter-offensive.

Moscow claims Ukraine suffered heavy losses and their operation there has been a failure.

The US state department says it cannot confirm the counter-offensive starting, but it has seen an "uptick" of military activity in area.

Meanwhile East Africa, a region in desperate need of food, is receiving its first shipload of Ukrainian grain since Russia's invasion.

The vessel, the Brave Commander, has docked in Djibouti but has yet to start unloading its cargo.

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 08:00 AM

Ukraine's military says it has broken through Russia's first line of defence in the occupied Kherson region.

The reported push appears to form part of a long-awaited counter-offensive being launched by Kyiv in an attempt to retake the country's south.

It follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks aimed at cutting off Russian forces there from main supply routes.

Russia's military claims that Ukrainian troops suffered "heavy losses" during an unsuccessful attacking attempt.

The claims by both Ukraine and Russia have not been independently verified.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62712299

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 08:06 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n67ZNZ4raW0

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 08:12 AM

Russia Is Sending A Fresh Army Corps To Ukraine. Its Troops Are ‘Unfit And Old.’

Photos that appeared online over the weekend, depicting Russian army armored vehicles on trains rolling out of the army training base Mulino, 200 miles east of Moscow, are a potentially ominous sign.

The Russian army’s newest grouping, the 3rd Army Corps, is on the move–toward eastern Ukraine. The 3rd Army Corps is the first big new formation to take shape as a result of the Kremlin’s urgent initiative, beginning this summer, to recruit new soldiers and stand up new units in order to make good the tens of thousands of troops it has lost in the six months since it widened its war in Ukraine.

The 3rd AC will, to some extent, boost the fighting strength of the battered Russian army in Ukraine. But it’s unclear just how effective the corps might be in combat with battle-hardened Ukrainian battalions. While the 3rd AC has drawn relatively modern equipment, its recruits–middle-age men, mostly–are indicative of the Russian army’s broader manpower challenge.

Aging Russia doesn’t have a lot of highly-motivated, fit young men to spare. And that means the 3rd AC could roll into battle at a disadvantage.

The Russian army that attacked northern, eastern and southern Ukraine on Feb. 23 included around 125 battalion tactical groups in 10 army groups, altogether overseeing around 125,000 front-line troops. That was 80 percent of the Kremlin’s ground combat power.

That army has suffered heavy casualties totaling as many as 80,000 killed and wounded, according to a recent U.S. Defense Department assessment. That’s twice as many casualties as the Ukrainian army probably has suffered.

The steep losses help to explain why the Russian operation has winnowed. In February, Moscow’s goal was to destroy the Ukrainian armed forces, capture all major Ukrainian cities east of the Dnipro River, occupy Kyiv, topple the Ukrainian government and also capture the entirety of Ukraine’s Black Sea coast including the strategic port of Odesa.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-is-sending-a-fresh-army-corps-to-ukraine-its-troops-are-unfit-and-old/ar-AA11e3Ga?ocid=mailsignout&li=AAnZ9Ug

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 09:41 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcmXR5W2OZk

Dargo

08-30-22, 11:27 AM

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine may be outgunned but in the latest sign it is not yet outfoxed, a fleet of decoys resembling advanced U.S. rocket systems has tricked Russian forces into wasting expensive long-range cruise missiles on dummy targets, according to interviews with senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials and photographs of the replicas reviewed by The Washington Post. The Ukrainian decoys are made out of wood but can be indistinguishable from an artillery battery through the lens of Russian drones, which transmit their locations to naval cruise missile carriers in the Black Sea. “When the UAVs see the battery, it’s like a VIP target,” said a senior Ukrainian official, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles encountering long-range artillery replicas.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/30/ukraine-russia-himars-decoy-artillery/

Dargo

08-30-22, 11:56 AM

German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said that Germany might soon halt deliveries of military assistance to Ukraine because Germany’s Armed Forces, Bundeswehr has almost reached the limit of weapons left in its warehouses. https://euromaidanpress.com/2022/08/30/germany-has-almost-reached-its-limit-in-weapons-supply-to-ukraine-lambrecht/ HUH? :huh:

Dargo

08-30-22, 12:11 PM

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was once considered central to Vladimir Putin’s attempted conquest of Ukraine. But that fleet and its accompanying air wing have been battered by innovative Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, turning the once-feared force into something of an afterthought in Europe’s largest war in seven decades. When Putin launched his all-out invasion of Ukraine in February, the Crimea-based fleet was at the center of the action, launching Kalibr cruise missiles at military and civilian targets deep into the country, blocking access to the country’s ports, and threatening an amphibious landing on Odesa.

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/29/russias-black-sea-fleet-stuck-struck-and-sinking-00054114

em2nought

08-30-22, 12:27 PM

Aging Russia doesn’t have a lot of highly-motivated, fit young men to spare. And that means the 3rd AC could roll into battle at a disadvantage.

Who does? Thanks to our wackadoodle educators in the west ours don't even know if they're men, women, or a toadstool. :D

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 01:49 PM

Who does? Thanks to our wackadoodle educators in the west ours don't even know if they're men, women, or a toadstool. :D

Fair point :)

Dargo

08-30-22, 01:52 PM

When your military can only get help from Iran (drones already breaking), North Korea (lol WTF can they do), and 8 soldiers from Zimbabwe, you know you're in deep ****. https://twitter.com/Kay_Z_18/status/1564604793288642560

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 01:55 PM

Security assistance to Ukraine should continue and increase - Zelensky to U.S. Senators Portman and Klobuchar

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting in Kiev with U.S. Senators Robert Portman and Amy Klobuchar said that U.S. security assistance to Ukraine must continue and increase.

"I welcome U.S. Senators Robert Portman and Amy Klobuchar to Ukraine! The bipartisan and bicameral support of Congress is very valuable for us. We discussed in detail the development of the situation on the front. Grateful to the United States for the help! It must continue and increase. It is important for the victory of Ukraine", - the Ukrainian President said.

Also, he said, the sanctions policy against the aggressor country must be strengthened. One of the elements of such pressure the president called the introduction of visa restrictions for Russian citizens.

"So that the Russians feel the consequences of their own support for the aggression against our state," the President stressed. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3364128

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 01:59 PM

Only AFU reports on military actions, their course, consequences and results - General Staff addressed to journalists

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has once again appealed to bloggers and media representatives with a request not to assess the actions of the Ukrainian military.

The message notes: "Understanding the high level of public inquiry, we consider it necessary once again to appeal to everyone who consciously associates its work with information, positions its activities as public, has a large audience and enjoys its trust:

- we urge everyone and everyone to refrain from speculation and not to make assessments about the actions of the AFU and the Ukrainian Defense Forces as a whole;

- We recall that only the military leadership has full information about the situation on the front lines, so it is military officials who can provide this information;

- We emphasize the inadmissibility of double interpretation of the strategic and operational situation at the front of the Russian-Ukrainian war, juggling military terminology, and attempts to produce one's own unsubstantiated forecasts.

It is also unacceptable to cut out of context statements by individuals, including official ones, to give these statements different connotations and interpret them at one's own discretion.

The main rule is that the Armed Forces of Ukraine report on military actions, their course, consequences and results!

Our brave soldiers are doing their job masterfully and are destroying the occupiers all along the front line every day.
So let us continue to have faith in the Ukrainian Army, not to question the actions of the commanders and not to serve as an additional tool in the hands of Russian propaganda. The enemy is insidious and ruthless, and he will try to use any advantage, including information advantage, to damage us.

We must finally admit that fictitious victories do not bring us nearer, but only make us farther away from the real victory, for which the entire Ukrainian nation is fighting today! Therefore it depends on all of us how soon our Victory will come!" Source: https://censor.net/en/n3364124

August

08-30-22, 02:00 PM

Getting enough young fit people to volunteer to fight in a war is largely a matter of motivation. It's a lot easier to find recruits when your country is being attacked than when your country is embarked upon a war of conquest with it's neighbors.

Jimbuna

08-30-22, 02:02 PM

mapuc

08-30-22, 02:15 PM

Even if only half of what I have been reading on Twitter is correct
-I can only say this..Russian soldiers is lacking fighting spirit.

Skybird

08-30-22, 02:24 PM

The EU sends 5 million potassium-iodide pills as precautionary measure against "reactor mishaps".

Such pills are taken to flood in one rush the thyroid gland where iodine likes to accumulate (though it is only a fraction of the total ammount of what the body stores and wants). The idea is that if the gland is packed full with "good" iodine, it has no space left to accumulate any "bad" (=radioactive) iodine. The effect of this however cannot last too long, since the thyroid processes iodine quite fast, and to fill the iodine reserves in your body alltogether last many, many months, can take up to 1, 2, rarely more years. The measure should only give you time to get the heck out of Dodge without taking too much damage. Thats why it is not recommended to take it too long time in advance as a precautionary measure. It does not work this way, sorry.

mapuc

08-30-22, 03:07 PM

^ How many of the citizens around this nuclear power plant think they can withstand the radiation when they take these Iodide pills ?

Something tells me that there will be thousand of these-Who believe they are immune when they take these pills.

Markus

Dargo

08-30-22, 04:00 PM

August

08-31-22, 08:39 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXtfQ--SVI8&t

Catfish

08-31-22, 08:46 AM

^ Excellent. :yep:

mapuc

08-31-22, 11:50 AM

The Ukrainian army is the most battle tested army in the world.

Countries will be proud to have Ukraine as an ally in the future.

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1565011324303773698

Markus

Dargo

08-31-22, 12:03 PM

Ukraine wants to recapture the city of Kherson and thereby deal Russia a sensitive blow. However, the capture of the city will be a heathen task. And how do you chase away the enemy without destroying the city? The attacks launched by the Ukrainian army on Monday to retake the city of Kherson did not come out of the blue. Autumn is on its way and swampy terrain is not in favor of the Ukrainians, who have to cover miles to get to Kherson. The ground is now hard enough for tanks and armored vehicles to advance. The Ukrainian army, which claims to have broken through the initial Russian lines of defense in several places, is said to have taken some five villages, according to various reports. These are located some 20 to 30 kilometers from Kherson. The army hopes that the devastating missile attacks in recent weeks on Russian supply lines, ammunition depots and command centers will enable a rapid advance. Should the Ukrainians indeed soon find themselves at the gates of Kherson, the question arises: how do you take a city surrounded by a sea of Russian-occupied territory? Some 20-30 thousand Russian soldiers, including those of the elite VDV forces, are defending the city. You don't just drive those away.

Inside look at Ukrainian strategy
U.S. military officials on Monday gave an inside look at Ukraine's strategy to recapture its first occupied city from the Russians. Kyiv would not be looking for a devastating urban war at all. The first option would be to cut off the Russians in Kherson from the rest of the Russian territory, and then force them to surrender. With the elimination of several bridges over the Dnipro River, Russia is already having difficulties supplying its units. Before that happens, the Ukrainians must take some 20 kilometers of territory to the edges of Kherson. This advance, however, makes them vulnerable to Russian artillery. The terrain is flat, it's a delta with many small rivers and streams,' says Brigadier-General retired Ruud Vermeulen (73), a former battalion commander with the Airborne Brigade and a lecturer at the Higher School of War. 'By acting in a staggered fashion, as far apart as possible, Ukrainian units become less vulnerable to Russian attacks.'

'A good chance,' the Pentagon thinks
The U.S., Pentagon officials tell news site Politico, thinks Ukraine has "a good chance" of retaking occupied territory. Only, what happens if that humiliating Russian surrender fails? Bombarding the city with brute force, as the Russians have done to other cities, is out of the question for the Ukrainian army. That leaves only a classic urban war: entering Kherson and fighting from building to building. That's a prayer without end,' says Vermeulen, who for years has been working on war strategies to fight a battle in a city. In his view, Ukraine should not be tempted into a city war. 'Those house-to-house battles will take a lot of fighting power and a lot of deaths.' That could cost Ukraine dearly later in the war, because immediately deployable units, with well-trained soldiers, are crucial. Vermeulen: 'You actually have to let the Russian units bleed to death. Cut them off completely and stop their supply, especially from the river.'

Troops on east side of city crucial
Crucial to this, he says, is that Ukraine is keeping considerable pressure on Russian troops on the east side of the river. Those troops are important for supplying the Russians. By attacking important targets, such as airfields and supply lines, the Russian units on the west side could run into trouble. 'They are then additionally forced to come to the aid of their colleagues in the east. This will make the capture of Kherson easier. But if the Russians do not surrender, at some point Ukraine will still have to enter the city and take buildings step by step.' The former brigadier general believes that the party that is mentally strongest will have the upper hand in Kherson. Vermeulen: 'And the Russians have the necessary problems in this area, as the past six months have shown.' According to him, the Ukrainians should make the losses to the Russians so great that it affects their will to continue fighting. The Russians have already had to watch as bridges over the river and other targets were destroyed with U.S. Himars missiles. Partisans and special forces have also caused major destruction. Vermeulen holds it possible that the battle for Kherson, in part because of the presence in the city of Russian airborne troops, could last into the winter. 'The troops on the west side will cross the river if necessary and fight their way out of the city,' he argues. 'That's what we, as the Dutch army, would do if you're cut off. If that happens, it will be a big mental blow to Russia, both militarily and mentally.'

https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/hoe-moeten-de-oekrainers-hun-eigen-stad-cherson-innemen~b7cdbf41/

Dargo

08-31-22, 12:45 PM

Six months of gains lost in a week, hope it continues.
https://i.postimg.cc/vTkX84bz/EUNatural-Gas.png

Dargo

08-31-22, 12:49 PM

For Russia, six months of war have led not only to colossal irreplaceable losses in manpower, but also to a huge waste of weapons and military equipment: guided missiles are already very scarce, shells for artillery and armored vehicles will be exhausted by the end of the year, and the state of military aviation precludes a full-scale air campaign. Because of the sanctions, Russia cannot continue full industrial production of weapons and replenish its arms stockpiles, which are rapidly running out.

Barrel wear and ammunition shortage

One of the underestimated problems is the finite number of Russian artillery shells and guns. There is a common perception among experts, observers, and concerned citizens that Russia had inherited a vast stock of artillery equipment from the Soviet Union. The problem is that Soviet artillery shells could not be stored for long and as early as summer 2002, during the second Chechen campaign, the Russian army faced a shortage of 122 mm and 152 mm shells.

https://theins.ru/en/politics/254573

Jimbuna

08-31-22, 01:03 PM

"Azovstal" defender Oleh Mudrak after 100 days in captivity of Russian occupiers. PHOTOS

"Azovstal" defender Oleh Mudrak after 100 days in captivity of Russian occupiers

In the first photo - a frame from the video during the exit of the Ukrainian defenders from "Azovstal".

The second photo is Oleh after months of captivity.

Oleg Mudrak is the captain and commander of the 1st battalion of the "AZOV" self-defense unit. Source: https://censor.net/en/p3364289

Jimbuna

08-31-22, 01:06 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtp9sUhbu3M

Jimbuna

08-31-22, 01:09 PM

Representatives of Russian Federation must leave territory of ZNPP immediately and without additional conditions, 10-kilometer demilitarized zone must appear around plant

The US State Department released a joint statement of the G7 nuclear non-proliferation group.

As Censor.NET informs, this was reported in the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The statement condemned Russia's actions at Ukraine's nuclear facilities and the nuclear blackmail that Ukraine and the whole world are subjected to. The leaders of the countries supported the joint position of the heads of foreign affairs of the G7 members on ensuring nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,

The G7 group expressed concern over the serious threat posed by the continued control of the Russian armed forces over Ukrainian nuclear facilities:

"These actions significantly increase the risk of a nuclear accident or incident and endanger the population of Ukraine, neighboring states and the international community... The Zaporizhia NPP and the electricity produced by it rightfully belong to Ukraine."

Any attempts by the Russian Federation to disconnect the station from the Ukrainian energy system are unacceptable. Zaporizhzhia NPP itself should not be used for military operations or storage of military materials.

Group members clearly stated:
"the Russian Federation should immediately withdraw its troops from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and respect the territory and sovereignty of Ukraine." In turn, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that the IAEA mission had arrived in our country to visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

However, the Russians continue to make provocations in all directions from which the mission is supposed to arrive at the station:

"The occupiers do not leave the station, continue shelling, do not take away their weapons and ammunition from the territory of the NPP. They intimidate our nuclear workers. The risk of a radiation disaster due to Russian actions does not decrease even for an hour."

Ukraine's position on the issue of solving the crisis at the ZNPP is unequivocal and unchanging: all representatives of the Russian Federation, civilians and military, must immediately and without any conditions leave the territory of the power plant. The city of Energodar and the ZNPP itself must be removed from the influence of the Russian occupation administrations. After that, the work of legitimate Ukrainian administrations will be urgently resumed in the city and at the nuclear facility, whose main task will be the organization of a security corridor for the delivery of the necessary equipment and specialists to the territory of the station. In particular, by water with the help of a ferry crossing.

Control over the ZNPP must be immediately returned to the Ukrainian Energy Agency and the IAEA mission. At the same time, a demilitarized zone of at least 10 kilometers must be created around the station. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3364288

Dargo

08-31-22, 01:13 PM

BERLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Germany's chief of defence has warned that the West must not underestimate Moscow's military strength, saying Russia has the scope to open up a second front should it choose to do so.

"The bulk of the Russian land forces may be tied down in Ukraine at the moment but, even so, we should not underestimate the Russian land forces' potential to open a second theatre of war," General Eberhard Zorn, the highest-ranking soldier of the Bundeswehr, told Reuters in an interview.

Beyond the army, Russia also has a navy and air force at its disposal, he added.

"Most of the Russian navy has not yet been deployed in the war on Ukraine, and the Russian air force still has significant potential as well, which poses a threat to NATO too," Zorn said.

The Bundeswehr regularly supports NATO air policing missions over the Baltic states with fighter jets and, having one of the strongest fleets in the region, is also keeping a close eye on the developments in the Baltic Sea at its doorstep.

One potential hotspot there is Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave sandwiched between NATO members Poland and Lithuania, that hosts Russia's Baltic naval fleet and is a deployment location for Russian nuclear-capable Iskander missiles.

Russia has threatened to station nuclear and hypersonic weapons in Kaliningrad should Finland and Sweden join NATO as they are in the process of doing.

Zorn, speaking before the start of an Ukrainian offensive in the south, stressed that Russia continued to have substantial reserves.

"As concerns its military, Russia is very well capable of expanding the conflict regionally," the general said. "That this would be a very unreasonable thing for Russia to do is a different story."

Referring to the military situation in Ukraine, Zorn said the dynamic of Russia's attack had slowed down but Russia was still pressing steadily ahead.

"Supported by massive artillery fire, they are driving their advance forward - regardless of civilian Ukrainian casualties," he said.

He also suggested that Russia was not about to run out of ammunition any time soon.

"The Russians have enormous quantities of ammunition at their disposal," he said. "This ammunition is partly old and very inaccurate but it is exactly this that causes great destruction to civilian infrastructure. They fire around 40,000 to 60,000 rounds of artillery ammunition per day."

Zorn said he nevertheless did not anticipate any far reaching offensives deep into Ukrainian territory at the moment.

He also said Russian forces were currently focused on conquering the Donbas, the industrial region of eastern Ukraine where Moscow-backed separatisst already hold chunks of territory. No military resolution was in sight yet, however, he said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/dont-underestimate-russias-military-strength-german-defence-chief-warns-2022-08-31/

Does he mean that Germany is planning to join the war on Russia’s side? :hmmm: They had two fronts, they shut one down because of failure, LOL.

Jimbuna

08-31-22, 01:24 PM

I doubt Germany is capable of defending its own territory.

Jimbuna

08-31-22, 01:36 PM

U.S. prepares new security assistance for Ukraine

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden will soon announce additional security assistance for Ukraine.

According to Censor.NЕТ, this was stated on Wednesday by White House National Security Adviser John Kirby.

"In the coming days there will be announcements about future security assistance," Kirby said at a briefing.

As reported, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has spent the past two months helping the Ukrainian military prepare for a counterattack in the south by meeting their specific requests for military assistance.

On Ukraine's Independence Day, the White House announced the largest military aid package ever, worth nearly $3 billion.

The U.S. has provided about $13 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia began invading Ukraine on Feb. 24. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3364350

Dargo

08-31-22, 02:17 PM

Deep inside Russia’s secret state an agent is working against Vladimir Putin. The FSB officer, dubbed the Wind of Change, writes regular dispatches revealing the truth about the barbarism being carried out in Russia’s name. The revelations within needed to be shared with the West. It fell to me to translate them.

In early March, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I came across a Facebook post by Russian dissident exile Vladimir Osechkin. Osechkin had received an email in Russian from, he said, a source inside Russia’s intelligence agency, the FSB, laying out the anger and discontent inside the agency at the invasion.

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-fsb-agent-exposing-the-secrets-of-putin-s-war-from-within

Jimbuna

09-01-22, 06:26 AM

Russian oil chief Maganov dies in 'fall from hospital window'

The chairman of Russia's Lukoil oil giant, Ravil Maganov, has died after falling from a hospital window in Moscow, reports say.

The company confirmed his death but said only that Maganov, 67, had "passed away following a severe illness".

Russian media said he was being treated at Moscow's Central Clinical Hospital and died of his injuries.

Maganov is the latest of a number of high-profile business executives to die in mysterious circumstances.

Investigating authorities said they were working at the scene to establish how he died. Tass news agency quoted sources saying he had fallen out of a sixth-floor window, adding later that he had taken his own life.

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Lukoil board called for the conflict to end as soon as possible, expressing its sympathy to victims of "this tragedy".

Its billionaire president, Vagit Alekperov, resigned in April after the UK imposed sanctions on him in response to the invasion.

Several Russian energy oligarchs have died in unusual circumstances in recent months:

The body of millionaire Novatek former manager Sergei Protosenya was found alongside his wife and daughter at a Spanish villa in April

A former vice-president of Gazprombank, Vladislav Avayev, was found dead with his wife and daughter in their Moscow flat, also in April

In May, a former Lukoil tycoon Alexander Subbotin died of heart failure, reportedly after seeking alternative treatment from a shaman.

Lukoil is Russia's biggest private company. In its statement it said it was down to Maganov's managerial talent that it had evolved into one of the world's largest energy firms.

He began working for the private oil company in 1993 and took over as chairman two years ago.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62750584