Here we go again-Ukraine once again

[Skybird]

Die Zeit:
-------------------------
According to a report in Der Spiegel, the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is concerned about the difficult situation in which the Ukrainian army finds itself in the east of the country. There, Russia recently reported the presumed capture of the town of Soledar, and fierce fighting has also been raging for months around neighboring Bachmut.

The German foreign intelligence service reportedly informed Bundestag security policymakers in a secret meeting this week that Ukraine was suffering heavy losses in Bachmut. According to the Spiegel report, the Ukrainian army is currently losing a three-digit number of soldiers every day in fighting. Ukrainian officials last admitted such high casualty figures last summer during the fighting around Zyverodonetsk - a few weeks later, the Ukrainian army abandoned the town.

The Ukrainian military, in turn, speaks of very high Russian casualties in Bachmut. The BND apparently did not doubt this, but for Russia's war tactics this did not play any role. The Russian army is acting with merciless harshness and accepts the losses [marking by Skybird].
---------------------------------

And this is, once again, Colonel Reisner from the Austrian Bundesheer, I referred to him before. His analyses are straight and sober and often recommnended, so do I. I watch them frequently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54daqNraMxE

Please take note of the yellow-marked text quote at 00:13:20. I tried to get this message across all the time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MojUU8GgThM

[Rockstar]

Zelensky to German government: Can you give "leopards"? Than give, they won’t go to territory of Russian Federation. VIDEO

President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the German government to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks.

He stated this in an interview with ARD, Censor.NET reports with reference to Tagesschau.

"You are grown-up people. You can talk for another six months, but this is all measured by influence. We have people die every day. And you can't "if" and "if". But simply, can you give Leopard? Well, give it. We don't we are advancing. Leopard, if anyone is worried, will not go on the territory of the Russian Federation. We are defending ourselves," the head of state said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394518

US Defense Ministers Austin and German Pistorius could not agree on tanks for Ukraine, - CNN

The head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, and the newly appointed Minister of Defense of Germany, Boris Pistorius, held negotiations on the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The parties failed to reach an agreement.

This is reported by CNN, informed by Censor.NET.

According to the American TV channel, Austin and Pistorius met on the eve of the "Ramstein" meeting, which will take place in Germany on Friday, January 20.

U.S. officials familiar with the situation said the tank issue had not yet been decided before Friday's meeting, and "it would be surprising if Germany changed its mind despite pressure from Lloyd Austin," CNN reported, citing its own sources.

The TV channel quotes a source who said that before the meeting in Washington, they were "very optimistic and confident that they will make progress" on the issue of the transfer of tanks. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394515

Finland will transfer heavy artillery and ammunition to Ukraine

Finland allocates the 12th package of military aid to Ukraine, which, among other things, will include heavy artillery and ammunition.

As Censor.NET informs with reference to Interfax-Ukraine, this is stated in the statement of the Finnish government.

"Defence Minister Mikko Savola emphasized that Finland will supply Ukraine with heavy artillery and ammunition," the press release states.

According to the statement, the cost of the equipment provided for in this aid package is more than 400 million euros. In total, Helsinki provided military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 590 million euros.

It will be recalled that earlier the President of Finland, Sauli Niinisto, said that his country can transfer a small batch of Leopard tanks to Ukraine - in the event of the creation of a "joint European project to provide assistance to Ukraine".

"However, the amount of transferred armored vehicles cannot be large, as Finland borders Russia and is not yet a NATO member state," Niinisto noted. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394523

Since Poland bought a little over 350 U.S. Abrams MBTs and Polish railways are now moving them to their new homes. I think maybe there is a possibility Poland will send their Leopards to Ukraine. German weapons manufacturing & industry lost out big time.

[Dargo]

Dutch delivery of Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. The Netherlands is supplying Ukraine with parts of a Patriot air defense weapon system. It involves 2 launchers and missiles. The Netherlands is also taking care of training Ukrainian military personnel. https://twitter.com/landmacht/status/1616502750644211729

[Dargo]

German intelligence always wanted to portray Ukraine as losing the war. They serve the narrative their political masters wants. The German elite would feel more comfortable if Ukraine lost the war so business with Russia could go back to what it was before. https://twitter.com/andersostlund/status/1616503020828692481

[Jimbuna]

Russia’s losses in Ukraine are already much more than 100 thousand, - Milley

The Russian army is suffering huge losses at the front in Ukraine.

This was stated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, іnforms Censor.NЕТ with reference t ZN.ua.

"The number of casualties in wars is always doubtful. Last time when I talked about Russia's losses, I expressed them as more than 100 thousand. I can say that now it is much more. Russia is suffering very serious losses. This applies to both the regular army and mercenary groups, including Wagner," the American general said.

Milley reminded that Russia has now announced the mobilization of another 300,000 people to the front. "I think they will mobilize about 250 thousand. That means they have to make huge replacements," he added.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized that Ukraine has also suffered very serious losses, including among the civilian population. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394692

Portugal will provide Ukraine with 14 armored personnel carriers, ammunition and medical equipment

Portugal will send 14 more M113 armored personnel carriers and eight high-capacity power generators to Ukraine.

This is stated by Publico, reports Censor.NЕТ with reference to "European truth".

"Portugal will send to Ukraine a second set of 14 M113 armored personnel carriers, eight high-capacity generators for electricity production, additional 120-mm ammunition and two tons of medical and sanitary equipment," the Defense Ministry said after a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense held at the German Ramstein air base.

The Ministry added that Portugal has sent 532 tons of military equipment, lethal and non-lethal, to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394694

[Jimbuna]

White House advises Ukraine to postpone planned counteroffensive - Reuters

Senior U.S. officials advise Ukraine to wait to launch a large-scale offensive against Russian forces until it receives the last batch of U.S. weapons and its troops have received appropriate training.

As informs Censor.NЕТ, a senior U.S. Presidential Administration official said at a briefing on Friday, reports "European truth" with reference to Reuters.

He added that American negotiations with Ukraine on any counteroffensive are taking place in the context of ensuring that the Ukrainians first spend sufficient time training with the latest weapons provided by the United States.

Speaking to a small group of journalists on condition of anonymity, the official also said that the United States is sticking to its decision not to provide M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine because they are expensive and difficult to maintain. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394684

Poland will equip and train Ukrainian tank brigade by March, - Błaszczak

Польща продовжує підтримувати Україну. Зокрема країна планує навчити танкову бригаду Збройних сил нашої держави у рамках нового пакета підтримки

Accordin to Censor.NЕТ, this was stated by Defense Minister of Poland Mariusz Błaszczak in Twitter.

"As part of the new support package for Ukraine, I presented our Polish support, which means that by the end of March we will be able to arm and train Ukrainian soldiers," he said.

According to the minister, this refers to the tank brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In addition, Błaszczak said that instead of the T-72 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles transferred to Ukraine, the Polish army will receive Korean K-2 tanks and K-9 howitzers. Abrams tanks and HIMARS rocket artillery are planned to be delivered to Poland. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394681

[Jimbuna]

Russia shows no signs of preparing for peace, they are preparing for long war: military aid to Ukraine should be immediately increased, - Stoltenberg

Following the Ramstein meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called on allies and partners to urgently increase military assistance to Ukraine.

This is stated on site of NATO, reports Censor.NЕТ with reference to Ukrinform.

"Secretary General Stoltenberg noted that Russia shows no signs of preparing for peace, on the contrary, they (Russians - ed.) are preparing for a long war. At the same time, the Secretary General emphasized the urgent need to increase military assistance so that Ukraine can win and liberate the occupied territories," the statement said.

The Secretary General noted that, like most wars, this war is likely to end at the negotiating table, but what happens at such negotiations directly depends on what happens on the battlefield, so Ukraine should be provided with more weapons now.

Stoltenberg thanked U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for U.S. leadership in providing very significant military assistance to Ukraine. He welcomed the recent announcements of such assistance by other NATO Allies and partners, including Germany, France, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden, who have expressed their intention to provide air defense systems, armored personnel carriers and other armored vehicles to Ukraine. He welcomed the willingness of the United Kingdom, France and Poland to provide Ukraine with main battle tanks as well as light tanks, and called on other allies and partners to follow their example.

The NATO Secretary General also called for continued supplies of ammunition to Ukraine and training for the Ukrainian military. In general, assessing the results of the meeting in Ramstein, he emphasized that the Contact Group had provided Ukraine with a "massive package of combat capabilities" necessary for Ukraine's ability to defend itself, and that consultations on this issue would continue.

At the same time, Stoltenberg also emphasized the importance of increasing the supply of non-lethal materials and military equipment to Ukraine, in particular, as part of a broad NATO assistance package that includes fuel, food, medical supplies and other materials needed in Ukraine.

He also noted that NATO allies need to increase the production of weapons and ammunition to quickly replenish defense stocks. In this regard, NATO maintains close contact with defense industry enterprises. Clarification of the defense order will be a key topic during the meeting of NATO Defense Ministers in February this year, he added.

It is also reported that in Ramstein, Stoltenberg met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov and the new German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394674

[Skybird]

In fact Russia is switching its full economy to all war production.

A headline in the papers got it totally right yesterday: a bad-running war serves Putin better than a peace that leaves him with all territorial gains. That is the grim truth nobody in Europe wants to hear, especially not in Germany. A reintroduction of compulsory military service will have to come, I think. Ammo factories and weapon factories must be reopened. It must be rushed like builldung the LNG terminals at the german coast got rushed (now three are open). But nothing happend, and inflation already has eaten 10-15% of the special budget's 100bn - while actually several hundreds of billions would be needed in reality.

All Europe must rebuild its defence ministries. And Germany needs to rebuild its forces practically from nil, like after WW2 in the early and mid 50s.

From news from Ramstein I learned a lesson on biology today, that is while weasels are mammals in the rest of the world, in Germany weasel are birds. They lay their own eggs and then dance on and around them, all the time grinning. Remarkable species.

[THE_MASK]

Ramp up the sanctions massively and supply the damn tanks .

[Skybird]

A day of shame for Germany. Thanks to Scholz. Witnesses said that Pistorios, the new German defence minister, wanted to at least allow others to send Leopards - and then was claled back at the ver ylast seocnd before he entered the assembly hall. Only one political authority in Germany could call a minster of defence back at the last second in this manner.


-----------------------------------------------------

Clear words from the coalition to coalition: Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FPD) sharply criticised the postponed German decision on the delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine. "At least a signal would have been right to give the partners the green light already," she said on ZDF-heute journal on Friday, referring to the desire of countries like Poland to deliver their own German-made Leopard-2s to Ukraine. To do so, however, they need permission from Berlin.
"History is looking at us and Germany has unfortunately just failed," the chairwoman of the Defence Committee complained. The communication of Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in particular on this issue was a "catastrophe", because on the one hand Germany was massively supporting Ukraine, but the lack of a decision on the battle tanks gave a different impression. Scholz owes explanations for this. In her view, the new Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is "on the chain", said Strack-Zimmermann. However, she was sure that the Leopard-2s would be delivered to Ukraine in the end.

Der Spiegel

-----------------------------

^ In this German-made mess, it does not help Germany's case that the American position may sound well-founded, but that there is more to it than that. The Americans are right that the M1 would unnecessarily increase logistical pressure on the already overstretched Ukrainian logistics network, compared to the Leopard, especially fuel (it consumes at least 1/5 more in quantity than the Leopard, and needs not Diesel, but gasoline, jet fuel or kerosine). What they are not saying is that they have all their production capacities fully committed to preparing for the expected conflict in the Pacific, and therefore do not want to divert capacity from that to refitting M1 tanks for the Ukrainians. The Americans are not lying, they are just not telling the whole truth and hiding something.

Both the M1 and the Leopard-2 have their roots in a shared US-German tnak development cooperaiton that later collapsed, they are the products of the same initiave to form a new MBT. Thats why they are so very similiar and comparable in protection and firepower and capabilities. The advantage of the C2 is that some say that even today it maybe still is the best protected tank in the world. Crew protection is certainly the outstanding feature of this model.

Anyway, just one company of tanks alone will not change anything in the Ukraine. It simply is way to small numbers.

[Skybird]

The Swedish Defence Minister had planned a visit to Ankara. The Turkish government has now disinvited him because he had taken part in a demonstration that did not suit them. Previously, the Swedes had complained that the Sultan was making demands in return for a favourable Turkish pardon for NATO accession which were so far-reaching that Sweden could not fulfil them without de facto giving up parts of its legal order.

Germany and Leopards. Turkey and Scandianvians. Moscow and smiles and grins. - Bubble-Olaf and the Sultan should hold their next summit in Moscow. They might as well take the opportunity to collect their Russian medals of merit from Putin.

[Skybird]

FOCUS:
-------------------

London: War is "at an impasse" - Russian advance in Bachmut possible

In the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, there is currently a military stalemate, according to the British assessment. "The conflict as a whole is at an impasse," the British Ministry of Defence announced on Saturday. "However, there is a realistic possibility of local Russian advances around Bachmut." The city in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk has been at the centre of fighting for months.

Fierce fighting is taking place on three frontline sections in particular, London was told, citing intelligence information. Russian units, both from the regular military and the private army Wagner, were regrouping in the recently captured small town of Soledar north of Bachmut, it said. Also in the east, Ukrainian troops would have made minor gains near the town of Kreminna in the Luhansk region. In the south, both sides had massed significant forces in the Zaporizhzhya region. Artillery fights and smaller clashes were taking place, but so far there was no major offensive.

USA: Kiev should not stiffen on Bachmut, but plan offensive

According to a senior US government official, Ukraine should not fixate on the defence of the eastern Ukrainian town of Bachmut, but use the time to prepare a counter-offensive against Russian troops. The focus on defending Bakhmut prevents Ukraine from concentrating on the more important task of preparing a spring offensive, the administration official said on Friday [marking by Skybird]

In the long run, Russia has an advantage in the battle for Bachmut simply because of the numerical superiority of its troops and its artillery resources, he said. However, a possible capture of the city by Russia would not represent a significant change in the war because Ukrainian troops could retreat to well-protected positions, the US representative said.

Instead of sacrificing soldiers and ammunition in the fight for a strategically unimportant target, the US government advises Ukraine to reorganise its troops and use US-led training programmes to be able to send a sophisticated and heavily armed force into an offensive in the south of the country. Appropriate weapons for a spring offensive are currently being sent to Ukraine, including several hundred armoured vehicles in the past few days alone, the government official said.

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

-------------------------------

On a sidenote here, DeepL offers a new free service called DeepL Writer, which is of interest for us non-native English speakers. Here you can enter your own self-written English text and have DeepL check it for grammar and expression, instead of a translation you then get an optimised version of your own English text. It also corrects simple spelling mistakes.

For example, originally I had written "spelling errors". Thats no spelling issue, but about expression and wording.

Its powers against avalanches of Skybirdian typos are limited, however. :D

https://www.deepl.com/write

[Jimbuna]

Ukraine war sanctions bite as ex-IMF chief warns Putin Russia faces ‘incredible poverty'

Harvard professor Kenneth Rogoff has warned Russia is heading towards being a new Cuba, Venezuela, or "giant Iran." Speaking at an event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Rogoff urged Western governments to get behind a second wave of sanctions on the Kremlin in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Mr Rogoff told the audience: "If Russia escalates, what are we doing? We need to be ready. They need to know that is coming."

He added sanctions are not enough on there own to defeat Putin but "you have to stay the course".

In total, 39 countries have imposed sanctions on Russia as a result of the country's actions in Ukraine.

These sanctions include a mechanism to limit the price of Russian oil and petroleum products, implemented by the G7 nations and the EU.

This mechanism prohibits services supporting the maritime transport of Russian oil or petroleum products unless they are purchased below a price cap

Mr Rogoff admitted that "getting regime change is hard" pointing to attempts to bring down the government of Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran, but noted "that is where Russia is headed".

It comes as the US Treasury Department announced plans to impose additional sanctions on the Russian private military company, the Wagner Group, that has been aiding Russia's military in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced Friday that Treasury will designate Wagner as a significant transnational criminal organization in the coming days.

He said the designation will allow the administration to hit Wagner with tougher sanctions and squeeze its ability to do business around the world.

The White House also released images of Russia taking delivery of an arms shipment from North Korea that it said was intended to help bolster Wagner forces as they fight side-by-side with Russian troops in Ukraine.

The Biden administration first accused North Korea last month of providing infantry rockets and missiles to Russia. North Korea has denied assisting Russia.

"These actions recognize the transcontinental threat that Wagner poses, including through its ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity with these actions, and there'll be more to come," Kirby said.

The US assesses that Wagner, owned by Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin, is spending about $100 million a month in the war. Prigozhin has also publicly taken credit for some of Russian's recent advances in eastern Ukraine.

"We are seeing indications, including in intelligence, that tensions between Wagner and the Russian Defense Ministry are increasing," Kirby added.

"Wagner is becoming a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. Publicly, Prigozhin and his fighters have criticized Russian generals and defense officials for their performance in Ukraine."

Wagner Group mercenaries have also been accused by Western countries and UN experts of numerous human rights abuses throughout Africa, including in the Central African Republic, Libya and Mali. Last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced he had designated the Wagner Group as an "entity of particular concern" for its activities in the Central African Republic.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-war-sanctions-bite-as-ex-imf-chief-warns-putin-russia-faces-incredible-poverty/ar-AA16zuv4?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=76583b86fa424cacaae23df460d106d4

[Jimbuna]

Total combat losses of Russian Federation since beginning of war - about 120,160 people (+860 per day), 287 aircraft, 3140 tanks, 2135 artillery systems, 6256 armored vehicles. INFOGRAPHICS

The losses of the Russian occupiers as of the morning of January 21, 2023 are approximately 120,160 people.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the press center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As noted, the total combat losses of the enemy from 02.24.22 to 01.21.23 are approximately:

personnel - about 120,160 (+860) people were eliminated,
tanks - 3140 (+1) units,
armored combat vehicles - 6256 (+15) units,
artillery systems - 2135 (+6) units,
MLRS - 443 (+1) units,
air defense equipment - 220 (+0) units,
aircraft - 287 (+0) units,
helicopters - 277 (+0) units,
Operational-tactical UAV - 1891 (+5),
cruise missiles - 749 (+0),
warships/boats - 17 (+0) units,
automotive equipment and tank trucks - 4918 (+15) units,
special equipment - 193 (+3). Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394750

[Jimbuna]

Confrontation between Ministry of Defense of Russian Federation and PMC "Wagner" is intensifying, - ISW

US intelligence confirmed the conclusion of ISW experts that the confrontation between the Ministry of Defense of Russia and PMC "Wagner" is intensifying.

As Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine, this is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

According to US intelligence, a split is forming between the leaders of the "Wagner" PMC and the officials of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation due to the long-term confrontation at the front.

Recently, the PMC has become the "center of military power" with its 50,000-strong group. ISW continues to monitor the development of the conflict between the "Wagner" PMC and the Ministry of Defense of Russia in the information space.

At the same time, the Russian military is deliberately avoiding direct recognition of the participation of the "Wagner" PMC troops in the declared capture of Klishchivka, Donetsk region, on January 19.

Despite the internal conflict, the group of mercenaries is forced to rely on the Russian Ministry of Defense for the supply of heavy military equipment. Although the fighters of the "Wagner" PMC can independently operate the tanks and aircraft provided by him, they continue to rely on the personnel army for logistical support and maintenance. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394739

Heads of foreign affairs of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania called on Germany to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine as soon as possible

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkevich, Estonia Urmas Reinsalu, and Lithuania Gabrielus Landsbergis call on Germany to provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to UNIAN, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevich said this on Twitter on behalf of the three countries.

"We, the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, now call on Germany to provide Ukraine with Leopard tanks. This is necessary for a quick end to Russian aggression, aid to Ukraine and restoration of peace in Europe," the ministers said in a joint statement.

The officials emphasized that "Germany, as a leading European state, bears a special responsibility in this matter." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394771

United States expects support for allies’ initiative to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine

The United States expects that the allies’ initiative to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will be supported within the country.

This was stated by the US Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter, Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

The diplomat, answering the question whether Joe Biden's administration supports the idea of giving Ukraine F-16, noted that the US responds positively to any assistance to Ukrainian troops. According to him, this applies to both Soviet equipment and modern means.

"We have long been of the opinion that what our allies supply is their business. And we support the countless contributions (to defense. - Ed.) that our allies have made for Ukraine," he said.

Carpenter expects that the United States will support the idea of allies to the transfer of fighter jets.

"Therefore, I expect that the United States will have broad support for our allies, who will continue to increase their contributions," the US ambassador emphasized.

Also remind, earlier it became known that the Netherlands is ready to consider the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, if a request comes from the Ukrainian authorities.

At the same time, during an address to the participants of "Ramstein" yesterday, Volodymyr Zelensky called on the partners to discuss the possibility of sending the F-16 at the next meeting. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394772

[Skybird]

Poverty-stricken Russia is of no interest to the Kremlin's murderous elite. It must not be as long as they keep the war going. If the war ends - then they would be in trouble. This is the West's dilemma and why sanctions are less important than it would like.

Russia cannot be forced into compliance by sanctions. Sanctions can - and should - make life difficult for Russia and damage its long-term strategic prospects, but no more. For the ongoing war, sanctions are almost irrelevant.


Thats does of course not mean we should lift them. We must however understand that they more effect the after-game, not the running game.

[Jimbuna]

US claims 188,000 Russian killed in Ukraine since Vladimir Putin launched invasion

The US intelligence has claimed that 188,000 Russians have been killed in Ukraine since the invasion, a news report stated. The shocking figures were revealed with allies at yesterday's Western summit to drum up support for Ukraine held at Ramstein Air Base in Southern Germany.

The figure is a significant increase to the estimation of 100,000 Russian soldiers who were wounded, deserted and killed, when outlined by UK's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace at the end of 2022.

Top US General Mark Milley said Russia has suffered a "tremendous amount of casualties" - but stopped short of revealing the exact figure publicly.

Asked about Russian losses he told The Sun the toll was now "significantly well over 100,000".

He said: "They have really suffered a lot.. I would say significantly well over 100,000."

But defence sources confirmed the startling estimate to The Sun.

Mr Milley expressed strong doubt on Friday that Ukraine would succeed in driving Russian troops out its territory this year.

Ukraine, he said, "has also suffered tremendously".

Milley added: "There's a significant amount of innocent civilians that have been killed as a result of the Russian actions.

"The Russians are hitting civilian infrastructure. There's a significant amount of economic damage, a significant amount of damage to the energy infrastructure, and the Ukrainian military has suffered ... This is a very, very bloody war."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-claims-188-000-russian-killed-in-ukraine-since-vladimir-putin-launched-invasion/ar-AA16Al7c?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=3a5af897cbf04720b390db03e3984c8d

[Skybird]

The German mess gets worse and worse, I think I'm crazy: Business Insider reports:
--------------------------------

After Ramstein summit: The new Defence Minister Boris Pistorius now has Leopard tanks counted - after Lambrecht had apparently forbidden it

Contrary to expectations, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) did not announce at the arms summit in Ramstein whether the German government would agree to the delivery of Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Instead, he announced that he would first have the availability of battle tanks in Germany checked. This raises the question: Why didn't his predecessor Christine Lambrecht do this long ago?

According to Business Insider information, this was not an oversight - but a calculation. According to insiders, Lambrecht is said to have feared that an audit of the stocks could indicate that Germany would also supply the tanks - which is why she forbade the audit.

The Ukraine summit at the US military base in Ramstein was eagerly awaited on Friday. After weeks of discussions about the delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine, many observers expected the German government to announce a decision at the meeting.

But the new Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), who had only been in office for 24 hours at the start of the meeting, had nothing new to announce on this issue. A decision was to be made "as soon as possible" on whether the delivery of Leopard tanks would be approved. He was not more specific - despite increasing pressure from Ukraine and other allied states.

Leopard tanks must first be counted

If this alone caused astonishment, another announcement by the Defence Minister was a real surprise: Only now, almost a year after Ukraine first asked for battle tanks, are the stocks of Leopard tanks in Germany to be checked. Pistorius said on the fringes of the summit that a corresponding order had been issued.

Why is this only being started now? An omission? No - on the contrary: as Business Insider learned from several sources in the Ministry of Defence, former Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) is said to have instructed her officials less than a week before her resignation not to carry out an inventory of the Bundeswehr's Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks. This was despite the fact that her office is said to have previously suggested a count of the vehicles in order to be able to provide information on the question of possible further deliveries.

The possible reasons are said to be that this was supposedly to avoid putting additional pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) regarding the question of possible deliveries of battle tanks. The concern: If it had come out that the Bundeswehr was counting its operational tanks, this could have been interpreted as a willingness to supply tanks. This impression was supposedly to be avoided, especially since the Chancellor's Office is said not to have issued a formal order to the Ministry of Defence to examine the matter.

Christine Lambrecht did not answer a question from Business Insider on Friday evening. Should it be true, however, that she issued such an order, this would be politically explosive, and not only for her. Above all, Scholz and his chancellery would have to explain themselves. For Scholz to seemingly not want to know how many Leopard 1 and 2 tanks could be delivered so shortly before the Ramstein summit, at which many other nations expected Germany to make a decision on the tank issue, could be interpreted as disinterest. For no matter what one's political position on the delivery of battle tanks is, without knowing exactly how many Leopard 1s and 2s Germany could deliver in principle, it is impossible to make a well-founded decision.

No vote even on Marder tanks

However, it would not be the first time that the Chancellor's Office has made decisions on arms deliveries without consulting the Bundeswehr. On 5 January, for example, Scholz announced after a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden that Germany wanted to supply Marder infantry fighting vehicles.

Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit then specified: "As far as the Marder is concerned, we want to equip a battalion. Depending on the version, a battalion comprises about 40 vehicles. These 40 vehicles should be ready before the end of the first quarter, so that they can then be handed over to Ukraine." As Business Insider has already reported, it is still not clear whether the number can be met. On Friday in Ramstein, Defence Minister Pistorius also spoke in the meantime of "up to" 40 Marder.
-----------------------


Meine Fresse. Zum Kotzen.

[Skybird]

Der Spiegel:
--------------------------------
These Leopard tanks could be handed over by the Bundeswehr

Defense Minister Pistorius wants to examine which Leopard tanks the Bundeswehr could hand over to Ukraine. According to SPIEGEL information, such a list has been available for some time. 19 older Leopards seem particularly suitable.

The German government is coming under further pressure over the question of whether Germany should supply modern Leopard tanks to Ukraine. According to SPIEGEL information, the Defense Ministry has had a detailed list of various Leopard models that are available to the troops and could be considered for delivery to Ukraine since early summer 2022. The table, which is classified, has been made available to SPIEGEL.

The existence of such a Leopard list is also likely to interest the new defense minister, Boris Pistorius, SPD. Pistorius had announced on Friday at a conference of Ukraine supporters in Ramstein that he wanted to have it checked which and how many Leopard tanks of the Bundeswehr would even be eligible for delivery to Ukraine. In this way, Pistorius said, he wants to prepare for the time when Chancellor Olaf Scholz makes the political decision on a tank delivery.

According to the list, the Bundeswehr has a total of 312 different Leopard 2 tanks of various series, but as of May last year, 99 of them were at the defense industry for maintenance and repair work, and one was already in the process of being discarded. Consequently, the list includes 212 Leopard-2 models under the "Bestand Truppe" tab. Among these are both the various models 2A5, 2A6, 2A7 and 2A7V, which is the most modern version of the weapon system. As of May 22, the force had 53 of the Leopard variant 2A7V.
According to Bundeswehr insiders, the list already shows which models would be suitable for delivery to Ukraine. According to the list, it is conceivable that the Bundeswehr could hand over the 19 Leopard 2A5 models. According to the list, these are currently used to "represent enemy forces" in the Army's combat training center, i.e. they simulate enemy tanks during maneuvers. Troops say the 2A5 models are the most likely to be dispensed with, as they are only used for exercises.

Package with Polish Leopard tanks?

If the German government could bring itself politically to agree to supply them, the German Leopard 2A5 models could be combined with Leopard 2 models from other European nations such as Poland to form a package for Ukraine. Poland has Leopard 2A4 tanks that are at least similar to the 2A5 model and could be brought up to standard by industry. Militarily, to arm the Ukrainians, it would make sense to equip an entire tank battalion with Leopards.

Nevertheless, assembling such a package is not technically trivial. Most Leopard 2 tanks in Europe, for example, are equipped with a hydraulic turret control system, while the Bundeswehr models have an electric control system. For a delivery to Ukraine, military officials agree, a homogeneous fleet would be advantageous, since otherwise repair and maintenance would become even more complicated, and Ukrainian soldiers should ideally be trained on one model.

Pistorius had already announced in Ramstein; to examine a possible package solution with other partners. In this context, "the question of compatibility with the partners" and the availability of Leopard models of the Bundeswehr particularly important, said the new defense minister. In doing so, he was "not creating a precedent" that Germany would actually supply main battle tanks; rather, he was preparing for the "worst-case scenario," he said.

List puts Pistorius under pressure

The fact that Bundeswehr battle tanks are apparently available is now putting Pistorius under pressure. Both the opposition and supporters of battle tank deliveries in his own coalition will question the new minister by the beginning of the week at the latest about what came out of the audit he announced in Ramstein. The issue is also likely to be on the agenda at the Franco-German Defense Council in Paris this weekend.

The opposition already senses that the Ramstein remarks are an attempt to buy time. "Not wanting to deliver battle tanks because there would be no inventory lists is evidence of poverty or a protective claim," CDU defense politician Henning Otte tweeted over the weekend. Otte criticized Olaf Scholz's traffic light government for isolating Germany instead of taking a leading role within the allies on arms deliveries to Ukraine.
------------------------------

Back. Forth. Back. Left. Right. Forth. Back to starting line. Repeat.

[Dargo]

Cyprus is ready to return to the issue of transferring its T-80 main battle tanks to Ukraine. This is not the first time that this country wants to exchange its Soviet tanks for Western equipment, the Army Recognition published an article in which it is said that Cyprus is allegedly ready to return to the issue of the transfer of its Soviet T-80U battle tanks. And although the publication does not disclose its sources, this news is worth paying attention to, if only because it is not the first time that Cyprus is trying to replace its tanks with something more powerful.

So, as early as April 2022, the media reported that Cyprus could allocate its Soviet BMP-3, T-80 tanks and Buk air defense systems to Ukraine, but on the condition that the United States of America replaces these systems with newer tanks, BMPs and air defense systems, however such a "scheme" was never implemented. Now in Cyprus they are allegedly talking about new conditions under which T-80U tanks from the armed forces of this country can be transferred to Ukraine. In particular, Cyprus wants to get Leopard tanks instead of Soviet tanks, but not from anyone, but specifically from Greece - because Cyprus is convinced that it is from Greece that they can get a "replacement" for their T-80U as soon as possible - and in this, in fact, there is own truth.

But at the same time, as they conclude in Army Recognition, Greece, which has Turkey by its side, also seems to be in no hurry to give up its Leopard 2 and is ready to "wait" for the Leopard 2 in new version from Germany. "Greece wants first to get Leopard 2s in exchange to avoid depletion of its arsenal amid rising tensions with Turkey (also equipped with Leopard 2s in the waiting of its future indigenous Altay MBTs)," the author of the article in Army Recognition conclude.

Speaking about the Cypriot T-80U, first of all it is worth noting the following - according to Military Balance, Cyprus has as many as 82 tanks in service, and this is almost an entire tank brigade, provided that Cyprus agrees to hand over all its Soviet vehicles. And taking into account the fact that Greece most likely will not supply its Leopards to Ukraine, this looks like a good deal for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, this agreement can only be so if Greece either agrees to transfer its Leopard tanks to Cyprus without a "ring exchange" with another country, or agrees to wait until the Armed Forces receive its Leopard tanks first as in the case with Marder IFVs. Despite the fact that the "collective supply" of Leopard 2 tanks for the Armed Force of Ukraines has not yet been officially agreed upon, the "window of opportunity" for the tanks still remains open. https://en.defence-ua.com/events/which_country_has_t_80u_tanks_for_almost_an_entire _tank_brigade_and_would_the_tanks_to_be_sent_to_uk raine-5504.html

[mapuc]

Had a debate with a good friend on FB. She wanted Ukraine to accept the terms Russia had-She want to war to stop..to stop the killing of civilians and military.
She also wanted the war to be stopped to prevent an escalation. She also wanted us to stop sending weapons to Ukraine-Even this to prevent an escalation

As I said to her.

The question is will the war expand whether we support Ukraine or not.
Furthermore I can't support such a demand nor can the Ukrainian and rightfully so...Russia approved the 1991 border after Ukraine had a referendum on independency.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfALOqV7TOQ

[Jimbuna]

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

[Dargo]

Had a debate with a good friend on FB. She wanted Ukraine to accept the terms Russia had-She want to war to stop..to stop the killing of civilians and military.
She also wanted the war to be stopped to prevent an escalation. She also wanted us to stop sending weapons to Ukraine-Even this to prevent an escalation

As I said to her.

The question is will the war expand whether we support Ukraine or not.
Furthermore I can't support such a demand nor can the Ukrainian and rightfully so...Russia approved the 1991 border after Ukraine had a referendum on independency.

MarkusI can only add every civilian, people have the right to defend itself against any invader or authoritarian system that planes to destroy them!

[Jimbuna]

White House on Berlin’s position on Leopard: Germany is working on its own process, but Ukrainians have real need for additional tanks right now

Germany is working on its own process for Leopard tanks.

Commenting on the results of the meeting in Ramstein in an interview with "Voice of America", White House Strategic Communications Coordinator for National Security and Defense John Kirby said that in terms of providing tanks to Ukraine, "Germany is going through its own process with regard to Leopard tanks", reports Censor.NЕТ.

"We don't twist arms, we don't push, we don't persuade. We want countries to give what they can, when they can, where they can, and at a size and scale that they are comfortable with. And that is up to Germany to decide," Kirby emphasized.

"We know that Germany is working on its own process for Leopard tanks, which are great tanks, very powerful, and will not require an excessive amount of training from Ukrainians if Germany wants to move in this direction. But this is a key issue. It is a German decision," he said.

He added that Germany has increased its contributions, which it started making at the beginning of the war, and is "one of the world's leading financial donors to Ukraine in terms of financial assistance" and the allies "highly appreciate it."

"We believe that it is important that every nation that can support Ukraine in its defense does so now. One of the critical needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine this winter and probably in the spring will be armored vehicles. Because of the kind of fighting they are doing in the Donbas, which could include tanks, but not necessarily, although the Ukrainians have a real need for more tanks," Kirby said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394844

Melnyk to German Defense Minister Pistorius: What else do you need to check? Supply tanks

Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk called on German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to start supplying Ukraine with German-made Leopard 2 tanks.

He wrote about this on Twitter, Censor.NET reports.

On January 20, after the meeting in Ramstein, Pistorius announced that the allies had not reached a decision on the transfer of Leopard tanks to Ukraine. But he instructed to carry out an audit of the stocks of these tanks in case of a possible supply.

At the same time, Germany has not yet given permission for re-export to other allies who are ready to supply their Leopard 2 to Ukraine.

"What else needs to be checked, Herr Pistorius? Supply it! It's a pity that Svitlofor (the ruling coalition of the Federal Republic of Germany. - Ed.) is presenting itself like this," wrote Melnyk. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394827

Head of defense committee of Bundestag Zimmerman criticized Scholz for decision not to provide tanks to Ukraine

The head of the defense committee of the Bundestag, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmerman, criticized the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, for refusing to grant permission for the transfer of tanks to Ukraine.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the publication ZDF.

As Strack-Zimmerman noted, because of Scholz's position regarding the transfer of tanks, one gets the impression that Germany is not helping Ukraine in the war with the Russian Federation.

"History is looking at us, and Germany, unfortunately, has once again demonstrated its inability. The way German Chancellor Olaf Scholz communicates on this topic with the public is simply a disaster. On the one hand, Germany provides large-scale aid to Ukraine, but due to the lack of a decision on battle tanks it creates a different impression," Strack-Zimmerman said.

She emphasized the need to grant permission to Germany's partners to transfer tanks to Ukraine.

"There are almost 3,000 Leopard 2 tanks in Europe. Even if you put only a small number of them, it would be a real sign," Strack-Zimmermann is convinced. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394806

[Catfish]

Putin, stop being ridiculous :haha:

https://youtu.be/UjcDcf8UOFg

"Don't you understand the circumstances we are in?"
Umm yes a three-days special operation to take Kyiv
Does he really wonder why anyone of his Mafia is lying to him? :D

[Skybird]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQRhPykrTkE
Rumour has it that this man was recently put on the German govenrment's non-welcome list.
:D
Thats the best way to put it, if I may lend his woirds: the Germans do not want to deter Pution form esclarting into the nuclear taboo, instead the germans want to deter themsleves from standing in Russia's way too much. Babble-Olaf is fully in Putin's thrall.

[Rockstar]

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

He’s 70, he’s got one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. What does he have to lose? He’s afraid his legacy will be the man who destroyed Russia if he doesn’t get his way before he dies.

[Jimbuna]

Leopard tank dilemma as Germany tears itself in two over Ukraine

For the past week, all eyes have been on Germany. Would Berlin allow its allies to send German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine? The answer could be decisive for the outcome of Putin’s genocidal war.

Yet the only answer that new German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, could give was “maybe”. He could not say when a decision would be made on the tanks, he told Friday’s meeting of 50 defence ministers at the US airbase in Ramstein.

Pistorius said he had ordered an inventory of Leopard 2 tanks so that he could act immediately if a green light came from his government. “I am very sure that there will be a decision in the short term,” he said. However, he admitted: “I don’t know how the decision will look.”

Pistorius’s shilly-shallying was in defiance of Volodymyr Zelensky, who had earlier appealed to the meeting to “speed up” on the question on tanks, but also US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

“This is not a moment to slow down,” General Austin said. “It’s a time to dig deeper. The Ukrainian people are watching us. History is watching us.”

At a press conference later, he refused to comment on Berlin’s refusal to release its Leopards.

The wrangling over tanks for Ukraine is emblematic of the identity crisis gripping Berlin as Germany shifts from decades of relative pacifism to a war-ready footing. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is talking the talk, but struggling when it comes to walking the walk.

Clearly, neither Austin, nor the other NATO defence ministers, could break the deadlock on tanks. Germany seems determined to ignore appeals not only from Ukraine but from the entire Western world. The indecision of Scholz, it seems, is final. Does he even know there’s a war on?

Scholz has not only refused to give German Leopard 2s to Kyiv, but has so far refused permission for any of the 2,000 German-made Leopards owned by other NATO members to be sent. Those who ignore this contractual obligation put future military trade deals with Berlin at risk.

This prospect does not trouble Poland’s Mateusz Morawiecki, whose relations with Scholz are in deep freeze anyway. The Polish PM has dismissed the German veto as irrelevant and threatened to send 14 Polish Leopards to Kyiv.

The spectacle of Germany stymying not only Ukraine but its allies too is deeply damaging, both diplomatically and morally. Olaf Scholz doesn’t seem to care that Germany is now seen as the sausage dog in the manger.

Despite the fiasco in Ramstein, a blast of realpolitik is blowing through Berlin. Almost a year ago Putin’s onslaught on Ukraine forced Germany to rethink its role as the West’s leading “civilian power”.

Today, the debate has moved on from the days when Scholz seemed to dither about taking sides at all. But the painfully slow shift to a war footing is tearing the country — and its centre-Left coalition — in two.

“We are living through a watershed era (Zeitenwende),” Chancellor Olaf Scholz told his petrified compatriots within 48 hours of the invasion last February. “The issue at the heart of this is whether power is allowed to prevail over the law… whether we have it in us to keep warmongers like Putin in check. And that requires strength of our own.”

This sounded like fighting talk. Yet Scholz’s much-vaunted Zeitenwende has bitterly disappointed the Ukrainians. Early in the conflict, Volodymyr Zelensky told the German Parliament that a new Berlin Wall had been erected in his country. By now it is clear that the German government has no desire to tear down that wall, as long as the Germans are on the right side of it.

What Ukrainians thought they heard from Scholz last February was a commitment to help them to turn the tables on the Russian invaders. Instead, the Zeitenwende turned out to be yet another chapter in the endless debate about German identity that has raged since 1945 — fascinating for pundits and academics, but hardly relevant to a people fighting for their lives.

Now, after eleven months and up to quarter of a million dead on both sides, the Ukrainians have been disappointed by the Germans yet again.

The phenomenon that has prevented Scholz from authorising the use of Leopards has already acquired a characteristically German moniker: “escalation angst” (Angst vor der Eskalation). This term denotes the fear that military assistance to Ukraine risks “provoking” Russian escalation of the war, potentially including the use of nuclear weapons — a fear shared by a majority of the public in the Federal Republic.

The latest poll shows that 46pc of Germans oppose sending Leopard 2s to Ukraine, with 43 per cent in favour.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/leopard-tank-dilemma-as-germany-tears-itself-in-two-over-ukraine/ar-AA16C0Zy?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=649f93a690c24d6eab03539e11a23bf4

[Jimbuna]

Ukraine war: Zelensky adviser says West’s 'indecision' is killing Ukrainians

An adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the West's "indecision" over sending extra weapons to Ukraine is "killing more of our people".

"Every day of delay is the death of Ukrainians," Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on Twitter.

His remarks come after Ukraine's defence minister said he had a "frank discussion" with his German counterpart about German Leopard 2 tanks, which Kyiv is urgently requesting to confront Russian armour.

Germany has insisted that it is not blocking the delivery of German-made Leopard tanks, which other countries want to send.

"We had a frank discussion on Leopards 2. To be continued," Oleksii Reznikov said after meeting Western allies on Friday.

The meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany brought an agreement to supply more armoured vehicles, air defence systems and ammunition.

On Saturday, an adviser to Mr Reznikov told the BBC that Nato countries committed to helping Ukraine need to be several steps ahead of the enemy.

Yuriy Sak said that the West needed to redefine what it meant to stand with Ukraine - and that it did not simply mean stabilising Ukraine's front line.

"To be able to defend our land means to be able to de-occupy our land, to liberate our territories and for this we need heavy tanks, for this we need armoured vehicles," he said.

The Leopard 2 is seen as a potential game-changer for Ukraine, as it is easy to maintain and designed specifically to compete with the Russian T-90 tanks, which are being used in the invasion.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said opinions remained divided over supplying Leopards, and he denied that Berlin was blocking such a move.

Under German export laws, other countries who want to supply Leopards - like Poland and Finland - are unable to do so until Berlin gives the all-clear.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the Nato partners for their military assistance, but said "we will still have to fight for the supply of modern tanks".

"Every day we make it more obvious that there is no alternative, that a decision about tanks must be made."

Ukraine's current tanks are mostly old Soviet models, often outnumbered and outgunned by Russian firepower.

More than 2,000 Leopards are sitting in warehouses all over Europe. President Zelensky believes about 300 of them could help to defeat Russia.

Mr Pistorius said Berlin was prepared to move quickly if there was consensus among allies, though he could not say when a decision on the tanks might be made.

Germany has found itself in a deadlock due to several factors including international diplomacy and the legacy of World War Two.

It used to have a policy of not sending arms to conflict zones, but that was reversed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Late last year, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg said Germany was now "among the allies providing most military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine", by supplying artillery, air defence systems and Marder infantry fighting vehicles.

But Germany is reluctant to send Leopards unless they are part of a wider Nato package that preferably includes America's powerful M1 Abrams tanks. The US has rejected this, saying the Abrams tanks are impractical for Ukraine's forces because they are difficult and expensive to maintain.

Regardless, there has been pressure in some corners for the US to send its tanks, and to persuade Germany to do the same.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin denied that Berlin was waiting for the US to make the first move. "This notion of unlocking - in my mind it's not an issue," he said after Friday's meeting of 54 countries at Ramstein Air Base.

Germany also remains haunted by the Nazi-era devastation it caused in World War Two, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been cautious about having anything to do with an escalation in Ukraine.

A leading opposition Christian Democrat (CDU) politician in Germany, Johann Wadephul, condemned the government's "policy of refusal" on the Leopards, saying it would affect Germany's international reputation. "What is Scholz waiting for?" he asked.

Poland's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau also criticised Germany's reluctance.

"Arming Ukraine in order to repel the Russian aggression is not some kind of decision-making exercise. Ukrainian blood is shed for real. This is the price of hesitation over Leopard deliveries. We need action, now," he tweeted.

Western countries have committed billions in other weaponry - but without Germany's commitment on tanks, it was not the result Ukraine was hoping for.

Other countries have committed to sending tanks, including the UK, which will send 14 Challenger 2s.

The US announced fresh support worth more than $2.5bn (£2bn) this week, including armoured vehicles.

The Pentagon promised an extra 59 Bradley armoured vehicles, 90 Stryker personnel carriers and Avenger air defence systems, among other supplies.

Nine European nations have also promised their own weapon support after meeting in Estonia on Thursday.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64355839

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBmh_phYBmI&t=1s

[Catfish]

Telegraph wrote:

"Poland’s bravery has humiliated Germany

Despite having more to fear from Putin, Poland has done what Germany should have done and promised to. It's becoming a military superpower

Kyiv had hoped for a clear green light from Germany at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at Ramstein air base on Friday to provide them with Leopard 2 battle tanks. Instead, the new German defence minister, Boris Pistorius, equivocated all day, at one stage saying it could take a month to reach a decision.

That sort of procrastination might be acceptable in peace time, but this is a war in which every day counts. We’re almost one year into the most deadly conflict in Europe since 1945 and Germany has been an unreliable partner since the start. First, they only wanted to send 5000 helmets while other countries quickly dispatched lethal weapons; now they have been dithering over tanks, dividing NATO, putting all of the West in a difficult position and – worst of all – jeopardising Ukraine’s war effort.

Poland leads a group of Western countries that want to send in some of the Leopards they bought from Germany. Technically they need permission from Berlin to do so. Yet such is the strength of feeling that the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Thursday that this country may send the German-made tanks to Kyiv without this approval. "Consent is a secondary issue here," he remarked.

The contrast between Warsaw and Berlin could not be greater. Poland has done exactly what Germany should have done and promised to do. It's becoming a European military superpower: with a far smaller GDP it already has more tanks and howitzers than Germany and is on course to have a much larger army, with a target of 300,000 troops by 2035, compared with Germany’s current 170,000 which shows little realistic signs of increasing any time soon. In fact, the German chancellor is already backtracking on promises he made in the wake of Putin’s invasion, admitting last month that his intention to meet NATO’s minimum 2% of GDP defence spend starting this year is unlikely to be achieved until 2025 at the earliest.

The Poles have also embarrassed Germany with their fearlessness. On paper, due to its history in the Soviet Union and geographical proximity to Ukraine and Russia, Poland has far more to fear from Russia than Germany. Yet within weeks of Putin’s invasion Warsaw had sent more than 200 Soviet-era T72 tanks to Ukraine as well as self-propelled howitzers and rocket launchers. Even in the face of Russia’s subsequent ferocious attacks against its neighbour, Germany continues to quiver at the prospect of provoking Putin, with Scholz telling US lawmakers at Davos this week that he fears blowback from the “escalation” that could ensue from Germany alone allowing modern Western tanks into Ukraine.

This makes no sense. Britain is about to deploy a squadron of Challenger 2 battle tanks and Germany itself has already deployed highly potent artillery that has done severe damage to Russian forces, as well as promising Marder infantry fighting vehicles – a “light tank” that can pretty much pack the punch of a main battle tank with its guided missiles. It may be counter-intuitive, but anyone who understands a dictator’s mind knows that weakness, not strength, provokes aggression, and giving Ukraine the means to inflict greater damage on Putin is less, not more, likely to encourage him to widen the war.

Germany’s other excuse is its past. Vice chancellor Robert Habeck says: “You know our history, and we are a little bit more reluctant there for understandable reasons.” This is no more than another pretext for inaction driven by fear. There is simply no comparison between Germany hurling tank armies against Russia in a war of aggression in 1941 and agreeing for its tanks to be sent to defend a European ally under vicious assault 80 years later. Germany broke its post-World War 2 taboo on deploying combat forces in Kosovo in 1991 and Afghanistan in 2002 and Leopard tanks operated by Denmark saw combat against Bosnian Serb forces in 1994.

In any case, now is not the time for equivocation. To resist Russia’s imminent offensive, and to retake territory already lost to Moscow, Ukraine’s most burning need is for tanks. A significant tank force could make the difference between victory and defeat for Ukraine, both physically and psychologically, as it fights against massed Russian armour. Kyiv does not have the luxury of time as the Russian steamroller gathers pace. Deploying tanks is not something that happens over night. Machines have to be prepared and transported, crews have to be trained and exercised, the immense logistics backup has to be put in place.

Britain has taken “action this day”, as Churchill would have put it, by its decision to send Challenger tanks to Ukraine, while Germany has shown its true colours at Ramstein. Poland – plus Lithuania, Finland, Denmark and the other countries willing to dispatch their Leopards to the fight – should not wait another month to see whether Berlin is willing to authorise their release. They should send them now and worry about the repercussions from Berlin later."

[Skybird]

The real character of modern Germany has been revealed. I think it has very deep implications for the role of Germany in NATO, in NATO operations, and its roles of being the "spearhead" of the very fast rapid reaciton force (which it is not really even capable to fill militarily, and Germany'S proposed role as "guarantor" of safety for Kyiv, and so forth. Germany is not only not capable by military ability for fulfilling that role, - it's mental allegiance must be questioned, too, which is maybe even more decisive.

The Germans are everbyody else's problem inside NATO. Their value for and loyalty to the alliance is questionable. The intel services and the political structure up to decision maker-level are Russian infiltrated.

If the Americans would not have had invested already so very much in military infrastructure and logistics and headquarters in Germany, I am quite certain they already would have bailed out. I would, if I were them.

"Dont trust the Germans."


I guess I have become a stranger to the country I live in. And I observe the political and ideology-driven changes over here with growing disgust, even horror.

[Skybird]

FOCUS:
--------------------------
Internationally, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's (SPD) continued hesitation over the delivery of Leopard tanks to Ukraine is being harshly criticised. Scholz's decision is now also said to be putting an unusually heavy strain on relations with the USA. As reported by the "Süddeutsche Zeitung", the US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, is said to have got into a heated exchange of words with the Chancellor's Office Minister, Wolfgang Schmidt, on the fringes of the Ramstein Conference. The encounter was "tense", according to an internal report from American government circles.

Austin was already on his way to Germany when the news reached him that Scholz was publicly making his deliveries to Ukraine dependent on the USA. According to media reports, Scholz said in a telephone conversation with US President Biden that he would only deliver Leopard 2 tanks if the USA in turn sent Abrams battle tanks. According to the "SZ", US Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is said to have called Scholz's foreign policy advisor, Jens Plötner, and protested vehemently and shouting. The US government has been rejecting such a connection between the deliveries since October, as the relocation and operation of the Abrams tanks would take too long.

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

[Jimbuna]

US reads ‘riot act’ to Germany over refusal to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine

American officials read “the riot act” to Germany after chancellor Olaf Scholz’ refusal to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine, it has been reported.

The reports of a furious dressing down came as Poland suggested it and other Nato allies may organise their own “tank alliance” without Berlin in response to the shock refusal.

Ukraine says it needs modern Western main battle tanks to push Russia out of occupied territory. Its calls have been backed by several allies including Britain.

The German government on Friday dashed hopes of a tank deal when it refused to either send its own Leopard II tanks to Ukraine or grant re-export licences to allies who also operate the vehicle.

While US defence secretary Lloyd Austin publicly defended Germany on Friday, insisting Berlin was a “reliable ally” and “we could all do more”, he privately engaged in a “tense” exchange with Wolfgang Schmidt, Mr Scholz’ chief of staff, Süddeutsche Zeitung reported.

Germany has said it will only allow the export of Leopards if the United States also supplies its own Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

Mr Austin reportedly argued in vain that deploying the US tank would be unnecessarily difficult and time-consuming when there are hundreds of Leopard IIs already in Europe.

Later Jake Sullivan, president Joe Biden’s national security advisor, read “the riot act” to Jens Plotner, Mr Scholz’s foreign policy advisor, the paper reported.

About 50 countries pledged to provide Kyiv with billions of dollars worth of equipment and ammunition at the meeting in Ramstein.

But Boris Pistorius, the new German defence minister, resisted pressure from allies over tanks, saying: “we still cannot say when a decision will be taken, and what the decision will be, when it comes to the Leopard tank.”

Der Spiegel reported on Sunday that the German army has already come up with a list of 19 Leopard IIs that it could send if the order was given.

Mateusz Morawiecki, the prime minister of Poland, on Sunday said Chancellor Scholz’s position was “unacceptable” and hinted Warsaw could find a way to export without German permission.

“Germany’s attitude is unacceptable. It has been almost a year since the war began. Innocent people are dying every day,” he told the PAP agency on Sunday.

“Russian bombs are wreaking havoc in Ukrainian cities. Civilian targets are being attacked, women and children are being murdered”.

If Berlin refuses to supply the tanks to Ukraine, “we will set up a ‘small coalition’ of countries ready to donate some of their modern equipment, their modern tanks,” Morawiecki said.

Poland has announced it is ready to deliver 14 Leopard tanks to Kyiv, and says it is discussing the matter with around 15 countries.

James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, reiterated calls for Leopards to be delivered but avoided criticising Berlin directly.

“Of course, I would like to see the Ukrainians equipped with things like the Leopard II as well as the artillery systems that have been provided by us and by others,” Cleverly said in an interview with Sky News.

“I will keep having those conversations with our Nato allies and friends, to facilitate the donation of the best military equipment to Ukraine to help them defend themselves against this brutal invasion.”

Asked whether Germany was doing enough to help Ukraine, Mr Cleverly said he wanted to see “everybody going as far as they can, but each country will support Ukraine in a way that is most appropriate to them.”

Britain announced ahead of the conference that it would send a company of 14 Challenger II tanks, partly in response to German insistence that it would only supply tanks if other allies did too.

Following the British announcement, the Germans made the more specific demand that the United States send tanks.

On Saturday the foreign ministers of the three Baltic states urged Germany “to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine now”.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-reads-riot-act-to-germany-over-refusal-to-send-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine/ar-AA16CHZX?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=33150c037c564d709964edad77de0ad3

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D6p4qr8Ay4

[Jimbuna]

It will create domino effect: Congress called on US to send at least one Abrams tank to Ukraine

The US House of Representatives called for sending at least one Abrams tank to Ukraine. Because such a decision of the White House can create a domino effect to push other countries to transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

This was stated by the chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the US House of Representatives, Michael McCaul, Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

He stressed that the US needs to take steps to push European countries into action and help President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine avoid a protracted, bloody war of attrition.

"If we announce that we are going to give Abrams tanks, even one, it will lead to ... As I have heard, Germany is waiting for us to take the initiative," McCall said.

The official added that the transfer of the tank to Ukraine would create a domino effect, forcing other European countries to send Leopard 2 tanks.

"Even if we say we're going to put Abrams tanks in, I think that will be enough for Germany to act," McCall said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394966

Macron admits possibility of providing Ukraine with Leclerc tanks, but named three conditions

Today, on January 22, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he does not rule out the possibility of supplying French Leclerc tanks to Ukraine and named three conditions for this.

This is stated by Censor.NЕТ with reference to BFM TV.

"Nothing is out of the question, and this is assessed collectively according to three criteria," the French president said.

According to him, firstly, this tank should not cause an escalation, secondly, it should provide real and effective support to the Ukrainian army, and thirdly, it should not "weaken our own defense capabilities."

As a reminder, according to Western media, Paris is considering transferring its main Leclerc tanks to Ukraine. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394972

American Bradley IFVs for Ukraine are already in Poland. VIDEO

Footage of American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles sent by the United States for Ukraine being transported through Poland was posted online. Source: https://censor.net/en/v3394975

[Dargo]

Morocco offers its tanks to Ukraine

The Moroccan army would have sold an unknown number of T-72B tanks which were being modernized in the Czech Republic for the benefit of Ukraine. About twenty units were sent to the battlefield a week ago and they were visible during the visit of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to the workshops of the Excalibur Army company in Sternberk, which had carried out their refurbishment. .

In all, the Moroccan army had 148 T-72s, 136 T-72Bs and 12 T-72BKs from Belarusian army stocks purchased second-hand in two batches in 1999 and 2000. At the time, the state- Moroccan major wanted to form a “Russian” brigade based in the north of the country to thwart the Algerian armored divisions.

Morocco's decision to deliver arms to Ukraine was taken, almost under duress, during the Rammstein summit for Ukraine which took place on April 26, 2022 and which was organized by the United States. At this summit Tunisia and Morocco were the only two countries to represent North Africa. Tunis had dispatched at the time two cargo planes to Rzeszow airport in Poland, which centralizes logistical aid to Ukraine and there Morocco seems to have followed suit by sending not humanitarian aid but outright weapons.

The United States promises material aid to countries that have decided to get rid of their Russian or Soviet military equipment, this may foreshadow a replacement of these Moroccan T-72s with M1A1s from the American military surplus. https://www-menadefense-net.translate.goog/afnord/le-maroc-offre-ses-chars-a-lukraine/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[Jimbuna]

Russians suspected of involvement in sending bomb letters across Europe, including to Ukrainian embassy - The New York Times

Russian agents are suspected of leading a far-right group that sent explosives to Spain.

This is stated by The New York Times, reports Censor.NЕТ with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

According to the publication, US officials claim that the operation could have been a signal to Russia that Russia and its supporters could carry out new terrorist attacks in Europe, including the capitals of North Atlantic Alliance member states, if the countries continue to support Ukraine.

Spanish and foreign investigators found out who sent six bomb letters in late November and early December 2022, mostly in Madrid, including the official residence of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the US and Ukrainian embassies, and the Ministry of Defense.

"No one was killed in the attacks, which U.S. officials classify as terrorism. An employee of the Ukrainian embassy was injured in the explosion of one of the packages. However, U.S. and European officials believe that Russian military intelligence officers ordered a group of militants, which was actually based in Russia, to carry out the campaign, which targeted the prime minister, defense minister and foreign diplomats, among other officials," the NYT writes.

According to the officials quoted by the newspaper, investigators focused on the "Russian Imperial Movement", a radical group with members and supporters across Europe and military training centers in St. Petersburg. They added that the group, which has been designated a global terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, potentially has ties to Russian intelligence services. Important members of the group were in Spain, and police there have traced their ties to far-right Spanish organizations.

U.S. officials note that the Russian officers who led the campaign intended to catch European governments off guard and may have been testing proxy groups in case the Kremlin decided to escalate the conflict.

"This looks like a warning shot. This is Russia sending a signal that it is willing to use terrorists to attack the rear areas of the West," said Nathan Sales, former U.S. State Department counterterrorism coordinator. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3394981

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDPfKMtJCf0

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otKJ263u_ws

[Dargo]

By AFP - Agence France Presse

Germany is ready to authorize Poland to send German-made Leopard tanks to Ukraine to help Kyiv fight the Russian invasion if Warsaw makes such a request, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Sunday.

"If we are asked the question, then we will not stand in the way," Baerbock told LCI television after a Franco-German summit meeting in Paris. "We know how important these tanks are, and this is why we are discussing this now with our partners. We need to make sure people's lives are saved and Ukraine's territory liberated."

[Skybird]

^

https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-germany-wont-keep-poland-from-sending-tanks-to-ukraine/a-64480279

The question is whether or not Baerbock said this with or without approval by Scholz. I think its absolutely possible that the Greens sooner or later would openly confront him.

Better it would be if the Germans gave up.

However, one answer needs to be given, that is: how many Western IFVs and MBTS is the West prepared to see getting lost in Ukraine before wavering again, at least the Europeans? Because nobody should think Bradleys, Marders and Leopards are invulnerable, these are no miraculous wonder-weapons. The Ukrainians will loose some of these tanks and IFVs, and their crews will get killed. The Turks lost 3 Leopard-2A4 against IS, and then again several such tanks in Syria 2016. That may not be the newest version of the Leopard-2, but then it also were not fights against enemies with sophisticated weapons, and it were not huge tank battles like there have been in the Ukraine.
I think unappropriate tactical leadership of the tanks not sufficiently combined with infantry was reported back then to be the cause of those losses.


The Russioans will make hunt and kill of the Leopard a pripority. They will see a chance to impact heavily on Western mood and public opinion if only they would manage to get them killed in sufficiently high numbers.

[Skybird]

In this German-made mess, it does not help Germany's case that the American position may sound well-founded, but that there is more to it than that. The Americans are right that the M1 would unnecessarily increase logistical pressure on the already overstretched Ukrainian logistics network, compared to the Leopard, especially fuel (it consumes at least 1/5 more in quantity than the Leopard, and needs not Diesel, but gasoline, jet fuel or kerosine). What they are not saying is that they have all their production capacities fully committed to preparing for the expected conflict in the Pacific, and therefore do not want to divert capacity from that to refitting M1 tanks for the Ukrainians. The Americans are not lying, they are just not telling the whole truth and hiding something.

^ Thats what I have reasoned myself so far, but maybe it even goes deeper than that. FOCUS has this:
----------------------------------------
The German government's hesitant stance is drawing widespread criticism at home and abroad. At the defense ministers' conference in Ramstein, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that there were good reasons for delivery and good reasons against it. These would have to be weighed against each other.

The reasons are obvious: After all, Ukraine cannot defend itself successfully without tanks. But what are the reasons against? Time and again, there is discussion about whether Germany might cross Putin's red line and become a party to the war. But in the case of the Leopard 2s, this does not seem to be the sole reason. Because Olaf Scholz also does not want to release the delivery of the Leopard 2 for other states.

One reason, which has hardly been discussed so far, could have to do with the USA and its national interests. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung writes that the U.S. is just waiting for the Europeans to deliver their Leopard 2, because then the U.S. could offer its own tanks as a replacement. Thus, the tank debate would give the U.S. a unique opportunity to establish itself on the European defense market with armored vehicles.

At the moment, Germany in particular is competing with them in the armaments market: with the Leopard 2, Germany has built the best tank in the world, but also one of the most expensive.

As early as the 1960s, the Americans founded the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which set itself the task of encouraging countries to buy American weapons. International partners with the same weapons would be easier to integrate into U.S.-led military coalitions. So if European states now buy U.S. weapons, the U.S. can increase the number of units and thus reduce costs.

The additional revenue can eventually be invested by the U.S. in weapons improvement and development - a big win for Americans.

And these arms policy interests could also play a role for Olaf Scholz. So if Scholz now delivers Leopard 2s, he will harm German arms policy. But if he does not deliver battle tanks, he will further encourage the already smoldering criticism against Germany and thus also harm German interests.

This is not just about an economic loss for Germany. In addition to securing taxes and jobs, the defense industry is also a major component of foreign policy. After all, equipping the armed forces of another state creates trust and, at the same time, economic dependence, according to the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung."

Any country that enters into a tank deal with the U.S. is thus a loss for the German arms industry - and thus also reduces Berlin's political influence. Now the question is what is more important to the chancellor.
---------------------------
Add to it that much of the American aid to Ukraine is no gift, but credit and lend&lease, 2023-style.

States have no friends. States have interests. (deGaulle).

With the Polish shift towards South Korea and after this rift over the Leopards, I think the German defence industry will suffer customer losses in Europe anyway. States must have realised that they are depending on Germany'S good will if they want to use these weapons or deliver them further. Not that the same does not apply to American weapon deliveries. But especially in Eatsenr Europe the trust-meter currently shows significantly higher values for the US than for Germany - and not just there.

Also, in then long perspective I think Germany will loose in importance as defence producer due to its deiondustrialisation policy, its inapt energy policy, and the general lack of workers and materials. I do not see these factors loosing but I see them winning in relevance, and the fallout from that cannot be good. Finally, one can see how overregulation as well as political indifference is paralysing Germany to renew its defence sector and production ambitions. This additionally scares customers away. Latest statistis they reported last week or so showed that foreign investors as well as customers have started to avoid Germany in relevant quantity.

[Otto Harkaman]

historical synopsis of the battle of Kyiv

https://youtu.be/ZSSiPrF8GoM

[August]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx5mTslkUBs

[Dowly]

Fighting from the POV of two Finnish volunteers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWlk_OHJQ3Q


(Eng subs on)

[Skybird]

Getting approached by repoprters in Brussels on Monday asking on her remarks on Leopards earlier Sunday evening, Baerbock already has turned fully evasive again and refused to indicate any binding decision of the government again. She rejected to give a clear answer and did not accept further questions.

As I suspected earlier already. Her earlier remarks that Germany would not stand in other nations way if they want to send Leopards, are not backed by Scholz. Maybe just not yet, but certainly not already now.

[Jimbuna]

Huge breakthrough for Zelensky as Germany gives green light to Leopard tanks

Volodymyr Zelensky received a huge boost yesterday after Germany said it would "not stand in the way" of Poland sending tanks to Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Sunday his country was ready to dispatch 14 German-made Leopard tanks to Kyiv, but was "waiting for a clear statement" from Berlin on whether it could transfer the heavy armour.

In a clear sign that Berlin is softening its stance on tanks, Germany's Foreign Secretary told French TV station LCI that her government would "not stand in the way" of Poland.

Asked what would happen if Warsaw sent its Leopard 2 tanks without German approval, Annalena Baerbock replied: "For the moment the question has not been asked, but if we were asked we would not stand in the way."

Germany had been much criticised over the weekend for refusing to commit to providing Kyiv with its Leopard tanks at a security meeting held at a US airbase in Ramstein Germany on Friday.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-live-huge-breakthrough-for-zelensky-as-germany-gives-green-light-to-leopard-tanks/ar-AA16DG3k?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=70c81352f90a41ba8257883cb9fe23b9

[Jimbuna]

Putin hiding his lost billions as Russia burns through currency reserves

Russian President Vladimir Putin is eating through his foreign currency reserves, but is concealing the billions of pounds being spent on the war in Ukraine, Yale University experts tell Express.co.uk. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian have been closely following the Russian economy since the start of the invasion in February 2022.

They say that Putin has been able to keep Russia's economy going through the use of the country's foreign currency reserves.

However, this has proved expensive for the Kremlin, which is now concealing its expenditure in an effort to mask the economic damage Putin's war is causing.

Mr Tian told Express.co.uk: "It's the billion-dollar question because as soon as we did a study showing how quickly he was depleting his reserves, Putin stopped recording how much reserves he is spending every month.

"In July, we produced a report which said Russian foreign currency reserves had depleted by $75billion (£60billion) since the start of the war.

"Ever since then, we have not seen any more numbers on what's going on. Putin has $600billion (£483billion) in reserves sitting there and still accessible."

Mr Sonnenfeld added: "If Putin was so proud of his economy, why would he conceal how much he has in foreign currency reserves? Why would he hide his imports and exports data if it was so positive?

"He's concealing this information because it is getting worse."

According to reports, Russia had $571billion (£461billion) in US dollars as of December 2022. This is lower than the $630billion (£507billion) Moscow boasted at the start of 2022.

In December, it was also reported that Russia's budget gap jumped to record levels, meaning the country is borrowing more than it ever has before.

As sanctions restrict Russia's economic output, Moscow's fiscal gap stood at £46billion in December.

Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov confirmed this deficit which equates to roughly 2.3 percent of Russian GDP (gross domestic product).

This also means that Russia's spending is more than 30 percent higher than had been forecast at the start of 2022.

Russia had aimed to keep its spending surplus at no higher than one percent.

Mr Sonnenfeld continued: "You look at the deficit, other nations around the world do run deficits, but they get somebody to fund it. Nobody is buying Russian debt.

"Putin can't fund this debt, and that's more troubling than the actual debt."

Mr Tian added: "Putin's reserves can't last forever, and this is putting a squeeze on him in a way nothing in the last 20 years ever has."

While Russia has tried to paper over its economic cracks, the former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned this week that the country faces huge difficulties going forward.

Harvard professor Kenneth Rogoff said Russia could end up like a "giant Iran".

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he said: "If Russia escalates, what are we doing? We need to be ready. They need to know that is coming."

He added that Russia will face "incredible poverty" and that Europe needs "to concentrate on our defence capabilities" in case Putin escalates.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/putin-hiding-his-lost-billions-as-russia-burns-through-currency-reserves/ar-AA16DFCv?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=a005d20e1d404e51b353adac4984e8bd

[Skybird]

Huge breakthrough for Zelensky as Germany gives green light to Leopard tanks


See my post before. No clear green light.

[Jimbuna]

The story is less than thirty minutes old :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Germany will fall into certain international isolation if it does not change its position regarding Leopard for Ukraine, - Polish MFA

Germany will find itself in a certain international isolation if it does not change its position on Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to LIGA.net, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Arkadiusz Mularchyk stated this.

According to him, the statement of the head of the German Foreign Ministry, Annalena Berbock, that Germany would not mind if Poland hands over German Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine is a novelty, as such a position has not yet been voiced in Berlin.

"Germany, not agreeing to send tanks, falls into a certain international isolation and their position will be very weak if they continue to take this position," said the deputy head of the Polish Foreign Ministry.

He noted that Germany's position contradicts the principles of international law, territorial integrity, the sovereignty of countries, the rule of law, and human rights. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395050

Heads of foreign affairs of EU countries will discuss today transfer of tanks to Ukraine, - Borrell

Today, the ministers of foreign affairs of the EU countries will discuss the military support of Ukraine. In particular, the transfer of tanks is on the agenda.

This was stated by the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, before the ministerial meeting, Censor.NET informs with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

He noted that today's meeting of the European Council on Foreign Affairs will be devoted to military aid for Ukraine.

"We will start with the Ukrainian war. We will start with how to continue military support for Ukraine," Borrell said.

The diplomat added that the ministers will discuss the new tranche of military aid, as well as the level of support, taking into account the commitments that the EU countries undertook during the meeting in Ramstein. According to Borrell, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba will take part in the discussion.

The head of the European diplomacy believes that the last meeting in the Rammstein format was productive. He emphasized that not only the transfer of tanks was discussed at it, but this issue will be on the agenda of the meeting of the heads of foreign affairs today.

Borrell hopes that a political decision regarding the tanks will be made, and a formal one will be agreed upon later. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395052

"There are currently no conditions for negotiations with Ukraine, neither de facto nor de jure", - Peskov

Putin’s spokesman Dmytro Peskov denied the possibility of negotiations and stated that there are currently no conditions for this.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the propaganda publication TASS.

"There are currently no conditions for negotiations with Ukraine, either de facto or de jure," said the Russian dictator's spokesman.

According to Peskov, all countries that are "pumping up Kyiv with weapons" are responsible for this.

Putin's spokesman also said that the people of Ukraine "will pay for the pseudo-support of the West in the form of arms supplies." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395074

[Jimbuna]

Next few weeks will determine our future, we need to provide support to Ukraine, we cannot let it down, - Michel

The next two to three weeks will be decisive for Ukraine and the world in general.

This was stated by the chairman of the European Council, Charles Michel, Censor.NET reports with reference to NV.

"What happens in 2023, and much else depends on the next few weeks, is what will determine our future. We must be with Ukraine and provide them with all the support they need. We cannot let them down," he stressed.

According to Michel, Ukraine should receive tanks from the West and he supports their immediate transfer.

Michel added that there is a "hot debate" on this issue, including regarding their supply by Germany.

The head of the European Council emphasized that for Europe, the defeat of Ukraine in the war could become "an extremely dangerous precedent for the future."

"There cannot be a free and safe Europe without a free and safe Ukraine," the head of the European Council added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395081

President of European Council, Michel, called for speeding up negotiations on use of confiscated assets of Russian Federation for restoration of Ukraine


The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, called on the capitals of the EU countries to speed up negotiations on the use of confiscated assets of the Russian central bank in the amount of $300 billion for the restoration of Ukraine.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to European Pravda, he said this in an interview with the Financial Times.

Michel said he wanted to explore the idea of actively managing the Russian central bank's frozen assets to generate profits that could then be channeled into rebuilding the country.

"It's a matter of justice and fairness. It has to be done according to legal principles - that's very clear," he said.

Michel noted that he expects a "certain impetus" from the EU leaders in the discussions. He added that, despite the legal obstacles to seizing assets, there is "a serious political interest in making progress on this issue and getting it done."

At the beginning of the war, the EU and its allies froze hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign currency reserves held in foreign accounts of the Russian central bank. EU officials later put forward the idea of confiscating these assets for use in rebuilding Ukraine's destroyed infrastructure.

Last September, Ukraine, Brussels, and the World Bank estimated the cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine at just under 350 billion euros. Since then, the likely cost has only increased as weekly Russian missile and drone attacks damage critical civilian infrastructure such as power plants and residential buildings. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395096

Western aid is very important to Ukraine now, as latest actions of Russian Federation indicate preparation of major offensive, - Minister of Defense of Estonia Pevkur

According to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Western aid to Ukraine is extremely important now because Russia’s latest moves point to its preparations for a major offensive in the coming months.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to European Pravda, this was reported by ERR.

"Why are the expectations [of providing tanks to Ukraine] so high - everyone understands that the next few months will be very critical.
The situation in Ukraine is difficult, Russia is concentrating new forces, and a lot of manpower has been brought in. And if you think about the appointment of [Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery] Gerasimov (commander-in-chief of Russian forces in Ukraine. - Ed.) instead of [General Serhiy] Surovikin, then this is explained not by the fact that Surovikin did not cope, but by the fact that Gerasimov can command all kinds of troops. These steps indicate that Russia is preparing for a major offensive," Pevkur said.

According to him, Russia is resorting to attrition tactics to reduce the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense.

Commenting on the supply of main battle tanks to Ukraine, which the Western allies failed to agree on at the negotiations at the Ramstein base in Germany, Pevkur noted that Germany may continue to allow the supply of its Leopard tanks. "The new [German] defense minister had little to say because they don't have an agreement in the coalition. They will look for it," Pevkur said.

According to Pevkur, the option in which other allies, for example, Poland, will supply German tanks to Ukraine without the consent of Berlin, is not a good decision.

"Changes will take place if tanks, combat vehicles, equipment provided by allies act as a single fist. I don't think that the unilateral provision of tanks will change anything for the better in the relations between the allies. Germany can shut down more, and we don't need that," said the Estonian Defense Minister.

Pevkur added that tanks are a very important combat component for Ukraine, and all other aid will not be able to compensate for their lack. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395087

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38K-QiVl8EQ

[Skybird]

The story is less than thirty minutes old :hmmm:
Baerbock said Sunday evening Germany would not stand in Poland's way, if the Poles want to sent Leopards.


Monday morning in Brussel, she already evaded again.



Somebody must have given her a nightly telephone call, I guess. :03:

[Jimbuna]

Baerbock said Sunday evening Germany would not stand in Poland's way, if the Poles want to sent Leopards.


Monday morning in Brussel, she already evaded again.



Somebody must have given her a nightly telephone call, I guess. :03:

I suspect the Poles might eventually send them fourteen or so even without permission.

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj_8gQePYu0

[Skybird]

I suspect the Poles might eventually send them fourteen or so even without permission.
Yes, they said so, and I hope so, and I suspect they will do so since some time. That would be two companies of MBTs then.

Still not enough to form a mechanized brigade together with those Bradleys and Marders that could endure wear and tear and losses. I think they would need TWO such brigades minimum - with ongoing supply and logistics and loss compensations. Thats hefty, but could be done, if there is the will.

[Jimbuna]

In matters of tanks, last half step remains to be taken, we are at final stage, - Kuleba

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said that "the last half step" remains to be taken in the matter of Ukraine receiving tanks.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

"In the matter of tanks, the last half step remains to be taken. We have already received the British Challenger, which they said was impossible. We are already receiving the French light tanks for the time being. We hear that France is considering the provision of Leclerc tanks. I have no doubt that the Leopard will also come to us will arrive, we are at the final stage," Kuleba said.

The minister noted that providing Ukraine with any type of weapons was problematic for Germany.

"Such a country has specifics, it must be taken into account. But, in the end, we always got the necessary result, and we will get it this time as well," the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed confidence. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395203

Topic of providing Ukraine with planes has moved from standstill, - Kuleba

The topic of providing aircraft has moved from a standstill, Ukraine’s task this year is to obtain all types of weapons necessary for victory.

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, Censor.NET reports with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

"It has moved. And when it (the topic of planes - IF-U) moves at the speed of, I hope, the same plane, then we will quickly come to the result," Kuleba said on the air of the telethon.

As the minister said, at the Ramstein-9 announced in February, decisions will be made about new supplies of various types of weapons, because "the war is big and large amounts of weapons are needed."

Kuleba emphasized that three issues remained to be resolved - tanks, long-range missiles, and aircraft. According to the minister, the issue of tanks is almost resolved. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395205

Polish government is outraged by statements of former head of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sikorski about alleged "division of Ukraine"

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called on the opposition to dissociate itself from the words of former Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski about the alleged thoughts of the Polish authorities about the "partition of Ukraine" in the first days of the Russian invasion.

This is reported by PAP, Censor.NET reports with reference to "Euro Integration".

Sikorsky spoke on Radio Zet on Monday morning. Among other things, the topic of the war in Ukraine was raised. In particular, he was asked whether he believed that the "Law and Justice" the government had been thinking about dividing the territory of Ukraine for some time.

"I think that in the first ten days of the war, there was a moment of doubt when we all did not see how everything would turn out, that Ukraine might fall. If it were not for the heroism of Zelensky and the help of the West, different things could have happened," said Sikorski.

The head of the Polish government reacted to this statement, noting that such words are no different from Russian propaganda.

"The former Minister of Foreign Affairs should weigh his words. I expect him to renounce these shameful statements. I call on the opposition to distance itself from Radoslav Sikorski's statement," Morawiecki said.

Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller also criticized Sikorski: "Don't measure people by your standards. It was your policy aimed at restarting relations with the Russian Federation. It was your government that met with Putin in Moscow."

It should be noted that the topic of Poland's alleged territorial claims against Ukraine is regularly raised by Russian propaganda.

It will be recalled that in November, the ruling party of Poland "Law and Justice" presented a draft law on the creation of a special commission that would investigate Russia's influence on Poland's internal politics in 2007-2022.

Among the decisions that the commission will be able to make, the annulment of administrative decisions issued as a result of Russian influence is foreseen; prohibition of performing functions related to the disposal of state funds for a period of up to 10 years; annulment and ban on obtaining a "good faith check" for 10 years.

The commission is expected to be established in early 2023. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395194

[Jimbuna]

Germany 'terrified of upsetting Putin' as British Army Colonel lashes out in tanks row

Germany has come under furious attack after it was accused of being "terrified of upsetting Vladimir Putin" in the row over sending game-changing Leopard II tanks to Ukraine to use in the war against Russia. There are around 2,000 Leopard II tanks in armies across a dozen NATO armies, meaning they are ready to be sent to and used in Ukraine as soon as possible. But a furious row erupted after Germany - led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz - dragged its feet and refused to give the go-ahead for fellow allies to send the German-made vehicles to Kyiv.

Last week, Poland joined several NATO allies in in committing to donate a number of their own Leopard II tanks to Ukraine, with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki suggesting the country could bypass Germany and send them anyway.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has now received a huge boost after Germany said it would "not stand in the way" of Poland sending tanks.

But Germany has been savaged for dragging its feet over the matter with Colonel Richard Kemp, a retired British Army officer who served for nearly 30 years, telling Express.co.uk: "Germany's reaction to helping supply Ukraine with tanks, weapons and other heavy artillery has been very disappointing.

"They really ought to send Leopard II tanks to Ukraine but even if it doesn't it should not have allowed countries like Poland and Finland who bought those tanks from Germany and want to send them.

"This comes down to what we have seen from Germany all the way through this conflict - we have seen fear of antagonising Russia.

"It's inbuilt in their DNA in a way because they have had such a close relationship with Russia for many years that they are terrified of upsetting Putin even more than he already is."

Colonel Kemp said Leopard II tanks "are the best in terms of how easy it would be for Ukrainian forces to learn to operate them" and that between 200 and 300 could be deployed "very quickly".

He went as far as to say: "That makes them very valuable and potentially a battle winner for Ukraine."

The retired British Army officer continued: "Ukraine getting these tanks could make the difference in the forthcoming offences, and could make the difference between victory and defeat for them.

"Russia has a lot of tanks and Ukraine has some but has already seen many of them destroyed. These Leopard II tanks are far more capable that a lot of the tanks Russia has got

"Those tanks are most useful for offensive purposes but they are also extremely valuable for defensive purposes, sop they could make a big difference in whether Russia's offensive is successful."

Last week, an EU crisis threatened top erupt after Poland suggested it has lost patience with Germany's refusals to sanction the delivery of Leopard II tanks to Ukraine - and would send them anyway.

German Chancellor Mr Scholz had come under increasing pressure to authorise the tanks prior to a meeting on Friday at the US military base of Ramstein, where military support to Ukraine was discussed by 50 countries, including all 30 NATO members.

But over the weekend, when asked what would happen if Warsaw sent its Leopard 2 tanks without German approval, Foreign Secretary told French TV station LCI: "For the moment the question has not been asked, but if we were asked we would not stand in the way."

Last week, NATO member Britain said it would send a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks, AS90 guns, hundreds more armoured and protected vehicles, dozens more uncrewed aerial systems, another 100,000 artillery rounds, hundreds more sophisticated missiles.

Denmark has committed to donating 19 French-made Caesar howitzers to Ukraine and Sweden promised to send its Archer artillery system.

Ukrainian President Mr Zelensky has continued to plead with Western allies to ramp up its supply of heavy-duty artillery to the country as the war with Russia reaches a critical stage.

He warned during a speech at the annual World Economic Forum gathering in Davos via video-link last week: "There are times where we shouldn't hesitate.

"When someone says 'I will give tanks if someone else will also share tanks'... I don't think this is the right strategy to go with."

Ukrainian Presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak also warned it was "time to stop trembling at Putin and take the final step."

He wrote on Twitter: "True leadership is about leading by example, not about looking up to others.

"There are no taboos. From Washington to London, from Paris to Warsaw, one thing is said: Ukraine needs tanks; tanks - the key to end war properly. Time to stop trembling at Putin and take the final step.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/germany-terrified-of-upsetting-putin-as-british-army-colonel-lashes-out-in-tanks-row/ar-AA16DYl3?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=bd40e4ca49ff4e7f9a02a48f18fc268b

[mapuc]

The Russian is scared by the talks about sending heavy MBT to Ukraine.
As an Animal who is being scared or pushed up in a corner, show it's teeth to warn.

- A close ally of President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that deliveries of offensive weapons to Kyiv that threaten Russia's territories will lead to a global catastrophe and make arguments against using weapons of mass destruction untenable.

https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-ally-says-wests-deliveries-new-weapons-kyiv-will-lead-global-catastrophe-2023-01-22/

Markus

[Skybird]

Erdogan tells Sweden not to expect Nato bid support.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64380066


And the Süddeutsche Zeitung adds:
--------------------------------------------
On top of all this, there is now an Erdoğan cartoon contest: the socialist magazine Flamman has called for it as a symbolic defense of freedom of expression and a protest against the Swedish government, which it believes is betraying democratic values in its attempt to wrest approval of Sweden's NATO membership from the Turkish government. According to its own information, the editorial team received 400 entries. The winning picture shows an old man holding a small human in both hands and about to bite his head off with vampire-like fangs. Apparently, he has already mutilated his feet. The victim of the man-eater can be assumed to be a Kurdish resistance fighter, judging by his clothing.

The award-winning cartoonist, a graduate of the Stockholm Academy of Art, alludes to Goya's somber painting "Saturn Devours His Children," which Leonidas Aretakis, the Flamman editor, interprets in an interview with the SZ as an "artistic response to the horrors of war and the Inquisition." "Only this time it's Erdogan eating his own children." Five Swedish newspapers, including Expressen, as well as Finland's Ny Tid, have declared in a journalistic show of solidarity that they will also publish the cartoon.
-------------------------------


Imagine a headline like

"NATO general secretary Stoltenberg tells Turkey not to expect further invitations, cooperations, manouvers, supply deliveries and intel sharings. " :ping:

[Skybird]

Poland has officially requested permission from Berlin to export 14 Leopard-2A4s to Ukraine.

Defence Minister Pistorios remained noncommittal and promised a "timely examination", Berlin obviously continues to play for time. It is reported that Berlin only wants to allow "the training of Ukrainian crews" on Leopards.

Moscow promptly warns the Germans against exporting German tanks to ensure Berlin's intimidation, especially the intimidation of the left wing in the SPD and the German public and media.

Rheinmetall said they could have 29 Leopard-2A4s ready for deployment as early as May.

[Jimbuna]

Poland asks Germany for permission to export tanks

By Antoinette Radford
BBC News

Poland has officially asked Germany for permission to export a host of Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine in a move which raises pressure on Berlin to make a decision on the thorny issue.

The German government told the BBC it had received the request to export 14 German-made tanks on Tuesday.

But it has insisted the final decision lies with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Ukraine sees the tanks as vital for breaking through Russian lines and to beat an anticipated counter offensive.

The Leopard 2 tanks were specifically designed to compete with the Russian T-90 tanks, which are being used in the invasion. But export laws mean any country that wishes to send the tanks require Berlin's permission.

Poland's prime minister Masteusz Morawiecki said he hoped Germany would quickly respond to the request, and accused Germany of "delaying, dodging, acting in a way that is difficult to understand".

He also said Poland would ask the European Union to compensate the cost of the tanks it wants to send to Ukraine.

Germany has been hesitant to send the vehicles, or allow other nations to do the same, with one of its concerns being the fear that a sudden move on the issue could further escalate the conflict with Russia.

On Tuesday Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorious said Berlin had given allied nations the green light to train Ukrainians to use Leopard 2 tanks, but did not commit to sending their own.

Mr Pistorious said a decision about supplying the tanks would be made soon. The military's Chief of Staff added that any decision would be tacked at a political level.

"We are encouraging our partners if they want to, and if they have the opportunity, to start training Ukrainian forces on these Leopard vehicles," Mr Pistorious said in a news conference with Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg.

Allied nations have become frustrated at what they perceive as German reluctance to send the armoured vehicles in recent days.

Speaking on Tuesday, Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said he was appealing to Germany to "join the coalition of countries supporting Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks".

"This is our common cause, because the security of the whole of Europe is at stake!" he added.

On Tuesday Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda said he believed Poland was determined to send their tanks to support Ukraine after meeting with the Polish president Andrezej Duda.

"It is a pity that at sometimes there is a completely unnecessary delay as we could have made decisions sooner. The Polish side is very keen to provide such support," Mr Nauseda said.

But Mr Pistorious defended German chancellor Olaf Scholz against criticism that he was dragging his feet on sending the vehicles to Kyiv.

"Taking the lead does not mean blindly going ahead," he said. "And if the decision takes another day or two, then that's just the way it is."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64385210

[Skybird]

FOCUS:
--------------------------
What the dispute over American Abrams tanks is really about

If the USA delivers the Abrams tank, Germany would release the Leopards for Ukraine. The German government denies that this junket exists. But even if it did: For Ukraine, the American "diva" would only be the second-best choice.

It is not easy to penetrate the thicket of the German-American dispute over tank deliveries to Ukraine. Among other things, this is due to the fact that in recent months there has seldom been any clear talk in public.

For months, the Americans have been trying to encourage Germany to deliver the Leopard 2 tank to Ukraine - but for a long time they have only made this public in a very convoluted manner. Because they did not want to put Berlin under public pressure or criticise it as they did in the era of Donald Trump.

The German government, on the other hand, had long declared that it did not want to go it alone when it came to supplying Western battle tanks. Now, however, several European states have announced their willingness to supply Leopard 2 tanks from their own stocks, and the British also intend to pass on their Challenger tanks to Ukraine. But Berlin continues not to move.

According to numerous media reports in Germany as well as in the USA, Berlin is said to have made a junket and to deliver the Leopard 2 only if the USA for its part delivers Abrams tanks. Even statements by US officials suggest that this condition by Germany may have existed.

Publicly, however, Berlin denies this. The new Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, for example, stated these days that he was "not aware" of such a junket. The Süddeutsche Zeitung, on the other hand, reports that there was a heated argument between the American Defence Minister Lloyd Austin and the head of the Chancellor's Office Wolfgang Schmidt.

Afterwards, Joe Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan is said to have intervened with Chancellor Scholz's foreign policy advisor Jens Plötner in no uncertain terms. Among other things, Washington is said to be annoyed by the fact that new demands are always being made of Europe, even though the USA is by far the by far the largest part of Western military aid to Ukraine.

German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Monday that he could not confirm media reports about the US government being annoyed because of too hesitant arms deliveries from Germany - neither in content nor in the alleged tone. Talks with the USA were ongoing and constructive. Positions were clearly exchanged. Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to advocate very close coordination with the USA.
The USA has been refusing to supply Abrams tanks for months because it considers them a worse choice than the Leopard in view of Ukraine's needs. The latter is "somewhat easier to maintain, it can advance over large land areas before it needs to be refuelled," for example, deputy Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said of the German tank. "The maintenance and the high cost of keeping the Abrams running - it just doesn't make sense to provide it to the Ukrainians right now."

Secretary of Defence Colin Kahl had made similar comments. "The Abrams tank is a very complicated piece of equipment. It is expensive. It's heavy in terms of training. And it has an aircraft engine." Nevertheless, a debate is now also beginning in the US about whether to supply the Ukrainians with at least a small number of Abrams - if only as a symbol to get Germany to relent.

Just one would be enough to get Germany, for example, to also send battle tanks, says Republican Michael McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, to the broadcaster "ABC". In his view, the mere announcement of such a delivery would be enough. Democratic Senator Chris Coons agreed with him. Should it be necessary to send some Abrams to procure the Leopards from Germany, Poland or other allies, he would support it.

However, a US official told Slate magazine that with a unit price of nine million dollars, the Abrams would be a rather expensive symbol. And, "We wouldn't give the Ukrainians weapons they can't use."

In fact, it is undisputed among experts that the Leopard would be the better choice. This is because the Abram's turbine engine consumes much more fuel than the more economical Leopard. Moreover, maintenance and servicing of the Abrams is a costly and complicated affair that requires great logistical effort.

The US military's Abrams would also probably have to be refitted for Ukraine first. "People don't think about the fact that all the American M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams tanks stored or in service with the US Army are filled with a tonne of depleted uranium," writes Italian military expert Thomas Theiner.

It is a mesh inserted in the armour between steel and ceramic plates and its composition is highly secret. Therefore, it would first have to be removed and replaced by tungsten for export to other nations, and that would take weeks.

As is so often the case with modern military equipment, the Abrams, while considered highly effective and powerful, is often described as a diva when it comes to training and maintenance. "The M1 series of the Abrams is the best in the world," says Mark Hertling, for example, former commander-in-chief of the US Army in Europe, who himself led tank companies. "But training for tank crews and maintenance crews is critical and cannot be handled superficially. Because if you do that on an M1, you break a lot of things." The propulsion unit can also break easily, he said, and is very expensive to replace.

The Americans also do not have extensive spare parts stocks for the Abrams in Europe because the US troops' tanks stationed there are constantly being rotated back to the US. Given the patchwork of weapons systems Ukraine has received from the West, the Ukrainian military is already struggling to keep them running, the ex-general says.

"Ukrainian army commanders I talk to want tanks, but they admit they are already struggling with logistics and getting supplies and spare parts to the right place. So reducing that burden has to be a key consideration," says Hertling. "And in my professional opinion, the Abrams would mean a higher load for a force that is in a tough fight because of training needs and supplies. The Leopard 2s would be a lighter load."
-------------------------------

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vfvj8VGTHE

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Si7qcM9QEY

[Skybird]

Ukrainian officials say they have commitments from twelve NATO countries for about 100 Leopard-2s.


https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-expects-100-leopard-2-tanks-12-countries/story?id=96620510


In current German order of battle (OOB), one tank batallion would consist of 44 tanks. In the past it were 54 tanks, plus a dozen of engineer tanks, command tanks, supply vehicles.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XwnVS23cX0

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gmj8EFoloA

[Jimbuna]

Pistorius after the meeting with Stoltenberg: Situation regarding tanks has not changed

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Berlin has still not made a decision on the transfer of Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to the EP, he said this after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

"Currently, there is no new information, the situation has not changed. We are preparing a decision, which will be very soon. As I said in Ramstein, I support our partners if they want to start training (Ukrainians, - ed.) on these tanks, we will not interfere with this. But as I said, we are preparing our decision," the minister said.

Pistorius recalled his decision to entrust the Bundeswehr with the inspection of the tanks but noted that it was not done simply to count them.

"Of course, we know how many of them we have, everything is a bit more complicated. We have to check the industrial stocks," he added.

The NATO Secretary General, in turn, also said that a decision on the tanks will be made soon.

"We discussed tanks. Consultations between the allies will continue and I think we will have a decision soon," he said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395309

Poland asked Germany to hand over Leopard tanks to Ukraine: It is about the security of all of Europe

Official Warsaw turned to Berlin with a request to transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

This was reported by Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, Censor.NET informs.

"The Germans received our request for consent to the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. I also appeal to the German side with a request to join the coalition of countries that support Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks. This is our common cause because it is about the security of the whole of Europe!" he wrote on Twitter.

It will be recalled that the day before, the spokesman of the German government, Steffen Gebeshreit, said that Berlin has not yet received an official request from Warsaw regarding the permission to hand over the tanks that are in service with the Polish army. When such a request is credible, it will be processed in accordance with the procedures. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395326

[Jimbuna]

German arms manufacturer said they can provide 139 Leopard tanks to Ukraine

The German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall could deliver 139 Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine. The news comes at a time Germany is under pressure to send the tanks to Ukraine or give export permission to other Western countries to provide the tanks.

A spokesperson for Rheinmetall has said the company could deliver 29 of the Leopard 2A4 tanks as soon as April or May.

A further 22 tanks of the same make could also be transported to Ukraine by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

However, the spokesperson said the company has 88 older Lepard 1 tanks which could also be given to Ukraine but did not specify a potential time frame for delivery.

Leopard 2 tanks are considered one of the best-performing tank models worldwide and are renowned for their firepower, mobility and sturdy armour.

The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has described the Leopard 2 as "sort of like the [Volkswagen] Golf of the German tank industry: an all-rounder with world recognition".

Ukraine has called on its Western allies to provide the German tanks, as they could have a significant impact against Russia in breaking through their lines to recapture territory.

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, has said the tanks could have the power to "save the lives of many Ukrainian soldiers".

Germany has been reluctant to provide the tanks to Ukraine and give other countries export permission to send the tanks, due to the anti-militantism position it adopted after the Second World War.

On Friday, the United States and European counties met to ask Germany to give its approval for the delivery of the Lepard 2 tanks, but no agreement was reached.

However, Boris Pistorius, Germany's Defense Minister, has denied that his country was unilaterally stopping the tanks from reaching Ukraine, and said the German government was ready to act quickly if there was a shared consensus among NATO allies.

He said: "There are good reasons for the deliveries and there are good reasons against, and in view of the entire situation of a war that has been ongoing for almost one year, all pros and cons must be weighed very carefully."

Mr Pistorius added that the idea that "there is a united coalition and that Germany is standing in the way is wrong" and said: "There are many allies who say we share the view that I have put forward here."

Poland said they can send 14 Lepard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but cannot send them without Germany's permission as they are supplied under German license.

On Monday, Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said they would request permission from Germany but may send the tanks even if authorisation is not granted.

He said: "Even if ultimately we did not get this consent, within the framework of a small coalition... we will still hand over our tanks, together with others, to Ukraine."

A spokesperson for the German goverment has said they have not yet received any export request to deliver Leopard 2 tanks.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said the tanks will not change the outcome of the war and Ukraine's allies will regret their "delusions" in supporting the country.

He said: "We have repeatedly said that such supplies will not fundamentally change anything, but will add problems for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/german-arms-manufacturer-said-they-can-provide-139-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine/ar-AA16EU3l?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=a003a6ac56904b049fc152a4f8b90392

[Catfish]

As i saw in different media Germany will now indeed deliver tanks to Ukraine, was posted via DPA, "Die Zeit" and "Die Sueddeutsche Zeitung".
https://www.zeit.de/news/2023-01/24/kreise-deutschland-liefert-leopard-kampfpanzer-an-die-ukraine

Peskov already reacted saying it will not change the outcome of the war.

The US is said to also deliver Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
As some others said rightly before just having some modern tanks alone will indeed not win the fight and Ukraine will lose some western military hardware sooner or later, from during transport, to fight. It is not a "Wunderwaffe" and it certainly comes too late.

With Russia making a bit of progress I still do not see how Putin can win this against the rest of the world (sans China or Iran of course).
Even Morocco sends tanks now, and demographics do not favour Russia.

[Dargo]

Ukrainian officials say they have commitments from twelve NATO countries for about 100 Leopard-2s.


https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-expects-100-leopard-2-tanks-12-countries/story?id=96620510


In current German order of battle (OOB), one tank batallion would consist of 44 tanks. In the past it were 54 tanks, plus a dozen of engineer tanks, command tanks, supply vehicles.The Netherlands is considering buying 18 Leopard 2 tanks to donate to Ukraine.

[Catfish]

January 24th 2023:
Germany to approve sending heavy battle tanks to Ukraine

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-pledges-sweeping-personnel-changes-allies-jostle-over-tanks-2023-01-23/

[Jimbuna]

Scholz agreed to send tanks to Ukraine, - Der Spiegel

Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz agreed to provide Ukraine with leopard-2 tanks.

As Censor.NET informs, the influential German publication Der Spiegel writes about it.

"After months of debate, Chancellor Scholz decided to deliver battle tanks to Ukraine. Apparently, the allies also want to agree to this. Abrams tanks could have arrived from the USA," the message states. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395465

Netherlands plans to buy 18 Leopard-2 tanks from Germany and transfer them to Ukraine, - Rutte

Netherlands is considering a possibility of supplying Ukraine with 18 modern Leopard 2 main battle tanks, which they have leased from Germany.

"We have leased them, which means we can buy them, which means we can donate them," Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in an interview with FAZ and some other international media in Brussels on Tuesday, informs Censor.NЕТ.

He continued: "If it makes sense in a bigger aid package with other countries like Finland and Portugal, we are ready to consider it."

"But there is no decision yet," Rutte added.

Nevertheless, this is an important signal. Germany has also coordinated previous arms deliveries with the Netherlands, such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000.

"I have a great understanding of the Ukrainian request," Rutte said.

It is now up to the German government to decide whether to supply the Leopard.

"If Germany had said no, Poland, Finland, Portugal and ourselves would have to consider obtaining permission to export and supply the tanks on a bilateral basis. "But we are not at that stage yet, and I don't want to put pressure on Germany," Rutte continued.

He noted that a few days after Russia's attack on Ukraine, the German government allowed the Netherlands to supply Kyiv with German-made rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Berlin also decided to make such a delivery at that time. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395475

[Jimbuna]

German Ministry of Defense keeps 320 Leopard 2 tanks in its warehouses, - CNN

The German army has 320 Leopard 2 tanks in service, but has not disclosed how many of them are ready for combat.

According to Censor.NET with reference to the "Euro Integration", a representative of the German Ministry of Defense said in a comment CNN.

As the Ministry of Defense representative explained, these Leopard 2 tanks, all series A5, A6, and A7, are at different stages of the state, repair, and readiness for deployment.

The German army is no longer in service with Leopard 1, which is an older series of a main combat tank, she said. Similarly, the German army has more old LEOPARD 2 models such as A4.

Separately, the RheinMetall arms manufacturer stated last week, which has 139 Leopard tanks in stock, but only 29 Leopard 2 will be in a state of combat readiness this spring. Theoretically, these 29 cars could already promise third countries in the framework of tank exchange.

The rest of the tanks, according to the company, can be prepared for transfer for a longer period of time.

The RheinMetall representative on Tuesday reported CNN that there are 88 Leopard 1 tanks, several of them can be delivered in about nine months and the rest in a year.

Another German weapon manufacturer, FFG, has 99 tanks, but only an older Leopard 1 series, CNN said.

According to Bloomberg, Germany can give Poland permission to re -export the LEOPARD 2 tanks of German production in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, it became known that Germany received Poland's request on re -export of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395456

12 countries agree to hand over 100 Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv during Ramstein meeting, ABC News

During the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine (Ramstein "format), twelve countries agreed to provide Ukraine with LEOPARD 2 last week if the German government agrees to re -export.

As Censor.NET informs, with reference to "Euro Integration", this was reported by a high-ranking Ukrainian official in an interview with ABC News

According to the source, in addition to Poland and Finland, which have publicly agreed to transfer part of their Leopard 2, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark are also ready to provide tanks. However, in order for the "tank coalition" to continue discussing this issue, Germany's consent is needed.

As the manufacturer of the Leopard 2, Germany must approve an export license if the countries want to supply some of their tanks to a third country.

A Ukrainian correspondent for ABC News explained that Ukraine is running out of ammunition for Soviet-era tanks and is unable to produce new ammunition, "so that forced us to find an alternative way."

He praised Britain's decision to provide 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks, saying it helped "break through the wall" in terms of supplying tanks from other countries. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395440

Spain is ready to repair its Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine in month, - El Mundo

Spain can repair and modernize Leopard 2 tanks in a month and hand them over to Ukraine.

As Censor.NET informs, the local newspaper El Mundo writes about it.

As noted in the publication, dozens of tanks have been in warehouse storage in Zaragoza for about 11 years. The plan to convert them into machines for the army's engineering division was not implemented due to a lack of budget, but they are preserved according to the rules of conservation of armored vehicles.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized that the tanks were stored according to all conservation rules, so they do not need significant repairs. However, the country will not supply them to Ukraine without coordination with its allies.

"Spain will always act as it does now, in coordination with other allied countries," the minister noted. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395431

[Dargo]

Scholz agreed to send tanks to Ukraine, - Der Spiegel

Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz agreed to provide Ukraine with leopard-2 tanks.

As Censor.NET informs, the influential German publication Der Spiegel writes about it.

"After months of debate, Chancellor Scholz decided to deliver battle tanks to Ukraine. Apparently, the allies also want to agree to this. Abrams tanks could have arrived from the USA," the message states. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395465

Netherlands plans to buy 18 Leopard-2 tanks from Germany and transfer them to Ukraine, - Rutte

Netherlands is considering a possibility of supplying Ukraine with 18 modern Leopard 2 main battle tanks, which they have leased from Germany.

"We have leased them, which means we can buy them, which means we can donate them," Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in an interview with FAZ and some other international media in Brussels on Tuesday, informs Censor.NЕТ.

He continued: "If it makes sense in a bigger aid package with other countries like Finland and Portugal, we are ready to consider it."

"But there is no decision yet," Rutte added.

Nevertheless, this is an important signal. Germany has also coordinated previous arms deliveries with the Netherlands, such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000.

"I have a great understanding of the Ukrainian request," Rutte said.

It is now up to the German government to decide whether to supply the Leopard.

"If Germany had said no, Poland, Finland, Portugal and ourselves would have to consider obtaining permission to export and supply the tanks on a bilateral basis. "But we are not at that stage yet, and I don't want to put pressure on Germany," Rutte continued.

He noted that a few days after Russia's attack on Ukraine, the German government allowed the Netherlands to supply Kyiv with German-made rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Berlin also decided to make such a delivery at that time. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395475I have @OlafScholz on the phone crying. https://twitter.com/DarthPutinKGB/status/1617963480300257280

[Jimbuna]

Good one :haha:

[Dargo]

Head of Russia's Wagner military Yevgeny Prigozhin, unhappy everyone thinks his rapist, murdering, criminal, lowlife soldiers are rapist, murdering, criminal lowlife soldiers. Wants a law against anyone "discrediting" his rapists. :haha: https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-1-24-23/h_0a6a8e8890bf87e3e1760c0a9ed12e21

[Skybird]

At least "one company of Leopard 2A6" shoulk be send, according to various German media. Possibly more. Up to 19 tanks in total.

A6 has significantly improved protection levels over A4. The cannon and weapon system have been replaced: so to get more power and greater foring range. Also, new KE (SABOT) ammunition. Commander got a new own thermal. New smoke grenades. Added armour. New Electric turret engine/cannon stabilization. New computer system. New track skirts. New spall-liners, new hatches.

Good to see they do not let go simple refurbished A4s. If they fall prey to Russian tanks, it would not be nice advertising for Rheinmetal et. al.

Rumours stubbornly fly around that the Americans first agreed to send at least a symbolic amount of Abrams before Scholz gave his permission.

[Jimbuna]

In Berdiansk, car with traitor Mamai, who organized pseudo-referendum and "surrendered" patriots to occupiers, was blown up. She is in hospital, Fedorov. PHOTOS

In the temporarily occupied Berdiansk, a car was blown up by Valentina Mamai.

This was announced by the mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, Censor.NET reports.

"A warm greeting in the form of an exploding car was received by a local lover of the Russian world, Valentina Mamai.

She gladly met the occupiers, organized a pseudo-referendum, and betrayed the patriots of Berdiansk. Now in the hospital, he is shaking from fear for his life," Fedorov said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395415

[Dargo]

At least "one company of Leopard 2A6" shoulk be send, according to various German media. Possibly more. Up to 19 tanks in total.

A6 has significantly improved protection levels over A4. The cannon and weapon system have been replaced: so to get more power and greater foring range. Also, new KE (SABOT) ammunition. Commander got a new own thermal. New smoke grenades. Added armour. New Electric turret engine/cannon stabilization. New computer system. New track skirts. New spall-liners, new hatches.

Good to see they do not let go simple refurbished A4s. If they fall prey to Russian tanks, it would not be nice advertising for Rheinmetal et. al.

Rumours stubbornly fly around that the Americans first agreed to send at least a symbolic amount of Abrams before Scholz gave his permission.The leopard 2 from Poland and Norway are the A4

[Skybird]

The leopard 2 from Poland and Norway are the A4
Yes, but the Germans seem to send A6s themselves. :03:

The difference is even visually easy to make. A4s have flat frontal turret armour, like Tigers in WW2; A5, A6 and A7 and their international derivates have wedge armour.

A6 is the German standard tank, only a minority of vehicles are modernised to A7 standard.

I am surprised a bit, I must admit. The time argument - many months to refurbish industry A4s - is understandable why obviously active BW tanks get send, but that it is not the around 20 A5s that are now exclusively used in a minor role to act as Opfor tanks in manouvers, but active A6 tanks from the BW pool, really surprises me. I expected a first delivery of these A5s, and later maybe some refurbished A4s. Not A6s.

[Skybird]

Did I quote German media with rumours of the US sending at least a symbolic number of tanks to make the Germans play ball? Forget it, talk now is of 30-50 Abrams - in US media.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-leaning-sending-abrams-tanks-ukraine-sources/story?id=96638875


If all this is true, numbers start to grow into interesting and militarily relevant realms. 14 Polish, 14+ German, 14 British, 30-50 American, maybe 19 Dutch, possibly more tanks from Portugal, and I think Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Maybe Spain.

[Skybird]

That did not take long - the debate about F-16s and other combat aircraft, has already now flared up in full. :D

The answre of course must be: YES.

We better get used to the idea sooner rather later: to send everything we can.

I am certain that they will not get F-35s, as Zelensky has demanded today, however. And Tornadoe in my opinion make no sense, as explained earlier. But Gripens, maybe, ore Rafales. I am not certain about France on Rafales and Leclercs, however.

This war will last much longer. It will not be over this summer or autumn. Poissible even that it kind fo stalls in palce and "freezes". In nthis case an ongoing uparmin g of the ukriane is necessary, like the West must practically in parts renew its own defences from scratch.

Remaining trade with Russia and remaning relations must be cut. We must lower a new iron curtain.

I - ironically - sometimes remarked (in totally different contexts) how much I "missed the cold war" and wished the iron curtain back. Well, it seems I get my way. :roll:

[Dargo]

Did I quote German media with rumours of the US sending at least a symbolic number of tanks to make the Germans play ball? Forget it, talk now is of 30-50 Abrams - in US media.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-leaning-sending-abrams-tanks-ukraine-sources/story?id=96638875


If all this is true, numbers start to grow into interesting and militarily relevant realms. 14 Polish, 14+ German, 14 British, 30-50 American, maybe 19 Dutch, possibly more tanks from Portugal, and I think Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Maybe Spain.Dutch will likely buy the leased ones (18 leopards 2A6) from Germany and send these to Ukraine.

[Dargo]

That did not take long - the debate about F-16s and other combat aircraft, has already now flared up in full. :D

The answre of course must be: YES.

We better get used to the idea sooner rather later: to send everything we can.

I am certain that they will not get F-35s, as Zelensky has demanded today, however. And Tornadoe in my opinion make no sense, as explained earlier. But Gripens, maybe, ore Rafales. I am not certain about France on Rafales and Leclercs, however.

This war will last much longer. It will not be over this summer or autumn. Poissible even that it kind fo stalls in palce and "freezes". In nthis case an ongoing uparmin g of the ukriane is necessary, like the West must practically in parts renew its own defences from scratch.

Remaining trade with Russia and remaning relations must be cut. We must lower a new iron curtain.

I - ironically - sometimes remarked (in totally different contexts) how much I "missed the cold war" and wished the iron curtain back. Well, it seems I get my way. :roll:The Netherlands changes from F-16 to F-35, so we have enough to supply the Ukraine air force.

[Skybird]

If you are not careful, you will end up with Russians sailing around in their BAVs in your Isselmeer. :O:

[Dargo]

If you are not careful, you will end up with Russians sailing around in their BAVs in your Isselmeer. :O:After MH17 we could not retaliate, but now we will have our revenge, and we are rich bitches to pay for it all :D

[Jimbuna]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says his country will send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

Scholz has told a cabinet meeting that Germany will send 14 Leopard tanks and give permission for other countries to send theirs too.

The move follows weeks of international pressure from Kyiv and its allies to approve the export of the German-made tanks.

Public opinion in Germany is divided and Scholz is said to have been insistent that the US jointly sends its M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden's administration is also expected to announce plans to send at least 30 of the advanced combat vehicles.

Ukrainian officials have welcomed what they see as a potential game-changer in the war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky believes his country needs at least 300 battle tanks to defeat Russia.

Russia's ambassador in Washington has warned that any deliveries of US tanks would be a blatant provocation.

[Jimbuna]

Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw killed in Soledar rescue attempt

British nationals Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw, who were reported missing in eastern Ukraine, have been killed, their families have said.

Mr Bagshaw, 47, and Mr Parry, 28, were last seen heading to the city of Soledar on 6 January.

Mr Bagshaw's family said the pair were attempting to rescue an elderly woman when their cars were hit by a shell.

The family of Mr Parry said the men had died while "attempting a humanitarian evacuation".

Earlier this month, the Russian mercenary group Wagner claimed the body of one of the men had been found.

Soledar had been the focus of intense fighting and earlier this month Russia's military claimed to have captured the Ukrainian salt-mine time town after a long battle.

In a statement issued by the UK Foreign Office, Rob, Christine and Katy Parry wrote: "It is with great sadness we have to announce that our beloved Chrissy has been killed along with his colleague Andrew Bagshaw whilst attempting a humanitarian evacuation from Soledar, eastern Ukraine."

Speaking of Mr Parry, originally from Truro in Cornwall, they said: "His selfless determination in helping the old, young and disadvantaged there has made us and his larger family extremely proud. We never imagined we would be saying goodbye to Chris when he had such a full life ahead of him. He was a caring son, fantastic brother, a best friend to so many and a loving partner to Olga.

"Chris was a confident, outward looking and adventurous young man who was loyal to everyone he knew. He lived and worked away as a software engineer but Cornwall was always his home. He loved rock climbing, cycling, running and skydiving and wanted to travel the world.

"He found himself drawn to Ukraine in March in its darkest hour at the start of the Russian invasion and helped those most in need, saving over 400 lives plus many abandoned animals.

"It is impossible to put into words how much he will be missed but he will forever be in our hearts.

"We feel so privileged that he chose our family to be part of."

Mr Parry and Mr Bagshaw had been in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine doing voluntary work.

Scientific researcher Mr Bagshaw was a British national but lived in New Zealand. He had been a volunteer in Ukraine since April.

His parents, Dame Sue and Prof Phil Bagshaw, said the men had been delivering food and medicines and helping the elderly.

In a statement released via news outlets they said Mr Parry and Mr Bagshaw "were attempting to rescue an elderly woman from Soledar, in an area of intense military action, when their car was hit by an artillery shell.

"Andrew selflessly took many personal risks and saved many lives; we love him and are very proud indeed of what he did."

They added: "The world needs to be strong and stand with Ukraine, giving them the military support they need now, and help to rebuild their shattered country after the war."

Belgian journalist, Arnaud de Decker, who interviewed the pair three days before they went missing, described the evacuations they were carrying out in Ukraine as "one of the most dangerous jobs you could do right now".

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the journalist said Mr Parry had just returned from an evacuation mission and "seemed very experienced".

"He saved a lot of lives", said Mr Decker, adding that Mr Parry's actions were "truly heroic".

Mr Parry's last words on camera were "as long as people are willing to be evacuated, I will be ready to go", Mr Decker told the BBC.

"I think you can only conclude one thing, that's a very inspiring personality - I'm sure that the family must be very proud of the actions of Chris."

The Foreign Office has previously warned against all travel to Ukraine, saying there is "a real risk to life".

British nationals still in Ukraine should leave immediately if it is safe to do so, it said.

Ukraine's airspace is closed and for those in the vicinity of military activity, the Foreign Office has advised people to stay indoors, away from windows and remain alert to developments.

Mr Parry previously spoke to BBC Radio Cornwall on 2 January from the Bakhmut area in eastern Ukraine.

Explaining his motivation for being there, he said he wanted to help children in particular.

"To be able to get them out of these war-torn areas, it makes it definitely more worthwhile than anything else that I can imagine," he said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64394105

[Skybird]

In a Bundestag debate Scholz ruled out that there would ever be NATO ground troops sent to Ukraine, or that Germany would hand over combat aircraft to Ukraine. Germany wills send 14 Leopards, one company.


A speaker of the Bundeswehr association said the tansk are good for Ukraine, but their loss for the Bundeswehr would reduce Germany'S own defence capability even further, because since the Zeitenwende speech by Scholz nothing has happened to counter the downward trend: no orders for new tanks or ammunitions have been placed. An order for the F-35 wa spalced recently, and the totla ammoutn of buying power of the special budget saw its reduction by inflaiton by 10-15%.



"Zeitenwende"...? Not in sight. To the relief of many in the SPD, I suppose.

[Jimbuna]

Hammer blow for Vladimir Putin as Ukraine to get 200 tanks from West

The West is poised to send nearly 200 battle tanks to Ukraine in a potential hammer blow that could help Kyiv win its war against Vladimir Putin.

It came after Germany finally succumbed to weeks of international pressure and agreed to donate some of its Leopard 2 tanks.

Berlin also relented on allowing other countries, such as Poland, to re-export German-made Leopard 2s, which could happen within days.

Meanwhile, the United States dropped its opposition to sending M1 Abrams tanks - potentially dozens of them - in a major escalation of its involvement.

The UK has already become the first ally to pledge tanks to Ukraine, having said it would send 14 of its Challenger 2s.

Under international agreements, other countries must be granted permission by Berlin to send their Leopard 2s.

Officials in Kyiv have suggested a dozen nations were willing to donate a total of up to 100 of them, if given permission by the German government.

Germany itself was reportedly preparing to send 14 tanks, with Olaf Scholz, the country’s chancellor, expected to make an announcement as soon as Wednesday.

“Today, the chancellor made a decision that no one took lightly,” said Christian Duerr, parliamentary leader of the co-governing Free Democrats. “The fact that Germany will support Ukraine with the Leopard tank is a strong sign of solidarity.”

US officials suggested their plans were being finalised, with options to send up to 50 Abrams. An announcement is expected later this week.

It brought the total number of tanks Kyiv can expect to have at its disposal to nearly 200, with potential for more.

Meanwhile, Switzerland, which has a long-held tradition of neutrality, appeared to be moving towards allowing other countries to re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine - including Piranha tanks and anti-aircraft guns.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has long pleaded for tanks, which would be key to punching through Russian defences in a Ukrainian counter-offensive to regain its territory.

Andriy Yermak, his chief of staff, said: “This is going to become a real punching fist of democracy against the autocracy from the bog."

Kirill Mikhailov, a Kyiv-based military researcher, told The Telegraph that deliveries of tanks on that scale could "change the course of the war".

He said: “We’ve already passed the end of the beginning. What you need now is to be able to replenish the Ukrainians to the point where the Russians will constantly be on the retreat.”

He said the US would be likely to settle on 50 Abrams, adding: "It is the minimum that makes sense logistically on the battlefield."

Sending less would mean the Abrams’ "usefulness would outweigh their strain on logistics chains".

The developments resolved a period of protracted friction over the issue of sending tanks, which had exposed a diplomatic rift in the Western alliance.

US officials had maintained that Abrams tanks were unsuitable for use in Ukraine because they are difficult to operate and maintain, require extensive training and need frequent refuelling.

They have long believed Germany's Leopard 2s were a better fit, because they have interchangeable parts and are easy to maintain.

However, Mr Scholz had refused to allow their use, saying Berlin would not "go alone".

The White House and Pentagon were caught off guard by the strength of the German reluctance.

No agreement was reached in a meeting of 50 Allied defence ministers at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, on Friday.

But following intense behind-the-scenes negotiations, including one senior US official reportedly "reading the riot act" to his German counterpart, a transatlantic tank deal appeared to have been struck.

US officials cautioned that there had been no final decision in Washington, but their position was softening and a "significant" number of Abrams could now be sent.

Shortly before the German and US reversals emerged, Chris Coons, a Democrat senator and a close ally of Joe Biden, the US president, told Politico: "If the Germans continue to say we will only send or release Leopards on the condition that Americans send Abrams, we should send Abrams."

It could take months to deliver the 70-ton Abrams tanks and train Ukrainian forces in how to use them.

However, the change in US position appears to have helped to unlock the German resistance.

Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland’s prime minister, called on Berlin "not to procrastinate, not to delay, but just to take brave decisions".

He said Berlin's longstanding purchases of Russian energy meant they had a "special responsibility" in the conflict.

In a further sign of a break in the deadlock, Berlin suggested that nations willing to donate their Leopards could begin training Ukrainian crews.

It came as Jens Stoltenberg, Nato’s secretary-general - who was meeting Boris Pistorius, the German defence minister, for talks in Berlin - said he was "confident" of a tank deal.

The US has already authorised the sending of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Stryker armoured personnel carriers, which the Pentagon believes are better suited for the challenge in Ukraine.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said the new tank deliveries “would bring nothing good to the future relations”.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/hammer-blow-for-vladimir-putin-as-ukraine-to-get-200-tanks-from-west/ar-AA16Hxw1?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=87374a57651e40cda965655c75b079a5

[Jimbuna]

Putin's forces floundering as 'experimental' tank rushed out despite poor performance

Russia is preparing to rush the deployment of the country's most advanced battle tanks to the war in Ukraine. Frontline forces are reported to have had mixed first impressions after seeing the T-14 in operation, with the tanks described as being in very poor condition.

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has previously described the production of the T014 as "an experimental-industrial batch" after acknowledging problems with the engine and thermal imaging system.

An MoD intelligence report on Wednesday said: "As previously reported, Russia has worked to prepare a small number of T-14 Armata main battle tanks for the type's first operational deployment in Ukraine.

"However, in recent months, deployed Russian forces were reluctant to accept the first tranche of T-14 allocated to them because the vehicles were in such poor condition.

"It is unclear exactly what aspects of the vehicles prompted this reaction, but within the last three years, Russian officials have publicly described problems with the T-14's engine and thermal imaging systems.

"In 2021, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu described the planned production run for 2022 as only an 'experimental-industrial' batch. Therefore, it is unlikely that any deployed T-14 tanks will have met the usual standards for new equipment to be deemed operational."
It comes as dozens of Nato's modern battle tanks are to be sent to Ukraine to bolster the fight against Vladimir Putin's invasion, ending weeks of diplomatic deadlock over the supply of armour to the country.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz approved the supply of the Leopard 2 to Kyiv, which would also allow other allies operating the tanks to re-export them.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was the "right decision", and the move would bolster Ukraine's "defensive firepower".

In response to Germany's announcement, Mr Sunak said: "The right decision by Nato allies and friends to send main battle tanks to Ukraine.

"Alongside Challenger 2s, they will strengthen Ukraine's defensive firepower.

"Together, we are accelerating our efforts to ensure Ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace."

The US is also expected to send around 30 of its M1 Abrams tanks to the warzone.

The UK had already become the first Western nation to promise main battle tanks, with around 14 Challenger 2s pledged by Mr Sunak.

In response to Germany's announcement, Mr Sunak said: "The right decision by Nato allies and friends to send main battle tanks to Ukraine.

"Alongside Challenger 2s, they will strengthen Ukraine's defensive firepower. Together, we are accelerating our efforts to ensure Ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace."

Meanwhile, defence analyst Nicholas Drummond had told Express.co.uk that the UK military must be armed with state-of-the-art armour amid fears its aging and hollowed-out tank force could be unable to prevail against modern foes.

Mr Drummond said: "Right up until 24 February last year, people were saying that tanks were a 'sunset capability'. A year later, people realise that tanks remain a fundamental engine of modern warfare because nothing else provides the brute force shock effect that tanks offer.

"If you want to destroy an enemy force or recapture lost ground, you need a tank. While tanks are vulnerable to anti-tank missiles, they are not as vulnerable as unprotected soldiers are to artillery.

"This means armies need armoured vehicles of all types to prevail on today's battlefield."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/putin-s-forces-floundering-as-experimental-tank-rushed-out-despite-poor-performance/ar-AA16IX58?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=c72c9c57df8447deb95822a08671aaf6

[Exocet25fr]

Soledar is falling

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/world/europe/ukraine-soledar-retreat.html

[Jimbuna]

Russia 'almost' in all-out war with Ukraine's Western allies

Russia is "almost" in an all-out war with Ukraine's Western allies.

The Kremlin's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov made the remarks on a visit to South Africa as the war with Ukraine approaches its first anniversary.

Lavrov claims that the West has been planning to eradicate Russian "language" and "culture" for decades and that the war in Ukraine is the stage for them to carry out the plot.

He said in a press conference: "When we speak about what is happening in Ukraine - it is a war, not a hybrid one, almost a real war, that the West has been plotting for a long time against Russia.

"The goal is to destroy everything Russian, from language to culture, that has been in Ukraine for centuries and to prohibit people from speaking their mother tongue."

Lavrov claimed that Moscow wanted to negotiate with Kyiv in the early weeks of the conflict but they were prevented by Ukraine's Western allies.

Russian president Vladimir Putin made similar remarks about the conflict without any evidence last year.

Lavrov said: "It is well known that we supported the proposal of the Ukrainian side to negotiate early in the special military operation and by the end of March, the two delegations agreed on the principle to settle this conflict.

"It is well known and was published openly that our American, British, and some European colleagues told Ukraine that it is too early to deal, and the arrangement which was almost agreed was never revisited by the Kyiv regime."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-almost-in-all-out-war-with-ukraine-s-western-allies/ar-AA16GTcF?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=5cc9996a271247809b10259127272d3f

[Skybird]

FOCUS analyses:
-------------------
A coup by Scholz - for which he pays a triple price

Half pulled, half sank - is the tank deal really a success for Olaf Scholz? What can be learned from this historic decision. And what not.

Possibly the most important sentence this time comes from Andrijk Melnyk, the much-maligned in Germany: "A tank double whammy from the chancellor." This was how Ukraine's deputy foreign minister, with intimate knowledge of Germany from his years as ambassador in Berlin, commented on the Western Allies' agreement to send Leopards to the war victim after all.

The double whammy of Melnyk's military double whammy is having convinced the Americans to send Abrams battle tanks to the Ukrainian front in their turn. In fact, the Americans - more precisely, the military leadership - had refused to deliver the Abrams - with specious arguments, more on that in a moment.

Without American tank deliveries, there would be no German tank deliveries - this was the joke Olaf Scholz had made. It was a high risk, and Germany will probably have to pay a price for it. The risk is that this maneuver will nevertheless call into question the American loyalty to the alliance, which is beyond doubt. Indirectly, but undoubtedly. Why?

Scholz's "logic" went like this: If the Russians were to escalate and attack Germany in response to German Leo deliveries, however, it would not be clear until the American Abrams delivery that the Americans would protect Germany from Russia. The explosiveness arises from the reverse conclusion: without U.S. Abrams, no more American protection for Germany.

It will not be possible to find out exactly how it was, perhaps not for years. Did the Americans push the Germans or did the Germans push the Americans? And what game did Poland play? Who was informed about what and when? And: Did Russian threats play a role in all this - or not?

Each of these questions is important, strategic conclusions arise from each answer. It is all the more painful when, as a journalist, you have to write down that you don't know, or not precisely enough.

What can be said is that the initial American refusal to deliver Abrams was specious. The justification, for example, that the Abrams was not logistically suitable because it runs on aviation fuel was a smokescreen. First of all, the Abrams also runs on diesel, just like the Leopards, in Australia, and secondly, the Poles ordered Abrams, 366 of them, 116 used and 250 new. Why would Abrams work in Poland, but not in Ukraine?

What else can be said is that the Americans, although they supply by far the most, are also hesitant, not only lastly about the Abrams. They have supplied Ukraine with defensive missiles with only a short range - 80 kilometers instead of 300. The goal behind this: To prevent Ukraine from attacking military targets on Russian territory.

Most recently, the "Washington Post" also reported that Americans and Ukrainians had intense discussions about Crimea. Are we to believe that the Russians would prevent the Ukrainians from retaking the strategically important peninsula with nuclear missiles? The Ukrainian goal of ousting the Russians "completely" from territory occupied in violation of international law does not seem to be as self-evident to the Americans as has been publicly claimed.

What can also be said: Scholz wanted to keep Biden in the game, more than that: to keep him in the game as a demonstrative leading power. There are several reasons for this. One is so that Germany would not be primarily responsible for the Western allies in Ukraine. The second is that the Russians know that, too. But Germany also has to pay a price for this, and so does Scholz:

The latter's claim to be a "leading power" has come to an end. Not only that: The claim that the Europeans must all organize their own security together has also come to an end. Germany's security and the security of Europeans from Russian aggression is guaranteed by America. The leading power is the USA, and will remain so for years, if not decades.

One can find this reassuring or disturbing. "Europeans" will find it disturbing, "transatlanticists" reassuring. In any case, the war in Ukraine teaches that Europeans cannot defend themselves alone as long as there is no European army including European nuclear missiles. That sounds martial, and it is.

Scholz will now say that he did what was necessary. And he did. However: very late and under pressure. The chancellor can justify the delay. Ever since the war began almost a year ago, neither Germany nor the United States has gone "all in." From day one, the tactic has been "trial and error" - deliver something and then see how the Russians react to it first.


This can also be studied in the short history of battle tank deliveries, which took place on an ascending defensive-offensive line. First the Gepard was sent to Ukraine, then the Marder, and only then the Leopard.

Scholz's tactics came at a double price: His hesitation fed doubts among allies in Eastern Europe, Poland and the Baltic states about Germany's reliability as an ally. Scholz, who wants to be European after all, is driving the Eastern Europeans into the arms of the Americans.

What can finally be said is that if this is a success of Scholz, it was his second success since the beginning of the war. The first is the final document of the recent G-20 summit, which not only condemned nuclear war, but the threat of it at once. The document was signed by the Russians - and the Chinese, no doubt at Scholz's insistence. Even if it is in the self-interest of the Chinese, who want to continue to trade intensively with the countries of the West.

Conclusion: Late, but still - Ukraine is being helped to help itself. And thus also us.

--------------------------------------

[Jimbuna]

Wagner Group to be crippled by US as country tipped to use ‘all appropriate tools'

Russia's Wagner Group faces a major threat from the White House today which said it would "pursue" the recently outlawed mercenary group with "every appropriate tool". Ned Price, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, said the US will hit the groups operations in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world.

His remarks come as the paramilitary group faces Western backlash in light of claims the paramilitary group had been buying arms from North Korea.

The US plans to hit Wagner with new sanctions to cut off the group's funding and is expected to take more action in the near future, the White House confirmed last week.

Mr Price said in a public briefing today: "We are going to use every appropriate tool to pursue the Wagner Group, to attempt to counter its destabilizing actions, its destabilising influence - again in the Ukrainian context and more broadly as well."

Earlier in the briefing, Price highlighted an earlier round of sanctions in March 2022 which aimed to limit funds to the paramilitary group leader's Internet Research Agency which he said was used to "propagate his global influence operations".

The latest tranche of sanctions on Wagner are set to freeze any assets Wagner Group has in the States and ban Americans from providing funds, goods, or services.

Wagner is thought to have bought weapons including ballistic missiles and rockets from North Korea.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the group, recently sent a letter to the White House denying these claims, said Price.

The letter is said to have arrived shortly after the government leaked satellite images of a Russian train on route to North Korea to pick up an arms order.

Last week, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby commented on the leaked information.

He said: "On November 19, North Korea loaded the railcars with shipping containers, and the train returned to Russia.

"While we assess that the amount of material delivered to Wagner has not changed battlefield dynamics in Ukraine, we expect that it will continue to receive North Korean weapons systems."

Kirby also accused them of "committing atrocities and human rights abuses in Ukraine".

There is a documented history of Wagner's involvement in human rights violations in the Central African Republic, one of the areas where it operates.

Torture, disappearances, executions and rape are some of the atrocities recorded by United Nations investigators.

Fighters trained by Wagner in Sudan were also accused of killing over 100 protestors in the capital Khartoum.

Wagner mercenaries are understood to be working in the former French colony to protect the poor country's regime.

They cover up their brutal actions with giant propaganda campaigns, France 24 reported.

It is often paid in mineral resources for its work.

Its boss Prigozhin was indicted by the US Department of Justice for financing troll farms said to have interfered with the US election in 2016.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/wagner-group-to-be-crippled-by-us-as-country-tipped-to-use-all-appropriate-tools/ar-AA16GYXD?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=26b2fd43941348b38008250d4e32961d

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5TEJ2EvWWA

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW7ZOtxiJ-8

[Jimbuna]

Next package of EU sanctions against Russian Federation will be most severe, - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland expects that the next package of EU sanctions against Russia will be the most severe.

This was stated by the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Pavel Jablonskyi, Censor.NET reports with reference to Euro Integration.

Permanent Representative of Poland to the EU Andrzej Sados said earlier that the work in Brussels on the 10th package of EU sanctions against Russia and another against Belarus has slowed down. The European Commission has not yet proposed new restrictions. "Poland is disappointed by the lack of proposals from the commission." - said Sadosh.

Jablonski said the diplomatic process was ongoing and that Poland hoped the adopted package would be "as strict and tough as possible." According to him, the previous packages of sanctions covered more and more industries and spheres, after which it became clear that "new ways of circumventing sanctions are constantly appearing."

"Today we are focusing on sealing this process, that is, that any entity that is involved in circumventing sanctions (...) will also be subject to these sanctions. This is the direction in which we are moving now, this is what currently being discussed in Brussels". - he said.

Asked if Hungary is a brake on the introduction of new sanctions, he said that "unfortunately, there are even more brakes." "There are countries that would very much like to appear as if they always stand up for values, always oppose aggression, they go very far in their declarations, but when it comes to concrete decisions, this determination is already weakening and this freedom, of course, is becoming much more , much less." - he said.

Yablonsky estimated that there are always certain interest groups that try to dilute and weaken sanctions in order to continue making money from business related to Russia. He added that there is always some compromise at the end of the process when forming sanctions packages.

The latest, ninth package of EU sanctions was adopted in December. Although the member states, which are in favor of strengthening the sanctions policy against Russia, were not completely satisfied with this decision, its adoption was due to the belief that at the end of the year, the EU should demonstrate unity on this issue. As a result, some countries agreed to make concessions and give up some of their demands in order to reach a consensus.

As reported, on Wednesday the EU ambassadors approved the extension of all economic sanctions applied by the European Union against the Russian Federation for its aggression against Ukraine for the next 6 months. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395646

At critical moment of war, German tanks can help Ukraine defend itself and win, - Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the supply of tanks by Germany will allow Ukraine to win.

He announced this on Twitter, Censor.NET reports.

"I strongly welcome the leading role of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Germany in providing Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine in consultation with other NATO members and partners. At a critical moment in the Russian war, they can help Ukraine defend itself, win and dominate as an independent state", - noted the Secretary General of the Alliance.

It will be recalled that earlier the German government announced that it would transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. At the first stage, Germany will provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from the Bundeswehr. Other European partners will in turn transfer Leopard-2 tanks. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395649

Europe is preparing to transfer about 80 Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine, - Spiegel

At this stage, the European allies are discussing the joint transfer to Ukraine of a total of 80 Leopard-2 main battle tanks to form two battalions of 40 vehicles.

As reported Censor.NET with reference to Euro Integration, this was written by Spiegel.

It is already officially known that Germany will provide a company of 14 Leopard-2 A6 tanks from the Bundeswehr's warehouses at the first stage. Obviously, these tanks should be part of the same battalion, which should be part of the "Leopards" from Finland, Spain and the Netherlands - all of them also modification 2 A6.

The second battalion is supposed to be formed by "Leopards" from Poland and Norway, which have Leopard-2A4.

It should be noted that neither Finland, nor Spain, nor Norway have yet officially confirmed that they are ready to help by transferring tanks.

Also, according to Spiegel, on the evening of January 25, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are planning a joint telephone conversation to coordinate further steps regarding the tanks. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395629

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOOZE0gCdjE

[Skybird]

Biden says US will send 31 M1 tanks.

[August]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOOZE0gCdjE




Hawaii is a long way from the Ukraine.

[Dargo]

Two more Bayraktar TB2 drones will be transferred to Ukraine for free, The Baykar company said. https://twitter.com/GeneralStaffUA/status/1618350734386548736

[Jimbuna]

Hawaii is a long way from the Ukraine.

I think they're intent is to make a nuisance of themselves.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6IqKtI_01Q

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgj3BdtyZLs

[Dargo]

After the new support to Ukraine, Russia as usual strikes with large missile attack across Ukraine still thinks this can break the Western Ukraine alliance. :down:

[Catfish]

Yep. Maybe we should let just one missile w/o payload land in the red square, just to show them no one is afraid of Putin.

[Dargo]

Yep. Maybe we should let just one missile w/o payload land in the red square, just to show them no one is afraid of Putin.Only answer is "Free the Falcons!". :D

[August]

Yep. Maybe we should let just one missile w/o payload land in the red square, just to show them no one is afraid of Putin.


Use paint for a payload. Make Red Square Blue and Yellow. :)

[les green01]

Use paint for a payload. Make Red Square Blue and Yellow. :)

We got our own ammunition, it’s filled with paint. When we fire it, it makes… pretty pictures. Scares the hell outta people! We have a loudspeaker here, and when we go into battle we play music, very loud. It kind of… calms us down.sounds like oddball agrees with you just don't forget the loud music

[Skybird]

Yep. Maybe we should let just one missile w/o payload land in the red square, just to show them no one is afraid of Putin.It does not need expensive payload to teach them. Only a Cessna 172 flown by Mathias Rust. :O:

[Jimbuna]

It does not need expensive payload to teach them. Only a Cessna 172 flown by Mathias Rust. :O:

That thought did cross my mind :)

[Jimbuna]

'Leave it to me'-Putin's chilling words to Xi Jinping before he 'ordered' downing of MH17

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will today announce whether it will hear a Dutch case against Russia over the downing of Flight MH17. In 2014, a Malaysian Airlines passenger flight was shot at while flying over the east of Ukraine, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin began his offensive in the Donbas region. All 283 passengers aboard were killed when the plane was hit by a Russian-made missile, fired by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

The Dutch government says that Russian disinformation about the Kremlin's involvement amounts to a violation of the relatives' human rights. Russia has consistently denied all allegations.

Investigators have for years attempted to find the true culprit of the crime, the roads often leading directly to Moscow.

Florence De Changy, a foreign correspondent for the French publication Le Monde threw her hat into the ring in with her 2021 investigative book, The Disappearing Act: The Impossible Case of MH370.

While the disaster was separate from Flight MH17, Ms De Changy suggests that the two were linked, claiming that Putin himself may have been personally responsible to achieve his political ambitions.

Among these goals were to get "revenge" on the US, and to improve his relationship with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping.

Both Russia and China, Ms De Changy says, suspect the US of shooting down Flight MH370 - which disappeared mid-flight - in March 2014 while it was flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, months before the shooting of Flight MH17.

Aboard MH370 were 227 passengers and 12 crew of whom 153 were Chinese citizens, all presumed dead.

Linking the two incidents, Ms De Changy writes about a source who appears to allege Putin's hand in the Flight MH17 disaster. The source says that Putin, speaking to Xi after Flight MH370, said: "What happened is not acceptable. Leave it to me".

Ms De Changy argues that downing MH17 gave the Russian President a chance to send a message to Washington: "You mess with us, and we'll mess with you."

In an interview with The Sun, she said: "What is obvious is that the likelihood of this double accident is basically beyond statistics.

"To have two planes of the same model and the same company destroyed in four months should not be treated as just bad luck."

She continued: "I noticed that Xi and Putin were getting closer than ever during that period of time and they happened to have been physically together in Brazil when MH17 was downed. The day before, they talked of taking their relationship to a new 'higher level' and Putin mentions 'striking the iron while it's hot'.

"I also discussed this [theory] with people in that world [intelligence services] and to my great surprise, the more informed and high ranking they were, the less shocked they seemed about this hypothesis.

"In fact, one told me, the more outrageous the more likely it is to be true, in this kind of operation."

Others have also made the link. Jeff Wise, a journalist, writing in his book, The Plane That Wasn't There, argues that Russia may well have downed both Flight MH370 and MH17 in order to tell the West: "You can hurt us with sanctions, but don't sleep too soundly at night."

Despite the depth of reports, investigations, testimonies, and arguments, officials are currently no closer to determining the truth of the matter.

This week, however, the Dutch government could advance efforts if they successfully win over the ECHR.

At this stage, the ECHR will only rule on whether the criteria of the case are met for it to deal with the application.

But even if the court does agree to hear the Dutch case, years could pass before a ruling is issued.

If in that eventuality the court rules that Russia is guilty, Moscow could be ordered to pay the victims' relatives substantial sums.

Last November, two Russians and a Ukrainian were found guilty by a Dutch court at the Schiphol Judicial Complex of murder in absentia for their part in the MH17 disaster.

Their whereabouts are unknown, but multiple reports suggest they currently reside in Russia.

It was concluded that the missile had been fired deliberately in order to bring down a plane, regardless of whether those involved believed it was a military vehicle rather than a civilian.

Moscow has several times denied any involvement in the downing of MH17, describing the Dutch verdict as scandalous and political point-scoring.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/leave-it-to-me-putin-s-chilling-words-to-xi-jinping-before-he-ordered-downing-of-mh17/ar-AA16JiOh?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=226e602518bf4cc5b1de2e53ba6aa5bb

[Jimbuna]

Vladimir Putin plots to seize US weapons from Afghanistan

Vladimir Putin plans to seize US weapons left behind during the evacuation of Afghanistan.

A Kremlin insider claims that the Russian despot is in negotiations with the Taliban to recognise the nation's government.

In return, Putin wants US equipment snatched from Afghanistan by the Taliban to be handed over - according to Telegram channel General SVR - which claims to be fed information by a Kremlin insider.

American troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021 as the Taliban surged across the nation and it is thought that fighters stole as many as half a million weapons and up to 50,000 vehicles.

The General SVR channel claims: "Putin is overseeing negotiations with the Taliban to recognise the Taliban government.

"In return, the Russian leadership is offering a major arms and military equipment swap.

"Putin reported that the Taliban possess weapons and equipment including those seized after coming to power in Afghanistan, that are scarce for the Russian Army at the front.

"People initiated into the details of the negotiations say that the Taliban are extremely surprised by such proposals, but they are discussing them in earnest."

Ukraine not interested in peace talks with ‘nobody’ Putin, Zelensky says

Volodymyr Zelensky has branded Vladimir Putin a “nobody” and suggested it is too late for face-to-face peace talks with the Russian leader to make any difference.

In an interview with Sky News, Mr Zelensky described the Russian president as a “man who said one thing and then did another” as he said he was not interested in meeting him.

Speaking in English, he said: “It is not interesting for me. Not interesting to meet, not interesting to speak. Why? Because we had meeting with him in Normandy Format, it was before full-scale invasion.

“I saw the man who said one thing and then did another. So for me, I can’t understand – is it his decisions or somebody else? So to meet what – to shake hands? Not interesting. To speak? I really don’t understand who makes decisions in Russia.”

He also accused Russia’s president of having a disregard for his troops and throwing them “into the meat grinder”, ahead of an anticipated new Russian offensive.

Asked if it was too late for one-on-one talks with Mr Putin to prove useful in resolving the war, Mr Zelensky said: “Too late, not interesting. Who is he now? After full-scale invasion, for me he is a nobody.”

The interview also saw the wartime leader quizzed on his relationship with former British prime minister Boris Johnson, who following the invasion last year quickly became one of the most vocal backers of Ukraine on the world stage.

Since his Downing Street exit, he has continued to offer wholehearted support to Mr Zelensky and has called on western allies to arm Ukraine with the resources it needs to help end the war.

Mr Zelensky declined to say whether Mr Johnson should get an official role representing the UK on Ukraine, appearing to laugh at the suggestion and indicating that the former PM might not be ready for such a role.

“He is good guy,” he said. “Who knows? With pleasure, with pleasure, really.”

But he declined to say whether he would like to see Mr Johnson enter Downing Street again, instead praising his “good relations” with Rishi Sunak.

“I think that is not correct for me to support Johnson to be prime minister.

“We have good relations with Sunak. I think we had more long relations with Johnson, because it was more long-time.

“I saw Johnson in different situations, I saw him not in war and then in full-scale war, that’s why we have special relations.”

The Ukrainian leader also used the interview to warn there must be no delay in the US and Germany sending tanks to the country.

In a major breakthrough, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this week approved the supply of the Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv, while the US confirmed it will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks.

The UK had already become the first western nation to promise main battle tanks, with around 14 Challenger 2s pledged by Mr Sunak.

Mr Zelensky said: “Overall I am grateful to the world for their support of Ukraine. But if we are talking frankly and honestly with you, the number of tanks and delivery time are of crucial and critical importance, in comparison to the decision that has been made.

“We have approved cases of weapons to be sent to us, but we still haven’t received them.

“Sometimes the delivery of the weapons takes months, you understand?”

He said he did not blame anyone, but added that “a sense of relief comes only after the weapons, which our partners give us, are already being used by our army”.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-not-interested-in-peace-talks-with-nobody-putin-zelensky-says/ar-AA16KTOJ?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=3928bb516d5c44f7ab398ece98ee43a6

[Jimbuna]

Russian missiles hit Ukraine day after West's tanks move

Russia launched a wave of missiles at Ukraine on Thursday, a day after Germany and the US pledged tanks to aid Kyiv's fight against the invasion.

One person died and two others were injured after strikes hit a building in Kyiv, the city's mayor said.

Officials also reported strikes on two energy facilities in the southern region of Odesa.

The barrage came as Russia said it perceived the tank offer as "direct" Western involvement in the conflict.

In what was a sustained and wide-ranging attack, the head of the Ukrainian army said Moscow launched 55 air and sea-based missiles on Thursday.

Valery Zaluzhny added that 47 of them were shot down, including 20 around Kyiv.

Earlier, Ukraine's air force said it had downed a cluster of Iranian-made attack drones launched by Russian forces from the Sea of Azov in the south of the country.

A 55-year-old man was killed and two others wounded when non-residential buildings in the south of the capital were struck, officials reported.

The offensive was a continuation of Russia's months-long tactic of targeting Ukraine's infrastructure. The freezing winter has seen power stations destroyed and millions plunged into darkness.

After Thursday's strikes, emergency power cuts were enforced in Kyiv and several other regions to relieve pressure on the electricity grid, said DTEK, Ukraine's largest private power producer.

A day earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised to provide Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tanks, following weeks of international pressure. They are widely seen as some of the most effective battle tanks available.

The heavy weaponry is expected to arrive in late March or early April.

President Joe Biden later announced the US would send 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks, marking a reversal of longstanding Pentagon arguments that they are a poor fit for the Ukrainian battlefield.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move but urged the speedy delivery of the tanks. He also appealed to the West to send long-range missiles and fighter jets.

But for tanks to be "game-changer", 300 to 400 of them would be needed, an adviser to Ukraine's defence minister told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"The sooner we defeat Russia on the battlefield using Western weapons, the sooner we will be able to stop this missile terror and restore peace," Yuriy Sak said.

Speaking on the same programme, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said sending tanks to Ukraine would make a big difference to the country's ability to win the war.

He also warned that Russia was planning a fresh offensive, just as reports began emerging from Ukraine of missile strikes following drone attacks overnight.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64411259

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZCdacPT0OQ

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkpu4R0aTYs

[Skybird]

Parts of the German press are celebrating Scholz for his "tank coup," as they call it here, and want this to be understood as far-sighted "leadership."

I am not so sure.

There are credible reports that the Americans were pissed off that Germany publicly embarrassed them by making such demands to Biden (our tanks only if you send yours, and this after America already has delivered more military equipment and heavy weapons, artillery, than all Europe together), as if little Germany could command Washington or snub it in such a way. Besides, the Americans have always said they don't want to supply Ukraine with anything they can't maintain and technically "afford" in the long run. And the Abrams consumes, in transport volume, a fifth - minimum - more of its different from other armored vehicles fuel than the Leopard - and consumes its fuel at movement/operation rates even when just idling. And from the Ukrainian field operation it is admitted, differently than from the policy, that the logistic supply chains of the Ukraine groan now already under the multiplicity at supplied different systems from the west.
Now it is reported what I already suspected and also indicated: that the US tanks will be delivered only at the end of 2023 or even in 2024. So they will not play a role so soon.

I believe that the Germans have not scored a coup here, but that one of two completely different possibilities applies:

Either the Americans have taken a swipe at Scholz and said, "You see, we've been able to formulate tricky phrases as cleverly as you with your twisted phrases for a long time,

Or they have built a bridge for the Germans for the sake of the greater cause, to move face-saving out of the trap into which they have maneuvered themselves with their advanced demands.

For this year the Abrams will not play a role on any front or battlefield. If they ever (have to) come at all.

The German argument, one must keep the Americans "in the boat" to benefit form protection boni so that Russia does not go only on Germany, if Putin because of the Leopards over-snaps, I do not believe, because the supplied US artillery has already inflicted more damage and destruction on the Russian troops, than the tanks ever could any time soon. There the small Olaf constructed himself again an strawman for himself, so that he must not feel so alone and abandoned.

Two Leopard battalions are now to be formed: one based on the 2A6, and one based on the 2A4.

The Ukrainian logiostc network and engioneers will not hav to deal already now, this year, with the Abrams. I have no doubt they can learn in record time how to maintain the Abams. The question is not about intellectual capacity, but quantity in maintenance and logistc capacities. The logistics networks in the Ukraine are already strained, and are getting even more challenged with several new system arriving - all needing their own knowledge base and more important: their own spare part delivery chain.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sc6ycvbN-w

[Jimbuna]

Discussion on providing Western aircraft to Ukraine has already begun, - Politico

According to the diplomatic sources of the Politico publication, the discussion about providing Western fighter jets to Ukraine in the future has already begun.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to European Pravda, this is stated in the Politico article dated January 26.

Conversations with more than a dozen Western officials - diplomats and military - testify that the internal discussion about planes for Ukraine has already begun; the issue is actively lobbied by Ukraine itself and the Baltic states. One of the interlocutors from the countries of Northern Europe also noted that fighters "would be a natural next step" after the Allies decided to provide tanks.

The debate is expected to be even more difficult than the one surrounding the tanks, due to fears of escalation.

According to one of the interlocutors, in Washington, they say that there is no question of fighter jets at this time. "This is a red line. But last summer, the "red line" was HIMARS, but in the end, it shifted. Then it was tanks - and it shifted," he noted.

Another interlocutor from Europe drew attention to the speed with which decisions regarding heavier weapons have recently begun to be made. In his opinion, although right now the idea of providing Ukraine with fighter jets seems impossible, after some time they can start talking about it quite seriously.

It is believed that aviation will be the focus of attention at the next meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine (Ramstein format), scheduled for February. According to the interlocutors of the publication, it may be about some tentative plan in case Ukraine will critically need planes at a certain moment.

It will be recalled that the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Wopke Hoekstra, said last week that the Netherlands has "no taboo" on discussing the request for the F-16 if it came from Ukraine, and the Slovak government directly talked about plans to give Soviet MiG-29s to Ukraine.

At the same time, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz categorically rejects the idea of providing military aircraft to Ukraine.

European capitals already believe that the war can drag on for another 3-5 years or even longer and that the West has almost reached the limit when it can provide Ukraine with some types of weapons without provoking Russia to a radical escalation. In addition, there are fears that in the event of this escalation, public support for aid to Ukraine within Western countries would be shaken.

According to one of the European diplomats, the newspaper writes, as early as 2022, the Western allies agreed to start giving Ukraine more serious support with weapons in stages and to assess the situation each time - because otherwise "they would provoke a harsh reaction from Russia", up to the use of nuclear weapons. "You can call it the (Putin's) process of getting used to it," the interlocutor notes. Therefore, a year after the first ATGMs, a decision has already been made about tanks. In his opinion, about fighters, "the question is only when."

Interlocutors of the publication in Europe agree that the West first wants to exhaust all, except for fighter jets, types of assistance that have not yet been provided and will be useful - such as strike drones and longer-range missiles.

But there are signs that the USA is already preparing to provide aircraft to Ukraine in the future - yes, in the summer the House of Representatives approved a $100 million project for the training of Ukrainian pilots, and in October a message was received from Ukraine that a group of pilots had already been selected to master Western fighter jets.

Mastering Western fighter jets will also be a challenge for Ukraine for logistical reasons - from technical features and maintenance to the fact that they require long runways, and it would be relatively easy for Russia to spot the deployment of adapted bases and strike them. Among the experts, there are opinions that Ukraine would be better suited to the F-18 or Gripen - but there are quite a few of them. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395817

[Jimbuna]

Scholz excludes deliveries of combat aircraft to Ukraine: "Position has not changed and will not change"

The German government has not changed its position regarding the impossibility of transferring combat aircraft to Ukraine.

This was stated by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Censor.NET reports with reference to DW.

According to him, Germany will in no case transfer combat aircraft to Ukraine.

"This position (regarding the impossibility of transferring combat aircraft. - Ed.) has absolutely not changed and will not change," AFP quotes Scholz.

The German chancellor also confirmed that "there will be no direct participation of the NATO military in the war in Ukraine" and that, for example, the deployment of ground troops is out of the question.

"Everyone can count on it," Scholz assured. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395822

Blow to Odesa is Putin’s response to inclusion of city in UNESCO World Heritage List, - Kuleba

The rocket attack on Odesa is Putin’s response to the inclusion of the city in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, reported this on Twitter, Censor.NET reports.

"Among the targets of today's massive missile strike, Russia struck Odesa, which led to massive power outages.
This destruction is Putin's response to UNESCO's inclusion of Odesa in the World Heritage List yesterday and placing it under the enhanced protection of the List of World Heritage in Danger," the message reads.

Also remind, that it was previously reported that the historical center of the port city of Odesa was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395829

[Skybird]

Berlin says Ukraine will get the German Leopards early April.
London says the British Challengers should arrive end of March.

[Skybird]

https://www.nzz.ch/international/kampfpanzer-leopard-2-us-ruestungsinteressen-lassen-scholz-zoegern-ld.1722377?_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_sl=auto



Developments in Poland are particularly painful for the German tank industry. Over the past twenty years, the country has purchased more than 200 Leopard 2s from Germany. After the Russian annexation of Crimea, German-Polish relations deteriorated. The government in Warsaw accused Berlin of pursuing a policy toward Moscow that was far too uncritical. Germany was seen by Poland as an increasingly insecure cantonist, including when it came to arms purchases. In July 2021, Defense Minister Mariusz Blazczak announced plans to buy 250 new and 116 used M1 Abrams main battle tanks from the United States for a total price of 8.85 billion euros. Last summer, Poland also agreed to buy 1000 K-2 main battle tanks in South Korea. The manufacturer will build a plant in Poland for this purpose. German industry had also bid for the contract, but came away empty-handed.

Poland is now buying tanks from the USA and South Korea. This is also politically painful for Germany because one thing has become clear with the Polish decisions: Germany, its neighbor, is no longer a strategic, trustworthy partner. It is now the distant USA and the even more distant South Korea.

Representatives of defense companies, who wish to remain anonymous, report that the Americans are offering countries that could supply Leopard 2s to Ukraine used tanks as replacements from their own inventory and a long-term industrial partnership. Any country that took up the American offer would be hard for the German tank industry to win back. Moreover, Berlin's influence in armaments policy would also decline.

[Dargo]

Parts of the German press are celebrating Scholz for his "tank coup," as they call it here, and want this to be understood as far-sighted "leadership."

I am not so sure.

There are credible reports that the Americans were pissed off that Germany publicly embarrassed them by making such demands to Biden (our tanks only if you send yours, and this after America already has delivered more military equipment and heavy weapons, artillery, than all Europe together), as if little Germany could command Washington or snub it in such a way. Besides, the Americans have always said they don't want to supply Ukraine with anything they can't maintain and technically "afford" in the long run. And the Abrams consumes, in transport volume, a fifth - minimum - more of its different from other armored vehicles fuel than the Leopard - and consumes its fuel at movement/operation rates even when just idling. And from the Ukrainian field operation it is admitted, differently than from the policy, that the logistic supply chains of the Ukraine groan now already under the multiplicity at supplied different systems from the west.
Now it is reported what I already suspected and also indicated: that the US tanks will be delivered only at the end of 2023 or even in 2024. So they will not play a role so soon.

I believe that the Germans have not scored a coup here, but that one of two completely different possibilities applies:

Either the Americans have taken a swipe at Scholz and said, "You see, we've been able to formulate tricky phrases as cleverly as you with your twisted phrases for a long time,

Or they have built a bridge for the Germans for the sake of the greater cause, to move face-saving out of the trap into which they have maneuvered themselves with their advanced demands.

For this year the Abrams will not play a role on any front or battlefield. If they ever (have to) come at all.

The German argument, one must keep the Americans "in the boat" to benefit form protection boni so that Russia does not go only on Germany, if Putin because of the Leopards over-snaps, I do not believe, because the supplied US artillery has already inflicted more damage and destruction on the Russian troops, than the tanks ever could any time soon. There the small Olaf constructed himself again an strawman for himself, so that he must not feel so alone and abandoned.

Two Leopard battalions are now to be formed: one based on the 2A6, and one based on the 2A4.

The Ukrainian logiostc network and engioneers will not hav to deal already now, this year, with the Abrams. I have no doubt they can learn in record time how to maintain the Abams. The question is not about intellectual capacity, but quantity in maintenance and logistc capacities. The logistics networks in the Ukraine are already strained, and are getting even more challenged with several new system arriving - all needing their own knowledge base and more important: their own spare part delivery chain.Think the Netherlands played a big role here in the background as bridgehead for the US to present this as an offer Germany could not refuse think Ukraine can easily adapt to these material they have no other choice see how quick they adopted to the HIMARs and other NATO material Ukraine army has become more veteran than the whole NATO in short time also NATO has never fought successfully an enemy of this order

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWq9P-sB6iM

[Jimbuna]

Canada to provide Ukraine with four Leopard-2 tanks

Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand announces supply of four Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine.

It was informed by Censor.NЕТ with a reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

Canada will provide spare parts and ammunition, as well as train the Ukrainian military in the use of tanks. Anand also does not rule out additional supplies of Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine.

In total, Canada has 112 tanks of this model in service. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395978

Western tanks will be reinforced by Ukrainian artillery: Reznikov shows off Bohdana self-propelled artillery system. PHOTOS

Ministry of Defense financed production of national artillery systems in the spring of 2022. Therefore, Western tanks that Ukraine will receive from its allies will be supported at front by Ukrainian artillery

This was announced by the Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, informs Censor.NЕТ.

The minister noted that the Ukrainian 155-mm Bohdana self-propelled artillery system had successfully passed tests on the battlefield. The Ministry of Defense financed the new artillery systems in the spring of 2022. "The Western-made tanks that will arrive in a few months will be supported at the front by Ukrainian artillery in every sense of the word," he emphasized.

"The Ministry of Defense did not advertise it, but over the past year we have not stopped purchasing weapons from national manufacturers. Wherever possible, within our competence, we facilitated deployment to new locations and increased capacity.

Similarly, last year, after a critical period when a significant amount of resources was spent on imports of defense-related items, the Ministry of Defense prepared a transition so that in 2023 the maximum amount of funds would be allocated to Ukrainian producers. This applies to all components - from uniforms, shoes, body armor and UAVs to heavy weapons and ammunition," Reznikov wrote on Facebook.

According to Reznikov, Ukraine should be as independent as possible in all components of defense, wherever possible.

"This makes our country a desirable partner and strengthens our position. That is why the Ministry of Defense will step up its efforts to stimulate Ukrainian producers," explained the Defense Ministry official.

"We will soon present the first results of our UAV movement," the minister promised. Source: https://censor.net/en/p3395972

Occupants massively burn their dead in mobile crematoria without even identifying bodies - Malyar

Russian army is actively using mobile crematoria, and its command does not even identify and record those dead Russian soldiers.

It was informed by Censor.NЕТ referring to Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Malyar.

"In particular, in the rear of the occupiers' forward positions, there is a constant movement of about five such crematoria. Cremations are carried out without any identification and accounting of the bodies of the deceased occupants," Malyar notes.

Malyar is convinced that in this way the Russian command conceals the huge losses of personnel and continues to apply the traditional Russian practice of depriving bereaved families of benefits and compensation advertised by Russian propaganda. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3395981

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVNzT6-niXo

[Commander Wallace]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWq9P-sB6iM


There is an underlying issue with the supply of the Abrams, Challenger and Leopard tanks. The tanks all use Sabot rounds with a depleted Uranium core. Russia is apparently aware of this type of armament and has stated that if the Ukraine's use this round, they will have been the first to use nuclear armament. These tanks can all fire other rounds although not as effectively as the Uranium core rounds.

This is a " slippery slope " and possibly opens the door to the proliferation of nuclear weapons use in the Ukraine by Russia. Although these rounds are not on the same level as using tactical nuclear weapons, Uranium core tank rounds will result in the escalation of this war-possibly beyond the combatants ability to contain it. Russia's dictator " Putrid " is just looking for an excuse to use Tactical Nuclear Weapons. Utilizing these Uranium core tank rounds on the battlefield will give Putrid that excuse and justification. I think the political costs of using these tank rounds will be and are too much.

Further, it will take the Ukraine's some time to learn the intricacies of these tanks and their respective systems. Russia is playing for time for a major offensive in the coming months. The Ukraine's can do the same.


https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/consumer/depleted-uranium/penetrators.html

[THE_MASK]

Depleted uranium rounds are much denser than steel rounds . Thats why they use them . The problem is when they explode they leave Uranium 238 everywhere . Its a small amount but remember the only safe ionizing radiation is no ionizing radiation .

[Skybird]

The Leopards could fire the DU rounds, because the Abrams uses the German tan cannon L55 in license. But the German army does not use these rounds, but instead a conventional round with Wolfram and/or Tungsten (I am not certain at the moment) core. Russia uses steel rods because of the costs, it has such a big tank army and must provide them with so many rounds that they would not afford to equip them all with DU rounds. Even more so since they do not expect their tanks to live long.

What Western tanks can do to Russian T-Tanks, both Gulf wars has demonstrated. Even Bradleys took out T-72 at times - without using TOWs, only their 25mm cannon. That thing can crack a T-72 if getting it from the right angle and at the right area.

Russia plays the intimidation game again. It wants the Western tanks not playing one of their trump cards - superior penetrating fire power. Next they will demand that the Western tanks shall not fight at night. And a speed limit in reverse, please, can Moscow get that too, please?

[Skybird]

Further, it will take the Ukraine's some time to learn the intricacies of these tanks and their respective systems. Russia is playing for time for a major offensive in the coming months. The Ukraine's can do the same.

Learning to drive, watch from and fire with the Leopard will be demonstrated to be easier than one now thinks, I am sure. If you can handle firefights with a thing like an almost blind and deaf T-72, then tanking with Leopards and Abrams is luxury. The gunner's job especially is much easier, allows to fire much faster. The commander has superior overview over the battle situation even if not being interconnected digitally but needing to use his own sights, of which Western tanks offer more options than Russian tanks. And tactical leadership - I assume the Ukrainians by now know their tanking 101, can probably teach lessons to everybody in the West. Nobody has as much experience with tank battling now, like they have. I would be surprised if they pork that part of it up: manouver tactics.

[Dargo]

A brief history of Russian red lines:

Javelins = red line
Artillery = red line
HIMARS = red line
Tanks = red line
*you are here*
Long-range weapons = red line

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine will become a "red line" for the Russian Federation https://twitter.com/WarMonitors/status/1618707162766901248

[Skybird]

Russia also operates nuclear-driven and nuclear-armed submarines and warships, which is a nculear escalation in itself. They also have staged bomber raids with planes capable to fire nuclear-armed missiles. :O:

[Commander Wallace]

Learning to drive, watch from and fire with the Leopard will be demonstrated to be easier than one now thinks, I am sure. If you can handle firefights with a thing like an almost blind and deaf T-72, then tanking with Leopards and Abrams is luxury. The gunner's job especially is much easier, allows to fire much faster. The commander has superior overview over the battle situation even if not being interconnected digitally but needing to use his own sights, of which Western tanks offer more options than Russian tanks. And tactical leadership - I assume the Ukrainians by now know their tanking 101, can probably teach lessons to everybody in the West. Nobody has as much experience with tank battling now, like they have. I would be surprised if they pork that part of it up: manouver tactics.


I have no doubt the Ukraine's are up to the task and in short order. It might take time to get the tanks there. I don't think it will take to much time either to learn the other systems. However, the NATO powers insist on a certain level of proficiency before they will turn these tank over.

[Skybird]

What will take the longest time is establishing the fuel chain and the general supply chain. Ammo. Spare parts. Logistics support.

[Skybird]

On Vipers.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/26/europe/ukraine-tanks-fighter-jets-intl/index.html


“The idea that Western fighter aircraft would allow Ukraine to operate combat air sorties over Russian territory in any sort of regular sense is just fantasy,” Bronk said. “The reality is that Western fighter aircraft will also be very constrained by the surface-to-air threat by Russian ground-based air defense systems, just as the Ukrainians currently are.”
The F-16, he said, would for the foreseeable future be a mostly defensive weapon for the Ukrainian military, making it better at shooting down Russian missiles and defending against any now-rare Russian flights past the frontlines.
Even as a weapon to protect ground troops, he said, the F-16 could prove a tricky weapon for Ukraine to have in its arsenal.

“Most Western air-to-ground munitions for close air support are optimized for being delivered from medium altitude, with a targeting pod, and that’s not really viable near the frontlines because of the Russian ground-based air-defense threat,” Bronk said.
Both Ukraine and Russia’s significant anti-air defenses mean that, almost a year into the war, neither country has gained air superiority.
“To be able to employ the F-16 effectively, Ukraine would have to achieve some degree of air superiority,” Wijninga said. “This means Ukraine would have to destroy Russian S-400 air defense systems first and foremost, and preferably S-300 too.
“Supplying Ukraine with F-16s is not the whole story. The west would have to enable them to achieve air superiority over the battlefield.”


I dont see the same urgency here like with tanks and IFVs, artillery, ammo, SAMs. For that little effect, the burden on their logistics make all this look too expensive. ATM at least. If the war drags on and forseeably for years, this will look different, due to the need to phase out Russian-made equipment and going all-Western, to be able to get ammo supplies.

Longer range missiles that allow them to strike logistic nodes and hotspots for the russian aggression inside Russia - that would be something different. Also for striking Kerch bridges and Crimea, but foremost striking military supply points inside Russia that support the war in Ukraine: depots, bridges, railways, HQs, fuel and ammo bunkers. Ukraine has the right of self-defence to strike at these as deep inside Russia as it can reach.

[Reece]

A brief history of Russian red lines:

Javelins = red line
Artillery = red line
HIMARS = red line
Tanks = red line
*you are here*
Long-range weapons = red line

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine will become a "red line" for the Russian Federation



Russia also operates nuclear-driven and nuclear-armed submarines and warships, which is a nculear escalation in itself. They also have staged bomber raids with planes capable to fire nuclear-armed missiles. :O:

Talk about 2 faced!! :doh:

[August]

:salute:

[August]

:salute:
https://i.imgur.com/QyKCsRq.png

[Reece]

Wow!! who would have thought Spain being one of the main providers!! Lets hope it's to be confirmed soon, good on em! :up: and for Russia :down:

[Jimbuna]

US sanctions Chinese firm helping Russia's Wagner Group

The US has sanctioned a Chinese company for allegedly providing satellite imagery of Ukraine to support the mercenary Wagner Group's combat operations for Russia.

Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute is among 16 entities slapped with curbs by the Treasury Department.

The firm, also known as Spacety China, has offices in Beijing and Luxembourg.

Wagner supplies Russia thousands of fighters in the Ukraine war.

Spacety China had provided Terra Tech, a Russia-based technology firm, with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images of locations in Ukraine, the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said in a statement on Thursday.

"These images were gathered in order to enable Wagner combat operations in Ukraine," it said. The department has also sanctioned Spacety's Luxembourg-based subsidiary.

Under the sanctions, there can be no transfer, payment, or export of any property or interests in the United States to the targeted entities.

Spacety China has yet to respond to the move.

China, a close ally of Russia, has attempted to position itself as a neutral party with regard to the Ukraine war. It has been criticised by the US and its allies for refusing to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

On its website, Spacety China describes itself as a "pioneer" in providing commercial SAR technology and says it wants to "make SAR imagery of every point on earth accessible and affordable" to users all over the world.

SAR is a type of radar technology that can deliver higher resolution images using shorter antennas.

Its chief executive officer Yang Feng sits on China's Ministry of Science and Technology's panel of experts, according to the company's website.

The site also lists a number of working partners including state-owned enterprises China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, as well as the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In addition to Spacety China, 15 other entities, eight individuals and four aircraft - many of them based in Russia - that allegedly form part of Wagner's global support network also received US sanctions.

These include Sewa Security Services based in central Africa and Kratol Aviation based in the United Arab Emirates, which allegedly provided aircraft to move personnel and equipment between central Africa, Libya and Mali.

Wagner now commands some 50,000 fighters in Ukraine, according to estimates from the White House. The organisation plays a key role in Russia's war efforts, and has been heavily involved in attempts to capture Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine.

It is led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

"Today's expanded sanctions on Wagner, as well as new sanctions on their associates and other companies enabling the Russian military complex, will further impede Putin's ability to arm and equip his war machine," said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-64421915

[Jimbuna]

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

[Skybird]

Some, significant numbers of these tanks will not be avialable in the short run, maybe not even this year. ;) Especially the Leo-2A4s mostly are in such a shabby state that refurbishing them means to take the completely apart and rebuilding them from scratch. Thats true for the German A4s, and at least some of the Spanish.

The Russians will try to present their offensive early to gain ground before the Leopards arrive.

The old cannon of the British tanks may be inferior to the L55 in anti-tank warfare, but is said to be an advantage maybe, because it allows the use of HESH, which is a squash warhead perfectly suited for destroying bunkers, houses. Its like throwing explosive pancake dough against a wall, it spreads, then goes up and this way creates a much bigger hole and spreading explosion shockwave. Beside the Challengers, only some Strykers and some export versions of the Leopard-1, mostly for Australia, carry this ammunition. There are more tanks carrying it wordwide, but none of them is present in the Ukraine I mean. Leopard-2 and Abrams do not have equivalents, AFAIK. For the Ukrainians, this ammo and these tanks might prove especially useful for retaking ground and settlements, even more so since the Challenger does not have the crosscountry speed of the other tanks, but must move slower. I expect the Challengers to be seen more in ore near the urban environment and the faster and more agile US and German tanks hunting Russian tanks across the open plains. I also expect they will slaughter the Russians. And the Kremlin knows it.

I wonder if the Ukrainians can seal off the sky above the tanks, that is a concern. At the roofs they are all vulnerable against artillery, aircraft bombs, ATGMs.

This war has turned into a big weapons laboratory. New and old weapons alike get tested.


The only category - beside superior body numbers - where the Russians cause headaches, is conventional old-fashioned artillery of which they have so much and plenty.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-yryyTe-tk

[Jimbuna]

Total combat losses of Russian Federation since beginning of war - about 710 people (+850 per day), 3182 tanks, 283 helicopters, 2180 artillery systems, 6340 armored vehicles. INFOGRAPHICS

As of the morning of January 26, 2023, the losses of the Russian occupiers are approximately 124,710 people.

This is stated in the summary of the General Staff, Censor.NET reports.

Thus, the estimated losses of the Russian invaders are:

about 124,710 (+850) personnel were liquidated,
tanks - 3182 (+7) units,
armored fighting vehicles - 6340 (+6) units,
artillery systems - 2180 (+11) units,
MRLS - 452 (+0) units,
air defense equipment - 221 (+1) units,
aircraft - 292 (+0) units,
helicopters - 283 (+1) units,
Operational-tactical UAV - 1941 (+33),
cruise missiles - 796 (+47),
warships/boats - 18 (+0) units,
automotive equipment and tank trucks - 5001 (+15) units,
special equipment - 199 (+4).
The data is being verified. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396031

[Jimbuna]

Poland is now ready to hand over 60 PT-91 and 14 Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine, - Morawiecki

Warsaw is ready to hand over 60 Polish PT-91 tanks (a modernized version of the T-72) and 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv.

This was announced by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.

"Poland was the first country to deliver 250 tanks (to Ukraine. - Ed.) Now we are ready to send 60 of our modernized PT-91 tanks, as well as 14 Leopard 2 tanks," he said.

Morawiecki emphasized that modern tanks are very important for Ukraine now, considering that Russia can have from several to 15 thousand of them.

"If we don't want Ukraine to lose, we have to be very open and persistent in our support," the head of the Polish government added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396035

Zelensky thanked Poland for transfer of 60 tanks to Ukraine: "Like 160 years ago, we are together, but this time enemy has no chance"

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Poland for the transfer of 60 tanks.

The head of state announced this on Twitter, Censor.NET reports.

"I thank Andrzej Duda, Mateusz Morawiecki, Mariusz Blaszczak, Jacek Siewer, and the people of Poland for such important decisions to transfer 60 Polish tanks to Ukraine, 30 of which are the famous PT-91 Twardy and 14 Leopard-2. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396070

[Jimbuna]

Suspend them from the EU

Hungary will veto possible EU sanctions against Russian Federation in field of atomic energy, - Orban

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the country would veto any European Union sanctions against Russia related to nuclear energy.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to The Guardian.

According to him, sanctions on nuclear energy "obviously need to be vetoed."

"We will not allow the implementation of the plan to include nuclear energy in the sanctions. ... This is out of the question," he said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396046

[Skybird]

Its being repoprted the Americna swill not send M1A1s, but M1a2s, which are improved in digital combat systems, armour, and some more. However, The Hill reports that prucing them will take longer than intentionally planned, and it will take several months" at least.


Could be that this is the original intention, regarding the US-German row and the possible hidden motives behind how it was solved.

[Skybird]

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/27/europe/ukraine-war-nato-tanks-analysis-intl-hnk-ml/index.html


"Supportability trumps fire power".

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWYhJ7NNF1c

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1EdGTC3jJM&t=161s

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o77d6ViayqI

[Jimbuna]

Putin accused of using 'body-double' again as 'obvious' different spotted in photos

Vladimir Putin has been spotted wearing high heels on a trip to meet students in Moscow, but "Kremlin insiders" believe this could be a "body double." Telegram channel General SVR - which claims to be fed information by a Kremlin insider - claims that there are "obvious differences" in these photos of Putin compared with others.

The anonymous account also claimed that Ptin's change of mood could also indicate the use of a lookalike posing as the Russian President.

General SVR said: "During a public meeting with students...many noticed some oddities and physiological features of the 'president'.

"A person similar to Putin, unlike the original, was absolutely not afraid to be near a large number of little-known and completely unfamiliar people, which is not at all typical for the president in the past few years.

"Obvious differences were observed on the face of pseudo-Putin and in the manner his behaviour.

Vladimir Putin has incensed international and Russian communities since February, with his bloody invasion of Ukraine having killed thousands and courted extensive western sanctions.

"The left cheekbone of the understudy was swollen and moved unnaturally with the 'president's' facial expressions.

"An unnaturally hanging upper lip is the result of an unsuccessful 'fitting' of the understudy."

The account also claimed the alleged body double had used too much botox.

The channel added: "The stunt double's laughing style is different from Putin's while some movements appear constrained.

"This public appearance of the president's double was not the most successful, but nothing can be done because Putin is not able to take part in such events."

Accusations like this have been levelled against Putin on numerous occasions, including at a summit in Iran.

Last October, Ukraine's head of military made similar claims, suggesting that Putin's body doubles had plastic surgery to look more like the Russian President.

Major General Kyrylo Budanov told the Mail on Sunday : "We know specifically about three people that keep appearing, but how many there are, we don't know.

"The one thing that gives them away is their height. It's visible in videos and pictures. Also gesturing, body language and earlobes, since they are unique for every person."

Back in 2020, Putin dismissed the claims that he uses a body double to attend events, but did admit he was offered the chance to have one.

The suggestion of a body double has been linked to Putin's alleged health problems.

With many suspecting that Putin has cancer or Parkinson's, people have suggested that the Russian President could be using body doubles to allow the real Putin to rest.

The independent media outlet, Proekt, reported in April that Putin regularly travels with an oncologist.

They also claimed bathed in deer antlers in an attempt to improve his health.

But Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov denied the health rumours in May, saying that "Putin appears in public everyday" and adding "I don't think sane people can discern any sort of symptom of disease in this man."
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1726961/putin-body-double-differences-photos-ukraine-russia

[Skybird]

Odd enough, I saw that scene with students on TV, too, and I was kind of alienated by his appearance and social behaviour, too. I attributed it to heavy drugs of any kind, paying tribute to rumours he were seriously ill. I did not think of a double.

Its not typical that he does not keep distance to people around him.

Maybe its time to give Kagemusha another show tonight. :D

[Jimbuna]

Orban tears into Scholz for tanks deployment to Ukraine and declares 'you are at war'

Germany's decision to send advanced armoured tanks to Ukraine has sparked the fury of EU and NATO ally Viktor Orban. From Washington to Berlin to Kyiv, a Western decision to send battle tanks to Ukraine was hailed enthusiastically. Moscow first shrugged it off - and later launched another barrage of attacks.

But in an interview with Hungarian state radio, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Germany's decision to send 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks to Ukraine was emblematic of the increasing role Western countries are playing in the war, now in its 12th month.

The Hungarian leader said on Friday that Hungary getting drawn into the war in Ukraine "is out of the question as long as I am prime minister" but he thinks it is too late for other countries in Europe.

He said: "The others are not only in danger, they have already been swept away.

"If you send weapons, if you finance the entire annual budget of one of the belligerents, if you promise more and more weapons, more and more modern weapons, then you can say whatever you want. No matter what you say, you are in the war."

Mr Orban, who has refused to send weapons to neighbouring Ukraine and has held up some European Union efforts to provide aid packages to Kyiv, has consistently argued against EU sanctions on Moscow and portrayed countries that assist Ukraine as being "on the side of war."

His right-wing populist government has pursued increasingly close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia over the last decade and concluded major agreements on purchasing Russian gas, oil and nuclear fuel.

He also threatened to veto any EU sanctions that would affect its access to Russian energy.

The Kremlin has previously warned that Western tank deliveries would be a dangerous escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, and it has strongly denounced the watershed move by Germany and the United States to send heavy weaponry to its foe.

Russia's ministry of defense has acquired thirty old T-34 tanks sparking speculation the Soviet medium tank that was introduced in 1940 could soon be reintroduced to the battlefields of Ukraine. Putin's military has been faced with the challenge of fielding tanks able to compete with the modern armour soon to be supplied to Ukraine such as the US Abrams and the British Challenger 2.

But it insists the new armour won't stop Russia from achieving its goals in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The potential it gives to the Ukrainian armed forces is clearly exaggerated.

"Those tanks will burn just like any others."

Moscow played down the move right after the announcement in an apparent attempt to save face as the West raised the stakes in Ukraine. Some Russian experts also emphasised that the supply of the deadly armour will be relatively limited and could take months to reach the front.

On Thursday, Russia launched a new wave of missiles and self-exploding drones across Ukraine - the latest in a series of strikes, many of which have targeted power plants and other key infrastructure.

Russian military bloggers and commentators say that such attacks involve meticulous preparation - so the latest barrage was likely planned in advance and was not necessarily linked to the tank announcement.

Yohann Michel, of the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, observed that while Western arms supplies irk Russia, it can do nothing to stop them.

He said: "It's a problem that they can't necessarily address," noting that earlier decisions by the US and its allies to supply air-defence weapons to Ukraine could have been even more worrying for Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin, his diplomats and military leaders have repeatedly warned the West that supplying long-range weapons capable of striking deep inside Russia would mark a red line and trigger massive retaliation.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/orban-tears-into-scholz-for-tanks-deployment-to-ukraine-and-declares-you-are-at-war/ar-AA16Oe2y?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=82d180d46a97468e828b914347fd066e

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuT5HH1yxLw

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO5la_ua3KI

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szakXkwkMz0

[Dargo]

Microchips made by Dutch companies are still arriving in Russia despite heavy sanctions. Many millions of units are involved since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine until December. Exports are through middlemen. Several hundred deliveries have gone to three Russian companies linked to defense firms. 'Dutch' chips have also been found in Russian weapons. There is a clear pattern of a small group of Chinese companies managing to get hold of Dutch chips and exporting them to Russia month after month. One such company is on the US sanctions list because of supplies to the Russian defense industry. Despite the increasingly severe sanctions, no decline in exports has been visible in recent months.

Dutch chips going to Russia are mainly from large chip producers such as Eindhoven-based NXP and Nijmegen-based Nexperia. The NOS/Nieuwsuur investigation shows that NXP microchips were recently found on the battlefield in Ukraine. They were found, among others, in a dismantled Russian armored howitzer, a cruise missile and a combat helicopter. EU sanctions against Russia are being massively circumvented. For example, by small companies shipping chips to Russia via parcel post. There are also mostly Asian traders who acquire Dutch chips and, unhindered by sanctions, resell the products to Russia at high profit margins.

For example, the largest middleman in Dutch chips, according to the data available to NOS and Nieuwsuur, is China-based Sinno Electronics. But unlike Washington, Brussels has not yet imposed punitive measures against Sinno. The company has been asked for a comment, but has not responded. Due to the large role played by Chinese exporters in particular, control is hardly effective. Beijing has not imposed sanctions against Moscow, so trade in chips from China is still possible as usual. The NOS/Nieuwsuur investigation therefore shows that very limited intervention was possible in the past period.

https://nos.nl/artikel/2461459-miljoenen-chips-nederlandse-fabrikanten-belanden-in-rusland-ondanks-sancties

[Dargo]

"Today, the ministerial council has decided to add a new package of 90 million euros ( $97.5 million) in military aid. That is the largest military aid package for Ukraine that our country has decided to date," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told journalists on Friday. "This new package is on top of the 146 million euros (around $158 million) Belgium has already donated in military assistance."

The military aid is part of a larger package that also contains humanitarian and civilian assistance.

The military aide will include anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank missiles, grenades and munitions, which will enable Ukraine to continue to "protect its citizens," Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said, adding that Belgium will also deliver military vehicles, trucks and light armored vehicles to Ukraine in the "coming weeks." Separate from the military aid, the package also contains 86 million euros ($93.3 million) in civilian aid, including 69 million euros ($74.9 million) dedicated towards humanitarian aid and 10.6 million euros ($11.5 million) dedicated towards the reconstruction of Ukraine. This civilian aid will include medical supplies and ambulance, De Croo added.

https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-1-27-23/h_39e4352dcdcf61040ed922b2e53639bf

[Jimbuna]

EU on tanks for Ukraine: "Russia has begun to transfer war to another stage"

The Secretary General of the European Union External Action Service, Stefano Sannino, justified the supply of military equipment by Germany and the USA to Ukraine with the need for protection against Moscow’s barbaric actions.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

Sannino, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo as part of a tour of the Asia-Pacific region, said that Putin "has moved from the concept of a special operation to the concept of war against NATO and the West."

He said that the German and American tank reserves are intended to help Ukrainians defend themselves in war, not to turn them into aggressors.

"I think that this latest event from the point of view of arms supply is simply an evolution of the situation and how Russia has begun to move the war to another stage," Sannino said.

He added that Russia carries out "indiscriminate attacks" on civilians and cities, not on military targets.

The EU is not moving the war to another stage, but "simply provides an opportunity to save lives and allows Ukrainians to defend themselves from these barbaric attacks," Sannino said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396128

We now need 300-500 tanks for offensive actions, - Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine needs 300-500 tanks for offensive operations.

As Censor.NET reports, the head of state said this in an interview with Sky News.

"We are building a certain number of tanks in parallel. We are repairing our tanks. I am not ready to talk about this in great detail, because they (the Russians. - Ed.) are hitting our logistics centers. Therefore, we need 300-500 tanks now. Here, why do I feel this way?

Tanks are needed for offensive actions on our land, on our land. Armored vehicles are needed to protect our people," the head of state emphasized.

The President thanked Germany, Great Britain, and the USA for the decision to supply tanks to Ukraine.

"I am grateful to the world for supporting Ukraine. But if we speak openly and honestly, the number of tanks and the time when they can reach us play an important role. We have weapons for which a decision was made, but they have not yet arrived. It happens, these weapons have been going for months. I'm not saying that anyone is to blame for this, I'm just saying that relief comes when what the partners give starts working to protect our army," Zelensky added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396130

[Jimbuna]

F-16 fighter could be best option for Air Force, - Ihnat

The F-16 fighter could be the best option for the Air Force of Ukraine, and become the only type of multi-purpose aircraft.

This was stated by Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.

"This type of multi-role aircraft, which is the most common in the world, and the F-16 is one of those aircraft, could be the best option for the Air Force to become one main aircraft, a single type of multi-role aircraft," Ihnat said.

According to him, the F-16 fighter can strike ground targets with various types of weapons, as well as become part of air defense and protect the sky from air attacks.

He noted that Ukraine now has four types of aircraft: two types of fighters (Su-27 and MiG-29), an attack aircraft Su-25, and a bomber Su-24.

"This aircraft (F-16. - Ed.) could combine all these functions in itself, that is why more attention is being paid to it in terms of providing it to Ukraine," Ihnat added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396144

Ukraine began preparing airfield infrastructure for F-16 fighters, - Air Force

F-16 fighter jets are the most considered for possible transfer to Ukraine due to their multi-functionality. Since the Ukrainian military could perform both combat tasks on them and strengthen the defense of the sky.

This was announced by the spokesman of the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Yuriy Ihnat during a briefing, Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

"This (handover of aircraft from allies - ed.) would greatly help Ukraine on the way to victory and the de-occupation of our lands. How long it will take - here we can speak quite conventionally, because there are extremely long deadlines, and in wartime, such deadlines are for training pilots and aviation engineers are not suitable in war conditions," Ihnat said.

According to him, the pilots say that they can master the planes in a few weeks. But, as Ihnat explained, flying and landing are one thing, but fighting on these fighters is another.

He also said that the list of pilots who, in the event of the transfer of the F-16s, will control them, has already been drawn up.

"This list has been ready for a long time. Maybe there will be some changes because we are at war. The commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykola Oleschuk has already approved it... And it is not only about the need for pilots, but also aviation engineers, etc.," Ihnat pointed out.

In addition, he added that it is necessary to prepare the airport infrastructure so that pilots can safely land on the runway, and "this work is already underway."

"In addition, it is necessary to prepare the airfield infrastructure so that pilots can land safely on runways. In this matter, work is already underway in various regions of Ukraine. In particular, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Infrastructure and other relevant departments are involved in order to help us make an airport network," the spokesman said.

According to Ignat, in the future, military airfields may become joint bases for civil and military aviation.

"Such a practice already exists in the world. This could be another push for Ukraine to a civilized world. Ukrainians could start flying within the country," added the spokesman of the Air Force. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396148

[Jimbuna]

Orban said that "Ukraine is becoming Afghanistan" and "no man’s land"

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a series of scandalous statements about Russia’s progress against Ukraine.

He stated this at a meeting with journalists in Budapest, Censor.NET reports with reference to Euro Integration.

Orbán received 15 journalists, one of whom is American Conservative editor-in-chief Rod Dreger. Dreger outlined the main theses of the Hungarian prime minister.

According to Dreger, Orbán said at the meeting that he thought the West should understand that Putin cannot afford to lose the war and will not lose it, because next year there will be elections in Russia and he cannot go to them as president. who lost the war.

In addition, according to him, Russia cannot allow the presence of NATO in Ukraine. Orban said that, in his opinion, the time when Russia could conquer Ukraine and install a pro-Russian government in the country has long passed.

"If Russia won a quick victory, it would be possible, but now it's hopeless." - said the Hungarian Prime Minister.

Therefore, according to Orban, Russia's goal is to turn Ukraine into an ungovernable ruin so that the West cannot claim it "as a prize." According to him, the Russians have already succeeded in this, since now Ukraine, like Afghanistan, is a "no man's land".

According to Orban, the West does not understand that time is in Russia's favor in the war in Ukraine, since it is a huge country and can mobilize a huge army. Ukraine, Orban said, cannot do this.

The Hungarian Prime Minister also noted that the direct participation of NATO troops in the war cannot be ruled out. Orban believes that if the upcoming spring offensive by the Russians is successful, NATO member states will have to consider sending troops to Ukraine.

"It sounds crazy today, but if you look at the trend of how we got here, it cannot be ruled out today... The West is at war with Russia. That's the reality. We're getting deeper and deeper every day," he said.

Orban believes that the West is only pretending not to be at war with Russia, but by sending more and more weapons and getting closer to actual military intervention, Western leaders are playing an extremely dangerous game with themselves, Russia, and Western public opinion, he believes Hungarian Prime Minister.

Orban himself opposes the direct participation of Western troops in the war, because "no one will come out of this war as a winner."

When asked whether Putin could use nuclear weapons, Orbán replied that he did not rule out such a possibility. He clarified that he was talking about tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield, not mushroom clouds over Warsaw and Berlin.

He also said that if Ukrainians cross the Russian border with Western weapons, "the future will be so bright that the West will have to wear sunglasses."

Although Ukraine is making progress in the war, Orbán does not believe that this will continue in the long term. He points to the production capacity of the Russians and convinces that in wars the Russians are traditionally weaker at the beginning, but later they are "impossible to stop." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396159

[les green01]

sounds like Orban is upset his little butt buddy getting his handed to him.far has nato/us arming ukraine that no different than russia doing let say korea vietnam putnuts just reminds me of a two year old throwing a temper fit one of you boys over there should really take him to a woodshed and paddle his rump heck i would pay 20 dollars to see a live stream of that

[tonschk]

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals

[mapuc]

^ You have the right to have this opinion-I however CAN'T support it.

I fully support Ukraine and hope they get enough weapon so they can kick Russia out from Ukraine.

Markus

[Skybird]

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals


Well, you can certainly do much better than that! Come on, let it all out. Tell us how things stand! :Kaleun_Wink:

[August]

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals


"All" that you can? Just what exactly because I hear that Putin is looking for volunteers to go murder Ukrainian civilians.

[Catfish]

Don't feed the trolls.

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals
Then stand up against your dictator you coward.

[Dargo]

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminalsJoin the Homo Sovieticus plz K BAI.

https://i.postimg.cc/vBp0WK3b/poorputin.jpg

[les green01]

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals

so are you bending over for putnuts or is putnuts bending over for you so far most criminals and terrorist are from russia but if you doing all you can for mother russia you wouldn't be here posting you have a rifle in your hand

[Reece]

^ Yes tonschk, do the world a favor, join the meat grinder!! :yep:

[August]

^ Yes tonschk, do the world a favor, join the meat grinder!! :yep:


I'm thinking him doing everything he can consists of a few impotent troll posts on gaming forums.

[Dargo]

Vladimir Putin expected to use gas exports this winter to blackmail Europe and weaken Western support for Ukraine. Instead, this tactic appears to have backfired disastrously and critically undermined Russia’s position on European energy markets.

In September 2022, I anticipated (https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/russia-is-facing-defeat-in-putins-gas-war-against-the-european-union/) that Putin’s plan to cut gas supplies to Europe and leave consumers to freeze would fail. With the cold season now almost over, this prediction has so far turned out to be correct. Contrary to the Kremlin’s expectations, Western consumers not only stayed warm in their homes; many European companies have actually been turning to Ukraine to place surplus gas volumes in local storage facilities.

Admittedly, Europe has been lucky. Demand and supply have been balanced because consumption remained muted thanks to unseasonably mild temperatures and falling industrial demand. Meanwhile, there have been sufficient alternative deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the global market amid a lack of competition from China, which has been struggling with the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.

Much was also due to the resilience of European markets, which responded promptly to Russia’s decision to cut gas supplies to a trickle in 2022, forcing gas prices to reach record levels. Far from breaking Europe’s resolve, Putin’s energy war against the EU has shocked the bloc into fast-tracking its energy transition, completing projects which had been long overdue or forgotten and seeking alternative supplies to plug the gaping Russian shortfall.

With Russia’s share of European imports plummeting from 40% to less than 10% towards the end of 2022, European companies turned to global LNG markets, sourcing 96.3 million tons in 2022, up from 56.3 million tons the year before. Thanks to a raft of policies mandating storage targets, most underground facilities reached 90% fullness or higher by the start of the heating season on October 1, overshooting the target by ten percentage points. This means that as winter comes to an end, storage facilities remain at some of their highest levels and gas prices have fallen to a 16-month low. There are still lingering risks. An unexpected cold snap later in February or the early weeks of spring, a steep recovery in Chinese demand, or the possibility of a major escalation in Ukraine could spook markets and lead to more volatility or price spikes. Despite these potential threats, European energy markets are now clearly better prepared to absorb potential shocks.

Europe has been working to expand its LNG importing capacity, which is set to increase by no less than 20% this year. Undoubtedly, much will also depend on the availability of LNG supplies globally. However, the fact that Germany managed to commission three LNG terminals within less than a year to replace lost Russian pipeline imports points to the extraordinary ability of European markets to respond in the face of formidable challenges.

Projects that have been long delayed or forgotten have not only been resurrected but also promptly completed. For example, after many years of hesitation, Bulgaria managed to bring an interconnector with Greece into commercial operation that allows the Bulgarians to tap alternative Caspian gas and LNG. Meanwhile, Germany and France established bidirectional gas flows, which will allow not only Germany to export gas to France, but also to import from this direction. Even Romania, which had long been averse to exporting domestically produced gas, has seen some volumes shipped physically to neighboring Bulgaria Putin’s energy war against Europe has served as a catalyst for renewable projects. With the permitting process fast-tracked across the EU, installations of solar panels and heat pumps had one of their best years to date. Solar capacity shot up by 41.4GW or 25% year-on-year to 208.9GW in 2022 and is set to grow even faster in 2023.

Russian imports of coal and oil were also hit by a raft of European sanctions as EU consumers stopped taking coal and seaborne oil in the second half of 2022. This meant that Russia’s share in EU imports of coal and oil dropped to less than 15% in 2022, compared to over 45% for coal and 25% for oil the previous year, according to the latest Eurostat figures.

There are now signs that Europe’s large economies may be staving off recession and indications that energy markets are regaining an even keel, but the same cannot be said about Russia’s own gas sector. Russia’s total gas output fell 12% in 2021 to the lowest level since 1990. The situation is even worse for state producer Gazprom, whose production fell year-on-year by 20% in 2022, the largest annual drop in the company’s history. Gazprom managed to increase gas exports to China by 5.4bcm, but lost most of its 140bcm European market. It also took a hit on the domestic Russian market, losing market share to independent producers in 2022.

Gazprom may now be looking to partially revive its fortunes by using Turkey as a back door. It plans to sell gas to the Turkish gas incumbent BOTAS, which would then sell it on to Europe as whitewashed Turkish gas. This might allow Moscow to recover at least some of the losses incurred in 2022. At the same time, the fundamental nature of the shifts that have taken place over the past twelve months mean Russia now has little hope of returning to its formerly dominant position in Europe’s energy markets.

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/russia-is-losing-the-energy-war-as-putins-winter-gas-attack-backfires/

[Rockstar]

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals

Why?

[Commander Wallace]

Don't feed the trolls.


Then stand up against your dictator you coward.


Everyone.

It's not worth the effort to respond to tonschk (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=230724). All you're doing is encouraging him and giving him a voice.

Catfish has the right Idea when he said don't feed the trolls. You are all
Better than that. Of that, I have no doubt. Neither should you doubt that. We all have an Idea of what is happening in the Ukraine and the senseless destruction and loss of life. We all know how we feel about that.

You're not going to convince tonschk (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=230724) of anything so don't waste your time and energy. Fake news and propaganda is being spread far and wide, kinda like manure and fertilizer. Recognize it for what it is and where it comes from and who is spreading it.

More Importantly, don't lose yourselves or your Ideals.

[Reece]

Everyone.

It's not worth the effort to respond to tonschk (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=230724). All you're doing is encouraging him and giving him a voice.

Catfish has the right Idea when he said don't feed the trolls. You are all
Better than that. Of that, I have no doubt. Neither should you doubt that. We all have an Idea of what is happening in the Ukraine and the senseless destruction and loss of life. We all know how we feel about that.

You're not going to convince tonschk (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=230724) of anything so don't waste your time and energy. Fake news and propaganda is being spread far and wide, kinda like manure and fertilizer. Recognize it for what it is and where it comes from and who is spreading it.

More Importantly, don't lose yourselves or your Ideals.
Yes come on Jim, "Permaban" (keelhaul)

[Skybird]

Ukrainian officials say they received pledges for "321 heavy battle tanks" from the West.

I wonder where that hugh number is coming from? How is that number formed up? Who dleivers what? So far the publishe dnumbers show not even 100 tanks from the NAOT partner,s not ocutned recent Polish pledges for Polish-improived T-72. With these the count is in the rnage of around 150 or so.

Where do 321 "heavy battle tanks" come from?

Meanwhile Russia is widneign gains oin tenb gorud n around Soledar, adding small vbillages around the city to its list of recent "conquest". Things in that part fo the front currently do not go well for Ukraine. The Russian army is said to ahve taken over from Wagner again after Wagner failed to deliver on their promise to Putin to get Bachmut for him. At the same time reports on excessive use of mobile crematoria to hide the high number of KIAs from the Russian public and to evade compensation payments to families make the round. The problem is that the losses may be high - but it is not the criminal scum at the top paying the price, but little fishes pay the price, and pretty much exclusively them. Most of them are NOT murderers and rapists recruited from Russian prisons. Possible however that during the war they get turned into murderers and rapists.

Best advise to them might be that in the field they open fire at their superior officers and kill them and any troops wanting to hinder them, then flee and hand themselves over. Dangerous choice, yes. But so is to not do it and serve until detah as cannon fodder and gettign shot to idnetify Ukrainian positions that then get fired at by more veteran units.

"The comrade who wants to see me dead is not my comrade but my worst enemy." Words from my grandfather in WW2, quoting a Russian prisoner. The Russiands did like they do today already back then, and before. The worst enemy of the Russian soldier always has been his own leaders.

[Jimbuna]

Yes come on Jim, "Permaban" (keelhaul)

Why?

As much as I personally disagree with the post content there is no evidence of a forum rule violation to warrant such action.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnJSrf-2l_Q

[Commander Wallace]

Yes come on Jim, "Permaban" (keelhaul)


I know you don't like what was written, Reece. I don't either nor do our other Subsim members. Unless they are completely out of bounds,you can't stop them from espousing their warped views. It may well be that this individual is just " baiting " everyone.

I know you, like most of our members in Subsim, are better than that. These low minded individuals and their views are not indicative of the views shared by the vast majority of our members in Subsim. It's hard if not impossible to not be angry over what is happening in the Ukraine. Other than support our respective governments in their support and assistance to the Ukraine, there isn't a lot we can do.

It's probably better to ignore these trolls and not give them a voice. I'm also guilty of battling with a few trolls here as well, in the Ukraine thread. :yep: Trust me, I know it's sometimes hard to ignore these trolls when they say stupid things. :yep:

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFW02xZVoWQ

[Jimbuna]

Total combat losses of Russian Federation since beginning of war - about 125,510 people (+800 per day), 3,189 tanks, 284 helicopters, 293 planes, 2,188 artillery systems, 6,344 armored vehicles. INFOGRAPHICS

As of the morning of January 28, 2023, the losses of the Russian occupiers amount to about 125,510 people.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the press center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As noted, the total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 28.01.23 are approximately:

personnel - about 125,510 (+800) people were eliminated,
tanks - 3189 (+7) units,
armored combat vehicles - 6344 (+4) units,
artillery systems - 2188 (+8) units,
MLRS - 453 (+1) units,
air defense equipment - 221 (+0) units,
aircraft - 293 (+1) units,
helicopters - 284 (+1) units,
UAV of operational-tactical level - 1947 (+6),
cruise missiles - 796 (+0),
warships/boats - 18 (+0) units,
automotive equipment and tank trucks - 5027 (+26) units,
special equipment - 199 (+0). Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396253

[Jimbuna]

I will continue to speak with Russian Federation despite criticism, - Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to "talk to Russia" despite criticism of his dialogue with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

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

"Some persons at one time or another could reproach me for dialogue with Russia, but I will continue to talk with the Russian Federation," Macron said during a reception at the Elysee Palace.

According to him, "all countries are responsible for the world order and should contribute to its maintenance." Macron also called on China to oppose the "imperialist war" in Ukraine.

"But who could defend the possibility of a free and stable international order if we turned a blind eye to imperialist war?" Macron added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396283

Ukraine expects to receive 24 modern fighter jets from partners, - spokesman of Air Force, Ihnat

Ukraine expects to receive 24 modern fighter jets from its partners as part of the first such aid package.

This was stated by the spokesman of the Air Force of the AFU, Yurii Ihnat, in a comment to the Spanish publication El Pais, Censor.NET informs with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

Ignat explained that we are talking about two fighter battalions, each of which will have 12 aircraft.

According to him, the priority for Ukraine is American F-16 fighters. However, the French Rafale fighter jets and the Swedish Gripen are also being considered as options.

The spokesman of the Air Force noted that, in addition to complex political discussions and decisions regarding the transfer of aircraft, Ukraine will not immediately be able to count on modern fighters on the battlefield. Ihnat believes that it takes at least six months to train pilots and ground crews.

It will be recalled that Ihnat previously reported that F-16 fighter jets are the most considered for a possible transfer to Ukraine due to their multifunctionality, and Ukraine has already started preparing airfield infrastructure for F-16 fighter jets. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396281

[Otto Harkaman]

Unleash the Falcons!

https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/f-16-fighting-falcon-dale-jackson.jpg

The Time is Now!

https://youtu.be/GUQm7UqF-YA

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iMO-orGMM4

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5D1UA8BsYY

[Skybird]

Unleash the Falcons!
The Time is Now!

No, its not. It is a logistics nightmare, pilot training is far more time consuming than buildign the crew for a tank, so is maiontenance. And any airbas ein Ukraine housing Vipers will come uner immedoatey and constant attack. Russia may noit have totla air siperiority<, but it dominates the sky, the ukrianian airforce ha only very limited spaces where it can operate its few remaining Fulcrums.

Its complex a tasks with tanks already. With fighters it becomes even worse.

They should reserve the Dutch Falcons for Ukraine that become free due to the change to F-35s, yes, but I cannot see Western-made fighters flown by Ukrainians from Ukrainian airbases anytime soon, and certainly not this year. I even give the arirval of Abrams tnaks this year only a 50:50 chance, I think next year is mor elikely for that.

But then, we have been wring on so many things before the war, so maybe I get provne wrong on this fighter topic, too. But I must base on what makes sense to me now, not what maybe in the distant future may sound reasonably or not.

What happens if the maintenance chain of an airforce gets overwhelmed due to so high numbers of planes that it cannot maintain them competently, the German Luftwaffe has learned after it bought way more F-104 Starfighters than it could handle: the damn things did not stop to drop out of the German sky. In peacetimes. Of 916 fighterjets the Germans had bought, a spectacular 300 - ONE THIRD! - crashed. That earned the plane a certain nickname in Germany: widowmaker.

[Jimbuna]

Finland does not exclude involvement of Russia to disruption of Sweden’s introduction into NATO

Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto does not exclude Russia’s involvement in burning the Koran during a protest in Sweden last week, which is why Turkey refused to support this country’s accession to NATO.

About it with reference to the interview of Caavisto, the Finnish TV channel YLETV1 reports Bloomberg, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.

"This episode raises the question of whether a third party tries to" stir in a pot ", for example, Russia, or the other party that opposes membership (Finland and Sweden - ed.) ", - said Caavisto.

According to him, law enforcement officers are exploring potential relations with Rasmus Paudan, a far -right activist who burned the Holy Muslim Book in the center of Stockholm, and already "found some connections in his environment."

Although the Swedish government has not publicly commented on any connection between Paludan and Russia, Prime Minister ULF Kristerson said that there were forces that want to keep his country from joining the Alliance this week.

"There are strengths both in Sweden and beyond that, they want to interfere with Sweden membership in NATO, so we need to see provocateurs who are trying to aggravate Sweden's relations with other countries," Christerson said.

Currently, only Turkey and Hungary, two of the 30 NATO member states, have not ratified Finland and Sweden's applications. At the same time, the statements of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a general call into question the prospects for Sweden's accession to the Alliance.

Since the next elections in Turkey are expected in mid-May, Erdogan seeks to enlist support for religious conservatives in his country and will block any Sweden movement to NATO.

"The general opinion is that Turkey takes a time out on Sweden's accession to NATO and return to this topic is only possible after the May election," Havisto said.

He also added that he considers Finland unlikely the Alliance to join Sweden, although he said at the beginning of the week that it was possible.

Haavisto also noted that despite the suspension of official negotiations between the three countries, Finland continues to keep in touch with Turkey and he talks to his colleague Mevlut Chavushoglus "Every time something is happening in the international arena." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396307

US Deputy Minister of Finance Flies to Turkey to warn Ankara about consequences for helping Russia bypass sanctions

The United States intends to warn Turkey of the negative consequences in the event of Russia’s help to bypass US sanctions imposed on it in response to a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrinform reports with reference to the commentary of the spokesman of the US Department of Finance, Censor.NET reports.

According to the spokesman, the Deputy Minister of Finance for Combating Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson on February 2-3 will visit Ankara and Turkish Financial Center, Istanbul, where he will meet with representatives of government, business and financial institutions during which he will emphasize the need Avoid transactions related to the possible transfer of double -use technologies that can eventually be used by Russian military.

According to the spokesman, during negotiations, Nelson intends to confirm Washington's determination to continue to apply the laws and sanctions to Russia and other violators of international rules aggressively.

"Persons and institutions working in permits are at risk of losing access to US markets through business with sanctions," the spokesman said.

At the same time, he noted that Nelson will become the last high -ranking official of the US Department of Finance, who will visit Turkey to discuss with Turkish partners the issues of anti -Russian sanctions. Earlier, Washington has repeatedly attracted Ankara's attention to the inadmissibility of any action that can help Moscow bypassing the restrictions imposed on it. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396304

[Skybird]

Bloomberg and ISW report that the Russians are planning to launch a series of offensives that could last for 6 months and aim to break Ukraine's recent string of operational successes. The obvious intention is to anticipate the arrival of Western tanks and thus make them arrive too late. This also explains Ukraine's obvious frustration with Germany's delaying policy, as it was wasting time that Ukraine did not have.
Ukrainian pilots, meanwhile, report that learning to fly the F-16 is a matter of just a few weeks, but fighting with it, using all the possibilities and types of weapons the aircraft offers, is something that would take at least 6 months. So say the Ukrainian pilots themselves.
Kyiv expects the beginning of the Russian offensive for the date marking the one year jubilee of the war: February 24th.

----------------

That is my fear a bit, too: that the tanks come too late. Thats why I am so angry about the Germans: so much time wasted.

[Exocet25fr]

ANYWAY!, the WWIII Nuclear WAR WILL BE.......!:D

[Commander Wallace]

^ speaking of trolls. :yep:

[Catfish]

Hybrid warfare –

"Swedish media suggest that Moscow was behind the protest aiming to sabotage Sweden's NATO membership bid"

https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/europe/1674639619-russia-affiliated-journalist-paid-for-quran-burning-in-sweden

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpkMHUAod9w

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6tjIOfbuWI

[Dargo]

No, its not. It is a logistics nightmare, pilot training is far more time consuming than buildign the crew for a tank, so is maiontenance. And any airbas ein Ukraine housing Vipers will come uner immedoatey and constant attack. Russia may noit have totla air siperiority<, but it dominates the sky, the ukrianian airforce ha only very limited spaces where it can operate its few remaining Fulcrums.

Its complex a tasks with tanks already. With fighters it becomes even worse.

They should reserve the Dutch Falcons for Ukraine that become free due to the change to F-35s, yes, but I cannot see Western-made fighters flown by Ukrainians from Ukrainian airbases anytime soon, and certainly not this year. I even give the arirval of Abrams tnaks this year only a 50:50 chance, I think next year is mor elikely for that.

But then, we have been wring on so many things before the war, so maybe I get provne wrong on this fighter topic, too. But I must base on what makes sense to me now, not what maybe in the distant future may sound reasonably or not.

What happens if the maintenance chain of an airforce gets overwhelmed due to so high numbers of planes that it cannot maintain them competently, the German Luftwaffe has learned after it bought way more F-104 Starfighters than it could handle: the damn things did not stop to drop out of the German sky. In peacetimes. Of 916 fighterjets the Germans had bought, a spectacular 300 - ONE THIRD! - crashed. That earned the plane a certain nickname in Germany: widowmaker.Ukraine is already making their airfields F-16 ready.

[Dargo]

Ukrainian officials say they received pledges for "321 heavy battle tanks" from the West.

I wonder where that hugh number is coming from? How is that number formed up? Who dleivers what? So far the publishe dnumbers show not even 100 tanks from the NAOT partner,s not ocutned recent Polish pledges for Polish-improived T-72. With these the count is in the rnage of around 150 or so.

Where do 321 "heavy battle tanks" come from?

Meanwhile Russia is widneign gains oin tenb gorud n around Soledar, adding small vbillages around the city to its list of recent "conquest". Things in that part fo the front currently do not go well for Ukraine. The Russian army is said to ahve taken over from Wagner again after Wagner failed to deliver on their promise to Putin to get Bachmut for him. At the same time reports on excessive use of mobile crematoria to hide the high number of KIAs from the Russian public and to evade compensation payments to families make the round. The problem is that the losses may be high - but it is not the criminal scum at the top paying the price, but little fishes pay the price, and pretty much exclusively them. Most of them are NOT murderers and rapists recruited from Russian prisons. Possible however that during the war they get turned into murderers and rapists.

Best advise to them might be that in the field they open fire at their superior officers and kill them and any troops wanting to hinder them, then flee and hand themselves over. Dangerous choice, yes. But so is to not do it and serve until detah as cannon fodder and gettign shot to idnetify Ukrainian positions that then get fired at by more veteran units.

"The comrade who wants to see me dead is not my comrade but my worst enemy." Words from my grandfather in WW2, quoting a Russian prisoner. The Russiands did like they do today already back then, and before. The worst enemy of the Russian soldier always has been his own leaders.Spain has a huge stock of early leopards 2 maybe they are promised.

[Skybird]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6tjIOfbuWI


He needs to make his homework better. He allows to get carried away by his enthusiasm.

[Dargo]

Hybrid warfare –

"Swedish media suggest that Moscow was behind the protest aiming to sabotage Sweden's NATO membership bid"

https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/europe/1674639619-russia-affiliated-journalist-paid-for-quran-burning-in-swedenMost of these extreme right-wing populist parties in Europe are on the payroll of Putin in Dutch Parliament there are two one is openly saying Putin is the good guy other is against all our Ukraine support both frequently visit Putin am glad they are a minority.

[Skybird]

Spain has a huge stock of early leopards 2 maybe they are promised.
Hangar and runway coordinates are already being logged into Russian cruise missiles.



Anyway, I stick with what Ukrainian pilots are being quoted with. Its not enough to just fly a plane, if you want to make use of its options and various systems and weapons, you need training of 6 months minimum. Says the Ukrainian pilots, I red it somewhere today.



And then the logistic problems.


Note: i do not say they will not get F-16s one day. I only calmed down on the voiced expectation they would or could be deployed into combat any time "soon". They will play no role in the offensives upcoming in the next 3-6 months.



And it might be the reason why Ukraine so urgently calls for them: to compensate for the late arrival of the tanks. The russian offensive most likely will start rolling much earlier.



Also, lets not forget that Russian ground forces move, like ours, under protection of air defences like shoulderpads and ZSUs. Russia has no total air superiority - but it nevertheless controls the air. No side has superiority, but Russia nevertheless controls the air, simply that. The F-16 is unlikely to make a difference if used in CAS, currently at least. More likely they want it to shut down more drones and cruise missiles.



Tanks can be hidden in the countryside. Planes not. What they need most is ammo, tanks, IFVs, artillery, anti-air. Vipers I have on the last place on that list.



Prepare for them, yes, absoklutely. But do not expect them any time soon. Like the Abrams - they will come, but not any time soon. Maybe even not before 2024.

[Catfish]

Most of these extreme right-wing populist parties in Europe are on the payroll of Putin [...] .
As is the "AfD" in Germany. And "Die Linke".
Funny how those right and left wing extremists resemble each other when it comes to worshipping dictatorship :03:

[August]

:salute:
https://i.imgur.com/QyKCsRq.png


Posted earlier.

[Dargo]

Hangar and runway coordinates are already being logged into Russian cruise missiles.



Anyway, I stick with what Ukrainian pilots are being quoted with. Its not enough to just fly a plane, if you want to make use of its options and various systems and weapons, you need training of 6 months minimum. Says the Ukrainian pilots, I red it somewhere today.



And then the logistic problems.


Note: i do not say they will not get F-16s one day. I only calmed down on the voiced expectation they would or could be deployed into combat any time "soon". They will play no role in the offensives upcoming in the next 3-6 months.



And it might be the reason why Ukraine so urgently calls for them: to compensate for the late arrival of the tanks. The russian offensive most likely will start rolling much earlier.



Also, lets not forget that Russian ground forces move, like ours, under protection of air defences like shoulderpads and ZSUs. Russia has no total air superiority - but it nevertheless controls the air. No side has superiority, but Russia nevertheless controls the air, simply that. The F-16 is unlikely to make a difference if used in CAS, currently at least. More likely they want it to shut down more drones and cruise missiles.



Tanks can be hidden in the countryside. Planes not. What they need most is ammo, tanks, IFVs, artillery, anti-air. Vipers I have on the last place on that list.



Prepare for them, yes, absoklutely. But do not expect them any time soon. Like the Abrams - they will come, but not any time soon. Maybe even not before 2024.Longer range missiles like ATACMS should take priority over delivery of F-16s.

[Skybird]

Spain has a huge stock of early leopards 2 maybe they are promised.
Indeed they have, but these later got repoted to be totally rotten. It will cost a long time to refubish them.- Many months. There is speculation that this finding is the reason why after initial anouncements some months ago Spain suddenly denied to have wanted sending "many Leopards".



They probabvly only operate the Leopardo-2E in active service.


Lets beleive it, thee 2A4 verison is OLD. It ma yhave stood around ins oem backyard for the apst 15, 20 years,mw ith open ahzcthes. Evertyhiogn ionside that could rot, ha soprtten, all placti and rubber anmd electric is gone or unusable. Refurbishing these means: complete take them apart and rebuild them from scratch.



How does your car look like after 20 years if you left it standing i your garden with open windows and in the sun? And that car then would not have complicated electronics, servo engines, hydraulic systems, severla kilometers of wire, and all that. If the 2A4 have not been run in service, but had been mothballed, do not count with these for many months to come. End of this year, if things run well.

[Dargo]

...

How does your car look like after 20 years if you left it standing i your garden with open windows and in the sun? And that car then would not have complicated electronics, servo engines, hydraulic systems, severla kilometers of wire, and all that. If the 2A4 have not been run in service, but had been mothballed, do not count with these for many months to come. End of this year, if things run well.This problem does the Russians also have they have thousands of material standing in the open air for decades, most will not operate same goes for ammunition after a while it is not safe to use it anymore.

[Skybird]

As is the "AfD" in Germany. And "Die Linke".
Funny how those right and left wing extremists resemble each other when it comes to worshipping dictatorship :03:
Really? Have you ever noticed that the flag of the Nazis - red with white centre dot and a blakc swastika in it - and the flag of the global proletarian movement shared the same red? That is because the Nazi flag IS the communist/proletarian movement flag, sichel and hammer cut out and replaced with swastika. Until the end, Hitler and Mussolini insisted they were not "polically right", but they saw themselves as left, as socialist. In a speech to the party in February 1945 or 1944 Hitler explained that he saw no principle difference between German Nationalsocialism and Sovjet Bolshevism. Already in the early 30s Goebbels agitated against the possessing class and left no doubt on what woudl happen to them when the NSDAP - the natiolSOCIALIST WORKERs party - would ever gain governmental power: expropriation or state control of production and factories.

I used to say on some occasions in the past that Socialism and Nazism, that political left and right are twins, kids of the the same father, are offsprings of the same spirit, but that is not really correct. To be more precise: they are not two twins, they are indeed just one: one actor, but with very severe personality disorder, he suffers from split personality. The context of the situation he is embedded in at a given moment decides whether he shows his nazi-labelled or his socialist-labelled personality, but its always the same actor. The two are not two - its always just one and the same.

And thats why I dispise both the same, do not help the one against the other, do not prefer the one to the other, buts dispise them both equally. Because this is always one and the same sh++. The result is alway the same, too: tyranny, dictatorship, totalitarianism and brute force of the state/collective against the individual. Inhumaness as a civil duty. Cruelty as a moral principle. In other words: fascism, freed of its originally Italian context.

No, you must not wonder, and its not funny at all.

Not two - just one. Always one and the same.

The only thing one can wonder about is that people time and again still fall for it, ever again and again, allow to get fooled by it, and do not learn from the terrible experiences of the past while history teaches volumes of always one and the same lesson about it. Not just Germany or the Sovjet Union.

You now also see why the "left" and the "right" share one and the same enemy that unites them: the libertarian, the freedom loving, self-responsible human. There is no difference between left and right. Only between freedom, and not freedom.

[Otto Harkaman]

I know its going to be awhile before any of these new weapon systems are able to be deployed. We are probably not going to really see anything deployed in the numbers they need to be until next winter.

But this is WW3, make no doubt, hopefully it can be contained in Ukraine. This Putin is a madman and the thugs around him. He has to be defeated.

This isn't a war against the Russian Federation, Putin is an old style Soviet, this is a continuation of the Cold War. We won a great battle without a shot separating East Germany, Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic States from Soviet Union. Press the attack don't let him reassemble the Soviet Union. If he retakes Ukraine there will be such horrible atrocities on a scale more horrible than what has already has been, this is genocide and ethic cleansing.

This summer (the dry season, when wheeled vehicles can be mobile cross country) will be the hardest because Ivan will know this is the only chance to make gains before these new weapon systems can be deployed in sufficient numbers to make a difference.

Too bad we didn't realize what was going on and maybe had this war in Belarus before it was subjugated.

[Jimbuna]

NATO countries poised to send 50 fighter jets to Ukraine

But the move would require Russia's air force to threaten aerial domination for them to be deployed. It follows a key meeting of the European Air Group at its UK headquarters in High Wycombe Air Command last week.

The defence club was originally formed by the UK and France following the first Gulf War, and now includes Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

All seven, including Britain, have agreed to make contingency plans to deploy a total of around 50 fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoons or F-16 fighter jets or to provide training and logistics packages.

Sending the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter, however, is "not on the table", sources say.

"The view expressed at the meeting was that the Air Forces of these seven countries must be ready to act quickly if a political decision were taken to provide air cover," added the source.

Last night, one former RAF Air Commodore dubbed the move - which would follow the agreement by Nato members to gift around 130 main battle tanks - as a "logical progression", while another urged training to begin now.

Ukraine has made it clear it wishes to add combat jets to its arsenal, and has made a direct request to the UK.

The Netherlands has publicly stated it would consider sending F-16s, and the US has confirmed it will not stand in its way.

While German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has already publicly ruled out the deployment of fighter jets, this would not prevent the country's air force - which operates Typhoons - from playing a vital role in training and logistics.

And this is just one of the severe challenges which may yet dissuade London and other capitals from giving the green light. One aspect is the role of such an air force has not yet been determined.

Air Commodore Dai Whittingham, formerly deputy commander for Nato's Airborne Early Warning and Control Force, said: "Heavy armour allows infantry to advance and it is infantry which holds the ground. You'd expect air cover to be tackling the front line ahead of their advance.

"Some may say deploying Typhoons is a major escalation but, while it's not inevitable, it is really just a logical progression."

But although Western air doctrine places air cover as a crucial component to supporting deployments on the ground, neither Russia nor Ukraine have been able to establish air superiority as both possess very capable ground-based air defence systems (Gbad).

Air Power expert Justin Bronk, of the RUSI think tank, said: "The provision of Western fighter jets won't make a difference now to what is essentially a ground war.

"Russia has a significantly larger force of modern fourth-generation fighter aircraft, which are comparable to F-16s.

"Their pilots have combat experience, and even they cannot effectively provide close air support to their ground forces because of Ukrainian Gbad capabilities."

Depending on the role assigned to the aircraft, training of pilots "to an effective standard" could take eight months.

But logistical groundwork for spare parts and training engineers could take even longer.

Another option, to persuade Bulgaria, Poland, Hungry, Romania to follow Slovakia's offer to send Soviet-build Mig-29s - already in service in Ukraine - would cut this drastically, but offer no advantage.

Mr Bronk added: "At some point Western fighter jets will be sent - the question is determining at what point it becomes worth committing resources involved given other pressing priorities, That time is not now."

Last night it was claimed satellite photos showed Russia is planning a fresh offensive ahead of the first anniversary of the invasion on February 24.

Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's national security and defence council, said: "Now they are preparing for maximum activation, and they believe that by the anniversary they should have some achievements."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/nato-countries-poised-to-send-50-fighter-jets-to-ukraine/ar-AA16QNnV?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=a1b797ec749b456d9b528e4665d00e52

[Jimbuna]

Putin facing 'very bleak future' as Russian pressure surges to score 'significant victory'

Vladimir Putin has been warned he faces a "very bleak future" if he fails to score a "significant victory" in the next major offensives with Ukraine as pressure begins to mount in Russia. The Russian President has seen his army suffer a series of devastating blows in the conflict, with tens of thousands of troops being killed on the battlefield. The first anniversary of the war is just a few weeks away on February 24, and there has been speculation Putin could announce a huge mobilisation of half-a-million troops in a desperate bid to boost his ailing plan.

Colonel Richard Kemp, a retired British Army officer who served for nearly 30 years, claimedboth Russia and Ukraine are gearing up for "major offensives" but warned this could be Putin's "last roll of the dice".

He believesfailure to achieve a "significant victory" would open up the possibility of a coup in Russia against him - a move that could edge the President closer to the Kremlin exit door.

The retired British Army Colonel told Express.co.uk: "The Ukrainians have taken a huge hit, but of course so has Putin.

"We all know things didn't work out how we expected or how he conditioned the Russian people to expect, so he has to have a significant victory in the early part of this year if he can achieve it.

"If he can't achieve that, it could be a very bleak future for him with the possibility of some kind of coo in Russia against him. He will be very mindful of that possibility.

"Putin is in a very strong position and still has huge popularity within Russia, despite this war. But we have also seen rumblings from some of the elites within Russia.

"The prospects of a popular Russian uprising against Putin are pretty low but the prospect of someone of significance in Moscow or a significant number of people deciding to move against him is possible."

He added: "Whether that would succeed is an open question and who would succeed him is also an open question.

"The third question is whether it worsens or improves the situation because the most serious noises against Putin that I'm aware of are not those who have said we want peace, but from people who say they want to win this war."

Colonel Kemp warned the war between Russia and Ukraine could even go on for "years" but the "critical point" will be who comes out on top in the upcoming offences.

Despite pressure building on Putin, he believes the Russian President has to "fight and keep it going" as he would never be able to "contemplate the status quo that existed before February 24, 2022".

The retired British Army Colonel said: "This war could go on for many months and even years but the critical point will be whether these Russian and Ukrainian offences succeed or fail.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/putin-facing-very-bleak-future-as-russian-pressure-surges-to-score-significant-victory/ar-AA16Rlp0?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=83aff183311145cca785b547d56634e2

[Jimbuna]

Total combat losses of Russian Federation since beginning of war - about 126,160 people (+650 per day), 3,197 tanks, 284 helicopters, 293 planes, 2,195 artillery systems, 6,366 armored vehicles. INFOGRAPHICS

As of the morning of January 29, 2023, the losses of the Russian occupiers amount to approximately 126,160 people.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the press center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As noted, the total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 29.01.23 are approximately:

personnel - about 126,160 (+650) people were eliminated,
tanks - 3197 (+8) units,
armored combat vehicles - 6366 (+22) units,
artillery systems - 2195 (+7) units,
MLRS - 453 (+0) units,
air defense equipment - 221 (+0) units,
aircraft - 293 (+0) units,
helicopters - 284 (+0) units,
UAV of operational-tactical level - 1947 (+0),
cruise missiles - 796 (+0),
warships / boats - 18 (+0) units,
automotive equipment and tank trucks - 5037 (+10) units,
special equipment - 199 (+0). Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396360

[Jimbuna]

German concern Rheinmetall wants to produce HIMARS in Europe

The German arms concern Rheinmetall is ready to significantly increase the production of tank and artillery ammunition to meet the high demand in Ukraine and the West. He is negotiating the start of production of HIMARS rocket launcher systems in Germany.

This was stated by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Censor.NET reports with reference to European Pravda.

According to him, in 2022, Rheinmetall produced 60-70 thousand tank and artillery shells, but this number can be increased.

"We can produce 240,000 tank ammunition (120 mm) per year, which is more than the entire world needs," Papperger said, adding that the production capacity of 155 mm artillery shells could be increased to 450,000-500,000 per year.

Also, Rheinmetall wants to launch a new line for the production of medium-caliber ammunition, which, for example, is used by the German anti-aircraft Gepard self-propelled guns in Ukraine, by mid-2023.

At the same time, the concern is negotiating with the American Lockheed Martin about the possible production of HIMARS systems, which are also actively used by Ukrainian troops.

"At the Munich Security Conference, we are looking to conclude an agreement with Lockheed Martin to begin production of HIMARS (in Germany). We have the technology to produce the warheads as well as the rocket engines - and we have the trucks to mount the launchers on," - Papperger said.

Rheinmetall's CEO expects to discuss details of military production at a meeting of industry representatives with Germany's new defense minister, Boris Pistorius, although the date has yet to be set.

Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396383

North Korea denies US information about supply of weapons to Russian Federation, and also warned United States about "unwanted consequences"

North Korea denied the data on the supply of weapons to the Russian Federation, and also warned the United States of "unwanted consequences" if they continue to spread such "rumors".

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to Espreso, this was stated by the Director General of US Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea, Kwon Jong-gun, Yonhap writes.

"The attempt to tarnish the image of the DPRK by fabricating data is a serious provocation that can never be tolerated and cannot but provoke a reaction," Kwon said in a statement released by the official Korean Central News Agency. This is how the DPRK commented on the publication of US evidence on arms trade between the Russian Federation and North Korea.

"The US must remember that it will face a really undesirable outcome if it continues to spread rumors against North Korea."

Kwon did not say what he meant by an undesirable result. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396377

[Skybird]

Its noteworthy that Rheinmetall at the same time is in sort of a clash with its partner KMW. Both together now produce the Leopard 2 and are in economic alliance with French tank maker Nexter, but with the French and Germans wanting to co-develope a shared European battle tank for the future, it irked KMW that Rheinmetall started first an internal competition against the Puma IFV when launching its Lynx IFV, and now has done it again with rolling out the KF-51 Panther MBT that directly rivals thge Leopard-2 and collides with the the French-German co-venture on a future MBT.

I wonder how long this economic alliance will last. In any case, RM has made itself massively unpopular with both KMW and Nexter, and the relationship of trust has been clearly damaged. Says KMW, and was more indirectly indicated by Nexter.

The KF-51 is not innovative that much, KMW angrily describes it as a "CAD-study" of work "based on old technology and a Leopard-2 basis". It weighs 7-9 tons less than modern versions of the Leopard-2 and was put together in just 2-3 years.

RM also has taken over a Spanish ammunition producer recently, and in general are in an expansion offensive.

My realistic expectation is that France and Germany will plan both the fighter aircraft and the tank to death and will bang heads often over narcissistic demands who is boss in the project and what specifications what army wants to see. In the end much of the financial advantages that were planned to gain with this cooperation, will be given up again due to these conflicts and timely extensions. I am not that much convinced that platform development distrubuted amongst several national partners is all that positive, time- and money- economic at all. Developing a new ATGM together, is one thing. Doing a whole new tank or multirole jet or air transport or submarine is something very different. And France absolutely hates to share control over such technological key areas of its industry - and rightly so.

[mapuc]

In this video he talks about logistic and maintenance on the Tanks they will get from USA especially.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmw0nPlkso0&ab_channel=DenysDavydov

Markus

[Skybird]

^ He said the American F-16 maybe arrive at the same time like and together with the US tanks. The M1 tanks are many, many months away.
Not before Q3 or Q4, maybe even later.
----------------------
Former Ukrainian ambassador to germany, Melnyk, now wants one of Germany's only 6 type-212 submarines. Well, everybody has dreams. Dream on, Mr. Melnyk. And btw, what Uboats? Most of 2017 and 2018, none of these boats were operational, all were in the shipyard, suffering from missing spareparts. Last summer, 2022, only two boats reported operation-readiness for the better part of the year, the others were "grounded", maintenance could not be done on them, again missing spareparts. Germany does not have 6 submarines, but "potentially 6 submarines", in reality it is just 1-3.

But even if all 6 were operaitonbal, forget it, Mr. Melnyk. Will not happen as long as the war lasts. Afterwards, Ukraine may regularly buy stuff.

German armed forces are WRECKED.
----------------------
Ukrainian tankers have started training on the Challengers in the UK.
----------------------
The head of the Munich Security Conference, Heusgen, supports the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine.

[Aktungbby]

From 2/2022:AHEM! B 4 U speke do yer homework...Not only does Vlad the Bastard attempt a 'falseflag' attack ala Operation Himmler in 1939, but his Einsatzgruppen are well equipped for propaganda purposes against pißed-off babushka mommas on the home front! https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NINTCHDBPICT000714599251.jpg https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NINTCHDBPICT000714599249.jpg?w=620 The russian artillery trucks are well equipped with crematorium units to cover up the maßive death rate for glorious neoSoviet propaganda purposes...photos reveal Russia's fleet of mobile crematoriums used to incinerate dead soldiers amid fears they will use them to hide the true scale of the Ukraine war. The terrifying trucks can reduce bodies to ashes on the roadside, making it even easier for Vladimir Putin to downplay the human cost of the conflict. BOTTOM LINE: having eschewed global Ma'at, Vlad the Bastard is certainly covering up his failing Götterdämmerung!!?? I submit; WW III is underway. https://www.the-sun.com/news/4772273/russias-mobile-crematoriums-incinerate-dead-soldiers-ukraine/ Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered 21 mobile crematoriums from China in an attempt to hide how many Russian soldiers have died during the conflict in Ukraine. According to rumours, the Kremlin is preparing for its losses to more than double from 100,000 to 220,000 by May. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/vladimir-putin-purchases-nearly-two-dozen-mobile-crematoriums-from-china-as-russia-continues-to-suffer-irretrievable-losses-in-war/ar-AA16Bscb?ocid=sf Vladimir Putin has reportedly purchased 21 mobile crematoriums from China in a sneaky ploy to hide the true death tolls Russian forces have suffered in the war. However, video of the alleged vehicles has surfaced, with some reports claiming Putin has already received them and given the order for the crematoriums to be deployed alongside Russian troops.
This comes as experts predict Russia has suffered "irretrievable losses" that could reach 220,000 by May 1 of this year. But despite the "colossal" loss of life, Putin allegedly "is not embarrassed" by the rapidly rising death count. Instead, the politician simply believes "the losses must be ‘smeared over time" resulting in the need for the crematoriums.

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksS6Pt9ldso

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

Putin will not give up war in Ukraine because he is afraid of losing elections, - Orban

During a meeting with journalists in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn outlined his own vision of why Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine should not be expected to end in the near future.

As Censor.NET reports with reference to Euro Integration, an article about the meeting that took place earlier this week was published in the German-language "liberal-conservative" publication Tichys Einblich.

"Orbán destroys the hope that Putin will sooner or later give up the war. After all, the presidential election is approaching, and those who lost the war will not win the election, even a rigged one", - the author of the article, Roland Tichy, relays the words of the Hungarian prime minister.

He also claims that Orbán is not pro-Russian, as he is commonly believed, because "he says that he knows about the cruelty of the Russians, because in 1956 they hanged the then Prime Minister Imre Nagy."

According to the Prime Minister of Hungary, Russia has historically demonstrated that it is weak at the beginning of wars due to "corruption, sloppiness, incompetence of commanders and terrible tactical mistakes", but "very soon switches gears, mobilizes its forces and learns quickly"

Speaking about Russia's goal in the war, Orban believes that it is not about the complete conquest of Ukraine (because this will cause popular resistance and "guerrilla warfare"), but the creation of a buffer zone approximately along the contact line in Donbas.

"A kind of "death zone" between Western Ukraine and NATO on the one hand, and Russia on the other?" - writes author Tichys Einblich and adds that Hungary's position on an immediate ceasefire and negotiations is the best.

On occasion, he criticizes the US and the EU for not having a clear strategy for the war, "except for strengthening Ukraine's well-founded resistance." He adds that according to this logic, NATO will have to send its own troops to Ukraine if "sooner or later they run out of men." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396434

Military plant in Poland works in three shifts to repair equipment of Ukrainian Armed Forces

One of the Polish military plants is working almost around the clock to return damaged Ukrainian artillery and armored vehicles to the battlefield.

According to Censor.NЕТ, this is stated by The Wall Street Journal.

Hundreds of mechanics are working to restore Ukrainian military equipment. In particular, we are talking about Krab self-propelled artillery systems manufactured in Poland. Two self-propelled artillery systems that were spotted at the factory are missing parts of their tracks. The howitzers have bullet holes and deformed spare parts.

"In fact, these weapons arrived here in the worst condition we have ever seen. The entire barrel was missing, the body was badly damaged," says engineer Myroslav Surovanets.

It is known that in Poland, Krab howitzers are maintained at a facility owned by the state-owned Polish Armaments Group. The workshop is monitored by officers of the Internal Security Agency, who are tasked with detecting potential sabotage operations. All employees must be Polish.

The mechanics work around the clock in three shifts and are in constant contact with the Ukrainian military to learn about the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396459

[Jimbuna]

Abrams tanks may be delivered to Ukraine in late 2023 - The Washington Post

American Abrams M1A2 tanks will be delivered to Ukraine in late 2023 or early 2024.

This is stated by The Washington Post, reports Censor.NЕТ with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

The rest of the weapons will be provided to the Ukrainian military from the Pentagon's stockpile. However, 31 M1A2 main battle tanks will be provided under the USAI program. That is, the United States will purchase them from the industry.

"They will be built without protection using depleted uranium and will be delivered at the end of this year or next," the statement said.

Earlier, White House National Security Advisor John Kirby said that it could take months to deliver the tanks to Ukraine.

"I don't want to be too specific because we're still developing plans, but it will take many months," he said.

Kirby said that the United States will be making efforts to help Ukraine. Among other things, it will soon start training the Ukrainian military. This is due to the fact that they must be ready to immediately use the provided weapons. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396465

Ukraine can continue to count on support of Czech Republic, - Pavel

The Czech leader thanked his Ukrainian counterpart for the congratulations.

Newly elected Czech President Petr Pavel assured Volodymyr Zelensky that the Czech Republic would continue to support Ukraine. Paul wrote about this in his Twitter, reports Censor.NЕТ.

"I would like to thank President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky for his congratulations on the Czech presidential election results and his invitation to visit Kyiv. In our telephone conversation today, I assured him that Ukraine can continue to rely on the support of the Czech Republic," Pavel said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396463

[August]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9xQf8LQgCU

[Skybird]

https://www-focus-de.translate.goog/politik/ausland/ukraine-krise/russland-experte-erklaert-warum-moskau-selbst-krankheit-von-putin-vortaeuschen-koennte_id_184180714.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp



However, the Russian leadership may have started the rumor itself. It appeared in July or August of last year, just when the Russian army was having big problems in Ukraine. It was a way to signal to the West, "Don't get upset, he's going to die soon, so don't do anything, wait until he dies." That was a way to gain three or four months. However, there is no evidence for all these assumptions.
(...)
Yes, I am convinced that Putin never had the slightest intention to collude with the Europeans or the Americans. In December 1999, on Chekist Day, he appeared before a group of high-ranking FSB officers and told them that he had just completed the first part of the task assigned to them, which was to penetrate the Russian state apparatus once again. In 2000, before his election as president, he said, "Anyone who doesn't miss the USSR has no heart." Putin constantly said little phrases that showed he rejected the defeat of the USSR in the Cold War and that his project was in fact the reconstruction of a new USSR on the model of ex-KGB chief Yuri Andropov in 1982.

[Skybird]

MTU Friedrichshafen, the manufacturer of the Leopard engines, says that if growing orders would be received, they would "stand there with dropped pants", because MTU belongs to Rollys-Royce, and RR is in flames, the MTU managers called it "a burning platform". During the pandemic, planes did not fly and the engines leased by RR to all those many airline carriers produced no income, with the result that RR now is in serious turmoil. The RR paper in the recent 5 years lost two thirds of its value, showing that the problems at RR root much deeper. If the Germans need to push up production and hire new workers (building tank engines is manual handwork), there is serious doubt that the British bosses would allow that due to the financial investement needed - and money that they do not have anymore, or better: thjat they instead want MTU to channel to RR.

Military orders make for just one tenth of MTU's incomes. But without their engines, there can be no new Leopards.



Purr, kitty, purr.

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson lying about Putin missile threat, says Kremlin

The Kremlin has accused Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister, of "lying" when he said President Vladimir Putin had threatened him with a missile strike during a phone call in the run-up to the invasion of Ukraine.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, told reporters that what Johnson said was not true, or "more precisely, a lie".

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Johnson said that the Russian leader had threatened him with a missile strike that would "only take a minute".

"He threatened me at one point, and he said, 'Boris, I don't want to hurt you but, with a missile, it would only take a minute' or something like that," Mr Johnson said.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/boris-johnson-lying-about-putin-missile-threat-says-kremlin/ar-AA16SSlp?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=8fafdba000c04606a69dbe3aa48c8ab3

[Jimbuna]

Putin's Wagner thugs claim they have taken eastern Ukraine village after intense fighting

Russian mercenary fighters claimed they captured a small village in eastern Ukraine, reports from Telegram channels associated with the group have said, as fighting in the Donbas territory intensified. The Wagner Group said that its units had taken control of Blahodatne, a small village on the highway between the front-line cities of Bakhmut and Siversk, with photos posted of members of the outfit standing in front of an entrance sign to the area. Ukraine's General Staff, however, said its forces repelled an attack in the area of Blahodatne on Sunday.

The village of Blahodatne is located just across the Bakhmutka River from the salt-mining town of Soledar, which Russia successfully captured in mid-January after a brutal assault.

In a message on the morning of January 29, the press service of Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Wagner troops had reached the southern edge of the village.

Another channel associated with the group said: "Units of Wagner PMC have taken Blahodatne. Blahodatne is under our control."

They have also claimed to have taken the village of Klishchiivka, to the south, over the past week as they continue to try to encircle the city of Bakhmut.

While the claims remain unconfirmed, if true, their positions will put increasing pressure on Ukrainian communication and supply lines into Bakhmut itself.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address on Sunday that the situation around Bakhmut has become "very tough".

He said: "The situation is very tough. Bakhmut, Vuhledar, and other sectors in Donetsk region - there are constant Russian attacks."

But Ukrainian forces denied that the village of Blahodatne had been captured by the Wagner Group, while the Russian Ministry of Defence declined to comment.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its daily morning report: "Units of Ukraine's Defence Forces repelled the attacks of the occupiers in the areas of ... Blahodatne ... in the Donetsk region."

Ukraine's General Staff added that its forces repelled Russian attacks in the areas of 13 other settlements in the Donetsk region.

The Wagner Group has made premature claims about capturing cities and towns, such as Soledar, in previous weeks.

Their announcement came as friends and volunteers gathered at Kyiv's St Sophia's Cathedral to say goodbye to Andrew Bagshaw, a New Zealand scientist who was killed in Soledar, six miles northeast of Bakhmut, earlier this month, alongside Brit Christopher Parry.

The pair were trying to evacuate an elderly woman from the frontline salt mining town when they were hit by a shell in their car, Mr Bagshaw's family reported in a statement last week.

Volunteers spoke of their memories of Mr Bagshaw and read tributes from his family. Nikolletta Stoyanova, a friend in Ukraine, shared memories of his bravery.

Ms Stoyanova said, speaking in English: "Even if no one wanted to go to Soledar, they can do that. Because if he understood that someone needs help, they need to do this help for these people."

Mr Bagshaw's father, Phil, told reporters in New Zealand that his son wanted to do something to help.

He said: "He was a very intelligent man, and a very independent thinker.

"And he thought a long time about the situation in Ukraine, and he believed it to be immoral. He felt the only thing he could do of a constructive nature was to go there and help people."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/putin-s-wagner-thugs-claim-they-have-taken-eastern-ukraine-village-after-intense-fighting/ar-AA16SofM?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=d8aa3f71e48649c792134b346db01306

[Jimbuna]

Erdogan might approve Finland's NATO bid, 'shock' Sweden

Turkey's president has suggested his country might approve Finland's application for NATO membership before taking any action on Sweden's, while the Turkish government issued a travel warning for European countries due to anti-Turkish demonstrations and what it described as Islamophobia.

The travel warning published late Saturday followed demonstrations last weekend outside the Turkish Embassy in Sweden, where an anti-Islam activist burned the Quran and pro-Kurdish groups protested against Turkey. The events stiffened Turkey's refusal so far to ratify Sweden's NATO bid.

Sweden and Finland applied jointly to become members of the military alliance, dropping their longstanding military nonalignment following Russia’s war on Ukraine. In a prerecorded video of an event released Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated that Turkey might sign off on only Finland.

“If needed, we could give a different message about Finland. Sweden will be shocked when we give the different message about Finland.” Erdogan said to a group of young people in Bilecik province.

Turkey has accused the government in Stockholm of being too lenient toward groups it deems as terror organizations or existential threats, including Kurdish groups. NATO requires unanimous approval of its existing members to add new ones, but Erdogan's government has said it would only agree to admit Sweden if the country met its conditions.

In its travel warning to citizens, the Turkish foreign ministry cited an increase in anti-Turkish protests by “groups with links to terror groups,” a reference to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. Along with Turkey, the European Union and United States also designate the PKK as a terror group.

Pro-Kurdish groups have waved the flags of the PKK and its affiliates during protests in Sweden organized as a response to Sweden and Finland’s promise to prevent the PKK’s activities in their countries in order to gain Turkey’s approval for their NATO memberships.

Erdogan said he told the Swedish prime minister, “You will extradite these terrorists if you really want to enter NATO. If you don’t extradite these terrorists, then sorry.” He said Turkey had provided a list of 120 people it wants extradited from Sweden, a demand that was part of a memorandum signed in June that averted Turkey’s veto of the Nordic nations' joint application.

Turkey is demanding the extradition of alleged PKK militants as well as some followers of Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric accused of the 2016 attempted coup. In December, the Swedish Supreme Court said the country cannot extradite Bulent Kenes, the former editor-in-chief of a newspaper linked to Gulen, angering Turkey.

Turkey also strongly condemned far-right activist Rasmus Paludan’s burning of the Quran last weekend in Stockholm, which he repeated in Copenhagen Friday. Ankara summoned the Dutch ambassador after another far-right activist tore pages of the Quran in the Hague.

Following last week's protests, Erdogan warned Sweden not to expect support for its membership bid for the military alliance. Turkey also indefinitely postponed a key meeting in Brussels that would have discussed Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership.

The Turkish foreign ministry urged its citizens to take precautions and stay away from demonstration areas in Europe. It also said they should go to local authorities if they face xenophobic or racist attacks.

In a separate advisory, the ministry also urged Turkish citizens to be vigilant in the United States in case of protests in response to police’s fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, an unarmed Black man.

Earlier Saturday, before Turkey had issued its travel warning, the Nordic countries separately issued updated travel guidelines for Turkey. Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden urged their citizens visiting Turkey to avoid large gatherings and to exercise caution.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry said in a message on its website that Sweden’s embassy in Ankara remains closed to the public and visitors to the country’s consulate general in Istanbul are “requested to exercise vigilance.”

“We want to make Swedes in Turkey aware that further manifestations may occur,” the Swedish ministry said, referring to counter-protests that erupted in Turkey after last weekend’s events in Stockholm.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/erdogan-might-approve-finland-s-nato-bid-shock-sweden/ar-AA16ShKF?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=8023bdecb86a4f73bb1e8e57c389e667

[Skybird]

Sort of an excursion:

https://www.steelbeasts.com/topic/16686-is-it-time-to-update-the-armor-model-on-the-leo2a4/?do=findComment&comment=232178

Nils "Ssnake" Hinrichsen, CEO of eSim which produces the simulation of mechanized warfare "Steal Beasts Pro" and sees it being used for serious tank crew, tank platoon and tank company training by a dozen NATO states, recently saw their forum hit by a discussion on whether or not the publicly available past data estimations about the survivability of the Leopard-2A4's armour were exaggerated in the past, or more realistic. The result was that it seems this was the case and the tank may be more vulnerable than assumed: the next update of SBP in February will see a massive revision of armour ratings for the Leo-2A4. So much eSim's official conclusions.

In this debate Ssnake posted a general personal assessment on the way tanks are being used in Ukraine which I think is worth to be taken note of. He has had his own career as tanker in the Bundeswehr and heads eSim since many years, it is a safe guess I think to assume he knows his stuff a little bit. If he is right in his observations and conclusions - and I think he is - , then the role of the MBT in this war is different than what the debate about tank deliveries currently may give an impression of. Long distance shots of tanks at each other practically do almost not take place, the number of kills achieved in this way is so low that it is militarily irrelevant. Where tanks kill tanks, this happens mostly "in the infight", by flank shots in urban combat environments and in ambush situations at close and very close ranges, also many tanks get killed by drones, loitering ammunitions, ATGMs and RPG/PZF style weapons. In these combat contexts , EVERY tank is utmost vulnerable, even Leopards, Abrams and Challengers. Also, many MBTs get killd by direct artillery hits against which there is no defence. Both sides learned to adapt by using their tanks not for tank-on-tank battles across the open plains, but by giving them a role of mobile artillery support for the manouvering infantry, against enemy infantry.

If this is true, than the Ukrainians desperatly need to change the way in which they use their tanks so far, because those they have they loose in signficant numbers, and they will, continue to loose Western tanks if they do not alter their use fundamentally. The Leopards and Challengers and Abrams will else fall victim to the enemy's overwhelming numbersm, being taken out by artillery, drones, missiles, infantry - a bit later than Russian made tanks, but they cannot hold out forever since they are available only in very low numbers this year. Add to that wear and tear under waritme operaiton conditions which will extract many tanks from battle for maintenance which is, due to the long supply and transportation lines, time consuming.

Numbers. They speak for the Russians, I warn of this since months. Putin maby edone anyway, yes, but Russia will still be there, with or without Putin. And the Russians are learning, they ARE adapting, Slowly, very slowly at times, but they do. They gain ground. Slowly, and at high costs - which the oviously think they can afford. Because this war of attrition is something that sees the Ukraine increasingly at a disadvantage - its the kind of war that benefits Russia and puts any Russian enemy at a disadvantage. This is their trump card, and artillery superiority.

Ukraine needs more. More of everything, and of much longer striking range. Time and attrition work for the Russians. Slowly, but constantly. And every day, they dug themselves deeper in.

The tanks will help to a degree that remains to be seen, but in these numbers and at these timetables they are no wonder weapon and no game changer. I see their main role as a replacment for Russian-made tanks that run out of ammo. They need tank ammo, artillery rounds, long distance missiles, and ATGMs. The missile/drone strikes of the Russians are pinching needles, but do not decide the war. The artillery does.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFFDq0QEtZg

[Skybird]

I think one should, never forget that all these videos posted here are PROPAGANDA videos for the most, more cleverly orchestrated than the Russian outspill of hate-dripping excrement, but with an obvious bias on depicting things in a glossed-over manner aiming at boosting morale and influencing Western attitude.

Some videos posted here however are from people apparently knowing the stuff from experience and being more cautious and hesitent in their approach and phrasing.

But these videos of showing how wonderful fighting is going for Ukraine, how loousy russia poerofrms and Putin being close to his end, with music in the background and narration from the off, sometimes in an almost robotic sound, are simply propaganda.

I give nothing for this kind of videos. Its pointless, like listening to a speech delivered by a politician. Ukraini currently, all in all, holds some advantage over the Russians, in total view of the situation, but its currently loosing these again, slowly. They must find ways to consolidate. The Russians' numerical superiority in ammo, rounds, missiles, tanks, men, makes itself felt. Plus, as said before, they learn, and adapt. Slowly, but they get better and better. I am warning of this happening since months.

Russia can hold out the way the war is running in now FOR YEARS. And Putin benefits more from having it running the way it does, than from getting a peace deal now. The Ukraine does not enjoy this reserve of long breath. Time favours Russia. With every day passing, Ukraine gets desrtoyed more. Russia's civil society and people's economic outlook is of no interest here. It never was for Russian leaders. People get trained from childhood on to suffer for the state.

One really decisive big defeat somewhere, say Crimea, may cause a revolt of the military in Moscow. But who says that the guy after Putin is better? As I see it, chances are he - whoever it will be - will be even worse.

Significantly more. Of everything. And nobody really knows where stuff should come from, and how to quickly produce new stuff. Military strike on Iran looming. War with China in 2025, an air force general warns.



An old Chinese curse goes like this: May you live in interesting times.

Our time is about to turn very interesting.

[Jimbuna]

At Ukraine-EU summit, military situation, Zelensky’s peace plan and support for Ukraine will be discussed, - Maasikas

Issues to be discussed at the Ukraine-EU Summit include the military situation, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan, and support for Ukraine from partners.

This was stated by the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine Matti Maasikas, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.

"First of all, there is a signal of solidarity with Ukraine. Among the issues that will be discussed are, of course, the military situation, the peace plan of President Zelensky, which has received support in the EU. We see delays in assisting Ukraine both in the military, economic, financial, humanitarian, and energy spheres, etc.," the diplomat noted.

Maasikas noted that Brussels is also discussing Ukraine's progress in working on EU recommendations related to granting the status of a candidate for EU membership.

"So the range of issues is quite large," said the head of the EU representation in Ukraine.

He also noted that the speed of any integration process depends primarily on the candidate's actions, in particular on how quickly EU legislation will be adopted and implemented, and the assessment of Ukraine's progress in implementation is ongoing. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396552

During week, 18 ships with 664,000 tons of food left ports of Odesa. PHOTOS

As part of the Grain Initiative, 18 ships exported 664,000 tons of food from the ports of Odesa during the week. This is a third less than the volume of exports for the week before last.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine on Facebook.

In particular, 60,000 tons of wheat were sent to Kenya, 56,000 tons to Bangladesh, and 60,000 tons of Ukrainian oil to India.

"The rate of departure of ships from ports remains critically low - 2.5 ships per day. This is an indicator that was at the beginning of the "Grain Initiative" when export volumes were insignificant. At the same time, the number of ships that undergo inspection in the Bosphorus and receive permission to move to Ukrainian ports for loading also does not exceed 3 ships per day," the message reads.

As noted, in the Bosphorus, the Russian side in the SCC continues to block the implementation of the initiative and artificially increase the queue of ships.

As of today, 117 vessels are waiting for inspection in the territorial waters of Turkey (92 are bound for ports for loading, and 25 are already with agricultural products). Over the past week, only 20 inspections took place out of the minimum required 84.

The registration of vessels to participate in the initiative is also being slowed down: out of more than 80 declared vessels, the Russians register an average of only 2-3 vessels daily without explaining the reasons.

Currently, 21 vessels are being processed in the ports of Odesa. Almost 1 million tons of Ukrainian agricultural products are loaded onto them. Only 3 loading vessels move along the "grain corridor".

It is also reported that since August 1, 687 ships have left the ports of Odesa, exporting 18.9 million tons of Ukrainian food to the countries of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Under the condition of stable functioning of the "grain corridor", this indicator should be more than 28 million tons. Source: https://censor.net/en/p3396555

[Jimbuna]

Poland will transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine if NATO supports this decision, - Morawiecki

Poland may hand over its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine if NATO supports such a decision.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said this at a press conference, Censor.NET informs with reference to ZN.ua.

"As it was a few months ago in the context of MiGs, so any other air power will be implemented and possibly transferred in agreement with NATO countries. Here we will act in full coordination," Morawiecki said when asked whether Poland is ready to hand over its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396565

EU cannot prohibit African countries from trading with Russia, - Borrell

The European Union is incapable of hindering Russia’s trade with African countries. At the same time, the EU does not ask African countries to "choose a side" in the war in Ukraine, but only to observe the UN charter.

The head of the diplomacy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, said this in an interview with the Financial Times, Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

"If they want to trade with Russia, what can I do? I can't stop them from doing it," he said.

At the same time, according to Borrell, there is a difference between the desire to "spare Russia" and refusing to recognize the Russians' clear violation of international law in Ukraine.

"We are not asking them and we are not asking any African country or any country in the world to choose a side. We are only asking them to side with the UN charter," he added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396571

[Jimbuna]

In Germany, pro-Kremlin activists collected money for equipment for Russian army, - Reuters

A group of pro-Russian activists in Germany collected money to buy walkie-talkies, telephones and headphones for the Russian occupiers in Ukraine.

This is reported by the Reuters agency, Censor.NET informs.

The central place in the group was occupied by the married couple - Olena Kolbasnikova and Max Schlund. At the end of last year, they handed over the sum of 500 euros to the Russian officer Dmytro Tkachev. The couple knew that the money would go to telecommunications equipment for the Russian military. At the same time, EU sanctions limit the supply of such equipment to the occupiers.

Reuters claims Kolbasnikova and Schlund have covert ties to the Russian state, sanctioned Russians or the far right. At the same time, they promote a pro-Moscow position in Germany.

Yes, they received tickets from the Berlin branch of the Russian state agency for the promotion of culture "Rossotrudnichestvo" to travel to Moscow for a conference at which Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke. The Berlin prosecutor's office then said it was investigating the agency's Berlin office.

In a message sent to supporters in a private WhatsApp group in October, Kolbasnikova wrote: "We have transferred 500 euros to the 42nd motorized rifle division of the Russian Federation for the purchase of radio stations, headphones and radio telephones."

"We talked to them in Donetsk. They are on the front lines. My husband served with one of them," she wrote in capital letters under a dozen red exclamation marks.

The EU regulation of February 25, 2022 prohibits the supply or financing of the purchase of certain goods for the Russian military. The list of banned goods includes "radio equipment (such as transmitters, receivers and transceivers)".

Under German law, the criminal penalty for violating sanctions is up to five years in prison.

The Office for the Protection of the Constitution of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where Schlund and Kolbasnikova live, confirmed that the group, which includes the couple, is trying to promote Moscow's official narrative regarding its aggression against Ukraine.

Schlund, who studied at a Russian military academy, moved to Germany in 2012. Later, he started dating Kolbasnikova, who comes from Ukraine and worked as a nurse in Germany.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the couple organized protests in Cologne, calling on the German government to stop arming Ukraine and make peace with Moscow. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396586

France confirmed agreement with Italy on purchase of 700 missiles for SAMP/T air defense system, which is being prepared for Ukraine

France and Italy have signed a contract for the purchase of up to 700 Aster missiles in order to strengthen the countries’ air defense.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to the Euro Integration, the information was confirmed by the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France.

The two countries' defense procurement agencies notified the Franco-Italian consortium Eurosam, which includes Thales and MBDA, of the contract late last year, the ministry said in a statement.

The day before, Reuters reported with reference to sources that the two countries have practically reached an agreement on the transfer of the SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine.

The system, created by a joint Franco-Italian consortium, can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 simultaneously and is the only European-made system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
SOURCE: HTTPS://CENSOR.NET/EN/N3396581

North Korea supplied "Wagner" missiles for Russia’s war with Ukraine, - Stoltenberg

North Korea supplied the Wagner PMC with missiles for Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday in Seoul during a speech to students of Seoul University, which took place as part of the Alliance Secretary General's visit to South Korea, Censor.NET reports with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

He also noted that threats to European security are threats to the Indo-Pacific region.

"North Korea supplied missiles to Russia's Wagner group, further fueling Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. President Putin launched a war almost a year ago to take control of the country and deprive people of their freedom. In response, NATO and NATO allies, as well as our partners throughout the world, including South Korea, condemned this illegal and unjustified war. And we are providing unprecedented assistance to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

The Secretary General of the Alliance is convinced that this support is of great importance for the Ukrainians, "helping them not only to survive but also to push back the Russian invader and liberate their territory."

"We should support Ukraine as long as it takes. Because if President Putin wins, he and other authoritarian leaders will get a signal that they can get what they want by force. That would make the world more dangerous and us more vulnerable," - he emphasized.

Stoltenberg stated that "what is happening in Europe is important for the Indo-Pacific region, and what is happening here in Asia is important for NATO."

Among the existing threats, the secretary general named the threat emanating from North Korea, which "continues its provocative and destabilizing behavior, including unprecedented missile tests that have taken place over the past year, as well as nuclear activities and rhetoric that continues in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions."

"This is a clear and immediate threat to the Republic of Korea, the entire region, and international peace and security," the Secretary General clarified, calling on Pyongyang to stop "its provocations and fully comply with international law."

"Our security is interconnected, so we must remain united and firm, insist on full compliance with the UN Charter, and prevent oppression and tyranny from triumphing over freedom and democracy. You can count on NATO to support the Republic of Korea and other partners - like-minded people in promoting peace, protecting our common security and preserving a global system based on norms and values," Stoltenberg concluded. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396594

[Catfish]

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals
Then you want to kill yourself? :haha:

Putin’s Secret Neo-Nazi Armies | Decade of Hate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQc6mJ7u8gQ


Not to forget the "Rusich group":

Why Russian "Neo Nazi" Group Task Force Rusich Wants "Intel On NATO States" Amid Ukraine War

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFg3S15b5Vk


All the world knows this, just not the poor russians who started this war of aggression :ping:

[Jimbuna]

Iran and Russia have linked banking systems in attempt to replace SWIFT, - Reuters

Iran and Russia connected their banking systems amid the SWIFT shutdown. Now they use their own system to transmit interbank messages.

Iranian high-ranking officials told Reuters about this, Censor.NET informs with reference to Hromadske.

"Iranian banks no longer need to use SWIFT with Russian banks, which can be used for letters of credit, transfers or guarantees," said Mohsen Karimi, deputy governor of the Central Bank of Iran.

Mohsen Karimi said that about 700 Russian banks and 106 non-Russian banks from 13 different countries will be connected to this system, without specifying the names of the foreign banks.

The head of Iran's central bank, Mohammad Farzin, welcomed the move and wrote on Twitter that the financial channel between Iran and the world is being restored.

In turn, the Central Bank of Russia refused to comment on the agreement.

Iran was cut off from the SWIFT financial messaging service in 2018. This happened after Washington abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal. Similar restrictions were imposed on some Russian banks after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396635

France and Australia agreed on joint production of 155-mm shells for needs of Ukraine

Australia and France will help Ukraine with the production of 155-mm shells.

As Censor.NET informs with reference to ZN.UA, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced this at a joint press conference in Paris.

"Together with the Minister of Defense of Australia, Richard Marles, we decided to offer our joint assistance to Ukraine. It is about our joint production of 155 mm caliber shells, which Ukraine needs," Lecornu emphasized.

On the French side, the company Nexter, which produces weapons and military equipment, will take part in the partnership. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396648

Great Britain will hand over Challenger-2 tanks to Ukraine by summer, - Wallace

Great Britain plans to deliver Challenger-2 tanks as part of military aid to Ukraine by the summer.

As Censor.NET informs with reference to Sky News, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace said this.

"This (supply to Ukraine, - ed.) will take place before the beginning of summer or in May. Maybe closer to Easter," he said.

At the same time, the minister added that, for security reasons, he cannot make public the training schedule of Ukrainian troops in the use of tanks. However, he said that the training will begin with training in individual machine control, and then move on to fighting in a formation.

It will be reminded, earlier in Britain they said that Ukraine will be able to receive Challenger 2 tanks at the end of March.

On January 14, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak officially confirmed in a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky that he will provide Ukraine with Challenger 2 tanks, as well as additional artillery systems. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396660

Blinken discussed with Netanyahu provision of support to Ukraine

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, during a meeting in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussed measures to counter Iran, including its military aid to the Russian Federation, as well as providing comprehensive support to Ukraine.

Blinken said this during a joint press conference with the head of the Israeli government following the meeting on Monday, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.

"We discussed deepening cooperation to counter Iran's destabilizing activities in the region and beyond. Just as Iran has long supported terrorists who attack Israelis and other nations, the regime (in Tehran - ed.) is now supplying drones that Russia is using to kill innocent civilians in Ukraine," the head of the US State Department noted.

He noted that Moscow, for its part, provides Iran with modern weapons.

"The current atrocities on the part of Russia only emphasize the importance of providing support to Ukraine in all its needs - in the humanitarian, economic, and security spheres," the US Secretary of State noted, adding that this topic was also discussed during the meeting in Jerusalem. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396672

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9JVLzTOxI4

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dkRnntSutg

[Skybird]

Colonel Reisner from the Austrian army on the numbers of both side'stank armies. He does not say it as clearly as I do, but I think he also sees it like that Russia is on the way of winning this war over time - by overwhelming numbers. The quntity of dleiveries the West send into Ukraine simply isy not even close top beiong bigh enough. I think. Not even close. Whatz egts send in tanks no, gets send too late, and in too small numbers, and then piece by piece, so to speak.

I think the chance that it will not work as we hope is bigger than the chance that it will work. If we leave it to the plans so far announced. We need to send MUCH MORE, and not just tanks.

FOCUS writes:

-----------------------------------

Four T-72s for one Leo - Moscow's brute response to our tanks

The West's tank deliveries to Ukraine are putting Russia under massive pressure. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin can only counter this with sheer mass. His strategy is now becoming a battle against time for the West.

With his "go" for the delivery of German Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz set off a chain reaction. Other NATO partners and the U.S. then also approved the export of battle tanks - between 100 and 150 units are expected to reach Ukraine in the coming weeks.

This puts Putin in a tight spot. Russia cannot compete with the quality of Western tanks. He is left with only one option: pure mass.
"I estimate that Russia still has between 10,000 and 11,000 tanks in stock".

When Putin invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, it still had more than 1100 active battle tanks. That's four times the capacity of the Bundeswehr. It is the second most powerful tank army in Europe - after Russia.

But Putin's troops have destroyed much Ukrainian equipment. The West responded by supplying Soviet tanks from old stocks as part of the ring swap. However, these stocks have now been largely used up, and as of now Western tanks are rolling in. Since these are clearly superior to Russia's Soviet tanks, Russia is getting into trouble.

The Russian army also had to cope with heavy tank losses. The number of 3300 at the beginning of the war has dwindled to about 2000. "I estimate that Russia still has between 10,000 and 11,000 tanks in stock, some of which are being repaired right now," said Guard Commander Markus Reisner of the Austrian army in an interview with the "RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland "(RND).

To counter the West's superior tanks with an equal response, Putin must now rely on mass. "The Russians know they can't compete technologically, but only through sheer mass," Reisner says. "It would take, the thinking goes, four Russian T-72s to destroy one Western Leopard."

The Russian city of Nizhny Tagil is therefore bustling with activity. The world's largest tank factory is located there, and tanks are built and repaired around the clock. Russia still has very large national reserves that have apparently been reactivated, he said. "Even if it's not the newest material, it's large quantities," said retired Colonel Richter in an interview with "RND."

To gain an advantage over the West, Putin is pursuing a brute strategy: trying to move as many tanks as possible to Ukraine and attack before Western battle tanks even get there. Reisner's concern: "It is quite possible that the Western tanks will arrive too late or in too small numbers."

The Austrian military expert estimates that Russia will have about 2,000 more tanks in the coming months. Thus, Ukraine would soon have to face 4000 Russian tanks.
----------------------------

[mapuc]

If it's true Skybird what your wrote in your comment ^
"He does not say it as clearly as I do, but I think he also sees it like that Russia is on the way of winning this war over time - by overwhelming numbers. The quntity of dleiveries the West send into Ukraine simply isy not even close top beiong bigh enough. I think. Not even close."

Then we WILL see boots on the ground-NO way will NATO/the West allow Russia to win this war, never!

What I can see in my crystal ball is a forced ceasefire being imposed upon Ukraine to stop the war-
I know right now it's - We stand with Ukraine and support them as long as it require it"-words from our leaders. However if Russia should turn the tide and start to win this war....

Markus

[Dargo]

If it's true Skybird what your wrote in your comment ^
"He does not say it as clearly as I do, but I think he also sees it like that Russia is on the way of winning this war over time - by overwhelming numbers. The quntity of dleiveries the West send into Ukraine simply isy not even close top beiong bigh enough. I think. Not even close."

Then we WILL see boots on the ground-NO way will NATO/the West allow Russia to win this war, never!

What I can see in my crystal ball is a forced ceasefire being imposed upon Ukraine to stop the war-
I know right now it's - We stand with Ukraine and support them as long as it require it"-words from our leaders. However if Russia should turn the tide and start to win this war....

MarkusAsk yourself why after 11 months we do not see vast amounts of tanks or other material on the front, they got the time to prepare same goes for ammo why must they go outside Russia to buy them if they have so large decades old in stock.

Amid the threat of a new large-scale Russian offensive, the pace of mobilization in Ukraine is gaining momentum. The Ground Forces of Ukraine have started forming new mechanized, tank and artillery brigades to reinforce its combat capabilities. According to the rumors, new brigades are also being formed in the structure of Air Assault troops and Marine Corps. It’s planned to mobilize about 30 000 Ukrainian citizens in January alone, which is a sharp increase compared to previous months.

[Skybird]

There are powers in Western Europe who would will a peace at conditions set by Russia, while the US and Eastern Europe rate security for their values and moral principles as more important than peace at any price. The US also wnats to wekane Russia so much that for decades to come it cannot drum the war bongos again: when the storm with China breaks loose, the US wants a stable and secure rear area in its back, which is Europe. Unofrzunatekly Europe doe snot click this way. It says "peace before security, no matter what peace it is".



This dichotomy needs to be solved, and quickly so. Former US amabassadfor to Germany Jack Kornblum wrote that drmaatric chnages are over us all and that for Euroope they are destrictive and disprutoiuve and that they are ienviotable, cannot be aovided. Europe'S idea of not on yl wantign to diplomaticlaly suppport a peace project, but the EU being a peace project in person, has completely collapsed, has been shown to have been an illusion based on wishful dreams and military impotence. I expoect more such collaposes coming over Europe in the forseeable future, namely in the energy and the climate/eco policy field. Both will cause havoc on Europe's ability to be economically competitive with China, India, the US. And in their bid to secure theor powers, the political bureaucrats will more and more turn Europe into a dictatorship to enforce their rule on the people, despite the obvious dysfunctionality. It already has begun, the signs are clearly to be seen for everbyody who wants to not keep his eyes shut. It already happens.



I am not one bit optimistic for Europe. Not one bit.

[mapuc]

Ask yourself why after 11 months we do not see vast amounts of tanks or other material on the front, they got the time to prepare same goes for ammo why must they go outside Russia to buy them if they have so large decades old in stock.

Could it have something to do with the fact Poohtin hasn't declared war on Ukraine and haven't initiate general mobilization.

As some Danish expert said some month into the war:

we have only seen a fraction of their mighty air force in Ukraine
and
We have only seen a fraction of their tank brigade.

What may end with a Ukrainian win is the lack of fighting will and other thing on the Russian side.

Markus

[Skybird]

Ask yourself why after 11 months we do not see vast amounts of tanks or other material on the front, they got the time to prepare same goes for ammo why must they go outside Russia to buy them if they have so large decades old in stock.

Amid the threat of a new large-scale Russian offensive, the pace of mobilization in Ukraine is gaining momentum. The Ground Forces of Ukraine have started forming new mechanized, tank and artillery brigades to reinforce its combat capabilities. According to the rumors, new brigades are also being formed in the structure of Air Assault troops and Marine Corps. It’s planned to mobilize about 30 000 Ukrainian citizens in January alone, which is a sharp increase compared to previous months.
More than half of the artillery of Ukraine - is mounted on pickups. Sodleirs drive in unpretced civilian vehciles to into battle, most of them. Their T-72 and BMP fleet has been badly mauled. Precious Himars targets have been moved out of range by the Russian. The Ukraine has, by American assessment as well as British assessment, lost the momentum and the initiative, they are now locked in a positional war of atrition, and that works for the Russians.

Use English translation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u33XktOuSNk


No, he is not optimistic.


And not what the Colonel says about mobilizartion, that the ukriane currently already is in its 8th or 10th mobilization wave, the young men already all are drawn and that they now need to call up older men and elderly men. Note also that he says that even if of the 10-11 thousand mothballed tanks the Russians have in reserves only every firth tnak could be reactivated, this stil woud, mean that the 2000 tnaks they sitll have in the ukriane after their high losses another 2000 tanks would arrive sooner or later. that wou,ld mean 4000 Russian tanks against a rpidxyl dercaisn gnumber of Ukrianian T-72, 81 Leopards and 14 Challengers over the casue of Q2 and Q3, and 31 Abrams by the end of the years of Q1 2024. I have said it so often, and I feel confirmed by the Colonel when he said that it is the high numbers, the overwhelming numbers that count in wars and decide on military success. In WW2, the Shjarms needed a supeirority by 7:1 to engae a Gerna Tiger, that was doctrine, that high were the expected American losses . And still, the Sherman was good enough and the Americans won. The elsdership was not as skilled, their tehcnolgy was not as sophistacted when they entered the war, and yet they won the war i n the end. By overwhelming numbers. Means in their case: superior production output.



What is send to Ukraine currerntly is not effective, sufficient, in numbers. Its symbolic. I wonder whether we maybe only calm our concience. The Germans still doubt, in their SPD and CDU parties, that we need to switch to war production!

[Dargo]

More than half of the artillery of Ukraine - is mounted on pickups. Sodleirs drive in unpretced civilian vehciles to into battle, most of them. Their T-72 and BMP fleet has been badly mauled. Precious Himars targets have been moved out of range by the Russian. The Ukraine has, by American assessment as well as British assessment, lost the momentum and the initiative, they are now locked in a positional war of atrition, and that works for the Russians.

Use English translation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u33XktOuSNk


No, he is not optimistic.


And not what the Colonel says about mobilizartion, that the ukriane currently already is in its 8th or 10th mobilization wave, the young men already all are drawn and that they now need to call up older men and elderly men. Note also that he says that even if of the 10-11 thousand mothballed tanks the Russians have in reserves only every firth tnak could be reactivated, this stil woud, mean that the 2000 tnaks they sitll have in the ukriane after their high losses another 2000 tanks would arrive sooner or later. that wou,ld mean 4000 Russian tanks against a rpidxyl dercaisn gnumber of Ukrianian T-72, 81 Leopards and 14 Challengers over the casue of Q2 and Q3, and 31 Abrams by the end of the years of Q1 2024. I have said it so often, and I feel confirmed by the Colonel when he said that it is the high numbers, the overwhelming numbers that count in wars and decide on military success. In WW2, the Shjarms needed a supeirority by 7:1 to engae a Gerna Tiger, that was doctrine, that high were the expected American losses . And still, the Sherman was good enough and the Americans won. The elsdership was not as skilled, their tehcnolgy was not as sophistacted when they entered the war, and yet they won the war i n the end. By overwhelming numbers. Means in their case: superior production output.



What is send to Ukraine currerntly is not effective, sufficient, in numbers. Its symbolic. I wonder whether we maybe only calm our concience. The Germans still doubt, in their SPD and CDU parties, that we need to switch to war production!To get the overwhelming numbers they need to train the tankers for them else it has no use to get those mothballed tanks ready they need large workforce Russia does not have also mentality of the Homo Sovieticus is indifference to the results of his labor "They pretend they are paying us, and we pretend we are working" indifference to common property and to petty theft from the workplace, either for personal use or for profit "Take from the plant every nail, you are the owner here, not a guest" a new man created for over 70 years by Stalin as for Stalin he had over 2 million of slaves in the gulag to win from Germany surplus to the normal workforce. The mayor factor the soviets did not succeed in their "workers heaven" was the lack of production and corruption by all. America and Britain is still willing to send material, would they do it if they thought there is no change of winning in a way.