Here we go again-Ukraine once again

[Skybird]

The obvious becomes more and more undeniable: France plays a double game against Ukraine. And by that becomes a real danger to Europe'S policy.

https://www-dw-com.translate.goog/de/g%C3%B6rlach-global-macron-verl%C3%A4sst-nach-seiner-china-visite-den-konsens-europas/a-65431833?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=de&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp


If Macron's statement on Taiwan was a serious accident, the recent development is a total disaster for French diplomacy and France's standing in the free world. It can be heard from Paris that the Foreign Ministry was shocked by Macron's actions and - once again - had to clean up the pieces. Macron is currently under massive pressure domestically because of his pension reform and would like to use foreign policy "success" to show the French that they have a strong man at the top who can speak to China's president on an equal footing.I never trusted Macronman. His cape is just too big and pompous for me. His and Scholzchen's endless telephone talks with Putin never convinced me either. And this story now is exactly the kind of underhandedness that I always expect from this Frenchman. He may think he is great, but truth is: NOBODY in Europe speaks to China on an equal footing. The onyl ones the Chinese take serious, are the US.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVwxeKY7lj0

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-S3ZjwkprE

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8sk_qSUx54

[Jimbuna]

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by telephone on Wednesday with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, after months of pressure from Kyiv for such talks. Xi told Zelenskiy that China would send special representatives to Ukraine.

[mapuc]

< ^^
Can't remember who said it and the exact phrase

choose your battle wisely

I think it's more a prestiges to defend the city whatever the cost, than chosen it wisely.

You lose more men in defending a town than on a battle field-(heard this in a war documentary)But the loses for the attacker is 3-4 times higher than attacking on a battlefield.

Markus

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-adPpL2gw9E&ab_channel=U.S.DefenseNews

Markus

[Skybird]

Leaked US intel says Russia can finance at least one more year of the war, despite sanctions. Rebellion of oligarchs is unlikely.



https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/26/russia-sanctions-impact-leaked-documents/

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe2pyoh9ldk

[Jimbuna]

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

[mapuc]

There are things I don't understand here.

Some of you mentioned that Russia did not have so many fighter jets above MIG29(which they have enough of)and above SU27.

And now since some month back they have said that they would sell some of these fighter jets to Iran and North Korea-If I remember correctly it was MIG31, MIG35, SU34 and SU35. They have only a 100 or so of these fighter jets.

They lack those fighter jets in their war against Ukraine.

Or it's me who has got it wrong, remembering it wrong.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1QmLAi5LDA

[Skybird]

Turkey opens its first nuclear powerplant - build by Rosatom.
--------------
Russia does not think at all of giving up its influence in the Baltics and tries to lure artists and let's say academic nerds (Fachidioten) by pretending and dramatizing environmental concerns. Unfortunately, this tactic will find its useful idiots, experience shows.

https://www-focus-de.translate.goog/politik/ausland/brisantes-geheimpapier-unter-dem-deckmantel-des-umweltschutzes-will-russland-in-europa-einfluss-nehmen_id_192239131.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp (https://www-focus-de.translate.goog/politik/ausland/brisantes-geheimpapier-unter-dem-deckmantel-des-umweltschutzes-will-russland-in-europa-einfluss-nehmen_id_192239131.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp)
---------------
Its reported that at least three, possibly even four different Russian private armies at Bachmut are going after each other's throats. I hope this situations lasts.

[Skybird]

Denmark confirms that it has promptly sighted and photographed a Russian special vessel equipped to carry out submarine special operations, and even has a submarine on board for this purpose, in close proximity to the NordStream 2 explosion sites.

https://www.information.dk/indland/2023/04/forsvaret-bekraefter-rusland-specialfartoej-naer-nord-streams-spraengningspunkt?lst_frnt

Recently it was reported that Russia maintains a fleet of about 50 special and spy ships that systematically approach European undersea infrastructure, IT cables, pioelines and wind turbines, apparently mapping them and doing heaven knows what else.


The EU wants to turn the NorthSea into the globe'S biggest wind park. With accordinig dependency of European energy demands on this region and its infrastructre. Go figure.

[mapuc]

Denmark confirms that it has promptly sighted and photographed a Russian special vessel equipped to carry out submarine special operations, and even has a submarine on board for this purpose, in close proximity to the NordStream 2 explosion sites.

https://www.information.dk/indland/2023/04/forsvaret-bekraefter-rusland-specialfartoej-naer-nord-streams-spraengningspunkt?lst_frnt

Recently it was reported that Russia maintains a fleet of about 50 special and spy ships that systematically approach European undersea infrastructure, IT cables, pioelines and wind turbines, apparently mapping them and doing heaven knows what else.


The EU wants to turn the NorthSea into the globe'S biggest wind park. With accordinig dependency of European energy demands on this region and its infrastructre. Go figure.

Those photos of this special vessel was taken a few days before the explosion.
In total around 212 photos was taken on this Russian vessel.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp2ITSbPBk0

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v9-nta_89E

[Jimbuna]

British firm MBDA agreed a 1.9 billion pound ($2.37 billion) deal with Poland to provide it with a British-designed air defence system.

This will be the largest ever UK defence export deal with Poland and is surely a consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

[Reece]

Great for your country Jim, lets hope it all goes through smoothly!! :up:

[mapuc]

These "Expert" can't be trusted.

Some month ago after some heavy missiles attack on Ukraine-they said that Russia had only missiles for another medium attack.

During this night Russia conducted another massive missile attack on Ukraine.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Great for your country Jim, lets hope it all goes through smoothly!! :up:

If nothing else, the money will offset some of the cost of the supplies we are giving Ukraine I suppose.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_9rifqWyuI

[Catfish]

Two Russian tanks destroyed within 30 seconds

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1651938575976366080

[mapuc]

Russia fear Ukrainian revenge after their massive attack on Dnipro and the other city nearby.

Only thing that's gonna happen is an increase in assault on Russian military personel, material a.s.o.
They will not go after civilians.

Markus

[Skybird]

https://www.dw.com/en/why-ukraines-spring-counteroffensive-is-taking-so-long/video-65458883

Thats not gonna be a sure-fire success... And I lean myself far out of the window, but if the offensive runs really badly and does not produce the wanted success, this will mark the beginning of the end for support of Ukraine. And without weapons and ammo delivered, Ukraine must give up fighting sooner or later.


In other words: this offensive's outcome likely will decide the outcome of the war.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWyvrki-270

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csbejm2MQCo

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxg1RW2zZJM

[Skybird]

https://www-fr-de.translate.goog/politik/ukraine-krieg-krim-moskau-putin-eroberung-grossoffensive-kreml-92244611.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

I think since long that Crimea is a red line that to overstep could trigger Putolf to react in just any way imaginbable. I woudl rule out nothing if Ukriane could be successful in retaking Crimea, or the Russians being at risk to lose Crimea in any other way (isolation and blockade).

Just today I read in a German newspaper that the US is currently building a network of sensors on the front lines and in the hinterland that will enable them and Kiev to detect any kind of local use of nuclear weapons in the war zone and identify the originator.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOhgHcC7Yr0

[mapuc]

Prigozhin threatens to pull Wagner out of Bakhmut if not given munitions

The oligarch warlord entered into a public feud with Shoigu, accusing regular Russian forces of stealing credit for Wagner’s partially successful assault against Bakhmut. Wagner took a leading role in attacking the city, where brutal fighting has claimed heavy casualties on both sides.

https://kyivindependent.com/prigozhin-threatens-to-pull-wagner-out-of-bakhmut-if-not-given-munitions/

Markus

[Catfish]

"Nothing to see here, move on!"
Pootin, probably.

https://youtu.be/Sum_OdOfh0M

[Catfish]

Prigozhin threatens to pull Wagner out of Bakhmut if not given munitions Markus
Well we can hope these bad examples of the human(?) race get at each others' throats right away.

[Skybird]

The Gepards seem to deliver on their reputation: lethal, and having nine lives. However, Switzerland still refuses solving the ammunition problem, I think that is because they are too busy with laundering Russian oligarchs money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_GDApRoFx8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9hlMYnzNbg

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRadkROK7vQ

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdEDQe4hPLA

[mapuc]

^ Haven't it been so from the start of the war ? Ukraine attacking military things inside Russia and Crimea.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Not at the beginning when Ukraine were on the defensive.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYQ4oIod2g0

[Jimbuna]

Russia has launched a series of missiles at Ukrainian cities in the second pre-dawn attack in three days.

Pavlohrad, a logistics hub near the central city of Dnipro, was hit ahead of a much-anticipated counter-offensive by Ukraine.

The strike sparked a major fire, destroyed dozens of houses, and wounded 34 people.

Hours later, the air raid alert sounded across the country, with the capital Kyiv among the targets.

Across the country, the Ukrainian army said it shot down 15 of the 18 cruise missiles that had been fired.

[Jimbuna]

For the first time, China voted in favor of the UN resolution, in which the Russian Federation is called an aggressor, although previously it either abstained or voted against it.

5 well-known human rights activists voted against the resolution - the Russian Federation, Belarus, Nicaragua, Syria, and the DPRK

122 countries voted "for", 18 countries "abstained". In addition to China, this resolution was supported by India, Brazil and Turkey, which previously refused to participate in the vote regarding the aggression of the Russian Federation.

[mapuc]

If I remember correctly Russia doesn't care about life lost in battle-As long they
Archive they goal

Between 20,000 and 30,000 Russian troops have been killed and wounded in the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut since it began last summer, Western officials say.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64880268

Even Ukraine has a high number of KIA or WIA

In a statement to a defence meeting, posted on Telegram, Sergei Shoigu said Ukraine had lost 11,000 troops in February alone.

Markus

[Dargo]

If I remember correctly Russia doesn't care about life lost in battle-As long they
Archive they goal



https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64880268

Even Ukraine has a high number of KIA or WIA



MarkusWhen your offensive has stalled and failed to capture any strategically important territory. If you use almost 400,000 men for this you have problems and are not going to be able to win, the Russians have so many problems and don't want to see it that this tactic is never going to work. If these numbers are to be believed 20,000-30,000:11,000 ratio 3:1 it is a win for Ukraine.

Afghan War (1979-1989) 600,000 Soviet troops sent to the country, of whom 14,751 died, the Russians learn nothing from their own history.

[mapuc]

When your offensive has stalled and failed to capture any strategically important territory. If you use almost 400,000 men for this you have problems and are not going to be able to win, the Russians have so many problems and don't want to see it that this tactic is never going to work. If these numbers are to be believed 20,000-30,000:11,000 ratio 3:1 it is a win for Ukraine.

Afghan War (1979-1989) 600,000 Soviet troops sent to the country, of whom 14,751 died, the Russians learn nothing from their own history.

No they seems not to.

Remember the number 11.000 is for February alone and is perhaps for the entire frontline.

Markus

[August]

Afghan War (1979-1989) 600,000 Soviet troops sent to the country, of whom 14,751 died, the Russians learn nothing from their own history.


But it does put paid to the idea that the Russians will never stop. They can and have been stopped more than once throughout history.

[Skybird]

ratio 3:1 it is a win for Ukraine.

Only if the Ukraine can afford its losses better than the Russians can afford theirs.

And "losses goes beyond the body count, but also includes the economical price. Its Ukrianian cities being wiped out, not Russian, and its Ukrainian industries and economy getting bombed into oblivion, not Russian, and its Ukrainian infrastructure, roads and bridges disappearing, not Russian ones.

And the Russians have more walking bodies to throw into the fire.

What I mean is its not so easy as to just refer to a ratio for both side's body counts. Ukrianian's position is logistically fragile, and this is its Archilles heel. Putler still plays the long game, assuming that Western support sooner or later will wane. That will allow him to "freeze" the confict in the status its now in, keeping the conquered territories. And Russia in some years coming back to bite off more.

[Jimbuna]

If I remember correctly Russia doesn't care about life lost in battle-As long they
Archive they goal



https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64880268

Even Ukraine has a high number of KIA or WIA



Markus

Probably much higher seeing as that article is from March 7th.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PNJzxOa3fg

[Skybird]

post deleted, data was invalid.



see post 10821

see https://www.ifw-kiel.de/topics/war-against-ukraine/ukraine-support-tracker/

[Jimbuna]

Not disputing the above but I'd be surprised if the E$U has given more military aid than the US.

But of course, the EU is a grouping of many countries so a breakdown of individual countries would be far more accurate.

[mapuc]

Earlier today the Danish Parliament voted for a 1.2 billion Danish Kroner package to Ukraine. The package will consist of military, medical aid and support for strengthen the democracy development(I think the reporter said)

Markus

[Jimbuna]

A Kroner is currently worth .12 (twelve pence) of a British Pound :doh:

[mapuc]

A Kroner is currently worth .12 (twelve pence) of a British Pound :doh:

Sorry I should have mention the number in Euros.

I divided the sum with 7.45 and got Approx. 162 million Euros.

For 100 Euros you have to pay around 745 Danish kroner.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Now that sounds much more plausible :yep:

[mapuc]

Don't know what to make of this claim in this video

Seeing made me remember all the comment some of my German friends has posted since years back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5jFcKBBLO8&ab_channel=HindustanTimes

Ukraine has EVERY rights to attack the enemy on their own soil.

Markus

[Dargo]

Only if the Ukraine can afford its losses better than the Russians can afford theirs.

And "losses goes beyond the body count, but also includes the economical price. Its Ukrianian cities being wiped out, not Russian, and its Ukrainian industries and economy getting bombed into oblivion, not Russian, and its Ukrainian infrastructure, roads and bridges disappearing, not Russian ones.

And the Russians have more walking bodies to throw into the fire.

What I mean is its not so easy as to just refer to a ratio for both side's body counts. Ukrianian's position is logistically fragile, and this is its Archilles heel. Putler still plays the long game, assuming that Western support sooner or later will wane. That will allow him to "freeze" the confict in the status its now in, keeping the conquered territories. And Russia in some years coming back to bite off more.I do not believe the figures from both sides and do not believe Russia can "freeze" the conflict they do not and did not have the workforce to produce for this kinda war. This invasion has shown they can not do it with this kinda economy Putin can not do a Stalin he does not have 2 million in a gulag to rebuild his army on the same level as in 2021 he at least need a decade but with the state of his economy he needs more time. Oh, ok, he can destroy Ukraine, but Russia has little to gain by taking over a country with a poor economy and population hostile to Russians, not talking about the guerrilla that will start the costs will be too high. Western support will not wane Europe has changed the German France axis has lost the leading role Eastern EU and wealthy north-west countries do not allow Putin any more German and France will follow this new group in Europe because they are outnumbered.

[Dargo]

Don't know what to make of this claim in this video

Seeing made me remember all the comment some of my German friends has posted since years back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5jFcKBBLO8&ab_channel=HindustanTimes

Ukraine has EVERY rights to attack the enemy on their own soil.

MarkusLOL now Ukraine will fear this any country that thinks to dictate Ukraine will fail David is fighting Goliath, you think they bother others who sit save far away behind the fronts. The more Ukraine hits Russia Putin lie will crumble, Russians now know the Russian government can't protect them that the Kremlin can't protect them. This despite Putin's boast that everything's going to plan in Ukraine.

[mapuc]

^^ The entire Ukraine ?

From visual memory of the result of the 1991 independent referendum I recall that areas(Oblast) who had border with Russia voted to stay within the Russian empire.

In all the pro-west won with more than 53-55%

I can have remembered wrong.

Markus

[Dargo]

^^ The entire Ukraine ?

From visual memory of the result of the 1991 independent referendum I recall that areas(Oblast) who had border with Russia voted to stay within the Russian empire.

In all the pro-west won with more than 53-55%

I can have remembered wrong.

MarkusUkraine was, and still is viewed, a buffer between the West and Russia for more than 100 year so yeah the plan is whole Ukraine will it happen nah.

[Dargo]

^^ The entire Ukraine ?

From visual memory of the result of the 1991 independent referendum I recall that areas(Oblast) who had border with Russia voted to stay within the Russian empire.

In all the pro-west won with more than 53-55%

I can have remembered wrong.

MarkusAn overwhelming majority of 92.3% of voters approved the declaration of independence made by the Verkhovna Rada on 24 August 1991 there was no oblast that voted against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Ukrainian_independence_referendum (The six regions with the lowest percentage of "yes" votes were Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Odesa Oblasts, Crimea, and Sevastopol; all of those regions still had a majority of registered voters marking their ballots "yes", except for Crimea and Sevastopol.). That has changed after the Maidan revolution (Revolution of Dignity, 2014) it became more pro-western.

[mapuc]

That has changed after the Maidan revolution (Revolution of Dignity, 2014) it became more pro-western.

Wasn't it about the same time where some leader in Donbass and Luhansk asked for support and declared independence from Kyiv ?

And wasn't it around same time where Russia invaded and annexed Crimea ?

Markus

[Dargo]

Wasn't it about the same time where some leader in Donbass and Luhansk asked for support and declared independence from Kyiv ?

And wasn't it around same time where Russia invaded and annexed Crimea ?

MarkusThose "leaders" were no leaders of those oblasts, all is planned by Putin.

[mapuc]

Those "leaders" were no leaders of those oblasts, all is planned by Putin.

Ok so it was around that time Putler decided to annex these three areas-Donbass, Luhansk and Crimea. and inserted puppet he could control.

Markus

[Dargo]

Ok so it was around that time Putler decided to annex these three areas-Donbass, Luhansk and Crimea. and inserted puppet he could control.

MarkusFSB played a big role in this.

[mapuc]

Had a discussion with an online friend who questioning the number of Russian casualties.

Said to him, that the number is somehow correct and how we(the intelligence in west knows it)has to do with Russian bureaucracy.

Putin has forbidden Russian newspaper in reporting daily loses. However the newspaper are allowed to post how many wife, girlfriends, fiance a.s.o. get money for lost husband, boyfriend a.s.o.
(A Danish reporter said this in the beginning of the war)

This is how the Russian gets the information about daily loses.
More likely yesterdays loses.

This information is also available in the bureau of information in Kremlin.

I say that Putin is playing with fire at home..Sooner or later the Russians will have enough of this war.

Markus

[Dargo]

EU wants to release €500 million for ammunition production for Ukraine

The European Union wants to provide more than €500 million to boost European ammunition production. This would allow EU countries to supply Ukraine with more ammunition and replenish their own stocks.

Earlier, the EU decided to make €1 billion available to supply Ukraine with shells, missiles and ammunition from EU stocks. There is also another plan to release 1 billion for the joint purchase of ammunition, although that plan has not yet been officially approved. The latest plan will also have to be approved by all EU member states and the European Parliament before it can be implemented.

According to the plan, presented by the European Commission on Wednesday, European arms manufacturers will receive subsidies for investments that will allow them to increase production of ammunition and missiles. 'The industry must now switch to war economy mode,' said European Commissioner Thierry Breton.

[Dargo]

Had a discussion with an online friend who questioning the number of Russian casualties.

Said to him, that the number is somehow correct and how we(the intelligence in west knows it)has to do with Russian bureaucracy.

Putin has forbidden Russian newspaper in reporting daily loses. However the newspaper are allowed to post how many wife, girlfriends, fiance a.s.o. get money for lost husband, boyfriend a.s.o.
(A Danish reporter said this in the beginning of the war)

This is how the Russian gets the information about daily loses.
More likely yesterdays loses.

This information is also available in the bureau of information in Kremlin.

I say that Putin is playing with fire at home..Sooner or later the Russians will have enough of this war.

MarkusThe "all goes according to the plan" is getting harder to believe. :D

[Dargo]

There has been another explosion on the railway in the Bryansk region. The head of the region, Aleksandr Bogomaz, said that an unidentified explosive device "went off near Snezhetskaya station". There were no casualties, the locomotive and several(20) freight cars derailed. https://meduza.io/news/2023/05/02/v-bryanskoy-oblasti-vtoroy-raz-za-dva-dnya-vzorvany-zheleznodorozhnye-puti-oprokinulis-neskolko-gruzovyh-vagonov

[mapuc]

There has been another explosion on the railway in the Bryansk region. The head of the region, Aleksandr Bogomaz, said that an unidentified explosive device "went off near Snezhetskaya station". There were no casualties, the locomotive and several(20) freight cars derailed. https://meduza.io/news/2023/05/02/v-bryanskoy-oblasti-vtoroy-raz-za-dva-dnya-vzorvany-zheleznodorozhnye-puti-oprokinulis-neskolko-gruzovyh-vagonov

Whoever is behind this, are doing a good job.

I think it's UA Special forces who is operating behind enemies lines-I hope it is some Russian freedom fighters who is fighting Putlers war in Ukraine.

Markus

[Dargo]

Whoever is behind this, are doing a good job.

I think it's UA Special forces who is operating behind enemies lines-I hope it is some Russian freedom fighters who is fighting Putlers war in Ukraine.

MarkusThis kinda sabotage happening all over Russia, this is Russian resistance this region is have forested so easy to hide and attack plus this causes more and more resources to Russian security that can not go to the war.

[Skybird]

Not disputing the above but I'd be surprised if the E$U has given more military aid than the US.

But of course, the EU is a grouping of many countries so a breakdown of individual countries would be far more accurate.
No, your scepticism for the numbers probably is justified, it caught my attention as well and that was why I posted it ("Wowh, how things have changed!?" was my reaction), but I better should have done the far more obvious thing: post the data from the original website, not as it got quoted by Die Welt (here: LINK (https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article245022192/Ukraine-Krieg-Diese-Zahlen-relativieren-die-Hilfen-der-Welt-fuer-die-Ukraine.html#cs-lazy-picture-placeholder-01c4eedaca.png)). My fault.

Some of the data looks very different if one takes the original data source, the Ifw Kiel (I quoted them repeatedly over the past 14 months or so), namely the one detail you mentioned:


https://i.postimg.cc/44bcNrnx/Unbenannt.png (https://postimages.org/)


https://www.ifw-kiel.de/topics/war-against-ukraine/ukraine-support-tracker/



I delete the first post with the data according by Die Welt..???, they seem to have messed it up terribly. Several mistakes I now identified, for examle Japan should have given more military aid than any other after the US...???

[Skybird]

EU wants to release €500 million for ammunition production for Ukraine



A simple, "stupid" 155mm shell without any extras costs around 3000 Euros. So that money is good for around 165-170 thousand such dumb shells. No special ammunition.


According to an estimate by the Estonian Defense Ministry, Ukraine fires up to 7,000 artillery shells per day. However, the European arms industry can only produce around 25,000 projectiles per month - as many as Russia fires in a day.


That means Ukraine is thorugh that heap of ammo in 2-3 weeks. Once the ammo has been delivered, that is. It needs to be produced, which will cost around half a year if the production gets started immediately.



France still tries to force the others to use miney for ammo only on orders from Europoean - that means also: French - weapon makers.



Ukraine has far too weak air rpotciton for frontlöine troops, its needs air defences. Any offensive of theirs could get ruined by concentrated Russian air attacks.



I wonder whether clocks and calenders work slower in Brussels...?

[Skybird]

https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-soldiers-in-bakhmut-our-troops-are-not-being-protected/

[Skybird]

Der Spiegel reports: the EU Commission wants to be able to oblige arms companies in the EU by law to supply ammunition to member countries instead of states outside the EU. This is part of a legislative proposal that the Commission intends to adopt on Wednesday. In this way, the EU authority wants to ensure that Ukraine can be supplied with urgently needed ammunition as quickly as possible.


According to the proposal, the mechanism would kick in when there are "shortages of critical defense equipment that may affect EU security." The Commission would then be able to oblige companies to give priority to orders from EU countries - and to postpone or cancel deliveries to non-EU countries.


To trigger the mechanism, it would be enough for an EU country planning to procure ammunition for Ukraine to request Commission intervention - or for at least three member countries planning to jointly procure ammunition to do so. According to Commission sources, the manufacturers need not fear lawsuits from affected third countries, which would possibly go away empty-handed: Brussels' intervention is legally to be regarded as force majeure.

A politically intended decision claimed to be force majeure...? That is an extremely dangerous precedent being created here. Only imagine the possibilities!The question is not if it will be done again: the only question is: when again. Its the wannebe central committee of the whole continent that ursurps powers and dispowers elected parliaments step by step, mercilessly like an avalanche of ants. Empirically, the benefit of doubt is totally not justified.

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv2Ce4WTmZ8

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

Ukraine launched an assassination attempt on Vladimir Putin overnight, Russia has claimed.

It said drones sent by Kyiv were aimed at Putin's residence in the Kremlin citadel in what it described as "planned terrorist action".

Russian officials said that the President was not injured and there was no major damage to the Kremlin's buildings.

Video footage circulating on Russian social media shows a pure of smoke over the top of the walled government complex in Moscow.

The country's state-run news agency, RIA, said: "The Kremlin has assessed these actions as a planned terrorist act and an assassination attempt on the president on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 Parade."

The Kremlin says that Putin intends to go about his government business as usual.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/putin-survives-assassination-attempt-after-ukraine-launches-drone-attack-on-kremlin/ar-AA1aGa9Q?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=a3ea528bf05442dea718c7ec0378dc26&ei=21

As it gets harder to differentiate fact from fiction with each passing day I can only say I wish it were true and the outcome was more successful.

[mapuc]

Ukraine denies it's them who's behind it. I believe them so far-Then the only option is Russian partisans.

Markus

[Skybird]

As if anyone seriously believes Putin sits in the Kremlin right now...

[mapuc]

In the news some hours ago the journalist asked this expert on Russia, if it could be a false flag operation-He, the expert, could not rule this out.

I say it isn't a false flag operation-If it had been before the war started, then I would have said yes.

They do not need some excuse to send hundreds of missiles against Ukraine-They are at war.(And 90 % of them get shot down)

However an attack on the heart of Russia could mean that someone has crossed the red line.

I also say the same as Jim-Sad they missed their target(s)

Markus

[Skybird]

What a pathetic little puff in the air the explosion was. Attacking the Kremlin - with a tiny toy-thing like that...? And what nice viewing angle the shooting cameras had, and they where active just at the right time, in the middle of the night. Maybe some Romeo showing his Julia what a nice new smart phone he got himself?

It all stinks to heaven. False Flag, I say, to make Russians rally around Putin's flag or preparing them for Kremlin escalations to come.

[Jimbuna]

It is being reported that Putrid was not in the Kremlin at the time but in another residence outside Moscow.

[mapuc]

What a pathetic little puff in the air the explosion was. Attacking the Kremlin - with a tiny toy-thing like that...? And what nice viewing angle the shooting cameras had, and they where active just at the right time, in the middle of the night. Maybe some Romeo showing his Julia what a nice new smart phone he got himself?

It all stinks to heaven. False Flag, I say, to make Russians rally around Putin's flag or preparing them for Kremlin escalations to come.

Seeing from your point-of-view then it most likely could be a false flag.

So far I always had thought that Crimea was their red line you do not cross.

The question is do Russia need some excuse for escalate the war ?

What if they have created this false flag operation to blame a third country ?

Markus

[Jimbuna]

We will probably only see an escalation if and when the Russian people start problems for Putrid.

[Skybird]

They do blame Ukraine.


The escalation could be against Russia: a new draft - or declaring martial law.

[Catfish]

It does not matter whether it was a russian false flag op or a "real" attack.
Go on, apply pressure :03:

Russians will love to be mustered for a war that is no war but a "special operation". One step closer to revolution.

[Dargo]

US Embassy in Ukraine warns of heightened threat of missile attacks
The US Embassy in Ukraine warned Wednesday of “an ongoing heightened threat of missile attacks,” including in Kyiv.

“In light of the recent uptick in strikes across Ukraine and inflammatory rhetoric from Moscow, the Department of State cautions U.S. citizens of an ongoing heightened threat of missile attacks, including in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast,” the embassy said in a security alert.

In the alert, the embassy urged Americans “to observe air alarms, shelter appropriately, follow guidance from local authorities,” and take actions like immediately seeking shelter inside or going to the lowest level of their buildings “with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.”

“If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover,” it advised. “Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk,” the alert said. “After the attack, stay away from any debris.”

The US government has repeatedly warned Americans to leave Ukraine and not to travel there amid the ongoing war with Russia.,, https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-03-23/index.html

https://ua.usembassy.gov/security-alert-heightened-threat-of-missile-attacks-including-in-kyiv-and-kyiv-oblast/

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eies-0t8wGk

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1vC-kUoP6I

[Jimbuna]

Ingenious :)

Finland's largest daily newspaper is fighting back against Russia's media restrictions by hiding news about the war in Ukraine in a secret room within a video game.

Helsingin Sanomat's editor-in-chief Antero Mukka said the paper had to get creative in trying to breach the restrictions and decided to conceal articles in the shooter game Counter-Strike, which is popular among young Russian men.

Russia has cracked down on independent journalism by banning free reporting and denying Russians access to media content produced abroad since Moscow launched what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

"As we have been widely concerned about the press freedom situation and freedom of speech in Russia, we decided that maybe it's possible to find some new channels to provide Russian audience with some reliable, independent journalism for example about the situations in Ukraine," Mr Mukka told Reuters news agency.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/war-news-for-russians-hidden-inside-video-game/ar-AA1aJrbC?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=2f2460cba5f244e89242bde80bbdad66&ei=16

[mapuc]

As mentioned before. Russia will blame some third country for being behind the attack on Kremlin.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said Ukraine was merely implementing US plans “dictated” by Washington, but did not provide any evidence to support the allegations.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/russia-accuses-us-of-being-behind-drone-attack-on-kremlin-putin

Markus

[Jimbuna]

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

[mapuc]

There are some fighter pilot who would gladly defend Ukraine in the F-15 or F16.

https://twitter.com/InfoAgeStrategy/status/1653963985593552896/photo/1

Markus

[Catfish]

It really stinks to the high heavens, while i have nothing against Ukraine retaliating (after all it was Russia that sent and still sends missiles to Kyyiv and even had a special corps sent to kill President Zelensky, so how can Russia protest?? :haha: ), i doubt it was a "third country".

I am quite sure it was done by Russia to be able to escalate once more, and have a cheap justification.
Like Skybird wrote, escalating from draft to martial law, to sending more missiles at Kyyiv, to threaten the US with retaliation (the NERVE).

Another possibility would be intern russian sabotage trying to undermine Putin's position. After all whatever you make of it this was not a sign of strength.
From being able to get a drone there, to the hasty explanation "it was done by a foreign state". How does strongman Putin think he is able to "protect Russia" with this happening.

[mapuc]

And of course now when I need this twitter status, I can't find it anymore.

Someone had shared an "important news" from some other where it claimed that Russia would nuke Ukraine in 1½ hours from now-This was 3-4 hours ago.

I should have posted a comment-Stop spreading fake news, Russia will NOT use nukes in Ukraine.

(So says my personal belief)

Markus

[Skybird]

I suspect that the Ukrainian offensive has already begun, it has crept in, so to speak. The series of drone attacks and artillery strikes on logistic nodes in the occupied territories and in the area near the Russian border undoubtedly serve that purpose, to paralyze, demobilize and hold down the defenders of the Russian positions. Reserves the Russians hold back also will get affected by degrading mobility options, so they cannot react as planned. Ground attacks will occur only in the final phase of the offensive, although this final phase will be the longest lasting. Small attacks along the front line will probe the strength of the Russian positions in order to identify two or three particular weak points and then break through with all their force right there. If this succeeds, it would not look good for the Russian defenders on the left and right of such a breakthrough point, because they would get run around and then be attacked and broken up in their positions from the rear, as was seen in the 1991 Gulf War. For the Russians their own long trenches can become a grave.

If we do not experience massive air strikes and missile fire from the Russians in these hotspots, we know that their reserves are so depleted that they cannot muster these resources. For where, if not here, should the Russians play a remaining military trump card, if not at these points of the front, where the breakthrough is threatening...?

Whether the quantitative strength of the Ukrainians is sufficient to make major gains in terrain or to put forward a prolonged offensive remains to be seen, but I am scapotic. Their casualties were already high for their capabilities, and if the Russians are even semi-competent, the Ukrians will suffer even higher casualty rates now than they did before Kherson and Kharkiv.

I wish them good luck, and I hope I am completely wrong - but I am skeptical. The Ukrainians simply do not have as much material and ammunition as they need.


The drone fake attack staged on the Kremlin could be an attempt to pave the way for an argument to use nukes.

[Dargo]

I suspect that the Ukrainian offensive has already begun, it has crept in, so to speak. The series of drone attacks and artillery strikes on logistic nodes in the occupied territories and in the area near the Russian border undoubtedly serve that purpose, to paralyze, demobilize and hold down the defenders of the Russian positions. Reserves the Russians hold back also will get affected by degrading mobility options, so they cannot react as planned. Ground attacks will occur only in the final phase of the offensive, although this final phase will be the longest lasting. Small attacks along the front line will probe the strength of the Russian positions in order to identify two or three particular weak points and then break through with all their force right there. If this succeeds, it would not look good for the Russian defenders on the left and right of such a breakthrough point, because they would get run around and then be attacked and broken up in their positions from the rear, as was seen in the 1991 Gulf War. For the Russians their own long trenches can become a grave.

If we do not experience massive air strikes and missile fire from the Russians in these hotspots, we know that their reserves are so depleted that they cannot muster these resources. For where, if not here, should the Russians play a remaining military trump card, if not at these points of the front, where the breakthrough is threatening...?

Whether the quantitative strength of the Ukrainians is sufficient to make major gains in terrain or to put forward a prolonged offensive remains to be seen, but I am scapotic. Their casualties were already high for their capabilities, and if the Russians are even semi-competent, the Ukrians will suffer even higher casualty rates now than they did before Kherson and Kharkiv.

I wish them good luck, and I hope I am completely wrong - but I am skeptical. The Ukrainians simply do not have as much material and ammunition as they need.


The drone fake attack staged on the Kremlin could be an attempt to pave the way for an argument to use nukes.Preparations for the Ukrainian spring offensive seem to have really started now, one after another Russian oil depot goes up in flames, foreshadowing the expected counteroffensive. An offensive always proceeds in several phases, that is, isolating the battlefield. That involves attacks in depth, targeting logistics depots to make supplying the battlefield more difficult. If you see what is happening now in the last few days, you may well get the impression that the Ukrainians are already working on that first phase.

[Jimbuna]

It really stinks to the high heavens, while i have nothing against Ukraine retaliating (after all it was Russia that sent and still sends missiles to Kyyiv and even had a special corps sent to kill President Zelensky, so how can Russia protest?? :haha: ), i doubt it was a "third country".

I am quite sure it was done by Russia to be able to escalate once more, and have a cheap justification.
Like Skybird wrote, escalating from draft to martial law, to sending more missiles at Kyyiv, to threaten the US with retaliation (the NERVE).

Another possibility would be intern russian sabotage trying to undermine Putin's position. After all whatever you make of it this was not a sign of strength.
From being able to get a drone there, to the hasty explanation "it was done by a foreign state". How does strongman Putin think he is able to "protect Russia" with this happening.

Agreed :yep:

[Jimbuna]

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

[ET2SN]

Agreed :yep:

Same here. Someone, who had nothing to do with the drone :up: , was able to spot it and film it. At night.. :hmmm:

The drone explodes in a large fire ball directly above a Kremlin roof, yet leaves no damage. In the real world, that kind of munition is known as "fireworks". It makes a boom and has a pretty flash but it does no damage.

:hmmm:

Also, recall how Putin rose to power in the first place. There were these terrorist bombings that might not have been terrorist bombings..

:hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkQLykpF-Jo

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRalwGp3Au0

[Jimbuna]

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

[Reece]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRalwGp3Au0
How dare the Russian snatch away the Ukrainian flag, pity he didn't kicked "you know where!!" :nope:

[Jimbuna]

Well, they're trying to snatch away the country so the flag would fit in well.

[Skybird]

Germany should take this as an example, and some others, too: Denmark now runs a national holiday for the lkast time ever. The holiday got cancelled by the government and this one-day of economic gain will be used to pay a boosting of the defence budget.

[Jimbuna]

It is now being reported that Ukraine have intercepted a Russian hypersonic missile for the first time, possibly a Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile, using the newly-acquired Patriot missile system.

[Jimbuna]

Another report is stating that Denmark and Germany will jointly deliver 80 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. They will be ready for use in June.

[August]

How dare the Russian snatch away the Ukrainian flag, pity he didn't kicked "you know where!!" :nope:




The Uke got in at least one good shot.

[Dargo]

Crucial to Ukraine's spring offensive is supplies - and they are fragile
Ukraine claims preparations for its major spring offensive are almost complete. But how do you get large quantities of shells and bullets, as well as toilet paper and food, to an army of tens of thousands of soldiers?

The latest US arms package for Kyiv, presented on Wednesday, shows how, on the eve of the long-awaited offensive, the US is still trying to quickly beef up the Ukrainian army. Cost: $300 million, bringing the tally of US arms support since the invasion to almost $36 billion. Besides thousands of artillery shells, anti-tank weapons and mortars, the list also includes trucks and trailers to transport heavy military equipment. Spare parts to keep tanks and armored cars running are also going to Ukraine, as are explosives to blow up Russian obstacles on the front line later. All weapons, equipment and parts will soon have to find their way to the 12 combat brigades being readied. And if the Ukrainians advance with their Leopard tanks and Bradley armored vehicles and manage to penetrate a weak spot in the Russian defense line, the attack must also be able to continue uninterrupted. Supply is then crucial: after all, without shells capable of piercing armor, the high-tech Leopards, which must destroy the Russian T-72s from miles away, will soon be of no value.

'The logistical plan behind an attack plan is just as important,' emphasizes Lieutenant General b.d. Hans van Griensven, 2007 commander of the Dutch military in the Afghan province of Uruzgan. 'Without good logistics, you can't fight. So that has to be tightly organized and planned, from the supply of fuel and weapons to food for the soldiers. What does a unit need per day? And how do you make sure they get it while the war goes on?' The 12 combat brigades arming Ukraine and the West for the offensive total some 50 thousand soldiers strong. While supplying such a large army force is normally already a tough job, it is extra difficult for the Ukrainian generals. Because before the invasion, the army's armament consisted mainly of Soviet-made weaponry. Then Kyiv had to integrate a stream of Western weapons into the armed forces. Artillery units that had the Russian Pion howitzer, for example, also had to shoot with the various howitzers supplied by the West: from the American M777 and the Polish Crab to the French Caesar. To make matters worse, the Western and Russian guns also used grenades of a different caliber.

As a result, logistics specialists have to get both 152mm and 155mm shells to artillerymen. The same logistical nightmare applies to another commonly used weapon: anti-tank weapons. Ukraine received tens of thousands of anti-tank weapons of US, British, French and Swedish manufacture, among others. Later during the offensive, how do you manage to ensure that soldiers shooting with the US Javelin are supplied in time with the advanced HEAT missile? 'A combat unit is basically independent for 24 to 48 hours,' says Van Griensven. 'After that, they will have to be resupplied. Behind the lines, trucks have to transport the weapons to a certain point, after which armored vehicles take over transport to the front line. So you have to plan that well. And it has to be done in secret. It is obvious that the Russians are trying to hit those logistical lines of Ukraine.'

One problem for Ukraine is that they cannot supply combat troops by air with helicopters, for example, because of the danger of Russian air defenses. Van Griensven experienced in Uruzgan that the supply of Dutch troops was frustrated by the Taliban. Fighters stopped large convoys, which meant fuel in particular had to be rationed. Water supplies were also endangered. Van Griensven: 'By air, with helicopters, we had to try to solve the supply problems. But that was also dangerous in Afghanistan, because helicopters were vulnerable to attacks from the ground. For a commander, supply is always a big concern. It is an ongoing process that is very fragile.' Conversely, the Russians also have to worry about the vulnerability of their supplies. Van Griensven points out that by choosing to launch an offensive in the south, the Ukrainians could hit the invasion force hard. Closing off Crimea, used to supply Russian units, could cut off the supply of weapons and fuel, among other things.

He also points out the importance of deception. Van Griensven: "Where the Ukrainian brigades are located is also important. You can mislead the Russians about this and then strike somewhere else. The trick is to find a place where you can break through their lines. Then you can pace quickly. Then you get into the enemy's back. No army wants that.' https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/cruciaal-voor-het-oekraiense-voorjaarsoffensief-is-de-bevoorrading-en-die-is-kwetsbaar~b79f2d2f/

[Skybird]

Kremlin gang tries to boost Russification in occupied territories.

https://www.dw.com/en/russia-forces-occupied-ukrainians-to-change-citizenship/a-65522524


Five Russian warships and two supply ships have entered British coastal waters to "attend" coronation festivities.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/22244313/russian-warship-force-britain-nuclear-capable-missiles/

[Skybird]

Himars' teeth are not as sharp anymore as last year.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/05/politics/russia-jamming-himars-rockets-ukraine/index.html

Before the war Russia was traditionally seen to be extremely strong in electronic jamming and communication intercepting. Some days ago I red that Ukrainoan front troops therefore now use WW1-style field telephones with direct cable connection and a crank.

[Skybird]

https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/es-ist-zeit-das-rahmenwerk-der-sanktionen-zu-ueberarbeiten-eine-fruehere-mitarbeiterin-der-russischen-notenbank-beschreibt-die-stimmung-der-wirtschaftselite-in-russland-ld.1735447?_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_sl=auto


Alexandra Prokopenko has frequent articles at "The Bell", I knew these aleady before the interview in the NZZ. I recommend the read, she knows the stuff and has the perspective of a former insider. No Western wishful thinking, but sober assessment.



https://en.thebell.io/author/alexandra/



Alexandra Prokopenko's weekly newsletters from the online medium The Bell have become essential reading for people who want to be kept up to date on the Russian economy. One notices that the 37-year-old Prokopenko was a journalist in her previous life, for the news agency Tass and the former leading business newspaper "Vedomosti". From 2017 to 2022 she worked as a consultant at the Central Bank of Russia and the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Prokopenko, a Russian citizen with Ukrainian roots, left Russia after the major invasion. Since then she has been in demand as a Russia expert in the West. In February she became a visiting fellow at the German Society for Foreign Relations.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGUVYI0adTQ

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBw1KIWWeyw

[Skybird]

https://www.ft.com/content/404af8ef-d073-4edc-ab25-384442864342

[Reece]

Have to be a member to view it sky!! :doh:

[Skybird]

Really? I am no member there, and got access to the site via a link a German newspaper article.


It says that Bill Clinto was approached by Putin in 2011 and that Putin said he did not like the deal done "security guarantees for Ukraine for giving up the nukies", and that Putin clealry told Clinton that he felt not bound by the deal signed by Yeltzin. Clinton said that from that conversation with Putin on it was clear to him that a Russian attack on Ukraine only were a question of time. The meeting took place three years before the Russians went after Crimea.

[Dargo]

Have to be a member to view it sky!! :doh:Use https://archive.ph/ and paste the FT url post

[Jimbuna]

Pick your friends and who you support wisely.


Akey Putin war ideologist was "seriously wounded" today by a suspected car bomb. Writer Zakhar Prilepin, 47, was left fighting for his life after his driver was killed, say reports. The incident involving his Audi Q7 car took place near the city of Nizhny Novgorod in Russia. Unconfirmed reports have suggested his leg was blown off in the explosion.

He was described as "conscious" and receiving medical assistance at the scene.

Prilepen, a pro-Kremlin novelist turned politician who joined fighters in the war, was evidently attacked after a visit to the Donbas - Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.

There are suggestions his car was tailed. The explosion was just 100 metres from where his daughter had been dropped off with relatives, said one report.

‌The dead driver was said to be a Ukrainian citizen.

An explosive device had been fixed under the vehicle, said reports. He is a strong supporter of the Z-slogan used by Putin's war backers.

‌Shot media reported: "Zakhar Prilepin is conscious. He says he doesn't understand what happened. Now the victim is being loaded into an ambulance, our source reports.

‌"The Audi exploded near the town of Bor. The wreckage from the car scattered over 50 metres."

‌A helicopter was on standby to fly him to hospital. A day earlier he had offered his support to the Wagner private army.

The Russian foreign ministry immediately blamed the West for the attack. "The direct responsibility of the United States and Britain. We pray for Zakhar," said spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

‌The attack resembles a car bombing which killed pro-Putin activist Darya Dugina, 29, in August last year.

There was speculation the bomb was aimed at her father Alexander Dugin, an ultranationalist philosopher known as 'Putin's Rasputin'.

The ATESH movement has been hunting for Prilepin since the beginning of the year, according to reports.‌
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/key-putin-ally-seriously-injured-after-car-bomb-leaves-him-fighting-for-his-life/ar-AA1aPfVm?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=cb8445c158034ac3ae0e19421f145054&ei=20

[Catfish]

Sone explicit content bx Wagner boss Prigozhin. I wonder what he is up to.
Concern for his own men dying? Hardly. Playing som role to make himself liked by the people maybe.
Should stay away from windows.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1654268174018260992

[mapuc]

Sone explicit content bx Wagner boss Prigozhin. I wonder what he is up to.
Concern for his own men dying? Hardly. Playing som role to make himself liked by the people maybe.
Should stay away from windows.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1654268174018260992

It's should not be the first time he has come up with similar threats about withdraw his troops from Bakhmut and not doing it after all.

It has to be seen before I believe it.

Markus

[Catfish]

It is said Kadyrov will replace the Wagner mercenaries, may well be. Or both will continue to fight. Or whatever. Of course nothing is certain if posted by any of those.
Whatever, Prigozhin and Kadyrov seem to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1654552680101031940

[Skybird]

Its written in some media that Prigoshin overstepped a red line by becoming quite explict und perosonal in his last rant. Possible that there is no way back now. Its said he fights a personal feud with Shoigu, and Shoigu using his power to starve this one rival for power to death so to speak.

Thats the charm with the Russians. Many factions, and none of them really work together but all work against each other. A game of thrones.

[Dargo]

Its written in some media that Prigoshin overstepped a red line by becoming quite explict und perosonal in his last rant. Possible that there is no way back now. Its said he fights a personal feud with Shoigu, and Shoigu using his power to starve this one rival for power to death so to speak.

Thats the charm with the Russians. Many factions, and none of them really work together but all work against each other. A game of thrones.If he overstepped a red line, he would already meet the window.

[Skybird]

If he overstepped a red line, he would already meet the window.
could still happen. but then, he is surrounded by his own private army.

[Dargo]

could still happen. but then, he is surrounded by his own private army.Prigozhin has been attacking Kremlin semi-military bureaucrats, Sergei Shoygoe and Commander-in-Chief Valeri Gerasimov for months, but not Putin. In any case, the statements are part of a propaganda war with the intention of coming out as heroic as possible. If ammunition is left behind, it is already clear who the scapegoat is. If supplies do start up again, then the extortion has worked. And if Bakhmut would then finally be captured, Prigozhin could walk away with the credit and stress that the Russian army and its leaders have not achieved any of the goals of their winter offensive, not likely that Shoygoe and Gerasimov are looking forward to that moment.

However, Wagner was long given preferential treatment that ammunition is now being withheld is probably mainly because the army is preparing for the expected Ukrainian counteroffensive, and is understandable in that sense. The Ministry of Defense has to defend the entire front, while Prigozhin only cares about Bakhmut. Yet even the Kremlin seemed to realize each time that it needed the cheap Wagner troops with their thousands of recruited prisoners if it still wanted to get anywhere with its winter offensive. That leniency may well come to an end now that that offensive has failed and Wagner's clout has severely diminished. When Putin sidelined his favorite, General Sergei Suhovikin, early this year as supreme commander in Ukraine in favor of Gerasimov. Was that decision already seen as an attempt to short-circuit Prigozhin's ambitions that might eventually be political.

[Reece]

Use https://archive.ph/ and paste the FT url post
Thanks Dargo, that worked a treat, must save the link!! :yep:

[Rockstar]

Himars' teeth are not as sharp anymore as last year.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/05/politics/russia-jamming-himars-rockets-ukraine/index.html

Before the war Russia was traditionally seen to be extremely strong in electronic jamming and communication intercepting. Some days ago I red that Ukrainoan front troops therefore now use WW1-style field telephones with direct cable connection and a crank.

Yes electronic jamming of gps sucks and it can reduce the effectiveness of offensive weapons. Not trying sound like it isn’t a problem, but I’m sure military planners in the west have already thought of counter measures. Even Elon Musk has software updates for Ukrainian Starlink systems to help bypass jamming.

The downside to any electronic jammer is it reveals its location and quite possibly the location of potential targets they are trying to protect.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8l44bxVND0

[Jimbuna]

Russia has sparked a "mad panic" as it evacuates a town near the contested Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a Ukrainian official says.

Russia has told people to leave 18 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, including Enerhodar near the plant, ahead of Kyiv's anticipated offensive.

The Ukrainian mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, said there were five-hour waits as thousands of cars left.

The UN's nuclear watchdog warned a "severe nuclear accident" could occur.

Rafael Grossi - the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - said the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant was "becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous".

The IAEA statement said that "while operating staff remain at the site" there was "deep concern about the increasingly tense, stressful, and challenging conditions for personnel and their families".

It said IAEA experts at the plant had "received information that the announced evacuation of residents from the nearby town of Enerhodar - where most plant staff live - has started".

On Friday, the Russian-installed regional head Yevgeny Balitsky said that "in the past few days, the enemy has stepped up shelling of settlements close to the front line".

"I have therefore made a decision to evacuate first of all children and parents, elderly people, disabled people and hospital patients," he wrote on social media. .

The IAEA has issued warnings previously about safety at the plant - which Russia captured in the opening days of its invasion last year - after shelling caused temporary power cuts.

In March the IAEA warned the plant was running on diesel generators to keep vital cooling systems going, after damage to power lines.

Since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022 the number of staff at the plant has declined, the IAEA says, "but site management has stated that it has remained sufficient for the safe operation of the plant".

Russian forces occupy much of the Zaporizhzhia region but not the regional capital Zaporizhzhia, which lies just north-east of Enerhodar across the Dnipro reservoir.

On Sunday, the Ukrainian general staff said civilians were being evacuated to the cities of Berdyansk and Prymorsk, further inside Russian-held territory.

The exiled mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, wrote on Telegram that shops in the evacuated areas had run out of goods and medicine.

He also said hospitals were discharging patients into the street amid fears that electricity and water supplies could be suspended if Ukraine attacks the region.

And he claimed that two-thirds of evacuation convoys - allegedly made up of civilians - consisted of retreating Russian troops. The BBC cannot verify this claim.

"The partial evacuation they announced is going too fast, and there is a possibility that they may be preparing for provocations and (for that reason) focusing on civilians," Mr Fedorov added.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65515443

[Skybird]

Undead from GDR times are still haunting Germany like ghosts from the past.

https://www.nzz.ch/international/krieg-in-der-ukraine-wie-nva-offiziere-putins-ueberfall-agitieren-ld.1736587?_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_sl=auto

Additionally: the majority of people in the eastern federal states of what was formerly East Germany are opposed to western aid to Ukraine and demand that Ukraine comply. The glorification of the Soviet past and the GDR dictatorship as well as the trivialization of their crimes and a cult of Soviet militaria and relics and emblems of the glorious socialist past flourish and thrive.

[Jimbuna]

^ Register for free and read on.

[Dargo]

Russia faces serious labor shortages due to war
Russia is facing serious labor shortages due to the war in Ukraine and the corona pandemic, reports the UK Ministry of Defense in its daily briefing. The labor market in Russia has not been this bad in decades, according to the British. The war and the pandemic have caused Russia's population to shrink even faster than previously predicted over the past three years, according to the British. Some 1.2 million people left Russia last year alone, including mostly young, highly educated people.

Remarkably, many IT professionals in particular turned their backs on Russia. According to the Russian Ministry of Communications, as many as a hundred thousand highly educated, young IT professionals (about 10 percent of the total) have left and not returned. And then there are the many hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men sent to the front, some of whom have since been killed or wounded. The shrinking workforce will put further pressure on the Russian economy, according to the British. As a result of the invasion of Ukraine and economic sanctions, the Russian economy shrank by 2.1 percent last year, but the International Monetary Fund does forecast modest growth of 0.3 percent again in the coming year.
https://i.postimg.cc/nzTdk1Nh/Fvg-LHK7-Xw-AE7b-V3.jpg

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78FoUcJjpQQ

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will arrive in Ukraine on Tuesday, May 9, on the occasion of Europe Day.

[Catfish]

As far as i read Prigozhin is not "forced" to stay in Bakhmut, but is now guaranteed support, ammunition and military hardware –
So Wagner will now fight along with Kadyrov's 'Tiktok' battallion and enough resources. This does not look good.

[Dargo]

As far as i read Prigozhin is not "forced" to stay in Bakhmut, but is now guaranteed support, ammunition and military hardware –
So Wagner will now fight along with Kadyrov's 'Tiktok' battallion and enough resources. This does not look good.And we all know what Russian guarantees mean :D

[ET2SN]

As far as i read Prigozhin is not "forced" to stay in Bakhmut, but is now guaranteed support, ammunition and military hardware –
So Wagner will now fight along with Kadyrov's 'Tiktok' battallion and enough resources. This does not look good.

We also "know" that Russia has an infinite amount of cold war hardware. There just aren't enough trains to bring it all to the front lines. :O:

Think about it, the Russian Air Force should have had a field day and a romp above Ukraine. Why didn't that happen? :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Ukraine claims Vladimir Putin will send a body double to host a huge military parade on Red Square on Tuesday due to a 'paranoid fear for his life'.

The extraordinary claim came from Kyiv government official Anton Gerashchenko.

'Putin will not dare to appear at the parade on May 9, but will send a double,' he said.

Rumours of Putin using doppelgängers - who have undergone plastic surgery to look like Putin - predate the war against Ukraine but have intensified recently, however unlikely such a theory is.

He is said to be fearful of assassination because of the war against Ukraine.

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

Total combat losses of Russian Federation since beginning of war - about 195,620 people (+650 per day), 3,734 tanks, 3,031 artillery systems, 7,258 armored vehicles. INFOGRAPHICS

As noted, the total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 09.05.23 are approximately:

personnel - about 195,620 (+650) people were liquidated,
tanks - 3734 (+4) units,
armored combat vehicles - 7257 (+4) units,
artillery systems - 3,031 (+13) units,
MLRS - 554 (+0) units,
air defense systems - 307 (+1) units,
aircraft - 308 (+0) units,
helicopters - 294 (+0) units,
UAVs of the operational and tactical level - 2618 (+4),
cruise missiles - 955 (+8),
ships/boats - 18 (+0) units,
motor vehicles and tankers - 5969 (+11) units,
special equipment - 388 (+4). Source: https://censor.net/en/n3417139

[Skybird]

https://www-focus-de.translate.goog/politik/ausland/ukraine-krise/analyse-von-ulrich-reitz-bei-seiner-blamablen-parade-versteckt-putin-eine-harte-botschaft-an-deutschland_id_193335022.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp



In his embarrassing parade, Putin hides a harsh message to Germany. The parade almost seemed like a concealed capitulation. Nevertheless, he wants "victory" - and sends a crystal-clear signal also to the Germans.

Putin's last words are his last words for now: "For our brave armed forces, for victory, hurrah!" The Russian despot's message to the West, to Germany, is clear: No peace. No negotiations.

[Dargo]

The deadline of taking Bakhmut is not met, one of the goals of Russian special military operation was demilitarization. We can clearly see it’s been achieved with the help of Ukraine. :arrgh!:
https://i.postimg.cc/C1MrSLyN/Fvsoq3-IWw-AA-f-U8.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/C1DG335N/Fvr-F1-BUWc-AE3-Nt-Q.jpg

[Dargo]

The U.S. Department of Defense announced a new $1.2 billion military aid package to Ukraine.
The new military aid package is supposed to bolster air defense and sustain the Ukrainian army’s artillery ammunition needs. This package is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority (PDA), which the Pentagon has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry or partners. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine.

The capabilities in the new package include:

Additional air defense systems and munitions;
Equipment to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars with – – Ukraine’s air defense systems;
Ammunition for counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems;
155mm artillery rounds;
Commercial satellite imagery services;
Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.


Militarnyi previously reported that the new package of military aid to Ukraine would include HAWK air defense systems and air defense system ammunition. The decision comes as the Armed Forces of Ukraine prepare to launch an offensive against Russian invasion forces, and due to the constant need for air defense equipment, as Russia continues attacking with kamikaze drones and missiles of various types.

MIM-23 Hawk is an American medium-range anti-aircraft missile system manufactured by Raytheon. It was developed in 1960, and since then, it has undergone several modernization programs. The system was initially designed to destroy aircraft and later upgraded to intercept missiles. The first versions of the system had a range of 25 km for aerial targets and an altitude of 14 km. After modernization, the maximum target interception range was increased to 40 km with a maximum interception altitude of 18 km. The system became widely used globally and was the main medium-range air defense system before the deployment of the MIM-104 Patriot SAM system. In total, about 40,000 missiles for this air defense system type were produced across the world.

Ukraine has a chance to obtain a large number of air defense systems of this type, given that they were manufactured not only in the USA but also in other countries under license and are currently being decommissioned.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3388890/biden-administration-announces-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/

[Dargo]

Putin tried to project strength, but Moscow Victory Day parade revealed only his isolation


For Russian President Vladimir Putin, this year’s Victory Day parade in Red Square was a chance to continue his war on history. He succeeded only in underscoring his geopolitical isolation.

In a speech before the assembled troops, Putin drew a direct line between his invasion of Ukraine and the sacrifices of World War II. Flanked by surviving veterans of what Russia still calls the Great Patriotic War, the Russian president cast himself as savior and defender of an embattled Russia targeted by the “globalist elites” of the West.

“Today, civilization again is at a breaking point,” Putin said. “Again, a true war has been unleashed against our motherland.”

While Russia sees “no unfriendly nations in the West or in the East,” Putin suggested darker forces are conspiring against Moscow.

“Western globalist elites still talk about their exceptionalism, pitting people against each other and splitting society, provoking bloody conflicts and coups, sowing hatred, Russophobia, [and] aggressive nationalism,” he said. “The Ukrainian nation has become hostage to a coup which led to a criminal regime led by its Western masters. It has become a pawn to their cruel and selfish plans.”

It’s worth unpacking this for a moment. It’s Putin’s longstanding view that Ukraine is not a legitimate nation — Ukrainians and Russians, in his view, are “one people” and the Ukrainian state is an artificial construct. In his conspiratorial view of the world, states like Ukraine are merely vassals, and Washington calls the shots. And if a shadowy global cabal is pulling the strings in Kyiv, that belief justifies what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Let’s remember that it was a genuine popular revolt — not, say, the CIA or George Soros — that brought people onto Kyiv’s Maidan Square to support Ukraine’s aspirations for joining the European Union, leading to the ouster of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president in 2014. And that Russian-speaking Ukrainians — and even some Russian nationals — are also fighting and dying on the side of Ukraine.

But Putin is immune from fact-checking exercises here. Collective remembrance of World War II is the closest thing Russia has to a state religion, and May 9 — when Russians commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 — marks the holiest of days. For a domestic audience, the Victory Day parade provides a visual parallel between the veterans of the war that ended 78 years ago and the participants of Russia’s war on Ukraine today.

According to state media, over 500 participants of Russia’s so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine took part in the parade on Red Square Tuesday. And in his speech, Putin cast them as the heirs of victory in the Great Patriotic War. Not surprisingly, Ukrainians are pushing back against such historical gaslighting.

In video remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada — Ukraine’s parliament to change official victory day celebrations from May 9 to May 8, and compared Russia’s aggression to that of Hitler’s Germany.

“It is on May 8 that most nations of the world remember the greatness of the victory over the Nazis,” Zelensky said. “We will not allow the joint victory of the nations of the anti-Hitler coalition to be appropriated and we will not allow lies as if the victory could have taken place without the participation of any country or nation.”

Zelensky also played host to an important visitor in Kyiv on the same day as Putin’s Victory Day parade: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who arrived bearing promises of continued support from Europe for Ukraine.

“Ukraine is on the front line of the defense of everything we Europeans cherish: our liberty, our democracy, our freedom of thought and speech,” von der Leyen said. “Courageously Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today. In Russia, Putin and his regime have destroyed these values. And now they are attempting to destroy them here in Ukraine because they are afraid of the success you represent and the example you show, and they are afraid of your path to the European Union.”

And in his joint press conference with von der Leyen, Zelensky was able to rain a little on Putin’s Victory Day parade, noting Russia’s costly and incremental progress on the battlefield. “They [the Russians] were not able to capture Bakhmut,” he said, referring to the embattled and extensively damaged eastern Ukrainian city. “This was the last important military operation that they wanted to complete by the ninth of May. And unfortunately, the city does not exist anymore. Everything is fully destroyed. … So, they need some information to present it as a victory they need to conquer something — some city — [but] they have not managed to do that.”

The annual Victory Day celebrations in Russia are supposed to be grand public spectacle married with an advertisement for state power. This year’s parade showcased some of Russia’s military might — featuring its S-400 air defense system and Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, part of Moscow’s nuclear arsenal — but a massive procession of modern tanks, the pride of Russia’s army, was conspicuously absent.

And von der Leyen’s visit to Kyiv highlighted Putin’s isolation from Europe and the West. Among the most high-profile visitors featured at Putin’s Victory Day celebrations were an EU-sanctioned president (Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus), a Central Asian strongman (Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan) and the dynastic leader of a petro-state (Serdar Berdymukhamedov of Turkmenistan). On the battlefields of Ukraine, the setbacks being dealt to Russian forces in the meat grinder of Bakhmut could not be a sharper contrast to the pomp and circumstance on Red Square.

That fact was brought home by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Russian mercenary outfit Wagner, who railed on social media against Russia’s military leadership.

“Today they [Ukrainians] are tearing up the flanks in the Artemovsk [the Russian name for Bakhmut] direction, regrouping at Zaporizhzhia. And a counteroffensive is about to begin,” he said on social media Tuesday. “They absolutely clearly say that the counteroffensive will be on the ground, not on TV.”

Victory Day, Prigozhin added, belonged to a past generation.

“Victory Day is the victory of our grandfathers,” he said. “We haven’t earned that victory one millimeter.” https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/09/europe/russia-victory-day-parade-moscow-analysis-intl-cmd

[Jimbuna]

I would have loved to of been there and witness that.

Alarge installation representing Russian atrocities in Ukraine blocked the path of Russia’s ambassador to Poland as he sought to place a wreath at a Warsaw memorial to Soviet soldiers on Russia’s Victory Day holiday.

The installation included hundreds of fluttering blue and yellow Ukrainian flags and crosses serving as symbolic grave markers for Ukrainians killed by Russians during the full-scale war launched by Moscow last year.

A pool of fake blood below the crosses underlined the stark message of the protest, which was created by Euromaidan-Warszawa, a citizens’ initiative that supports Ukraine.

Organiser Viktoria Pogrebniak said the installation, set up for the day at the entrance to the Red Army memorial site, was meant to fight back against Russian propaganda, and “show the real picture to the world”,

“We are bombed, we are killed, we are raped,” she said. “We are killed just because we are Ukrainians.”

She said the ambassador and other Russian diplomats would have to walk over the symbolic corpses of Ukrainians “or will need to go through the bushes” if they wanted to reach the memorial.

With his path blocked, Ambassador Sergey Andreev instead left a wreath of red carnations in front of the hundreds of Ukrainian flags as loudspeakers blasted the sounds of bombs and air sirens.

The installation also included large mock-ups of bombed buildings and the names of Ukrainian cities where Russia has carried out atrocities against Ukrainians: Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Bakhmut.

The protesters surrounded Mr Andreev and his entourage and yelled “Ruscists” – an insult that combines the words “Russians” and “fascists”.

Mr Andreev, who was doused with a red liquid at the same place on Victory Day last year, vowed to return later in the day.

Some Poles arrived during the morning and made their way across the symbolic cemetery or through the bushes to reach the Red Army memorial to leave flowers.

That triggered the anger of the protesters who denounced them as “provocateurs” serving the Kremlin’s interests.

“They are traitors to Poland,” shouted one activist, Katarzyna Augustynek.

She seized a bouquet of white carnations left by a woman and threw it to the ground, triggering an angry exchange with the other woman.

The Red Army soldiers died in the fight against Nazi Germany during the Second World War. But many Poles also remember how they carried out rapes and other crimes, and they resent the decades of Soviet control that came next for their nation.

Poland threw off Moscow-backed communism in 1989 and today is a strong ally of Ukraine.

Poland is supplying weapons to Kyiv and giving refuge to many Ukrainians, and there are very few who actually support Moscow.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-flags-protest-blocks-russian-ambassador-s-path-on-victory-day/ar-AA1aWK5n?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=032129f0a4d44a50976257b5c7ca6ca0&ei=10

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzSC1ExcHtM

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBWGSIQd-Co

[Jimbuna]

It would appear that the Kremlin are upset at the Polish governments proposal to change the name of Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea coast, yet find it perfectly acceptable to invade another country by force of arms.

The Kremlin has reacted furiously after a Polish government body advised using a different name for Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea coast.

The Polish committee said the city and wider area should instead be called Królewiec.

This was the area's traditional name, it said, and the decision no longer to use an "imposed name" was partly a result of Russia invading Ukraine.

Russia said the decision was "bordering on madness" and "a hostile act".

"We know that throughout history, Poland has slipped from time to time into this madness of hatred towards Russians," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

For hundreds of years before World War Two, the area was known as Königsberg and was part of East Prussia. Królewiec is the Polish translation of Königsberg.

However, after World War Two, the city and wider region were placed under Soviet administration. The Soviets renamed it Kaliningrad after Mikhail Kalinin, one of the leaders of the Bolshevik revolution.

After the Soviet Union collapsed, Kaliningrad became part of the territory of Russia, making it an exclave - an area that is geographically separated from a country's main territory - located between Poland and Lithuania.

Kaliningrad is strategically important to Moscow because it houses the Russian Baltic Fleet at the port of Baltiysk and is the country's only ice-free European port.

On Tuesday, Poland's Committee on Standardisation of Geographical Names Outside the Republic of Poland said it was recommending with immediate effect that the city be known in Poland as Królewiec and the exclave's wider area as Obwód Królewiecki.

It said the name Kaliningrad was unrelated to either the city or the region and had an "emotional and negative" resonance in Poland.

Mikhail Kalinin was one of six Soviet Politburo signatories to the order to execute more than 21,000 Polish prisoners of war in the forests of Katyn and elsewhere in 1940.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its propaganda efforts had prompted Poland to re-evaluate controversial "imposed names", the committee added.

"Each country has the right to use in its language traditional names constituting its cultural heritage, but it cannot be forced to use names unacceptable by it in its language," the committee said.

Moscow initially blamed the Nazis for the Katyn Massacre when the Germans discovered the mass graves in 1943.

Because Moscow imposed a communist regime on Poland after World War Two, the relatives of the victims were unable to publicly discuss or find anything out about the crime for five decades. Russia only acknowledged its responsibility for the massacre in 1990.

Although the state committee's recommendation is not binding, it is expected that Polish state bodies will now refer to Kaliningrad as Królewiec. Poland's foreign ministry has issued a positive assessment of the name change.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65545636

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlsJ6h2D06A

[mapuc]

Hope they will be useful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL6yT-d94CM&ab_channel=U.S.DefenseNews

Ukrainian pilots have been trained to operate multipurpose Mirage 2000 fighter jets in France for a month and a half.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/03/22/7394629/

Markus

[UglyMowgli]

Hope they will be useful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL6yT-d94CM&ab_channel=U.S.DefenseNews



https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/03/22/7394629/

Markus


Nope. France doesn't train pilots to fly the M2000 but on SERE in case of ejection.

[mapuc]

Nope. France doesn't train pilots to fly the M2000 but on SERE in case of ejection.

I made search after having seen the video and I thought that Pravda UA was reliable source.

Markus

[Skybird]

Nope. France doesn't train pilots to fly the M2000 but on SERE in case of ejection.
For those not knowing it:

Survival
Evasion
Resistance
Escape

training.

[Skybird]

I made search after having seen the video and I thought that Pravda UA was reliable source.

Markus
Ukrainian media also have a job of boosting the morale. ;) They tend to exaggerate when it comes to reports about Western support.

[Skybird]

In German media it gets reported that the Ukrainians have destroyed a full Russian brigade near Bakhmut. The fleeing survivors made room for Ukrainian advances in the Bakhmut area.

The advance is not so relevant, but the high Russian losses are. And the fleeing survivors will not help to boost morale in the Russian camps further behind.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFpWA5FKoyI

[Jimbuna]

Total combat losses of Russian Federation since beginning of war - about 196,920 people (+610 per day), 3,740 tanks, 3,053 artillery systems, 7,287 armored vehicles. INFOGRAPHICS

As noted, the total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 11.05.23 are approximately:

personnel - about 196,920 (+610) people were liquidated,
tanks - 3740 (+4) units,
armored combat vehicles - 7287 (+12) units,
artillery systems - 3,053 (+14) units,
MLRS - 557 (+2) units,
air defense systems - 310 (+2) units,
aircraft - 308 (+0) units,
helicopters - 294 (+0) units,
UAVs of the operational and tactical level - 2627 (+3),
cruise missiles - 970 (+0),
ships/boats - 18 (+0) units,
motor vehicles and tankers - 5984 (+10) units,
special equipment - 391 (+2). Source: https://censor.net/en/n3417611

[Skybird]

The UK is to provide the Ukraine with Storm Shadows.

It is air-launched and has a range of 250 km, is hard to detect due to very low flight profile and uses an infrared seeker for the terminal approach on target. It has a 450kg warhead, and is build with stealth technology. Its warhead is designed to penetrate and destroy hardened concrete structures and bunkers. Wikipedia says it can penetrate 6-9m of conctrete wall and can reach targets dug in up to 6m deep.

Pity about the Samova.

[mapuc]

The UK is to provide the Ukraine with Storm Shadows.

It is air-launched and has a range of 250 km, is hard to detect due to very low flight profile and uses an infrared seeker for the terminal approach on target. It has a 450kg warhead, and is build with stealth technology. Its warhead is designed to penetrate and destroy hardened concrete structures and bunkers. Wikipedia says it can penetrate 6-9m of conctrete wall and can reach targets dug in up to 6m deep.

Pity about the Samova.

Heard about it earlier today-My first thought was...Goodbye Kerch Bridge.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

The UK is to provide the Ukraine with Storm Shadows.

It is air-launched and has a range of 250 km, is hard to detect due to very low flight profile and uses an infrared seeker for the terminal approach on target. It has a 450kg warhead, and is build with stealth technology. Its warhead is designed to penetrate and destroy hardened concrete structures and bunkers. Wikipedia says it can penetrate 6-9m of conctrete wall and can reach targets dug in up to 6m deep.

Pity about the Samova.

I believe Wikipedia would have been more accurate had they quoted 2-4m.

[Dargo]

The UK is to provide the Ukraine with Storm Shadows.

It is air-launched and has a range of 250 km, is hard to detect due to very low flight profile and uses an infrared seeker for the terminal approach on target. It has a 450kg warhead, and is build with stealth technology. Its warhead is designed to penetrate and destroy hardened concrete structures and bunkers. Wikipedia says it can penetrate 6-9m of conctrete wall and can reach targets dug in up to 6m deep.

Pity about the Samova.Storm Shadow Missiles are already in Ukraine https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/uk-storm-shadow-cruise-missiles-ukraine/index.html

[Dargo]

We also "know" that Russia has an infinite amount of cold war hardware. There just aren't enough trains to bring it all to the front lines. :O:

Think about it, the Russian Air Force should have had a field day and a romp above Ukraine. Why didn't that happen? :hmmm:Russians have an infinite amount of Cold War hardware, yep, but they’ll need a considerable amount of work (months) to get them back into good running order. The American and British tanks were knocking out Iraqi T-55s from 23 kilometers against a Leopard or a Challenger if it’s a one-on-one tank engagement, this old Russian hardware will lose every time. For the Russian Air Force, think they lack personnel to fly and maintain.

[Skybird]

As I said already days ago, Prigozhin has sort of overstepped red lines with his latest tirades in quite offensive, aggressive choice of words, the Kremlin sees him as a threat now.


https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/10/security-forces-will-put-a-stop-to-it?utm_source=email&utm_medium=briefly&utm_campaign=2023-05-11


Personally I wonder what takes them so long. If I were Putin I would have showed him a room with a wide view already severla weeks ago.

[Dargo]

In German media it gets reported that the Ukrainians have destroyed a full Russian brigade near Bakhmut. The fleeing survivors made room for Ukrainian advances in the Bakhmut area.

The advance is not so relevant, but the high Russian losses are. And the fleeing survivors will not help to boost morale in the Russian camps further behind.The Russian army units that escaped from Bakhmut have already been defeated twice in Ukraine. The 72nd Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, parts of which were defeated near Bakhmut, had already suffered two crushing defeats in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions. (Institute for the Study of War)

[Skybird]

The American and British tanks were knocking out Iraqi T-55s from 23 kilometers
No. I do not believe that for even just a second.

What comes to mind when thinking "Abrams" and "23", is the Battle of Eastings where 9 AmericanM1A1s destroyed 50 Iraqi T-72 and dozens of APCs and IFVs within 23 minutes.

The longest recorded direct-fire kill-shot of as tank versus another tank, AFAIK, was a Challenger 2 in 1991, killings its foe over a distance of 5km, by direct fire.I take it that luck has a role in shots at such distances.

[Dargo]

As I said already days ago, Prigozhin has sort of overstepped red lines with his latest tirades in quite offensive, aggressive choice of words, the Kremlin sees him as a threat now.


https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/10/security-forces-will-put-a-stop-to-it?utm_source=email&utm_medium=briefly&utm_campaign=2023-05-11


Personally I wonder what takes them so long. If I were Putin I would have showed him a room with a wide view already severla weeks ago.Prigozhin does not attack Putin directly Putin is dividing responsibility between the rival factions in his military Prigozhin outbursts are part of a long-running spat between Prigozhin and Russia’s top military. Wagner remains important to Putin Ukrainian military officials say that the group’s units are among their enemy’s most effective, not least because of their willingness to sacrifice men.

[Skybird]

Prigozhin does not attack Putin directly Putin is dividing responsibility between the rival factions in his military Prigozhin outbursts are part of a long-running spat between Prigozhin and Russia’s top military. Wagner remains important to Putin Ukrainian military officials say that the group’s units are among their enemy’s most effective, not least because of their willingness to sacrifice men.
He undermines the authority of Putin's minions Shoigu and Gerasimov and the whole army apparatus, and that is enough.

[Dargo]

He undermines the authority of Putin's minions Shoigu and Gerasimov and the whole army apparatus, and that is enough.Oh Putin does not care for their authority we will see them getting blamed for this whole invasion in the near future so that Putin can save his ass back home a Russian leader never fails or is to blame always others are the ones that pay for the mistakes of the leader.

[Dargo]

Ukrainian commander says Wagner fighters "ran away" from Bakhmut first, countering claims made by mercenary chief
he Ukrainian commander of a battalion involved in the country's attack on Russian positions near Bakhmut this week has told CNN the first Russians to abandon the area were Wagner fighters, contradicting claims by the mercenary group's chief that regular Russian troops initially fled the battleground in eastern Ukraine.

The commander of the First Battalion of the 3rd Assault Brigade, whose call-sign is Rollo, told a CNN team in eastern Ukraine that while Wagner units left their station southwest of the city of Bakhmut, the troops of the Russian army’s 72nd Brigade stayed and fought.

His remarks contradict those of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who accused the 72nd Brigade of deserting their positions.

At one point, Rollo said, Kyiv's forces used powerful HIMARS rockets against Russian infantry, who were gathering to reinforce positions. HIMARS rockets, provided by the United States, are normally used on more long-range targets such as ammunition depots and have a reputation for pinpoint accuracy.

Rollo added that the Russian soldiers only capitulated after being surrounded. “We spent two hours trying to persuade them to surrender."

He said Prigozhin wanted to blame the Russian army for the failure, but they were good soldiers and fought hard. Prigozhin was a liar, he added.

Much of the fighting occurred in close quarters, and sometimes the enemy was just 20 meters away, according to Rollo.

Rollo commented that at least 200 to 300 Russian soldiers were killed and it may have been more.

CNN was not on the ground in Bakhmut to independently verify the death toll.

Some background: Prigozhin accused Moscow's troops of "abandoning their positions" in front-line Bakhmut, laying bare deep fissures between the Wagner head and the Kremlin amid Russia's faltering invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this week, he said that “one of the units of the Ministry of Defense fled from one of our flanks, abandoning their positions. They all fled and [laid] bare a front nearly 2 kilometers wide and 500 meters deep.”

In comments on Tuesday, Prighozhin claimed the “72nd brigade *******ed up three square kilometers today, on which I had about 500 people killed. Because it was a strategic bridgehead. They just ran the hell out of there.” https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-11-23/h_f1a2bb71dbe8d6be583188a22505f70c

[mapuc]

Where did they get these number from !?

I tried to find a reliable source to what one of my friend told me yesterday in a debate we had about the war and that Nato said they should not hurry with their upcoming offensive.

He said that Ukraine had lost around 300.000 soldiers. If this number includes wounded then the number may add up(not sure at all)

There's different type of wounded-Those who can rejoin after a month or so and then there are those who are wounded for life and can't return.

If this number only consist soldiers who has lost their life in line of duty and wounded for life-Then I am sceptic to this number.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

No. I do not believe that for even just a second.



Me neither....targeting at ground level for that distance would not be possible from within the turret and I base this remark on the knowledge of a friend who was a Challenger tank commander only two years ago.

[Jimbuna]

Where did they get these number from !?

I tried to find a reliable source to what one of my friend told me yesterday in a debate we had about the war and that Nato said they should not hurry with their upcoming offensive.

He said that Ukraine had lost around 300.000 soldiers. If this number includes wounded then the number may add up(not sure at all)

There's different type of wounded-Those who can rejoin after a month or so and then there are those who are wounded for life and can't return.

If this number only consist soldiers who has lost their life in line of duty and wounded for life-Then I am sceptic to this number.

Markus

Recent data suggests that prior to the Russian invasion Ukraine had 200,000 troops and reserve forces of 250,000 people.

[Dargo]

Where did they get these number from !?

I tried to find a reliable source to what one of my friend told me yesterday in a debate we had about the war and that Nato said they should not hurry with their upcoming offensive.

He said that Ukraine had lost around 300.000 soldiers. If this number includes wounded then the number may add up(not sure at all)

There's different type of wounded-Those who can rejoin after a month or so and then there are those who are wounded for life and can't return.

If this number only consist soldiers who has lost their life in line of duty and wounded for life-Then I am sceptic to this number.

MarkusOn the moment, events are happening on the fronts and behind Ukraine can not do other than act on think we will see some encirclement and attacks in the coming days/weeks.

[mapuc]

Recent data suggests that prior to the Russian invasion Ukraine had 200,000 troops and reserve forces of 250,000 people.

Plus ten thousands of volunteers from Western Europe and USA.

I seem to have read and heard that there was almost a brigade of foreign legion in Ukraine.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Plus ten thousands of volunteers from Western Europe and USA.

I seem to have read and heard that there was almost a brigade of foreign legion in Ukraine.

Markus

I doubt a definitive number will ever be determined but I highly doubt they have lost 300,000

Not even Russia for that matter.

[Dargo]

Plus ten thousands of volunteers from Western Europe and USA.

I seem to have read and heard that there was almost a brigade of foreign legion in Ukraine.

Markus10,000 of volunteers from Western Europe and USA we would know that would be in every newspaper, that number is not correct. 300,000 is a number that the Russians would claim. This is propaganda from both sides, take it with a grain of salt, we will never know for sure how many died in this war.

[mapuc]

You are so right none of us know the exact number of casualties in the war and I also said so to my friend.

From the news here, is that the number of casualties is high on both side, most on the Russian side.

Back to this upcoming offensive-Saw and heard interesting things in todays program war in Ukraine.

One of the thing that was said-Made me remember what Skybird have been written a few times.

The Russian has digged them self down and are better prepared this time-It will not be an easy ride like it was last summer and autumn.

This was said by some military expert.

Markus

[mapuc]

10,000 of volunteers from Western Europe and USA we would know that would be in every newspaper, that number is not correct. 300,000 is a number that the Russians would claim. This is propaganda from both sides, take it with a grain of salt, we will never know for sure how many died in this war.

I made a search and found this:

How many volunteers are in the Ukraine?

20,000 volunteers

One source reports that “some 20,000 volunteers have reported for duty in the Ukrainian armed forces,” wording which implies that these volunteers are on the ground and ready to fight. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, said that 20,000 volunteers applied to join the International
Legion.
29. jan. 2023

Markus

[Dargo]

You are so right none of us know the exact number of casualties in the war and I also said so to my friend.

From the news here, is that the number of casualties is high on both side, most on the Russian side.

Back to this upcoming offensive-Saw and heard interesting things in todays program war in Ukraine.

One of the thing that was said-Made me remember what Skybird have been written a few times.

The Russian has digged them self down and are better prepared this time-It will not be an easy ride like it was last summer and autumn.

This was said by some military expert.

MarkusLast year offensive by Ukraine was done by 3 brigades now they have 12 who do you think is better prepared. Russian have digged in, but they still not learned they use the same failed doctrine they can have many trench lines but when you can not man them with enough good high moral personnel they are only graves. Let face it Russian army is/was not ready for this plan A failed, Plan B and plan C will also end in defeat.

[Skybird]

Oh Putin does not care for their authority we will see them getting blamed for this whole invasion in the near future so that Putin can save his ass back home a Russian leader never fails or is to blame always others are the ones that pay for the mistakes of the leader.
Putin acts through his moinions,m they are his polace holders and the specilaist int heir professions. He needs them, he cannot do everything himself. Putting his human tools in doubt like Priggi does, also falls back on him. Schoigu and Gerasimov by now also have their private bill to settle with Priggi the Mouth.

I think you underestimate the amount to which Priggi has compromised his own position and security.
Also, he obviously has ambitions. And too high ambitions never go well with a ruling dictator.

[mapuc]

Shaking my head...you really can't trust these experts.

Has the offensive started or is it only some military operation to pave the way for this because
I got several indication that there something going on the frontline, at Bakhmut, Donetsk and other areas.

(trying to find the twitter status again)

I found this interesting status

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1656752044823179265/photo/1

Are Ukraine going for Belgorod ?

Markus

[Dargo]

Shaking my head...you really can't trust these experts.

Has the offensive started or is it only some military operation to pave the way for this because
I got several indication that there something going on the frontline, at Bakhmut, Donetsk and other areas.

(trying to find the twitter status again)

I found this interesting status

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1656752044823179265/photo/1

Are Ukraine going for Belgorod ?

MarkusThe offensive is not starting yet when you see the newly brigades than it is "the counteroffensive" these are local tactical attacks. Belgorod is no option for many reasons too dangerous for Ukraine in post counteroffensive, this is the normal disinfo.

[August]

Shaking my head...you really can't trust these experts.

Has the offensive started or is it only some military operation to pave the way for this because
I got several indication that there something going on the frontline, at Bakhmut, Donetsk and other areas.

(trying to find the twitter status again)

I found this interesting status

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1656752044823179265/photo/1

Are Ukraine going for Belgorod ?

Markus


These are preliminary actions Markus. Like a boxer will throw a flurry of jabs to the head and body of his opponent before launching a haymaker. They are designed to put the enemy on his back foot trying to guess where the main blow will come.

[Dargo]

These are preliminary actions Markus. Like a boxer will throw a flurry of jabs to the head and body of his opponent before launching a haymaker. They are designed to put the enemy on his back foot trying to guess where the main blow will come.Soon you can expect to hear telegram rumors of a Ukrainian airborne drop at Sevastopol or amphibious landings in St. Petersburg.

[mapuc]

Thank you for your input-Yes I do know a little about luring the enemy.

That's why asked if the offensive had started or if it was some operation to pave way for this.

I'm convinced Dargo is correct-Ukrainian forces will see the back of the Russians soldiers as they run away.

Markus

[Reece]

It seems most unwise to post where the Ukrainians are going to attack on the web for all to see, including Russia. If I were in charge I would post false info, unless it is deliberate to set a trap!!?? :hmmm:
Kinda mind boggling!! :k_confused:

[Skybird]

Always mix truths into the lies. Old KGB advice.

[August]

Soon you can expect to hear telegram rumors of a Ukrainian airborne drop at Sevastopol or amphibious landings in St. Petersburg.


Exactly.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUkAv6tGQ3I

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDyZb09cdyg

[Skybird]

Amazing that despite the bitterness and horror and cruelty around such events still are possible.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xqKTE7Bmes

[Skybird]

https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2023-05/fiona-hill-ukraine-war-russia-europe/komplettansicht


"The world is feeding Russia's imperial delusions". Crimea is no longer a bargaining chip, says Russia expert Fiona Hill. A conversation about Putin's transfiguration of history, Europe's mistakes and new world orders.

[mapuc]

es ist unglaublich odder ?

It has taken Russia and Wagner months to take these 2000 meters and then Ukrainian forces retake it in some hours.

I knew they were badly prepared but that bad surprise me..what about the story that they are digged down and better prepared ?

Then there is this exaggeration from both part.

Which leads us to the question how many meters has Ukraine retaken near Bakhmut.

I hope it is true they have taken about these 2 km of the flanks.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Moscow admits its forces have retreated to what it says are "more favourable positions" in one area - but says it has repelled 26 attacks.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxeA5Qo7EVk

[Dargo]

es ist unglaublich odder ?

It has taken Russia and Wagner months to take these 2000 meters and then Ukrainian forces retake it in some hours.

I knew they were badly prepared but that bad surprise me..what about the story that they are digged down and better prepared ?

Then there is this exaggeration from both part.

Which leads us to the question how many meters has Ukraine retaken near Bakhmut.

I hope it is true they have taken about these 2 km of the flanks.

MarkusNorth of Bakhmut, Ukraine, has reversed about 2.5 months worth of Russian advances.

[mapuc]

North of Bakhmut, Ukraine, has reversed about 2.5 months worth of Russian advances.

And they did this in less than 24 hrs.

I say the Russians should do some work out, so they can run fast backwards

Markus

[Skybird]

As the Tagesspiegel reports, defence contractor Rheinmetall is to become Ukraine's central local equipment supplier. To this end, the company has founded a joint venture with Ukrainian state-owned Ukroboronprom, as the DAX-listed group announced on Friday. "It is a central concern for us at Rheinmetall to support our Ukrainian partners in the fight for freedom and democracy and to meet their urgent needs as quickly as possible," explained CEO Armin Papperger.

The cooperation includes the maintenance and repair of armoured vehicles in Ukraine, and in parallel the construction of tanks is being prepared, the group explained. Ukroboronprom General Director Yuriy Husyev explained: "Despite numerous Russian missile attacks, Ukroboronprom was still able to increase the production of military equipment and armoured vehicles. Together with Rheinmetall at our side, we will be able to achieve even more for our country."

In the new company, Rheinmetall will hold a majority stake of 51 per cent and will also take over the entrepreneurial leadership. The management will come from Rheinmetall. With the cooperation, Rheinmetall will become one of the most important partners of the Ukrainian defence industry, it said.


As I understand it, the German government still has to allow the tank-building by RM in Ukraine. It could then be the first location where the new KF 51 Panther MBT will be build. The new KF 31 and KF 41 IFV Lynx (not to mistake with the older APC of same name, the new is a platform family that can even mount 120mm gun turrets) also is an option for production in the Ukraine.

[August]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22kiPCq5zLQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMnsqhUn1fg

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPSMDIR_H78

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAerG0CVh4c

[Jimbuna]

As frightening as it must be to actually be there I still find it quite fascinating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5hlYzwYiJE

[Skybird]

I'm split on that video. Those T-72s were lucky that the Russians appartently had only one AT weapon left, and missed with it. I would hate to go with an MBT into close range fighting against infantry like that.

If they do like this with Leopards or Challengers against better armed troops, they will start loosing them. Even an older RPG version can take out a Leopard 2A7, if well-aimed.

Maybe the Ukrainians knew about the weapon status of the Russians in that position.

[Jimbuna]

^ Yeah, something along those lines. I'd of thought infantry backed up by the tanks guns would have been better suited to the task.

[Skybird]

The NZZ reports that Germany is putting together another arms package for Ukraine. In the coming weeks and months, the country is to receive weapons worth around 2.7 billion euros. This is the largest delivery Berlin has provided since Russia's invasion.


The list would include another 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 30 Leopard-1 tanks, 15 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, 200 reconnaissance drones, four Iris-T anti-aircraft systems, as well as ammunition and vehicles, the defense ministry said in Berlin on Saturday.

[Skybird]

^ Yeah, something along those lines. I'd of thought infantry backed up by the tanks guns would have been better suited to the task.
Yes, the infantry'S job would have been to keep the tanks out of such kind of situations. But we do not know all variables defining the battle shown, and the events leading to it.


The Turks lost several Leopard-2A4s because right this: commanders sent their tanks unprotected by own infantry against enemy fighters with RPGs. The reported losses vary according to the source you pick and the Turks themselves are naturally a bit shy on commenting on their failure, I read numbers between one and two dozen tanks lost.

[Jimbuna]

The NZZ reports that Germany is putting together another arms package for Ukraine. In the coming weeks and months, the country is to receive weapons worth around 2.7 billion euros. This is the largest delivery Berlin has provided since Russia's invasion.


The list would include another 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 30 Leopard-1 tanks, 15 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, 200 reconnaissance drones, four Iris-T anti-aircraft systems, as well as ammunition and vehicles, the defense ministry said in Berlin on Saturday.

Yes, it is being reported the weapons will come from industrial stocks and industrial production but that begs the question why are the German stock levels so low for their own forces?

[mapuc]

Heard in today's Update from Ukraine.

- Russian run faster than Wagner.

Markus

[Skybird]

Yes, it is being reported the weapons will come from industrial stocks and industrial production but that begs the question why are the German stock levels so low for their own forces?
Because we are everybody's darling and nobody wants to attack us anyway, so we just saved the money. Further, its better having nothing than having something that is not good enough for us. :O:
The Gepards have been phase dout years ago already. The Marders have been replaced by Pumas, there is not enough troops to man the whole fleet of IFVs anyway and the Marder is old, the Pumsa on te other too expensive: despite Babble-Olaf'S Zeitenwende the number of to be aquired Pumas has just been halved again from further 100 to now 50. The Isis system is not even in service with the German forces, must be build just for Ukraine.

[Jimbuna]

Because we are everybody's darling and nobody wants to attack us anyway, so we just saved the money. Further, its better having nothing than having something that is not good enough for us. :O:
The Gepards have been phase dout years ago already. The Marders have been replaced by Pumas, there is not enough troops to man the whole fleet of IFVs anyway and the Marder is old, the Pumsa on te other too expensive: despite Babble-Olaf'S Zeitenwende the number of to be aquired Pumas has just been halved again from further 100 to now 50. The Isis system is not even in service with the German forces, must be build just for Ukraine.

It all sounds like a right mess :nope:

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpKixiHaX3k

[mapuc]

The Russian air defence is very effective
Shut down two fighter jets and two helicopters

Belonging to them self

Markus

[Jimbuna]

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

[Catfish]

The internet can be brutal :03:
Net reactions to Putin's parade ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJTtYV-DBpo

[Dargo]

The Russian air defence is very effective
Shut down two fighter jets and two helicopters

Belonging to them self

MarkusMain reason we see no Russian air force in Ukraine, the ground does not know where/what is in the air and vice versa.

[Rockstar]

Prigozhin is almost in plain text calling on russian soldiers to rebel:

“In this mindless war, the only innocent is a russian soldier who was left to the mercy of fate and they decided that he should die the way they like from the mahogany cabinet, so when the russian soldier understands what is happening around, raises his head, I am sure that he will figure out who is framing him, and will tear his a*s on the fascist sign guilty of the tragedy in which he was abandoned.”

[Catfish]

The same Prigozhin who sucked d.. for cash while in prison, and threatening each "soldier" of his "Wagner" group to be shot when he does not go forward.
While the Wagner group got its name from a Nazi worshipper who heard that Hitler like composer Richard Wagner so much. They are all tattooed with 3rd Reich and SS runes, but they tell us they are there to "denazify". They are all sick.
Astonishing enough this nice fellow seems to be the only one Putin can depend upon. Now what does this tell us :dead:

[Skybird]

It all sounds like a right mess :nope:
As far as one can call the fact that from 340-350 Pumas in service only 40 are operational (of which again half were on an exercise a few weeks ago, in the course of which all vehicles failed with numerous technical defects and damages), and from 100 Pumas to be reordered now only 50 are actually purchased, a "mess". The high school of typical British understatement!

[Skybird]

The internet can be brutal :03:
Net reactions to Putin's parade ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJTtYV-DBpo


I took it from that parade that Russia now has invisible stealth tanks. Plenty of them, as was not to be seen on TV.

[Catfish]

[...] The high school of typical British understatement!
A right royal mess :03:

[mapuc]

Guess it's to early, however the indication I get from the news is that we are witnessing a replay in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces attack-Russian/Wagner forces throw what they have in their hands and run as fast as they can

Markus

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UggwyVW2peA

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbGISaLo0Xo

[Rockstar]

Anyone seen Lukashenka lately? Last report is that he is sick in hospital. Would the army and internal security be ok with a russian take over? Is Belarus ready to join Europe or be part of a dying Russia?

[mapuc]

Anyone seen Lukashenka lately? Last report is that he is sick in hospital. Would the army and internal security be ok with a russian take over? Is Belarus ready to join Europe or be part of a dying Russia?

Heard about it yesterday in the news-Where it was said there's a rumour that Lukashenko has been taken to hospital.

As Darth Putin but it

We had a good cup of tea.

Lukashenko worship Putin, so I don't think Putin would have any problem annexing Belarus into Russia.

What I have read is that Kasakhstan would be next after Ukraine.

Markus

[Skybird]

Rumour has it that Lukashenko had a heart attack. A rumour so far, and in no way do I tend to believe it or not believe it. The mood in belarus and its army seems to be not in favour of the war. Any successor or puppet would face the same problem like Lukashenko: not pissing Putin too much while needing to do a dangerous balance act and keeping Belarus out of the war. At least in an active role. And the last thing Putin now needs is pushing it too far with Belarus and facing a Belarus openly resisting his political will. There even is a small but realistic chance for military revolt if Belarus enters the war actively.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XxSo0HpPuQ

[Skybird]

How long does it take Ukraine to produce such a tank under the current economical and logistical conditions? :hmmm: Will it play a role in this running war or is it a longterm strategy for the time after the war?

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMLqaxHlQ68

[Jimbuna]

Rumour has it that Lukashenko had a heart attack. A rumour so far, and in no way do I tend to believe it or not believe it. The mood in belarus and its army seems to be not in favour of the war. Any successor or puppet would face the same problem like Lukashenko: not pissing Putin too much while needing to do a dangerous balance act and keeping Belarus out of the war. At least in an active role. And the last thing Putin now needs is pushing it too far with Belarus and facing a Belarus openly resisting his political will. There even is a small but realistic chance for military revolt if Belarus enters the war actively.

Just five minutes old but doesn't really add anything of substance.

Belarus' leader Alexander Lukashenko has missed a major state celebration, further fuelling health speculation.

The autocratic president, 68, usually speaks publicly at the annual National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day event but his prime minister read a message on his behalf on Sunday.

Last week, Mr Lukashenko left Moscow soon after Victory Day parade, skipping lunch with President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Lukashenko looked visibly tired, and his right hand was bandaged.

He was last seen in public laying flowers in the capital Minsk during Belarus' own Victory Day celebrations on 9 May - a few hours after returning from the Russian capital.

An opposition Telegram channel reported that Mr Lukashenko visited a presidential medical centre just outside Minsk on Saturday night - but this information has not been independently verified.

Mr Lukashenko's office has so far made no comments on the issue.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65585951

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y57oIjfjwvQ

[Moonlight]

Rumour has it that Lukashenko had a heart attack. A rumour so far, and in no way do I tend to believe it or not believe it. The mood in belarus and its army seems to be not in favour of the war. Any successor or puppet would face the same problem like Lukashenko: not pissing Putin too much while needing to do a dangerous balance act and keeping Belarus out of the war. At least in an active role. And the last thing Putin now needs is pushing it too far with Belarus and facing a Belarus openly resisting his political will. There even is a small but realistic chance for military revolt if Belarus enters the war actively.

I wonder what would happen if Putin tried to bring Belarus back into the Russian Empire, the cat would really be amongst the pigeons then, it sounds like a step too far even for Putin but, desperate times calls for desperate measures.

[Skybird]

With Lukashenko out of the way he may one day try it, but with Lukashenko... Luka resisted Putin so far and made some daring diplomatic manouvers to say No to him without saying No to him. The mood ion the army and amongst people is against the war and probably against the Russians as well, remember that Lukashenko had to massively "correct" last elections' results to stay in power.

[Skybird]

The nice thing about the Russian forces for which I really feel thankful towards them is the fact that in their leadership scumbag fights against scumbag.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/05/14/prigozhin-wagner-ukraine-leaked-documents/


The UK has promised hundreds of combat drones.


France mulls the delivery of additional anti air missiles.

[Jimbuna]

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

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoOtOz04HWg

[mapuc]

Now the rumour is that Lukashenko is either dead or in Coma.

https://www.intellinews.com/is-lukashenko-dead-278618/

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Quite fascinating and well worth a viewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rrr_Y-LflY4

[Skybird]

Now the rumour is that Lukashenko is either dead or in Coma.

https://www.intellinews.com/is-lukashenko-dead-278618/

Markus
The hospital may want to check for any poisons and toxins. :D

[Dargo]

The hospital may want to check for any poisons and toxins. :Dhttps://i.postimg.cc/HLhgmWDP/Fw-HOT-l-Wc-AIt8-GR.jpg

[Skybird]

Quite fascinating and well worth a viewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rrr_Y-LflY4
Very impressed.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7K7c6GJ7yw

[Dargo]

Russia won't run out of pilots but their quality will diminish – Ukraine's Air Force
Russia continues to train pilots, but many professional pilots have been killed or wounded in the war in Ukraine by now.

Source: Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for Ukraine’s Air Force, on the national 24/7 newscast

Quote from Ihnat: "Russia continues to train pilots; training centres are operating. In terms of the number of pilots graduating, it’s around 100-150 individuals each year.

Obviously, we aren't putting a lot of hope into Russia running out of pilots. But it’s [obvious] that the quality of the Russian personnel will diminish. This is war."

Details: According to Ihnat, many of the pilots Russia deployed to Ukraine had fought in Syria; they were among the best Russian pilots. Many of them will no longer be able to operate aircraft, whether because they have been killed, wounded, or captured by Ukrainian forces.

Talking about Russia losing five aircraft on 13 May (two military planes and three helicopters), Ihnat noted that Russian propaganda is considering many possible lines of enquiry, blaming a wide range of suspects – from Russian partisans to Ukrainian fighter jets, from Russian or Ukrainian anti-aircraft defence systems to Ukrainian partisans operating MANPADS, among others.

"There are many versions, they’re in a state of hysteria, and we’re quite entertained by it," Ihnat added. https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/05/15/7402257/

[mapuc]

Been speculating

If Lukashenko has been poisoned in Moscow.

Then I wonder why!? He is one of Putins strongest supporters.

The only reason I possibly could find, is that he refuse to join Putins war in Ukraine.

No doubt that if he is dead Putin would put a puppet in his place and then we have the trouble.

Markus

[Dargo]

Been speculating

If Lukashenko has been poisoned in Moscow.

Then I wonder why!? He is one of Putins strongest supporters.

The only reason I possibly could find, is that he refuse to join Putins war in Ukraine.

No doubt that if he is dead Putin would put a puppet in his place and then we have the trouble.

MarkusBelarus is in fact already under control of Russia no need to kill Lukashenko, we have not to fear Belarus army not big and not so willing to fight in Ukraine.