View Full Version : Here we go again-Ukraine once again pt2
Jimbuna
03-27-24, 02:37 PM
France to deliver nearly 80 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine
France will soon be able to supply Ukraine with 78 Caesar self-propelled howitzers and increase the delivery of ammunition, states the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu.
He clarifies that an agreement has been reached between France, Ukraine, and Denmark to finance the 155mm self-propelled howitzers Caesar, enabling France to "quickly deliver" them.
France also aims to provide Ukraine with 80,000 shells for 155mm guns this year. The Minister reminds that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, France has provided only 30,000 shells.
France is also searching for existing stocks of gunpowder and ammunition that could be purchased from countries outside the European Union.
In January, it was reported that Ukraine would receive six Caesar self-propelled artillery units from France in the coming weeks.
In February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would receive a new package of military assistance from France, including Caesar self-propelled artillery units.
In March, Denmark announced another military aid package to Ukraine worth $330 million, which includes Caesar self-propelled artillery units.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/france-to-deliver-nearly-80-caesar-howitzers-to-ukraine/ar-BB1kzTX1?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=1faf734d43ef4978aa32daf779966318&ei=44
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYuGKl677Jk&ab_channel=Military%26History
Markus
Jimbuna
03-28-24, 07:18 AM
First Marder 1 infantry vehicle captured by Russia in Ukraine conflict
Russian soldiers managed to capture a Marder 1 infantry fighting vehicle, marking the first occurrence of its kind during the war in Ukraine. Let's revisit the key features of the Marder 1, which, despite its age, still excels in combat conditions.
The Marder 1 is a product of German engineering, created by the Rheinstahl conglomerate. By the end of 2023, Ukraine had taken delivery of 60 of these infantry fighting vehicles, and Germany announced it would send an additional 40 units to the front. Although several have been destroyed, the capturing of a vehicle in a condition suitable for thorough examination and review of the design solutions implemented is now touted by the Russians as a significant achievement.
Defence analyst Jarosław Wolski highlighted that the Marder 1, being over 40 years old, still outperforms its Russian counterparts in terms of crew safety.
Wolski also pointed out that this is the third type of Western vehicle the Russians have captured, following the seizure of a Swedish CV90 and an American M2A2 ODS Bradley.
Produced between 1970 and 1975, the Marder 1 was seen as a revolutionary NATO infantry fighting vehicle upon its introduction. It was celebrated for its robust armour yet retained high mobility. Its potent armament, which remains effective to this date, also set it apart.
The Germany-provided 1A3 version vehicles are outfitted with a Rheinmetall 20 mm calibre cannon with a range of approximately 2.5 kilometres, a Milan anti-tank guided missile launcher, and two 7.62 mm calibre machine guns. They also feature an improved gunner's station with thermal imaging capabilities.
Equipped with such hardware, Ukrainian crews can engage not only Russian infantry but also armoured vehicles and, in some instances, tanks. This is particularly crucial given that members of Putin's forces often resort to using outdated, 60-year-old tanks with inferior armour.
Inside the Marder 1 infantry fighting vehicle, there is room for 10 personnel, with three seats designated for the crew. The 1A3 version supplied to Ukraine is further distinguished by its enhanced armour, featuring sturdier front hull and sides, along with a roof offering better protection against bomb fragments from cluster munitions.
The Marder 1 is powered by an engine delivering nearly 800 horsepower, enabling speeds of up to 75 km/h. Germany's choice of tracked traction aids its ability to traverse challenging terrains and surmount obstacles with ease.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/first-marder-1-infantry-vehicle-captured-by-russia-in-ukraine-conflict/ar-BB1kEgJ9?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=f6d264d5cdb34c09a04ff1942ad75b39&ei=24
Jimbuna
03-28-24, 07:45 AM
Humiliation for Vladimir Putin as Russia forced to deploy tanks 'first used in Chernobyl'
Vladimir Putin's desperate military officials have resorted to using tanks designed in the 1970s as equipment shortages take their toll.
The Ukrainian military claim they spotted the Lagoda, an ultra-rare Soviet-era armoured vehicle, on the battlefield. A video released on social media appears to show a Ukrainian military drone striking the Russian vehicle near the Kreminna Forest in eastern Ukraine.
The deployment of the 'doomsday tank' exposes the dire state of Russia's military circles. The rare nuclear command tank was first tested 38 years ago, during the Chernobyl meltdown.
The sighting is even more incredible given that only five Lagodas were ever built. The vehicle's interior includes several plush chairs and tables, given its intended use by the Soviet Union's high command.
The vehicle was designed to operate in environments with high levels of radiation, chemical, or biological contamination - not on the frontline of a slow-moving conflict.
AFV Recognition, a social media account tracking the Russian military in Ukraine, posted: "Out of all the vehicles that have been pulled out of storage and used by Russia in this war, this is one that was really at the bottom of my list to even see in theatre, never mind destroyed."
It is thought that Russia has lost 6,904 tanks since the start of the invasion, according to Ukraine's defence ministry.
This figure far outpaces the number of newly built combat vehicles, which is thought to be around 500 to 600 a year.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/humiliation-for-vladimir-putin-as-russia-forced-to-deploy-tanks-first-used-in-chernobyl/ar-BB1kGHYn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=7ce30b99a4e24b27bc0c733dad528a5f&ei=8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmBdU49PCMU&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
This video is long(around 51 min.) but it is worth watching
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB7tbYBSS5g&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
Jimbuna
03-29-24, 01:16 PM
Europe has entered a 'pre-war era' and is not prepared for what Putin will do if he defeats Ukraine, Poland's PM warns as NATO jets are scrambled to protect the country's airspace
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared Europe is now in a 'pre-war era' and warned a Ukrainian defeat to Russia would only embolden Vladimir Putin.
'I know it sounds devastating, especially to people of the younger generation, but we have to mentally get used to the arrival of a new era. The pre-war era,' he said in a speech to foreign journalists.
'I don't want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept from the past. It's real and it started over two years ago.
'We are living in the most critical moment since the end of the Second World War... literally any scenario is possible,' he concluded.
His warning came as Russia launched another large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure with a mass barrage of drones and airstrikes hitting regions across the country overnight, Kyiv officials claimed.
The bombardment also prompted Poland to scramble its own warplanes to protect its airspace from any wayward drones, missiles or bombers.
Last week, Warsaw demanded an explanation from Moscow after one of its missiles strayed briefly into Polish airspace during a major missile attack on Ukraine, prompting the NATO member to activate F-16 fighter jets.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/europe-has-entered-a-pre-war-era-and-is-not-prepared-for-what-putin-will-do-if-he-defeats-ukraine-poland-s-pm-warns-as-nato-jets-are-scrambled-to-protect-the-country-s-airspace/ar-BB1kKorz?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=435f27fbf9c049fa9ac6a809899366cd&ei=59
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPK7dQdLwuQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ-SvKAzI1I&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Jimbuna
03-30-24, 06:00 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of March 30
n Ukraine, 72 combat clashes took place at the front during the day. The enemy is actively trying to advance in the Lyman, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka directions, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian attacks
Overall, the enemy launched 38 missile strikes and 75 airstrikes, conducted 98 shelling operations with reactive multiple-launch rocket systems against the positions of our troops and civilian settlements. Unfortunately, due to Russian terrorist attacks, there are casualties and injuries among the civilian population. Numerous high-rise buildings, medical facilities, vehicles, schools, kindergartens, and other objects of civilian infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed.
During the night, Russian occupiers once again attacked Ukraine, using UAVs of the Shahed type and various types of guided missiles. Details regarding the attack are being clarified.
Over the past day, populated areas in Kyrykivka, Sumy region; Bochkove, Uspenivka, Khrypuny, Iziumske, Zybyne, Lyman, Kharkiv region; Novoyegorivka in Luhansk region; Terny, Yampolivka, Andriivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Oleksandropil, Karlivka, Kurakhove, Berdychi, Nevelske, Novobakhmutivka, Mezhove, Yasnobrodivka, Krasnohorivka, Kostiantynivka, Staromayorske, Donetsk region; Orihiv, Novodanylivka, and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia region were subjected to airstrikes.
Approximately 120 populated areas of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire.
Situation at frontlines
The operational situation remains unchanged in the Volyn and Polissia direction.
In the Siversk and Slobozhanske direction, Russia maintains a military presence in the border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened areas, and increases the density of minefields along the state border.
Russians did not conduct any offensive (assault) actions in the Kupiansk direction.
In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 16 Russian attacks in the vicinity of Terny, Donetsk region and Bilohorivka, Luhansk region, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried to break through the defense of our troops.
In the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 4 attacks near Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk region.
In the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 20 Russian attacks in the areas of Berdychi, Umanske, Tonenke, Semenivka, Pervomaiske and Nevelske, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried to knock out our units from the occupied lines.
In the Novopavlivka direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russians in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka and Vodyane, where the Russians tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops 25 times.
In the Orikhiv direction, the enemy carried out 4 unsuccessful attacks on the positions of our defenders near Staromayorske, Donetsk region and north-west of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kherson direction, Russians do not give up their intentions to knock out our units from the footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Over the past day, 3 attacks were made on the positions of Ukrainian troops.
Russian losses
During the past day, the Defense Forces' aviation conducted strikes on 1 command post, 1 anti-aircraft defense facility, and 10 areas of enemy personnel, armament, and military equipment concentration.
Rocket troops units inflicted damage on 2 areas of enemy personnel concentration, two anti-aircraft defense facilities, and an enemy artillery piece.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is likely preparing for a new offensive, which could occur at the end of May or in June.
However, General Charles Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, believes that these concerns may be exaggerated.
According to ISW data, the Russians are attempting to advance on the Kupiansk direction.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-frontline-update-as-of-march-30/ar-BB1kMK3a?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=9142469bd80d472bb726ffdc49754b58&ei=81
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaRfsFzZFp8&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Skybird
03-30-24, 05:06 PM
Colonel Reisner, March 25th.
https://www-n--tv-de.translate.goog/politik/Zeit-draengt-weil-Russen-in-die-naechste-Offensive-gehen-wollen-article24829968.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de
He agrees with my earlier comments that the victories of Ukraine at sea are good for creating spectacular headlines, but are of no further relevance for the war on land.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34SP5GvCNdk
:hmmm:
Skybird
03-30-24, 07:18 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34SP5GvCNdk
:hmmm:
From minute 17. I am preaching this since - well, since sometime in year one.
Skybird
03-30-24, 07:39 PM
[FAZ] The Ukrainian electricity supplier DTEK expects repair times of up to 18 months following the recent damage to its power plants caused by Russian bombing. In the attacks on March 22 and 29, five of the six power plants of Ukraine's largest private electricity supplier were severely damaged, said DTEK manager Dmytro Zakharuk on Ukrainian television. As a result, around 80 percent of the power generation capacity was paralyzed. DTEK power plants usually generate around a quarter of Ukraine's electricity.
Following the massive Russian attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine, the state grid operator Ukrenergo temporarily switched off power in several regions on Saturday. The energy supplier DTEK announced "emergency power cuts" in the regions of Dnipropetrovsk in the south and Donetsk in the east of the country. In the regions of Sumy in the north-east and Poltava in the center of the country, the regional authorities announced the interruption of the power supply. The energy supplier and the authorities did not provide any information on the number of households affected.
------------------------
Its not just the households and hospitals and powerplants missing power - its also the producing factories where they want to build ammo and weapons.
It gets repprted that the Ukrianian air defence has significantly lost in efficiency, due to lacking ammo. The Russians will make hay while the sunny day lasts. Means: degrading of the critical infrastructure will grow much worse - and since it already has suffered terribly, the destruction likely will accelerate in pace.
I still see only symbolic and not really decisive decisions and actions being taken in Europe, Washington. As long as this does not change dramatically, I stick to saying: Ukraine is in the process of loosing the war, and likely sooner than some predict. The way things go now you cannot win against the Russians in Ukraine.
I expect not more than cosmetic corrections from the imminent delivery of F-16s. They are simply not enough.
Jimbuna
03-31-24, 05:57 AM
Spain auctions off Cold War-era M60 tanks, bypassing Ukraine aid
Spain has finally retired the old M60 tanks, previously used by marine infantry units. The withdrawn equipment is a hope for Ukraine, but Madrid has not decided to send its tanks to the east. Instead, it has put them up for auction. What do we know about this equipment? Until recently, Spain was one of the last NATO users of the M60 Patton tanks—apart from Spain, Pattons are still in service in the armies of Greece and Turkey, where they undergo significant modifications that greatly enhance their capabilities. The Spanish tanks have not undergone such modernization. For years, 16 machines were operated in the M60A3 TTS (Tank Thermal Sight) version. They were assigned to the 11th Armored Company of the 3rd Mechanized Battalion as part of the Tercio de Armada. Since 2017, this equipment has been withdrawn and replaced by wheeled VCR (Vehículos de Combate a Ruedas) Dragon vehicles with 120 mm guns. See also: Can you recognize these fighters and bombers? By discontinuing the use of M60 tanks, Spain decided not to donate this equipment to Ukraine. Instead, the tanks will be put up for auction—the starting price for one piece is almost £47,000, and offers can be submitted until 26 April. The M60 Patton Tank The M60 tank is a relic of the Cold War—it was created in the USA around the same time as the French AMX-30 and German Leopard 1. Compared to its European counterparts, the American tank is more heavily armored and—as proved in subsequent decades—has significant modernization potential. The tank's Achilles' heel is its relatively weak engine with 750 horsepower (HP), which, with a weight reaching 57 tons (about 63 tons), affects its limited mobility—the maximum speed is just 30 mph (around 48 km/h). The M60 is armed with a rifled 105-mm cannon. The M60A3 TTS variant withdrawn by Spain is a tank equipped with a modernized fire control system in the 70s, which, at the time of introduction, was characterized by high capabilities. The tank also features modern observational and target acquisition devices.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/spain-auctions-off-cold-war-era-m60-tanks-bypassing-ukraine-aid/ar-BB1kP0Yr?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a5b0a0d4dcd147e8ab6c861e9cc5a956&ei=21
Jimbuna
03-31-24, 07:03 AM
Russia published fake report about advancement of troops near Bakhmut - ISW
The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the capture by Russian Southern Group troops of the village of Ivanivske west of Bakhmut. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War have not yet found visual evidence to confirm these claims, according to the ISW report.
It is noted that positional fighting continues in the Donetsk region: to the northwest of Bakhmut near Bohdanivka; to the west of Bakhmut near Chasiv Yar and within Ivanivske; and to the southwest of Bakhmut near Klishiivka, Andriivka, and New York.
The commander of one of the Ukrainian strike UAV units reported that Russian forces in the Horlivka direction have placed their artillery systems at the maximum distance from the front line, trying to protect them from Ukrainian UAV strikes.
The commander added that such placement of artillery systems complicates the Ukrainian forces' task of striking from a greater distance. Also, according to him, Russian forces are setting traps and decoys for Ukrainian strike UAVs, placing mines on fake equipment elements that detonate when the UAV approaches the target.
The commander also noted that Russian forces remain on the defensive in the Horlivka direction. Near Ivanivske, units of the 58th Separate Guards Special Purpose Battalion (1st AC DPR - Donetsk People's Republic) are operating.
Frontline situation
On March 30, Russian occupiers shelled three cities in the Donetsk region. As a result of enemy strikes, there are casualties and injuries.
The Russians have started adding self-destruct mechanisms to the universal planning and correction modules (UPK) of fragmentation bombs (FAB). This significantly complicates their neutralization.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-published-fake-report-about-advancement-of-troops-near-bakhmut-isw/ar-BB1kOPoS?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a5b0a0d4dcd147e8ab6c861e9cc5a956&ei=38
Can someone tell my why USA is concerned about Ukraine hitting the Russian oil refineries. 'Cause I have read and seen video clips where Ukraine are being told to stop hitting these refineries.
Markus
High oil prize hurts the elections for the democrats they then get blamed for that and lose voters, that is basically all.
Putin signs conscription decree calling up 150,000 men for military serviceVladimir Putin has signed a decree setting out the routine spring conscription campaign, calling up 150,000 citizens for statutory military service, a document posted on the Kremlin's website shows. All men in Russia are required to do a year-long military service, or equivalent training during higher education, from the age of 18.
In July, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to raise the maximum age at which men can be conscripted to 30 from 27. The new legislation came into effect on 1 January this year. In Russia, many men go to great lengths to avoid being handed conscription papers during the twice-yearly call-up periods. Conscripts cannot legally be deployed to fight outside Russia and were exempted from a limited mobilisation in 2022 that gathered at least 300,000 men with previous military training to fight in Ukraine - although some conscripts were sent to the front in error.
In September, Mr Putin signed an order calling up 130,000 people for the autumn campaign and last spring Russia planned to conscript 147,000. https://news.sky.com/story/russia-ukraine-latest-putin-responds-to-drivel-idea-he-will-attack-poland-and-czech-republic-12541713?postid=7462310#liveblog-body
Rockstar
03-31-24, 12:13 PM
Can someone tell my why USA is concerned about Ukraine hitting the Russian oil refineries. 'Cause I have read and seen video clips where Ukraine are being told to stop hitting these refineries.
Markus
I don’t really understand why the article was written, rising gas prices? Give me a break, the U.S. banned the importation of Russian, oil, coal, & LNG over a year ago. We don’t import it, we don’t use it, we don’t care.
The only reason I can think of is after hitting the oil refineries half of Ukraine is now sitting in the dark because they couldn’t adequately defend against Russias response. Increasing Ukraine and Wests financial burden by now having to repair it.
Also since the outset the U.S. has only suggested not too. Obviously they don’t have to listen nor should anyone expect them too.
I don’t really understand why the article was written, Because the U.S. banned the importation of Russian, oil, coal, & LNG over a year ago. We don’t import it, we don’t use it, we don’t care.
The only reason I can think of is after hitting the oil fields half of Ukraine is now sitting in the dark. Increasing the financial burden of Ukraine and the west supporting them.
It Could be as Dargo wrote.
The oil price may take a peak up and whether US import oil from Russia or not they are following the market.
Otherwise your right-Bombs away.
Markus
Putin signs conscription decree calling up 150,000 men for military serviceVladimir Putin has signed a decree setting out the routine spring conscription campaign, calling up 150,000 citizens for statutory military service, a document posted on the Kremlin's website shows. All men in Russia are required to do a year-long military service, or equivalent training during higher education, from the age of 18.
In July, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to raise the maximum age at which men can be conscripted to 30 from 27. The new legislation came into effect on 1 January this year. In Russia, many men go to great lengths to avoid being handed conscription papers during the twice-yearly call-up periods. Conscripts cannot legally be deployed to fight outside Russia and were exempted from a limited mobilisation in 2022 that gathered at least 300,000 men with previous military training to fight in Ukraine - although some conscripts were sent to the front in error.
In September, Mr Putin signed an order calling up 130,000 people for the autumn campaign and last spring Russia planned to conscript 147,000. https://news.sky.com/story/russia-ukraine-latest-putin-responds-to-drivel-idea-he-will-attack-poland-and-czech-republic-12541713?postid=7462310#liveblog-body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSKZpP4PjE8&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Jimbuna
03-31-24, 01:03 PM
Kremlin's "shadow fleet": Circumventing sanctions and the global oil puzzle
The "shadow fleet" allows the Kremlin to circumvent Western sanctions, referring to "a group of outdated ships illegally transporting oil," according to the Polish Institute of International Affairs. Despite sanctions imposed on Russia, the export of oil from the country has not been blocked. According to BBC reports in early February, millions of barrels of fuel made from Russian crude oil are still being imported into the UK despite the sanctions imposed on the Kremlin in relation to the war in Ukraine.
As a result of an existing loophole, Russian crude oil is being refined in third countries, especially in India, and the resulting products are sold to the UK. As the BBC pointed out, this is not illegal and does not violate the British ban on the import of Russian oil but weakens sanctions intended to limit Russian war funds. **"Shadow fleet" and price cap** The G7 countries and the European Union introduced a price cap of around £45 per Russian barrel of oil. This way, the West aimed to strike at the Kremlin's budget. "The sale of oil and oil-derived products before 2022 accounted for about 40 percent of the total value of exports from Russia and provided it with about 30 percent of budget revenues. Most hydrocarbons went to the EU," emphasises Szymon Pastucha from PISM. Moscow, looking for a solution, turned to the "shadow fleet." Its task is to transport oil at a higher price than the sanctions stipulate. The fleet "led to virtually complete circumvention of the sanctions – in February 2023, it accounted for 40 percent of oil transport, and a year later, for almost 80 percent. Persistent effects of the sanctions include increased freight rates, reduction in the volume of commodities sold, and the need to offer discounts," highlights the PISM expert. In practice, Pastucha explains, the fleet consists of units with an opaque and variable ownership structure, mainly entities from Asia and the Middle East. These companies are said not to have experience in the oil market. This also applies to logistics companies, whose data usually remains hidden, and most of them have headquarters in the UAE, China, Turkey and from the EU countries – in Greece, Cyprus, and Malta. To make ships harder to identify, their names and flag registrations are changed – the most commonly used are so-called flags of convenience of Panama, Liberia, Gabon and the Marshall Islands. Additionally, ships often conceal their location by turning off lights or AIS transponders (a location system ensuring shipping safety) - presents this practice Tymon Pastucha. **Old tankers for the Kremlin** The units used by the Kremlin are worn with time. Most of the fleet is said to have more than 15 years, and those ships do not undergo regular repairs, which could have significant environmental consequences in the event of an accident and leak. According to data, tankers are operated for about 20 years. Similar solutions, as Russia used, were previously applied by Iran and Venezuela, who wanted to circumvent mainly American sanctions. How big is the "shadow fleet"? It's said to even consist of 200 ships, which would mean that nearly 80 percent of Russian oil reaches its customers bypassing the sanctions. The "black gold" is said to reach India, Turkey, and China. "A significant increase is observed in the case of India, which did not import crude from Russia before 2022, and now about 35 per cent of its supplies come from this direction. The mentioned countries often process the imported oil and re-export it to EU countries (India in 2023 became the second-largest supplier of oil products to the EU, climbing from sixth position)" - we read in the PISM analysis. So how should Western countries react? Pastucha suggests lowering the price of a Russian barrel to £20-£23, as this is the estimated profitability of extracting Russian oil. This would motivate the Kremlin to increase exports, as the budget deficit created by Moscow would have to be filled with a greater number of orders. "This will create a greater demand for tankers, which the 'shadow fleet' will not be able to satisfy," believes the PISM analyst. In this way, Moscow would have to cooperate in the export of oil with entities that comply with sanctions. "With effective insurance verification of ships, Russia's revenues from oil sales would then decrease by another 50 percent," summarises the expert.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/kremlin-s-shadow-fleet-circumventing-sanctions-and-the-global-oil-puzzle/ar-BB1kPFdh?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=d8d6264be176419898e5dd477a3d44db&ei=48
Global higher oil prices drive up production and transportation costs throughout the world economy, which are then passed through to food and core prices. Higher energy prices can also raise consumer and business expectations for future inflation, indirectly raising food and core prices now.
Rockstar
03-31-24, 02:01 PM
It Could be as Dargo wrote.
The oil price may take a peak up and whether US import oil from Russia or not they are following the market.
Otherwise your right-Bombs away.
Markus
No doubt oil prices vary but as far as I can tell it has little or nothing to do with Russian oil refineries being bombed. I think OPEC extended reduction has more to do with a still slow global economic recovery than anything else.
Skybird
03-31-24, 04:17 PM
Spain auctions off Cold War-era M60 tanks, bypassing Ukraine aid
Ukraine already has to manage a patchwork of logistical special operations because they have received so much different equipment in ever smaller quantities that even a Western army would be overwhelmed in peace. Too much small-small.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGAIgv93pDs&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
Jimbuna
04-01-24, 07:55 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0-iBHL6-00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEomvMdei9Y&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxMgVaQtJQM&ab_channel=Military%26History
Markus
Jimbuna
04-02-24, 06:04 AM
Russia left with one 'loser' vessel in Black Sea after Ukraine wipes out Moscow fleet
Russia has removed the majority of vessels capable of firing cruise missiles from Crimea after suffering considerable losses amid continued attacks from Ukraine, Kyiv's navy has claimed.
Captain Dmytro Pletenchuk told national media that Moscow authorised the removal of most of its remaining fleet except one "loser" vessel. Capt Pletenchuk said: "Most of the combat units, if you take the carriers of cruise missiles, actually all relocated, except for one."
He reported that Russia's Cyclone warship remains stationed in Ukraine but dismissed its capabilities as he noted it "still has not launched a single missile".
While Ukraine's naval capabilities are numerically inferior compared with Russia's, Kyiv has carried out frequent missile and naval drone attacks on Russia's fleet - delivering heavy blows to the Russian navy despite the difficulties advancing into occupied territories in recent months.
Russian media announced the Cyclone, a Karakurt-class corvette, joined the Black Sea fleet in Crimea in the summer of 2023.
The move came as Ukraine started to intensify its attacks on the fleet, which has since allegedly lost a third of its warships in a heavy blow to Moscow's naval capability.
Capt Pletenchuck last week said the Ukrainian navy destroyed the amphibious landing ship Kostiantyn Olshansky, which was resting in dock in Sevastopol.
The ship was part of the Ukrainian navy before Russia captured it while annexing the Black Sea peninsula in 2014.
Capt Pletenchuk previously announced that two other landing ships of the same type, Azov and Yamal, also were damaged in Saturday's strike, along with the Ivan Khurs intelligence ship.
Challenging Russia's naval superiority has helped create more favourable conditions for Ukrainian grain exports and other shipments from the country's Black Sea ports.
Moscow officials have not addressed most of Ukraine's claims. However, previous navy losses have been confirmed by Russian military bloggers and media, who have harshly criticised the military brass for its slow and sloppy response to the threat.
Last month, Russian media reported that the navy chief, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, had been fired and replaced with Adml Alexander Moiseyev, the commander of Russia's Northern Fleet.
The Kremlin has not yet announced the reshuffle, but in mid-March Adml Moiseyev was presented as the new acting navy chief during a ceremony at a Russian naval base.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-left-with-one-loser-vessel-in-black-sea-after-ukraine-wipes-out-moscow-fleet/ar-BB1kTpfN?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=6b298679e5214d1e83879923b16a7ab9&ei=20
Jimbuna
04-03-24, 11:21 AM
Ukraine lowers combat call-up age to boost numbers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law a bill lowering the military mobilisation age by two years from 27 to 25.
Kyiv has faced heavy losses on the battlefield after two years of war, whereas Russia has benefited from a sizeable advantage in manpower.
The move will allow Ukraine to call up more people to replenish its reserves, after volunteer numbers dropped.
Mr Zelensky said in December that 500,000 more soldiers were needed.
Ukraine's parliament approved the bill in May 2023, but it did not come into force because Mr Zelensky did not sign it.
In a separate move, Nato foreign ministers in Brussels were due to consider plans for a €100bn (£86bn) five-year fund to provide long-term military support for Ukraine.
Asked if the figure was correct, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the framework was yet to be decided but Nato allies agreed that Ukraine needed more money and for many years.
Russia was "pushing" on the battlefield in Ukraine and trying to win the war by "waiting us out", he said.
It was not immediately clear what prompted President Zelensky to approve a law to lower the age of mobilisation, although he has previously warned of plans Russia may have to launch a spring or summer offensive this year.
His decision could signify Ukraine's effort to build up strong defensive fortifications in preparation for a Russian offensive.
Ukrainian forces had hoped to take back swathes of territory gained by Russia as well as cutting off Russian supply lines to Crimea.
But lacking air superiority and faced with formidable Russian defences, Kyiv's counter-offensive ground to a halt at the start of winter and there are fears that Russian forces could outgun Ukraine.
Last year, Ukrainian Gen Oleksandr Tarnavskyi warned troops had already been forced to downsize some military operations because of a drop-off in foreign aid.
Ukraine has relied heavily on Western supplies, particularly on deliveries of long-range missiles and air defence systems. However, billions of pounds of US and EU aid have been held up amid political wrangles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said more than 600,000 of his troops are fighting in Ukraine, but has not revealed how many have lost their lives there.
A classified US intelligence report released in December estimated that 315,000 Russian soldiers had been either killed or wounded since the war began - which it said was almost 90% of Russia's military personnel at the start of the invasion.
In February, Mr Zelensky said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the start of the war, but US officials have put the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed as at least 70,000 and as many as 120,000 injured.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68719473
One of Russia's best-defended structures to be destroyed this spring, says Ukraine: 'It's inevitable'The Ukrainian Secret Service says it will blow up the Crimean bridge in the first six months of 2024, destroying the symbol of Russia's occupation of the peninsula. Two previous attempts to take out the bridge previously succeeded only partially. "Third time, good time" seems to be the motto at GUR headquarters in Kyiv. After two previous attempts to blow up the 18 kilometre bridge between occupied Crimea and the Russian mainland, the Ukrainian Secret Service wants to finish the job for good before July. This is what senior military officers of the GUR are already saying in interviews with the British newspaper The Guardian. According to them, the eventual destruction of the bridge is "inevitable," since in addition to being an important supply line for the Russian military, it is also - and above all - the symbol of the Russian occupation. Russia began construction of the bridge across the Kerch Strait two years after the illegal annexation of Crimea. The road section was festively opened by President Vladimir Putin in April 2018, the rail section in December 2019. The construction at the time cost more than 225 billion rubles, converted to the exchange rate at the time about 3.5 billion euros.
Back in October 2022, the bridge was targeted a first time, then, according to Russia, with a bomb in a passing truck. Several bridge sections fell into the water, and both the rail and highway could not be used for months. In July 2023, the road bridge was attacked with naval drones, requiring repairs for months again. How Ukraine will attempt to blow up the bridge this time remains unknown for now. In recent weeks, Ukraine has been regularly attacking targets up to more than 1,000 kilometres from the border with drones. So the distance from the front, 250 kilometres, seems to pose little problem in itself. A bigger question is whether Ukraine has the resources to attack the bridge. Drones are unlikely to suffice: the work of art is currently one of the best defended Russian structures, just because of its important value and previous attempts. Both anti-aircraft systems and physical barriers in the sea should help repel attacks.
Earlier, therefore, Kyiv looked primarily to the German Taurus cruise missiles as the most high-performance means of taking the bridge under fire. That one, thanks to its powerful warhead, could theoretically both pierce the road surface and blast the bridge piers of reinforced concrete. In a telephone conversation leaked by Russia, senior German officers discussed in late February how 10 to 20 Taurus missiles might be enough to destroy the bridge. Yet, GUR officers assure that they do already possess "most of the means necessary to carry out the objective." Thus, the successful campaign to take out more and more ships from the Russian Black Sea Fleet and force the rest of the Russian Navy to withdraw further and further from Crimea are a prelude to the ultimate grand prize, they say. The plan is said to be co-authored by intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov and approved by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Among other things, the sinking of the large landing ship Sergey Kotov in March, using ten Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drones filled with explosives, was allegedly a so-called "shaping operation" or preparation, according to the GUR. The Sergey Kotov was sailing south of the Crimean Bridge at the time of the attack. https://www.demorgen.be/oorlog-in-oekraine/een-van-de-best-verdedigde-russische-bouwwerken-moet-dit-voorjaar-nog-vernietigd-worden-zegt-oekraine-het-is-onvermijdelijk~bb041aed/
Skybird
04-03-24, 04:00 PM
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-great-risk-front-line-collapse-war-russia/
Essentially, everything now depends on where Russia will decide to target its strength in an offensive that’s expected to launch this summer. In a pre-offensive pummeling — stretching from Kharkiv and Sumy in the north to Odesa in the south — Russia’s missile and drone strikes have widely surged in recent weeks, targeting infrastructure and making it hard to guess where it will mount its major push.
And according to high-ranking Ukrainian military officers who served under General Valery Zaluzhny — the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces until he was replaced in February (https://www.politico.eu/article/zelenskyy-fires-ukraines-top-general-zaluzhny/) — the military picture is grim.
The officers said there’s a great risk of the front lines collapsing wherever Russian generals decide to focus their offensive. Moreover, thanks to a much greater weight in numbers and the guided aerial bombs that have been smashing Ukrainian positions for weeks now, Russia will likely be able to “penetrate the front line and to crash it in some parts,” they said.
They spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely.
“There’s nothing that can help Ukraine now because there are no serious technologies able to compensate Ukraine for the large mass of troops Russia is likely to hurl at us. We don’t have those technologies, and the West doesn’t have them as well in sufficient numbers,” one of the top-ranking military sources told POLITICO.I think that no matter what the West decides and does now, it no longer makes a decisive difference.The show has essentially run. What happens now is buying time to get oneself mentally arranged with the sobering outcome.
Europe better prepares much much more for war. It will come, and Putin knows NATO can only grow stronger again from now on. Thus he knows it is in his interest to attack NATO as soon as he can.
What irks me is that with more determination and quickness shown, this outcome had a fair chance to get avoided. Trump's former Republicans, Germany and France shall be cursed most. Others like Italy, Greece and Spain did not shine as well. Turkey's role is murky at best. And then Hungary...
The alternative would have been to say: "Ukraine is not NATO territory, so we completely stay out of it." Techncially correct, practically a strategic dud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GviBQLe5uz4&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Jimbuna
04-04-24, 09:10 AM
Ukraine general warns Russia cannot be stopped: 'There's nothing that can help us now'
Asenior Ukrainian military officer has warned that there is "nothing" that can help Ukraine as Russian troops continue to attack.
Following months of endless Russian assault in the east of Ukraine, Moscow's forces began gaining ground in February as they took control of Avdiivka.
Since then, Vladimir Putin's soldiers have continued to attack as Ukrainian forces warn they are running low on both ammunition and manpower.
Speaking to Politico, one top-ranking military source from Ukraine made a concerning warning about the state of the war.
They said: "There's nothing that can help Ukraine now because there are no serious technologies able to compensate Ukraine for the large mass of troops Russia is likely to hurl at us. We don't have those technologies, and the West doesn't have them as well in sufficient numbers."
This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Kyiv's forces may have to retreat unless more Western military aid arrives soon.
He told the Washington Post: "It means we will go back, retreat, step by step, in small steps. We are trying to find some way not to retreat."
Ukraine's recently appointed commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky added: "It should be taken into account that people are not robots. They are exhausted physically and psychologically, especially in the conditions of hostilities.
"Until a few days ago, the enemy's advantage in terms of ammunition fired was about six to one...we learned to fight not by the amount of ammunition, but by the skill of using the weapons that are available.
"Recently, the number of positions we regained exceeds the number of lost positions. The enemy did not manage to advance significantly in strategic directions, his territorial gains, if any, are of tactical importance."
Many in Ukraine are now concerned that Donald Trump could win the US election in November and withdraw US support.
The former president has not committed to supporting Ukraine, even refusing at one stage to say who he would rather see win the war.
It has now been reported that NATO is considering sending Kyiv a €100billion aid package as a safety net in case Trump wins and then withdraws support.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-general-warns-russia-cannot-be-stopped-there-s-nothing-that-can-help-us-now/ar-BB1l4lpz?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=4d0ac639258144908c0e4384a4b0317d&ei=12
When you see the visual confirmed losses in the past days, Russia lost more equipment ratio is about 7 : 1 daily. Large when you see the shortage Ukraine has at the moment, I do not believe this shortage is so big as stated in the press. Also when you consider Ukraine is preparing against new Russian offensive they stock at mutch they can to counter this.
The Russians now have more grenades and missiles, and the Ukrainians feel it. You now see the correlation between the number of available shells and the number of Ukrainian casualties. But the Russians also have gigantic problems. They have lost 350 thousand people. Half of what the Russians initially captured, the Ukrainians recaptured. The Russian navy has been driven out of Sevastopol, the Ukrainian grain corridor has been restored. 1.3 million young, bright Russians have left the country, as have thousands of foreign companies.
The Russians have not yet achieved a single strategic objective, which is why they continue. And as they continue, the Ukrainians must continue. Both sides have to do more to replenish supplies, both sides struggle with mobilization or conscription. There are 475 thousand Russians in the occupied part of Ukraine. To get them out, of course, is heartbreakingly complicated.
You have a very positive attitude Dargo.
Having positive thoughts when it comes to Ukraine and their fight against the Russians is good, but it can also be to much.
The west can't compete with Russia, North Korea and Iran, when it comes to production of 152 mm shells and weapon system.
And changing our factories to produce ammo and weapon is not as easy as it is said.
Fear the worst-Hope for the best.
Markus
em2nought
04-04-24, 12:44 PM
What an absolute waste on both sides. Meanwhile Chyna just sits back smiling, and biding their time to become masters of the world. :hmmm:
Jimbuna
04-04-24, 12:57 PM
What an absolute waste on both sides. Meanwhile Chyna just sits back smiling, and biding their time to become masters of the world. :hmmm:
Yep :yep:
You have a very positive attitude Dargo.
Having positive thoughts when it comes to Ukraine and their fight against the Russians is good, but it can also be to much.
The west can't compete with Russia, North Korea and Iran, when it comes to production of 152 mm shells and weapon system.
And changing our factories to produce ammo and weapon is not as easy as it is said.
Fear the worst-Hope for the best.
MarkusAll I have written are facts on the moment we can not compete, but the Czechs have already as proxy produced over 1.5 million shells add that to Europe production we produce next year more than Russia it takes time we need more production lines they will come. We in the West are economical +20 times bigger if the will is there we can easily compete with this Russia Axis. I am positive because Kyiv is still in Ukraine hands, the front is still holding despite massive offensives, Ukraine economy is doing good, Russia does not take any menial large terrain it is still crawling with heavy loses against Ukraine so far good defence positions that Ukraine sometimes must give away terrain is no disaster that is how defence works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXQlmpdydPY
Jimbuna
04-04-24, 01:31 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpBGCXli-KY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=780TfXJzaVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWpqgzj4V1c&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
Reuters: US sanctions force Lukoil refinery to cut production by 40%Russian oil refineries are reeling under Ukrainian drone strikes and sanctions limiting access to repairs. Russian oil firms are struggling to repair their refineries, which were built with the help of US and European engineering companies, due to Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Reuters reported, citing sources.
This offers evidence that Western sanctions combined with Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to strike Russian oil facilities, having the aim of disrupting the Russian war machine, are reaping results. According to five sources familiar with the situation, Lukoil’s NORSI refinery, the fourth-largest in Russia, has been facing difficulties repairing a broken gasoline-producing unit since 4 January, Reuters wrote. The sources revealed that the only company capable of repairing the catalytic cracker, a crucial component for converting heavier hydrocarbons into gasoline, is the American firm UOP. However, UOP withdrew from Russia following the Ukraine invasion. “They (the engineers) rushed around to find spare parts and they couldn’t find anything,” a source close to Lukoil told Reuters. “Then the whole unit just stopped.”
As a result of the unresolved issue, the NORSI refinery has cut gasoline production by 40%, according to two sources. The refinery’s current outage is estimated to cost Lukoil nearly $100 million in lost revenues per month, based on Reuters’ calculations. The difficulties faced by Russian refineries have been further exacerbated by Ukrainian drone attacks, which have struck at least a dozen facilities this year, forcing them to shut down some 14% of capacity in the first quarter, industry sources said. “If the stream of drones continues at this rate and Russian air defenses don’t improve, Ukraine will be able to cut Russian refining runs quicker than Russian firms will be able to repair them,” Sergey Vakulenko, an expert on Russia’s energy industry, told Reuters.
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated last week that the damaged NORSI facilities should resume operations within a month or two, as Russian firms are working to produce the necessary spare parts. However, Honeywell International Inc, the parent company of UOP, confirmed to Reuters that it had not provided any equipment, parts, products, or services to the Nizhny Novgorod refinery since February 2022. Reuters reports that Western companies such as UOP and Swiss engineering group ABB have supplied technology and software to all 40 of Russia’s largest refineries over the past two decades. Each refinery has a combination of Russian and foreign equipment, making repairs and maintenance challenging in the face of sanctions. Earlier, Reuters reported that western sanctions and a tanker shortage had forced Russia’s Arctic-2 LNG project to suspend operations, dealing a blow to its LNG ambitions. https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/04/reuters-us-sanctions-force-lukoil-refinery-to-cut-production-by-40/
^
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/resrep31046.6.pdf
Markus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaJ8AhrkXAQ&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Jimbuna
04-05-24, 06:11 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of April 5
In the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 30 attacks. In the Novopavlivka direction, the enemy attempted to break through our troops' defenses over 20 times. Rocket troops struck one area of concentration of personnel, weapons, and military equipment of the occupiers, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian shelling
During the past day, there were 65 combat engagements.
Overall, the enemy conducted 4 missile and 80 aviation strikes, as well as 108 shelling attacks from reactive multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of our troops and civilian areas. Unfortunately, due to Russian terrorist attacks, there are casualties among the civilian population. Several multi-story buildings and other objects of civilian infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged.
During the night, Russian occupiers again attacked Ukraine, using 13 UAVs of the Shahed type. All the attacking UAVs were destroyed by Air Defense Forces.
Aviation strikes targeted:
・Volfyne in the Sumy region;
・Ohirtseve in the Kharkiv region;
・Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region;
・Terni, Yamopilivka, Ivanivske, Druzhba, Zalizne, Andriivka, New York, Oleksandropil, Ocheretyne, Keramik, Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Umanske, Vodiane, Volodymyrivka, Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region;
・Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Approximately 120 populated areas in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire.
Frontline situation
In the Volyn and Polissia directions, the operational situation remains largely unchanged.
In the Siversk and Slobozhanske directions, the enemy maintains a military presence in border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the redeployment of our troops to threatened areas, and increases the density of mine-explosive barriers along the state border.
In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy did not engage in offensive (assault) actions during the past day.
In the Lyman direction, our troops repelled 4 enemy attacks in the area of the settlements of Teri and Yampolivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy tried to break through our troops' defenses.
In the Bakhmut direction, our troops repelled 30 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Bilohorivka and Verkhniokamianka in the Luhansk region; Spirne, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Stupochky, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried to improve their tactical position.
In the Avdiivka direction, our defenders repelled 2 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Pervomaiske and Nevelske in the Donetsk region, where the enemy tried to dislodge our units from their positions.
In the Novopavlivka direction, the Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the areas of the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Kostiantynivka, Novomykhailivka, Velyka Novosilka, and Urozhaine, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried more than 20 times to break through our troops' defenses.
In the Orikhiv direction, during the past day, the enemy, supported by aviation, made 4 unsuccessful attempts to attack the positions of our troops in the areas of the settlements of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region and northwest of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kherson direction, the enemy persists in its intention to dislodge our units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro. During the past day, the enemy launched 5 unsuccessful attacks on our troops' positions.
At the same time, our soldiers continue to actively inflict losses on the occupying forces in personnel and equipment, wearing down the enemy along the entire line of contact.
Enemy losses
During the past day, the Defense Forces aviation conducted strikes on 7 areas where the enemy's personnel, weaponry, and military equipment were concentrated, as well as on 2 enemy air defense missile systems.
Missile troops units inflicted hits on 1 area of concentration of personnel, weaponry, and military equipment, 2 artillery systems, 1 radar station, 1 electronic warfare station, and 2 enemy air defense systems.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-frontline-update-as-of-april-5/ar-BB1l6W2o?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=d17f947f42cc4280ba785862108a15cc&ei=17
Skybird
04-05-24, 07:26 AM
Russia now has 500,000 troops engaged in Ukraine, and could possibly send in another 300,000 this year. I think this would give them decisive advantages at places of their choice. We expect the mud period any time soon, but when the soil has dried again I think we will see a huge Russian offensive, possibly at Kupjansk where reports say the Russians have started to amass ever more forces. At the same time the ammunition situation has become desperate for Ukraine, there are indicationsn that at some parts of the front they just sit in their trenches and try to hold out wihtout any ammo at all. Artillery superiority is said to be beyond 6:1 along all the front of 1200km, so it is safe to assume that in some regions it is not as huge - for the benfit of front sectors of Russia's choice where their artillery ratio is even more advantageous. Ukraine also begs for Patriot missiles, their air defence has severely suffered due to lacking missile reserves, and so the damage done by Russia increases with every day and week, at growing pace as well.
Ukraine will not hold out over this year if things continue to move like this. They will need to give up very signficant amounts of ground, not just tactical withdrawels to stabilize the front. I fear we will see severe operational breakthroughs by Russia this summer and autumn. I think a breakdown of Ukrainian energy grid later this year is possible. This will almost kill their and some Europeans' ambitions to build defence factories on their own ground. Personally I think it is stupid by Europe to want to rebuild civilian structures and build factories while the air defences are growing weaker and weaker and the war still is raging. Lets build these factories for ammo and weapons near Ukraine but on NATO's side of the border so that Russia cannot take them out without opening war with NATO. But maybe that is right what NATO states do not want: raising the risk of a Russian attack or even just accident that would force them to stand by their treaty's words.
Jimbuna
04-05-24, 07:27 AM
Ukraine lowers combat call-up age to boost numbers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law a bill lowering the military mobilisation age by two years from 27 to 25.
Kyiv and Moscow have both faced heavy losses on the battlefield after two years of war, but Russia has benefited from a sizeable advantage in manpower.
The move will allow Ukraine to call up more people to replenish its reserves, after volunteer numbers dropped.
Mr Zelensky said in December 500,000 more soldiers needed to be mobilised.
But on Wednesday, he said: "We don't need half-a-million." Last week, Ukraine's top general said the required number of mobilised soldiers had been "significantly reduced" following a review of available resources.
Ukraine's parliament approved the bill in May 2023, but it did not come into force because Mr Zelensky did not sign it.
In a separate move, Nato foreign ministers in Brussels were discussing plans for a €100bn (£86bn) five-year fund to provide long-term military support for Ukraine.
Asked if the figure was correct, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the framework was yet to be decided but Nato allies agreed that Ukraine needed more money and for many years.
"Make no mistake, Ukraine can rely on Nato support now and for the long haul."
Russia was "pushing" on the battlefield in Ukraine and trying to win the war by "waiting us out", Mr Stoltenberg said.
It was not immediately clear what prompted President Zelensky to sign the bill and how many additional soldiers Ukraine could now get, although he has previously warned of plans Russia may have to launch a spring or summer offensive.
And on Wednesday, the Ukrainian leader said Russia was ready to mobilise additional 300,000 troops in June.
Russia's military has not commented on the claim.
Ukrainian forces had hoped to take back swathes of territory gained by Russia as well as cutting off Russian supply lines to Crimea - Ukraine's southern peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.
But lacking air superiority and faced with formidable Russian defences, Kyiv's counter-offensive ground to a halt at the start of winter and there are fears that Russian forces could outgun Ukraine.
In the past few months, Kyiv has been actively building defence fortifications amid steady Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, including the capture of the strategic town of Avdiivka.
Last year, Ukrainian Gen Oleksandr Tarnavskyi warned troops had already been forced to downsize some military operations because of a drop-off in foreign aid.
Ukraine has relied heavily on Western supplies, particularly on deliveries of long-range missiles and air defence systems. However, billions of pounds of US and EU aid have been held up amid political wrangles.
In January 2024, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine's armed forces numbered 880,000, without specifying how many were actually fighting on the more than 1,200km-long (745 miles) frontline in the country's south-east.
In February, he said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, but US officials have put the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed as at least 70,000 and as many as 120,000 injured.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said more than 600,000 of his troops are fighting in Ukraine, but has not revealed how many have lost their lives there.
A classified US intelligence report released in December estimated that 315,000 Russian soldiers had been either killed or wounded since the war began - which it said was almost 90% of Russia's military personnel at the start of the invasion.
On Wednesday, Russia's defence ministry said more than 100,000 people had signed up to serve in the country's armed forces since the start of the year.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68719473
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy1nMeiwDbE&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Jimbuna
04-05-24, 12:52 PM
Scandals blight Denmark’s buildup of its armed forces as it eyes possible threats from Russia
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A series of scandals has blighted Denmark’s Armed Forces at a time when the Scandinavian country and member of the NATO alliance is building up its defenses, chiefly as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The events have so far led to the dismissal this week of Denmark’s top military chief, Gen. Flemming Lentfer, who failed to inform the defense minister about an incident on the frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt last month while deployed to the Red Sea, where it was part of a U.S.-led operation to defend commercial shipping against Houthi militants.
On Thursday, a technical error onboard its sister ship, the frigate HDMS Niels Juel that was docked in a Danish harbor, led to the air space and maritime route being briefly closed due to fears a navy missile might launch unintentionally — but not explode — and send fragments falling into the busy shipping lane between the islands of Zeeland, where Copenhagen sits, and Funen.
The Iver Huitfeldt, which returned from its Red Sea mission on Thursday, ahead of schedule, reportedly experienced a half-hour long malfunction of its missile and radar systems during a drone attack on March 9, according to the specialist defense news website Olfi.
“I have lost trust in the chief of defense,” the defense minister said briefly without elaborating why he fired Lentfer on Wednesday. Maj. Gen Michael Hyldgaard was appointed as his replacement.
The firing of Lentner was “the culmination of so many years of deep crisis,” Martin Krasnik, the editor-in-chief of the weekly Weekendavisen wrote Friday. “The pitiful state of defense management, the unclear division of roles and, to a particular extent, political irresponsibility have led to the fact that Denmark has no defense today. We cannot defend a meager frigate, and we cannot contribute meaningfully to NATO’s defense.”
Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor with the Royal Danish Defense College, agreed with Krasnik that “there are many problems” in Danish defense, chiefly because spending was reduced in 2012 and Denmark has been “very slow at coming up again.”
“It starts to show now. We will see breakdowns more and more often,” Jakobsen told The Associated Press.
Olfi cited a leaked document written by the commander of the Iver Huitfeldt that the problem with the missile and radar systems had been known for years. The frigate eventually fended off the attack by the Iran-backed Houthis, shooting down four drones with guns.
Danish media have reported that Denmark’s military intelligence service was asked to investigate the leak to the press of confidential information in the case of the Iver Huitfeldt.
In addition, staff have been leaving the Danish Armed Forces more quickly than they can be replaced, some for poor pay, while military facilities in a shabby and dilapidated state, soldiers and their unions have said for years.
In August, the defense minister at the time dismissed his top aide after criticism over the handling of the purchase of artillery from Israel. The equipment was to replace much of Denmark’s own weapon systems that had been donated to Ukraine.
On May 30, Denmark’s centrist government said it wants to invest some 143 billion kroner ($20.6 billion) in the country’s defense over the next decade, citing a “serious threat picture,” and an ambition to reach NATO’s target of spending 2% of gross domestic product on military budgets by 2030. Last month, the government announced it wants to increase the number of young people doing military service by extending conscription to women and increasing the time of service from 4 months to 11 months for both genders.
Denmark, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has donated a total of 33.3 billion kroner (nearly $5 billion) in military aid to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The Danish donations include part of its fleet of aging F-16 jets.
Danish lawmakers have “strongly prioritized Ukraine and not the Danish defense,” Jakobsen said.
https://apnews.com/article/denmark-armed-forces-scandal-dismissal-chief-of-staff-ae6a9c44cdb3a0a685466184f69e7d79
Jimbuna
04-06-24, 04:02 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of April 6
On the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled over 16 attacks by Russian occupiers. Defense aviation struck targets in 11 personnel concentration areas and 1 enemy anti-aircraft missile complex, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian shelling
During the past day, there were 80 military clashes.
Overall, the enemy launched 14 missile and 107 aviation strikes, as well as conducted 137 rocket artillery barrages targeting our troops' positions and civilian settlements. Unfortunately, there are casualties among the civilian population. Numerous multi-story buildings and other objects of civilian infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged.
During the night, Russian occupiers once again attacked Ukraine, using 32 UAVs of the Shahed type. 28 of these strike UAVs were destroyed by anti-aircraft defense forces. Towards morning, the enemy launched cruise missiles of various types. Data is currently being clarified.
The following areas suffered aviation strikes:
・Kostobobriv in the Chernihiv region;
・Oleksandrivka, Popivka, Krasnopillia, Novodmytrivka, Svesa, Pokrovka, Seredyna-Buda in the Sumy region;
・Kruhle, Berestove, Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region;
・Terny, Chasiv Yar, Zalizne, New York, Pivnichne, Berdychi, Umanske, Pervomaiske, Netailove, Novobakhmutivka, Ocheretyne, Yasnobrodivka, Kalynove, Krasnohorivka, Urozhaine, Vodiane, Vuhledar, Kostiantynivka, Novomykhailivka, Katerynivka in the Donetsk region;
・Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Approximately 110 settlements in the Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire.
Frontline situation
In the Volyn and Polissia directions, the operational situation remains largely unchanged.
In the Siversk and Slobozhanske directions, the enemy maintains a military presence in border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the redeployment of our troops to threatened areas, and increases the density of mine-explosive barriers along the state border.
In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy did not engage in offensive (assault) actions during the past day.
In the Lyman direction, our troops repelled 3 enemy attacks near settlement Terny in the Donetsk region, where the enemy tried to break through our troops' defenses.
In the Bakhmut direction, our troops repelled 16 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Andriivka, Zelenopillia, Klishchiivka, Novyi, Spirne, and Ivanivske in the Donetsk region, where the enemy, with air support, attempted to improve their tactical position.
In the Avdiivka direction, our defenders repelled 22 attacks in the areas near the settlements of Berdychi, Umanske, Nevelske, Pervomaiske, Yasnobrodivka, and Semenivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy, with air support, attempted to dislodge our units from their occupied positions.
In the Novopavlivka direction, the Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the areas of the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Heorhiivka, Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried 20 times to break through our troops' defenses.
In the Orikhiv direction, during the past day, the enemy, supported by aviation, made 1 unsuccessful attempt to attack the positions of our troops in the areas of the settlement of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region.
In the Kherson direction, the enemy persists in its intention to dislodge our units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro. During the past day, the enemy launched 16 unsuccessful attacks on our troops' positions.
At the same time, our soldiers continue to actively inflict losses on the occupying forces in personnel and equipment, wearing down the enemy along the entire line of contact.
Enemy losses
During the past day, the Defense aviation struck targets in 11 personnel concentration areas and 1 enemy anti-aircraft missile complex.
Missile troops units inflicted damage on 2 anti-aircraft defense systems, 5 artillery units, 1 command post, 1 UAV control post, 3 areas of armament and military equipment concentration, and 1 other important enemy object.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-frontline-update-as-of-april-6/ar-BB1lachK?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=69bd689d91ce4f73a0b25f7722c1adcb&ei=25
Russian warplanes destroyed after drone attack UkraineUkraine has hit a fighter jet base in a drone attack on Russia, Reuters news agency reported, based on Ukrainian sources. This reportedly destroyed six Russian aircraft and severely damaged another eight. Russia has not confirmed the attack and the attack cannot be independently verified. Russian state news agency RIA reports only that 53 Ukrainian drones were downed near the air base. The Morozovsk air base where the fighter jets are located is in the Rostov region that borders Ukraine. Ukrainian sources told the BBC that the fighter jets, the Su-27 and the Su-24, are being used on the front lines. Up to 20 soldiers could have been killed in the attack, the sources said.
Jimbuna
04-06-24, 12:02 PM
F-16 for Ukraine. Netherlands tells when and how many planes Ukraine will receive
The Netherlands plans to provide Ukraine with more than 20 F-16 fighter jets. The first deliveries are to begin this year, states Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
"In total, we are going to transfer 24 F-16 fighters. They will be handed over to Ukraine as soon as everything is ready. This moment depends on the training of Ukrainian pilots and technical staff, as well as, of course, on the infrastructure," the Dutch minister said.
According to her, the transfer of fighter jets to the Ukrainian military is a joint effort with Denmark, the United States, Ukraine and other countries.
"It is difficult, it is complicated, but it will happen. Our coalition hopes that this summer we will be able to start delivering F-16s, first Danish and then Dutch," Ollongren added.
In addition, the Dutch minister commented on rumors that she and Prime Minister Mark Rutte had personally asked the United States to help Ukraine with F-16s.
"Let's just say we have discussed all the possibilities with our partners and friends. I think it is important that we, together with the United States and Denmark, were able to make this decision. Since then, we have been working very hard to ensure its implementation," she summarized.
Last year, Denmark and the Netherlands promised to provide Ukraine with several dozen F-16 fighters. However, in order to receive the fighter jets, Ukraine had to first train pilots and maintenance personnel, as well as prepare the necessary infrastructure on Ukrainian territory.
According to the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, Illia Yevlash, the arrival of F-16s in Ukraine will be a surprise for the enemy. Today, two groups of Ukrainian pilots are in the final stages of training.
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that F-16s, like any weapon, would not be a "silver bullet" in Ukraine's war with Russia. But, according to him, these fighters will be important on the battlefield.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/f-16-for-ukraine-netherlands-tells-when-and-how-many-planes-ukraine-will-receive/ar-BB1lbiVC?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=f3e18583e2e7421fbd79d04952a373e2&ei=28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYV1sQJdQ1E
Jimbuna
04-07-24, 11:25 AM
Russia's losses in Ukraine as of April 7: 820 invaders and over 50 artillery systems
Russia's losses in the war in Ukraine as of Sunday morning, April 7, amount to 820 occupants, bringing the total number of Russian army losses since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine to 447,510. In addition, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed 17 tanks, 54 armored combat vehicles and 54 artillery systems, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The total combat Russian losses from 24.02.22 to 07.04.24 are estimated to be:
・personnel - about 447,510 (+820) Russian invaders were killed;
・tanks - 7,074 (+17) units;
・armored combat vehicles - 13,551 (+54) units;
・artillery systems - 11,316 (+54) units;
・MLRS - 1,036 (+4) units;
・air defense systems - 749 units;
・airplanes - 347 units;
・helicopters - 325 units;
・UAVs of operational and tactical level - 8,956 (+61) units;
・cruise missiles - 2,064 (+4) units;
・ships/boats - 26 units;
・submarines - 1 unit;
・motor vehicles and tankers - 15,071 (+79) units;
・special equipment - 1,864 (+10) units.
Situation at the front
Earlier in the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine evening briefing on April 6, it was reported that during the last day, there were 50 combat clashes along the front lines.
It was also noted that the largest number of enemy attacks was recorded on the Novopavlivka direction, where the occupiers attempted to breach the defense of Ukrainian defenders 16 times.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-s-losses-in-ukraine-as-of-april-7-820-invaders-and-over-50-artillery-systems/ar-BB1ld1Mm?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=0cb23b27c82e45e3945be56cf94c97d6&ei=23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFXfqat1CbI&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Rockstar
04-07-24, 05:45 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFXfqat1CbI&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
It’s not a Ukraine aid bill.
It’s H.R. 815 National Defense Authorization Act Supplemental which adds a little over 71 billion dollars to the $966,000,000,000 Defense budget signed into law last December. In the supplemental is 7 billion in economic aid for Ukraine disbursed by the U.S. as needed on a case by case basis. The rest goes to U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Intel weenies
Biden & Co already has presidential draw down authority and 6 billion available but Jake is afraid to offer it because he’s in way over his head.
Rockstar
04-08-24, 09:10 AM
Ukraine faces retreat without US aid, Zelensky says
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/29/europe/ukraine-faces-retreat-without-us-aid-zelensky-says-intl-hnk/index.html
Old article, but what it implies is Europe is just a bunch of grifters looking for handouts and who are still unwilling to step up to the plate and contribute enough to their own defense let alone help someone else.
Russia seeks gasoline from Kazakhstan in case of shortages, sources sayRussia has asked Kazakhstan to stand ready to supply it with 100,000 tons of gasoline in case of shortages exacerbated by Ukrainian drone attacks and outages, three industry sources told Reuters. One of the sources said a deal on using reserves for Russia has already been agreed. Shyngys Ilyasov, an advisor to Kazakhstan's energy minister, said the energy ministry has not received such a request from its Russian counterpart. Russian energy ministry did not reply to a request for comment.
Neighbouring Belarus has already agreed to help Russia with gasoline supply. Drone attacks had knocked out some 14% of Russian primary oil refining capacity as of end-March. So far authorities have said the situation on domestic fuel markets is stable and stockpiles large enough. Russia is usually a net exporter of fuel and a supplier to international markets but the refinery disruptions have forced its oil companies to import. The sources said Moscow asked Kazakhstan to set up an emergency reserve of 100,000 metric tons of gasoline ready to supply to Russia. Moscow imposed a gasoline export ban for six months from March 1 to prevent acute fuel shortages, although it does not apply to the Moscow-led Eurasian economic union, including Kazakhstan, as well as some countries, such as Mongolia, with which it has inter-government deals on fuel supplies.
However, traders said the ban could be widened if the situation in Russia worsens. Last week, the Orsk oil refinery in the Urals halted production due to widespread floods, which also affected Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan, the world's largest land-locked country, has also restricted fuel exports until the end of the year, apart from for humanitarian purposes. According to the sources, Kazakhstan's reserves of Ai-92 gasoline stood at 307,700 tons as of April 5 and Ai-95 gasoline stockpiles at 58,000 tons. Diesel reserves were 435,300 tons and jet fuel inventories totalled 101,000 tons. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-seeks-gasoline-kazakhstan-case-shortages-sources-say-2024-04-08/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZqdqsHfQ04
Jimbuna
04-08-24, 12:38 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eih_TN3mjI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJnuTtUFiWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrTeiBsryXE&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Rockstar
04-08-24, 05:21 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrTeiBsryXE&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Funny but this probably belongs in the U.S. politics thread with the other nonsense. The video only mentions some in one political party, tagging them with the same old song and dance, “if you don’t agree with us you must be Putins asset”, gee where have I heard that before? You see we live in a representative democracy and even the kook fringe in this country like to feel they have someone speaking for them, it’s how political parties pick up new voters and it seems Republicans are just now learning how to use the Democrat party playbook. Plus there’s more to passing the supplemental than fixing Ukraine, it’s also about our rising debt, interest payments on our debt, our southern border and of course congress squabbling for more pork and clout.
Putin assets are everywhere probably even hiding in your closet be careful. Speaking of Russian assets wasn’t Denmark one of those granting Putin permission to build his gas export pipeline through Danish waters? Europe was even warned of the consequences of allowing Putin to do this and they just mocked the messenger and did it anyway? That must mean everyone in the Danish and other EU governments who allowed it must be a Russian asset then too right? It’s Europes actions particularly Germany that got us here in the first place. Now you all are crying the U.S. isn’t doing enough to fix it. Lol
You're are so right
And I was thinking on posting it in our US-Politics thread.
Markus
Rockstar
04-08-24, 06:51 PM
Whoops I’m sorry, it wasn’t all of the E.U. Governments who were, as the usual suspects would say, Putin assets & Kremlin stooges. Countries from the Baltics to Poland to Slovakia had been urging Berlin to abandon the project for well over a decade. They were mocked and ignored by the goons below as well.
https://i.ibb.co/dQqX2Zy/IMG-3601.webp
But hey, I have to admit that not all Putin assets and Kremlin Stooges are European. Because no sooner did Biden and his sidekick The Boy Wonder Jake Sullivan take office they immediately went to work lifting the sanctions Trump placed on Nord Stream 2. Which also might answer why Biden & Co. don’t seem all that interested in using Presidential Drawdown Authority or that 4 billion they already have at their disposal to help Ukraine.
Maybe why the only European countries namely Poland and the Baltics, that seem to be urging more U.S. aid are the same ones that warned us of the rekindled German and Russian love affair.
https://i.ibb.co/HC36dvX/IMG-3602.webp
Rockstar
04-08-24, 08:19 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eih_TN3mjI
:har: “Update from Ukraine” really? He not in Ukraine, last I heard this sell out left Ukraine in late 2022.
Also, what’s the point of issuing new military equipment if there’s nobody around to use it because clueless smack talkers like the guy above keep leaving?
Ukraine needs to immediately start the 18+ conscription model, or it will lose the war. To assist with that the EU should also immediately begin repatriating all healthy male Ukrainian nationals back to Ukraine. Maybe Ukraine can also conscript all the orthodox priests they arrested, the army needs ditch diggers too.
em2nought
04-09-24, 01:40 AM
The US should offer to send all Joe's illegal aliens over to Ukraine for use as a foreign legion. If they survive the war they can have Ukrainian citizenship. :up:
Skybird
04-09-24, 04:59 AM
I will not object to that Merkel and Schröder and Scholz were and are Putin's most useful idiots. And the majoirty of German industry leaders.
And they are already hard at work of repeating the same mistake they made with Russia. Just this time regarding China.
Never trust the Germans. They are dumm. See how they run their "Energiewende" and migration policy. Hilarious.
Jimbuna
04-09-24, 06:43 AM
UN body urges restraint after Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant hit
A new drone attack on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia power plant has raised the risk of a "major nuclear accident", the UN's atomic watchdog has warned.
Russia said Ukraine was behind the attack, which it said injured three people. Ukraine has denied involvement.
The giant Russian-held nuclear plant, with six reactors, is on the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned against such attacks.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi said Sunday's drone strike was "reckless" and "a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers" facing the plant.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, in southern Ukraine, is the largest in Europe. Russian forces seized it shortly after launching their February 2022 full-scale invasion and have occupied it ever since, alongside most of the Zaporizhzhia region.
The facility stopped generating power in 2022, but needs a constant supply of electricity to cool one of its reactors which is in a state of "hot conservation", meaning it is not fully offline.
The IAEA, which has a team of experts at Zaporizhzhia, confirmed "physical impact of drone attacks" at the plant, including at one of the reactors.
The plant's Russian-installed administration said radiation levels were normal and that there was no serious damage.
The IAEA said the damage had not compromised nuclear safety, but it warned that "this is a serious incident with potential to undermine [the] integrity of the reactor's containment system".
Mr Grossi specified there had been "at least three direct hits" against the plant's "main reactor containment structures".
"This cannot happen," he said. "No one can conceivably benefit or get any military or political advantage from attacks against nuclear facilities. This is a no go."
Both Russia and Ukraine regularly accuse each other of shelling the plant and risking a serious nuclear accident.
The plant's Russian administration has said Ukraine's armed forces were behind the attack, but Ukraine has denied the allegation.
On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the attacks were a "very dangerous provocation".
Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate spokesman Andriy Yusov told the Ukrainska Pravda news website that "Ukraine was not involved in any armed provocations on the site."
The plant is "illegally occupied by Russia," he added.
Mr Yusov accused Russia of endangering the nuclear facility, the civilian population and the environment by carrying out strikes on the plant itself.
Last month the IAEA said its team of experts at the plant had heard explosions every day for a week.
At the time, Mr Grossi said: "For more than two years now, nuclear safety and security in Ukraine has been in constant jeopardy. We remain determined to do everything we can to help minimise the risk of a nuclear accident that could harm people and the environment, not only in Ukraine."
The region of Zaporizhzhia came under fire early on Monday morning. Governor Ivan Federov said three people were killed and three more were wounded after Russian forces struck eight populated areas over 350 times in the space of 24 hours.
Last week, a Russian strike on the city of Zaporizhzhia killed four people and wounded more than 20.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68757082
Jimbuna
04-09-24, 07:37 AM
Russia Turns to Kazakhstan for Gasoline Support
Russia has approached Kazakhstan with a request to prepare a supply of 100,000 tons of gasoline to serve as an emergency reserve, amidst concerns over potential fuel shortages linked to Ukrainian drone attacks and supply chain disruptions, according to Reuters, citing three industry sources.
One source informed Reuters that an agreement for the supply has already been reached, although Shingys Ilyasov, an adviser to the Kazakh Minister of Energy, stated that the ministry has not received such a request from its Russian counterpart. The sources maintain that Moscow is seeking to establish a standby reserve of gasoline, ready for immediate transfer to Russia if needed.
The request comes at a time when Russia, traditionally a net exporter of fuel, finds its oil companies compelled to import gasoline due to operational disruptions at its oil refineries.
Approximately 14% of Russia's primary refining capacity was reportedly disabled by drone attacks as of the end of March. While Russian authorities assert that the domestic fuel market remains stable and reserves are adequate, the preemptive measures sought from Kazakhstan suggest concerns over maintaining this stability.
In addition to seeking support from Kazakhstan, Russia has also reportedly secured assistance in supplying gasoline to Belarus.
To mitigate the risk of acute fuel shortages domestically, Moscow imposed a six-month ban on gasoline exports starting March 1, a regulation that does not apply to members of the Eurasian Economic Union, including Kazakhstan, or to countries like Mongolia with which Russia has fuel supply agreements.
The request for emergency gasoline reserves coincides with significant disruptions within the region, including the halt of production at the Orsk oil refinery in the Urals due to severe flooding that also impacted Kazakhstan. In response to its own fuel supply challenges, Kazakhstan has limited fuel exports until the end of the year, with exceptions made for humanitarian purposes.
As of April 5, Kazakhstan's fuel reserves included 307,700 tons of Ai-92 gasoline, 58,000 tons of Ai-95 gasoline, 435,300 tons of diesel fuel, and 101,000 tons of aviation kerosene.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-turns-to-kazakhstan-for-gasoline-support/ar-BB1liYEQ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=ec41eeee3acf44cb9a0c7bdd7ffc3bc7&ei=65
Skybird
04-09-24, 08:23 AM
According to a report of La Republicca, NATO is willign to accept a division of Ukraine like the German one after WW2.
https://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2024/04/05/news/ingresso_nato_ucraina_russia-422425005/
I look sharp for anything surprising in this news, but I find nothing. There will be no decisive boost of support from the US no matter the election's outcome, and not from Europe either.
Ukraine is done.
But different to Western "hopes", Russia will not leave it to this.
I also mdont believe that Ukraine will ever become a NATO member. This would mean that when Russia chooses to continue with its war agaiunst Ukraine, NAOT mwould be needed to accept war of the alliance with Russia and even nuclear exchnages, else the facade of article 5 would collapse and NAOT would have been demsaked as a toothless tiger. But I do not see at all any willingness to risk the destruction of Westenr metropoles in exchange for Russian metropoles only to defend Ukraine.
A EU memberhsip in my understanding also is highly illosury, it would mean an almpst cataclssimc fincial stress on the fincial system and its - debt-baes - "ressources in Euro-land , and would mean a massive loss of influence of Paris and Berlin that nobody in these capitals want. If the EU ever accepts Ukraine in, then only because a generation of reality-deniers seize control of the helm in Brussel. This however is not really the most unlikely of scenarios, so I may get proven wrong on my assessment of chances of a EU membership of Ukrane even against the odds.
The terrible mistakes leading to all this were made already 2014, and 1994. All what happens now and happened in past years, was caused by those two years. Think of Karma!
Jimbuna
04-09-24, 11:18 AM
^ All of the above is potentially foreseeable but who I wonder on the western side will be blamed.
Each and every one I suspect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA0r8znsfmE&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Rockstar
04-09-24, 12:16 PM
^ All of the above is potentially foreseeable but who I wonder on the western side will be blamed.
Each and every one I suspect.
I’d seriously consider since their independence Ukraine was for 20 years pretty much just standing around with their trouser snake in hand doing nothing to bolster their own defense. Not until we got involved after seeing the sorry state they were in after Russia waltzed right into Crimea in 2014.
As far as U.S. interests are concerned Ukraine isn’t as important as maintaining our hegemony in Europe is, take for instance we will insist Germany buy their energy from us not Russia :arrgh!:. Then comes breaking Russia’s military, economic machine and regional influence then working our way into Central Asia to deal directly with those independent nations with minimal Russian interference. Whether Ukraine ends up divided or wins intact is just a nice bonus but not really necessary
Like Skybird said so many years ago. Nations don’t have friends they have interests. Or something to that effect I can’t remember. :)
Still too far off to tell.
Something to consider
Russia has the momentum right now.
The supply from west is historical low.
Foresee the end within a year or two from now.
Building lots of ammo factories in Ukraine could prevent this from happen. However it takes time to build and adjust the production of said ammo or weapon type.
The F16 may give a helping hand to those at the front.
Markus
Skybird
04-09-24, 02:58 PM
Like Skybird said so many years ago. Nations don’t have friends they have interests. Or something to that effect I can’t remember. :)
Yes, I said that repeatedly, states have no friends, states have interests. But I attributed this quote to Jack Kornblum, former US ambassador to Germany (and a very smart thinker, I got the impression). Because I did not know that he was quoting somebody else as well. I meanwhile learned that the original author of this quote should have been Charles de Gaulles.
Skybird
04-09-24, 03:01 PM
Building lots of ammo factories in Ukraine could prevent this from happen. However it takes time to build and adjust the production of said ammo or weapon type.
Factories needs reliable power, else they produce nothing. And they need better air defence, because they are immobile, huge, tasty, crispy targets with a big sign on their roofs: "Me first!"
Catfish
04-09-24, 03:31 PM
Factories needs reliable power, else they produce nothing. And they need better air defence, because they are immobile, huge, tasty, crispy targets with a big sign on their roofs: "Me first!"
You mean like in Russia?
Ah sorry I forgot some .. US policy forbids Ukraine to hit targets in Russia, be it ammo plants or oil-producing facilities.
So let us keep boiling the frog (Ukraine) and weep crocodile's tears.
And tell ourselves how corrupt Ukraine is, so they do not deserve any help from us (equally corrupt a$..holes).
And b.t.w. Jack Kornblum's "states have no friends, states have interests" was quoted some 20 years ago here by me, which was met by a bit of protest back then. Seems the number of pessimists is growing :O:
Factories needs reliable power, else they produce nothing. And they need better air defence, because they are immobile, huge, tasty, crispy targets with a big sign on their roofs: "Me first!"
Thank you for enlighten me-Didn't think in those terms that such a factory would be a first priority target.
Markus
Skybird
04-09-24, 03:57 PM
Zelenskji gave an interview in a hidden place. German media report he said that Babble Olaf told him he would not deliver Taurus because Putin threatened nuclear retaliation in that case.
And there you have it, the game is done. If this is true, before anything else it means that there is a hidden arrangement between the West and Russia that Russia will threaten to strike the West with nukes if the West sends weapons of a quality or quantity that could seriously endanger a Russian victory, and the West accepted it and thus says it will not do what would be needed to stop Russia, will only pose "as if" and do some not so relevant aid stuff that serves as an alibi. At least Babble Olaf has accepted Russian victory, and probably many other Western leaders as well.
Sorry, Ukraine, but you could as well stop here. You are screwed, and royally so. And lil' Olaf? Was a scared rabbid from da yone on. A new biogropahy written about him describes him exactly in the way I did two years ago: a Marxist in his youth days, and a child of the peace movement, he wanted to pedagocially influence Putin with low-dosed show effects to make him aware that he was behaving unpolite and that he would, be better off if playing by the rules again. Putin, the big cat, and Olaf the master tamer and diplomatic school teacher.
I wonder whether the reported health problems of Putin come from him maybe having laughed too much, too long, too hard. What was it with Lenin's "useful idiots"?
Skybird
04-09-24, 04:13 PM
About the mentioned biography of Bubble Olaf. Explains well why he is so small and irrelevant and arrogant.
https://www-focus-de.translate.goog/politik/deutschland/warum-scholz-seine-putin-angst-als-besonnenheit-verkauft_id_259820595.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de
His boundless self-praise surrounds this tiny creature like a divinely glowing aura.
Rockstar
04-09-24, 04:14 PM
You mean like in Russia?
Ah sorry I forgot some .. US policy forbids Ukraine to hit targets in Russia, be it ammo plants or oil-producing facilities.
So let us keep boiling the frog (Ukraine) and weep crocodile's tears.
And tell ourselves how corrupt Ukraine is, so they do not deserve any help from us (equally corrupt a$..holes).
And b.t.w. Jack Kornblum's "states have no friends, states have interests" was quoted some 20 years ago here by me, which was met by a bit of protest back then. Seems the number of pessimists is growing :O:
No it was Skybird pretty sure he said here first. :03:
As far as what the U.S. forbids. Considering its western economic financial aid that allows Ukraine to spend its own budget on the military hardware to strike inside Russia. The suggestion they don’t is imo a case of plausible deniability.
As I mentioned before the U.S. hasn’t imported Russian oil in over a year. Prices seem to be going up I think because the Saudis haven’t increased production to help meet demand and who can blame them. Biden and his side kick Jake the boy wonder took the Houthis off the terror watch list and stopped supporting Saudi Arabia’s fight against them.
I am one of those who truly hope and believe that Ukraine somehow will survive as it is now-A divided country where these 4 Oblast are under Russian control.
Right now these hopes seems far away-Lack of ammo supply and lack of air defense missiles, not to forget weapons.
Markus
Rockstar
04-09-24, 05:11 PM
I am one of those who truly hope and believe that Ukraine somehow will survive as it is now-A divided country where these 4 Oblast are under Russian control.
Right now these hopes seems far away-Lack of ammo supply and lack of air defense missiles, not to forget weapons.
Markus
Me too it’s still too far off to be certain what will happen to Ukraine. But when you see Russian Cold War and WII era equipment and tanks on the field me thinks the Russian war machine has about had it.
However it’s also going take a lot more than the west just throwing money at the problem for Ukraine to win. They suffer from the lack manpower and need to mobilize and Europe needs to think about repatriating male Ukrainian nationals to join the cause.
We’ve already had our Bunker Hill so I’m not in anyway interested in getting directly involved fighting someone else’s. They’ve had 30 years to figure out what they want, they either do it themselves or surrender it’s their choice.
Me too it’s still too far off to be certain what will happen to Ukraine. But when you see Russian Cold War and WII era equipment and tanks on the field me thinks the Russian war machine has about had it.
However it’s also going take a lot more than the west just throwing money at the problem for Ukraine to win. They suffer from the lack manpower and need to mobilize and Europe needs to think about repatriating male Ukrainian nationals to join the cause.
We’ve already had our Bunker Hill so I’m not in anyway interested in getting directly involved fighting someone else’s. They’ve had 30 years to figure out what they want, they either do it themselves or surrender it’s their choice.
Two things came into my mind:
1. Do understand why you American isn't interested in fighting another war
2. The Ukrainian should lower the minimum age to 18 or 20 years of age. Thereby getting tens of thousands of new recruits.
Well they shall not make the same mistake as the Russian and throw them directly into the war without any basic training.
8-10 weeks would cover the most basic I think.
Markus
Rockstar
04-09-24, 05:32 PM
Two things came into my mind:
1. Do understand why you American isn't interested in fighting another war
2. The Ukrainian should lower the minimum age to 18 or 20 years of age. Thereby getting tens of thousands of new recruits.
Well they shall not make the same mistake as the Russian and throw them directly into the war without any basic training.
8-10 weeks would cover the most basic I think.
Markus
Increase in training is one of Oleksandr Syrsky stated goals. Takes time but it also makes a huge difference on the battlefield.
Skybird
04-10-24, 04:31 AM
And b.t.w. Jack Kornblum's "states have no friends, states have interests" was quoted some 20 years ago here by me, which was met by a bit of protest back then. Seems the number of pessimists is growing :O:
I came across this quote in the autumn of 2013, when Jack Kornblum told it to a somewhat stunned and shocked German audience on Günther Jauch's show. It was about the American cell phone tapping operations against German government members and Merkel that had just become public at the time. You cannot have quoted him with that already 20 years ago then. :O:
https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article121266637/Handy-Anzapfen-ist-keine-Demuetigung.html
Skybird
04-10-24, 05:32 AM
[Frankfurter Rundschau] The Russian Ministry of Defence announced: "On 8 April this year, as a result of an attack by the Iskander operational-tactical missile system, the armed forces of the Russian Federation completely destroyed a warehouse and a workshop for heavy unmanned missiles in the city of Zaporizhia." A video showing the Iskander strike was distributed. Neither the footage nor the information could be independently verified.
The Russian state news agency Tass reported that the missile "hit the exact centre of the building", leaving "the surrounding buildings practically undamaged, while the workshop itself was almost completely destroyed." The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the attack was a direct response to recent Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil and gas facilities.
(...)
Drones play a central role in the war in Ukraine (https://www.merkur.de/politik/ukraine-konflikt-sti1524391/) and attacks have increased significantly in recent months (https://www.fr.de/politik/russland-ukraine-krieg-drohnen-kamikaze-lancet-mig-29-jet-front-gegenoffensive-zr-92547791.html). As a protective measure (https://www.fr.de/politik/putin-selenskyj-ukraine-krieg-news-eisenbahnbruecke-mariupol-russland-zr-92765738.html), numerous oil companies in Russia have (https://www.fr.de/politik/putin-selenskyj-ukraine-krieg-news-eisenbahnbruecke-mariupol-russland-zr-92765738.html) reduced their petrol production in areas close to the border. The Russian statistics service Rosstat reported that petrol production in the country fell by around 7.4 per cent in the week to 24 March.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Russia has threatened to increase "long-range precision weapons attacks on companies in the military-industrial complex, workshops for the production of weapons, and the production of gasoline" in the coming months.
------------
This tells me that they have degraded Ukraine's air defences decisively and that Ukraine'S air defence ammunition reserves are about to run dry.
Jimbuna
04-10-24, 07:51 AM
Zelensky invites Trump for visit as Kyiv developing ‘unstoppable’ AI-powered drone
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Donald Trump to visit Ukraine amid concerns about the former US president’s ideas about the war.
Speaking to Politico, Zelensky rejected proposals, backed by the likes of Trump, that Ukraine could end the war with Russia by making territorial concessions.
“If the deal is that we just give up our territories, and that’s the idea behind it, then it’s a very primitive idea,” he said.
He added: “We said that we would like Donald Trump to come to Ukraine, see everything with his own eyes and draw his own conclusions. In any case, I am ready to meet him and discuss the issue.”
Trump has reportedly expressed interest in the offer. David Cameron appeared to have failed in his own attempts to persuade Trump to help bring $60bn in military aid to Ukraine when he visited him at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday.
It comes as Ukraine revealed they were developing “unstoppable” AI-powered drones in a push to create an image recognition targeting system to hunt targets.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-russia-war-live-zelensky-invites-trump-for-visit-as-kyiv-developing-unstoppable-ai-powered-drone/ar-BB1kp45f?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a40a5977b7864f298bdc0b2b918fcfc4&ei=48
Jimbuna
04-10-24, 08:49 AM
Three EU countries in desperate scramble to save Putin's next invasion target
Three EU countries are currently involved in a desperate scramble to stop Putin in invading another country. In a bid to bolster Moldova's resilience against increasing Russian pressure, the 'Weimar Triangle' comprising Germany, France, and Poland has pledged joint investment to stabilise the country's fragile public finances.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced the collaborative initiative following discussions with her Moldovan counterpart, Mihai Popsoi, in Berlin on Tuesday.
Baerbock stressed the significance of fortifying Moldova's security, particularly in economic terms, within the framework of the Weimar Triangle.
As Moldova edges closer to commencing official EU accession talks, it faces mounting challenges, exacerbated by Russian interference and the economic fallout from the conflict in Ukraine.
While European assistance has been extended to Moldova through bilateral channels and the multilateral Moldova Support Platform, plans are underway to enhance the role of the Weimar Triangle as a conduit for unified European action.
Baerbock stressed that future support must transcend mere aid, advocating for substantial business investments to bolster Moldova's economic resilience.
"Aid alone cannot counter [Russia's] hybrid warfare, but economic strength must come from the country itself. This means that investment is key," Baerbock said.
The revitalisation of collaboration within the Weimar format has gained momentum, with a recent emphasis on addressing defence issues and the Ukrainian conflict.
In March, leaders from the three EU nations convened in Berlin, delineating shared priorities for assisting Ukraine, which included stimulating the country's economy through investments in defence industries.
Moldova stands to benefit significantly from EU support and eventual accession, offering a beacon of hope for its citizens amid economic challenges exacerbated by its historical reliance on Russian energy supplies.
For Popsoi, Moldova's Foreign Minister, EU assistance and the prospect of accession represent a pathway to a brighter future for his compatriots. He underscored the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on Moldova's economic stability, highlighting the imperative for diversification away from dependence on Russian energy.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/three-eu-countries-in-desperate-scramble-to-save-putin-s-next-invasion-target/ar-BB1lo7gp?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=3046bf43dd80400c8a63f2b64ae30fba&ei=10
Skybird
04-10-24, 08:59 AM
How economic negotiations are militarily deterring to Russia or could repel a military attack is beyond me.
Its about brute force, dear EU fellows - brute force, and nothing else.
Rockstar
04-10-24, 09:36 AM
What was Zelensky thinking? When an extremely popular Ukrainian general suggests mobilization you don’t fire them. You use this extremely popular General to inspire a call to arms to defend your independence.
Ukraine should look at the history of the U.S. on how to mobilize their people to arms. As the video below shows even a nation as divided as ours, was able to get their act together and make a difference.
https://youtu.be/HlJG-zrqUPA?si=IGkOtKK_tGfPdYqk
Jimbuna
04-10-24, 11:46 AM
How economic negotiations are militarily deterring to Russia or could repel a military attack is beyond me.
Its about brute force, dear EU fellows - brute force, and nothing else.
Precisely :yep:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlA941d45aU&ab_channel=Military%26History
Markus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hafOnA9xJeY&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
European defence groups warn over reliance on Chinese cotton used in gunpowderWestern countries’ push to strengthen Ukraine’s military has sent demand for ammunition soaring. European defence contractors have warned that reliance on Chinese cotton used in gunpowder for ammunition threatens their ability to expand output as western countries race to bolster Ukraine’s overstretched military. Cotton linters, a byproduct and a primary ingredient needed to produce nitrocellulose, are used in artillery shells and other explosives.
Demand for ammunition has soared with Ukraine consuming shells at high rates in its war against Russia. But defence contractors have struggled to scale up output because of supply chain constraints of various inputs, including nitrocellulose, also known as “guncotton”. Leading arms producers, including Sweden’s Saab and Germany’s Rheinmetall, warned that Europe was overly dependent on linters from China, which accounts for just under half of the global trade. https://www.ft.com/content/23807ef8-fc6b-41c9-ae7b-9c9ad3a27e82
Skybird
04-11-24, 05:44 AM
[Focus] "Holy War": Kremlin paper reveals Putin's true plan and his big goal
A strategy paper by the Russian Orthodox Church reveals a crazy plan by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. This document, produced under the leadership of Patriarch Cyril, ex-KGB agent and Putin friend, also reveals the Russian president's true goal.
In the document, the "special military operation" in Ukraine is described as a "holy war" by the Russians. This is a "new stage in the national liberation struggle of the Russian people against the criminal Kiev regime and the collective West behind it", it continues.
This is followed by a remarkable admission: the war has been "waged in the territories of south-western Russia since 2014". Unlike Putin himself, the Russian Orthodox Church thus admits that what has been happening in eastern Ukraine since 2014 is not a civil war.
Then one of the true goals of the war is revealed: "The entire territory of modern Ukraine should fall into the zone of Russia's exclusive influence." And: "The possibility of a Russophobic political regime hostile to Russia and its people prevailing on this territory (...) must be completely ruled out." In plain language, this means that Ukrainians should never again be able to decide for themselves who governs them.
The war was also intended to "restore the unity of the Russian people". This suggests that Russians living abroad should also return. "Russia must become a refuge for all compatriots in the world who are suffering from the onslaught of Western globalism, wars and discrimination," it continues. Foreigners are also welcome if they share Russian "values".
This is also intended to counteract the problem of the shrinking population and achieve "intensive natural population growth". The long-term goal: 600 million people in Russia - that would be more than four times as many as today. There are currently 144 million people living in Russia, and the trend is downwards. The church is even planning financial and other incentives to achieve this.
------------------
Megalomania meets nationalism meets racism. No, we are not talking about Nazi Germany, we are talking about contemporary fascist Russia this time. And the slave-keeping orthodox church does once again what it has always done best in all its existence: keeping people in slavery of its feudal political-religous owners.
Zum Kotzen.
And Trump's minions and the Scholzians and Macronians have nothing better to do than to arrange themselves with this. Why not, the enslavement of Wetsenr populations is in high speed as well, just that it is done not with war, but with cpountergfeit money, material redistribution bottom to top, corruption of scinece and massive industry lobbying.
Friedrich A. v. Hayek: The Road to Serfdom (https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/0226320553/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3 %91&crid=14RNILIM5VI1T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PJ6uJa4-IMqTWLS6grsivK-zpqL0oVP3KkxykSd-oKVlLQyKlIXtXAXtd2KJtmc2x1CNXE6DHrwqkgtk5u5NAG3Egl 3ObLH3aB-Y5XPKR9hqOsGPOFzTY5JyHMPXfSBtksuZCC6T5UtY_0XG9gLji AYsBljscmRsyGxUkyooaFFudHsiKffLQY2c6VcFQMHihoPHdVS Hb3O5QEXY5Gky12QC_d07OG-N4eFcP17Hzy-fh-23m66rHRiUf4U99TBOvP3JAVy80tBazwo3AEhZq6ngJfs0MAek c0VuvHxUGm0.IIGPZDcbmbuiZOI_YuMm1e8L4_7apEdiYfa5ru X5XAY&dib_tag=se&keywords=hayek&qid=1712832799&sprefix=hayek%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1). Maybe sounding old-fashioned in language and structure, but it is top actual. He was right with his explanations and projections. With evertyhing.Reading this can make you lose all hope. There's no way out - unless you're dead just in time and haven't had any children.
Man's world sucks.
Jimbuna
04-11-24, 06:44 AM
Ukraine's parliament passes a controversial law to boost much-needed conscripts and fill army ranks
Ukraine’s parliament passed a law on Thursday that will govern how the country recruits new conscripts, following months of delay and after thousands of amendments were submitted to water down the initial draft.
Lawmakers dragged their feet for months over the law, which is expected to be unpopular. The law was spurred by a request from the military command under former army Commander Valerii Zaluzhny, who said Ukraine was in need of up to 500,000 new recruits to boost army ranks.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/ukraine-s-parliament-passes-a-controversial-law-to-boost-much-needed-conscripts-and-fill-army-ranks/ar-BB1lr9W4?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a2c725650c6c4ed79585676185a27189&ei=12
Jimbuna
04-11-24, 07:44 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of April 11
There were 55 combat engagements on the front lines in Ukraine over the past day. The enemy actively attacked Ukrainian positions in the Bakhmut and Novopavlivka directions, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian attacks
Overall, the enemy launched 8 missile strikes and 93 aerial bombardments, conducting 78 shelling operations from rocket artillery on the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian areas. Unfortunately, there have been casualties among the civilian population due to Russian terrorist attacks.
During the night, Russian occupiers launched another massive strike on Ukraine, using cruise missiles and UAVs of the Shahed-136/131 type. According to preliminary information, Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed 37 out of 40 UAVs. Information regarding missiles is being clarified.
During the past day, aerial strikes targeted:
・Derhachi, Lyptsi, Vovchansk, Kurylivka, Kruhliakivka of the Kharkiv region;
・Bilohorivka, Serebrianske forestry of the Luhansk region;
・Spivne, Verkhniokamianske, Ivanivka, Oleksandrivka, Semenivka, Novokalynove, Berdychi, Netailove, Krasnohorivka, Kostiantynivka, Vuhledar, Urozhaine, Staromayorsk of the Donetsk region;
・Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne of the Zaporizhzhia region.
More than 120 populated areas in the Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire.
Frontline situation
In the Volyn and Polissia direction, the operational situation remains unchanged.
In the Siversk and Slobozhanske direction, the enemy maintains military presence in border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the transfer of Ukrainian troops to threatened directions, and increases the density of minefields along the state border.
In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy did not conduct offensive actions.
In the Lyman direction, defense forces repelled 3 enemy attacks near the settlement of Terny in the Donetsk region, where the enemy attempted to break through Ukrainian troops' defense.
In the Bakhmut directionn, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 23 attacks in the areas of the settlements Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region; Vyimka, Rozdolivka, Chasiv Yar, Klishchiivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy attempted to dislodge Ukrainian units from occupied positions.
In the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 6 attacks near the settlements of Keramik, Berdychi, Umanske, Netailove, and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region.
In the Novopavlivka direction, Ukrainian military continues to restrain the enemy in the areas of the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, where the enemy, with aviation support, attempted to breach Ukrainian troops' defense 16 times.
In the Orikhiv direction, the enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders once in the area of Staromayorsk in the Donetsk region.
In the Kherson direction, the enemy persists in its intention to dislodge Ukrainian units from bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River. During the past day, 6 unsuccessful attacks were carried out on Ukrainian troops' positions.
Russian losses
During the past day, the aviation of the defense forces struck one personnel concentration area, one anti-aircraft missile system, one artillery system, and one electronic warfare station of the enemy.
Missile troops units inflicted strikes on 9 personnel concentration areas and one anti-aircraft missile system of the enemy.
On the morning of April 11, Russians attacked Ukraine with missiles.
In Kharkiv and the region, at least nine explosions were heard, and power outages were recorded.
In the Kyiv region, enemy targets hit infrastructure objects.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-frontline-update-as-of-april-11/ar-BB1lrtLg?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a2c725650c6c4ed79585676185a27189&ei=43
Skybird
04-11-24, 09:35 AM
Russia scores, big time.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68788110
These kind of Russian successes count much, much more than Ukraine sinking a Russian warship here, killing a tank company there. Ukraine has lost 8% of its national energy production in this attack. The damage cannot be repaired, is not temporary.
On radio they said there are first indications of Russia flushing even more soldiers into Ukraine. The point is they will not all get killed - many will survive: brutalazed in their soul, and battle-hardened and combat-experienced. Veterans - by gained experience ready for the war after. Ukraine serves Russians as a war school for the things to come. Brutality coupled with experience make the tougher soldiers.
Jimbuna
04-11-24, 09:41 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLG3pA-Hnv8
Skybird
04-11-24, 09:42 AM
Colonel Reisner's latest assessments:
https://www-n--tv-de.translate.goog/politik/Ein-Abnutzungskrieg-kann-jederzeit-umschlagen-article24858565.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de
Honestly get the impression that Russia just doesn't want to have a military after this war. These are losses of one day this happens for days, this is a lot more than Russia can refurbish/repair/produce in a month. Visual confirmed losses 2024/04/10 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e_tI3ovN5jK-RrDPCpCy2lEtnX7XJaAHGF2zPMps11w/edit#gid=0 Russia 74 : Ukraine 9 vehicles lost and remember Ukraine is on the handbrake stocking their tools/ammo for the coming Russian summer offensive.
https://i.postimg.cc/kGfgJSk5/2024-04-10.jpg
Jimbuna
04-11-24, 11:00 AM
Two former Royal Navy minehunters handed over to Ukraine arrive in port
Two former Royal Navy minehunter ships which have been handed over to the Ukrainian navy have arrived in Portsmouth as the crews undergo training to prepare them for missions in the Black Sea.
The Sandown-class warships, HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham, were decommissioned from the Royal Navy to be transferred to the Ukrainian military where they will operate under the names Chernihiv and Cherkasy.
The ships, which each served more than 20 years in the Royal Navy, arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base having sailed from Scotland.
They will remain based in Portsmouth while crew members undergo training to prepare them to hunt for mines in the Black Sea.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “The ships are currently not able to enter the Black Sea due to the terms of the Montreux Convention, which restricts passage of military vessels through the Bosporus Strait at times of war.
“However, they will form a critical capability for Ukraine in its future defence of its coastlines as the UK looks to support the longer-term capabilities of the Ukrainian navy, while they look to protect commercial shipping by detecting and disabling sea mines.”
Charge d’affaires of Ukraine Eduard Fesko told the PA news agency that the minehunters would be essential in reopening trade routes once the war is over.
He said: “They will continue the training here, from this base, and given that the minesweepers will be very, very important in the post-war period in cleaning up the Black Sea, I think it’s very important that we have these ships here.
“Once the war is over and the Black Sea will start to be cleaned up, it will be not only the undertaking of Ukraine, I’m sure other countries will also participate in these efforts but there will be none that will be more interested in making sure that the trade routes are safe as Ukraine because trade is the bloodline for our economy at the moment.”
Mr Fesko added that Ukraine’s current priority is increasing its anti-missile capability and said the international community is not providing enough support.
He said: “At the moment, the first, the second and the third priority is ensuring that Ukraine has sufficient anti-missile capabilities to protect from the incoming barrages of missiles, rockets and drones that are attacking our civilian infrastructure all over the country, including in Odessa, our main seaport.
“I don’t think we can say that we are happy with the level of support, with the level of deliveries that we have, but it is no secret that we have not been delivered what we have been promised.”
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK is leading the way in helping Ukraine to modernise its Navy. The transfer of these ships and the excellent training provided by the Royal Navy will have a real long-term impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend its waters.
“We continue to support Ukraine as they deliver major blows to Putin’s Black Sea fleet.
“In doing so, they are securing vital corridors to export grain and other materials, supporting their economy in the face of Russia’s barbaric bombardment.”
The transfer of the vessels to Ukraine’s navy was announced to coincide with the launch of the Maritime Capability Coalition, which the UK jointly leads with Norway, to provide assistance to Ukraine’s navy – including training, equipment and infrastructure – and to increase security in the Black Sea region.
The MoD spokesman said that Ukraine has sunk or disabled around a third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet since the start of the conflict through “precision-guided missile strikes and innovative use of maritime one-way attack drones”.
The spokesman explained that the transfer of the two minehunters was made possible by a “buyer credit facility guarantee” provided by the UK Government’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance.
The transfer began last year with both ships taking part in major sea exercises Joint Warrior 23 and Exercise Sea Breeze 23, with similar plans this year.
The spokesman added that the UK was one of the largest military donors to Ukraine with £7 billion worth of support so far.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/two-former-royal-navy-minehunters-handed-over-to-ukraine-arrive-in-port/ar-BB1lsEY5?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=c6e405e8db7f456e854ca45a37363bee&ei=16
Russians are in deep shyte now! :DUkrainian Hackers Launch Cyberattacks on Moscow Sewage System The Ukrainian intelligence-affiliated hacker group said they managed to shut off 87,000 sensors and prevent the utility company from responding to accidents and emergency events. Blackjack, a Ukrainian hacker group affiliated with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said it had launched a cyberattack on Moskollector, a company that operates the communication system for Moscow’s sewage network.
Unnamed government sources told Ukrainian news outlet LIGA.net that Blackjack managed to shut off 87,000 alarm sensors throughout Moscow and the surrounding suburbs, preventing the company from responding to emergency events. The source also claimed that Blackjack destroyed 70 servers and at least 90 terabytes of company data, including emails, backup copies and contracts. “Now the operation of the object of critical infrastructure of Moscow is completely blocked, the company cannot respond to accidents and emergency events. It will take 15 to 30 days to restore its functioning,” the source told LIGA.net. “We wish Moscow various man-made disasters these days,” the source added. https://www.kyivpost.com/post/30890
Jimbuna
04-11-24, 12:28 PM
Must have scared the 'crap' out of Putin :o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl3W2Y3Vxe0&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
em2nought
04-11-24, 01:26 PM
Russians are in deep shyte now! :DUkrainian Hackers Launch Cyberattacks on Moscow Sewage System
Two birds, one stone! Crap, now we know what happens if we don't keep letting the democrat cartel send them all our taxpayer dollars. :har:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGtYOMRcQdY&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
Jimbuna
04-12-24, 05:29 AM
House Speaker Mike Johnson negotiating with White House to advance Ukraine aid
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson is negotiating with the White House as he prepares for the treacherous task of advancing wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel through the House, a top House Republican said Thursday.
House Republican Leader Steve Scalise told reporters that Johnson had been talking with White House officials about a package that would deviate from the Senate's $95 billion foreign security package and include several Republican demands. It comes after Johnson has delayed for months on advancing aid that would provide desperately needed ammunition and weaponry for Kyiv, trying to find the right time to advance a package that will be a painful political lift.
“There's been no agreement reached,” Scalise said. “Obviously there would have to an agreement reached not just with the White House, but with our own members.”
Johnson, R-La., is being stretched between a Republican conference deeply divided in its support for Ukraine, as well as two presidential contenders at odds over the U.S.'s posture towards the rest of the world. President Joe Biden has repeatedly chastised Republicans for not helping Ukraine, saying they are doing the bidding of Russian President Vladimir Putin and hurting U.S. security. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate, has said he would negotiate an end to the conflict as he tries to push the U.S. to a more isolationist stance.
The Republican speaker is set to travel to the former president’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Friday to meet with Trump and has been consulting him in recent weeks on the Ukraine funding to gain his support — or at least prevent him from openly opposing the package.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican who often works closely with House lawmakers, said this week he and Trump have spoken with Johnson “in depth” about how to advance Ukraine aid. It is not clear whether Trump would lend any political support, but Mullin said he was hoping to get the former president behind the package, especially now that Johnson’s job is at stake.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, has threatened to try to oust Johnson as speaker and warned that advancing funding for Ukraine would help build her case that GOP lawmakers should select a new speaker.
Meanwhile, Johnson has been in conversations with the White House about legislation that would structure some of the funding for Kyiv as loans, pave the way for the U.S. to tap frozen Russian central bank assets and include other policy changes.
Johnson has also been pushing for the Biden administration to lift a pause on approvals for Liquefied Natural Gas exports. At times, he has also demanded policy changes at the U.S. border with Mexico.
“This becomes a more dangerous world with Russia in Kyiv,” said Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican who supports aiding Ukraine. “So we’re just got to find a the smart way to get a bill passed that we can get out and back to the Senate.”
Still, Johnson is facing a practically open rebellion from a group of hardline House conservatives who are dissatisfied with the way he has led the House. With a narrow and divided majority, Johnson has been forced to work with Democrats to advance practically any major legislation.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that the “only path forward” for the House was a vote on the Senate's national security package. He also suggested that Democrats would help Johnson hold onto the speaker's gavel if he did so.
While Democrats have pressured Johnson to put the Senate package to a vote, they also may be divided on a vote as a growing number oppose sending Israel offensive weaponry while it engages in a campaign in Gaza that has killed thousands of civilians.
The Biden administration, which would administer any military funding, has issued stern warnings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future U.S. support depends on the swift implementation of new steps to protect civilians and aid workers.
“If we want to prevent handing Putin a victory in Europe, the House should do the right thing for democracy and pass the Senate’s aid package now,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech Thursday.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/politics/house-speaker-mike-johnson-negotiating-with-white-house-to-advance-ukraine-aid/ar-BB1ltYNS?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=f59eedbe69bb4b12831db427b9d0de1b&ei=29
Jimbuna
04-12-24, 06:35 AM
Ukraine war: Key power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikes
A major power plant near Kyiv was completely destroyed by Russian strikes early on Thursday, energy company Centrenergo said.
Trypillya power plant was the largest electricity provider for three regions, including Kyiv, officials said.
"The scale of destruction is terrifying," said Centrenergo chairman Andriy Hota.
Russia has long been deliberately and systematically targeting Ukraine's energy system.
Mr Hota told the BBC that Thursday morning's strikes destroyed "the transformer, the turbines, the generators. They destroyed 100%".
A fire broke out in the turbine workshop of the Trypillya plant - located 50km (31 miles) to the south of Kyiv - following Thursday's large-scale airborne attack.
The Centrenergo boss said the plant was targeted by multiple missiles. Staff on shift were able to escape, he said, because they ran for cover as soon as the first drone hit.
Residents were urged to shut their windows, charge all their devices and stock up on water.
More than 80 missiles and drones targeted sites across Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday. Many targeted energy infrastructure and almost a third made it through Ukraine's air defences.
Hours later, Centrenergo confirmed its Trypillya plant had been put out of use. Mr Hota said his company's entire generative capacity in Ukraine was now destroyed.
It was one of Ukraine's largest providers of electricity and heat. It operated two other power plants - one in the Kharkiv region which was destroyed in late March, and one in an area of the Donetsk region that was taken over by Russia in 2022.
The Kharkiv and the Trypillya plants used to generate some 8% of the country's electricity, according to Mr Hota. The Trypillya thermal plant provided power to the three central regions of Zhytomyr, Cherkasy and Kyiv.
The destruction of the Trypillya plant would not be a critical issue for Ukraine in the summer, he believed, although by winter it would become a "giant problem".
While the plant can be rebuilt with help from spare parts from Europe, he says it will remain vulnerable to attack without Ukraine's allies providing powerful air defences.
"We can repair. We can do the impossible. But we need protection."
At least two more thermal power plants suffered "significant damage" overnight in the west of Ukraine, placing even more strain on electricity supply nationwide.
The DTEK power company was already down to 20% capacity after repeat attacks in March.
The company told the BBC that the latest missile and drone strike on these "purely civilian power stations" would make the task of providing critical power to the grid harder.
"Attack by attack, Russia is trying to strangle Ukraine's energy system and with it our hard-won freedom," DTEK said.
The Kharkiv region in the north-east has been hard hit again after its power plants suffered major damage in late March.
The mayor there described the situation as "very difficult" and announced more blackouts for households and businesses.
For a time on Thursday, the Kharkiv metro stopped running to save power. It has since resumed, but the power supply is dipping and surging so the trains are only working very intermittently.
President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia had been "obliged to respond" to the strikes on Ukrainian energy sites following Kyiv's attacks on Russian targets, although this is a war he launched without cause two years ago.
"Unfortunately, we observed a series of strikes on our energy sites recently and were obliged to respond," he said.
"I want to emphasise that, even for humanitarian reasons, we did not carry out any strikes in winter. What I mean is that we didn't want to leave social institutions without power - hospitals and the like. But after a series of attacks on our power facilities, we had to respond."
"Strikes on energy", he added, were part of Russia's aim of "demilitarising" Ukraine - one of his stated goals when the invasion began in February 2022.
In a separate development, four people died and several more were injured in the southern city of Mykolaiv in a rare series of daytime strikes on Thursday.
The Ukrainian Southern Military Command said on Telegram that private houses, cars and industrial facilities were damaged in the "insidious" attack.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68788110
Ukraine is ravaged daily by Russian aggression. This week saw widespread attacks on power plants. Civilians were also killed again in attacks on the city of Kharkiv. Ukraine needs more to protect itself.
That is why @DefensieMin Ollongren, @HankeBruinsSlot, @leeuwengew, @Minister_Fin Van Weyenberg and I just announced in a conversation with @ZelenskyyUA that the Netherlands will release € an extra 1 billion for military support this year. That is on top of the € 2 billion that had already been agreed. It has also been decided that we will make 3 billion € available for military support for next year. We are also releasing € 400 million to keep the Ukrainian economy afloat and for critical energy infrastructure repairs.
In addition, we continue to do everything possible to deliver more ammunition and anti-aircraft defenses faster, together with international partners. Here we work closely with Denmark and the Czech Republic, among others. https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1778770784653123834
Ukraine must win this battle. For their and our safety.
Jimbuna
04-12-24, 12:59 PM
Vladimir Putin one step closer to putting nuclear energy in space with new order
Vladimir Putin has taken the next step in realising his plan for space nuclear energy as he orders agencies to begin funding the program.
Roscosmos and Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, two Kremlin-controlled agencies, were ordered by the president to allocate funds for nuclear energy in space by June 15.
These orders, however, did not mention nuclear weapons or anti-satellite devices, despite Western fears of weapons of mass destruction being used in space.
State-run news agency Tass quoted Putin as saying: "Starting from 2024, budgetary allocations from the federal budget in the amount necessary for the implementation of measures provided for by the federal project 'Development of Space Nuclear Energy in Russia'."He added: "[With special attention] to the implementation of measures to develop the existing scientific and technical basis in the field of space nuclear energy."
In February, the White House warned that Russia is capable of creating an anti-satellite weapon that could be used in space, and ABC News reported that the country is attempting to create one.
John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesperson, declared that the use of any such weapon would violate a decades-old treaty.
In 1967, the US and what was then the Soviet Union signed a treaty banning the placement of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in space.
However, at the start of the war in Ukraine, Putin removed his country from the New START treaty - the last remaining treaty with the US that limited nuclear arsenals.
In March, he discussed putting a nuclear power unit in space, calling it a priority for Russia.
He said: "[Russia] has good competencies and, moreover, even has such reserves that we can be proud of, which we can count on in the future."
This appears to be a reaction to the news that China is "seriously considering" installing a nuclear reactor on the moon between 2033 and 2035, according to the head of Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/vladimir-putin-one-step-closer-to-putting-nuclear-energy-in-space-with-new-order/ar-BB1lvWkl?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=6ca10d1f7ac64bfdadabe58f40d3fc89&ei=19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q7vA0RxeNc&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
(Warning-Harsh language in the video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr8fwnUj9pk&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paku4TD5MjU
Estonia Just Found Another Million Shells For UkraineSeven weeks after Czech defense policy chief Jan Jires announced his government had identified 800,000—later, a million—artillery shells that Ukraine’s allies could buy for Ukraine, Estonian defense minister Hanno Pevkur said his own government had found another million shells and rockets for Ukraine. Pevkur told Postimees he’s trying to scrounge, from the same countries that paid $1.3 billion for the Czech-sourced ammunition, an additional $2.2 billion to pay for the Estonian-sourced ammo. “If we combine these one million shells, the Czechs' potential purchases, our buying capabilities and also the British”—who reportedly are organizing their own ammo-for-Ukraine initiative—“I dare say that it would be possible to send Ukraine two-to-2.5 million shells this year, if the funding were available,” Pevkur said.
With 2.5 million additional shells and rockets through the end of the year, the Ukrainians could match Russia’s own ammo supply, Pevkur claimed. It would be the first time in a year that the Ukrainians could fire as many shells and rockets as the Russians could fire. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/04/06/estonia-just-found-another-million-shells-for-ukraine/
Skybird
04-12-24, 02:46 PM
Russia is estimated to currently produce 250,000 shells per month, or 3 million per year. Tendecny growign, since they still have the capacity to boost this production level - and they use it.
Also, Ukraine does not destroy Russian war production sites in Russia. But Russia systematically decimates such factories in Ukraine, plus the energy grid.
Russia still outproduces Ukraine in terms of drones and missiles. They also send more fresh armoured vehicles of all kinds than Ukraine can. The brigades Ukraine now tries to freshly build, around 5 of these, are infantry brigades, at best partially motorized infantry brigades.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8Mn7-ytzfk
Russia is estimated to currently produce 250,000 shells per month, or 3 million per year. Tendecny growign, since they still have the capacity to boost this production level - and they use it.
Also, Ukraine does not destroy Russian war production sites in Russia. But Russia systematically decimates such factories in Ukraine, plus the energy grid.
Russia still outproduces Ukraine in terms of drones and missiles. They also send more fresh armoured vehicles of all kinds than Ukraine can. The brigades Ukraine now tries to freshly build, around 5 of these, are infantry brigades, at best partially motorized infantry brigades.Production in Russia is being restrained by the shortage of workers, not by a lack of finances, Elvira Nabiullina, the head of Russia's central bank, said on Monday. The economy is continuing to demonstrate impressive growth rates (yeah sure), Nabiullina said, addressing lawmakers in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament. Russia faced a shortfall of nearly 5 million workers in 2023, which is already impeding economic growth. Will take those production figures with a grain of salt and with every announcement of a mobilisation about a million leave Russia so that shortage will only go up.
Production in Russia is being restrained by the shortage of workers, not by a lack of finances, Elvira Nabiullina, the head of Russia's central bank, said on Monday. The economy is continuing to demonstrate impressive growth rates, Nabiullina said, addressing lawmakers in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament. Russia faced a shortfall of nearly 5 million workers in 2023, which is already impeding economic growth. Will take those production figures with a grain of salt and with every announcement of a mobilisation about a million leave Russia so that shortage will only go up.
Well I guess they gonna take advantage of their women-Like they did during WWII.
Secondly
Money isn't the issue here, but the lack of shells. Yes Latvia found 2.5 million shells together with an another country.
I don't know how many thousands shells is being used on a daily basis by the Ukrainians. Let say 30.000 or is this to high ?
Markus
Well I guess they gonna take advantage of their women-Like they did during WWII.
Secondly
Money isn't the issue here, but the lack of shells. Yes Latvia found 2.5 million shells together with an another country.
I don't know how many thousands shells is being used on a daily basis by the Ukrainians. Let say 30.000 or is this to high ?
MarkusIt is not only men leaving Russia, women also Russia needs 5 million skilled labourers for normal production this is in the now they're training children now they can use outside labourers, but those are not skilled to prevent the economy crashing and this Russia is no soviet Russia it is a mafia Russia do not think they can organize/control like the soviets did. Think 30,000 at the moment is too high, know ammo is arriving and in the coming weeks it will be more. Ukraine does not use those on the moment they stock them for the upcoming Russian offensive, they use it only on heavy armour other vehicles are damaged/destroyed by drones. What Ukraine damage/destroy on the moment, Russia stock (of useful equipment) will be empty by mid 2025 (18–20 months) Russia losses more tanks per month then they can produce per month. Ukraine faced worse times in summer 2022 where the ratio of shells was worse for them those glide bombs are a greater threat on the moment Russia adjusted them, and they destroy more than shells can do also Russia has a lot of these glide bombs only answer would be more patriot batteries and F-16s
Skybird
04-13-24, 05:39 AM
Production in Russia is being restrained by the shortage of workers, not by a lack of finances, Elvira Nabiullina, the head of Russia's central bank, said on Monday. The economy is continuing to demonstrate impressive growth rates (yeah sure), Nabiullina said, addressing lawmakers in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament. Russia faced a shortfall of nearly 5 million workers in 2023, which is already impeding economic growth. Will take those production figures with a grain of salt and with every announcement of a mobilisation about a million leave Russia so that shortage will only go up.
Well, the events at all fronts support Russian claims of shell production so far. They advance, slowly, but they advance. And they outgun the Ukrainians, on the ground and in the air. A Russian summer offensive is most expected.
Ukrainian infrastructure, production and energy is much worse off now than it was last year in April, and last year in April it was wors eoff than in April the year before. This is what our media notoriously ignore, that Ukraine's industrial status is getting constantly degraded. (And with that its economic survivability after the current hot phase of the war). Its not as if they repair the damage and then everything is back to square one. You never repair all what was broken, some damage remains - and these residual damages add up. And by that allowing follow-on attacks to cause even bigger damages that must be repaired with less and lesser ressources.
I fear the Russian breath can - by far - outlast that of the Ukrainians. Add to this that Russia sinc elong time now is in war procutuon mode. The Wets still is not. And does nto even see a reason it should want that. Green deal madness, climate resdistribution frenzies and mass migration payment are so much more important. The left-wing elite won't let a banal Russian war of aggression and further threats of war spoil their do-gooder attitude!
Skybird
04-13-24, 05:53 AM
https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-says-eastern-front-has-deteriorated-significantly/a-68809455
Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky warned on Saturday that the situation on the eastern front had "deteriorated significantly" in recent days.
(...)
"This is primarily due to a significant intensification of the enemy's offensive after the presidential elections in Russia," he said, adding that decisions were "made to strengthen the most problematic defense areas with electronic warfare and air defense." Syrsky then warned that Ukraine urgently needs to achieve technical superiority over Russian forces via the use of high-tech weapons.
"Only this will enable us to defeat a larger enemy and create conditions for seizing the strategic initiative," he said.
Jimbuna
04-13-24, 06:03 AM
Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here's how that might look
The former commander of the UK's Joint Forces Command has warned that Ukraine could face defeat by Russia in 2024.
General Sir Richard Barrons has told the BBC there is "a serious risk" of Ukraine losing the war this year.
The reason, he says, is "because Ukraine may come to feel it can't win".
"And when it gets to that point, why will people want to fight and die any longer, just to defend the indefensible?"
Ukraine is not yet at that point.
But its forces are running critically low on ammunition, troops and air defences. Its much-heralded counter-offensive last year failed to dislodge the Russians from ground they had seized and now Moscow is gearing up for a summer offensive.
So what will that look like and what are its likely strategic objectives?
"The shape of the Russian offensive that's going to come is pretty clear," says Gen Barrons.
"We are seeing Russia batter away at the front line, employing a five-to-one advantage in artillery, ammunition, and a surplus of people reinforced by the use of newish weapons."
These include the FAB glide bomb, an adapted Soviet-era "dumb bomb" fitted with fins, GPS guidance and 1500kg of high explosive, that is wreaking havoc on Ukrainian defences.
"At some point this summer," says Gen Barrons, "we expect to see a major Russian offensive, with the intent of doing more than smash forward with small gains to perhaps try and break through the Ukrainian lines.
"And if that happens we would run the risk of Russian forces breaking through and then exploiting into areas of Ukraine where the Ukrainian armed forces cannot stop them."
But where?
Last year the Russians knew exactly where Ukraine was likely to attack - from the direction of Zaporizhzhia south towards the Sea of Azov. They planned accordingly and successfully blunted Ukraine's advance.
Now the boot is on the other foot as Russia masses its troops and keeps Kyiv guessing where it is going to attack next.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68778338
Jimbuna
04-13-24, 06:25 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL8aaLajYUk
Catfish
04-13-24, 08:19 AM
If Russia 'wins' I see an all-out war within the next decade, also initated by Russia/Putin.
It really looks like the world prepares for it, prices are rising like crazy, especially the resource markets.
Usually bronze/brass and other metal values fall a bit when gold rises, now it is all going up and breaking century-old records.
Does Scholz think Germany would be spared just because he hesitates to send some Taurus missiles now?
Skybird
04-13-24, 10:25 AM
Bubble-Olaf is a hypnotized rabbit staring paralyzed at the Cobra above him. He just do not see ihmself like that. He seems himself as the snake charmer giving pedagogical lectures to the reptile, cinvincing it that it must be reaosnable, and kind, and play by the rules, because a rabbit's way is more civilized, and thus superior in charm, intellect and ratio - ideal precondition to reedcuate others on how to be sensible and reasonable.
And what means "if the war ends" in Ukraine? It should be clear what Russia really wants: it wants to end the existence of Ukraine, and it wants all of Ukraine for itself, not just as another, different, added part of Russia, but as indistinguishable Russia itself.
I linked to the secret paper of the orthodox church, which is led by a former KGB/FSB agent. It openly spoke of that this "holy Russian war" has begun 2014.
These unworldly nutcases in Europe will be rubbing their eyes.
The prospect of a Ukrainian defeat makes me sad to say the least - I was always hoping the Russians would get a proper slap on the fingers. But it looks like Putin is getting away with his sleazy actions which makes me even more sad.
Markus
Jimbuna
04-13-24, 11:30 AM
Putin issues chilling new WW3 warning after successful test of experimental nuclear missile
Vladimir Putin appears to have issued a new warning to the West as chilling footage emerged of suspected nuclear missile testing.
Clips show the mystery intercontinental ballistic launch from the Kapustin Yar test range in Astrakhan region of Russia. The Russian defence ministry meanwhile has refused to disclose the type of wepon, but that it was launched from a mobile ground-based missile system.
The launch was carried out as part of a state testing programme of future missile systems, and those in service, at a time of high tension between Russia and the West over Ukraine. “The launch objectives were completed in full,” Kremlin officials said, without giving more detail.
A launch on the same day one year ago was believed to be a test of a new version of Putin’s Topol range - known for now as Topol-ME. Residents of Astrakhan, Dagestan and Volgograd regions noticed unusual white traces in the sky.
The launch came late on 12 April - which Russia marks as Cosmonautics Day, commemorating the day in 1961 when Yury Gagarin made the world ’s first-ever space flight. The mystery missile in the new launch is not believed to be the Sarmat - or Satan-2 - which appears to be dogged by testing delays.
This is destined to be the largest missile in Putin’s nuclear arsenal, described as an “unstoppable” apocalypse 208-ton intercontinental silo-launched 15,880mph weapon, the size of a 14-storey tower block. Before properly going into service it is expected to be tested over the South Pole. Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU reported last month: “The Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant is experiencing a serious shortage of electronic components….for production of strategic missiles.
“The electronics of the new RS 28 [Sarmat] missile system are largely of foreign origin and, due to sanctions, [they] are experiencing a serious shortage. Now all efforts are being made to somehow correct the situation with the supply of sanctioned electronics.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/not-if-but-when-nato-s-deputy-chief-says-about-ukraine-s-accession/ar-BB1lyEkj?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=f7b5f474ba814cb3964915cf2ad3cea9&ei=12
The Big Oil behind America’s criticism of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineriesMykhailo Honchar, a Ukrainian energy analyst, contends that Defense Secretary Austin’s warnings against striking Russian refineries reveal the Kremlin’s influence on US policy through oil giants like Chevron, which heavily invests in Kazakhstan’s oil fields.
The shifting sands of US consensus
The US has long been divided on the issue of Ukrainian strikes against Russian refineries. While the State Department was split, the Pentagon and prominent American generals considered the attacks to be legitimate from a military perspective. However, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin now suggests that the impact of these strikes on global energy markets should be taken into account. According to Mykhailo Honchar, the real issue at hand is the increase in American gasoline prices. However, he argues that the problem does not lie in Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries but rather in US policy in the Middle East. For several months, the US-led coalition has struggled to deal with the Houthis in Yemen, whose attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea have forced them to use longer and more expensive routes. “Crude oil and fuel markets are different. Oil is not poured into tanks; only its refined products – diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel – are. Therefore, Austin’s assertion is absurd. He is shifting the blame to Ukraine due to the Pentagon’s inability to put an end to the Houthis,” Honchar told Euromaidan Press... https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/12/the-big-oil-behind-americas-criticism-of-ukrainian-strikes-on-russian-refineries/
In France, the building of a new gunpowder production line is startedIn the French city of Bergerac, the building of a new line for the production of gunpowder for the needs of the EU and Ukraine has begun.
...
The new production line of the plant should begin work in early 2025, and almost immediately the first “fruits” of its production should be received by the Ukrainian army. The plant was created during the First World War, and since 2023 it has again become strategic for the French state and, in addition, for the entire European military industry. French manufacturers expect to produce 1,200 tons of gunpowder for shells per year... https://mil.in.ua/en/news/in-france-the-building-of-a-new-gunpowder-production-line-is-started/
In France, the building of a new gunpowder production line is startedIn the French city of Bergerac, the building of a new line for the production of gunpowder for the needs of the EU and Ukraine has begun.
...
The new production line of the plant should begin work in early 2025, and almost immediately the first “fruits” of its production should be received by the Ukrainian army. The plant was created during the First World War, and since 2023 it has again become strategic for the French state and, in addition, for the entire European military industry. French manufacturers expect to produce 1,200 tons of gunpowder for shells per year... https://mil.in.ua/en/news/in-france-the-building-of-a-new-gunpowder-production-line-is-started/
Sounds good indeed, however isn't a tad to late ?
If they bad news are true or half true, then the war could be over before the end of this year.
Personally I hope it isn't true at all.
Markus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvx1_Xl1Ovk&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Sounds good indeed, however isn't a tad to late ?
If they bad news are true or half true, then the war could be over before the end of this year.
Personally I hope it isn't true at all.
MarkusIt is never too late and nobody knows who wins here Ukraine should be gone in 3 days same people not seeing through the fog of war and disinformation ops suddenly see the light of a Russian victory. I have not seen any prediction of the western press that became a fact. Probably, Ukraine will lose territory, but that does not mean they will lose the war. Heard so many times if Russia takes this or that town it will blitzkrieg to Kyiv it never happened, war is too complex to predict the out coming. This doom and gloom is what Putin wants to divide the West I only see him fail the western investment yes even Europe is higher than ever before. The fronts are still holding, the ammo is still going to Ukraine and the will of Ukrainians is still to defeat Russia but no we believe them outside this war keyboard warriors saying Ukraine is lost this is the same believe that Putin is a cute kitten. Even when high-ranking Ukrainian officers say, the military picture is grim, is part of the fog of war.
The Prussian general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz wrote that war is filled with unpredictability and that “in war more than anywhere else in the world things happen differently to what we had expected." Before its invasion in February 2022, Russia had nearly five times as many military personnel as Ukraine, a defense budget eleven times larger, an economy almost eight times larger, and significantly better military capabilities. Examples of Russian capabilities included advanced fighter aircraft (such as the Su-34 and Su-35), artillery (such as the 2S7 Pion, BM-21 Grad, and 2S4 Tulpan), main battle tanks (such as the T-72 and T-90), nuclear weapons, and one of the world’s most feared offensive cyber capabilities. Yet Russia’s preponderance of power has failed to deliver it swift victory on the battlefield. The limits of material preponderance are true even of wars of attrition. As one study concludes, “the cost of an attrition strategy is always high” and “success is relatively uncertain.” As some analysts have noted, wars of attrition may actually favor the weaker side, including if weaker militaries can find ways to fight more innovatively than their stronger enemies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/ukrainian-innovation-war-attrition
Jimbuna
04-14-24, 07:39 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi_mUaETSMI
Jimbuna
04-14-24, 07:45 AM
Drones reshape warfare in Ukraine akin to WWI tanks - WP
Drones are altering the war in Ukraine, much like tanks did during World War I. Unmanned aircraft are effectively paralyzing the skies, reports The Washington Post.
The magazine notes that drones are disrupting the movement of assault groups. The increasing number of small drones on the front has transformed the so-called "gray zone" into a "death zone."
The commander of the strike UAV platoon of the Code 9.2 separate assault brigade named after Hetman Ivan Sirko, Oleksandr Nastenko, told WP that fighters who dare to move at night under the "watch" of enemy drones "die instantly."
According to the military, relatively inexpensive drones have changed modern warfare. Initially, they favored Ukraine, but then Russians began mass-producing their own drones.
"What we’re witnessing right now is blitzkrieg drone warfare," said BRINC Drones chief of staff Andrew Coté.
In his opinion, drones in Ukraine are changing warfare just as tanks did during World War I.
As Ukrainian military personnel recount, there are 100 drones within a 10 km radius on the battlefield. But it's difficult to distinguish whose they are.
Meanwhile, drones are helping Ukraine in conditions of ammunition shortages. Although Ukrainian soldiers express the view that artillery shells are crucial; otherwise, they could lose the war.
Frontline situation
Recall that Russian occupiers intensified attacks on the front in winter. In particular, Russians managed to capture Avdiivka and some neighboring villages. However, Defense Forces are holding positions near Avdiivka, preventing the enemy from advancing further.
Occupiers also seek to advance towards the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast.
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that the situation in eastern Ukraine has escalated. According to him, despite significant losses, the adversary is increasing efforts by deploying new units with armored vehicles, occasionally achieving tactical success.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/drones-reshape-warfare-in-ukraine-akin-to-wwi-tanks-wp/ar-BB1lAVIp?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=6684459f701c461d8805dab36063ce74&ei=53
Russia is sure to lose in Ukraine, reckons a Chinese expert on RussiaFeng Yujun says the war has strained Sino-Russian relations Feng Yujun, one of the China's leading Russianists and a professor at Peking University: Russia is sure to lose in Ukraine – The Economist
Four reasons why Russian Federation will lose to Ukraine, according to Feng Yujun:
The first is the level of resistance and national unity shown by Ukrainians, which has until now been extraordinary.
The second is international support for Ukraine, which, though recently falling short of the country’s expectations, remains broad.
The third factor is the nature of modern warfare, a contest that turns on a combination of industrial might and command, control, communications and intelligence systems. One reason Russia has struggled in this war is that it is yet to recover from the dramatic deindustrialisation it suffered after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
The final factor is information. When it comes to decision-making, Vladimir Putin is trapped in an information cocoon, thanks to his having been in power so long. The Russian president and his national-security team lack access to accurate intelligence. The system they operate lacks an efficient mechanism for correcting errors. Their Ukrainian counterparts are more flexible and effective.
His conclusion is as follows:
Russia will be forced to withdraw from all occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea.
Russia's nuclear capability is no guarantee of success. Feng Yujun gives the example of the United States, which left Vietnam, Korea, and Afghanistan with no less nuclear potential than the Russian Federation has today.
Kyiv has proven that Moscow is not invincible, so a ceasefire under the "Korean" scenario is ruled out.
The war is a turning-point for Russia. It has consigned Putin’s regime to broad international isolation. He has also had to deal with difficult domestic political undercurrents, from the rebellion by the mercenaries of the Wagner Group and other pockets of the military — for instance in Belgorod — to ethnic tensions in several Russian regions and the recent terrorist attack in Moscow. These show that political risk in Russia is very high. Mr Putin may recently have been re-elected, but he faces all kinds of possible black-swan events.
After the war, Ukraine will have the chance join both the EU and NATO, while Russia will lose its former Soviet republics because they see Putin's aggression there as a threat to their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Feng Yujun, the war, meanwhile, has made Europe wake up to the enormous threat that Russia’s military aggression poses to the continent’s security and the international order, bringing post-cold-war EU-Russia detente to an end. Many European countries have given up their illusions about Mr Putin’s Russia.
Source: https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2024/04/11/russia-is-sure-to-lose-in-ukraine-reckons-a-chinese-expert-on-russia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEOQwGrvP8c&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Jimbuna
04-14-24, 01:00 PM
Germany will supply a US-made Patriot air defence system and air defence missiles to Ukraine at a “critical time”, as Kyiv struggles to defend its energy system from Russian bombardment, Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday. Zelenskiy said on the Telegram messaging app that he was grateful to Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, for the decision to supply an additional Patriot system, and missiles for existing air defence systems. Later in his nightly video address, Zelenskiy indicated talks were under way on expanding the transfer of another air defence system, though German officials did not reference this in their remarks. “We are also working with Germany on an additional Iris-T system, which is also a strong air defence system, and on missiles for our existing air defence systems,” Zelenskiy said in his video address.
Jimbuna
04-15-24, 06:37 AM
Russia's losses in Ukraine as of April 15: 770 troops and 41 artillery systems
Ukrainian Defense Forces have eliminated an additional 770 Russian occupiers within a day, bringing the total casualties of the enemy army personnel since the onset of the wide-scale invasion to about 454,420 soldiers. Additionally, Ukrainian troops have destroyed 6 Russian tanks and 41 artillery systems, according to the morning briefing of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on April 15.
The overall Russian combat losses from February 24, 2022 to April 15, 2024 are estimated as follows:
・Personnel: about 454,420 (+770) individuals.
・Tanks: 7,180 (+6) units.
・APV (Armored personnel vehicles): 13,796 (+31) units.
・Artillery systems: 11,593 (+41) units.
・MLRS (Multiple launch rocket systems): 1,046 units.
・Anti aircraft warfare systems: 758 units.
・Aircraft: 347 units.
・Helicopters: 325 units.
・UAV operational-tactical level: 9,266 (+31) units.
・Cruise missiles: 2,092 (+3) units.
・Warships/boats: 26 units.
・Submarines: 1 unit.
・Vehicles and tankers: 15,510 (+51) units.
・Special equipment: 1,908 (+3) units.
Frontline situation
Earlier reports from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in today's morning briefing on April 12 indicated that there were 54 combat engagements on the Ukrainian frontlines within the past day.
Military command said that Russian occupiers conducted most of the attacks in the Bakhmut and Novopavlivka directions.
Furthermore, according to the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russian occupiers have been tasked with capturing the town of Chasiv Yar near Bakhmut by May 9, which is intended to facilitate further advancement of the Russian Federation towards the Kramatorsk agglomeration.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-s-losses-in-ukraine-as-of-april-15-770-troops-and-41-artillery-systems/ar-BB1lDNkz?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=a641970b227047ae9ee1ad750c01bfff&ei=22
Jimbuna
04-15-24, 07:04 AM
Stark warning to Ukraine’s drone army as Putin plans summer advance
Soviet Su-34 bombers, tanks and even oil refineries deep inside Russia – all is fair game for Ukraine’s army of drones. Outgunned from the start of the invasion – and with artillery rounds held up in the US Congress - Ukraine is having to rely on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Used to track enemy soldiers, guide artillery and even strike targets, now almost every fighting brigade has an assault drone company, while most units own small reconnaissance drones.
So much so that in early February, president Volodymyr Zelensky announced the creation of a separate branch of the Ukrainian Armed Forces devoted to drones. As the momentum on the battlefield is shifting in Russia’s favour, there are fears that Ukraine would not be able to hold up a ground offensive in the northeast this summer.
Dr Jack Watling told Metro.co.uk that Ukraine could not use their UAVs to make up for the shortage in ammunition. ‘Ukraine is actually in a reasonably good place when it comes to its UAV industry domestically and those that are being supplied,’ RUSI’s senior research fellow for land warfare said. ‘There is a mature workstream. We know what UAVs are required – ISR UAVs able to penetrate into operational depth; but not the Ukraine-manufactured Leleka'
‘That class of UAV, and then obviously Ukraine has an ongoing requirement for FPVs, which is exaggerated because of the shortage of artillery.’ He added: ‘The real challenge should be growing the military. It is not a shortage of UAVs, but a shortage of ammunitions. That has to be the priority'
About 18 miles from the border, Kharkiv – the second largest city in Ukraine – has become a primary target for the Kremlin. Zelensky said that this week almost a quarter of it had been destroyed in Russian strikes. He accused the enemy of seeking to reduce Kharkiv – which was home to more than 2 million people before the war – to rubble, clearing the way for its troops to advance. Dr Watling said there are two trajectories of where the war is going, depending on military aid from the US
Addressing where he sees the conflict going in the coming weeks and months, he said: ‘There are two future trajectories of the conflict. One of them is that the Russian offensive is blunted because Ukraine’s army is able to deploy its defences properly and has been supplied with enough ammunition. This would allow them to stop Russians from making significant gains. Ukraine uses the time this buys them to sort out the mobilisation law that was just passed'
‘We help them develop training pipelines, so that they can start generating new units of action.’ Dr Watling said this was the ‘optimistic trajectory’, but a more bleak scenario is on the cards unless the US Congress lifts the embargo on military aid. He warned Ukraine is ‘perilously close’ to running out of ammunition, adding: ‘The pessimistic trajectory is that Russians make significant gains with their offensive'
‘Meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies in Nato start to feel like they can change the timeline, but not the trajectory of the conflict and therefore begin to prioritise rearming themselves. Then there is a significant reduction in international aid, and there is more and more pressure on Ukraine’s armed forces. Russians are able to start working on their own objectives, which is to force capitulation in 2025. So, we have a huge amount of agency in determining which way the war goes. We are running perilously close to putting Ukrainians in a position where they run out of ammunition'
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/can-ukraine-s-drones-make-up-for-the-weapons-and-ammo-it-s-not-getting/ss-BB1lDoZP?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=364fe1c073bb4dc5bee15dc3c4ca4047&ei=58
Czech Politicians Say Ukraine Should Get Same Support as Israel After Iran StrikeUkraine’s situation warrants a coordinated international response similar to that received by Israel in the wake of Iranian drone and missile strikes, some Czech officials who expressed support for Israel said.
Iran attacked Israel with more than 300 drones and missiles on Saturday, but 99% of them were intercepted by Israeli forces backed by allies, official Israeli reports said. According to Israeli officials, the United States, Britain, Jordan and France were involved in defending the country.
The escalation followed Israel’s attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, resulting in the death of a senior Iranian general.
“Czechia firmly condemns the destabilising behaviour of Iran and its proxies who decided to attack Israel. We reiterate the Israeli right to self-defence. Iran’s long term aggressive behavior is preventing the Middle East region to live in peace and security,” the Foreign Ministry said in reaction to the attack.
However, some Czech politicians believe Ukraine, facing similar attacks from Russia, should receive the same kind of protection.
“The Ayatollah’s overnight attack on Israel was successfully repelled thanks to a swift international response and a willingness to defend airspace. It is a pity that we do not defend the airspace over Ukraine with the same vigour…,” Czech European Affairs Minister Martin Dvořák (STAN) posted on X... https://www.kyivpost.com/post/31109
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GxhtXHvknw&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKiLbSjY0IU&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
Skybird
04-15-24, 07:05 PM
The latest by Colonel Reisner, optimistic as always. :-?
https://www-berliner--zeitung-de.translate.goog/politik-gesellschaft/geopolitik/kann-schnell-zu-einem-dammbruch-kommen-oberst-aus-oesterreich-zur-lage-in-der-ukraine-li.2204526?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_hist=true
Soime key notes:
Russia will have had 5-6 million artillery shells available over the course of this year. Wetsenr production cannot compete.
The trench war is not static or frozen in frontlines, but is a merciless war of the ressources is being fought, its about attrition - and Russia wins it and gains more and more the upper hand in this attrition warfare.
The attack on Charkiv already has begun.
There is a big and ever growing risk for a real massive operational breakthrough by Russia sooner or later.
Ukraine has small successes only on the lowest, the tactical level anymore. Strategically, operationally, logistically, it gets eaten up by Russia.
In an earlier interview a few days ago he pointed out that Ukraine cannot equip its new five brigades with armoured IFVs and APCs anymore. These brigades in principle are only infantry brigades. Means: slow relocation speed with high vulnerabilty against artillery. So they are now running out of APCs, too.
The F-16s arrive too late - as expected. They were needed one year earlier.
Rockstar
04-15-24, 09:08 PM
The latest by Colonel Reisner, optimistic as always. :-?
https://www-berliner--zeitung-de.translate.goog/politik-gesellschaft/geopolitik/kann-schnell-zu-einem-dammbruch-kommen-oberst-aus-oesterreich-zur-lage-in-der-ukraine-li.2204526?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_hist=true
Soime key notes:
Russia will have had 5-6 million artillery shells available over the course of this year. Wetsenr production cannot compete.
The trench war is not static or frozen in frontlines, but is a merciless war of the ressources is being fought, its about attrition - and Russia wins it and gains more and more the upper hand in this attrition warfare.
The attack on Charkiv already has begun.
There is a big and ever growing risk for a real massive operational breakthrough by Russia sooner or later.
Ukraine has small successes only on the lowest, the tactical level anymore. Strategically, operationally, logistically, it gets eaten up by Russia.
In an earlier interview a few days ago he pointed out that Ukraine cannot equip its new five brigades with armoured IFVs and APCs anymore. These brigades in principle are only infantry brigades. Means: slow relocation speed with high vulnerabilty against artillery. So they are now running out of APCs, too.
The F-16s arrive too late - as expected. They were needed one year earlier.
Artillery shells or not, Both sides have gone through barrels with little in the form of replacements. I just don’t see the massive barrages we witnessed at the out set of hostilities ever happening again by either side. This is a battle of meat waves.
https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/dfbcec47-7b01-400e-ab21-de8eb98c8f3a/page/p_xqnmzwwv0c?s=t
Jimbuna
04-16-24, 05:46 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of April 16
In Ukraine, there were 104 military clashes on the front line over the past day. Russian forces actively attacked in two directions in the Donetsk region, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Enemy attacks
Overall, the enemy launched 16 missiles and 31 aviation strikes, as well as conducted 79 artillery attacks using multiple rocket launchers on the positions of our troops and civilian areas.
During the night, the Russian army once again attacked Ukraine, using 9 Shahed UAVs. All 9 UAVs were destroyed by the Ukrainian air defense forces.
During the past day, the following settlements were subjected to airstrikes:
・Uhroidy, Vozdvyzhenske in the Sumy region;
・Lukyantsi, Volokhivka in the Kharkiv region;
・New York, Berdychi, Semenivka, Krasnohorivka, Urozhaine, Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region;
・Robotyne, Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Over 110 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire.
Frontline situation
In theVolyn and Polissia directions, the operational situation remains relatively unchanged.
In the Siversk and Slobozhanske directions, the enemy maintains military presence in border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the transfer of our forces to threatening directions, and increases the density of mine-explosive obstacles along the state border.
In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy did not engage in offensive actions.
In the Lyman direction, the Russians attacked the positions of our defenders near Terniv and Torske in the Donetsk region 8 times.
In theBakhmut direction, our soldiers repelled 33 attacks in the areas of the settlements Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region; Verkhniokamianske, Spirne, Novyi, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka in the Donetsk region.
In the Avdiivka direction, our defenders repelled 15 attacks near the settlements Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Semenivka, Umanske, and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region.
In the Novopavlivka direction, our military continues to hold back the enemy in the areas of the settlements Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Pobieda, Vodiane, and Urozhaine in the Donetsk region, where the enemy tried 30 times to break through the defense of our troops.
In the Orikhiv direction, the enemy attacked the positions of our defenders near Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region 7 times; north of Pryiutne and southwest of Bilohiria in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kherson direction, the enemy does not give up its intention to knock our units out of the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Thus, during the past day, the enemy made 5 unsuccessful attacks on the positions of our troops.
Enemy losses
During the past day, the Defense Forces' aviation struck 13 personnel concentration areas, 2 anti-aircraft missile systems, and 1 enemy command post.
Rocket troops units inflicted damage on 2 artillery pieces, 4 personnel concentration areas, and 4 enemy UAV command posts.
According to ISW data, Russia is preparing for a major offensive in early summer. If US military aid is not unlocked by then, the enemy's counteroffensive will become a serious problem for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are advancing near Donetsk, and the occupiers have made progress near Krasnohorivka and Pobieda.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/how-us-destroyed-80-drones-six-missiles-launched-from-yemen-and-iran/ss-BB1lEQJt?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=d33a73bcba8c4da2bcb9ad467fffeddf&ei=12
Ukrainian Engineers Design ‘Kronos’ Submarine That Fires TorpedoesThe Kronos submarine seacraft supposedly can move without sound at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour and can carry a payload of explosives. A submarine vessel that is capable of firing torpedo rockets conceptualized by Ukrainians at a United Arab Emirates-registered company has undergone tests for warfare use, the manufacturer announced. On its website, the company, Highland Systems, says the vessel is able “to accommodate 10 passengers.” The Kronos submarine seacraft supposedly can move without sound at a speed of 50 kph (30 mph) per hour, and can carry a payload of explosives. “The submarine features an innovative hull design which significantly reduces fuel. This brings a whole new concept into production of submarines across the world,” the company claims.
According to Oleksandr Kuznetsov, one of the developers, the Kronos submarine boasts a pressure chamber and an underwater outlet for divers. Additionally, it's equipped with a remote control system, making it operable as a drone. Fitted with sonars, radars, communication systems, night vision cameras, 360-degree cameras, and an electronic periscope, the submarine is versatile, capable of tasks like patrolling coastlines, conducting reconnaissance, military evacuations, and even enemy attacks—housing a strike system with six missiles. With an electric motor, Kronos can reach speeds of up to 50 kmh, propelled by underwater “wings.” Its manoeuvrability allows it to evade threats by moving left, right, and rotating around its axis. Constructed with a composite hull and hydrodynamic shape, the submarine operates almost silently, absorbing radar signals, and remaining undetectable even to sonars and echo sounders.
Kuznetsov said that Highland Systems goal is creating an unmanned submarine using modern technologies. Kronos boasts a single-charge operational duration of up to 54 hours and a range of 1000 kilometres (620 miles). It operates autonomously, eliminating the need for a carrier ship. The electric motor is supported by powerful batteries, generators, and a compressor for crew air supply during surfacing. It looks like Highland Systems succeeded in their negotiations with Italian Leonardo company, as the submarine got equipped with six Black Scorpion torpedoes, three on each side of the hull. It is a 127mm torpedo 1.1 meter (3.5 feet) in length and weighing 20 kilograms (45 pounds), and can reach a target 3 kilometres away (2 miles).
The Kronos body is covered with a special composite material that absorbs the sonar signal. The manufacturer of the submarine also provides its characteristics:
working depth — 100 meters (328 feet)
Maximum depth — 250 meters (820 feet)
Maximum time underwater — 54 hours in hybrid mode, 36 hours in battery mode, 18 hours in generator mode
width — 7.4 meters (24 feet)
length — 9 meters (30 feet)
The height is 2.2 meters (7 feet)
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/31207
Artillery shells or not, Both sides have gone through barrels with little in the form of replacements. I just don’t see the massive barrages we witnessed at the out set of hostilities ever happening again by either side. This is a battle of meat waves.
https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/dfbcec47-7b01-400e-ab21-de8eb98c8f3a/page/p_xqnmzwwv0c?s=tA howitzer barrel usually is good for a few thousand shots before its steel becomes brittle or bends. If an artillery battery doesn’t replace worn-out barrels in time, it risks catastrophic accidents as shells explode inside their guns. Around Avdiivka, Bakhmut or Krynky, Russian artillery batteries might need to replace their barrels every couple of months. Technicians are yanking the barrels off the old towed guns and using them as a replacement for worn-out barrels on the most important self-propelled howitzers. The Russians are cannibalizing their towed artillery in order to keep their self-propelled artillery in action, with Ukraine destroying daily artillery at a high rate with cheap drones it is the question of how long Russia has barrels in stock or production to shoot those millions of shells.
Jimbuna
04-16-24, 11:51 AM
Ukraine, Turkiye, Russia negotiated on navigation in Black Sea - Reuters
Ukraine was considering the possibility of signing an agreement to ensure the security of navigation in the Black Sea. Such negotiations allegedly took place between Kyiv, Moscow, and Ankara over two months, according to Reuters.
Reuters states that the parties reached an agreement on the text, which was supposed to be announced by Turkiye, but Ukraine suddenly refused, according to four unnamed individuals familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters. They also noted that last month, there was almost a Russian-Ukrainian agreement on navigation in the Black Sea.
According to Reuters' sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of such negotiations, they were conducted through the mediation of Turkiye after a push from the UN.
The agreement, reached in March, concerned ensuring the security of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. It is also noted that while Ukraine did not want to officially sign it, Kyiv agreed for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to announce it on March 30, on the eve of regional elections, sources told the Western agency.
"At the very last minute, Ukraine suddenly pulled out and the deal was scuttled," one of the sources is quoted as saying.
The Reuters material also adds that three more interlocutors confirmed this version of events. Ukraine, Russia, and Turkiye have not commented on this media report.
After Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal in July last year, a special maritime corridor was created, including for the protection of grain coming from ports. According to the Ukrainian Navy, the corridor's operation had already reached full capacity before Russia's full-scale invasion.
As previously stated by the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Major General, Kyrylo Budanov, constant attacks on the Russian fleet allowed it to be displaced to the southeast and to restore navigation. The northern part is controlled by Ukraine.
In December last year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he saw no point in restoring the grain deal.
Additionally, in December, the Minister of National Defense of Turkey, Yaşar Güler, stated that his country continues efforts to activate the Black Sea grain initiative.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-could-outgun-ukraine-10-to-1-in-a-matter-of-weeks-us-general-says/ss-BB1lHhaI?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=2e9bd47d2edc416aace31ced31ecc8ff&ei=25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqjvTKFufuk
Jimbuna
04-16-24, 12:10 PM
Russia could outgun Ukraine 10 to 1 in a matter of weeks, US general says
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, many people thought it was a matter of weeks for the Kyiv government to fall. The country’s resilience has been admirable, but is not enough to win the war.
General Christopher Cavoli, head of the US European Command and the highest-ranking American military commander in Europe, has revealed that Ukraine could be outgunned ten to one in a matter of weeks.
According to AP News, Cavoli informed about the dire situation to the US Congress in early April, requesting further assistance.
“They are now being outshot by the Russian side five to one,” argued the head of the American troops in Europe to the US Congress. “So the Russians fire five times as many artillery shells at the Ukrainians than the Ukrainians are able to fire back”.
“That will immediately go to 10 to one in a matter of weeks,” Cavoli warned, adding that “we’re not talking about months. We’re not talking hypothetically.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-could-outgun-ukraine-10-to-1-in-a-matter-of-weeks-us-general-says/ss-BB1lHhaI?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=2e9bd47d2edc416aace31ced31ecc8ff&ei=29
IMF expects Ukrainian economy to grow by 3.2% in 2024, by 6.5% in 2025The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that Ukraine's gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 3.2% in 2024 and by up to 6.5% in 2025 even as the country continues to grapple with the full-scale invasion. Around the same time last year, the IMF initially estimated a 3% decline in Ukraine's GDP in 2023 before publishing a forecast of an improved growth of 2% by the end of the year.
The 2024 World Economic Outlook report also includes data on changes in the country's consumer prices, which are expected to increase 6.4% in 2024 and 7.6% in 2025. Ukraine's unemployment is projected to decrease slightly between 2024 and 2025. Russia's invasion caused a major hit to Ukraine's economy, which suffered a whopping 29.1% fall in GDP in 2022. The economy stabilized faster than expected in 2023 due to several successful government programs as well as international support.
Ukraine's Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said earlier this year that the country would need $3 billion in financial aid monthly to cope with increased economic pressures. The country received $42.5 billion in external financing last year, but continued delays in U.S. assistance could make Ukraine's economic stability more unpredictable. https://kyivindependent.com/imf-ukrainian-economy/
Rockstar
04-16-24, 03:55 PM
IMF expects Ukrainian economy to grow by 3.2% in 2024, by 6.5% in 2025The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that Ukraine's gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 3.2% in 2024 and by up to 6.5% in 2025 even as the country continues to grapple with the full-scale invasion. Around the same time last year, the IMF initially estimated a 3% decline in Ukraine's GDP in 2023 before publishing a forecast of an improved growth of 2% by the end of the year.
The 2024 World Economic Outlook report also includes data on changes in the country's consumer prices, which are expected to increase 6.4% in 2024 and 7.6% in 2025. Ukraine's unemployment is projected to decrease slightly between 2024 and 2025. Russia's invasion caused a major hit to Ukraine's economy, which suffered a whopping 29.1% fall in GDP in 2022. The economy stabilized faster than expected in 2023 due to several successful government programs as well as international support.
Ukraine's Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said earlier this year that the country would need $3 billion in financial aid monthly to cope with increased economic pressures. The country received $42.5 billion in external financing last year, but continued delays in U.S. assistance could make Ukraine's economic stability more unpredictable. https://kyivindependent.com/imf-ukrainian-economy/
Dude, I’m getting tired of beggars. Ukraine’s independence was 1991 they had over thirty years to build an economy and defense strategy and instead are now complaining while waiting around for someone else to come in and save the day. You might want to take lessons from Israel and quit acting like a bunch of two year olds. Arms production, conscription age should have lowered and training should have began a long time ago. But I have a sneaking suspicion why this didn’t or maybe even couldn’t happen and would open up a whole new can of worms by discussing what 80 % of Ukrainians think Zelensky isn’t working hard enough to solve. You need 3 billion more a month? Then either put your heart into the effort of defending your homeland and end it, or go out and get a job.
I fully understand why many Americans are tired of sending weapon and ammo aids to Europe.
Europe should in combination be stronger military than USA and stronger than Russia.
Almost every country in Europe is a member of NATO.
It's like we don't wanna learn, 'cause there's always USA to help us.
Markus
Rockstar
04-16-24, 05:11 PM
I fully understand why many Americans are tired of sending weapon and ammo aids to Europe.
Europe should in combination be stronger military than USA and stronger than Russia.
Almost every country in Europe is a member of NATO.
It's like we don't wanna learn, 'cause there's always USA to help us.
Markus
NATO members pull their weight, Israel pulls its weight, Japan pulls it weight, South Korea pulls its weight, Germany was smacked economically absorbing the East and even they pull their weight, Australia, U.K. the list goes on. We all make mistakes, have problems with our economy and defense posture but we manage. But we dont sit around for thirty years doing nothing about it.
NATO members pull their weight, Israel pulls its weight, Japan pulls it weight, South Korea pulls its weight, Germany was smacked economically absorbing the East and even they pull their weight, Australia, U.K. the list goes on. We all make mistakes, have problems with our economy and defense posture but we manage. But we dont sit around for thirty years doing nothing about it.
You're right why haven't they done something them self the Ukrainians
Maybe they thought they were protected by us through the Budapest Memorandum
Yes most of the NATO members pull their weight, what I tried to say is:
NATO Europe saying to USA-We take care of this you just sit tight
Markus
Rockstar
04-16-24, 07:53 PM
Maybe they thought they were protected by us through the Budapest Memorandum
Well, they should have known better, the memorandum is a pretty easy read. Only someone who has never read it would believe they were owed a percentage of our GDP, military hardware and protection.
Don’t get me wrong I support Ukraine’s endeavors Im just so sick and tired of the articles from the likes of the Kiev independent and their politicians thinking they’re owed something. IMO it’s just a distraction from their own ineptitude and corruption.
Something they should have done a long time ago was to mobilize, train and arm, but for over thirty years they sat there like a bump on a log. Hell, even now they’ve been hesitant to mobilize. Now I get to see articles out of Ukraine placing blame for everything that’s gone wrong on U.S. political parties. Continuing with THAT kind of b.s. is a sure way to lose my support.
Dude, I’m getting tired of beggars. Ukraine’s independence was 1991 they had over thirty years to build an economy and defense strategy and instead are now complaining while waiting around for someone else to come in and save the day.
You know Rockstar that's a pretty harsh statement. The Ukrainian people are not sitting around waiting for anything, they are fighting and dying for their country by the tens of thousands in an unequal battle against a powerful and cruel invader who wants to steal their homes and enslave their people.
When the USSR fell they ended up with the ultimate trump card against invasion, nuclear weapons. No nuclear armed nation has ever been successfully invaded, but WE promised to protect them if they gave them up in the name of "peace and stability".
Now people like you call them beggars and worse just because they are asking us to partially keep that promise and give them a few pennies worth of old ammo and gear. :nope:
Skybird
04-17-24, 03:01 AM
Its also that Ukrainians try to fight back at pro-Russians in their middle since much longer than just 2022. They chased the Yanukovich regime away avfter it let down its mask, and already back then blood was shed. Since 2014 they are at war. And they must try to get along in a deeply corrupted state where criminal scum had hijacked the state and lobbied for its own interest. Not the easiest task to get along if you must at the same time care for your family and bring some money home.
They made mistakes, they hesitated too long, yes, Rockstar, but the fact that they are anti-Russian as an independent fact makes it worthwhile for us to support them. Else Russia would knock not on their doors, but ours. Zelenskji'S government is not without its faults, so is the man himself. But show me any government that is, including yours or ours.
If Russia triumphs in Ukraine, and I see it coming that it will, then they will not stop making music, just shift the party further westward.
Jimbuna
04-17-24, 07:12 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of April 17
Ukrainian military repelled 20 enemy attacks in the Novopavlivka direction, held positions, and repelled assaults by Russian forces in the Kherson direction. Missile troops struck at the area of concentration of enemy personnel, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian shelling
During the past day, there have been 68 combat engagements. Overall, the enemy delivered 2 missile strikes and 64 aviation strikes and carried out 75 shelling attacks with rocket artillery systems on the positions of our troops and populated areas.
As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, there are casualties and injuries among the civilian population.
The following locations were subjected to airstrikes:
・Popivka, Vozdvizhenska in the Sumy region;
・Zolochiv, Veseloye, Volokhivka, Hlushkivka, Kolisnykivka, Berestove in theKharkiv region;
・Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region;
・Terni, Zarichne, Verkhniokamianske, Chasiv Yar, Spirne, Novokalynove, Berdychi, Semenivka, Pervomaiske, Soloviove, Bila Hora, Novobakhmutivka, Oleksandrivka, Antonivka, Kostiantynivka, Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region;
・Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region;
・Berislav, Odradokamianka, Kozatske in the Kherson region.
Over 110 populated areas in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under artillery fire.
Frontline situation
In theVolyn and Polissya directions, the operational situation remains relatively unchanged.
In the Siversk and Slobozhanske directions, the enemy maintains a military presence in border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the redeployment of our troops to threatened directions, and increases the density of mine-explosive barriers along the state border.
In theKupiansk direction, the enemy did not conduct offensive (assault) actions.
In the Lyman direction, the enemy attacked the positions of our defenders in the areas of Terni, Torske, and Hryhorivka in the Donetsk region, as well as the Serebrianske Forestry Area in the Luhansk region, nine times.
In the Bakhmut direction, our soldiers repelled 19 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Verkhniokamianske, Vyiimka, Bilohorivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, and Klishchiivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy, supported by aviation, tried to improve their tactical position.
In the Avdiivka direction, our defenders repelled 11 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Ocheretyne, Novokalynove, Berdychi, Semenivka, Netailove, and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region.
In the Novopavlivka direction, the Defense Forces continued to hold back the enemy in the areas of the settlements of Krasnohorivka and Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy attempted 20 times to break through the defense of our troops.
In the Orikhiv direction, the enemy attacked the positions of our defenders four times in the areas of the settlements of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region, Robotyne, and northwest of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kherson direction, the enemy is not giving up on its intention to dislodge our units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro. During the past day, the enemy made 5 unsuccessful attacks on our troops' positions.
At the same time, our soldiers continue active operations to inflict casualties on the occupation forces in personnel and equipment, exhausting the enemy along the entire line of contact.
Enemy losses
During the past day, the Air Force struck 6 areas of enemy personnel concentration and 2 command posts.
Missile forces units targeted 1 area of enemy personnel concentration.
The total number of losses in the Russian army since the beginning of the invasion is 455,340 military personnel.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-frontline-update-as-of-april-17/ar-BB1lLkhP?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=444ca8cc66c649529d4040290b9e93d5&ei=43
Jimbuna
04-17-24, 07:39 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0A-AY3zhpU
Rockstar
04-17-24, 08:13 AM
You know Rockstar that's a pretty harsh statement. The Ukrainian people are not sitting around waiting for anything, they are fighting and dying for their country by the tens of thousands in an unequal battle against a powerful and cruel invader who wants to steal their homes and enslave their people.
When the USSR fell they ended up with the ultimate trump card against invasion, nuclear weapons. No nuclear armed nation has ever been successfully invaded, but WE promised to protect them if they gave them up in the name of "peace and stability".
Now people like you call them beggars and worse just because they are asking us to partially keep that promise and give them a few pennies worth of old ammo and gear. :nope:
Signatories of the The Budapest Memorandum made no such promises to protect anyone. The security assurances simply stated they would refrain from invasion. A lot of good that paper did because Russia basically round filed it.
IMO Ukraine has yet to step up to the plate and fully mobilize, last Ukrainian general to suggest it was fired. And Zelensky wanting us to ‘give’ him thirty 1.1 billion dollar each Patriot missile system is not asking for a pennys worth of old equipment. Nor is the 1.5 billion dollars worth 155 mm artilliary shells currently in production. If they want more than a pennies worth of anything it should lended and repaid in full. But then even IMF has concerns about their ability to repay loans. We’re not a Goodwill store.
Israel has spent billions upon billions in defense over the decades even took loans which they repay to prepare for what Iran threw at them they did not sit around waiting for it to happen then complain about hypocrisy and blaming others for there problems.
therein lies my problem it doesn’t appear to me they have their heart in this.
Rockstar
04-17-24, 08:40 AM
This is what the E.U. and U.S. interests are in Ukraine. Bleeding out Russian economic, military and regional influence.
Seeing reports Russian forces withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh after having been told the get out by Azerbaijan.
Skybird
04-17-24, 08:53 AM
:har: Somehow we just dont get it right.
An influential global body has forecast Russia's economy will grow faster than all of the world's advanced economies, including the US, this year.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Russia to grow 3.2% this year, significantly more than the UK, France and Germany.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68823399
Aktungbby
04-17-24, 09:08 AM
You know Rockstar that's a pretty harsh statement. The Ukrainian people are not sitting around waiting for anything, they are fighting and dying for their country by the tens of thousands in an unequal battle against a powerful and cruel invader who wants to steal their homes and enslave their people.
When the USSR fell they ended up with the ultimate trump card against invasion, nuclear weapons. No nuclear armed nation has ever been successfully invaded, but WE promised to protect them if they gave them up in the name of "peace and stability".
Now people like you call them beggars and worse just because they are asking us to partially keep that promise and give them a few pennies worth of old ammo and gear. :nope:Precisely the problem! What Nato should do, now that Vladimir the Grate has lost the strategic war against NATO inasmuch as Sweden and Finland are now members on Europe's 'threatening' northern shoulder, is to restore precisely the number of nukes that Ukraine gave up back when Clinton signed the(feel-good worthless) promise along with NATO members. With the MIT study stating that civilzation will end around 2040, four fuses are presently lit: Russia in Ukraine; China antagonizing Taiwan and the China Sea nations; N. Korea rattling its nuclear sabre against S.Korea-and actually altering it constitution to do so; and Iran's current aid to the Houthi's in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbolla in Lebanon...:ping::ping::ping::ping: Like the triggering Archduke Ferdinand's assassination in 1914, which fuse will trigger armageddon is an interesting conjecture: they don't call it Big Bang Theory fer nuthin...and we started this mess in 1945 with "fatman" and "little boy" Thanks Harry (Tuman) and the Gratest generation??!!:oops::help::dead:
Rockstar
04-17-24, 10:15 AM
:har: Somehow we just dont get it right.
An influential global body has forecast Russia's economy will grow faster than all of the world's advanced economies, including the US, this year.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Russia to grow 3.2% this year, significantly more than the UK, France and Germany.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68823399
Initially I was taken aback when the U.S. position was not in favor of Ukraine hitting Russian oil refineries. Especially since we stopped importing it over a year, I thought it was most likely a case of plausible deniability.
But I might have been wrong as it seems any increase in global energy prices benefits Russia. This article also goes an little into why Russia’s REAL GDP growth numbers may not be all what they say it is.
https://carnegieendowment.org/2024/04/10/is-kremlin-overconfident-about-russia-s-economic-stability-pub-92174
Jimbuna
04-17-24, 11:25 AM
I wouldn't have thought Putin will be losing any sleep as long as he can keep the truth from the Russian people.
Russia's meat grinder soldiers - 50,000 confirmed dead
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-68819853
Nobody can really know what the economy of Russia doing, it does not give the figures any more and lie about their figures. No European country can on his own fight this kinda war and keep up their economy, that is why we give them economic support, it is a critical part of the war to keep Ukraine alive. The same was with the UK and the USSR in WW2 without economical and military support Hitler could never be defeated, Churchill and Stalin both begged for economical and military support. That is only what Ukraine ask for, give us the means so that we Ukraine can win this so that you western countries do not need to send troops.
I wouldn't have thought Putin will be losing any sleep as long as he can keep the truth from the Russian people.Putin and his gang do not get this information, they are only told that all is going according to the plan. It is more important to be loyal to Putin than tell him the truth, for Putin this is the deal that is why he is surrounded by this type of people as every dictator deserves. These 50,000 are only what they could confirm there are a lot that are not included because we can not count the ones still rotting in the fields and that with shortages in ammo still in the beginning of the year tells this year will be bloody for Russia. All for a couple kilometres of wastes land and rubble that can not be used in the decades to come.
Let's hope I know..., but it is all Ukraine has on the moment. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he is moving forward with his plan to hold a vote on a series of foreign aid bills for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan despite pressure from Republican hardliners, CNN reported on April 17. Johnson told U.S. lawmakers (https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/17/politics/mike-johnson-ukraine-aid/index.html[/) that the vote will be held in the evening of April 20. https://kyivindependent.com/johnson-says-vote-on-ukraine-israel-foreign-aid-bills-to-take-place-on-april-20/
Ukraine's forces to receive 2,000 Ukrainian-made short-range electronic warfare systemsMykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation and Minister of Digital Transformation, has announced that 2,000 items of Ukrainian-made short-range electronic warfare equipment developed by Brave1 cluster companies will be deployed to the battlefield. "Short-range electronic warfare, particularly for trench warfare, protects soldiers and their locations, armoured vehicles, and evacuation cars. It disables Russian FPV drones, scavenger drones and reconnaissance drones. That means tens of thousands of lives and pieces of equipment saved."
According to Fedorov, there was no development of short-range electronic warfare in Ukraine before the full-scale invasion. Thanks to Brave1's systematic work, the industry has begun to expand, and there are now hundreds of technological solutions available for purchase by the state. The digital transformation minister added that he would continue to sign new contracts. "Our strategic goal is to ensure that every unit and every piece of equipment that needs EW protection gets it. And Brave1's objective remains to discover and support developers working to boost the military technologically." https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/04/17/7451663/
NATO allies are allowed to violate the NATO lower limit for, among other things, ammunition stock to support Ukraine, says Stoltenberg. “The decision is up to the countries themselves.” This was the commitment of the Netherlands and Denmark today. Pressure is rapidly mounting on Dutch Defence to deliver one of its four Patriot systems (the Netherlands already gave two Patriot systems) to Ukraine. Prime Minister Rutte said Tuesday in a debate that NATO requirements stand in the way of such a delivery, but NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg gave short shrift to this argument Wednesday in Brussels. After speaking with three smaller countries at the forefront of military support to Ukraine (Denmark, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic), Stoltenberg sent a clear message. 'The situation on the battlefield remains extremely difficult. Ukraine needs more help. If allies have to make a choice between meeting NATO goals in terms of military capability and giving support to Ukraine, my message is clear: send more aid to Ukraine.' Stoltenberg cited as a shining example, Denmark, which has given all its artillery to Ukraine and ordered new artillery for itself. 'If bypassing the national targets set by NATO is the only way to deliver aid to Ukraine, then that is the right thing to do.' He added that this also underscores the importance of increasing production of critical weapons systems to replenish national stockpiles.
Rockstar
04-17-24, 04:42 PM
Lenin Revised — Russian Military Power Means De-Electrification And Unconditional Surrender Of The Kiev Regime
Posted on April 16, 2024 by Yves Smith
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2024/04/lenin-revised-russian-military-power-means-de-electrification-and-unconditional-surrender-of-the-kiev-regime.html
Yves here. We were among those to point out, relatively early, that Russia would dictate terms when the Ukraine war ended. But John Helmer was first to recognize that de-electrification was the leverage point in this campaign. Turning out the lights, as much as they will need to be, is looking to be the mechanism to force Ukraine’s capitulation.
It was a relatively bright day, November 21, 1920, when Vladimir Lenin, having won the civil war and driven off the American, British, French, Canadian, and Australian invasion forces, announced: “Communism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country, since industry cannot be developed without electrification.”
Come November 2024 it will be a century and four years to count what Lenin meant, and how Russia is proving itself against everything which the military industries, special forces, weapons, intelligence so-called, operations, and plans of the old invasion coalition, plus Germany, can throw at it. So on November 21, 2024, it will be time to revise Lenin’s maxim to read: Russia is military power plus the de-electrification of the countries which attack it.
This is electric war.
To make the war aim unambiguously clear, President Vladimir Putin ordered his ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Vasily Nebenzya (lead image, left), to read out a paper at his desk in the UN Security Council chamber on April 11: “very soon, the only topic for international meetings in Ukraine will be the unconditional surrender of the Kiev regime.”
Note what the terms “unconditional surrender of the Kiev regime” mean: total military defeat of the Ukrainian, American, British, French, Polish, and other forces on the Ukrainian territory and in the air surrounding; surrender of the municipal administrations of the east-bank cities, including Kharkov, Dniepropetrovsk, and Odessa; disarmament and demilitarization of the territory between Kiev and the Polish border; exit of every member of the regime, starting with Vladimir Zelensky.
This is an ultimatum without alternatives for either Moscow or Kiev. In electric war, are there any alternatives?
Nebenzya was making his announcement on the evening of Thursday, April 11, Kiev time. In the time it took for his text to be drafted, edited by the Foreign Ministry, authorized at the Kremlin, and Nebenzya given the go-ahead, it had been only a few hours after the lights of Kiev went out when the Tripolskaya power station was destroyed by a new Russian missile, the X-69 (lead image, right).
THE GEOGRAPHY OF TARGETING IN THE ELECTRIC WAR TO DATE
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/00-electrification-2.png
Click to enlarge key and identify locations: https://t.me/rezervsvo/53515
The strike against the Tripolskaya plant was carried out by X-69 missiles fired by Su-34 or Su-35 aircraft flying at a range of up to 400 kilometres from the targets. The aircraft were in Russian airspace, out of range of Ukrainian Patriot and other air defence batteries; the missiles, however, penetrated the air defence screen around Kiev and could not be intercepted. Source: https://t.me/s/Slavyangrad
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/00-electrification-3.png
Source: https://www.ft.com/
Note the single, tiny yellow blip southwest of Donetsk which the Anglo-American mapmaker calls “Ukrainian claimed counteroffensive”.
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/00-electrification-4.png
As of April 10, 2024: Source: https://t.me/sputniklive/78749
Boris Rozhin, whose Colonel Cassad military blog broadly represents General Staff thinking, reports the operational breakthrough demonstrated on April 11, and explains what the maps of current targeting foreshadow for the next round of strikes, and the rounds after that. Rozhin republishes his analysis from RT, the state media organ.
“By the evening of April 11, Ukrainian sources reported that air-launched X-69 missiles could be used to hit the Tripolskaya TPP [Thermal Power Plant]. So far, there is no confirmation of this information, but it is worth studying these missiles in more detail. Their range is almost 20 times less than that of the X-101 missiles [equivalent to about 250-500 kilometres], the carriers of which are strategic aircraft of the Aerospace Forces [Tu-95]. In their [X-69] function, they are closer to the foreign [Anglo-French] Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, which are being attempted for strikes on the Crimean Bridge. The [X-69’s] long range of the 300 km could be enough if the launches of missiles were carried out from the territory of the Bryansk region. If the use of missiles is confirmed in the future, it will mean that no energy facility of the Ukraine on the Dnieper River can work safely, and the strike capabilities of the Aerospace Forces have multiplied.” https://t.me/rt_russian/197065
“Several factors have led to the weakening of the air defence in Ukraine, among which in the first place is the disproportionately high consumption of expensive anti-[aircraft] missiles SAMP-T, and Patriot, as well as daily losses of the foreign air defence systems near the front line. They have been deployed there to prevent Russian aircraft, or at least reduce their activity, but as a consequence, the foreign air defence systems themselves have become the target. And so the circle is closed — medium-range air defence systems cannot be placed on energy facilities now due to the risk of destruction; in the event they are destroyed, the West is in no hurry to replace the launchers and radars. As a result, the key energy facilities remain unprotected; it becomes easier to hit them; and for combined strikes it is no longer necessary to use [Russian] strategic aviation, as it was at the beginning of the SVO or throughout the past year. These circumstances allow the Russian Defense Ministry to reduce the consumption of long-range X-101 missiles, and open up for the General Staff the opportunity to expand the operational horizon in striking, and consider the following global steps, for which long-range means of destruction will be required.”
“What goals can be affected after Tripolskaya? If you compare the range of the X-69 missiles with the location of energy facilities on the Dnieper, you can find that due to the shortage of air defences, the presence of cheap cruise missiles, and the large number of combatants from the Russian side, you can organize a massive strike on any target in the central part of Ukraine. It is noteworthy that a significant part of the TPP [thermal power plant], CHP [combined heat and power plant], and HPPs [hydroelectric power plant] on the Dnieper have already been attacked once or several times. But with the use of the X-69, the cost of which is several times less than X-101/X-555, the destruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure can reach a fundamentally new level.”
“At the same time, the cumulative effect of the blows continues to shake the Ukrainian energy network: the sudden loss of 1.8 GW of generation against the background of the destruction of the Tripolskaya thermal power plant and the general shortage of electricity is a serious and unsolved problem for the foreseeable future. There are not so many partially functioning and as yet not fully destroyed targets; three of them – Zmievskaya, Pridneprovskaya, and Kryvorizhska [Krivoy Rog] are now within reach of the X-69 missiles. For the final destruction of similar facilities in the west of Ukraine (Burshtyn and Dobrotrytskaya TPP) a combined missile strike with the use of long-range X-101 can be carried out.”
For a guide to the measurement units of electricity generation and consumption, click to read.
MAP OF LOCATIONS OF UKRAINE POWER GENERATING PLANTS BY TYPE
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/00-electrification-5.png
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org
“Given the fact that the Thermal Power Plants (TPP), as well as the hydropower plants [HPP], in the Ukraine play an important role in the system and have played the role of the energy balancer, their destruction will lead to the fact that there will be no stable electricity in the electricity system of the eastern and central part of the Ukraine. And without that it is impossible not only for industry to function, but also any normal life, not to mention serious military capabilities.”
The Ukraine has published electricity capacity levels before the war reaching their peak on January 25, 2022 — according to Ukrenergo figures, reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA) — of 21.13GW. Ukrainian demand on that day was 21.91GW.
Ukrenergo figures were last published for October 27, 2022, when the first phase of the electric war was under way. Generation amounted to 10.71GW; demand to 10.77GW. The estimated capacity which survived at the end of last month, after the electric war had resumed, was estimated in Colonel Cassad reporting on March 30 at 7.8GW.
Imports of electricity from the surrounding EU states were peaking last month, on March 26, at 18,649 MW per hour, or about 779.2MW of EU generating capacity; that is just over 10% of domestic generation. The figure is considerable for a single day and expensive, whether Kiev or the Europeans pay. For how long the Ukraine and its EU neighbours can agree to keep up the rate or expand it, is unknown. The line capacity from the EU networks was at 1.7GW by late last year. On paper, that looks like double last month’s peak. Russian attacks on the transmission grid inside Ukraine are likely to reduce that.
At best, on paper, the current generating capacity of solar energy plants is about 5GW; wind power, 1.3GW. In fact, according to the last report of the International Energy Agency (IEA) of electricity generation by source, dated February 25, 2022, the solar plants were producing just 0.10GW, wind plants, 0.04GW. The IEA data came from Ukrenergo, the Kiev state utility. Most of the Ukraine’s renewable energy sources are in the southeast of country, behind or just forward of the front.
CHART OF UKRAINE ELECTRICITY GENERATION BY SOURCE TO FEBRUARY 25, 2022
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/00-electrificaton-6.png
Click to enlarge view. In the IEA’s last public record on February 25, 2022, Ukrainian nuclear plants were producing 8.42GW, coal 3.82GW, hydro 1.28GW, natural gas 0.47GW, solar 0.10GW, and wind 0.04, totaling 14.13GW. For Rozhin’s analysis of how much of this capacity remained before last week’s round of strikes, read this, Rozhin’s estimate of the surviving balance on April 1 was 7.8GW. Based in Paris, the IEA is a propaganda agency for the Kiev regime; Russia is excluded from membership or association. “The IEA is partnering with Ukraine as it bolsters its energy security”, the international agency says on its website at the moment. “The International Energy Agency (IEA), which has deepened its relationship with Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, is stepping up to provide support…The IEA and many of our member countries are working closely with Ukraine to help the country’s energy system recover from Russia’s attacks.” The agency has been concealing the loss of Ukrainian electricity capacity since February 2022.
In remarks this month to the Financial Times of Tokyo and London, Ukrainian energy officials claim they have three alternatives – repair the damage, bringing the system back to normal demand levels; add alternative power sources such as imported electricity from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania, and the Baltic states or local renewables, such as solar and wind generation; or defend the electricity system with more Patriot missile systems.
“Our goal,” according to Maxim Timchenko, chief executive of DTEK — the dominant Ukrainian power company which is owned by Rinat Akhmetov, “is to restore as much as we can by October… Subject to no further attacks, at least 50 per cent of damaged power units will be reconnected to the grid.” Had it not been for the warm weather, energy imports from the EU, and an increase in renewable energy generation, the current situation would be much worse, Timchenko added.
The Russians “are trying to cut off large industrial regions and cities from the power supply,” a spokesman for Ukrenergo, the state-owned grid system operator, told the newspaper. “Smaller substations — managed by Ukrenergo — can be shielded from attacks with protective structures. But it is very difficult, if not impossible to cover the large power plants, which take several months or even years to restore.”
In a separate report, the FT claimed after the Tripolskaya attack that the plant had been “protected by air defences.” Whether these were Patriot missiles or something else, the newspaper omitted to acknowledge that they had been defeated.
It then quoted Ilya Yevlash, Ukraine Air Force’s brand-new spokesman, as saying that “only the Patriot system was capable of shooting down Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal and Zircon missiles. Obviously we need more, which may help us to protect our critical infrastructure and cities.” The newspaper didn’t ask — Yevlash didn’t say –why the NATO-Ukrainian crews manning the Patriot batteries have been unable to defend either their missile batteries or themselves from hypersonic Kinzhal strikes or the subsonic X-69s.
Other Russian military bloggers are reporting new strikes in the west against thermal power plants (TPP) at Dobrotvir, Lvov region, and Burshtyn, Ivano-Frankivsk region, as well as the vast underground gas storage in Lvov known as Bilche-Volitzko-Ugerskoye.
Alexei Slovtsov has summed up the current situation in the military blog Slavyangrad: “The enemy’s ability to manoeuvre [redistribute and balance] the load has practically disappeared. The base load is carried by the nuclear power plants, and all fluctuations in the schedule can now be covered only by imports from outside. And that is limited by the network bandwidth and power on the other side. The ability to control frequency in the power system will be greatly reduced. The east of Ukraine is now stuck in dependence on several lines of 330 kV and below. There, literally, the last click is needed for everything to go out from the Dnieper to Kharkov. If the 750 kV network is killed, the system will break up into three isolated nodes around the nuclear power plants.” Source: April 12, 01:21.
MAP OF UKRAINIAN TRANSMISSION LINE TARGETS
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/00-electrification-7.png
This targeting map was drawn by military sources for this publication on April 1. It is not yet a map of new Russian strikes.
According to a NATO veteran and expert in applying electrical engineering to war, there is no prospect that the regime in Kiev can fill the power hole being created by the Russian operations. “Renewables [solar, wind] are not even remotely close to filling the gap. They’re a scam, especially in the Ukrainian case. Taking generation out of the equation, if the Russians continue striking transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as production, transportation and storage facilities, the inevitable conclusion is the collapse of the Ukrainian electricity grid. This means the collapse of Ukrainian society. As we watch the electric war unfold, I get the impression that pushing [Ukrainian] people west of the Dnieper is the [Russian] goal of the current phase of the electric war – so call this Phase 2.”
The source said the bordering NATO states lack the capacity to increase their electricity supplies to the Ukraine, even with the addition of newly announced power sources in the Baltic states. This European industry publication has reported that in 2023 Ukrainian imports from the European Union (EU) had doubled from 2021 to 935 million kWh.
How much more EU sources can provide is uncertain. Ukrainian sources told the Financial Times last week that “in the aftermath of the March strikes, imports from the EU reached a record 18,700MWh, the equivalent generated by two power plants. In the months after Russia’s full-scale invasion of 2022, Ukraine connected its grid to neighbouring EU countries Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland.”
The International Energy Agency (IEA), which publishes what it calls “real-time data on electricity demand and generation in Ukraine”, stopped reporting the demand and generation data after February 2022. The US propaganda source, Atlantic Council, is currently claiming that “Ukraine expands EU energy exports in fresh display of wartime resilience”; In fact, Ukrainian electricity exports have stopped, and imports from the EU may already be greater than the Atlantic Council estimated in March to be 1700MW (1.7GW).
Last month, the western press was repeating Kiev’s claims. “In its latest update on energy security in Ukraine, the country’s Energy Ministry said Sunday [March 17] the power supply system remained ‘balanced’ despite technical disruptions and shelling. ‘No shortage of electricity is expected’, it said in a press release on its website. ‘For the current day, electricity imports are expected to reach 3,900 MWh, while exports are also expected to reach 2,000 MWh’ it added. On March 5, 2024, the ministry, which oversees Ukrenegro, said Ukraine achieved an electricity surplus which was exported to Poland in the amount of 246 mWh.”
In the four weeks since then the Russian General Staff have despatched Kinzhal and X-69 to contradict the claims.
The NATO electrical engineer adds: “I don’t believe the transmission lines between the Ukraine and the EU have the capacity for the compensating increase required to fill the gap.”
Oleg Tsarev is an influential Ukrainian political figure and potential Russian candidate to take the presidency in Kiev; he was the target of Ukrainian assassination last October. He now lives and works in Crimea. Here is his Telegram piece of April 7, analyzing the new phase in the electric war: “What has happened? Why have our operations become more striking? Partly this is due to the fact that the Russian Aerospace Forces have pretty much blasted the Ukrainian air defense systems. Since the summer of 2022, the losses of such AFU [Armed Forces of the Ukraine] systems have sharply decreased due to the integration of air defence with Western intelligence systems. Our people looked closely at the western air defence systems, analyzed their work, and looked for vulnerabilities. And so it went on for a long time: for the whole of 2023, according to the official reports of our Ministry of Defense, only 46 anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMs) of Ukraine were hit. And in three months of this year, 52 have already been counted.”
“Our military has studied how Western systems work, how to bypass or hit them. We have improved the quality of the intelligence. The defeats of the SAM on the combat front and in the rear are vivid examples of this. Plus a combination of Geranium drone strikes and rocket launches is used. This is confirmed by the statistics of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their analysis of combined air strikes and UAVs: if at the beginning of 2023, our [Russian] strikes averaged about 22 per day, then in the middle and end of the year, there were over 50; in February 2024 this number jumped abruptly to 84 per day, and in March the rate continued. Our missiles and drones have really increased. There are fewer enemy air defences.”
“The most important thing is, apparently, that after the attacks on our refineries and on Belgorod, decisions were made to use our capabilities to the fullest. Last year, they [Russia] tried not to hit production facilities, and even blows to large transformers in network nodes were inflicted reluctantly. Today, our weapons are hitting the engine rooms of power plants and any associated military targets. Important political decisions have been made, and all these strikes are just the tip of the iceberg.”
NOTE: The impact of the Tripolskaya, Dobrotvir, and Burshtyn strikes has not yet materialized in a surge of Ukrainians heading out of the blackout and into Poland. These are the latest outward and inward figures issued by the Polish Border Guard:
UKRAINIAN POPULATION MOVEMENT ACROSS THE POLISH BORDER THIS MONTH
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/00-electrification-8.png
As of compilation of these data on April 14, the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) was lagging in its public reports by three days; in the first year of the war it published these data every day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P9IcXii0fc&ab_channel=Military%26History
Markus
Jimbuna
04-18-24, 05:11 AM
Denmark allocates 295 million euros in aid to Ukraine
The Danish government has decided to allocate 200 million Danish kroner for investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, according to the Danish Ministry of Defense.
In addition, funds have been allocated for the creation of significant maritime capabilities, drones, and the production of missile components. A total of about 2.2 billion Danish kroner (295 million euros) was allocated.
"In March, I visited a number of Ukrainian defense companies in Kyiv, and it became clear that there is great potential for future cooperation that can provide Ukraine with much-needed equipment that will help change the situation on the battlefield," says Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
The Minister emphasizes that direct investment in the Ukrainian defense industry is a new initiative that can inspire other countries to do the same so that Ukraine can produce more military equipment itself.
In total, Denmark has already announced military support for Ukraine worth almost 41.4 billion Danish kroner (5.9 billion euros).
Denmark's assistance to Ukraine
In February 2024, Denmark not only announced assistance to Ukraine but also donated all of its artillery to Ukraine. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called on Western partners to follow Copenhagen's example by sending Ukraine weapons, ammunition, and air defense systems that are not used in their arsenals.
Going beyond words, in March, Denmark allocated an additional $330 million in military aid to Ukraine. This package included, among other things, Caesar self-propelled artillery systems.
Thus, Denmark has become one of the leaders in providing military support to Ukraine, not only by providing weapons but also by calling on others to do the same.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/denmark-allocates-295-million-euros-in-aid-to-ukraine/ar-BB1lMbUN?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=7562d362678d4cf6d8a0bb37c7344a87&ei=19
Jimbuna
04-18-24, 05:29 AM
NATO is working to make sure Trump won't be a problem for Ukraine
Donald Trump's public rhetoric has been extremely critical of NATO ever since his first term and recent comments have worried some of the alliance's members. But plans are being put in place to make sure the former president doesn't become a problem for Ukraine if he's reelected in November
NATO is working on a five-year plan to secure a $100 billion dollar aid package that will be managed by the defensive alliance in an effort to protect Ukraine from the possibility of Trump taking office and cutting Kyiv’s assistance.
Known as the Mission for Ukraine, the plan was put forward by General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg and would see NATO’s thirty-two member states commit the money, which would be coordinated by the alliance according to The Telegraph.
“If approved, it would also give the alliance control of the US-led Ramstein weapons support group and see it manage the supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022,” explained The Telegraph’s Henry Foy.
Stoltenberg pitched the new plan as a way to “shield the mechanism against the winds of political change” according to unnamed sources briefed on the plan and the alliance decided to move forward with it after talks on April 3rd.
NATO member state foreign ministers met in Brussels as part of two days of meetings that saw the alliance celebrate its 75th anniversary and begin preparing for the group's upcoming Washington Summit that will take place in July 2024.
Ministers discussed the possibility of preparing the $100 billion dollar aid plan that was proposed by Stoltenberg and agreed to move forward with the proposal that would put NATO in more control of aid to Ukraine, Stoltenberg said.
NATO would not only control the purse strings to a large amount of money and weapons but it would also take a primary role in coordinating security assistance and training for Ukraine as well as providing the support Kyiv needed for the long term.
“The Ukrainians are not running out of courage, they are running out of ammunition,” Stoltenberg said after the meeting according to a press release. “We discussed how to put our support on a firmer and more enduring basis for the future.”
Stoltenberg added that the details of the plan would take shape over the coming weeks and noted: “Ukraine can rely on NATO support now, and for a long haul." But why would such a plan be needed and what is the alliance worried about?
As some sources suggested, there likely is a real fear among the alliance’s members that Trump could be swept back into office in 2024 and then enact policies that would put the future of Ukraine at risk by withholding security assistance.
However, one unnamed European official also told Newsweek that the reality of the war in Ukraine and the brutal nature of the fighting raised “alarm bells” for member states more than the prospect of a resurgent Donald Trump in the White House.
“This happened before Trump 2.0 actually became a viable future," the official said. "I would rather say that a potential new Trump term is speeding up that process and stressing the importance of Europe's own defence capabilities."
Regardless of why NATO is making a move to take on a greater role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, it's still a serious step for the alliance that will put it at even greater odds with Moscow and could change the nature of the alliance.
“This will be crossing a Rubicon. Nato will have a role in coordinating lethal support to Ukraine,” one diplomat said according to The Telegraph. “I see consensus emerging and I think it will be there by the time we get on the plane to Washington.”
If the Mission for Ukraine were to move forward it would need the support of all NATO member states, which could be a problem. Negotiations will likely take place over the coming months and two diplomats warned the final program may be scaled back.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/nato-is-working-to-make-sure-trump-won-t-be-a-problem-for-ukraine/ss-BB1lk8FN?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=46a1a7b727d14b15dded04318642958a&ei=28#image=1
Slovak citizens raise $1.6 million for Czech ammunition initiative after government refuses to contributeSlovak citizens have raised over $1.6 million in three days for the Czech ammunition initiative after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico refused to contribute to the campaign to aid Ukraine. The initiative was founded in February when Czech President Petr Pavel said that Prague had identified 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells outside of Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine if provided with the necessary funding. Ukrainian forces are facing a critical ammunition shortage, with Russia currently firing shells at a ratio of around 10:1, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 16.
Since then, a number of countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Poland, France, Denmark, and Slovenia, have contributed funds to the initiative. The organizers of the Slovak fundraising campaign said that they "refuse to accept" that their government did not join the initiative. "Let's show that it's not just them who decide. We are convinced that the attitude of the government does not represent the majority of citizens. We are sure that we, the inhabitants of Slovakia, want and know how to help," the fundraising campaign's website says. Over 23,000 people have donated to the campaign so far, one of whom is former foreign minister Ivan Korcok, who lost to Fico's ally Peter Pellegrini in Slovakia's presidential election on April 6.
"Supporting Ukraine is not prolonging the war, it is supporting the existence of a neighbor," Korcok wrote on Facebook, describing it as "sad" that the current government does not offer more support to Kyiv. Environment Minister Tomas Taraba reportely responded with hostility when journalists asked him whether he would contribute to the fundraising campaign. The minister said the reporters should "go to Ukraine" and take up arms themselves or sell their property and contribute to the fundraiser, according to the news outlet Euractiv. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala reported on April 15 that the first 180,000 ammunition rounds for Ukraine have already been contracted as part of the initiative and will be sent to the front line in the coming months. https://kyivindependent.com/slovak-citizens-raise-1-6-million-for-czech-ammunition-initiative/
This month, the Ukrainian defense industry is to produce 10 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, with more to comeThis month, the Ukrainian defense industry is producing 10 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers for the first time, with more to come in May and beyond. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced this. “The share of our own production is constantly growing. The state enters into serious, long-term contracts with our enterprises, which provide predictability, the ability to recruit people and attract investment. This month, our industry will produce 10 Bogdana howitzers for the first time, and in May and beyond, even more,” the President shared.
At the beginning of April, Militarnyi reported that the Ukrainian arms industry is building eight Bohdana self-propelled howitzers each month... https://mil.in.ua/en/news/this-month-the-ukrainian-defense-industry-is-to-produce-10-bohdana-self-propelled-howitzers-with-more-to-come/
Not only Netherlands wants to buy Patriot for UkraineSeveral countries are ready to buy a Patriot battery from any country in the world that agrees to sell it, and for the price it offers, states the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba. "I will reveal a small diplomatic secret: The Netherlands is not the only country that is ready to buy a Patriot battery from any country in the world right now for the price they will name," Kuleba emphasized. The minister stressed that the Netherlands' public declaration of readiness to purchase the Patriot battery is an important moment. However, according to Kuleba, equally important is NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's statement that there is no need to hide behind NATO standards.
"In fact, when some NATO countries tell us that they cannot deliver a battery because they will not meet the NATO standard for the number of available batteries, and the Secretary-General tells them, do not hide behind this, but give what Ukraine needs because this is the main thing now," the Minister emphasized. As we reported earlier, Stoltenberg said that when it comes to choosing between fulfilling NATO's goals and helping Ukraine, his message is clear. https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/not-only-netherlands-wants-to-buy-patriot-1713464251.html
Ukraine has a new drone with a range of 3,000 km. It can fly to SiberiaSince President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prioritised the technology, Ukraine has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into long-range drones, capable of searching out and striking distant targets. Half a dozen firms now make them. The best of the new models has a range of 3,000km, able to reach Siberia. Born out of necessity—the West has been reluctant to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons—the programme has disrupted much of Russia’s oil and military infrastructure. But the White House is not happy. It is pushing the Ukrainians to stop the strikes... https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/04/18/ukraine-is-ignoring-us-warnings-to-end-drone-operations-inside-russia
There are truly positive things when it comes to Ukraine effort to fight the Russians.
However it doesn't look that good at the frontline for the moment. I hope the supply from USA will come through the H.R. this weekend and that these F16 will arrive very soon-Will they make a change in the warfare ?
Markus
There are truly positive things when it comes to Ukraine effort to fight the Russians.
However it doesn't look that good at the frontline for the moment. I hope the supply from USA will come through the H.R. this weekend and that these F16 will arrive very soon-Will they make a change in the warfare ?
MarkusThe frontline does not change much, and Russia losses are very high to advance on the moment nothing has really change much then a year ago. Ukraine fights with the handbrake on (saving ammo, material) what the press writes is based on the fog of war wars are unpredictable, I take the press with a grain of salt. Russia is still crawling meters in his own blood forwards no front has been broken, no strategic goal is fulfilled. F-16 will not change the war, it will help to keep the Russian air force further away because of its longer radar range and with its missiles (that I do not know what they equip them with) F-16 will help there is no game changer in this war but combined with other equipment it will help Ukraine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9P3hFjPUxI&ab_channel=UkraineMatters
Markus
Jimbuna
04-19-24, 07:26 AM
Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of April 19
In Ukraine, 86 combat engagements took place in the frontline over the last day. Russia is actively storming positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in three directions in the Donetsk region, according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff.
Russian attacks on Ukraine
In total, Russia launched 11 missile and 78 air strikes, fired 82 times from multiple launch rocket systems at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Unfortunately, Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties. A number of multi-story buildings and other civilian infrastructure facilities were destroyed and damaged.
At night, the Russians launched another massive attack on Ukraine, using cruise missiles of various types and Shahed UAVs. Data on this attack is being clarified.
Over the past day, the following Ukrainian localities were hit by Russian air strikes:
・Orlivka, Sumy region;
・Vovchansk, Strilecha, Borova, Kharkiv region;
・Nevske, Luhansk region;
・Yampolivka, New York, Novokalynove, Berdychi, Semenivka, Netailove, Selydove, Oleksandropil, Krasnohorivka, Vodiane, Vuhledar, Urozhaine, Staromaiorske, Donetsk region;
・Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne, Novodanylivka, Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia region;
・Krynky, Ivanivka, Kherson region.
Over 120 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were under Russian artillery fire.
In the morning, the Russians fired missiles at Dnipro. As a result of the attack, a five-story building in the city is on fire, with dead and injured.
Situation at frontlines
The operational situation remains unchanged in the Volyn and Polissya directions.
In the Siversk and Slobozhanske directions, Russia maintains a military presence in the border areas, conducts sabotage activities to prevent the deployment of our troops to threatened areas, and increases the density of minefields along the state border.
Russian troops did not conduct offensive (assault) actions in the Kupiansk direction.
In the Lyman direction, Russian troops attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders 4 times in the areas of Torske and Yampolivka in the Donetsk region.
In the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 25 Russian attacks near the settlements of Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region; Verkhniokamianske, Vyimka, Kalynivka, Chasiv Yar, Novyi, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka in the Donetsk region.
In the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 16 Russian attacks in the areas of Novokalynove, Ocheretyno, Berdychi, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske in the Donetsk region.
In the Novopavlivka direction, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back Russian troops in the areas of Heorhiivka, Pobeda, Novomykhailivka, and Urozhaine in the Donetsk region, where Russia tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops 20 times.
In the Orikhiv direction, the Russian troops attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders 4 times near Staromaiorske, Donetsk region, and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kherson direction, Russia does not abandon its intention to drive Ukrainian units from the footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Thus, over the past day, the Russian troops made 11 unsuccessful attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders.
Russia's losses in war against Ukraine
Over the past day, the aviation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck at 9 areas where Russian personnel were concentrated. In addition, Ukrainian Air Defense Forces destroyed 2 Russian Kh-59 guided missiles.
The Ukrainian missile troops destroyed 1 Russian control center, 2 artillery units, 1 electronic warfare station, 1 area of concentration of personnel, and 1 ammunition depot.
According to ISW, the Ukrainian Armed Forces recaptured positions near Berdychi, but the Russian troops advanced near Avdiivka.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-frontline-update-as-of-april-19/ar-AA1ni5W5?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=eb9274aec6584714a1de38bc8be31946&ei=15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJb9hzJjmDo&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A0yk_YqUsg
The Netherlands is allocating over 200 million euros for additional artillery munitions and air defence in Ukraine.This was announced by outgoing Defence Minister Ollongren in an online meeting of NATO ministers. "Air defence assets and artillery munitions are desperately needed in Ukraine," Ollongren said. "The situation threatens to become critical." According to Ollogren, the resources to which the Netherlands is now contributing are already in Europe and will go to Ukraine as soon as possible. "We must now all pull out all the stops to support Ukraine."
Of the amount, 150 million euros will go to the German Immediate Action for Air Defence initiative. This is intended to provide long-range air defence assets quickly. The remaining 60 million euros will be spent on short-range air defence assets. The Netherlands is also contributing to an Estonian initiative to rapidly deliver artillery munitions to Ukraine from existing stocks. The more than 200 million euros is part of the 1 billion euros the cabinet is releasing this year for additional military aid to Ukraine, a Defence spokesman said. That additional investment was announced last week.
The Netherlands is allocating over 200 million euros for additional artillery munitions and air defence in Ukraine.This was announced by outgoing Defence Minister Ollongren in an online meeting of NATO ministers. "Air defence assets and artillery munitions are desperately needed in Ukraine," Ollongren said. "The situation threatens to become critical." According to Ollogren, the resources to which the Netherlands is now contributing are already in Europe and will go to Ukraine as soon as possible. "We must now all pull out all the stops to support Ukraine."
Of the amount, 150 million euros will go to the German Immediate Action for Air Defence initiative. This is intended to provide long-range air defence assets quickly. The remaining 60 million euros will be spent on short-range air defence assets. The Netherlands is also contributing to an Estonian initiative to rapidly deliver artillery munitions to Ukraine from existing stocks. The more than 200 million euros is part of the 1 billion euros the cabinet is releasing this year for additional military aid to Ukraine, a Defence spokesman said. That additional investment was announced last week.
And for how long has Ukraine to wait for this ?
Europe is very much bureaucratic
Markus
And for how long has Ukraine to wait for this ?
Europe is very much bureaucratic
MarkusNot long, the Netherlands already gave 50% of its patriot batteries we gone give more or buy them Mark Rutte is the best person to make this kinda deals with other countries. The EU does not give them but the countries themselves provides so no Europe bureaucracy same goes for new military production lines it all depends on the states most production lines are increasing production and many new production lines are being build or shutdown factories are restarted. I figure the Dutch patriot battery is either prepared for transport or already in transit. The artillery shells from the Czechs are also being delivered for weeks they are coming from countries like South Korea, South Africa, etc so takes time to transport and other factories in Europe.
Skybird
04-20-24, 05:26 AM
:har: That illustration at Die Achse des Guten was too good to be missed - the title is "Habeck's tactical windmill rearmament of Ukraine".
https://www.achgut.com/images/archiv/_900w/solartank.jpg
Jimbuna
04-20-24, 06:11 AM
US Congress close to passing long-awaited aid
After months of delay, the US House of Representatives is poised to hold a vote on tens of billions of dollars in American military aid for Ukraine and Israel this weekend.
Both measures have vocal opponents in Congress, however, and their hopes of passage have hinged on a fragile bipartisan coalition to overcome daunting procedural and legislative obstacles.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has said he is determined to bring the matter to a vote, even if it may put his hold on power in jeopardy.
The Ukraine vote will be closely watched in Kyiv, which has warned of an urgent need for fresh support from its allies as Russia makes steady gains on the battlefield.
The House is set to vote on final passage on Saturday, and the Senate may approve the package as soon as this weekend. President Joe Biden has pledged to sign it into law.
Mr Johnson's foreign aid proposal provides $60.8bn (£49bn) to Ukraine, $26.4bn to Israel and $8.1bn to the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. The House of Representatives will vote on each component individually, raising the possibility that some components will be approved and others will fail.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68848277
German drone manufacturer opens factory in UkraineQuantum Systems, a German drone manufacturer, opened a drone factory and development hub in Ukraine on April 18, the company announced. Quantum Systems is the company behind advanced Vector reconnaissance drones, 212 of which have been provided to Ukraine by the German government. The plant is the company’s second site in Ukraine and is expected to increase production capacity to up to 1,000 drones yearly, including spare part production. By the end of the year, it may employ around 100 people. "For the company, this is a vote of confidence in Ukraine and its employees there, and at the same time a sign of the company’s own commitment to providing Ukraine with long-term support in the defense of its country," the statement read.
The drone manufacturer to invest up to €6 million ($6.4 million) in new production over the next two years, the company said (https://quantum-systems.com/quantum-systems-opens-factory-and-development-hub-in-ukraine/)... https://kyivindependent.com/german-drone-manufacturer-opened-factory-in-ukraine/
Ukraine Hit Russian Fuel Depot OvernightUkraine launched drones at eight Russian regions overnight, hitting three electrical substations and a fuel depot, a source in Ukraine's defense sector told AFP on Saturday. Kyiv has ramped up strikes on Russian oil and gas facilities in recent months, part of what it calls "fair" retaliation on infrastructure used to fuel Russia's war. "At least three electrical substations and a fuel storage base were hit and caught fire. The target was the energy infrastructure that feeds Russia's military-industrial complex," the source said. The strike was a "joint operation" of Ukraine's SBU security service, military intelligence and armed forces, the source added... https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/20/ukraine-hit-russian-fuel-depot-overnight-defence-source-a84911
https://i.postimg.cc/6QxSn2qM/Onerefinerydaykeepsrussiaaway.jpg
Russian Long-Range Strategic Bomber CrashesUkraine said Friday that, for the first time since Russia's invasion, it had downed a Russian long-range bomber used to fire cruise missiles at cities across the war-battered country. "For the first time, anti-aircraft missile units of the air force in cooperation with the defense intelligence of Ukraine destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber," Ukraine's military said in a statement on social media. The Russian Defense Ministry said a “technical malfunction” caused the crash. Russian officials said the plane had crashed over the southern Stavropol region when it was flying back to base and at least one member of the crew had died.
Two other pilots were taken to the hospital and searches are underway for the fourth pilot, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing the Defense Ministry. Footage circulating on social media shows the bomber spinning as it descends to the ground with a fire near its tail. Ukraine said that the Tu-22M3 had launched deadly strikes on the cities of Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih overnight. "This was the plane that bombed Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih. We took our revenge for our cities and civilians," air force spokesperson Illya Yevlash told AFP... https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/19/russian-long-range-strategic-bomber-crashes-ukraine-claims-responsibility-a84894
https://i.postimg.cc/8ct7JpfZ/20-4-2024.jpg
Donald Trump: “Why isn’t Europe giving more money to help Ukraine? Why is it that the United States is over $100 Billion Dollars into the Ukraine War more than Europe…”
https://i.postimg.cc/DzMtm2Hg/ukr-aid.jpg
In absolute numbers, the EU countries have given more than twice as much as the US. In relative to GDP numbers, they gave much more.
Jimbuna
04-20-24, 11:40 AM
GDP numbers don't interest Trump or Ukraine I suspect. It's the actual monetary value that counts and purchases what the Ukraine needs.
GDP numbers don't interest Trump or Ukraine I suspect. It's the actual monetary value that counts and purchases what the Ukraine needs.Europe gives in actual monetary value more than the US.
Jimbuna
04-20-24, 12:33 PM
Europe gives in actual monetary value more than the US.
I wouldn't dispute the fact but how many countries are the EU and using Estonia (whoever created the graph) is being a tad disingenuous IMHO
I fully expect Ukraine to be able to purchase a lot more equipment with US funding than that given by Estonia.
I wouldn't dispute the fact but how many countries are the EU and using Estonia (whoever created the graph) is being a tad disingenuous IMHO
I fully expect Ukraine to be able to purchase a lot more equipment with US funding than that given by Estonia.The majority of committed support by country has come from the United States, whose total aid commitment is valued at about $75 billion. The U.S. is followed by Germany and the United Kingdom for highest commitments overall. The European Union as a whole has committed approximately $93 billion in aid to Ukraine. While big, wealthy countries can afford to provide more in absolute terms, smaller countries are making significant offerings of their own. In fact, relative to each country’s gross domestic product, the countries near Ukraine are providing the most support.
Jimbuna
04-20-24, 12:54 PM
Fair enough but I'd prefer to see the individual countries contributions in monetary terms.
I reckon that way Estonia would be pretty well near bottom of the table and in addition there are a few EU countries/allies of the UK who also contribute almost insignificant sums.
The Bill got/went through the Congress.
This would mean Ukraine has supply for another 18-20 month of fighting(Someone wrote this in a livestream chat)
Markus
The Bill got/went through the Congress.
This would mean Ukraine has supply for another 18-20 month of fighting(Someone wrote this in a livestream chat)
Markus:up: And another Putin play bites the dust :yeah: also means about 90 percent of the $68 billion in military and related assistance Congress has thus far approved is not going to Ukraine but is being spent in the United States. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/18/ukraine-map-districts-weapons/ this is for anybody thinking it's all money given to Ukraine this bill is an investment in the US economy Ukraine gets the tools and ammo (from US stock) so that the US does not need to send troops and its economy profits (orders in the US to replenish stock) from it Win Win situation.
:up: And another Putin play bites the dust :yeah: also means about 90 percent of the $68 billion in military and related assistance Congress has thus far approved is not going to Ukraine but is being spent in the United States. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/18/ukraine-map-districts-weapons/
The same goes here in Denmark 2/3 of the billion the Danish government gives to Ukraine is used to buy ammo and weapons.
Markus
The same goes here in Denmark 2/3 of the billion the Danish government gives to Ukraine is used to buy ammo and weapons.
MarkusAll countries do this it is a surplus for the US that it gives their own weapons they produce it all goes into their own economy.
Following sentence is taken from a Danish article
Europe, meanwhile, has had to shoulder the heavy burden of arms deliveries to Ukraine, but does not have the capacity of the United States to deliver enough weapons.
Markus
Following sentence is taken from a Danish article
MarkusEurope has to rebuild its war production that is happening now, it will take time till these new factories are ready.
The American weapons now expected in Ukraine will probably not take long to arrive.
A Western government official told the Financial Times newspaper that a significant portion of the weapons and ammunition is already in storage in the Polish town of Rzeszor on the border with Ukraine.
Markus
A majority of Republicans voted against the Ukraine bill:
Democrats Yes 210 No 0
Republicans Yes 101 No 112
Totals Yes 311 No 112
March 1941, Lend Lease to save Europe from Hitler:
Democrats Yes 238 No 25
Republicans Yes 24 No 135
Totals Yes 262 No 160
History may not repeat, but it sure is cyclic.
A Ukrainian soldier texts from Donbas:
- The whole unit was watching. After the vote, one could hear all over the trench: “YESSS!”
Thank you! https://twitter.com/olex_scherba/status/1781746268739448975
Skybird
04-20-24, 03:24 PM
The news is welcomed, whether it came too late - as I fear - or not, remains to be seen.
In several oblasts of Ukraine, not a single powerplant is working anymore, namely Charkiv. They get some power, sometimes, via overland lines from other regions - which also get systematically attacked for their remaining powerplants. The vast majority of powerplants in ukraine now is either damaged or destroyed. Numbers freported or claimed indicate a loss rate of around 60-70%. :o
The news is welcomed, whether it came too late - as I fear - or not, remains to be seen.
Indeed let us see how well they have done it through the Spring and Summer, in the Autumn
I think they will stop the Russians and press them back on several part of the frontline
It will not be hundred of kilometers but more like hundred of meters they will be pressed back.
Together with F16 that is.
Edit
Have tried to study it between the lines-What exactly does it mean this bill, despite sending weapons to Ukraine ? Is it also a hidden declaration towards Russia ?
End edit
Markus
With this military support, Ukraine can fend off the Russian offensive (what is already no going so great for Russia) we will see the result in weeks to come. In the meantime, Russia realizes they lost it this year:
Dmitry Peskov Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation.On seizing Russian assets: "If it's really about confiscating our assets, the USA will answer for that. Moscow will take measures in accordance with our interests, no time limits". On aid to Ukraine: "the decision will make the USA even richer and will make Ukraine still poorer, more Ukrainians will die."
Dmitry Medvedev Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation."It was the voting of joyful US bastards:
a) to continue the civil war of the separated people of our once united country;
b) to increase the number of victims of this war as much as possible.
We will, of course, win, despite the $61 billion of bloody dollars that will mostly go down the throat of their insatiable military production complex. Power and Truth are with us. But considering the Russophobic decision that took place, I can't help but wish the USA with all sincerity to dive into a new civil war themselves as quickly as possible. Which, I hope, will be very different from the war between North and South in the 19th century and will be waged using aircraft, tanks, artillery, MLRS, all types of missiles and other weapons. And which will finally lead to the inglorious collapse of the vile, evil empire of the 21st century - the United States of America."The US has a very good logistics network that enables to move artillery, air defences, munitions and other weapons already positioned in stores across Europe very quickly possibly within days.
Thank you Dargo I was wondering how Russia would interpreter this messages from US Congress-A clear message that is, by sending Ca 61bn Dollars worth of ammo and weapons.
Markus
It will benefit both soldiers and Ukrainian cities and villagesPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the aid package for Ukraine passed by the US House of Representatives will be beneficial to soldiers on the frontline, as well as to Ukrainian cities and villages.Today we received the decision we had been waiting for: the US support package. The one for which we fought so hard. A very significant package that will be appreciated both by our soldiers on the frontline and by our towns and villages suffering from Russian terror.Zelenskyy thanked everyone who supported the aid package for Ukraine and Speaker Mike Johnson personally. He also expressed hope that the package would be considered by the US Senate and sent to US President Joe Biden "fairly quickly." "We appreciate every manifestation of support for our state and independence, our people and our lives, which Russia wants to bury in ruins. The US has shown its leadership from the very first days of the war. This kind of American leadership is vital for the preservation of the international order in the world, based on rules and predictability of life for all peoples. We will certainly use American support to strengthen both our nations and bring a just end to this war – a war that Putin must lose." https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/04/20/7452191/
What's hilariously idiotic is that the very people who were...
Absolutely wrong about the very possibility of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Absolutely wrong about the Ukrainian morale and popular support of national independence and sovereignty.
Absolutely wrong about Ukraine's ability and readiness to even survive the attack's first hours, stay functional, and take the fight.
Absolutely wrong about the inevitable fall of Kyiv within 48 to 72 hours.
Absolutely wrong about the possibility of Western defense aid supplies (and about every single weapon type and class provided), as well as the assistance's potential to make a difference on battlefields.
Absolutely wrong about the possibility of a Ukrainian victory at Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv etc.
Absolutely wrong about Russia's ability to seize Odesa via a grand landing operation.
Absolutely wrong about the general course of the war, which has recently entered the third year, instead of being over with complete Russian victory within between 10 and 15 days.
Absolutely wrong about the Ukrainian sinking of the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship.
Absolutely wrong about Ukraine's ability to master and effectively use Western artillery/rocket systems/radars/armored vehicles/air defense/missiles/jets/whatever.
Absolutely wrong about Ukraine's ability to survive two winter seasons under Russian missile attacks on critical infrastructure.
Absolutely wrong about Europe 'freezing to death without Russian gas'.
Absolutely wrong about the coming of a global nuclear holocaust should Ukraine even think about fighting back.
Absolutely wrong about Ukraine collapsing by spring 2022/summer 2022/winter 2022/spring 2023/summer 2023/winter 2024/to be continued.
Absolutely wrong about Russia's verified and confirmed losses (verified and confirmed) not seen since World War II.
Absolutely wrong about Russia's own military production.
Absolutely wrong about Ukraine's ability to retake Kherson, Kharkiv Oblast, northern Donbas, in all 50% of the territory lost in the full-scale Russian invasion.
Absolutely wrong about Ukraine's drone program and Ukraine delivering strikes against Russian oil refineries, arms factories (even the Kremlin!!) and effectively disabling Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
Absolutely wrong about European supplies of artillery munitions.
Absolutely wrong about the new U.S. defense aid bill.
Absolutely wrong about Ukraine still being in control of over 80% of its territory after over 2 years of a full-scale war with Russia, one of the largest military powers in history...
... and the very same people are now trying to play the poker face, pretend they are still *in the know*, and keep saying Ukraine will collapse anyway. https://twitter.com/IAPonomarenko/status/1781804093486330106
Skybird
04-21-24, 05:57 AM
This aid package will keep Ukraine in the fight, but it will not enable it to victoriuously end the war. In some months, the money will be eaten up, the ammo and weapons bought with it will have been spent.
And then...?
Its the same as always with military aid in the past 26 months: always too late, always too little to live, too much to die.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68868399
For myself, I came to a dangerous conclusion. The war cannot be won without NATO aggressively intervening in Ukraine. With forces fighting, in the air and on the ground, and bombardments inside Russia of the mililtary-industrial production and supply complex. For which the Russians would no doubt take retaliation, and escalation. For the moment I dont say that this is what should be done, I am not certain and am heavily impressed by the intimidating risk involved in this. The dangers command utmost respect. I just say this sober fact is what I concluded - not more, not less.
And one thing for my taste is way too much ignored in the West: no matter what the Wets has dleoivered inq ulaity and systems and "wonder wepaons" - until today the Russians always, every signle time, have learned relatively quickly to adapt to the new variable thrown into the battle formula, and neutralised it. Whetehr it is Himars, Javelins, or Abrams and Leopard tanks - they always found the neutralising remedy. The Western sytems entered the arena with pomp and fanfares and hugh flying expectations, and took their toll in the opening phase of their entrance - and then faded into relative insignificance over the course of time. I fear that the same will happen with the F-16s. They would have been needed last year. Now they are basically too late. They will initially impose their price on the Russians and make headlines - and disappear one by one over time.
In German we have a term for this kind of indecisive, incoherent improvisation, we talk of "Stückwerk" or "Flickwerk". What is missing is what is expressed in German as "die Sache muss Zug in sich haben". There may be equivalent English phrases, but I don't know them.
Skybird
04-21-24, 06:54 AM
comment in the NZZ: https://www.nzz.ch/international/trump-lenkt-ein-und-unterstuetzt-die-ukraine-jetzt-muss-westeuropa-nachdoppeln-ld.1827299
Google translator has some fun with it, I cannot help it, DeepL has much better quality but is too limited in text size.
The urgently needed military aid from the USA is finally flowing back into Ukraine. Next week, the necessary formal decisions must be made in the Senate and the White House, but then it will only be a few days before the well-organized American military logistics can hand over the first ammunition deliveries to Ukraine. They will immediately use the exhausted and badly pressed Ukrainian soldiers against the overwhelming enemy at the front.
Without the new American weapons and ammunition supplies, the collapse and destruction of the vast Eastern European country under the brutal Russian war machine would only be a matter of time. This weekend's political breakthrough in Washington is a positive surprise after months of delaying tactics by Republican politicians. The Western world can celebrate it for a brief moment, but it is too early to breathe a sigh of relief and sit back for two reasons.
First, US political support for the Ukrainian defense struggle remains precarious. It is not even completely clear what made the positive turnaround in Congress possible. The negotiating skills of Republican Speaker Mike Johnson in the House of Representatives played an important role. He himself opposed the aid for a long time. But now, presumably under the impression of the devastating reports of Russian advances and Ukrainian desperation at the front, he recognized that the time had come for a rethink - and promoted this with discreet skill. However, he was in no way directed against former President Donald Trump, but rather achieved his approval of a repackaged, but practically identical, support package for Ukraine that the same Trump had previously torpedoed for months.
The episode shows: Without Trump, nothing works for the Republicans. And Trump's unpredictability and purely transactional political thinking for his own benefit can only mean one thing for Ukraine: there are no guarantees for the future. The fact that Trump allowed himself to be persuaded to provide aid this time probably has something to do with the fact that he wanted to prevent a quick defeat before election day in November in order to maintain his own campaign promise of a peace deal that he had negotiated “within 24 hours”. That says nothing about what he will decide next time.
But support for Ukraine remains volatile not only with Trump, but also in the wider political Washington. On Saturday, more than half of the Republicans still voted against the aid package; the ratio was similar in the Senate. Thanks to the Democrats, it was enough for a clear yes, but resistance remains strong among the Republicans. And over the last two years, President Biden has always struggled to deliver American weapons systems to Ukraine quickly and decisively enough. Rocket launchers, tanks, fighter planes, ammunition - everything always came too late and too sparsely for Ukraine to gain a decisive advantage at the front. There is nothing to suggest that this will change now.
The second reason for only cautious joy in Washington about the breakthrough is Russia's structural superiority in the war, which is causing so much trouble for Ukraine. The huge country, with a population around three times its size, has enormous resources that it can throw into war. Unlike Kiev, there is a dictator in Moscow. Vladimir Putin can politically afford to send hundreds of thousands of mostly impoverished citizens into a senseless and murderous war from which many will not return.
And he has the power to gamble away the future of the Russian economy by pushing a war economy into high gear in the safe Russian hinterland. Every week it spits out artillery shells, drones, rockets, tanks and guns, which are immediately thrown onto the Ukrainian front. The hope shared by many military strategists at the beginning of the war that the Russian military assets would be slowly depleted over the years by the enormous wear and tear of the war has not been fulfilled.
Both factors, domestic political volatility in the United States and Russia's strategic superiority, can only mean one thing for Ukraine's European allies: they must not let up. The country is on the brink of defeat due to a lack of ammunition and modern weapons systems. The $60 billion from the USA is a big relief, but it won't be enough.
The most urgent thing is to strengthen air defense. The fact that Ukraine still exists as a state is primarily due to the fact that Russia has never managed to achieve absolute air superiority. But Putin's war machine is now approaching this state. The brutal consequences can be seen at the front, where the Ukrainians have been in a gradual retreat for months under the merciless bombardment of the Russians. But they can also be seen in the former city of Kharkiv, which was apparently made uninhabitable by the targeted bombing, and in the targeted destruction of the power supply throughout the country. Last week, Germany promised the rapid delivery of another Patriot air defense system. More are urgently needed, including ammunition.
The first F-16 fighter jets from Western European stocks are expected to follow in the spring, but their number is far too small for them to make a significant difference. Here too, Europe can do more. The most important thing, however, is that in the European capitals and Washington the realization prevails not only in rhetoric, but also in actions: the thirty-year era of peace and détente in Europe has unfortunately come to an end.
Under the pressure of Putin's Russian imperialism, the USA and the Western European states must immediately invest a lot more money in their own defense. The West needs many more artillery shells, drones, air defense systems, guns, tanks, ammunition and electronic warfare systems. This will be an expensive, ongoing task. The implementation of this unpopular insight is only beginning to be visible.
Skybird
04-21-24, 08:16 AM
Peace negotiations ending wars?
https://www-n--tv-de.translate.goog/politik/Interview-mit-Joern-Leonhard-Die-wenigsten-Kriege-enden-mit-Friedensverhandlungen-article24868549.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de
So much for that.
Jimbuna
04-21-24, 12:47 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwi9JCkI-ag
Jimbuna
04-21-24, 01:03 PM
Russia responds to £48bn Ukraine aid package with chilling warning to NATO
The Kremlin has issued a chilling warning that the recently-approved aid package for Ukraine will lead to the "deaths of even more Ukrainians."
On Saturday, the US House of Representatives approved more than $60 billion (£48 billion) in aid to Ukraine after the potentially game-changing assistance for Kyiv stalled in Congress for months over political infighting.
Lawmakers also approved billions more in aid for other US allies. The Senate will now vote on the package, before it heads to Joe Biden for sign-off.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in remarks reported by Russia's state news agencies: "The decision will make the United States of America richer, further ruin Ukraine and result in the deaths of even more Ukrainians, the fault of the Kyiv regime,"
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed this sentiment on Telegram: "The allocation of military assistance by the United States to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan will aggravate the global crisis."
Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia's security council, said the approval of new aid to Ukraine was "Russophobic" and would exacerbate "the number of victims of this war."
He also said on Telegram: "I cannot with all sincerity not wish the United States to plunge into a new civil war as quickly as possible."
Ukrainian officials and Western experts had warned that Kyiv would keep losing territory to Moscow without military aid from the US, and that the country was likely to face a new offensive starting as early as late next month.
Ukrainian forces have been running low on key supplies, such as ammunition and interceptor missiles for the country's air-defense systems.
Ukraine has "long fought for" the replenished aid, Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement calling the package "very significant."
He added: "We appreciate every sign of support for our country and its independence, people, and way of life, which Russia is attempting to bury under the rubble."
Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky's office, said: "The people of Ukraine are sincerely grateful to the US Congress for the positive voting on the military aid package bill for our country. It is vital for Ukraine."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-responds-to-48bn-ukraine-aid-package-with-chilling-warning-to-nato/ar-AA1nomLm?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=82607325e49548198ec0c179496b5f0f&ei=37
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXYbeBfoi0&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts
Markus
Skybird
04-22-24, 11:24 AM
Colonel Reisner, as incorruptible as ever.
https://www-n--tv-de.translate.goog/politik/Was-jetzt-kommt-hilft-der-Ukraine-nur-die-Linie-zu-halten-article24892530.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de
The ATACMS would also only serve to hold the liberated territory. In order to go on the offensive, Ukraine would need much more support, which is not included in the 60 billion dollars. To do this, Ukraine would need new offensive brigades like those formed before the failed summer offensive of 2023. These, around ten to fifteen of them, would have to be equipped with resources - ammunition, battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems - and soldiers. Ukraine could then go on the offensive again in 2025. This is being somewhat overlooked in the current discussion: What is coming now will only help Ukraine to hold the front. But much more is needed - especially air defense systems in the depths of the country.
(...)
At the moment, the medium and long-range air defense is mainly positioned around the cities and industrial centers. However, due to the massive pressure to which the soldiers at the front were exposed as a result of the use of Russian glide bombs, it has been necessary in recent months to repeatedly thin out the air defense around the cities and bring batteries to the front in order to lay ambushes there. This has also worked well. But the Russians now have very good reconnaissance deep behind the front line. They have managed to reconnoitre Patriot and S-300 systems and destroy quite a few launchers and radars.
This, too, is sometimes overlooked in the reporting. We often focus on Ukraine's successes: downed aircraft, damage to ships in Sevastopol, attacks on Crimea, where a few Russian helicopters were recently damaged at the very least, including an S-400 battery, i.e. a Russian air defense system. However, we must not forget that the Russians are carrying out similar actions. And the loss of an S-300 battery weighs much more heavily on the Ukrainians than on the Russian side. Then there is the further destruction.
(...)
In their second strategic air campaign, the Russians have managed to continue the destruction of infrastructure. It is believed that up to 70 to 80 percent of Ukraine's critical infrastructure has already been destroyed. Some electricity providers in Ukraine say they have 80 percent outages. That is devastating.
(...)
Following the failure of the Ukrainian summer offensive in 2023, the Russian mood has changed massively. This can be clearly seen on Russian social networks. The current mood is: no matter what comes next, we will succeed, because last year we repelled the decisive offensive. Last year, pictures of destroyed Leopard tanks were celebrated on Russian social networks, alongside photos of destroyed German Tiger tanks from the Second World War. Yesterday, a video was posted showing that the first Leopard 2 main battle tank, an A6, is apparently being towed towards Moscow to be exhibited there. This will also serve to fire up the population. The losses are high, but there are no signs of disintegration in the army. The Russians have the momentum and are attacking wave after wave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR_7RVCWkJ0
If I were the Russians I would start to prepare to bomb train and road connections and other important targets, when the ammo and weapon supply starts to arrive from Poland and other countries in the west.
I would take a chance and bomb near the Polish border.
Markus
If I were the Russians I would start to prepare to bomb train and road connections and other important targets, when the ammo and weapon supply starts to arrive from Poland and other countries in the west.
I would take a chance and bomb near the Polish border.
MarkusBombing train and road connections has no use, it is hard to hit and quickly rebuild also there are so many rails, roads Ukraine can divert quickly any supply convoy.
The real about the great glorious Russian Empire this flooding is mostly caused by... yeah kleptocracy they could maintain their dams and rivers but nah it goes all into the pockets of Putin and his gang.
Russia’s worst flooding in decades has submerged Soviet-era uranium mines in the Kurgan region, the investigative news outlet Agentstvo reported Monday, sparking fears that radioactive and chemical pollution could seep into the Tobol River. The Dobrovolnoye uranium deposit is located within the flood zone in Kurgan's Zverinogolovsky district, Agentsvo reported, citing a map published by local authorities on April 11, environmentalists and videos published by local residents. Its mines are operated by an enterprise owned by state nuclear energy agency Rosatom. The hundreds or even thousands of mine shafts drilled into the deposit have compromised the natural protective barrier surrounding the uranium ore, Alexei Shvarts, the former head of Alexei Navalny's Kurgan regional office who previously worked with uranium mining issues, told Agentsvo. As a result, the latest flooding has likely sent radioactive substances into the river, environmentalists said, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people living near the banks of the Tobol downstream... https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/22/russias-record-floods-submerge-uranium-mines-in-urals-reports-a84919
What's Causing Russia's Record Floods?What is driving the record-bad flooding that has devastated parts of Russia and Kazakhstan and forced tens of thousands of people to escape the fast-rising water? AFP looks at the worst flooding in decades to hit this region:... https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/18/whats-causing-russias-record-floods-a84893
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcn0yW1FbGA
Bombing train and road connections has no use, it is hard to hit and quickly rebuild also there are so many rails, roads Ukraine can divert quickly any supply convoy.
When I mentioned Other important targets I meant train wagons warehouse places where weapons and ammo is being stored before sending towards the front.
Markus
When I mentioned Other important targets I meant train wagons warehouse places where weapons and ammo is being stored before sending towards the front.
MarkusTrain wagons you can forget only things useful are hubs, but first you need to find your target have no idea how Russia would do that but with all the supplies from the past most of it reached the front.
Jimbuna
04-22-24, 01:00 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q6KsTZI8_4
Train wagons you can forget only things useful are hubs, but first you need to find your target have no idea how Russia would do that but with all the supplies from the past most of it reached the front.
Maybe you're right
If I was the Russian general I would do anything to stop the delivery to the front. How I as an ordinary person, do not know.
Markus
Jimbuna
04-22-24, 01:19 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYcEVbgSaDs
Rockstar
04-22-24, 01:34 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwi9JCkI-ag
:har::har::har::har: H.R. 8035 is now held up in the Democrat lead Senate. I really wish people would read the official sources.
https://www.congress.gov/
:har::har::har::har: H.R. 8035 is now held up in the Democrat lead Senate.
Held up!?
Wasn't it not before Wednesday 24th of April the Senate should vote on this H.R 8035 ?
Markus
Rockstar
04-22-24, 01:47 PM
Held up!?
Wasn't it not before Wednesday 24th of April the Senate should vote on this H.R 8035 ?
Markus
Schumer left. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8035
Jimbuna
04-22-24, 02:00 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDfkwlMaK7g
Schumer left. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8035You have to explain it to the none US people. "Schumer left." is like “Steiner’s counterattack” to us.
Rockstar
04-22-24, 03:05 PM
You have to explain it to the none US people. "Schumer left." is like “Steiner’s counterattack” to us.
National Defense Supplemental H.R. 815 which euros called the 60 billion dollar Ukraine aid package was NOT voted on. H.R. 815 was basically thrown out and reintroduced as three separate bills one of which is H.R.8035 Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. That’s the one which was just voted on and passed the lower house. It’s now up to the Democrat controlled Senate who incidentally left before they voted on the bill. Once it clears both houses, it goes to the President who will sign it into law.
Then you can celebrate.
Now I'm confused I have until now thought that Bill H.R 8035 was approved in the House of Representatives last Saturday
Furthermore I understod that H.R 8035 was in total 98 bn Dollars whereof Ca 61 of them was to Ukraine and 8 bn was to Taiwan. The rest was to Israel and Gaza.
Markus
Rockstar
04-22-24, 03:54 PM
Now I'm confused I have until now thought that Bill H.R 8035 was approved in the House of Representatives last Saturday
Furthermore I understod that H.R 8035 was in total 98 bn Dollars whereof Ca 61 of them was to Ukraine and 8 bn was to Taiwan. The rest was to Israel and Gaza.
Markus
It was introduced and passed in the lower house a.k.a. ‘The House of Representatives’ on 20 April. Now it’s up for a vote in the upper house a.k.a. The Senate. Once it clears both houses of Congress it goes to the President.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8035
Anyway you can use the above link to track its progress.
Just an fyi, the other two bills H.R 8034 and H.R. 8036 concern Israel and the Indo-Pacific
Republican Tom Kean, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives, stressed that the current version of the bill on additional funding for foreign aid, including Ukraine, contains a number of improvements compared to the Senate version. Among other things, the politician mentioned the REPO provision, which will allow the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in the United States, as well as the requirement for the owner of TikTok to sell the business to a non-Chinese company. Republican Tom Kean says "All these things, all these efforts took time to join forces and find that bipartisan solution that I hope will pass through the US Senate by the end of the week, and then after the signature (of the US president – ed.) will come into force as law," https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/04/22/7452451/
Skybird
04-22-24, 04:17 PM
At their meeting in Luxembourg, the EU foreign ministers rejected the delivery of additional air defense systems for Ukraine.
At their meeting in Luxembourg, the EU foreign ministers rejected the delivery of additional air defense systems for Ukraine.
It's enough for one or two foreign ministers in EU to go against a directive for it to fail/fall to the floor.
EU demand 100 % approval among its minister for a directive can pass.
They have been talking about changing it to 3/4 of a majority.
Markus
Rockstar
04-22-24, 05:46 PM
https://youtu.be/iWfmUT2UMoM?feature=shared
Skybird
04-22-24, 05:48 PM
It is currently unlikely that the USA will put together a larger aid package again, regardless of the outcome of the election. And since the current package is only sufficient for supporting the stabilization of the Ukrainian front until the end of this year or so, but a reconquest of the territories conquered by the Russians seems out of the question, a victory of the Ukrainians against Russia can now be confidently described as "ruled out". The European states' debts are so high and their state finances are in such a shabby state (namely France, Italy, and others) and they all have too few military resources of their own as if they were able to arm up Ukraine.
It is therefore all the more inconceivable that, in the name of a completely crazy EU policy on the environment, ecologic economy, migration and socialism, they are persisting in putting this foolish policy on the back burner - instead of reallocating the gigantic funds that are being made available for this megalomaniac hubris into the necessary development of a war economy, with an eye far beyond Ukraine, because the confrontation with Russia, I expect, will continue for the rest of my life - and may very well and anything but unrealistically lead to a major war with NATO. And for this outlook, we in Europe are in a really stupid position. Completely our own guilt.
If this big war with NATO comes, I am anything but sure Europe would win it. I activeloy doubt it. Thanks to our formidable leaders. We should be economically hopelessly superior to Russia. And now see what a pitiful putocme we make of that!
We are totally insane.
Catfish
04-22-24, 06:53 PM
Let Ukraine be defeated by an old fashioned dictator and we all will be in the big one war.
Putin will invade the Baltic states next when he is ready with Ukraine and has his hands free. Russian war production is thriving and will not stop.
Indeed helping Ukraine and defeat Putin NOW would shorten the russian aggression, cost us less money, and cost a lot less (especially of our /cyn) lives.
Short sighted western idiots everywhere.
Jimbuna
04-23-24, 06:23 AM
^ True that :yep:
A good start would be kicking a certain EU member off the team.
Hungary to block €2 billion in EU aid to Ukraine
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has declared that Budapest will block the European Union's assistance to Ukraine amounting to 2 billion euros, citing Index.
He cited the reason as the ongoing "discrimination against Hungarian companies" in Ukraine. According to him, until the situation changes, the provision of assistance will not be approved.
He noted that Brussels wants Budapest to agree to allocate an additional 1.5 billion euros by EU members to Ukraine, in addition to the 500 million euros blocked by Hungary.
"Hungary's position remains unchanged: until we receive guarantees from the Ukrainian side that they will cease targeting Hungarian companies, we cannot support such decisions," Szijjarto emphasized.
Hungary's stance on war in Ukraine
Hungary is not new to supporting Russia on issues related to the war against Ukraine. In particular, Budapest continues to oppose anti-Russian sanctions, justifying this by the lack of desired effects on the aggressor.
Hungarian officials have also repeatedly called for an end to military aid to Ukraine.
In particular, earlier, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban synchronously called on Western countries to cease providing military assistance to Ukraine if "they want the conflict to end." The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called such a statement the height of cynicism.
Last autumn, Hungary stated that the temporary exclusion of Hungary's OTP Bank from the list of "international sponsors of war" by Ukraine does not significantly change the situation.
In early April, high-level Ukrainian and Hungarian delegations held an online meeting to discuss ways to resolve key bilateral agenda items. Of the 11 points proposed by the Hungarian side, five have already been practically agreed upon.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/hungary-to-block-2-billion-in-eu-aid-to-ukraine/ar-AA1nve4W?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=7dbf73e24f694ca6e0ce5ea350255c83&ei=16
Jimbuna
04-23-24, 06:53 AM
What $61bn US aid boost could mean for Ukraine
A $61bn package of military aid for Ukraine could be signed off within days. So what weapons might it receive and what difference could they make in trying to stem Russian advances?
Air defence systems, mid to long-range missiles and artillery shells remain the most pressing weaponry needed by Ukraine.
Here is where the US aid could go in these three areas. About a third of the package goes on replenishing depleted US stocks.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68872783
Rockstar
04-23-24, 08:10 AM
What $61bn US aid boost could mean for Ukraine
Utter BBC nonsense, “what it could mean”, really?.
I posted a link to the text of the bill several times already. Unless the Senate sends it back to the lower house with revisions. Here’s what it DOES mean.
Specifically, the bill H.R. 8035 provides appropriations to the
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD),
U.S. Department of Energy science programs,
U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration,
U.S. Administration for Children and Families,
U.S. Department of State, and
the U.S. Agency for International Development.
————
The funding is provided for purposes such as
supporting current U.S. military operations in the region,
the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative,
replacing defense articles that were provided to Ukraine,
reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Ukraine,
the Foreign Military Financing Program,
economic support for Ukraine,
refugee and entrant assistance,
international narcotics control and law enforcement, and
the development and production of isotopes.
The bill also includes provisions that
expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to foreign countries or international organizations,
require the President to transfer long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems to Ukraine,
require the President to enter into an agreement with Ukraine regarding repaying the United States for the economic assistance it has provided to Ukraine,
require certain funds that are provided for Ukraine to be matched by other donors, and
establish various oversight and reporting requirements for assistance provided to Ukraine.
Jimbuna
04-23-24, 08:16 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DENN4XFfMo
Rockstar
04-23-24, 08:24 AM
^ True that :yep:
A good start would be kicking a certain EU member off the team.
You would still have the same problem with the current rules that demand a unanimous vote to get anything done. Eventually there would be no European Union left if dissenting opinions are booted out. Maybe change the rules to allow a 2/3rd majority to get things passed instead.
Jimbuna
04-23-24, 11:26 AM
Well something certainly needs to happen.
Jimbuna
04-23-24, 12:44 PM
Switzerland reveals amount of frozen Russian assets
As of December 31, 2023, the value of financial assets frozen due to sanctions against Russia amounted to CHF 5.8 billion (USD 6.4 billion). In addition, 17 real estate properties have been blocked, reports the government department responsible for compliance with sanctions (SECO).
The latest data show that the value of frozen financial assets fell by CHF 1.7 billion compared to December 2022. The decline is attributed to the loss of value of some blocked assets, in particular securities related to Russia, as a result of international sanctions.
Over the past year, SECO has frozen another CHF 580 million in financial assets following its own investigations and detailed explanations from banks. It has also blocked two more real estate properties in Switzerland. In addition to the 17 properties currently frozen, other assets such as sports and luxury cars, works of art, furniture, and musical instruments belonging to individuals and entities under sanctions in Switzerland have also been blocked.
However, assets worth CHF 140 million, which were previously blocked as a precautionary measure, were unblocked after further investigation showed that the legal requirements for freezing them had not been met.
In addition, the assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation worth about CHF 7.24 billion are located in Switzerland. Since March 25, 2022, the reserves and assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation have been immobilized, i.e. all operations related to their management are prohibited.
Swiss sanctions
In response to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine on February 28, 2022, Switzerland adopted EU sanctions against Russia, thereby strengthening their impact.
In March, the Swiss Attorney General launched the first criminal investigation into sanctions violations against Russia by an unnamed company. These actions mark a turning point for sanctions enforcement in Switzerland.
Before this, Switzerland refused to participate along with the G7 countries in an international task force to trace the assets of Russian oligarchs.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/is-russia-getting-closer-to-capturing-a-key-settlement-that-it-wants/ss-BB1lH1uH?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=4b0cdfc801af4ae9e8eaeafb93833c4b&ei=16
Well something certainly needs to happen.
I would advise caution. Its still Europe and we wouldn't want 2/3s of the countries attacking the rest. :timeout:
Skybird
04-23-24, 04:20 PM
You would still have the same problem with the current rules that demand a unanimous vote to get anything done. Eventually there would be no European Union left if dissenting opinions are booted out. Maybe change the rules to allow a 2/3rd majority to get things passed instead.
I have a significant list of things that then would have been passed but never should pass due to their desastrous content. Sometimes the need for unanymous decision is what stands between the already bad state of things, and a massive worstening.
Maybe - no, surely - we should have left it to a free trade zone in Europe, and thats it. And leave security topics to NATO exclusively.
Skybird
04-23-24, 04:40 PM
[FOCUS] The Russian troops are said to have made a breakthrough at the front. According to the report, the soldiers took the center of Ocheretyne - almost without resistance in just 48 hours, as reported by the newspaper "Bild". Apparently, Ukrainian soldiers fled and handed the village over to the Russians without a fight.
The Russian armed forces are using chemical weapons around the village, as Nazar Voloshyn, spokesman for the Ukrainian troop units there, writes on Telegram. According to this, Moscow's troops are using the "entire available arsenal of weapons, including chemicals" to attack the Ukrainian positions. The situation is "difficult". Voloshyn did not specify what kind of chemicals were involved.
Ocheretyne is located around 50 kilometers south of the heavily contested city of Chasiv Yar. This is considered to be the Russian army's next target. The front runs a few kilometers from the city center. According to Volozhyn, up to 25,000 Russian soldiers are trying to storm Chasiv Yar and the settlements around the town.
The town is not far from Bachmut, which was taken by the Russians almost a year ago after heavy fighting. Just a few days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Chasiv Yar and inspected the defenses.
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The town is roughly 2x2km in size, around 45 km SSW of Bakhmut.
"using chemical weapons around the village"
If I remember correctly Biden said in 2022 that the use of Biological, Chemical or nukes by the Russian would be crossing the red line.
So if it's true. I expect Nato to react.
Or was it just something he said to scare the Russians ?
Markus
Rockstar
04-23-24, 05:26 PM
I have a significant list of things that then would have been passed but never should pass due to their desastrous content. Sometimes the need for unanymous decision is what stands between the already bad state of things, and a massive worstening.
Maybe - no, surely - we should have left it to a free trade zone in Europe, and thats it. And leave security topics to NATO exclusively.
I think that’s akin to our elected officials leaving our security responsibilities solely up to the Department Of Defense. Things like that should remain with civilian elected officials in my opinion.
https://youtu.be/t2c-X8HiBng?feature=shared
Jimbuna
04-24-24, 09:55 AM
US to send new aid this week, Biden says
US President Joe Biden says his country will start sending fresh weapons and equipment to Ukraine within days.
Late on Tuesday, the US Senate approved a $95bn (£76bn) foreign aid package that includes military support for Israel and Taiwan as well as Ukraine.
Mr Biden vowed to sign it off "as soon as it reaches my desk" on Wednesday, so that aid can be sent "this week".
Ukraine has recently stepped up its calls for Western assistance as Russia makes steady gains in its invasion.
Included in the package is $61bn in military aid for Ukraine. It passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 79-18.
Tuesday evening's approval came after the measure passed the US House of Representatives on Saturday.
Mr Biden hailed its passage in a statement, calling it "critical legislation [that] will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin".
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said: "After more than six months of hard work and many twists and turns in the road, America sends a message to the entire world: we will not turn our back on you."
Reacting to the vote, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it "reinforces America's role as a beacon of democracy and leader of the free world".
The Senate passed a similar aid package in February, but a group of conservatives who oppose new Ukraine support had prevented it from coming to a vote in the House of Representatives.
Last week, Democrats and Republicans in the lower chamber joined together to bypass this opposition.
They ultimately agreed to a package bill that included the foreign aid as well as legislation to confiscate Russian assets held by Western banks; new sanctions on Russia, Iran and China; and a provision that will force the Chinese company ByteDance to sell the popular social media service TikTok.
In the House on Saturday, a majority of Republicans in the chamber voted against the foreign aid package.
The bill also faced resistance among a handful of Senate Republicans who opposed any new aid to Ukraine.
Fifteen voted with two Democrats - as well as independent Senator Bernie Sanders who objected to providing new offensive weapons to Israel - against the bill.
"Pouring more money into Ukraine's coffers will only prolong the conflict and lead to more loss of life," Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said in remarks on Tuesday.
"No one at the White House, the Pentagon, or the state department can articulate what victory looks like in this fight."
The aid package is expected to provide a significant boost to Ukraine's forces, which have suffered from a shortage of ammunition and air defence systems in recent months.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68885868
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