Here we go again-Ukraine once again pt2

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Russia is ready for "serious dialogue" on Ukraine, but we will not be fooled - Nebenzya

Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasiliy Nebenzya said that Ukraine allegedly demonstrates "complete non-negotiability" by continuing to attack Russia's energy infrastructure.

According to Censor.NET, his statement at a meeting of the UN Security Council was quoted by Russian media.

According to him, Moscow will not allow the negotiation process to be used to strengthen Ukraine's position.

"We are ready for a serious and practical dialogue, but we will not allow anyone to deceive us and directly or indirectly use this negotiation process in the interests of strengthening the military potential of the Kyiv regime... This once again indicates the incapacity of the current Ukrainian leadership, which lost its legitimacy almost a year ago, and further convinces us that no agreements with the gang that usurped power in Kyiv are possible," he said.

In addition, Nebenzya called Ukrainian troops and instructors from Western countries "legitimate targets" for the Russian Armed Forces.

He also cynically stated that the cause of the civilian deaths in Kryvyi Rih was allegedly "unprofessional actions of the Ukrainian air defense system."

Earlier, Censor.NET reported that on April 4, the occupiers attacked Kryvyi Rih. So far, 18 people have been killed, including 9 children, and more than 60 injured. A three-day mourning period will be held in Kryvyi Rih due to the Russian missile attack. According to the Office of the ProsecutorGeneral, the search and rescue operation at the site of the Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih is over.

On April 6, a man who suffered from a Russian strike died in hospital. This brings the number of victims of the attack on Kryvyi Rih to 20. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3545733

Zelenskyy: There are no serious grounds for lifting sanctions against Russia, but we should work on it

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that there are no serious reasons to worry about the possible easing or lifting of sanctions imposed by the West on Russia.

The head of state said this on April 8 during a joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever in Kyiv, Censor.NET reports.

At the same time, the president emphasized that Ukraine is constantly working with international partners to ensure that these sanctions remain in force.

When asked about the risks associated with Russia's ability to access its frozen assets, Zelenskyy answered: "I think there is no need to be nervous yet. In addition to the Hungarian vote, we now see united efforts and an understanding that any sanctions, including frozen assets, will not be lifted against Russia. But we need to work on all this."

He also confirmed that the Ukrainian side has information about Moscow's attempts to find ways to unblock its assets, but the partner states continue to demonstrate unity in maintaining sanctions pressure.

In his turn, Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever emphasized: "There is a lot of support for these sanctions to remain... We will do everything possible to ensure that they do." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3545717

If France, Britain and Germany send troops to Ukraine, Belgium will join, - Prime Minister de Wever

Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever said that his country is ready to consider sending a military contingent to Ukraine as part of the "Coalition of the Willing" if key European players - France, the United Kingdom and Germany - join the initiative.

He said this during a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.

According to de Wever, the Coalition of the Willing is determined to support peace if a ceasefire is reached that meets Ukraine's interests. Preparations for a possible peacekeeping role are already being discussed between the governments of France, the United Kingdom and the Belgian Ministry of Defense, as well as the military command of the Belgian army.

"In my opinion, it would be very logical that if France, England and possibly Germany take the initiative and send people, we will join. We are a founding member of the EU and NATO. We have always been part of multilateral coalitions and peace initiatives. So our place will be next to them when the time comes," the head of the Belgian government emphasized.

De Wever emphasized that Belgium will continue to support Ukraine at all possible levels. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3545713

[Dargo]

How Europe hopes to turn Ukraine into a “steel porcupine”

Investing in the country’s defence industry is the best way to keep it in the fight. A CEASEFIRE BETWEEN Russia and Ukraine remains a distant prospect, and Europe has made slow progress towards creating a “reassurance force” to help support one. American military aid is dwindling and will soon run out altogether unless renewed by Donald Trump, which looks unlikely. The best way to guarantee Ukraine’s security, its supporters say, is to ensure it is armed to the teeth, ceasefire or no. To that end, on March 19th the European Commission outlined a two-part “porcupine strategy” for Ukraine.
First, Europe would procure more munitions and weapons systems on Ukraine’s behalf, including crucial air-defence missiles. Second, it would boost Ukraine’s own defence industry, which it calls “the most effective and cost-efficient way to support Ukraine’s military efforts”. The plan is the brainchild of Kaja Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister who is now the European Union’s top diplomat. She wants to double military aid to Ukraine this year, to €40bn ($44bn).

he case for investing in Ukraine’s indigenous arms industry is compelling. Ukraine was a big weapons-manufacturer during the Soviet era, but the industry largely vanished after independence in 1991. Nonetheless, there was an engineering base and a thriving new tech sector to draw on when Russia launched its full-scale invasion three years ago. The country had the foundations: a solid manufacturing sector and loads of engineering schools and universities from which people with highly specialised knowledge transitioned to defence, says Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former defence minister who chairs the Centre for Defence Strategies, a think-tank in Kyiv. “Since 2022 the development has been extremely active. There is a constant innovation process,” he adds. Whereas arms procurement in the West typically takes years, in Ukraine an idea can be translated into a weapon in a soldier’s hand within months...
https://archive.ph/zfzs9
https://www.economist.com/europe/202...teel-porcupine

[Reece]

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

[mapuc]

Markus

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Captured Chinese nationals: Beijing urged Zelenskyy to "refrain from irresponsible remarks"

China commented on the statement of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said that Kyiv has personal data of at least 155 Chinese fighting on the side of Russia.

This was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Lin Jian during a briefing, Censor.NET reports.

He noted that China is neither the creator nor a party to the "Ukrainian crisis".

"The Chinese government has always required its citizens to stay away from armed conflict zones, avoid participating in armed conflicts in any form, and especially avoid participating in military operations by any party. We advise the parties concerned to understand China's role correctly and clearly and refrain from making irresponsible remarks," the spokesperson said.

As a reminder, on 9 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a meeting with journalists that Ukrainian special services had information about 155 Chinese citizens fighting on the side of the Russian Federation.

Chinese nationals captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian defenders captured two Chinese nationals in the Donetsk region. They fought as part of the Russian army.

According to the president, the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaged in a battle with six Chinese in the Donetsk region near the settlements of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka, after which two were taken prisoner.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the Charge d'Affaires of China because of the participation of Chinese citizens in Russia's war against Ukraine on the side of Russia.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the US is aware that Ukraine has captured two Chinese citizens who fought on the side of Russia. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3546112

Times reported that one of Chinese fighting for Russia voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces

A Chinese soldier who signed a contract with the Russian army came to the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donetsk region at night and surrendered himself.

This was reported by The Times with reference to a military source, Censor.NET reports.

According to the military source, at least one of the Chinese prisoners complained that the Russian military mistreated him in his trench.

"He came to our positions at night and surrendered. The Russians beat him and didn't even let him eat," the source said.

After he was fed, the Chinese prisoner began discussing political topics, the source added.

The Times journalists reviewed the documents found on the Chinese citizens during the search and said that the 33-year-old resident of Henan Province had signed a one-year contract with the Russian army.

He arrived at the Russian Sheremetyevo airport on February 8. A few days later, on February 17, he registered for military service to obtain a tax code and social security number.

It is not known when he signed the contract with the Russian army, but his visa was issued for 16 days.
Many Chinese soldiers recruited by Russia for the war against Ukraine record their travels on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

"The Russians do not perceive us as people. We fight like a suicide squad, and they don't care if we die or get hurt," said one of the mercenaries, named Zhou Ziqiang, adding that they are paid about $2,500 a month.

Chinese nationals captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian defenders captured two Chinese nationals in the Donetsk region. They fought as part of the Russian army.

According to the president, the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaged in a battle with six Chinese in the Donetsk region near the settlements of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka, after which two were taken prisoner.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the Charge d'Affaires of China because of the participation of Chinese citizens in Russia's war against Ukraine on the side of Russia.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the US is aware that Ukraine has captured two Chinese citizens who fought on the side of Russia.

Servicemen of the 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade of the Air Assault Forces reported that Ukrainian law enforcement officers are currently working with the prisoners of war, carrying out the necessary procedural actions. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3546099

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by mapuc

Markus

It looks like Russia has started looking for weak spots in the Ukraine defence lines for its new offensive in the coming months.

[Jimbuna]

[Reece]

[Skybird]

[FOCUS] Germany wants to supply more than 1100 radar systems for ground surveillance and additional IRIS-T air defense missile systems to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. This is part of medium and long-term plans, explained the acting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) at a meeting to coordinate further military aid for Ukraine in Brussels.

According to Pistorius, four more Iris-T systems plus 300 guided missiles and 100 ground surveillance radars will be delivered this year in the short term. A further 100,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 300 reconnaissance drones, 25 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 15 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, 120 Manpads ground-based air defense systems and 14 artillery systems will also be delivered. Over the past few days, 30 additional Patriot guided missiles have also been delivered to Ukraine from its own stocks.
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German television reported yesterday that the German military attaché for the Ukraine reported problems with German heavy weapons in the Ukraine, based on feedback he received from his Ukrainian contacts. The 2000 self-propelled howitzer in particular can only be described as having limited war capability, as it is simply technologically too susceptible to malfunctions because it is not robust enough and too prone to failure. The problem with armored combat vehicles is that the maintenance possibilities within the Ukriane are very limited, and these vehicles have to be taken out of the country in a very time-consuming manner in order to repair and maintain them.


This report contrasts with the testimonies of Ukrainian troops in position who handled the Leopard 1 and 2 tanks and the Marders and were extremely complimentary about the safety standards, responsiveness, mobility and maneuverability of these vehicles. None of these soldiers would ever want to fight on a Russian vehicle again.


The Abrams have proven to be too maintenance-intensive under Ukrainian combat conditions, it is said time and again, while the Bradleys have taught the Russians a lesson. In general, the western infantry fighting vehicles are clearly much more decisive for the Ukrainians than the heavy battle tanks, and among the latter it is the “outdated” Leopard 1 that wins the race, it is lighter, and is less often stopped by weight restrictions, e.g. on bridges, and deep mud is also less of a problem, as the other modern MBTs have a greater risk of sinking too deep and getting stuck.



Hehehe, I once said at the beginning that I wouldn't be surprised if the Leo 1 proved to be more valuable than the more modern MBTs. Feedback over the last 1.5 years has confirmed that so far. But the Marder, Bradleys and CV-90s are the most decisive. They appartently are also fine beasts. The safety level of the Marder can apparently still keep up with its modern counterparts, and the presumably too small-caliber machine gun has no trouble having fun with the Russian vehicles thanks to its enormous precision and rapid-fire capability. In contacts with MBTs, the Bradleys naturally have an advantage with their TOWs, but they also offer a much higher target, which is why many observers say it appears that the Ukrainians have lost more Bradleys than Marders. This is difficult to verify.

[mapuc]

Markus

[Reece]