Here we go again-Ukraine once again

[Jimbuna]

Xi turns on Putin and ‘demands letter' explaining how and when Ukraine war will end

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly sent a letter to Vladimir Putin asking him to spell out his proposals on how to end the war in Ukraine. The deputy head of Russia's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, met with the Chinese President on Wednesday.

Medvedev, a former Russian president, said in a video statement that he and Xi discussed an array of topics, including "the conflict in Ukraine." Medvedev did not elaborate.

It is now claimed that he travelled to China to collect the letter.

China has refused to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and criticised sanctions against Moscow.

Beijing has only referred to the invasion as the "Ukraine situation" in deference to Moscow, and accused the US and NATO of provoking Putin by expanding into eastern Europe.

Iran has issued a warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that its "patience" over accusations of supplying Russia with deadly kamikaze drones is not "endless".

Describing the claims made by Ukraine, as well as numerous western Governments, that Iran is offering weapons to Russia as "baseless" and "rude", the nation's foreign ministry focused on Mr Zelenskys' latest speech at the US Congress on Wednesday, when he described the regime as "terrorists".

Russia, in turn, has strongly backed China amid the tensions with the US over Taiwan.

Russian and Chinese warships on Thursday practiced joint action in the East China Sea, continuing a series of drills that reflect a growing defence cooperation between the two countries.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the Varyag missile cruiser, the Marshal Shaposhnikov destroyer and two corvettes of Russia's Pacific Fleet were taking part in the drills that began on Wednesday.

China has deployed two destroyers, a diesel submarine and several others ships for the exercise.

Russian and Chinese aircraft were also taking part in the weeklong manoeuvres that will involve firing exercises and anti-submarine drills, according to the ministry.

"The main goal of the drills is to strengthen naval cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China and to maintain peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region," the ministry said.

Military ties between Moscow and Beijing has grown stronger since Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on February 24.

In November, Tu-95 bombers of the Russian air force and Chinese H-6K bombers flew joint patrols over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.

As part of the drills, the Russian bombers landed in China for the first time, and the Chinese bombers flew to an air base in Russia.

In September, China sent more than 2,000 troops along with more than 300 military vehicles, 21 combat aircraft and three warships to take part in a sweeping joint exercise with Russia.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...4786df939491a9

[Jimbuna]

‘Get rid of the video!' Putin's TV mouthpiece loses it on-air over triumphant Zelensky

Top Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov lost it on live TV as footage of Volodymyr Zelensky's warm reception in the US pushed him over the edge. Mr Solovyov castigated his own studio producers for repeatedly showing clips of Ukraine's president receiving huge applause during the historic visit to DC earlier this week. The irate Kremlin mouthpiece became so furious at the on-air mishap during the live show that he interrupted his guest, the US-based Dimitri Simes.

Mr Solovyov revealed he had been messaging his producers on the show Full Contact behind the scenes during the interview to demand they remove the footage of the Ukrainian leader.

He said: "Forgive me, Dimitri. Guys, get rid of this video if you can't read what is being written to you!"

Next to the image of Russian propagandist, footage played House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris accepting and holding up the Ukrainian flag, handed to them by Mr Zelensky.

The clips of President Zelensky receiving triumphant applause in the US Congress contrasted with a photoshopped picture on display behind Mr Solovyov in the studio.

The photo showed the Ukrainian president shining Biden's shoes, next to a caption that read: "A vassal has arrived."

During the interview, the pair blasted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for comparing Winston Churchill to President Zelensky.

Mr Simes, who is president of The Center for the National Interest, suggested Vladimir Putin was the one who most resembled Churchill in his February speech announcing the invasion.

He said: "Putin addressed his people and said that the nation is in danger, that its enemies have a far-ranging plan.

"This was a speech worthy of Churchill! The speech of President Vladimir Putin."

Mr Simes said it was "unpleasant" to see US President Joe Biden meet with Zelensky, who he described as an "evil poodle".

He added it was "disgusting" for Ms Pelosi to kiss Mr Zelensky's hand during the meeting

Mr Solovyov concluded the interview saying: "Based on current events, 2023 is the year of big wars.

"We're entering the year on terms of an escalation. No one knows whether this is the last year for all of humanity."

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russia has made significant progress towards "demilitarising" Ukraine, despite losing huge swathes of land it had gained earlier in the war.

Demilitarisation was one of the initial goals of Russia's invasion ten months ago.

On Thursday, President Putin dismissed the US decision to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

He said the missiles were "outdated," adding that Russia's missile systems would be able to shoot it down.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...ac90cb0f5fffdb

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Japanese companies refused to insure ships in Russian waters: it is too dangerous because of war

From January 1, three Japanese insurance companies will stop insuring ships against military damage in all Russian waters. The possible danger has spread to the borders of the Black and Azov seas.

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

Tokyo Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Sompo Japan Insurance, and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance began informing shipowners of their decision on Friday.

The move, made about 10 months after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, was prompted by the refusal of foreign reinsurance companies to take on risks related to Russia.

The decision of the Japanese insurers means that war damage coverage will not be provided anywhere in Russian waters - not even in the Far East, far from the war in Ukraine. The lack of additional coverage for Russian waters would make sailing there too risky for most operators.

Japanese imports of liquefied gas from the Russian Sakhalin-2 project and other countries may be affected due to the inability to provide insurance coverage.

Shipowners must subscribe to additional military damage insurance before sailing through Ukrainian and Russian waters. Insurers must be notified in advance to monitor payment terms and premiums. Starting next year, shipowners will no longer have this option from the three Japanese insurers.

The insurers' decision reflects the industry's perception of the risks associated with war. The perceived danger has spread beyond the borders of the Black and Azov Seas, which are not far from the site of hostilities. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389051

[Jimbuna]

US Ambassador Brink condemned shelling of Kherson: Very terrible, especially on eve of Christmas

US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink condemned the shelling of Kherson by Russian troops on the eve of Christmas.

This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to Brink's Twitter page.

"Today is another brutal Russian attack on the recently liberated Kherson. The city's residents suffered so much when the Russian troops cut off electricity and water. According to preliminary data, many were killed and wounded. It is very terrible, especially on the eve of Christmas," she said.

We will remind you that on December 24, the Russian occupiers shelled the center of Kherson. So far, 7 dead and 58 wounded are known, 18 are in serious condition. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389060

Germany is winding down economic aid programs for Iran

Germany’s federal government suspends trade promotion and economic cooperation with Iran.

Про це, як пише Zeit, повідомило Міністерство економіки Німеччини, інформує Цензор.НЕТ з посиланням на Укрінформ.

This was reported by the Ministry of Economy of Germany, Censor.NET informs with reference to Ukrinform, as Zeit writes.

Germany is curtailing aid projects to Iran due to the suppression of protests against the regime. The Ministry of Economy announced that foreign trade financing instruments and economic cooperation will be suspended due to the "very serious" situation in the country. This applies to export credits and investment guarantees, the German-Iranian energy dialogue, the manager training program and the foreign trade program, etc. "Exceptions can be allowed only for humanitarian reasons," the ministry added.

The volume of German-Iranian trade in 2021 amounted to 1.76 billion euros. From January to September 2022, it amounted to 1.49 billion euros.

In reality, the provision of export and investment guarantees to Iran was still suspended. Only in 2016, after the lifting of EU sanctions, these instruments were reopened for a short time. In particular, guarantees were granted or extended for several projects. As of the end of 2018, the German government had no applications for new investment guarantees to make a decision. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389069

Germany handed Ukraine another BREM, 13 border guard vehicles and is preparing 50 field heaters

During the last week, Germany handed over to Ukraine another, thirteenth Bergerpanzer 2 armored repair and evacuation vehicle.

This is stated in the updated list of weapons on the website of the German government, Censor.NET reports with reference to "Euro Integration".

In addition to BREM, Ukraine received from Germany 13 border service vehicles (already 78 in total), one ambulance (previously 34) and two forklifts (six in total).

The list shows that the German side is preparing for the transfer of 26 replacement systems for loaders and 50 field heaters.

Bergerpanzer 2 is developed on the basis of the Leopard 1 battle tank. It provides recovery of battle-damaged vehicles, support in the installation and dismantling of engines and turrets. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389084

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Drone attack on Russian bomber base leaves three dead

A Ukrainian drone attack on an airbase for bombers in southern Russia has left three people dead, Moscow says.

Air defences shot down the drone near the Engels base, but falling debris fatally wounded three technical staff, the defence ministry said.

Earlier this month, Russia accused Ukraine of a similar attack on the airfield, home to bombers that have carried out missile attacks on Ukraine.

The base lies about 500km (310 miles) north-east of Ukraine's border.

The Ukrainian military has not officially admitted carrying out the latest attack, but air force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said the explosions were the result of what Russia was doing on Ukrainian soil.

The latest incident will come as an embarrassment to Russian authorities, coming so soon after the two 5 December attacks hundreds of kilometres from the front line - both at the Engels base and in the Ryazan region.

Russia had also blamed falling debris for the deaths of three servicemen and what it described as light damage to two aircraft.

Social media early on Monday posted videos of blasts and air sirens in the vicinity of Engels airfield.

Russia's defence ministry then said its air defences had shot down the drone flying at low altitude at about 01:35 on Monday (22:35 GMT Sunday).

Saratov governor Roman Busargin expressed his condolences to the men's families and friends, and said there was "absolutely no threat to residents" in the town of Engels itself.

The Ukrainian air force spokesman said satellite imagery of the airfield would soon reveal the full damage from Monday's attack, adding that earlier blasts had damaged aircraft at the base.

The Engels air base has been repeatedly used by Russia to carry out missile strikes on various targets in Ukraine since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February.

The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of attacking its territory before, but the latest incidents have taken place far deeper in Russian territory.

After the 5 December attacks, there were widespread calls for tightened security around Russian military installations and the latest attack suggests that has not happened.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64092183

[Jimbuna]

Total combat losses of Russian Federation since beginning of war - about 102,600 people, 3,016 tanks, 1,996 artillery systems, 6,017 armored vehicles. INFOGRAPHICS

Losses of the Russian occupiers as of the morning of December 26 are approximately 102,600 people.

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

As noted, the total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 26.12 are approximately:

personnel - about 102,600 (+550) people were eliminated,
tanks - 3016 (+5) units,
armored combat vehicles - 6017 (+7) units,
artillery systems - 1,996 (+5) units,
MLRS - 418 (+0) units,
air defense equipment - 212 (+0) units,
aircraft - 283 (+0) units,
helicopters - 267 (+0) units,
Operational-tactical UAV - 1707 (+1),
cruise missiles - 653 (+0),
warships/boats - 16 (+0) units,
automotive equipment and tank trucks - 4647 (+12) units,
special equipment - 178 (+0). Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389264

[Jimbuna]

West did not try to become mediator in Russia’s war against Ukraine, - Erdogan

The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said that the West did not try to become a mediator in Russia’s war against Ukraine, but allegedly engaged in "only provocations".

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

"Unfortunately, the West was only engaged in provocations and failed to make efforts to become a mediator in the Ukrainian-Russian war," Erdogan said.

At the same time, he reminded that Turkey took on the role of mediator and reached an agreement on the "grain corridor".

Erdogan noted that Turkey, together with the Russian Federation, will also take steps to export fertilizers. He added that solving this problem is "the most stressful part of the job." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389289

Neither Iran nor China handed Russia single missile, - Budanov

Iran has not transferred any missiles to Russia.

This was stated in an interview with LIGA.net by the head of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, Censor.NET informs.

According to him, the issue of Iran's transfer of missiles to Russia remains open.

"Everyone is working to prevent this from happening. And Iran itself realized that handing it over to Russia so easily is not accepted by the world. Even the world with which they are used to communicating normally.

In addition to "mopeds" "Shahed-136" and "Shahed-131". There was a large Mohajer-6, similar to Bayraktar in tactical and technical characteristics. They are trying to buy ammunition from them and want the Iranians to sell ballistic missiles. However, Iran never handed over a single missile," explained the head of the Ministry of Defense.

According to Budanov, China has not transferred any weapons either.

"And he won't pass it, as far as we understand," he concluded. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389302

[Jimbuna]

Enemy in south is losing its positions gradually, but quite confidently - Defense Forces of South

The Russian invaders are losing their positions in the south of Ukraine, but continue to terrorize the civilian population.

Nataliya Humenyuk, the head of the joint press center of the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, told about this during the television marathon, Censor.NET informs with reference to ArmyInform.

"The occupying forces continue to terrorize the civilian population. In particular, they do not stop shelling communities from the Kinburn spit, as well as the water area of the Black Sea and the Dnipro-Buh estuary in order to prevent the planned sea transport corridors from working in the grain agreement.
In other words, the occupiers are doing everything to make it impossible to include Mykolaiv direction and Mykolaiv ports there. In addition, he flies from time to time to the Ochakiv and Kutsurub districts," the spokeswoman said.

The enemy is keeping the maximum number of territories under threat, especially those they have lost. The occupiers are trying to hold at least some positions, but the Ukrainian military will not allow them to do so.

"The enemy is losing positions gradually, but quite confidently. The task before them now is to hold on, to wait for the moment when they draw up their reserves. Therefore, the command plans measures in such a way as not to give the enemy the opportunity to do this: we establish fire control, try to stop their logistical supply, do not give them peace, and force them to constantly look for new places of deployment," added the head of the joint press center of the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine.

She also emphasized that the enemy continues to maneuver and is obviously preparing for something.

"Now they are maneuvering and one of the missile carriers has already entered the base station. Currently, one surface and two underwater missile carriers are in the sea, which makes a total of 16 Kalibr missiles ready for use.
But we remember that it is not difficult to return that missile carrier to combat duty - it will take several hours. It should also not be forgotten that they have a tendency to repeat operations that are more or less significant for them, so if you think about December 5, how they were preparing for a massive missile strike, when they took missile carriers out to sea, raised strategic and tactical aviation, then in general everything very similar. And we are ready for this," Natalia Humeniuk said.

In addition, the head of the joint press center of the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine emphasized that one should not expect only a massive strike, because the enemy is capable of inflicting point strikes as well.

- The fact that they are running out of supplies is understandable because they are using them, but the enemy cannot be underestimated. the Russians are trying to replenish their reserves despite sanctions and despite limitations in their capacities.
We see that they are looking for an opportunity to delay the course of events, to take a so-called operational pause to raise reserves and continue their "victory show", as they think, but our countermeasures are adequate, we will not give them that pause, because we realize that we have to win its independence as quickly as possible," emphasized Natalia Humeniuk. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3389317

[Jimbuna]

Ukraine war: Five ways conflict could go in 2023

The conflict in Ukraine is about to enter its second calendar year. We asked several military analysts how they think events on the ground will unfold in 2023.

Could it conclude in the coming year and how - on the battlefield or at the negotiating table? Or might it grind on to 2024?

'Russia's spring offensive will be key'

Michael Clarke, associate director of the Strategic Studies Institute, Exeter, UK

Those who seek to invade another country anywhere across the great Eurasian steppes are condemned eventually to winter in it.

Napoleon, Hitler and Stalin all had to keep their armies moving in the face of a steppes winter, and now - his invasion going backwards on the ground - Vladimir Putin is digging his forces in for the winter to await a new Russian offensive in the spring.

Both sides need a pause but the Ukrainians are better equipped and motivated to keep going, and we can expect them to maintain the pressure, at least in the Donbas.

Around Kreminna and Svatove they are very close to a big breakthrough that would throw Russian forces 40 miles back to the next natural defensive line, close to where their invasion effectively began in February.

Kyiv will be reluctant to halt when the immediate prize is so great. Ukrainian offensives might, nevertheless, pause down in the south-west, following the recovery of Kherson.

Crossing over to the east side of the Dnipro river to pressure Russia's vulnerable road and rail links into Crimea might be too demanding. But the possibility of Kyiv launching a surprise new offensive can never be ruled out.

For 2023, the key determinant will be the fate of Russia's spring offensive. Putin had admitted that about 50,000 of the newly mobilised troops are already at the front; the other 250,000 of those just mobilised are training for next year.

There is no scope for anything but more war until the fortunes of those new Russian forces are settled on the battlefield.

A short and unstable ceasefire is the only other prospect. Putin has made it clear he will not stop. And Ukraine has made it clear it is still fighting for its life.

'Ukraine will win back its land'

Andrei Piontkovsky, scientist and analyst based in Washington DC

Ukraine will win by restoring completely its territorial integrity by spring 2023 at the latest. Two factors are shaping this conclusion.

One is the motivation, determination and courage of the Ukrainian military and Ukrainian nation as a whole, which is unprecedented in modern war history.

The other is the fact that, after years of appeasement of a Russian dictator, the West has finally grown up to realise the magnitude of historical challenge it faces. This is best illustrated by a recent statement by Nato General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg.

"The price we pay is in money. While the price the Ukrainians pay is in blood. If authoritarian regimes see that force is rewarded we will all pay a much higher price. And the world will become a more dangerous world for all of us."

The exact timing of the inevitable Ukrainian victory will be determined by the speed at which Nato can deliver a new game-changing package of military assault weapons (tanks, planes, long-ranged missiles).

I expect Melitopol will become the key battle point in the coming months (maybe weeks). Having taken over Melitopol, Ukrainians will easily move to the Azov Sea, effectively cutting off supply and communication lines to Crimea.

Russian capitulation will be formally agreed upon at technical talks after devastating Ukrainian advances on the battleground.

The victorious powers - Ukraine, UK, USA - will shape a new international security architecture.

'There is no end in sight'

Barbara Zanchetta, Department of War Studies, King's College London

Vladimir Putin expected Ukraine's passive acceptance of its more powerful neighbour's actions, with no meaningful involvement of other countries. This grave miscalculation has led to a protracted conflict, with seemingly no end in sight.

The winter will be difficult, as Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure will try to break the morale and endurance of an already shattered population. But Ukrainian resilience has proved to be remarkable. They will stand firm. The war will drag on. And on.

The prospects for negotiation are bleak. For a potential peace deal the core demands of at least one side need to change. There is no evidence that this has happened, or that it will happen soon.

How will the end come, then?

The costs of the war, both material and human, might break the level of commitment of the Russian political elite. The key will be inside Russia.

Past wars in which miscalculation was a crucial element, such as Vietnam for United States, or Afghanistan for the Soviet Union, only ended in this way. Domestic political conditions shifted in the country that had miscalculated, making exit - either "honourable" or not - the only viable option.

This may only happen, however, if the West stands firm in its support for Ukraine, in the face of increased domestic pressures linked to the costs of the war.

Sadly, this will continue to be a long-protracted political, economic and military battle of resolve. And by the end of 2023 it will most probably still be ongoing.

'No other outcome except Russian defeat'

Ben Hodges, former commanding general, United States Army Europe

It's too early to plan a victory parade in Kyiv but all the momentum is with Ukraine now and there is no doubt in my mind that they will win this war, probably in 2023.

Things will move slower over the winter but there's no doubt that Ukraine's forces will be better able to cope than Russia's because of all the winter equipment coming from the UK, Canada and Germany.

By January, Ukraine could be in a position to begin the final phase of the campaign which is the liberation of Crimea.

We know from history that war is a test of will and a test of logistics. When I see the determination of the Ukrainian people and soldiers, and the rapidly improving logistical situation for Ukraine, I see no other outcome but a Russian defeat.

The Russian pull-out from Kherson has partly led me to this conclusion. Firstly as a psychological boost for the Ukrainian people, secondly as a profound embarrassment for the Kremlin and thirdly by handing Ukraine's forces a key operational advantage - all approaches into Crimea are now within range of Ukrainian weapon systems.

I believe that the end of 2023 will see Crimea fully restored to Ukrainian control and sovereignty though there may be some sort or agreement that allows Russia to phase out some of its naval presence in Sevastopol… perhaps even to the end of the treaty (approximately 2025) that had existed before Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.

Reconstruction efforts will be under way on the Ukrainian infrastructure along the Azov Sea coast, including the important ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk, and the reopening of the North Crimean Canal that diverts water from the Dnipro to Crimea will be another important project receiving attention.

'Expect more of the same'

David Gendelman, military expert based in Israel

Instead of "how it's going to end" here is what each side would like to achieve in the next phase.

Only about half of Russia's 300,000 mobilised troops are already in the fighting zone. The rest, together with the forces freed for action after Kherson withdrawal, gives the Russians an opportunity to launch an offensive.

The occupation of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions will continue but a major Russian breakthrough like a drive from the south to Pavlograd to encircle the Ukrainian forces in the Donbas is less likely.

More probable is a continuation of current tactics - a slow grinding of Ukrainian forces on narrow directions and a slow advance, like in Bakhmut and Avdiivka areas, with possible same tactics in Svatove-Kreminna area.

Continuing targeting of Ukrainian energy infrastructure and other attacks on Ukrainian rear will complete this war of attrition strategy.

Significant Ukrainian forces were also freed after a Russian retreat from Kherson. For them the most strategically valuable direction is south, to Melitopol or Berdyansk, aiming to cut the Russian mainland corridor to Crimea. That would be a major Ukrainian victory, and that is exactly why Russians are fortifying Melitopol.

Another option for Ukraine is Svatove - success there would endanger the whole northern flank of the entire Russian frontline.

The big question is how many Ukrainian forces are free and available for the offensive at this point, and what timetable General Zaluzhnyi has on his desk stating how many new reserve brigades and corps that are being built will be ready in one, two or three months from now, including manpower, armoured vehicles and heavy weapons.

After the mud freezes, we will get the answer to this question. And this answer will get us a little closer to "how it's going to end".

The analysts were chosen for their military expertise and their mix of perspectives
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63987113

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Russian sausage tycoon Pavel Antov dies in Indian hotel fall

By Paul Kirby
BBC News

Russian sausage tycoon Pavel Antov has been found dead at an Indian hotel, two days after a friend died during the same trip.

They were visiting the eastern state of Odisha and the millionaire, who was also a local politician, had just celebrated his birthday at the hotel.

Antov was a well known figure in the city of Vladimir, east of Moscow.

Last summer he denied criticising Russia's war in Ukraine after a message appeared on his WhatsApp account.

The millionaire's death is the latest in a series of unexplained deaths involving Russian tycoons since the start of the Russian invasion, many of whom have openly criticised the war.

Reports in Russian media said Mr Antov, 65, had fallen from a window at the hotel in the city of Rayagada on Sunday. Another member of his four-strong Russian group, Vladimir Budanov, died at the hotel on Friday.

Superintendent Vivekananda Sharma of Odisha police said Mr Budanov was found to have suffered a stroke while his friend "was depressed after his death and he too died". The Russian consul in Kolkata, Alexei Idamkin, told the Tass news agency that police did not see a "criminal element in these tragic events".

Tourist guide Jitendra Singh told reporters that Mr Budanov may have "consumed a lot of alcohol as he had liquor bottles".

Pavel Antov founded the Vladimir Standard meat processing plant and in 2019 Forbes estimated his fortune at some $140m (£118m) at the top of Russia's rich list of lawmakers and civil servants.

He played an important role at the legislative assembly in Vladimir, heading a committee on agrarian policy and ecology. The assembly's deputy chairman Vyacheslav Kartukhin said he had died in "tragic circumstances".

Late last June he appeared to react to a Russian missile attack on a residential block in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv that left a man dead and his seven-year-old daughter and her mother wounded.

A WhatsApp message on Antov's account described how the family were pulled out of the rubble: "It's extremely difficult to call all this anything but terror."

The message was deleted and Antov then posted on social media that he was a supporter of the president, a "patriot of my country" and backed the war.

The WhatsApp message had come from someone whose opinion on the "special military operation in Ukraine" he strongly disagreed with, he insisted. It had been posted accidentally on his messenger and was a highly annoying misunderstanding, he said.

Several high-profile Russian tycoons have died in mysterious circumstances since the war began.

In September the head of Russia's oil giant Lukoil, Ravil Maganov, apparently fell from a hospital window in Moscow.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64101437

[Commander Wallace]

^ Being a friend or former friend of Putrid is a tough gig.