Here we go again-Ukraine once again

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson lying about Putin missile threat, says Kremlin

The Kremlin has accused Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister, of "lying" when he said President Vladimir Putin had threatened him with a missile strike during a phone call in the run-up to the invasion of Ukraine.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, told reporters that what Johnson said was not true, or "more precisely, a lie".

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Johnson said that the Russian leader had threatened him with a missile strike that would "only take a minute".

"He threatened me at one point, and he said, 'Boris, I don't want to hurt you but, with a missile, it would only take a minute' or something like that," Mr Johnson said.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...9dbe3aa48c8ab3

[Jimbuna]

Putin's Wagner thugs claim they have taken eastern Ukraine village after intense fighting

Russian mercenary fighters claimed they captured a small village in eastern Ukraine, reports from Telegram channels associated with the group have said, as fighting in the Donbas territory intensified. The Wagner Group said that its units had taken control of Blahodatne, a small village on the highway between the front-line cities of Bakhmut and Siversk, with photos posted of members of the outfit standing in front of an entrance sign to the area. Ukraine's General Staff, however, said its forces repelled an attack in the area of Blahodatne on Sunday.

The village of Blahodatne is located just across the Bakhmutka River from the salt-mining town of Soledar, which Russia successfully captured in mid-January after a brutal assault.

In a message on the morning of January 29, the press service of Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Wagner troops had reached the southern edge of the village.

Another channel associated with the group said: "Units of Wagner PMC have taken Blahodatne. Blahodatne is under our control."

They have also claimed to have taken the village of Klishchiivka, to the south, over the past week as they continue to try to encircle the city of Bakhmut.

While the claims remain unconfirmed, if true, their positions will put increasing pressure on Ukrainian communication and supply lines into Bakhmut itself.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address on Sunday that the situation around Bakhmut has become "very tough".

He said: "The situation is very tough. Bakhmut, Vuhledar, and other sectors in Donetsk region - there are constant Russian attacks."

But Ukrainian forces denied that the village of Blahodatne had been captured by the Wagner Group, while the Russian Ministry of Defence declined to comment.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its daily morning report: "Units of Ukraine's Defence Forces repelled the attacks of the occupiers in the areas of ... Blahodatne ... in the Donetsk region."

Ukraine's General Staff added that its forces repelled Russian attacks in the areas of 13 other settlements in the Donetsk region.

The Wagner Group has made premature claims about capturing cities and towns, such as Soledar, in previous weeks.

Their announcement came as friends and volunteers gathered at Kyiv's St Sophia's Cathedral to say goodbye to Andrew Bagshaw, a New Zealand scientist who was killed in Soledar, six miles northeast of Bakhmut, earlier this month, alongside Brit Christopher Parry.

The pair were trying to evacuate an elderly woman from the frontline salt mining town when they were hit by a shell in their car, Mr Bagshaw's family reported in a statement last week.

Volunteers spoke of their memories of Mr Bagshaw and read tributes from his family. Nikolletta Stoyanova, a friend in Ukraine, shared memories of his bravery.

Ms Stoyanova said, speaking in English: "Even if no one wanted to go to Soledar, they can do that. Because if he understood that someone needs help, they need to do this help for these people."

Mr Bagshaw's father, Phil, told reporters in New Zealand that his son wanted to do something to help.

He said: "He was a very intelligent man, and a very independent thinker.

"And he thought a long time about the situation in Ukraine, and he believed it to be immoral. He felt the only thing he could do of a constructive nature was to go there and help people."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...134b346db01306

[Jimbuna]

Erdogan might approve Finland's NATO bid, 'shock' Sweden

Turkey's president has suggested his country might approve Finland's application for NATO membership before taking any action on Sweden's, while the Turkish government issued a travel warning for European countries due to anti-Turkish demonstrations and what it described as Islamophobia.

The travel warning published late Saturday followed demonstrations last weekend outside the Turkish Embassy in Sweden, where an anti-Islam activist burned the Quran and pro-Kurdish groups protested against Turkey. The events stiffened Turkey's refusal so far to ratify Sweden's NATO bid.

Sweden and Finland applied jointly to become members of the military alliance, dropping their longstanding military nonalignment following Russia’s war on Ukraine. In a prerecorded video of an event released Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated that Turkey might sign off on only Finland.

“If needed, we could give a different message about Finland. Sweden will be shocked when we give the different message about Finland.” Erdogan said to a group of young people in Bilecik province.

Turkey has accused the government in Stockholm of being too lenient toward groups it deems as terror organizations or existential threats, including Kurdish groups. NATO requires unanimous approval of its existing members to add new ones, but Erdogan's government has said it would only agree to admit Sweden if the country met its conditions.

In its travel warning to citizens, the Turkish foreign ministry cited an increase in anti-Turkish protests by “groups with links to terror groups,” a reference to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. Along with Turkey, the European Union and United States also designate the PKK as a terror group.

Pro-Kurdish groups have waved the flags of the PKK and its affiliates during protests in Sweden organized as a response to Sweden and Finland’s promise to prevent the PKK’s activities in their countries in order to gain Turkey’s approval for their NATO memberships.

Erdogan said he told the Swedish prime minister, “You will extradite these terrorists if you really want to enter NATO. If you don’t extradite these terrorists, then sorry.” He said Turkey had provided a list of 120 people it wants extradited from Sweden, a demand that was part of a memorandum signed in June that averted Turkey’s veto of the Nordic nations' joint application.

Turkey is demanding the extradition of alleged PKK militants as well as some followers of Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric accused of the 2016 attempted coup. In December, the Swedish Supreme Court said the country cannot extradite Bulent Kenes, the former editor-in-chief of a newspaper linked to Gulen, angering Turkey.

Turkey also strongly condemned far-right activist Rasmus Paludan’s burning of the Quran last weekend in Stockholm, which he repeated in Copenhagen Friday. Ankara summoned the Dutch ambassador after another far-right activist tore pages of the Quran in the Hague.

Following last week's protests, Erdogan warned Sweden not to expect support for its membership bid for the military alliance. Turkey also indefinitely postponed a key meeting in Brussels that would have discussed Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership.

The Turkish foreign ministry urged its citizens to take precautions and stay away from demonstration areas in Europe. It also said they should go to local authorities if they face xenophobic or racist attacks.

In a separate advisory, the ministry also urged Turkish citizens to be vigilant in the United States in case of protests in response to police’s fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, an unarmed Black man.

Earlier Saturday, before Turkey had issued its travel warning, the Nordic countries separately issued updated travel guidelines for Turkey. Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden urged their citizens visiting Turkey to avoid large gatherings and to exercise caution.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry said in a message on its website that Sweden’s embassy in Ankara remains closed to the public and visitors to the country’s consulate general in Istanbul are “requested to exercise vigilance.”

“We want to make Swedes in Turkey aware that further manifestations may occur,” the Swedish ministry said, referring to counter-protests that erupted in Turkey after last weekend’s events in Stockholm.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...1e8e57c389e667

[Skybird]

Sort of an excursion:

https://www.steelbeasts.com/topic/16...comment=232178

Nils "Ssnake" Hinrichsen, CEO of eSim which produces the simulation of mechanized warfare "Steal Beasts Pro" and sees it being used for serious tank crew, tank platoon and tank company training by a dozen NATO states, recently saw their forum hit by a discussion on whether or not the publicly available past data estimations about the survivability of the Leopard-2A4's armour were exaggerated in the past, or more realistic. The result was that it seems this was the case and the tank may be more vulnerable than assumed: the next update of SBP in February will see a massive revision of armour ratings for the Leo-2A4. So much eSim's official conclusions.

In this debate Ssnake posted a general personal assessment on the way tanks are being used in Ukraine which I think is worth to be taken note of. He has had his own career as tanker in the Bundeswehr and heads eSim since many years, it is a safe guess I think to assume he knows his stuff a little bit. If he is right in his observations and conclusions - and I think he is - , then the role of the MBT in this war is different than what the debate about tank deliveries currently may give an impression of. Long distance shots of tanks at each other practically do almost not take place, the number of kills achieved in this way is so low that it is militarily irrelevant. Where tanks kill tanks, this happens mostly "in the infight", by flank shots in urban combat environments and in ambush situations at close and very close ranges, also many tanks get killed by drones, loitering ammunitions, ATGMs and RPG/PZF style weapons. In these combat contexts , EVERY tank is utmost vulnerable, even Leopards, Abrams and Challengers. Also, many MBTs get killd by direct artillery hits against which there is no defence. Both sides learned to adapt by using their tanks not for tank-on-tank battles across the open plains, but by giving them a role of mobile artillery support for the manouvering infantry, against enemy infantry.

If this is true, than the Ukrainians desperatly need to change the way in which they use their tanks so far, because those they have they loose in signficant numbers, and they will, continue to loose Western tanks if they do not alter their use fundamentally. The Leopards and Challengers and Abrams will else fall victim to the enemy's overwhelming numbersm, being taken out by artillery, drones, missiles, infantry - a bit later than Russian made tanks, but they cannot hold out forever since they are available only in very low numbers this year. Add to that wear and tear under waritme operaiton conditions which will extract many tanks from battle for maintenance which is, due to the long supply and transportation lines, time consuming.

Numbers. They speak for the Russians, I warn of this since months. Putin maby edone anyway, yes, but Russia will still be there, with or without Putin. And the Russians are learning, they ARE adapting, Slowly, very slowly at times, but they do. They gain ground. Slowly, and at high costs - which the oviously think they can afford. Because this war of attrition is something that sees the Ukraine increasingly at a disadvantage - its the kind of war that benefits Russia and puts any Russian enemy at a disadvantage. This is their trump card, and artillery superiority.

Ukraine needs more. More of everything, and of much longer striking range. Time and attrition work for the Russians. Slowly, but constantly. And every day, they dug themselves deeper in.

The tanks will help to a degree that remains to be seen, but in these numbers and at these timetables they are no wonder weapon and no game changer. I see their main role as a replacment for Russian-made tanks that run out of ammo. They need tank ammo, artillery rounds, long distance missiles, and ATGMs. The missile/drone strikes of the Russians are pinching needles, but do not decide the war. The artillery does.

[Jimbuna]

[Skybird]

I think one should, never forget that all these videos posted here are PROPAGANDA videos for the most, more cleverly orchestrated than the Russian outspill of hate-dripping excrement, but with an obvious bias on depicting things in a glossed-over manner aiming at boosting morale and influencing Western attitude.

Some videos posted here however are from people apparently knowing the stuff from experience and being more cautious and hesitent in their approach and phrasing.

But these videos of showing how wonderful fighting is going for Ukraine, how loousy russia poerofrms and Putin being close to his end, with music in the background and narration from the off, sometimes in an almost robotic sound, are simply propaganda.

I give nothing for this kind of videos. Its pointless, like listening to a speech delivered by a politician. Ukraini currently, all in all, holds some advantage over the Russians, in total view of the situation, but its currently loosing these again, slowly. They must find ways to consolidate. The Russians' numerical superiority in ammo, rounds, missiles, tanks, men, makes itself felt. Plus, as said before, they learn, and adapt. Slowly, but they get better and better. I am warning of this happening since months.

Russia can hold out the way the war is running in now FOR YEARS. And Putin benefits more from having it running the way it does, than from getting a peace deal now. The Ukraine does not enjoy this reserve of long breath. Time favours Russia. With every day passing, Ukraine gets desrtoyed more. Russia's civil society and people's economic outlook is of no interest here. It never was for Russian leaders. People get trained from childhood on to suffer for the state.

One really decisive big defeat somewhere, say Crimea, may cause a revolt of the military in Moscow. But who says that the guy after Putin is better? As I see it, chances are he - whoever it will be - will be even worse.

Significantly more. Of everything. And nobody really knows where stuff should come from, and how to quickly produce new stuff. Military strike on Iran looming. War with China in 2025, an air force general warns.



An old Chinese curse goes like this: May you live in interesting times.

Our time is about to turn very interesting.

[Jimbuna]

At Ukraine-EU summit, military situation, Zelensky’s peace plan and support for Ukraine will be discussed, - Maasikas

Issues to be discussed at the Ukraine-EU Summit include the military situation, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan, and support for Ukraine from partners.

This was stated by the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine Matti Maasikas, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.

"First of all, there is a signal of solidarity with Ukraine. Among the issues that will be discussed are, of course, the military situation, the peace plan of President Zelensky, which has received support in the EU. We see delays in assisting Ukraine both in the military, economic, financial, humanitarian, and energy spheres, etc.," the diplomat noted.

Maasikas noted that Brussels is also discussing Ukraine's progress in working on EU recommendations related to granting the status of a candidate for EU membership.

"So the range of issues is quite large," said the head of the EU representation in Ukraine.

He also noted that the speed of any integration process depends primarily on the candidate's actions, in particular on how quickly EU legislation will be adopted and implemented, and the assessment of Ukraine's progress in implementation is ongoing. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396552

During week, 18 ships with 664,000 tons of food left ports of Odesa. PHOTOS

As part of the Grain Initiative, 18 ships exported 664,000 tons of food from the ports of Odesa during the week. This is a third less than the volume of exports for the week before last.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine on Facebook.

In particular, 60,000 tons of wheat were sent to Kenya, 56,000 tons to Bangladesh, and 60,000 tons of Ukrainian oil to India.

"The rate of departure of ships from ports remains critically low - 2.5 ships per day. This is an indicator that was at the beginning of the "Grain Initiative" when export volumes were insignificant. At the same time, the number of ships that undergo inspection in the Bosphorus and receive permission to move to Ukrainian ports for loading also does not exceed 3 ships per day," the message reads.

As noted, in the Bosphorus, the Russian side in the SCC continues to block the implementation of the initiative and artificially increase the queue of ships.

As of today, 117 vessels are waiting for inspection in the territorial waters of Turkey (92 are bound for ports for loading, and 25 are already with agricultural products). Over the past week, only 20 inspections took place out of the minimum required 84.

The registration of vessels to participate in the initiative is also being slowed down: out of more than 80 declared vessels, the Russians register an average of only 2-3 vessels daily without explaining the reasons.

Currently, 21 vessels are being processed in the ports of Odesa. Almost 1 million tons of Ukrainian agricultural products are loaded onto them. Only 3 loading vessels move along the "grain corridor".

It is also reported that since August 1, 687 ships have left the ports of Odesa, exporting 18.9 million tons of Ukrainian food to the countries of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Under the condition of stable functioning of the "grain corridor", this indicator should be more than 28 million tons. Source: https://censor.net/en/p3396555

[Jimbuna]

Poland will transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine if NATO supports this decision, - Morawiecki

Poland may hand over its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine if NATO supports such a decision.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said this at a press conference, Censor.NET informs with reference to ZN.ua.

"As it was a few months ago in the context of MiGs, so any other air power will be implemented and possibly transferred in agreement with NATO countries. Here we will act in full coordination," Morawiecki said when asked whether Poland is ready to hand over its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396565

EU cannot prohibit African countries from trading with Russia, - Borrell

The European Union is incapable of hindering Russia’s trade with African countries. At the same time, the EU does not ask African countries to "choose a side" in the war in Ukraine, but only to observe the UN charter.

The head of the diplomacy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, said this in an interview with the Financial Times, Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

"If they want to trade with Russia, what can I do? I can't stop them from doing it," he said.

At the same time, according to Borrell, there is a difference between the desire to "spare Russia" and refusing to recognize the Russians' clear violation of international law in Ukraine.

"We are not asking them and we are not asking any African country or any country in the world to choose a side. We are only asking them to side with the UN charter," he added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396571

[Jimbuna]

In Germany, pro-Kremlin activists collected money for equipment for Russian army, - Reuters

A group of pro-Russian activists in Germany collected money to buy walkie-talkies, telephones and headphones for the Russian occupiers in Ukraine.

This is reported by the Reuters agency, Censor.NET informs.

The central place in the group was occupied by the married couple - Olena Kolbasnikova and Max Schlund. At the end of last year, they handed over the sum of 500 euros to the Russian officer Dmytro Tkachev. The couple knew that the money would go to telecommunications equipment for the Russian military. At the same time, EU sanctions limit the supply of such equipment to the occupiers.

Reuters claims Kolbasnikova and Schlund have covert ties to the Russian state, sanctioned Russians or the far right. At the same time, they promote a pro-Moscow position in Germany.

Yes, they received tickets from the Berlin branch of the Russian state agency for the promotion of culture "Rossotrudnichestvo" to travel to Moscow for a conference at which Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke. The Berlin prosecutor's office then said it was investigating the agency's Berlin office.

In a message sent to supporters in a private WhatsApp group in October, Kolbasnikova wrote: "We have transferred 500 euros to the 42nd motorized rifle division of the Russian Federation for the purchase of radio stations, headphones and radio telephones."

"We talked to them in Donetsk. They are on the front lines. My husband served with one of them," she wrote in capital letters under a dozen red exclamation marks.

The EU regulation of February 25, 2022 prohibits the supply or financing of the purchase of certain goods for the Russian military. The list of banned goods includes "radio equipment (such as transmitters, receivers and transceivers)".

Under German law, the criminal penalty for violating sanctions is up to five years in prison.

The Office for the Protection of the Constitution of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where Schlund and Kolbasnikova live, confirmed that the group, which includes the couple, is trying to promote Moscow's official narrative regarding its aggression against Ukraine.

Schlund, who studied at a Russian military academy, moved to Germany in 2012. Later, he started dating Kolbasnikova, who comes from Ukraine and worked as a nurse in Germany.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the couple organized protests in Cologne, calling on the German government to stop arming Ukraine and make peace with Moscow. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396586

France confirmed agreement with Italy on purchase of 700 missiles for SAMP/T air defense system, which is being prepared for Ukraine

France and Italy have signed a contract for the purchase of up to 700 Aster missiles in order to strengthen the countries’ air defense.

As reported by Censor.NET with reference to the Euro Integration, the information was confirmed by the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France.

The two countries' defense procurement agencies notified the Franco-Italian consortium Eurosam, which includes Thales and MBDA, of the contract late last year, the ministry said in a statement.

The day before, Reuters reported with reference to sources that the two countries have practically reached an agreement on the transfer of the SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine.

The system, created by a joint Franco-Italian consortium, can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 simultaneously and is the only European-made system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
SOURCE: HTTPS://CENSOR.NET/EN/N3396581

North Korea supplied "Wagner" missiles for Russia’s war with Ukraine, - Stoltenberg

North Korea supplied the Wagner PMC with missiles for Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday in Seoul during a speech to students of Seoul University, which took place as part of the Alliance Secretary General's visit to South Korea, Censor.NET reports with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

He also noted that threats to European security are threats to the Indo-Pacific region.

"North Korea supplied missiles to Russia's Wagner group, further fueling Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. President Putin launched a war almost a year ago to take control of the country and deprive people of their freedom. In response, NATO and NATO allies, as well as our partners throughout the world, including South Korea, condemned this illegal and unjustified war. And we are providing unprecedented assistance to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

The Secretary General of the Alliance is convinced that this support is of great importance for the Ukrainians, "helping them not only to survive but also to push back the Russian invader and liberate their territory."

"We should support Ukraine as long as it takes. Because if President Putin wins, he and other authoritarian leaders will get a signal that they can get what they want by force. That would make the world more dangerous and us more vulnerable," - he emphasized.

Stoltenberg stated that "what is happening in Europe is important for the Indo-Pacific region, and what is happening here in Asia is important for NATO."

Among the existing threats, the secretary general named the threat emanating from North Korea, which "continues its provocative and destabilizing behavior, including unprecedented missile tests that have taken place over the past year, as well as nuclear activities and rhetoric that continues in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions."

"This is a clear and immediate threat to the Republic of Korea, the entire region, and international peace and security," the Secretary General clarified, calling on Pyongyang to stop "its provocations and fully comply with international law."

"Our security is interconnected, so we must remain united and firm, insist on full compliance with the UN Charter, and prevent oppression and tyranny from triumphing over freedom and democracy. You can count on NATO to support the Republic of Korea and other partners - like-minded people in promoting peace, protecting our common security and preserving a global system based on norms and values," Stoltenberg concluded. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396594

[Catfish]

Originally Posted by tonschk

I am doing all what I can to help Russia win over the terrorist nazi NATO nazi criminals

Then you want to kill yourself?

Putin’s Secret Neo-Nazi Armies | Decade of Hate




Not to forget the "Rusich group":

Why Russian "Neo Nazi" Group Task Force Rusich Wants "Intel On NATO States" Amid Ukraine War




All the world knows this, just not the poor russians who started this war of aggression

[Jimbuna]

Iran and Russia have linked banking systems in attempt to replace SWIFT, - Reuters

Iran and Russia connected their banking systems amid the SWIFT shutdown. Now they use their own system to transmit interbank messages.

Iranian high-ranking officials told Reuters about this, Censor.NET informs with reference to Hromadske.

"Iranian banks no longer need to use SWIFT with Russian banks, which can be used for letters of credit, transfers or guarantees," said Mohsen Karimi, deputy governor of the Central Bank of Iran.

Mohsen Karimi said that about 700 Russian banks and 106 non-Russian banks from 13 different countries will be connected to this system, without specifying the names of the foreign banks.

The head of Iran's central bank, Mohammad Farzin, welcomed the move and wrote on Twitter that the financial channel between Iran and the world is being restored.

In turn, the Central Bank of Russia refused to comment on the agreement.

Iran was cut off from the SWIFT financial messaging service in 2018. This happened after Washington abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal. Similar restrictions were imposed on some Russian banks after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396635

France and Australia agreed on joint production of 155-mm shells for needs of Ukraine

Australia and France will help Ukraine with the production of 155-mm shells.

As Censor.NET informs with reference to ZN.UA, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced this at a joint press conference in Paris.

"Together with the Minister of Defense of Australia, Richard Marles, we decided to offer our joint assistance to Ukraine. It is about our joint production of 155 mm caliber shells, which Ukraine needs," Lecornu emphasized.

On the French side, the company Nexter, which produces weapons and military equipment, will take part in the partnership. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396648

Great Britain will hand over Challenger-2 tanks to Ukraine by summer, - Wallace

Great Britain plans to deliver Challenger-2 tanks as part of military aid to Ukraine by the summer.

As Censor.NET informs with reference to Sky News, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace said this.

"This (supply to Ukraine, - ed.) will take place before the beginning of summer or in May. Maybe closer to Easter," he said.

At the same time, the minister added that, for security reasons, he cannot make public the training schedule of Ukrainian troops in the use of tanks. However, he said that the training will begin with training in individual machine control, and then move on to fighting in a formation.

It will be reminded, earlier in Britain they said that Ukraine will be able to receive Challenger 2 tanks at the end of March.

On January 14, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak officially confirmed in a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky that he will provide Ukraine with Challenger 2 tanks, as well as additional artillery systems. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396660

Blinken discussed with Netanyahu provision of support to Ukraine

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, during a meeting in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussed measures to counter Iran, including its military aid to the Russian Federation, as well as providing comprehensive support to Ukraine.

Blinken said this during a joint press conference with the head of the Israeli government following the meeting on Monday, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.

"We discussed deepening cooperation to counter Iran's destabilizing activities in the region and beyond. Just as Iran has long supported terrorists who attack Israelis and other nations, the regime (in Tehran - ed.) is now supplying drones that Russia is using to kill innocent civilians in Ukraine," the head of the US State Department noted.

He noted that Moscow, for its part, provides Iran with modern weapons.

"The current atrocities on the part of Russia only emphasize the importance of providing support to Ukraine in all its needs - in the humanitarian, economic, and security spheres," the US Secretary of State noted, adding that this topic was also discussed during the meeting in Jerusalem. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3396672

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

[Skybird]

Colonel Reisner from the Austrian army on the numbers of both side'stank armies. He does not say it as clearly as I do, but I think he also sees it like that Russia is on the way of winning this war over time - by overwhelming numbers. The quntity of dleiveries the West send into Ukraine simply isy not even close top beiong bigh enough. I think. Not even close. Whatz egts send in tanks no, gets send too late, and in too small numbers, and then piece by piece, so to speak.

I think the chance that it will not work as we hope is bigger than the chance that it will work. If we leave it to the plans so far announced. We need to send MUCH MORE, and not just tanks.

FOCUS writes:

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

Four T-72s for one Leo - Moscow's brute response to our tanks

The West's tank deliveries to Ukraine are putting Russia under massive pressure. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin can only counter this with sheer mass. His strategy is now becoming a battle against time for the West.

With his "go" for the delivery of German Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz set off a chain reaction. Other NATO partners and the U.S. then also approved the export of battle tanks - between 100 and 150 units are expected to reach Ukraine in the coming weeks.

This puts Putin in a tight spot. Russia cannot compete with the quality of Western tanks. He is left with only one option: pure mass.
"I estimate that Russia still has between 10,000 and 11,000 tanks in stock".

When Putin invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, it still had more than 1100 active battle tanks. That's four times the capacity of the Bundeswehr. It is the second most powerful tank army in Europe - after Russia.

But Putin's troops have destroyed much Ukrainian equipment. The West responded by supplying Soviet tanks from old stocks as part of the ring swap. However, these stocks have now been largely used up, and as of now Western tanks are rolling in. Since these are clearly superior to Russia's Soviet tanks, Russia is getting into trouble.

The Russian army also had to cope with heavy tank losses. The number of 3300 at the beginning of the war has dwindled to about 2000. "I estimate that Russia still has between 10,000 and 11,000 tanks in stock, some of which are being repaired right now," said Guard Commander Markus Reisner of the Austrian army in an interview with the "RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland "(RND).

To counter the West's superior tanks with an equal response, Putin must now rely on mass. "The Russians know they can't compete technologically, but only through sheer mass," Reisner says. "It would take, the thinking goes, four Russian T-72s to destroy one Western Leopard."

The Russian city of Nizhny Tagil is therefore bustling with activity. The world's largest tank factory is located there, and tanks are built and repaired around the clock. Russia still has very large national reserves that have apparently been reactivated, he said. "Even if it's not the newest material, it's large quantities," said retired Colonel Richter in an interview with "RND."

To gain an advantage over the West, Putin is pursuing a brute strategy: trying to move as many tanks as possible to Ukraine and attack before Western battle tanks even get there. Reisner's concern: "It is quite possible that the Western tanks will arrive too late or in too small numbers."

The Austrian military expert estimates that Russia will have about 2,000 more tanks in the coming months. Thus, Ukraine would soon have to face 4000 Russian tanks.
----------------------------

[mapuc]

If it's true Skybird what your wrote in your comment ^
"He does not say it as clearly as I do, but I think he also sees it like that Russia is on the way of winning this war over time - by overwhelming numbers. The quntity of dleiveries the West send into Ukraine simply isy not even close top beiong bigh enough. I think. Not even close."

Then we WILL see boots on the ground-NO way will NATO/the West allow Russia to win this war, never!

What I can see in my crystal ball is a forced ceasefire being imposed upon Ukraine to stop the war-
I know right now it's - We stand with Ukraine and support them as long as it require it"-words from our leaders. However if Russia should turn the tide and start to win this war....

Markus