Here we go again-Ukraine once again

[Catfish]

German gas resources are at 91 percent right now.

[Jimbuna]

NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine will cost Canada $307 million

NASAMS air defense systems, which Canada will purchase from the United States and donate to Ukraine, will cost 400 million Canadian dollars (about 307 million US dollars).

This was stated by Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand, reports Censor.NЕТ with reference to Ukrinform.

"We are pleased to be able to transfer ground-based air defense systems to Ukraine after purchasing them from the United States for approximately $400 million," Anand said.

She noted that she is working to deliver these weapons to Ukraine as soon as possible. "This is a priority for us, so we will ensure their delivery as soon as possible," the Canadian minister said.

According to Anand, along with NASAMS launchers, Canada will also send ammunition for them. "This means that the delivery can take place in several stages, and now we are coordinating all the details. But I am very determined to get the aid to Ukraine as soon as possible," she stressed.

The Minister added that Canada will support Ukraine "in the short and long term". "We are considering all options to help Ukraine and maintain our commitment to our allies, especially in NATO," she concluded.

Yesterday Canada announced its intention to provide Ukraine with NASAMS air defense systems. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392716

Fighting for Soledar continues, Donetsk direction stands firm, - Zelensky

Fighting for the city of Soledar continues, the Donetsk sector is being held.

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in the evening video appeal, reports Censor.NЕТ.

"Russian aggression will be exhausted only when Russian ambitions... on the front, in politics, in the economy, in the legal area... have no other alternative but to lose...," the President noted.

Zelensky added that now the terrorist state and its propagandists are spreading rumors about the capture of Soledar, which is almost completely destroyed by the occupiers.

According to the Head of State, they will and are already presenting it to their society as a victory and in such a way as to support mobilization, to give hope to those who are for aggression.

"But the fighting continues, the Donetsk direction is holding and we are doing everything to strengthen the Ukrainian defense without a break even for one day, our potential is growing. Western-style tanks are the work of our entire anti-war coalition and this is a new level of our potential," Zelensky stressed. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392714

No signs of Ukrainian Armed Forces retreat from Soledar - CNN

CNN journalists are now near Soledar, Donetsk region, where the fiercest fighting is taking place. They report that Ukrainian troops feel confident and are not going to leave the city.

According to Censor.NЕТ, this is stated on the website of CNN

Reporters hear continuous heavy artillery fire on the outskirts of the city.

According to the journalists, a few kilometers from the front line, Ukrainian troops remain calm, carrying out their routine maintenance and logistical duties. There are no signs of an imminent retreat or withdrawal.

Journalist Ben Wedman said: "We are about seven kilometres from where the battle is taking place. You can hear the artillery - most of the sounds are coming from the city."

Members of the CNN team also noticed how important Western assistance is in this war - the Ukrainian military in Soledar are using many combat and medical vehicles from Poland, France, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392713

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by Catfish

German gas resources are at 91 percent right now.

We in Europe never had so many gas in the winter thanks to Putin, LOL

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Fact is the German industry already in March or April 2022 had told the German govenrment they - not active Bundeswehr reserves! - could have dozens of Leopard-2s ready in late summer or so, and the Marders even earlier. The government ignored them, for weeks and weeks did not even comment on it, and in the second half of the year on several occasions actively said No. The industry neverthless had started already last spring then to refurbish the Leopard-2 in their backyard and at their own cost, to have them ready once the permission would come. They asked again and again to be given permission to deliver these older Leopards-2, refurbished, I assume they are 2A4s in the main, maybe some 2A5s, but I dont know for sure. Most are 2A4, I strongly assume.

Says the industry. Not just some observer, commentator or reporter. These tanks have been phased out, they are not part of the tank pool of the BW anymore. According to the industry, first Leopards-2 could have been delivered already in late spring, early summer - if there would have been the political will.

Spain wanted to send some of its Leopards, which are more modern ones. Germany said No. I think it was Poland who wanted to do so, in limited numbers, due to their T-72 deliveries, and one or two other nations as well, was it Canada? Canada's Leopard-1s, I think. The Germans always prohibited it. But the same Germans complained about the Swiss and demanded Switzerland to change its laws when the Swiss said they do not deliver ammunition for the Gepards.

The Gepards were not delivered because it was such a brilliant idea, though it proved to be a valuable system to bring down drones. The Germans sent the Gepards so that they must not talk about Leopards anymore. Its the same with the Marders.

Finland will consider transferring battle tanks to Ukraine if such a decision is made by other countries, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Jan. 10. According to Yle, Finland has Leopard-2 battle tanks available but has not yet made any decisions regarding their transfer to Ukraine. https://english.nv.ua/nation/finland...-50296802.html

[Jimbuna]

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Dargo

That ^ are 2A5s or higher (ther wedge turret armour was introduced with the A5 and its export version equivalents, the Strv-122 for Sweden for example). I would not hope for 2A5s or higher being given to Ukraine, they are in active service and German lines are already thin on tanks. Only models no longer in use, that have been phased out by the military and were bought back by the industry and now are parked somewehre, are likely candidates. Means: version 2A4. Which still is good enough to spank non-state of the art Russian tanks - if tactically handled correct by unit and vehicle commanders. No tank can be better than the tactical leadership.

[kpv1974]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Ukraine battle hints at rift in pro-Russian forces

By Will Vernon
BBC News, Moscow

Russia's defence ministry says its forces are taking part in the battle for Soledar, a town north of Bakhmut in east Ukraine which has been the focus of recent fighting.

It comes after the head of Russia's notoriously brutal Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed his fighters were in full control there and boasted that only his troops took part.

Mr Prigozhin will most likely use any victory to bolster the reputation of Wagner as an effective fighting force in the eyes of President Putin.

But the Russian defence ministry appeared to contradict the controversial oligarch's claims.

Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in the military's daily update that: "Soledar has been blockaded from the north and the south by units of the Russian Airborne Forces.

"The Russian Air Force is carrying out strikes on enemy strongholds. Assault troops are taking part in battles inside the town." There was no mention of Wagner forces.

Ukraine's defence ministry also said on Wednesday that heavy fighting continues, and Wagner forces have had no success in breaking through its defences.

If Soledar falls, it will be a boost to Mr Prigozhin. In a statement released on Tuesday night, he boasted that "no other units took part in the storming of Soledar apart from Wagner". Ukrainian and US officials have said that Wagner units make up a large part of forces fighting in the area.

Analysts have long spoken of tensions between the military and Wagner, and Mr Prigozhin has publicly criticised generals for allegedly being out of touch with the realities of the war in Ukraine.

While it is difficult to know for sure exactly whether infighting is going on in the corridors of power, there are some clues.

Yesterday, news agency Tass reported that Colonel-General Alexander Lapin was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces. Russian media quoted sources who claimed that the announcement of Gen Lapin's position - he was one of those slammed by Mr Prigozhin last year - was made as a warning to the oligarch: don't mess with the military.

But many here have been quick to praise Mr Prigozhin and Wagner for their apparent progress in Soledar. Influential media boss Margarita Simonyan gushed about how "polite" he is, signing off with a thanks to Wagner fighters, who she called "my little darlings!"

Likewise, pro-Kremlin military bloggers on Telegram lavished praise on the mercenary group. One blogger thanked them for "the emotions you've given us tonight".

Another said "When Soledar and [Bakhmut] are liberated, it will be a new chapter in Russian military history. The first time that a private military company has shown such results in a highly intensive military conflict".

The strategic significance of Soledar is disputed by military analysts. But if Russian forces do succeed in establishing full control over the town, it will certainly be a symbolic victory for the Kremlin. That is because Moscow's troops have failed to take a single significant town from Ukrainian forces since the summer of 2022.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64235712

Mr Prigozhin - master of "Vagner" private militaru group.

[Skybird]

Gen. Surovikin, nickamed "Armageddon", who has been chief of unified Russian forces in Ukraine since 3 months and implemented the "successful" destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine in recent months and overlooked the continuing though creeping successes of Russian forces in that time, has become too powerful and popular, it seems, and therefore has been kicked. His seat now will be taken by Gen. Gerasimov.

IMO from the Russian perspective: a mistake. Surovikin knew what he was doing, he was brutal to his own troops, but the most effective unified commander they so far have had.

Lets see what sudden health complications he will surprisingly fall victim to.

Could also be that this change is due to or will be beneficial for Prighozin.

One thing is certain: Putin is done, and his power and even life is in danger if he even must throw out his most successful commander so far.

[Skybird]

All men in Russia who are fit for military service have been forbidden to leave Russia since yesterday, and it is no longer possible to cross the border. A clear indication that the expected next wave of mobilization has begun. Raising at least half a million recruits is expected.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Catfish

German gas resources are at 91 percent right now.

The weather so far clearely is our ally. That was not to be expected, El Nina promised a cold winter. Which still could happen.


Winters in Germany can strike until deep into Aprils. But then will not last as long anymore obviously.



I am a bit disappointed, I hoped winter would really struck home at Germany's crazy energy destruction policy. But now they will take the winter so far as evidence how well it is functioning - while it indeed is just luck. Now they will play their music even louder.

[Skybird]

So9ledar'S fate seems to be not as clear as it was claimed by severla Wetsenr agencies yesterday. Ukraine denies that most of the city has fallen to Russia. The fighting however is said to be the bloodiest in all the war so far, imposing very high blood tolls on both sides. But Ukraine insists that they still control the city.



The battle for Bachmut not only is a meat grinder, its also a s,mybol, and a test of will. Russia wants its first clear and obvious victory there soince a longer time, one that also "breaks" the Ukrainian defence and shows that the ukrainian defence is not invincible.



Russia also wants Ukraine to run through its ammo reserves there, and its stockpiles of heavy weapons and elite troops. Some of Ukriane ciurrnetly best unts are enmgaged in that battle are. When they are chewed up they cannot be used elsewhere anymore - in a later spring offensive for example. From Russia's point of view, the battle at Bachmut and Soledar cannbot get brutal enough. The bloodier the better. If Russia has one thing, than an almost unlimited supply of walking bodies. Could be that they calculate a loss ratio of 3:1 or more against them as acceptable. Who knows what goes on in these sick brains.

[Skybird]

Deutsche Welle (German edition):
----------------------------------
SPD parliamentary group wants to negotiate with Putin

The SPD in the Bundestag continues to back diplomatic initiatives to reach a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. "Because we know: Wars are not usually ended on the battlefield," reads the draft position paper of the largest government faction, which is to be adopted at the annual kick-off retreat beginning this Thursday.

"Even if there is no longer any trust in the current Russian leadership for understandable reasons, diplomatic talks must remain possible." That is why Chancellor Olaf Scholz's (SPD) talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin were right and necessary, he said. Wherever possible, diplomatic initiatives should be taken, says the draft, which is available to Deutsche Presse-Agentur and had been reported on by several other media.
--------------------------

The SPD is Bubble-Olaf's socialist party.
They are the same backwardly, socialist-romantic zombies that they always have been. Their complete model of special relations between Germany and Russia has been assassinated by Russia. They have learned absolutely nothing from that.
Maybe its a genetic defect.

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Herasimov’s appointment is Russia’s raising stakes in war, - Danilov

The appointment of the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valerii Herasimov, as the commander of the combined forces in Ukraine, shows that Russia is raising the stakes in the war.

This was reported on the telethon by the Secretary of the National Security Council Oleksii Danilov, Censor.NET informs with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

"There are certain personnel processes taking place in Russia. Since yesterday, there have been internal disputes between those armies, and representatives of Prigozhin and Kadyrov are being removed, meaning Surovikin.
Certain processes are taking place there, and this is only the beginning. The situation is related to the fact that they are building the so-called catechumen state, which should be the truth in the last resort, and only they know how to fight evil. And in fact, they themselves are the evil they are constantly talking about," Danilov said.

Such personnel reshuffles, noted by the National Security Council secretary, indicate an internal conflict between the Russian security forces and the military. Over time, such controversies can turn into a confrontation between the main leaders.

"We must not forget that Herasimov is the head of the General Staff, this is raising the stakes in this war. The next two or three months will be decisive. And the second thing is the use of Kadyrov and Prigozhin. After they became unnecessary, they were moved, and no one will question them. "Internal disputes will only intensify, and the question of when the relationship with the use of weapons and armored personnel carriers will begin within the Garden Ring," Danilov said.

In his opinion, the situation in the Russian Federation is rather shaky, and the power struggle may begin if the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin gives some slack.

"Because today there are 3.5 armies there - Kadyrov's army, Prigozhin's army, separately the army of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which do not respect either Kadyrov or Prigozhin, and separately now the power structures are trying to form another army.
A war for power will begin in Russia, you see the state of Putin's health, the man is very sick. As soon as it weakens, clarification of relations will begin," the NSDC secretary concluded. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392784

Poland will strive for allies to give Ukraine more tanks of NATO standard, - Duda

Polish President Andrzej Duda stressed that he would seek for allies to provide Ukraine with more Leopard tanks.

As reported by Censor.NET, Duda's office announced this on Twitter.

"We have decided that we are ready to hand over a company of Leopard II tanks as part of an international coalition. We will strive for this coalition to be formed by several countries that will provide more tanks," the Polish leader said.

"We want NATO-standard weapons to create an iron wall of protection against Russian aggression," Duda added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392786

Scholz’s position on supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine strongly depends on Biden, - Politico

Germany is focusing on the USA in its decision on whether or not to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Politico writes about this, Censor.NET informs with a reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

According to two German officials, the position of Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding the supply of arms to Ukraine largely depends on US President Joe Biden.

It is noted that at a regional pre-election rally in Berlin on Monday, Scholz said that the supply of tanks to Ukraine should be discussed "together with friends and allies and especially with our transatlantic partner with the United States of America."

Earlier, Scholz's representative reported that London's plans to supply British-made Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine will not change the position of the German government.

"Currently, the situation has not changed due to the step announced by the British government," said the official representative of the German Cabinet of Ministers, Steffen Hebestreit, at a press conference in Berlin.

According to the publication, the British plans, which are expected to be officially announced at a meeting of representatives of Western defense agencies at the Ramstein military base in Germany on January 20, will increase the pressure on Scholz.

This is due to the fact that the United Kingdom will become the first country to supply the Ukrainian military with modern Western-made battle tanks. Thus, Scholz's argument that Germany should not act alone in sending Western tanks would be refuted by Britain's actions.

Meanwhile, as Politico writes, the US itself seems to have no intention of sending battle tanks in the near future.

According to the publication, negotiations between the United States and Ukraine regarding the provision of Abrams tanks continue, but little progress has been made.

"It's constantly being discussed, but it's not close to a decision," the newspaper's informed source said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392794