WW3? Ukraine/US vs. Donbass/Russia

[Ravenlocke]

Re ‘ Bogdan Khmelnitsky’

Text:

🇺🇦❤️🇷🇺 Ex-Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered are now begging to fight along side the Russian army to defeat Zelensky.

The new volunteer battalion "Bogdan Khmelnitsky" will be incorporated into the DPR army.

Currently, the battalion is undergoing the procedure of obtaining Russian citizenship, signing contracts, combat coordination, and is preparing for further actions at the front.

https://x.com/Alex_Oloyede2/status/1717870351353274604

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September 2022

https://x.com/ESSA_A1I/status/1573736983238791168

1573736983238791168


July 7, 2022
https://x.com/RWApodcast/status/1544949234566369281

1544949234566369281

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https://x.com/jaccocharite/status/1621071531974758400

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https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1733168989797314791

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[Ravenlocke]

Re,
‘ A senior Russian official made a shocking statement revealing that the "annexation of the whole of Ukraine will be decided by a referendum"!’

Text:
BREAKING ⚠️ MAJOR DEVELOPMENT. SHOCKING STATEMENT

A senior Russian official made a shocking statement revealing that the "annexation of the whole of Ukraine will be decided by a referendum"!

It is the first time since the beginning of the war that such a thing has been officially heard, a fact that shows that Russia's goals have changed after the collapse of the Ukrainian Army and the cessation of funding from the US (and perhaps the EU).

FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rp_KW64FOeE?si=iClUGIcecjq6_viI

#Ukraine #Russia #NATO

https://x.com/Therealgsns/status/1732937460525519321

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/YarisowJr/status/1483823559839526913

1483823559839526913

Published, January 13 2022

https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-possible-invasion-ukraine

Russia’s Possible Invasion of Ukraine

The Issue

If peace talks fail, the Russian military has several options to advance into Ukraine through northern, central, and southern invasion routes. But a Russian attempt to seize and hold territory will not necessarily be easy and will likely be impacted by challenges from weather, urban combat, command and control, logistics, and the morale of Russian troops and the Ukrainian population. The United States and its European allies and partners should be prepared for an invasion by taking immediate economic, diplomatic, military, intelligence, and humanitarian steps to aid Ukraine and its population and shore up defenses along the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) eastern flank.

Introduction

Russian president Vladimir Putin continues to threaten an invasion of Ukraine with a major military buildup near the Russian-Ukrainian border and aggressive language. Russia has deployed offensive weapons and systems within striking distance of Ukraine, including main battle tanks, self-propelled howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, multiple launch rocket systems, Iskander short-range ballistic missile systems, and towed artillery, as highlighted in Figures 1a and 1b. Putin has complemented this buildup with blunt language that Ukraine is historically part of Russia and that Kiev needs to return to the Russian fold.1 Russia’s threat is particularly alarming for at least two reasons. First, Russia could move its pre-positioned forces into Ukraine quickly. If fully committed, the Russian military is significantly stronger and more capable than Ukraine’s military, and the United States and other NATO countries have made it clear they will not deploy their forces to Ukraine to repel a Russian invasion. Even if diplomats reach an agreement, Putin has shown a willingness to dial up—and down—the war in Ukraine and threaten to expand the war, making the Russian threat persistent. Second, an invasion would mark a significant change in international politics, creating a new “Iron Curtain” that begins along Russia’s borders with Finland and the Baltic states and moves south through Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and finally to East Asia along China’s southern flank.

Consequently, it is important to understand how Russia could invade Ukraine, how specific political objectives may influence an invasion plan, the challenges an invasion may face, and what options the United States and its European partners have to respond. To help understand these dynamics, this brief asks several questions. What are Russian president Vladimir Putin’s objectives? What military options does Russia have, and what might an invasion look like? How should the United States and its allies and partners respond?

The brief makes two main arguments. First, if Russia decides to invade Ukraine to reassert Russian control and influence, there are at least three possible axes of advance to seize Ukrainian territory: a northern thrust, possibly attempting to outflank Ukrainian defenses around Kiev by approaching through Belarus; a central thrust advancing due west into Ukraine; and a southern thrust advancing across the Perekop isthmus. Second, if the United States and its European partners fail to deter a Russian invasion, they should support Ukrainian resistance through a combination of diplomatic, military, intelligence, and other means. The United States and its European partners cannot allow Russia to annex Ukraine. The West’s appeasement of Moscow when it annexed Crimea in 2014 and then orchestrated an insurgency in Eastern Ukraine only emboldened Russian leaders. In addition, Russian annexation of some or all of Ukraine would increase Russian manpower, industrial capacity, and natural resources to a level that could make it a global threat. The United States and Europe cannot make this mistake again.

The rest of this brief is divided into three main sections. First, it examines Russian political objectives. Second, the brief analyzes Russian military options. Third, it explores options available to the United States and its allies and partners.

Russian Political Objectives

The Kremlin wants what it says: an end to NATO expansion, a rollback of previous expansion, a removal of American nuclear weapons from Europe, and a Russian sphere of influence. However, Putin may accept less. The Kremlin’s primary goal is a guarantee that Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia will never belong to a military or economic bloc other than the ones Moscow controls and that Russia will be the ultimate arbitrator of the foreign and security policy of all three states. In essence, this conflict is about whether 30 years after the demise of the Soviet Union, its former ethnic republics can live as independent, sovereign states or if they still must acknowledge Moscow as their de facto sovereign.

Ostensibly, the demand for an exclusive sphere of influence in Eastern Europe and the south Caucasus is to meet Russian security interests. The Kremlin has portrayed NATO expansion to the east as the original sin of post-Soviet international relations with the West that now must be rectified. Facts, alternate interpretations, and the security concerns of equally sovereign nations notwithstanding, Moscow claims that without such guarantees, it will use military force to protect its security interests.

Russian Military Options

Based on these political objectives, the Kremlin has at least six possible military options:

1. Redeploy some of its ground forces away from the Ukrainian border—at least temporarily—if negotiations are successful but continue to aid pro-Russian rebels in Eastern Ukraine.

2. Send conventional Russian troops into the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as unilateral “peacekeepers” and refuse to withdraw them until peace talks end successfully and Kiev agrees to implement the Minsk Accords.

3. Seize Ukrainian territory as far west as the Dnepr River to use as a bargaining chip or incorporate this new territory fully into the Russian Federation. This option is represented in Figure 2a.

4. Seize Ukrainian territory up to the Dnepr River and seize an additional belt of land (to include Odessa) that connects Russian territory with the breakaway Transdniestria Republic and separates Ukraine from any access to the Black Sea. The Kremlin would incorporate these new lands into Russia and ensure that the rump Ukrainian statelet remains economically unviable.

5. Seize only a belt of land between Russia and Transdniestria (including Mariupol, Kherson, and Odessa) to secure freshwater supplies for Crimea and block Ukraine’s access to the sea, while avoiding major combat over Kiev and Kharkiv. This option is represented in Figure 2b.

6. Seize all of Ukraine and, with Belarus, announce the formation of a new tripartite Slavic union of Great, Little, and White Russians (Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians). This option would involve operations represented in Figure 2a as “phase one,” with Figure 2c representing “phase two” of this option.

Of these six options, the first two are the least likely to incur significant international sanctions but have limited chance of achieving a breakthrough on either NATO issues or the Minsk Accords due to their coercive nature. All other options bring major international sanctions and economic hardship and would be counterproductive to the goal of weakening NATO or decoupling the United States from its commitments to European security.

Options three through six could achieve another goal—the destruction of an independent Ukraine—whose evolution toward a liberal democratic state has become a major source of contention among the Kremlin’s security elites. Option three would have Russia control a substantial amount of Ukrainian territory but still leave it as an economically viable state. Option four leaves only an agrarian rump Ukraine but precludes occupying its most nationalistic areas. Option five leaves more of Ukraine free but still cuts its access to the sea and incurs fewer occupation costs. Options four and five—seizing a belt of land from Tiraspol to Mariupol—are complicated by the fact that there is no east-west running natural feature, river, or mountain range that could serve as a natural line of demarcation for this occupied land. The new border along this territory would run across countless fields and forests and be difficult to defend. Option six means occupying the entire country and dealing with the assimilation of a population of 41 million that may resist occupation actively and passively for years. It would require an occupation force of considerable size to control the population and man the new borders with NATO countries. Ukrainians in any occupied territory can expect forced Russification that the nation experienced under such rulers as Catherine the Great, Alexander II, Stalin, and Brezhnev.

Possible Invasion Routes

Ideological preparation of Russian society for a conflict with Ukraine has been ongoing since at least 2014, with Kremlin propaganda portraying Ukraine as a proto-fascist, neo-Nazi state. In July 2021, a public letter by President Putin asserted that Russians and Ukrainians are the same people and castigated Ukraine’s authorities for justifying independence by denying its past.2 The Russian military made President Putin’s article compulsory reading for its soldiers.3 This was followed in October by a letter in the newspaper Kommersant by Russian Security Council vice-president Dmitry Medvedev, which used antisemitic tones to delegitimize the current Ukrainian leadership as extremist, corrupt, and foreign controlled.4

With an ideological basis for action in place, the next step is to create a casus belli—justification for war—consistent with the Kremlin-manufactured image of Ukraine. Pretexts for an attack could range from a straightforward breakdown of security talks to a stage-managed incident similar to the provocations at Mukden, Gleiwitz, and Mainila that provided justification for Japan’s invasion of Manchuria, Germany’s invasion of Poland, and the Soviet Union’s attack on Finland, respectively. This is why the bizarre claim of Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu posted on the Kremlin’s official website of American mercenaries preparing a “provocation” with chemical weapons in Ukraine is ominous and might foreshadow just the type of “incident” the Kremlin would prepare.5

Once there is a casus belli, cyberattacks will likely follow to degrade Ukraine’s military command and control systems and public communications and electrical grids. Next, kinetic operations will likely begin with air and missile strikes against Ukraine’s air force and air defense systems. Once air superiority is established, Russian ground forces would move forward, slightly preceded by special operations to degrade further command and control capabilities and delay the mobilization of reserves by conducting bombings, assassinations, and sabotage operations.

The scheme of maneuver of a Russian military invasion of Ukraine will likely be influenced by which of the above political goals the Kremlin wishes to achieve, the geography of the land and cities to be fought over, and the transportation routes to bring up logistics. If the Kremlin wishes to exercise options three, four, or six, and taking into consideration primary geography and logistics, there are three likely axes of advance to seize Ukrainian territory east of the Dnepr River, with the river as either a limit of advance or the first phase line of a larger invasion.

Northern Route: Russia could advance toward Kiev along two routes. The first would be 150 miles by road through Novye Yurkovichi, Russia; Chernihiv, Ukraine; and into Kiev, Ukraine. The second would be a 200-mile thrust through Troebortnoe, Russia; Konotop, Ukraine; Nizhyn, Ukraine; and into Kiev.6 If Minsk were to acquiesce to the use of its road and rail networks, the Russian army could outflank Ukrainian defenses around Kiev and approach them from the rear via a 150-mile axis of advance from Mazur, Belarus, to Korosten, Ukraine, and finally to Kiev.

Central Route: Russia could also advance due west along three routes. The first might include a 200-mile axis that moves through Belgorod, Russia; Kharkiv, Ukraine; Poltava, Ukraine; and finally to Kremenchuk, Ukraine. The second might include a 140-mile axis thrust through Donetsk, Ukraine to Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine; and possibly also another thrust from Donetsk to Dnipro, Ukraine. The third might involve Russian forces advancing along the coastline toward Mariupol, Berdyansk, and the Perekop isthmus connecting Crimea to Ukraine.

Southern Route: Russia could also advance across the Perekop isthmus to take Kherson and the source of freshwater for Crimea and simultaneously toward the vicinity of Melitopol to link up with Russian forces advancing along the coast of the Sea of Azov. If Russia was to attempt option five, this would be the main attack coupled with the assault along the coastline toward Mariupol and Berdyansk. But it would be hardest to sustain logistically due to the lack of a railway running along the Sea of Azov coast and the main direction of advance.
Figure 2 highlights possible invasion routes. All of these routes, except the coastal one, parallel existing rail lines. This is essential since Russian army logistics forces are not designed for large-scale ground offensives far from railroads.7 If Russia’s objectives include denying Ukraine future access to the sea, it will have to seize Odessa. Some predict that this would be accomplished via amphibious and airborne landings near Odessa, which link up with mechanized forces approaching from the east. If Russia intends to conquer the entire country, its forces would need to seize Odessa (whose port facilities would ease Russian logistics) and also cross the Dnepr River at several points to march and fight an additional 350 to 700 miles further west to occupy all of Ukraine up to its borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.

The rest of this article here,

https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-possible-invasion-ukraine

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https://x.com/blackdiammon/status/1717669043115643020

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March 17

https://x.com/onlydjole/status/1636701889713561602

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[Bill Ryan]

Vicus comment:
I really don't know what to make about this article...in RT, Sputnik and Pravda is nothing about...(my own comment here as a reply to Vicus' post and several other similar reports as well)

Yes, I'm profoundly doubting that as well. I suspect this is misunderstood, invented, or possibly just some mischievous unofficial comment that doesn't represent the Kremlin's view at all.

Putin doesn't want to be managing a failed state and salvaging its economy, while all the remaining Ukrainians west of the Dniepr continue to hate Russia and everything it stands for.

But most Russians agree they should annex Odessa and Kharkov, which are both traditionally and historically Russian. And that's where the SMO would stop.

[Ravenlocke]

The Duran
Russia-NATO Domino theory to secure Ukraine money

8xHj-D8WdLU

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
The Avdeevka stranglehold on the Ukrainian Armed Forces is tightening.

The enemy’s media resources admit that the position of the Kyiv regime troops in Avdeevka is deteriorating.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces units are under constant artillery fire and air strikes. At the same time, Western experts admit that our troops are successfully operating on the flanks near Avdeevka.

What’s interesting here is that even in the West, propagandists can no longer use the theme of “heroic defense.” Sooner or later, the Kiev regime will lose a strategically important area in close proximity to the capital of the DPR. The only question is at what cost. I am sure that the group of Western curators of the Kyiv regime, which is now shaking the chair under Zelensky, will in any case take advantage of the situation in Avdiivka to weaken the bloc of the current leader of the Kyiv regime. And here political technologies will do their job.

But Zelensky himself is actively helping to tighten his own noose.

Zin Note: Interestingly, the ISW seems more negative about the AFUs situation than the Russian reports.

#Source

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1733256419015565795

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[shaberon]

I'll leave that to you, the observer, to decide either way: how else does the West try to sell a 'win' from an obvious military - and geopolitical - humiliation?



Except for Grenada 1983, I am not sure the west has won anything.

It was thrown out of Afghanistan by the Taliban it had a hand in starting.

Sort of like being thrown out of Africa by its trainees.

It has been successful with a few CIA coups and "breaking" places like Libya or Yugoslavia, but for the most part it is not a "winner" and whatever it may be saying is invalid.

[shaberon]

Vicus comment:
I really don't know what to make about this article...in RT, Sputnik and Pravda is nothing about...(my own comment here as a reply to Vicus' post and several other similar reports as well)

Yes, I'm profoundly doubting that as well. I suspect this is misunderstood, invented, or possibly just some mischievous unofficial comment that doesn't represent the Kremlin's view at all.


It was another "shocking statement". I'm tired of hearing this. Means something is wrong with the reporter.

Stuff like this is an "opinion", maybe even a shared one, but the most direct thing we have heard is that the border will be pushed back until Russia decides it compensates for the longest-range weapons being used.

I am pretty sure that it is at least the two important provinces, possibly more, but no, of course Russia is not particularly interested in populations that are essentially hostile, meaning there is negative value in the hardcore Ukrainian areas. Similarly, this appears to be an overbearing CSIS opinion:



The Kremlin’s primary goal is a guarantee that Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia will never belong to a military or economic bloc other than the ones Moscow controls and that Russia will be the ultimate arbitrator of the foreign and security policy of all three states. In essence, this conflict is about whether 30 years after the demise of the Soviet Union, its former ethnic republics can live as independent, sovereign states or if they still must acknowledge Moscow as their de facto sovereign.


What??

In essence, this conflict is about thirty years of military buildup that were about to invade Russia. With a sniper-inspired coup thrown in to ensure independence and sovereignty.

Being just the tip of the iceberg.

If someone wants to take the time to map it out, you would have clear examples of Ukraine trashing land rights, labor reform, "bio-research", and so on to every field of endeavor...if you can name it, it went sour...unless that is Ukrainian superiority, that lofty state that only exceptional people have, which means you should always get your way because you want to.

Russia will surely push it back across the river--which one, I am not sure yet--and I bet all of this NED hubris will go on auto-play long after no one is listening....

[Vicus]

Polish Media Debunks Zelensky Narrative That Ukraine is Fighting for West's Freedom 19 minutes ago

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105580/36/1055803623_0:177:4000:2427_1920x0_80_0_0_0e80c5b3041f8654b3aecb7eb5c87262.jpg

Ukraine’s president and his ministers have spent nearly two years parroting the line that Kiev is fighting for the West’s freedom, and that if Russia is allowed to win, it will attack other European countries. But some Poles no longer buy these claims.

Kiev’s “cunning propaganda” suggesting that a Russian victory in Ukraine will inevitably be followed up with attacks on NATO countries are little more than a form of “demagoguery” and “blackmail” completely detached from reality. That’s according to an editorial published in Polish politics journal Mysl Polska.
“An Estonian military officer has formulated the following thesis: that ‘there are only two options: either Ukraine will win, or there will be World War III’. This ridiculous proposition is probably shared by a large part of Ukraine’s supporters in our country,” the alternative conservative media outlet wrote, pointing to efforts by some actors to convince the public “that a Ukrainian defeat will mean we will definitely be attacked by Russia.”

But the latter claim is little more than a “cunning propaganda move by Kiev aimed at maintaining Western policy of unconditional military and financial support,” with these kind of “demagogic statements…often used by Ukrainian politicians as blackmail (for example, during the Polish truckers’ protests). This trick is also used by the failing administration of Joe Biden, which frightens the countries of NATO’s eastern flank with the prospect of an attack by Russia,” the journal emphasized.

The reality is the exact opposition, and “there is no country in Europe that should be more interested in ending the war than Poland, which will be the first to face the consequences if the military situation escalates. Poland should be among the first countries to demand an end to this war, just like the Hungarians are doing. However, no political force in our country will dare to formulate such a demand... Why? Because the dogma of ‘fighting to the end’ continues to applies. The fact that it means ‘to the last Ukrainian’ is something no one in Poland cares about.”

The political journal lamented that “no one in Poland is talking about the fundamental change in the West’s policy toward Russia towards dialogue and the creation of a security system in which all parties (Russia and the West) will feel safe. To achieve this, we will need to end NATO’s march to the east, clearly declare that Ukraine will be a neutral country, end the policy of endless sanctions and revive all institutions that could be a platform for dialogue between Russia and the Europe (e.g. The OSCE). Someone might say, but isn’t that impossible? If so, they will be admitting that the Estonian military officer quoted above is right – that the alternative is World War III,” Mysl Polska summarized.

Kiev leaders and their supporters in the West have said repeatedly over the past 20+ monhts that the proxy war against Russia is in Ukraine is actually a “fight for the West’s freedom,” with now ex-defense minister Oleksii Reznikov suggesting earlier this year that Kiev was “eliminating” the “threat” posed by Russia to the Western bloc. “We are carrying out NATO’s mission today. They aren’t shedding their blood. We’re shedding ours. That’s why they’re required to supply us with weapons,” he said, adding that Kiev was “defending the entire civilized world, the entire West” from the Russians.
Russian officials have indicated repeatedly over the past year and a half that there would be no proxy war in Ukraine today if Kiev took steps to end the Donbass crisis, and if the US and its allies refrained from crossing Russia’s red lines by trying to pull Ukraine into NATO.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231209/polish-media-debunks-zelensky-narrative-that-ukraine-is-fighting-for-wests-freedom-1115500113.html

[Vicus]

The front collapsed: Dozens of forts fell - The Russians destroyed the Ukrainian defenses around Chasiv Yar - They are trapped in the Channel!

The Ukrainian front collapsed in Bakhmut: The Russians are advancing from two axes!

Russian forces register significant territorial gains on the Bakhmut front, three 24 hours after the start of the general offensive.

The Ukrainian front in the area appears to have collapsed as the Russians push the Ukrainians at high speed towards the Chasiv Yar channel formed by the Siverski Donets-Donbass River. The retreat of the Ukrainians at this point is expected to happen as soon as they lose the settlement of Ivanivske (Krasnoe).

The problems for the Ukrainians have multiplied and are now focused on 3 axes: the Klysifka front, the Bogdanovka front and the Ivanivske (Krasnoe) front that opened in the last few hours.

The Russians have swept dozens of Ukrainian strongholds from the right and left sides around Chasiv Yar.

It is worth noting that the Wagner forces tried during the siege of Bakhmut to occupy Ivanivske as it is considered a strategically important settlement, but they did not succeed.

https://warnews247-gr.translate.goog/ektakto-epesan-dekades-ochyra-oi-rosikes-dynameis-dielysan-tis-oukranikes-amynes-perimetrika-tou-tsasiv-giar-toys-egklovizoun-sto-kanali/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[Vicus]

Russia to Target FrankenSAM Production in Ukraine as Soon as It's Up and Running

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/15/1113570609_0:83:1024:659_1920x0_80_0_0_33fad66e5763f154f954c434485c23f3.jpg.webp

Washington has announced the transfer of technical documentation for the localization of production of arms from the FrankenSAM program – the air defense ‘Frankenstein’s monster’ created by combining Western missiles with Ukraine’s Soviet-era launchers and radars. Veteran military expert Andrei Koshkin explains why the program is destined to fail.

The White House released a press ‘fact sheet’ Wednesday indicating that “the Department of Defense and industry partners” had “provided Ukraine with technical data to start local production of some of the FrankenSAM projects that seek to enable Ukraine’s legacy air defense systems by integrating certain Western munitions.”
“Parallel production of these systems in Ukraine and the United States will allow for faster fielding and enable Ukraine to contribute significantly to the sustainment of its air defense system,” the statement said.

“These initial deliverables,” combined with other US assistance, “will not only expand US-Ukraine cooperation and provide Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to be successful on the battlefield in the short term, but will support Ukraine’s long-term economic recovery and defense,” the White House assured.

The FrankenSAM program, revealed to media in October, is designed to kill two birds with one stone, compensating for losses taken by Ukraine’s NATO-sourced air defense systems to Russian missile and drone strikes, and presenting the Pentagon with a chance for some penny-pinching as resources allocated to Kiev run dry amid wrangling in Washington over US President Joe Biden’s request for over $60 billion in additional aid.

FrankenSAM consists of at least three projects – one involving the creation of a ground-based, short-range air defense system using AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles, a second involving fitting AIM-7 Sparrow missiles to early version of the Buk missile system, and a third involving the modernization of the HAWK medium-range SAM system.

All three American weapons systems are old, going back to the 1950s.

When fused with Ukraine’s stocks of old Soviet-era launchers and radars, FrankenSAMs promise to provide Kiev with a vintage air defense army, but will have difficulty fighting off modern Russian strike systems.
But in a situation where additional US funds for Ukraine remain stalled in Congress, and where NATO is forced to organize a global scavenger hunt to slap together new weapons and ammo assistance packages for Kiev, the FrankenSAM project makes sense, retired Russian colonel and veteran military expert Andrei Koshkin told Sputnik.

“When it comes to the relevance of creating some kind of monster, some kind of Frankenstein containing elements from Western weapons systems and Soviet weapons systems allowing for the use of available ammunition, this is very relevant today, given a situation in which the ‘dollar shower’ falling on Ukraine has dried up,” Koshkin said.

continue: https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/russia-to-target-frankensam-production-in-ukraine-as-soon-as-its-up-and-running-1115485502.html

[Vicus]

Military Situation In Ukraine On December 9, 2023 (Map Update)

https://s2.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9december2023_Ukraine_map-768x543.jpg


Russian strikes destroyed Ukrainian ammo depot near Volchansk;
Russian strikes targeted military infrastructure at Kulbakino airfield;
Russian strikes damaged an infrastructure facility in Kherson;
On December 8, Russian strikes hit targets in the Kiev region;
On December 8, Russian strikes hit targets in the Dnepropetrovsk region;
At least 11 Ukrainian boats with Ukrainian servicemen on board were reportedly destroyed and damaged in the Kherson region at night;
The AFU shelled the Donetsk city agglomeration 10 times over the past day;
Russian forces repelled Ukrainian attacks near Serebryansky forestry;
Clashes continued in Krynki;
Clashes continued near Kurdyumovka, Andreyevka and Kleshcheyevka;
Clashes continued near Pyatikhatki, Verbovoye and Rabotino;
Russian forces eliminated 105 Ukrainian servicemen, three motor vehicles, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system in Kupyansk area;
Russian forces eliminated 155 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles and three motor vehicles in Krasny Liman area;
Russian forces eliminated 200 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one Msta-B howitzer, and one D-30 gun in Donetsk area;
Russian forces eliminated 80 Ukrainian servicemen, as well as two motor vehicles in South Donetsk area;
Russian forces eliminated 35 servicemen, two motor vehicles, one D-30 howitzer, one Gvozdika artillery system in Zaporozhye region;
Russian forces eliminated 50 Ukrainian servicemen and three motor vehicles in Kherson region;
Russian air defense systems shot down 11 Ukrainian drones over the past day.

https://maps.southfront.press/military-situation-in-ukraine-on-december-9-2023-map-update/

Vicus comment:
If you go to this page you can zoom on the map.
And you can see that those hyenas scum pack continue to shell Donetsk capital ...
I know... its just to attract the Russian attention, but civil people continue to die everyday !

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦AFU POW speaks about his service and ‘care’ of his commanders

‘They threw me into a minibus like a kitten,’ says Pyotr Shcherbaty, an AFU serviceman, about mobilization ‘like they do it in Ukraine’. – ‘They mobilize everyone, they don't even ask for their surnames. One guy was badly beaten and kept in the basement’. The prisoner of war complains that there was no medical examination at the enlistment office and he was sent to the troops in the evening.

Pyotr Shcherbaty assures that he did not undergo any training, he was only given an opportunity to fire a couple of rounds. Then Shcherbaty was taken to the front line, where were treated as ‘disposable’. Faced with supply problems, Ukrainian servicemen even had to steal food from local residents.

At positions in the forest, Shcherbaty's group stumbled upon the Russian units and surrendered. The serviceman says he does not want to go back. He is sure that it is better to stay in captivity. The POW urges Ukrainians not to join the army to avoid mobilization at all costs.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/1733501152199688693

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/arktinentuuli/status/1733389977642275107

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Text:
Kherson direction, news from the front:

🖋"Tonight 6 enemy boats were destroyed and 5 more were damaged.

From what we could see: 15 enemy personnel - 200, about 40 Armed Forces personnel - 300. Enemy ammunition and provisions sank.

Enemy personnel on another 7 boats refused to sail for rotation to our shore."

Two majors TG
https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1733355068408074585

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[Ewan]

https://x.com/arktinentuuli/status/1733389977642275107

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Text:
Kherson direction, news from the front:

🖋"Tonight 6 enemy boats were destroyed and 5 more were damaged.

From what we could see: 15 enemy personnel - 200, about 40 Armed Forces personnel - 300. Enemy ammunition and provisions sank.

Enemy personnel on another 7 boats refused to sail for rotation to our shore."

Two majors TG
https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1733355068408074585

1733355068408074585

for rotation?

That must be lost in translation, surely?

[Bill Ryan]

for rotation?

That must be lost in translation, surely?No, it's about the rotation of small units of men — one group being replaced by another so that they can rest, sleep, eat, recover, and so on. (And/or because the group needing to be replaced had suffered a large proportion of deaths or casualties.)

It appears that some of those scheduled for rotation (to go to the front lines to replace their beleaguered comrades) refused because they figured they were just being sent to their likely deaths.

[Ewan]

for rotation?

That must be lost in translation, surely?No, it's about the rotation of small units of men — one group being replaced by another so that they can rest, sleep, eat, recover, and so on. (And/or because the group needing to be replaced had suffered a large proportion of deaths or casualties.)

It appears that some of those scheduled for rotation (to go to the front lines to replace their beleaguered comrades) refused because they figured they were just being sent to their likely deaths.

Understood, but why would Ukraninan soldiers expect to find 'rotational' relief with the 'so called' enemy?

(Even if they understood it would be a route free from the trauma and horrors it wouldn't be 'rotational' relief).

[Bill Ryan]

for rotation?

That must be lost in translation, surely?No, it's about the rotation of small units of men — one group being replaced by another so that they can rest, sleep, eat, recover, and so on. (And/or because the group needing to be replaced had suffered a large proportion of deaths or casualties.)

It appears that some of those scheduled for rotation (to go to the front lines to replace their beleaguered comrades) refused because they figured they were just being sent to their likely deaths.

Understood, but why would Ukraninan soldiers expect to find 'rotational' relief with the 'so called' enemy?

(Even if they understood it would be a route free from the trauma and horrors it wouldn't be 'rotational' relief).No no no, read it again carefully. :thumbsup:
"Enemy personnel on another 7 boats refused to sail for rotation to our shore."
This is stated from the Russians' point of view, and the east shore of the Dniepr is 'their shore'. But the Ukrainians are defending small front line positions there, after small boats had already crossed the big river to establish them.

It's those Ukrainian units that need to be rotated with other Ukrainian units waiting in reserve on the west shore, and it's those Ukrainian units on the west shore that have refused to cross the river themselves to replace them.

It's like a substitution in football/soccer. But the replacement players don't want to get off the bench on to the field. (Understandably!! :))

[Ewan]

for rotation?

That must be lost in translation, surely?No, it's about the rotation of small units of men — one group being replaced by another so that they can rest, sleep, eat, recover, and so on. (And/or because the group needing to be replaced had suffered a large proportion of deaths or casualties.)

It appears that some of those scheduled for rotation (to go to the front lines to replace their beleaguered comrades) refused because they figured they were just being sent to their likely deaths.

Understood, but why would Ukraninan soldiers expect to find 'rotational' relief with the 'so called' enemy?

(Even if they understood it would be a route free from the trauma and horrors it wouldn't be 'rotational' relief).No no no, read it again carefully. :thumbsup:
"Enemy personnel on another 7 boats refused to sail for rotation to our shore."
This is stated from the Russians' point of view, and the east shore of the Dniepr is 'their shore'. But the Ukrainians are defending small front line positions there, after small boats had already crossed the big river to establish them.

It's those Ukrainian units that need to be rotated with other Ukrainian units waiting in reserve on the west shore, and it's those Ukrainian units on the west shore that have refused to cross the river themselves to replace them.

It's like a substitution in football/soccer. But the replacement players don't want to get off the bench on to the field. (Understandably!! :))

Oh dear. I am so slow sometimes. Thank you Bill.

[Bill Ryan]

Oh dear. I am so slow sometimes. Thank you Bill.Not slow at all! :bearhug: It was confusing, and all these reports are written assuming any reader is already fully up to speed with whatever the heck happened the previous day.

To add some more context, here's an extract from a BBC article I posted (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?114491-WW3-Ukraine-US-vs.-Donbass-Russia&p=1589201&viewfull=1#post1589201) a few days ago. The relevant parts are in red.


From the BBC, published today. The extracts below are worth reading. :flower:


https://bbc.com/news/world-europe-67565508

Ukraine war: Soldier tells BBC of front-line 'hell'
...

"Everyone who wanted to volunteer for war came a long time ago - it's too hard now to tempt people with money. Now we're getting those who didn't manage to escape the draft. You'll laugh at this, but some of our marines can't even swim."

[...snipped...]

"I got out after getting concussed from a mine, but one of my colleagues didn't make it - all that was left of him was his helmet.
|
"I feel like I escaped from hell, but the guys who replaced us last time got into even more hell than us.

"But the next rotation is due. My time to cross the river again is soon."

[Bill Ryan]

And just a little more, reported by Alexander Mercouris in a new video update just an hour old. He addresses al kinds of topics, but at exactly 8:00 Mercouris discusses the desperate events on the Dniepr river, as experienced by the unfortunate Ukrainians posted there. :flower:

The section is only a few minutes, and diverts into a discussion about whether the Ukrainians could more easily cross the river if it was frozen. (The answer is NO. :) A point that Mercouris misses is that the Russians wouldn't even have to precisely aim their mortars at the Ukrainian troops on the ice. All they'd have to do is explode holes in the ice all around them... very simple to do.)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBrwRIEoBmc

[shaberon]

Military Situation In Ukraine On December 9, 2023 (Map Update)




If you go to this page you can zoom on the map.


This is an Avalon editing suggestion which is the right-click and "open in new tab" tool.

While you are there at the website you use it on the image and I suggest "open link" because if you just use the image address it would be the same as the one you are looking at. And usually it will be like the one you posted which is simply a scaled version:

https://s2.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9december2023_Ukraine_map-768x543.jpg


A lot of websites are basically similar to Avalon by truncating the size of the rendering. The new tab will have the real image:


https://s2.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9december2023_Ukraine_map.jpg

And so if you post that one, if it looks big to us, then we can open it in a new tab and we will have the big version:


https://s2.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9december2023_Ukraine_map.jpg


It's a *lot* bigger than the one displayed.

Doesn't mean you always need to pick the largest one--for example a lot of Wikipedia stuff is bigger than you need to make a point--but obviously this kind here is one where the details are important.

For anyone who was not aware of it, images in posts may be slightly to maybe four or six times larger when viewed in their own tab.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733941615046091010

1733941615046091010

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1733918902650892306

1733918902650892306

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733873666411155499

1733873666411155499

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733918188356682048

1733918188356682048

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733577778354638873

1733577778354638873

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733542070403399941

1733542070403399941

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733672144612049129

1733672144612049129

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733937367621267773

1733937367621267773

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733938047966707948

1733938047966707948

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733950095882657949

1733950095882657949

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733950104954966071

1733950104954966071

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733950118028595330

1733950118028595330

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733950129281851782

1733950129281851782

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733957159795229028

1733957159795229028

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733957168020238769

1733957168020238769

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

Units of the Russian Armed Forces raised the flag of Russia over Maryinka.

"At the moment, assault groups are consolidating, strengthening positions, conducting reconnaissance of the nearest forest belt, and the populated area of Georgievka. Enemy firing points are identified and destroyed, preparing the ground for further actions.

Units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that retreated from the city are trying, in desperation, to disrupt the rotation of personnel with mortars and grenade launchers, but without success.

Currently, the 163rd regiment is near the western exit of Maryinka. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have only two houses left near the western border of the city, and new defensive lines of the Ukrainian army are being erected several kilometers west of Maryinka."

🟩 RT in Russian. (https://t.me/+UnkqFPSZsedkOTZi)"

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1733911041472335937

1733911041472335937

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733937674040262989

1733937674040262989

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1733923984901558735

1733923984901558735

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733949286390362520

1733949286390362520

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1733933285623885871

1733933285623885871

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
UkraineRussiaWar
Russian winter offensive gains started to materialize.
During the day we got final confirmation of Russian control of Marinka, as well as entering of Russian troops and tanks into Novomykhailivka and Bohdanivka.
Also, Russians advanced in Eastern Part of Avdiivka.
Ukrainian general staff reports transition of army into defensive.
It remains to be seen are Ukrainians able to organize successful defense or they will have to shorten the frontline and withdraw from large parts of territory?

The Fall | At This Rate, Russian Winter Offensive Will Get The Dnieper. Military Summary 2023.12.10

PREMIERE: 11:30 PM GMT +3

YouTube (https://youtu.be/YDXLWmzCsAY)

RUMBLE (https://rumble.com/v40m30o-the-fall-at-this-rate-russian-winter-offensive-will-get-the-dnieper.-milita.html)

ODYSEE (https://odysee.com/@Military.Summary:c/10.12.2023-(Main):0)

https://x.com/MilitarySummary/status/1733934449404817825

1733934449404817825

[Ravenlocke]

for rotation?

That must be lost in translation, surely?No, it's about the rotation of small units of men — one group being replaced by another so that they can rest, sleep, eat, recover, and so on. (And/or because the group needing to be replaced had suffered a large proportion of deaths or casualties.)

It appears that some of those scheduled for rotation (to go to the front lines to replace their beleaguered comrades) refused because they figured they were just being sent to their likely deaths.

Understood, but why would Ukraninan soldiers expect to find 'rotational' relief with the 'so called' enemy?

(Even if they understood it would be a route free from the trauma and horrors it wouldn't be 'rotational' relief).No no no, read it again carefully. :thumbsup:
"Enemy personnel on another 7 boats refused to sail for rotation to our shore."
This is stated from the Russians' point of view, and the east shore of the Dniepr is 'their shore'. But the Ukrainians are defending small front line positions there, after small boats had already crossed the big river to establish them.

It's those Ukrainian units that need to be rotated with other Ukrainian units waiting in reserve on the west shore, and it's those Ukrainian units on the west shore that have refused to cross the river themselves to replace them.

It's like a substitution in football/soccer. But the replacement players don't want to get off the bench on to the field. (Understandably!! :))


Another explanation with video,

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1733451354675220637

1733451354675220637

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦British Intelligence: Russia has moved to a more concerted campaign to destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure .

This is stated in the report of the UK Ministry of Defense.

British intelligence recalls that on the night of December 7, 2023, the Russian Aerospace Forces, for the first time in a long time, launched a powerful wave of attacks on Kyiv and the central part of Ukraine using heavy bombers.

"These aircraft, most likely Tu-95s, launched at least 16 air-launched cruise missiles."

British intelligence believes it is likely that the Russian Federation was stockpiling cruise missiles for use in the winter.

"This was likely the start of a more concerted Russian campaign to destroy energy infrastructure," the intelligence agency said.

Join Slavyangrad chat. Your opinion matters.

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1733972882114396357

1733972882114396357

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
Arestovich named three scenarios for Ukraine in 2024:

1. Russia, the USA and China will agree to end the fighting

2. The fighting will continue with the support of the West, but the Ukrainian army will still be defeated on several sectors of the front

3. The West can come to its senses and transfer a huge amount of weapons and other assistance to Ukraine.

Arestovich called the last option “a fairy-tale"

@ukr_leaks_eng

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1733888820221804935

1733888820221804935

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Ukrainian channel Rezident:

The operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to maintain a bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnepr is meaningless and only leads to large losses, writes the Odessa publication “Dumskaya”.

“Sailors cross the river and most are killed as they approach the shore. Those who survived and crossed over will be ironed with everything that is in the Russian arsenal. People are just constantly being thrown across the river - wave after wave. There is no talk of any further breakthrough; now the forces are being wasted simply on staying there. For what?
This would make a difference if we were promoting elsewhere. Then these bridgeheads would distract the enemy. But no, we are already defending ourselves in another place. So why all this? The command urgently needs to curtail this operation. It was clearly going to be linked with the offensive in the Zaporozhye region, but it had already ended. In this regard, the ongoing attempts to throw the Marines onto the left bank are something beyond good and evil,” writes Dumskaya.

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1733951898351255749

1733951898351255749

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
There are reports that today the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a directive from the General Staff of Zaluzhny “on the transition of troops to strategic defense” along the entire length of the Line of operations.
(a bit late and just a nice way to say the offensive has failed and stating the obvious)

(Masno TG)

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1733773053140566166

1733773053140566166

[ExomatrixTV]

Ep. 47 Gonzalo Lira is an American citizen who’s been tortured in a Ukrainian prison since July, for the crime of criticizing Zelensky. Biden officials approve of this, because they’d like to apply the same standard here. The media agree. Here’s a statement from Gonzalo Lira’s father.

(00:00) American Zelensky critic jailed in Ukraine
(05:14) Where is our State Department?
(08:40) Lira arrested after criticizing Biden
(11:49) Is Ukraine the democracy we’re told it is?

1733581286256607619

[Rizotto]

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231211/west-mulls-toppling-zelensky-has-list-of-successors---russian-foreign-intelligence-1115518604.html

West Mulls Toppling Zelensky, Has List of Successors - Russian Foreign Intelligence
December 11, 2023

Amid Ukraine's high-profile failures both on the battlefield and on the home front, Kiev's Western bosses are growing ever more eager to seek an appropriate replacement for President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service reports.

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has received information that the West is actively engaged in discussions regarding the need to replace President Zelensky, said Sergey Naryshkin, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia.

"The Foreign Intelligence Service is receiving reliable information that high-ranking officials of leading Western countries are increasingly discussing the need to replace the incumbent president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky," the SVR said.

Among the numerous possible reasons for the current situation are Zelensky's military failures, widespread corruption, and his inability to effectively navigate the ongoing conflict in a way that aligns with Washington's interests.

The West believes that Zelensky has gone too far in creating an image of someone who supports the conflict to the bitter end, excluding any possible negotiations with Russia, and subsequently "freezing" the conflict, if necessary, the statement also read.

The West is considering a number of candidates as potential successors to Zelensky, including Valery Zaluzhny (Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces), Kyrylo Budanov (head of Ukraine's military intelligence), Andrii Yermak (head of the Office of the President of Ukraine), Alexey Arestovich (former advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine) or Vitali Klitschko (mayor of Kiev), the SVR reported.

[Vicus]

Russia attacking on all fronts – senior Ukrainian commander 11 Dec, 2023

https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2023.12/l/6576d51b85f5403aa37582c3.jpg
Russian servicemen ride T-80 tanks in the course of Russia's military operation in Ukraine. © Sputnik / Stanislav Krasilnikov

The battlefield situation remains difficult for Kiev, Colonel General Aleksandr Syrsky has said

Russian troops are attacking Ukrainian positions in all areas along the conflict front line, the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, Colonel General Aleksandr Syrsky, has said.

In a Telegram post on Sunday, Syrsky acknowledged that “the operational situation in the east remains difficult” and that the Russian military “doesn’t stop conducting offensive operations along the entire front.”

He added that he had held a meeting with fellow Ukrainian commanders, who have been “on the defensive in the eastern direction,” to analyze the situation and plan further steps.

Decisions were made at the gathering to “ensure the sustainability of our defenses, preserve the lives of our soldiers, and rationally use the ammunition,” Syrsky stressed.

President Vladimir Zelensky announced in late November that Ukrainian forces would switch from attacking to building fortifications, acknowledging that Kiev’s much-hyped counteroffensive, which began in early June and aimed to cut Russia’s land bridge to Crimea, had ended without success.

According to Russian estimates, Ukraine has lost over 125,000 troops and 16,000 pieces of heavy equipment in failed attempts to advance over the past half a year.

Zelensky also complained last month that Western artillery deliveries to Kiev’s forces had “really slowed down” since Israel began its military operation in Gaza in response to the attack by Hamas on October 7.

The administration of US President Joe Biden recently warned that funds for Kiev had almost run out, with attempts by the White House to push through a $106 billion ‘national security package’ for Ukraine and Israel being blocked by hardline Republicans.

A Ukrainian artilleryman told The Times last week that he had stopped targeting smaller Russian units in order to conserve shells, which are now only being used in “critical situations.”

In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that the country’s defense industry had been “gaining momentum” and was able to increase production multi-fold amid the conflict with Kiev.

https://swentr.site/russia/588873-ukraine-defense-ammunition-syrsky/

[Vicus]

How West is Turning Ukraine Into a Waste Disposal Site 3 hours ago (Updated: 2 hours ago)

Alex Soros, 38, son of billionaire George Soros, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the weekend. Why did the heir to Soros' financial empire travel to Kiev?

In his Saturday tweet, Alex Soros said he had gone to Ukraine to speak at the first meeting of the "International Coalition of Countries for the Return of Ukrainian Children."
Alex - who took over his father's Open Society Foundations (OSF) in June - held meetings with both President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenskaya, who runs a charity fund. Zelenskaya announced a partnership between the OSF and Olena Zelenska Foundation, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the latter will receive $1 million from Soros for expanding projects purportedly to support children growing up in large foster families.
The move comes as the Kiev regime maintains a groundless claim that Moscow "stole" 700,000 Ukrainian children, something that the Kremlin has resolutely denied.
During a November informal meeting of the UN Security Council, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia clarified that since the beginning of the special military operation, Russia has accepted over 730,000 children from Ukraine - most of them with their parents and just 2,000 from orphanages of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. All in all, around five million Ukrainians and Donbass residents have found refuge in Russia over the past 21 months.

However, it appears that Alex Soros' charitable activities may be just a cover for far more lucrative projects in Ukraine.
On November 28, French journalist Jules Vincent released the results of his investigation into an apparent plot by Soros and the Zelensky regime to use a whopping 400 square kilometers of Ukrainian land for a waste disposal site. According to the journalist, he was approached by a representative of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, who gave him documents confirming the Zelensky-Soros plan.

A memo, dated November 7 and signed by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak and Alex Soros, initiated a "legal process" of transferring lands in Khmelnitsky, Chernovtsy, and Ternopil regions into "perpetual and free concession ownership" to Western corporations Dow Chemical, Evonik Industries, DuPont, Vitol, BASF and Sanofi.

In another document, dated November 13, Zelensky ordered the preparation of documentation for the transferral of land lots to the aforementioned Western companies no later than January 1.
Vincent raised the red flag over the apparent decision to bury toxic waste in Ukraine's fertile soil as being disastrous for the environment. The French journalist cited the unnamed Ukrainian ministry official who asked him to draw the attention of Europeans to the matter.
"This will not only make these lands unsuitable for growing wheat, but will also cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem of these regions," the ministry official underscored.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231211/how-west-is-turning-ukraine-into-a-waste-disposal-site-1115522175.html

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MoonofA/status/1734238275785634056

1734238275785634056

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/12/ukraine-sitrep-krynky-zelenskis-rose-tinted-media-strategy-new-orders-from-dc.html
(https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/12/ukraine-sitrep-krynky-zelenskis-rose-tinted-media-strategy-new-orders-from-dc.html)
Ukraine SitRep: Krynky - Zelenski's Rose Tinted Media Strategy - New Orders From DC

In late October the Ukrainian army started to send soldiers to the left bank of the Dnieper River which is held by Russian forces. Dozens of soldiers crossed from the norther Kherson region using rubber dinghies and other small boats. The captured parts of the rural town Krynky (Krinki).

https://www.moonofalabama.org/17i/krynky-s.jpg
bigger

(https://www.moonofalabama.org/17i/krynky.jpg) The usefulness of this operation, carried out by Ukrainian marine brigades, was always (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/02/world/europe/ukrainian-military-dnipro-river-battle.html) in question (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-21/ukraine-crossing-dnipro-russia-attack-situation-perilous-war/103125374). Was this supposed to be the start of a larger crossing? That seemed unlikely as the small canals through the marshes and the intense drone coverage do not allow for a large movement.

Was this a diversion? Possibly, but a diversion from what?

Every night the Ukrainians sent new boats with fresh forces and supplies and to evacuated wounded soldiers. The Russian military did not attempt to evict the Ukrainians by ground forces but covered them intensely with artillery, air-bombing and drones. Boat after boat was destroyed during the crossing attempts. In the summary of last weeks operation the Russian Defense ministry claimed (https://eng.mil.ru/en/special_operation/news/more.htm?id=12490027@egNews) to have destroyed three such boats per day.

To me this looked like the unsuccessful holding of Bakhmut earlier this year - a waste of soldiers for only a short propaganda gain.

It took some time for western media to question the operation. Last week the BBC was the first to give a first hand account of it:

Ukraine war: Soldier tells BBC of front-line 'hell' (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67565508)
Outnumbered and outgunned, one front-line soldier has given a sobering account of Ukraine's struggle to cling on to its foothold on the east bank of the vast Dnipro river. Several hundred Ukrainian soldiers have made it there as part of a counter-offensive launched six months ago.
Under relentless Russian fire, the soldier spent several weeks on the Russian-occupied side of the river as Ukraine sought to establish a bridgehead around the village of Krynky. The BBC is not naming him to protect his identity.
His account, sent via a messaging app, speaks of troop boats blown out of the water, inexperienced reinforcements and a feeling of abandonment by Ukraine's military commanders.
It highlights growing tensions as Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion grinds to the end of another year.
Ukraine's military told the BBC they are not commenting on the situation in that area for security reasons.
The soldier is not happy about the situation:
"The entire river crossing is under constant fire. I've seen boats with my comrades on board just disappear into the water after being hit, lost forever to the Dnipro river. "We must carry everything with us - generators, fuel and food. When you're setting up a bridgehead you need a lot of everything, but supplies weren't planned for this area.
"We thought after we made it there the enemy would flee and then we could calmly transport everything we needed, but it didn't turn out that way.
"When we arrived on the [eastern] bank, the enemy were waiting. Russians we managed to capture said their forces were tipped off about our landing so when we got there, they knew exactly where to find us. They threw everything at us - artillery, mortars and flame thrower systems. I thought I'd never get out."
"We thought that the Russians would flee." One wonders who had indoctrinated these guys. Now there seems to be no larger plan. The orders are to just hold onto Krynky and to die.
"Several brigades were supposed to be posted here, not individual companies - we just don't have enough men. "There are a lot of young guys among us. We need people, but trained people, not the green ones we have there now. There are guys who had spent just three weeks in training, and only managed to shoot a few times.
"It's a total nightmare. A year ago, I wouldn't have said that, but now, sorry, I'm fed up.
"Everyone who wanted to volunteer for war came a long time ago - it's too hard now to tempt people with money. Now we're getting those who didn't manage to escape the draft. You'll laugh at this, but some of our marines can't even swim."
Ukrainian media, which so far had to avoid any criticism of the government and military, is also becoming grumbly. Via Strana (machine translation):

Heavy Krynki. Problematic issues related to the AFU bridgehead on the left bank of the Kherson region (https://strana.news/news/452634-problemnye-voprosy-po-platsdarmu-vsu-na-levom-berehu-khersonskoj-oblasti.html)
The operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to hold the bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnieper is meaningless and leads only to heavy losses. This is reported by the Odessa edition of "Dumskaya".
"The sailors cross the river, and most of them are killed on the approach to the shore. Those who survived and crossed the river will be ironed with everything that is in the arsenal of Russia. People are just constantly being thrown over the river — wave after wave. There is no question of any further breakthrough, now the forces are being spent just to stay there. For what?
It would have made a difference if we had a promotion elsewhere. Then these bridgeheads would distract the enemy. But no, we're already defending somewhere else. So why all this? The command needs to urgently curtail this operation. It was clearly going to be linked to the offensive in the Zaporozhye region, but it has already ended. In this regard, the ongoing attempts to throw Marines on the left bank — something beyond good and evil, "- writes "Duma".
Today's Financial Times picks up on the growing grumbling with the Ukrainian society:

Ukrainians question Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s ‘rose-tinted’ speeches (https://www.ft.com/content/7ec4e810-33e3-44ca-8744-e01cb9f82c28) (archived (https://archive.is/qrP2e#selection-1579.0-1579.64))
For more than 650 days in a row, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has given at least one video address to the nation — praising his troops, celebrating advances along the front lines and reaffirming resolve in the face of Russian aggression. The message is always “we’re moving forward”, with the aim of maintaining optimism at home and abroad, according to three people familiar with the communications strategy. The policy is applied at all state levels, from ministries and local administrations to military commanders and includes strict censorship of bad news such as Ukrainian casualty numbers or successful Russian strikes.
But with Ukraine enjoying few military achievements this year and western support faltering, the communications strategy is creating a rift between the presidential administration and military leadership, say officials from the armed forces, former presidential staffers and communication strategists.
“We need to add more realism ... and we have to be as courageous about it as we were on February 24 [2022],” said a person connected to the presidential communications strategy in reference to the day Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In his review (https://korybko.substack.com/p/the-financial-times-blew-the-whistle) of the FT piece Andrew Korybko summarizes:
The socio-political conditions that are being created as a result of Zelensky’s refusal to recognize reality and de-escalate the conflict with a view towards freezing it lend credence to what Russian foreign spy chief Naryshkin said on Monday regarding the West’s growing interest in replacing him. He explained that the West doesn’t consider him capable of doing the aforesaid due to how far he’s gone in building up his hawkish image, hence the need to possibly swap him out for someone else in order to initiate this.Yesterday the Ukrainian president was seen in Buenos Aires where he attended the inauguration of Argentine's new rightwing president Javier Milei. He also had a short but seemingly hefty exchange (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/zelenskiy-seen-briefly-talking-to-hungary-s-orban-in-argentina/ar-AA1lhNmc) with Hungary's prime minister Victor Orban who is currently blocking new EU action and money in support of Ukraine.

Before he could fly back to Kiev Zelenski received an order (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/10/statement-from-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-on-the-visit-of-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-of-ukraine/) to appear in Washington DC:
President Biden has invited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to the White House for a meeting on Tuesday, December 12 to underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion. As Russia ramps up its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of the United States’ continued support at this critical moment.The Biden administration may seek talks between Zelenski and Senate and House leaders. But such talks are unlikely to unfreeze (https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/11/politics/zelensky-washington-meetings-congress/index.html) the currently held up future aid to Ukraine. It will also use the conservation with Zelenski to push him towards negotiating with Russia (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/12/us-is-withholding-aid-to-push-ukraine-towards-negotiations-with-russia.html). Or said differently: to read him the riot act.

If the Ukraine does not start to negotiated with Russia within the next few weeks Zelenski will be replaced.


¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/disclosetv/status/1734165062447727067
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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
SBU agents got caught

A video of the detention of Ukrainian agents in Crimea has emerged

Fifteen ammunition caches prepared by Ukrainian special services were discovered, leading to the seizure of 37 improvised explosive devices and more than 200 kg of explosives.

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1734134629710348590

1734134629710348590

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
Russian TG channel reports:

"The enemy confirms the active advance of our army north of the Avdeevka Coke and Chemical Plant and in the area of treatment plants on the northern flank of this section of the front.

According to our information, more than 5 enemy fortifications in the area of the Coke and Chemical Plant were taken today alone."

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1734203484990234745

1734203484990234745

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
“Ukraine is not Russia”

Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has warned that the USA "will lose face in front of the whole world if it gives up on Kiev"

The interview was given in connection with the release of a new edition of the book "Ukraine is not Russia".

Join Slavyangrad chat. Your opinion matters.
https://t.me/+5vjQfD5RwOgzMjgx

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1734190067084660782

1734190067084660782

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Sprinter00001/status/1734160008500199428

1734160008500199428

https://x.com/KitKlarenberg/status/1734166455195754902

1734166455195754902

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1734031023904633010

1734031023904633010

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/AXChristoforou/status/1734289051530801202

1734289051530801202

[Ernie Nemeth]

Looks like either Zelensky manages to get funding from the states or there is a high likelihood he will be assassinated.

Russia has already won the war. It is only a question of how many more bodies Ukraine decides to sacrifice first.


The US cannot hope to win a war against Russia. Without approval of Congress, it will be another illegal war that will have to rely heavily on the manipulation of public opinion.
Chances are high that America gets its nose bloodied in the attempt, maybe worse.

[ExomatrixTV]

As Funding For Ukraine's War Runs Out, Zelensky Finally Announces Peace Talks During WEF In Switzerland (https://strangesounds.substack.com/p/as-funding-for-ukraines-war-runs)

[Rizotto]

Interesting analysis. The theory is that US intelligence foresaw that Russia would cyberattack critical systems in Kiev, so they decided to have Zelensky over in Washington for his safety. (Personally, I'm not so sure they really want to keep Zelensky 'safe' at this time.) But the cyber attacks on Kiev systems are puzzling, because I haven't seen reports of that anywhere else. On the other hand, that's something Russia is quite adept at, having done it a number of times already. So, perhaps not something that merits too much specific attention during wartime. Just my guess.

The Fall | Zelensky Was Evacuated While Ukraine Is Paralyzed. Military Summary For 2023.12.12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSKzHrHNkdU

[Gwin Ru]

...

... https://t.me/FreedomDoc1 - https://t.me/FreedomDoc1/9008

December 13

https://cdn1.cdn-telegram.org/file/U4BRTpz3AKjzHElHeurdru8FbWgus1BknteEU-khoLCdVeUNJ4BtdEpkJ_Pdg4iL-MiU9JDlIzLBdLUyyCD9sSGYtQSglIDsTw4Xl594jXh3xCdZTZW1tkqW_RN8BkvsFVmh5etN4HoLaTtwWgTi3aoy93WVoJbKnH8kL wKXin_YWpitFb1nyjYt7sisc9kzkoRWPf5cg-KUJCBZF53vOVjwgdNjWc8-Aes8gZ--1O256kHqMDJXHXHPGjtyDr3en9uyOm5OS88VqLNd-Xv6iLskXPChYfPtTuekFgGtfb65rBDfMeZWs4bOAG9ePD-d62wxGCryCJ_PBtF8YWXe8Q.jpg

Lee Merritt MD: FreedomDoc1 (https://t.me/FreedomDoc1)
Forwarded from ☢️ WW3.INFO Battlefield Research (https://t.me/WW3INFO/30032)

(https://t.me/FreedomDoc1/9008) WW3 INFO – Britain has only 150 tanks left - The Wall Street Journal

"Alarm grows over weakened militaries and empty arsenals in Europe.

The British military - the leading US military ally and Europe's biggest defense spender - has only about 150 tanks and perhaps a dozen serviceable long-range artillery pieces.

France, the next biggest spender, has less than 90 heavy artillery units.

Denmark has no heavy artillery, no submarines, no air defense systems.

And the German army only has enough ammunition for two days of intense fighting." - The article says.

*Europe has been so defeated and destroyed thanks to Ukraine, that it may now lose a military conflict to Hamas as well.

🔗 Megatron (https://twitter.com/Megatron_ron/status/1734313906485469437?t=D38hZrV3vaMIucjH4EBdNA&s=19)
Meanwhile, keep updated
Subscribe to @WW3INFO (https://t.me/WW3INFO) ✅
74 viewsFreedom Doc, 14:43 (https://t.me/FreedomDoc1/9008)


Lee Merritt MD: FreedomDoc1 (https://t.me/FreedomDoc1)
And no one in EU or the member nations could run those numbers until now? The truth is the leaders of Western nations are using Ukraine and incompetence to cover their planned destruction of their own nations.
72 viewsFreedom Doc, 14:43 (https://t.me/FreedomDoc1/9007)



... to cover their planned destruction of their own nations.... and so, they put up with a deadly clown show while busy undermining everything...

[Vicus]

Ukrainian trial demonstrates 2014 Maidan massacre was false flag December 11, 2023

https://i0.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/06c697ea208a99a86737406f79337ae5_original.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1

A massacre of protesters during the 2014 Maidan coup set the stage for the ouster of Ukraine’s elected president, Viktor Yanukovych. Now, an explosive trial in Kiev has produced evidence the killings were a false flag designed to trigger regime change.

Two police officers charged with the mass shooting of opposition protesters in Kiev’s Maidan Square in 2014 have been released after a Ukrainian court determined the fatal shots in the infamous massacre were fired from an opposition-controlled building.

On October 18 2023, Ukraine’s Sviatoshyn District Court determined that of the five officers on trial, one would be acquitted outright, while another was sentenced to time served for alleged “abuse of power.”

The remaining three, who no longer live in Ukraine, were convicted in absentia on 31 counts of murder and 44 counts of attempted murder. This, under a Supreme Court opinion stipulating suspects can be held collectively responsible for the actions of a group deemed criminal.

The verdict means no one will face jail time, or be in any way punished for their alleged role in the infamous Maidan massacre, which saw over 100 protesters killed, triggered an avalanche of international condemnation and led directly to the downfall of President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled the country mere days later.

The trial began in Kiev in 2016, but the case languished for years. Matters were further complicated in 2019, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traded all five of the accused for prisoners held by Donbas separatists. Two subsequently returned on a voluntary basis to have their day in court.

Unsurprisingly, the verdict has triggered outrage among victims’ families, and prosecution lawyers say they plan to appeal. By contrast, the mainstream media has so far remained eerily indifferent. In an apparent attempt to distort the trial’s outcome, several outlets — including Reuters — simply referred to the court “sentencing” the officers in their headlines. The Kyiv Post went as far as falsely claiming all five had been found “guilty” of “Maidan crimes.”

But there is more to the story than these outlets have let on. As even the Western-funded Kyiv Independent acknowledged, “a former top investigator” previously tasked with probing the massacre said the verdict followed years of deliberate sabotage by Ukrainian authorities, who “have done their best to make sure there are no real results.”

The question of why officials in Kiev would seek to sabotage the probe has been largely ignored by legacy media outlets. But the verdict offers some highly revealing clues.

‘Unknown persons’ behind killing

Littered throughout the 1,000,000 word document are passages demonstrating conclusively that the sniper fire emanated from buildings controlled by the opposition to Yanukovych. Collectively, these excerpts strongly suggest the Maidan massacre was a false flag carried out by nationalist elements who aimed to ensure the president’s ouster.

The evidence “was quite sufficient to conclude categorically that on the morning of February 20, 2014, persons with weapons, from which the shots were fired, were in the premises of the Hotel Ukraina,” the court found.

Another section reveals “Hotel Ukraina” was “territory… not controlled by law enforcement agencies at that time.” Numerous video recordings show that before, during, and after the massacre, the building was overrun by the far-right opposition party Svoboda, whose leaders used the premises to coordinate their anti-Yanukovych activities on the streets below.

In at least 28 of the 128 shootings considered during the trial, the court ruled that whether “due to the lack of information, the incompleteness or contradictory nature of the submitted data,” the “involvement of law enforcement officers has not been proven,” and that “other unknown persons cannot be ruled out.”

Furthermore, the verdict effectively ruled out any involvement of Russian security and intelligence services in the massacre, a conspiracy theory promoted heavily by pro-Maidan elements.

https://thegrayzone.com/2023/12/11/ukrainian-maidan-massacre-false-flag/

[Vicus]

Platoon formed from ex-Wagner PMC fighters carries out first assault near Artyomovsk 12 Dec

According to the platoon commander, the positions taken will help develop further progress in this sector of the line of contact

MOSCOW, December 12. /TASS/. A platoon dubbed Kamerton (Tuning Fork) consisting of fighters from the now-defunct Wagner Private Military Company (PMC), who had been incorporated into the ranks of the Akhmat special forces group, has carried out a successful assault on a Ukrainian-occupied elevated point near the western outskirts of Artyomovsk, the platoon commander, who goes by the call sign "Press," told TASS.

"Prior to this, it was everyday routine [frontline activities] - reconnaissance and fire strikes. Yet, this was precisely an assault on a key elevated point in this sector directly by the Kamerton platoon with support from the 4th brigade. In six minutes, Kamerton’s assault groups entered the elevated point and engaged in combat in a trench. They wiped out the enemy and opened up space for the operations of their neighboring platoons," the commander said.

According to him, the positions taken will help develop further progress in this sector of the line of contact. "The 4th brigade and other Russian forces in this area are being covered by Kamerton’s artillery," he clarified.

https://tass.com/politics/1719693?utm_source=rense.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=rense.com&utm_referrer=rense.com

[Vicus]

Moscow brushes off ‘empty’ Zelensky visit to Washington 13 Dec, 2023

“Everyone is tired of the Kievan beggarman,” the Russian ambassador said of the outcome

Moscow perceives Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s Tuesday visit to Washington as inconsequential for the outcome of the conflict, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov has said.

Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, compared Zelensky with a very specific type of person begging for help, when she said during a press briefing on Tuesday that he was going to the US to “sharomyzhnichat.”

The Russian verb is mockingly said to stem from the French phrase “cher ami,” which means “dear friend.” According to legend, soldiers who couldn’t keep up with Napoleon’s retreating army would say these words when pleading for food and shelter from Russians. Peasants who didn’t know French came up with the term, and it stuck.

Zakharova also rebuked US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who last week argued the Biden administration’s case for Ukraine by claiming that 90% of the money allocated for Kiev in the past was actually spent in the US, creating jobs in arms production and other parts of the economy. He called it “a win-win that we need to continue.”

“Maybe you should have invested all 100% into the US and left Ukraine alone?” Zakharova suggested.

https://swentr.site/russia/588974-zelensky-visit-us-begging/

[Vicus]

Timofey Bordachev: The EU is now dealing with the consequences of its huge strategic failure 13 Dec, 2023

The bloc tried and failed to become an independent global power, now its chickens have come home to roost

Whether many of us in Russia are prepared to admit it or not, the European Union’s place in international politics will inevitably become an important issue of both theoretical and practical significance. For the great powers, the urgency of this question is determined by what they associate with Western Europe in their own plans and, consequently, where they are likely to be disappointed. In the case of the US, the bloc’s strategic importance is determined by its ability to contain Russia with at least partial self-reliance.

For Russia itself, the EU is a potential “weak link” in the united coalition of the West, led by the US, which threatens the interests and survival of the Russian state. A similar position is held by China, whose authorities also expect American influence in Europe to decline over time, allowing Beijing to retain access to some Western technologies and markets in the face of an inevitable “divorce” from the Americans. From India’s point of view, the EU is a less demanding partner than the US in modernizing the Indian economy and solving some of its national development challenges.

At the same time, it is difficult to speak of genuine sympathy for Western Europeans on the part of any of their global partners. In these foreign policy circumstances, the EU’s leading countries are faced with the prospect of gradually becoming frontier territories that all the opposing global players will regard as nothing more than a political or economic resource base. The question is whether Western Europeans can stop moving in this direction and, more importantly, whether they need to show more individualism in world affairs.

In words, as we know, the intentions of the leading EU countries (first and foremost Germany and France) have not changed much compared to the “golden” years of the development of their independent strategic project of European integration. As in the 1990s and 2000s, Berlin and Paris talk with varying intensity about their desire to play an independent role in world affairs. But even they admit that the chances of realizing such plans have now seriously diminished. And it may soon become clear that Western Europe will indeed find itself in the situation that most closely matches the predictions of the greatest skeptics. In other words, the actual position of the EU in world politics is increasingly in line with how we might see it in terms of abstract assessments of its relationship with the US and its ability to act independently.

continue: https://swentr.site/news/588995-eu-consequences-strategic-failure/

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/arktinentuuli/status/1734938947841622165

1734938947841622165

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1734943742828925154

1734943742828925154

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/DagnyTaggart963/status/1734952275053875238

1734952275053875238

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
"Having taken Marinka, the Russian army advanced 2 km to the village of Pobeda
▪️South of Marinka, Russian troops advanced with battles in an area up to 5 km wide to a depth of up to 2 km, recognizing the enemy’s resources.
▪️The Russian Armed Forces are moving towards Pobeda, Paraskoveevka and Novomikhailovka.
▪️In the southern outskirts of Novomikhailovka, ours are actively attacking, pushing back the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

http://t.me/RVvoenkor

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1734948142297047430

1734948142297047430

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MoonofA/status/1734955883967197613
1734955883967197613

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/12/us-military-has-more-unfeasable-plans-for-ukraine.html
(https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/12/us-military-has-more-unfeasable-plans-for-ukraine.html)
U.S. Military has more Unfeasible Plans for Ukraine

Yesterday the Biden administration 'declassified (https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/12/white-house-ukraine-intel-declassified-00131296)' laughable numbers about alleged Russian losses. It did not help. Zelenski's mission to get more money from Congress has failed (https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/zelensky-biden-visit-12-12-23/index.html):
Following a roughly 30-minute meeting with Zelensky – their first one-on-one encounter – House Speaker Mike Johnson said the Biden administration’s response to congressional Republicans’ demands has been “insufficient,” and reiterated his stance that a deal remains unlikely without a “transformative change” at the border.The Republicans also asked the White House for its strategy in Ukraine. But as the New York Times reported yesterday, there is none.

U.S. and Ukraine Search for a New Strategy After Failed Counteroffensive (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/us/politics/us-ukraine-war-strategy.html)
American and Ukrainian military leaders are searching for a new strategy that they can begin executing early next year to revive Kyiv’s fortunes and flagging support for the country’s war against Russia, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
...
The United States is stepping up the face-to-face military advice it provides to Ukraine, dispatching a three-star general to Kyiv to spend considerable time on the ground. U.S. and Ukrainian military officers say they hope to work out the details of a new strategy next month in a series of war games scheduled to be held in Wiesbaden, Germany.That the counter-offensive had failed has been obvious since mid of June (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/06/the-ukrainian-counter-offensive-had-no-chance-nato-failed-to-explain-that.html). A reason for the failure were fake war-games (https://www.rt.com/russia/578411-nato-ukraine-counteroffensive-training/) during which the parameters were skewed until the games showed that Ukraine would win:
Logic dictates that any responsible use of the KORA simulation system would have predicted the failure of the 47th Brigade’s attack. According to The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/04/ukraine-nato-training-counteroffensive-47th-brigade/), the officers of the 47th Brigade “planned their assaults and then let the [KORA] program show them the results – how their Russian enemies might respond, where they could make a breakthrough and where they would suffer losses.” The KORA simulation allowed the Ukrainian officers to coordinate their actions “to test how they’d work together on the battlefield.”
Given that the Ukrainian force structure was insufficient to accomplish the mission-critical task of suppression, there was no chance for the Ukrainian forces to accomplish the actual assault requirements of a breaching operation – the destruction of enemy forces on the opposite side of the obstacle barrier being breached. The Ukrainians, however, came away from their KORA experience confident that they had crafted a winning plan capable of overcoming the Russian defenses in and around Orekhov.
When one examines the structure of a KORA-based simulation, it becomes clear that the system is completely dependent upon the various inputs which define the simulation as a whole.Now the U.S. is sending one of its generals to take command of the Ukrainian army and will launch more war games. To what outcome will their parameters be skewed.

Apparently the time since late June was insufficient to come up with a new strategy for Ukraine. This will not do (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/us/politics/us-ukraine-war-strategy.html):
Some in the U.S. military want Ukraine to pursue a “hold and build” strategy — to focus on holding the territory it has and building its ability to produce weapons over 2024. The United States believes the strategy will improve Ukraine’s self-sufficiency and ensure Kyiv is in a position to repel any new Russian drive. The goal would be to create enough of a credible threat that Russia might consider engaging in meaningful negotiations at the end of next year or in 2025.
At the same time, Ukrainian officials are examining strategies that build on their successful deep strikes on Crimea last fall. They are searching for creative ways to keep Russia off balance with attacks against arms factories, weapons depots and train lines for moving munitions, and to score symbolic victories. One Ukrainian former senior military official declined to discuss the proposals but said the new plan is being refined and is “very daring.”
The plan is that Ukraine will go into defense mode while committing more terrorism. But why would Russia let Ukraine build real defense lines? Ukraine is starved of artillery ammunition (https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/47th-mechbrigade-surrounded-lowammo). It does not have the troops to hold all lines.

And whatever line it can build will break under intensive fire.

In the Summer of 1943, after German attack on Kursk had failed, the Soviets went into an offensive mode that did not stop until its troops captured Berlin. The German army retreated to defense lines, then retreated again and again - all the way back to Berlin. It took nearly two years, but the outcome was obvious as soon as the attack on Kursk had failed.

I expect something similar to happen in Ukraine.

The U.S. is starting its typical mission creep (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/us/politics/us-ukraine-war-strategy.html):
Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the top American commander in Europe, has been taking a bigger role in coordinating with Ukrainian officials. The Pentagon has also decided to dispatch Lt. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto Jr., who commands the support of Ukraine from a base in Germany, to spend lengthy periods of time in Kyiv. General Aguto will work more directly with the country’s military leadership to improve the advice the United States is offering, American officials said. While the White House has opted not to have U.S. military advisers in the country permanently, General Aguto’s frequent rotations in and out of Kyiv would inch toward the end of that restriction.
A three star general does not come alone. He has a full group of staff, dozens, which will now become military advisors on the ground in Ukraine. They will also become priority targets.

And what do those advisors know about an industrial warfare that Ukraine soldiers do not know. Well, nothing.

Yves Smith (https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2023/12/ukraine-flails-as-proxy-coalition-war-scheme-comes-apart.html) as well as Simplicius (https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/zelensky-circus-comes-to-town-for) have further thoughts on this.

I for one see no change yet of the trajectory Ukraine is on. It is losing badly while its propaganda is still claiming victory. Consider this (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/13/kyiv-ballistic-missile-war-russia/) from today's Washington Post:
Loud explosions jolted many residents out of bed around 3 a.m. in central Kyiv, followed by air raid alert sirens a few minutes later. Ukraine’s air force said that antiaircraft defenses shot down all 10 ballistic missiles that were launched at Kyiv. That assertion could not be independently confirmed.Multiple missile impacts happened BEFORE the air alarm went on. But the Ukrainian military claims to have shut all incoming missiles down. That does not sound like a plausible time line to me. I, in fact believe that the few air defense system Kiev was give, like its artillery, pretty much out of ammunition.

With no further aid coming from the U.S., and potentially also not from Europe, it is high time to shut the war down.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1734966834531639407

1734966834531639407

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1734921655502156033

1734921655502156033

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1734922217203380432

1734922217203380432

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
For most of the warring Ukraine, the main news today is not the situation on the fronts...

For almost 24 hours, millions of Ukrainians have been in a state of shock. The servers of the largest mobile operator Kyivstar are not working.

As a result, there are systemic failures in many segments of the country’s economy, incl. and in the banking system.

Judging by the panicky statements from that side, it is not a fact that the system will be able to be raised earlier than in a week. And even then, it may happen that it will never be able to function fully.

The largest accident since the existence of such a system in the country. In Kiev, they blame Russian hackers for everything, but there is a version that the issue is a redistribution of business. If this is so, then I am with both hands “for” such “toad viper”.

P.S. By the way, the Kyivstar network was widely used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for purely military purposes. So if the blow came from our side, then this, as they say in such cases, is a “legitimate military target.”
Plus: Pompeo has become a board member of that company (lmao)

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1734643081872646240

1734643081872646240


https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1734981816614789177

1734981816614789177

[ExomatrixTV]

US/NATO Officially Mobilizes Direct War Against Russia (https://www.infowars.com/posts/wednesday-live-dont-build-roads-spend-all-your-money-on-weapons-unhinged-zelensky-begs-american-taxpayers-for-ukraine-aid/)

[mizo]

US/NATO Officially Mobilizes Direct War Against Russia (https://www.infowars.com/posts/wednesday-live-dont-build-roads-spend-all-your-money-on-weapons-unhinged-zelensky-begs-american-taxpayers-for-ukraine-aid/)


Just read it on twitter

https://x.com/RealAlexJones/status/1735036613380690196

[Ewan]

US/NATO Officially Mobilizes Direct War Against Russia (https://www.infowars.com/posts/wednesday-live-dont-build-roads-spend-all-your-money-on-weapons-unhinged-zelensky-begs-american-taxpayers-for-ukraine-aid/)


Just read it on twitter

https://x.com/RealAlexJones/status/1735036613380690196

For the love of God!

John's post offered nothing but a headline. No idea what it meant and even though it sounded interesting I had no incentive to click on it.

Then you (mizo) reply saying you just read it, so then I thought - 'Hmm!, maybe I should take a look'.

So I right clicked and opened link in a new window, it led to this....


Alex Jones Show — WW3 ALERT: US/NATO Officially Mobilizes Direct War Against Russia

Watch & share this explosive edition of the most banned broadcast in the world: Sensationalism

Alex Jones has returned to X! Follow him at @RealAlexJones! Whoopee

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Our Infowars Christmas Mega Super Sale Starts NOW! Take advantage of sales up to 60% OFF with FREE SHIPPING & double Patriot Points! Oh look, advertising!
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And I still do not have a clue what the link was about without clicking yet another effing ling and sharing my details to trackers all over the internet.


Avalon used to better than this!

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

NB: Bill, should I ask for a sabbatical because this is getting crazy for me. No-one can apparently take the time to share the information that matters.

[Ravenlocke]

US/NATO Officially Mobilizes Direct War Against Russia (https://www.infowars.com/posts/wednesday-live-dont-build-roads-spend-all-your-money-on-weapons-unhinged-zelensky-begs-american-taxpayers-for-ukraine-aid/)


Just read it on twitter

https://x.com/RealAlexJones/status/1735036613380690196

For the love of God!

John's post offered nothing but a headline. No idea what it meant and even though it sounded interesting I had no incentive to click on it.

Then you (mizo) reply saying you just read it, so then I thought - 'Hmm!, maybe I should take a look'.

So I right clicked and opened link in a new window, it led to this....


Alex Jones Show — WW3 ALERT: US/NATO Officially Mobilizes Direct War Against Russia

Watch & share this explosive edition of the most banned broadcast in the world: Sensationalism

Alex Jones has returned to X! Follow him at @RealAlexJones! Whoopee

Secure a limited edition autographed copy of Alex Jones’ latest book ‘The Great Awakening’ TODAY! Advertising

URGENT! Keep Alex Jones in the fight against the NWO! Please pray & contribute at DefendJones.com today! More advertising

Alex Jones joins Mug Club! Be a part of this new era by channeling your support HERE at JonesCrowder.com and get one month FREE when you sign up! Even more advertising

Stay informed and sign up for the Infowars Newsletter HERE. Getting repetitive now

Rumble feed:

Alex Jones is on Telegram:
The American Journal: Watch LIVE!

“The American Journal” is live every weekday from 8-11 am CST.

Follow The American Journal on Telegram:

Our Infowars Christmas Mega Super Sale Starts NOW! Take advantage of sales up to 60% OFF with FREE SHIPPING & double Patriot Points! Oh look, advertising!
Share
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I

And I still do not have a clue what the link was about without clicking yet another effing ling and sharing my details to trackers all over the internet.


Avalon used to better than this!

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

NB: Bill, should I ask for a sabbatical because this is getting crazy for me. No-one can apparently take the time to share the information that matters.

Here’s a bit more about the above, seems that
“ Jack Posobiec joins The Alex Jones Show to break down NATO's plans for direct war with Russia.”

https://x.com/Truth_Is_Lost_/status/1735046824338088308

1735046824338088308


Also this X, Note the coment part that says, Ukraine is not part of NATO
https://x.com/ForTexasHoujami/status/1733001849626865828

1733001849626865828

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Update on Hungarian Funds: Show Me the Money!
In the past 4 hours the European Commission has decided to release the 10.2 billion Euro in aid that was still frozen 6 hours ago when we first reported. This all comes on the eve of an EU Summit at which Hungarian President Orban had promised to block 50 billion Euro in funds promised by the European Council to Ukraine.

This is just part of the 30 billion Hungary may receive contigent on meeting EU human rights requirements. Those requirements seem to be a little ambiguous: "After a thorough assessment...the horizontal enabling condition on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is fulfilled..."

If I had to guess, I'd say that this "horizontal enabling condition" is keeping the Ukrainian military on life support.

Join Slavyangrad chat. Your opinion matters. (https://t.me/+5vjQfD5RwOgzMjgx)

Slavyangrad on TG

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1735056074724737040

1735056074724737040

[Ravenlocke]

This is the link to the whole interview with Jack Posobiec.

https://www.infowars.com/posts/breaking-nato-officially-mobilizes-for-direct-war-with-russia-jack-posobiec/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it

[Ravenlocke]

From Southfront.Press

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735044654138019910

1735044654138019910

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1735056866860826759

1735056866860826759

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
BREAKING:

🇩🇪 ⚡After Biden, now Scholz also announces war and martial law in Germany

Scholz statment:

"If the situation worsens due to the war in Ukraine, the government can declare a state of emergency in Germany and a state of war!

It's not just a war... It's about whether Europe's borders are secure."

It seems that they are already beginning the phase of preparing their population for war. Germany, which until 2 years ago had a sharp growth of its economy, thanks to cheap Russian resources, allowed this clown to lead it to a situation of preparing for war and martial law.

Fortunately, this is unlikely to happen, because Scholz has record low support among Germans, but the possibility of him doing something stupid after destroying Germany's economy is ruled out.

https://x.com/Megatron_ron/status/1734936052312207719

1734936052312207719

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Hawkeye1745/status/1735030957252468934

1735030957252468934

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
The Netherlands, under the leadership of the new government, may cut the military support to #UkraineMustWin. Bloomberg reports this.

“We believe that we should not provide military support to Ukraine while we are not able to defend our country,” potential Prime Minister Geert Wilders said during a speech in parliament. 👍

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1735046353368088808

1735046353368088808

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
2014: Russians we are coming for you!
2023: Come with us, we know where Russians are

https://x.com/MatreshkaRF/status/1735089868328644706

1735089868328644706

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Hawkeye1745/status/1735033024532681192

1735033024532681192

[pounamuknight]

Just read it on twitter

52360

No, NATO haven't officially mobilized. This is the Alex Jones I don't like :yuck:

He's trying to tie his fearmongering to a statement out of Germany, a key NATO member

More specifically, a comment made by Olaf Scholz that the country may to enact the emergency spending clause enshrined within the German Constitution in case of unforeseen emergencies (https://www.rt.com/news/589016-germany-declare-emergency-ukraine-scholz/)

52362

The comment specifically came out of the Government's wrangling over Germany's 2024 Budget, where funds for the war were debated by members of German coalition government's and opposition parties (https://www.dw.com/en/german-government-resolves-2024-budget-dispute/a-67716151)

So no, it's not an official mobilization from NATO. Thats just Alex Jones being Alex Jones ;)

But definitely something to keep an eye on, for sure :sherlock:

[Ravenlocke]

❗️🇺🇦 🔥 Ukrainians are in a panic this afternoon writing that at night in Odessa there was an arrival at the customs building - there in one wing there was the location of some “foreigners”, in uniform, but without identification marks.

As a result of arrivals at customs terminals, at one of them there was a second detonation and acrid smoke began to appear.

The police were not allowed into the terminals.

Russian Telegram Source

I'm now very curious as to who these uniformed foreigners could've been. Even the police weren't allowed in. Were they saboteurs? Or were they classified visitors who were caught with their pants down?

Slavyangrad

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735016548882944511

1735016548882944511

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735096020722213265

1735096020722213265

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735096026325737547


1735096026325737547

[ExomatrixTV]

President Biden BLOCKED A PEACE DEAL. War was the plan the whole time. 20 bloody months later, who has benefited? Not the Ukranians. Not the American taxpayer. Only the defense contractors.


1735006147164123258

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
NATO is rapidly increasing its military budget in preparation for war with Russia - it has increased by almost half in two years

The member countries of the Alliance agreed on the civil and military budgets of the association for the next year. The military budget was systematically increasing before the Russian special operation in Ukraine, but last year it jumped by an unprecedented amount - by as much as 25.8%. This year, Member States set a budget of €2.03 billion (an increase of 12%). The funds are intended for missions and operations around the world.

The civilian budget, in turn, amounted to €438.1 million - this includes personnel and operating expenses, as well as payments for headquarters.

readovkanews

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735109972785078701

1735109972785078701

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
🇺🇦🇷🇺Map of military operations and the situation on the fronts on the evening of December 13

Russian soldiers liberated the southern part of Marinka. To the south of the city there are already battles for Pobeda and Novomikhailovka. Now between the positions of the Russian army and the Ugledar group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine there are only 14 km of fields and the 404 command should prepare not for the offensives invented for the Western elites, but for the defense of Kurakhovo. The grip around Donetsk is gradually loosening. The winter is coming. Very!

The situation on the fronts over the past 24 hours:

Bakhmutskoe (Artemovskoe) direction

Russian fighters are advancing in the Bogdanovka area. Meanwhile, fighting at the heights continues in Kleshcheevka .

Donetsk direction

In the Avdeevsky sector there are battles near the Stepnoy and coke plants. The Russian army tried to advance in the direction of the North. In Marinka, Russian fighters finally occupied the southern part of the city.

Zaporozhye direction

In the Orekhovsky sector, Russian fighters attacked in the Rabotino area and from Novofedorovka. On the Vremevsky ledge there is no change, fighting is going on.

readovkanews

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735109360378884318

1735109360378884318

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇵🇸☦️❌🇺🇦 Jerusalem hierarch: We condemn the systematic persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The history of the Church is full of fierce persecution, but it always wins in the end, “because the Lord Jesus Christ protects it and protects it from all evil,” His Eminence Archbishop Theodosios of Sebaste (Jerusalem Patriarchate) said recently, condemning the ongoing persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The Archbishop has spoken out in defense of the UOC many times over the years, and the Jerusalem Patriarchate as a whole has refused to recognize the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” created by Patriarchate Bartholomew and the U.S. and Ukrainian governments.

https://orthochristian.com/157767.html

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735111047374111187

1735111047374111187

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735108531118850174

1735108531118850174

[Ravenlocke]

Translated by Google

You heard everything, I feel sorry for the civilian population, they are open, kind, hospitable. They live in fear. Their lives are in danger and their houses are subject to daily shelling from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Russia - Faith and Hope for a bright future

https://x.com/coope125/status/1733454974170902623

1733454974170902623

[Bill Ryan]

US/NATO Officially Mobilizes Direct War Against Russia (https://www.infowars.com/posts/wednesday-live-dont-build-roads-spend-all-your-money-on-weapons-unhinged-zelensky-begs-american-taxpayers-for-ukraine-aid/)

Just read it on twitter

1735036613380690196

For the love of God!
...

And I still do not have a clue what the link was about without clicking yet another effing link and sharing my details to trackers all over the internet.~~~

No, NATO is not "mobilizing for direct war with Russia." :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

My strong personal advice: :bearhug:

Stick with Alexander Mercouris (his channel here (https://www.youtube.com/@AlexMercouris/videos)) and Judge Napolitano's many superb guests (his channel here (https://www.youtube.com/@judgingfreedom/streams)), and then you'll know what's happening with no screaming clickbait hyperbole. (This is one of several reasons why I ignore Alex Jones now.) There's little need for anyone or anything else if one's short of time and wants to go directly to the best and most professional daily analysis.

[shaberon]

France, the next biggest spender, has less than 90 heavy artillery units.


If I understand rightly, this means the Cesar self-propelled howitzer, which was sold to:


Denmark has no heavy artillery, no submarines, no air defense systems.


which gave them to Ukraine over a year ago.


Rheinmetall seems to be alright, unlike many German companies.

Or German equipment on the battlefield.

This is a great time to re-militarize Europe, pretend it is about Russia, and then Germany will fight France.

That's called "sound macroeconomics".

It has no interest in human beings.

[Rizotto]

Interesting analysis. The theory is that US intelligence foresaw that Russia would cyberattack critical systems in Kiev, so they decided to have Zelensky over in Washington for his safety. (Personally, I'm not so sure they really want to keep Zelensky 'safe' at this time.) But the cyber attacks on Kiev systems are puzzling, because I haven't seen reports of that anywhere else. On the other hand, that's something Russia is quite adept at, having done it a number of times already. So, perhaps not something that merits too much specific attention during wartime. Just my guess.

The Fall | Zelensky Was Evacuated While Ukraine Is Paralyzed. Military Summary For 2023.12.12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSKzHrHNkdU

So, there is a December 13, 2023 RT report of a cyber attack on Ukraine telecommunications, posted below, but I haven't seen other reports yet.
(This cyber attack on Ukraine seems to have occurred almost at the same time as the one in the USA...)

https://www.rt.com/business/588997-ukraine-telecom-internet-cyberattack-russia/

Millions of Ukrainians forced offline: who’s behind one of the biggest ever cyberattacks
The IT systems of Ukraine's largest telecommunications operator have been partially destroyed

Ukraine’s primary mobile network provider, Kyivstar, has been brought down by what is described as one of the biggest cyberattacks ever, leaving millions of customers without mobile phones and home internet service on Tuesday.
1. What happened?
Ukraine's largest telecommunications provider suffered a major hacker attack on Tuesday, knocking out mobile phone service to millions of people. Mobile communications and access to the internet were down throughout the day. The attack on Kyivstar, which has 24.3 million mobile customers and over 1 million home internet subscribers, has led to a ripple effect that has caused outages of IT infrastructure and disrupted services at banks and some state institutions.

2. Who was affected?
The cyberattack caused a widely felt technical failure and disrupted the operations of many of Ukraine’s major financial institutions. The largest state-owned bank, PrivatBank, was affected by the hack as the work of some of its offices, ATMs, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals used by businesses to process card payments was disrupted because they rely on Kyivstar SIM cards. Some cash machines of other big banks, including Oshadbank and Monobank, were not working either. Air raid alert systems in the city of Sumy also reportedly malfunctioned due to the outage.

3. Why is it significant?
The incident has heavily impacted Kiev and far beyond, including major cities and regions, affecting mobile and fixed-line services with a knock-on impact on sectors, including airstrike alert systems and banking. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Wednesday that the attack on Kyivstar has inflicted critical damage to its digital infrastructure, with IT systems being partially destroyed. Restoring operations will take time, the service said.
The Ukrainian military relies heavily on smartphones and mobile data to communicate and coordinate operations, especially on encrypted messaging applications. While the country has other cell phone providers and the military uses Starlink satellite connection extensively, the Kyivstar outage could affect Ukrainian troops’ ability to coordinate in some places.

4. What’s the significance of the timing of the incident?
The massive hack occurred as Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky met with US President Joe Biden and lawmakers in Washington, DC on Tuesday, pleading for more funding for Kiev. During the meeting, the US leader announced another military aid package of $200 million for Ukraine, which includes air defense interceptors, artillery, and ammunition. However, the sum is relatively insignificant compared to the $111 billion in military and economic assistance Washington has provided to Kiev since February 2022.
The meeting occurred after a bill intended to provide $60 billion in aid for Kiev was blocked in the US Senate last week. Republicans demanded tougher immigration control on the southern US border in exchange for approving Ukraine assistance.

5. Who is behind the attack?
Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency has alleged that Russian security services could be to blame. The agency opened criminal proceedings over the cyberattack under eight charges, including unauthorized interference in the work of information systems, high treason, and sabotage.
Meanwhile, Russian hacktivist group Killnet claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on its Telegram channel but did not provide evidence. Following the breach, Russian hackers said they launched the attack to test the capabilities of a new partnership with another group called Deanon Club.
The cyberattack comes as experts are deliberating on possible reasons for the incident, which could be part of Moscow’s effort to force Kiev to negotiate a peace deal to end the ongoing Ukraine conflict. It is assumed that local officials will prepare to ensure other critical infrastructure is insulated from cyberattacks during the winter months.

6. Any other suspects?
The Kyivstar attack looked quite similar to last year’ cyberattack against the Russian YouTube analog called RuTube, some IT experts concluded after analyzing details of the incident. Experts suggested that the attack on the Ukrainian mobile provider could have been self-inflicted, adding that Kiev had previously simulated the collapse of critical infrastructure. Analysts assumed that Kyivstar was hacked “from the inside” precisely during Zelensky’s visit to Washington in order to stir media attention.

7. How did Kiev retaliate?
In a separate statement, Ukraine’s military intelligence claimed to have carried out a cyberattack on Russia’s Federal Taxation Service (FNS) in recent days. The SBU announced on its Telegram channel that Ukrainian military intelligence managed to break into one of the well-protected central servers of the federal tax service.
Commenting on the announcement, the FNS has denied its services were hacked, adding that it was working as usual while users’ personal data was safe.

[Tintin]

Vladimir Putin is holding the annual press event where members of the public and journalists are invited to ask questions directly to him.

Here he comments on Odessa and it's being posted here not because we don't already know this of course, but here is a real leader prepared to put himself in a kind of firing line of questioning, something which I don't remember ever seeing on British television to any prime minister. The translation audio is in English:


"Odessa is a Russian city, everyone is aware of that, but they conjured up historical nonsense, and after the collapse of the USSR we gave into it", Vladimir Putin noted.

1735239710036115624

[jaybee]

.

On the question of whether NATO is mobilizing for war with Russia... either officially or unofficially -

A few points as I see it...

1. the Neo Fascist West Based Globalists want to take control of Russia one way or another for a One World Government to be put in place - Russia is the largest country in the world re land mass...with a rich supply of natural resources - and is currently a thorn in the side of the wanna~be world dictators...

2. Ukraine and it's people have been shamelessly used by the afore mentioned Globalists and their puppets to start the process of taking over (or holding after internal unrest) Russia by military means.... provoking confrontation and trying to move right up to Ukraine/Russia border... Russia was, essentially, forced to step in to protect itself + East Ukraine with it's Special Military Operation .... and inevitably, because of the interference by NATO nations the whole thing is getting more drawn out and Russia is being further drawn in... the reason that Boris Johnson was sent in to scupper Peace Talks between Ukraine and Russia at the beginning (on behalf of the Globalists who run NATO) was because engaging Russia in war and eventually taking it over - is the plan...

So NATO mobilizing against Russia is inevitable at some point otherwise why was the whole thing started in the first place ....ie the US / Globalist backed coup in Ukraine in 2014....

The Globalists have a strategy of doubling down not backing down so this whole ridiculous situation may have to go the whole way to it's deadly conclusions.....and God help us all because our (Western) political leaders appear to be in cahoots with the Globalist's plan...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

something could happen to change the NATO mobilization plans - but I'd say that at the moment they are planning to go ahead with that strategy... covertly at first and then overtly..

[Bill Ryan]

No, NATO is not "mobilizing for direct war with Russia." :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

My strong personal advice: :bearhug:

Stick with Alexander Mercouris (his channel here (https://www.youtube.com/@AlexMercouris/videos)) and Judge Napolitano's many superb guests (his channel here (https://www.youtube.com/@judgingfreedom/streams)), and then you'll know what's happening with no screaming clickbait hyperbole. (This is one of several reasons why I ignore Alex Jones now.) There's little need for anyone or anything else if one's short of time and wants to go directly to the best and most professional daily analysis.
Coming up in just a few minutes is a livestream, hosted by the Duran, featuring an in-depth conversation between Alexander Mercouris and former-CIA Larry Johnson, one of Judge Napolitano's regular twice-a-week guests.

Johnson, like Mercouris, is exceptionally well-informed, articulate, passionate and aware, and has just returned from Moscow where he was visiting for a week (and talking with MANY Russian officials) with Alastair Crooke, Eva Bartlett and Pepe Escobar.

https://www.sott.net/image/s34/694739/large/4017a645_2fbe_462f_9356_46879a.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR81psBNAKU

[Bill Ryan]

New from The Moon of Alabama:


https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/12/accepting-defeat-in-ukraine.html#more

Accepting Defeat in Ukraine

In early November the Economist published (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/11/ukraine-sitrep-technologies-and-stalemate-zaluznys-failures.html) an interview and several pieces by the commander in chief of the Ukrainian army, General Zaluzny. As I summarized:
Zaluzny's central thesis is that the war is currently at a stalemate. It has become positional, with no large maneuvers being possible. He compares it to the war in Europe in 1917. There, he says, a change only happened through the introduction of new technologies (i.e. tanks).
...
I for one think that Zaluzny is mistaken. The war is not at a stalemate. Russia has clearly the advantage as it is free to maneuver along the whole frontline and to attack wherever it likes. It does not do so in full force because the current situation allows it to conveniently fulfill the order its commander in chief had given to it - to destroy the military capabilities of Ukraine.Finally a western mainstream writer has caught up with those facts. Lee Hockstader, the Washington Post's columnist for European affairs, opines:

In Ukraine, the risk isn’t stalemate. It’s defeat.
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/13/ukraine-aid-united-states-european-union/)
Hockstader laments the lack of support from the U.S. and Europe for the new demands the Ukraine is making. He states:
Without those infusions of cash, arms and munitions, even the disappointing status quo over the past year, in which Ukraine has not managed to recapture much territory, is unlikely to endure. Andriy Yermak, a top aide (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-sees-big-risk-losing-war-if-us-congress-postpones-vital-aid-2023-12-05/) to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, told a Washington forum last week that the “big risk” is that Kyiv’s troops could “lose this war.”
That message should jolt policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic. The danger, as Ukraine’s top general warned publicly last month, isn’t simply stalemate. It is that Ukrainian forces, running low on equipment, might be compelled to fall back, shorten their defensive lines and abandon territory.
...
It’s essential to think about what Ukraine’s defeat means, because it would be as much a strategic disaster for the United States and its NATO allies as a tableau of terror for Ukraine. Dual cataclysms, equally stark, played out on different timetables.
Well, yes. The West has shot its wad and it proved to be sterile.

There will be no terror for Ukraine, just the loss of the ethnic Russian people, industries and land the communist - Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev - had for whatever reasons attached to it. The rest of it will be a smaller, more poor and purely agricultural rump state without access to the sea. This was obvious from the very beginning to anyone with a clear view of the balance of the forces involved in the war.

As I wrote (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2022/02/disarming-ukraine.html) on February 24 2022, the very day Russian forces entered Ukraine:
Looking at this map I believe that the most advantageous end state for Russia would be the creation of a new independent country, call it Novorussiya, on the land east of the Dnieper and south along the coast that holds a majority ethnic Russian population and that, in 1922, had been attached to the Ukraine by Lenin. That state would be politically, culturally and militarily aligned with Russia.
https://www.moonofalabama.org/11i/ukradded-s.jpg
bigger

(https://www.moonofalabama.org/11i/ukradded.jpg) This would eliminate Ukrainian access to the Black Sea and create a land bridge towards the Moldavian breakaway Transnistria which is under Russian protection.

Excursus:

The yellow part of that map marked 'Ukraine in 1654' was actually the land of the Eastern Orthodox Zaporozhian Cossacks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaporozhian_Cossacks). Under threat from the Catholic Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth, which at the time held the green parts under serfdom, they negotiated the Pereiaslav Agreement (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pereiaslav_Agreement) (1654) with Russia and pledged allegiance to the Tsar. They area thus became an autonomous part of Russia.
End Excursus

The rest of the Ukraine would be a land confined, mostly agricultural state, disarmed and too poor to be build up to a new threat to Russia anytime soon. Politically it would be dominated by fascists from Galicia which would then become a major problem for the European Union.

Thanks to Stalin's additions to the Ukraine three countries, Poland, Hungary and Romania, have claims to certain areas in the Ukraine's western regions. If they want to snatch those up again it is now probably the best time to do so. Despite being part of NATO, which likely would not support such moves, those three will have domestic policy difficulties to withstand the urge.
Since then we learned that Novorussiya will not be an independent state but a genuine part of Russia. So be it. Meanwhile analysts like Hockstader still delve in fantasies (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/13/ukraine-aid-united-states-european-union/):
A complete Ukrainian military collapse is unlikely, at least in coming months. Kyiv’s armed forces remain well-led and motivated, and they are husbanding equipment to prepare for shortfalls. But it is equally unlikely to expect a negotiated cease-fire with Russia that would maintain existing battle lines. To believe in that seemingly anodyne outcome is to misjudge Putin — again.This is not misjudging Putin, but misjudging the capabilities left to Ukraine. It has run out of men and material. There are daily videos of this or that Ukrainian army unit condemning its leaders and announcing to leave its positions. The potential of a collapse of Ukrainian army is real.

On November 2 I also wrote about the 47th (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/11/ukraine-sitrep-technologies-and-stalemate-zaluznys-failures.html#more) Ukrainian brigade:
During the last days tanks from the 47th brigade (Leo 2) and 10th mountain brigade (T-64BM/BV) have been seen, and were destroyed, near Avdiivka. Both brigades had only recently been mauled during their hopeless attacks at the southern front. It does not make sense to throw what is left of them into another battle without reconstituting them. The whole experience and knowledge these brigades had gained will be lost with them.Yesterday, the Ukraine friendly Military Watch Magazine confirmed my opinion:

Ukraine’s Elite 47th Mechanised Brigade Surrounded and Low on Ammunition: Critical Front Faces Collapse (https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/47th-mechbrigade-surrounded-lowammo)
The Ukrainian Army’s elite 47th Mechanised Brigade stationed in the town of Avdiivka in the disputed Donetsk region has been surrounded and forced to contend with growing ammunition shortages, according to multiple reports from Ukrainian and Western sources. British reports indicate that the brigade was meant to attack a Russian column before it linked up with assault infantry on the northern flank of Avdievka, but failed to do so due to a lack of ammunition. The brigade’s efforts to stop the advance of Russian forces in Avdievka were described by The Times as “desperate,” fuelling perceptions of an “inevitable collapse” of Ukrainian positions, and diminished hope of preventing a Russian victory by the beginning of the New Year holidays.
...
A serviceman from the 47th Brigade, cited only as Sergeant Danylo, observing when interviewed over the past week “a ****ty situation” as the shell shortage forced soldiers to make impossible life-and-death decisions.“We had 10 times more ammunition over summer, and better quality… American rounds come in batches of almost identical weights, which makes it easier to correct fire, with very few duds. Now we have shells from all over the world with different qualities, and we only get 15 for three days. Last week we got a batch full of duds.” Thus instead of firing on Russians as soon as they came within range, Ukrainian personnel increasingly had to wait to be sure the Russians were heading for their positions and to only engage large groups. Munitions produced by European states have very frequently been faulted for their quality, and at times been considered near useless, with Italian equipment being particularly notorious for its poor quality, in contrast to superior equipment either inherited from the Soviet era or produced in by the United States.Now tell me again that these are "well-led and motivated" forces which are "husbanding equipment to prepare for shortfalls". Neither rings true to me.

Hockstader continues (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/13/ukraine-aid-united-states-european-union/):
For the Kremlin dictator, a “compromise” would involve Ukraine’s subjugation and dissolution as an independent state. That would include regime change, with Zelensky in exile (or dead), as well as an end to Kyiv’s aspirations to join the E.U. or NATO.
...
If he is right, the timetable of that ending would be accelerated if Congress and the E.U. fail to approve fresh support. That would leave Ukraine’s government unable to maintain basic services, and its military increasingly short of artillery ammunition, air defense capability and other equipment. Ukraine’s already badly battered front-line forces would become more brittle. Russian territorial gains would be accompanied by murders, rapes, kidnapping of children and other Russian war crimes on a chilling scale.
That grim scenario would be a staggering blow to Western prestige and credibility, revealing that pledges to back Ukraine for “as long as it takes (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/07/12/remarks-by-president-biden-on-supporting-ukraine-defending-democratic-values-and-taking-action-to-address-global-challenges-vilnius-lithuania/)” were empty.
Yes, those pledges, by Biden and others, were indeed empty. That is why he has recently changed his talk (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/biden-says-us-will-support-ukraine-as-long-as-we-can-amid-gop-standoff-a-change-from-as-long-as-it-takes/ar-AA1lsLZY):
Amid a Republican standoff and polarizing politics that puts new aid to Ukraine at risk, President Joe Biden emphasized his administration's willingness to support Ukraine, but the language was different. He said the US will be there for Kyiv "as long as we can." It's a change in tune from previous messaging that the US would be a staunch and fierce ally to Ukraine, aiding it for "as long as it takes" to defeat Russia's invasion.
The West can no longer support the proxy war it had started.

History will now follow its destined path.

[Vicus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pckz1K8Ou3w

[Vicus]

Putin: There Will be Peace When Russia Achieves Military Op's Goals 6 hours ago

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine does not want to agree on its demilitarization, because of this Russia is forced to use other measures, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"As for demilitarization, they [Ukrainians] do not want to come to an agreement, well, then we are forced to take other measures, including military ones," Putin said during the joint "Direct Line" Q&A session and annual press conference, adding that the denazification of Ukraine is still on the agenda.
There will be peace when Russia achieves the goals of the special military operation, he added.
Ukraine does not want to negotiate on its demilitarization, and because of this Russia is forced to resort to other measures, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

Ukraine no longer produces almost anything, although it is trying to preserve the remnants of industry, the Russian president said.

"They get everything... for free, but all the free stuff it may end sometime. And, apparently, this is how it ends little by little," Putin added.

The West has delivered everything that it promised to deliver to Ukraine, and even more, but Russia is destroying this military equipment during its military operation, Putin added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231214/putin-there-will-be-peace-when-russia-achieves-military-ops-goals-1115572687.html

[Vicus]

Russian Airborne Forces Ex-Commander: NATO Counteroffensive Plan Bad, New Ukraine Strategy Worse 9 minutes ago

The Russian Armed Forces have shifted to the offensive in the special military operation zone and are making progress along the entire contact line, President Vladimir Putin said during his annual press conference.

Russia's 617,000-strong military contingent is presently improving its positions along the almost 2,000 kilometer-long contact line, President Putin told attendees at his annual press conference. What's behind the development?
The failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive has exposed the ineffectiveness of NATO's strategic planning and outdated doctrines, says retired Colonel General Georgy Shpak, ex-commander of the Russian Airborne Forces.
"[NATO] placed its bet on Ukraine making it carry out a counteroffensive," Shpak told Sputnik. "They organized and planned it. But the counteroffensive failed, because the [Russian military] foresaw [their steps], built good defenses worthy of the Russian army and withstood numerous attacks."

"Now we have moved on to the second stage of this operation: to disable as much [Ukrainian] equipment and personnel as possible. This second stage is essentially coming to an end, because the Ukrainian army is exhausted, they lack manpower, their reserves are depleted, their money has run out, almost all of their equipment has been knocked out. This is the result of the work of American and British [military] advisers," the retired colonel general continued.

NATO war planners failed to calculate the effects of many key factors, according to the military expert.
"They did not take into account current modern conditions, the huge number of [Russian] aerial vehicles that are designed for reconnaissance, observation, adjustment, and strikes. They didn't take this into account. They hoped that if they struck in several directions, our defenses would crack, but we held the line."

Shpak was also highly sceptical of NATO's 2024 strategy for Ukraine, which envisages digging in and building up forces for a possible new offensive.

"I would say that it is even worse than their counter-offensive," the general said. "Not a single defensive structure can withstand strikes of modern powerful weapons. Furthermore, it's impossible to build reinforced concrete fortifications which are over 1,000 kilometers long and 20-30 meters deep, with enormous coverage. This is all nonsense. It’s impossible to build something like that. There will still be gaps here and there, failures here and there."

"This is all theory. For me, as a military man, it’s just like a children’s fairy tale, not a thought-out plan. They have abruptly shifted from a counteroffensive to an all-out defense. I believe this will lead to their defeat," Shpak added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231214/russian-airborne-forces-ex-commander-nato-counteroffensive-plan-bad-new-ukraine-strategy-worse-1115587473.html

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺 Putin on mobilization.

1. In total, 300,000 people were mobilized through partial mobilization.
2. 244,000 of them are still in the NWO zone.
3. 41,000 have already returned home for various reasons.
4. 486,000 signed up for contract service.
5. 1500 people per day sign up for a contract.
6. 14 mobilized have already become heroes of Russia.
7. There will be no new wave of mobilization.
8. All volunteers must be in the same conditions as the military.

ISZ reports

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735345178666274832

1735345178666274832

Text:
Intel Slava Z:

“🇺🇲🇺🇦 The US supported Kyiv as long as it served its own interests

Vladimir Zelensky came to Washington to ask Congress to approve further support for Ukraine. But he is no longer greeted as a hero, as he was in 2022, and this is easy to explain, writes the Global Times.

▪️Such a drastic change in attitude towards him in the United States shows that the true nature of the so-called commitment to Kyiv has always been tied to the interests of America, and not to concern for the Ukrainian people, the publication emphasizes, citing an analyst.

In Congress, negotiations on assistance to Kyiv are at a critical phase. The fact is that in the eyes of Republicans, Zelensky is closely associated with the administration of Democrat Biden . And the American electorate believes that the United States is spending too much on Ukraine.

“ The almost two-year conflict in Ukraine did not lead to the fall of Russia, as the West had hoped. Instead, the high inflation caused by the crisis has brought enormous suffering to its own population, and there is growing reluctance in the US and Europe to help Kiev ,” says expert Cui Heng .

In this regard, the Chinese analyst advises Ukraine to finally realize that “friendship with the United States is associated with risks.”

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735344994406302154

1735344994406302154

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
⚡️The Americans most likely blew up the Nord Stream - Putin

The President also clarified that Europe’s lack of gas supply is not Russia’s problem: “we were not the ones who closed and blew up gas pipelines.”

❗️Putin also added that Russia does not do anything for political reasons. In terms of gas, no changes are planned either.

By the way, Putin said that Ukraine continues to use Russian gas 🤷‍♀️

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735303907797078048

1735303907797078048

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
The goals of the special operation do not change - Putin

📝 “There will be peace when we achieve our goals, they do not change,” the president answered the question about the timing of the SVO.

He recalled these goals: denazification, demilitarization, neutral status of Ukraine.

📝 “They don’t want to agree, well, we are forced to use other, military measures,” Putin added.

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735229289040068681

1735229289040068681

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦 More than 60 thousand women already serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine - media with reference to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Now the number of women in the ranks of the Ukrainian army has grown to 62 thousand people, which is more than 7% of the total composition of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. And this is 50% more than before the SVO.

Moreover, if previously it was mainly doctors and signalmen who were taken to the front, now everyone receives summonses. Moreover, the Kiev Nazi regime is going further and is going to make the mobilization of women mandatory.

Yesterday, Rada deputy Bezuglaya said that in this case, women will have a “unique delay” for pregnancy. They say that if a woman becomes pregnant, she will not be able to be drafted to the front. Although footage from the front suggests the opposite - recently the Russian Armed Forces captured a military officer in position. - Ostashko reports

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735224343116833035

1735224343116833035

[ExomatrixTV]

...
When I shared the link at the time, I saw an embedded video explaining it all ... and it was ultra fresh/new! Because of the nature of the importance, I thought it maybe good to share it, even if it had no "summarized" texts yet.

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳


1735343537275678772

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇸💸 The US Congress has adopted an $880-billion draft defense budget for the 2024 fiscal year — with $800 million earmarked for Ukraine. US President Joe Biden will quickly ratify the bill, even though the sum is much less than the Biden administration initially wanted — $61 billion. Enough legislators in the House backed the $883.7 billion defense bill for the measure to pass.

geopolitics_live

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735341505282191656

1735341505282191656

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735359568480276640

1735359568480276640

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
Bad news for the West:

Russia will spend $160 billion on defense and security in 2024 and the Russian Finance Minister calls it the victory budget. Russia pays 75% less for similar or better weapon systems compared to the US / NATO because Russia doesn’t allow its defense industry to rip them off.

So any plane, missile, tank or artillery ammunition costs Russia only 25% of what the US is paying. This means that a $160 billion Russian military budget is comparable to $640 billion in the United States.

It’s also worth noting that Russia doesn’t waste trillions on fancy Navy ships and fighter jets that don’t work. Instead it has focused on building the most powerful nuclear arsenal in the world, long range hypersonic missiles that can sink airplane carriers and autonomous nuclear powered torpedoes that travers the oceans without ever needing to refuel. They carry the largest nuclear warheads known to men and are nearly undetectable.

Imagine the most powerful nuclear explosion on the shores of New York City generating a hundred meter tall tsunami of radioactive water destroying the entire city and turning it into an uninhabitable wasteland for centuries.

In addition Russia has a fleet of Super EMP satellites in a high orbit above Earth with nuclear payloads. When detonated they can destroy the entire power grid and all civilian telecommunication systems in the US in an instant.

The US military is used to fighting the least sophisticated enemies. It’s easy to bully any nation that doesn’t have peer capabilities. The US Govt killed over 20 million people in 37 victim nations since WW2 but it never bullied anyone who could destroy the United States, until now.

Americans and citizens of NATO countries need to understand that the West cannot win against Russia on the battlefield. Every day without diplomacy and peace negotiations is bringing humanity closer to self-destruction. You already know that the Biden administration is the most inept and embarrassing Government America has ever had.

Don’t let those arrogant, corrupt and incompetent fools destroy the world. Demand peace. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

https://x.com/KimDotcom/status/1735286940088561729

1735286940088561729

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
The Canada Files: Canada's Immigration Minister Marc Miller is already hinting Canada may ignore the 🇺🇦 government which wants its citizens who came to 🇨🇦 under the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel) program after Russia's SMO began, to come back post-NATO proxy war.

https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-displaced-ukrainians-want-to-settle-permanently-in-canada/

Given Canada's creation of and support to the Nazi honouring Ukrainian Canadian Congress for 80+ years, these imported Ukrainians would likely remain under their influence and bolster their numbers. Most of the 210k Ukrainians brought to Canada via CUAET want to stay.

https://thecanadafiles.com/articles/organization-running-ontario-government-backed-nazi-propaganda-bus-tour-aided-ukrainian-nazis-army-medical-section

These new Ukrainians in Canada also are highly likely to be opposed to Russia's SMO, and are a useful addition to Canada's labour force.
@jimmylives306
said this about usage of the CUAET program:

"This was always the plan. Canada saw the war in Ukraine as a way to easily migrate a white workforce.
What’s never mentioned is that half of Ukrainians who’ve come to Canada under the CUAET program weren’t residing in Ukraine at the time of the invasion and hadn’t done so in several years. Many were not in crisis and the ones who were, waited the longest and are still waiting."
https://x.com/jimmylives306/status/1734972841831825717?s=20
https://truthb.substack.com/p/only-the-finest-refugees?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
https://truthb.substack.com/p/real-refugees?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

There are *echoes* of the importation of Ukrainian Nazis post-WWII for labour, and their usage in suppressing organized labour post WWII.

https://thecanadafiles.com/articles/ukcdnm

The broader Ukrainian anti-communist importation's impact can be seen in the Nazi apologia or refusal to condemn Nazis, of MP Chrystia Freeland & MP Yvan Baker.

https://thecanadafiles.com/articles/canadian-mp-wont-condemn-honouring-of-hunka-or-2007-2010-2021-honourings-of-nazi-ss-division

This is part of Canada's 75+ year project to import reactionaries & anti-communists to uphold Canadian colonialism & imperialism.

https://thecanadafiles.com/articles/the-house-of-anti-communists-and-the-nazi-monster-it-spawned

In that vein, Uygur dissidents will join the Canadian military, among the 10k Uygur 'refugees' to be imported here beginning in April 2024.

https://thecanadafiles.com/articles/canadian-armed-forces-recruiting-anti-communist-uygur-dissidents-etim-terrorists-could-be-allowed-into-military

TCF's Telegram: https://t.me/thecanadafiles/387

https://x.com/TheCanadaFiles/status/1735282112771567663

1735282112771567663

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1735439233261736423

1735439233261736423

[Ravenlocke]

Text:


Zlatti71
@djuric_zlatko
🇭🇺 Orban has refused to support Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU. The Hungarian prime minister said it would have devastating consequences for Europe.

"Ukraine's rapid accession to the European Union will have devastating consequences for Europe, the EU budget and European security. It is not in the interests of Hungary or the European Union," the prime minister said. He added that he could in no way support the idea of the country joining the alliance soon.

Vid by
@uranews


@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735374338507870294

1735374338507870294

[Ravenlocke]

https://tass.com/politics/1721001?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=t.co&utm_referrer=t.co

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Odessa is a Russian city and everyone is well aware of this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the combined Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference.

"The whole southeast of Ukraine has always been pro-Russian, because these are historically Russian territories. Turkey knows this well, the entire Black Sea coast went to Russia as a result of the Russo-Turkish wars. What does Ukraine have to do with this? It has nothing to do with it. Neither Crimea, nor the entire Black Sea coast in general," Putin said in response to a TASS question. "Odessa is a Russian city. We know this. Everyone knows this. But no, they drummed up all sorts of historical nonsense," he pointed out.

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union." "We came to terms with this after the collapse of the Soviet Union. We accepted it and were ready to live in this paradigm," the Russian president emphasized. "But this part, the southeast [of Ukraine], is pro-Russian. It was also important for us," he underscored.

Putin explained that the residents of these territories had always voted for those who "went along with the pro-Russian agenda of Ukraine's domestic and foreign policy," and in general "Russia was quite satisfied with that." "But after the coup in 2014, it became clear to us that we would not be allowed <...> to establish normal relations with Ukraine," the Russian leader added.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Blackrussiantv/status/1735313931642495276

1735313931642495276

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1735377906061267075

1735377906061267075

[ExomatrixTV]

1735131900275314913

[Vicus]

Russian Interior Ministry put the head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence on the wanted list 1 day ago

The Russian Interior Ministry put the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry Kirill Budanov on the wanted list. The corresponding statement was published on December 13 in the Russian Interior Ministry’s database.

After the terrorist attack on the Crimean bridge, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) named Budanov as its organizer. The head of the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence has also repeatedly said that Kiev was involved in terrorist acts against Russian residents.

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation filed a case against Budanov back in June 2022.

The head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is charged with threatening to commit a terrorist act – part 1 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The investigation established that the person under investigation threatened to commit terrorist acts on the territory of the Russian Federation and territories outside Ukraine’s control in an interview with the British newspaper Financial Times.

The issue of the Financial Times with the interview with Budanov was published in June 2022. The investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring Budanov to criminal responsibility.

https://eu.eot.su/2023/12/14/russian-interior-ministry-put-the-head-of-ukraines-main-directorate-of-intelligence-on-the-wanted-list/

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦‼️🚨 Politician throws THREE grenades into the crowd.

In Transcarpathia, a local deputy blew up a village council meeting along with himself with several grenades.

As a result, 26 people were injured, 6 of them are in serious condition. The reasons for this action are still unknown.

https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1735627001925443672

1735627001925443672

https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1735665561965597089

1735665561965597089

[grapevine]

INTERVIEW: A Washington vanity project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEI1LyoNv6g&ab_channel=GeorgeGalloway (23.49)


"All of it was fantasy,’ says Colonel Douglas Macgregor, that the US and UK pushing Ukraine into war would destroy Russia."

Colonel Douglas McGregor and George Galloway discuss the arrogance of the USA/West and how they're going to explain to the masses the cataclysmic Russian victory. My fear is that we're STILL living the fantasy that sees the USA leading the world, in which case many more lives will continue to be lost.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/KitKlarenberg/status/1735645031115976863

1735645031115976863

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1735699728480772114

1735699728480772114

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1735608580395442393

1735608580395442393

[Vicus]

Russia Builds Test Facilities for Next-Gen PAK-DA Bomber: What's Next? 1 hour ago

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0f/1115605887_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_284da06049dfbe654c31f01344ffd441.jpg.webp

Russia’s Tupolev Design Bureau has been working on its prospective next generation long-range stealth bomber since the late 2000s. When fielded, the new aircraft are expected to gradually begin replacing the workhorse Tu-95 Bear, Tu-160 White Swan and Tu-22M maritime strike bombers currently in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Tupolev parent Rostec Corporation has revealed the completion of a testing facility and test benches for Russia’s next-gen strategic bomber.

In aviation, test benches are used to confirm the soundness of an aircraft's design in a controlled environment, and can test everything from aerodynamic concepts and hull and airframe strength to onboard equipment and engines.
The PAK-DA program's existence was revealed in the mid-2010s, but details on the prospective aircraft's characteristics have remained few and far between, with observers relying on a sprinkling of news reports for information on the aircraft’s characteristics and progress in its development. In 2019, for example, Russia’s deputy defense minister revealed that the bomber’s preliminary design had been approved, and that Tupolev had started work on design documentation.
In 2022, it was reported that prototypes of the bomber’s engines, codenamed ‘Izdeliye RF’ (lit. ‘Product RF’) were undergoing testing.

Based on available information, the PAK-DA, also tentatively known as Poslannik (lit. ‘Messenger’) and Izdeliye 80 (lit. ‘Product 80’) is expected to be built on a flying wing platform, and feature material design and onboard equipment which dramatically reduces its radar signature.
Development of the PAK-DA concept formally kicked off in the late 2000s, with officials indicating in the late 2010s that the bomber would enter operational service with the military by the year 2027, and that mass production would start before the end of the decade. However, if the creation and production of the Sukhoi Su-57 (formerly PAK-FA) fighter aircraft is anything to go by, the timeline for the PAK-DA’s deployment could move forward several years.

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0f/1115606544_0:0:700:467_1920x0_80_0_0_1130439c0d3efb9f881d6b1bcb053e1f.jpg.webp
Another prospective vision of the PAK-DA stealth strategic bomber. For informational purposes only.

As with other new Russian manned aircraft, the strategic bomber will be able to carry an array of existing long-range Russian air-launched missiles, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons, and be future-proofed to be able to deploy new munitions as they become available. Additionally, the subsonic combat platform is expected to be equipped with the latest Russian communications and electronic warfare systems.
The PAK-DA is meant in part to replace the Tu-95 – the long-time workhorse of Soviet and Russian aviation which goes back all the way to the 1950s, and the Tu-160 – the late-Soviet era variable sweep wing strategic bomber which proved so successful that production of a modernized variant was recently restarted.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/russia-builds-test-facilities-for-next-gen-pak-da-bomber-whats-next-1115606302.html

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/AlternatNews/status/1735643060250329334

1735643060250329334

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1735660616222695583

1735660616222695583

[ExomatrixTV]

"Zelensky is HATED in Ukraine and is being REPLACED" says Ex-CIA Agent:

oEFARtihpY4
Ex-CIA agent Larry Johnson says Ukraine's president won't be in power much longer and is actively hated in his own country. How long until Zelensky is replaced by NATO leaders?

[ExomatrixTV]

Community Notes Claim NATO Not Mobilizing For War With Russia— We Are Sleepwalking Into Nuclear War:

1735711737473650791

[jaybee]

Community Notes Claim NATO Not Mobilizing For War With Russia— We Are Sleepwalking Into Nuclear War:

1735711737473650791


Just saw more about this on Infowars..... there's a 5 ish minute video on link where Alex explains how countries like Germany, Poland, Hungary and others are going to step aside when it comes to Ukraine joining NATO - having previously not supported it...

If European nations allow Ukraine into NATO, WWIII will break out (https://www.infowars.com/posts/ww3-alert-after-biden-threatened-direct-war-with-putin-nato-announces-plan-to-attack-russia/)


Tomorrow's News Today....?

We seem to have a situation now where some prominent commentators like Scot Ritter, for example are declaring that Russia has won and it's all over bar the shouting...

Alex is saying NATO and the Globalists (almost certainly one and the same) are positioning themselves to go for all out war with Russia and mobilizing in preparation...

I am going to repeat what I've said before.... the Globalists double down - they don't back down - so it's highly unlikely that they will admit defeat especially as it is crucial for them to break Putin and Russia so they can continue with preparations for their dictatorial One World Government...

I'm not a military strategist but I know it takes time and detailed planning to go to war...

And let's not forget.... Sun Tzu in the Art of War...said....

“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”

[Bill Ryan]

Community Notes Claim NATO Not Mobilizing For War With Russia— We Are Sleepwalking Into Nuclear War:

1735711737473650791This is still nonsense — in my very strong opinion. Neither the European countries of NATO or the US has the military weaponry, facilities or infrastructure, the manpower, or the financial resources to take on Russia.

And if such a thing were ever to go nuclear, the US would be destroyed within a day.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russian Ministry of Defense Top News Today

▫️ The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported on the results of the special military operation for the period from 9 to 15 December 2023:

- the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out 40 group strikes by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles at the AFU military airfield infrastructure, arsenals, artillery ammunition, weaponry, and hardware.

- in Donetsk direction, the AFU losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,580 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two tanks, 16 armored fighting vehicles, 13 motor vehicles, and 31 field artillery guns.

- air defense units intercepted one Ukrainian Air Force Mi-8 helicopter near Tyaginka (Kherson region). One Tochka-U tactical missile, two S-200 anti-aircraft guided missiles, 17 HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 119 unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted during the week.

▫️ The Russian Defense Ministry shows T-72B3 tank crews and Su-34 fighter-bombers in Kupyansk direction, Novorossiysk-based paratroopers in Zaporozhye direction, Airborne Troops engineer combat units near Artyomovsk in action during the special military operation.

▫️ Central MD’s servicemen learn to operate unmanned aerial vehicles for assault and reconnaissance units.

▫️AFU POW Anton Maskin told how Russian troops eliminated his battalion in just few days.

Russian Defense Ministry


https://x.com/dana916/status/1735797202889437689

1735797202889437689

[ExomatrixTV]

SHOCK: Ukranian Parliamentarian DROPS 3 GRENADES During Council Meeting, Caught on LIVESTREAM:

ASmhGbxvRUc
Why is this not being reported as a terrorist suicide bombing (attempt)? Why does Jessica call this an “incident” and why is the male correspondent covering up this horrific act as a mental health issue. The hypocrisy is mind-boggling.

[Yoda]

Community Notes Claim NATO Not Mobilizing For War With Russia— We Are Sleepwalking Into Nuclear War:

1735711737473650791This is still nonsense — in my very strong opinion.

These are just levels of obfuscation. As long as people are focused on face diapers, elections, war, financial crisis, they are being drawn away from their eternal "Being".

[ExomatrixTV]

Nato Gaslighting (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gaslighting) Alex Jones and Jack Posobiec Revealing Globalists' Plan For WWIII With Russia

1735829955739537637
Jack Posobiec (https://rumble.com/search/all?q=Jack%20Posobiec) is a former Navy intelligence officer who specialized in the Communist Chinese Party and is now a Senior Editor for Human Events (https://www.humanevents.com/) - a leading outlet of populist conservative thought. Jack was previously a correspondent for One America News Network (https://www.oann.com/).


video here (https://twitter.com/RealAlexJones/status/1735829955739537637)



New Polish PM Donald Tusk vows “Full Mobilization” of West to help Ukraine (https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/new-polish-pm-donald-tusk-vows-full-mobilization-of-west-to-help-ukraine/)
Older report, but it has similar rhetoric: Poland open to sending fighter jets to Kyiv, says PM, if part of Nato decision – as it happened (https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/feb/02/russia-ukraine-war-live-kyiv-warns-of-russian-mobilisation-on-eastern-border-kramatorsk-apartment-block-attack-kills-three)
America Sleepwalks Into War with Russia (https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2023/02/03/america_sleepwalks_into_war_with_russia_879774.html)
German 🇩🇪 Defense Minister: ‘Become Ready For War’ (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/german-defense-minister-become-ready-for-war/ar-AA1jbqJS)
NATO in 'Race Against Time' to Prepare for Russia War: Report (https://www.newsweek.com/nato-race-against-time-prepare-russia-war-ukraine-report-1845106)
NATO Vs Russia War Next? 'Preparing For High-Intensity Conflict,' Says Czech President (https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/world-news/nato-vs-russia-war-next-preparing-for-high-intensity-conflict-says-czech-president-101700742823211.html)
Bringing Ukraine into NATO Without Causing World War III (https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/24923)

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
December 1️⃣5️⃣. Special military operation progress, stay tuned for tomorrow:

◾️Kiev lost some 4,330 soldiers and 11 tanks, including a Leopard, in various directions during the week, the Russian defence ministry said.

◾️During the week, 82 Ukrainian servicemen were captured and surrendered voluntarily, the defence ministry said.

◾️Russian air defence forces shot down one Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter in one day, intercepted one Tochka-U missile, two S-200 missiles and 119 drones during the week, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

◾️In the direction of Kherson, all enemy attempts to land on the islands and the left bank of the Dnieper were foiled, the AFU lost 17 boats, the Defence Ministry said.

◾️At 0.25 the AFU launched 3 long-range missiles towards Mariupol, the DPR reported.

◾️The leader of a Western country has sent signals to Moscow three times in the past six months through various channels about the need to hold a meeting on Ukraine and European security issues, Lavrov said, without naming him.

◾️The longer the hostilities in Ukraine continue, the more difficult will be the conditions under which peace talks can begin, Lavrov said.

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1735756596368585129

1735756596368585129

[Bill Ryan]

SHOCK: Ukranian Parliamentarian DROPS 3 GRENADES During Council Meeting, Caught on LIVESTREAM:

ASmhGbxvRUc
Why is this not being reported as a terrorist suicide bombing? Why does Jessica call this an “incident” and why is the male correspondent covering up this horrific act as a mental health issue. The hypocrisy is mind-boggling.~~~

This man, who was seriously injured but did not die, was deputy Serhiy Batryn, a member of Ukraine’s parliament. He represented the same party as Zelensky, and can hardly be called a 'terrorist'. The Kyiv Independent reports (https://kyivindependent.com/police-local-official-detonates-grenades-in-government-building-1-dead-at-least-26-wounded/) as follows:
The regional media outlet Zakarpattia24 shared (https://t.me/zakarpattya24/23867) a video in which Batryn complains about other local officials. Zakarpattia24 also said (https://zakarpattya24.com/pidryv-granat-u-silradi-na-zakarpatti-vse-shho-vidomo-pro-podiyu/) that Batryn had previously feuded with colleagues about a wartime pay increase for the head of the village council.

Before he detonated the grenades, Batryn allegedly got into an argument with his coworkers about the issue, who refused to take his side. After the dispute, Zakarpattia24 said he left and returned with the grenades.
There may be more to this, as I'd also heard (but can no longer find the reference) that Batryn was or had become somehow physically disabled. But this may or may not be accurate.

[jaybee]

.

There's nothing I'd like better than to think that the Ukraine situation was going to come to a conclusion soon with Russia successfully de~nazifying the country and achieving the aims 0f the Special Military Operation...

They may wrap it up and get it done -

But I have a persistent nagging feeling that the Globalists running NATO are not going to stop incrementally pushing for direct war with Russia - because as I have said before....from their point of view they NEED to tame and take over Russia to continue with their plans to force a One World Government (aka dictatorship) on the world.... this doesn't mean that they will succeed in doing that, but they are not going to stop trying... and the situation now has been many years in the making...

Re whether NATO is mobilizing for offensive moves against Russia or not - they are saying they are mobilizing for defensive reasons... but they would wouldn't they...

In this Redacted piece Jim Ferguson talks about EU moves that are obviously related to the build up for war (IMO)...

this is the transcript... (starts at around 34 mins)


...are British and American soldiers about to be sent to Ukraine to fight against Russia politicians are warning Brits Fighting in Ukraine that a tricky Trade Agreement called the permanent structured cooperation we're going to call it Pesco could be used to pull the UK right back into the EU by military cooperation uh Jim Ferguson is a former parliamentary candidate and a businessman and entrepreneur based in the UK he's been warning about this issue

so thank you so much for joining us yeah it's my pleasure to be here now thanks for having me on the show okay so can you explain this you say that Ursula Von der leyen is sort of masterminding a way to rein in the UK in order to build an army which would then draw soldiers into a war a land war against Russia or whoever else next right can you explain that yeah absolutely first of all I think it's important to point out the disaster that the Ukraine war against Russia has been I mean we we've seen about between 600 and 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in this pointless war and it's not for the reasons they've been stating there's a lot of money laundering going on there's a lot of other things that are happening there but what what's concerning me here Natalie is that Ursula von der leyen is essentially looking at subsuming all all of the militaries within the European Union member states so she's wanting absolute control over all of them


it's not correct to call it an EU Army it is a defense Union and you're quite correct in pointing out about Pesco and and I'll explain what that means in a minute because it's it's it's not what people think it is however what's really important here is that
what they're going to want to do and this will Encompass British nuclear uh deterrent so effectively Germans or and her friends in Germany and Brussels will be in charge of Britain's nuclear Trident Fleet along with the British military the British army the Royal Air Force the Royal Navy


but it gets a lot worse than that because they also want the security apparatus now collectively that's known as the secret intelligence service or the sis but that encompasses our internal security services B MI5 and our foreign intelligence Services being MI6 but it also
encompasses gchq in cheltenham which is a worldwide Global listening post that
deals with highly sensitive Communications now that also will go on to Frontline placing so it's not going to stop there it will actually go on to policing and command structures there as well the incredible thing is that this will also go into the industry with a single point command uh in and control overseen by brussels and people have been saying well you know how could this have happened


well people have been warning about it for
example Sir Richard dearlove the former head of MI6 is quoted as saying H placing any significant equities in Brussels would be a huge mistake now he's one of the most respected former heads of MI6 I think that the the country has ever had he was a true patriot incredibly intelligent man and he understands deeply the risks involved I mean it goes back to even 1984 when Margaret Thatcher was in charge they tried to do it then with her she was having none of it but when Tony Blair got into Power followed by and the likes of Theresa May of course Richi sunak um backed up by Jeremy Hunt we are now witnessing potentially a major sellout of um our British military capability but also the British people


so can I just stop you and ask a question about intentionality then because I think that British voters might say wait we voted for brexit we voted not to be aligned with the European Union and so is it I called it sneaky in the beginning but what you seem to be saying is that politicians understand that this is sort of a restitching of the of the bounds that were broken um so are you sort of saying
that these politicians understand what they're doing and this is maybe what one uh politician called a trade agreement that either replace places or reinforces NATO yeah


well I mean what what you've got is you've got some uh conservative MPs that are being sort of uh mollycoddled they're sort of being brought in and and tempted to to go along with this but the Tor Grandes that that knew exactly what was involved they thought that by going along with it that they were going to get defense contracts for their own constituencies that's not going to happen right that's not going to happen because von der leyen has stated that there will be one single EU appointed defense contractor that will be chosen uh by Brussels and it's the contractor for the whole arrangement in other words every bullet every bomb every artillery artillery and tank ground that's going to be manufactured by the single defense contractor will be chosen by Brussels the UK will have no say in it and she goes on to say that there will be no negotiation

so it's important to point out they're not building an EU army people have said they're building an EU Army they're not they're simply taking over all the existing militaries within the Frameworks that exist within their member states and of course you're quite correct to point out that Britain voted to leave... Britain voted for brexit however what the people didn't realize was when it came to defense and security that was not part of the arrangement Theresa May signed that off before anybody could get a chance to analyze what was really going on now the the other really important thing here is that this will give them a full political union with tax implications so that means that the British taxpayer could end up funding a lot of this as if we didn't have enough to to worry about

but the bureaucratic the the bureaucratic Arrangements they're already there they're ready to go and the civil servants think that it's going to be some kind of a la carte menu that they can choose what to take part in or or what not to - no no it's did they learn that from Co when when uh yeah right okay that's like that's a silly dream yeah it it it is but the other thing to point out that there is no technical difficulties in any of this because these Control Systems have been built by the Royal Navy to Nato standards and at the flick of a switch this can all be transferred across this is this is supported by the bureaucrats this is supported by the civil service because they think they're going to get to pick and choose they won't and I'll just finish off by saying that the person that actually uh built this system is a former Royal Navy engineer but um in terms of a national veto because V some people have said well we'll have a national veto if there's something that the EU are going to try to do we've got a national veto well von der leyen has has has stated and it's on the record and she's she's basically said there will be no Veto in defense and security

so you got Cameron and Richi in there uh they've already said to the defense heads of Staff there's no more funding for you they've been denied in in in uh a number of meetings where the defense heads of Department have said look we need more funding if we're
potentially going to fight a war with Russia we need more we need more funding they've said no you're not getting it but what they are trying to do natali is they're trying to basically sign over our military capability our defense and security apparatus in its entirety by the way there is no pick and choose and there is no National veto if they do this if these globalist parasites like sunak and Hunt get away with doing this then it's only a matter of time before they find themselves in a position where they've no National veto and our military are being deployed potentially in Ukraine to fight against Russia

but it gets worse because Ursula Von May well decide to call up the British reserves the special forces the Paras the Marines it's all part of it and then of course you've got conscription they may decide they're really going to go for Russia and they're start going to start to call up people civilians uh to to put them into some kind of military capability and we've seen the meat grinder that is the Ukraine Russia War and the last thing I want to see is that happening to British people we've got enough to be concerned about without that these people that are running the show are globalist they are not loyal to the people of the countries that elect them


they're loyal to their globalist masters in the world economic Forum the United Nations the World Health Organization and many others and it's high time that people realize that and there is no credible opposition because sirur star of the labor party the official opposition to the conservatives they're Davis people too they're World
economic Forum members they are globalists who do we vote for natly and for a long time we've been sort of trying to decide who's the least worst to vote for you know who's the least worst what a terrible State of Affairs Britain is in but this will also have big implications for our friends in America and our traditional allies right say more about that because you write here on a a fantastic post that I want to um encourage people to seek out at Jim Ferguson uh sorry Jim Ferguson UK on X that this horror of handing over sovereignty to unelected globalists who run the EU such as Ursula von der leyen is magnified by the staggering casualty figures from the ongoing Ukraine Russia conflict with estimated Ukrainian military deaths ranging between 600 and 700,000 obviously we don't ever have wanted those people to die and we don't want to follow them uh so it would be a domino effect is what you're playing out here is UK followed by us boots on the ground against Russia who were being led to into a war based on a lie

I'm saying that you didn't say that but why don't you say more about uh this domino effect of soldiers well it's it's so they've got such a problem now with Manpower they've lost so many uh soldiers in Ukraine that they're even now turning to conscript women to go and fight against the season seasoned battle hardened Russian troops
it's AB absolute Madness it should never have got to this stage it should never have happened and unfortunately Boris Johnson Joe Biden could have had a peace deal on the table Russia was more than prepared to sit down and negotiate and I
believe they still might be [b]but the danger is that Britain is going to get dragged in

and our people and our military sacrificed on the altar of globalism to suit Ursula von der leyen and her German High command and I'll tell you something else the thought of British nuclear capability being in the hands of the Germans just does not sit well with me and it doesn't sit well with the British people

we must remember our history two world wars caused by Germany let's hope there's not a third one right well thank you for bringing this down for us uh I don't know well like you pointed out who are we going to tell about this other than each other who do we uh vote for instead do you have anything to leave us on well I think that uh you know I've engaged with a lot of political parties in the UK I'm not a member of any political party at the moment I'm a former brexit party parliamentary candidate with the European Union and with Westminster but I can tell you that there are very good people like ben habib the deputy leader of Reform Nigel farage
of course I'm one of his guys and and Nigel was very good to me when I was campaigning in the Target seat of Barnesley East


I think you're going to see people rise to the challenge I think people are ready to say we we are not going to comply with this globalist dictat any longer and this real manipulation by Ursula von der leyen to try to seize control of British military potentially leading to war potentially leading to conscription is unacceptable


and I believe believe it will be unacceptable to the vast majority of British people who actually voted for brexit we voted to leave I spent a lot of time fighting for that and I'm pretty sure that people are going to when they realize what's being proposed by these Dreadful people running our government like Richie Sunak at the moment they're going to say no this can't happen but the defense and our generals our commanders they need to step up also I understand they have to follow orders but there comes a point where you got to say this is this is going against everything our principles uh and our beliefs and National Security is at serious risk here this is madness this cannot be allowed to go ahead and challenged and I don't believe it will


think that people will fight back and push back against it hopefully before it's too late well thank you for pointing this out I really appreciate it it's a pleasure to have you back un redacted please come back another time thank you Natalie always great to be with you guys thanks so much indeed

thanks so much Jim really appreciate it




here's the video - Jim Ferguson begins at around the 34 minute mark...


HmEdRaHaKvE

[Rizotto]

INTERVIEW: A Washington vanity project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEI1LyoNv6g&ab_channel=GeorgeGalloway (23.49)


"All of it was fantasy,’ says Colonel Douglas Macgregor, that the US and UK pushing Ukraine into war would destroy Russia."

Colonel Douglas McGregor and George Galloway discuss the arrogance of the USA/West and how they're going to explain to the masses the cataclysmic Russian victory. My fear is that we're STILL living the fantasy that sees the USA leading the world, in which case many more lives will continue to be lost.

Noting from the above video, Colonel Doug McGregor announced a new organization of which he recently became the CEO: Our Country Our Choice (OCOC).
www.ourcountryourchoice.com

Policy statement:

"On the Drug Crisis: The massive numbers of Americans who have died from the opioid and fentanyl crisis is a great stain on the recent history of this country. Our government stood by and did nothing as hundreds of thousands of Americans were turned into drug addled individuals, destroying the hopes and dreams of thousands of families and communities. To fight this, we must close our border and get Big Parma under control.

On Endless War: For the better part of 25 years, Washington has engaged on a global crusade to remake the world in its self-image. The damage done by the administrations of both Republican and Democratic administrations to our citizen-soldiers, innocent civilians abroad, and, importantly, our economy and way of life, has been immense and must end. Come Home America!

On Corruption in Washington: Today in America we have a two-tiered system of justice: The selective or non-enforcement of laws for the rich and connected vs. a draconian system of enforcement for the rest of us. Such a system only benefits Washington’s governing elite. And this must change."

USA citizens are invited to join.

[Tintin]

.

On the question of whether NATO is mobilizing for war with Russia... either officially or unofficially -

A few points as I see it...

1. the Neo Fascist West Based Globalists want to take control of Russia one way or another for a One World Government to be put in place - Russia is the largest country in the world re land mass...with a rich supply of natural resources - and is currently a thorn in the side of the wanna~be world dictators...

2. Ukraine and it's people have been shamelessly used by the afore mentioned Globalists and their puppets to start the process of taking over (or holding after internal unrest) Russia by military means.... provoking confrontation and trying to move right up to Ukraine/Russia border... Russia was, essentially, forced to step in to protect itself + East Ukraine with it's Special Military Operation .... and inevitably, because of the interference by NATO nations the whole thing is getting more drawn out and Russia is being further drawn in... the reason that Boris Johnson was sent in to scupper Peace Talks between Ukraine and Russia at the beginning (on behalf of the Globalists who run NATO) was because engaging Russia in war and eventually taking it over - is the plan...

So NATO mobilizing against Russia is inevitable at some point otherwise why was the whole thing started in the first place ....ie the US / Globalist backed coup in Ukraine in 2014....

The Globalists have a strategy of doubling down not backing down so this whole ridiculous situation may have to go the whole way to it's deadly conclusions.....and God help us all because our (Western) political leaders appear to be in cahoots with the Globalist's plan...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

something could happen to change the NATO mobilization plans - but I'd say that at the moment they are planning to go ahead with that strategy... covertly at first and then overtly..

I do have to say that it's difficult not to be in agreement here: Finland allowing 15 US bases as a joint defence co-operation exercise is one alarming development. The German chancellor stating that if Russia 'wins' - which one could confidently suggest already has - that the Bundestag has already agreed to declare a state of emergency; this was stated in his speech around the 2024 budget. There's also been some ridiculous talk about stationing British forces in Ukraine.

Remaining vigilant right now, as many of us have for the past two years, in monitoring geopolitical manouevres is going to be key. The rhetoric is being dialled up.

It could all of course just be provocative posturing to gauge Russian reaction, or (the usual) hubristic delusional PR, but it's NATO roulette which may backfire horribly. If ammunition stocks and armament supplies really are as terribly low as has been suggested, and given that peacetime budgeting has been the MO since the 1990s, then I cannot really see how on Earth they'd keep up with Russia, who have already recently announced a record military budget.

It's a sunk-cost fallacy really but who knows; will NATO breach other international laws and start using space-based weapons in violation of the 1967 treaty?

Is everything going to just go crackpot crazy out of desperation? Empires rarely leave quietly.

[Vicus]

Meanwhile, Russian troops are well prepare for any West vanity projects...

Watch: Russian Tank Crew's Luxury Dugout in Special Op Zone (nice video) 52 minutes ago

Russian tank crews have a reputation for being some of the most skilled and formidable in the world. Their tanks are equipped with advanced technology and weapons systems that make them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of a tank commander with the callsign "Adam" showing how his crew lives in the special military operation zone. According to the tank commander, everything has been prepared for the onset of winter, as the hut is insulated, has a kerosene stove, and even a game console inside.
Russian tank crews undergo rigorous training and selection processes to ensure they are capable of operating these powerful machines in combat. Their skills and experience have been demonstrated during the special military operation in Ukraine.

Welcome to One Central Street (the humorous "address" of a Russian tankers' dugout): a tank commander with the callsign "Adam" shows how his crew lives in the special military operation zone.

Everything is prepared for the onset of winter, as the dugout is heat insulated, has a kerosene stove, and even has a gaming console inside. :gaming:

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/watch-russian-tank-crews-luxury-dugout-in-special-op-zone-1115620532.html

[Tintin]

From a correspondent cited by SIMPLICIUS The Thinker Ѱ (https://twitter.com/simpatico771/status/1735800605690486847) on 'X':



❗️The Starokonstantinov airbase was hit today by at least one missile strike by the hypersonic missile system “Dagger”; since the summer of this year, this airbase has been attacked almost every night by kamikaze drones “Geran”, which indicates a very increased interest in this object among the Armed Forces Russian Federation, no other airfield has received so much attention and weapons of destruction before. What's the matter?

Firstly, it is from this airbase that Ukrainian Su-24 bombers, which carry British Storm Shadow cruise missiles, take off. At the moment, these cruise missiles represent the most dangerous and long-range missile weapons of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with which the enemy army does not hesitate to hit bridges, ammunition depots, command posts and even shipyards and factories. The destruction of Shtorm carriers and their bases is the highest priority task for the Russian Armed Forces.

Secondly, Ukrainian Su-24s do not stand on the ground close to each other, like some , but are hidden in concrete arched shelters , of which there are as many as 40 at AB. Satellite images of Starokonstantinov show the scale of the Soviet approach to the development of air bases and the protection of aviation from weapons of destruction, now this legacy serves the Air Force. In order to reach Ukrainian aviation, you will first have to “drill” into these bulk hangars, which requires a large number of cruise and ballistic missiles. Kamikaze drones, most likely, are just cheap consumables so that the enemy, represented by the Ukrainian air defense, does not relax too much.

The result of today's events is unlikely to affect the future fate of the airfield: it is impossible to disable such a monstrous structure as the Soviet airfield with hypersonic missiles and drones alone, but we will watch. By the way, launches of “Storms” by Ukrainian aviation have not been recorded for quite a long time ; perhaps today there was a preemptive strike or an attempt to prevent the hypothetical takeoff of carrier aircraft.

Informant
11:14 PM · Dec 15, 2023

[Tintin]

.

On the question of whether NATO is mobilizing for war with Russia... either officially or unofficially -

A few points as I see it...

1. the Neo Fascist West Based Globalists want to take control of Russia one way or another for a One World Government to be put in place - Russia is the largest country in the world re land mass...with a rich supply of natural resources - and is currently a thorn in the side of the wanna~be world dictators...

2. Ukraine and it's people have been shamelessly used by the afore mentioned Globalists and their puppets to start the process of taking over (or holding after internal unrest) Russia by military means.... provoking confrontation and trying to move right up to Ukraine/Russia border... Russia was, essentially, forced to step in to protect itself + East Ukraine with it's Special Military Operation .... and inevitably, because of the interference by NATO nations the whole thing is getting more drawn out and Russia is being further drawn in... the reason that Boris Johnson was sent in to scupper Peace Talks between Ukraine and Russia at the beginning (on behalf of the Globalists who run NATO) was because engaging Russia in war and eventually taking it over - is the plan...

So NATO mobilizing against Russia is inevitable at some point otherwise why was the whole thing started in the first place ....ie the US / Globalist backed coup in Ukraine in 2014....

The Globalists have a strategy of doubling down not backing down so this whole ridiculous situation may have to go the whole way to it's deadly conclusions.....and God help us all because our (Western) political leaders appear to be in cahoots with the Globalist's plan...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

something could happen to change the NATO mobilization plans - but I'd say that at the moment they are planning to go ahead with that strategy... covertly at first and then overtly..

I do have to say that it's difficult not to be in agreement here: Finland allowing 15 US bases as a joint defence co-operation exercise is one alarming development. The German chancellor stating that if Russia 'wins' - which one could confidently suggest already has - that the Bundestag has already agreed to declare a state of emergency; this was stated in his speech around the 2024 budget. There's also been some ridiculous talk about stationing British forces in Ukraine.

Remaining vigilant right now, as many of us have for the past two years, in monitoring geopolitical manouevres is going to be key. The rhetoric is being dialled up.

It could all of course just be provocative posturing to gauge Russian reaction, or (the usual) hubristic delusional PR, but it's NATO roulette which may backfire horribly. If ammunition stocks and armament supplies really are as terribly low as has been suggested, and given that peacetime budgeting has been the MO since the 1990s, then I cannot really see how on Earth they'd keep up with Russia, who have already recently announced a record military budget.

It's a sunk-cost fallacy really but who knows; will NATO breach other international laws and start using space-based weapons in violation of the 1967 treaty?

Is everything going to just go crackpot crazy out of desperation? Empires rarely leave quietly.

Actually - apologies - I need to be more accurate here regarding Finland. As per via Victor victop55 (https://twitter.com/vicktop55/status/1735632063292727807):


Finland will give up to 15 regions of the country to the United States for military warehouses and bases - the country's Foreign Ministry.

"On December 18, Helsinki will sign a Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Americans, which will allow the US military to place its bases, warehouses, weapons and troops in Finland."

And you can believe me that apart from the “regret” of the Russian Foreign Ministry, there will be no other Russian reaction here. This is not necessary.

[Vicus]

Digging about Ukrainian hate towards Russia, apart from Nazi ideology from WW2...

Holodomor, Ukranian genocide under Stalin, orchestrated by the West
Nikolay Starikov
Oriental Review
Mon, 17 Dec 2012

The theory of the Holodomor is reactivated in the media every time Ukraine is about to take a step back to Russia. Just to remind those who are not aware of the tragedy, in 1932-1933 there was a severe famine throughout the USSR that claimed an unprecedented number of lives (up to 7 million victims, according to some debatable estimates).

Paradoxically the famine mostly affected fertile areas in the North Caucasus, the Volga basin, the South Urals, Western Siberia, Ukraine, Belorussia and Kazakhstan. During the last decade several Western historians were recruited to elaborate on the theory that the famine tragedy was a deliberate act of genocide against Ukrainians carried out by Stalin's government. Let's consider the historical facts and try to get closer to the truth regarding the issue of the sources and circumstances of that horrible famine in the USSR.

[U]First of all we have to recall something about the Gold, which surprisingly not always is a mean of payment...


In early 1920s the recently proclaimed Soviet Union was anxious about restoration of its industry totally destroyed after WWI and Civil War in Russia (1918-1921). The Soviets desperately needed modern machinery and industrial equipment. How could they pay it? Soviet government was able to offer to the international market three items: grain, minerals and gold.

https://www.sott.net/image/s12/253040/medium/money_Chervonets_seatel_1923_3.jpg
Soviet Golden Chervonets, 1923

On Genoa Conference in 1922 the new Gold Exchange Standard was introduced. Since the end of 1922 the Soviet Union was issuing the golden chervonets - a new Soviet currency fully covered by the golden reserves and convertible to gold. In 1923 the Soviet chervonets was one of the most stable and secured currencies of the world. It represented a clear and present danger for emerging financial epicentre - the United States of America. The economic and financial weight of the United States boomed astonishingly as the result of global war. That country was one of few beneficiaries of the man-slaughtering house in Europe of 1910s. But an unexpected rival from the Bolshevik stated emerged vigorously...

In 1924 the Soviet chervonets was replaced by a softer rouble without golden equivalent. The menace to the US dollar and British pound was diminished. In return Soviet Union was recognized by the UK, France, Norway, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, China, Japan, Mexico and other countries. The United States possessed 46% of golden reserves of the capitalist world.

n 1925 the Soviet leadership decided to accelerate industrialization of the country. Quite surprisingly despite enormous economic gains promised by such policies, the Western countries refused to accept gold as payment when trading with Soviet Union! This amazing behaviour is known in history as the "gold blockade". The USSR could pay for machinery and equipment only by oil, timber and grains. (Interestingly, they still accepted pre-revolution Imperial Russian golden coins - the currency of a non-existent state was not dangerous!)


In 1929 the US bankers initiate the Great Depression. The short period of international currency exchange stability was over.

In 1931 Germany and Austria failed to repay the foreign debt and stop exchanging marks into gold, thus abolishing Gold Exchange Standard. By the autumn 1931 the UK suspends the gold exchange as well.

As you see, it would be a logical and natural move to lift the golden blockade of Soviet Union at that time, thus allowing Soviet gold to relieve the suffocating Western economies. But the decision they was taken at that circumstances was shocking in its absurdity. They not only left the gold blockade of the USSR in force, but also imposed a severe trade embargo on the major part of Soviet export! It was done despite acute economic crisis in the West where most producers were interested in any kind of demand, especially paid by gold, timber, oil and other raw material from the Soviet Union. E.g. in 1932 80% of British machinery export was being supplied to the USSR. Nevertheless, on April 17, 1933 the British government introduced embargo: Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act 1933! What was the logic? It was a politically motivated decision to pressure the tenacious Soviet government powered by the antagonistic ideology and economic structure.

Was the traded between the West and the USSR totally cut down? Absolutely not. Soviet demand for Western technologies and machinery was even higher than ever: the industrialization was full-pelt. But now the West was expecting only one mean of payment: the Soviet grains! (The curiosity of this claim is emphasized by the fact that by that time the currencies of the most agrarian countries were significantly devalued and the demand for grains on world market was cut 50-70%!)

Then Stalin's government was faced with a choice: either to give up restoring industry, so capitulating to the West, or continue industrialising, leading to a dreadful internal crisis. If the Bolsheviks took grain away from the peasants, there was the very great probability of a famine which, in turn, might lead to internal unrest and removal from power. So no matter what Stalin chose, the West would remain victorious. Stalin and his entourage decided to force their way through and stop at nothing.

The government collected grain and sent it to the West, but not to starve part of a country's population to death, but because there was no other way it could pay for the supply of equipment. All of Stalin's hopes were on a new harvest. It turned out to be a small one, however, since the country was struck by a drought. The USSR was unable to buy food in exchange for gold (the gold blockade) or currency (as a result of the embargo there was none). Attempts were urgently made to get supplies of grain from Persia, where they had agreed to accept gold. The authorities did not have time, however, as a catastrophe was already underway.

Between 1932 and 1933, thousands and thousands of people died and it was only after this that the West was once again renewed to accept oil
timber and precious metals from the Soviets.

In October 2008, the European Parliament recognised the Holodomor in the Ukraine as a crime against humanity. The guilty was put on the 'Stalinist USSR'. However, the report by the European Parliament did not provide answers to two questions:


- why did the capitalists behave so "strangely", refusing to accept Stalin's gold?

- why did they only want to receive grain from the USSR as payment?


There is neither truth nor logic in the European Parliament's reports. The truth is that in 1934, grain exports from the USSR completely stopped. By order of the Soviet government...

The famine of 1932-33, which was carefully organized by the West, did not have the desired effect: the Bolsheviks remained in power. They continued industrializing. Economic measures had no effect - Stalin was restoring the country at any price. Only military measures remained. And exactly in 1933 Adolf Hitler, who had openly written about his expansionist aims in the vast Russian plains, came to power in Germany...

Comment: Food as a weapon, sadly no shortage of examples:
"the disappearance of the bison would be the easiest and quickest way to subdue the nomadic Indians of the Plains"
one of the earliest examples of food being used as a weapon of ethnic cleansing and genocide

https://www.sott.net/article/298260-Holodomor-Ukranian-genocide-under-Stalin-orchestrated-by-the-West

[norman]

Has this Russian language ( with subtitles) documentary been posted before ?. . .

UKRAINE. CHILDREN FOR SALE- Documentary 2023 Russia Reports

https://rumble.com/v41gtjw-ukraine.-children-for-sale-documentary-2023-russia-reports.html
v3yvg0h/?pub=1yatds

[ExomatrixTV]

NY Times Prints STAGGERING LIES To Keep Ukraine War Going!:

PDgPElV_jKw
The New York Times wants you to know that Russia is on the ropes in the Ukraine War, and now is definitely not the time for American taxpayers to stop funneling billions of dollars to keep the conflict going. That’s certainly the gist of a recent Times piece focusing on how many soldiers and how much military hardware Russia has lost in the war.

Jimmy and Kurt Metzger talk to Due Dissidence host Russell Dobular about the level of misinformation spread in the Times piece and why the establishment is vacillating over whether Ukraine needs to be given up for a lost cause now or not.

[ExomatrixTV]

This Project Avalon Forum Thread (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?114491-WW3-Ukraine-US-vs.-Donbass-Russia) has now 12,626+ Replies 1,278,241+ Views in 988 days.


That means at least 12.8 replies per day on average ... and, 1294 views per day on average.

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

[Snoweagle]

Those three grenades were Stun grenades, military "flash bangs used to great effect to clear rooms and trenches without the loss of life.

Any deaths were likely heart attacks or fall injuries.

[ExomatrixTV]

Colonel Explains In 2 Minutes: This Is Why Russia Is Being Targeted:

The globalist elites are in power in both Europe and the United States. They control the financial markets and financial institutions, as well as the mainstream media and governments. That's what retired Colonel Douglas Macgregor said in conversation with Jeremy Ryan Slate of The Create Your Own Life Show.

They do not represent the interests of Europeans or Americans. They look after their own interests, he emphasized.

https://hugh.cdn.rumble.cloud/video/s8/2/I/i/Q/K/IiQKo.gaa.mp4


source (https://rumble.com/v41kaaq-december-16-2023.html)

That makes Russia the enemy of the globalists

The elites want to destroy Russia. Why? They want to replace Putin because he is the leader of the last major power in Europe with its own identity, language and culture. That makes Russia the enemy of the globalists, Macgregor explained.

What have the globalists done in the rest of Europe? They have flooded countries with non-Europeans, with the aim of weakening us and destroying our national identity and culture.

At the top of the agenda


They also want to do that in Russia, also because Russia has enormous amounts of resources. “These are things that are at the top of the agenda,” the colonel said.

“That's why Russia has to go and that's why Russia keeps pushing forward.”

9ucxTCe2x6E


dutch (https://www.ninefornews.nl/kolonel-legt-in-2-minuten-uit-dit-is-waarom-rusland-het-doelwit-is) 🇳🇱 (+ Multi-Language Options). 🦜🦋🌳

For the record: The last sentence of Colonel Douglas Macgregor in that 2-min video is what the tyrannical globalists want, NOT what Douglas promotes nor endorses! Most understand the context how it is said ... but not everybody is that smart nowadays.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

Argentina will transfer to Ukraine two defective Mi-171E transport helicopters purchased from Russia in 2011.

https://x.com/colonelhomsi/status/1736017215197942084

1736017215197942084

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Nikolaev: Employees of Ukrainian military commissariats at the entrance to the shopping centre.

They are capturing people who have come for the weekend to do their weekly shopping. The inhuman criminal regime of the Nazi drug addict Zelensky demands more and more human victims.

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736075110417641977

1736075110417641977

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
1) Settlement Marinka:

100% cleared and under Russian control.

2) Zaporizhia direction:

The enemy in Rabotno is being driven into the mill; the settlement is under our fire.

3) Bahmut direction:

The 3rd separate assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AZOV) went on rest due to significant losses and without tactical success.

4) Kherson direction:

They continue to sink the Ukrainian Naval Forces and marines there; all landings are taking place in one direction.

5) Western technology is used very, very rarely due to fear of loss (there are very few left).
There is already a shortage of ammunition in the Ukrainian armed forces.

But only the General Staff of Ukraine publishes modern video footage. Do they know exactly what is happening in the country? It seems that only the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Group for Servo Management have a completely different Ukraine.

Dejan Beric TG channel

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736069823656779831

1736069823656779831

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇩🇪❗️German customs seize gifts from Russia

German customs officers continue to discriminate against Russians at the border - after confiscating cars, they are now confiscating Christmas parcels from Russia. They confiscate literally everything: gold and precious stones, food, cosmetics, perfume. Even cigarettes and toys marked 'made in Russia' are immediately confiscated.

The unprecedented level of state Russophobia in Europe can only be compared to the Holocaust. Since the Second World War, no population group has been discriminated against more than Russians.

ukraine_watch

https://x.com/dana916/status/1736031562775331145


1736031562775331145

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇺🇦❄️🍞 The distribution of bread to the population in the Ukrainian city of Chernigov. The impoverished population forms huge lines for free bread.
But #Zelensky recently asked for another $200 million in military aid for the Armed Forces of #Ukraine

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1735925077944787188

1735925077944787188

[Bill Ryan]

Those three grenades were Stun grenades, military "flash bangs used to great effect to clear rooms and trenches without the loss of life.

Any deaths were likely heart attacks or fall injuries.I don't think so... multiple news reports have stated that the deputy, Serhiy Batryn, seriously injured himself and 25 other people, some critically. Stun grenades wouldn't do that, as best as I'm aware. If you have a source for the stun grenades story, please do share it. :thumbsup:

Edit to add:

This seems to be a comprehensive update from Zero Hedge:
• https://zerohedge.com/political/watch-ukraine-politician-drops-hand-grenades-town-meeting-wounding-26

[Ravenlocke]

Volodymyr Zelensky was back in Washington DC recently, hat in hand as always, but this time in addition to begging for more war money the Ukrainian President also stopped by for a meeting with executives from the nation’s largest weapons manufacturers. He thanked them profusely for being the recipients of so many billions of dollars in taxpayer funds laundered with the dead bodies of his constituents.

Jimmy and Americans’ Comedian Kurt Metzger talk to Due Dissidence host Russell Dobular about this shameless display from Zelensky.

ArWhv4Efw_o

[ExomatrixTV]

Bill Maher Should Have To Shut About Ukraine After Saying This!:

74Lyrdkhu-U
It’s the eternal question when it comes to Bill Maher and foreign policy: is he really this dumb or just pretending? The latest discussion of the Ukraine War on his show did nothing to solve the debate as Bill brought on two uber-establishment shills from the mainstream media to regurgitate long-ago exhausted talking points about having to deter Russian aggression and not appeasing power-mad dictators.

Jimmy and Kurt Metzger talk to Due Dissidence host Russell Dobular about Bill Maher’s thickness and why he’ll never bring on guests like Glenn Greenwald and Thomas Frank again.

[ExomatrixTV]

Alex Jones: You may feel like you’re immune from this but there are Russian submarines off our coast that could destroy every U.S. city in five minutes.

MACH 9 missiles that cannot be shot down.

Five minutes.

‘Global Thermonuclear War’

1629549487529295872


source (https://twitter.com/skifflegirl/status/1629549487529295872)

[TargeT]

Alex Jones: You may feel like you’re immune from this but there are Russian submarines off our coast that could destroy every U.S. city in five minutes.

MACH 9 missiles that cannot be shot down.

Five minutes.

‘Global Thermonuclear War’

1629549487529295872


source (https://twitter.com/skifflegirl/status/1629549487529295872)


I live near DC and have worked in "the industry" for decades... unless we allow the above to happen I am not worried at all.

Think about what is public about rail guns and lasers.... then extrapolate that by 100x (as per usual with the DoD and their disclosure of capabilities)...

[Tintin]

More from Vladimir Putin via the Putin Kremlin programme interviews he very regularly undertakes.

It's via a tweet with a video embed which can be viewed here (https://twitter.com/vicktop55/status/1736299722728489285).

The translation is as follows:



"So will Russia “attack NATO,” as Biden fears?

Putin’s answer: “This is complete nonsense. I think that President Biden understands this. He says this in order to justify his erroneous policy towards Russia. It is erroneous, because I don’t think that the United States is interested, as they thought 20 years ago and as they are publicly declaring now that they are “inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.” I don’t think that this is in the national interests of the United States itself. This is the first.

Second, the president of any major country, a NATO country, is the “master of NATO,” and the United States is the master of NATO , this is their “backyard”, everything is NATO, he cannot help but understand that Russia has no reason, no interest - no geopolitical interest, no economic, no political, no military, to fight with NATO countries.

We have no territorial claims against each other, there is no desire to spoil relations with them. We are interested in developing relations. So, they took Finland into NATO. Did we have any disputes with Finland? All disputes, including those of a territorial nature mid-20th century, everything was decided long ago. We had the kindest, most cordial relationship.

There were economic relations. There were no problems, now there will be, because now we will create the Leningrad Military District there and concentrate certain military units there. Why did they need this? This is some simple nonsense. It’s the same with other countries, including NATO countries. Who do we have any problems with? Not with anyone. It is they who artificially create problems with us. Because they don’t want to have such a competitor in Russia, that’s all.

[Tintin]

An update on the Starokonstantinov airbase previously mentioned here (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?114491-WW3-Ukraine-US-vs.-Donbass-Russia&p=1591167&viewfull=1#post1591167):

Source: Spetsnaz 007 (https://twitter.com/Alex_Oloyede2/status/1736012636729299074)

Text:



:russia: ⚡Breaking:

28 high ranking Ukrainian officers and 12 NATO officers have been liquidатеd in starokonstantinov.

The Russian MoD confirms the use of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile.

The Ukrainian government has given no statement and has disabled communication in the area.

[ExomatrixTV]

Ukraine Front Update. 17 Dec. Russia's Multi Front Assault, 89 Clashes On 6 Russian Axes:

jsrmG3GdKSg
01:23 The multi-front assault in Ukraine involves clashes on six Russian attack axes: Kopans, Liman, Bahmut, Aiva, Marinka, and Zapia.
03:39 In Marinka, Russian forces have advanced, but the situation in Zapia Oblast remains unclear, with outdated maps causing confusion.
04:06 Summary: 89 combat engagements, 4 missiles, 72 airstrikes, and 92 rocket system launches by Russia reported in the last 24 hours.
05:23 Ukraine successfully launched 33 UAVs, attacked a Russian military airfield in Roso Oblast, and repelled all Russian attacks on December 17.
06:21 Ukrainian forces repelled attacks in multiple sectors: 14 in Liman, 6 in Bahmut, 12 in Aiva, 17 in Defka, and 12 in Shakar.
08:22 Despite claims of a stalemate, Ukrainian troops in the Mop and Kon sectors are inflicting losses on Russian forces, while holding strategic positions.

[Ravenlocke]

Rus Amb Polyansky: Only Outcome Kiev Surrender,
Duma Discuss Harsh Peace Terms;
ME Escalation Coming


4RmiZk51FV0

[Tintin]

This is a pretty harrowing account via Ukrainian troops near Krynki shared by SIMPLICIUS The Thinker Ѱ (https://twitter.com/simpatico771/status/1736476836752716171) from a Ukrainian source:

Quote:



"⚡️🇺🇦 "I don't know if this will help or not anymore. But I will write it here once again!

We are being exterminated by our own command. I am asking for help from everyone who can provide it. Knock on all doors, hold rallies and actions! Record a video! Do something. We are almost openly threatened with execution if we record videos ourselves and ask for help. Help us! 🙏🏼

Krynkyi is a real hell. Mountains of corpses of our brothers. This will not end if everyone remains silent...

👉 Ukrainian Post""
8:01 PM · Dec 17, 2023

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺 Putin admitted that in the 2000s he was a naive person, believing that the West did not want confrontation with the Russian Federation.

▪️The President called himself a naive person who in the 2000s, despite working in state security and other high positions, thought that the West supported separatism and terrorism on the territory of the Russian Federation out of inertia - they were used to fighting the USSR.

▪️He believed that since the Soviet Union collapsed, there was no ideological confrontation, which means there was no reason for confrontation. This was a naive view of reality, the president admits.

“Still, I had a naive idea that the whole world, the so-called civilized one, understood what happened to Russia. That it has completely become a different country, that there is no longer ideological confrontation, which means there is no basis for confrontation <...> I believed that this was simply the inertia of thinking and action."

▪️The reality is that Europe does not need such a big country.

▪️The West decided to follow the plan of Zbigniew Brzezinski (ex-adviser to the US President on National Security) - to divide Russia into 5 parts and pump resources from them.

▪️A disunited Russia will lose its sovereignty and will not be able to defend its interests.

FRWL reports

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736310127882346658

1736310127882346658

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦Theinfantry of the Southern Military District are conducting a powerful offensive near Rabotino and Verbovoy, seizing positions, destroying and pushing back the enemy
▪️In the Orekhovsky sector of the Zaporozhye Front of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russian troops practically seized the initiative, continuing to build on their success with a series of powerful attacks on the Kopani-Rabotino-Novoprokopovka-Verbovoe line.
▪️In the Kopani-Rabotino - Novoprokopovka area, attack aircraft of the Southern Military District, with the support of tanks and artillery, attack Ukrainian positions, knocking out the Ukrainian Armed Forces infantry from the trenches in the landings and moving forward, recently advancing up to 1 km near Rabotino and Novoprokopovka .
▪️At Verbovoy , the Airborne Forces regiments also do not stop attacking enemy positions, pushing them further and further away from the village. The clearing force gradually takes over trench after trench. At the same time, the enemy continues to transfer forces and try to counterattack, but is unsuccessful.
▪️The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine still admits that it has lost the initiative; in the morning report it reported 12 Russian attacks around Novopokrovka and Robotino, and in the evening report - about 3 attacks between Verbovoy and Robotino. The positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are under artillery and mortar fire in the areas of about 20 settlements.

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736481459823685753

1736481459823685753

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
‼️🇷🇺The battles near Avdeevka unfold according to the same scenario as in Lisichansk, Soledar and Bakhmut, which were lost by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, - Butusov .

▪️In all cases, events developed the same way - the Russians broke through the defenses along the flanks, which made the defense of cities impossible.
▪️The reason why this happened, according to Butusov, is the lack of fortifications in the Armed Forces of Ukraine similar to those erected by the Russian Armed Forces in southern Ukraine, as well as the lack of a second line of defense and sufficient reserves.
▪️Also, according to him, there are not enough drones in Avdeevka.
▪️"In 76 days, one of the brigades fighting in the direction of the enemy's main attack in Avdeevka received from the state the following drones: fpv drones - up to 700; "Mavik-3" - 18; "Mavik-3T" - 6; "Autel- 4T" - 70. All these drones have been used for their intended purpose for a very long time; now the brigade is fighting with volunteer drones. Because the daily consumption of Mavika-3 is up to 10 drones, and the daily consumption of fpv is up to 60 drones," Butusov wrote.

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736481262984970260

1736481262984970260

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736471234047611253

1736471234047611253

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1736488814837678449

1736488814837678449

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1736430124063412723

1736430124063412723

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1736429462172914033

1736429462172914033

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1736425318846500878

1736425318846500878

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/DagnyTaggart963/status/1736323537302851970

1736323537302851970

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/DagnyTaggart963/status/1736324064170430946

1736324064170430946

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1736464170487280057

1736464170487280057

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
So will Russia “attack NATO,” as Biden fears?

Putin’s answer: “This is complete nonsense. I think that President Biden understands this. He says this in order to justify his erroneous policy towards Russia. It is erroneous, because I don’t think that the United States is interested, as they thought 20 years ago and as they are publicly declaring now that they are “inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.” I don’t think that this is in the national interests of the United States itself. This is the first. Second, the president of any major country, a NATO country, is the “master of NATO,” and the United States is the master of NATO , this is their “backyard”, everything is NATO, he cannot help but understand that Russia has no reason, no interest - no geopolitical interest, no economic, no political, no military, to fight with NATO countries. We have no territorial claims against each other, there is no desire to spoil relations with them. We are interested in developing relations. So, they took Finland into NATO. Did we have any disputes with Finland? All disputes, including those of a territorial nature mid-20th century, everything was decided long ago. We had the kindest, most cordial relationship. There were economic relations. There were no problems, now there will be, because now we will create the Leningrad Military District there and concentrate certain military units there. Why did they need this? This is some simple nonsense. It’s the same with other countries, including NATO countries. Who do we have any problems with? Not with anyone. It is they who artificially create problems with us. Because they don’t want to have such a competitor in Russia, that’s all.

https://t.me/vicktop55/19322

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1736299722728489285

1736299722728489285

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/AXChristoforou/status/1735944676463595791

1735944676463595791

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/mfa_russia/status/1735664576308330897

1735664576308330897

[ExomatrixTV]

“The Germans Screwed Themselves Over Ukraine!” – Tucker Carlson:

LnvEX6gm5hY
One of the enduring mysteries of the Ukraine War is why so many Western European nations — Germany in particular — followed the United States’ lead like lapdogs against Russia, a nation responsible for supplying so much inexpensive natural gas to the continent. Germany screwed themselves, Tucker Carlson tells Jimmy, and now they’re paying the price, both literally and figuratively. Jimmy and Americans’ Comedian Kurt Metzger talk to Carlson about how even the Nord Stream bombing couldn’t derail German support for Ukraine.

[Open Minded Dude]

“The Germans Screwed Themselves Over Ukraine!” – Tucker Carlson:

LnvEX6gm5hY
One of the enduring mysteries of the Ukraine War is why so many Western European nations — Germany in particular — followed the United States’ lead like lapdogs against Russia, a nation responsible for supplying so much inexpensive natural gas to the continent. Germany screwed themselves, Tucker Carlson tells Jimmy, and now they’re paying the price, both literally and figuratively. Jimmy and Americans’ Comedian Kurt Metzger talk to Carlson about how even the Nord Stream bombing couldn’t derail German support for Ukraine.

When they enter the office they also swear an oath to prevent any harm coming to the German people.

They did exactly the opposite and even told us so, e.g. brain amputated foreign minister Ms Baerboeck telling us that Ukraine is more important than Germany and she does not care about what the German populace thinks, also declaring war on Russia in her statements. She's friggin' insane and unbearable and incompetent, a clown in a clown country.

Not different for clown Chancellor Scholz and the clown "Health" minister Lauterbach (a strong Covidian Cultist) and clown Minister of Economics and 'climate protection' Mr Harbeck who actually is a children's book author and has no clue about the business world, I read he did not even know what 'insolvency' means.

These friggin' morons put our country to shame. Merkel's gov was already bad with its Covid and refugee 'management', but these idiots are 100 times worse.

My country is in ruins indeed, many here feel this way, even some on the left or who voted for this government. Many people demand new elections instantly because no one (at least no majority) wants the SPD and Green party anymore.

I am angry and ashamed. I should say no more or I will 'lose it' completely. :silent:

Btw, Putin also recently commented on how 'incompetent' the German 'government' are and an absolute embarrassment in the world.

https://www-anti--spiegel-ru.translate.goog/2023/die-ganze-welt-lacht-ueber-sie/?doing_wp_cron=1702909765.1858170032501220703125&_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp


“The whole world laughs at them”

At a meeting with young scientists, President Putin expressed himself more clearly than ever before about the German federal government.

I always point out that it is extremely interesting to get information from media outside the Western media bubble. I have repeatedly mentioned that the current federal government is not taken seriously internationally and is even laughed at. There are enough reasons too.

There is Baerbock, who comes from international law but doesn't understand anything about it, who talks about 360-grand turns, declares war on Russia in a subordinate clause, rambles about countries hundreds of thousands of kilometers away and so on. The lady never misses an opportunity to show the world her lack of education and total incompetence.

There is Scholz, who is obviously a puppet because he can be controlled because of his many corruption scandals. His silence on Nord Stream is viewed with incredulous astonishment outside the Western media bubble, where there is little doubt about the US perpetrator. And internationally, together with Baerbock, he has led Germany into isolation, because there is nothing left of the former German strength to offer its own solutions and compromise proposals in international crises. Today's federal government blindly follows the USA, which is why in international politics it makes more sense to talk seriously with Germany - you can also call Washington directly.

Not to mention Habeck, the children's book author who knows so little about economics that he doesn't even know what bankruptcy is. This jumping jack is allowed to play the economics minister during the biggest economic crisis in Germany since the war and the result, the systematic deindustrialization of Germany, is acknowledged worldwide with a shake of the head.

Russian President Putin is known for expressing himself very diplomatically and, above all, for not speaking negatively about politicians from other countries. Even about Obama, with whom, as far as we know, he shared a personal and mutual antipathy, Putin never made any negative comments.

It is therefore noteworthy that Putin has now spoken publicly about the German federal government. Putin has said that members of the German government "obviously do not have sufficient professional training to make high-quality professional decisions" and that it is common knowledge that the whole world is laughing at the mayhem in Berlin.

I translated the part of the discussion with young Russian scientists in which Putin made the relevant statement.

Start of translation:

We have cheap energy sources, the primary source is cheap, which makes everything cheaper. This includes metals, fertilizers - everything that makes up a significant part of our exports, everything is cheaper than theirs. And they want to solve this problem of competitiveness for themselves with the help of administrative manipulations.

But this is where today's problems arise. First, they limit their own ability to work with us. Europe is cutting itself off from the source of cheap energy, or this is what their allies in the US are doing and cutting them off from our cheap primary energy sources for political reasons, or they are simply blowing up gas pipelines or closing them.

Poland simply shut down the Yamal-Europe pipeline that leads to Germany. Ukraine simply closed one of the systems, one of which is still operational. Ukraine gets money from Europe, from Germany, for weapons, pensions, social benefits and salaries, among other things, but they are cut off from the Russian gas that the Germans need. And the Germans swallow all this because they have no sovereignty and some members of the government clearly do not have sufficient professional training to make high-quality professional decisions.

This is well known, the whole world laughs at them, I don't want to name any names, but the whole world really laughs at them. But they have to live with that.

End of translation

[Vicus]

Why Russia's 'Mystical' MiG-31 Fighters Strike Fear Across Ukraine 8 hours ago

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/13/1114321600_0:0:2797:1574_1920x0_80_0_0_7be8db56187c2f06a53b88577ef22f04.jpg.webp

Whenever a Russian MiG-31 supersonic interceptor aircraft takes off from a Russian air base near Ukraine, it triggers panic among the Ukrainian military, according to the National Interest. So why is the Kiev regime stricken with dread when these warplanes take to the skies?

Equipped with cutting-edge radar and missile systems, the MiG-31 fighter jet (NATO reporting name: Foxhound) has proven to be highly efficient in conducting patrol missions during Moscow's ongoing special military operation.
Each time the MiG-31 takes off, it triggers an air raid alert across the entire Ukraine, unleashing significant disruption to the national economy, according to reports in the Ukrainian press. Media outlets have complained that Russia has been essentially shutting down a substantial portion of Ukraine's business sector by simply scrambling the MiG-31 and allowing it to fly around for a period of time.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on October 18 that MiG-31 fighters armed with Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles would permanently patrol the neutral airspace over the Black Sea.
In response to Putin's remarks, Yuriy Ignat, spokesperson for Ukraine's air force, told the national media that during the aforementioned patrol missions by MiG-31 fighters armed with Kinzhal missile systems, an air raid alert would be declared throughout Ukraine. Ignat stated that Russian air power could attack Ukraine with Kinzhals from both the northern and eastern directions, and in the Black Sea.

The crux of the matter here is the MiG-31 supersonic aircraft plays a crucial role in enabling the Kinzhal missile to achieve hypersonic speeds. The missile is launched from an altitude of approximately 20 km at a speed of at least 1,500 km/h. This initial acceleration allows the Kinzhal to reach a unique top speed of 8-10 times the speed of sound, making it highly lethal and nearly impossible to intercept. It also has a range of around 1,500-2,000 km.

The warplane's ability to operate at high altitudes has been well demonstrated. In a recent drill conducted in October, the MiG-31 successfully operated in the stratosphere over the Barents Sea. "The crew of a MiG-31 fighter from a separate composite aviation regiment of the Northern Fleet practiced elements of an aerial combat in the stratosphere," the Russian Defense Ministry announced. As part of the exercise, the said MiG-31 fighter jet ascended to an impressive altitude of over 11,000 meters to intercept and neutralize a simulated intruder.

But that is not all. The MiG-31 has maintained a "certain mystique in the West," given that some of its capabilities have sparked a slew of speculations, according to the National Interest. The "all-weather" MiG-31 jet fighter boasts state-of-the-art digital avionics and efficient low-bypass-ratio turbofan engines, "which allow an increase in combat range," as per the media outlet. Furthermore, with a maximum speed of 3,000 kilometers per hour, the MiG-31 is considered to be among the world's fastest combat jets.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/why-russias-mystical-mig-31-fighters-strike-fear-across-ukraine-1115655555.html?rcmd_alg=collaboration2

[Vicus]

Russia’s Belgorod region under attack – governor 17 Dec, 2023

A gunfight between Russian and Ukrainian forces is underway in a border village, Vyacheslav Gladkov has said

https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2023.12/l/657efabf85f5406cce16e035.jpg

The Russian village of Terebrino, in Belgorod Region, has been attacked by Ukrainian forces, local Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Sunday. The village is located just some 2km from the Ukrainian border.

Terebrino, as well as several other locations along the border, came under artillery fire, with a gun battle between Russian and Ukrainian troops erupting on its outskirts, the governor said. The shelling caused damage to power lines, disrupting the electricity supply to several other villages.

Gladkov did not elaborate on the size of the attacking force, stating only that the situation remains “under control” of the relevant authorities.

Southwestern Belgorod, along with other Russian regions bordering Ukraine, has repeatedly been struck during Moscow’s conflict with its neighbor, with border towns hit by drones, missiles and artillery.

The latest major incident came last Tuesday, when a Ukrainian Tochka-U tactical ballistic missile was shot down over the region. Russian officials have consistently charged that Ukraine is targeting civilian infrastructure along the border, which they have denounced as terrorism.

Ukrainian forces have also staged several minor raids into Russian territory, with Belgorod Region being one of the areas most affected. The incursions, however, have failed to produce any meaningful military impact, resulting only in civilian casualties for Russia and heavy losses for the attacking Ukrainian forces, according to Moscow.

https://swentr.site/russia/589210-belgorod-region-attack-ukraine/

[Vicus]

Russia could restore giant dam destroyed by Ukraine – governor 18 Dec, 2023

https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2023.12/l/65805f9785f54059e33a84be.jpg
The view of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station destroyed by Ukrainian troops on the Dnieper.

The Kakhovka Dam, destroyed amid the Ukraine conflict, could be rebuilt using modern technologies and with the help of blueprints preserved in the state archives, the governor of Russia’s Kherson Region, Vladimir Saldo, said in an interview with RIA Novosti published on Monday.

The dam, which served as a hydroelectric power station, was destroyed back in June after coming under repeated missile attacks. The collapse of the structure resulted in flooding along both banks of the Dnieper River and led to multiple deaths. Neither Kiev nor Moscow have admitted responsibility for destroying the dam and have blamed each other for the incident.

Saldo, however, insists that it was the Ukrainian army that was behind the attack, suggesting that Kiev had ordered its troops to destroy the power station because it served as a transport hub. He pointed out that the Kakhovka Dam was constantly shelled because road, railway, and land routes passed through its structures. It also had a sluice facility that allowed ships to pass from the Kakhovka reservoir to the lower part of the Dnieper River.

“Therefore, the Ukrainian armed forces had a specific task: To bring it to such a state that it would cease to serve as a road and railway transport hub and destroy it,” Saldo said, noting that the dam was hit over a long period using US-supplied HIMARS missiles. He said these munitions targeted one point of the structure until it reached a critical state and collapsed.

The governor called the destruction of the dam by Ukrainian forces “the greatest crime” because it had disrupted the region’s ecological balance.
Since the incident, both Moscow and Kiev have insisted that the Kakhovka Dam could not be repaired. However, Saldo has claimed that the facility could be rebuilt using the blueprints still preserved in the archives of state institutions.

The governor suggested that these blueprints could be used as the starting point for a new project based on modern methods and technologies. Saldo added that these restoration efforts could be completed relatively quickly, given that it took three years to build the original dam in the 1950s.

New technologies would make the dam “even more beautiful, attractive, and useful,” Saldo said.

The ecological damage caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and hydroelectric power plant has been estimated at over 400 billion rubles ($4.4 billion), Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko reported in October, citing experts. She noted that this assessment did not consider the damage to the affected settlements and other attendant economic facilities.

https://swentr.site/russia/589274-russia-kakhovka-dam-restoration/

[Vicus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peFQ355cpOU

[ExomatrixTV]

“The Germans Screwed Themselves Over Ukraine!” – Tucker Carlson:


LnvEX6gm5hY
One of the enduring mysteries of the Ukraine War is why so many Western European nations — Germany in particular — followed the United States’ lead like lapdogs against Russia, a nation responsible for supplying so much inexpensive natural gas to the continent. Germany screwed themselves, Tucker Carlson tells Jimmy, and now they’re paying the price, both literally and figuratively. Jimmy and Americans’ Comedian Kurt Metzger talk to Carlson about how even the Nord Stream bombing couldn’t derail German support for Ukraine.

When they enter the office they also swear an oath to prevent any harm coming to the German people.

They did exactly the opposite and even told us so, e.g. brain amputated foreign minister Ms Baerboeck telling us that Ukraine is more important than Germany and she does not care about what the German populace thinks, also declaring war on Russia in her statements. She's friggin' insane and unbearable and incompetent, a clown in a clown country.

Not different for clown Chancellor Scholz and the clown "Health" minister Lauterbach (a strong Covidian Cultist) and clown Minister of Economics and 'climate protection' Mr Harbeck who actually is a children's book author and has no clue about the business world, I read he did not even know what 'insolvency' means.

These friggin' morons put our country to shame. Merkel's gov was already bad with its Covid and refugee 'management', but these idiots are 100 times worse.

My country is in ruins indeed, many here feel this way, even some on the left or who voted for this government. Many people demand new elections instantly because no one (at least no majority) wants the SPD and Green party anymore.

I am angry and ashamed. I should say no more or I will 'lose it' completely. :silent:

Btw, Putin also recently commented on how 'incompetent' the German 'government' are and an absolute embarrassment in the world.

https://www-anti--spiegel-ru.translate.goog/2023/die-ganze-welt-lacht-ueber-sie/?doing_wp_cron=1702909765.1858170032501220703125&_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp


“The whole world laughs at them”

At a meeting with young scientists, President Putin expressed himself more clearly than ever before about the German federal government.

I always point out that it is extremely interesting to get information from media outside the Western media bubble. I have repeatedly mentioned that the current federal government is not taken seriously internationally and is even laughed at. There are enough reasons too.

There is Baerbock, who comes from international law but doesn't understand anything about it, who talks about 360-grand turns, declares war on Russia in a subordinate clause, rambles about countries hundreds of thousands of kilometers away and so on. The lady never misses an opportunity to show the world her lack of education and total incompetence.

There is Scholz, who is obviously a puppet because he can be controlled because of his many corruption scandals. His silence on Nord Stream is viewed with incredulous astonishment outside the Western media bubble, where there is little doubt about the US perpetrator. And internationally, together with Baerbock, he has led Germany into isolation, because there is nothing left of the former German strength to offer its own solutions and compromise proposals in international crises. Today's federal government blindly follows the USA, which is why in international politics it makes more sense to talk seriously with Germany - you can also call Washington directly.

Not to mention Habeck, the children's book author who knows so little about economics that he doesn't even know what bankruptcy is. This jumping jack is allowed to play the economics minister during the biggest economic crisis in Germany since the war and the result, the systematic deindustrialization of Germany, is acknowledged worldwide with a shake of the head.

Russian President Putin is known for expressing himself very diplomatically and, above all, for not speaking negatively about politicians from other countries. Even about Obama, with whom, as far as we know, he shared a personal and mutual antipathy, Putin never made any negative comments.

It is therefore noteworthy that Putin has now spoken publicly about the German federal government. Putin has said that members of the German government "obviously do not have sufficient professional training to make high-quality professional decisions" and that it is common knowledge that the whole world is laughing at the mayhem in Berlin.

I translated the part of the discussion with young Russian scientists in which Putin made the relevant statement.

Start of translation:

We have cheap energy sources, the primary source is cheap, which makes everything cheaper. This includes metals, fertilizers - everything that makes up a significant part of our exports, everything is cheaper than theirs. And they want to solve this problem of competitiveness for themselves with the help of administrative manipulations.

But this is where today's problems arise. First, they limit their own ability to work with us. Europe is cutting itself off from the source of cheap energy, or this is what their allies in the US are doing and cutting them off from our cheap primary energy sources for political reasons, or they are simply blowing up gas pipelines or closing them.

Poland simply shut down the Yamal-Europe pipeline that leads to Germany. Ukraine simply closed one of the systems, one of which is still operational. Ukraine gets money from Europe, from Germany, for weapons, pensions, social benefits and salaries, among other things, but they are cut off from the Russian gas that the Germans need. And the Germans swallow all this because they have no sovereignty and some members of the government clearly do not have sufficient professional training to make high-quality professional decisions.

This is well known, the whole world laughs at them, I don't want to name any names, but the whole world really laughs at them. But they have to live with that.

End of translation




Corona: Five Official Facts From Germany 🇩🇪


1736092690826060125


source video twitter here (https://twitter.com/SHomburg/status/1736092690826060125)

December 2023
Prof. Dr. Stefan Homburg (https://rumble.com/search/all?q=Prof.%20Dr.%20Stefan%20Homburg) 🇩🇪

This document uses short links. If you click on one of the blue links or type it in
manually, the official URL will appear in your browser window.


01. All-time low clinic occupancy in 2020
In 2020, clinic occupancy fell to an all-time low, in some cases 30% below the previous year's figure. Link Bundesgesundheits ministerium 🇩🇪 (p. 4): bitly.ws/32cQN (https://bitly.ws/32cQN)



02. Few severe respiratory diseases
Respiratory diseases were inconspicuous in 2020 and 2021. Peaks occurred in 2018
and at the end of 2022. Link Robert Koch-Institut (p. 5): bitly.ws/32cSF (https://bitly.ws/32cSF)



03. Deaths increased noticeably in 2021 not 2020
In 2020, the age-adjusted mortality rate was between the values of 2018 and 2019.
It only increased noticeably with the start of vaccination in 2021. Link Gesundheits-berichterstattung des Bundes 🇩🇪: bitly.ws/342bx (https://bitly.ws/342bx)



04. Corona deaths were older than other deaths
On average, the PCR deaths were 83 years old, the other deaths were 82 years old.
Links Robert Koch-Institut (p. 19): bitly.ws/32pqh (https://bitly.ws/32pqh) und Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung: bitly.ws/32cTK (https://bitly.ws/32cTK)



05. Sweden performed better than Germany 🇩🇪

The overall mortality rate per capita was lower in lockdown- and mask-free Sweden than in Germany. Link: World Health Organization: bitly.ws/32sSY (https://bitly.ws/32sSY)

source (https://www.stefan-homburg.de/images/Corona%20Facts.pdf)

in short: There is a War on Truth (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?113668-Vaccination-Injuries-On-Record-for-Covid19) on so many levels of society!

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1736661644942467134

1736661644942467134

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦🇷🇺 - Ukraine warned 'odds stacked against you' as Putin prepares sinister final 'plan' - Daily Express

Britain admits success of Putin's 'plan' for Ukraine.

Russia has seriously increased its chances of winning the confrontation with Ukraine, the Daily Express reports.

The newspaper cites the opinion of retired British Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell, who states that the situation on the front line has not changed in Kiev's favour:

"Russia has pretty extensive defensive lines: three layers of ditches, dragon's teeth and minefields, which, despite the Ukrainians moving about 15km through them, has still not proven enough to make a breakthrough."

The expert believes that the change in the US administration will further complicate the situation for Kiev, demonstrating the advantages of Russia's strategy towards Ukraine, which aims to "play the long game".


https://x.com/Ramy_Sawma/status/1736766899571040266

1736766899571040266

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1736758152253595930

1736758152253595930

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1736757264382308729

1736757264382308729

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦 The decision to dismiss the heads of all regional military commissions in Ukraine by decree of Zelensky has led to problems in the organisation of mobilisation in the country's armed forces, the AFU commander-in-chief, Valeriy Zaluzhny, has admitted in a conversation with Ukrainian journalists.

"These were professionals, they knew how to do the mobilisation, and they are not there," he said in response to a question about what impact the dismissal of regional military commands had on the mobilisation process in Ukraine. Zaluzhnyy's words were quoted by the Ukrainian daily Strana.

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736765962399932727

1736765962399932727

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russian Defense Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation

18 December 2023

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

▫️ In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled ten attacks of assault groups of AFU 21st, 115th mechanized, 95th air assault brigades near Sinkovka, Liman Perviy, and Terny (Kharkov region).

AFU losses were more than 60 Ukrainian troops, one German-made Leopard-2 tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, two armored personnel carriers, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

▫️ In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units supported by artillery repelled one attack of the AFU 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade south-eastern of Kuzmino (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses amounted to up to 220 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, three armored personnel carriers, five motor vehicles, as well as one Slovakian-made Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system.

▫️ In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by artillery and heavy flamethrower systems repelled nine attacks launched by assault groups of AFU 24th, 28th mechanized, 79th air assault, 81st airmobile brigades close to Kurdyumovka, Belogorovka, Leninskoye, Shumy, and Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, aviation and artillery launched strikes at AFU manpower and hardware near Kleshcheyevka and Andreyevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy has lost up to 190 Ukrainian personnel, five infantry fighting vehicles, including one Bradley, and two motor vehicles.

In the course of the counter-battery warfare, two Msta-B howitzers, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and three D-30 howitzers were eliminated.

▫️ In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by Operational-Tactical aircraft, helicopters, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled four attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses amounted to 90 troops, three pickups, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

▫️ In Zaporozhye direction, two attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 117th Mechanized Brigade near Novoprokopovka (Zaporozhye region) were repelled by the Russian Group of Forces, air strikes, and artillery fire.

Moreover, the Russian Armed Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower of AFU 33rd, 65th mechanized, 128th mountain assault brigades near Rabotino, Zherebyanka, and Nesteryanka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy's losses amounted to 30 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, as well as one D-30 howitzer.

▫️ In Kherson direction, as a result of actions of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery and aviation, the AFU lost up to 50 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded and three motor vehicles.

In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin, one Polish-made Krab, and one Msta-B howitzer were destroyed.

▫️ Operational-tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Group of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed one command and observation post of the AFU 1st Operational Brigade of National Guard near Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic), as well as manpower and military hardware in 113 areas.

▫️ Air defense systems shot down 25 unmanned aerial vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Topolevka, Verkhnekamenka (Lugansk People's Republic), Gorlovka, Berestovoye, Spornoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Alyoshki (Kherson region), as well as two U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles.

📊 In total, 553 airplanes and 259 helicopters, 9,861 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defense missile systems, 14,165 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,382 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,437 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/1736742259700158824

1736742259700158824

[Ravenlocke]

Kiev Crisis:
Bug Found Zaluzhny Office,
Ukr Army Discontent Boils Over,
West No Plan B,
Rus Advances


iWPs5_eebmk

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
There is a gloomy mood in the Armed Forces of Ukraine - The Washington Post

Discontent among Ukrainian soldiers, which was once extremely rare and expressed only in private, has now become more widespread and open, The Washington Post reports. As winter approaches, there is increasing concern among Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters that Russia is better prepared for combat.

Some openly question the judgment of their commanders, others ask why complex operations could not have begun months ago in warmer weather, and others criticize the leadership for being too slow in preparation and disorganized.

“The reason for the gloomy mood of the Ukrainians is that they not only understand that nothing has worked out for them this year, but also feel that the Russian ‘game’ is improving,” WP quotes ex-British Army General Richard Barrons as saying. According to him, the soldiers and the mood of the Western allies are not happy: “They (Ukrainians) see what is happening in Congress, and they see what is happening in the EU.”

https://t.me/rezident_ua/20713

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1736826938587541848

1736826938587541848

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
BBC about Nazi groups in Ukraine 8 years ago - you all knew it - NATO pumped those Bandera scum up with money and weapons - to bring Russia down - you lost - and all those groups will be erased from the face of the earth - all of them - and I hope "EU" and "NATO" will go to **** for that as well.

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1736821922611048763
1736821922611048763

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
🇺🇸 By the end of December, the United States will announce a new aid package for Ukraine, but it will be the last one, the White House reported.

"The US still plans to allocate another package of military assistance to Ukraine at the end of this month. However, it might be the final one until Congress makes a decision to increase funding. After that, 'we won't have any more authority to replenish the budget,'" stated John Kirby, spokesperson for the State Department.

@ukraine_watch


https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736812131574538606

1736812131574538606

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
More POWs

The number of people surrendering continues to grow. On December 15, six more Ukrainian border guards surrendered on the border of the Kursk region.

Now Ukrainian military personnel can say everything they think about their leadership and current events without fear.

Of course, they are still a mess in their heads, but it is already obvious that insight is gradually coming to the guys...

by Otryad Kovpaka

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736742601397608731

1736742601397608731

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
🗣 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with the “Big Game” program on Channel One said:

▪️ The IMF and the World Bank act with absolute priority in favor of Ukraine to the detriment of everyone else;

▪️ The West does not hide that it wants a ceasefire only for the rearmament of Ukraine;

▪️ Western journalists dare not ask their governments for a list of those killed in Bucha, but Tucker Carlson can;

▪️ The issue of unblocking illegally seized Russian fertilizers in EU ports is being resolved;

▪️ The Russian Federation has no intention of attacking NATO countries; it is the West that is making Moscow an enemy;

▪️ The Russian Federation no longer has any territorial disputes with anyone, including Japan;

▪️ There is every reason to believe that NATO personnel are fighting in Ukraine;

▪️ Statements by the US President and the head of the Pentagon that the Russian Federation will allegedly “take on NATO” after Ukraine indicate their desperate situation;

▪️ Agricultural production in Russia is in fact “going uphill,” although with reservations;

▪️ Washington is guilty of double standards when it calls on Israel to use US weapons in a targeted manner, while allowing Kyiv to freely define targets;

▪️ The West realizes that the goal of destroying the Russian Federation as an independent entity on the world stage is illusory;

▪️ The Russian Federation was waiting for an investigation into the events in Bucha, at least receiving the names of the victims, but nothing was done;

▪️ The West still sets itself the task of “finishing off Russia”;

▪️ The USA and Britain must understand that there are lines that cannot be crossed with the Russian Federation if they want to “sit out overseas”;

▪️ The idea of ​​using F-16 fighter jets from NATO countries in Ukraine is “dangerous thinking.”

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736741423569920070

1736741423569920070

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
Sasha Kots:

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ A shell famine has set in in the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Ukrainian troops are experiencing a shortage of artillery shells and have been forced to reduce the scale of a number of operations due to a decrease in foreign assistance, said the commander of the Ukrainian operational-strategic group of troops "Tavria" Alexander Tarnavsky. According to him, the shortage of ammunition of Soviet calibers 122 and 152 millimeters is most acute.

The weight of an artillery salvo decides, if not everything, then a lot in this conflict. And if Tarnavsky’s words are not misinformation, then difficult times will soon come for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We already surpass them in the number of drones in most areas. And it is very important to take advantage of this advantage wisely. There is not much time - sooner or later the Western defense industry will work at full capacity.

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736739858087862576

1736739858087862576

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
If this doesn't demonstrate how desperate pro-UA's wishful thinking about Russian missile stocks has been, then nothing will:
On the left, new updates about Russian stocks, showing nearly 300 total Iskanders, ~500+ Kalibr/Kh-101s, etc.
On the right, their jeering reports from last year that Russian Iskanders had dropped below 120, Kalibrs to "a few dozen" and all soon to run out.

I guess these amateurs don't understand how a true manufacturing power works.

Don't worry, next year when there's 1000 Iskanders and Kalibrs and Ukraine is surrendering, then they'll understand.

https://x.com/simpatico771/status/1736829392146309415

1736829392146309415

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/OlgaBazova/status/1736691203662315574

1736691203662315574

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/OlgaBazova/status/1736794230314443212

1736794230314443212

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
Trust in Zelensky declined to 62%, compared to 84% in December 2022.

At the same, the percentage of those who said they do not trust Zelensky increased from 5% in December 2022 to 18% in the most recent poll.

Trust in Ukraine's civilian government as a whole declined to 26%, a drop from 52% recorded the previous year.

An overwhelming majority (96%) of respondents trust the military, a figure that has remained stable since December 2022. In addition, 88% said they trust Zaluzhny, who was not included in previous editions of the KIIS trust poll.

H/t:
@DD_Geopolitics

https://x.com/OlgaBazova/status/1736771429419397526

1736771429419397526

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
The EU is considering depriving Hungary of its voting rights due to obstructing aid to Ukraine, - FT

▪️ It is noted that some officials are considering the possibility of invoking Article 7 of the 2007 Treaty on the European Union, which allows for the suspension of the country's voting rights.
▪️ At the moment, EU members are in no hurry to apply the article to Budapest, but hope that they can convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to change his mind about helping Ukraine.
▪️ If this fails, the publication adds, the 26 states of the union will be able to conclude an agreement on assistance to Kiev on their own, although this will take time and will only be a short-term solution.
▪️“Perhaps Hungary will create more problems. But in the end, Hungary will not be able to stop us from providing financial assistance to Ukraine,” said one of the FT’s interlocutors.

Source:
https://ft.com/content/96d15e1a-4e23-4013-a5ba-8234f993b8b4

https://x.com/OlgaBazova/status/1736657094944633290

1736657094944633290

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1736794545952588106

1736794545952588106

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
⚡️Britain admits success of Putin's 'plan' for Ukraine

Russia has seriously increased its chances of winning the confrontation with Ukraine, Daily Express reports.

The newspaper cites the opinion of retired British Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell, who states that the situation on the front line has not changed in Kiev's favour:

"Russia has pretty extensive defensive lines: three layers of ditches, dragon's teeth and minefields, which, despite the Ukrainians moving about 15km through them, has still not proven enough to make a breakthrough."

The expert believes that the change in the US administration will further complicate the situation for Kiev, demonstrating the advantages of Russia's strategy towards Ukraine, which aims to "play the long game".

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736736699957264808

1736736699957264808

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1736540957666124187

1736540957666124187

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1736791863690919953

1736791863690919953

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
Basic summary of this NYT article:
"We temporarily shut down collective west businesses operating in Russia in order to get Russians out, on to the streets, and push for regime change. Once we had regime change, our companies would resume operations in a much stronger position...
The Putin outsmarted us."

But more to the point, the real purpose of this article is actually very clever. It says Russia siezes assets, seemingly without reason, and thus can not be trusted as a place for business investment.

By creating this "Putin corrupt, Russia steals assets" narrative, the NYT is providing cover for the inevitable US/EU theft of the $300B in frozen Russian assets.

https://x.com/AXChristoforou/status/1736649747765543132

1736649747765543132

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Pro-government coalition won parliamentary elections in Serbia

According to the currently published preliminary results of the parliamentary elections, the coalition “Aleksandar Vučić - Serbia does not dare to stop,” where the main political force is the Serbian Progressive Party, won 46.74% (1,703,308 votes).

The opposition list “Serbia against violence” received 23.53% or 857,641 votes, the coalition “Ivica Dacic - Prime Minister of Serbia” - 6.56% or 239,250 votes.

NADA received 5.03% or 183.439 votes, and “We are the voice of the people, Professor Branimir Nestorovic” received 4.69% or 170.813 votes.

The remaining parties were unable to overcome the 3% barrier required to enter parliament.

The Dveri/Zavetnica association had 2.78% or 101,337 votes, and the result of the Serbian Radical Party was 1.47% or 53,434 votes.

The coalition formed by the country's president is also leading in the municipal elections in Belgrade.

There are a total of 250 parliamentary seats in the Serbian Parliament; they will go to parties and associations that pass the threshold, as well as representatives of national minorities.

Source: RT Balkans

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1736738821532749915

1736738821532749915

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/colonelhomsi/status/1736165727650931130

1736165727650931130

https://x.com/colonelhomsi/status/1736166082312913329

1736166082312913329

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/colonelhomsi/status/1736032129006411994

1736032129006411994

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/colonelhomsi/status/1736169606031487346

1736169606031487346

[Bill Ryan]

From The Moon of Alabama today. The title will be self-evident to anyone who's been following this thread — and was obvious to most of us well over a whole year ago. :)


https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/12/ukraine-victory.html#more

The Total Defeat of Ukraine is Coming into Sight

Gideon Rachman, often read columnist at the Financial Times, states the obvious:

Ukraine and its backers need a credible path to victory (https://www.ft.com/content/75da21e8-8209-4144-bd18-3c3f45d4c95c) (archived (https://archive.is/UVMOU)) - Financial Times
Ukraine goes into the new year short of ammunition, money and diplomatic support. Underlying these critical shortages, there is another important deficiency. The country and its western backers no longer have a convincing theory of victory. Unless they can come up with one, western support for Ukraine will continue to waver.
...
The fear now must be that while 2023 was the year of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, 2024 will be the year that Russia goes back on the attack. The worst-case scenarios are that, if western aid is cut off, Ukraine could be in serious trouble by the summer.
...
Without a credible theory of victory, the pressure on Ukraine to negotiate with Russia will mount. The Ukrainians might make a deal — even if it involved making territorial concessions — if they had any confidence that Russia would stick to it. But Ukrainian officials can point to a litany of agreements that Putin has made and then broken. They believe that any cessation in the fighting would simply be used as an opportunity for Russia to rearm.Rachman fails to list any of the agreements Russia is claimed to have broken. Does he mean the Minsk agreements which the Ukraine rejected to fulfill? Or is it the Russian–Ukrainian Friendship Treaty (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian%E2%80%93Ukrainian_Friendship_Treaty) which Ukraine in 2019 refused to renew?

Unlike the U.S. and its proxies Russia usually sticks to its treaties and promises.

But aside from that false claim Rachman is mostly right. There is currently no 'theory of victory' for Ukraine. The question now is how much it will lose.

Nonetheless he still hopes for some kind of ceasefire:
One alternative to a formal agreement between Russia and Ukraine might be a de facto freezing of the conflict. In this scenario, Ukraine would move into a mainly defensive posture and hold off further Russian advances. The fighting would never stop completely — but it would dwindle.But Rachman does not explain why Russia would agree to that. Its current president Vladimir Putin certainly does not do so (http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/72994):
There will be peace when we achieve our goals, which you have mentioned. Now let’s return to these goals – they have not changed. I would like to remind you how we formulated them: denazification, demilitarisation, and a neutral status for Ukraine.Russia has made some progress but those aims have not yet been achieved. It will continue the war until the Ukraine agrees to some kind of negotiations and territorial losses. If it does not do so anytime soon Russia will fight until the Ukraine is completely defeated.

The Ukrainian outlet Strana has analyzed how that might happen (https://strana.news/news/453216-pochemu-zahovorili-ob-uhroze-porazhenija-ukrainy.html) (in Russian, machine translation):
Only a few events can bring Ukraine to the brink of complete defeat:

Capture of Kiev.
Cutting off Ukraine from the sea - the capture of the entire Black Sea coast of the country and the withdrawal of Russian troops to the borders of Romania and Moldova. This will be a catastrophic blow to Ukraine both economically and militarily-strategically.
The capture of Dnipro and Zaporizhia – the largest rear, industrial and logistics hubs of the Ukrainian army, which will mean a critical threat to the entire Southern Front of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as most of the eastern one. ...
A strike from Belarus through the Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions with the aim of reaching Transdniestria from the north and maintaining control over this line.

The apocalyptic scenarios described above for Ukraine can only be realized if at least one of the following events occurs (we leave out the options for using nuclear weapons or entering the war on the side of the Russian Federation of large third countries, as they can lead to a world war, where there will be completely different scenarios):


A catastrophic drop in discipline and morale in the Ukrainian army, when entire units begin to surrender or leave their positions without orders, exposing large sections of the front.
Internal destabilization in Ukraine, acute conflict within the military-political leadership, loss of control by the authorities over the processes in the country, the collapse of the army management.
Falling to a critically low level of both military and financial aid from the West.
A sharp (much faster than similar actions of Ukraine) increase in Russia's army size, quality and quantity of weapons used, which will radically change the balance of forces at the front.

At the moment, none of these situations are observed.

However, Russia is obviously actively working to make these points a reality.
I disagree with the Strana writer that none of the Ukrainian failings he describes have yet been observed.

These things occur gradually, not in one sudden moment.

Judging from protest videos Ukrainian units put out, the morale at the front is getting steadily worse. In the last weekly summary the Russian Defense Ministry announced (https://eng.mil.ru/en/special_operation/news/more.htm?id=12491241@egNews) that 82 Ukrainian soldiers were captured or had voluntarily given themselves up. That is a new high.

AP writes on the "gloomy mood (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/a-gloomy-mood-hangs-over-ukraines-soldiers-as-war-with-russia-grinds-on/ar-AA1lEHS9)" of Ukrainian soldiers:
Discontent among Ukrainian soldiers — once extremely rare and expressed only in private — is now more common and out in the open.The conflict between the political and military leadership in Ukraine is again heating up. Yesterday the military announced (https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/12/17/7433465/) that it had found spying devices in General Zaluzny's and his aide's offices. No one thinks that Russia has put them there. Today Zaluzny criticized (https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/12/18/7433530/) the dismissal, by Zelenski, of officials in the recruitment and mobilization offices which has let to disarray:
Quote: "It is still a little early to evaluate recruiting, and as for mobilisation issues, it is not necessary to strengthen it but to bring it back to those limits, to those frameworks that worked before."A new draft law includes the mobilization of all women (https://strana.news/news/453154-chem-hrozit-mobilizatsija-zhenshchin-dlja-ukrainy.html) between 25 and 60. Should it become law many women will simply flee from Ukraine to avoid being shipped to the frontline. That in itself would create many more labor and social problems as well as morale issues.

Aid to Ukraine has already fallen off a cliff. New aid from the U.S. or Europe is seriously in doubt. If either fails to agree to new billions the other will too. Additional problems come from the western border were Polish truckers (https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-truck-ukraine-border-blockade-donald-tusk/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social), now joined by farmers (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/25543), continue to block the border crossings with Ukraine. Shortages in ammunition have already led Ukraine to scaling down its current operations (https://kyivindependent.com/commander-ukrainian-military-scales-down-some-operations-over-foreign-aid-shortages/).

Russia has steadily increased the size of its army and the production of new arms. It puts out way more than the West can deliver to Ukraine.

All these trends continue towards their final effect just like Earnest Hemingway's way into bankruptcy (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/102579-how-did-you-go-bankrupt-two-ways-gradually-then-suddenly): "Gradually, then suddenly."

All of this does not mean that Russia will definitely win the war. Long wars are hard to predict. There are risks everywhere. The U.S. may yet come up with some nastiness that could divert Russia from the war.

Should Russia win and take over most of Ukraine it could negate Ukraine's debt (https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2023/12/as-russia-signals-it-can-achieve-maximalist-aims-in-ukraine-how-would-russia-manage-kiev-and-western-ukraine.html), making the West pay double for its adventure.

That would be a just punishment for the failing neoconservative attempts to dismantle Russia.

[Tintin]

Yet more quite extraordinary footage from the camera of Russian soldiers during the battle for Marinka - date uncertain - which includes the following exchange provided courtesy of Simplicius (https://twitter.com/simpatico771/status/1736877065360523737) on X:


"During the battles in Marinka, Russian soldiers were exchanging fire with the enemy and suddenly shouts of “OUR OWN!” came from the basement.

And then these “friends” started yelling *“palyanitsa”, for which they received several grenades inside."

Of course, the "our own" call was a decoy.

The footage does not show corpses or any bloodshed, but it's about as up close and personal as one could imagine from the viewpoint of the Russian soldier. And a combination of sub-zero temperatures and doubtless some anxiety can be observed from the preparation of the grenade :flower:

Contact Volga on 149.200

Surrender you fools! :flower:


https://avalonlibrary.net/Ukraine/2022_Russian_invasion_%28Operation-Z%29/Video_%2B_photographic_coverage/2023-12_%28December%29/2023-12-19_Close-up_of_grenades_being_thrown_in_trenches_in_battle_for_Marinka_%28non-graphic%29.mp4

* translation from паляница meaning 'a girl' used in the derogatory sense here obviously, but can also mean this:


Here's the explanation:

📚 Word of the day #3

The word “palyanitsa” — Ukrainian for a traditional loaf of bread — is composed of sounds that native Russian speakers cannot pronounce "correctly" and has been used to identify Russians.

Usage example:

Ukrainian: Palyanitsa, palyanitsa! We're Ukrainian!
Russian: What the hell is a palyanitsa? (throws grenade)

[Tintin]

Referenced in the terrific Moon of Alabama article Bill shared here (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?114491-WW3-Ukraine-US-vs.-Donbass-Russia&p=1591607&viewfull=1#post1591607) "Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation" (PDF now in the library (https://avalonlibrary.net/Ukraine/Russia-Ukraine_Friendship_Treaty_1997/Treaty_on_Friendship_Co-operation_and_Partnership_between_Ukraine_and_the_Russian_Federation_%28UN_Treaty_collection_copy%29 _volume-3007-I-52240.pdf)) from the UN Treaty collection.

Here's a Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian%E2%80%93Ukrainian_Friendship_Treaty) summary:


The Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation was an agreement between Ukraine and Russia, signed in 1997, which fixed the principle of strategic partnership, the recognition of the inviolability of existing borders, and respect for territorial integrity and mutual commitment not to use its territory to harm the security of each other. The treaty prevents Ukraine and Russia from invading one another's country respectively, and declaring war.[2] Due to the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, Ukraine announced its intention not to renew the treaty in September 2018.[3] The treaty consequently expired on 31 March 2019.[4][3] The treaty was also known as the "Big Treaty".[5][6]

Until 2019, the treaty was automatically renewed on each 10th anniversary of its signing, unless one party advised the other of its intention to end the treaty six months prior to the date of the renewal.[1][7]

Russia–Ukraine relations have deteriorated since the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatist forces in the war in Ukraine's Donbas region.[8] In response, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree not to extend the treaty.

Signing and ratification
The treaty was signed in Kyiv on 31 May 1997 by the President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma and Russian President Boris Yeltsin.[1]

In Ukraine, the treaty was ratified by the Law of Ukraine No. 13/98-VR on 14 January 1998 (On ratification of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation).[9]

In Russia, on 25 December 1998, the State Duma of the Federal Assembly adopted a resolution on the adoption of the federal law "On ratification of the Agreement of Friendship, Collaboration and Partnership between the Russian Federation and Ukraine" and directed it to the Federation Council. The Federation Council approved this federal law by the Resolution on 17 February 1999. The treaty was ratified.[10]

The document superseded the previous treaty between the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic of 19 November 1990 (before dissolution of the Soviet Union).[11][12]

Contents of the treaty
Under the agreement both parties ensure the citizens of the other countries' rights and freedoms on the same basis and to the same extent that it provides for its citizens, except as prescribed by national legislation of States or international treaties.

Every country protects in established order of the rights of its citizens living in another country, in accordance with commitments to documents of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and other universally recognized principles and norms of international law, agreements within the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The agreement, among other things prematurely confirms the inviolability of borders of countries,[1] regardless of the fact that Russia and Ukraine had not finalized a border between the two countries.[13] The border was delineated in the 2003 Treaty on the Russian-Ukrainian State Border, but Ukraine has started the agreed-upon demarcation unilaterally after Russia dragged its feet.[14]

Under Article 2:
In accord with provisions of the UN Charter and the obligations of the Final Act on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the High Contracting Parties shall respect each other′s territorial integrity and reaffirm the inviolability of the borders existing between them.[15][7][16]

The Treaty document stipulates in Article 40 that the Treaty is entered into for a period of 10 years and renews automatically unless one of the parties notifies the other of its intention to curtail the Treaty.[1]

Termination
On 19 September 2018, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree not to extend the treaty. On 3 December 2018, Poroshenko drafted a legislation to Parliament to end the Treaty of Friendship immediately; support came from Western allies within the United Nations Security Council.[3][17] According to Poroshenko the non-renewal "does not require a vote" in the Ukrainian parliament. Ukraine announced that on 21 September 2018, it would notify the United Nations and other relevant organizations on the termination of the treaty.[18] Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it was notified on 24 September 2018 of the treaty's termination by Ukraine and expressed regret.[19]

On 3 December 2018, Poroshenko submitted a bill on the termination of the treaty to parliament; 277 MPs supported the termination of the treaty, and 20 legislators voted against it.[20] On December 6 the Ukrainian parliament declared the Treaty to be terminated starting from April 1, 2019.[21]

[Tintin]

Arestovich confesses Ukraine won't exist as a country - it has committed national suicide (since 1991) from an interview which may even be a year old. (Thanks to Simplicius on X as the source for this.)

https://avalonlibrary.net/Ukraine/2022_Russian_invasion_%28Operation-Z%29/Video_%2B_photographic_coverage/2023-12_%28December%29/2023-12-19_Arestovich_confesses_Ukraine_will_not_exist_as_a_country_it_has_committed_national_suicide.mp4

[Vicus]

Watch: First Night Version of Russia’s Gastello FPV Attack Drone Tested in Special Op Zone 17.12.2023

The integration of first-person view (FPV) drones in modern warfare has revolutionized the way military operations are carried out. These drones, equipped with cameras and real-time video transmission technology, provide soldiers with a bird's-eye view of the battlefield, enabling them to make informed decisions and execute precise maneuvers.
The first night version of the Russia's Gastello attack FPV drone has been successfully tested in the special military operation zone.
"The first night FPV drone Gastello has been tested in the special operation zone. It was created based on the wishes of Russian FPV drone operators, who operate directly in various areas of the special operation zone. The drone is equipped with a highly sensitive night camera," a representative of the developer said.

According to him, the new development will allow fighters to effectively work on targets in the dark, when conventional drones can't be used.
The UAV is named in honor of Nikolai Gastello, Hero of the Soviet Union. In the early days of the Great Patriotic War, the crew of a DB-3F (Il-4) aircraft under his command carried out a combat mission in which they had to attack a cluster of German equipment. The Nazis shot down the plane, as a result of which it caught fire, and Gastello made a "fiery ram" by directing the aircraft at the enemy column.
The Gastello FPV drone entered production in Russia in August 2023.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231217/watch-first-night-version-of-russias-gastello-fpv-attack-drone-tested-in-special-op-zone-1115638032.html

[bojancan]

Well prepared unbiased presentation... from different source... just finished to listen...

EWjMr3RZ8Ss

[Ravenlocke]

The Duran, 20 minute update

Ukraine wiretap. Russia's tough terms will shock Collective West

AFuOtJiYs0c

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1737061219121459367

1737061219121459367


https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1737080559078092800

1737080559078092800

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin:

Since the European Union adopted the 12th package of sanctions against Russia, 18,772 illegal restrictive measures have been introduced.

The European states are acting on the dictates of the United States, harming first and foremost their own citizens.
The eurozone economy is forecast to enter recession within six months. This means recession - the first since the coronavirus pandemic.

As one of the leading American publications admits, "Washington was counting on the withdrawal of Western companies to help strangle the Russian economy. But the Russian leadership had other plans and turned the boycott of Western companies into a windfall for the state.

Western companies that announced their withdrawal from our country lost more than $103 billion.
This money stayed in Russia.

By the way, our country's GDP growth will be 3.5 per cent by the end of the year.

@ukraine_watch
https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1737132609182810252
1737132609182810252

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad:

Most people don't know that the rise of the Nazis between World War I and World War II was supported by the Americans. Many believe that the West defeated the Nazis during the Normandy landings, but few know that Hitler's defeat began in 1941 at the walls of Moscow. Two years after the start of the war, the West and especially the United States did not take any action against the Nazis. Stalin called on America to intervene, but she refused. The US wanted the Nazis and Communists to destroy each other so they could control Europe once both sides were weakened. The famous Nuremberg trials were carried out on Nazi leaders who refused to cooperate with America. Those who cooperated lived with honor in America.

https://t.me/vicktop55/19377

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1737136876778062130

1737136876778062130

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/AXChristoforou/status/1737171766093447403

1737171766093447403

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737123781775184192

1737123781775184192

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737122545155940554

1737122545155940554

Text:

Putin about the causes of the war in Ukraine.

1. The West, in a sense, “outplayed” Russia in the situation around Ukraine after 2014.
2. We tried to fight the nationalists with economic means and concessions. The West did not agree to an agreement and started a war in Ukraine in 2014
3. Russian people live in the Southeast, their only native language is Russian, traditions are also Russian
4. The West saw that it was impossible to achieve its goals by legal means, since we were working with the southeast, so it went for a coup d’etat
5. There would have been a massacre in Crimea if Russia had not annexed the peninsula after the coup in Kyiv in 2014. The West achieved its goals, and we had no choice but to help Crimea
6. We calmly tried to come to an agreement, we were ready to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine on certain conditions, so as not to endanger the people who live there
7. The West has always scared the West with Russia, but we are not going to fight with Europe. Why do we need these NATO countries? We didn’t need them, and we won’t need them in the future.
8. If the Minsk agreements on Donbass were implemented, everything would “gradually grow together.” The USA achieved what they wanted, but what, they had to give up everything and watch them slurp
9. We couldn’t behave differently or just hand over everything and watch them chomping away, eating everything in a row - ours, primordially Russian.
10. The United States deliberately dragged Russia and Europe into the conflict, achieved its goal, but Moscow had no other options. Europe cannot resist the United States due to its dependence.
11. For Russia, Ukraine’s entry into NATO would be unacceptable even in 10-15 years, and not just now.
12. Russia will negotiate on Ukraine solely based on its interests.

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1737077811263795422

1737077811263795422

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737121516079194443

1737121516079194443

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737122220449615960

1737122220449615960

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https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737120645232644445

1737120645232644445

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737121014847361300

1737121014847361300


https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737064829116875170

1737064829116875170

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https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737055635739419020

1737055635739419020

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737031411935093218

1737031411935093218

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737041582660927818

1737041582660927818

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737108580292256217

1737108580292256217


https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737122086798143618

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[Ravenlocke]

[QUOTE=Ravenlocke;1591702]https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1737061219121459367

1737061219121459367

BREAKING:

⚡ 🇩🇪 Member of the Bundestag from the CDU Roderich Kiesewetter:

"We must seize the lithium in Donetsk and Lugansk"

"If Europe wants to achieve energy transition, then it needs its own lithium deposits. The largest lithium deposits are located in the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk"

Lithium is the material from which batteries are made. This is the first such direct recognition from Germany and confirms the facts that I have written many times.

One of the main goals of NATO was to break Russia from within into smaller states and through Western corporations to seize their natural resources. The same way they did in Libya, Syria, Iraq, etc. That's why the west went "all in" on this war against Russia and lost.

Europe had two options before the war, continue to cooperate with Russia and use the cheap resources they were getting, or declare war on her, crush her and seize those resources for even cheaper price.

They chose the second path and now their downfall is happening. While the US fulfilled its planned plans, it cut off Germany and Europe from gas and cooperation with Russia and now sells them 4 times more expensive liquid gas.

On the other hand, the USA successfully began to push Europe out of the fight for the world's most powerful economies, in which China also joined.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1737196936237572371

1737196936237572371

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺Putin “Russified” the holdings of two joint ventures of Gazprom - no more foreign management in Russian fields

The President signed decrees that provide for the creation of an LLC, to which all rights, assets and obligations of Gazprom’s joint ventures with the German company Wintershall Dea and the Austrian OMV will be transferred: Severneftegazprom, which is developing the Yuzhno-Russkoye field, as well as Achimgaz and "Achim Development", which develop sections of the Urengoy field.

The recent law that secured the right of the head of state to introduce management of property is only gaining momentum. Previously, Pulkovo Airport was also “Russified” - the government, according to a presidential decree, took control of the air harbor away from foreign companies.

readovkanews

https://x.com/dana916/status/1737200425420325080

1737200425420325080

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
The UN General Assembly adopted a Russian resolution on the fight against the glorification of Nazism: Ukraine and the United States are against

118 countries voted for the resolution, 49 were against, and 14 abstained. Among those against were the USA, Ukraine, Britain, and Germany. The document was voted for, among others. China and Israel.
▪️The document recommends that countries take appropriate concrete measures, “including in legislation and education, in accordance with their international human rights obligations, in order to prevent the revision of the history and outcome of the Second World War and the denial of crimes against humanity and military crimes committed during the Second World War."
▪️The document “strongly condemns” incidents related to the glorification and propaganda of Nazism, in particular the application of graffiti and drawings of pro-Nazi content, including on monuments to the victims of World War II.
http://t.me/RVvoenkor

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1737224143441928447

1737224143441928447

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1737087272468570547

1737087272468570547

https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1737083887879066043

1737083887879066043

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/TomatkaP/status/1737160406429544742

1737160406429544742

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

🇺🇸🇫🇮 The United States will station its military contingent in Finland on the border with Russia.

The United States will station their troops in Finland on the border with the Russian Federation. Details of the defense deal have not yet been revealed, but it includes more than just the deployment of American troops. The agreement with the United States is aimed at providing rapid military assistance to Finland in the event of a conflict, the country's officials said.

https://x.com/dana916/status/1737288680664908093

1737288680664908093

[Ernie Nemeth]

seriously?

[Bill Ryan]

seriously?Here's a 3 minute report from Voice of America, published yesterday.

Finland Signs Defense Deal with US, Temporarily Shuts Border with Russia


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRQTC3Z-bUY[/url]
The video text:

Finland entered into a defense cooperation agreement with the United States on Monday, allowing the U.S. military access to Finnish national security facilities. In the past month, Finland closed its border with Russia, accusing the Kremlin of sending migrants in an act of 'hybrid warfare.'

[Mike Gorman]

Finland is being reckless here, becoming another Ukraine, a flash point for more war, how can Russia tolerate American bases on its border, or the nuclear missiles which are bound to be installed!

[Ewan]

far-right racism scandal finland government (https://www.politico.eu/article/far-right-racism-scandal-rock-finland-government-pressure-new-prime-minister-petteri-orpo/)

Seems to be dated July 12th this year.





Finland’s new prime minister has had his honeymoon period savagely cut short by two racism scandals that have thrown his government into turmoil.

Center-right leader Petteri Orpo, widely regarded as a dependable political operator, is already watching the uproar undercut one of his key strategic moves: The decision to team up with the far-right Finns Party in government.

The Finns Party has long been seen as something of a wild card in Finnish politics, pushing a “Finland first” line, which has seen it advocate strong anti-EU and anti-immigration positions. Its leaders, from Timo Soini to Jussi Halla-aho to current chief Riikka Purra, have long kept headline writers busy with flamethrowing speeches and populist blog posts.

After elections in April, Purra secured serious influence in Orpo’s new government, not least by taking the role of finance minister and deputy prime minister for herself during lengthy government formation talks.

More at link above.

[Bill Ryan]

Aussie Cossack (Simeon Boikov) is known for occasional exaggeration (or jumping the gun on unconfirmed news), but nonetheless this is pretty interesting.

The text:
BREAKING: Vladimir Putin hints at the return of Western Ukrainian border regions once annexed by Stalin from Poland, Hungary & Romania.
Potentially this means:


Transcarpathia back to Hungary
Galicia back to Poland
Bukovina back to Romania


https://twitter.com/aussiecossack/status/1737096322573115620
1737096322573115620

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1737526380462498250

1737526380462498250

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1737526339790676290

1737526339790676290

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Telegram channel Vladtoday: Briefing by Secretary of State Biden Antony Blinken.

Russia has become weaker economically, militarily and diplomatically, while NATO has become larger. (Maybe Blinken was given something hallucinogenic at the Ukrainian McDonald’s? He still can’t come to his senses: he’ll soon start caroling with Zelensky in Congress about new tanks)

Putin has already lost the war with Ukraine, since he did not achieve his main goal - to wipe Ukraine off the face of the earth and absorb it into Russia. (Is this the parallel reality where the USA won in Afghanistan and Vietnam? Tell me, who knows...🤔)

Our support not only helped the Ukrainians, 90% of the security assistance we provided to Ukraine was spent here in the US, strengthening our defense industry. (But this already seems to be true)

I agree with Putin on one thing: American assistance is critical for Ukraine. (No comments)

We will continue to engage with China from a position of strength. (Are you sure you understand the meaning of the word “diplomacy”?)

The US has a “clear plan” for the future development of Ukraine, which does not imply the need to allocate funds at the current level. (They had a plan and they stuck to it 🤦‍♂️)

There is no “magic pot” of money; we have practically run out of time and money to help Ukraine. 👏

But we need to help Ukraine survive winter, spring and summer. (... and Zelensky and Biden...)

https://t.me/vicktop55/19419

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1737531139990966356

1737531139990966356

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦Ukrainian channel Strana:

Six thousand men of military age leave Ukraine every day. Of these, only 150-200 people are volunteers under the “Shlyakh” system.

This was announced by the head of the department for organizing border control of the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service, Igor Matviychuk.

Recently, the scheme of leaving mothers with many children after marriage has become popular.

Many leave as accompanying disabled people, there is also a loophole there - one disabled person can be taken out several times by different people if the act of establishing the fact of leaving is forged.

Another large percentage of men leaving have certificates of unfitness for military service.

Some even change the gender on their passport - without surgery on the body.

Slavyangrad
https://x.com/dana916/status/1737481637103911181

1737481637103911181

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1737646187887591723

1737646187887591723

[Tintin]

Russian diplomatic delegation lands in DC, December 20th

I picked up on this yesterday and have held off posting it whilst waiting for any further update. This is the type of aircraft used by diplomats from the Russian Federation so would be of the type used by Sergei Lavrov, but, it's not a flight he'd be on as he is in Tunisia at present.

There have been all kinds of speculation surrounding the meaning of this, the most obvious of which being that it could be signalling the cessation of the conflict, which personally I doubt: it could be a presentation of Russian conditions for Ukraine's unconditional surrender. It - the visit - could of course entail discussion on all manner of other geopolitical issues, perhaps even including Gaza.

Without being in any of the rooms we most certainly don't know who from Russia is representing the Federation here, but it an interesting moment and development which should be worth keeping a very close eye on.

We will of course find out in due course what all this may mean:

1737782119613497641

Source: https://twitter.com/KitKlarenberg/status/1737782119613497641

Text:



"The Kremlin plane is still parked on the runway at Dulles, DC. Awfully protracted stopover if it's just there to rotate diplomats, as some are coping. You'd think they'd be at the airport waiting for its arrival. Check here:https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/ra-96023#" - Kit Klarenberg, 10:28 AM · Dec 21, 2023

Text (yesterday):



"An hour and a half ago, a Russian "Special Flight Squadron" plane landed in Washington DC. They are used by Kremlin officials. It set out from St. Petersburg. You do the math." - Kit Klarenberg, 2:03 PM · Dec 20, 2023

[Bill Ryan]

Russian diplomatic delegation lands in DC, December 20th

My personal bet (but only a small one!) is that this is connected with the next UN Security Council resolution and vote for a Gaza ceasefire. It's reported by Alexander Mercouris and others that the next draft resolution is being prepared in consultation with the US, which is being increasingly isolated and embarrassed by all this.

[Tintin]

Russian diplomatic delegation lands in DC, December 20th

My personal bet (but only a small one!) is that this is connected with the next UN Security Council resolution and vote for a Gaza ceasefire. It's reported by Alexander Mercouris and others that the next draft resolution is being prepared in consultation with the US, which is being increasingly isolated and embarrassed by all this.

That's a good bet actually and would make a lot of sense :highfive:

[Open Minded Dude]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1737646187887591723

1737646187887591723

The next will hopefully be 'Climate'? Ok, just dreaming. :fingers crossed:

¤=[Post Update]=¤




Russian diplomatic delegation lands in DC, December 20th

My personal bet (but only a small one!) is that this is connected with the next UN Security Council resolution and vote for a Gaza ceasefire. It's reported by Alexander Mercouris and others that the next draft resolution is being prepared in consultation with the US, which is being increasingly isolated and embarrassed by all this.

That's a good bet actually and would make a lot of sense :highfive:

Yet I still cannot imagine them NOT talking Ukraine.

[Vicus]

Scott Ritter: On speaking plain 'Putin'


Scott Ritter
Consortium News
Mon, 18 Dec 2023

Back in March, I had the opportunity to participate in an on-line forum where a well-known Russian expert provided a briefing on the "ground truth" as he saw it from Moscow.

Following the briefing, the floor was opened for questions. I had noted that the briefer, the moderator, and indeed the audience made repetitive use of the term "invasion" to describe what Russia has called a "Special Military Operation."

I brought up the limited objectives of the Russian military effort at the time of its initiation, namely the goal of compelling Ukraine to agree to a negotiated settlement and asked if the term "Special Military Operation" was not a more accurate description of reality.

The expert understood my question and agreed that the term "Special Military Operation" carried with it a specific connotation which distinguished it from a classic military invasion. However, in the group chat, where participants were able to comment on the proceedings, one individual offered the following observation: "'Special Military Operation?' What's that? I don't speak Putin."

This forum was intended as a way to better inform the participants about one of the most pressing issues of the day — the conflict between Russia and Ukraine — and to better prepare them for assessing the consequences of this conflict globally.

Given the failure of the collective West to impose its will on Russia through what is widely considered a proxy conflict, one would think that some form of retrospective analysis would be in order. However, to engage in such an activity constructively, an agreed-upon lexicon would be needed to communicate effectively.


Since Russia is prevailing in the conflict, one would also think that a modicum of interest should be given to how Russia defines the conflict. In short, anyone who is interested in learning the lessons of the collective West's failure in Ukraine should learn "to speak Putin."

Worn-Out Cold War Thinking

https://www.sott.net/image/s34/695257/large/1_Berlin_Wall_in_1961_Wikimedi.jpg
Berlin Wall in 1961

The problem is, those in the West who should be preparing a proper lexicon from which the Russian-Ukraine conflict could be more accurately assessed are instead operating from an outdated lexicon rooted in the language and mindset of a time that no longer exists, born of a Cold War mentality that prevents any deep-seated and relevant analysis of the true situation between Russia and the West.

Both the United States and NATO have described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as possessing existential consequences for Europe and the world, with the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, going so far as to declare in October 2022 that "Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine will be a defeat of NATO," adding ominously, "This cannot be allowed."

Bad news, Mr. Stoltenberg — Russia has won. While the "Special Military Operation" has yet to be concluded, Russia has seized the strategic initiative across the board when it comes to conflict with Ukraine, forcing the Ukrainian military to terminate a counteroffensive, which the government of Ukraine and its NATO allies had invested tens of billions of dollars in military resources, and tens of thousands of Ukrainian lives in hopes of achieving a decisive victory over the Russian military on the battlefield.

continue: https://www.sott.net/article/487061-Scott-Ritter-On-speaking-plain-Putin

[Vicus]

Ukraine conflict exposed truth about Western military equipment - Putin RT
Tue, 19 Dec 2023

https://www.sott.net/image/s34/695149/large/1_A_US_made_Bradley_light_armo.jpg
A US-made Bradley light armored vehicle

Russia's forces have repeatedly reported destroying or capturing tanks and fighting vehicles donated to Kiev...

Ukraine is facing significant battlefield losses, and its counteroffensive has failed to impress Kiev's foreign backers, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Defense Ministry Board meeting on Tuesday. Putin said that Kiev's forces faced these pitfalls despite receiving high-grade Western military equipment.

Kiev has lost over 14,000 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles since the start of Russia's military operation in the country, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said during the meeting.

"The myth of the invulnerability of Western military equipment has collapsed," said Putin.


Throughout the Ukraine conflict, countries like the US, Germany, France, and the UK have supplied Kiev with hundreds of pieces of state-of-the-art Western-made heavy military equipment such as Leopard 2, Abrams and Challenger tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and more.

Russian forces, however, have repeatedly reported either destroying or capturing this hardware, which had often been touted in Western media as superior to anything Russia has to offer.

Earlier this month, Russian soldiers in Ukraine reportedly seized yet another batch of US and German-made heavy equipment. In a video posted by Russian journalist Vladimir Soloviev, the Russian troops could be seen approaching a Leopard 2A4 tank, which had apparently been abandoned by its Ukrainian operators as there were no signs of any damage to the tank.

In August, Russia's Defense Ministry even organized an exhibition of captured Western weaponry near Moscow, displaying everything from American M-113 armored personnel carriers and Swedish CV90-40s to French wheeled AMX-10RCR tanks and Australian Bushmaster armored vehicles. In total, the exhibition featured over 870 types of armaments seized by Russian forces, including examples of Soviet and Ukrainian-made equipment.

In July, President Putin also stated that captured Western weaponry would be "reverse-engineered" to adopt any technology that might turn out to be useful for Russian forces.

https://www.sott.net/article/487059-Ukraine-conflict-exposed-truth-about-Western-military-equipment-Putin

[Vicus]

wanna made your day?

Then read the stupidity comment from an US retired US general

For me of no value to post... :chuckle:

https://www.sott.net/article/487052-Ukraine-must-copy-1944-Nazi-Germany-retired-US-general-Ben-Hodges-says

[Vicus]

Sergey Poletaev: Here’s Russia’s plan for the Ukraine conflict in 2024 20 Dec, 2023

The endgame has become clearer – but will be settled with a grand bargain or a crushing military defeat for Kiev?

By Sergey Poletaev, co-founder and editor of the Vatfor project.

The conflict in Ukraine has unleashed a rare wave of emotion in Russian society, and, indeed, around the world. The dashing cavalry charges that gave one side or the other hope of a quick victory have given way to a brutal positional fight. For many, elation has been replaced by burnout – it seems a hopeless stalemate lies ahead, and that the military operation has lost its purpose, now reduced to raids on unnecessary Ukrainian villages and nameless forest plantations.

But this does not seem to be the case.

In my previous article, we talked about why we can’t attack Ukraine on a broad front, occupy Kharkov, the Russian city of Odessa and so on.

But here’s another reason: We don’t really want to. Or rather, President Vladimir Putin doesn’t.

Not yet.

continue: https://swentr.site/russia/589386-russia-plan-ukraine-conflict-2024/

Vicus comment: interesting article but too long to post

[Vicus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho7w1a6GJVQ

The Russians Are Advancing At Ocheretyne, Novomykhailivka And Ivanivske. Military Summary 2023.12.21

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1737856506165612766

1737856506165612766

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
◾Every day, about 6 thousand men of military age leave the territory of Ukraine abroad.

◾This was stated at a briefing by the head of the department for organizing border control of the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service, Igor Matviychuk.

◾ They schemes used are variable from using transport permits for truck drivers to several relatives of conscription age accompanying a disable family member across the border.
Source: UkraineHumanRightsAbuses

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1737847834001715340

1737847834001715340

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
‼️🇷🇺🏴‍☠️Explosions in Kerch: the Russian army repelled an attack in the area of ​​the Crimean bridge, which was aimed by the US Air Force Poseidon
▪️Several explosions occurred and there was smoke in the sky. Air defense forces destroyed missiles in the area of ​​the Crimean Bridge, eyewitnesses and the media reported. Traffic on the bridge itself was blocked.
❗️Around 15:00 (Moscow time), the Kiev regime tried to attack targets on Russian territory - a Ukrainian missile was destroyed over the Sea of ​​Azov, the Russian Ministry of Defense has just reported.
▪️Before the attack in the Kerch Strait, an American Boeing P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft appeared in the Black Sea region. Immediately after repelling the attack, Poseidon headed deep into Romania. He flew there from a NATO base in Sicily.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1737850598958178628

1737850598958178628

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1737897939727483350

1737897939727483350

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russian Defense Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation

21 December 2023

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

▫️ In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces jointly with helicopters, artillery, and heavy flamethrowers repelled nine attacks launched by assault groups of the 95th Air Assault, 14th and 43rd Mechanized brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The Zapad Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on clusters of AFU manpower and hardware close to Petropavlovka (Kharkov region) and Terny (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses amounted to up to 55 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, as well as two D-30 howitzers.

▫️ In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces repelled one attack launched by the AFU 12th Special Forces Brigade near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).

In addition, air strikes and artillery fire struck the personnel and hardware of the 63rd and 67th mechanized brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Torskoye (Donestk People's Republic) and Serebryansky forestry.

The enemy lost up to 190 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, and one D-20 howitzer.

▫️ In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled 17 attacks, and inflicted fire damage on AFU manpower and hardware close to Bogdanovka, Belaya Gora, Artyomovo, and Georgiyevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 210 Ukrainian troops, and three pick-up trucks.

In counter-battery warfare, one UK-made AS-90 self-propelled artillery system, three Akatsia self-propelled artillery systems, two Gvozdika self-popelled artillery systems, one D-20 howitzer, as well as one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-37 counterbattery warfare radar were neutralised.

▫️ In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, helicopters, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 72nd Mechanized, 79th Air Assault brigades near Katerinovka and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses amounted to up to 65 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two motor vehicles, one Giatsint-S self-propelled gun, as well as one D-20 howitzer.

▫️ In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces repelled one attack launched an assault group of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

In addition, air strikes and artillery fire hit AFU personnel and hardware close to Novodanilovka and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy lost up to 75 Ukrainian troops and four motor vehicles.

▫️ In Kherson direction, as a result of the Russian Group of Forces actions, artillery fire, and air strikes, the AFU losses amounted to over 70 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Msta-B howitzer, and one Giatsint-B gun.

▫️ Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 129 areas during the day.

▫️ Air defense units shot down 29 unmanned aerial vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Svatovo, Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Mayorsk, Gorlovka (Donetsk People's Republic), Peremozhnoye (Zaporozhye region), Tavriysk, Novaya Kakhovka (Kherson region), as well as four HIMARS MLRS projectiles.

📊 In total, 553 airplanes and 260 helicopters, 9,928 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defense missile systems, 14,226 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,430 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,547 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/1737846534971203608

1737846534971203608[COLOR="red"]

[Ravenlocke]

First Finland, now Denmark…
https://x.com/dana916/status/1737680225532567775

1737680225532567775

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

🇺🇦 AFU continues to strengthen the defense line right up to the western border of Ukraine

Judging by the footage, they are thoroughly preparing for the “defensive winter”: they are building concrete pillboxes, living quarters in the depths, and trenches in the deep rear.

Earlier, footage of strengthening military positions in the Chernigov region with dragon teeth appeared on the Internet.

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1737894356328010025

1737894356328010025

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/DougAMacgregor/status/1737880861645697300

1737880861645697300

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/I_Katchanovski/status/1737825175461109966

1737825175461109966

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MayaSashenka/status/1737822482956947753

1737822482956947753

https://x.com/MayaSashenka/status/1737528675447320593

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https://x.com/MayaSashenka/status/1737515565076344847

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https://x.com/dana916/status/1737676910644052131

1737676910644052131

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
💥 Ukrainian forces strike against civilians of Donetsk again

The library of Donetsk National Technical University is on fire. Ukrainian 155mm artillery is striking the city center.

Additionally, Ukrainian drones dropping explosive aerial munitions are again detected over the Petrovsky district.

There's nobody but civilians in the university, on the city streets. This is the agony of Kiev regime — one terror attack after another, specifically aimed at civilians.

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1737918084004843620

1737918084004843620

[Bill Ryan]

https://www.moonofalabama.org/17i/zelenskiprice-s.jpg

:)

[Ewan]

https://www.moonofalabama.org/17i/zelenskiprice-s.jpg

:)

Almost at the price where it becomes a valid source of fuel. :candle:

[Vicus]

Gerasimov explains. IKEA and obsession with Wehrmacht

this video is perfect after this article: https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?114491-WW3-Ukraine-US-vs.-Donbass-Russia&p=1591973&viewfull=1#post1591973


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHtDY1EJLJg

For people who are interesting in all kind military strategies...

[grapevine]

Desperate US/EU To Seize Rus Assets, Send Ukr Refugees Fight; Tighten Oil Cap, Sanction DiamondsAs Money & Weapons Run Out
Topic 1061

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pnCyh_4828 (1:13:2 mins)
Alexander Mercouris gives his usual thorough update on the current situation in Ukraine and what a sorry tale he has to tell. Among other things, Alexander reports that:

- Putin feels he's allowed the West to string him along and that there's no chance of a negotiated solution to the conflict;
- Ukraine refugees are being threatened with losing benefits if they don't return to fight, which puts them firmly between a rock and a hard place. It should be noted that many European countries are against this.
- There are rumours that the West will use confiscated Russian assets for funding the war in Ukraine; if so, apart from the legality of it, this may backfire if other countries decide it's not a good idea to hold assets in the West.
- and more . . .

[shaberon]

Finland entered into a defense cooperation agreement with the United States on Monday, allowing the U.S. military access to Finnish national security facilities. In the past month, Finland closed its border with Russia, accusing the Kremlin of sending migrants in an act of 'hybrid warfare.'


Think Azov.

Think White Supremacy.

Some of the Finns are the most avid supremacists you could dream of! Why? Country is 96% white! Purest snow in the range!

Russians are "Tatars", "Cossacks", "Mongolians", etc., = mud filth in this ideology.

No military thing need make sense for "defending the bloodline".

[Bill Ryan]

This new video is largely about the predicament within the US, but the first 20 minutes are MOST MOST interesting, very relevant to this thread.

Michael Jaco interviews Dr Scott Bennett, a former US Army Special Operations Officer who has just returned from Russia.

When he was there, Bennett trained with the Spetsnaz (Russian Elite Special Forces), and went to the front lines with them, in combat.

I learned more from what he recounts in his opening 20 minutes than in every other video or article I've seen or read, including those from Douglas Macgregor or Scott Ritter. It was totally illuminating in a whole bunch of ways.

Interestingly, he saw other Americans, together with South Koreans, Japanese and Serbians, also fighting alongside the Russians. Bennett reports that they all explained: "Russia is the only uncorrupted nation."

HIGHLY recommended for anyone who's been closely following this thread, and this conflict. Trust me. Just the first 20 minutes.

(There's also one brief section starting at 52:50, when Bennett returns to mention advanced Russian drone warfare, and how the drone operators train for 40 hours until they can fly them "like peregrine falcons". It's a very short section before they resume discussing internal American problems, but it was also most interesting.)

Fresh off the battle front of the Russo-Ukraine War, revealing US lies
v3zuhh0

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Another bombshell article from legendary American journalist Seymour Hersh:

“US began preparing a terrorist attack on the Nord Stream gas pipeline "weeks" before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.”

Not surprised.

The overall geopolitical goals of stealing Ukraine and Crimea from Russia… splitting Russia from Europe etc. were all planned for a long time.

https://x.com/Kanthan2030/status/1738306716775952857

1738306716775952857

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ShoahUkraine/status/1738403477842461161

1738403477842461161

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1738581334652596294

1738581334652596294

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1738535170456629547

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https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1738570509951135768

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https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1738571216447774739

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1738606586430660685

1738606586430660685

[Vicus]

Hope?

Finally some balls ! I asked myself from years! where are the balls from this country? (US)with Thousands and Thousands veterans from all wrong wars they fought...
Most of them treating to survive their PST,Thousands and Thousands committed suicide, but the rest?

Just watching their country fall deeper and deeper ? in a full armed country? as coronation a stolen elections in the self titled land of the free? the protector Democracy world wide ?

That´s why this country is now a laughed stick for the rest of the world ...
Their Constitution self declares very clear what to do when the country is threatened/betrayed from inside!
The time is Now! later will be too late...

If no reaction come soon the rest of the world will just watching on TV how this country undergo between the two Oceans...

That is the only thing this country was teaching the World ...

[ExomatrixTV]

Russian Tanks BREACHED Ukrainian Positions in Novomykhailivka:

EYNnty0iKZQ
Winter Offensive. Russian Armored Columns Break Through in Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Novomykhailivka. Heavy fighting all along the front. To repel Russian assault squads, Ukraine wants to mobilize an additional 500,000 troops. Difficult situation in Krynky persists.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1738635398429942113

1738635398429942113

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1738679461409587234

1738679461409587234

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
December 2️⃣3️⃣. Special military operation progress, stay tuned for tomorrow:

◾️According to the Russian Defence Ministry, Russian forces repelled 16 attacks by Ukrainian forces in various directions, destroying up to 620 Ukrainian militants and four tanks, including a German Leopard 2;

◾️Russian air defences intercepted 6 HIMARS and Uragan MLRS shells overnight;

◾️A Ukrainian kamikaze drone attacked an asphalt compactor on a bridge in the Graivoron district of the Belgorod region, injuring 3 workers, Governor Gladkov said;

◾️The number of shells fired from the Ukrainian side on the territory of the Belgorod region exceeded 70 for the second day in a row, the governor said;

◾️The AFU shelled Gorlovka in the DPR for half an hour, firing 18 shells of the NATO calibre of 155 millimetres, the DPR representative to the Joint Centre for Control and Coordination of Issues Related to Ukrainian War Crimes said;

◾️The explosions occurred in Dnepr, Ukraine, amid an air alert, Ukrainian media reported;

◾️The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE ODIHR) said it was not in contact with the Ukrainian authorities regarding the list of so-called "victims in Bucha".

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1738672430917263391

1738672430917263391

Text:

🇷🇺 Russian Foreign Ministry: refusal to provide the Russian side and the media with a list of those killed in Bucha indicates that it was a staged act

The bloody performance was performed by Ukraine with the help of the United States and Britain. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.

Zakharova explained that “the provocation of the Third Reich in Nemmersdorf in 1944 was taken as the basis.”
- Ostashko reports

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1738483015536218144


1738483015536218144

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SgforgoodStella/status/1738605595521843638

1738605595521843638

[Ravenlocke]

Negotiations, US Proxy, Rus Will Win;
ISW Mysticism;
Drive Rus Out Black Sea NATO

1KIND4Tmsv0

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/OlgaBazova/status/1739349790943502673

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https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739368604913557982

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1739203725564977398

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https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1739319815632785583

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[Bill Ryan]

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739368604913557982

1739368604913557982Bumping this. :heart:

The video is only 15 seconds, taken from a drone. At the very end you can see the abandoned Ukrainian woman unable to move, waving a flag. You can guarantee that the rescuing Russian soldiers will take extremely good care of her. :flower:

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Putin congratulated the soldiers on the liberation of Mariinka and offered to reward all those who distinguished themselves.

Thus, in 2023, the Russian army liberated 3 cities - Artemovsk, Soledar and Marinka, not counting many villages. The next city in line is Avdeevka. - FRWL reports

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739317260412420451

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Journalist investigating the purchase of a luxury villa by Zelensky's mother-in-law has died in 'mysterious circumstances'.

The body of journalist Mohammed al-Alawi was found in a deserted area, according to Egyptian media quoting police. Multiple fractures and haematomas were found on his body, and his death was caused by a cerebral haemorrhage due to a severe head injury.

The publication's source said Al-Alawi was beaten by a group of people.

In August, Al-Alawi published an investigation into a luxury villa bought by Olga Kiyashko, Zelensky's mother-in-law. The villa was located in the so-called "city of millionaires" in Egypt.

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739295052248047703

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[Ravenlocke]

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🇷🇺🇺🇦After the explosion of the large landing ship "Novocherkassk" in the port of Feodosia last night, its debris scattered throughout the city.

This was reported by the state channel "Vesti. Crimea".

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the ship was damaged as a result of a guided missile strike.

new_militarycolumnist

https://x.com/dana916/status/1739689811928129537

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[Ravenlocke]

In Ukraine, 220 communities were exposed that illegally transported men abroad.

1.6 thousand criminal cases have been opened due to illegal border crossings, Ukrainian border guards report.

The day before, a bill was introduced in the Rada, according to which in Ukraine they will be able to mobilize men with one eye, without part of an arm or leg and with a height of less than 130 cm.

The picture for the post was generated by a neural network.

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739740011463868899

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🇺🇸 US attempts to confiscate frozen assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation will undermine American influence and demonstrate to the world that it is better to keep funds in independent banking centers and currencies other than the dollar and euro - Bloomberg.

"Such a move would raise geopolitical questions. One effect would be to signal to China and other countries that have strained relations with the US that their central bank assets would be next to be confiscated if, say, China attacked Taiwan. So they would redouble their efforts to Holding assets in neutral banking centers and currencies other than the dollar and euro could undermine U.S. influence in the long term,” the agency writes.

@Slavyangrad

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739704283438743688

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🇺🇦Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov was running away from uncomfortable questions from a journalist.

The journalists asked him to explain where the government would get the money to equip another 500,000 mobilised people when there are already 700,000 soldiers in the rear for whom there are not enough weapons.

The minister preferred a tactical retreat. 😁

@ukraine_watch


https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739702723086340545

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Ukrainian parliamentary deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak called Zelensky an undemocratic head and a totalitarian leader because he has only five people in his team.

Zheleznyak is linked to George Soros' structures and is unlikely to make such statements without an order from his patron.🤔

@ukraine_watch

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739702410589729248

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1739725320339468317

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https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1739723510535119046

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1739688817227919812

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Text:
In honor of the liberation of Marinka, Donbass Post presented a new stamp.

The blue shade signifies the desire for victory and justice, white – purity, silver – nobility.

“In the center of the shield there is an ear of corn, symbolizing the wealth of the earth, and a swallow soaring in the sky, personifying rebirth and renewal,” this is how the stamp was described in the Donbass Post.

https://x.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1739702759874502729

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Tibortibor15/status/1739384186312462821

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1739760725441012060

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/RothLindberg/status/1738880518928613434
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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/OlgaBazova/status/1739623583800787271

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[Vicus]

WATCH RT report from inside key liberated Donbass town 25 Dec, 2023 video


The intense fighting has left Maryinka reduced to rubble

https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2023.12/l/6589f3942030273e892febdd.png

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu on Monday announced the full liberation of Maryinka, a town located immediately to the west of Donetsk. The town had been a major stronghold for the Ukrainian military, and intense fighting has left it heavily damaged.

RT’s Igor Zhdanov filmed inside the ravaged town during the final days of the battle for it, and was there filming when Moscow was announcing its liberation. Maryinka remains unsafe, with fighting still ongoing very close to the town.

No structure was left intact in the town, which was once home to over 10,000 people; RT drone footage has revealed widespread destruction across Maryinka. Kiev’s forces drove locals out long ago, turning nearly every building into an armed redoubt. What’s left of the town’s streets is littered with destroyed military hardware, both Ukrainian and Russian, footage shows.

The liberation of the town was announced by Shoigu during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Today, assault units with the troops grouping South fully liberated the town of Maryinka to the southwest of Donetsk,” the minister said.

The development opens new opportunities for the Russian military, as well as drives the Ukrainian forces farther from Donetsk, Putin noted. The president congratulated all the troops who had been involved in the battle for Maryinka “at different stages,” tasking Shoigu with awarding the most distinguished servicemen.

Maryinka has seen combat of varying intensity for nearly a decade already, first between Kiev’s troops and the rebels of then-Ukrainian Donbass and now between the Russian and Ukrainian militaries. The town served not only as a stronghold for the Ukrainian forces, but was among key staging points for the attack on Donetsk itself. The city has been routinely subjected to indiscriminate artillery and missile attacks on an almost daily basis amid the hostilities.

The fighting over Maryinka intensified in recent months, with Russian forces gradually seizing key locations across the town. The advance has proven to be extremely difficult, given the vast system of reinforced concrete bunkers and underground tunnels created by the Ukrainians inside Maryinka over the years.

https://swentr.site/russia/589669-rt-inside-liberated-maryinka/

[Vicus]

Ukraine confirms retreat from key Donbass town 26 Dec, 2023

Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny has confirmed the retreat of his troops to the outskirts of Maryinka, a key Donbass town, where Russian forces claimed victory on Monday after months of fierce fighting for the stronghold.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Zaluzhny acknowledged the pullback of Ukrainian troops from Maryinka, located to the west of Donetsk. He likened the heavy fighting for the town in recent months to Ukraine’s loss earlier this year of Artyomovsk (known as Bakhmut in Ukrainian).

“This is exactly the same as it was in Bakhmut – street by street, block by block, and our soldiers were being targeted – and the result is what it is,” Zaluzhny said. “This is a war, so the fact that we have now retreated to the outskirts of Maryinka and set up positions behind Maryinka in some areas is nothing that can cause any public outcry. Sadly, this is what war is like.”

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced on Monday that Moscow’s forces had fully liberated Maryinka. Ukrainian troops had dug in for nearly a decade, using the town as a key hub in their battles with Donbass separatists and later the Russian Army. President Vladimir Putin said the victory pushed Ukrainian units further away from Donetsk and would provide Russian troops wider operational freedom in future maneuvers.

https://swentr.site/news/589722-ukraine-confirms-maryinka-retreat/

[Vicus]

Russian warship damaged in Ukrainian strike on Crimea – MoD 26 Dec, 2023

One person was killed and several others were injured in Feodosia, civilian authorities have said

https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2023.12/l/658a819285f54059090d5af1.jpg
Russian warship damaged in Ukrainian strike on Crimea – MoD
FILE PHOTO: A military wharf in Feodosia. © Sputnik

Ukrainian forces have damaged the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk at its home base in Feodosia with an overnight missile strike, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday morning.

The engagement also resulted in the downing by Russian anti-aircraft weaponry of two Ukrainian Su-24 jets near the city of Nikolaev by Russian anti-aircraft weaponry, the military said.

The attack on the Crimean port city was also confirmed by the region's governor, Sergey Aksyonov, who reported that one person had been killed and two others injured. Blast waves from explosions at the military facility also damaged windows in nearby buildings, but otherwise civilian infrastructure remained intact, the official stated. Local emergency services later told the media that five people had been reported injured and that 250 rescue workers were responding to the situation.

The regional railroad operator later said in a statement that windows had been shattered at the terminal station in Feodosia. Train schedules have been adjusted to allow for repairs, the statement added.

Ukrainian General Nikolay Oleshchuk, who commands the nation’s Air Force, claimed that the Novocherkassk “went the way” of the Moskva, the former flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet that sank after a reported Ukrainian attack last year. He thanked the military pilots involved in the operation, but didn’t confirm any losses on Kiev’s side.

continue: https://swentr.site/russia/589680-attack-crimea-warship-death/