WW3? Ukraine/US vs. Donbass/Russia

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦 Comedian reads Zelensky’s election promises and gets taken away!

He reminded the public of Zelenskyy's election promises of "the end of the era of poverty", "the end of nepotism" and "the "rapt end of the war".

Comedian Serhii Chyrkov during the reading of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's election promises was snatched a microphone and forcibly taken from the stage.

During his performance at the festival, Chirkov read Zelenskyy's speech from the 2019 presidential debate from the stage.

https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1816830597324509615

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1816762286880464974

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https://tass.com/society/1821513?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

Moscow car bombing suspect planned to go to Ukraine from Turkey

Yevgeny Serebryakov was promised a Ukrainian citizenship
MOSCOW, July 26. /TASS/. Yevgeny Serebryakov, suspected of blowing up a car with a Russian military officer in northern Moscow, was planning to go to Ukraine from Turkey, Russian Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told TASS.

"During interrogation, Serebryakov reported on the circumstances of the preparation of the car bombing ordered by the Ukrainian Security Service, including the meeting with the curator abroad and the place of receiving the components of the explosive device. From Turkey Serebryakov was going to Ukraine, where he was promised citizenship," she said.

According to the spokeswoman, after the interrogation, the suspect will be sent to the pre-trial detention center. "Earlier, at the request of the investigation, the court arrested the suspect in absentia. In this regard, after the interrogation he will be placed in custody," Petrenko added.

On the morning of July 24, an explosion occurred in a parked Toyota Land Cruiser in Moscow, resulting in injuries to its owner and a passenger. In the shortest possible time, in cooperation with the Federal Security Service and the Russian Interior Ministry, the identity of the person involved in the crime was established. He turned out to be Yevgeny Serebryakov, born in 1995, who left Russia a few hours after the crime and flew to Turkey, where he was detained and then brought to Moscow. He was presented with a decision to bring him as a defendant. A criminal case was opened on the fact of the crime for attempted murder of two people and illegal trafficking in explosives.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1816862305025405137

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https://tass.com/society/1821915?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

Numerous violations by YouTube serve as grounds to take action against company — watchdog

The regulator recalled that Russian courts had fined Google more than 25 billion rubles (about $290 million) over the past three years

MOSCOW, July 26. /TASS/. YouTube is breaking Russian law, so there are grounds for taking legal action against the company, Russia's communications watchdog told TASS.

"Numerous violations of our legislation, disrespect for our country and citizens provide grounds for taking measures against YouTube. We have sufficient instruments to motivate the company in this situation, and we reserve the right to use them," the statement said.

The regulator recalled that Russian courts had fined Google more than 25 billion rubles (about $290 million) over the past three years.

"However, even this measure has failed to work," the watchdog added.

On Thursday, Alexander Khinshtein, chair of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, said that YouTube traffic on desktop computers may be slowed down by 40% by the end of this week.

Earlier, Russian telecommunications operator Rostelecom informed about technical issues in the operation of equipment owned by Google and used on an operator’s network infrastructure, as well as in traffic exchange between telecom operators, which may affect the YouTube traffic in Russia.

YouTube was cautioned about potential technical issues with traffic speed on July 12, Rostelecom said, adding that Google (owner of the YouTube video sharing platform) was to be blamed for technical problems, as in 2022 the tech giant had washed its hands of expanding and renovating its equipment in Russia, which is used for backing up the Google Global Cache server (GGC, which facilitates user access to Google services).

In March 2022, YouTube disabled the Premium subscription option for Russians. After the start of Russia's special operation in Ukraine, the video giant suspended monetization for content creators from Russia, while Google switched off contextual advertising for Russian residents from the search engine and video hosting.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1816829581950648749

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https://tass.com/world/1821843?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

EC announces expropriation of first €1.5 bln worth of proceeds from Russian assets

The funds will not go directly to Kiev, they will be channeled to the EC, to the European Peace Facility, to compensate EU countries for weapons
BRUSSELS, July 26. /TASS/. The EU has expropriated and transferred a €1.5 bln tranche for Ukraine to the European Commission (EC) using proceeds from the reinvestment of frozen Russian assets, the European Commission said. The next tranche is expected in March 2025.

"Today we transfer €1.5 billion in proceeds from immobilized Russian assets to the defense and reconstruction of Ukraine," EC President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on her page on X social media.

Concurrently, the EC published a document explaining how the funds transfer would work. According to the document, the funds will not go directly to Kiev. Instead they will be channeled to the EC, to the European Peace Facility, to compensate EU countries for weapons.

"The money will now be channeled through the European Peace Facility and to the Ukraine Facility to support Ukraine's military capabilities as well as to support the country's reconstruction," the European Commission said.

"90% of the financial contribution from the extraordinary revenues will go to the European Peace Facility (EPF) and 10% will go to the Ukraine Facility to support Ukraine's military and reconstruction needs, respectively," according to the EC’s explanations.

The European Peace Facility is used to compensate EU countries for supplies of weapons to Kiev (on average at the level of payment of 40% of the cost of weapons and ammunition delivered), while funds from the Ukraine Facility are used to pay for supplies of electric generators, for example. The EC oversees both funds.

The European Commission also said that so far proceeds have only been collected from assets blocked at Euroclear Belgium. Consequently, in reality the funds have simply been transferred from accounts in Euroclear to the EC.

The European Commission’s actions to expropriate sovereign assets are unprecedented. They are based on the decree passed by the EC in January 2024, saying that revenues from reinvestment of frozen Russian assets are allegedly not owned by Russia. Most experts both in Russia and globally consider this reasoning legally flawed. It is akin to saying that dividends from a bank deposit are not owned by the owner of this deposit.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SenoreAmore/status/1816708023823532328

1816708023823532328

[ThePythonicCow]

The Pentagon has found another $2 billion worth of accounting errors for Ukraine aid, paving the way to sending additional arms to the Kiev regime.
So ... how does that work?

If I make a mistake balancing my checkbook, can I then use those "accounting errors" to buy some chocolate?

[norman]

https://x.com/DougAMacgregor/status/1817334056016855128
1817334056016855128



https://x.com/TruthSignalUK/status/1817494258699338076
1817494258699338076

[Tintin]

https://x.com/DougAMacgregor/status/1817334056016855128
1817334056016855128



https://x.com/TruthSignalUK/status/1817494258699338076
1817494258699338076

Interesting that this has been "debunked". By whom I wonder. Let me guess: damage limitation statement without any firm basis? :)

We'd need to find out from where the Spanish colonel may have received this information originally. It may not be speculative at all in the final analysis. And Macgregor does have his sources.

Anyway, keeping an eye on this one. Shame we haven't got intercepts on Belousov and Austin communications through back channels.....

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

Colonel of the Spanish Army Reserve Pedro Baños: I just received information that I cannot confirm, I asked for confirmation and they told me that it is accurate. These are sources that I have known for many, many years, 30 years, and they are usually very reliable.
So, the Russians carried out an attack on Odessa, which killed 18 members of the British Special Air Service and injured 25 more. And they tell me that French soldiers died. These are not mercenaries who are French, no, these are soldiers of the French army. They were killed in large numbers, I was told that the number was greater than in Algeria.
These are scary numbers because we are talking about NATO countries. And, obviously, special operations forces are always the first to act in such scenarios. And it has also long been known that there are special operations forces, which, among other things, are used to guide, for example, missiles, to illuminate targets, and not only missiles, but also drones. Because it is part of their mission, in addition to advising and conducting all sorts of disruption operations, to train special operations forces on the ground.

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1815451713513681204

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[Vicus]

Russia’s Yakovlev Design Bureau Ready to Resume Development of Vertical Take-Off Jets yesterday

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/1b/1119535860_0:276:700:670_1280x0_80_0_0_656a4019bfed2ec2f4c0f63c2fe10241.png.webp

The Moscow-based design bureau developed the USSR’s first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) enabled fighter jet, the Yak-38, in the 1970s. The Yak-38’s successor, the Yak-141 program, reached an advanced stage of development, but was cancelled on the eve of the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991.

Russian aircraft designer and manufacturer Yakovlev is ready to resume the development of a fifth-generation VTOL capable aircraft, if asked to do so by the Defense Ministry, Yakovlev general director Andrei Boginsky told Sputnik.
“Our designers have explored the prospects for creating even more advanced aircraft corresponding to the level of the fifth generation of combat aviation,” Boginsky said. “The topic of vertical take-off and landing aircraft was frozen in the difficult 1990s, but we have retained the scientific and technical basis” for their development.

"The retention of this knowledge, combined “with new aviation technologies, will allow us to quickly return to the creation of vertical take-off and landing aircraft, if the Russian Ministry of Defense were to entrust us with this task,” Boginsky added, emphasizing that Yakovlev is the only Russian military aircraft manufacturer with the relevant experience creating VTOL aircraft."

continue:
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/russias-yakovlev-design-bureau-ready-to-resume-development-of-vertical-take-off-jets-1119536016.html

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russia's holy war against the United States and NATO for Ukraine will last until Russia's complete victory and Ukraine's return to Russia. I think so, but you think as you want. Either Russia will be with Ukraine, or Russia will not exist.

Putin arrived at the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra - Patriarch Kirill awarded the president the Order of Alexander Nevsky: “Putin inspected the church in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the church in honor of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. Upon completion of the inspection, Patriarch Kirill presented Vladimir Putin with the Order of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, first degree.”

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1817514556366696879

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¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1817163241635606819

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1817559517237817408

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1817565043673923607

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[Vicus]

Ukraine Talking About Possible Negotiations Tactical Move to Regroup - Kremlin Aide 5 hours ago

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The West and Ukraine are using statements about negotiations as a tactical maneuver to take a break and restore their forces, since Russia holds the advantage in its special military operation, Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev said on Sunday.

"During the special military operation, we currently have the advantage. The West and Ukraine are interested in restoring their forces; they need a break. Therefore, all these statements have precisely the tactical nature of a break. In reality, if we look at their actions, they are not taking any steps to hold peace negotiations," Patrushev said on air of Russia's Channel One.
Patrushev added that Volodymyr Zelensky, during his time as a legitimate president, had banned himself from any negotiations with Russia.

Moscow has repeatedly indicated that it was ready for negotiations, but Kiev has introduced a ban on them at the legislative level. The Kremlin has stated that the absolute priority for Russia was to achieve the goals of the special operation, adding that the situation in Ukraine can move into a peaceful direction, provided that new realities on the ground are taken into account.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240728/ukraine-talking-about-possible-negotiations-tactical-move-to-regroup---kremlin-aide-1119543509.html

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
⚡️ Russia will consider itself free from moratorium on deployment of its own weapons if US deploys weapons in Germany - Putin

Important Russian facilities would be within reach of US missiles in Germany with a flight time of about 10 minutes, the Russian leader stated during the Russian Navy Parade.

Vladimir Putin compared US statements about plans to deploy precision-guided weapons in Germany to Cold War times.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1817481152975745178

1817481152975745178

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️Russia will continue to equip the navy with hypersonic systems - Putin

Russia will continue to build up its naval forces, develop air defense systems at near and far frontiers, the Russian leader stated during the Russia's Navy Parade.

Modern weapons are constantly being added to the country's navy, Vladimir Putin stressed.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1817480947215863811

1817480947215863811

[Vicus]

U.S. Military "P-8" Over-Flies Kaliningrad - TWICE July 26, 2024

https://halturnerradioshow.com/images/2024/07/26/US-Military-Violates-Kaliningrad-Air-Space-Twice_large.png

Russian air space was violated today by a United States P-8 aircraft, which breached the border of Kaliningrad - twice - gathering serious intelligence information as it flew almost all the way across the Russian enclave.

The map below shows the two violations of Russian air space:
https://halturnerradioshow.com/images/2024/07/26/US-Military-Violates-Kaliningrad-Air-Space-Twice-2.png
The second violation of territorial air space was significantly deeper than the first. Clearly, the US / NATO are desperate to determine Russian Force levels in Kaliningrad.

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/news-selections/world-news/u-s-military-p-8-over-flies-kaliningrad-twice

[Vicus]

Donetsk commemorates memory of children killed during the conflict in Donbass yesterday

The memory of the children of the Donetsk People’s Republic killed by the criminal Kiev regime was commemorated in Donetsk by laying flowers and toys at the memorial complex Alley of Angels, the head of the executive committee of the regional branch of the United Russia party Aleksey Muratov told journalists on July 27.

Parents of the killed children and residents of Donbass attended the event. Red roses and children’s toys were laid at the memorial, which covered the monument to child victims of Ukrainian war criminals.

According to official data alone, 239 children have been killed in the region since the beginning of Ukraine’s aggression against Donbass, and another 884 have been wounded.

The head of the United Russia regional branch said that due to the ongoing hostilities, it was impossible to add new names of children whose lives were taken by Kiev’s barbaric shelling. However, he said, “We will make the memorial worthy when we win.”

The Alley of Angels is located in the Victory Park of the Kalininsky district of Donetsk. There is a wrought iron arch consisting of iron roses with large-caliber machine gun casings woven between them, as well as wrought iron doves as a symbol of peace. Under the arch, there is a granite slab, where the names of children who died as a result of the aggression of the Kiev regime are embossed. Residents of the city often visit this place, bringing toys and flowers. :bearhug:

https://eu.eot.su/2024/07/27/donetsk-commemorates-memory-of-children-killed-during-the-conflict-in-donbass/

[Vicus]

Russian army expands capabilities for intercepting video from Ukrainian drones
9 hours ago

The Russian military has mastered the technique of intercepting video signals from the Ukrainian FPV drones, making it possible to determine the position of the operators, said a former commander of a communications unit with the call sign Kalina, TASS reported on July 28.

This approach makes it possible for Russian servicemen not only to identify enemy routes, but also to determine the location of enemy UAVs operators.

Specialists use various equipment for this purpose, including radio-electronic reconnaissance. Such interception allows effective strikes and improves the overall combat strategy.

“The image from the enemy drone can be intercepted by specialists with the help of this or that type of equipment, it is RER – radio electronic reconnaissance,” the specialist explained.

He added that the soldiers “identify the enemy’s routes, the drone’s track, can identify the operator, where it came from and strike back later on. In general, the system is getting smarter.”

Kalina became involved in drone design after receiving a shrapnel wound when he volunteered in the SMO zone and promoted to commander of a communications unit.

https://eu.eot.su/2024/07/28/russian-army-expands-capabilities-for-intercepting-video-from-ukrainian-drones/

[Tintin]

Text:

Colonel of the Spanish Army Reserve Pedro Baños: I just received information that I cannot confirm, I asked for confirmation and they told me that it is accurate. These are sources that I have known for many, many years, 30 years, and they are usually very reliable.
So, the Russians carried out an attack on Odessa, which killed 18 members of the British Special Air Service and injured 25 more. And they tell me that French soldiers died. These are not mercenaries who are French, no, these are soldiers of the French army. They were killed in large numbers, I was told that the number was greater than in Algeria.
These are scary numbers because we are talking about NATO countries. And, obviously, special operations forces are always the first to act in such scenarios. And it has also long been known that there are special operations forces, which, among other things, are used to guide, for example, missiles, to illuminate targets, and not only missiles, but also drones. Because it is part of their mission, in addition to advising and conducting all sorts of disruption operations, to train special operations forces on the ground.

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1815451713513681204

1815451713513681204

Yes, thanks. I do wonder whether it's related to the reporting of this earlier in the month. (Community Notes on X, for those unfamiliar with them, are very often highly biased, and misleading, and very often blatantly so.)

My post here (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?114491-WW3-Ukraine-US-vs.-Donbass-Russia&p=1621186&viewfull=1#post1621186) from July 6th

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1817507308768735488

1817507308768735488

[shaberon]

The Pentagon has found another $2 billion worth of accounting errors for Ukraine aid, paving the way to sending additional arms to the Kiev regime.
So ... how does that work?

If I make a mistake balancing my checkbook, can I then use those "accounting errors" to buy some chocolate?



Not directly. You could use it for petal mines that are coated in chocolate, for a minimum of 2.5 times the normal price. You can't keep them, you have to give them to someone else, who has as good a chance of hitting his friend as his enemy.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Cyberspec1/status/1817690303874375723

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Text:
🇪🇺🇷🇺 Russian engineers work on European cables and pipelines in North Sea for EU companies

🔸 Russian engineers are working on North Sea infrastructure for European companies. They map the seabed and have access to sensitive data on power and data cables and pipelines. While experts decry this as “shockingly naive,” the companies themselves see no risk.

🔸 European companies mapping infrastructure in the North Sea have been hiring Russian technicians for years, giving them – and potentially the Russian government – access to sensitive data, an investigation by Follow the Money and De Tijd shows.

🔸 European survey companies map the North Sea seabed before planning the construction of new power and data cables. On board, they use advanced sonar and seismic technology to inspect existing pipelines, locate shipwrecks and unexploded bombs, and measure the location and depth of cables and cable junctions.

🔸 Journalists found at least 21 Russian engineers who have carried out some 74 assignments since the start of the war in Ukraine, including at least 36 in the North Sea.

🔸 An earlier investigation revealed that more than 160 civilian Russian ships have been showing suspicious behaviour near oil and gas pipelines, telecom and power cables in the North Sea over the past decade.

🔸 Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the European Union has sanctioned hundreds of companies, including one that produces radars installed on warships. Russian nationals, however, don’t face blanket sanctions and can work in the EU, provided they have the correct visa.

🔸 According to their LinkedIn profiles, Russian engineers hold positions as hydrographic surveyors, geophysicists, or seismic data processors.

via Follow the Money

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/TheDuranReal/status/1817691149861040164

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1817851659151704272

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1817937292721336441

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇷🇺🔥The Russian Army burned a convoy of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the way to Rabotino on the Zaporozhye Front.

▪️In the area of ​​the village. Novodanilovka on the road to the village Rabotino 50th Guards Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment revealed the accumulation of forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

▪️Before moving forward, the equipment was hidden by the side of the road under trees planted along the road.

▪️As a result of precise strikes, the enemy's vehicle equipment and manpower were destroyed.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818000264458121366


1818000264458121366

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦The Russian Army is approaching the strategic supply route for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donbass - the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway, - Reuters

▪️After the capture of the village of Lozovatskoye, Russian troops (the “Center” group) had only 6 km left to reach this road. It "serves as an important supply route for other Ukrainian-held outposts, such as the cities of Chasov Yar and Konstantinovka."
▪️The fighting east of Pokrovsk intensified, and the Russians took 3 more villages in this direction - Progress, Evgenievka and Volchye.
▪️Bild analyst Julian Röpke also writes that the pace of the Russian offensive near Pokrovsk has accelerated.
▪️According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, over the past 24 hours, Russian troops carried out 52 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1817995927128256647

1817995927128256647

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇸 The United States will provide a new $200 million aid package for Ukraine under the Special Presidential Powers program.

The package includes air defense equipment, HIMARS ammunition, mortar shells, and Javelin anti-tank systems.

The DoD also announced the allocation of about 1.5 billion dollars under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which provides for the conclusion of long-term contracts with arms manufacturers.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1818003704370638925

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇭🇺 "There will be no payments to EU members for Ukrainian weapons until Kiev resumes oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline," stated the Hungarian Foreign Minister.

According to Péter Szijjártó, Hungary will block the EU's reimbursement to member states for ammunition supplied to Ukraine until Kiev permits the transit of oil from the Russian company Lukoil through its territory.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818022780782395614

1818022780782395614

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818017639626850751

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇨🇳🇺🇦🇷🇺Chinese President Xi Jinping is stepping up efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine - Bloomberg
▪️Chinese leader Xi Jinping is stepping up efforts to position himself as a peacemaker to end the war, despite growing criticism from the United States and Europe about Beijing's support for the Kremlin's battlefield efforts.
▪️With both Moscow and Kyiv facing pressure at home and abroad to find a way to end the war, China last week received its first senior official from Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022, although Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Ukrainian counterpart D. Kulebe that the time for peace negotiations “has not come yet,” he added that both sides are signaling their readiness for negotiations.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1817995849051349161

1817995849051349161

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
July 2️⃣9️⃣. Special military operation updates:

▪️ Russian forces have taken control of the settlement of Volchye in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), according to the Ministry of Defense of Russia.

▪️ The combined losses of Ukrainian forces over the past day amounted to up to 1,885 personnel, six tanks, and a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense's report.

▪️ A woman and her 16-year-old daughter were injured in an attack by Ukrainian forces on the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka in the Belgorod Oblast, as reported by Governor Gladkov.

▪️ Russian National Guard special forces detained 25 individuals suspected of aiding the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Zaporozhye and Kherson Oblasts during special operations.

▪️ Ukrainian forces have completely lost their first line of defense in the special operation zone in the DPR, and Russian forces there now have the ability to maneuver in various directions, stated Alautdinov.

▪️ Russian military forces destroyed an American MLRS and up to 15 Ukrainian servicemen near Novotroitskoye with an Iskander missile strike, according to the Ministry of Defense of Russia.

▪️ Verkhovna Rada deputy Artem Dmitruk called for urgent negotiations with Moscow to end the military conflict in Ukraine.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818023131782725751

1818023131782725751

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️Russia's Sever Battlegroup struck five Ukrainian brigades, repelled five counterattacks, and inflicted losses exceeding 220 militants.

🇷🇺🪖 More statements from the Russian Defense Ministry’s daily briefing on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine:

▪️ The Vostok Battlegroup improved its position along the front line, with Ukrainian forces losing up to 130 militants.

▪️ Ukrainian forces lost up to 570 militants and five ammunition depots in the Yug Battlegroup's combat zone.

▪️ In Russia's Zapad Battlegroup's combat zone, Ukrainian losses included up to 480 militants, two tanks, and four ammunition depots.

▪️ Russian air defenses shot down two guided bombs and 68 Ukrainian drones.

▪️ The Russian Tsentr Battlegroup hit formations of six Ukrainian brigades.

▪️ Units of the Tsentr Battlegroup repelled eight Ukrainian counterattacks.

▪️ Ukrainian forces lost up to 400 militants in the Tsentr Battlegroup's combat zone.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1817891441756033442

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
US could withdraw defense guarantees from NATO allies if they continue Ukraine aid

If Donald Trump wins the November 5 election, the UK and other European NATO members could be faced with “a forced settlement favoring Russia,” Politico has reported in reference to the Ukraine crisis.

Politico suggests that if Europe rejects a peace deal and continue to help the Kiev regime, it may prod Trump to announce that America is withdrawing its defense guarantees from these countries.

This “would divide and weaken NATO” right down to the point where some allies might halt their support to Ukraine. If Trump becomes the 47th POTUS, his advisers may call for the end of the Ukraine conflict “to stop the US from being drawn in if Russia were to retaliate against NATO members supplying Ukraine [with weapons].”

Trump has repeatedly claimed that if re-elected, he intends to achieve settlement of the Ukraine conflict in just 24 hours. Commenting on the matter, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the problem is too complicated to be resolved in such a way.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1817924505525739808

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/BRICSinfo/status/1818035318404300957

1818035318404300957

[shaberon]

This is certainly impressive (https://southfront.press/russian-r-37m-air-to-air-missile-broke-new-record-and-destroyed-ukrainian-mig-29-report/):




The Russian military has broken another record. According to reports by various Russian military sources, Su-35S fighter jet of the Russian Aerospace Forces shot down Ukrainian MiG-29 at a distance of more than 200 km.

Ukrainian aircraft was reportedly attacked by the Russian R-37M long-range air-to-air missile, which covered a record distance of 213 kilometers. This is reportedly the record distance of destruction of a target by an aircraft missile.

The MiG-29A fighter of the Ukrainian Air Force was reportedly spotted by Russian pilots at a distance of about 270 kilometers. The Ukrainian aircraft was struck when it was preparing to launch the US-made AGM-88B Block 3 HARM anti-radar missile. As a result of the strike, the target disappeared from Russian radar and did not come back to the Ukrainian airfield.

Currently, Russian R-37M hypersonic air-to-air missile is the most long-range guided air-to-air missile in the world. Its maximum range is 300 kilometers. The rocket has a launch mass of over half a ton, and the weight of its warhead is 60 kg. It is designed to destroy air targets, including enemy aircraft.

[Tintin]

This is certainly impressive (https://southfront.press/russian-r-37m-air-to-air-missile-broke-new-record-and-destroyed-ukrainian-mig-29-report/):




The Russian military has broken another record. According to reports by various Russian military sources, Su-35S fighter jet of the Russian Aerospace Forces shot down Ukrainian MiG-29 at a distance of more than 200 km.

Ukrainian aircraft was reportedly attacked by the Russian R-37M long-range air-to-air missile, which covered a record distance of 213 kilometers. This is reportedly the record distance of destruction of a target by an aircraft missile.

The MiG-29A fighter of the Ukrainian Air Force was reportedly spotted by Russian pilots at a distance of about 270 kilometers. The Ukrainian aircraft was struck when it was preparing to launch the US-made AGM-88B Block 3 HARM anti-radar missile. As a result of the strike, the target disappeared from Russian radar and did not come back to the Ukrainian airfield.

Currently, Russian R-37M hypersonic air-to-air missile is the most long-range guided air-to-air missile in the world. Its maximum range is 300 kilometers. The rocket has a launch mass of over half a ton, and the weight of its warhead is 60 kg. It is designed to destroy air targets, including enemy aircraft.

Impressive indeed. Now, for the paper F-16s to be turned in to dust and prepared for inhalation by various entities of the Kiev and Euro-Atlantic regime........

[Tintin]

Text:
July 2️⃣9️⃣. Special military operation updates:

▪️ The combined losses of Ukrainian forces over the past day amounted to up to 1,885 personnel, six tanks, and a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense's report.

▪️ Verkhovna Rada deputy Artem Dmitruk called for urgent negotiations with Moscow to end the military conflict in Ukraine.



1,885 in a DAY?! That's likely to be accurate given the extent of ISR coverage and on-the-ground tallying. (And NATO will know this too.) To those of us who do understand why this is happening at all it's no less harrowing and sobering a figure to conjure with :flower:

It's encouraging to hear a Rada deputy speak up and although others have tried to they do tend to get squashed. The reality here is that as long as Zelensky and his trolls and masters still have enough clout to claim to be in-charge there, there simply cannot be any negotiation. The conditions aren't right yet, unless there is a popular uprising sufficiently well organised enough to bring down the government there, at the hands of the Ukrainian people. (There are encouraging signs of genuine popular unrest now more regularly reaching us, through Telegram channel footage.)

Then, and only then, can any real negotiations take place, is my best speculation here, and has been for many months now.

[Vicus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-FkN29HRBE

Attack On Konstantinovka⚔️ Breakthrough Of The Toretsk Agglomeration🔥Military Summary For 2024.07.30

Clown Elensky probably wounded/death ? :thumbsup:

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦 She stopped Death: а woman stopped fighting in Ukraine

Without exaggeration, unique footage taken from a bird's eye view was published by the WarGonzo Telegram channel. In the video, something supernatural happens: in the midst of a fierce battle in the Avdeevsky direction, a woman with a bag on wheels full of her acquired property appears on the road and walks, not paying attention to the dagger fire from both sides, to the east, towards Russia.

And suddenly the desperate shooting at the same time, as if by command from above, stops, both on the Russian and Ukrainian sides. Silence fell on the battlefield. A woman with a bag, slowly, stopping to rest, walks wearily along the road. At some moment she took a break for 5 minutes, and then rolled her bag again. And no one dies around. The battle recommenced only when a woman covered a decent distance.

Those who watched this video have already called what is happening a real miracle.
FRWL reports

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818202373455593660

1818202373455593660

[ExomatrixTV]

HIGH ALERT! NATO Just Crossed Putin's Red Line with this Massive Attack:

K7cotPLMyzA


@Popajaja quote:

"Before going to bed, my wife complained to me: "This Russia is such a bad country, if Ukraine wants to join NATO, that is their business and freedom, Russia has no right to intervene. This is just an excuse for Russia to attack Ukraine." I said nothing, got out of bed and went to the kitchen, before returning to bed with knife in hand. I said to my wife: "Let's go to sleep" When she saw the knife, my wife suddenly sat up and looked at me with wide eyes. "What are you doing? Sleeping with a knife?!" she exclaimed. I replied, "Don't worry, let's go to sleep. Besides, sleeping with a knife is none of your business, and that's my freedom." My wife said to me: "You're crazy! How can I sleep when you're lying next to me with a knife? What if you accidentally cut me?" I answered: "Well, you don't even trust your own husband, how can you expect Russia to trust Ukraine?" Sleeping with a knife is like Ukraine joining NATO."


unquote

[ExomatrixTV]

Putin vows 'mirror measures' if US deploys missiles in Germany:

Yl9mjCtd1Is

[norman]

https://x.com/GoldTelegraph_/status/1817980196181655665


https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-cyberattack-targets-russias-central-bank/

1817980196181655665

[ExomatrixTV]

Russia Poised To Capture All Of Donetsk After Several Breakthroughs On Weakened Ukraine Lines (https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russia-poised-capture-all-donetsk-after-several-breakthroughs-weakened-ukraine-lines)
dutch (https://www.ninefornews.nl/rusland-staat-op-het-punt-heel-donetsk-in-te-nemen-na-meerdere-doorbraken-langs-verzwakte-oekraiense-linies/) 🇳🇱 (+ Multi-Language Options). 🦜🦋🌳

[Bill Ryan]

Ukrainian equipment malfunctions are starting to save the Russians a lot of trouble. :flower:

https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/117922
Ukrainian Tochka-U complex failed during launch and resulted in a large explosion.

DDGeopolitics/117922

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russia, the United States, Germany and Belarus to hold large-scale prisoner exchange in the coming hours — Slovenian TV channel N1

According to journalists, the participants in the exchange will be Anna and Artem Dultsev, convicted in Slovenia "for espionage", whose detention became known in January 2023. They lived in Slovenia on Argentine passports under the names Ludwig Gish and Maria Meyer.

In addition to them, the participants in the exchange include German citizen Rico Krieger, who was sentenced to death in Belarus and who was pardoned by Lukashenko the day before. He is to be exchanged for Vadim Krasikov, an alleged FSB officer convicted in Germany for the murder of field "commander" Zelimkhan Khangoshvili.

Experts do not rule out that The Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, who was sentenced to 16 years in Russia, will return to the United States.
https://n1info.si/novice/slovenija/tajnega-sojenja-ruskima-vohunoma-je-konec-sledi-vecja-izmenjava-zapornikov/

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1818687909483942372

1818687909483942372

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦🇷🇺Zelensky allowed a referendum on the transfer of territories to Russia.

In an interview with French media, he acknowledged the likelihood that Kiev will not be able to reach the 1991 borders by military means:

“The issue of the territorial integrity of Ukraine cannot be resolved by the president alone, without the Ukrainian people.”

Zelensky also spoke in favor of Moscow’s presence at the next summit on Ukraine: “If everyone wants to see them at the negotiating table, then we cannot be against it.” - ISZ reports
Image
https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818704012838875602

1818704012838875602

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1818701890047148322

1818701890047148322

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Zelensky admitted that he and the entire world want Russia to participate in the second summit on Ukraine.

"The majority of the world today says that Russia must be represented at the second summit, otherwise we will not achieve meaningful results," Zelensky said.

"Since the whole world wants them to be at the table, we cannot be against it," he told AFP.

In early July, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Sputnik, commenting on the topic of a new summit on Ukraine, that Moscow does not accept ultimatums and does not intend to participate in such events. Also at the moment the ban in Ukraine on negotiations with Russia remains a problem and can significantly complicate the peace process.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1818698285449666562

1818698285449666562

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
The first delivery of F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies has reached Ukraine, as reported by Bloomberg.

The number of jets is small, and it's uncertain if the Ukrainian pilots, who have been training with their Western trainers over the past months will be able to operate the jets immediately or if they will require more time, according to Bloomberg.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the F-16s being delivered to Ukraine "will not change the battlefield situation" and that Russia will destroy them, just as they do with other equipment. Military historian Nikolai Bodrikhin concurred, calling the F-16 an "old" plane with characteristics and limitations well known to the Russian military.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1818675941285200054

1818675941285200054

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1818657228980732414

1818657228980732414

https://tass.com/politics/1823635?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army, equipment in 143 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 710 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a German-made Leopard tank in its area of responsibility over the past day

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. Russian troops struck Ukrainian army units and military hardware in 143 areas over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.

"Operational/tactical aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck massed enemy manpower and military equipment in 143 areas," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia’s Battlegroup North strikes five Ukrainian army brigades over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North struck five Ukrainian army brigades and inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup North units inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 42nd mechanized, 82nd assault, 92nd air assault, 57th motorized infantry and 36th marine infantry brigades in areas near the settlements of Tikhoye, Liptsy, Staritsa and Volchansk in the Kharkov Region. Over the past 24 hours, they repelled two counterattacks by enemy assault groups," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 350 personnel, a US-made HMMWV armored vehicle, a 122mm D-30 howitzer and a 100mm Rapira anti-tank gun, it specified.

In addition, Russian troops destroyed an ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup West gains better frontline positions over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West advanced to better positions and inflicted roughly 470 casualties on Ukrainian troops over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units kept taking more advantageous frontiers and positions. They inflicted casualties on formations of the Ukrainian army’s 30th and 67th mechanized and 3rd assault brigades, 12th Azov special operations brigade [outlawed in Russia as a terrorist organization] and 1st separate territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Sinkovka in the Kharkov Region, Novosadovoye and Krasny Liman in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Nevskoye and Makeyevka in the Lugansk People’s Republic. They repelled two counterattacks by assault groups of the Ukrainian army," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 470 personnel, nine motor vehicles, a 155mm FH70 howitzer and a 105mm L119 artillery gun of British manufacture, a 152mm Msta-B howitzer and two 122mm D-30 howitzers, it specified.

In addition, Russian troops destroyed three ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts 710 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 710 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a German-made Leopard tank in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup South units improved their tactical position and inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 24th, 32nd and 54th mechanized and 79th air assault brigades in areas near the settlements of Chasov Yar, Verkhnekamenskoye, Seversk and Katerinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. They repulsed a counterattack by an assault group of the Ukrainian army," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 710 personnel, a German-made Leopard tank, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, three US-made 155mm M777 howitzers, two motor vehicles, a British-made 155mm FH70 howitzer, two British-made 105mm L119 artillery guns, a 152mm D-20 howitzer, two 122mm D-30 howitzers and two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations, it specified.

In addition, Russian troops destroyed three ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center strikes six Ukrainian army brigades over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center kept advancing westward and struck six Ukrainian army brigades in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Center units kept advancing westward and inflicted casualties on the Ukrainian army’s 31st, 32nd, 47th and 53rd mechanized, 151st motorized infantry and 111th territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Dzerzhinsk, Zhelannoye, Novgorodskoye, Grodovka and Vozdvizhenka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. They repelled three counterattacks by enemy assault groups," the ministry said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts 350 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"The Ukrainian army lost as many as 350 personnel, a tank, an armored personnel carrier, a 152mm Msta-B howitzer, five 122mm D-30 howitzers, a US-made 105mm M119 artillery gun and a 100mm Rapira gun," the ministry said.

Russia’s Battlegroup East improves frontline positions over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East improved its frontline positions and inflicted roughly 150 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units improved their forward edge positions and inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 116th mechanized, 108th, 120th and 129th territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Rovnopol, Velikaya Novosyolka and Vodyanoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic and Zaliznichnoye in the Zaporozhye Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 150 personnel, two armored combat vehicles, six motor vehicles, a Polish-made 155mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, a US-made 155mm Paladin self-propelled artillery gun and a 152mm D-20 howitzer, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr wipes out Ukrainian ammo depot over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted casualties on three Ukrainian army brigades and destroyed an enemy ammunition depot in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Dnepr units inflicted casualties on formations of the Ukrainian army’s 128th mountain assault, 35th marine infantry and 121st territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Lugovoye and Pyatikhatki in the Zaporozhye Region and Tyaginka in the Kherson Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 100 personnel, seven motor vehicles, a US-made 155mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, a US-manufactured 155mm M777 howitzer, a US-made AN/TPQ-36 counterbattery radar station and a 152mm D-20 howitzer, it specified.

In addition, Russian troops destroyed an ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russian air defenses destroy 42 Ukrainian UAVs, two HIMARS rockets over past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 42 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), two HIMARS rockets and a Neptune long-range missile over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Air defense capabilities shot down two US-made HIMARS rockets, a Neptune long-range missile and 42 unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

In all, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 631 Ukrainian warplanes, 278 helicopters, 28,734 unmanned aerial vehicles, 556 surface-to-air missile systems, 16,732 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,393 multiple rocket launchers, 12,597 field artillery guns and mortars and 24,225 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1818599035839594941

1818599035839594941

https://tass.com/politics/1823573?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

Kiev has no will for peace — Russian MFA about prospects for negotiations

Earlier, Adviser to the head of the Ukrainian president's office Mikhail Podolyak, said that Kiev was ready for talks with Moscow, but on conditions based on "the concept of international law"

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. Russia sees well enough that neither Kiev nor the West has the political will for peace, Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrey Nastasyin said while commenting on the prospects of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations.

Earlier, Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian president's office, said that Kiev was ready for talks with Moscow, but on conditions based on "the concept of international law." He specified that this meant primarily territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state.

"As for Ukraine's readiness for negotiations, we see that neither in Kiev nor in the West there is any political will for peace. They continue to think in terms of war, panic-stricken by the fear of Ukraine's defeat because it would mean the end of the rules-based world order," Nastasyin said.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he was not listening to what Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba were saying about the prospects of settlement talks because both often make conflicting statements.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

Podolyak called for the destruction of the Crimean Bridge and an attack on Russia's border territories.

According to him, Kiev "has the will, the means and the need to destroy the supply infrastructure" of the Russian Armed Forces.

"We need to destroy the infrastructure in the border zone. Rostov Oblast, Belgorod Oblast, Kursk Oblast. All of this needs to be taken out," he says.

@ukr_leaks_eng

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818554731280675050

1818554731280675050

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇸 🇬🇪🇨🇳 The United States has demanded that Georgia stop the construction of a joint port with China in the Black Sea.
"The Georgian government should be clear that there is a way back: to prevent China from building a deep-water port in Anaklia,"
said Assistant Secretary of State O'Brien, speaking before senators.

Earlier, the American Conti International LLC failed to fulfill its obligations to attract $400 million for the construction of this port, and the Georgian authorities terminated the contract with the consortium of which it was a part.
- RD reports

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818647066261717146

1818647066261717146

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇷🇺🇺🇦We have completely lost the big city of Krasnogorovka, but they are embarrassed to say so,” military propagandist Butusov

▪️ “Krasnogorovka, which we have already lost completely, Unfortunately, literally three months (it was taken by the Russian army) ... we completely lost a big city. So far they are embarrassed to announce this,” added the chief editor of “Censor” on Radio NV.

▪️Ukrainian military analysts practically recognized the transition of the city to the control of the Russian Army on their maps.

▪️The other day, the Donetsk 110th brigade with a daring breakthrough broke through to the northwestern entrance of the city, completing the capture of the entire city limits. The Ukrainian Armed Forces maintain a presence only in the suburbs.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1818745468089762015

1818745468089762015

[Tintin]

An interesting Russian media report from the frontline around Chasov Yar recorded summer 2024:

https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1818606395123458049/vid/avc1/1920x1080/uFxGQsY5oPVv1Nr2.mp4?tag=16

[Vicus]

Shooting down Russian missiles an ‘act of war’ – Ritter 31 Jul, 2024

Vladimir Zelensky’s demand is desperate and unrealistic, the former US Marine has said

Vladimir Zelensky’s idea to have Poland shoot down Russian missiles would directly involve NATO in the conflict with Moscow, former US Marine and UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter has said.

Ukraine’s leader has asked his Western partners for a “defense shield” for months. He claimed to have finally received a commitment from Warsaw in early July, as part of a security pact. Poland has said it would not target Russian missiles without NATO approval, which the US-led bloc has yet to give.

“Zelensky is operating on the assumption that NATO can have Patriot missiles in Poland that can shoot down Russian missiles that are headed towards militarily sensitive targets in the vicinity of Lviv,” Ritter told YouTube host Danny Haiphong in an interview posted on Tuesday.

“He doesn’t understand: that’s an act of war,” Ritter added. “That’s Russian military equipment, on a Russian military mission, in support of a Russian national security objective.”

Shooting down those missiles, even locking on to them with radar, would make NATO “literally a party to the conflict,” Ritter explained.

The US-led bloc has been trying to maintain a pretense that it’s not directly involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite donating billions of dollars worth of weapons, equipment and ammunition to Kiev’s armed forces and in some cases literally paying the salary of Ukrainian government employees.

Kiev is trying to have NATO set up a de facto “no fly zone” over western Ukraine, Ritter argued, which he described as “something Russia simply won’t tolerate.”

“Zelensky is just desperate right now, so he’s trying to invent rules of engagement,” Ritter concluded.

Ukrainian forces have been suffering steady setbacks along the front for weeks, with no prospect of replenishing their losses in either men or materiel.

The first handful of F-16 fighters reportedly arrived on Wednesday and will most likely be armed with modern US missiles. Zelensky has already complained that he would need more than 100 jets to actually make a difference, however.

https://www.rt.com/russia/601929-nato-russian-missiles-ukraine-ritter/

[Vicus]

'The Only Answer is to Destroy Them': How Russia Plans to Handle Ukraine's Western-Supplied F-16s 2 hours ago

Ukraine has finally received the first small batch of F-16 fighter jets promised by the West, with some of them allegedly already participating in air defense missions, if recent Western media reports are to be believed.
While F-16 jets are indeed designed to counter relatively slow-moving airborne targets like cruise missiles, the effectiveness of these planes against Russian air raids is questionable, says Russian military analyst Dmitry Drozdenko.

“Using fighters to attack Geran-class drones is pointless, if only because the missiles used against them are much more expensive than the drones themselves,” Drozdenko explains.

He further notes that any Russian group airstrike would involve up to twenty cruise missiles and the F-16 jets donated to Ukraine are unlikely to be able to shoot all these missiles down.
“I think they will try to engage in air combat and attempt to attack our Su-34 [jets] that currently inflict serious damage upon Ukrainian fortifications thanks to glide bombs with the universal gliding and correction module,” Drozdenko says when asked how else Kiev may try to use these F-16s.

“As for our response, we have Su-30s and Su-35s, aircraft that are more advanced that these F-16s. And I know that our pilots are preparing to meet the enemy in our skies,” he notes.
According to Drozdenko, the range of Russian warplanes’ radar systems and the range of their air-to-air missiles exceed those of the radar and missiles used by F-16 so Russian have all the means to deal with the new threat.

“The only answer to this situation is to destroy this hardware, just like those Leopard and Abrams tanks,” he says.

Drozdenko also speculates that Kiev may opt to station F-16s in Poland or in Romania to keep them safe from Russian airstrikes.
An F-16 would then fly to an airstrip to quickly rearm and refuel, fly a sortie from that Ukrainian airfield and then quickly flee back to an airbase in one of the two aforementioned NATO countries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240801/the-only-answer-is-to-destroy-them-how-russia-plans-to-handle-ukraines-western-supplied-f-16s-1119595320.html

[Vicus]

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

F-16s Are Already In Ukraine🛦 Upcoming Large-Scale Attack On Israel 🔥 Military Summary For 2024.08.1

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russia, the United States, Germany and Belarus to hold large-scale prisoner exchange in the coming hours — Slovenian TV channel N1

According to journalists, the participants in the exchange will be Anna and Artem Dultsev, convicted in Slovenia "for espionage", whose detention became known in January 2023. They lived in Slovenia on Argentine passports under the names Ludwig Gish and Maria Meyer.

In addition to them, the participants in the exchange include German citizen Rico Krieger, who was sentenced to death in Belarus and who was pardoned by Lukashenko the day before. He is to be exchanged for Vadim Krasikov, an alleged FSB officer convicted in Germany for the murder of field "commander" Zelimkhan Khangoshvili.

Experts do not rule out that The Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, who was sentenced to 16 years in Russia, will return to the United States.
https://n1info.si/novice/slovenija/tajnega-sojenja-ruskima-vohunoma-je-konec-sledi-vecja-izmenjava-zapornikov/

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1818687909483942372

1818687909483942372

Text:
Kremlin reveals details of Russia-NATO prisoner exchange

🔸 Negotiations on the exchange were conducted between the FSB and CIA;

🔸 The children of illegal spies only found out they were Russian when their plane took off from Ankara, Turkiye;

🔸 The spies faced the real threat of being deprived of parental rights in their family. While they were in detention, they could only rarely see their children;

🔸 The US tried to influence an officer of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces who returned to Russia in the exchange;

🔸 Vadim Krasikov, who returned to Russia as part of the prisoner swap deal, is an FSB officer who served in the Alpha Group special forces unit together with others now working in the Presidential Security Service.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819329912316006413

1819329912316006413

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Scott Ritter: Prisoner swap may be ‘the best that US-Russia relations will be for some time now’

Among the eight people released by the US in Thursday’s prisoner swap was Vadim Krasikov, the former Russian intelligence officer was arrested in Germany in 2019 and accused by Berlin of terminating Chechen terrorist Zelimkhan Khangoshvili on German soil.

In an interview with Sputnik, former US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter underscored that Krasikov was meted out a life-sentence in German prison for wiping out “somebody who had butchered, murdered Russian prisoners of war during the Chechen conflict and, accordingly, was hunted down and killed in Berlin”.

According to Ritter, the prisoner exchange taking place in the twilight of Joe Biden’s presidency “may be the best that US-Russian relations are gonna be for some time now.”

“I don't think US-Russia relations are going to be in a position where such a prisoner swap could have occurred in the next year, maybe the next two years. So it needed to happen now, and that's why it did. The largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War. Who knows what the future will hold... Hopefully this is the beginning of a trend of good relations, but probably not,” Ritter concluded.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819304118583693700

1819304118583693700

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Scott Ritter: Some swapped prisoners were likely ‘on CIA payroll’

All implications are that some of the people involved in the recent prisoner swap between Moscow and several Western countries were CIA espionage assets, Scott Ritter has told Sputnik.

The exchange that occurred on August 1 appears to have been “a deal hashed out between the Russian secret services and the American CIA,” noted the former US Marine Corps intelligence officer and ex-UN weapons inspector.

Commenting on what is being called the biggest such swap since the Cold War, Ritter pointed out that among the 16 prisoners released by Russia was Evan Gershkovich, “caught red-handed receiving Russian secrets.” The Walls Street Journal reporter was subsequently charged with espionage, found guilty at trial, and meted out a lengthy sentence.

US Marine veteran Paul Whelan was likewise charged with espionage, while self-described Russian political figure Vladimir Kara-Murza, as it turns out, had a US green card.

“This implies there was a special relationship between him [Kara-Murza] and the US government that maybe the US government doesn't want to talk about in public,” Ritter said. Kara-Murza “appears to have been on the CIA payroll as well,” he noted.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819284730208010316

1819284730208010316

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Americans recently released from Russian custody as part of a major prisoner exchange deal arrived in US greeted by their families, US President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

A plane carrying former US Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, late Thursday night.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the Americans as they stepped off the aircraft.

Whelan stepped out of the aircraft first and saluted Biden followed by a big hug.

Gershkovich stepped out of the aircraft to a loud cheer from the press area. He also proceeded to embrace the US president.
Kurmasheva was the last to exit the aircraft and had a emotional reunion with her two daughters.

The United States, Russia, Germany, and other Western countries struck a deal for a 24-person prisoner swap, which is one of the largest prisoner exchange agreements since the end of the Cold War.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819231133718270388

1819231133718270388

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819055561893147115

1819055561893147115


Text:
Who is returning to Russia as part of the prisoner exchange with the US:

▪️Vadim Krasikov, a former Russian intelligence officer arrested in Germany in 2019 and accused by Berlin of terminating Chechen terrorist Zelimkhan Khangoshvili on German soil.

▪️Ludwig Gisch and Maria Mayer, arrested in 2022 in Slovenia and accused of being deep-cover Russian intelligence operatives whose names (if Western media is to be believed) are Artem Dultsev and Anna Dultseva.

▪️Roman Seleznev, a Russian IT specialist who was accused by US authorities of being a hacker and of defrauding banks of millions of dollars.

▪️ Vladislav Klyushin, a Russian businessman who was arrested in Switzerland in 2021 and extradited to the US. The American authorities accused Klyushin of participating in “an elaborate hack-to-trade scheme that netted approximately $93 million through securities trades based on confidential corporate information stolen from U.S. computer networks,” as the US DoJ put it.

▪️Vadim Konoshchenok, a Russian businessman who the US authorities claim has ties to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). In 2023 he was arrested in Estonia and extradited to the US to be tried on charges of smuggling dual-use technologies and ammunition from the United States to Russia.

▪️Mikhail Mikushin, a Russian national who was arrested in Norway while posing as a Brazilian academic called Jose Assis Gaammaria. Norwegian authorities suspected him of being a Russian intelligence operative but Mikushin only admitted to using a false identity to gain employment at the University of Tromso.

▪️Pavel Rubtsov, also known as Pablo Gonzalez Yague, is a Russian-Spanish journalist who was arrested in 2022 in Poland on suspicion of espionage.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819059907821191633

1819059907821191633

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819061350812754311

1819061350812754311


Text:

Who left Russia with Putin's pardon as part of the prisoner swap deal:

Evan Gershkovich is a US journalist working for Wall Street Journal who was detained in Russia in March 2023 and convicted of espionage.

Paul Whelan is a Canadian-born former US marine who was arrested in Russia in 2018 and convicted of espionage two years later.

Alsu Kurmasheva is an employee of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (Western propaganda outlet branded as a foreign agent in Russia) who was arrested in Russia in 2023 on charges of spreading fakes about Russian Armed Forces.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian journalist who was arrested in Russia in 2022 and a year later convicted on charges of treason and spreading fakes about Russian Armed Forces.

Kevin Lick is a citizen of both Russia and Germany who was convicted on espionage charges in 2023. He was arrested in Russia when trying to flee to Germany with data pertaining to Russian troop movements.

Demuri Voronin is a Russian political consultant who was convicted in 2023 on charges of treason for helping deliver to German intelligence sensitive information about Russian military activities in Syria.

Andrei Pivovarov is a former executive director of the now-defunct Open Russia, a shady organization established in 2001 by the infamous Russian oligarch and convicted criminal Mikhail Khodorkovsky. In 2021 Pivovarov was arrested in Russia and convicted on charges of cooperating with an undesirable organization.

A number of Russian prisoners convicted on a variety of charges ranging from creating extremist organizations and trying to set up a terrorist network to spreading fakes about Russian Armed Forces: Ilya Yashin, Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeeva, Vadim Ostanin, Aleksandra Skochilenko.

As part of the deal, Rico Krieger, a German mercenary working for Ukraine who was sentenced to death in Belarus this year after being found guilty of committing an act of terrorism on Belarusian soil, was pardoned by the President of Belarus and released. Moscow is grateful to Lukashenko for this goodwill gesture.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819063248395587639

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https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819075704979706097

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¤=[Post Update]=¤

Text:
As Vadim Krasikov returned to Russia as part of the prisoner swap deal, watch Vladimir Putin's explanation to Tucker Carlson about who this man is

"That person, due to patriotic sentiments, eliminated a bandit in one of the European capitals. During the events in the Caucasus, do you know what he [the bandit] was doing? I don’t want to say that, but I will do it anyway. He was laying down our soldiers who had been taken prisoner on the road and then he drove his car over their heads."

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819082447117590557

1819082447117590557

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MoonofA/status/1819387744772104277
1819387744772104277

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/08/ukraine-sitrep-catch-up-.html#more (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/08/ukraine-sitrep-catch-up-.html)

Ukraine SitRep: Catch up
August 02, 2024

Due to my recent health issues I could not report on Ukraine for quite a while. This is my first attempt to catch up with the issue.

Given the huge size of Ukraine the changes in the front line between April 1 and August 1 seem minuscule.

April 1 2024:

https://www.moonofalabama.org/19i/ukrov20240401.jpg

August 1 2024:

https://www.moonofalabama.org/19i/ukrov20240801.jpg

But the small moves on the map disguise a rather large progress for the Russian forces.

In May some 30,000 Russian troops crossed the northern border from Russia towards Kharkiv. They quickly reached a depth of some 15 kilometer but then stopped to make fast progress. According the Russian president Vladimir Putin the forces were tasked to prevent further Ukrainian artillery attacks on Belgorod. They have mostly achieved that purpose.

But the Ukrainian side interpreted the move as an attack on Kharkiv with the purported aim to take Ukraine's second largest city. It panicked.

Troops that had been pulled back because of losses were redirected to Kharkiv. Brigades that were fighting in the Donetsk region in the east were moved north to block the Russian forces. In total some 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers were pulled from elsewhere and pushed into the Kharkiv region. They were tasked with counterattacking the Russian forces.

This fitted the Russian plans very well. The whole attack near Kharkiv had been planned as a diversion from other fronts. The troops deployed in the north went into defense and concentrated on eliminating counterattacking Ukrainian forces.

While this was ongoing the Russian forces on the Donetsk front found that the man- and fighting power of their local opponents had sharply decreased. They attacked and soon made significant progress.

Months ago it took weeks to take a small town or to jump to the next treeline. Now the Russian forces make jumps of several kilometer per day and take new towns on a daily and sometimes hourly basis.

The maps of the eastern front show rather large progress in several directions.

April 1 2024:

https://www.moonofalabama.org/19i/ukrdo20240401.jpg

August 1 2024:

https://www.moonofalabama.org/19i/ukrdo20240802.jpg

In the south the Russian forces east of Vuhledar moved north and cut one of the supply roads to the city.

To the north west of Donetsk city Russian forces made huge progress towards Pokrovsk city, one of the main road and rail crossings in the region. Pokrovsk is already in normal artillery range and the Ukrainian forces defending its approaches seem to be utterly worn out.

North east of the Pokrovsk front Russian forces are in the process of taking the New York agglomeration of several cities from the north as well as from the south.

A bit further north moves from Kurdiumivka and from Chasiv Yar are aiming at taking Konstantinovka, another major city controlling various crossroads.

All the above moves were possible because Ukraine had moved whatever was available towards the Kharkiv front. The defense units left behind in the Donetsk region were simply not enough to hold the line against the still growing Russian forces.

A new push for mobilization has helped Ukraine to bring fresh troops to the front. They are however not increasing the forces but simply replace the large losses Ukrainian brigades have had. A recent New York Times piece mentioned this in an aside note (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/30/world/europe/ukraine-war-troops-russia-mobilization.html) (archived (https://archive.ph/3Z4Vh)):
Ukraine Is Conscripting Thousands More Troops. But Are They Ready?
Large numbers of recruits will arrive at the front in the coming weeks, soldiers and military analysts said, but some are poorly trained or out of shape. The Ukrainian authorities have declined to share conscription figures, arguing that the information is confidential. Three military experts with knowledge of the figures said that Kyiv had been drafting up to 30,000 people a month since May, when a new conscription law took effect. That is two to three times more than during the last winter months, they said, and about the same number that the Russian Army is recruiting each month. That figure could not be independently confirmed.
...
Gen. Yurii Sodol, a former commander of the Ukrainian forces, told Parliament in April that in certain sections of the front, Russians outnumbered Ukrainians by more than seven to one.
...
In addition to the conscripts, Ukraine has released some 3,800 prisoners to serve in exchange for the possibility of parole at the end of their fighting duties, according to Denys Maliuska, the justice minister.

A medic fighting near the eastern Ukrainian town of Toretsk, one of the hottest points on the front line, said that her brigade had received 2,000 conscripts and prisoners in the past two months. The medic spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid giving information to Russian forces.
...
Mr. Voytenkov, the press officer for the 33rd, said his brigade gave one week of additional training to conscripts to show them the weapons and armored vehicles that they would be using. After just the basic training, he said, “they are not ready to fight, honestly.”
Toretsk is part of the New York agglomeration. A Ukraine brigade has a nominal strength of some 3,000 to 4,000 men. If it has needed 2,000 replacements in two months, as the medic claims, it must have taken enormous losses.

The new recruits are mostly untrained and not fit for war. The units they are sent to lack the junior leaders needed to train them. The new men will thereby become cannon fodder with little chance to survive Russian attacks or bombing.

The new mobilization was partly intended to create new reserves. But when active troops need replacements of this size the numbers left for new forces will be too small to make a difference.

In a recent interview with the Guardian the Ukrainian commander in chief General Syrsky made some optimistic noise about 'winning'. But the numbers he cited all point to an overwhelming Russian forces that will easily smash whatever is left in Ukraine to oppose them:
Syrskyi is Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief. His unenviable task is to defeat a bigger Russian army. Two and half years into Vladimir Putin’s full-scale onslaught, he acknowledges the Russians are much better resourced. They have more of everything: tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, soldiers. Their original 100,000-strong invasion force has grown to 520,000, he said, with a goal by the end of 2024 of 690,000 men. The figures for Ukraine have not been made public. “When it comes to equipment, there is a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 in their favour,” he said. Since 2022 the number of Russian tanks has “doubled” – from 1,700 to 3,500. Artillery systems have tripled, and armoured personnel carriers gone up from 4,500 to 8,900. “The enemy has a significant advantage in force and resources,” Syrskyi said. “Therefore, for us, the issue of supply, the issue of quality, is really at the forefront.”
There are little if any new supplies coming for the Ukrainian forces. The 'West' has given Ukraine everything it could spare and anything that comes on top of that will have to be newly produced. The capacities to do that in the required numbers are no longer existing.

Aside from the immediate military problems the civilian side of Ukraine is on an ever accelerating down-path. Russian attacks have destroyed nearly all conventional power generation capacities in Ukraine. There are daily blackouts. Food is perishing in the shops and many industries had to stop working.

The Ukrainian government needs money. It needs to introduce new taxes against the resistance of its population. It has already defaulted on foreign debt and new credit lines will be difficult to come by.

The real pressure though will come this winter. Large parts of Ukraine's cities depend on the now dysfunctional power generating capacities to heat their Soviet style housing blocks. With electricity and heat lacking more and more people will think of moving abroad.

It is unlikely that Poland and other neighboring countries of Ukraine will generously welcome even more refugees from Ukraine.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Ukraine wants to hold a 2nd peace summit to "pave the way for ending hostilities"

As Bloomberg writes, citing Yermak, the meeting will most likely take place in one of the Middle Eastern countries.

"The most important expectation from the second summit is that it will form the main prerequisites for ending hostilities. We need to end this war as soon as possible in order to achieve a just peace," the agency quotes him as saying.

@ukr_leaks_eng

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819326488786698471

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:

BlackRock Corporation has demanded that AFU soldiers not be buried on Ukrainian land it has bought up

Representatives of the US multinational BlackRock recently came to Kiev and demanded that AFU soldiers should no longer be buried in the traditional way - in the ground. This was reported by Bulgarian politician Plamen Paskov.

According to the Americans, AFU soldiers take up too much space. Moreover, they have already bought up 47 per cent of Ukrainian land and do not want the precious black soil to be transferred to the AFU's last shelter.

According to the Russian defence ministry, the AFU lost more than 60,000 men in July. And the Americans have asked in advance not to waste land on them and to burn or otherwise dispose of the bodies of the AFU men.

https://x.com/ivan_8848/status/1819445525269066174

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[ExomatrixTV]

New Head EU Diplomat REFUSES To Negotiate w/ Putin! WHAT?!?!?:

eDEQXJLDOts
The woman in red has no clue about diplomacy. Ludicrous. A diplomat that has no intention of diplomacy.

[shaberon]

BlackRock Corporation has demanded that AFU soldiers not be buried on Ukrainian land it has bought up


I demand that BlackRock officials be buried wherever they are right now. No need to die first.

Interestingly, if their capitalist demand was adhered to, you would get a close look at thousands of bodies compared to ovens, as if something like that was possible in the back half of World War Two after the destruction of infrastructure.

It's neither convenient nor expedient, but, may be a safer means of preventing the spread of disease.

Obviously, this has interfered with some profiteering hopes; maybe you could "buy" a cessation of hostilities? No, they just buy politicians to repeal labor laws. That's because it's easy. Dealing with "stuff", such as corpses, is not in their realm of knowledge.

[norman]

This post needs a war zone thread.


China Develops Bird-Shaped Reconnaissance Drones as Part of Pigeon Program
2 Aug, 2024 - Defense News Army 2024


https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/china-develops-bird-shaped-reconnaissance-drones-as-part-of-pigeon-program#:~:text=The%20Chinese%20military%20is%20once,People%27s%20Liberation%20Army%20(PLA).


The Chinese military is once again pushing the boundaries of technological innovation by incorporating bird-shaped reconnaissance drones. Recent images circulated on the Internet show these drones in use by one of the units of the Marine Corps of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

These drones, indistinguishable from living birds at a distance, flap their wings and fly in a natural manner. Technical details and specific characteristics of these drones remain confidential, but their deployment within the PLA forces has been confirmed.

China is not new to the field of ornithopters. As early as 2018, a government program named “Pigeon” was launched, aimed at developing mimetic drones for urban operations. These drones, with their characteristics still undisclosed, were designed to blend into the urban environment without arousing suspicion.

In 2022, Chinese engineers unveiled an impressive mechanical flying bird weighing 1,600 grams and featuring a wingspan of two meters. Powered by a lithium battery, this drone could remain airborne for an hour and a half, demonstrating China’s advancements in the field of biomimetic drones.

Although many countries are also working on bird-like drones, most are limited to fixed-wing models propelled by propellers. For instance, the Dutch surveillance drone Evolution Eagle, disguised as a large eagle, can only deceive the human eye from a great distance. In contrast, the Chinese flapping-wing drones offer a much more effective and realistic camouflage.

This technological advancement reflects the Chinese military’s desire to remain at the forefront of military innovation by developing equipment capable of perfectly blending into their environment for discreet and effective reconnaissance missions.

The adoption of these ornithopter drones by the PLA could mark a turning point in surveillance and military intelligence strategies, offering a significant tactical advantage due to their ability to operate without raising suspicion. It remains to be seen how this technology will be exploited in the coming years and what impact it will have on military doctrines worldwide.


https://armyrecognition.com/templates/yootheme/cache/22/China_Develops_Bird-Shaped_Reconnaissance_Drones_as_Part_of_Pigeon_Program-22df140f.webp


https://armyrecognition.com/templates/yootheme/cache/5a/China%20Develops%20Bird-Shaped%20Reconnaissance%20Drones%20as%20Part%20of%20Pigeon%20Program%20001-5aa90d61.webp


https://t.me/FreedomDoc1/11605
FreedomDoc1/11605

[norman]

. . . . .Who is Paul Whelan?

Apparently, the problem is that Whelan is accused of espionage which seems to be far more serious than Griner's drug smuggling.
"As for Whelan, it does appear from what I have seen in the public record that he is a spook," said Boyle. "I am certain that negotiations will continue for his release. The Biden administration will have to offer an equivalent high value prisoner in order to obtain his release. Hopefully this can be accomplished in the immediate future."
The Paul Whelan case is very difficult, according to Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "America's Undeclared War."
"It (…) appears that the Russian government regards his case as more serious than Grinder's case because they believe he was engaged in espionage," Lazare told Sputnik. "Obviously [this is] a much more serious offense. A lot depends on the future course of US-Russian relations. I presume if they were to improve that the chances of Whelan's release would greatly increase. But unfortunately, I see no prospect of that occurring. So it's difficult to make predictions."
US Marine Corps veteran Whelan is a Canadian national who also has US, British, and Irish citizenship. On December 28, 2018, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested him at his room in the Metropol hotel in Moscow after the ex-military serviceman received a flash drive containing a list of employees for a secret Russian agency. For his part, Whelan insisted that he was in Russia only to attend a friend’s wedding. He traveled to Russia several times, apparently, from 2006.
A former FSB official told Rossiya Segodnya that judging from the circumstances of Whelan's arrest, the Russian counterintelligence agents had thwarted a major operation by US intelligence services. Whelan was convicted on June 15, 2020, and received a 16-year prison sentence.

While the British mainstream press attempted to depict Whelan as "a Mr. Bean on holiday," he does not appear to be a simpleton.
From 1988 through 2000, Whelan worked as a police officer on the Chelsea, Michigan, force and as a deputy in the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. It was also reported that Whelan began his military service as a US Marine reservist in 1990 (or 1994) to 2001.
Between 2003 and 2008, he served in Iraq being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a staff sergeant with Marine Air Control Group 38. Either in 2006 or 2007, Whelan spent his two vacation weeks in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, according to the US press.
At the time of arrest, Whelan worked as director of global security and investigations for BorgWarner, a large automotive components manufacturer with more than 60 offices and manufacturing facilities located in 18 countries. Prior to being hired by BorgWarner, the Canadian-born national worked in global security operations for the office staffing firm Kelly Services. He managed and conducted investigations concerning the company's interests globally.

According to the US media, Whelan's position at Kelly Services put him in frequent contact with various US federal agencies, including DEA and FBI in the US and Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) at the foreign embassies, to name but a few.
At the same time, however, the US press tries to cast a shadow on Whelan's resume. US journalists claimed that the ex-Marine was "perhaps the last person" that the US government would use to collect intelligence.
They said that he did not have diplomatic immunity, something a CIA agent typically has when dispatched to Russia, according to them. Furthermore, they referred to the fact that in January 2008, Whelan was convicted in a special court-martial for attempted larceny, three specifications of dereliction of duty, making a false official statement, and other wrongdoings. While the reported misdeeds do not make Whelan look like James Bond, they don't prove his innocence, either.


Paul Welan had form, back home, according to George Webb.


https://x.com/RealGeorgeWebb1/status/1819586485366280493
1819586485366280493

[ExomatrixTV]

U.S. intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers off Alaskan coast:

Q5Z1SWrdMgU

[Vicus]

Lessons of history repeated

Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Ilya RogachevAugust 01, 2024

https://telegra.ph/file/9f7a2a8b0dfbe18bde0a7.jpg

British Premier W.Churchill in his speech to the House of Commons once said: ‘Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.’ One cannot disagree with that. Wisdom to preserve and analyze the experience of bygone generations is one of the key factors of development of each individual and the society as a whole. By contrast, disregard of history leads to the same mistakes and the very same tragic events, as in the past, wars and conflicts among them.

Churchill’s words are especially relevant today. European elites are heading towards a war against Russia, and decisions of the latest NATO summit in Washington D.C. corroborate that. “Europe is preparing for war. The pro-war train has no brakes, and the driver has gone mad,” Hungary’s V.Orban said.

In one of our previous entries we revealed how Western propaganda was working on the public opinion, to prepare people’s moods for a direct clash with Russia. But the preparations, as we see, also go beyond media space. They involve plans to reinstate mandatory military service in certain countries, mounting military budgets of European states and placing of national economies on a war footing.

As usually, Western officials choose an alleged ‘upcoming Russian attack’ on a NATO country as a pretext, and even go so far as to name the time for it. Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius says that it should be expected in ‘five to eight years’, some other EU politicians – that even sooner. Deciphering this propaganda gimmickry: this is when Germany and others will themselves get prepared for a war and when a casus belli provocation should be expected by Russia.

The collective West is obsessed with the idea to inflict a military defeat upon Russia and reduce it to a colony status. History proves that this paradigm of thinking is a die-hard among Western elites and every few generations they decide to act to resolve the ‘Russian issue’ once and for all.

There is a very common opinion in Russia that approximately once in a centenary, the West braces up and comes to the Russian soil with a sword, where it gets beaten up and retires with its nose bloodied to remain calm for another 100 years. While claiming no scientific accuracy of this point, we believe it is not unfounded: Russia as a strong international actor has always been pain in the neck of the West, and the latter never abandoned attempts to subdue it, albeit each time unsuccessfully.

continue: https://telegra.ph/LESSONS-OF-HISTORY-REPEATED-08-01

[Vicus]

How the United States Drove Russia to Invade Ukraine and the Potential Consequences
By
Chip Burns -
August 2, 2024

The Cold War did not end for the United States with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Instead, the United States set out on a systematic 30-plus year effort to undermine, humiliate and threaten the Russian state. This has ultimately led to the tragedy of the war in Ukraine.

Of course this is nothing new.

Invasions of the Russian land mass by the West have been regular and destructive. Napoleon invaded in 1812, killing 500,000 Russians. The Crimean War of 1853-1856 killed another 250,000.

World War I saw 3,300,000 Russian deaths, and World War II 27,000,000. In total the Western Powers have been responsible for 30-35 million dead Russians, not to mention turning western Russian into a moonscape, over two centuries. Everyone attacked Russia through Ukraine. This is known in historical circles as a pattern.

But I digress.

A Deceitful Start

In the waning days of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev was seeking a rapprochement with the West. He was willing to permit the unification of East and West Germany in return for an assurance that NATO would not expand eastwards. He received said assurances from U.S. Secretary of State James Baker on January 9, 1990, when he (Baker) promised NATO would move “not one inch eastward.”

These assurances were reiterated over the period 1990-91 by George W. Bush, James Baker, Robert Gates (U.S.), Margaret Thatcher, Douglas Hurd, John Major (UK), Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Helmut Kohl (Germany), Francois Mitterrand (France), and Manfred Woerner (NATO Secretary General). Of course, none of these commitments was honored. Those in doubt can refer to the National Security Archive at George Washington University.[1]

https://i0.wp.com/covertactionmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/a-group-of-men-in-suits-around-a-table-descriptio.jpeg?resize=696%2C483&ssl=1
Mikhail Gorbachev with Western leaders at end of the Cold War. [Source: nsarchive.gwu.edu]

The Wolfowitz Doctrine

In 1991 Paul Wolfowitz penned his infamous “Wolfowitz Doctrine,” in which he proposed:

“The U.S. must show the leadership necessary to establish and protect a new order that holds the promise of convincing potential competitors that they need not aspire to a greater role or pursue a more aggressive posture to protect their legitimate interests.” (Emphases added.)

In other words, the only legitimate interests were those of the United States. The doctrine was ultimately shot down by President George H. W. Bush. But neither Wolfowitz nor his fellow intellectuals, many in highly influential government positions, forgot about it.

What followed was a series of events and policies with the clear intention of rendering Russia not only moot on the international stage, but vulnerable to increasing threats from the West.

continue: https://covertactionmagazine.com/2024/08/02/how-the-united-states-drove-russia-to-invade-ukraine-and-the-potential-consequences/

Vicus comment:
A very long but interesting article,not only for newbies but for the regular visitors from this Thread

[Vicus]

Ukrainian forces drop munition into crowd at Donetsk market, several injured — eyewitness 2,august

It is reported that the Ukrainian armed forces carry out shelling and drone attacks every day

DONETSK, August 2. /TASS/. The Ukrainian armed forces used a drone to attack a market in the west of Donetsk, injuring six people, an eyewitness told reporters.

"Almost no one heard it (the drone - TASS). It (the munition) was dropped: six people were injured, two of them seriously. No one even noticed when it went up. Drones fly a lot. To be honest, we didn't see what kind of drone it was, but it was a grenade. They threw a grenade because when these kamikaze drones come, the explosions are much stronger. And there was a crowd here, they just threw it into the crowd," she said, adding that people in the market had leg and head injuries.

She also said that the Ukrainian armed forces carry out shelling and drone attacks every day.

According to the DPR mission to the Joint Control and Coordination Center on issues related to Ukraine's war crimes (JCCC), the enemy dropped an explosive object from a drone in the area at 8:50 a.m. Moscow time [5:50 a.m. GMT].

https://tass.com/politics/1824565

[ExomatrixTV]

1819167625651671401

[shaberon]

As to the above, it's not bankrupt; it can't be.


Interfax (https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/104747/):



Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has signed legislation authorizing the government to suspend payments on the country's foreign state debt if necessary until October 1, 2024, Ukrainian media said referring to the Verkhovna Rada's website.

The Ukrainian parliament passed the legislation on July 18 and sent it to Zelensky for signing it into law, and the document was returned with Zelensky's signature on July 31.

The document amends the Budget Code by authorizing the government to suspend payments on Ukraine's foreign state debt if necessary. Apart from that, it allows for including Ukravtodor's 2021 Eurobonds valued in aggregate at $700 million plus interest in the state debt restructuring framework.


That means it may default on some payments until October.

The Eurobond restructuring, however, does plan to write off 37% of it.

Let's ask Bundesfinanz (https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Content/EN/Standardartikel/Topics/Europe/War-in-Ukraine/debt-service-suspension-for-ukraine.html):




The GCU – comprised of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – urges all other official creditors to swiftly reach a debt treatment agreement with Ukraine with terms at least as favourable as those provided under the GCU agreement.


That means those major countries already agree to debt service suspension until 2027. They urge everyone else involved to follow suit.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1819782503541952917

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1819789759582990409

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/peacemaket71/status/1819792818744799540

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/aussiecossack/status/1819855370845855976

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/aussiecossack/status/1819535630524993741

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇷🇺 Frontline areas: the Minister of Health and the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration visited heroic medical workers in the Kherson region.

▪️ Healthcare workers at the Aleshky hospital perform real feats daily, saving lives and maintaining people's health under constant danger from enemy terrorist shelling, reported the head of the regional administration, V. Saldo.

▪️ On the instructions of V. Putin, the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, S. Kiriyenko, and the Minister of Health, M. Murashko, visited Aleshky Central District Hospital.

▪️ For their high achievements and heroism, the hospital's medical staff were awarded state, presidential, and departmental honors.

▪️ Several surgical kits and sets of anti-fragmentation protection were also delivered. Previously, more than 40 units of large medical equipment were purchased and put into operation for the hospital. However, the pace of re-equipping the medical facility, which is effectively on the front line, needs to be increased.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819746791572570577

1819746791572570577

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇷🇺 The Russian army has broken through the water canal in Chasiv Yar and is now fighting in the western part of the city, according to a Bild military analyst.

▪️ "Russian forces have crossed the Chasiv Yar canal and are now advancing into the first western district of the city," he writes.

▪️ Röpcke's conclusion is confirmed by a video published yesterday by the "Clear Eyes" drone unit of the 23rd Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which showed Russian troops in this area.

▪️ Earlier, we reported on the breakthrough of the 98th Airborne Division to the west of the "Siverskyi Donets-Donbas" canal; this was acknowledged yesterday by a Ukrainian Armed Forces commander.

- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819745018740916280

1819745018740916280

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦 Assault on Toretsk: The Russian army is just tens of meters away from entering the city!

▪️ The "Center" troop grouping is making progress, breaking through the enemy's defenses and finishing the clearing of Toretsk's suburbs. They have effectively occupied the satellite city of Toretsk, Zheleznoye (Artemovo), and are clearing Kirovo (Severne), Yuzhnoye, and Druzhba.

▪️ Ukrainian military analysts report that our troops are just tens of meters away from Toretsk.

▪️ "The situation in this direction is not much better than in Pokrovske. The Russians have had success in the southeastern part of Zheleznoye, near the slag heap of the 'Artem' mine, and in the 'Shakhter' garden association.

▪️ "To the administrative borders of the city, there are only a few hundred to several dozen meters remaining. Therefore, the information from various 'military insiders' about the Russians entering the city should not be seen as something unbelievable."

▪️ "Zheleznoye: The enemy infantry has entrenched in the southern part of Mira Street and continues to push in the northern, western, and southern directions," wrote other analysts this morning.

- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819748867291902449

1819748867291902449

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇪🇸 "I came to fight, not to commit suicide," said a Spanish mercenary who refused to go into battle when he realized that the Russians might kill him.

The Spanish publication El Español writes about the daily life of a foreign legionnaire.

Nacho, a 52-year-old man from Alicante, lives in a campsite without drinking water and with expired food. He was transferred there by the 241st Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces after his dismissal more than two months ago.

Currently, the Ukrainian territorial defense does not allow him to terminate his contract, despite his right to retire. Nacho has been without salary and without a resolution to his situation for three months.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819782090889543937

1819782090889543937

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺 In the Kharkov region, the Russian army continues to push Zelensky's regime forces, said Aptý Alaudínov, the commander of the "Akhmat" special forces and deputy head of the Main Political-Military Directorate of the Russian Army, in an interview.

He also reported that Russian troops now control more than half of the center of the city of Volchansk.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819812654552170521

1819812654552170521

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦 While Ukrainian channels continue to savor the footage that has appeared of the UAV attack on Russian rear regions, videos have emerged online of the aftermath of the "Geranium" strike on the oil depot in the Vinnytsia Region.

Thanks to the footage that has spread online, the exact location of the strike has been established. At the moment, fuel storage tanks on the territory of the Gnivani special reinforced concrete plant are on fire - this is also confirmed by the FIRMS service, which tracks emerging fire hotspots.

Coordinates: 49.106600, 28.358680

The strike location was also confirmed by local residents. Later, details of the raid emerged. Initially, three strikes hit the object, and after the firefighters arrived, a fourth "Geranium" struck directly into the tank after the alarm was sounded. Despite the use of a fire train, the fire is still being extinguished.
#Vinnytsia #Russia #Ukraine

https://x.com/rybar_force/status/1819800293267136539

1819800293267136539

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
#UkraineRussiaWar
* In the direction of Siversk, the Russians are capturing more parts of the forest line located north of Razdolivka. According to a pro-Russian source, the first assault operations on the adjacent village of Pereizne have also commenced.
* Geolocated videos from Chasiv Yar have surfaced, confirming that Russian ground troops have indeed secured the first civilian buildings along the canal.
* In the direction of Toretsk, the Russians are advancing further and are currently storming the first mine north of Zalizne. They are also advancing north of the mine and securing more buildings.
* In the direction of Avdiivka, Ukrainian sources report that the Russians have secured the first streets in Zhelanne. The only supply route for the Ukrainians in the village is on the verge of being physically cut off. If the Russians succeed, the Ukrainians will face significant difficulties in supplying their troops in the village with ammunition and other necessities.
* Additionally, Russian soldiers are reported to have entered and secured the first houses in Serhiivka.
* Furthermore, the Russians destroyed a Ukrainian Mig-29 and an oil depot, while the Ukrainians also destroyed an oil depot on Russian territory and attacked an airfield, where it appears an ammunition depot was destroyed.

The Heat🔥100 Meters To Toretsk⚔️ The Middle East Is Going To Explode💥Military Summary 2024.08.03

PREMIRE: 10:30 PM GMT +3

YouTube English (https://youtu.be/OBrxm6fVh5Q)

YouTube Russian (https://youtu.be/sqCXwK6kldo)

YouTube German (https://youtu.be/7zWHvefhD04)

YouTube Serbian (https://youtu.be/KKHc66SOFsQ)

YouTube Indian (https://youtu.be/paMhNdSbMg0)

Rumble Eng (https://rumble.com/v59ktnh-the-heat100-meters-to-toretsk-the-middle-east-is-going-to-explodemilitary-s.html), Rumble Rus (https://rumble.com/v59kqv9-79-03.08.2024.html)

Odysee (https://odysee.com/@Military.Summary:c/03.08.2024-(Main):b)

Military Summary Map (https://dev.militarysummary.com)

https://x.com/MilitarySummary/status/1819807587551822107

1819807587551822107

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
From the report of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation dated August 3, 2024.

Enemy losses yesterday were:
➖➖➖
⏺ 1975 military personnel
⏺ 12 armored vehicles, including 4 tanks
⏺ 29 artillery systems, including 6 self-propelled guns
⏺ two S-125 air defense missile launchers
⏺ 33 units of special vehicles
⏺ 140 UAVs, of which 80 are outside the special military operation zone
⏺ AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery counter station
⏺ Electronic warfare station "Bukovel-AD"
⏺ two electronic warfare stations "Enklav-N"
⏺ radar station for detecting and tracking air targets P-18
➖➖➖
Fuel warehouses were destroyed. Five field ammunition depots of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were destroyed in the Kupyansky and Donetsk directions.
➖➖➖
Air defense systems shot down a Patriot anti-aircraft guided missile and nine HIMARS missiles.

#сводка
🇷🇺 Sofa General Staff

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1819814684440027297

1819814684440027297

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Alex_Oloyede2/status/1819707545876898207

1819707545876898207

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦Russian troops deliver all necessities by water and air

Airborne Troops supply units from the Dnepr Group of Forces delivering water, food, communication facilities, ammunition, fuel and lubricants to the forward units, which hold the first line of defence along the entire left bank of the Dnepr River.

Heavy 'cargo' quadrocopters, which are capable of lifting several tens of kilograms of payload, are often used by logistics units to deliver all the necessary supplies.

Such mobile means are used in cases where it is not possible to deliver the supplies with conventional transport due to the high concentration of enemy artillery fire and FPV-drones on access routes.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/1819814518840537219

1819814518840537219

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦 Budanov said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are preparing to destroy the Crimean Bridge.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are working on both long-range strikes and the destruction of the Crimean Bridge.

“All this needs, let’s say, a comprehensive solution. The work is underway,” he said.
- FRWL
https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819702763342688278

1819702763342688278

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇬🇧 The Telegraph: British submarines use software developed in Russia and Belarus.

The British Ministry of Defense recognized the security threat and launched an investigation.

The software firm covered it up and discussed whether it could hide the workers' whereabouts by giving them fake names of dead Britons.

There are concerns that the code could reveal the location of the boats, and that the Russian code is also in other projects. - FRWL reports

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1819654812910121416

1819654812910121416

[gini]

Ud2riAiwVHg--8 min---4/8/24--🔴" EU and Zelensky Cut Off Oil for Hungary & Slovakia to Send a Message as PM Orban Pushes for Peace"

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

⚡️ Throughout today, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been carrying out massive strikes with FPV drones on civilian infrastructure in Aleshky, Kherson region.

As a result of the morning attack on a busy Sunday market, eight civilians have already been injured. This was not enough for the Ukrainian terrorists, and in the second half they began to strike, aiming at the windows of residential multi-story buildings. As a result, six more civilians were injured to varying degrees of severity, and a fire broke out in one of the houses, covering about 100 m², which rescuers extinguished under the threat of repeated attacks.

Most of the victims are elderly people, many of them are in serious condition. Doctors are currently fighting for their lives.

https://t.me/vicktop55/25691?single

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1820153781868192141

1820153781868192141

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/aussiecossack/status/1820112232627503115

1820112232627503115

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
At 15:30 Moscow time, the RAF Airbus A330 Stratotanker landed in Constanta, Romania.
From the current configuration, it follows that the British Stratotanker will refuel Ukrainian F16 aircraft that take off from a NATO airbase in Romania and land at the Limanske airfield in the Odessa region on the border with Romania.

It was there that four F-16 aircraft were ferried on August 1 for Zelensky's speech and a ceremonial line-up on this occasion. A Patriot and two IRIS-T were also brought here for cover.
The Limanske airfield previously housed two MiG-29 regiments, the runway is 2500 m, 45 meters wide. It was recently repaired to receive F-16s.

After a "run-through" for the picture, the aircraft were again driven to Constanta. Away from the Crimean Geraniums and Iskanders. Moreover, they enter the Odessa region via Moldova, fearing to fly along the Black Sea within the hunting radius of our S-400 and SU-57.

https://t.me/vicktop55/25688

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1820102350410756496

1820102350410756496

[ExomatrixTV]

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE: Russia develops "Doomsday Drone" to prepare for worst scenario | WION LIVE

MFNvLtpc5J0
Russia has developed a first-person view (FPV) "Doomsday drone" for reconnaissance in nuclear scenario. Named ‘Khrust,’ this small, maneuverable drone can monitor radiation and ensure personnel safety in contaminated environments. It features sensors for toxic substances and dosimeters for radiation detection. The drone can be deployed in 30 seconds, has a flight time of up to 20 minutes, and operates within a range of 500 meters to 2 kilometers, depending on contamination levels. This innovation addresses the need for rapid assessments in nuclear incidents.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🚨🇲🇱- Mali sever diplomatic ties with Ukraine 🇺🇦, here’s why:

I am always excited whenever
@Colonel_Maiga
appears on national television because, what he is about to read is always dope. Here’s the official statement of the government he was reading:

“The Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali has learned, with deep shock, of the subversive statements by which Mr. Andriy Yusov, Spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, admitted the involvement of Ukraine in a cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups that resulted in the death of elements of the Malian Defense and Security Forces in Tinzawatène, as well as material damage.

These statements were reinforced by Mr. Yurii Pyvovarov, Ambassador of Ukraine to Senegal, who openly and unequivocally displayed his country's support for international terrorism, particularly in Mali.

Worse, in their comments, these Ukrainian officials announced other "results" to come.

These extremely serious statements, which have not been denied or condemned by the Ukrainian authorities, show clear official support from the Ukrainian Government for terrorism in Africa, the Sahel and more specifically in Mali.

After a careful examination of the situation, the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali stresses that the actions taken by the Ukrainian authorities violate the sovereignty of Mali, go beyond the framework of foreign interference, already condemnable in itself, and constitute a clear aggression of Mali and support for international terrorism, in flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

The Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali strongly condemns this Ukrainian aggression and denounces this hostility of the Ukrainian authorities, contrary to the position of neutrality observed by Mali, which has always called for a peaceful settlement of the crisis opposing the Russian Federation to Ukraine.

Furthermore, the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali fully adheres to the diagnosis established by the Russian Federation, which has nevertheless warned the world for years about the neo-Nazi and villainous nature of the Ukrainian authorities, today allied with international terrorism, far from the aspirations of peace and stability of the Ukrainian people.

Following the acknowledged and assumed involvement of Ukraine in the clear aggression of Mali, the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali has decided on the following measures:

1. the severance, with immediate effect, of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Mali and Ukraine, the latter whose destinies are unfortunately entrusted to puppets confusing the international scene and the theatre stage.

2. referral to the competent judicial authorities, following the statements of Andriy Yusov and Yurii Pyvovarov, which constitute acts of terrorism and apology for terrorism.

3. taking the necessary measures to prevent any destabilization of Mali from African States, in particular from Ukrainian Embassies established in the sub-region, with terrorists disguised as diplomats.

4. formally alerting regional and international bodies, as well as States that support Ukraine, by informing them that this country has openly and publicly displayed its support for terrorism. Consequently, Mali considers support for Ukraine as support for international terrorism.

Mali calls on the international community to act responsibly in the face of Ukraine's deliberate choice to support terrorism in a global context where there is unanimity on the imperative to combat this scourge.

Mali particularly calls on peace-loving African states and peoples to denounce these subversive actions that threaten the stability of the African continent.
👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾



The Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali reiterates its thanks to the friendly countries of Mali that have shown their solidarity in the face of terrorist attacks, perpetrated with the assistance of foreign sponsors.

The Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali notes that this aggression maintained by Ukraine is part of the broader pattern of certain actors who actively support and instrumentalize armed terrorist groups, allied with rebel groups, for hegemonic and neocolonial purposes and to break the dynamic of emancipation, reconquest of sovereignty and socio-economic development initiated by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

The acts of aggression, far from achieving their objective, on the contrary strengthen the commitment and determination of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, within the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), to continue with more vigor their resolute march towards the strengthening of their sovereignty and the taking control of their destiny, for the happiness of the populations of the AES.

Mali bows before the memory of all the victims of insecurity in the Sahel and reaffirms that the crimes perpetrated will not go unpunished.

May God bless Mali and the AES!”

https://x.com/marcus_herve/status/1820243659926741411

1820243659926741411

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 125 militants, a Vampire MLRS launcher, and six ammunition depots in the Russian Sever Battlegroup's combat zone – Russian Defense Ministry

🇷🇺🪖 More statements from the Russian Defense Ministry’s daily briefing on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine:

▪️ Ukraine lost up to 115 militants and a tank to the Russian Vostok Battlegroup;

▪️ Losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Russian Tsentr Battlegroup's combat zone amounted to up to 325 militants. The group struck formations of eight Ukrainian brigades and repelled eight Ukrainian counterattacks;

▪️ The Russian Yug Battlegroup repelled a counterattack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with the enemy losing up to 620 militants and two ammunition depots;

▪️ The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 495 militants in the Russian Zapad Battlegroup's combat zone;

▪️ Russian forces hit two Ukrainian fuel and lubricant depots;

▪️ Russian air defenses shot down four SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles and 43 Ukrainian drones.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1820416014447792628

1820416014447792628

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇨🇭🇺🇦 Switzerland opened 13 cases, suspecting citizens of mercenarism in Ukraine
▪️A representative of Swiss military justice, Martin Immenhauser, said that 13 investigations are underway against citizens of the country suspected of mercenarism and violating the ban on service in other countries. For this they face up to three years in prison.
▪️36-year-old Jon Neidhart voluntarily came to the Berne police on the eve of the conference on Ukraine in Bürgenstock and publicly condemned the neutrality of Switzerland. In an interview, he stated his involvement in the “murders of hundreds of Russians.”
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1820496813545435288

1820496813545435288

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1820435535736778961

1820435535736778961

https://tass.com/politics/1825401?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

Russian air defenses down four SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles over day — top brass

The ministry specified that a total of 633 aircraft, 278 helicopters, 29,184 drones, 561 anti-aircraft missile systems, 16,774 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles have been destroyed since the beginning of the special military operation

MOSCOW, August 5. /TASS/. Russian air defenses have downed four French-made SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles and hit two Ukrainian fuel depots and manpower in 132 areas over the past 24 hours, the Defense Ministry said.

"Air defenses downed six US-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, four French-made SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles, seven US-made HIMARS rockets, a French-made Hammer guided aerial bomb, and 43 drones," the statement said.

"Operational and tactical aircraft, drones, missile troops and artillery from Russian battlegroups struck two fuel depots as well as concentrations of manpower and military equipment across 132 areas," the military added.

The ministry specified that a total of 633 aircraft, 278 helicopters, 29,184 drones, 561 anti-aircraft missile systems, 16,774 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, 1,396 multiple rocket launchers, 12,843 field artillery and mortar guns, 24,396 units of special military vehicles have been destroyed since the beginning of the special military operation.

TASS has compiled the most important information on the progress of the Russian troops over the past 24 hours.

Battlegroup Center

Russia’s battlegroup Center hasrepelled eight Ukrainian counterattacks over the past 24 hours, the ministry said. "Eight counterattacks by assault groups of the Ukrainian army’s 31st, 47th, 53rd and 117th mechanized, 68th jaeger brigades and the Lyut assault brigade of the Ukrainian national police were repelled," the statement said.

The battlegroup has also improved positions along the frontline and hit eight Ukrainian brigades. "The units of the central battlegroup have improved positions along the front line and inflicted losses on Ukraine’s 1st tank brigade, 32nd, 100th, 117th, and 151st mechanized brigades, 142nd infantry brigade, 95th airborne assault brigade, and 1st special forces brigade near Toretsk, Grodovka, Orlovka and Nikolayevka of the Donetsk People's Republic," the military pointed out, adding that the Ukrainian forces lost up to 325 troops, a tank, three armored combat vehicles, two motor vehicles, a 203mm Pion self-propelled artillery gun and a Msta-B howitzer.

Battlegroup North

Russia’s battelgroup North has defeated four enemy brigades over the day, wiping out up to 125 servicemen and destroying a Vampire MLRS launcher and six ammunition depots, the Defense Ministry said. "The northern battlegroup defeated manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian 57th motorized infantry brigade, 92nd assault brigade, 82nd airborne assault brigade, 36th Marine brigade near Volchansk, Tikhoye and Liptsy in the Kharkov Region. The Ukrainian forces lost up to 125 servicemen, six pickup trucks, 152mm D-20 howitzer, a Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station, a Czech-made Vampire MLRS launcher and six field ammunition depots," the statement said.

Battlegroup South

Russia’s Battlegroup South has improved its tactical position and repelled a Ukrainian counterattack in the past day, with Kiev losing roughly 620 troops, the military said. Also, according to the ministry, Ukraine lost three armored combat vehicles, 11 cars, a US-made 155mm M777 howitzer, four US-provided 105mm M119 artillery guns, a British-made 105mm L-119 howitzer, two ammunition depots and a Nota electronic warfare station.

Battlegroup West

Russia’s Battlegroup West has improved its positions, repelled four counterattacks and wiped out three Ukrainian brigades during the past day, the ministry said. "Units of the Battlegroup West took more advantageous positions, wiped out the Ukrainian army’s 44th, 67th, and 116th mechanized brigades near the settlements of Kolesnikovka and Sinkovka in the Kharkov Region, and Novosadovoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Russian forces repelled four attacks by assault groups of the Ukrainian army’s 14th and 117th mechanized and 77th airborne brigades, as well as 117th territorial defense brigade. The enemy lost up to 495 troops," it said. According to the ministry, Ukraine lost two armored combat vehicles, seven cars, a Polish-made Krab 155mm self-propelled artillery system and a German-made Panzerhaubitze-2000 artillery system, a US-made M777 155mm howitzer, and a D-30 122mm system. Apart from that, Russian forces destroyed three Ukrainian munitions depots.

Battlegroup East

Ukraine has lost up to 115 troops and one tank in the zone of responsibility of Russia’s battlegroup East over the past day, the Defense Ministry said. "The units of the eastern group took more favorable positions and inflicted losses in manpower and materiel on Ukraine’s 72nd mechanized and 58th motorized infantry brigades and 129th territorial defense brigade near Razdolnoye, Vodyanoye and Vremevka of the Donetsk People's Republic. The Ukrainian army lost up to 115 men, one tank, eight vehicles, a US-made 155-millimeter M777 howitzer, a 152-millimeter Msta-B howitzer and two Bukovel-AD electronic warfare stations. Three ammunition depots were destroyed," the ministry added.

Battlegroup Dnepr

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr wiped out three Ukrainian army brigades, with their daily losses exceeding 70 troops, the military said. "During the past day, units of the Battlegroup Dnepr wiped out units of the Ukrainian army’s 128th mountain and 141st infantry brigades, as well as the 39th coastal guard brigade near the settlements of Malye Shcherbaki and Nesteryanka of the Zaporozhye Region, and Tokarevka in the Kherson Region," it said. According to the ministry, Ukraine lost more than 70 troops, eight cars, a US-made M777 155mm howitzer, and a D-20 152mm howitzer.

[Vicus]

Ukraine Orders Evacuations From Donetsk Towns as Russian Forces Advance August 4

Russian forces are advancing toward Pokrovsk, a city used as a major supply hub for Ukrainian forces

Vadym Filashkin, the Ukrainian governor of Donetsk, said he ordered the mandatory evacuation of children and their parents from several villages. “The enemy is bombing the towns and villages of these communities every day, so it was decided to evacuate children with their parents or other legal representatives,” he said, according to AFP.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of the Donetsk village of Novoselovka Pervaya as part of a push toward the city of Pokrovsk, which is used as a major supply hub for Ukrainian forces in the region.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Sunday that Ukraine lost 365 soldiers in fighting around Novoselovka Pervaya in the previous 24-hour period.
https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4august2024_Ukraine_Avdeevka_Pokrovsk_map-1.jpg
Russian advances in the direction of Pokrovsk (SouthFront.press)

As the fighting rages in Donetsk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukraine had received its first shipment of US-made F-16 fighter jets. But the planes and other military aid from NATO are not expected to turn the tide on the battlefield.

Zelensky recently began floating the idea of holding peace talks with Russia, marking a shift in his position as he previously ruled out the idea altogether. But there’s been no sign that the US would support negotiations as any deal that cedes territory to Russia would hurt the election chances of Vice President Kamala Harris, who’s expected to be the Democratic nominee after President Biden dropped out of the race.

https://news.antiwar.com/2024/08/04/ukraine-orders-evacuations-from-donetsk-towns-as-russian-forces-advance/

[Vicus]

Nazi Rehabilitation Reaching Unprecedented Levels In Estonia

https://s5.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/B_A_Estee.jpg
Russophobic madness and neo-Nazism are becoming increasingly worrying phenomena in Western-aligned countries – especially in the Baltic states. In addition to creating apartheid policies against ethnic Russians, these states are making their admiration for historical Nazi figures completely public and open, showing how Hitlerite ideology is on the rise.

Recently, the Estonian authorities took a serious step in their pro-Nazi historical revisionism by inaugurating a monument dedicated to two Waffen-SS veterans. The honorees, Major Georg Sooden and Lieutenant Raul Juriado, served in the 20th Estonian SS Volunteer Division during World War II, taking part in the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union. Both were eliminated by the Red Army during the Soviet advance in the summer of 1944, in the Narva region.

There was a public ceremony attended by Estonian military personnel and fascist activists. There are videos on the internet showing the moment when the monument was unveiled by Estonian officers in uniform – which shows that it was a state initiative and not a mere act of independent individuals. During the ceremony, Vallo Reimann, the chairman of the local council, stated that the purpose of the initiative is to commemorate the soldiers who died in the “Estonian War of Independence”.

It is important to emphasize that the monument was placed in the town of Johvi, Ida-Viru County, an area with an ethnic Russian majority. This is clearly a deliberate insult to the local people, which reveals the level of disrespect shown by the Estonian authorities towards Russian-speaking citizens. In addition to apartheid and discrimination, Russians are now forced to coexist with public ceremonies in honor of the murderers who killed their relatives during the Great Patriotic War.

It is interesting to note that Estonians have already adopted the term “War of Independence” to refer to Nazi crimes against Soviet citizens. In addition to “whitewashing” its own history and “revising” the past, Estonia is literally saying that the Nazis fought for “Estonian independence” during the war, which is a propagandistic lie that can be easily refuted. It is worrying to know that Estonian youth are being educated in schools with this type of narrative, learning to respect the Nazi genocidal criminals and to hate the Russians, believing that the Germans’ intention was to “help” the Estonians and not to promote an ethnic massacre against all Soviet peoples.

The future of Estonian-Russian relations is likely to be catastrophic. The next generation of Estonians is likely to be made up of people fanatically hateful of Russia and sympathetic to the Nazis. Something similar to what is happening in Ukraine is also developing in the Baltic countries and other former socialist states. The brainwashing imposed by the West to make these states hostile to Russia is now reaching unprecedented levels. What began with anti-Soviet “revisionism” and the demolition of monuments to the heroes of Red Army has now turned into an open glorification of Nazism.

This is combined by a number of other problematic political issues. It is worth remembering that former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas recently made it clear that she advocates the dismantling of the Russian Federation. For her, the best scenario for Russia would be its territorial fragmentation into multiple “ethno-states” – a racist idea common among the Nazis, who advocated the creation of an expansionist German ethno-state in Europe.

Moreover, Kallas made it clear at the time that this goal of fragmenting Russia, as well as the escalation of support for Ukraine, should be achieved regardless of the consequences. She believes that anti-Russian initiatives should be taken “without fear” of a world or nuclear war, which shows how, in addition to being ideologically fanatical in their Russophobia, Estonian decision-makers are irresponsible and ready to take truly suicidal measures.

In the end, it is possible to predict that Estonia’s future is bleak. If the country continues to escalate its discriminatory attitudes towards Russian citizens and spread Nazi ideas in Europe, relations with Moscow could easily pass the point of no return, creating a crisis where all scenarios, including conflict, are possible.

https://southfront.press/nazi-rehabilitation-reaching-unprecedented-levels-in-estonia/

[Vicus]

Russian army destroys ammunition depot and foreign mercenaries near the train station in Sumy 1 hour ago

Ammunition and the Ukrainian armed units’ personnel, including foreign mercenaries, were destroyed in the city of Sumy in northern Ukraine, Sergey Lebedev, the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground in Nikolayev, told RIA Novosti on August 5.

According to the coordinator, the Russian military launched two strikes near ​​the railway station in Ukrainian Sumy at about 01:00 p.m. (Moscow time). After the second strike, the ammunition began to detonate. It is reported that the strike hit a depot and recently arrived Ukrainian military units.

According to local residents’ reports on social media, there is “hysteria” in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed units, and traffic through the city center is blocked. In addition, according to medical workers, foreign mercenaries were also injured as a result of the strike by the Russian Armed Forces.

Lebedev also sid that eyewitnesses of the incident are being asked to sign non-disclosure agreements.

https://eu.eot.su/2024/08/05/russian-army-destroys-ammunition-depot-and-foreign-mercenaries-near-the-train-station-in-sumy/

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/aussiecossack/status/1820511408217620654

1820511408217620654

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇺🇦🏴‍☠️Ukrainian special services were preparing a strike against Putin and the head of the Ministry of Defense Belousov at the parade in St. Petersburg, - Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov
▪️The attack was supposed to take place on July 28 on Russian Navy Day. But a few days earlier, the Russian defense minister personally called US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to persuade Ukraine to abandon its plans.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1820553486657794235

1820553486657794235

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦 Fierce battles for Toretsk: Russian army breaks through in Zheleznoye, Druzhba, and Severny, threatening to outflank Ukrainian forces

▪️Continuing their powerful offensive, the "Center" troop group begins the assault on Toretsk, breaking through enemy defenses in the surrounding satellite settlements.

▪️In the morning, it was reported that in Pivnichny (Severny/Kirova), Russian units occupied the eastern part of the village (an area up to 1.6 km wide and up to 800 meters deep) and are conducting assault operations in the central part, while in Zheleznoye they advanced along Mirnaya Street to a depth of up to 250 meters.

▪️Ukrainian militants and analysts continuously report the dire situation for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU):

➖"In Severny, on the outskirts of Toretsk, the situation is critical. Russians are occupying residential areas and aiming to outflank Ukrainian units. The fighting is intense, typical of urban combat, with battles for every house and basement," writes one of the Ukrainian military media officers.

➖"The enemy is attacking in the northern part of Severny. Assault groups are moving towards the slag heap area, heading to the western entrance of the city from the direction of Toretsk! The AFU is trying to counterattack in small groups to push back the Russians, but the enemy's artillery is working very densely, and the Russian infantry fearlessly keeps advancing!" writes another.

➖"In the village of Druzhba, fighting continues on Cosmonauts Street. Russian forces advanced along the railway towards school No. 7 by up to 400 meters. The Russians have entrenched themselves in several houses!"
- RVvoenkor reports

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1820555576490733688

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[Jaak]

Nazi Rehabilitation Reaching Unprecedented Levels In Estonia


Russophobic madness and neo-Nazism are becoming increasingly worrying phenomena in Western-aligned countries – especially in the Baltic states. In addition to creating apartheid policies against ethnic Russians, these states are making their admiration for historical Nazi figures completely public and open, showing how Hitlerite ideology is on the rise.

Recently, the Estonian authorities took a serious step in their pro-Nazi historical revisionism by inaugurating a monument dedicated to two Waffen-SS veterans. The honorees, Major Georg Sooden and Lieutenant Raul Juriado, served in the 20th Estonian SS Volunteer Division during World War II, taking part in the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union. Both were eliminated by the Red Army during the Soviet advance in the summer of 1944, in the Narva region.

There was a public ceremony attended by Estonian military personnel and fascist activists. There are videos on the internet showing the moment when the monument was unveiled by Estonian officers in uniform – which shows that it was a state initiative and not a mere act of independent individuals. During the ceremony, Vallo Reimann, the chairman of the local council, stated that the purpose of the initiative is to commemorate the soldiers who died in the “Estonian War of Independence”.

It is important to emphasize that the monument was placed in the town of Johvi, Ida-Viru County, an area with an ethnic Russian majority. This is clearly a deliberate insult to the local people, which reveals the level of disrespect shown by the Estonian authorities towards Russian-speaking citizens. In addition to apartheid and discrimination, Russians are now forced to coexist with public ceremonies in honor of the murderers who killed their relatives during the Great Patriotic War.



Before Stalin and his jewish gangsters occupied Estonia that region was 90% estonian . Now it´s 75-80% russian. Most of the eastern and other regions of estonia got ethnicly cleansed and replaced by russians during or after ww2.
After a year of Stalin´s occupation of Estonia and the red terror that accompanied it came one year of german occupation/liberation.
Between that was stalins scorched earth policy where they planned to kill and destroy everybody and everything but germans advanced too rapidly and russians didnt have time to wipe out all of estonia.
Unlike russians the germas didnt put civilians into torture cellars or into massgraves or didnt send them to siberia in cattle trains so yes,estonians liked germans more than russians at that point.
Before that estonians pretty much hated germans for the 600 years of slavery (teutonic order etc). All that was wiped away by one year of stalins terror...

Estonians and russians got along pretty good during czarist times when estonia was part of russian empire .25% of Saint Petersburg was estonian before Lenin came to power and killed everybody with non-russian name...

So yes,estonians chose to fight against russians during WW2 not because they were fans of nazi ideology. For them it was a fight for independence.

Also military has been doing there memorial ceremonies every year since 90´s because of the ¨Battle of Blue Hills¨. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tannenberg_Line


¨In addition to apartheid and discrimination, Russians are now forced to coexist with public ceremonies in honor of the murderers who killed their relatives during the Great Patriotic War.¨
Estonians experienced that apartheid and discrimination not so long ago in soviet union. But in quite different level. And forced ? Putin has been calling these russians to return to russia for years but nobody seems to want to go.
Estonias are forced to co-exist with their old opressors. Still plenty of old KGB torturers alive and so are some of their victims . They never got punished for their activities and are now comfortably collecting pension.
Thats why KGB archives are still not disclosed about estonia . Too many people with dark history are still alive and some in powerful positions.

After the soviet union collapsed all russians were supposed to go back to russia but the new president Lennart Meri was an KGB agent and did everything he could to halt that process by denying them passports etc . Also russia didnt want them because they previously promised them apartments and pension etc but they didnt have any of that to give...
Both east and west wanted russians to remain in estonia to stir up some future conflict or to have bigger sphere of influence over territory.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Waffen_Grenadier_Division_of_the_SS_(1st_Estonian)

The Nuremberg tribunal ruled that the 30,000 Estonians who had served in the Baltic Legions were conscripts, not volunteers, and defined them as freedom fighters protecting their homelands from a Soviet occupation and as such they were not true members of the criminal Waffen SS.

Subsequently, on 13 April 1950, a message from the Allied High Commission (HICOG), signed by John J. McCloy to the Secretary of State, clarified the US position on the Baltic Legions: "they were not to be seen as 'movements', 'volunteer', or 'SS'. In short, they had not been given the training, indoctrination, and induction normally given to SS members".

The US Displaced Persons Commission declared in September 1950 that: "The Baltic Waffen SS Units (Baltic Legions) are to be considered as separate and distinct in purpose, ideology, activities, and qualifications for membership from the German SS, and therefore the Commission holds them not to be a movement hostile to the government of the United States."

[Ewan]

After a year of Stalin´s occupation of Estonia and the red terror that accompanied it came one year of german occupation/liberation.

Would you agree, Jaak, that Stalin's Russia and the Russia of today are two very different entities?

[Jaak]

After a year of Stalin´s occupation of Estonia and the red terror that accompanied it came one year of german occupation/liberation.

Would you agree, Jaak, that Stalin's Russia and the Russia of today are two very different entities?

Stalins victory over Germany became the foundation of modern Russias entity and identity. May 9th parade is still the biggest event every year. They are proudly successors of soviet union when we talk about who won ww2. But if you talk about the atrocities and war crimes commited by the red army then they had nothing to do with it.
Russia and russians have changed/evolved for better ,no doubt. And yet some of the troublesome attitudes and mentalities and beliefs remain.
I think they would have been much better today if best of their genepool didnt end up in massgraves and yet still plenty of them think that Lenin and Stalin were the good guys and it was worth it to fight for them.
Imagine if biggest event every year in Cambodia would be the celebration of Khmer rouge who massacred 25% of their population. You would think that something is wrong with these people.
I dont see much difference when russians praise the red army ...

[Bruce G Charlton]

@Ewan. I know you didn't ask me - but I'm shoving an oar in anyway! My perspective is that of a very serious, unaffiliated (i.e. no church loyalty), Christian.

By my judgement; the USSR was overall the worst regime in the history of the world. The devil's party for sure.

Russia in 2024 is the only nation, of which I am aware, that is net-good in its motivations and intentions. On the side of God in the spiritual war of this world.

So - yes. "two very different entities".

[Vicus]

Ukraine Lost Over 115,000 Troops in Less Than 2 Months - Shoigu 8 hours ago

BAKU (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost over 115,000 servicepeople in less than two months, this might not have happened if Kiev had met Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin's initiatives halfway, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday.

In June, Putin said that Russia would immediately cease fire and begin negotiations with Ukraine after Kiev withdraws troops from the territory of Russia's new regions and officially abandons plans to join NATO.

"Over these two months, the territory liberated by our troops has increased by 420 square kilometers, and Ukrainian troops have lost, according to the [Russian] Ministry of Defense, more than 115,000 [servicemen] of their troops ... Although this could have been stopped if the demands set out by our president had been met. Therefore, our position is clear, understandable — the troops are moving forward," Shoigu told reporters.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240806/ukraine-lost-over-115000-troops-in-less-than-2-months---shoigu-1119656683.html

[Vicus]

Leaving Enemy Electronic Warfare Powerless: Meet the New Russian AI Drone Rusak 5 hours ago



Russian forces use drones in the special operation zone to target Ukrainian military assets, including howitzers, armored vehicles, and multiple launch rocket systems, as well as command and observation posts and troops.

Russia has started mass production of the Rusak-S, a new first-person view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicle with artificial intelligence, a spokesperson for the Stratim company, which developed the drone, told Russian media.
The quadrotor drone Rusak-S operates as a kamikaze UAV carrying 2.5-3 kg of payload and flying at a maximum speed of up to 150 km (93 miles) per hour. Its flight range is 20 km (12 miles).
The Rusak-S can independently detect and prioritize targets. All its operator needs to do is to select a relevant target and give the drone an order to destroy it.

When the target is selected and the command to destroy is given, the Rusak-S can fly the last 500-1000 meters in autonomous mode, which allows the UAV to effectively hit targets beyond the radio horizon and evade enemy electronic warfare systems, according to the spokesperson.
The firm touted the Rusak-S as sort of a homing anti-tank guided missile, which can hit enemy military equipment’s upper part, where the thinnest layer of armor is in place.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240806/leaving-enemy-electronic-warfare-powerless-meet-the-new-russian-ai-drone-rusak-1119657664.html

[Vicus]

Russian Army, Border Guards Thwart Ukrainian Militants Attempt to Break into Kursk Region ( 9 hours ago)

The Ukrainian army actively tried to break into Kursk region this March ahead of the presidential elections in Russia, yet all militants were neutralized by the Russian Armed Forces and border guards.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine tried to break into the territory of the Russian Kursk region, but the fighters of the FSB Border Guard Service and the Russian Armed Forces did not allow a breakthrough, acting governor Alexei Smirnov said.

"Today, the Sudzhansky and Korenevsky districts reported about Ukrainian forces' attempts to break through into the territory of the Kursk region. The fighters of the Russian FSB Border Guard Service did not allow to break the border through," he wrote on his social networks.

The head of the Kursk region urged everyone to remain vigilant and rely only on official information.
Earlier, 13 aircraft-type UAVs over the territory of the Kursk region and nine Ukrainian UAVs over the territory of the Belgorod region were destroyed by air defense on duty. In addition, one of the drones attacked a passenger car at the Glushkovo station. Two local residents were injured, they were taken to a regional hospital.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240806/russian-army-border-guards-thwart-ukrainian-militants-attempt-to-break-into-kursk-region--1119655964.html

[Vicus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REvPbrrqaVs
1hour ago

[shaberon]

After a year of Stalin´s occupation of Estonia and the red terror that accompanied it came one year of german occupation/liberation.

Would you agree, Jaak, that Stalin's Russia and the Russia of today are two very different entities?


Thinking along these lines, one wonders if Europe has experienced anything other than a collision of the two forces.

For example, in the P2 episode, there is the example of the Fascist Agnelli being forced to kiss a portrait of Lenin. This in in the late 70s, well after WWII.

In other words, Italy remained a hotbed of Nazis versus "everyone else". I get the sense if you were a "different kind" of socialist, or, supported labor rights at all you would have been blanketed under "communism".

We already looked a bit into the formation of Estonia by the questionable figure Eduard Alver (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?114491-WW3-Ukraine-US-vs.-Donbass-Russia&p=1619750&viewfull=1#post1619750), which we will just mention briefly now.

But to resist fascists, I am not sure there has been much else other than "red brigades" doing so, and so even if you did not support hardcore Communism, you didn't really have other resources.

[Ewan]

After a year of Stalin´s occupation of Estonia and the red terror that accompanied it came one year of german occupation/liberation.

Would you agree, Jaak, that Stalin's Russia and the Russia of today are two very different entities?

Stalins victory over Germany became the foundation of modern Russias entity and identity. May 9th parade is still the biggest event every year. They are proudly successors of soviet union when we talk about who won ww2. But if you talk about the atrocities and war crimes commited by the red army then they had nothing to do with it.
Russia and russians have changed/evolved for better ,no doubt. And yet some of the troublesome attitudes and mentalities and beliefs remain.
I think they would have been much better today if best of their genepool didnt end up in massgraves and yet still plenty of them think that Lenin and Stalin were the good guys and it was worth it to fight for them.
Imagine if biggest event every year in Cambodia would be the celebration of Khmer rouge who massacred 25% of their population. You would think that something is wrong with these people.
I dont see much difference when russians praise the red army ...

Jaak, I fear we are drifting too far from topic here but your assertion that the Russians today are ostensibly the same people carries no weight with me.

You would be familiar with the phrase that 'History is written by the victors' and no doubt you would understand how education in a controlled system works. What chance does a child have exposed to that history with the gruesome blood and bones bit removed? Of course they will celebrate a glorious victory as they know no better, just as many nations in the west celebrate their version of the past. We all live in a construct of lies and obfuscation. If one is not willing to delve into both sides of a story and, therefore, favour one above the other then they are falling into the very trap that the men who wrote the history wished to promulgate.

The men who served in Stalin's army were, if you will allow, a reflection of the man who led the country. Today the men in the Russian army would be a reflection, for the most part, of the current leader.

Personally speaking I have a lot of time for the words and considerations of Putin, they would carry more weight in a SANE world than anything that comes out of the west's mouthpieces.

[shaberon]

Jaak, I fear we are drifting too far from topic here but your assertion that the Russians today are ostensibly the same people carries no weight with me.


Even at a basic "high school" level, Russian identity is easily found in the Fourth Crusade. This mainly was the process of Catholics trouncing Byzantine Christians. It could go further, but, I've taken this point from multiple Russians, whether Putin, Lavrov, Dugin, or commentators like us little people, it is unmistakably all about the same. I've not seen anybody particularly riveted to Stalin intellectually, but, physically, of course.

I believe a major point of what we are witnessing *is* the rather solid Russian identity, contrasted to, what is the west?

There's not an answer for it. You can't answer it. There's nothing there. At best, you can perhaps claim to be a "moderate" by not supporting any extremist views, but I don't think you can find anything resembling a rally point.

Again I would say we are para-sympathetic to some of the Baltics, in the sense this was the *only* corner of Europe not taken by the Catholics, with the result that the relatively small powers found themselves in a tug-of-war between foreign empires for centuries. I can appreciate the disturbances. It doesn't change the fact that the Fascist apparatus was installed in "my" country, and this is the influence I would like to dissolve.

Yeah, back in 1776, I would have said there was an Amero-Russian alarm about the European Money Power, which was just political Fascism arising before Communism and knee-jerk racism against Russians and Orientals. Back in 1776, we could have said "we are..." and at least filled in the blank with something, but whatever it was, was dissolved.

We are not on mentally stable ground, even the Baltics can say, well, we were already here for centuries and got paved by these empires, so things are horribly confusing and confusingly horrible. This is, or was, a refugee nation. That's why people came here voluntarily, mostly in reaction against Britain, Germany, and Italy. And now we have just re-galvanized it into an Uber State.

Ouch.

[Tintin]

I maybe a little behind the news cycle but I remember seeing a news story earlier that the Russian airbase in Rostov was hit by something? I'll try and track that down.

In the meantime here's Pepe Escobar's take (https://x.com/RealPepeEscobar/status/1821109477858537693) on the believed planned assassination around Russia Naval Day:



IMAGINE THE TRANSCRIPT OF THIS MESSAGE

The confirmation came from Deputy FM Ryabkov, on Rossiya TV, and it’s a howler. Ryabkov, mega-competent, is also the Russian sherpa for BRICS+.

Ryabkov was very cautious. When asked directly whether "an action was being prepared at the Main Naval Parade" against Putin, Ryabkov "did not answer in the affirmative, only acknowledging the presence of "a certain connection with this kind of event" - according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Ryabkov called a provocation being prepared by Ukraine a "very alarming" episode, which was planned in connection "with our internal events in order to inflict maximum damage and obtain the maximum media effect they need."

So this is how it really happened.

Russian intel discovered that Kiev intel was setting up the joint assassination of Putin and Defense Minister Belousov during the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg.

Normally we would have Bortnikov (FSB) or Patrushev (special adviser to Putin) pickin' up the phone and calling the CIA’s Burns to ask for an explanation.

In this case it was much more hardcore. Belousov himself called the Pentagon weapons peddler Austin and told him in no uncertain terms to tighten the leash on the Kiev goons - OR ELSE.

Now imagine the transcript of this blunt Russian message.

As Martyanov remarked, Belousov must have detailed how Kiev would simply cease to exist - and in due time, “so would D.C.” if the Americans decided to authorize the hit.

Ryabkov also referred explicitly to “some other countries”. Translation: Brits and Poles.

Moscow finally seems to be gettin' the picture: there’s no way to deal with terror entities, except to politely tell them in their faces they will be incinerated with no mercy.
10:01 AM · Aug 7, 2024

[Tintin]

More video of the Russian liberation of Niu-York, Toretsk direction, in Donetsk :muscle:

https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1820852070322184193/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/z19XR44TPdJj8nXo.mp4?tag=12

[Tintin]

I maybe a little behind the news cycle but I remember seeing a news story earlier that the Russian airbase in Rostov was hit by something? I'll try and track that down.

Yes, the Morozovsk airfield attacked by Ukrainian drones apparently. That's one heck of an explosion too...

1821030678290706612

https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1821030620400594944/vid/avc1/480x846/G7XfdFmpVjoWnbQu.mp4?tag=16

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
American journalist Clayton Morris: There is a dark side to the war in Ukraine. Not just the 600,000 dead. Not just the child trafficking that is happening in Ukraine. Not just the baby factories in Ukraine.
You haven't heard about it? Yes, it is real. By the way, we have reported on this. Here is a Swiss surrogacy company Biotexcom with a promotional video explaining exactly how desperate Ukrainian women can come to their bunkers, where their wombs will be turned into a baby-making machine, to make some money.
But no, this is even worse than the baby bunkers. Ukrainian mothers are angry as hell. Ukrainian mothers go to recruiting stations and make a fuss about their sons being taken to war. That is, of course, one thing. The media will not show you these videos. But they also want answers to the question of who is harvesting the organs of their sons and their husbands.
These Ukrainian women are demanding that the authorities provide information about who harvested the organs of their dead husbands and sons. When they got their bodies, there were signs of surgery and surgical removal of organs. The organs were sold on the black market.
Now remember how Zelensky signed a law that allows Ukrainians to remove organs without the consent of the deceased. Zelensky signed this law. Ukrainian soldiers are literally more profitable dead than alive for the Zelensky government, because they can sell these organs and make a lot of money on soldiers. Because on the black market, organs are very expensive.

https://x.com/ivan_8848/status/1821126545223631104

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Western Media isn't reporting on a large-scale suicidal Ukrainian cross border incursion into Russias Kursk region.

Of an estimated 1,000 men that crossed the border, 315 have been killed or wounded. 54 armored vehicles were destroyed, including seven tanks, scarce commodities for the Ukrainain Army.

All an attempt to distract from the collapsing front in the East where Russia is advancing in numerous areas. Ukrainain commanders again put PR ahead of the lives of their people. Insanity

https://x.com/BowesChay/status/1821212714535948687

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https://x.com/AKorybko/status/1821215121336668521

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https://eestieest.com/ukraines-sneak-attack-against-russias-kursk-region-might-be-its-last-hurrah/

Ukraine’s Sneak Attack Against Russia’s Kursk Region Might Be Its Last Hurrah

Russia is fighting to fend off Ukraine’s sneak attack its Kursk Region, though conflicting reports have emerged about the location of these clashes. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that all the fighting has taken place on the Ukrainian side of the border, while Rybar – which boasts nearly 1.2 million subscribers and functions as a think tank of sorts – said that it’s taking place inside of Russia’s borders. Whatever the truth may be, this latest development is still immensely important.

Simply put, it might be Ukraine’s last hurrah since it represents a massive gamble to open up a new front inside of Russia’s pre-2014 borders with the intent of having its foes redeploy some of their troops to Kursk from Donbass, where they’ve continued gradually gaining ground this year. Russia had hitherto braced for yet another attack against neighboring Belgorod Region, ergo the difficult but necessary decision to impose a strict security regime there late last month, so it was taken by surprise.

Prior to that, there was serious concern that Ukraine might be preparing to launch an offensive into Belarus, which could have expanded the conflict and possibly served as a pretext for Polish involvement. Taken together in light of what just happened in Kursk Region, Ukraine’s moves in those two directions might have been meant in hindsight to “psyche-out” Russia, thus facilitating its latest attack. Unlike prior cross–border raids, this one also involves uniformed Ukrainian troops, not terrorist proxies.

Nobody took Ukraine seriously when it announced that it plans to launch another counteroffensive by sometime later this year, though what’s presently unfolding might be what its policymakers had in mind. That said, the scale isn’t anywhere near what last year’s failed counteroffensive was, and it’s not truly a counteroffensive since Russia wasn’t attacking Ukraine from Kursk. Nevertheless, it’s still the largest cross-border attack so far, and it was clearly planned for some time instead of being an impromptu raid.

These observations don’t imply that it’ll succeed, however, since the military-strategic dynamics have been trending in Russia’s favor for the entire year. After all, Ukraine is diverting limited troops and equipment from the Donbass front to the Kursk one, and this could easily backfire by creating an opening that Russia could exploit. Furthermore, they’re unlikely to hold whatever they might have captured in Kursk, thus precluding the possibility that they can “trade it back” during peace talks.

Even so, the very fact that what’s turned into a two-day-long battle at the time of this analysis’ publication could even happened in the first place shows that Ukraine still has some tricks up its sleeve, namely its continued ability to evade Russia’s surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance. Russia didn’t detect any notable buildup near Kursk’s border ahead of time, only Belarus’ and Belgorod’s, otherwise it would have launched preemptive strikes and imposed a security regime along the border.

That’s not to knock Russia but to draw attention to NATO’s impressive tactical capabilities in being able to successfully disguise its proxy’s sneak attack. This contributed to the growing number of civilian casualties that Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova condemned as proof of Kiev’s terrorism. It might get a lot worse than even that before it gets better too if Ukraine is able to achieve a breakthrough in Kursk Region that leads to it threatening the eponymous nearby nuclear power plant.

The odds of that happening are low though according to Major General Apty Alaudinov, who’s the deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ military and political department and commander of the Akhmat special forces unit according to TASS. Another point to make though is that Rybar’s earlier hyperlinked report claimed that Ukraine seized control of a gas pipeline transit station, which if true, could end up seeing that facility destroyed and thus cut off Russian gas to its Central European clients.

Kiev has an interest in punishing Hungary and Slovakia for their anti-war positions, hence why it recently sanctioned a Russian oil company that had an EU waiver to continue supplying those two, so it might accordingly want to inflict maximum damage against them by destroying the aforesaid gas facility. To be clear, Rybar’s report hasn’t been confirmed and might be untrue, but its importance and Alaudinov’s remarks about the nearby nuclear power plant rest in highlighting the huge stakes involved in Kursk.

For these reasons, it can be concluded that this was in the works for a while and is therefore likely to be Ukraine’s last hurrah, which it’s only attempting now out of desperation to receive some relief along the Donbass front where Russia continues to gain ground and might be on the brink of a breakthrough. Russia will likely soon regain its lost territory, if any has really been captured by Ukraine that is, and then make Kiev pay for this dastardly sneak attack.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
During the night, units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, together with the border agencies of the FSB of Russia, continued to destroy armed formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the areas of the Kursk region directly adjacent to the Russian-Ukrainian border.

Air strikes, missile troops, artillery fire and active actions of the units covering the State Border of the group of troops in the Kursk direction prevented the enemy from advancing deep into the territory of the Russian Federation. Its reserves were defeated in the areas of the settlements of Basovka, Zhuravka, Yunakovka, Belovody, Kiyanitsa, Korchakovka, Novaya Sich, Pavlovka, Gorodishche in the Sumy region.

The enemy's losses during the day of hostilities amounted to 260 militants and 50 units of armored vehicles, including seven tanks, eight armored personnel carriers, three infantry fighting vehicles, 31 armored combat vehicles, including 12 "Kozak", two "Stryker", an engineering vehicle for obstacle clearance and six cars. Also destroyed were two self-propelled launchers of the anti-aircraft missile system "Buk M1", a UR-77 mine clearing unit and an electronic warfare station.

The operation to destroy the Ukrainian Armed Forces formations continues.

🔹 Russian Defense Ministry. https://t.me/vicktop55/25738

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1821119368639516789

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https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821152757270692289

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https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821202609430241439

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https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821190833863061545

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https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821192059803340949

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1821227052680249539

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821184463235338560

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇺🇦🏴‍☠️ In the Sumy region bordering Kursk, mandatory evacuation is being carried out from 23 settlements
▪️The air raid siren in the region sounded continuously for 28 hours in a row, said the head of the Sumy regional military administration V. 6,000 people will be evacuated.
▪️He also stated that large air defense forces have been deployed to the region (to cover the advancing group of Ukrainian Armed Forces).

(The evacuation order can mean 2 things - Kiev fears a Russian counterattack or they need people away to hide reserves there to feed the current operation)

http://t.me/RVvoenkor

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1821196317374194041

1821196317374194041


https://x.com/mazzenilsson/status/1821221866997989694

1821221866997989694

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821190017840247129

1821190017840247129

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821196707960324365

1821196707960324365

Text:
Ukrainian military intelligence backtracks on claims of supporting Tuareg rebels in Mali, Financial Times

GUR representative Andrey Yusov told the publication that he “did not make such statements” about Ukraine’s involvement in the attack.

Earlier, Yusov said on the telethon that the rebels in Mali managed to defeat the "Wagnerites" thanks to the "information and not only information" that was transmitted. He did not give any details, but added that "there will be a continuation."

The continuation did follow.
Thanks to the GUR, two countries at once officially labeled Ukraine as a sponsor of terrorism.
Via
@colonelcassad
TG
https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1821220749576700291

1821220749576700291

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

🇷🇺🇺🇦Kursk Region

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have pulled up tractors and are trying to evacuate the equipment. Russia troops have discovered the cluster and have struck. We are waiting for the video.

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821184857977799032

1821184857977799032

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821230702928757179

1821230702928757179

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821222119348269269

1821222119348269269

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
What’s known about Ukraine’s botched attack on Russia’s Kursk region?

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the situation in the region a "large-scale provocation by the Kiev regime,” who he said “is conducting indiscriminate shooting, including from missile weapons, at residential buildings and civilian infrastructure as well as ambulances. "

🔸Air, missile and artillery strikes have prevented Ukrainian forces from advancing deep into Russian territory. Kiev has already lost 200 soldiers and 50 armed vehicles, including seven tanks.

🔸The situation in the region, which was "heroically resisting attacks by Ukrainian [neo-] Nazis,” was under control, Acting Governor Aleksey Smirnov wrote on his social media.

🔸Several thousand people left the shelling and combat zone over the past 24 hours, he added, with more than 300 people, including over 120 children, being placed in temporary accommodation centers.

🔸At least five civilians have been killed and 24 more injured, including six children, as a result of Ukraine’s shelling, Russian Health Ministry spokesman Aleksey Kuznetsov, for his part, confirmed.

🔸On August 6, Ukrainian forces launched artillery and drone strikes before attacking the Kursk region’s Nikolayevo-Daryino and Oleshnya areas along the Russia-Ukraine border with up to 300 troops of the 22nd Mechanized Brigade, supported by 11 tanks and scores of other armored vehicles, the Russian MoD said in a statement at the time.

🔸Russian security units, together with the border troops of Russia’s Federal Security Forces, repelled the attacks and inflicted fire damage on the enemy.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik that the shelling is “yet another terrorist attack aimed against civilians" from Kiev.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821213734896840718

1821213734896840718

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
What's the strategic importance of Toretsk and why is the Ukrainian military losing ground there?

"Toretsk is a very important hub from the point of view of logistical and tactical support for [Ukrainian] troops," Reserve Colonel Rustem Klupov, a veteran of military intelligence and Hero of Russia, tells Sputnik.

"This is a heavily fortified area, which they will most likely hold until the end in order to contain our forces as much as possible, because if they do not contain them there, then the entire [Ukrainian] defense will crumble."

The geographical location of Toretsk creates all the conditions for turning it into a fortress, according to the pundit: the city was built on the hill surrounded by water obstacles from three sides.

The expert notes that the actions in the Toretsk direction have intensified since spring, along with the Russian troop advances towards Pokrovsk and Slavyansk. The end goal is to speed up the liberation of the DPR.

"Toretsk is already in an operational semi-encirclement," says Klupov, adding that the city's liberation will also curb Ukraine's ability to shell Donetsk, Gorlovka and other residential areas of the DPR.

The lack of competence of the Ukrainian military leadership provides additional advantages for the Russian offensive, according to the reserve colonel.

"The Ukrainian side is suffering very serious losses in command personnel. And they cannot fill this gap... At the operational-strategic and strategic level, they often undermine themselves by top brass replacements. They replaced [Commander-in-Chief Valery] Zaluzhny with [Oleksandr] Syrsky and the situation at the front has not changed at all or maybe it has even gotten worse," the pundit concludes.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821192843831947673

1821192843831947673

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821153036862992505

1821153036862992505

[Ravenlocke]

https://tass.com/politics/1826347

Russia’s National Guard enhances security measures at Kursk NPP

The National Guard, the Defense Ministry, and the Border Service have deployed additional forces to fight against Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in the borderline Kursk and Belgorod Regions
MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Russia’s National Guard Service has tightened security measures at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

"As part of efforts to ensure the security of the critical facility, National Guard units have taken additions security measures at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant," it said.

The National Guard, the Defense Ministry, and the Border Service have deployed additional forces to fight against Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in the borderline Kursk and Belgorod Regions.

On August 6, Russia’s borderline Kursk Region came under a massive attack from Ukraine. An attempt to break through the state border was thwarted. Russian air defense forces shot down 26 Ukrainian drones and several missiles over the region. The attacks claimed five lives. According to the Russian health ministry, twenty-four people, including six children, received wounds.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned this attack as another act of terrorism committed by Ukraine against civilians.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1821190782084157946

1821190782084157946

https://tass.com/politics/1826213?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

Russian troops wipe out oil refinery supplying fuel to Ukrainian military

Russia’s Battlegroup West improved its tactical position and inflicted more than 530 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Russian troops destroyed an oil refinery that supplied fuel to the Ukrainian military and hit a mercenaries’ deployment site over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.

"Operational/tactical aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck an oil refinery supplying fuel for the Ukrainian army’s equipment, a temporary deployment site of foreign mercenaries and massed enemy manpower and military hardware in 153 areas," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys six Ukrainian tanks, two Buk air defense systems

Russia’s Battlegroup North struck four Ukrainian brigades in the Kharkov and Sumy Regions, inflicted roughly 220 casualties on enemy troops and destroyed six tanks and two Buk surface-to-air missile launchers over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup North units inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 22nd mechanized, 36th marine infantry, 103rd and 113th territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Yunakovka and Basovka in the Sumy Region, Tikhoye and Volchanskiye Khutora in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 220 personnel, six tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, four armored personnel carriers, six armored combat vehicles, six pickup trucks, two Buk surface-to-air missile launchers, a Polish-made 155mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, a 152mm Msta-B howitzer and two 122mm D-30 howitzers, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 530 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West improved its tactical position and inflicted more than 530 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units improved their tactical position in their area of responsibility. They inflicted casualties on formations of the Ukrainian army’s 14th, 66th and 116th mechanized brigades and a National Guard brigade in areas near the settlements of Sinkovka in the Kharkov Region, Stelmakhovka in the Lugansk People’s Republic and Novosadovoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic. They repelled a counterattack by an assault group of the 1st National Guard brigade," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to more than 530 personnel, a US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, 18 motor vehicles, a British-made 155mm AS-90 self-propelled artillery system, a US-made 155mm M198 howitzer, a 152mm Msta-B howitzer, a 122mm D-30 howitzer, two British-made 105mm L119 artillery guns and an Anklav-N electronic warfare station, it specified.

In addition, Russian troops destroyed four ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South advances to better positions over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South advanced to better positions and inflicted roughly 620 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup South units continued taking more advantageous frontiers and positions. They inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 24th and 61st mechanized, 5th and 10th assault brigades in areas near the settlements of Chasov Yar, Predtechino and Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. They repulsed a counterattack by an assault group of the Ukrainian army’s 5th assault brigade," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 620 personnel, an infantry fighting vehicle, nine motor vehicles, two British-made 155mm FH70 howitzers, two US-made 155mm M777 howitzers, two 152mm D-20 howitzers, a 122mm D-30 howitzer, a US-made 105mm M119 artillery gun and two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts 345 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center struck five Ukrainian brigades and inflicted roughly 345 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Center units continued active operations and inflicted casualties on formations of the Ukrainian army’s 32nd and 117th mechanized, 1st tank, 95th air assault and 109th territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Toretsk, Grodovka, Nikolayevka and Druzhba in the Donetsk People’s Republic. They repelled two counterattacks by enemy assault groups," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 345 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, two motor vehicles, a 122mm Gvozdika motorized artillery system and a 122mm D-30 howitzer, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East improves frontline positions over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East improved its frontline positions and inflicted roughly 110 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units improved their forward edge positions and inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 58th motorized infantry, 108th territorial defense and 21st National Guard brigades in areas near the settlements of Zolotaya Niva and Oktyabr in the Donetsk People’s Republic and Zaliznichnoye in the Zaporozhye Region. They repelled a counterattack by an enemy assault group," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 110 personnel, eight motor vehicles, a 155mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system and a 122mm Gvozdika motorized artillery system, it specified.

In addition, Russian troops destroyed an ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army, the ministry said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr strikes two Ukrainian brigades over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr struck two Ukrainian brigades and inflicted roughly 60 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Dnepr units inflicted casualties on formations of the Ukrainian army’s 128th mountain assault and 119th territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Malaya Tokmachka in the Zaporozhye Region and Nikolayevka in the Kherson Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 60 personnel, seven motor vehicles and an Anklav-N electronic warfare station, it specified.

Russian air defenses destroy 87 Ukrainian UAVs, 11 HIMARS rockets over past day

Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 87 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 11 rockets of the US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system over the past day, the ministry reported.

"During the last 24-hour period, air defense capabilities shot down 11 US-made HIMARS rockets, a missile of the US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile system and 87 unmanned aerial vehicles, including 41 UAVs outside the area of the special military operation," the ministry said.

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 635 Ukrainian warplanes, 278 helicopters, 29,322 unmanned aerial vehicles, 563 surface-to-air missile systems, 16,798 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,396 multiple rocket launchers, 12,926 field artillery guns and mortars and 24,469 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
☦️ In the Sudzhansky district of Kursk Oblast, the St. Nicholas Belogorsky Monastery, including the church and monastic buildings, was destroyed by shelling, resulting in the death of one person—the abbot of the monastery, Father Pitirim.

"The monastery is in ruins. The monastery cathedral, a second church, and the monastic buildings are destroyed. We are attempting to evacuate. During the evacuation, one person was killed. We contacted the authorities, and they promised to provide assistance," he reported.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821235818721394960

1821235818721394960

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/BowesChay/status/1821152148639388024

1821152148639388024

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Concerned people in Kursk Oblast line up to donate blood for victims of Ukrainian Armed Forces shelling on the border with Ukraine

Activists from the United Russia party in Kursk and Kursk Oblast come to donate blood at specially equipped mobile stations. The party has also formed a group of volunteers who will provide the necessary assistance to local residents.

https://x.com/ivan_8848/status/1821211355686252957

1821211355686252957

[Ravenlocke]

I maybe a little behind the news cycle but I remember seeing a news story earlier that the Russian airbase in Rostov was hit by something? I'll try and track that down.

Yes, the Morozovsk airfield attacked by Ukrainian drones apparently. That's one heck of an explosion too...

1821030678290706612

https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1821030620400594944/vid/avc1/480x846/G7XfdFmpVjoWnbQu.mp4?tag=16

https://x.com/ME_Observer_/status/1821022169456877687

1821022169456877687

https://x.com/ArmchairW/status/1819803437334216983

1819803437334216983

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
⚡️ Evgeny Poddubny has been killed.

Evgeny Poddubny has tragically fallen while performing his journalistic duties, as confirmed by Russian television. According to sources from Readovka, he was killed while on duty in the Kursk Oblast. Attempts to reach him by his personal number have been unsuccessful. Reports indicate that an FPV drone targeted and exploded in the vehicle he was traveling in.

In one of his last posts on Telegram, Poddubny had showcased another war crime committed by the Ukrainian forces.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821252482657345934

1821252482657345934

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇷🇺 A state of emergency is being declared in the Kursk region: the operational situation in the border areas remains challenging.

▪️Governor Smirnov: To address the consequences of the incursion of enemy forces into the region, I have decided to introduce a state of emergency in the Kursk region starting August 7.

▪️Until the operational situation improves, I will personally coordinate the work of the unified state system for emergency prevention and response.

▪️The operational headquarters under my leadership is working around the clock. I am personally overseeing the situation, constantly in touch with law enforcement agencies and the federal center. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Kursk residents.

- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821250069007679690

1821250069007679690


Text:
‼️🇷🇺🇺🇦Offensive on Toretsk: Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers surrender en masse

▪️As a result of successful offensive actions by the "Center" group of troops, General Mordvichev in the Dzerzhinsky (Toretsky) direction, the enemy suffers heavy losses in manpower and equipment.

▪️Unable to contain the advance of our troops, the mobilized Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers en masse decide to save their lives and stop resisting.

- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821251779813605504

1821251779813605504

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
⚡️ New evidence of war crimes by Ukrainian militants in the Kursk Oblast

The crew of a "Stryker" IFV, vehicles of this type are in service with the 22nd Brigade of the Kiev regime, shot at a civilian car in the border village of Zeleny Shlyakh, not far from Sudzha, reported war correspondent Evgeny Poddubny.

The incident was captured by a Russian reconnaissance drone. The vehicle, after being hit, rolled into a ditch and caught fire. The "Stryker" was camouflaged in a forest strip.

Everyone in the car perished. They didn't even see the crew that opened fire on them.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821234136348066169

1821234136348066169

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
IMAGINE THE TRANSCRIPT OF THIS MESSAGE

The confirmation came from Deputy FM Ryabkov, on Rossiya TV, and it’s a howler. Ryabkov, mega-competent, is also the Russian sherpa for BRICS+.

Ryabkov was very cautious. When asked directly whether "an action was being prepared at the Main Naval Parade" against Putin, Ryabkov "did not answer in the affirmative, only acknowledging the presence of "a certain connection with this kind of event" - according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Ryabkov called a provocation being prepared by Ukraine a "very alarming" episode, which was planned in connection "with our internal events in order to inflict maximum damage and obtain the maximum media effect they need."

So this is how it really happened.

Russian intel discovered that Kiev intel was setting up the joint assassination of Putin and Defense Minister Belousov during the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg.

Normally we would have Bortnikov (FSB) or Patrushev (special adviser to Putin) pickin' up the phone and calling the CIA’s Burns to ask for an explanation.

In this case it was much more hardcore. Belousov himself called the Pentagon weapons peddler Austin and told him in no uncertain terms to tighten the leash on the Kiev goons - OR ELSE.

Now imagine the transcript of this blunt Russian message.

As Martyanov remarked, Belousov must have detailed how Kiev would simply cease to exist - and in due time, “so would D.C.” if the Americans decided to authorize the hit.

Ryabkov also referred explicitly to “some other countries”. Translation: Brits and Poles.

Moscow finally seems to be gettin' the picture: there’s no way to deal with terror entities, except to politely tell them in their faces they will be incinerated with no mercy.

https://x.com/RealPepeEscobar/status/1821109477858537693

1821109477858537693

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1821206796691755273

1821206796691755273

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1821210319558938668

1821210319558938668

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821266508980568425

1821266508980568425

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821267810762551412

1821267810762551412

[HopSan]

Feelings are giant, but, but... Maybe Ukraine/US/EU ... shall be disappointed.

An exact metaphor from 1970's. Waiting for the destruction of BRICS:

F1NN65PELJM

[Bill Ryan]

This could VERY easily be fake news (maybe an old video?), but interesting enough to post here nonetheless:

https://t.me/AussieCossack/20839
Unconfirmed video of Russian forces shooting down the first NATO supplied F-16 in Ukraine.
The Russian soldier who did this just became $180,000 richer.

AussieCossack/20839


Edit to add:

I feel sure this is an older incident, not an F-16 at all. (And to me, it looks unlikely to be any kind of plane.) But I'll leave this post here for the moment just for reference.

[Bill Ryan]

Text:
⚡️ Evgeny Poddubny has been killed.

Evgeny Poddubny has tragically fallen while performing his journalistic duties, as confirmed by Russian television. According to sources from Readovka, he was killed while on duty in the Kursk Oblast. Attempts to reach him by his personal number have been unsuccessful. Reports indicate that an FPV drone targeted and exploded in the vehicle he was traveling in.

In one of his last posts on Telegram, Poddubny had showcased another war crime committed by the Ukrainian forces.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821252482657345934

~~~

Update: his car was indeed targeted by a drone, but Poddubny is alive, though with very serious injuries.

https://t.me/AussieCossack/20838

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russian Orthodox Metropolitan of Kursk stated that Ukrainian drones purposely bombed the Gornalsky monastery in the targeted attack on the region.

"The main Nikolaevsky temple of the monastery was severely damaged, its dome was destroyed, all doors and windows were knocked out," he said. "A follow-up massive attack destroyed and burned down the second temple with good oak iconostasis and beautiful painting."

The metropolitan noted that there are rooms prepared for the monks of the Gornalsky monastery in Kursk.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821300150398255302

1821300150398255302

[Ravenlocke]

This could VERY easily be fake news (maybe an old video?), but interesting enough to post here nonetheless:

https://t.me/AussieCossack/20839
Unconfirmed video of Russian forces shooting down the first NATO supplied F-16 in Ukraine.
The Russian soldier who did this just became $180,000 richer.

AussieCossack/20839


Edit to add:

I feel sure this is an older incident, not an F-16 at all. (And to me, it looks unlikely to be any kind of plane.) But I'll leave this post here for the moment just for reference.

It’s unconfirmed but there is a bounty.

https://x.com/ivan_8848/status/1813192224118657426

1813192224118657426

https://x.com/warintel4u/status/1813187052818637301

1813187052818637301


https://x.com/OlgaBazova/status/1813213615958143132

1813213615958143132

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SenoreAmore/status/1821135807299612879

1821135807299612879

https://x.com/runews/status/1821209114682257896

1821209114682257896

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1821276631148982503

1821276631148982503

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1821313127264194721

1821313127264194721

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1821308062189150306

1821308062189150306

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1821306801620402270

1821306801620402270

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1820939942551265472

1820939942551265472

[Tintin]

Dmitry Medvedev's latest broadside (https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1821428835469930513):



"The reasons and goals of the terrorist operation of the Ukrainian Nazis in the Kursk region have already been reflected in detail and objectively in the analytics. This is both the desire to profitably show off the remnants of their dwindling forces to their masters in order to receive a new portion of money and weapons, and an attempt to thin out our battle formations on the main line of confrontation, drawing off part of the forces to Kursk and Belgorod, and a temporary informational transformation of betrayal into victory.
It is necessary to learn a serious lesson from what happened and fulfill what Chief of General Staff V. Gerasimov promised the Supreme Commander-in-Chief - to mercilessly defeat and destroy the enemy.

There is another important political and legal consequence of what happened. From this moment on, the SMO must acquire an openly extraterritorial character. This is no longer just an operation to return our official territories and punish the Nazis. It is possible and necessary to go to the lands of the still existing Ukraine. To Odessa, to Kharkov, to Dnepropetrovsk, to Nikolaev. To Kiev and further. There should be no restrictions in the sense of some borders of the Ukrainian Reich recognized by someone. And now we can and should talk about this openly, without embarrassment and diplomatic curtseys. The terrorist operation of Banderites should remove any taboos from this topic. Let everyone, including the English bastards, realize this: we will stop only when we consider it acceptable and profitable for ourselves.

Blessed memory to the dead: military and civilians, all who came under heavy fire from neo-Nazis. The best memory of them is a carefully thought-out retribution. Recovery to all the wounded."https://t.me/vicktop55/25743

[Tintin]

Scott Ritter provides his summary of the events surrounding the enactment of the recent FBI search warrant:

https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1821416132139503617/pu/vid/avc1/350x640/lsTq4asIXBatqppd.mp4?tag=12

The audio version as an .MP3, here:

https://avalonlibrary.net/Ukraine/2022_Russian_invasion_%28Operation-Z%29/Scott_Ritter/2024-08-08_Scott_Ritter_FBI_home_raid_update_filmed_%28audio%29.mp3

[Tintin]

Text:
⚡️ Evgeny Poddubny has been killed.

Evgeny Poddubny has tragically fallen while performing his journalistic duties, as confirmed by Russian television. According to sources from Readovka, he was killed while on duty in the Kursk Oblast. Attempts to reach him by his personal number have been unsuccessful. Reports indicate that an FPV drone targeted and exploded in the vehicle he was traveling in.

In one of his last posts on Telegram, Poddubny had showcased another war crime committed by the Ukrainian forces.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821252482657345934

~~~

Update: his car was indeed targeted by a drone, but Poddubny is alive, though with very serious injuries.

https://t.me/AussieCossack/20838

Yes, indeed. I do hope he can recover too - he isn't in the best of shape :flower:

From Simplicius on X (https://x.com/simpatico771/status/1821491379937124634)

Text:



⚡️🇷🇺Podubbny is in rough shape, severe burns, broken facial bones, and brain trauma, but he's talking.

VGTRK war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny was taken to the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care in Moscow

The footage shows that the journalist suffered severe burns. He was taken to a medical facility in the capital by helicopter. Today at 9 a.m., Acting Governor of the Kursk Region Smirnov reported that Poddubny's condition had been stabilized by Kursk doctors, after which he was sent to Moscow for further treatment.

1821491379937124634

[BMJ]

Ukraine interested in acquiring Australia’s retiring Tiger helicopters

Quote:
" Ambassador Myroshnychenko confirmed there was interest in acquiring the four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter, manufactured and maintained by Airbus, which originally entered deployment in 2003 and are due for a withdrawal from service in 2028.

Ukraine has previously made a request for access to the Australian Defence Force’s now-scrapped MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet in late December last year but was denied by the federal government. "

Link: https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/air/14252-lets-talk-ukraine-interested-in-acquiring-australias-retiring-tiger-helicopters

[Jaak]

1821515076882575770

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821594670818033882

1821594670818033882

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1821572928816967770

1821572928816967770

https://tass.com/politics/1826781?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=smm_social_share

Militants of Zelensky's regime hunt Russian war correspondents — Russian diplomat

"We demand from the relevant international organizations an immediate reaction and a strong condemnation of the terrorist activities of the Bandera regime," Maria Zakharova emphasized

MOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. Militants of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky's regime are conducting a real hunt for Russian media representatives and war correspondents, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"Militants of Zelensky's terrorist regime are conducting a real hunt for Russian media representatives and war correspondents whose reports are documentary evidence of atrocities committed by Ukrainian armed formations against civilians," the diplomat said in connection with the attempted assassination of war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny.

According to Zakharova, with the tacit consent of the West and human rights structures under its control, "the Kiev regime has indeed declared unarmed media workers its priority targets, while openly boasting about it." "Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, journalists are equal to civilians and are protected from attack. Failure to comply with these norms constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law by Zelensky's regime," she added.

"We demand from the relevant international organizations an immediate reaction and a strong condemnation of the terrorist activities of the Bandera regime," the spokeswoman emphasized.

Zakharova pointed out that the perpetrators of the attempt on the life of military correspondent Poddubny will inevitably be punished. "As we’ve repeatedly emphasized, the Russian Investigative Committee thoroughly records all crimes of the Kiev clique. Based on the collected evidence, Russian courts convict neo-Nazis who committed grave crimes against peaceful citizens, including against media workers. We are confident that those responsible for the attempt on the life of the Russian journalist will inevitably be punished," the spokeswoman concluded.

On August 7, Poddubny received multiple wounds in the Kursk Region near the border with Ukraine, where battles with Ukrainian armed formations are taking place. Doctors assessed his condition as serious but stable. On August 8, the journalist was taken to Moscow for treatment.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1821496449844015414

1821496449844015414

https://tass.com/pressreview/1826497

Press review: Russia beats back Ukraine in Kursk and US, Australia make missiles together

MOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. Russian forces push back against Ukrainian incursion in Kursk; US, Australia close in on deal to make missiles together; and Global South countries look to cool down situation in Middle East before it grows out of control. These stories topped Thursday's newspaper headlines in Russia.



Izvestia: Russia ramps up defense against Ukrainian advances in Kursk

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin decried Ukraine’s attack on the Kursk Region as a large-scale provocation. The chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, reported to the president that the incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russia’s borderline region had been stopped as he assured Putin that the operation in the Kursk Region will be completed, resulting in the defeat of Ukrainian troops and securing of the Russian state border. On Wednesday evening, a state of emergency was declared in the region. The acting governor said the situation in areas near the state border remained tenuous.

READ ALSO
What we know about Russian operation against Ukrainian formations in Kursk Region
Putin holds meeting with law enforcement officers on situation in Kursk Region
Russian MFA sees Ukraine’s attack on Kursk Region as 'semblance of activity' amid failures
3 MORE MATERIALS

Also on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow urged the international community to condemn what it described as crimes being committed by the Kiev regime against peaceful Russian citizens.

The West’s reaction was predictable. Peter Stano, the European Commission’s Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the EU continued to "fully support Ukraine’s legitimate right to defend itself." The US Department of State said that it was in contact with Ukraine to learn the objectives behind Kiev’s incursion and that Washington supported Ukraine’s "common sense" actions. Moreover, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Ukraine’s actions in the Kursk Region were "not a violation of our policy."

In attacking the Kursk Region, Ukraine is trying to create some good PR for itself, military expert Viktor Litovkin told Izvestia. "They are doing this to create some buzz that they are pushing into the Kursk Region or that they may seize the local nuclear power plant or the gas pumping station in Sudzha. They are seeking to deal a material blow to Russia’s image to make up for their failures on the frontline," he explained.

Military expert Vladislav Shurygin agrees that the Ukrainians are trying to give the outward appearance of an army that is capable of winning in order to protract the conflict. "This cold-blooded offensive that Ukraine launched is a PR play," he noted.



Vedomosti: US, Australia team up to produce long-range missiles

The United States and Australia are getting closer to reaching agreement on joint production of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the next-generation, long-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced following 2+2 talks in Annapolis involving the US and Australian defense and diplomacy chiefs, Reuters reported.

While the GMLRS, which Ukraine has been receiving since 2022, has a range of up to 80 km, the longer-range PrSM can be used for strikes at a distance of over 500 km. The US Army reported receiving the first PrSm in December following successful trials.

In addition, Austin said, the United States is increasing the presence of its rotational forces in Australia, including bomber deployments. At a joint press conference, the US defense chief also described China as a threat to the US and Australian vision of a free and open Indo Pacific.

The joint production of weapons by the United States and Australia will not affect the balance of power in the region, nor does it pose an immediate threat to China, Ilya Kramnik, researcher with the Center for Strategic Planning Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations, told Vedomosti. At the same time, the United States is increasingly involving Australia in its anti-China bloc as it seeks to set up joint production to slash its own costs, he maintained.

In an effort to segment its weapons production, the United States is embracing joint projects with Australia and other countries, senior researcher at the Institute of US and Canadian Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Igor Shkrobtak explained. According to him, apart from the strategic goal of containing China, this latest deal with Australia is aimed at giving US weapons producers a leg up on the Australian market, where they have long been competing against France.



Izvestia: Global South seeks to ease Middle East tensions

The Global South has intensified diplomacy to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from escalating uncontrollably, for escalation could cause energy price turbulence, unleash waves of refugees or lead to a humanitarian crisis, experts told Izvestia.

On August 7, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) top diplomats met in Saudi Arabia to discuss the situation in the region. Prior to that, Russia, China and a number of other countries urged Tehran to show restraint in separate calls. While there is a general understanding that Iran will respond to the assassination of Hamas Politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh on its soil by Israel, there are no specific timelines, despite speculation that it may take place on Thursday or Friday. "Tehran will respond at the right time and in an appropriate manner," the acting Iranian foreign minister told the OIC meeting in Jeddah. Obviously, there will be a military response.

Meanwhile, all actors on the international stage agree that nobody will benefit from another escalation that risks spinning out of control. Not a single regional player wants a full-blown war, mostly proceeding from their personal interests, Andrey Kortunov, research director at the Russian International Affairs Council, pointed out, for a large-scale conflict may spike oil and gas prices. "Given the military operation Israel is currently conducting in the Gaza Strip, expanding the conflict to include Hezbollah or even Iran would have very serious consequences. It could perhaps create millions of refugees and the region could become the site of a humanitarian crisis," the expert said.

Only one country is seeking to resolve the conflict militarily, and that is Israel, experts say. "Israel is looking for a military solution, but it is alone, <…> and one cannot wage a major war alone, so it might need a partner who would need the same for intra-and extra-political reasons, too," Timofey Bordachev, program director of the international Valdai Discussion Club, told Izvestia.

"Israel will hardly risk a larger war, in particular a large ground offensive in southern Lebanon without clear support from Washington. Therefore, these calls target all potential parties to a possible conflict," Kortunov added.



Kommersant: European gas prices surge amid clashes in Kursk Region

Speculation that Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine may be halted amid the hostilities in the Kursk Region have caused a surge in European gas prices.

The Sudzha gas pumping station with a daily capacity of 42 mln cubic meters of natural gas is the lone gas transit route from Russia to Western and Central Europe via Ukraine. Gazprom Spokesman Sergey Kupryanov said that on Wednesday Russia continued to pump as much gas to Europe using the Ukrainian corridor as in the previous days. The Ukrainian gas transit system operator said the Sudzha gas pumping station was operating normally.

Independent expert Alexander Sobko said that gas transits via Ukraine account for around 4.5% of all gas consumption across Europe, with Hungary, Slovakia and Austria being major importers and Italy being a smaller buyer. Some Russian gas could be partially rerouted to the TurkStream pipeline if Ukrainian gas transit via Sudzha is halted, he said.

Meanwhile, market players told Kommersant that while a potential halt to the transit of Russian gas via the Sudzha station may inconvenience European consumers, the situation would be far from critical. Still, Austria and Hungary would feel it. While a potential force majeure would push up gas prices, the potential spike would not rival 2022’s, when Russia-Ukraine hostilities began and sanctions tightened, they argue.



Vedomosti: Forecasts have Russia dominating LNG market by 2050

Russian gas exports could rise almost three-fold by 2050, and the country could see a 59% rise in coal exports, while its oil sales could rise by 3.8% compared to last year’s volumes, according to materials drafted by the Energy Ministry for its Energy Strategy 2050. Vedomosti has gotten a glimpse at some target indicators.

Finam analyst Sergey Kaufman views the ministry’s forecasts for the production and exports of natural gas, especially LNG, as "quite optimistic." While he expects pipeline gas exports to increase at the expense of China, Central Asia and perhaps Iran, the ministry’s LNG export forecast means that Russia would meet more than 50% of all new global demand, all this amid increased competition on the market of late, the expert said. As the United States, Qatar, Canada and a number of other suppliers have announced plans to increase LNG production, the market could see a surplus, he explained.

Head of Consulting at Neft Research Alexander Kotov, too, finds the Energy Ministry’s oil and gas production and export forecasts as being very bold, citing issues with LNG technology and icebreaker tankers. He also doubts the country would reach its coal export target, since the largest consumers, namely China and India, are looking to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon imports and increase their own production instead.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/1821496296231809045

1821496296231809045

https://tass.com/politics/1826591


What is known about situation in Kursk Region after Ukrainian attempted breakthrough

Russian forces reveal accumulations of Ukrainian manpower and equipment through shelling, the Russian military is suppressing the attempts of individual units to break through deep into the territory

MOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. The Ukrainian armed forces have lost a total of 660 servicemen and 82 armored vehicles since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk area, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

The ministry specified that "the operation to destroy the Ukrainian armed formations continues."

TASS has compiled the main information on the situation.

Situation in region

- The Battlegroup North together with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has suppressed the Ukrainian advance and attempts to break through in the Suja and Korenevsky districts of the Kursk Region over the past 24 hours, the ministry said.

- Russian forces reveal accumulations of Ukrainian manpower and equipment through shelling, the Russian military is suppressing the attempts of individual units to break through deep into the territory.

- Air strikes are being carried out against the advancing reserves of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Sumy Region.

Kiev's losses

- Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk area, Kiev has lost a total of 660 servicemen and 82 armored vehicles.

- During the day, the enemy lost up to 400 servicemen and 32 units of armored vehicles.

Statement by local authorities

- The enemy has not advanced deep into the territory of Russia’s Kursk Region, on the contrary, it is retreating, Andrey Belostotsky, the region's acting deputy governor, said.

- According to him, about 3,000 residents of border settlements have been evacuated.

- A total of 21 temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate them.

Dead and injured

- According to the latest information, five people have been killed.

- A total of 34 people were injured, including 5 children, who are currently being treated in hospitals, Alexey Kuznetsov, an aide to the Russian health minister, said.

[Vicus]

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Units of the Ukrainian armed forces and the sabotage and reconnaissance group were shelling civilians and ambulances in the Kursk Region of Russia, acting Governor Alexei Smirnov reported at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

"First of all, we started evacuating people after assessing the situation. It was quite a difficult issue because the Ukrainian armed forces and the sabotage and reconnaissance group were shelling civilian population, were shelling ambulances, who at the cost of their own lives, sacrificing themselves ... were evacuating people," Smirnov told the meeting.
He added that several medical personnel were killed in Ukraine's shelling in the border areas of the Kursk Region.
The acting governor thanked Putin for support for the region, adding that the Russian government and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin were providing their constant support.
Putin in turn said that he was generally familiar with the situation in the Kursk region. The situation in the region requires courage and composure from the regional leader, as experience alone is not enough, the president added.

On Wednesday, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that on August 6, at 5:30 AM, Ukrainian Armed Forces units, numbering up to a thousand troops, launched an offensive aiming to capture territory in the Kursk region. He noted that their advance into Russian territory was halted. Gerasimov emphasized that the operation in the Kursk region will conclude with the defeat of the enemy and the establishment of control up to the state border. On Thursday, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces attempting to advance in the Kursk region had already lost 660 military personnel and 82 armored vehicles over two days, including eight tanks, 12 APCs, six IFVs, and 55 armored vehicles.

Commenting on the situation in the Kursk region, President Vladimir Putin stated that the Kyiv regime had launched another large-scale provocation, indiscriminately firing, including at civilian targets. Svetlana Petrenko, an official representative of the Russian Investigative Committee, reported that after the Ukrainian attack on the border area in the Kursk region, cases were initiated, including those related to terrorism and murders; Russian investigators are identifying Ukrainian military personnel who issued and carried out orders to strike civilian targets in this region.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240808/ukraines-forces-shelling-civilians-ambulances-in-russias-kursk-region---acting-governor-1119680894.html

[Vicus]

Ukraine to face bloodbath after attack on Kursk region

Military correspondent Alexander Sladkov believes that Ukraine will face a bloodbath as a result of the attack of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the Kursk region. This will happen if the Russian army encircles the Ukrainians and traps them in its territory.

Sladkov referred to the recent report from the Russian Defense Ministry, which said that the AFU were under massive air and artillery strikes. "They do not succeed," the correspondent noted. According to Sladkov, the Ukrainian fighters failed to take the town of Sudzha and turned to the settlement of Korenevo. Yet, attacks on the rear of the Russian Armed Forces continue.
See more at https://english.pravda.ru/news/hotspots/160270-ukraine-kursk-attack/

"Our Su-25 attack aircraft and combat helicopters are hitting the enemy non-stop. The AFU is unlucky because this area is filled with Russian active combat airfields. We hit the reserves in Sumy, which the enemy is unable to form to advance to help its group in the Kursk region,” he wrote. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are driving reserves into group targets, which the Russian army subsequently annihilates.

Ukrainian troops attempted to break through the Russian border in the Kursk region on August 6. The fighting in the border area has not yet ceased. Ukrainian fighters continue to pull manpower and equipment to the Kursk region, despite the fact that they have suffered heavy losses.

https://english.pravda.ru/news/hotspots/160270-ukraine-kursk-attack/

[Vicus]

Russian forces annihilate three Ukrainian generals in one missile strike

Generals Mihaylo Drapatiy, Andrei Gnatov, Vladimir Gorbatyuk, as well as commander of the National Guard of Ukraine Alexander Pivnenko were killed in a Russian missile strike.

The officers were staying at the Kharkiv Air Defense checkpoint in the village of Malinovka. The strike was carried out on August 6-7 overnight when two Iskander missiles were launched, the Iznanka Telegram channel said. As a result, about 20 servicemen were killed and 14 were wounded.


See more at https://english.pravda.ru/news/hotspots/160296-russian-iskander-missiles-ukrainian-generals/

[ExomatrixTV]

Scott Ritter provides his summary of the events surrounding the enactment of the recent FBI search warrant:

https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1821416132139503617/pu/vid/avc1/350x640/lsTq4asIXBatqppd.mp4?tag=12

The audio version as an .MP3, here:

https://avalonlibrary.net/Ukraine/2022_Russian_invasion_%28Operation-Z%29/Scott_Ritter/2024-08-08_Scott_Ritter_FBI_home_raid_update_filmed_%28audio%29.mp3



FBI RAIDS Scott Ritter’s Home!:

HaTIEMETZ78
On Wednesday several Federal Bureau of Investigation agents searched the Delmar, New York home of former United Nations weapons inspector Scott Ritter. Boxes of materials were removed as part of the raid, while Ritter’s vehicles were searched. The FBI said the raid was part of an ongoing federal investigation.

Ritter has caught the ire of the intelligence community through his vehement opposition to U.S. support for Ukraine in the war against Russia as well as Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian population of Gaza.

[Vicus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cElCu2RmGvs

The Heat🔥Ukrainian Offensive Continues⚔️Pokrovsk Front Is Collapsing. Military Summary For 2024.08.8

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821677205937619230

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821673397811642778

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇺🇦🏴‍☠️The shadow master of Ukraine said that Kyiv now sees no point in direct negotiations with Russia
The main points of a long interview with the head of Zelensky's Office Yermak:

▪️We see no point in direct negotiations with the Russian Federation at the moment;

▪️ We want the second summit to be held this year, but there are conditions without which it cannot take place, as soon as they are met, we can talk about the timing;

▪️ Under Zelensky, there will never be a new "Minsk" or anything that Ukrainian society will not accept;

▪️ It should not be considered that the second summit will be the beginning of negotiations with Russia;

▪️ A just peace is a victory for Ukraine, and victory is, in particular, the restoration of territorial integrity;

▪️ Ukrainians are not ready to make concessions to Russia now.
- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821625839496421783

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1821606094130835633

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https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1821606098769736056

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https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1821606103505105124

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[Tintin]

1821515076882575770

This is pretty crazy footage. A father and son in a Lada, apparently. They were fortunate to escape with their lives - there is follow-up footage on X showing the state of their car in the aftermath.

Here's an embedded version of the dashcam footage:

https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1821514572546641920/pu/vid/avc1/816x720/VZwjee5O_25CxBXt.mp4?tag=12

[Jaak]

I think i saw a video of same convoy before the bombing but cant find it anymore..

1821932002695680053

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russian telegram channel "Win-Win":

"A destroyed column of Russian military personnel was hit by ATACMS missiles with a cluster warhead while marching at night. The strike was guided by a drone.

At night, a military airfield in the Lipetsk region was struck by ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles supported by an aircraft-type UAV.

The day before, Washington, through the mouths of some half-witted women named Singh, gave Kiev the go-ahead to use its missiles on Russian territory.

The United States has already effectively become a party to the conflict.

So what, Comrade General?"

It will end with Russian strategic nuclear missiles flying to the United States. That's what you want, right?

https://t.me/vicktop55/25759

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1821884191098765362

1821884191098765362

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/aussiecossack/status/1821892034594271695

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MoonofA/status/1821867968923365879
1821867968923365879

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/08/ukraine-sitrep-kursk-campaign-designed-to-keep-war-going.html

Ukraine SitRep: Kursk Campaign Designed to Keep War Going
The (former) President of Ukraine Vlodomir Zelenski recently made some ambivalent remarks about potential peace talks (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/zelensky-hints-at-possible-referendum-amid-calls-for-peace-talks/ar-BB1r1D3g):

Volodymyr Zelensky told the newspaper "Le Monde" that he does not rule out holding a referendum on the future of Ukrainian territories to end the war, but "it requires the will of the Ukrainian people."
...
According to the president of the country, Ukraine should not liberate all its territories by "force and weapons," because this option "costs us a lot of time and human lives." Zelensky added: - We can return our territories through diplomatic means. This is another groundbreaking statement from the Ukrainian leader. On July 22, he said in an interview with the BBC that Ukraine is ready to negotiate the end of the war with Russia, even if Vladimir Putin leads the latter. According to the president of Ukraine, the most essential thing in this matter is a genuine desire for peace on terms consistent with international law.
...
He added that the "hot" stage of the war could end before the end of 2024, but the peace plan must be fully agreed with Ukraine's allies "so that no one plays with their own initiatives for ending the war."
It was and is doubtful that Zelenski really wants to make peace. In talks with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban he had pointed to a theory of victory over Russia. As Orban explained (https://strana.news/news/468295-itohi-868-dnja-vojny-v-ukraine.html) (machine translation):

According to Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, in reality Zelensky assumes that Russia will have to resort to general mobilization in the middle of next year. And this can lead to internal destabilization in the Russian Federation. Therefore, Zelensky is confident that time is playing on the side of Ukraine in the war - as Orban wrote in a letter to EU leaders after meeting with the Ukrainian president. A source in diplomatic circles informed Strana about the existence of such a letter.
"As for the outcome of the war, the President of Ukraine is confident that the Russian armed forces will be forced to resort to general mobilization in the middle of next year, which will lead to internal destabilization. He believes that the Ukrainian forces are stable, prepared and able to maintain combat effectiveness even in the long term, if Western arms supplies continue. He believes that time is on the side of Ukraine, not on the side of Russia," the letter says.
At the same time, Orban notes that Putin's assessment of the situation is diametrically opposed. The Russian President believes that time is on Russia's side.
I find the Zelenski's theory of victory rather fancy.


Russia will need a general mobilization?
The mobilization in Russia would lead to the destabilization of Russia?
The government of President Putin would fall over it?
The Ukrainian army is in good shape?
It can stay in combat for much longer?
Ukraine can wait out Russia?

I would answer each of those question with a loud "No".
However, Zelenski may well believe in at least some of those claims.
The issue came up again due to the recent Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/08/ukraine-sitrep-incursion-towards-kursk.html) of Russia. There are multiple ideas (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-08-08/ukraine-s-surprise-incursion-into-russia-turns-the-tables-on-putin) what the Ukraine leaders wants to achieve with this:

Ukraine has said nothing about the mission or its goals. Theories abound, from an attempt to seize territory as a potential bargaining chip in future negotiations with Moscow, to a diversionary tactic to ease pressure on stretched defenses in Ukraine by drawing Russian forces away from the frontline. But the Bloomberg writer comes up with a different theory - that the attack was made to unbalance Russia:

The episode exposed the fragility of Russian border defenses with growing numbers of its soldiers fighting in Ukraine. It has boosted Ukrainian morale. And it has also punctured the Kremlin’s carefully constructed image of Putin as the protector of ordinary Russians.
Instead, the war he started in Ukraine now spills increasingly into Russia, where people in border regions live under constant risk of shelling and drones strike key industrial facilities.
For Ukraine, it’s likely to bolster Kyiv’s argument that US and European allies shouldn’t fear Kremlin threats of escalation and that it should be allowed to take the fight to Putin in any way it sees fit to hasten an end to the war.
The daily summary author at Strana suspects an only slightly different motive (https://strana.news/news/470031-itohi-897-dnja-vojny-v-ukraine.html) (machine translation):

Much indicates that Kiev's real strategy is quite different – to wage a long war in the hope of internal destabilization in the Russian Federation. And here the task is to convince Western partners (including such skeptical ones as Trump) that this is not a dream, but a real calculation. Therefore, Ukraine should not be pushed to negotiate, but give the Armed Forces of Ukraine more weapons and lift restrictions on missiles. The offensive in the Kursk region, apparently, is designed to prove this to the West.
In an interview last night, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine (and brain behind Zelenski), Andrey Yermak seemed to confirm that view (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzZ92SoiP8Y) (video).
Yermak currently sees no point in direct negotiations with Russia. He wants to convince Ukraine's supporters that Ukraine can win (https://menafn.com/1108536687/Both-Presidential-Candidates-In-US-Should-Have-Plan-For-Ukraines-Victory-Yermak):

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election, Ukraine is working with the Democratic and Republican parties to keep them aware of the developments in Ukraine. This was stated by the Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, who spoke in an interview with European Pravda, Ukrinform reports.
"We are working today both with people from the team of candidate Donald Trump, and – even before the nomination – with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is already a candidate from the Democratic Party. It is very important for us that both headquarters, both candidates and those around them clearly understand what is happening in Ukraine, that they clearly understand the current stage of the war and our strategy. I believe it is very important that both candidates have a plan for Ukraine's victory," he said.
The plan in Kiev is not to negotiate but to prolong the war and to convince the west to further finance it. This would have the advantage of moving billions of additional dollar from western sources into the various pockets in Kiev with Zelenski and Yermak cashing in the largest share of it.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️🇷🇺🇺🇦 Kherson direction:

For the second time in a week, the AFU attempted to land an assault group in the west of the Kherson region, this time on the Kinburn Peninsula.

▪️The goal of the operation was to capture the marine terminal building and secure a bridgehead for further landings.

By 7 a.m. the threat from the enemy was eliminated: one of the boats with the landing group was destroyed, and the rest withdrew.

https://x.com/rybar_force/status/1821867644133257604

1821867644133257604

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🔻In the Korenevo district, the AFU did not attempt a breakthrough: as of this morning, there was no fighting near Korenevo, but the sounds of explosions were still heard near the village.

▪️Russian units counterattacked in the direction of Malaya Loknya. At the moment, clashes are continuing, and air and artillery strikes are being carried out against the identified enemy positions.

▪️At night the AFU hit a Russian convoy with HIMARS MLRS near Oktyabr'skii, east of Rylsk. Later, Federal Security Service officers promptly identified and detained a 48-year-old local resident who deliberately filmed the results of the incoming strike and transmitted them to Ukrainian media resources.

The Russian command continues to transfer forces to Korenevo and Sudzha districts - observers confirm a noticeably increased presence of troops in the area where a few days ago there were none at all. At the same time, the configuration of the front is in some places unclear both because of the shortage of objective control and the pressing problems with management and communications.

📌 Russian troops have also increased the intensity of strikes on the border areas of Sumy Region, where a significant concentration of the AFU remains. According to local authorities, over the last two days alone, the Russian Air Force dropped over a hundred gliding bombs on the region.

❗️It is very premature to draw conclusions about the stabilization of the situation - the fighting in Kursk region continues, the enemy is introducing new forces and still has the opportunity to strike at another section of the state border. At the same time, the Ukrainian armed forces are entrenched on the captured frontiers, and the Russian troops arriving in the area will only have to drive them out of there.

https://x.com/rybar_force/status/1821866250332405996

1821866250332405996

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

🇷🇺🇺🇦 The crests publish a video of an attack on our column in the Kursk region.

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821945846646092264

1821945846646092264

Text:

🇷🇺🇺🇦 This is how the hohols feed everyone, including Russia bloggers, with ****. Photoshop, in which war correspondents draw their maps, also draws hohols in the "captured" settlements.

A lot of Russia bloggers will be losing thousands of followers soon.

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821947173199577107

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https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821947991755763749

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https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821949720970834085

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https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821954044299981301

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:

🇷🇺🇺🇦And again TikTok victory!

The VSU soldiers are caught red-handed.

As we said, the fighting is taking place on the western outskirts of Sudzha. The Gazprom office building in the video is located there.


In addition to this, in the comments on the Ukrainian channels, the crests themselves write that the video is from yesterday. What could this mean?

It seems that something is not going according to plan for the crests, because “information hygiene” is a thing of the past. 🐽


https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821954809232040134


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[Ravenlocke]

Text:

🇷🇺 🇷🇺Sudzha is not under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said the city's head, Vitaly Slashchev. I told you folks Ukraine are just releasing propaganda clip from yesterday .

https://x.com/TobiAyodele/status/1821954386257408323



1821954386257408323

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821900025883939128

1821900025883939128

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️Key statements by the Russian Defense Ministry concerning the situation in the Kursk region:

▪️Russian soldiers struck Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the areas of Darino, Gogolevka, Melovoy, Nikolsky settlements, and the western outskirts of Sudzha.

▪️In the Yuzhny area, the Russian Army Aviation destroyed five Stryker armored personnel carriers; in the settlement of Martynovka. Russian troops eliminated a Ukrainian column comprising a tank, four armored personnel carriers and a Kozak armored combat vehicle.

▪️Russian aviation and missile forces defeated Ukrainian reserves on the territory of the Sumy region.

▪️During the day, Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 280 militants and 27 armored vehicles, including four tanks, five armored personnel carriers, 18 armored combat vehicles, as well as six vehicles, a 155 mm M777 howitzer, a 155 mm self-propelled artillery "Krab", and a 152 mm D-20 gun.

▪️In total, during the fighting in the Kursk region, the enemy lost up to 945 military personnel and 102 armored vehicles, including 12 tanks, 17 armored personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles, 67 armored combat vehicles, as well as 12 vehicles, two self-propelled fire launchers of the Buk M1 anti-aircraft missile system, and three field artillery guns.

▪️The operation to destroy Ukrainian formations continues.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821833575714484286

1821833575714484286

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821833518562898145

1821833518562898145

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️Ukraine’s attempted incursion into Russia’s Kursk region: What’s known so far

The operation to destroy Ukrainian forces that attempted to invade Russia’s Kursk region continues, with Russian forces thwarting attempts by Ukrainian troops to move deeper into the territory, Russia's Ministry of Defense said.

▪️Сolumns with Grad MLRS, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trawls, and heavy tracked vehicles are heading to the Kursk region to build up the forces currently engaged in fighting against Ukraine's units in the Sudzha district.

▪️Earlier in the day, Russian soldiers destroyed Ukrainian troops and equipment in the areas of Darino, Gogolevka, Melovoy, Nikolsky settlements, and the western outskirts of Sudzha.

▪️In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 280 militants and 27 armored vehicles, including four tanks.

▪️In total, during the fighting in the Kursk region, Ukraine has lost up to 945 military personnel and 102 armored vehicles, including 12 tanks, 17 armored personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles, 67 armored combat vehicles, as well as two self-propelled fire launchers of the Buk M1 anti-aircraft missile system, plus three field artillery guns.

▪️The situation in the Kursk region has been recognized as an emergency at the federal level due to the attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the press office of the Russian Ministry of Emergencies told Sputnik.

▪️The operational situation in the region remained complicated, with local authorities taking additional security measures to evacuate people from hostilities-hit areas, Acting Kursk region Governor Alexei Smirnov wrote on Telegram.

▪️Heavy fighting persists near the city of Kurchatov, where a nuclear power plant is located, Mayor Igor Korpunkov pointed out, adding that the city administration is working as usual.

The Kursk region, which borders Ukraine in Russia’s western part, was attacked by about 1,000 Ukrainian troops and scores of armed vehicles on August 6. Russian troops swiftly retaliated by stopping the Ukrainian military from penetrating deep into Russian territory.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821864697173299586

1821864697173299586

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russia's Defense Ministry says build-up of forces engaged in active clashes against Ukraine's units in Sudzha district of the Russian Kursk region is underway

In columns heading to the districts of the Kursk region, there are Grad MLRS, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trawls, and heavy tracked vehicles being transported.

There is a build-up of forces conducting active hostilities with Ukrainian formations in the Sudzha district of the Kursk region, the Russian MoD informed.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821859219353559492

1821859219353559492



Text:

Russian air defense forces shot down three Ukrainian fighter jets and 72 HIMARS rockets, as well as Vampire and Olkha missiles and 668 drones.

🇷🇺🪖 More statements from the Russian Defense Ministry’s weekly briefing on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine:

▪️On the front lines, 55 Ukrainian militants surrendered

▪️The Russian Yug Battlegroup hit formations from 13 Ukrainian brigades and repelled seven enemy counterattacks, with Ukrainian losses totaling up to 4,240 soldiers.

▪️The Vostok Battlegroup repelled four Ukrainian counterattacks, with enemy losses reaching up to 760 militants

▪️In the Russian Zapad Battlegroup's combat zone, Ukrainian forces lost up to 3,260 troops and two Leopard tanks

▪️Units of the Russian Zapad Battlegroup occupied more advantageous positions and struck formations from 11 Ukrainian brigades

▪️In the Russian Tsentr Battlegroup's combat zone in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Ukrainian losses reached up to 2,520 militants and 17 armored vehicles

▪️The Sever Battlegroup hit formations from eight Ukrainian brigades in the Volchansk and Liptsev directions, repelling seven enemy counterattacks

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1821906845230936566

1821906845230936566

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Cyberspec1/status/1821790353625903394

1821790353625903394

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ug_chelsea/status/1821867704598356270

1821867704598356270

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Apti Alaudinov: “Some leaders of the Ministry of Defense lied and lied, so much so that in the end they deceived themselves.”

We even know which ones and why. The same ones who set up the Wagners and Surovikin with Mezintsev. And the same ones who arranged the showdowns within the RF Ministry of Defense that led to the arrests of ZMO. And those who locked up the combat general Popov.

But there is no time to sort this out now. First, the Kursk region needs to be cleaned up.

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1821963095821984044

1821963095821984044

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1821891927374971338

1821891927374971338

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦💀 Statement by the Wagner Group Commanders' Council on the situation in the Kursk region

From the very first day, from the very first combat mission, we had only one goal - to defend the interests of the Motherland, to help Russia prosper and to protect the Russian people. And we are ready to stand for this to the last drop of blood.

We declare the following:

Our forces are ready to come to the aid of the Motherland and deploy into combat formations at the first call. As it has always been.

WAGNER GROUP

https://x.com/dana916/status/1821892592721621030

1821892592721621030

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ug_chelsea/status/1821893678404653131

1821893678404653131

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Forbes:

No less than three Ukrainian brigades, totaling up to 6,000 soldiers equipped with NATO gear, are advancing on the Kursk region. They risk being encircled.

▪️ These are the 22nd and 88th Mechanized Brigades, along with the 80th Air Assault Brigade, which is considered "one of the most powerful, well-equipped, and mobile" brigades in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

▪️ They are advancing using a mix of Soviet and NATO equipment, including T-64BV or T-80BV tanks, UR-77 mine-clearing vehicles, IMR-2 engineering vehicles, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, U.S. Stryker wheeled APCs, and German Marder infantry fighting vehicles. All vehicles are additionally armored with anti-drone nets.

▪️ Artillery, drones, and air defense systems are playing a critically important supporting role.

▪️ In total, up to 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers may be present in and around the invasion zone.

❗️ "There is a significant chance that the Ukrainian operation could backfire on its planners. If the Ukrainian brigades outrun their artillery, air defense, and logistics, they might find themselves isolated and defenseless deep inside the Kursk region. Kyiv is risking thousands of soldiers it may not be able to easily replace," writes Forbes.
Source: RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1821888165285593273

1821888165285593273

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

Newly emerged footage shows military correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny after his car was targeted by an FPV drone in the Kursk region.

https://x.com/MrThomasAderson/status/1821916901695476111

1821916901695476111

Text:

After being wounded, Evgeny Poddubny hitches a ride to the hospital on his own.

- I need your clothes, boots and bike!
- Can you give me a lift to the hospital?

😲😲

https://x.com/PeteLiquid/status/1821962307661955504

1821962307661955504

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1821981084684538318

1821981084684538318

¤=[Post Update]=¤

https://x.com/dana916/status/1821981239081103813

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[Bill Ryan]

Text:

Newly emerged footage shows military correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny after his car was targeted by an FPV drone in the Kursk region.Almost impossible to believe this video is really him after nearly being very nearly killed (and now in intensive medical care), but the Terminator 2 reference was very funny. :ROFL:

:focus:

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1821977569501249638

1821977569501249638

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
More than 80 people, including 24 children, arrived in Orel from the Kursk region. The Emergencies Ministry staff met the people at the railway station, the department reported. Temporary accommodation points for citizens have been set up, and psychologists are providing them with the necessary support. The arrivals are provided with everything they need.

https://x.com/apocalypseos/status/1821816596136128984

1821816596136128984

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/apocalypseos/status/1821817359654588891

1821817359654588891

[ExomatrixTV]

1,000,000 (Many Autonomous!) A.I. (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?102409-A.I.-is-Progressing-Faster-Than-You-Think-) Killer Robots/Drones to hit Russia? Will it start WW3?

kSZG84NBLak
:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

[Vicus]

Kiev regime's terrorism shows Russia must go all the way to defeat NATO in Ukraine

https://www.sott.net/image/s35/712348/super/PVO_VSU_02_930x520.jpg

The United States and European Union - the sponsors of the Nazi-adulating Kiev regime and its illegitimate self-appointed president Vladimir Zelensky - talk cynically about "Ukraine's right to self-defense" in endorsing this week's murderous incursion.

This is a disgraceful apology for outright terrorism. The assaults targeted civilians in Kursk and BelgorTod. Apartment blocks were shelled and families fleeing in cars were shot at and killed. Even ambulances and paramedics evacuating the wounded were fatally attacked. The U.S. and EU are using the same vile, duplicitous rhetoric of self-defense that they apply to Israel's genocidal violence in Gaza.

There is no equivalence - as the U.S. and EU shamefully make out - with Russia's ongoing special military operation that was launched in February 2022. The Western powers claim Russia is the aggressor when the facts are that Moscow took action in response to years-long NATO-backed aggression against the ethnic Russian population of formerly eastern Ukraine. Russian forces have gone to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties.

That is partly why this conflict has dragged on for so long because Russian forces are not wantonly attacking Ukrainian towns and cities in Amerikan-style shock-and-awe obliteration.

Not so the Kiev regime and its Nazi paramilitaries who have made a barbaric speciality of deliberately killing Russian civilians. The terroristic logic was candidly spelled out this week by Zelensky's aides who brazenly said the purpose of the attacks in Kursk and Belgorod was to "instill fear in the Russian population" to destabilize the Russian government. That is the definition of terrorism.

There have been previous border incursions but this week saw the largest and most determined yet. After three days of intense fighting, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the Ukrainian offensive had been repelled after the assailants incurred heavy casualties.

Even Western media reports remarked on the strategic futility of the Ukrainian offensive. It seems the Kiev regime leadership threw its men into another meat-grinder suicide mission.

continue:

https://strategic-culture.su/news/2024/08/09/kiev-regime-terrorism-shows-russia-must-go-all-the-way-to-defeat-nato-in-ukraine/

[kfm27917]

Ukraine gambles with Kursk invasion of Russia
Surprise incursion into sensitive Russian region is Ukraine’s last ditch bid to have leverage at eventual peace negotiation

https://asiatimes.com/2024/08/ukraine-gambles-with-kursk-invasion-of-russia/

[Vicus]

Russian missile destroys Ukrainian command post in Kursk – MOD (VIDEO) 10 Aug, 2024

An Iskander has eliminated 15 members of the staff of Kiev’s 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, the Defense Ministry has claimed
Source: Russia's Ministry of Defense

A missile strike has destroyed a Ukrainian command-and-control center in Russia’s Kursk Region, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has claimed, releasing video of the strike. Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale incursion into the border region earlier this week.

In a statement on Saturday, the ministry said that an Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system had carried out a strike on a previously reconnoitered command post of Ukraine’s 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade not far from the border between the two nations.

“As a result, the command staff of the… brigade, 15 people in total, was eliminated,” the statement said, adding that “there will be no mercy.”

Drone footage released by the ministry shows what appears to be a cluster of several buildings in the middle of a heavily wooded area, with at least one Ukrainian armored vehicle also present in the area. One of the buildings is then hit by a powerful explosion, sending a plume of smoke into the air.

Iskander missiles can carry a payload of up to 700kg of explosives up to 500km and travel at hypersonic speeds. Russia has been using this weapon in recent weeks to strike staging areas used by Ukrainian forces, command and control centers, airfields, defense industrial facilities, and other military targets.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian advance has been halted and that reserves had been redeployed to the region. It claims that Kiev has so far lost up to 1,100 troops and 140 armored vehicles in the area.

https://www.rt.com/russia/602423-russia-destroy-ukraine-command-post/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS

[Vicus]

Russian tanks take up positions in Kursk Region (VIDEO) 10 Aug, 2024

Moscow has been deploying additional forces to the border area amid an incursion by Ukrainian troops

The Defense Ministry in Moscow has published footage of Russian tanks taking up positions in Kursk Region amid an incursion into the border area by Ukrainian forces.

On Tuesday, Kiev launched its largest attack on Russian territory since the outbreak of the conflict between the neighboring states. The Russian military said on Wednesday that the advance was halted, but Ukrainian troops remain in some areas of Kursk Region and continue their attempts to move forward.

The Russian tank crews will “carry out combat missions to inflict fire damage on the equipment and manpower of the Ukrainian military in the border area of Kursk Region,” the ministry said in a post on Telegram on Saturday.

They have been deployed to “tank-hazardous” locations to take on mobile groups of Kiev’s forces, the post read. The crews are “fully prepared for combat operations and for attacking the enemy both with direct fire and from closed firing positions,” it added.

Ukraine has lost up to 1,120 servicemen and 140 armored vehicles since the start of the incursion, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

https://www.rt.com/russia/602413-tanks-kursk-incursion-ukraine/

[Vicus]

Ukrainian special forces decimated in botched landing operation – Moscow 10 Aug, 2024

Kiev’s forces lost 12 service members and two boats as they attempted to raid the Kinburn Spit, Russia’s Defense Ministry has said

The Russian military has wiped out a Ukrainian special forces unit that attempted to conduct an amphibious operation in Nikolayev Region, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has said, releasing a video showing the aftermath of a fierce battle.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry said Russian forces foiled an attempt by a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group to land on the Kinburn Spit, a narrow stretch of land that connects to Russia’s Kherson Region and extends into the Black Sea.

Officials said the group, which included up to 16 service members on two high-speed motorboats, attempted to disembark on the spit under the cover of two other vessels. They added that the force suffered its first casualties on the beach when it hit a minefield. Those who managed to reach dry land were cut down by small arms fire, the statement said.

After suffering heavy losses, the Ukrainian military tried to evacuate from the coastline. However, as they attempted to do so, two boats were destroyed by artillery and missile fire, the ministry said, adding that the total number of Ukrainian casualties was 12.

Officials also shared drone footage of the landing site, which shows at least one heavily damaged boat stuck on the shore, with several bodies lying around.

Several Russian Telegram channels covering the conflict said the Ukrainian troops had come under fire from mortars and multiple rocket launchers, and that up to 80% of the force had been eliminated. They also posted a highly graphic video from the battlefield, apparently further from the coast, showing what appears to be at least four Ukrainian soldiers killed in action.

Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) has confirmed the raid, claiming its forces incurred losses on the Russians. The agency said Ukrainian special forces attacked Russian fortifications in the area and that the troops raised a Ukrainian flag near a monument to famed Russian commander Aleksandr Suvorov – located not far from the beach.

Ukrainian forces occasionally attempt to stage amphibious operations in Kherson Region, including across the Dnieper River, and sometimes in Crimea, although they almost never manage to hold on their gains for long.

https://www.rt.com/russia/602411-ukraine-raid-kinburn-foiled/

[Vicus]

Russian Forces Eliminate 15 Foreign Mercs With Thermobaric Weapons Near Sudzha in Kursk Region today

A missile strike with a thermobaric warhead on a temporary foreign mercenary base on the southern outskirts of Sudzha has killed 15 militants, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported.

The Russian Armed Forces continue to repel attempts by Ukrainian forces to invade Russian territory, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated on Saturday.
Over the previous day, forces of the Russian Sever Battlegroup, along with reserves, thwarted attempts by enemy mobile groups to penetrate deeper into Russian territory in the areas of Ivashkovsky, Malaya Loknya, and Olgovka through active operations, army aviation strikes and artillery fire.
Ukrainian manpower and equipment were also targeted in the areas of Nikolayevo-Daryino, Guyevo, Lyubimovka, Zelenyi Shlyakh, and Sverdlovka.
The MoD reported that air and missile forces hit Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region.
A thermobaric missile strike on a temporary foreign mercenary base on the southern outskirts of Sudzha resulted in the elimination of 15 foreign mercenaries.

Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk direction, Ukrainian losses have amounted to up to 1,120 personnel and 140 armored vehicles, including 22 tanks.
The operation to eliminate Ukrainian formations is ongoing, the Russian Ministry of Defense added.
Russian Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets carried out strikes using bombs fitted with Universal Gliding and Guidance Modules against concentrations of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel and equipment near the Ukrainian border

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/russian-forces-eliminate-15-foreign-mercs-with-thermobaric-weapons-near-sudxha-in-kursk-region-1119705546.html

[Vicus]

Ukraine Losing Battle to Recruit New ‘Cannon Fodder' For NATO Proxy War

A drastic shortage of manpower in the Ukrainian Army has hounded the Kiev regime to such an extent that it has not only tightened its mobilization rules, but shown willingness to recruit deserters and convicted felons.
The Kiev regime’s huge combat losses go hand in hand with its losing battle to recruit new "cannon fodder."
Conscription is becoming increasingly tough, despite assurances to the contrary spouted by official spokesmen for Ukraine’s military, The Wall Street Journal admitted.
While troops at the front in eastern Ukraine are reportedly desperately short of men, draft dodgers are tirelessly devising strategies to avoid enlistment. Amid reports of commanders sending new recruits into the trenches without proper training, and with the only way to leave the military being injury, death, or the end of the conflagration, the outlet

noted that men would rather be:
Fleeced by smugglers, who charge up to $15,000 to get men out of the country illegally;
Apply for postgraduate education programs (traditionally coming with an exemption from the draft), which reached a record high of 90,000 men this year;
Go into hiding;
It should be noted that the postgrad loophole has effectively been shut down “so that postgraduate study does not turn into a corrupt tool to avoid mobilization,” per Ukraine’s Ministry of Education.

Draft officers are described as having fanned out across the country in a race to dole out the dreaded summonses that require one to show up at a recruitment office within days or face an arrest warrant.

A law tightening Ukraine's mobilization rules went into effect on May 18 and aims at replenishing Ukrainian forces, depleted by more than two years of NATO’s proxy conflict. Ukraine is now facing not only a drastic shortage of men to fill battle ranks, but an unprecedented demographic crisis of its own making amid efforts to forcibly mobilize men aged 18-60 and even snatching mentally and physically handicapped draft-age men off the streets.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/ukraine-losing-battle-to-recruit-new-cannon-fodder-for-nato-proxy-war-1119705232.html

[Vicus]

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

The Heat🔥Belarus Pulls Troops To The Border⚔️Kursk - All Attacks Repulsed💥Military Summary 2024.8.10
1 hour ago

[Vicus]

Russia begins stripping citizenship from draft-dodgers 10 Aug 2024

The document binds interior agencies to refer to the military register data about men who have been granted Russian citizenship before they take their citizenship oaths

Russia's Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, has approved a bill making amendments to the Law on Russian Citizenship, stipulating that any person dodging military registration will have their Russian citizenship revoked.

Under current law, persons can lose their Russian citizenship if they provide knowingly false information about his or her commitments to honor the Russian constitution and its laws, which constitutes a crime posing a threat to Russia's national security. The bill supplements this norm with a provision saying that non-observance of Russia's laws may include non-registering with a military commissariat.

The document also binds interior agencies to refer to the military register data about men who have been granted Russian citizenship before they take their citizenship oaths. These amendments supplement the law on the military duty and military service.

According to the explanatory note to the law, foreigners and persons without citizenship who want to be granted Russian passports must register with a military commissariat servicing their area.

However, according to the authors, "there have been reports that after being granted Russian citizenship such persons are dodging their military duties." "Such cases don't sit well with the population. This stirs negative social and political sentiments, undermines the credibility of the institution of citizenship, promotes a disregard for the law, including among the so-called 'new citizens,'" the document says.

Comment: This doesn't appear to be an issue with Russia struggling to find enough conscripts - as is the case with the Kiev-junta - instead it seems to be more about demonstrating one's commitment to Russia and its values; which, as the West's weaponised mass migrations shows, is critical for a proper functioning and cohesive society, and more so in our tumultuous times.

It's also worth bearing in mind, whilst Westerners are, understandably, rather averse to conscription, because it's now irrefutable that the wars being waged by their leaders are illegitimate, there are instances where the cause may indeed be righteous: Russia to increase troop number to 1.5 million in response 'external threats' - Shoigu

https://www.sott.net/article/493837-Russia-begins-stripping-citizenship-from-draft-dodgers

[Vicus]

Aftermath of night shelling: what is known about situation in Kursk region 11 Aug,

https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1020_b9261fa1/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20240811/1425769.jpg

KURSK, August 11. /TASS/. Debris from a Ukrainian missile fell on a residential building in Kursk on Sunday night, injuring 13 people.

The Russian army is continuing its operation to destroy Ukrainian armed groups in the border areas of the Kursk region. The head of the Belovsky district of the Kursk region called on residents to remain calm after sabotage groups entered the territory.

TASS has assembled all of the main facts about the events in the region.

Situation in Kursk region

- The situation in the Belovsky district of the Kursk region after the entry of Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups is stable, but tense, the head of the district Nikolay Volobuyev reported.

- Volobuyev called on residents to remain calm. He asked citizens who left the territory of the Belovsky district to remain in the places where they arrived.

- He recommended that those who want to leave the district contact the heads of village councils, the administration of the Belovsky district, or call 112.

- The situation in the Lgovsky district of the Kursk region is stable as of Sunday morning, the head of the district, Sergey Korostelev assured.

Number of victims from fall of debris of Ukrainian missile in Kursk rises to 15

Earlier, the acting governor reported 13 victims, two of whom were in serious condition

https://tass.com/emergencies/1827593

[Vicus]

Russian troops prevent attempts by Ukrainian army to break through deep into Kursk region 2hours ago

https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1020_b9261fa1/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20240811/1425781.jpg

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Over the past 24 hours, Russian military personnel have prevented attempts by mobile groups of the Ukrainian armed forces to break through deep into the Kursk region, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"Over the course of 24 hours, actions by the Battlegroup North units and arriving reserves, strikes by army aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles, and artillery fire in the areas of the settlements of Tolpino, Zhuravli, and Obshchy Kolodez prevented attempts of the enemy mobile groups to break through deep into Russian territory on armored vehicles," the ministry said.

The ministry added that the Russian military destroyed four armored personnel carriers, including three US-made Stryker armored fighting vehicles.

Ukrainian army lost up to 230 troops, 38 armored vehicles in Kursk direction in 24 hours

The daily losses of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk direction amounted to up to 230 servicemen and 38 armored vehicle, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

“Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 230 servicemen and 38 armored vehicles, including seven tanks, three Stryker armored fighting vehicles, an infantry fighting vehicle, 28 armored combat vehicles, as well as seven cars, four field artillery guns, a self-propelled launcher of the Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile system, three launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar station of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system,” the report says.

Ukrainian army total losses Kursk direction amount to 1,350 servicemen, 29 tanks

Russia says its Mi-28NM helicopters struck Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

Russian Mi-28NM helicopters struck clusters of Ukrainian troops and equipment near the Kursk Region stretch of the border, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“Army aviation crews flying Mi-28NM helicopters carried out strikes with air-borne weapons on clusters of Ukrainian manpower, armored and motorized military equipment in the border area of the Kursk Region. The strikes were carried out with unguided air-borne missiles against detected targets. After the use of airborne weapons, the crews performed an anti-missile maneuver, released heat traps and returned to the base. According to reconnaissance reports, all the designated targets were successfully destroyed,” the ministry said

The ministry also showed footage of how the equipment was destroyed.

https://tass.com/defense/1827641

[Vicus]

Russian forces prevent Ukrainian forces from regrouping near Dnieper — Defense Ministry today

The Russian Armed Forces are also continuing to actively work to destroy Ukrainian FPV drones, reconnaissance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles, head of the group's press center Roman Kodryan said

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Units of the Dnepr battlegroup prevented the Ukrainian Armed Forces from regrouping in the Dnieper area, head of the group's press center Roman Kodryan told TASS.

"Units of the Dnieper battlegroup carried out combat missions in the Kakhovka direction. They ensured control of the island zone of the Dnieper River and prevented the enemy troops from regrouping with artillery fire. They continued to destroy Ukrainian watercraft attempting to land on the left bank of the Dnieper," Kodryan said.

According to him, the Russian Armed Forces are also continuing to actively work to destroy Ukrainian FPV drones, reconnaissance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles.

https://tass.com/defense/1827557

[Bill Ryan]

“Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 230 servicemen and 38 armored vehicles, including seven tanks, three Stryker armored fighting vehicles, an infantry fighting vehicle, 28 armored combat vehicles, as well as seven cars, four field artillery guns, a self-propelled launcher of the Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile system, three launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar station of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system,” the report says.

Assuming that the Russian MoD is correct, that means that the Ukrainians hauled an entire, near-irreplaceable multi-component Patriot battery into Russian territory, only to lose the whole thing.

Even if parts of the the complicated Patriot battery were not destroyed, there's no way the Ukrainians would be able to retrieve any of it. And the same goes for all their tanks and other vehicles as well, even if they might theoretically be repairable if towed back behind Ukrainian lines. On Russian sovereign territory, that's just not gonna happen.

Most interestingly, Alexander Mercouris reports at the start of his video today (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXs1JoYTIBI) that he received emails two months ago from a reliable source who's always been correct, stating that this incursion would happen. His source never specified (or likely did not know) the location, but apparently the Russians were well aware that such an incursion was planned.

And the newest email from his source stated that the Russians let it go ahead by deliberately weakening the Kursk border area, basically drawing the Ukrainians into a trap they couldn't escape from.

Mercouris then discusses this, stating that while his source has never been wrong about anything yet (and did predict the incursion!), he doubts that Putin would have permitted the likely death of Russian civilians (and the theoretical risk to the Kursk nuclear power plant) simply to gain a military advantage that they never really needed.

[shaberon]

The terroristic logic was candidly spelled out this week by Zelensky's aides who brazenly said the purpose of the attacks in Kursk and Belgorod was to "instill fear in the Russian population" to destabilize the Russian government. That is the definition of terrorism.


That's half of it. But it also means committed by a non-state actor.

It can be committed by the IRA, Basque ETA, Hamas, individual Antifa members with no name, anything with a message and demand qualifies.

If done by a standing government, it amounts to "war crimes" as per Geneva Convention, Treaty of Rome, etc., which is a little different. Like we saw the ICC prosecuted numerous Africans for such crimes, but, Israel denies its jurisdiction.

You may be able to use an adjective, "terrorist" or "terroristic", such as Hitler used regarding the bombing of London civilians--he was not accusing himself of the crime, terrorism, but actually hoarding this special tactic to himself, out of the hands of his officers.

Those "aides" are of course Stupid; Russia does not intimidate so easily. It is beyond doubt that "anything" to de-stabilize the Russian government will be attempted, except for the thing that really does it, war. I have not yet seen that Russia intends to remove, overthrow, or even "de-stabilize" the Ukrainian government, but to forcefully wash it.

[Bill Ryan]

There's a fire at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.


https://tass.com/emergencies/1827697

Fire at ZNPP burning near cooling towers

It was the result of Ukranian shelling, the plant said

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The fire that broke out at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant following Ukrainian shelling of the nearby city of Energodar is burning near the cooling towers, the plant said. "As a result of Ukrainian shelling, a fire broke out on the riverbank in the area of the ZNPP’s cooling towers. Emergency Situations Ministry employees are working at the scene of the fire. The blaze is being extinguished. The fire did not affect the plant’s operation in any way," the plant said on Telegram.

Earlier, Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said the ZNPP’s cooling systems caught fire following a Ukrainian strike. According to the official, all six reactors at the plant are in cold shutdown, there is no danger of an explosion. He said the radiation background around the plant and the city of Energodar remained normal.

Ukrainian attack on ZNPP can be characterized as act of nuclear terrorism — Rosatom

As a result of an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a cooling tower at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant was seriously damaged, according to Rosatom.

Key points from the statement:


The Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out two direct strikes on one of the two cooling towers of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant using combat drones, causing a fire that ignited internal structures.



The main fire at the cooling tower was extinguished by the Ministry of Emergency Situations by 11:30 PM Moscow time on August 11.



The risk of the cooling tower's structural collapse will be assessed by specialists when the situation permits.



This strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces can be characterized as an act of nuclear terrorism by the Ukrainian authorities.



The strike targeted equipment at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, whose main function is to cool water during the normal operation of the plant.

[Bill Ryan]

More: (this happened about 4 hours ago)

https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/119130
BREAKING! Cooling systems at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant caught fire after being shelled by Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Zaporozhye region, stated Governor Balitsky.

Currently, all six reactors at the plant are in cold shutdown, with no threat of a steam explosion or other consequences. The radiation levels around the plant are normal.

Emergency services are working at the scene of the fire to extinguish the hotspots. The situation is fully under control and poses no threat to the plant or the residents, clarified the head of the region.
~~~

DDGeopolitics/119130

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
The father of a large family from Sudzha, on foot and under bullets, made his way past the AFU outposts into the city to save his wife and five children.

Roman and Victoria have five children. Roman works shifts in Moscow and the family lives in Sudzha. When the Ukrainians invaded the town, Roman wasn't at home. He found out about everything from the news and rushed home, out of his mind with worry. On Thursday morning, Roman hitchhiked to Martynovka, but they couldn't take him further. He walked through the forest and met Russian fighters. They started dissuading Roman from such a risky journey into the city, as he might not return. But Roman couldn't agree with these arguments and continued on his way.

Despite all his efforts to stay low, the man attracted the attention of the enemy - they saw him and started firing at him. However, he hid behind a hangar and circled his way into the city. He made his way to the city through chaos, where no one was in control, and found his family alive and well. Under his guidance, the family gathered the most essential things and left for the road, picking up a lost woman along the way. Fortunately, all of them, including the children, managed to safely escape from the town of Sudzha, despite the Ukrainian machine gunner spotting them and firing in their direction.

This is an incredible story that the Yatsenko family will share with their grandchildren, demonstrating the strength and resilience of a Russian man who will do anything to protect their home and loved ones.

https://x.com/RWApodcast/status/1822744585535123747

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https://x.com/TheDuranReal/status/1822631125124079868

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Maria Zakharova:

“The head of the Zaporizhzhia region, Balitsky, reported that as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the city of Enerhodar, a fire broke out at the cooling systems facility of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Where is Rafael Grossi and the entire IAEA? Where is even a semblance of action from this UN structure on this critical issue?

The terrorists in Kyiv, under the leadership of the collective West, have destroyed their own country, devastated the people of Ukraine, undermined global energy and food security, and now they have turned to nuclear terrorism on the continent.”

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1822737498549653763

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1822751607999578399

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
⚡️Ukrainian authorities are preparing for a powerful missile strike from Russia after the invasion of the Kursk region

These could be strikes on a number of Kyiv facilities, including the parliament and other government buildings, the Times writes, citing sources in the Ukrainian command.

“Russia feels the need to give a very tough response, something grandiose, to show the world that it is all-powerful and that something like Kursk will not go unpunished,” the source said.

AFP also writes that Russia is preparing a massive missile strike on “decision-making centers” in Ukraine, citing a high-ranking official in Kyiv.

Ostashko reports

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1822748829369708884

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️🇷🇺🇺🇦 Kursk Direction: Clashes in Korenevo District and More Footage of Strikes on the AFU
What is known as of 6:00 PM on August 11, 2024

In the Kursk direction, fierce battles continue in several settlements. Meanwhile, Russian forces have carried out a series of strikes on identified AFU positions both in the occupied part of the region and in the neighboring Sumy Region.

The enemy also continues to conduct attacks in the information space: a significant amount of false information is being spread in regional chats, including about the announced evacuation throughout the Kursk Region.

🔻In the Sudzha District, Ukrainian formations have again launched drones to strike Russian Armed Forces positions in the administrative center. The presence of AFU members is recorded in the vicinity of Honcharivka and Zaoleshanka.

▪️The situation in the area of Plekhovo and to the east of it remains shrouded in the "fog of war". This morning, there were reports of roaming enemy groups near the village of Borki and the village of Spalnoye, but due to the lack of communication, it is not possible to confirm the presence of the AFU there.

🔻In the Korenevo District, the zone of control of Ukrainian formations has expanded slightly: according to footage that appeared online, the enemy continues to hold positions in the forest areas along the Sudzha - Korenevo highway, including in the Kultura and Olhovskaya Roshcha tracts.

▪️Further east, fighting continues along the line of Russkoye Porechnoye - Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, where the enemy is steadily losing armored vehicles. Another confirmation of this was the footage from a reconnaissance drone, which shows the successful destruction of a "Kozak-2" armored vehicle by a "Lancet".

🔻As for the Belovo District, the situation with the night "breakthrough" has been somewhat clarified: roaming sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the enemy managed to infiltrate the district and reach the vicinity of the village of Ozorki and the farm of Ivanovskiy, where they were struck by Russian air power.

Nevertheless, such mobile sabotage groups continue to pose a significant threat - having found a breach in the defense, they are able to quickly penetrate deep into the region, after which they begin to carry out raids and ambushes there.

One cannot also disregard the activation of Ukrainian formations in other areas - just today, enemy saboteurs unsuccessfully tried to infiltrate the Belgorod Region. And along the entire border, the AFU have enough units ready to try their luck not only in the Sudzha and Korenevo districts.

https://x.com/rybar_force/status/1822694205568815320

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1822742290453987447

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Text:
Kursk. The 1434th Akhmat-Russia Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces and the 810th Marine Brigade accepted a battle with the advanced units of the Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups that were supplying ammunition to their units.
The enemy and equipment were destroyed.

In addition, as a result of the competent actions of our units, the Ukrainian Armed Forces left Lebedevka, Leonidove and Novoivanovka in the Sudzhansky District.

https://t.me/vicktop55/25793

https://x.com/vicktop55/status/1822685947961418036

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇷🇺Poddubny's first interview from SKLIF: the war correspondent told how he was wounded in an attack near Sudzha
▪️Poddubny shared his memories of the day when he was wounded in a drone attack in the Kursk region.

➖"I remember that there was fire in the car. I remember that they shot at the car. I remember that I desperately wanted to live," the war correspondent said.
▪️In the background, the sound of the resuscitation heart monitor…

- RVvoenkor

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1822647214486814974

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[Ravenlocke]

Cannot confirm.


https://x.com/aussiecossack/status/1822285156973183032

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️🇷🇺🇺🇦 Information is coming in that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may have used chemical weapons in the Kursk region.

The fighters who inhaled the gas after landing are showing symptoms of poisoning - convulsions and vomiting.

Moreover, these shells are of NATO type. That is, chemical weapons were handed over to the Ukrainians by NATO representatives.

The war is taking a new and much more terrible turn.

If this is true , it would be troubling if these lines are crossed. We've seen small scale use of such weapons previously but nothing large scale.

https://x.com/SMO_VZ/status/1822286647720870387

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https://x.com/Hawkeye1745/status/1822589225931358440

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1822414748509720996

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️Ukrainian Army hits Russian power company workers with chemical weapons in Kursk Region

When a Rosseti power company brigade went to restore the power supply in the Belovo district of the Kursk region, Ukrainian troops shelled them with chemical weapon ammunition, said Kursk region acting governor Alexei Smirnov.

The workers were not seriously injured, according to Smirnov.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1822979234316324937

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
⚡️ The situation in the Kursk region is difficult, with 28 settlements under enemy control, the deputy governor said at a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Regional authorities do not know the fate of about 2,000 people in the 28 settlements under the enemy's control, the official stressed.

As of today, 121,000 residents have left the border region.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1822979198408855675

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
⚡️ Ukraine will continue attempts to destabilize Russia's border regions, including the Bryansk region – Putin

⚡️ Other important statements by the Russian president at the special meeting on the situation in the Kursk region:

⚡️ The situation in the region shows why the Kiev regime has refused Moscow's peace proposals and mediators.

⚡️ Ukraine is trying to improve its future negotiating position with its actions in the Kursk region.

⚡️ There is nothing to discuss with Kiev, which is attacking civilians and nuclear power facilities.

⚡️ The West is at war with Russia by the hands of Ukrainians.

⚡️ The action in the Kursk region pursues the military goal of stopping the offensive of Russian troops along the line of contact.

⚡️ The pace of the offensive of the Russian forces along the entire line of contact after the events in Kursk region has not only not decreased, but actually increased 1.5 times.

⚡️ The Russian president also demanded the armed forces provide reliable coverage of the border with Ukraine after the enemy is driven out of Russian territory.

⚡️ Putin added that the FSB and National Guard should ensure the counter-terrorism operation regime in the Russian border regions.

⚡️The relative calm in Russia's Bryansk region today does not guarantee that such a situation will be maintained. It is necessary to prepare for different scenarios, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1822974243593998356


1822974243593998356

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‘Shoot men in the legs’ – Ukrainian PoW recounts orders from commander

During the attack on Russia’s Kursk region, a Ukrainian commander gave orders to shoot people in cold blood, a captured Ukrainian soldier revealed.

“The commander told us specifically to shoot men in the legs and throw them in the cellar or basement. If [they had] weapons, then kill them. There were no instructions about the prisoners,” he said.

The soldier noted that their main goal was to reach Kursk, then Belgorod in order to seize more Russian territories, so that they could be swapped during future peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

“When [we] were entering the houses, yes, there was looting, [we] were taking everything [we] saw, probably everything valuable that could be taken away,” he added.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1823028082631901539

1823028082631901539

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️ A five-man Ukrainian military assault team has been taken prisoner in the Russian Kursk region, security agencies told Sputnik.

The captives served in Ukraine's 80th Airborne Assault Brigade. One of its commanders is a suspect in the criminal case opened by the Russian Investigative Committee over the attack on the Kursk region.

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1823020241787429080

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[Ravenlocke]

Text:
There is nothing to talk about with Kiev, which attacks civilians and nuclear power facilities - Putin

The President noted that the situation in the Kursk region shows why the Kiev regime rejected the peace proposals of Moscow and mediators.

❗️ The President also named the "obvious goals of the Ukrainian Armed Forces militants" - to sow discord and discord in Russian society, to strike a blow to the political situation in the Russian Federation.
- Ostashko reports

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1822982276482753012

1822982276482753012

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦Kursk region. Acting governor:

▪️28 settlements are under enemy control.
▪️"The depth of penetration into the territory of the Kursk region is 12 kilometers, the width is 40 kilometers"
▪️The authorities of the Kursk region do not know the fate of about 2 thousand people located in the 28 settlements occupied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
▪️The Rosseti brigade came under fire in the Belovsky district of the Kursk region; the shells contained chemical weapons .
▪️194 missiles fired by the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the territory of the Kursk region, 147 of them were shot down

Bryansk region, governor:

▪️The situation in the region is stable, there is no need to resettle residents.
▪️In case of emergency, 1,576 temporary accommodation places have been deployed with the possibility of increasing to more than 32 thousand places.

Belgorod region, governor:

▪️The situation has worsened, the number of attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces has increased.
▪️About 50-70% of Shebekino residents have left the area, tensions among the population are growing.
▪️Local authorities cannot help restore infrastructure in border areas due to the destruction of equipment by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
▪️Gladkov asked to index payments for citizens affected by shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Two Majors

https://x.com/dana916/status/1822991410477371538

1822991410477371538

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
❗️The footage shows the situation at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant following yesterday's attack by Ukrainian forces, which damaged the cooling tower. International Atomic Energy Agency specialists are now working at the site.

The mayor of Energodar, Eduard Senovoz, said that the AFU was trying to attack the city's infrastructure on an almost daily basis.

"There are attacks by drones and artillery. The attacks are selective," Senovoz said.

http://T.me/ukraine_watch

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1823014689061630227

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[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/GeromanAT/status/1823015847167680775

1823015847167680775

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/dana916/status/1823024974895988952

1823024974895988952

[ExomatrixTV]

Scott Ritter : The DoJ and Me!:

tgmFOq3J3-w

[Jaak]

1822746900669284541

[Bill Ryan]

At the beginning of his video update with Judge Napolitano livestreamed an hour ago, Pepe Escobar explains what's really been happening in Kursk. Pepe has excellent Russian contacts and also speaks the language fluently, and (in my opinion) he's the most reliable of sources for this kind of thing.

Summary: It's an embarrassment for Putin (or seems to bem though it's not clear yet if this was purposefully allowed to happen), but the Russians reacted quickly and are well in command, now treating this as a counter-terrorism operation in which they will (literally) 'take no prisoners'.

In Pepe's words, it was "an expensive PR stunt" which has also enraged Russian public sentiment, and everyone expects a fierce, merciless, gloves-off military response which is soon to come.

Putin stated yesterday that there would now no longer be any chance of any 'peace talks', and (as we know) the Chinese were also enraged with the sheer Ukrainian stupidity.


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

[Vicus]

FACTBOX: What is known about operation to mop up Kursk Region

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy has lost over 2,000 servicemen there during the entire period of hostilities

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. In the past day, Ukraine has lost upwards of 420 servicemen and 55 armored vehicles in Kursk, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

According to the ministry, the enemy has lost over 2,000 servicemen there during the entire period of hostilities.

TASS has gathered the key facts on the issue.

Situation in the region

- The Russian Armed Forces foiled breakthroughs by enemy armored groups deep into Russia's territory near the settlements of Obshchy Kolodez, Snagost, Kauchuk and Alekseyevsky.

- An attack by units of the Ukrainian armed forces' 82nd airborne assault brigade in the direction of Martinovka was repulsed.

- According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the operation to destroy Ukrainian formations in the Kursk Region is still underway.

- Russian aircraft hit Ukrainian armed forces' reserves in the areas of Miropolye, Mogrytsya and Petrushevka in the Sumy Region.

Kiev's losses

- Over the day, Ukraine's losses totaled up to 420 servicemen and 55 armored vehicles. Three tanks, eight armored personnel carriers, an infantry fighting vehicle, 43 armored combat vehicles, 31 vehicles, a multiple rocket launcher and an artillery piece were destroyed.

- Up to 15 Ukrainian servicemen and four Stryker armored personnel carriers have been destroyed during the mopping up of the Ozerki settlement in the Kursk Region, six Ukrainian fighters have been captured.

- The enemy lost up to 2,030 servicemen, 35 tanks, 31 armored personnel carriers, 18 infantry fighting vehicles, 179 other armored fighting vehicles, 78 vehicles, four anti-aircraft missile systems, two multiple rocket launchers and 14 field artillery guns during the fighting.

https://tass.com/politics/1828579

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MoonofA/status/1823049352446615655
1823049352446615655

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/08/ukraine-sitrep-the-kursk-incursion-was-stopped.html

Ukraine SitRep: The Kursk Incursion was Stopped

August 12, 2024

On its seventh day the Ukrainian army incursion into the Russian Kursk oblast (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/08/ukraine-sitrep-incursion-towards-kursk.html) seems to have come to a halt. The front-lines are hardening and the Russian side is using its artillery and bombing predominance to push it back.

There are three Ukrainian brigades involved plus a number of battalions that have been dispatched away from their brigades involved in other parts of the front. The 80th and the 82nd paratrooper brigades are the main forces. They have partly been trained in Britain and Germany and are using western equipment. The 22nd mechanized brigade is the third major unit. Then there are some five to ten battalions from various other brigades.

The Economist reports (https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/08/11/ukraines-shock-raid-deep-inside-russia-rages-on) (archived (https://archive.ph/XKmGY)) on the operation from a hospital in Sumy:
[T]he accounts from Ukraine’s wounded suggest it has not been a walk in the park, and remains risky. The hospital ward reeks of the sacrifice: soil, blood, and stale sweat. Foil burn-dressings line the corridor. In the yard, the patients, some wrapped like mummies from head to toe in bandages, smoke furiously. Angol, a 28-year-old paratrooper with the 33rd brigade, looks like a Christmas tree. His left arm is immobilised in a fixation device. Tubes, bags and wires protrude from his body. He was also about 30km into Russia when his luck ran out. He isn’t sure if it was artillery or a bomb that hit him. Maybe it was friendly fire; there was a lot of that. All he can remember is falling to the ground and shouting “300”, the code for wounded. The Russians had been on the run up to then, he insists, abandoning equipment and ammunition as fast as they could.That the Russia border troops have taken to run is not astonishing. They were mostly conscripts and not armed sufficiently to withstand an armored onslaught:
Some aspects of Ukraine’s operation appear to have been meticulously planned. Operational security delivered the element of surprise, a crucial aspect of warfare. “We sent our most combat-ready units to the weakest point on their border,” says a general-staff source deployed to the region. “Conscript soldiers faced paratroopers and simply surrendered.” But other aspects of the operation indicate a certain haste in preparation. All three soldiers quoted in this article were pulled, unrested, from under-pressure front lines in the east with barely a day’s notice.The Ukrainian army moved in with the best troops it still had plus some extras scrapped from the bottom of its barrel. Russian units which have been moved to the border have put a halt to the Ukrainian movement. Mobile reconnaissance platoons the Ukrainians have been sending down the roads to outlaying towns have mostly been eliminated. The huge progress seen on some Ukraine friendly maps now looks much smaller. Some 30 small settlements have been captured but even the local administration center Sudzha, with previously 6,000 inhabitants, has not been fully conquered.

A new Ukrainian attempt today to cross the border at the Kolotilovka checkpoint in the Belgograd region has failed and the Ukrainian units involved there have taken losses (https://twitter.com/MyLordBebo/status/1823007695802122606).

Russia has thus mostly contained the Ukrainian onslaught. The operation is now a new meat grinder like Krinky on the southern front previously was. An operationally isolated attrition pit into which the Ukrainians will have to feed more and more reserves they do not have or will retreat from treeline by treeline.

Russian drones and bombers are now leading the fight. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims (https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12524870@egNews) that the Ukrainian incursion has lost much of its armored equipment (machine translation):
In total, during the fighting in the Kursk area, the enemy lost up to 1,610 servicemen, 32 tanks, 23 armored personnel carriers, 17 infantry fighting vehicles, 136 armored combat vehicles, 47 vehicles, four anti-aircraft missile systems, a multiple launch rocket launcher and 13 field artillery pieces.The Ukrainian side knew of the danger that its operation could be a dead end. As the Economist writes:
Ukraine does not appear to be reinforcing its positions in any serious sense. “Our calf demands a wolf,” the security source cautions, using a local saying to warn against overly ambitious objectives.
...
The source cautions against comparing the Kursk incursion to Ukraine’s successful swift recapture of much of Kharkiv province in late 2022. The Russian army is taking the war more seriously now, he says: “The danger is we’ll fall into a trap, and Russia will grind our teeth down.”It seems to me that this is exactly what has now happened. It was utterly foreseeable.
The operation though is a momentarily still a success in that it increased the moral of the Ukrainian side:
Tired, dirty and exhausted, the soldiers say they regret no part of the risky operation that has already killed scores of their comrades: they would rejoin it in a heartbeat. “For the first time in a long time we have movement,” says Angol. “I felt like a tiger.”That week long rush of good news for Ukraine is now at its end. The involved units, which already lost a full brigade worth of equipment, will shrink away further. There will be no one to replace them. In the Donbas the Russian army continues its offensive against the weakened and retreating Ukrainian units. New York, Chasiv Yar and Toretsk will soon be taken.

There will soon be questions asked in Kiev, "What was the point?", to which no one will have a good answer. The Ukrainian commander in chief General Syrski may well have to leave over it even though the pressure to do the hopeless operation came, as The Times writes (https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/invading-russia-was-zelenskys-most-surprising-and-risky-decision-yet-6nbnfr7sn) (archived (https://archive.ph/YEwQc#selection-2179.0-2179.51)), from elsewhere:
President Zelensky’s personal fingerprints are all over it. It’s been an open secret in Kyiv for many months that the president was pressing his military chiefs to launch a summer offensive. Given Ukraine’s manpower and resources problems, they were hesitant. But Zelensky is desperate to reverse the narrative that Ukraine is losing its war.
Zelenski believed the Kursk operation would help to keep the war going (https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/08/ukraine-sitrep-kursk-campaign-designed-to-keep-war-going.html#more) with Russia failing over time and Ukraine becoming the winner. The Russian Duma announced today that there will not be another mobilization. A mobilization, and following unrest, is something Zelenski had hoped for. There will be no uprising in Russia because of the Kursk incursion, just an increase in nationalism.

The week long operations was certainly insufficient to do change the long term narrative. The high it has caused in Kiev and elsewhere will soon make room for a deep depression.