WW3? Ukraine/US vs. Donbass/Russia

[ThePythonicCow]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)

Posted by Ravenlocke (here)
Text: ... "The Russians stole our hypersonics" - Trump

Unlikely to be true! (The US doesn't have any working and reliable hypersonics.)

I wouldn't rule out the possibility that there is a gap between what technologies we've developed, and what is available (publically at least) for substantial use by the military.

It might be easier, in the U.S. at least, to fund more "advanced stuff" technology development, than it is to fund, deliver, and deploy substantial quantities of some weapon system making use of such technologies.

In other words, perhaps we did develop some key technology used in hypersonic missiles, but then the Russians took that, added to it their own substantial technology developments, and successfully deployed useful quantities of hypersonic missiles, which the U.S. military-industrial complex did not deploy.

Of course, one cannot also rule out the possibility likelihood that you're 100% right, without such qualifications, and that either some military people gave President Trump some B.S., or that Trump is spinning this topic, somewhat knowingly, for unspoken reasons.

My current bet: some of all of the above, along with some other additional strong currents beneath the murky surface.

[Tintin]

Lost Armour, a Russian website, has provided a comprehensive summary of targets across Ukraine including some recent Russian retaliatory drone and ballistic missile attacks, and also other areas covering the week May 18th, to now.

Source: https://lostarmour.info/tags/strikes

An interactive map is also available through Slavyangrad on Telegram

Source: https://t.me/Slavyangrad/128349

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

❗Putin's helicopter was in the epicenter of a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones.

"It actually (found itself – ed.) in the epicenter of repelling a massive attack by enemy drones. We simultaneously conducted an anti-aircraft battle and ensured the safety of the president's helicopter in the air," said the commander of the air defense division, Yuri Dashkin.

The events took place during Vladimir Putin's trip to the Kursk region earlier this week. According to Dashkin, the president was on board the helicopter during the drone attack.
- FRWL

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1926591280290611340

Text:

‼️🇷🇺🇺🇦 UKRAINE TRIED TO KILL PUTIN!

Vladimir Putin's helicopter was attacked by Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region.

This happened on May 20, said the commander of the air defense division, Yuri Dashkin.

The intensity of the attack by #Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region, when #Putin was flying there, was "unprecedented." #UkraineRussiaWar

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1926713628687786375

Text:
Ukraine tried to ATTACK Putin’s helicopter mid-flight over Kursk

Russian Air Defense Division officer says Ukrainian drones attempted to swarm chopper flight path

Russian air defenses scrambled — worked perfectly and repelled the strike

https://x.com/RT_com/status/1926588491564994758

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇺🇦🇷🇺⛪💥 Overnight, #Ukrainian forces attacked the Nikolsky Cathedral in the village of Epifan, Tula Region. The strike ignited the church’s dome. #Russia

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1926602239918879035

Text:
🇺🇦🇷🇺💥 The dome of St. Nicholas Cathedral in the Tula region burned down after being hit by a Ukrainian UAV

The regional governor Dmitry Milyaev reported that one of the drones hit the dome of the church in Epifan, which led to its complete burning. The fire was quickly localized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, there were no casualties among the population.

The #Russian Defense Ministry stated that 110 #Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over 13 regions on the night of May 25. Most of the drones were destroyed over the Tula region.

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1926607752345813117

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦⚡ Russian Tu-95MS Strategic Bombers Take Off from Olenya Air Base

Multiple Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers have reportedly taken off from Olenya Air Base in the Murmansk region. These long-range aircraft are capable of launching cruise missiles, including the Kh-101 and Kh-555, and are often used in large-scale strikes against targets in Ukraine.

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1926749054807036361

Text:
⚡️ Explosions Reported in Kostyantynivka
Enemy Channels Report Arrival of FAB Bombs

Multiple explosions have been reported in Kostyantynivka as Russian forces reportedly deploy FAB-series aerial bombs in the area, according to Ukrainian-aligned sources.

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1926749967437226107

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇪🇺 EU diplomacy chief Callas called on Western countries to stop pushing Ukraine towards peace talks. She said this in an interview with the Financial Times ahead of the EU summit in Brussels.

In the interview, Callas said that attempts to pressure Zelensky to begin a peaceful settlement of the conflict are pointless. Instead, Ukraine needs to be armed more so that “it is stronger” at the negotiating table, the head of European diplomacy believes.
- FRWL

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1926750611938095379

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🇺🇦⚡ ‘Carpet’ Plan Activated at Moscow Airports — Flights Temporarily Suspended

Russian authorities have implemented the “Carpet” air defense protocol at Moscow’s airports, including Domodedovo International Airport, leading to a temporary suspension of flight operations.

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1926737348689006699

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺🪖🇺🇦 The exchange agreements reached in Istanbul on 16 May were fully implemented, Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin, the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation said.

A total of 880 #Russian servicemen and 120 civilians were returned from Ukrainian captivity as a result of the exchange.

'Today, on 25 May, another 303 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. All necessary assistance is provided to them.

Specialists of all the relevant services of the Russian Ministry of Defence are involved in solving emerging issues as well as providing comprehensive support for the exchange.

‼️🇧🇾🪖🇷🇺 At present, the Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of #Belarus and are preparing to leave for #Russia. Thus, in three days, on 23, 24 and 25 May, 880 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians were returned.

The exchange agreements reached in Istanbul on 16 May were fully implemented.

We hope that the large-scale exchange of prisoners of the war, initiated by the Russian Federation, will contribute to creating a favourable atmosphere for discussing the conditions for a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis.

I would also like to thank the authorities of the Republic of Belarus for all-round help and assistance', Aleksandr Fomin said.

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1926640191864795406

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
A group of Ukrainian soldiers contacted Russia via Telegram and asked for help.

The exit action was planned - without shooting and casualties. Having changed into civilian clothes, they surrendered.

Our soldiers showed humanity - they spared them and accepted them according to the law and with honor

ZAPOROZHYE FRONT 😀

https://x.com/SMO_VZ/status/1926745596192313584

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
‼️🇷🇺 The landing party liberated Belovody in Sumy Oblast

▪️Paratroopers of the 83rd brigade raised the Airborne Forces flag on the southern outskirts of the village.

▪️Ussuri attack aircraft began the assault on Belovody in mid-April and during this time destroyed several hundred Ukrainian Armed Forces militants, burned a German Leopard tank, up to 10 combat armored vehicles and dozens of pickups.

▪️The Russian army is expanding the security buffer zone and creating bridgeheads on enemy territory, threatening to soon take Yunakovka, an important logistics hub for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, through which the Kursk group of occupiers was supplied via the H07 highway, writes military correspondent Kulko.

https://x.com/SMO_VZ/status/1926746761336381594

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇺🇦👊 🏴‍☠️

The military barely managed to escape: a group of men attacked the TCC car, smashing it with a hammer and kicking it

Poltava region.

https://x.com/SMO_VZ/status/1926747649140568343

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Fabulous 💥

The 🇺🇦 coward dictator and Budanov in their bunker right now 🐓 🐖

https://x.com/blackdiammon/status/1926745037234139470

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
The buffer zone will occupy almost the entire territory of Ukraine if military aid to Kyiv continues, Medvedev said.

Video from Medvedev

https://x.com/jaccocharite/status/1926659479841439762

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
There are still 34 residents of the Kursk region in custody in Ukraine, Moskalkova said. She noted that 880 military personnel, 20 Kursk residents and 100 political prisoners returned to Russia during the three-day exchange.

https://x.com/jaccocharite/status/1926683861456498901

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🎖🎖 by Russian Defence Ministry on progress of special military operation as of 25 May 2025

💥 Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike by high-precision sea-, air, ground-based weapons, and unmanned aerial vehicles at the Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, delivering components for missiles, electronics, explosives, missile fuel and strike unmanned aerial vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and at radio-technical reconnaissance and satellite communication centres.

The goals of the strike were achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged.

🔥Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on clusters of manpower and hardware of one air assault brigade, four mechanised brigades of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine near Mogritsa, Yablonovka, Alekseyevka, Yunakovka, Pisarevka, and Gritsiny (Sumy region).

📍In Kharkov direction, formations of one assault brigade of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades have been hit near Granov, Komissarovo, Veterinarnoye, Udy, Kreydyanka, and Berezniki (Kharkov region).

▪️The AFU losses amounted to up to 220 troops, two tanks, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, eight field artillery guns, one electronic warfare station, and one ammunition depot.

📍 Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Troops of two mechanised brigades of the AFU, five territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade were defeated near Kupyansk, Olgovka, Peschanoye, Novosergeyevka, Andreyevka, Dolgenkoye, Petro-Ivanovka (Kharkov region), Krasny Liman and Kirovsk (Donetsk People's Republic).

▪️ The AFU losses amounted to up to 230 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, 19 motor vehicles, and three artillery guns. One Kvertus electronic warfare station and three ammunition depots were neutralised.

🚩 Units of the Yug Group of Forces have liberated Romanovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

💥 Manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades and one airmobile brigade of the AFU have been hit near Pleshcheyevka, Seversk, Serebryanka, Konstantinovka, Shevchenko, and Vyemka (Donetsk People's Republic).

▪️ The enemy lost up to 260 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, and one field artillery gun.
Five electronic warfare stations, three counter-battery radars, and four ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised.

🎖🎖

📍Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at formations of five mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, one marine brigade, one Azov Special Operations Brigade, and one national guard brigade near Rusin Yar, Oktyabrskoye, Novotoretskoye, Artyom, Petrovskoye, Grodovka, Novoolenovka, and Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic).

▪️The enemy losses amounted to up to 435 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, nine armoured fighting vehicles, ten motor vehicles, and three artillery guns.

📍Units of the Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades close to Otradnoye, Zelyonoye Pole, Novopol (Donetsk People's Republic), Gulyaipole, and Chervonoye (Zaporozhye region).

▪️The AFU losses amounted to more than 165 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, ten motor vehicles, five field artillery guns, and one Grad MLRS vehicle. Two electronic warfare stations were destroyed.

https://x.com/SMO_VZ/status/1926763446508429448

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
🇷🇺💥🇺🇦Last night's missle strike on on a certain object in the town of Krasilov, Khmelnitsky region - not less than five Kh-101 cruise missiles hit on a certain object in the town of Krasilov, Khmelnitsky region

The peculiarity of this city is that it is located a few kilometers from the airfield Starokonstantinov. From there, the remaining fighter jets of the AFU, including American F-16s, are sent on combat sorties and planned to be used them as cruise missile carriers.

On what target the Russian Missile Forces spend five cruise missiles remains a mystery so far, but according to one version, a warehouse with a new delivery of Western cruise missiles was hit.
This would explain why such a number of Kh-101 was used.

https://x.com/Hawkeye1745/status/1926670468720775612

[bojancan]

Just finished listening/watching... insightful talk... Larry C Johnson and Nima..

Dialogue Works
293K subscribers

Larry C. Johnson: Trump Drops Bombshell: Russia's Downfall - Israel Losing, Iran CRUSHES Any Attack

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ApeG3xtxlDI

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by jaybee (here)
I doubt that ...'Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever..'

At the very least I would presume that if it's happening there IS a reason...

???

Well, Moscow was attacked by swarms of Ukrainian drones (almost all of which were shot down), and Putin's helicopter was also attacked by drones in an apparently serious attempt to kill him.

Here's a Zero Hedge article about Putin's response. (Putin is a hugely experienced statesman and diplomat. Trump, whether one loves him or hates him, is not. )

• https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitic...ls-putin-crazy

Russia Cautions of 'Emotional Overload' right now after Trump calls Putin 'Absolutely Crazy'

Moscow has responded Monday to President Trump's latest fierce criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, cautioning of "emotional overload" at this "very important moment."

"We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process," began Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov when asked about Trump’s late Sunday remarks.

"Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions," Peskov said. Other translations used "emotional overstrain".

There's been a noticeable frustration and impatience coming from the White House at the lack of progress toward peace. At first more of the pressure seemed to be on Zelensky and the Ukrainian side, but recent weeks have seem Trump's rhetoric shift to more pressure on Putin and the Kremlin.

"I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday night.

The below full statement is mainly aimed at Putin, but Trump has notably taken swipes at both sides over the weekend, as pointed out by the WSJ correspondent...

"I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever."

https://x.com/yarotrof/status/1926867103404933122

Earlier on Sunday President Trump had told reporters aboard Air Force One that he is not "happy" with the Russian leader. "I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin," Trump said.

Russia has clearly ramped up attacks over prior consecutive nights. Last night it hit Ukraine with another record number of drones along with nine cruise missiles, according to The Associated Press. However, no deaths were immediately confirmed and an emergency response continued in Monday.

But Trump had caveated in his remarks Sunday, "Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does."

We detailed previously how Russia's current stepped-up attacks are the result of drone waves from Ukraine which are unprecedented in size and intensity over the past week:

https://x.com/yarotrof/status/1926867103404933123

All of this is likely calculated to press the Kremlin to get serious about negotiations. But as Trump has long admitted, Putin holds all the cards, and more villages in the Donbass were taken by Russian forces this weekend.

[Jaak]

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
PUTIN is not pulling any punches

: 🇷🇺 Russian President Putin calls to put the West in a "chokehold."

"They're trying to strangle us and we should reciprocate."

JUST IN: 🇷🇺 President Putin says Russia must keep "pounding, pounding, pounding" to achieve its desired result.

https://x.com/SMO_VZ/status/1927093685356749216