Ukraine news/Current

8 Apr. Aksenov: A missile launched from the Ukrainian direction was shot down over Feodosia, in the Crimea.

Russian MoD gave detailed warning on Ukraine preparing a chemical weapons provocation (1, 2, 3)

7 Apr. DPR ombudsman: 7 civilians are killed by Ukrainian shelling in the past week. (Noted, opolchenie claimed that on Apr.6 nine civilians are killed in Donetsk, and 4 in Lisichansk, LPR).

Photos from Voroshilovskii district of Donetsk show aftermath of random shelling of residential city area, houses and civilian cars damaged. According to DPR, at least 1 civilian was killed and 6 wounded. Preliminary, firing was done using Czechoslovakia-origin RM-70 Vampire MLRS, unguided heavier version of Grad, designed in 1970's; 5 missiles were launched.

Pentagon investigates more leaks (Talk) said to include details on Ukrainian forces and U.S. arms provided to Ukraine (WSJ; NYT).

It's likey that vulnerabilities of Western weapons are well (and recently widely) known

5 Apr. Russia organized an informal "Arria formula" meeting of the Security Council called "Children and armed conflict: the Ukrainian crisis. Evacuation of children from the conflict zone" (also a topic of the ICC "arrest warrant" ). UN broadcast was blocked by the British; Russian FM broadcasted live +  posted a file on Telegram. At the meeting, UK, USA, Albania, Malta delegations staged a walk-out.

3 Apr. Finland is to join NATO. Russia is to bolster defense if NATO troops deployed 1, 2.

2 Apr. War correspondent Vladlen Tatarskii is killed in a terrorist attack by an explosion at a cafe in St. Petersburg where he gave a talk about war correspondent profession. 1, 2, 3. Videos - "Nastia, sit here", explosion, after explosion; It is said that Daria Trepova who brought the statuette was anti-war, pro-Navalnyi (unconfirmed); that yet she opened some pro-war merchandise business; and a patriotic telegram channel; that she could be following instructions (possibly for money or other rewards such as immigration assistance), and made escape preparations. Yet from her behavior and statements she could be unaware of the real purpose of her assignment.

It is reported that British Challenger 2 tanks have been filmed in Ukraine (video).

30 Mar. A grand jury in New York indicts President Trump on charges related to 2016 elections, leading to further political chaos in the United States.

24 Mar. "For the first time after Finland opened its airspace to NATO aviation, two RC-135W Rivet Joint electronic reconnaissance aircraft of the US and British Air Forces flew near the borders of the Russian Leningrad Region and Karelia".

22 Mar. Ukrainian failed sea drones attack on Sevastopol (1, 2, 3).

21 Mar. Official list of documents signed during Xi Jinping state visit to Russia.

19 Mar. Ukraine once again (as on most of the days) shelled residential Donetsk, using MLRS and 155 mm artillery. A man, 19 is killed, a civilian woman, DOB 1961, is wounded, residential homes, cars are damaged.

On the anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq, Ukraine started an attack/reconnaissance-in-force in Zaporozhie direction; taking losses; 1, 2.

Two Ukrainian reconnaissance-in-force attempts are repelled in the Kupyansk direction.

Fighting in Kremennaya, LPR (video)

Ukrainian-origin video shows many Western armored vehicles; date and place not specified; Nazi-origin sound. (Similar video, here).

Earlier video: Ukrainian Western-made armored personnel carriers are destroyed (date/place not specified).

18 Mar. During a peaceful anti-war protest in Washington, coffins draped in Russian, Ukrainian, US (Syrian, Iraqi, PA) flags were brought to the gates of the White House (video) and to the Washington Post building. 17 Mar. 3 days after Reaper crash, "Poland, Slovakia become first NATO members to offer Ukraine fighter jets.". (In addition to reports that Ukrainian tank crews are finishing their Western tanks training, eg here).

14 Mar. Two Russian Su-27 fighters cause an American MQ 9 Reaper drone to crash into the Black Sea. (video)

Seymour Hersh at the National Press Club talks about things, from Vietnam to neocons to Ukraine and the Nord Stream.

13 Mar. US Republican presidential candidates answers to Tucker Carlson on Ukraine

8 Mar. "18 German and 3 Portuguese Leopard 2 tanks together with brigades will go to Ukraine in March," - German Defense Minister Pistorius (RU report/German video)

7 Mar. NATO claims that "Ukrainians on a sailboat" blew up the Nord Stream pipelines.

22 Feb. It is reported that Ukrainian military activity was noticed on the border of Transnister and Ukraine.

21 Feb. Russia suspended participation in START treaty. Extension of the treaty was one of the few, if not the only, international achievements of the current US administration. Russia's suspension may have to do with hauling inspections, while Ukrainian forces performed strikes on strategic objects deep inside Russia. But it also contributes to overall deep deterioration of international security. It may eventually restart the arms race, though no immediate steps are announced.

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs and Ray McGovern address UN Security Council on Nord Stream investigations (+NATO enlargement leading to war Ukraine),

Russia denied 1, 2 reports of an unsuccessful launch of Sarmat ICBM.

8 Feb. This clown wrote a letter on why comparing politics to his profession is an insult to clowns

Zelensky visits UK (photos 1, 2).

New video appears to show Ukrainian soldiers murdering Russian prisoners of war.

7 Feb. Shoigu: Ukrainian losses in January, "over 6500" (210 per day).

Close range combat in Novoselovskoe -video. Houses are destroyed, apart from cellars.

5 Feb. Russian sources accuse Ukraine of using chemical weapons in Avdeevka. (video, photos). Visuals are attributed to a persona called Magyar (on the Ukrainian side).

3 Feb. US to send Ukraine longer-range bombs

More from Dmitry Medvedev, see 19 Jan. entries. ...Our answer can be anything..., etc.

24 Jan. In Dec. 2016, 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks were destroyed by IS at Al Bab, Syria.... 1, 2.

Col. Doug Macgregor interview (it's interesting how well retired colonels understand that their side going to war is not such a great idea...).

19 Jan. Western powers discuss transfer of Western heavy weaponry, including main battle tanks, to Ukraine. This, in addition to better intelligence, communication, integration, precision may give Ukraine enough advantage for successful tactical or strategic offenses against Russian forces.

Dmitry Medvedev: '''the loss by a nuclear power in a conventional war can provoke the outbreak of a nuclear war. The nuclear powers did not lose major conflicts on which their fate depends.''' (Medvedev's public persona 'fills the void' created after the death of Zhirinovsky; yet this particular statement may well be true and shall not be dismissed. Medvedev is also a deputy chairman of the Russian security council and a former Russian president and PM, and may be in the running for another top leadership position).

US considers sending launched from the ground by rockets/boosters small diameter precision aviation bombs, with a range of 100 miles (+). That may reach Crimea, Russia border regions.

10 Jan. Russian PMC/'Wagner' forces are said to be in control of central Soledar, after surrounding the city and cutting the supplies. Soledar (salt city) is near a flashpoint of Artemovks/Bakhmut, with wide, deep and very long salt mines tunnels (1, 2).

It is said that Ukrainian forces took positions on the western outskirts, near several salt minepits. The main remaining Ukrainian defense region in the Donbass is considered to be Slavyansk-Kramatorsk heavily fortified area, to the north-west.

7 Jan. Ukrainian forces attempted an attack shortly after orthodox nativity holiday on frozen grounds near Chervonopopovka/Kremennaia. It is said that the attack was discovered in time and repelled.

1 Jan. RU MoD: 63 recently drafted Russian soldiers are killed by Ukrainian US-made-HIMARS strike on their temporary quarters in Makeevka, near Donetsk (1, 2). (RU MoD also reports on successful strikes on Ukrainian positions, while independents heavily criticize inadequate arrangements in Makeevka and possibly elsewhere). Russian forces subsequently attempted to retaliate for the attack (1, 2).

27 Dec. Western media portray Lavrov's comments as an ultimatum. (But they appear to be more of the same).
 * 2022

22 Dec. Dmitriy Rogozin and DPR prime minister Vitaliy Hotsenko are wounded, two more people are killed, by Ukrainian precise artillery strike, using Western artillery, on a Donetsk hotel where Rogozin was staying. It is said that 3 cluster munition shells were fired using French "Caesar" 155 mm howitzer 1, 2.

Tactics chosen by Russian forces ("Surovikin defense line") resulted in effectively a stalemate. Ukraine continues regular artillery shelling of residential areas of Donetsk, causing civilian casualties and destruction, and continues attempts to attack targets in Russia, including airbases deep in the Russian territory.

21 Dec. Zelensky visits the US Congress to ask for more weapons and more money. Soon after, the US Congress approved the budget which included $45 bln to Ukraine.

16 Dec. Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets are reported. Dneproges was hit. US Global Hawk arrived late.

11 people are killed in Lantratovka, LPR by Ukrainian shelling, said to be by HIMARS, 20 were wounded, 20 more unaccounted for.

Front lines remain largely static, with continued artillery duels, drones, RSG, and some slow and local Russian advances against heavily fortified Ukrainian positions in Donbass, with quite heavy casualties reported (with most of the reports are about Ukrainian battlefield casualties).

15 Dec. Ukraine fired 40 "Grad" rockets on residential central Donetsk, the heaviest shelling since 2014. At least 13 civilians were killed in DPR this week, 47 were wounded. Persistent Ukrainian "Grad" shelling from Tonenkoe continued on 16 Dec.

6 Dec. Ukraine shelled again residential area in the center of Donetsk. At least 10 «Grad» rockets landed in the «Donbass Arena» area, the indoor market and the business center «Centavr plaza». 6 civilians are said to be killed; the number of wounded is being clarified. Member of the People's Council of the DPR Maria Pirogova was killed by the shelling. Judge of the DPR Military Court Viktor Nikolaevich Isaev was killed by Ukrainian shelling a day earlier. Intentionally shelling residential areas and killing civilians is a war crime. This continues for 9 years.

A drone attacked the airfield in Kursk. An oil storage tank caught fire. There are no casualties, firemen are extinguishing the fire. The airport presently does not accept civil flights

5 Dec. Explosions at 2 Russian military airfields, Diagilevo in Ryazan and Engels strategic airbase, Saratov, Russia. It was said initially that a fuel tanker truck exploded at Ryazan airbase (this detail was omitted in later reports, but seen on photo, next to a damaged plane); and it was said unofficially (Cassad) a drone attack at Engels airbase damaged 2 planes. This is a day after Ukraine announced second stage of trials of its own '1000 km, 75 kg payload drone', and as Latvia called for attacks on Russian airfields.

It was later said that Soviet-made Ukrainian UAV jets (TU 141/TU 143) have attacked both airfields; that Russian air defense "intercepted" UAVs but, as a result of them coming down and exploding, "hull skin of two aircraft was slightly damaged." Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian targets were reported later in the day.

Diagilevo airbase satellite photos, visible damage to the tail and nozzle of one Tu-22M3 bomber plane which was refueling 1, 2. Engels airbase satellite photos. 2 Dec. Thieves from Kiev steal Banksy mural in Hostamel, a "symbol of Ukrainian victory".

29 Nov. It appears that Zelenskaya recycled in the British parliament discredited at home tales about rapes, without independent verification, and while crimes by her side are ignored, for many years. (Isolated incidents could occur, any side, but on the Russian side, perpetrators will be stopped or punished. That for example was made very explicit in widely circulating PMC recuitment video, with very severe punishment described. Here it is used intentionally to dehumanize the opponent and in the end of the day receive more weapons and more aid).

20 Nov. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/7985873.html Map of Ukrainian shelling of Zaporozhk. power station, today]. It is of serious concern as it shows hits on radioactive waste handling facility building roof, and near the reactors. There are also videos. It is said that by RU MoD that radiation is not released, still this is of serious concern and a disaster waiting to happen.

"12 missiles were fired. It is known that 6 hit the pool of the reactor cooling fountain, 2 - in the dry storage of nuclear waste. It is still impossible to determine the consequences of the shelling - the danger of repeated attacks remains," said Karchaa /RIAN/, Advisor to the General Director of Rosenergoatom (also here).

Total direct Western aid to Ukraine, Jan 24 to Oct 3, is €89.34bn, including 52.31 from USA, 11.74 EU, 6.65 UK. Recent austerity measures in UK concern a projected shortfall from 'fiscal targets' of £55bn. Price increases causing austerity are contributed to by the conflict (in addition to post-pandemic inflation).

Presently, the White House asks Congress for $37.7B in new Ukraine aid, while the budget for the current finance year is still not approved.

18 Nov. Videos appeared showing 10 Russian soldiers surrendering and then executed, at the same location. Apparently one man opened fire (still photo here), while others surrendered and were placed face down on the ground, unarmed. Executing prisoners clearly violates Geneva conventions. UN representative called for an investigation.

12 Nov. There could be slight softening (1, 2) in economic/trade wars, but otherwise no signs of progress in diplomacy (apart from posturing).

10 Nov. List of countries abstaining (51) or voting against (4) the UN resolution on combating glorification of Nazism is strongly correlated with the list of countries that are supporting militarily and training Ukrainian soldiers to fight Russia. 9 Nov. After civilians evacuation, long speculation, many hints, and lastly some bridges destroyed, Russia announced 'a hard decision' of withdrawal of forces in Kherson from the Dnepr river right bank, to have defense lines along the river. Supplying forces on the right bank has been a concern. Bridge to the right bank was essentially destroyed. Fears were expressed that ferries, when river will be covered by ice, too thin to drive on, would not operate, under Ukrainian fire. However due to climate changed, Dnepr in the Kherson region may not become covered by ice sufficiently to prevent crossing by water.

Another reason is possibility for Ukraine to flood the area, with some non-catastrophic hits on the dam already. Flooding may be quite broad (10-15 km), affecting mostly left bank, and reseeding in estimated 10 days or so.

Also, this is happening in the background of Russia-US contacts on Ukraine, apparent Russia's desire to achieve an acceptable diplomatic solution, and recent, rather unrealistic, Ukrainian statements on peace. It is conceivable that some low visibility diplomacy is happening, with Dnepr a nature-made separation line to consider. Those developments are not in line with expectations of patriotic folks, who view this as a very sad day, and raise questions about goals of SMO and whether they are achievable. Yet, domestic situation in Russia, and at the top, + the realities on the ground could be prevailing considerations. (It is noted that peace attempts have failed after Russian forces withdrew from areas near Kiev).

Russian independent patriotic commenters (and Oleg Tsarev) opposed to/ crtisised the withdrawal.

29 Oct. Russia claims UK behind Nord Stream explosion - rte.ie, based on RU MoD allegations, following Ukrainian aerial and sea drones attack on Sevastopol. (Noted, UK MoD denied the claim).

28 Oct. DPR casualties this year: 3539 military, 1014 civilian killed, 14989 military, 3265 civilian injured.

21 Oct. Cartoon about Svidomyi piglets' appeared, "what Europe supports must remain in Europe". (Created by a Russian author; attributed to Israeli Channel 7, but attribution is not supported; logo shown is Hebrew-language antifascist/pro-Russian Telegram channel INN).

20 Oct. Russian TV speculates, that NATO and Ukraine are preparing a false-flag nuclear attack.

19 Oct. Pranksters Vovan and Lexus interview with Sergey Pashinsky, Ukrainian weapons baron since Maidan days, presently the head of Ukr. Association of Defense Enterprises. Shows tight link with the US/NATO, + less specific Ukrainian projects with parts (+ electronic warfare and other assistance) sought from the West 1, 2, 3.

18 Oct. Civlians evacuation announced in Kherson. Major fighting, destruction of Kahovskaya dam by Ukraine is feared.

17 Oct. Kherson. Russian forces repelled 12 Ukrainian attacks, with superior Ukrainian troop numbers. Advancing Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed. 16-17 Oct. Report: ''"On the night of Oct. 16-17, the Ukrainian forces attacked the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant using NATO artillery. HIMARS GMLRS were fired at the critical infrastructure of the nuclear power plant and the city of Energodar. Complex of technical and administrative buildings of the station, as well as a thermal power plant and the Energomash plant came under fire. Shelling is carried out from the right bank of the Dnieper. Critical damage has been already sustained by equipment in several workshops of the nuclear power plant. According to the local administration, the strikes are targeted and corrected from the UAV".

10 Oct. Russia launched massive missile strikes from the air, sea, and land against Ukrainian energy, military command, and communications facilities. @7.04 BBC correspondent ducks as Kyiv blast heard.

According to Ukr PM, 11 infrastructure targets in 8 regions were hit. Unintended hits may be to do with antiaircraft activity, including antiaircraft missiles themselves, fired over residential areas. (It appears that in several instances Ukrainians showed off antiaircraft "Buk" preformed fragmentation elements, claiming that those are from Russian missiles 1, 2, 3-4. There are videos showing building striken with missilies with engine working, and fired from nearby and landing in residential area -also showing working engine contrail )

Russia tried to avoid this, but Ukraine and its backers did not. Those facilities were jointly built in the Soviet era.

9 Oct. Alexander Kots: "Ukrainian neo-Nazi Zhorin from "Azov" * showed footage of the massacre of the civilian population of Kupyansk". The militant first wrote that it was Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, "Civilian population. There will be retribution!" After a wave of criticism, he added that the video was allegedly from the phone of a certain "occupier".

8 Oct. An explosion with a truck on the Crimean Bridge partly destroyed the bridge. Three spans on the westward leading road bridge have collapsed (photo 1, 2; videos 1, 2) The explosion also caused seven cars of tanker train to catch fire. The eastward leading road bridge is intact (is this seeking for the last red line? Is this a prelude to a major Ukrainian attack in the south?)

There is little doubt, and partial confirmation by Ukrainian and Western sources that Ukraine is behind. Some Russian sources accuse British SAS of involvement, and suspect Western assistance or backing in general. Explosion was well-timed, with a fuel train stuck on the tracks right there. Nothing looked suspicious in the truck as it was briefly inspected. Believed to be Russian driver (with some Tatar roots} was probably unaware, having received an internet order to deliver fertilizers (in another report, a truckload of film). His relative owned the truck, but said it was sold and not re-registered. No connection to nationalist causes was implicated. Delivery scheme of the film claimed by Kots/KP

There was a small water wave towards/under the bridge, seconds before explosion. It is unclear whether it's relevant (waves at sea happen). Yet it's aiding alternative theories, some featuring an undersea drone -some discovered on 21 Sept -- (and promoted by BBC). There is quite intensive charring on top of the car bridge, which disfavors under-bridge theories; yet the blow appears to go somewhat sideways, and enveloping the structures.

The Crimean authorities have announced that they are preparing to launch a ferry across the Kerch Strait". By the evening, the bridge was reopened for train and limited car traffic.

7 Oct. Ukrainian fire hit a civilian bus in Kherson region, at least 5 killed and five wounded. It is said that it happened when 4 HIMARS missiles were fired on Darievskii bridge (photos, video).

Jeffrey Sachs comments on NATO expansion, war in Ukraine, and JFK during 1962 Cuban missile crisis

1 Oct. Ru MoD: Russian forces "withdrawn from Krasnyi Liman, because of the threat of being surrounded, and to take more advantageous positions".

Reports surfaced in the western media blaming Russian forces for an attack on a civilian convoy days earlier. A civilian convoy was attacked whilst crossing into no mans land from Kupiansk in Kharkov region heading towards Svatovo in LPR territory. More than twenty people fleeing from Ukrainian held Kupiansk are thought to have died.

30 Sep. Treaties with 4 regions joining Russia are signed. Putin speech.

At least 30 civilians die when a convoy waiting to enter Russian-held Zaporozhsky region is hit by unknown artillery or missiles.

Meanwhile, situation on the front lines remains difficult. Krasnyi Liman is operationally surrounded, with heavy battles fought. Russian forces withdrew from Novoselovo, Drobyshevo, Iampol. Yet it is possible that a major strike is to occur elsewhere, with Ukrainian forces having few times more troops and unlimited supply of Western weapons. In recent week, Russian forces used aviation, however Ukrainian antiaircraft systems are not supressed. At least one plane, SU-30, is apparently lost, with more claimed by Ukrainians.

27 Sep. According to official results, 4,791,246 people voted for joining Russia in the referenda in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia and in the Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics. That is over half the total pre-war population of the four former Ukrainian oblasts.

26 Sep. The Nord Stream pipelines from Russia to Germany were destroyed in a military attack.

24 Sep. Personnel changes have taken place in the RU MoD.

23 Sep. Referendums started.

21 Sep. [http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/69390 Putin: partial mobilization. Warning on weapons]. (Eng.)

20 Sep. There have been deadly Ukrainian shelling of targets in Donbass, Kherson, and Russia, with many civilians killed (at least 13 civilians killed in Donetsk yesterday). In recent days, pro-Russian regions announced plans of referendums on joining Russia. This appears to have Russian leadership support. Changes were announced to the Russia;s criminal code, apparently to tighten laws during war (or SMO) time. Today, it's said that Putin address is expected, which may have to do with referendums or change of military operation, or both (unofficial, timing unclear)

19 Sep. Bus stop shelling in Donetsk, at least 13 civilians killed, including two children.

17 Sep. Leaked document on Ukrainian attempts to destabilize Russia is published by RT.

16 Sep. LPR prosecutor general and his female deputy were killed by an explosion in their offices in Lugansk. At least five HIMARS missiles hit central Kherson, near the regional administration building; people were killed and injured. Deputy mayor of Berdiansk and his wife who was in charge of the referendum on joining Russia have been killed.

There has been numerous reports that Ukraine is trying to manufacture Bucha-style press campaign after their troops entered Izium (including people detained by Ukraine in captured area on on minor pretexts, or none at all) (sample: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Western mass media is eager to pick up the Ukrainian version of the story, in addition to shamelessly promoting and cheering up their side in general.

14 Sep. A confidential "Research Report", allegedly published by RAND corporation in January 2022 on how to destroy the European economy by provoking war with Russia is leaked to the Internet (RAND denied the authorship; but they verifyably author this report (PDF), as highlighted by a Russian source here).

11-13 Sep. Russian forces are withdrawn from large part of their positions in the Kharkov region, with the front stabilizing along Oskol river. There have been since multiple Ukraiain attacks, threatening further major advances against outnumbered Russian forces, and strikes on mainland Russia. Missile strikes on Ukrainian forces, as well as infrastructure in Kharkov and Krivoi Rog have been reported. Efforts to bring Russian reinforcements so far were on regional/local level, with calls by more radical figures, not in the central government, to start mobilization and other steps expected in a "normal" war. Those calls so far were not answered, and campaign so far remains a 'special military operation', despite the obvious dangers.

10 Sep. According to war correspondents, Ukrainian forces succeeded in entering western part of Kupiansk, and creating a landing ground near Krasnyi Liman. There is danger of Russian forces in Izium surrounded/supply lines cut. It is said that forces in Izium are withdrawn.

6-8 Sep. Ukraine launched major attack near Balakleia, Kharkov region, using heavy artillery, tanks, and estimated 9000 troops, making advances of about 10-20 km, capturing villages, entering central Balakleia, and threatening roads supplying Russian forces in Izium. The area was defended by newly mobilized reservists and Rosgvardia police troops, with insufficient experience and available force. Attack preparations were known for weeks, but not acted upon. Aviation, reserves are sent in, not yet stabilizing the situation. According to opolchenie, Ukraine is using advantage in communications and precise Western MLRS/artillery to sent RSG groups deep behind the front lines. Fighting continues, front lines not yet stabilized.

1 Sep. Ukraine made an unsuccessful attempt to sent a reconnaissance and sabotage group, via Kakhovka reservoir, and shelled the area of Zaporozh. nuc. power plant, trying to prevent arrival of international inspector. The arrival was delayed, but inspectors later arrived. IAEA Rafael Grossi on video: "we are not stopping"

29 Aug. Reports of major Ukrainian attacks, in Kherson region and in Donbass. Fighting continues; yet attacks appear unsuccessful, with high casualties toll. Overall, this appears to be a stalemate.

26 Aug. Energodar administration: Ukrainian forces continue firing at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, four hits were recorded in the area of the storage of radioactive isotopes. Radiation background remains normal". (Those incidents, by now numerous, are close calls, nothing excluded, responsibility is on Ukraine and the backers).

24 Aug. Ivan Sushko, head of Russian military-civilian administration of Mikhailovka settlment, Zaporozhkii region, was killed in by a car explosion

Ukrainian strike with "Tochka U" on Rovenki, LPR, over 100 km from the front line is reported. It is said that buses and trucks repair shop is hit. At least two people are killed.

RU DM Shoigu stated that slowed pace of Russian advances is intentional decision aimed at minimizing civilian deaths.

20 Aug. Darya Dugina, daughter of Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin, was killed in a car explosion in Moscow region. Alexander Dugin was the apparent target. Russian investigators blamed Ukrainian services as organizers and a Ukrainian woman who moved to Russia this July. The woman escaped to Estonia after the car exploded. Darya was a journalist and philosopher herself. She, as her father, supported Russian causes, as philosophers.

In the past weeks, there have been multiple Ukrainian attacks of targets in Crimea, Donbass, and mainland Russia. 10 Aug. As a result of Ukrainain shelling of a brewery in Donetsk, an ammonia tank was damaged and a poisonous substance was released. Warning is issued, with damage zone of 2 kilometers.

Numerous other reports of shelling in Donetsk. Also 36 cases of people injured by "petal" anti-personnel landmines dispersed by Ukraine over Donetsk have been reported so far, including a child; one person is killed.

9 Aug. Explosions and fire at the military airport in Novofedorovka, Crimea 1, 2, 3, 4
 * Satellite photos: 1 (overall view, appears to support ammunition explosion; ammo was behind some kind of earth wall or similar); 2 airbase (shows a destroyed building and suggests likely damage to some aircraft). Noted, Ukrainian media showed (a non-geolocated) photo of one destroyed aircraft; while pro-Russian sources (Oleg Tsarev) claimed no or little damage to aircraft and damage to localized parts of a nearby settlement, due to ammo explosion (later clarified that apparent damage is in the area behind a fence, from an area where his friends were doing firefighting). Nothing seems really excluded, sabotage, accident, or Ukrainian and co strike with undeclared long-range weapon, or Ukrainian or saboteurs strike on ammo storage from somewhere nearby.

6 Aug. Kherson region. Deputy head of the administration of Novaya Kakhovka for housing and communal services Vitaly Gura died from his injuries after Ukrainian assassination attempt, one of the many attacks on Russia-backing officials.

4 Aug. Ukrainian artillery strike on opera theater in central Donetsk where memorial for "Korsa" was to be held. It is reported that people were evacuated but there are wounded and killed.

More Ukrainain strikes on central Donetsk; it is reported that at least 5 civilians are killed, 6 wounded.

3 Aug. Well-known female DPR defender, Colonel Olga Kachura "Korsa" is killed. Her car came under artillery fire on the Gorlovka-Yasinovataya highway. She was awarded with Hero of DPR title posthumously. Formerly she was in Ukrainian police force for 16 years.

31 Jul. It is reported that Ukraine shelled residential Donetsk with cluster munition dispersing anti-personnel "petal" landmines; apparently "Uragan" munition was used.

On the Fleet Day, a drone attack, with a small DIY munition, on the HQ of the Russian Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. It is said that 6 people are wounded by flying glass.

In Donbass, slow, difficult head-on advances of DPR and Russian forces on heavily fortified Ukrainian positions (Avdeevka, Peski).

29 Jul. Ukraine shelled a prison in Yelenovka where Ukrainian POWs from Mariupol were held. Is is said that 40 prisoners were killed and 130 wounded. Russia called for international investigation.

25 Jul. Bellingcat and their handlers in British intelligence fail in their plot to pay Russian air force pilots to hijack their planes and fly them to Ukraine,

Some sources 1, 2 claim that American multinationals bought 17 million hectars of Ukrainian agricultural land; that would be about half of all quality agricultural land and some 28 % of Ukrainian territory. Opposing sources estimate foreign multinationals land purcahses from 2.8 to 6 mln hectars

24 Jul. "Iranian drones for the Russian Army are already on their way - Ukrainian media"

US to give Ukraine hundreds of kamikaze drones

18 Jul. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accuses the West of a long practice of using "staged incidents" as a way of doing politics. (mirror, original in Russian) Lavrov fails to mention the 2013 sarin false-flag attack on Ghouta in Syria.

17 Jul. Both sides are believed to prepare major operations. Related: Ukr. general Malomuzh interview, covered in Russia under "Putin's ultimatum", here.

Rusvesna: "The UAF militants posted on the Web another video with what was left of the American M777 howitzer, destroyed by our gunners"

Report: "In the area of Krasnoarmeysk settlement, DPR, high-precision ground-based weapons destroyed a launcher and a transport-loading vehicle of a US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system" (with unclear video).

15 Jul. It is said that one HIMARS has found itself in Russia.

13 Jul. LPR forces destroyed/captured US-made M777 howitzer, video posted 1, 2.

12 Jul. TASS on Ukrainian MLRS strike on Novaya Kahovka city, Kherson region. Loss of life, destruction. HIMARS said to be used.

10 Jul. Chasov Yar, northern Donetsk region/DPR. Russian side says that the strike was on militants and foreign mercenaries, have a video and photo to back up the claim. Ukrowestern media report that 15 civilians were killed. (On the video, made by Ukr. militants, a running militant shouts, in Russian, that a civilian building is hit, mixed with expletives; another militants speaks English; before another missile flies over and explodes nearby).

Russian side says (with video) that its artillery destroyed a launching platform of Brimstone missile, inside a civilian-looking truck, after a missile was launched.

3 Jul. Report: Russian and allied forces delivered powerful strikes on strongly fortified Ukrainian positions in Avdeevka, apparently at or near a coke chemical plant. Those are among the positions from where residential areas of Donbass and Makeevka are regularly shelled, for a long time.

Ukraine fired missiles on Russian Kursk, Belgorod. In Belgorod, 5 civilians are killed, several wounded, several homes damaged, apparently by "Tochka U" missile. Russia attacked Ukrainian military targets in response.

Russian and allied forces takeover of Lisichansk is drawing to a close, after the area was surrounded, and key positions taken over by the Russians. Few remaining pockets of resistance are mopped up. Some Ukrainian forces possibly managed to retreat; exact counts are uncertain. There is celebratory footage from the city center by Chechen and Cossack units, and declaration of liberation of all of the LPR.

It is said that Kazakh 'Silky Way' ship from Novorossisk, RU, to a port in Turkey, with a cargo of grain (?) is either arrested or not allowed.

1 Jul. Lev Vershinin: Swedes bent (see also: A.S. Pushkin).

30 Jun. RU MoD: Russian forces left Zmeinyi island. Reason provided is a goodwill gesture showing that Russia does not prevent export of Ukrainian grain. Apparent other reason is that Ukrainian forces gathered artillery and MLRS which could overwhelm small island air defenses, and it was too onerous to defend by other means.

27 Jun. Fire at a shopping /TV center in Kremechug: (early) Russian version here (either a strike on a nearby plant, believed to be involved in repairing military equipment, or Ukrainian provocation); maps: apparently 1, 2. Ukrainian version: Western and Ukrainian media. Noted: G7 meeting; Ukrainian appeal to the UN; case-making for more Western weapons and aid to Ukraine. Some Ukr. media videos: (fire), (aftermath]).

Lavrov: as RU MoD explained, the strike was on "hangars where American and European weapons and ammunition arrived".

25 Jun. Severodonetsk is under Russian control. 1, 2, 3.

24 Jun. Ukrainian first use of US-made HIMARS is reported 1 (video), 2.

It is said that Ukraine is preparing counter-attack(s)

22 Jun. A drone attack on a refinery in the Rostov region - a fire broke out at the plant. (On the WW2 Nazi invasion day).

20 Jun. Ukrainian forces attacked 3 Russian-manned oil drilling platforms in the Black Sea, near Zmeinyi island, off coast of Odessa. One platform was hit, 5 out of 12 workers were rescued, others are missing.

Donetsk remains under heavy shelling, a hospital is hit.

Russian missile strikes on ammo and fuel depots (1, 2, 3), military headquarters reported.

Lithuania is blocking railroad transit to Kaliningrad, Russia launched a strong protest.

11 Jun. DPR head Pushilin on condmened by DPR court British, Moroccan subjects: the convicts did not hide their crimes, and official London and Rabat did not apply to the Republic about their subjects. 5 Jun. Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk continued in the morning, NATO-supplied 155 mm is said to be used. Overnight, Russian forces performed strikes on military (and infrastructure?) targets in Kiev, Kramatorsk, and elsewhere (Ru MoD version: [text, video).

4 Jun. Heavy Ukrainian strikes on central Donetsk (said to be 40 "Grad" rockets). 5 civilians were killed, 20 wounded. Fighting elsewhere in Donbass continues (Ru MoD version) (Foreign Legion in Severodonetsk -ends with a man's medical evacuation).

Four Foreign Legion members were killed in Ukraine: Dutchman Ronald Vogelaara, 47-year-old Australian Michael O'Neill, Bjorn Benjamin Klavis and Wilfried Blair (1, 2 )

30 May. Chechen spetznaz sends a video report showing them in residential and central Severodonetsk, and in harmony with the civilians. It is said that Ukrainian forces still control the industrial zone (and unclear what else).

Earlier, interview with civilians in Severodonetsk interrupted by a shell exploding nearby. (While Ukrainians are geolocating on social media) - 1, 2.

Head of the Dnepr ter. defense Gennady Korban: "Kiev, Sumy, Chernigov and Kharkov urgently need to build a deep echeloned defense". He also called for mining the northern border of Ukraine.

Shelling of Donetsk by Ukraine with heavy weapons continues, it is said that at least 6 civilians are killed and 14 (in another report, 16) are wounded.

[https://t.me/truexanewsua/48940 “The shells were delivered. And yesterday and today is a sea of spills "]- Arestovich (Ukr.)

29 May. Donetsk is under sustained Ukrainian fire from NATO-supplied 155 mm artillery. Donetsk, Makeevka, Gorlovka are also shelled by other heavy weapons (Grad, Uragan). At least two civilians are killed, and several civilians are wounded.

27 May. Ukrainian former president Victor Yanukovich: "On the edge. Ukrainian statehood is decided now" (posted on Facebook, full text copied here)(reaction/criticism)

25 May. It is said that Ukrainian forces withdrew from Svetlodarsk, avoiding being surrounded.

24 May. Interview with Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of the Russian security council.

19 May. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkUO0-_AsVE Song clip, in Ukr. mova], about Azovstal surrender and all that.

14 May. Gonzalo Lira: some 400 -700 Ukrainian soldiers may be dying per day, for no reason.

Tucker: There is something really wrong (regarding US aid vs US state of affairs).

Dmitry Medvedev comments on G7 statement.

Israel denies equipping Ukraine with Blue Spear missile through Estonia (that was claimed by a Ukrainian journalist and repeated in Russia at least by one opolcheie activist).

Updates, see Talk

10 May. ''An eyewitness photographed a giant convoy of grain trucks in the Moldovan port of Giurgiu on the Danube. Probably, trucks export grain from Ukraine to the EU.

5 May. Ukraine got access to high resolution optical satellite data

NYT: "U.S. Intelligence Is Helping Ukraine Kill Russian Generals, Officials Say"

1 May. Belgorod region, Russia. A fire at a RU MoD facility is reported, one person is lightly injured.

Governor of Kursk region, Russia: bridge destruction was the result of sabotage

Evacuation buses in Mariupol. It is said that about 80 civilians are evacuated from Azovstal. On videos, clear footage of some women and children; few young men in civilian closes are also shown from the back; they may or may not accompany some women and children. One middle-age man with bandaged hand briefly flashed. A woman speaks on camera, to tell they were hiding from shelling. Another, that Azov's men accused them of being pro-Russian, after breaking into their apartments and seeing some flags. It is said that those people were first taken to Bezymennoe, DPR, and then those who wanted to go to Ukraine were handled to Red Cross. It is said that earlier two groups of civilians, 25 and 21 people, left using humanitarian corridors.

Chinese regulators have held an emergency meeting with domestic and foreign banks to discuss how they could protect the country’s overseas assets from US-led sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

30 Apr. US AF is "ensuring the rapid movement of critical supplies and assistance to NATO allies and partners in support of Ukraine." . See also, US DoD.

US lend-lease act states that it is to protect civilian populations in Ukraine from Russian military invasion, and for other purposes; however it was introduced on Jan. 19, well before the military operation.

27 Apr. At nighttime, a fire at an ammo storage (said to be put out), and air defense activated in several regions of Russia near the border 1,2.

26 Apr. Lloyd Austin, CNN:  "we want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it can't do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine". A National Security Council spokesperson: "We want Ukraine to win."

More videos emerge from the huge munition depot in Balakleya, Kharkov region captured by Russian forces in early April. However, most of the warehouses at the depot were already destroyed in explosions in March 2017. Some people have credited the explosions to Petrov and Boshirov.

25 Apr. Opolchenie claims that there are large scale preparations for Ukro-Romanian assault on pro-Russian Transnister. Separately, security ministry in Transnister was attcked; it is reported that empty tubes from grenade/Shmel' launchers are seen.
 * Unknowns blew up a regional radio center in the Transnistria, which rebroadcasts Russian radio programs.

Two large unexplained fires in Bryansk, Russia (video, photo, versions), some 100 km from Ukrainian border. One of the fires is at oil storage, the other unspecified.

According to gov. Starovoit, in Kursk region, Russia, at 4.15 am, the air defenses shot down two Ukrainian drones.

Ukrainian sources report strikes on railroad traction substations in central Ukraine. Ru MoD: Six traction substations are destroyed by long-range high-precision weapons in the areas of the Krasnoe, Zdolbunov, Zhmerinka, Berdichev, Kovel and Korosten railway stations, through which Ukrainian forces in the Donbass are supplied with foreign weapons and military equipment.

23 Apr. It is said that Ukraine shelled a border post and a border village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region, Russia.

Ru MoD briefing on US and NATO preparations for a provocation accusing Russia of using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons (also here).

Russian humanitarian coordination center describes further Ukrainian provocations plans, including: exploding ammonia tank at a cold storage facility in Odessa, some 500 m from Ukrainian Navy base; provocations during Christian orthodox Easter celebrations; producing photovisuals of Bucha kind; etc.

Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine

21 Apr. Putin ordered to block but not storm "Azovstal". (Opolchenie supported).

2o Apr. Two Russian oligarchs are found dead in Spain and Moscow, along with their butchered families.

18 Apr. Gonzalo Lira is presumed dead or captured after being missing for 3 days. (Released on April 22, 2022.) 17 Apr. Ru MoD briefing: (hostages in a mosque freed; an offer to "Azov" to surrender in Mariupol, but they have orders not to; Western mercenaries numbers).

LPR report: civilians shelled by retreating Ukrainian forces; Ukrainian forces getting killed or captured, many drafted from Western Ukraine; their policemen sent to front lines due to shortages; captured Western-manufactured anti-tank weapons shown and discussed.

16 Apr. Ru MoD Konashenkov: as of today, irretrievable Ukrainian losses are 23,367 people". "We will soon publish some data from Ukrainian documents on their losses, revealing the place of death, the burial places of the dead"
 * Killed and wounded - Ukr. military unit 3057 including "Azov"
 * Killed and wounded - 4th brigade, Ukr. national guards, military unit 3018, as of March 29.
 * Killed and wounded -9th Operational Regiment, Ukr. national guards, military unit 3029, as of March 29.
 * 27 separate brigade (military unit 3066) and 15 separate battalions (military unit 3055)
 * More military units of Ukr. national guards

It is reported that Il'icha plant in Mariupol is taken by Russian and L/DPR forces, remaining Ukrainian forces are at Azovstal plant and pockets nearby.

14 Apr. In the evening: air warning all over Ukraine; explosions in Zhitomir; explosions in Kiev (it is said that machine-building plant "Vizar" near Kiev where anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-ship missiles are manufactured and repaired was seriously damaged).

"Missile attack on the oil depot in Ivano-Frankovsk. Ukrainian channels report that the target has been hit and is on fire".

Governor of the Belgorod region, Russia, Vyacheslav Gladkov. “There was shelling from the Ukrainian side of our village Zhuravlyovka. There is damage to residential buildings and social facilities. " According to opolchenie, a number of people were wounded, several sseriously; a child was wounded.

Russian missile cruiser warship "Moskva" is "seriously damaged" near Sevastopol by munitions explosion following a fire, the crew is evacuated in stormy weather. Earlier Ukraine claimed that the ship was hit by their missiles. There are no further details or confirmations of either version of events.
 * ''"The source of fire has been localized. There is no open burning. Explosions of ammunition have stopped;" "the cruiser remains buoyant, and its main missile armament is not damaged".
 * ''RU MoD: Cruiser "Moskva" sank during towing in stormy seas.
 * Allegedly, in addition to "Neptune" anti-ship cruise missile, Ukraine could have Norwegian "Penguin" anti-ship missiles delivered with US lethal weapons assistance.
 * 16 Apr. Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Nikolai Evmenov met with the crew of the cruiser Moskva (embed. video).

12 Apr. Over 1000 Ukrainian marines surrended in Mariupol, said to DPR forces, some 300 of them wounded, 90 cannot walk themselves -video report.

8 Apr. In yet another false-flag attack Ukraine fires a Tochka-U ballistic missile at the Kramatorsk railway station, killing ~50 civilians. Western media parrots Ukrainian version of a Russian attack, despite the fact that Russia no longer uses Soviet Tochka-U missiles and such an attack would be opposite to Russia's purposes.

Apr 3. Ukrainian filmcrews find up to 400 hundred massacre victims in Bucha, four days after Russians leave the area.

31 Mar. Konashenkov: DPR forces, using trophy 'Stinger' missiles, shot down two Mi-8 helicopters evacuating Azov commanders from Mariupol. (Interviews with survivors appear to show that their helicopter was evacuating fighters/wounded fighters).

30 Mar. Russian forces leave Bucha, a town nothwest of Kiev.

27 Mar. Pasechnik: a referendum on LPR joining Russia will be held in the Republic, after liberation.

25 Mar. Scott Ritter about conflict in Ukraine.

Two civilian women are killed by Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk, at least 4 civllian women are severely wounded.

23 Mar. Lavrov about negotiations with Ukraine (full video).

Russia to sell gas to unfriendly nations in rubles.

Russia, NATO accused opposing side in preparing chemical weapons events - 1, 2.

19 Mar. After iniital advances, intense fighting (Mariupol, Avdeevka, suburbs of Kharkov, Kiev), with little change on the map. Russia did not announce mobilization, and initial force, of around 100K, is rather small; while aviation, artillery is of little use in cities full of civilians Russia tries to protect. (Ukraine announced general mobilization on Feb. 24).

Russia also failed to cut or counter militaristic propaganda on Ukrainian channels (like this).

Yurii Tkachev, chief editor of Timer-Odessa, is arrested by SBU. He was nowhere pro-Russian but tried - as he could - to be objective. 1, 2.

11 opposition parties are banned in Ukraine, including OPzZh (opposition party -for life) and Sharii party. 1, 2.

18 Mar. "Ukraine attacked Tekstilshchik market in the Kirovsky district of Donetsk. Four civilians were killed, the exact number of wounded is still unknown". "According to updated information, the shell hit a residential building on the street. Petrovsky, 111 c. All the dead were women born in 1960, 1972, 1974, 1997."

16 Mar. Azovites blow up the Mariupol Drama Theater, where up to 1200 people may have been sheltering. "Kiev" (speaking from Lviv) accuses the Russian air force of bombing the building. Local residents exposed the false-flag plan four days earlier.

14 Mar. [https://tass.com/emergencies/1421677? "'Tochka-U' strike in Donetsk] from a security camera", 2, 3, at least 20 killed. It is said that missile was shot down, apparently launched from Ukrainain-held Avdeevka.

13 Mar. Steshin: It is said that Ukraine is preparing two more provocations in Mariupol, against a mosque where Turkish citizen are hiding, and against a drama theater full of women, elderly and children.

10-12 Mar.: Map.

11 Mar. Head of the Russian National Defense Control Center, Col.-Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev: “Another provocation of nationalists was recorded in Kharkov, where, in order to conceal research work on nuclear topics, militants of territorial defense battalions blew up one of the buildings of the Physics and Technology Institute on Akademicheskaya Street. Up to 50 employees of the institution can be under the rubble.”
 * Ukrainian version of events: transformer hit by Russian shelling. (AFAIK, neither side provided photovisuals or other evidence)

Ibid, Video: Describes humanitarian corridors: few are open, and only to the West, [https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/14053067 despite over 2.6 mln. recorded requests to evacuate to Russia],

5 Msr. DPR. "Vakha", commander of "Sparta" battalion, was killed. According to Pushilin, it happened during evacuation of civilians from Volnovakha. Safe evacuation routes for civilians were agreed during second round of negotiations; however DPR said that civilians were prevented from evacuation by pro -Ukr forces who used it to regroup instead.

'' "In Kyiv, right at the Pechersk Court, SBU officers killed Kireev, a member of the Ukrainian delegation at the negotiations in Gomel with Russia. Allegedly "for treason."" It is also [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/7478208.html said that`Kireev was an agent of Ukr. GUR MoD which hailed him as a hero].

2/2 Mar. The Russian delegation arrived at the place of negotiations in Belovezhskaya Pushcha. TASS on second round results: humanitarian corridors is the only outcome agreed; yet, third round is expected next week, and more rounds "may be needed".

1 Mar. "Battles map for the past day" (as per source/unofficial)

DPR: In the past day, 4 civilians are killed, 23 civilians wounded by Ukrainian shelling.

Vladimir Ruban, who in the past successfully negotiated priosners exchanges for the Ukrainian aide, has been brutally detained in a train by "Azov" people (video).

It is said that "Ukrainian ace" Oksanchenko, who bombed Lugansk, was shot down over Kiev

28 Feb. LPR forces have taken Schastie city.

DPR forces "started operation to liberate Kramatorsk"

''Tragedy in Donetsk. When carrying out restoration work in the Kiev region of Donetsk, a Donbassgaz brigade came under Ukrainian fire. [https://t.me/Prikhodko1970/2983 One locksmith was killed. Two were seriously injured]. The guys were repairing damage caaused by previous shelling, which occurred an hour before''

In the morning, "in Kharkov - a powerful rocket/missile attack", said to be Russian airstrikes on military targets.

27 Feb. Lukashenko about Ukrainian no-show at peace negotiations in Gomel, Belarus 1, 2, 3, 4. Suggesting that Zelesnkii is either not allowed to proceed, or, as his Ukrainian contact told him, is "inadequate, does not understand what is happening"
 * Updated, Ukrainian delegation said to go to negotiations, now at Ukraine-Belarus border.

26 Feb. Pushilin warns about Ukrainian plans to shell Ukrainian-held cities in the Donbass.

25 Feb. In the early morning, missile strikes on military targets in Kiev. One Kalibr missile was shot down by Ukraine and fell in residential area. Ukrainian forces fired Tochka U missile on a military airport in Millerovo, Rostov region. Aircraft said to be in the air and undamaged, but there are wounded; casualties are being verified.

Gorlovka. st. Sokolovsky, 15, school number 50 - a direct hit by Ukrainian shell. Two women, both schoolteachers, are killed.

Ukraine fired Tochka U missile, Grads, artillery on Donetsk

24 Feb. День Z (Z Day): After much speculation Russian forces start an invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces offer little resistance.

DPR ombudsman, as of October, 2021: since the beginning of the armed conflict in the DPR, 5,022 people have died, including 91 children. The Ukrainian side is holding about 92 people. The list of missing persons includes 354 people.

"Putin decided to conduct an operation to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine"

"Explosions" reported. Kiev, Kharkov, Borispol airport mentioned.

Reports of forces landing in the Odessa region, a large landing ship (BDK) and helicopters are said to be involved. Ukraine denied landing reports.

CNN: An adviser for the Interior Minister of Ukraine, Anton Gerashchenko, has told journalists on an official WhatsApp group that Russian troops have landed in the city Odessa and are crossing the border in the city of Kharkov.

Reports of two shells hitting Belgorod, Russia. Aparently minor damage.

23 Feb. The heads of the DPR and LPR appealed to Putin with a request to assist in repelling aggression from Ukraine

LPR soldier Denis Ponomarev is killed by Ukrainian sniper near Zhelobok settlement.

In the past day, 4 DPR soldiers are wounded, 3 civilians killed.

LPR. At 23:35 on 22 Feb., the armed formations of Ukraine violated the ceasefire regime in the Zolotoe-4-Berezovskoye direction, using an anti-tank missile system (one guided missile). As a result of a direct hit in a car, two civilians were killed. Number of ceasefire violations on 21 Feb. increased to 65 (double the number on 17 and 18 Feb.) On 22 Feb, LPR shelled 114 times (1446 ammunitions: 297 shells, 554 mortar shells, 11 rockets and 584 grenades).

In the past several days, Ukraine continued to shell L/DPR in multiple locations.

Biden-Putin summit is off. Western sanctions are imposed.

Ukrainian PM Shmygal: fulfilling Putin's conditions (demilitarization, rejection of joining NATO, recognizing the decision of the inhabitants of the Crimean peninsula to reunite with Russia) is impossible.

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine decided on the state of emergency in Ukraine, except for Donetsk and Lugansk regions (needs Rada confirmation). There is special regime in Ukraine-held parts of Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, with changes in 2018

21 Feb. After a lecture in history, Putin signed in a televised report recognizing independence and sovereignty of L/DPR, and friendship, cooperation and assistance treaties with those, together with Pushilin and Pasechnik. Decrees are published: DPR, LPR.

Friendship treaties by now are ratified; full text of the draft is here

Putin instructed MoD to ensure peacekeeping functions in the Republics until the conclusion of relevant agreements. Not fully confirmed: the first units of Russian troops are already entering the L/DPR.

Putin told Macron and Scholz that he would soon sign a decree recognizing the DPR and LPR (1,[2).

RU security council meeting is being broadcast live.Recognition of L/DPR requests, security guarantees, Minsk non-fulfillment by Ukraine on agenda.

Pushilin and Pasechnik asked Putin to recognize L/DPR, to include friendship treaty and defense cooperation.

It is claimed that Ukrainian RSG is destroyed on Russian territory by FSB and RU Souther district armed forces, alleged details here, as per the source. (Doubts noted). Earlier report gave location of the fight as Kuznetsy settlement (what's the point going there?), apparently near Novoazovsk, where RSG brekthrough was reported; but this report give location as Miatikinskaya settlement (where shelling was reported a day earlier), apparently 180 km nortwest, close to Lugansk. (Noted, small settlments with common names could be mismapped). Ukraine denies charges.

Non-regular Russian security council meeting will take place.

DPR: '' “At approximately 08:10 am in the Novoazovsky district of the DPR, an enemy sabotage group broke through.” According to the Ministry of State Security, Ukrainian militants tried to reach the Russian border. But they were met by the People's Militia units. A fight is ongoing. "As a result of the breakthrough, a warehouse of rocket and artillery weapons of the People's Militia Department of the DPR was blown up" '' (I'd be cautious here, background-based...).

Noted, Russia closed airspace over large part of Azov sea, 21-26 Feb. for firing exercises.

Social media: RU tanks with anti-Javelin roof, TOS-1A «Solntsepek", signed with Z, are shown and claimed to be near Ukrainian border.

RU FSB: ''On 21 Feb., at 09:50, an unidentified projectile fired from the territory of Ukraine completely destroyed the place of service of the border patrols of the border guards of the FSB of Russia in the Rostov region, located at a distance of about 150 meters from the Russian-Ukrainian border. There were no casualties, sappers are on the scene'' (TASS).

At about half past three in the morning in the Trudovskiye district of the city of Donetsk, at the intersection of Dunayevsky and Markin streets, as a result of mortar shelling by Ukrainian forces at a public transport stop, a civilian was killed - a miner who was going to the morning shift (photos/video), unblurred in this ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/7455688.html collection)].

JCCC investigation of Ukrainian shelling of Kirovskii district of Donetsk, time 20.10, date 21.02.2022

20 Feb. Putin-Macron: Elysee Fr, En., Kremlin Ru, En

Macron proposed that a summit could be held between Biden and Putin, who have each accepted the principle of such a summit. Its content will be prepared by Blinken and Lavrov meeting on 24 Feb. It can only be held if Russia does not invade Ukraine.

Rada MP Kyva: The genocide of the Ukrainian people by the hands of the authorities and Nazi groups controlled by it!!! The authorities tried to kill the head of the Kharkov anti-fascist movement - "Patriots for Life"

Belarus DM: "Due to the increase in military activity near the external borders of the Union State and the aggravation of the situation in the Donbass, the Presidents of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation decided to continue checking the response forces of the Union State"

LPR (Filiponenko): "At around 5 am on February 20, the militants of the 79th Airborne Assault Brigade made an attempt to attack the positions of the People's Militia in the area of the settlement of Pionerskoye, forcing the Seversky Donets River. As a result of the clash, the enemy suffered losses and retreated." "The criminal actions of the Ukrainian armed formations led to the destruction of five residential buildings and casualties among the civilian population."

Water supply is cut to part of DPR and some Ukrainian-held areas after Ukrainian shelling or sabotage. More than 23,000 residents were left without water, over 50 social facilities - boiler houses, hospitals, kindergartens, schools.

19 Feb. DPR. "Special forces of the Ministry of State Security of the Donetsk People's Republic in the city of Donetsk blocked an enemy sabotage and terrorist group that planned to blow up electrical substations, gas pipelines and filter stations on the territory of the Republic." "Two special forces soldiers received gunshot wounds". Video: 1, 2, pro-Ukr doubts.

Russian media: two exploded Ukrainian Grad shells found on Russian territory, stanitsa (settlement) Mitiakinskaya, Tarasovskii district, Rostov region. Another report says that a house is hit in hutor (settlement) Patronovka in the same area/district. Some visuals are claimed here. Russian investigation committee-signed video here. Ukrainian sources try to make a case that this is an incident from August 1 (or 11) of 2014; however visuals found so far differ.

Heads of LPR and DPR signed decrees declaring general mobilization

Rada MP Ilya Kyva: "massacre and genocide are being prepared" (1, 2). Yesterday, many witnessed how the journalist and editor-in-chief of Censor.net Yuri Butusov (minion of Yatsenyuk, a friend and financial partner of Akhmetov), vilely, from the back, hit MP Nestor Shufrich, head of the Committee on Freedom of Speech of the Supreme Council of Ukraine.

18 Feb. Tatyana Montian makes a powerful presentation at UNSC meeting (Eng., Rus), accusing the West in arranging the coup and pushing for war; being a defense lawyer points out grave human rights violations in Ukraine. Oleg Tsarev warns that a terror campaign against non-supporters may be waged in Ukraine as Zelenskii is getting ready to start the war.

L/DPR evacuations: only children, women and the elderly can enter Russia through the checkpoints; military-age men remain in Donbass - they are asked to join the militia (see also; in another report, men aged 18-65 are not allowed to leave at Uspenka border crossing to Russia).

Several large explosions in Lugansk on gas pipeline and pumping station reported, with a video of a large fire.

DPR. "The car blown up in the center of Donetsk belongs to Denis Sinenkov, head of the People's Militia Department".

LPR. Red Cross convoy came under fire near Lugansk. Ukraine accused LPR forces; LPR denied any role calling it a provocation. Heavy fighting is reported later in the evening near Ukrainian-held Schastie.

DPR. Pushilin announced evacuation of civilians (video)

LPR head Pasechnik calls for civilians to evacuate to Russia.

Putin comments on situation in Ukraine during joint press conference with Lukashenko. Basurin: according to information received from the DPR Ministry of State Security, at about 4:00 am in Gorlovka, a group of Ukrainian saboteurs attempted to blow up an ammonia storage tank at the Stirol plant. During the attack, a security guard who discovered the group of saboteurs was wounded.

Basurin: tonight, a sabotage group from the Vostok Special Purpose Center (the former 3rd Special Forces Regiment of the SOF) tried to penetrate the territory of the oil depot in the Yelenovka area blow up the tanks, believing that fuel and oil were stored in them. Large-scale catastrophy was avoided due to law enforcement agencies immediate response to the call of the security guard, preventing the attack.

"Death online", video. Ukrainian sources claim that video is staged.

Ukrainian source: "Tonight, on the communication lines of the Vodafone operator in the cities of Lisichansk (Shakhterskaya St.) and Slavyansk (Vokzalnaya St.), unknown people cut fiber-optic cables - the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports a sabotage."

17 Feb. The morning after hoax Russian invasion day, serious deterioration of security situation, due to intense Ukrainian shelling, on all the separation line. L/DPR forces are returning fire. (Meanwhile, Ukrainian sources are publishing mirrror-imaged reports).

There are two (unconfirmed) opolchenie reports on evacuation of state workers, families and childcare facilities, from Donetsk and Dokuchaevsk (DPR) and Alexandrovka (LPR). However, Konstantin Chalyi, head of Alexandrovka administration, said that there is currently no evacuation order.

In the afternoon, opolchenie reported intense, targeted shelling of LPR positions under Bahmutka,one of possible directions of Ukrainian attack (mentioning without providing details some casualties and positions destruction).

Russian FM published reaction to American response on security guarantees

In the morning, a video is said to show smoke rising over the Russian embassy building in Kiev.

13 Feb. Opolchenie: According to reports from the front line, Ukrainian forces in the Sakhanka-Kominternovo area this afternoon and evening repeatedly cleared minefields in front of DPR forces front line using UR-77 "Zmei (Snake) Gorynych" mine clearing vehicles (as it is expensive, probably for a reason).

Ukraine received Stinger missiles and other equipment from Lithuania, two more planeloads of weapons from the US (said to be 17 in total so far).

11 Feb. More "Russia's attack dates", Feb 16, denied, and no publiclly available evidence (links in Talk)

Pushilin (1,2): Highly publicized in the Western media, stories about the “Russian offensive against Ukraine” were developed in 2017 by Kiev as a military exercise legend.

9 Feb. DPR : ''the source materials of not yet edited fake Ukrainian videos fell into the hands of the DPR forces. The video shows the positions of the Ukrainian military near Avdeevka. A DPR sniper allegedly "killed" a soldier there who was allegedly standing in a trench'' (video).

7 Feb. Macron-Putin talks in Moscow. Press conference. 2-7 Feb. DPR. Large number of false reports of explosive devices planted in schools, government buildings, after a confirmed explosive device in a government building in Donetsk. Almost 500 buildings had to be checked. Around New Year, similar false reports in Ukraine.

6 Feb. DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian sniper fire.

2 Feb. Croatian president Zoran Milanovic accuses Britain of '''pushing Ukraine to war.

1 Feb. DPR soldier is killed by an explosive device dropped by Ukrainian drone.

31 Jan. UNSC meeting on Ukraine is called by the West.
 * The vote on holding an open meeting passed 10-2, with Russia and China opposed (video-"quiet diplomacy"), and India, Gabon and Kenya abstaining. The vote needed nine votes to be approved.
 * RU rep Nebenzia left the meeting (video), explaining it by the need to meet UN Gen Sec prior to Russia assuming rotating presidency from Feb 1, with a meeting on Minsk agreements implementation scheduled in February already.

Yurii Goluban, SBU "Alpha" veteran who is said (1, 2, 3) to join "Vostok" battalion, DPR, in 2014 but in 2017 took part in (possibly staged) events in Ukrainian-held Slavynsk and rewarded by Poroshenko, is  arrested in Kiev during protests in front of the office of the president, accused of preparing mass distrurbances/"bloody Maidan". 29 Jan. In Alexandrovka, a civilian man, school locksmith Leonid B. 54, has a hip wound after a shot of Ukrainian sniper, in direct line of sight. The man is said to have Russian citizenship.

28 Jan. Fourth plane from USA delivered "81 tons of ammunition of various calibers" to Ukraine. More planes said to arrive next week. "Up to 45 planes".

27 Jan. LPR soldier is killed defending a checkpoint at Svetlodar arc (Artiom Artiomenko, DOB 1983, Gorlovka; recently obtained Russian citienship).

24 Jan. Basurin: Ukrainian Armed Forces step up preparations for offensive in Donbass.

23 Jan. Denis Pushilin, in an interview on anniversary of Ukrainian shelling of Bosse area in Donetsk (Jan 22, 2015, video) which killed multiple civilians: the West ignored Ukrainian shelling for years; creates media hysteria and sends to Ukraine lots of advanced weapons; while Ukrainian groups deployed 120 thousand strong force, and have groups ready for sabotage operations; but despite Western hysteria, we do not plan an attack.

21 Jan. Denis Pushilin in interview to RT Arabic: Ukraine is saturated with Western weapons, instructors; provocations and industrial sabotage is prepared by Ukrainian RSG (counter-claims, see here).

Photos of pallets of weapons sent by US to Ukraine (some signposted rocket/launcher; Javellin joint venture). 14 photos. Includes M141 bunker defeat munitions. 19 Jan. Ziuganov's faction introduced in Duma a draft resolution to appeal to Putin to recognize L/DPR. It is motivated by Ukraine's non-fulfillment of Minsk agreements. Resolution proposal was supported by other factions. However, Oleg Tsarev believes that this won't happen, at least in the near future, for keeping political leverage of Minsk agreements.

14 Jan, LPR reports multiple ceasefire violations by Ukraine. One LPR soldier is killed. LPR forces returned fire, and report that "by preliminary information" one Ukrainian soldier is killed and 2 wounded

9 Jan. L/DPR came under renewed Ukrainian shelling, after a reported lull (from 18 Dec. in LPR, 4 Jan. in DPR)

6 Jan. Russian AF started to transport troops to Kazakhstan, following CSTO decision (1, 2, 3)

"Intense shoot-out" between troops and armed protesters in Alma-Aty has been reported

5 Jan. Kazakhstan president Tokayev makes economic concessions to satisfy some of protesters demands, dismisses the government, and dismisses former long-time ruler Nazarbaev, who "anointed" Tokayev for presidency, from the security chief post he retained.

Kazakhstan mines about 41% of world's uranium (as of 2019)

4-5 Jan. Maidan-like events in Kazakhstan. Internet appears cut. It is said that protesters distribute weapons. Kazakh MOI: 8 policemen killed, 317 injured. CSTO will send peacekeepers] (1, 2). Video from Alma-Aty (some shooting, police sirens). "Unknown regime's snipers" seen by instigators based abroad. Fugitive banker Ablyazov called himself "protest leader" in Kazakhstan

Highlights from the past
30 Apr. U.S. Confirms Delivery Of Javelin Antitank Missiles To Ukraine

Poroshenko announced end of ATO and start of 'joint operation of armed forces', which is aimed at 'defending territorial integrity' and will only end 'when the last piece of Ukrainian land is liberated, including Crimea', which is somehow supposed to happen by 'political-diplomatic means'.

Videos

 * Family of 7 home hit by shelling in Donetsk, published 11 May 2017
 * DPR Sakhanka: life goes on under shelling, 11 Oct. 2016
 * 'Suburbia of life', about the effect of the war on life in small villages and towns. Shelling, destruction, economic hardship. Slow running, in Russian. Sept. 29, 2016.

More videos on talk page

Photos

 * Recent history in a nutshell in those photos to the right:


 * Aftermaths of Ukrainian shelling of the village Zheltoe (Yellow), LPR, 29 Nov. 2016 lug-info.

OSCE

 * SMM Ukraine

Official Ukrainian sources

 * ATO press releases and maps, Ukraine Crisis Media Center(google search; sample schedule search).
 * At about 30 April 2018, replaced by Ukrainian 'joint forces operation' (Facebook).
 * Official website of Ukrainian president
 * National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
 * Verhovna Rada

Ukrainian media

 * Newsone.ua
 * Strana.ua
 * 112.ua
 * TSN
 * inter.ua
 * kyivpost.com
 * dumskaya.net (Odessa, pro goverment)

DPR and LPR

 * DPR: DAN news (Eng).; DPR MOD, Russ.; DPR ombudsman, Russ.
 * DPR MoD
 * LPR: lug-info (Eng).
 * Donbass international news agency, DoNi news (Eng.)

Agreements

 * 22.7.15 Under-100 mm weapons withdrawal was agreed Poroshenko statement: ' I hope it will be the real beginning of the ceasefire'.
 * 12.2.15 Two documents were agreed: on measures on implementing Minsk protocol (English language PDF here).
 * Ukrainian special status law: analysis.