Talk:Ukraine news/Current

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"Putin's (not) Ultimatum"

Zbigniew Brzezinski: while 500 billion dollars owned by Russia’s elites still lie in American banks, whose this elite is, yours or ours ?

Maksim Kalshnikov: presently, it's 3 times that amount. He and Vershinin: but, there are still few top figures who are already in all sanctions lists, and who are officers (meaning code of conduct) who still care about Russia. (Continue to say how many things are stacked against Russia, financially, regarding Ukraine and NATO, etc).

On Borrell's stupid comment, only winners can make demands. Presumably he means that the West is the winner in Cold War 1? What else did he ever "won"? Cold war 1 is a separate matter(a lot of that was due to internal events, plus cunning manipulations externally, not a result of direct conflict) . A lot is stacked against Russia presently, making it, apart from the weapons, weaker. Money, economy as commonly practiced, cadres of capable leaders with actual power, etc. But, in terms of willpower and weapons, could be an advantage; while on ideology and worldview, the jury is out. Talk of weapons is because diplomacy is failing and there is no other choice. It would be a huge mistake to underestimate Russia in a case of a major direct conflict. Or hope of having "winners", and being the one. It is just nonsensical. --Resup (talk) 04:03, 30 December 2021 (UTC)

Reports that Russia is planning a "false-flag" operation may be false

In fact, we have information that they pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct what we call a false flag operation, an operation designed to look like an attack on them or their -- or Russian-speaking people in Ukraine, again, as an excuse to go in. And we already have, in addition, indications that Russian influence actors are already starting. They're already starting to fabricate Ukrainian provocations that -- in both state and social media to, again, try to justify in advance some sort of pretext for incursion.

This was earlier alleged by the telegram site "general SVR" on December 22, 2021

(and further, on general SVR2 reserve channel, January 3; back on main channel January 19; and On Jan 26, with "preliminary invasion date" of Feb 20 -22. Although there are a number of things on those days (maneuvers, end of chinese olympics, Red Army day, it would take Ukraine to attack for a response; and it can only happen if it is externally engineered. Or, it will be at random time like an earthquake, because things are not really in order --Resup (talk) 01:27, 29 January 2022 (UTC)).

The site publishes a mix of stories which can't possibly be true, commercials for cryptocurrency and such, stories which claim unprecedented level of insider access but are unverifiable (and could be conjectures wrapped up as insider information), apart from being alternative versions of news items. The site is closely related, if not identical, to Valerii Solovei, who has some academic and diplomatic credentials, and yet claims to be working for some secret society, which is so secret and powerful that has not got a name.

There is also youtube channel, with main figure, unknown, not Valerii Solovei, and kickback, Sergei Zhirnov, ex-KGB, who emigrated to France in 2001.

However, if those sources information about Russia's plans to pre-emptively attack Ukraine are true leaks, it is highly unlikely that those sources (which publish such type of stuff on a regular basis) would be tolerated, (as something which is much less apparently is not).

Moreover, it is unclear why to manufacture a false flag if ceasefire violations, killings and maiming of soldiers and civilians, destruction of property, etc, occur daily, from 2014 to this day. --Resup (talk) 01:43, 15 January 2022 (UTC)

Strelkov, in interviews to OSN, Roy TV, Jan 20, 21: configuration of Russian forces unfit for an offensive --Resup (talk) 17:56, 22 January 2022 (UTC)

BBC woke up to say that Kremlin will install Muraev as head of Ukrainian pro-Russian puppet government ---I don't think so. (Is Russian pro-Western non-system opposition groomed to lead pro-Western puppet Russian government?) --Resup (talk) 23:07, 22 January 2022 (UTC)

In response, RU FM via TASS: We call on the British Foreign Office to stop provocative activities, stop spreading nonsense and concentrate on studying the history of the Tatar-Mongol yoke" (I am not sure why it's here, not on the page on Kazakhstan) --Resup (talk) 01:32, 23 January 2022 (UTC)

Muraev denied the report. He is under Russian sanctions (said to be, for publicly reporting to SBU Medvedchuk visit to Moscow). --Resup (talk) 03:10, 24 January 2022 (UTC)

Gen. SVR and Solovey

Getting interesting. Gen SVR Telegram channel owner was said to be linked with a certain lawyer in Kharkov, by following up with WebMoney details posted there in early days. (It would be inappropriate to reproduce any details; consult social media on the internet; I recall this once appeared in Russian mainstream media, around days when Solovey was questioned under caution. Further, it is claimed that the talking head of the channel, whatever is the connection, can't be from the services, as it is incongruent with how and what he is saying (I have no idea, and leave it to those who does)

As for Solovey, well, it seems logical when some say that: as he is not arrested/seriously sanctioned/etc in Russia, while other are, for saying insanely less, this would be, let's put it this way, the defining characteristic of Solovey, and/or his backers. (Which is in a way obvious and in some accord with what he says himself)

(A counter -argument he promotes, that repressions are at random for small number of people, to keep large number of people subdued noted. Yet mismatch in scale here seems beyond grotesque).

With this, interesting to see a 'marriage' of those two public personas ....

PS, also to note --Resup (talk) 21:34, 6 March 2024 (UTC)

Tactical n's

Same unreliable sources have been talking previously, and very recently started talking about again, on Russian discussions on using tactical n's. As one one hand sources are unreliable, but on the other, have been linked to 3letters (or something out there of comparable powers, in effect), it is hard to know what to make of this noise --Resup (talk) 15:01, 7 April 2024 (UTC)

More "attack dates"

  • Putin could attack Ukraine on Feb. 16, Biden told allies - Politico, February 11, 2022
  • Maria Zakharova, Telegram, February 11, 2022
    The hysteria of the White House is more revealing than ever. The Anglo-Saxons need a war. At any price. Provocations, disinformation and threats are a favorite method of solving one's own problems. The steamroller of American military-political machine is ready to go through people's lives again.

Waiting for Godot

  • Chechen Rosgvardia, song and dance, Voronezh region, Russia, February 19, 2022 --Resup (talk) 14:31, 19 February 2022 (UTC)
  • During Strelkov interview to Karaulov, 20 Feb, the latter suggested that some sort of important announcement is expected on Russian TV channels this Monday or Tuesday, like recognition of L/DPR, or "military-technical steps", etc. However with Macron's stuff, this does not look likely? --Resup (talk) 02:19, 21 February 2022 (UTC)

War

Pushilin's warning need to be taken seriously -- and he asks civilians to take cover. L/DPR forces are slowly advancing; meanwhile, reports of Russian forces possibly in Balakleya. It would be too easy to shell Ukrainian-held, pro-Russian cities and blame Russia/L/DPR. But also, for families, relatives of those killed, it would not really matter, no investigation is going to resurrect anybody --Resup (talk) 12:22, 26 February 2022 (UTC)

Did TASS report this, or it was broken into? For a brief moment, it published info reproduced here, and in addition, "49 grenades" lost. Then it disappeared. Reported losses are very high, and to the tune of Gordon claims a day or so earlier. Is this cyber attack or real? Not on wayback machine. Probably unreal, in addition to "49 grenades", how do you shoot 27 planes and 26 helicopters, with only about 3 helicopters and no verifiable Russian planes downed seen on social media. There are many light and cargo vehicles destroyed but so far I have seen one destroyed tank and one damaged one. Could be a number of BTRs, on those "too big" telegram videos. Publishing human losses would be breaking the law, unless MoD does it properly. Is this cyber-attack? --Resup (talk) 15:55, 27 February 2022 (UTC)

It was fake, TASS was broken into. Гармат is Ukrainian for cannon, not Russian for grenade. The numbers were the same as Ukr. MoD claims.

Strelkov (March 7) "splayed-finger strike". Calls for (partial/) mobilization.

Against use of foreign "volunteers" ("more harm than good"). --Resup (talk) 17:58, 12 March 2022 (UTC)

Aleksei Danilov, Ukr. security and defense council: “We couldn’t tell the public that there would be a war tomorrow. It was unacceptable, because it was one of the tactics of the Russian Federation to start chaos here. We held on to the last, we prepared to the last. We clearly understood that this would happen".

Ukr. activist: I don’t know what Danilov thought, but this statement can now be easily interpreted as confirmation of the opuses of the Russian propaganda about the allegedly preparing military operation in ORDLO, which they miraculously prevented. See, that's how it will be

--Resup (talk) 18:10, 12 March 2022 (UTC)

Western lethal weapons

UK

--Resup (talk) 12:14, 10 April 2022 (UTC)

  • "Johnson and Zelensky tour near-empty streets in Kyiv" - BBC, April 10, 2022
    BJ and Zelenskii are protected by guards, with external ones armed with post-Soviet weapons; while two closest, behind, are armed with Western weapons and probably are Westerners. It is unclear why they have similar running shoes but one is helmeted and masked, while the other is not. The one not masked has at his back, instead of dogtag, text written, in Ukrainian: Russian military ship, go to hui (expletive), following well-known meme. The way it is done looks more like a Westerner trying to imitate locals, than native (but hard to be certain).
    Comment of Montyan that Zelenskii is protected by Western guards (UKUS) is noted; if accurate, the whole scene of the two walking Kiev streets comes into quite different light.
    In a week time, that Russian ship would sink

--Resup (talk) 12:15, 17 April 2022 (UTC)

Babushka Pobeda

  • Drawings: 1, 2, 3
  • video
    (As shown): mistook Ukrs. for Russian forces, and welcomed them, --we were waiting you so much. Ukrs gave her "humanitarian aid", while filming and softly making fun of (take this, for the Russian world, for Putin. Slava Ukraine!, while stepping on the flag. On realization, babushka returned the aid, ---my parents were dying for this flag, and you stepped on it. I don't want it [your aid]).
    Drawings depict her as Motherland-Mother.

--Resup (talk) 09:48, 9 April 2022 (UTC)

I think the Ukrops are first claiming to be Russian troops. This may be tactic used in cleansing operations. -- Petri Krohn (talk) 06:28, 10 April 2022 (UTC)
Could be, but not really explicit on the video. It starts with: "O! O! Babushka is meeting us! See, with the red flag. Russian troops, are being met." The tone is ironic, and words seem to be directed mostly to viewers of their video than to babushka. But they could be saying something more misleading before the video starts.We clearly see their Ukrainian dogtags, but babushka may not see those. --Resup (talk) 07:41, 10 April 2022 (UTC)

"Moskva" cruiser

  • According to a version of events (voiced on social media, and by Venediktov), air defenses of "Moskva" (somewhat outdated, not upgraded due to lack of funding) were distracted by a drone attack and failed to intercept anti-ship missiles. A follow-up strike on Ukrainian plant producing such missiles and air defense missiles is noted. It is unclear why this plant was targeted earlier, with a word on shady business dealings. Number of deaths on "Moskva" is not known, and there is no solid info on causes of fire and detonation in the Russian official version.
  • Appears to be some 112 or so sailors shown in MoD video 1, 2,3, said to be Moskva crew (hard to count, angled or partial view, did not have time for better.) Circumstances, not really clear (like why such numbers). Sailors, michmans, captains seen (distinctions).
  • Said to be ship commander, capt. 1 rank Kuprin here, seen on video.
  • Sinking of "Moskva" could be a watershed moment of special military operation turning into a military operation. At this point, it is still a special operation, with parallel negotiations on the cards. However negotiations appear stuck (as Ukraine is not letting go Crimea and Donbass), and do not have support in Russia, especially in military-aligned circles. Yet, there is no turn so far to a military operation (with appropriate command structure, mobilization, etc). Large role in current offensive in Mariupol is by L/DPR forces, with Kadyrov's forces videos dominating social media (the latter appear very professional and brave but not the main force of the offensive).
  • Currently, multiple long-distance strikes, and in Mariupol, Ukrainian forces still present at Azovstal and nearby, while Il'icha plant is taken by Russian and L/DPR forces.

--Resup (talk) 09:32, 16 April 2022 (UTC)

Apparently photos 1, 2, same here 3, 4, 5. Said to be leaked by "Turkish partners". It appears that photos do not exclude the official version of fire + detonation. Yet there could be a strike (eg strongly charred spot in the rear or in the area of engines exhaust pipes. Note that there is fire below, charred illuminators/openings. Comparison with rear view of Moskva 1, 2. --Resup (talk) 06:28, 18 April 2022 (UTC)

"all the life rafts have been deployed"

The first two missiles missed due to the electronic warfare system, however, one of the two missiles of the second salvo hit the P-1000 Vulkan twin tube directly. A 500 kg high-explosive warhead detonated, and then trash began.

Don't know. This is in front, we do not see there on photos, AFAIK --Resup (talk) 11:33, 18 April 2022 (UTC)
as many noted, there is no storm on the photos. Was it decided to sink it and not to tow to port? Don't know, a possibility. Noted, rescue ships nearby seen in a brief video. --Resup (talk) 11:51, 18 April 2022 (UTC)

Lavrov's error

Lavrov created diplomatic scandal by saying that Hitler may have Jewish blood (as part of a more nuanced and rounded-of statement, making a case for a need of denazification in Ukraine). It was an error to needlessly raise the matter for which there is no evidence, and which would be predictably considered an antisemitic slur. Prime case is Ukrainian attitudes towards others: abuse and torture of prisoners, silencing (intimidating or killing) political opponents, using civilians as human shields, 8 years of shelling of Donbass driven by disrespect and hatred and no valid objective. Glorifying superiority of Westerns arms to kill "the orcs", "vatniks", etc. Glorifying scenes with corpses of killed Russians, even more so of Asian descent. There is no such mode on the Russian side who think they are fighting brothers who were misled. And obviously widespread use of Nazi symbols, chants, literature at least by the likes of Azov who are nevertheless part of regular military, and calling the shots in the society by being violent and vile, intimidating others into their ways.

Lavrov's comment created danger of more weapons and other support to be sent to those.

--Resup (talk) 07:44, 4 May 2022 (UTC)

It is said that Putin apologized --Resup (talk) 17:28, 5 May 2022 (UTC)

"Taira" exchange

On the basis of vidoes available on social media: it is true that "Taira" (Iulia Pavlevskaya), accused of crimes (murder), and being Azov's Nazi, was exchanged. She recorded a video thanking Zelenskii and co for arranging this. It is not true that she was exchanged for Adam Saidov, son of Murat Saidov, who is a Kadyrov's representative. According to interview with Adam Saidov, he was released shortly after his detention in Ukraine "and moved to a secure location for his safety", with no apparent connection to 'Taira' case. Adam Saidov is pro-Ukrainian (and sounds pro- peace, yet assisted Ukrainian forces as a volunter), He is not among Kadyrov's supporters. Exchanging him does not seem to make logical sense and was denied by his father and by Kadyrov. Further details of 'Taira's' exchange are not known. --Resup (talk) 01:33, 21 June 2022 (UTC)

Kazakhstan

Suspension of Kazakh oil shipments from Novorossiisk port on safety grounds was announced before Tokaev comments on non recognizing L/DPR and following Western sanctions --Resup (talk) 07:20, 21 June 2022 (UTC)

Ukrainian shelling of Donbass cities

In the past couple of weeks it occurs daily. Targets are: residential areas (viewed as hostile, and trying to create discord among civilians as well as reservists from Donbass); civilian infrastructure (electricity, water, transport); + military targets (according to some opolchenie sources, not officially verified, ammo depot in Donetsk, another in Krasnyi Luch -using Tochka U's missiles---and HQ of 1 army corps were hit; an ammo depot hit was also claimed in Ukrainian social media--without proper geolocation or verification as well). --Resup (talk) 18:25, 21 June 2022 (UTC)

3 state Union?

(Of Russia, Belarus. Ukraine). After the war, that would make economic, cultural, sense, and may include defense; and this is the kind of thing the nationalists in Russia are after. It may help resolve complicated territorial issues, say because somebody from Ukraine can potentially be in the lead of a bigger union. Certainly aggressive stance and reliance on US and NATO is not going to help to resolve complicated territorial matters; Ukraine as anti-Russia is not an acceptable to Russia option. Yet details of how a union may materialize are unclear and it seems obvious that it is not something which is realistic to negotiate with the current Ukrainian leaders (and their "sponsors"). Meanwhile, Lukasheno made a trip to meet Putin in StP (with some defense matters in the news) after skipping StP economic forum --Resup (talk) 22:17, 25 June 2022 (UTC)

"Iranian drones"

I am not sure those Iranian drones will have significant military impact in Ukraine. They appear to be heavy, expensive, long range drones, which could be vulnerable to Ukrainian anti-aircraft forces, which are not suppressed, or not fully so. However, the other way around, Russian weapons to Iran, could make a difference, in case of Western military action in Iran. Closer Russian alliance with Iran is the result of Western intervention in Ukraine, which in my view is in the range from misguided to catastrophic error for the world affairs at large (in addition to being very bad for both Russia and Ukraine). Before all this unfolded, Russia was about as pro-Western as it can be, but now, possibility of alliance with the West is at best in serious doubt. --Resup (talk) 08:14, 25 July 2022 (UTC)

Ukrainian strikes on Zaporozhkaya nuc. power station

Version of opolchenie--- who know the opponent well. It is done so that Russia is forced to provide substantial air defense. Having to take it away from battlefield, and making it a target for more strikes here. Also blaming Russia for the attacks and whatever consequences, with the full and unquestioned backing by the Western media. (Already, reading Western media, it appears to be Russian attacks --on themselves, with tall tails why do so, up to as a pretext for tactical nucs. ) --Resup (talk) 21:19, 8 August 2022 (UTC)

Russian strikes on infrastructure

Russia started to target Ukrainian infrastructure, after withdrawal from Balaklaya, and continued Ukrainian attacks or threats of, all over the front lines, with overwhelming troop numbers and Western weapons and support. Major power plant in Kharkov was hit, now a dam on the Karachun river. It is said that the river flooded Ukrainian river crossings to their landing spot on the Russian side. Under circumstances, those actions may be forced, and not unseen in conflicts elsewhere, yet nothing to cheer about. That infrastructure was built in Soviet days jointly, and may be difficult to have back. People killed, "even harder". --Resup (talk) 18:30, 14 September 2022 (UTC)

Crimea bridge

Fertilizers/ammonium nitrate ? --Resup (talk) 22:21, 8 October 2022 (UTC) Apparently the driver, who could be used and in the blind Eventually, blamed on explosives in rolls of film, details of claims by now widely reported, elsewhere.

Drones attack on Sevastopol

See Oct 29, 2022, mainpage. As noted (Cassad), Northrop RQ-4B Global Hawk is near Crimea, present reading is: --13:09, 29 October 2022 (UTC)

2022-10-29 06:19:18 UTC 42.7431 30.8009 208° 57000 ft 306 kts MLAT 3421
...
2022-10-29 08:47:58 UTC 37.1933 16.4353 251° 57100 ft MLAT 3421

Kherson

Same unreliable Western allied infowar/infotaiment sources mentioned above claim that a peace proposal is now made to Russia which will require Russian forces to leave Ukraine and demilitarize Crimea, in exchange for non-NATO promise for 7 years. + Some Western official statements, which are not detailed, yet not in contradiction.

It is noted that independent patriotic Russian commenters are either questioning the wisdom, or critical, to varied degrees, of the Kherson pull-out.

It is also noted that human cost of the operation is high (in lives lost, affected, disrupted), while chances of achieving its goals with methods seen so far leaves room for some questions. --Resup (talk) 20:38, 11 November 2022 (UTC)

Administration

On Nov. 16, Katia Gubareva, a pioneer of the Russian Spring, and since recently a part of Kherson region administration has been arrested on economic charges. That happened after her husband, who volunteered as a private for the front line service, was highly critical of Kherson withdrawal. Details of the charges and their merits are unknown, but happily she has been now released from custody. It also emerged that she was shell-shocked by a HIMARS missile explosion near the Kherson administration and was receiving medical treatment, which explains her being absent from work for some time. (Was about to comment earlier, but the situation appears sorted, more or less. )--Resup (talk) 08:44, 18 November 2022 (UTC)

Banksy

--Resup (talk) 15:10, 20 November 2022 (UTC)

Western main battle tanks

(In addition to Ukr. news main page, 19-25 Jan 2023). (Unfortunately), another escalation, with Western main battle tanks set to arrive. There seem to be nothing to stop sliding into very dangerous proper war. Sending tanks in particular, bad idea, in many ways. Even if Ukr manage to succeed enough for that to look as a victory, there is serious danger for things to go way out of hand--as words or actions short of that seem to have no effect on the actors driving the conflict. In reality, and perhaps after some painful setbacks, the Russians will manage to neutralize the new threat. Yes, those tanks can defeat Soviet analogs, especially if it's in Iraq, etc. But not ATGM , IED, drones, etc. 'Kornet' may be sufficient of get improved; Lanzet probably too light, but a better version is only a matter of time. Eventually, when the armada is neutralized, it will remove invincibility in lesser conflicts, likely without game-changing in Ukraine. And that heavy, expensive, and rather old weaponry is not easily replaced or upgraded to meet new challenges. It's role may be prolonging the agony/stalemate/whatever you call it --Resup (talk) 05:00, 26 January 2023 (UTC)

  • "Norway delivered to Ukraine 8 Leopard 2 tanks and 2 auxiliary vehicles", Rusvesna referencing Norway MoD, March 23, 2023
  • Opolchenie: "over 100 Leopard tanks delivered" (1 or 2 not specified, sourcing unclear); expects one or more major Ukrainian attacks and several distracting ones, after the road conditions improve; consider present attacks reconnaissance-in-force. (Noted, in those attacks Ukraine used Western armored carriers and some tanks, fumes for troops cover, distance mining of rearward Russian positions; apparently tried to use aviation; and obviously drones and other widely used things). --Resup (talk) 08:28, 21 March 2023 (UTC)

Has the West lost already?

The West Has Lost Already =Gonzalo Lira

This is a creative, and attractive to the Russia side piece, certainly. And, intentionally or not, it creates some cushioning in case of more Russian territorial losses. But it seems to be only partially true. Yes, on 'tactical and operational' levels, the cost to the West is quite high, in inflation rate, disruption of trade, maybe some dedollarization. But, Russia did not stop. or significantly reduced, export of natural resources, it just redirected, or will redirect, to different parts of the world, possibly at a discount. This creates a disturbance in the markets, but as amount of worldwide resources on sale did not significantly change (or not due to unilateral actions of Russia), the effect of this is limited in the long run ('strategically'). As for dedollarization, maybe, the watch is probably on China, but US economy is large, diverse, complex, and this is unlikely to break the US economy. Probably, some further financial and geopolitical tricks will be invented to keep going like that for awhile, without major 'perestroika'. As for inflation, it inflicts some pain to ordinary people, probably more profit to few, and increase tensions but not over a breaking point. So while dynamics is towards more negative, it is of limited effect on the battleground in Ukraine and other post-Soviet matters, in the near future. --Resup (talk) 16:19, 29 January 2023 (UTC)

February, 2023

Scott Ritter keeps predicting Russian victory in Fall, due to numbers. While some Russian retired colonels predict something like the opposite, with later dates. While Paul Craig Roberts predict a nuclear war, short of surrender. Meanwhile, any red lines which were there became more and more like optional.

PCR does not seem to have good understanding of the nature of the war: mostly artillery, frontal attacks in residential/fortified areas, with little aviation, somewhat like trench war of WW1 but with considerably more firepower (considerably more than WW2) and a lot of technology involved (drones, targeting), while both sides are similar in qualities, as well as quantities of men. Quick decisive strike so far was not really possible, as there is no required overwhelming advantage with what matters on the ground.

With numbers. I don't have them (and numbers can be added or subtracted).

What I observe so far is expanding, very bloody, almost-stalemate. With talks of large-scale attacks being prepared by both sides. While bad weather season, aka rasputitsa, is starting, with unpaved roads getting impassible, which would likely delay such attacks till later in Spring.

Maybe it will be over in less then a year as various colonels say, but I do not have a gut feeling it will be over then.

N war, not imminent, but there is sliding towards it, as resources and lives are getting spent and no objectives met. And it seems to go to far, for too long, to be hoping for 'peace now' as viable. So this unnecessary bloody madness is set to go on. With eventually the Western alliance defeated or stopped, at a very high human cost, and cost to humanity.

--Resup (talk) 18:39, 28 February 2023 (UTC)

Reaper down

US claimed that Russian SU 27 jet damaged propeller of MQ-9 "Reaper" by a collision. That seems pretty unlikely, for the geometries of those aerial vehicles. It seems more likely that the crash was the result of either fluid mechanics (fuel drop/hot jet fired by an engine/disturbance from a close passage), or electronic warfare. Various claims on whether or not drone parts were recovered.

Satellite communication is likely in the Ku band, wavelength of about 2 cm (1.67-2.5). SU 27 is roughly 15 x 22 meters of metal. Once all that metal is over the antenna, the communication signal could be lost, or much weakened; lambda/D is small. (May still get reflected signal, but that depends).

--Resup (talk) 11:16, 15 March 2023 (UTC)

Video now released. It shows a close approach, and that propeller was damaged. It does not show physical collision. It appears that the signal was lost, or perhaps edited out, when the SU 27 and its apparent fuel dump were close-by on top. Propeller damage appears to be most likely the result of fluid dynamics, not physical collision with SU 27 body. Chances of the latter to damage just one arm of the propeller and not to cause far more significant damage are pretty slim (if geometry allows it at all). But it is not directly seen on the released video, one way or another. --Resup (talk) 10:44, 16 March 2023 (UTC)

Did somebody write the plot

to have both DJT and VVP "arrested" ? (like, "on the same day") --Resup (talk) 02:39, 18 March 2023 (UTC)

China

Official Chinese position is overall neutral (UN/international law/integrity but against NATO expansion and for stopping the war via negotiated resolution).

Among the documents signed, as a user has put it, "it is straining to see" China apparently given a stake on Russian forestry and development of the Far East.

It is unclear whether there was any unannounced component (eg to do with various security challenges). Displayed warmth of relations is noted.

--Resup (talk) 09:10, 23 March 2023 (UTC)

Ukrainian offensive, Spring 2023

Planned Ukrainian offensive strength:

Leaked documents are said to claim: 12 brigades, 250 tanks, 350 mechanized vehicles

Opolchenie estimate on 7 Apr. 2023 of (newly formed and trained) Ukrainian forces : 8-12 brigades -- about 30-40 thousand men, maybe more, 300 tanks, 1000 other armored vehicles, +artillery

--Resup (talk) 21:49, 8 April 2023 (UTC)

Prigozhin : 200 K, maybe 400 K.

--Resup (talk) 18:43, 9 April 2023 (UTC)

What's that green arrow, Ugledar-Pavlovka-T0509, presumably towards Azov sea, Mariupol, Berdiansk, cutting Russian-held territory in two, cutting off land route to Crimea? On one hand, opolchenie scored nearby Guliai Pole highly (historic 'Makhno-stan'). On the other hand, may be the point here is to draw a fake green arrow? --Resup (talk) 01:11, 11 April 2023 (UTC)

There must be people in US gov who believe that the war in Ukraine is not their priority (compared to China, Iran, NK, or domestic agenda), and/or that nothing good will come out of this (it does not seem realistic to get back Donetsk, Crimea, and unlikely for Mariupol) , so the leak could be a way to put it on slow burner/not overstretch themselves. But, could be others in gov who want that offensive; and it may happen regardless, after all. Don't mind of course that it does not; those are one kind of Russians killing another kind of Russians, on/near historic Kievan Rus' lands, for somebody else (or maybe few of their elites) to benefit --Resup (talk) 02:45, 11 April 2023 (UTC)

Drone attack on the Kremlin

We are probably going to learn soon that that was not Ukrainian attack, but some kind of democratic Russian forces? That would not be particularly convincing, as those would be funded from the same sources and employ similar sort of people --Resup (talk) 19:54, 3 May 2023 (UTC)

Opolchenie warning

Opolchenie sounds dire warning on apparent lack of clear strategy, not enough done to resolve various problems, insufficient preparedness, too idealistic attitudes, etc. It's hard to say by what degree those warning are justified, but they appear far broader and more concerning than the Progozhin's thing. Hopefully the warnings are to prevent bad things from happening, not to foretell them --Resup (talk) 21:33, 7 May 2023 (UTC)

Zikr

...Zikr and Movlid.... - Kadyrov, May 7, 2023

--Resup (talk) 23:41, 7 May 2023 (UTC)

Chapaev and the Void Strelkov and Peace

Unfortunately , Minsk agreements did not work, and unfortunately Strelkov correctly predicted so 8 years ago, saying that Ukrainians (or their overlords) will not follow it. And after failure of Minsk, and many other broken promises starting with NATO expansion-the core reason of the war-- when somebody says that the only way a war can stop if for one side to be victorious, and pausing it will lead to higher losses later on, what do you respond to it? I wish I knew the answer?

Although the Russians intention was to act as humanely as they could, the reality is that joint Russian + Ukrainian losses in 1 year are higher than Soviet totals in Afghanistan in 10 years, and there is no clear path to how it may end. At current trend, by the end of the conflict, combined losses of both sides can exceed total Soviet + Afghani combined losses.

Of course one would wish that the killing is stopped, but it is not really clear exactly how --Resup (talk) 13:26, 10 August 2023 (UTC)

Ukrainian court: mobilization illegal

"Таким чином,можна зробитивисновок,що такзвані «ЗакониУкраїни» таУКАЗИ Президента,в томучислі «ЗаконУкраїни «Промобілізаційну підготовкута мобілізацію»»,«Закон України«Про затвердженняУказу ПрезидентаУкраїни «Провведення воєнногостану вУкраїні»»,«УКАЗ Президента«Про введеннявоєнного станув Україні»»,«УКАЗ ПрезидентаУкраїни «Провикористання ЗбройнихСил Українита іншихвійськових формувань»»які легітимізуютьсяпід виглядомзаконів є авторськими творами, не мають конституційного підґрунтя, не являються законами по суті, не являються обов`язковими для виконання народом, є офертами від суб`єкта, що надає послуги з державного управління. Ці «нормативні акти» мають статус таких, що застосовуються, а не являються легальним діючим законодавством."

---as seen now at https://reyestr.court.gov.ua/Review/112988151 --Resup (talk) 10:32, 3 September 2023 (UTC)

Ukrainian weapons smuggling and Hamas

--Resup (talk) 13:11, 11 November 2023 (UTC)

Continued war funding

I am obviously against continued Ukrainian war funding. There is no moral justification, it is gross fratricide. Efforts must be instead on diplomacy to really end this (and not like previous Minsks), followed by new worldwide security arrangements, with existing ones clearly in shatters. While the money must go to technology (or technology dominance, perhaps). Otherwise this will not end well for anybody, at a tremendous human and economic cost. --Resup (talk) 11:15, 1 November 2023 (UTC)

Rare Russia-USA round-trip direct flight

RA-96023, Operating as Special Flight Detachment Rossiya 808, https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/RA96023

20 Dec Vnukovo to Pulkovo,
20-Dec-2023 03:36AM MSK Pulkovo - LED 07:41AM EST Washington Dulles Intl - IAD
22-Dec-2023 03:11PM EST Washington Dulles Intl - IAD 04:05PM EST John F Kennedy Intl - JFK
22-Dec-2023 07:42PM EST John F Kennedy Intl - JFK Last seen at 01:31PM MSK (+1) near Cherepovetsky District, RU
Saturday 23-Dec-2023 02:12PM MSK Vnukovo - VKO 02:13PM MSK Vnukovo - VKO

video by some plane spotters , description mentions Lavrov, basis for this unclear.

Lavrov was in Morocco on 20 Dec, Tunisia on 21 Dec, so he is not on this one. Was used in April 2023 , UNSC trip

Unclear whether it has to do with some negotiations. As there are no direct commercial flights, it may be for convenience of moving around some embassy personnel during holidays season? Why would Lavrov, if Lavrov, land in Leningrad aka St. Petersburg? (and he did not, see above) Unaware of reports of some diplomacy happening in Wash DC on those days. But, this is a big plane, and who knows. --Resup (talk) 23:24, 30 December 2023 (UTC)

Unlike its twins (eg RA 96021, 022) , does not carry a bulge on top, likely special communication or the like. --Resup (talk) 03:53, 31 December 2023 (UTC)
21 Jan. 2024, brings Lavrov to UNSC meeting

Cluster munition shelling of residential Belgorod

Marina Akhmedova (Ru Wikipedia, 'praise' by "open sanctions") comments under a video recorded in a hospital by a little girl, January 12, 2024. Robo- translation below. The story was earlier reported in the news , 30 Dec. 2023. --Resup (talk) 00:31, 14 January 2024 (UTC)

"During the shelling of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on December 30 in Belgorod, the mother of this girl shielded her and her youngest 8-month-old daughter. All of them - mother and two daughters - lived with their 67-year-old grandmother and old great-grandmother. The girls' mother helped their mother and grandmother with everything.

When people reached them on the street after the shelling, they first grabbed the older girl; she had blood on her face. And only then they noticed that under the dead mother lay another one - an eight-month old one, with a torn off leg.

The eldest was already told that there was no mother. But before that, psychologists worked closely with her and tried to do everything to ease the news. The girl had to go to the funeral so that later it would not seem to her that her mother was alive. The girl, having found out, held on, but cried a lot near the coffin. The uncle, the mother’s brother, who is now sitting in a Moscow hospital with a baby with a severed leg, told her that the mother was still there, not dead, she was just there. The girl recorded a video to thank all the people who also cried with her and wanted to be with her. I don’t know why, maybe it’s easier for the child"

Gonzalo Lira: What It’s Like To Live In A War Zone =

Gonzalo Lira, What It’s Like To Live In A War Zone, YouTube, recorded in Kharkov, March 8, 2022

In Jan. 2024 it became known that Gonzalo Lira died in Ukrainian custody 1, 2 . --Resup (talk) 00:42, 14 January 2024 (UTC)

F-16 s?

Telegram Channel Voendelo ("military affairs") claims, without giving verifiable sources: "NATO participated in attempts to strike Crimea. One of the latest attacks was carried out by Ukrainian Su-24 bombers from Ukrainian territory and F-16 fighters that fired missiles from Romanian airspace. There were foreign pilots in the cockpits of the F-16. These F-16s are also used in Romania to train pilots of the Ukrainian Armed Forces - sources." . We do not know the basis for this claim, which is not confirmed elsewhere. (But at current trajectory of events, it may become real one day, with unpredictable consequences) --23:47, 10 January 2024 (UTC)

Baltic states?

Biden: (If ) Putin does not stop and attacks a NATO ally .... (Kremlin denied the claim)

Also: a notorious Russian opposition figure aligned with, apparently, Western/Ukrainian cesspool "Gen. SVR" likewise, or by parroting, is claiming "knowledge" of a "hybrid operation", to do with Baltic states, which, "if implemented" will ['by far'] overshadow the war in Ukraine. While this appears false, or at least there is no evidence available to us backing it, it may be indicative of thinking of, predominantly, the sponsors of those notorious sources, and as such, in danger of being self-fulfilling, especially in view of political and funding hiatus and multiple sources of world's instability --Resup (talk) 00:09, 11 January 2024 (UTC)

Similar scares to do with Scandinavian states; Germany; etc; viewed by 'patriotic opposition' commentators in Russia as NATO self-justification for more bases, spending, production, etc --Resup (talk) 05:41, 21 January 2024 (UTC)

Maidan in Vilnus, 13 Jan 1991, Kommersant photo report (January, 2024)
12/22: In 2011, the leader of the Socialist Popular Front, Algirdas Paleckis, publicly stated that he doubted the official version of the January events, and on January 13, 1991, “friends were shooting at their own” at the TV tower. A year later, he became the first person convicted of “denial of Soviet aggression.” The fine amounted to €3 thousand. After this, Paleckis was accused of spying for Russia and taken into custody In the photo: a victim near the TV tower in Vilnius during the January events

Tuckers' interview reviews

  • L.Vershinin, interview with Carlson is a C+ (3+ in Rus), Roy TV , YouTube, Feb 12, 2024
    In Rus, so briefly Vershinin points: a + is a breakthrough towards non-warmongering faction of the West , and appearing normal/non-threatening. Historic part, may not connect well, may be too long, may be disconnected from US audience. Failures is that some important points are said but insufficiently and in passing, such as , explaining the position that there was no other choice (failure of Minsk, continued civilian casualties, human cost ---as seen at that time); not very clear on what are the goals ("denatsification", on paper is what came across) . Also did not come across is keeping to shared/traditional/defined values , and human aspects (families, culture, language) --Resup (talk) 23:17, 15 February 2024 (UTC)

Avdeevka: reactions

Russian

--Resup (talk) 15:44, 18 February 2024 (UTC)

Maxim Kuzminov?

Guardia Civil investigating if murdered man is Maxim Kuzminov.

Which is what the press agency Efe are running with.

Possibility of fake ID was reported day after on Feb 14th

The guy who hijacked a Russian military helicopter in 2023, and had his fellow Ru crew soldiers killed. The man found dead in Spain had fake ID so actual facts appear uncertain. Ukrainian GUR confirmed, but still. This fits competing narratives (either illustrating rumored tightening or competition for power in Russia, which so far refrained, unlike Ukraine, from targeting abroad individuals committing treason or murders in Russia; or result of Ukrainian/pro-Ukrainian forces acting to blame Russia and possibly protect their man if a different person was killed. Facts on who was killed were reported both ways, and I am so far left uncertain what are the actual facts. I guess in the end Guardia Civil will tell who the man was. --Resup (talk) 00:20, 21 February 2024 (UTC)

Presumably Kuzminov would have been given a Ukrainian passport. Choosing Alicante to live in would be a questionable choice. It has large community of Russian speakers which could have been why he would chose there. But obviously people would soon note and tell of his presence there. He would need to pick somewhere no one would care who he was or what he had done.
Residents of the block where the man was found say he didn't live there. --Diagonal (talk) 13:27, 21 February 2024 (UTC)

"Taurus" missiles

Margarita " P & B " Simonyan: " As promised, I am publishing an audio conversation between Bundeswehr officers discussing how they will bomb the Crimean Bridge" (audio, German; text, Russian). Authenticity, unknown. Discussion of transfer of “Taurus" missiles to Ukraine, for their use by Ukraine to hit Crimea bridge.

  • Veracity unknown, unclear how purported recording was made, could be fake, some details like providing satellite photos and other intelligence support, I guess, likely are (in general terms) true, and widely assumed --Resup (talk) 15:40, 1 March 2024 (UTC)

Can the war be ended ?

It can, but it needs out of the box thinking, and leadership. There was no real justification to keep cold war divisions after the collapse of the USSR. Keeping those and NATO expansion led to the current major crises and pre-WW3 situation. It is still possible to end this, by restructuring international security arrangements in a manner inclusive of Russia. As lesser arrangements, the Minsk agreements, failed to stop the conflict (due to Ukraine non-compliance) , there is no reason to believe a repeat of it has good chances of success.

Apparent or pending changes at the top in Russia creates some window of opportunity, but the window is not really wide. It is easier to change little and keep throwing money and humans into the war "black hole" ; it is way harder to give peace and responsible behavior in general a chance. It would be "planet of rose ponies" stuff for the warriors on both sides, and they would need to be led. Unfortunately, nobody seems to be around with a capacity to do it. --Resup (talk) 11:52, 7 March 2024 (UTC)