Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 45

981 replies

MagicFox · 26/09/2023 20:14

Thanks to all: contributors, lurkers and those in-between

**
Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

OP posts:
Thread gallery
398
blueshoes · 13/11/2023 13:29

notimagain · 13/11/2023 13:00

@blueshoes

"I cannot see that UK Min of Def has put up their usual Ukraine update. Maybe they are taking a break after Remembrance Day yesterday."

I have no idea why the updates are sometimes difficult to find but never fear, somebody is at work in the MoD today:

https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1724041976738206049?refsrc=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Edited

Fabbo. Thanks, notimagain! Apologies to the MoD ...

Ukraine Invasion: Part 45
Surplus2requirements · 13/11/2023 13:31

BringBackCoffeeCreams · 13/11/2023 12:47

Doesn't Cameron being FS mean we now have a FS who cannot speak in the House of Commons and so cannot be challenged directly by our elected MPs?

Interesting question. I cant find anything definitive except Lord ministers are scrutinized by fellow Peers in the Lords and are usually junior ministers who wouldn't normally speak in the Commons.

blueshoes · 13/11/2023 13:34

Greenshake · 13/11/2023 10:32

All change in the UK Cabinet…..Cameron back as Foreign Secretary!

Lordy.

Too much to hope for a change in the Secretary of State for Defence Schapps.

DancesWithDucks · 13/11/2023 15:42

Off to the UK for 4 nights, @blueshoes and @DesdamonasHandkerchief have very kindly agreed to keep the updates running - thank you very much!

notimagain · 13/11/2023 15:50

@blueshoes

Too much to hope for a change in the Secretary of State for Defence Schapps.

No sign of it but given his previous record on length of time in positions, many and varied, he's about due another move...

SoMuchSimpler · 13/11/2023 15:57

BringBackCoffeeCreams · 13/11/2023 12:47

Doesn't Cameron being FS mean we now have a FS who cannot speak in the House of Commons and so cannot be challenged directly by our elected MPs?

I think they put up a junior minister in the Commons but he can still be questioned in the Lords - which IMO is fine considering the stature of some of the Lords.

Surplus2requirements · 13/11/2023 16:36

SoMuchSimpler · 13/11/2023 15:57

I think they put up a junior minister in the Commons but he can still be questioned in the Lords - which IMO is fine considering the stature of some of the Lords.

It's a bit clearer now. His deputy (whose name I forget) is an MP and will speak in the Commons.

As you say he can be questioned in the Lords and by the Foreign Affairs Select Committee

blueshoes · 13/11/2023 16:38

notimagain · 13/11/2023 15:50

@blueshoes

Too much to hope for a change in the Secretary of State for Defence Schapps.

No sign of it but given his previous record on length of time in positions, many and varied, he's about due another move...

Good point, let's hope so 🤞

Now more than ever we need a real defence minister with strength of conviction and tenacity in the role. Wonders about Labour ...

blueshoes · 13/11/2023 16:42

DancesWithDucks · 13/11/2023 15:42

Off to the UK for 4 nights, @blueshoes and @DesdamonasHandkerchief have very kindly agreed to keep the updates running - thank you very much!

You can leave it with Des and I. Have a safe trip. Unfortunately the weather in the UK is a bit grim, but ducks will like it 🦆

DancesWithDucks · 13/11/2023 17:16

Need to train the ducks to fly alongside the aircraft, yeah.

MissConductUS · 13/11/2023 18:29

blueshoes · 13/11/2023 16:38

Good point, let's hope so 🤞

Now more than ever we need a real defence minister with strength of conviction and tenacity in the role. Wonders about Labour ...

Does it have to be a Brit? Ben Hodges would be brilliant in the job.

blueshoes · 13/11/2023 19:26

MissConductUS · 13/11/2023 18:29

Does it have to be a Brit? Ben Hodges would be brilliant in the job.

He would be Smile

I dream of a person with stature and experience like a Ben Hodges or a Ben Wallace to fill the post.

DdraigGoch · 13/11/2023 21:38

blueshoes · 13/11/2023 13:34

Lordy.

Too much to hope for a change in the Secretary of State for Defence Schapps.

Is there a "Minister for Paper Clips" type role he can be safely posted to?

DancesWithDucks · 13/11/2023 21:44

Ministry of Envelopes?

notimagain · 13/11/2023 22:09

@MissConductUS

Does it have to be a Brit? Ben Hodges would be brilliant in the job.

Not sure, but probably yes (and I suspect there's also the Member of Parliament or member of the House Lords requirement as well...)

On a practical security level it could be tricky anyway. I'm obviously not going to go into details but I think it's OK to mention that back in the day when I was serving there were occasions when our US and other non-UK nationality exchange officers had to leave the room prior to briefings or discussions that were about matters classified as "UK eyes only" 🤐

MissConductUS · 13/11/2023 23:07

@notimagain, I can see how that would be a problem. Still, it's an odd world where Grant Shapps has access to military information that would be denied to the former commander of US Army Europe, who was decorated four times for meritorious service in a combat zone.

DdraigGoch · 14/11/2023 00:16

Pretty sure that British citizenship would be required before a Peerage or a seat in the Commons. It's not like the Governor of the Bank of England who is a professional, Ministers are political.

blueshoes · 14/11/2023 09:00

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-13-2023

Key Takeaways:

  • Russian state media released and later retracted reports about the "regrouping" of Russian forces on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast to positions further east of the Dnipro River, suggesting that the Russian command and/or Russian state media apparatus has failed to establish a coordinated information line for the Russian response to ongoing Ukrainian ground operations on the east bank.
  • There are three hypotheses of varying likelihood for the release of the now-retracted reports of a Russian regrouping on the east bank of Kherson Oblast: They may be indicative of actual discussions taking place in the high echelons of Russian military command that may have prematurely entered the information space before being officially released by the Russian military; the Russian military command alternatively may have instructed state media to release and then retract these reports as part of an information operation that aims to have Ukrainian forces underestimate available Russian manpower on the east bank of Kherson Oblast; or an outside source posing as the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) provided information about the reported “regrouping” of Russian forces on the left bank of Kherson Oblast to Russian state media outlets.
  • Regardless of the causes and circumstances of the TASS and RIA Novosti reports, the reaction to them suggests that events in Kherson Oblast continue to be highly neuralgic in the pro-war information space and emphasizes that the Russian media space still has not coalesced around a singular rhetorical line about what is happening on the east bank of the Dnipro.
  • Ukrainian and Russian sources noted that weather conditions are impacting the battlespace but not halting operations.
  • Ukrainian officials indicated that Ukraine will likely conduct an interdiction campaign against Russian supply routes in the upcoming winter.
  • A Russian milblogger called on actors in the Russian information space to more widely amplify Russian strikes on Ukrainian military assets as opposed to Ukrainian strikes on Russian rear areas, indirectly highlighting a unique dynamic wherein the majority of reported Russian strikes seem to affect Ukrainian civilian objects, whereas the majority of reported Ukrainian strikes affect Russian military assets.
  • US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink stated that the 100th civilian ship departed the Black Sea corridor for civilian vessels on November 13, amid continued Russian efforts to deter usage of the corridor.
  • Former Wagner Group personnel are reportedly rejecting Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) recruitment attempts aimed at subsuming Wagner operations in Africa.
  • Russian forces continued offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove line, near Bakhmut, near Avdiivka, west and southwest of Donetsk City, the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and advanced in some areas of the frontline.
  • Ukrainian officials continued to discuss Russian forced mobilization of Ukrainian civilians in occupied areas of Ukraine.
  • Russian occupation officials continued to deport Ukrainian children to Russia under vacation schemes.
* *
Ukraine Invasion: Part 45
blueshoes · 14/11/2023 09:14

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

The Kyiv Independent, [12/11/2023 20:58]
⚡️Yermak: Ukrainian delegation lands in US to discuss (https://kyivindependent.com/yermak-ukrainian-delegation-lands-in-us-to-discuss-defense-cooperation/) defense, cooperation.

Ukraine war latest: Russia intensifies assaults near Bakhmut (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-russia-intensifies-assaults-near-bakhmut/) A powerful explosion at one of the headquarters of the Russian military in the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol killed at least three Russian officers.

⚡️Ukrainian women's team wins (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-womens-team-wins-gold-in-world-cup-stage/) gold in World Cup stage in épée fencing at the first stage of the World Cup in Legnano, Italy, Suspline media outlet reported on Nov. 12.

⚡️Scholz: Negotiations (https://kyivindependent.com/scholz-negotiations-with-putin-possible-if-russia-withdraws-troops/) with Putin possible if Russia withdraws troops.

⚡️President Yoon: North Korea involved (https://kyivindependent.com/president-yoon-north-korea-involved-in-russias-war/) in Russia's war.

The Kyiv Independent, [13/11/2023 05:16]
⚡️Poland deploys (https://kyivindependent.com/poland-deploys-new-tank-battalion-near-belarus/) tank battalion to the village of Czartajew near the border with Belarus.

⚡️ ISW: Ukraine intensifies attacks (https://kyivindependent.com/isw-ukraine-intensifies-attacks-on-russias-rear/) on Russia's rear.

⚡General Staff: Ukraine repels (https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-ukraine-repels-most-attacks-at-marinka-and-avdiivka-over-past-day/) most attacks at Marinka and Avdiivka over past day.

⚡️ National Resistance Center: Russia uses civilian airlines (https://kyivindependent.com/national-resistance-center-russia-uses-civilian-airlines-to-transport-troops/) to transport troops.

⚡️ National Resistance Center: Ex-Wagner fighters (https://kyivindependent.com/national-resistance-center-ex-wagner-fighters-transferred-to-occupied-skadovsk/) sent to occupied Skadovsk. The mercenary group's ex-members are reportedly not provided with transportation, personal protective equipment, and other necessary supplies.

⚡️ Zelensky: 'Ukrainian sky shield more powerful (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ukrainian-sky-shield-more-powerful-than-last-year/) compared to last year.' Ukraine's air defenses have been strengthened by a number of Western systems, such as Patriot, IRIS-T, SAMP-T, or HAWK. These are now of vital importance as the country braces for intensified Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure in the winter.

⚡Air Force: Ukraine adapts (https://kyivindependent.com/air-force-ukraine-can-adapt-soviet-air-defense-systems-to-fire-u-s-missiles/) Soviet air defense systems to fire US missiles. Ukraine has successfully converted Soviet-made Buk-M1 air defense systems to fire missiles produced by the United States.

[Part 1, to be continued ]

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 14/11/2023 09:41

United 24

🔘 Finland expresses support for the transfer of frozen assets of the Russian Federation abroad to aid Ukraine, as stated by the Minister of Foreign Trade of Finland.

🔘 In its year of operation, the Ukrainian maritime drone fleet, according to Fedorov, the head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, has successfully targeted eight vessels belonging to the invaders.

These include the "Admiral Makarov," "Ivan Golubets," "Ivan Khurs," "Sergey Kotov," "Oil Lighthouse," "Novorossiysk," "Akula," and "Chamois."

The global community has been in awe of our drone attacks, and this marks just the initial phase. Our commitment to advancing and refining the technology ensures that you will witness even more reports of damaged Russian ships in the future.

🔘 The women's team of Ukraine in epee fencing won the "gold" of the World Cup stage. This is the first victory since 2016.

🔘 French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced ongoing negotiations for Ukraine to directly purchase weapons from French suppliers, bypassing the route of receiving them from the Ministry of Defense warehouses.

Lecornu disclosed that Paris and Kyiv are in discussions to enable Ukraine to acquire new weapons using funds from a dedicated support fund, with the French government having already earmarked 200 million euros from the budget for this purpose.

Moreover, Lecornu highlighted that France has extended military aid to Kyiv amounting to three billion euros, primarily allocated to air defense and equipment for ground forces, including artillery and transport. Addressing the pressing needs of the Armed Forces on the battlefield, Lecornu noted a substantial increase in the production of French Caesar howitzers from two units per month to six. Since the commencement of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, Ukraine has received a total of 49 such self-propelled guns, including 30 from France and 19 from Denmark.

🔘 🇺🇸 Wyoming has officially become the 32nd U.S. state to recognize the Holodomor of 1932-33 as a genocide against the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, reported that Wyoming has also declared November as a month of remembrance for this tragic event.

🔘 The US bought 60 Gepard anti-aircraft guns from Jordan and will hand them over to Ukraine, as reported by De Telegraaf with reference to sources. These systems were sold to Amman by the Netherlands in 2016. Most of them will still require repairs and additional equipment.

🔘 "It is possible to talk with Putin only after the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine," said Scholz/Heilbronner Stimme.

He also stated that Germany will continue to arm and support the Ukrainian side.

🔘 Hungary continues to block the allocation of the 8th tranche in the amount of 500 million euros from the European Peace Fund, from which the EU states will be compensated for the supply of weapons that they transferred to Ukraine, reported the editor of Radio Svoboda, Rikard Jozwiak.

🔘 This winter, Ukraine will receive two more IRIS-T systems, — the German ambassador to Ukraine during the NV conference.

🔘 🇪🇺🇺🇦 An EU delegation will arrive in Ukraine in December to discuss security guarantees, said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, quoted by Ukrinform.

🔘 Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the title of "Hero of Ukraine" to the leader of the Crimean Tatar people, Mustafa Dzhemilev, for his contribution to the development of an independent Ukrainian state. The President personally presented him with the order.

🔘 The condition of the tigress, injured during a missile attack on the Kyiv region, has shown signs of improvement. The animal has begun to stand up and even ventured out of its enclosure into the yard, as reported by Nataliia Popova, the head of the Center.

"This development gives hope that there are no very serious injuries," stated the director of the Center. Despite the positive progress, the tigress is still grappling with a pain syndrome. Presently, she is undergoing ongoing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving therapy to aid in her recovery.

🔘 The UK Ministry of Defense has announced the delivery of substantial aid to Ukraine, including over 82 thousand helmets, 25 thousand sets of winter clothing, 10 thousand body armors, and 70 thousand military rations.

🔘 The Russian Federation conducted a widespread strike on the center of Kherson, resulting in six reported injuries, according to the head of the Regional Military Administration, who also presented evidence of the aftermath. Tragically, two individuals were killed, while all other victims of various ages have been transported to the hospital for treatment.

🔘 The US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, has announced that the 100th ship has successfully traversed the Ukrainian humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea. This corridor was initiated by Ukraine in response to the unilateral withdrawal of the Russian Federation from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

🔘 The Armed Forces of Ukraine have successfully neutralized the armored vehicles of the 80th battalion of the Russian Armed Forces near Pervomaisk with a precise and effective strike 🔥.

Currently, the battalion is encountering difficulties on the front line, experiencing substantial setbacks with notable losses in both personnel and equipment. In the past day alone, the battalion has lost three units of various equipment and 12 personnel.

🔘 The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, has announced that the European Commission will unveil the 12th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation on November 15th.

This upcoming package is set to encompass personal sanctions, a prohibition on the import of diamonds, and other export restrictions. Additionally, the measures will address the oil price cap and address issues related to circumventing existing sanctions.

🔘 According to Vitaliy Barabash, the head of the Avdiivka City Military Administration, Russian losses in Avdiivka have now surpassed those in Vuhledar and Bakhmut. He estimates at least 3-4 thousand dead and 7-8 thousand wounded soldiers among the Russian forces. Additionally, Barabash noted the significant loss of enemy equipment, with more than 400 units reported.

🔘 Satellite imagery indicates significant advancements in the construction of a factory in Russia designated for the large-scale production of Iranian kamikaze drones.

Reports from Reuters, citing the Institute of Science and International Security, suggest that Moscow plans to potentially deploy these drones to target Ukrainian energy facilities.

🔘 Trench weekdays of soldiers on the front line with the arrival of autumn. (Video of sodden soldier bailing out the trench)
t.me/United24media/15320

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 14/11/2023 10:33

Live:Ukraine

🔘 Russian Federation shells car in Kherson: 2-month-old child and mother injured, one dead

The family and the child were returning from a medical examination when the car caught fire after being hit. The 36-year-old mother is hospitalized in serious condition. The 64-year-old man (probably a grandfather) driving the car died. The child has a head injury.

🔘 🇷🇴In Romania, a center for training F-16 pilots opens today at the Fetesti Air Base.

The center will provide basic and refresher training. Romanian pilots will begin training tomorrow. The date of the start of training for Ukrainians has not yet been announced, but it is expected to happen "in the near future".

The Netherlands provided the fighter jets for the training. The first five have already arrived. In total, the base will accommodate 12 to 18 aircraft.

🔘 The United States has purchased 60 Gepard anti-aircraft guns from Jordan and will transfer them to Ukraine, De Telegraaf reports, citing sources.

The Netherlands sold the systems to Amman in 2016. Most of them still need to be repaired and upgraded.

🔘 Russian troops shelled a hospital in Kherson, the head of the regional military administration said.

An ambulance and several other cars were burned. Two people died, all other victims of different ages were taken to the hospital.

🔘 Representatives of Polish road carriers blocking the border with Ukraine say that recent talks with Ukrainian officials have failed to end the dispute.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Serhiy Derkach, who represented Ukraine in the talks, said that the main demand of the protesters was to return to the system of cargo transportation permits for Ukrainian drivers.

"The absurdity of the demand is that they are not addressing their government, but want Ukraine to address the EU for permits. The protesters are not interested in other issues," he said.

🔘 Foreign Minister Kuleba says that the EU will not be able to fulfill its plan to supply one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March 2024 due to the state of defense production and bureaucratic obstacles

🔘 At night, the Russians attacked Ukraine with nine drones, an Iskander-M ballistic missile, and an Kh-35 guided missile. The drones were flying from the Krasnodar region of Russia, and the missiles were fired from the occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia region.

Air defense forces destroyed 7 Russian attack drones.

🔘 We do not see Putin's willingness to negotiate a solution acceptable to Ukraine, Stoltenberg said.

"Therefore, the only way is to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities to convince Putin that he will not win on the battlefield."

🔘 The White House: Lack of funding has already affected Ukraine's ability to repel Russian aggression

The US Congress should approve the White House's request for aid to Ukraine as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences for its defense, Biden's national security adviser Sullivan said.

Naem · 14/11/2023 10:49

emphasizes that the Russian media space still has not coalesced around a singular rhetorical line about what is happening on the east bank of the Dnipro.

@MMBaranova what do you hear about/from your family (obviously if you can't disclose, that is understood)? From what you said previously, it sounds to me like they might be pretty close to the front line at the moment, but I may have got the geography wrong. Do keep thinking about them every time there is a mention of the east bank of the Dnipro which is a lot at the moment.

blueshoes · 14/11/2023 11:18

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights (continued)

⚡️ Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast kill 1, injure 2 (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-kherson-oblast-kill-1-injure-2-over-past-day/) over past day.

How Russia’s homegrown Lancet drone became so feared in Ukraine. Here's why. (https://kyivindependent.com/how-russias-homegrown-lancet-drone-became-so-feared-in-ukraine/)

Ukraine makes “substantial progress (https://thisweekinukraine.podbean.com/e/ukraine-makes-substantial-progress-in-its-eu-bid/)” in its EU bid. Podcast.

⚡️ Pistorius confirms plan (https://kyivindependent.com/pistorius-confirms-plan-to-double-germanys-military-aid-to-ukrainThe Kyiv Independent, [13/11/2023 09:27]
⚡️ Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast kill 1, injure 2 (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-kherson-oblast-kill-1-injure-2-over-past-day/) over past day.

How Russia’s homegrown Lancet drone (https://kyivindependent.com/how-russias-homegrown-lancet-drone-became-so-feared-in-ukraine/) became so feared in Ukraine. Seeing their effectiveness on the battlefield, Moscow quickly moved to scale their production.

⚡️ Pistorius confirms plan (kyivindependent.com/pistorius-confirms-plan-to-double-germanys-military-aid-to-ukraine/) to double Germany's military aid to Ukraine for 2024, raising the figure from 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion) to 8 billion euros ($8.6 billion). "This is a strong signal to Ukraine, showing we are not giving up on it," Pistorius said, amid rising concerns that the West's focus was shifting to the Israel-Hamas war.

⚡SBU detains (https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-detains-two-people-suspected-of-aiding-russian-strikes-on-kyiv-and-cherkasy/) 2 people allegedly attempting to help coordinate Russian airstrikes on Kyiv and Cherkasy have been detained, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reported on Nov. 13.

⚡Training center for Ukrainian F-16 pilots opens (https://kyivindependent.com/training-center-for-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-opens-in-romania/) in Romania.

⚡️ Russian attack in Kherson kills 1, injures 2 (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-in-kherson-kill-1-injure-2-including-2-month-old-baby/). Russian shelling struck a car on the outskirts of the city of Kherson on Nov. 13, killing the man driving it and injuring a 36-year-old woman and her two-month-old baby [pic]

⚡️ Norway allocates $90 million in humanitarian aid (https://kyivindependent.com/norway-increases-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine-to-almost-90-million/) to Ukraine.

⚡Man who aided (https://kyivindependent.com/man-who-aided-russian-strikes-on-central-kharkiv-sentenced-to-life-in-prison/) Russian strikes on central Kharkiv sentenced to life in prison.

⚡Kherson hit (https://kyivindependent.com/kherson-hit-by-heavy-russian-shelling-2-killed/) by heavy Russian shelling, 2 killed, 10 injured.

⚡️Ombudsman: Pro-Ukrainian student interrogated (https://kyivindependent.com/ombudsman-pro-ukrainian-student-interrogated-in-occupied-crimea-after-ukrainian-ex-mp-publishes-his-message/) in occupied Crimea after Ukrainian ex-MP leaks his message.

A social media post by Iryna Farion, a far-right Ukrainian former lawmaker and linguist, exposed the personal information of a pro-Ukrainian student in occupied Crimea to Russian law enforcement. After Farion published the student's email, saying, among other things, that he's waiting for Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea, a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel posted a video allegedly showing his apology filmed by employees of the Russian Interior Ministry. [poor student]

⚡️Media: Defense Ministry considering dismissal (https://kyivindependent.com/media-defense-ministry-considering-dismissal-of-3-commanders/) of 3 commanders within Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported on Nov. 13 [I wonder why]

The Kyiv Independent, [13/11/2023 17:32]
⚡️Germany to provide Ukraine with 2 more IRIS-T (https://kyivindependent.com/putins-liberal-team-economic-geniuses-or-accomplices-in-aggression/) air defense systems.

[Part 2. To be continued]

Ukraine Invasion: Part 45
blueshoes · 14/11/2023 11:52

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights (continued)

⚡️DTEK contracts (https://kyivindependent.com/dtek-to-import-a-further-70-000-tons-of-coal-from-poland/) another 70,000 tons of coal imports from Poland.

⚡️US purchases 60 Gepard (https://kyivindependent.com/us-purchases-60-gepard-anti-aircraft-guns-from-jordan-to-send-to-ukraine/)anti-aircraft guns from Jordan to send to Ukraine.

⚡️Crimean Tatar leader Dzhemilev receives (https://kyivindependent.com/crimean-tatar-leader-dzhemilev-receives-hero-of-ukraine-title/) Hero of Ukraine title.

⚡️Official: Polish truck drivers won't unblock border (https://kyivindependent.com/official-ukraine-holds-talks-with-polish-strikers-on-border-no-consensus-yet/), talks lead nowhere.

⚡️Media: SBU investigating (https://kyivindependent.com/media-sbu-investigating-8-000-cases-of-suspected-treason/) 8,000 cases of suspected treason.

⚡️Media: 1,300 luxury cars worth a combined $229.6 million enter (https://kyivindependent.com/media-1-300-luxury-cars-enter-russia-despite-sanctions/) Russia despite sanctions. Russia has received 551 Land Rovers, 226 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, 177 Porsches, and other luxury-brand cars since the ban on such imports went into effect on March 15, 2022.

⚡️Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast cause (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-sumy-oblast-cause-100-explosions-in-1-day/) 100 explosions in 1 day.

⚡️Sullivan: 'The window is closing' on US funding (https://kyivindependent.com/sullivan-the-window-is-closing-on-us-funding-for-ukraine/) for Ukraine.

The U.S. Congress needs to approve the White House's request for aid to Ukraine as soon as possible in order to prevent serious consequences for Ukraine's defense, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a press briefing Nov. 13. "Each week that passes, our ability to fully fund what we feel is necessary to give Ukraine the tools and capacities it needs to both defend its territory and continue to make advances, that gets harder and harder," Sullivan told reporters. "So, for us, the window is closing." @MissConductUS

⚡️ Turkey to import record amount (https://kyivindependent.com/turkey-to-import-record-amount-of-russian-urals-oil/) of Russian Urals oil. Russia remains a top oil exporter globally despite U.S. and EU sanctions on Moscow’s energy sector.

⚡️UK: Russia punishing drug and alcohol abusers by sending them to front (https://kyivindependent.com/ghost/#/editor/post/6552f25d7b6218e52bcf0dc2).
in Ukraine in Storm-Z assault detachments, which are effectively penal units in the riskiest positions, the U.K. Ministry of Defense posted on X. “One of the core drivers of poor Russian discipline and substance abuse likely remains the continued lack of opportunity for combat troops to rotate away from the front line.”

⚡️US Treasury: 100 ships from 30 countries helping Russia violate sanctions (https://kyivindependent.com/us-treasury-100-ships-in-30-countries-helping-russia-violate-sanctions/).

⚡️ General Staff: Russia attacks in 7 directions (https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-14/) over past day along the front line from Robotyne in the south to Kupiansk in the northeast over the past day, .

⚡Air Force: Ukraine downs (https://kyivindependent.com/air-force-7-drones-shot-down-overnight/) 7 of 9 attack Shahed "kamikaze" drones overnight.

⚡Russian media: Drone damages (https://kyivindependent.com/media-drone-damages-bryansk-explosives-plant/) Bryansk explosives plant.

⚡️ Politico: Western training for Ukrainian soldiers (https://kyivindependent.com/politico-western-training-for-ukrainians-adapted-after-criticism/) adjusts after criticism that it does not reflect the real situation on Ukraine's battlefield. The main change is a greater emphasis on aerial threat awareness, as Kyiv's forces lack the air superiority dictated by the NATO doctrine.

⚡️ Kuleba: EU shells delay (https://kyivindependent.com/kuleba-eu-shells-delay-due-to-lack-of-political-will-defense-industry-issues/) due to 'lamentable state of the defense industry.' Head of Ukraine's diplomacy believes that the problem is not a lack of political will in the EU but defense industry problems and a "lot of unsynchronized issues, a lot of bureaucracy."

⚡Think tank: Construction of Russian 'kamikaze' drone factory progressing (https://kyivindependent.com/think-tank-construction-of-russian-factory-for-iranian-designed-drones-progressing/). A satellite image from Sept. 15 shows that construction of the plant in Tatarstan directly correlates to leaked plans that the Washington Post published together with the think tank in August. [damn]

⚡️ Austin: South Korea's allies concerned (https://kyivindependent.com/austin-south-koreas-allies-concerned-that-russia-china-helping-north-koreas-military-improve/) that Russia, China aid North Korea's military.

[All done, for now]

Ukraine Invasion: Part 45
Igotjelly · 14/11/2023 16:31

to be honest for all the Defence Secretary is the person who is seen they are supported by an array of Civil Servants and Military leaders. It’s them that need to be in the detail and able to advise. As with any ministerial he doesn’t need to be the brains behind the operation.

Speaking from cough cough experience, having a minister with a direct background in their portfolio isn’t always a plus.

Swipe left for the next trending thread