Ukraine Invasion: Part 46

[MagicFox]

With thanks to all keeping these threads going 🇺🇦

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Here's a silver lining to the massive storm in Ukraine. Any Russian helicopters not in shelters or flown out before the storm are likely combat ineffective.

https://twitter.com/TrentTelenko/status/1728923998803923100

Joining for a somewhat disheartened pmk, hate that Russia just seems to keep going and images of Gaza have replaced images of Ukraine 🇺🇦

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Military intelligence: Budanov's wife poisoned. kyivindependent.com/military-intelligence-budanovs-wife-poisoned/
Marianna Budanova, the wife of Ukraine's Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov, was poisoned, a representative of the military intelligence agency (HUR), not allowed to go public at this time, told the Kyiv Independent on Nov. 28.
The Ukrainian media outlet Babel reported earlier today, citing undisclosed military intelligence sources, that Budanova was hospitalized due to heavy metal poisoning. [Poor woman. I hope she pulls through]

Ukrainian forces struck an aircraft plant in the Russian city of Smolensk overnight, Hromadske reported on Nov. 27, citing its source in Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR).

U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence and optimism in Congress' ability to secure additional funding for both Israel and Ukraine, he said in Florida on Nov. 27 https://kyivindependent.com/us-speaker-johnson-says-hes-confident-ukraine-israel-aid-will-pass-house/

⚡️DTEK: Russian attack on power plant in front-line Ukrainian region causes blackout https://kyivindependent.com/media-ukraine-hits-aircraft-factory-in-russias-smolensk/

⚡️ Exiled mayor: Ukrainian resistance blows up car https://kyivindependent.com/exiled-mayor-resistance-blows-up-car-with-pro-russian-chechen-fighters/ with pro-Russian Chechen fighters near Melitopol.

Zelensky held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Zelensky said on Telegram on Nov. 27. https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-holds-call-with-saudi-crown-prince/

The blockade on the Polish border is complicating the import of goods, which may lead to higher prices for some products like imported food, a survey published by Interfax-Ukraine on Nov. 27 shows. https://kyivindependent.com/survey-polish-border-blockade-may-ramp-up-imported-retail-goods-prices/

Poland's Infrastructure Minister Andrzej Adamczyk sent a proposal that Ukraine exempt trucks returning to the EU without cargo from being registered in its electronic queue system, the Polish government said on Nov. 27. https://kyivindependent.com/poland-sends-proposal-to-ukraine/

⚡️Germany provides https://kyivindependent.com/germany-provides-328-million-for-ukraines-energy-grid/ $328 million for Ukraine's energy grid.

⚡Russian media: Russian company imports https://kyivindependent.com/russian-company-imports-spare-parts-for-airplanes-helicopters-from-ukrainian-factories/ aircraft, helicopter parts from Ukrainian factories.
Spare parts used to repair Russian military airplanes and helicopters appear to have been imported from a number of Ukrainian factories, according to an investigation from independent Russian news outlet Important Stories that was published on Nov. 27. [wtf?!]

⚡️Russia adds another missile carrier https://kyivindependent.com/russia-adds-another-missile-carrier-to-black-sea-despite-storm/ to Black Sea despite storm.

Polish President Andrzej Duda has officially appointed Mateusz Morawiecki, who has been Prime Minister of Poland since 2017, as the head of a proposed new government, Duda's office reported on Nov. 27. https://kyivindependent.com/duda-appoints-new-polish-government-morawiecki-stays-as-pm/

⚡️ Scythian artifacts from occupied Crimea returned to Ukraine from Netherlands. https://kyivindependent.com/customs-service-scythian-gold-already-in-ukraine/

Judicial reform in limbo https://kyivindependent.com/judicial-reform-in-limbo-as-only-few-tainted-judges-are-fired-or-convicted/ as only few tainted judges are fired or convicted. The Constitutional Court’s fate hangs in the balance as several discredited judges have been appointed to a panel that will vet candidates for future Constitutional Court jobs.

Viktor Zhora, a former deputy head of the State Special Communications Service, was detained on Nov. 27 in connection to a state funds embezzlement scheme, the Higher Anti-Corruption Court reported. https://kyivindependent.com/second-ukrainian-cyber-ex-official-detained-over-corruption-charges/ Zhora, the service's former head Yurii Shchyhol, and four others are suspected of embezzling Hr 62 million ($1.7 million) in state funds allocated for the purchase of equipment and software between 2020 and 2022.

Military officials in Kyiv Oblast were charged over illegally selling food from the Armed Forces' supplies for personal gain, the State Bureau of Investigation reported on Nov. 27. https://kyivindependent.com/military-officials-exposed-for-illegally-selling-army-food-supplies/

A Ukrainian regional council member in Russian-occupied Kherson is suspected of treason for supplying Russian occupying forces with fuel and food through multiple companies under his control, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on Nov. 27. https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-kherson-council-member-supplies-russia/

⚡️ https://kyivindependent.com/update-10-people-dead-23-injured-due-to-bad-weather/

⚡️Emergency services rescue https://kyivindependent.com/emergency-services-rescue-nearly-2000-people-stuck-in-snow-in-odesa-oblast/ nearly 2,000 people stuck in snow in Odesa Oblast.

High troop losses despite the storm, unless the storm caused some of them.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson
⚡️ WAR IN #UKRAINE - NOV 28
■ Combat engagements & attacked settlements up between days, strikes down
■ Relatively few equipment losses but troop losses in the high 800+
■ Oryx: 54 🇷🇺 31 🇺🇦 net change after corrections & removal of duplicates

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

"Ukraine will have the opportunity to become a NATO member once the conflict with Russia concludes, provided it successfully implements essential reforms," stated NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg.

🇪🇺 Vice-President of the European Commission, European Commissioner for Values and Transparency Vera Yurova arrived in Kyiv and discussed the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU with members of the Council.

Hungary refused to support proposals regarding the 12th package of EU sanctions against the Russian Federation, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations of Hungary, Peter Szijártó. [Putrid brain-rotted money-blooded decomposing toads]

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, held talks in Budapest.

The "Patriot" air defense system has proven its effectiveness by intercepting 15 supersonic "Kinjal" missiles and dozens of other ballistic missiles, as stated by the spokesman of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The imposition of oil sanctions against Russia is increasingly posing challenges for the Kremlin due to the limitations of non-dollar currency payments. Currently, there is no resolution in sight, significantly impeding oil sales to Asia, reports Reuters.
The conversion issue became critical when, in July 2023, India, the largest purchaser of Russian crude oil, demanded payment in rupees. This nearly halted trade with the Russian Federation.
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation reportedly declines revenue in non-convertible currencies with minimal value beyond India.
A temporary solution involved payment for shipments using a mix of Chinese yuan, Hong Kong dollars as an intermediary currency for yuan, and the UAE dirham, which is tied to the dollar. The report highlights persistent difficulties in identifying a viable alternative to the dollar, affecting buyers in Africa, China, and Türkiye—major purchasers of Russian oil.

❗️Putin approved increase in military spending to record level since USSR, — The Moscow Times
For the first time since Soviet times, the Kremlin will direct almost a third of all expenses to the maintenance of the army and the defense-industrial complex. In 2024, 10.775 trillion rubles will be spent on national defense—70% more than in 2023, 2.3 times more than in 2022, and three times more than in the pre-war year 2021.
30% of the 2024 budget will go to the army and the People's Army, 40% to all security forces together. [this will seriously impoverish Russia. Just a reminder: In the recent big military trade fair in the ME, Russia concluded ... no ... contracts as of the time of its ending]

⚡️Yale University history professor Timothy Snyder is spearheading the launch of the project "History of Ukraine: A Global Initiative" alongside several dozen scientists. The project aims to delve into the extensive history of modern Ukrainian territories and the diverse communities that have inhabited them over millennia, with a three-year timeline.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy was the most influential person in Europe 2022 according to the American magazine Politico
Putin was also included in the list. As the loser of the year.

Checking in. Sadly. Waiting desperately for the day we disband.

Yes .... never wanted more badly than now for our work to be unnecessary :(

On the glum side again:

Russia is stepping up its invasion of Ukraine, sending more soldiers to die than at any time since the war began, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has said.
He posted the comment in response to a British Intelligence report on the situation at the front in Ukraine.

Putin's doubling and tripling down. Huge numbers of men, there seems a serious expectation of a post-election general mobilization, and 30-40% of next year's budget goes towards security.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Exports of military-grade goods such as microchips and optical sights from Turkey to Russia are on the rise, raising concerns in the US and EU, which are trying to prevent such goods from reaching Russia - FT

🔥The Air Force spokesman confirmed the destruction of Russian aircraft over the Bryansk region in May using Patriot air defense systems.
In an interview with Novynarnya, Yuriy Ihnat said that he calls May 13, 2023, the "Bryansk massacre". Then, "thanks to non-standard actions," Patriot units destroyed five aircraft in five minutes - one Su-34 fighter, one Su-35, two rare Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopters, and another Mi-8.
Ihnat added that shortly after these events, a Patriot shot down another Su-35 over the Black Sea.

❗️Germany and the United States denied https://www.dw.com/ru/berlin-otverg-utverzdenie-bild-o-sekretnom-plane-dla-ukrainy/a-67564963 Bild journalist Julian Röpke's article about an alleged "secret plan" to push Ukraine to negotiate with Russia to end a full-scale war.

The Russian side suspended the exchange of prisoners of war to influence Ukrainian society and create the impression that the government is not dealing with this issue.

The New York Times has been downplaying Ukrainian tragedies since 1932
[ The NYT has a very patchy record with Ukraine. This article is an example; the figure 14,000-18,000 Palestinian deaths has been bandied about since Oct 7th this year.
Ukraine's offical figures at 10,000 civilian deaths. HOWEVER, this does NOT include the occupied territories. We do not know how many have died, but it could realistically be into the 6 figures. So for the NYT to say 'less have died in Ukraine' is deeply misleading. ]
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/11/1143852

30-40% of their budget on military/security - how will they afford anything else? Healthcare, education, everything is going to suffer. Hopefully that's the catalyst for the Russian people to say stop.

The Russian people never seem to say 'stop'. There was talk of a protest from soldiers mothers recently but it was shut down within hours. I'm sure most Russian people didn't even hear of it given the increasingly tight control of social media/internet there.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-27-2023

Key Takeaways:

• A cyclone in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine caused infrastructure damage in many areas of coastal southern Russia and occupied Ukraine and is impacting the tempo of military operations along the frontline in Ukraine, but has notably not stopped military activity entirely.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and several Russian milbloggers stated that Russia must maintain active operations in Ukraine and expressed worry over the prospect of further Western military support to Ukraine.
• Some milbloggers additionally expressed increased discontent with the perceived lack of articulated Russian war aims and stated Russia must clarify its war aims before discussing any pause or end to the war.
• Ukrainian National Defense and Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov stated that the Kremlin has activated a network of sleeper agents in Ukraine in the past few months to destabilize Ukrainian society.
• Russia’s attempt to artificially create a migrant crisis at the Finnish border appears to be failing due to Finnish authorities’ swift response.
• The Kremlin appears to be shifting responsibility for potential future austerity measures onto Russian occupation heads and the heads of four select Russian republics.
• Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, near Avdiivka, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and did not make confirmed advances.
• Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy Lieutenant General Viktor Astapov confirmed on November 27 that the Russian navy is reorganizing naval infantry brigades into divisions in order to increase their combat capabilities.
• Likely Ukrainian partisans continue to target Russian occupation elements throughout occupied Ukraine.

Budanov's wife hospitalised through suspected poisoning

That's a big mistake by whoever was responsible. I'd hate to anger him

F__ the NYT.

I hope it is not true about Budanov's wife 😞and if so, she recovers. With the numerous assassination attempts on Zelensky, we are reminded what utter gangsters the Kremlin are.

The "Bryansk massacre" of five Russian aircraft in five minutes by Patriot air defense systems, along with possible damage of Russian helicopters during the recent storm in Crimea, is giving me things to be happy about.

@backtowinter Yes. Hitting at his family is the lowest of the low, and I don't suppose he will forget.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-28-2023

Key Takeaways:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated a two-part conception of Russian identity in a speech on November 28: a “Russian nation” – claimed to include Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians – at the center of Russian identity; and a wider ‘Russian world” including other non-East Slavic ethnicities in both modern Russia and the former territory of the Soviet Union and Russian Empire.
• Head of the Kremlin-controlled Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill of Moscow stated that Russia needs to “significantly adjust” its migration policies for the “preservation of Russian culture,” highlighting the perceived superiority of ethnic Russians to other regional ethnicities.
• Russian officials appear to be attempting to further disenfranchise migrants living in Russia, likely to support ongoing efforts to coerce migrants into military service while also appeasing increasingly xenophobic Russian ultranationalists.
• The Kremlin continues to focus heavily on setting informational conditions for the upcoming 2024 Russian presidential elections and will likely formally commence Putin’s “campaign” on December 14. [why bother when the result is a foregone conclusion]
• Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Spokesperson Andriy Yusov stated on November 28 that unspecified actors poisoned GUR Head Kyrylo Budanov’s wife Marianna Budanova.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law significantly increasing Russian federal expenditures in 2024, reportedly including a record level of defense spending.
• A prominent Russian milblogger continued to highlight mid-level command problems among Russian forces operating on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast, amid continued complaints about weak Russian capabilities and the vulnerability of Russian ground lines of communications (GLOCs) on the east bank.
• A Russian insider source claimed on November 28 that Russian authorities detained at least three additional Moscow-based Federal Security Service (FSB) employees in connection with a 5-billion-ruble ($55.6 million) bribery case.
• Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mehdi Farhi announced on November 28 that Russia and Iran finalized the purchase of Russian aircraft.
• Russian forces continued offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, near Avdiivka, west and southwest of Donetsk City, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and advanced near Kupyansk and Avdiivka.
• Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov announced on November 27 that Chechnya formed two new regiments and one battalion subordinated under the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and an operational battalion subordinated under Rosgvardia.
• Occupation administrations in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts signed an agreement to develop closer economic ties with Rostov and Voronezh oblasts on November 28.

Forgot to post this too.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights.

The current Western defense deliveries to Ukraine were insufficient to maintain a high-intensity operation, Czech President Petr Pavel said when discussing Kyiv's counteroffensive in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera published on Nov. 2
https://kyivindependent.com/czech-president-western-military-aid-for-ukraine-insufficient-for-major-operation/

⚡️Finland to close https://kyivindependent.com/finland-to-close-entire-border-with-russia-for-2-weeks/ entire border with Russia for 2 weeks.

⚡️Crippling Black Sea storm reportedly destroys https://kyivindependent.com/crippling-black-sea-storm-reportedly-destroys-kerch-bridge-barriers/ Kerch Bridge barriers.
Deadly weather that pounded the Black Sea region on Nov. 27 in what some have dubbed ‘storm of the century’ has washed away Russia-installed barriers intended to protect the Kerch Bridge and Sevastopol bay, OSINT researchers said on X. [come on Ukraine, take the chance!!]

⚡️ National Resistance Center: 5 high-ranking Russian officials https://kyivindependent.com/resistance-5-high-ranking-russian-officials-killed-in-strike-on-occupied-kherson-oblast/ killed in strike on occupied Kherson Oblast.

Iran has finalized arrangements for the delivery of Russian Su-35 fighter jets and Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Mahdi Farahi told Tashim news agency on Nov. 28. https://kyivindependent.com/media-iran-finalizes-deal-to-buy-russian-fighter-jets-helicopters/

⚡️ Reuters: Russia likely driving revitalization of North Korean https://kyivindependent.com/reuters-russia-likely-driving-revitalization-of-north-korean-special-economic-zone/ special economic zone.

⚡️ EU sanctions envoy: Kazakhstan reducing export of dual-use goods https://kyivindependent.com/eu-sanctions-envoy-kazakhstan-reducing-export-of-dual-use-goods-to-russia/ to Russia.

⚡️ Kuleba to boycott OSCE meeting https://kyivindependent.com/kuleba-to-boycott-next-osce-ministerial-meeting-over-russian-delegations-presence/ over Russian delegation's presence.

⚡️ Baltic foreign ministers to boycott OSCE meeting https://kyivindependent.com/baltic-foreign-ministers-to-boycott-osce-meeting-over-russian-delegations-presence/ over Russian delegation's presence.

⚡️ Parliament chairman: Ukraine to open office in European Parliament https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-speaker-ukraine-to-open-office-in-european-parliament/

⚡️Stoltenberg: NATO's European members, Canada providing half of military support https://kyivindependent.com/stoltenberg-european-nato-allies-canada-provide-half-of-military-support-for-ukraine/ for Ukraine.

⚡️ Zelensky signs 2024 state budget.https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-signs-2024-state-budget/ State budget revenues were set at Hr 1.78 trillion ($49 billion), while expenditures were almost double, at Hr 3.35 trillion ($93 billion).

⚡️ Multi-year synchronization project between Ukrenergo, European power operators completed https://kyivindependent.com/multi-year-synchronization-project-between-ukrenergo-european-power-operators-completed/
The project to synchronize the state grid operator Ukrenergo to its counterparts in continental Europe has been completed, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) reported on Nov. 28.

⚡️ Media: EU Commission sees no major https://kyivindependent.com/media-eu-commission-sees-no-negative-impact-of-ukraines-agriculture-exports-on-european-markets/ negative impact of Ukraine's agriculture exports on European markets.

⚡️ Media: Ukrainian truckers stage counterprotest https://kyivindependent.com/media-ukrainian-truckers-stage-counterprotest-at-polish-border/ at Polish border.

⚡️ Polish ministers visit protesters https://kyivindependent.com/polish-ministers-visit-protesters-at-polish-border-to-address-crisis/ at Polish-Ukrainian border to address crisis.

⚡️Slovak truckers announce blockade on Ukraine border starting Dec. 1 https://kyivindependent.com/slovak-truckers-announce-blockade-on-ukraine-border-starting-dec-1/

⚡️ Russian submarines lurk in Black Sea despite inclement weather. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-submarines-remain-in-black-sea-despite-inclement-weather/

⚡️ Russian Interior Ministry prepares draft law requiring foreign visitors https://kyivindependent.com/russian-interior-ministry-prepares-draft-law-requiring-foreign-visitors-to-sign-loyalty-agreement/ to sign 'loyalty agreement.'
The proposed law, which was seen by correspondents of the Russian state news agency TASS, would prohibit “hindering the activities of Russian public authorities” as well as “discrediting the external and internal state policies of Russia, public bodies, and their officials in any form.”

⚡️ Reuters: US Ukraine aid brought major investments https://kyivindependent.com/reuters-us-ukraine-aid-brought-major-investment-to-texas-arizona-pennsylvania/ to Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania.

Mandatory evacuation of children from Kharkiv Oblast's Kupiansk district has finished after 296 children were rescued from the area constantly targeted by Russian attacks, the regional police said on Nov. 27. https://kyivindependent.com/police-finish-mandatory-evacuation-of-children-from-kupiansk-district/

⚡️ Media: EU to likely ban trade of Russian diamonds https://kyivindependent.com/media-eu-to-ban-trade-of-russian-diamonds/

Faces of Torture | Investigation into Russians and collaborators who abused Ukrainian POWs

⚡️Olenivka POW camp, where Ukrainians were tortured, was likely supervised https://kyivindependent.com/olenivka-pow-camp-where-ukrainians-were-tortured-was-likely-supervised-by-a-high-ranking-official-from-moscow/ by a high-ranking official from Moscow.

⚡️SBU arrests https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-arrests-woman-suspected-of-aiding-russian-strikes-on-odesa/ woman suspected of aiding Russian strikes on Odesa.

⚡️ POLITICO on Nov. 28 named President Volodymyr Zelensky ‘dreamer of the year,’ recognizing https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-named-dreamer-of-the-year-by-politico/ him among historical figures including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Winston Churchill.

Crazy high losses again.

Ragnar Gudmundsson

WAR IN #UKRAINE - NOV 28
■ Combat engagements & attacked settlements up between days, strikes down
■ Relatively few equipment losses but troop losses in the high 800+
■ Oryx: 5431net change after corrections & removal of duplicates

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

⚡️The Russian Federation spent $1.5 billion on the anti-Ukrainian information campaign "Maidan 3", — Main Intelligence Directorate
"Maidan-3" has become the most expensive Russian informational special operation against Ukraine since 2014. Telegram spent $250 million on its service alone. The operation is aimed at inciting enmity, exacerbating contradictions in Ukraine, as well as instilling fear and panic.
Putin's first deputy Kiriyenko is responsible for the fall-winter destabilization project in Ukraine. Also, Vice Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vladyslav Surkov, who used to be an ideologue of the so-called "Novorossiya" project, participates in the Kremlin's plan to shift the emphasis from external threats to internal contradictions in Ukraine.

☢️ There are certain issues arising from the escalation of radiation levels in Mariupol, which are attributed to the aftermath of the bombings by the Russian Federation.
Petro Andryushchenko, an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol, highlighted this concern. He pointed out that experts had previously calculated the cumulative TNT equivalent of bombs, rockets, and missiles dropped on the city, surpassing even the quantities dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Consequently, the rise in radiation levels can be logically linked to these bombings.
Andryushchenko also mentioned that the occupiers have been trying to convey to the population that the increased radiation levels are a result of the storm.

A Tunnel to Crimea: China denies any rumors regarding their involvement in the named project.
Recently, The Washington Post reported, citing data intercepted by Ukrainian intelligence services, that Russian and Chinese businessmen with ties to the government secretly discussed plans to build an underwater tunnel connecting Russia with occupied Ukraine's Crimea.

Ukraine presented and agreed with its allies on an adapted Annual National Program for further reforms in accordance with the requirements of the Alliance, Stoltenberg said.

💡The United States contributes $25 million to the Energy Support Fund of Ukraine, — the Ministry of Energy.
This is the first US government contribution to the Fund. The funds will be used to purchase equipment to restore the energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks.
The total amount of pledges from sponsors to the Fund reaches over €329 million.
About 192 million euros have already been transferred from 15 public and private sector sponsors from different countries.

🇱🇹Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis believes that the West is not open and candid enough about what Russia's war against Ukraine really means and suggested that this may be due to fear of escalation.

A storm in the occupied Crimea destroyed the barricades protecting the Kerch bridge and the Sevastopol bay from attacks.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Germany and the United States denied https://www.dw.com/ru/berlin-otverg-utverzdenie-bild-o-sekretnom-plane-dla-ukrainy/a-67564963 Bild journalist Julian Röpke's article about an alleged "secret plan" to push Ukraine to negotiate with Russia to end a full-scale war.

Timothy Snyder, a professor of history at Yale University, along with dozens of scholars, is launching the Ukrainian History: A Global Initiative project. Its goal is to explore the deep history of the lands of modern Ukraine and the peoples who inhabited them over three thousand years.

NATO Secretary General: F-16 delivery to Ukraine will not radically change the situation on the battlefield and we need to prepare for a long war

🇫🇮 In the Finnish city of Turku, a kindergarten will be built on the site of the former Russian Consulate General building. The city will spend more than 1.5 million euros on the project. No one will coordinate the construction with the Russian Federation.

Putin declared that it's the "Russian world" that is the civilization against the barbarians.
"We are fighting today not only for the freedom of Russia, but for the freedom of the whole world," said the tyrant and mass murderer.

🇰🇿A citizen of Kazakhstan was sentenced to more than six years in prison for participating in the war against Ukraine as part of the Wagner PMC. Despite the fact that the Kazakh authorities have not directly condemned Russia's war against Ukraine, the participation of Kazakh citizens in foreign wars is illegal.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 The White House has named the states that have benefited most financially from military aid to Ukraine.
Pennsylvania received the most - $2.3 billion in spending and investments in weapons and ammunition production. At the same time, three out of eight Republicans from the state voted against the aid.
Arizona received $2.1 billion and Texas $1.4 billion for the production of 155-mm shells and other weapons. Companies from Arkansas and Wisconsin received contracts worth more than $1 billion. Another $18 billion was distributed among companies located in two dozen other states. In addition to earnings, weapons for Ukraine mean jobs for Americans.

Seems that the US and the UK think the huge Ukrainian reported figures of Russian dead/seriously wounded are feasible, apparently.

Ducks, the point that US lethal aid to Ukraine is funding jobs and investments in the US was what brought the new Speaker of the House around to supporting it, reportedly.

Re the Russian General who was killed by a landmine, this is a feature of the Russian military command doctrine, not a bug. Because they don't allow lower level officers to interpret what's called the "commander's intent" and make their own decisions about how to carry out the mission, Russian Generals have to make an appearance anytime things aren't going to plan. No one else is empowered to deviate from the plan.

the point that US lethal aid to Ukraine is funding jobs and investments in the US was what brought the new Speaker of the House around to supporting it, reportedly. If he really is, then great

Remember the beginning of the war when the 64km army was stuck outside Kyiv, and a General went to the front and waved his arms around and a (female) sniper took the chance ... :D

Snipers are trained to shoot officers first; the higher ranking, the better. That's why troops in a combat zone aren't required to salute their officers in passing. It points them out to snipers who are too far away to read the rank markings on their uniforms.

Snipers, yes. I didn't think that land mines were so discriminating. Was it one of their own?

Ah, moved on from the days of the shooting the one with skinny calves then.

(British officers wore breeches in WWI – much to the delight of German sharpshooters).

I looked for that detail, but it wasn't reported. It's safe to assume that a Russian mine took him out. He was unlikely to be close enough to the Ukrainian lines to step on one of theirs.

Russian Generals like to run about, waving their arms and yelling at everyone. That might have had something to do with it.