Ukraine Invasion: Part 50

[MagicFox]

Welcome, with love and thanks to all contributors and lurkers. Unbelievably, we’re on thread 50. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Too late to edit this into my pp, but there are a couple of videos in this article that show what drones can do for peaceful purposes in the hands of a pro:

https://indoordronetours.com/fpv-in-real-estate/

Thanks for that article, @blueshoes.

I sort of get the sense that there's a new imperial dynasty forming, actually. Sort of a cross between that and the way things worked in Soviet times at the top.

It makes me think that Russia isn't ready culturally for a society where ordinary people have an active say, as in democracy

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress

"It makes me think that Russia isn't ready culturally for a society where ordinary people have an active say, as in democracy"

I completely agree, culturally Russians want a "strong leader" even if that comes at the price of democratic freedom. It's naive, arrogant and unrealistic to expect every country in the world to accept that the Western democratic model of Government is the only model and the best model of Government.

Russia tried western democracy with a weaker leader under Yeltsin and it didn't work out to well for them.

Although the election was questionable and opposition leaders silenced or eliminated, I still think that in a free and fair election in Russia that Putin would still have won.

For all those calling for the removal of Putin then there is every chance that he would be replaced by someone more hardline and aggressive.

I agree as well, and I think that the major stressors are going to be the conscription of ethnic Russians when they run out of minorities and prisoners, economic hardship and shortages, and economic failures as a result of labor shortages and international economic sanctions. It also can't help civilian morale that what was supposed to be a two-week smash and grab has turned into an all-out war that's gone on for more than two years with no end in sight. That really speaks to incompetence at the highest levels of the Russian government.

That really speaks to incompetence at the highest levels of the Russian government.

In all ways, from initial assessment of Ukrainian affection for Russia to the start of the invasion (Im still gobsmacked at that 64m stalled army) to the way they've run everything since.

They've alienated a country that felt close links to Russia before!

@1dayatime now you mention it, I wonder if they'd had a stronger leader than Yeltsin then things might have gone better.

But the underlying rather aggressive attitude might still well have made it impossible.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Negotiations needed https://kyivindependent.com/negotiations-needed-to-end-war-in-ukraine-but-putin-cannot-be-trusted-says-mark-milley/ to end war in Ukraine but Putin 'cannot be trusted,' says Mark Milley.

⚡️Military: Russia firing missiles https://kyivindependent.com/an-important-turning-point-russia-firing-missiles-from-azov-sea-black-sea-not-safe-enough/ from Azov Sea, Black Sea 'not safe enough.'
Russia has begun firing Kalibr cruise missiles from warships in the Azov Sea as stationing them in the Black Sea is no longer safe enough, Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on June 22.

⚡️Romanian village poised to become NATO's largest airbase https://kyivindependent.com/romanian-village-poised-to-become-natos-largest-airbase-in-europe/ in Europe.
Romania's Mihai Kogalniceanu (MK) airbase, named after a nearby village honoring a 19th-century liberal politician, is set to become NATO's largest base in Europe, surpassing Ramstein in Germany.

⚡️FT: Around $855 million https://kyivindependent.com/ft-serbia-hints-its-artillery-shells-are-making-their-way-to-ukraine/ in Serbian ammunition reaches Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military has allegedly hit a Pantsir S-1 anti-aircraft missile system in the village of Dubovoe in Belgorod Oblast, Pepel, a media outlet based in the region, claimed on June 22. https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-allegedly-hit-air-defense-system-in-belgorod-oblast-russian-media-claim/

⚡️General Staff: Ukrainian forces hit command post https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-ukrainian-forces-hit-command-post-in-russias-belgorod-region/ in Russia’s Belgorod region.

⚡️Partisans claim infiltration https://kyivindependent.com/partisans-claim-infiltration-of-russian-air-base-leaves-surprises-for-pilots/ of Russian air base, leave 'surprises' for pilots.
The Ukrainian partisan group ATESH has claimed one of its agents successfully infiltrated a Russian air base and hinted at carrying out sabotage operations. In a post on Telegram on June 22, the group said it had scouted the Baltimore airfield in Voronezh, around 220 kilometers north-east from the border with Kharkiv Oblast and home to Russia's 47th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment.

⚡️Russia claims Ukraine attacked Sevastopol with 5 ATACMS missiles https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-ukraine-attacked-sevastopol-with-5-atacms-missiles-killing-3/ killing 3.

⚡️Satellite images show Russia's Shahed warehouse destruction https://kyivindependent.com/satellite-images-show-russias-shahed-warehouse-destruction/
Ukraine's Naval Forces on June 23 published satellite images which confirm the destruction of storage and preparation sites for Shahed-136/Geranium-2 drones in Russia's southern Krasnodar Krai.

⚡️Germany calls for EU-China trade discussions, criticizes Beijing's exports to Russia kyivindependent.com/germany-calls-for-eu-china-trade-discussions-criticizes-beijings-exports-to-russia/

⚡️UK's Nigel Farage doubles down https://kyivindependent.com/uks-nigel-farage-doubles-down-on-controversial-ukraine-putin-comments/ on controversial Ukraine/Putin comments.
British politician Nigel Farage has doubled down on his controversial claim that Russia was provoked into launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the expansion of NATO and the EU.

⚡️UPDATE: Russian attack https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-kharkiv-kills-two-injures-two/ on Kharkiv kills 3, injures 41, including children.
⚡️Russia attacks 10 communities in Sumy Oblast.
⚡️Authorities: Russia’s missile attack on Kyiv Oblast injures 2, damages civilian infrastructure.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson

• JUN 23, 2024

■ Most engagements this year so far, casualties 10% above average ■ Equipment losses 21% above average; 13 missiles intercepted & 50 drones shot down ■ More 🇺🇦 strikes & fewer 🇷🇺 ones; excellent strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The EU has published a list of sanctions against the Russian Federation, including restrictions on Putin's shadow fleet.
The 14th package of sanctions includes a ban on 27 ships transporting Russian oil from entering European ports. Among these are 11 Russian ships, including four container ships that have been delivering shells and missiles from North Korea to Russian Far Eastern ports since last fall.

President of Poland Andrzej Duda arrived on an official visit to China, with security and economic issues, particularly trade, being the most important elements of the visit, according to the office of the Polish president.

A Western diplomat noted that Europe and the US have been working to distance Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić from Putin, with US Ambassador Christopher Gill playing a key role since his arrival in Belgrade after February 2022. "Everyone expected Gill to fight Vučić, but his only task was to distance Belgrade from Moscow... He succeeded. Vučić has not met or even called Putin in years. And of course, there is the question of the supply of weapons that go to Ukraine," said the diplomat.

A wave of crime awaits Russia when the war against Ukraine ends, — Bloomberg.
Russia sent so many men to invade Ukraine that the country's crime rate dropped shortly after the war began. But now their return has caused a new wave of crimes, journalists note.
According to the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, the number of crimes committed by military personnel, which are not related to the war, increased by more than 20% last year. There has been a sharp increase in cases of violent crime, as well as theft and drug-related crimes.
These figures do not take into account the crimes involving tens of thousands of convicts released from prisons to participate in the war under the program created by the "Wagner" PMC. Their return is an early signal of what may happen when hundreds of thousands of men who have been away on the battlefield for a long time return to civilian life.
According to Bloomberg calculations based on data from the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, the number of sexual crimes against minors in the Russian Federation increased by 62% compared to the pre-war period.
"The return of Wagner recruits to Russia came as a shock to the residents of towns and villages, who discovered that among them lived people who, as they thought, were serving long prison terms. Among those pardoned are people convicted of murder and even cannibalism," the article says.
The law, which made it possible to mobilize prisoners, quietly abolished the right to pardon after six months of service, forcing criminals who joined the army to remain in it until the end of the war, like other draftees. However, they return, often resorting to desertion. According to the Supreme Court, the number of crimes involving military personnel increased fourfold in 2023 to 4,409 compared to 2021.
Russian human rights groups estimate that a total of 175,000 ex-prisoners were mobilized to fight against Ukraine.
The post-war spike in crime could cost Russia up to 0.6% of its GDP, according to Alex Isakov, a Russian economist at Bloomberg Economics. In addition to the direct costs of life and property, the state will face higher costs for social protection and security, especially the police, he said.

❗️Russia has again hit Kharkiv with manned aerial bombs, according to the city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov. The private sector came under attack. Preliminary reports indicate that one person was kilked and at least five were injured.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇭🇺 Hungary agreed to EU sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas because it received guarantees that it would be able to complete the Paks-2 nuclear power plant without any obstacles. Budapest is being assisted in the construction by Russia's Rosatom.

"Romanian village to become largest NATO air base in Europe". The BBC is showing https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977wggg4pgo a report from there
This facility is being built against the backdrop of the expansion of the Mihai Kogalniceanu air base: 10,000 military personnel and their families will be able to live there. The area of the base is 2800 hectares.
Soon, it will be home to an F-16 squadron, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and a military camp where NATO ground, air, and naval forces from 32 countries will rotate. The base is located 20 km from the Black Sea coast and 300 km from Odesa.

Exactly a year ago, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced the commencement of a military march towards Moscow. The very next day, Wagner tanks rolled into Rostov-on-Don

Ruins of the Izyum Monastery

What I personally reckon is really impressive in what we’re seeing now in Ukraine is how they have been weaponised, that they seem to have extended flight duration and are managing to work through at least some jamming…and above all the development of tactics that seems to have the darn things hunting in teams.

Hunting in teams. That must be so frightening to be at the receiving end. This is Terminator territory.

The real estate video was a superb showcase for the capabilities of the drone and the operator. The drone could go up a narrow stairway and into a small enclosed space like the bathroom and not bump into anything. The camerawork was smooth and professional. Better than any human hand held camera. Drones have really come a long way. Quite scary actually.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-22-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces appear to be intensifying the tempo of their offensive operations in Donetsk Oblast while decreasing the rate of attacks in northern Kharkiv Oblast — consistent with ISW's assessment that Russian offensive operations in Kharkiv Oblast are primarily intended to fix and distract Ukrainian forces in order to allow Russian forces to intensify elsewhere in theater.
• US policy continues to prohibit Ukrainian forces from striking legitimate military targets in Russian territory in range of Ukrainian HIMARS.
• Russian forces are exploiting the sanctuary that US policy still protects to support Russian combat operations in northern Kharkiv Oblast and elsewhere in Ukraine.
• Russian air defenses will reduce the effectiveness of Ukrainian F-16s if the US does not allow Ukrainian forces to use ATACMS to destroy Russian air defense systems in Russian territory.
• The partial removal of the Russian sanctuary has already had a net positive effect, underscoring the powerful latent potential a larger policy change could achieve.
• Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced on June 21 that the Netherlands and another unspecified country will supply Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system.
• Russian opposition outlet Vazhnye Istorii reported on a series of leadership changes within the Russian Federal Security Service's (FSB) Fifth Service, which reportedly specializes in collecting intelligence within Russia and the former Soviet Union.
• Western countries have reportedly provided Ukraine with roughly 800 million euros ($855.4 million) worth of Serbian-produced ammunition despite Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's ongoing efforts to balance favor between Russia and the West.
• Satellite imagery confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck at least one Russian air defense training center in Krasnodar Krai during recent strikes on June 20 to 21.
• Select Russian milbloggers claimed that unnamed actors, implied to be Ukrainians, conducted a strike using ATACMS against Rostov Oblast, although ISW cannot independently confirm these reports.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Svatove, Chasiv Yar, and Avdiivka.
• Russian law enforcement and security agencies continue working with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) to recruit those accused of criminal offenses into the Russian military, likely as part of ongoing crypto-mobilization efforts.

Fatal attack on churches and synagogues in southern Russia (Dagestan).

No official word on whom (and would we ever get the truth from Russia anyway?), but given the region and targets, Daesh or Daesh-inspired has to be on the list.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crgggwg158do

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress

"@1dayatime now you mention it, I wonder if they'd had a stronger leader than Yeltsin then things might have gone better. "

Ah but they did eventually get a much stronger leader than Yeltsin, namely Putin , but because of that he wasn't that keen on democracy and having the people actually have some control over what he did or didn't do!

Culturally Russian politics has always favoured strong leaders over citizens rights and democracy.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Washington Post: New trade data reveals increased North Korean munitions transfers https://kyivindependent.com/washington-post-new-data-shows-large-suspected-north-korean-munitions-transfers-to-russia/ to Russia.
New internal Russian trade data obtained by the Washington Post shows that Russia may have received 1.6 million artillery shells from North Korea over the course of six months.

⚡️ The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Ukraine used American-provided weapons in a strike on occupied Crimea on June 23 that allegedly killed four people and injured 151. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-blames-us-for-deadly-strike-in-crimea/ Moscow said five Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles were used in the attack, four of which were intercepted, with a fifth exploding in mid-air, leading to "numerous casualties among civilians in Sevastopol."

The European Union has developed a legal workaround to prevent Hungary vetoing a move to use profits from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, the Financial Times (FT) reported on June 24. https://kyivindependent.com/ft-eu-devises-workaround-for-possible-hungary-veto-over-funds-for-ukraine/

⚡️Russian saboteurs likely behind https://kyivindependent.com/russian-saboteurs-likely-behind-arson-attack-on-german-factory-security-officials-tell-wsj/ arson attack on German factory, security officials tell WSJ.
Russian saboteurs were allegedly behind an arson attack on a Berlin factory owned by German metal manufacturer Diehl, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on June 24, citing unnamed security officials.

⚡️Ukraine to receive profits from Russia's frozen assets in 2 tranches starting next week Borrell says.
"We have a process in order to make this work quickly. The first tranche of money will come next week, in July. The second will come some months later," Josep Borrell said during the press briefing in Luxembourg. kyivindependent.com/russian-frozen-assets-to-transfer-to-ukraine-in-2-tranches-with-1st-in-july-borrell-says/

⚡️Mass shooting reported https://kyivindependent.com/media-counter-terrorism-operation-regime-institute-in-russias-dagestan-amid-deadly-attacks/ in Russia's Dagestan region, counterterrorism regime instituted.
A counterterrorism regime was instituted after militants allegedly fired on an Orthodox church and a police post in Russia's Dagestan region, according to preliminary media reports on June 23.

⚡️ Ukraine recorded 715 cases of Russian chemical weapons use on the battlefield in May, 271 more than in the previous month, the Ukrainian military's Support Forces said on June 24.
Most cases were reportedly of CS gas, also referred to as tear gas. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reports-increase-in-russian-chemical-weapon-attacks/

⚡️ SBU detains alleged Russian 'mole,' accuses him of revealing sensitive information about Ukrainian troop positions and defenses on the border with Belarus. https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-detains-alleged-russian-mole-accuse-him-of-revealing-sensitive-belarus-border-info/ info.

⚡️Russian subsidiary of Bank of China stops https://kyivindependent.com/russian-subsidiary-of-bank-of-china-stops-accepting-payments-from-russian-banks-sources-say/ accepting payments from Russian banks, sources say.
The Russian subsidiary of the Chinese state-run Bank of China has stopped accepting payments from Russian banks, the state-controlled media outlet Kommersant reported on June 24, citing unnamed sources.

⚡️EU blocks access to 4 Russian media outlets. https://kyivindependent.com/access-to-4-key-russian-media-outlets-blocked-in-eu-following-eu-council-measure/

⚡️Scholz says his party's support https://kyivindependent.com/scholz-says-his-partys-support-for-ukraine-is-connected-to-its-declining-popularity/ for Ukraine is connected to its declining popularity.
The decreasing popularity of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SDP), headed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is connected to some voters' opposition to the party's support for Ukraine, Scholz said in an interview with Tagesschau published on June 24.

⚡️Kyrgyz man sentenced https://kyivindependent.com/kyrgyz-man-sentenced-to-5-years-in-prison-for-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine/ to 5 years in prison for fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

The Counteroffensive: Crossing the 'gray zone' from Russia into Ukraine https://kyivindependent.com/the-counteroffensive-crossing-the-gray-zone-from-russia-into-ukraine/
They call it the gray zone: a two-kilometer stretch of road contested by both Russian and Ukrainian forces but controlled by neither. Thirty-thousand civilians have braved this treacherous path from Russia into Ukraine's northeastern Sumy Oblast, around 100 miles (161 kilometers) north of Kharkiv. The journey is perilous, often accompanied by shelling as people make their way through.
To leave Russian-occupied territory and enter Ukraine, people must pass through several filtration camps where Russian troops scrutinize documents, belongings, and phones, searching for pro-Ukrainian sentiment. Those who fail filtration risk arrest and deportation to penal colonies.

⚡️Ukrainian national team wins https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-national-team-wins-5-medals-at-european-aquatics-championship/ 5 medals at European Aquatics Championship.
⚡️ 63-year-old woman killed in Russian attack on Toretsk Donetsk Oblast.
⚡️ At least 4 dead, 34 wounded after Russian missile attack on Pokrovsk.
⚡️ Russian guided bomb attack on Kurakhovo in Donetsk Oblast kills man

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦

• JUN 24, 2024

■ Engagements below avg, casualties 10% above ■ Equipment 19% above avg; close to record for special equipment ■ More 🇷🇺 strikes & fewer 🇺🇦 ones; less favorable ratio ■ Janovsky: 34 🇷🇺 4 🇺🇦; 30-day ratio rises to 3.2x

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukrainian defenders hope for deeper strikes on targets in Russia amid the effectiveness of American weapons supplies, — AP
The publication, citing Ukrainian officials, reports that representatives of the Ukrainian government hope to convince American allies to allow the use of ATACMS against specific Russian targets. Despite this, officials note that only desperate conditions on the battlefield can push American partners to take such a step.
The invasion of the Kharkiv region, which depleted precious Ukrainian reserves, prompted the United States to reconsider its stance on allowing strikes on Russian territory.

Slovenia and Ukraine will sign a security agreement on June 27, announced Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar.

Ukraine has received the latest mobile self-propelled howitzer Hawkeye from the American defense company AM General, according to Mike Evans, program director of Soft Recoil Technologies and Fires Programs.
The Hawkeye system was delivered to Ukraine at the end of April and was deployed on the battlefield by early May. It is currently being tested in real combat conditions with actual targets.
The 2-CT Hawkeye Mobile Howitzer System is based on the HMMWV chassis and is equipped with a 105-mm cannon and a digital fire control system. It has a firing rate of eight shots in the first three minutes, a range of 11.6 km with conventional shells, and up to 19.5 km with rocket-assisted shells. The system can be deployed in just 90 seconds.
Hawkeye is designed for "hit and run" tactics, allowing for rapid shelling of enemy positions followed by swift relocation to new positions.

In a recent interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov shared several key insights:

• ATACMS and the Crimean Bridge: Budanov dismissed doubts about the capability of ATACMS missiles to destroy the Crimean Bridge, emphasizing that the only limiting factor is the number of missiles available.

- Warfare Strategy: He stated that Ukraine will not fight to the last citizen. Instead, Kyiv plans to counter Russia's numerical superiority with advanced combat technologies. - Current Frontline Situation: Budanov described the situation on the front lines as "quite difficult" and predicted it might remain so for at least another month. However, he reassured that no catastrophic events, or "Armageddon," are expected. - Impact of UAV Strikes: While acknowledging that UAV strikes on Russia can have a psychological impact and affect the Russian economy, Budanov noted that they are not yet critical to Russia's military potential. - Peace Talks: He emphasized that there is no point in peace negotiations unless all territories captured by Russia are returned, asserting that the state of war would otherwise continue indefinitely.

Russian Tu-95MS bombers at the "Engels" airfield are reportedly changing locations every five hours due to fears of attacks by Ukrainian UAVs, according to Tracking. Although these movements are occasionally for training purposes, in most cases, the Tu-95MS bombers are simply repositioned within the airfield.

Ukraine is set to receive the first batch of ammunition from the Czech initiative by the end of June, according to the Czech Minister of Defense, Jana Černochová.
The exact details of the supplies remain undisclosed due to confidentiality agreements and concerns over potential exploitation by Russian forces. The minister emphasized the importance of honoring commitments to their partners involved in this initiative.

❗️In Kharkiv, guided aerial bombs hit a children's educational institution, resulting in three casualties, according to the mayor.

❗️Following the recent attack on Sevastopol, there has been a noticeable increase in tourists canceling their trips to the annexed Crimea. This development was reported by the Astra publication, citing the Association of Tour Operators of Russia. In response to these cancellations, the general director of the tour operator "Dolphin" announced that the company would fully refund tourists' money if they choose to cancel their tours to Crimea.

Here is a photo showing the aftermath of a Ukrainian missile strike in Yeysk. According to the General Staff of Ukraine, the attack targeted a warehouse storing Shahed drones and the accommodation area for service personnel and instructors.

The ratio of tank losses of the Russians and Ukraine was shown by OSINT researcher Cyrus
The graph shows data from August 2023. The gap in losses is widening in favor of Ukraine.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🔥The Platan Research Institute, which develops and manufactures electronic parts and radio components, caught fire near Moscow in the town of Fryazino

🇷🇴🇺🇦 Ukraine and Romania will cooperate in the production of ammunition and maintenance of equipment
The defense industry associations of the two countries have signed a memorandum that will promote the development of the Ukrainian defense industry.

In Dagestan, Russia, the head of the Sergokalinsky district was detained because, as it turns out, his children were involved in today's attacks on Makhachkala and Derbent
At the same time, Russia announced the start of an "anti-terrorist operation" in the region. Russian media occasionally report on shooting in both Makhachkala and Derbent.
There is also information that "head of the Dagestan police department" was killed during the fighting in Dbent.
In total, the number of Russian security forces killed exceeded 10.

❗️Unknown persons staged a shooting on the Russian-Abkhazian border, near the checkpoint on the Psou River, Abkhazian Telegram channels and witnesses of the incident reported
Victims and wounded are reported.

🇪🇺 The EU has approved the 14th package of sanctions against Russia.
The sanctions include 116 individuals and legal entities of the Russian Federation. The restrictions include:
▫️A ban on the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas in the EU for transshipment to third countries;
▫️EU companies are now responsible for ensuring that their subsidiaries in third countries do not circumvent sanctions against Russia
▫️A ban on airlines operating charters and private flights around the world at the request of Russian citizens.

In 2023, SBU Sea Baby maritime drones performed the world's first successful remote mining
The Wall Street Journal writes (www.wsj.com/world/naval-drones-innovation-warfare-ukraine-russia-ce35adfa?mod=europe_news_article_pos1) that after the first use of maritime drones by Ukrainians, Russians closed the ports of Sevastopol with barriers. The SBU came up with an alternative option – the installation of 180-kilogram bottom mines on the routes of Russian ships. And it worked.
The corvette Samum, the patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin, a large tugboat, and a modern minesweeper, of which Russia had only two, exploded in the mines.

❗️Azov Brigade Chief of Staff Bohdan Krotevych wrote a letter to the State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine calling for criminal proceedings against a Ukrainian general who "killed more Ukrainian soldiers than any Russian general." [who it is, is not named as far as I can see]

Russians occupy Novooleksandrivka and approach Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway - DeepState

ATACMS strikes are getting through in Crimea. This one took out a huge long-range radar facility about 12 hours after the one in Sevastopol. The Russians have lost a lot of radar coverage in Crimea, which indicates it is a prime target for F-16 operations.

https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1804968315024199767

Why are Russian tourists still going to Crimea? I remember reports from last summer of them fleeing the beaches when there were missile attacks. It's a bloody war zone, you idiots.

I find it hard to get terribly upset about a very small number of tourists getting killed by the defenders of a country in which hundreds and thousands of civilians have been killed by the invaders, who incidentally share a nationality with the tourists who have died.

I find myself muttering about getting things in proportion.

You're not alone.

Same here. The BBC was going on about it and I thought exactly that, where's the sense of proportion.

I have to say the killing of the tourists, including it has to be said babies and children, makes me incredibly uncomfortable and I think we risk losing the moral high ground if we allow those things to become normalised. Babies and children can NEVER be active participants in a conflict but they can be victims.

I think the killing of babies and children (as well as other protected persons under the Geneva Convention) by western made weapons is frankly repugnant if it’s intentional and practically risks the use of those weapons being curtailed by the US and other backers.

I support Ukraine as you’ll all know but I don’t think that gives them the right to ignore the rules of war.

Is there evidence that they did ignore those rules, though? Serious question, because I wouldn't trust a word the Russians say.

I abhor the intentional killing of any innocent people

Crimean beach was the result of ruzzian air defence. Not intentional.

And certainly not the terrorist act claimed by the russians

I totally agree with this

I’m not saying this specific incident was anything akin to what the Russians are claiming, I just think it’s a bit morally questionable to suggest that its okay if a few Russian babies die because they’re just collateral and it’s all in proportion. The loss of any innocent civilian life is a tragedy, particularly of children and I think it’s important the Ukrainians are held to the same moral and legal standards as we wish the Russians were.

It's "if it is intentional" that I am unsure about.

Also, that holds so long as we can be absolutely sure this was not a false flag operation – I mean, does anyone seriously think Putin would care about half a dozen children being obliterated if it made the other side in his war look bad, and made it likely that arms for Ukraine might be cut back by the west?

My money would be on genuine accident, since Ukraine has been being quite incredibly careful about who it kills up until now, but the other possibility seems to be, well, a possibility. One with two obvious advantages for Russia.