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 52

1000 replies

MagicFox · 10/10/2024 15:59

Welcome to 52. Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

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
247
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/11/2024 12:50

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The U.S. missile base in Redzikowo, Poland, located just 230 km from the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, was officially opened, according to BILD.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that the base 'significantly strengthens the alliance’s ability to defend against the growing threat of ballistic missiles from beyond the Euro-Atlantic space.'

For 1,000 days, Russia’s proxies have kept supplies flowing, sanctions sidestepped, and weapons streaming into the battlefieldβ€”and that’s only the beginning.
Read more: united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/ukraine-fights-russias-expanding-axis-now-with-north-korea-iran-and-belarus-3737

The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sergey Lavrov, has complained about difficulties with the maintenance of his plane due to sanctions, stating that even 'friendly' countries are refusing to refuel the aircraft assigned to him.

The launch of an Israeli early warning system for missile strikes and UAV threats in Ukraine is nearing completion, according to Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Korniychuk.
He stated that Tel Aviv has provided Kyiv with everything needed for the system’s implementation. Additionally, parts of the system, including Israeli-manufactured three-dimensional radars, are already being used by the Ukrainian military.

For the first time, the EU will finance the joint procurement of weapons, according to DW.
The European Union has approved funding for joint weapons purchases by member states, including missiles and ammunition, some of which will be sent to Ukraine. Five selected projects will be carried out under the 'Strengthening the European Defense Industry through Joint Procurement' (EDIRPA) mechanism, with each initiative receiving 60 million euros. The total funding amounts to 300 million euros.
These procurements include anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems, modern armored vehicles, and ammunition.
Groups of up to nine member countries will participate, with around 20 member states involved overall. Some of these states will be engaging in EDIRPA for the first time.
The initiative aims to address 'critical gaps' in defense capabilities, gaps that have become more pronounced due to the transfer of defense equipment to Ukraine.
The selection of EDIRPA projects followed a European Commission competition held in March, with most projects focusing on supplying weapons to Kyiv.

The U.S. State Department has lowered the travel risk level for nine regions of Ukraine to Level 3: Volyn, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Ternopil, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr.
Overall, the highest Level 4 advisory still applies to all of Ukraine, recommending against any travel to the country due to the ongoing war.

The French military operational group 'Champagne' is nearing the completion of its mission to train a new brigade named after Anna of Kyiv, composed of several thousand Ukrainian soldiers, according to AP.
The French military reports that the brigade's arsenal will include 18 AMX 10 light tanks, 18 Caesar self-propelled howitzers, 128 armored personnel carriers, and anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems, along with other weapons and equipment.

Today in Kryvyi Rih, residents are saying goodbye to Olena Kulyk and her three children: ten-year-old Kyrylo, two-year-old Demyd, and two-month-old Uliana. They lost their lives a few days ago in a Russian attack.

πŸ‡°πŸ‡΅ Photos of North Korean 170-mm M1989 β€˜Koksan’ guns being transported on a railway platform in Krasnoyarsk surfaced online today. First introduced in 1989, this howitzer has a firing range of up to 40 km with standard projectiles and up to 60 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. Its firing rate is 1-2 rounds per minute.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/11/2024 12:54

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights Thread

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Europe is urging the U.S. to send more weapons to Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia before Trump’s inauguration.
European leaders and senior officials are calling on President Joe Biden’s administration to step up support for Ukraine, fearing that Donald Trump’s arrival in office might halt ongoing shipments.
Currently, the U.S. is working on new sanctions against Russia’s oil fleet and North Korea.

πŸ‡±πŸ‡» "Latvia will continue to allocate 0.25% of its GDP to help Ukraine." - the country's president said at a press conference.
He added that Latvia has already included this in its budget for 2025 and 2026.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the internal victory plan will be presented next week.
According to him, it will include 10 points and serve as a β€œfoundational, doctrinal document for Ukraine and for our resilience.”
β–ͺ️Previously, Zelensky mentioned that this plan would address the front line, defense industry, economy and finances, information sphere, justice, regional efforts, and other strategic sectors.

πŸ‡°πŸ‡΅ North Korea has conducted tests of kamikaze drones, with leader Kim Jong Un ordering their mass production, Reuters reports (www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-leader-kim-orders-mass-production-suicide-drones-yonhap-says-2024-11-14/)
As part of the tests, North Korea launched drones across the border to the south. They flew for hours over key areas, including the capital Seoul and the no-fly zone surrounding the South Korean president’s office. This prompted South Korea to deploy its air defense systems.

"Russian military officers are engaged in looting in Kursk region." - ex-governor Starovoit.
Former Kursk Region governor and Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit has once again confirmed the facts of looting in the abandoned settlements at a meeting with residents of the border region.
Yesterday, a similar statement was made by Pavel Zolotarev, the head of Glushkovsky District of Kursk Region. At the same time on Monday TASS published a text that houses in the village of Glushkovo were allegedly looted by the Ukrainian military.
However, Glushkovo was never under the control of the AFU.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a Russian GRU β€œmole” who was providing Defense Forces’ special operations plans in enemy-held territory to the Russians
The suspect, a lieutenant colonel and commander of one of the Special Operations Forces units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, had been recruited by the Russians prior to the full-scale war.

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡±Poland has deployed K2 tanks near the Kaliningrad region
South Korean K2 tanks, which are in service with the Polish army as the main combat vehicle, have been deployed several kilometers from the Russian border in the Polish town of Braniewo, Polish media reported, citing the spokeswoman of the 16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division, Major Magdalena KoΕ›ciΕ„ska.

In the Krasnodar krai, Russia, unidentified drones allegedly attacked the military airfield β€œKrymsk,” according to Russian social media channels
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claims its air defenses destroyed 51 UAVs, with 36 reportedly downed over the Krasnodar krai.

Russian government informs banks that they will begin rehearsing the process of cutting Russians off from foreign internet.

This is Toretsk. A quiet Ukrainian town of about 35.000 people before the war.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/11/2024 12:58

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights Thread

Trump Picks β€˜Favorite of the Russians’ Tulsi Gabbard for Intel Chief
www.kyivpost.com/post/42234

The US intends to transfer all the promised weapons to Ukraine before Biden leaves office β€” Pentagon

Russians expected to expand the increased assaults to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region in the coming days
www.kyivpost.com/post/42213

A massive fire broke out in the Poltava region following an attack, with over 100 rescuers working to extinguish it.
Last night, the Russians struck an industrial facility.
According to the State Emergency Service, more than 100 rescuers and 27 units of equipment were deployed to battle the fire.

US Deputy Secretary of State and Acting Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Richard Verma has arrived in Kyiv

Protesters are storming the parliament building in Russian occupied Abkhazia at this hour in reaction to Russians passing discriminatory laws allowing for increased looting on behalf of Moscow.
Until Russia's 2008 invasion, Abkhazia was part of Georgia, now under Russian control.

When Russia's 2022 invasion broke out, Etsy saw beyond mere numbers behind the 40,000+ sellers from Ukraine.
"When the war broke out, I came home to my wife and said that we needed to contact that seller [from Ukraine] and buy more dishes to support him," Etsy CEO Josh Silverman told Kyiv Post CEO Luc ChΓ©nier during the Lisbon Web Summit.
t.co/QWifRmOKSx

Russian theater director, mother of two young children is sentenced to 8 years in prison for criticizing Russian atrocities in Ukraine
www.kyivpost.com/post/42239

blueshoes · 15/11/2024 20:59

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-14-2024

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kremlin's recent economic policies indicate that the Russian economy will likely face significant challenges in 2025 and that Russian President Vladimir Putin is worried about Russia's economic stability in the long term.
  • Putin modified compensation promised for Russian servicemen wounded while fighting in Ukraine β€” a clear indicator that the Kremlin is trying to cut the mounting short- and long-term costs of the war and restore balance to the Russian economy.
  • The Kremlin's efforts to combat inflation and high interest rates are also reportedly impacting the expansion of the Russian defense industrial base (DIB) and prospects for mobilizing the economy.
  • The Russian DIB is unlikely to match the production rate necessary to replace Russian weapons losses under these monetary policies.
  • The Kremlin is also adopting policies aimed at bolstering the domestic population in the long term, signaling mounting concerns over declining demographics and labor shortages that could threaten the sustainable operations of the Russian DIB.
  • Russian forces recently advanced into Kupyansk during a likely roughly company-sized mechanized assault, although ISW does not assess that Russian forces control the area.
  • A recent Russian state-affiliated poll suggests that most Russian residents feel largely unaffected by the war in Ukraine, supporting reports of growing concerns among Russian officials and elites that many citizens remain indifferent towards the war.
  • Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed on November 14 that Russian President Vladimir Putin is personally dealing with issues concerning Ukraine and that he requires no special envoys, likely in response to reports that US President-elect Donald Trump will "soon" appoint a "Ukrainian peace envoy to lead negotiations on ending the war."
  • Russian forces advanced in the Ukrainian main salient in Kursk Oblast, west of Ukraine's main salient in Kursk Oblast in Glushkovsky Raion, in the Chasiv Yar direction, and in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area.
  • Russian sources are speculating that North Korea may have provided North Korean-produced 170mm M1989 "Koksan" self-propelled artillery systems to Russia. Russian milbloggers published images showing a train transporting alleged North Korean 170mm M1989 β€œKoksan” self-propelled artillery systems in Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/11/2024 11:40

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️ Scholz condemns war, urges Russia to negotiate (kyivindependent.com/scholz-condemns-war-urges-russia-to-negotiate-with-ukraine-in-first-call-with-putin-in-nearly-2-years/) with Ukraine in first call with Putin in nearly 2 years.
During the conversation on 15 November, Scholz condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling on Putin to end it and withdraw Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

⚑️ At least 3 Russian oil refineries on verge of closure (kyivindependent.com/at-least-3-russian-refineries-on-verge-of-closure-reuters-reports/), Reuters reports.
At least three Russian oil refineries have been forced to halt or scale back production due to significant losses and now face the risk of closure, Reuters reported on Nov. 15, citing five undisclosed sources.

⚑️ Ukrainian military fighting in Russia to receive additional financial rewards (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-fighting-in-russia-to-receive-additional-financial-rewards/).

⚑️ War will 'end faster' under Trump administration (kyivindependent.com/war-will-end-faster-under-trump-administration-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
The war "will end faster" under the policies of Donald Trump’s administration, set to take office in January 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Nov. 15 interview with Suspilne.

What Putin hopes to achieve (kyivindependent.com/what-putin-hopes-to-achieve-in-ukraine-before-trump-enters-the-white-house/) in Ukraine before Trump enters the White House

⚑️EU has 'convincing' evidence (kyivindependent.com/eu-china/) of reported Chinese attack drone production for Russia, media reports.
The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell reportedly informed European nations of "convincing" evidence of Chinese production "of lethal aid" to Russia, ahead of an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers, the German media outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) reported on Nov. 15, citing three EU officials.
The lethal aid in question reportedly refers to a Chinese firm's role in attack drone production for Russia in its war against Ukraine. Reuters reported on Sept. 25 citing European intelligence sources that Russia has secretly established a development and production program in China for attack drones to be used in the war.
"We have had reports from intelligence sources on the existence of a factory inside China producing drones which are shipped to Russia," a senior EU official told Politico on Nov. 15.

⚑️Democratic senators urge investigation (kyivindependent.com/democratic-senators-urge-investigation-into-musks-calls-with-russia-reuters-reports/) into Musk's calls with Russia, Reuters reports.
In a letter seen by Reuters on Nov. 15, two senior Democratic senators argued that Musk’s involvement in SpaceX programs should be reviewed for potential debarment and exclusion due to his communications with Russian officials.

⚑️Japanese foreign minister arrives (kyivindependent.com/japanese-foreign-minister-arrives-in-kyiv-2/) in Kyiv.

⚑️EU preparing additional sanctions (kyivindependent.com/eu-iran-sanctions/) against Iran over missile shipments to Russia.

⚑️Ukraine's foreign budget support surpasses (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-foreign-budget-support-surpasses-100-billion-since-start-of-full-scale-war/) $100 billion since start of full-scale war. Of the total external budget support, about 33% of the aid β€” or $33.7 billion β€” has come in the form of non-repayable grants, with the United States providing the plurality of the grant funding.

⚑️ Protesters storm parliament (kyivindependent.com/protesters-storm-parliament-in-georgias-russian-occupied-abkhazia-over-controversial-investment-deal-with-russia/)in Georgia's Russian-occupied Abkhazia over controversial investment deal with Russia. The proposed law seeks to permit Russians to purchase property in Abkhazia.

⚑️ Tbilisi court rejects 11 lawsuits (kyivindependent.com/tbilisi-court-dismisses-opposition-lawsuits-over-election-results/) challenging Georgian election results.

Several companies in Kazakhstan are playing a significant role in helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions by supplying equipment for the development of electronic warfare (EW) systems, according to The Insider, the Russian independent investigative outlet. https://kyivindependent.com/kazakh-companies-supply-electronic-warfare-equipment-to-russia-despite-sanctions-media-reports/

⚑️4 Ukrainian children (kyivindependent.com/4-ukrainian-children-return-home-from-russian-occupied-parts-of-kherson-oblast/) return home from Russian-occupied parts of Kherson Oblast.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ - NOV 16, 2024
β–  Increase in engagements & 10th highest casualties so far
β–  Equipment losses, however, remain below average
β–  πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί shelling & strikes up between days while πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ strikes are focused on fewer targets

Ukraine - The Kyiv Independent

News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine

https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-fighting-in-russia-to-receive-additional-financial-rewards/).

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/11/2024 11:42

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️ Scholz condemns war, urges Russia to negotiate (kyivindependent.com/scholz-condemns-war-urges-russia-to-negotiate-with-ukraine-in-first-call-with-putin-in-nearly-2-years/) with Ukraine in first call with Putin in nearly 2 years.
During the conversation on 15 November, Scholz condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling on Putin to end it and withdraw Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

⚑️Germany, China expected (kyivindependent.com/germany-china-expected-to-discuss-war-in-ukraine-and-north-korean-troops-next-week/) to discuss war in Ukraine, North Korean troops next week.

⚑️'We must do everything to end this war next year through diplomatic means': Zelensky speaks (kyivindependent.com/we-must-do-everything-to-end-this-war-next-year-through-diplomatic-means-zelensky-speaks-on-negotiations-war/) on negotiations, war.

⚑️ At least 3 Russian oil refineries on verge of closure (kyivindependent.com/at-least-3-russian-refineries-on-verge-of-closure-reuters-reports/), Reuters reports.
At least three Russian oil refineries have been forced to halt or scale back production due to significant losses and now face the risk of closure, Reuters reported on Nov. 15, citing five undisclosed sources.

⚑️ Ukrainian military fighting in Russia to receive additional financial rewards (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-fighting-in-russia-to-receive-additional-financial-rewards/).

⚑️ War will 'end faster' under Trump administration (kyivindependent.com/war-will-end-faster-under-trump-administration-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
The war "will end faster" under the policies of Donald Trump’s administration, set to take office in January 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Nov. 15 interview with Suspilne.

What Putin hopes to achieve (kyivindependent.com/what-putin-hopes-to-achieve-in-ukraine-before-trump-enters-the-white-house/) in Ukraine before Trump enters the White House

⚑️EU has 'convincing' evidence (kyivindependent.com/eu-china/) of reported Chinese attack drone production for Russia, media reports.
The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell reportedly informed European nations of "convincing" evidence of Chinese production "of lethal aid" to Russia, ahead of an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers, the German media outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) reported on Nov. 15, citing three EU officials.
The lethal aid in question reportedly refers to a Chinese firm's role in attack drone production for Russia in its war against Ukraine. Reuters reported on Sept. 25 citing European intelligence sources that Russia has secretly established a development and production program in China for attack drones to be used in the war.
"We have had reports from intelligence sources on the existence of a factory inside China producing drones which are shipped to Russia," a senior EU official told Politico on Nov. 15.

⚑️Democratic senators urge investigation (kyivindependent.com/democratic-senators-urge-investigation-into-musks-calls-with-russia-reuters-reports/) into Musk's calls with Russia, Reuters reports.
In a letter seen by Reuters on Nov. 15, two senior Democratic senators argued that Musk’s involvement in SpaceX programs should be reviewed for potential debarment and exclusion due to his communications with Russian officials.

⚑️Japanese foreign minister arrives (kyivindependent.com/japanese-foreign-minister-arrives-in-kyiv-2/) in Kyiv.

⚑️EU preparing additional sanctions (kyivindependent.com/eu-iran-sanctions/) against Iran over missile shipments to Russia.

⚑️Ukraine's foreign budget support surpasses (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-foreign-budget-support-surpasses-100-billion-since-start-of-full-scale-war/) $100 billion since start of full-scale war. Of the total external budget support, about 33% of the aid β€” or $33.7 billion β€” has come in the form of non-repayable grants, with the United States providing the plurality of the grant funding.

⚑️ Protesters storm parliament (kyivindependent.com/protesters-storm-parliament-in-georgias-russian-occupied-abkhazia-over-controversial-investment-deal-with-russia/)in Georgia's Russian-occupied Abkhazia over controversial investment deal with Russia. The proposed law seeks to permit Russians to purchase property in Abkhazia.

⚑️ Tbilisi court rejects 11 lawsuits (kyivindependent.com/tbilisi-court-dismisses-opposition-lawsuits-over-election-results/) challenging Georgian election results.

Several companies in Kazakhstan are playing a significant role in helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions by supplying equipment for the development of electronic warfare (EW) systems, according to The Insider, the Russian independent investigative outlet. https://kyivindependent.com/kazakh-companies-supply-electronic-warfare-equipment-to-russia-despite-sanctions-media-reports/

⚑️Ukraine destroys (kyivindependent.com/interior-ministry-ukraine-destroys-a-10-million-russian-buk-air-defense-system/) $10 million Russian Buk air-defense system, Interior Ministry says.
A drone unit in the National Guard's 27th Pechersk Brigade destroyed a Russian anti-aircraft missile BUK-M1 system worth $10 million, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on Nov 16.

⚑️4 Ukrainian children (kyivindependent.com/4-ukrainian-children-return-home-from-russian-occupied-parts-of-kherson-oblast/) return home from Russian-occupied parts of Kherson Oblast.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ - NOV 16, 2024
β–  Increase in engagements & 10th highest casualties so far
β–  Equipment losses, however, remain below average
β–  πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί shelling & strikes up between days while πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ strikes are focused on fewer targets

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/11/2024 11:45

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Zelenskyy cautioned German Chancellor Olaf Scholz against engaging in a phone call with Putin, warning that it would lessen the Russian leader’s isolation and extend the war, according to a source from the Ukrainian president’s office cited by Reuters.

During an hour-long phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vladimir Putin blamed NATO’s policy for the ongoing crisis, alleging it aimed to establish an anti-Russian stance in Ukraine and ignored Russia’s security concerns and the rights of Russian-speaking populations.
During an hour-long phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vladimir Putin blamed NATO’s policy for the ongoing crisis, alleging it aimed to establish an anti-Russian stance in Ukraine and ignored Russia’s security concerns and the rights of Russian-speaking populations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Ukraine is currently testing four types of domestically produced missiles. During an interview with β€œUkrainian Radio,” he also highlighted that Ukraine possesses a fleet of naval drones.
The president acknowledged the challenging situation in the eastern region, noting that brigade replenishment and staffing had been slow, with some weapons awaited for over a year. He pointed out the need for rotation among exhausted brigades to allow troops to rest, stating, β€œFirst of all, people – then the land.”

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated that Austria will not yield to Putin’s blackmail as Russian Gazprom stops gas supplies due to a dispute with OMV, affecting only Austria while continuing to supply Slovakia and Hungary. Despite dependence on Russian gas, Nehammer assured the public that Austria is prepared, with reserves at 93% and sufficient capacity for alternative imports.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen tests of kamikaze drones and directed their mass production, citing the need for modernized military strategies to match global competition.
These drones, also called β€˜loitering munitions,’ have become prominent in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East. The report highlights North Korea’s history of employing drones for reconnaissance over South Korea. Recently, North Korea and Russia solidified a strategic partnership that includes military collaboration.

Drone technology has shaped 21st-century warfare, but Russia’s war on Ukraine has completely transformed how future wars and conflicts are waged. What are the latest drones used on the frontlines and how is this tech evolving?
Find out more on our website: united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/what-are-the-latest-drones-ukraine-and-russia-deploy-3746

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made an unannounced visit to Ukraine, where he visited a memorial at the Church of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called in Bucha, paying respects and praying for the victims of the Russian occupation. The Japanese Embassy highlighted this moment as an act of solidarity with Ukraine.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/11/2024 11:48

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukraine may resume air travel in Lviv in 2025, according to Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-could-reopen-lviv-airport-2025-broker-says-2024-11-15/)
Kyiv has taken part in discussions with European aviation authorities and airlines on restoring some air travel for almost a year, a senior partner at insurance broker Crispin Ellison of Marsh McLennan told Reuters.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Donald Trump has nominated Doug Burgum for the positions of Chairman of the new U.S. National Energy Council and Secretary of the Interior
Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, advocates for more stringent oversight of the funds allocated to Ukraine. He argues that China, rather than Russia, poses a greater threat to the U.S. However, he has noted that a Russian victory would lead to a strengthened China.

A Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group (DRG) entered Chernihiv Oblast, according to Russian blogger Boris Rozhin
Rozhin claims that the group crossed the β€œpoorly guarded border” and entered the villages of Hremyach and Muravi in Chernihiv oblast, raising the Russian flag on a bridge over the Sudost river.
This bridge was destroyed 1.5 years ago, in April 2023, during an airstrike by a Russian Su-34 fighter jet. The incident occurred a month after the reported raid by the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) in Bryansk oblast.

The situation around Kurakhove remains very difficult
Russian forces continue to exert pressure from the northern, southern, and eastern sides.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/11/2024 11:49

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The regime of Belarusian dictator Lukashenko begins nationwide arrestts of the relatives of jailed critics in advance of January 26th elections
www.kyivpost.com/post/42304

In a large-scale overnight assault, Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 53 out of 83 Russian drones launched across multiple regions of the country. Another 30 drones reportedly went off course or remain unaccounted for.
The attacks targeted the Cherkasy, Odesa, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Zaporizhzhya, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi regions, causing widespread alarms. In addition to the drone offensive, Russian forces launched an S-300 anti-aircraft guided missile strike on the Kharkiv region.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/11/2024 11:49

There is a notable shift in Zelensky's words in the last couple weeks, talking about peace and negotiation and the war ending next year.

blueshoes · 16/11/2024 13:04

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-15-2024

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kremlin is intensifying its reflexive control campaign aimed at influencing Western decision-making in Russia's favor ahead of or in lieu of possible future negotiations about the resolution of the war in Ukraine.
  • Abkhazian oppositionists protested an agreement between the de facto government of Georgia’s Abkhazia region with Russia aimed at enhancing Russian investors’ rights in Abkhazia on November 15.
  • Ukraine's Western partners continue to provide Ukraine with military support via various means and platforms.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Kurakhove, and Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar.
  • The Kremlin continues efforts to expand its "Time of Heroes" program to create a new social class comprised of veterans loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime and ideology.
blueshoes · 16/11/2024 13:43

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/11/2024 11:49

There is a notable shift in Zelensky's words in the last couple weeks, talking about peace and negotiation and the war ending next year.

Zelensky will have to sing the same orange tune and hope to get as much as he can behind-the-scenes in the negotiated 'peace'. I hope European allies step up and support Ukraine in this.

Igotjelly · 16/11/2024 13:45

I would imagine the backstage wheeling dealing and back stabbing is well under way. Not just with Ukraine but I note Musk talking to Iran too. Zelenskyy is a shrewd man and I have faith will do all he can to secure the best outcome for his people. My hope and expectation is he will outplay Trump.

MrsPeterHarris · 16/11/2024 17:06

Here's hoping @Igotjelly

MissConductUS · 16/11/2024 23:13

Here's an interesting article from the WSJ about Ukraine's development of semi-autonomous drones that can evade Russian EW jamming. They use a technology called terminal guidance that's been around for ages in cruise missiles and anti-armor missiles like the Javelin, but at much higher cost. An American company is supplying low cost computer modules that provide the capability, along with other features, like networking between drones and coordinated attacks by drone swarms.

They're in use now, and the Ukrainians are scaling up production to deploy them widely early next year. This could help compensate for the shortage of artillery shells and other western weapons.

Killer Robots Are About to Fill Ukrainian Skies - Kyiv’s drone suppliers are ramping up production of computer-guided drones that are cheap and can’t be electronically jammed

Hillsmakeyoustrong · 17/11/2024 07:06

I have heard from my friend in Kharkiv. The main headlines there...the government's outrage with the people for returning to their homes in Russia occupied Ukraine. There is no housing in free Ukraine for the refugees and the minimum wage of $181 per month has been frozen whilst the cost of living goes up...and the shelling continues...Zelenskyy has his work cut out with Trump but also with his people who are voting with their feet.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 17/11/2024 09:38

The main headlines there...the government's outrage with the people for returning to their homes in Russia occupied Ukraine

People have to live :(

Hillsmakeyoustrong · 17/11/2024 09:49

Indeed they do @DucklingSwimmingInstructress

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 17/11/2024 10:58

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️ Biden meets Xi (kyivindependent.com/biden-meets-xi/), condemns North Korean troops dispatch to Russia.

⚑️G7 leaders reaffirm (kyivindependent.com/g7-leaders-reaffirm-commitment-to-severe-costs-for-russia-and-unwavering-support-for-ukraine/) commitment to 'severe costs' for Russia and 'unwavering support' for Ukraine.

⚑️North Korea delivers (kyivindependent.com/north-korean-delivers-70-missile-launchers-artillery-systems-to-russias-kursk-oblast/) 70 missile launchers, artillery systems to Russia's Kursk Oblast, FT reports.

⚑️ Russia targeted Ukraine's energy grid (kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-on-ukraine/) in early on Nov. 17, targeting β€œpower generation and transmission facilities” across the country, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said.

⚑️ Russia attacks thermal power plants, (kyivindependent.com/thermal-power-plant-seriously-damaged-in-russian-attack-operator-says/) dealing 'serious damage,' operator says.
Russia targeted thermal power plants during a mass strike on the country's power grid on Nov. 17, dealing "serious damage," said the country's largest private energy company, DTEK.

Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine overnight on Nov. 17. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-on-ukraine/

⚑️ Update: Air defenses down 140 (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-on-ukraine/) out of about 210 missiles, drones during Russian attack, Zelensky says.

⚑️Iran denies claims (kyivindependent.com/iran-denies-claims-its-un-envoy-met-with-elon-musk/) its UN envoy met with Elon Musk.

⚑️Russia producing (kyivindependent.com/russia-producing-thermobaric-drones-capable-of-causing-simply-terrifying-damage-to-civilians-ap-reports/) thermobaric drones, capable of causing 'simply terrifying' damage to civilians, AP reports. Thermobaric warheads create a wave of high pressure and heat that is capable of penetrating thick walls, AP reported. The damage caused by thermobaric attack drones would cause damage that would be "simply terrifying" for civilian populations to endure, including collapsed lungs, crushed eyeballs, and brain damage, according to a source familiar with Russian drone production.

⚑️Estonia approves (kyivindependent.com/estonia-approves-delivery-of-additional-military-aid-package-for-ukraine/) delivery of additional military aid package for Ukraine. The latest aid package will include an unspecified amount of munitions and military equipment, including naval uniforms, observation equipment, sights, and protective equipment.

⚑️Ukrainian partisans say they sabotaged (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-partisans-say-they-sabotaged-railway-in-occupied-zaporizhzhia/) railway in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

⚑️Russia cutting off (kyivindependent.com/russia-is-cutting-off-gas-sent-to-austria-via-ukraine-austrian-gas-supplier-says/) gas sent to Austria via Ukraine, Austrian gas supplier says.

⚑️Ukraine, US to partner (kyivindependent.com/new-us-ukraine-energy-partnership-will-develop-small-modular-nuclear-reactors-for-ukraines-steel-industry/) on developing small modular nuclear reactors for reconstruction.

⚑️2 killed, 6 injured in Mykolaiv (kyivindependent.com/1-killed-6-injured-in-mykolaiv-amid-russias-mass-missile-and-drone-attack/) amid Russia’s large-scale missile attack on Ukraine.
⚑️ Update: 2 railway workers killed (kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-on-ukraine/), 3 injured during Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
⚑️ Update: Woman killed (kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-on-ukraine/), 2 civilians injured in Lviv Oblast during Russian attack.
⚑️ Update: Russian mass attack kills 2, injures 1 (kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-on-ukraine/) in Odesa Oblast, another civilian injured in Poltava Oblast.

The Russian personnel losses are 1,640.

Russian visually-confirmed losses of Infantry Fighting Vehicles since the start of their 2022 invasion of Ukraine have exceeded 5 000!
https://x.com/Rebel44CZ/status/1857905475259609380

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ β€ͺNOV 17, 2024
β–  Week: Casualties +22% (record), equipment losses +36%
β–  Day: Drone interceptions above 7-day average
β–  Janovsky: 58 πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί 20 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ added (2.9:1); 30-day ratio at 2.5x ⬆
β–  Less shelling & strikes, strike ratio slightly above average

Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 17/11/2024 11:02

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The Russian defense firm Ruselectronics has developed a radar-absorbing coating for thermobaric artillery systems, making them undetectable to radars, targeting systems, and thermal imagers.
British defense officials noted that Russia deployed 1,300 kamikaze drones toward Ukraine in September. Ukrainian sources claim over 2,000 drones targeted civilian and military sites in October alone.

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ The British defense firm BAE Systems is set to establish a new manufacturing facility dedicated to producing M777 howitzers. This move is part of efforts to bolster military support for Ukraine, as reported by The Telegraph.

Ukraine is advancing towards NATO integration with the launch of the Ukraine-NATO Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC) set to begin operations in Poland next year, as announced by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
Established following the decisions of NATO’s Washington Summit, JATEC will be the first joint institution between Ukraine and NATO. Its mission is to ensure the full compatibility of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with NATO standards and expedite Ukraine’s membership into the Alliance.

An informed source indicated that Russia started deploying fake drones in 2022 to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and locate their positions. Initially, these decoys included balloons with corner reflectors. Over time, Russia has refined and experimented with this tactic.
Journalists noted that the number of drones used against Ukraine in the past month increased by 80% compared to August.

Since the summer, only 6% of drones launched by Russia have reached their targets in Ukraine, as revealed by an Associated Press analysis based on Ukrainian military reports. Most drones are intercepted or disrupted by electronic warfare, while fake dronesβ€”comprising over half of each waveβ€”often crash on their own.

Poland’s military raised its combat aircraft in response to a Russian missile attack on Ukraine, according to the operational command of the Polish army.

❗️The Russian army launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine.
The attack on Ukrainian cities involved:
β–ͺ️ Kh-101/555 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS aircraft;
β–ͺ️ Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles from MiG-31K jets;
β–ͺ️ Iskander-M (KN-23) ballistic missiles;
β–ͺ️ Zircon missiles;
β–ͺ️ Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea;
β–ͺ️ attack UAVs.
Ukrainian Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed several Kh-101/555 cruise missiles, Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, Iskander-M ballistic missiles, a potential hypersonic Zircon missile, and up to a dozen attack UAVs over Kyiv. The Air Force will provide exact details on the intercepted weapons.
❗️ During the night and morning, Russia launched around 120 missiles and 90 drones at Ukraine, President Zelenskyy reported.

⚑️ Air defense forces shot down 144 air targets β€” 102 missiles and 42 UAVs.

Ukraine stands out globally for the educational credentials of its lawmakers. According to data collected by The Economist, nearly 25% of Ukrainian legislators held PhDs when the survey was conducted.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 17/11/2024 11:05

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️The Lviv Regional Military Administration reports that a key heating pipeline was damaged due to recent attacks, leaving 6,000 residents temporarily without heat

A Russian advisor on Trump’s team proposed (www.nytimes.com/2024/11/15/us/politics/boris-epshteyn-trump.html?rsrc=flt&smid=url-share) himself as a special envoy for Ukraine war negotiations β€” NYT
One of President-elect Donald Trump’s advisors, Boris Epshteyn, an ethnic Russian, has suggested himself for the role of special envoy for resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, The New York Times reports, citing four unnamed sources familiar with the situation.
According to NYT, Trump has already granted Epshteyn extraordinary powers and demonstrated a willingness to heed his advice more than others’. Even Elon Musk, who has recently increased his influence on Trump, was reportedly surprised by Epshteyn’s prominence.

Elon Musk Vows to β€œFind Out and Nuke” Those Claiming He Has Ties to Russia
This was (x.com/elonmusk/status/1857593910534508705) Musk’s response to calls from two Democratic senators for an investigation into his alleged connections with the Russian government. The senators highlighted (www.reuters.com/world/us/democratic-senators-ask-pentagon-us-attorney-general-probe-musks-alleged-russia-2024-11-15/) in their letter that Musk benefits from billions in government funding, and any potential links to Putin could jeopardize U.S. national security.
The request was addressed to the Pentagon and the Attorney General. In reply, Musk referred (x.com/elonmusk/status/1857601783587094853?t=ovAEAs93k7tMyIpGohopUw&s=19) to the senators as β€œpuppets.”
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that the billionaire had spoken with Putin multiple times over the past two years.

πŸ”₯Several hours ago, HIMARS struck and eliminated dozens of Russian soldiers in the Zaporizhzhia direction (Tavria village)

The President of Argentina, Javier Milei, cropped Elon Musk out of a photo on X

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 17/11/2024 11:07

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Japan allocates $3B to support Ukraine as part of the G7’s $50B loan initiative, to be repaid with revenues from Russia’s frozen assets.
Ukraine and Japan also signed a cybersecurity cooperation agreement, PM Denys Shmyhal announced after talks with Japan’s FM.

Poland Scrambles Jets During Russia’s Missile Attack on Ukraine
www.kyivpost.com/post/42359

blueshoes · 17/11/2024 13:04

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-16-2024

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian drone operations continue to play a critical role in constraining Russian mechanized maneuver and preventing Russian forces from fully exploiting Ukraine's ongoing manpower constraints.
  • Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine must enter any future negotiations from a position of strength as Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in a negotiated settlement – no matter the negotiating platform or mediator - that results in anything less than Ukrainian capitulation.
  • Russian forces are innovating their long-range strike packages to include decoy Shahed drones and Shahed drones with thermobaric warheads, likely to confuse and exhaust Ukrainian air defenses and increase the damages of long-range strikes.
  • North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has ordered North Korean defense industrial enterprises to begin serial production of likely tactical strike drones – an example of how increasing Russian-North Korean military cooperation allows North Korea to learn from Russia's war in Ukraine.
  • The Russian military command reportedly arrested and removed several commanders within the Russian 3rd Combined Arms Army [CAA] following inaccurate reports they made about alleged Russian advances near Bilohorivka and repeated outcries from the Russian milblogger community.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Svatove, Kreminna, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.
  • Russian opposition outlet Mediazona reported that the Russian Central Bank has recently issued significantly more loan deferments (credit holidays) for Russian military personnel, indicating that Russian military recruitment rates may have increased.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 52
blueshoes · 17/11/2024 13:10

The Russian defense firm Ruselectronics has developed a radar-absorbing coating for thermobaric artillery systems, making them undetectable to radars, targeting systems, and thermal imagers.
British defense officials noted that Russia deployed 1,300 kamikaze drones toward Ukraine in September. Ukrainian sources claim over 2,000 drones targeted civilian and military sites in October alone.

⚑️Russia producing (kyivindependent.com/russia-producing-thermobaric-drones-capable-of-causing-simply-terrifying-damage-to-civilians-ap-reports/) thermobaric drones, capable of causing 'simply terrifying' damage to civilians, AP reports. Thermobaric warheads create a wave of high pressure and heat that is capable of penetrating thick walls, AP reported. The damage caused by thermobaric attack drones would cause damage that would be "simply terrifying" for civilian populations to endure, including collapsed lungs, crushed eyeballs, and brain damage, according to a source familiar with Russian drone production.

This is vicious and barbaric. Beyond words. Bad enough against a military but civilians?? And to make them undetectable by radar. Oh god.

blueshoes · 17/11/2024 13:14

Worried about the massive missile attack on Ukraine's energy system. Is it ongoing? Has it stopped? They must still be assessing the damage. Ukraine had already warned more than a week ago that Russia was amassing their war planes to conduct such a strike ahead of winter.

@notimagain there are reports of Poland and Romania scrambling their own warplanes. Presumably it is to protect their own territory from stray missiles but not Ukraine's territory?

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.
Swipe left for the next trending thread