Oorlog in Oekra�ne #972 - Iran zonder president

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Russia may launch massive missile strike on Ukraine — Defense Express

Satellite images of Russia's Olenya airfield in Murmansk Oblast suggest preparations for a massive missile strike on Ukraine, military portal Defense Express reported on May 19.

As of May 15, 12 Tu-95MS strategic bombers, 13 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, one Tu-160, and two An-12 military transport aircraft were spotted at the airfield.

Defense Express highlights that Ukraine needs to monitor the Olenya airbase closely, as it is a key site for Russian Air Forces to launch massive missile strikes against Ukraine.

British and Ukrainian intelligence estimate that Russia still has approximately 40 Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers in its strategic aviation and can use them for large-scale missile strikes on Ukraine.

This means that Russia has gathered a third of its combat-ready bombers of this type at the Olenya airfield at once.

Defense Express reports that deploying a third of the combat-ready Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 fleet at such a remote airfield may indicate that Russia is preparing for new strikes on Ukraine's critical infrastructure and is also trying to protect its most valuable aircraft from potential long-range kamikaze drone attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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India Confirms Participation in G-7 and Ukraine Peace Summits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India will attend all significant summits promoting global peace, security, and development. He made this statement in reference to invitations to attend the G-7 meeting and the Ukraine Peace Summit that will take place next month.

In an interview, the Prime Minister emphasized India’s role in advocating for the Global South at these summits to influence global discussions and promote a vision for human-centered development in a peaceful and prosperous world.

“The level of participation will be the factor of timing, logistics, and parallel commitments,” Modi stated in response to a question on whether he will be attending the two multilateral meetings.

Coinciding with a major global gathering, the G-7 Summit in Italy June 13-15, Switzerland will host a Peace Summit for Ukraine June 15-16.

Modi views the invitations to both events as a recognition of India’s growing significance and contributions to international affairs.

He linked these invitations to India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), emphasizing India’s strong commitment to global engagement.

“India will be participating in all important summits that promote the agenda of global peace, security, and development,” according to Modi.

In March 2024, during a phone call with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s interest in strengthening trade and economic relations with India.

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Britain and Finland will become strategic partners in the fight against Russian aggression
Britain and Finland will sign a new strategic partnership agreement on Monday to strengthen ties and counter the "threat of Russian aggression", the British Foreign Secretary said. Source: Voice of America

According to a Foreign Office press release, both countries will declare Russia "the most significant and direct threat to European peace and stability."

The agreement will be approved by British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen in London.

“As we stand together in support of Ukraine, including through military assistance and training, we are clear that the threat of Russian aggression once war has begun will not be tolerated,” Cameron said.

“This strategic partnership, based on our shared values, will enable the UK and Finland to intensify cooperation to strengthen European security, as well as seize new opportunities, from science and technology to closer energy ties,” he added.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the countries will work together to counter Russian disinformation, malicious cyber activity and support the recovery, reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine.

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Powerful explosions in Luhansk: Strikes on Russian training base reported

On May 20, a series of explosions were recorded in Luhansk occupied by the Russian army near the village of Yuvileine. The so-called Academy of Internal Affairs was hit, according to Tribune.

According to residents, there were about eight explosions, and only once was the Russian air defense system activated. The Russian occupiers were based on the territory.

HIMARS and missiles strikes
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are constantly striking at Russian military targets in the occupied territory of the Luhansk region.

In particular, after a strike on an oil depot in Luhansk on May 7, the Russians are experiencing serious fuel problems.

In addition, an oil depot in the town of Rovenky was hit on May 10, which resulted in a large fire.

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Explosion in Luhansk: Russian military base reportedly hit

Explosion rocks occupied Luhansk at Eduard Didorenko University, long used by Russian troops as a base
Radio Liberty reported the informtion, citing local Telegram channels and Artem Lysohor, head of the Luhansk regional military administration.

On May 20, an explosion occurred in occupied Luhansk. According to Radio Liberty's Donbas Realities project, the Luhansk State University of Internal Affairs named after Eduard Didorenko was struck. According to the project's sources, Russian troops have been based there for a long time.

Donbas Realities cites reports in local Telegram channels, according to which eyewitnesses saw military and artillery shells being brought into the area of the attack.

The head of the Regional Military Administration also reported a hit on the village of Yuvileine in the Luhansk city community, where the university is located.

"In local chats, Luhansk residents confirm that a military camp has been set up at the site of the hit in the middle of civilian buildings. Until 2014, an academy of internal affairs was operating in the area, which was then chosen by the Russians (as a base - ed.)," he said.

The "LPR" armed group accused the Ukrainian Armed Forces of the attack. The Ukrainian command has not yet commented on the situation.

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The village of Soloviove turned into a “cemetery” of Russian armored vehicles

^{Destroyed Russian BMP-1 near the village of Soloviove in the Donetsk region. May, 2024. Ukraine. Footage from the video of the 47th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine}

The Russian military has already lost more than two dozen armored vehicles with infantry near the village of Soloviove.

In early May, the Russian command set out to break through the Ukrainian military’s defenses near the village of Soloviove in the Donetsk region.

Soloviove is located in the Avdiivka direction, south of Ocheretyne. The settlement came under occupation in late April.

However, the Russian invaders cannot advance further than the village and are exposed to powerful attacks by the Ukrainian military.

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Over 260,000 Ukrainians swiftly update military data via Reserve+ app
As of today, 260,000 Ukrainians have updated their data for draft offices in Reserve+ mobile application, said Dmytro Lazutkin, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on May 20.

Lazutkin highlighted the immediate impact of the app, which was launched just two days ago, on May 18. "If we talk about the Reserve+ app, a service that was launched on May 18 and immediately caused a stir, about 260,000 Ukrainians have updated their data," he stated.

Read also: Not all draft updates lead to summon — General Staff

He noted that the app has been used 80 times more frequently for updating personal information than Administrative Services Centers. However, there is no complete data yet on how many people have visited local draft offices to update their information, as "the process is ongoing."

Lazutkin added that a total of 600,000 individuals eligible for military service, both within Ukraine and abroad, have logged into the app.

Read also: Ukraine tightens penalties on draft dodging as Zelenskyy signs new law

Mobilization bill in Ukraine
A new mobilization bill came into force in Ukraine on May 18. It requires men aged 18-60 to update their military registration data within 60 days - by July 16. The documents of persons liable for military service who have updated their data will have VIN codes (barcodes) pasted into them.

You can update your data in your e-cabinet, in the Reserve+ mobile application, directly in the Administrative Services Centers or draft offices.

This bill also stipulates obligation to carry military registration documents at all times, provides for new rules for serving summonses, reservations, restrictions for evaders, and more.

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U.S. Approves $100 Million Equipment Maintenance Support for Ukraine
The U.S. State Department approves $100 million worth of services for sustainment support of various U.S. systems for Ukraine.

According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, under Foreign Military Sales, the services will also include related equipment.

The Agency informed Congress of the possibility of implementing this program on May 16, 2024.

“The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy equipment and services for sustainment support of vehicles and weapon systems,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.

The request was made under the Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (CLSSA) or the Simplified Non-Standard Acquisition Program (SNAP), as well as other related elements of logistics and program support.

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Russian Tank Convoy Blunders into Ukrainian Minefield

During the offensive, the Russians sent their own tank convoy of six vehicles on the Ukrainian minefield.

The video was released by the Russian side.

The footage shows one of the episodes of the offensive, during which the command launched a tank unit into a minefield, without warning them about the threat.

The author of the video with the call sign “Chelyabinsk,” who seems to have coordinated the work of two tank platoons from the command post, sent a convoy along a well-trodden dirt road through the field towards the Ukrainian positions.

However, the invaders had problems with anti-tank mines and the Ukrainian ATGM crew: the roads were densely mined, according to other military officials.

“Kuzya, the driver is 300 [wounded], the triplex is broken,” the invaders were informing “Chelyabinsk”, while reporting about the consequences of blowing up the tank on a mine. In response to this, the commander only ordered them to drive blindly, using cameras.

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Spain supplies Ukraine with second batch of Leopard tanks and 155-mm ammunition
Margarita Robles, Minister of Defence of Spain, announced the delivery of the second batch of Leopard tanks and other military aid to Ukraine on 20 May.

Source: Robles during the 22nd meeting of the Contact Group for Ukraine’s Defence (Ramstein format), as reported by European Pravda

Details: In her speech Robles confirmed Spain’s commitments to "continue to provide the aid Ukraine deserves and needs with utmost urgency" due to the critical situation in the combat zone.

She announced the delivery of the second batch of Leopard tanks to Ukraine which will be conducted at the end of June, as well as of 155-mm artillery ammunition and new batch on anti-aircraft Patriot, anti-drone systems, optical-electronic system etc.

Robles stated that Ukraine would receive a new military aid package within the contribution of the Spanish defence industry.

She added separately that Spain had an intention to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine in the future.

Background: Back in March the media reported that Madrid was preparing a batch with 19 Leopard 2A4 tanks for Kyiv. Robles did not officially disclose neither the quantity nor the type of tanks Ukraine would receive.

At the previous Ramstein meeting Robles announced the supply of supplementary 155 and 120 mm ammunition to Ukraine, a set of long-range anti-aircraft interception missiles for Patriot air defence systems and other armament.

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Lavrov Roars: Peace Isn’t Their Goal
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s outspoken Foreign Minister, claims that the upcoming major peace conference on Ukraine, set to be held in Switzerland, is not about peace at all.

With dozens of countries set to attend, the conference promises significant diplomatic engagement.

However, China remains unresponsive to the invitation, and Russia was never invited. Countries from South America, Africa, and the Middle East have confirmed their attendance.

“A Waste of Time”
Lavrov didn’t mince words when discussing the conference, labeling it a waste of time.

“We can hardly believe that grown people are engaging in this nonsense. They are wasting their time,” he said, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.

Switzerland, known for its neutrality, has received 50 registrations from individual countries, with about half of them from outside Europe, Swiss President Viola Amherd announced on Wednesday. So far, over 160 delegations have signed up, according to NTB.

“Hostile Steps Against Russia”
Diplomatic sources indicate that the talks in Lucerne will primarily focus on reducing the risks posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Lavrov sees a different agenda.

“The goal is not to achieve peace. It is rather to turn as many countries as possible against Russia, ensuring further hostile steps against us. Our partners in the global south understand this,” Lavrov thundered.

He pointed to the presence of American-made, long-range ATACMS missiles in Ukraine as evidence that the West is not interested in serious peace talks.

“They want to settle things on the battlefield. And we are ready for that – always,” Lavrov asserted.

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The announced Marders will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of September

The General Director of the German concern Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, announced that the delivery of the previously declared 40 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine will take place between May and September this year.

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Dutch Government Sends Advanced YPR Armored Vehicles with RCWS to Ukraine

^{The Dutch YPR-765 IFV with a RCWS, which is being prepared for shipment to Ukraine. May 2024. The Netherlands. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands}

The Dutch government prepared for Ukraine a batch of YPR armored vehicles, which were equipped with remote weapon stations.

The Dutch Defense Ministry said that they are transferring this equipment at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

YPR infantry fighting vehicles are equipped with RCWS remote weapon stations.

They allow the crew to control the weapon from inside the vehicle. YPRs will be able to provide battlefield fire support more effectively.

Remotely controlled weapons provide the shooter with additional safety.

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5 years of Zelenskyy's presidency: Pain points Russia pressing on and risks for Ukraine's government

RBC-Ukraine analyzes what Ukraine faces in the sixth year of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presidency and how Russia will try to spin the situation soon.

When five years ago, on May 20, 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy walked into the Verkhovna Rada for his inauguration and high-fived his supporters gathered outside the parliament, he had a different vision of his five years as president. In addition to the current internal Ukrainian turmoil, his term included the COVID-19 pandemic considered the most difficult challenge for 2020 - and then the full-scale Russian invasion, which made all previous problems seem insignificant.

If the Russian invasion had not happened, Ukraine would now be preparing for the inauguration of a new head of state. But because of the great war, Ukraine is now thinking not about elections, inauguration, or reformatting the parliament, but about the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, problems in the energy sector, and, of course, mobilization.

To these objective difficulties are added the ones that have been pulled out of the air. For several months now, Russia has been trying to swing the theme of Zelenskyy's alleged illegitimacy as President after May 20, the end of his five-year term. The day before, in Beijing, Vladimir Putin made it clear in plain text that from now on, Russia would be pushing the illegitimacy theme even more actively.

Ukraine's military and political leadership had long warned that the end of May and June would be difficult for Ukraine, even by its usual standards. The pressure on the frontline and strikes in the energy sector are compounded by the unpopular topic of mobilization through social media and the infection of Ukrainians with the illegitimacy thought virus.

Obviously, according to Russian calculations, all of this together should lead to an explosion of discontent in Ukraine, a change or at least a weakening of the government, and, as a result, defeat at the front.

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Tusk: Poland signs contract with European Investment Bank to join Sky Shield Initiative
The Polish government signed a contract with the European Investment Bank (EIB) worth 300 million euros (around $326 million) to construct its part of the pan-European air defense, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Tusk said in April that Poland is interested in joining the European Sky Shield Initiative, which currently includes 21 countries. The initiative aims to create an Iron Dome-style air defense system covering several European NATO member states.

On May 20, Tusk announced that "in a few days," he and other European prime ministers would present the project of building an Iron Dome over Europe, adding that "the idea of pan-European air defense" is not a dream, but "a practical plan."

The loan from the EIB will cover the development of the satellite and reconnaissance systems, an essential part of the project, according to the Polish prime minister.

"We will take advantage of these European opportunities because (...) Europe's security depends largely on Poland's security," Tusk said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was the first to propose Iron Dome construction over Europe in August 2022.

The proposal was made amid intensified Russian attacks against Ukraine and increased concerns about European limited capabilities of air defense.

In December 2022, Scholz expressed hope that the initiative would be developed in the next five years.

The European Sky Shield Initiative is expected to use medium-range IRIS-T, long-range Patriot, and exoatmospheric Arrow 3 anti-ballistic systems.

Iron Dome is an air defense system initially designed by Israel. The system can operate under adverse weather conditions and respond to multiple threats simultaneously.

It can also intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells launched from 4 to 70 kilometers (nearly 3 to 44 miles) away.

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Op maandag 20 mei 2024 23:41 schreef oheng het volgende:
RIA: The government has suspended the ban on gasoline exports untill june 30.
Maar de prijzen zijn gestegen.

Nog meer vreemd economisch nieuws:
RIA: The Bank of Russia launched a campaign to exchange small change for paper money

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The Libyan House of Fatwas declared jihad against the Russian Afrika Korps
The Libyan House of Fatwa issued a fatwa declaring jihad against Russian forces, particularly the Afrika Korps, calling it a religious obligation of the Libyan people, especially the revolutionary brigades. Source: Libya Observer

In a statement, the Shariah and House of Fatwa Research Council expressed concern about Russian intervention in Libya, noting the arrival of Russian military forces and weapons in preparation for the deployment of the so-called "Africa Korps" in Libya and neighboring countries.

The council said Russia's armed presence on Libyan territory constituted an occupation and "an invasion by an aggressive infidel state."

He called on everyone with resources, weapons or authority to support the revolutionary brigades in driving out the occupiers and those who support them. However, he noted that defensive jihad against Russian forces should not lead to the replacement of one occupier with another.

The statement also underlines the position of Western countries, including the United States, regarding the Russian presence and its cooperation with the Libyans in the resistance, considering it deceptive and unreliable.

Many Russian weapons and mercenaries arriving in Libya do not stay put, but are used in Russian Afrika Korps operations in the Sahel and Sudan. The activities of the Afrika Korps are limited to supporting junta regimes in exchange for contracts for the extraction of gold and minerals. The Russian approach does not provide long-term solutions to conflicts in Africa or development assistance, making it less attractive to legitimate African leaders than support from the US and EU.

However, despite the growing Russian military presence in Tobruk, without a large navy and air defense presence, it does not pose a direct threat to NATO - for now.

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Poland arrests nine suspects over alleged Russian sabotage plot
Prime minister Donald Tusk says detained are accused of ‘beatings, arson and attempted arson’

Poland has arrested nine members of an alleged Russian spy ring in connection with alleged sabotage plots, prime minister Donald Tusk said on Monday.

“We currently have nine suspects detained and indicted, who have been directly implicated in the name of Russian (intelligence) services in acts of sabotage in Poland,” Tusk told private broadcaster TVN24.

“These are Ukrainian, Belarusian and Polish citizens,” Tusk said, suggesting some may have been recruited from criminal circles.

Those detained are accused of “beatings, arson and attempted arson,” according to Tusk, who said the Russian plots concern not just Poland, but also Lithuania, Latvia and possibly Sweden.

An international investigation is under way, he said.

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Lithuanian border guard to be given heavy weaponry
Lithuanian border guards are to be equipped with heavy weaponry, the country’s interior minister announced on Monday.

Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defense will contribute to equipping the border guard, interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė said as she accompanied the prime minister, Ingrida �imonytė, on a tour of the country’s border posts on Monday.

The interior minister declined to specify what sort of weapons the border guard would receive, but said the move came in response to the war in Ukraine.

The head of the State Border Guard Service explained, however, that they would be primarily anti-personnel weapons.

“The weaponry we plan to acquire in the first phase will not require special training,” Rustamas Liubajevas said. “It will be intended for use against soldiers.” He added that it would also be suitable for use against certain technical equipment.

Prime Minister �imonytė said in a statement issued by her chancellery that the “inflow of illegal migration across the Lithuanian-Belarusian border and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine show that all the means we use to protect the state borders have to be constantly updated and strengthened.”

The prime minister went on to point out that border guards are the first people in any country to “greet those who are not expected.”

Lithuania shares a 650-km border with Belarus.

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Medvedev says Zelensky is 'legitimate military target'
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, told the state-run TASS media outlet on May 20 that President Volodymyr Zelensky is a "legitimate military target."

Medvedev, who previously served as Russia's president from 2008 to 2012, has regularly used bellicose language in an attempt to intimidate the West and Ukraine.

In February, Medvedev threatened that Russia would use nuclear weapons against the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Ukraine if Moscow lost control of all of the territory of Ukraine it currently occupies.

"(Zelensky) already heads a political regime hostile to Russia, which is waging war on us," Medvedev said.

"And the leaders of countries waging war are always considered a legitimate military target."

Medvedev had previously portrayed himself as a liberal but has become one of Russia's most aggressive pro-war hawks since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. He has increasingly played the role formerly filled by the late politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky, famous for his flamboyant and aggressive rhetoric.

Zelensky reportedly avoided several assassination attempts at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) also said earlier in May 2024 that it had uncovered a network of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) agents who were planning to assassinate Zelensky and other high-ranking officials in Ukraine.