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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:22 schreef zalkc het volgende:
Zo traag was ik nu ook weer niet

Russian media on Ukraine's invasion of Kursk.

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Today, we take a look at how the Kremlin propaganda reacted to the recent events in the Kursk region. The Russian media began to reassure the public that everything was under control, that the matter was handled by Putin himself. How did the Russian propaganda spin the Ukrainian attack on Kursk? Who did they blame for it and did they yet again threaten the West? Our Russian expert, Katarzyna Chawryło gives a thorough analysis of the current Russian propaganda

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:20 schreef ExTec het volgende:
Nou, volgens de orcs zelf blijft het dus nog wel ff spannend.

[ x ]

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:24 schreef Korenfok het volgende:
Goeie samenvatting van ruslands reactie op de invasie.
- Vanaf eerste moment Het dient enkele militair doel
-Alles is (bijna) onder controle
-Eigenlijk is het onmogelijk voor rusland om zijn grenzen te beschermen omdat die zo groot zijn.

Russian media on Ukraine's invasion of Kursk.

synopsis

SPOILER

Today, we take a look at how the Kremlin propaganda reacted to the recent events in the Kursk region. The Russian media began to reassure the public that everything was under control, that the matter was handled by Putin himself. How did the Russian propaganda spin the Ukrainian attack on Kursk? Who did they blame for it and did they yet again threaten the West? Our Russian expert, Katarzyna Chawryło gives a thorough analysis of the current Russian propaganda

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:25 schreef voetbalmanager2 het volgende:

[..]
Eerder vandaag riepen ze nog dat de situatie volledig onder controle was en de Oekra�ners teruggedrongen waren.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:29 schreef Seeburg54 het volgende:

[..]
Maarja, Russen liegen best vaak.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:32 schreef zalkc het volgende:

[..]
Ze cre�ren een wenselijke waarheid. Liegen is dat je probeert een ander te misleiden, maar in dit geval weet de ander dat je liegt en weet jij dat de ander dat weet.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 19:52 schreef polderturk het volgende:
Dead orcs.

[ x ]

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:32 schreef zalkc het volgende:

[..]
Ze cre�ren een wenselijke waarheid. Liegen is dat je probeert een ander te misleiden, maar in dit geval weet de ander dat je liegt en weet jij dat de ander dat weet.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:46 schreef Korenfok het volgende:

[..]
Die ander is de Russische bevolking waar ze tegen liegen. Poetin heeft het imago van stabiliteit voor rusland binnen zijn grenzen, waarlijk wahala van normen en waarde, rust en stabiliteit en niet zoals in het decadente westen.

Rusland is Een gids land volgens sommigen Kamerleden in Nederland.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:53 schreef oheng het volgende:

[..]
mja, maar als 900ml gesteriliseerde melk 70 eurodollar cent kost, en een pensioen soms slechts 130 eurodollar is... Nota bene: 900ml. Dan valt dat wel mee met dat walhalla.
Overigens wel grappig dat je walhalla noemt, als je de geschiedenis bekijkt van dit gebied in de vroege middeleeuwen.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:44 schreef Kukelecucktsju10 het volgende:

[..]
Ik kan hier uren naar kijken.

En dat ga ik ook doen.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 23:00 schreef MaxMark het volgende:

[..]
Filmpje blijkt van een soortgelijke aanval uit eind 2023 in Kherson te zijn, zie: https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1731954408299053290

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 19:52 schreef polderturk het volgende:
Dead orcs.

[ x ]

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 22:58 schreef Korenfok het volgende:

[..]
Ze hadden die ilusie ook prima in stand kunnen houden. Als Poetin en zijn Kremlin, niet verbitterd waren voor het verlies van hun Moederland (Sovjet Unie). als ze zich met de realiteit konden verenigen (sovjet unie is uit elkaar gevallen en de staten willen een westerse koers en niet onder groot Rusland vallen), dan hadden ze nog 4 generaties tsjaar kunnen spelen.

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Today, russia attacked Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region.
The terrorists hit a supermarket and a post office.
At least 11 people were killed and 44 wounded.
The punishment for the war criminals is inevitable!

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Rheinmetall to supply Ukraine with eight Forward Surgical Team stations


^{Forward Surgical Team station from Rheinmetall. Manufacturer's photo}

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver eight additional Forward Surgical Team stations for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The company announced this on its official website.

The contract provides for the manufacture and supply of eight Forward Surgical Team stations (FST) from Rheinmetall to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The order is part of the strengthening initiative (“Ert�chtigungsinitiative”) of the Federal Government of Germany. The delivery is expected to begin in 2024 and to be completed by the end 2026.

The order comprises eight turnkey-ready systems, equipped with highly modern medical technology, among them an x-ray-container, an operating theater and a unit for intensive care on the standard of a modern hospital.

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^{The work of surgeons in the Forward Surgical Team station. The photo is illustrative}

For transporting each rescue unit, Rheinmetall also delivers a mobile component consisting of three HGVs from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMW) including the trailers. The order is valued in a medium double-digit million Euro range.

In addition to the delivery of FST rescue units, it is also envisaged to give appropriate Ukrainian personnel a one week’s training in Germany.

Rheinmetall received a preliminary order for the supply of two Forward Surgical Team stations for Ukraine in June 2023.

The contract was worth �8 million. The first system was to be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in late 2023, and the second – at the beginning of 2024.

Forward Surgical Team (FST)
FSTs are intended for damage control surgery, or DCS. They enable lifesaving procedures to be carried out very quickly on badly wounded soldiers close to the frontline of the battlefield. Patients are stabilized and prepared for being transported to other medical units in the rear for further treatment in field hospitals or stationary facilities.

^{A model of the Forward Surgical Team system by the Rheinmetall company}

Highly mobile, Forward Surgical Teams are swiftly ready to operate due to the short set-up times – and to jump at short notice in response to shifting front lines.

A sheltered FST system comprises three sets of vehicles, each consisting of a truck, a trailer and a total of six containers, which remain truck- and trailer-mounted even during operation.

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Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 23:18 schreef oheng het volgende:

[..]
Mja, revanchisme is een bitch. Vraag Frankrijk en Duitsland maar sinds 1648.

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Elite Ukrainian Assault Brigade Joins Reported Incursion into Kursk Region, Says Forbes
Forbes reports, that one of Ukraine’s most elite and rapid brigades has joined the Russian invasion, as part of the ongoing operation in southern Russia’s Kursk Region.

A video shared on social media on Thursday shows a column of military vehicles, including a T-64BV or T-80BV tank, a UR-77 mine-clearing vehicle, an IMR-2 engineering vehicle, BTR-80s, and US-made Stryker wheeled armored personnel carriers passing by a Ukrainian mortar crew. All vehicles are equipped with anti-drone cages, and infantry can be seen on top of the BTR-80s. The video, featuring an 82-millimeter mortar firing, captures the early stages of a significant Ukrainian assault on Russian positions.

The 80th Air Assault Brigade is the only unit that utilizes this specific mix of ex-Soviet and ex-American equipment. Further information comes from a separate video, captured by a Russian drone, showing strikes on ex-German Marder tracked fighting vehicles in Kursk Oblast.

The 80th Air Assault Brigade, similar to its counterpart the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, operates both Marders and Strykers. The Marders are heavy, while the Strykers are fast, aligning with the brigade’s preference for swift and powerful strikes.

The report states that, unlike previous small-scale raids into southern Russia, this operation may involve at least three brigades—22nd and 88th Mechanized Brigades and the 80th Air Assault Brigade—along with critical support from artillery, drones, and air defenses.

According to Forbes, the exact number of Ukrainian troops involved may be around 10,000 and the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces, which defends the border area, comprises approximately 48,000 troops, the Northern Grouping is currently engaged in Vovchansk, a Ukrainian border town 90 miles southeast of Sudzha.

Ukrainian forces appear to have intentionally crossed the border at a point where the Northern Grouping was weakest. The Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies noted, “The Ukrainian defense forces’ command has successfully achieved operational surprise.”

The rapid pace and scale of the Ukrainian offensive have caught Russian commanders off guard, as reflected by a noticeable delay in decision-making, according to the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies. “A noticeable delay in decision-making by the command of the enemy’s… [northern] operational grouping indicates a misjudgment of the likely nature of the Ukrainian defense forces’ actions,” CDS report stated.

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According to Forbes, the exact number of Ukrainian troops involved may be around 10,000 and the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces, which defends the border area, comprises approximately 48,000 troops, the Northern Grouping is currently engaged in Vovchansk, a Ukrainian border town 90 miles southeast of Sudzha.

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Russian army loses 115 troops, 56 equipment units in Kharkiv direction over past day
In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian army lost 115 troops and 56 equipment units over the past day, reported the “Kharkiv” group of forces.

Russia started its new offensive north and northeast in the Kharkiv region in May, but Ukrainian troops have stabilized the frontline in this section since. Now, heavy battles are ongoing in and around Vovchansk (three miles from the border, 46 miles away from Kharkiv) and near Lyptsi (six miles from the border, 12 miles from Kharkiv.)

Over the past day, the Ukrainian army damaged one Russian tank, one armored combat vehicle, four artillery systems, 25 vehicles, five pieces of special equipment, and 20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

In addition, the Ukrainian army destroyed 67 Russian personnel shelters, one UAV launch pad, and two ammunition storage sites.

The General Staff reported that Russians kept up their attacks in the Kharkiv direction. Over the past day, there have been six combat clashes near Vovchansk.

In the Kupiansk direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled three Russian assaults near Synkivka, Petropavlivka, and in the direction of Hlushkivka.

Read more
In the Kharkiv direction, Russian troops are suffering losses but are preparing for new assaults, building up their surveillance system, and amassing firepower, reported the “Kharkiv” group of forces in their Telegram channel.

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Russian Mayor Reports Fighting Close to Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
The Mayor of Kurchatov in the Russian Kursk region reported on August 9 that military actions are taking place "a few dozen kilometers from the city border," where the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is located.

"Fighting is ongoing a few dozen kilometers from the borders of our town. The situation is tense. The state of emergency is in place," he wrote.

The Kursk NPP is also called the "second Chernobyl," since it is equipped with the same reactors as the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (RBMK-1000).

In the fall of 2022, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate reported that the Kursk NPP was used to store and service missiles, including missiles for the S-300 complexes. Although Russia reported that the NPP was operating normally, such use of the industrial site of a nuclear facility is a flagrant violation of all international nuclear safety rules.

On the morning of August 6, the governor of Russia's Kursk region reported an attempt by Ukrainian Forces to break through the Kursk border. On August 7, Russian media reported that “enemy forces” had advanced toward the city of Sudzha in the Kursk region.

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National Resistance Centre has received technical data on air defence systems that Russians are transferring to Crimea

The Centre of National Resistance has published technical documentation of Russian air defence systems "Pantsir-S" and "TOR-M1", which the invaders are moving to the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.
According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the National Security Service.

"In connection with the successful withdrawal of the air defence of Crimea, the Kremlin is chaotically transferring reinforcements from different regions of Russia," the statement said.

According to the National Emergency Centre, however, not all members of the Russian air force are willing to be targeted.

Therefore, people who are not indifferent handed over technical documentation for the Pantsir-S and TOR-M1 surface-to-air missile systems to the SSC.

The National Security Center calls on the media to help disseminate this documentation, as the relevant information is disseminated to drone manufacturers to effectively establish a system for bypassing Russian air defences.

As reported by Ukrinform, in the temporarily occupied Crimea, guerrillas recorded the deployment of Russian air defence closer to the Kerch Bridge - to the Taman Peninsula.

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Fighting in Kursk region: Map of gray zones as on August 9

^{Photo: fighting in the Kursk region has been going on for four days (Russian media)}

The military operation in the border area of the Kursk region continues for the fourth day. The Russian side claims that the fighting is allegedly already taking place 30 kilometers from the Kursk nuclear power plant and 15 kilometers from another district center, Lgov. Meanwhile, Ukrainian analysts have for the first time marked gray and liberated zones on the map of the fighting.

RBC-Ukraine has compiled the latest developments in the Kursk region on the fourth day of fighting, maps, and possible options for Russian troops.

According to the morning estimates of the Russian media outlet Important Stories, the battle zone has already stretched over 800 square kilometers, and up to 450 square kilometers are allegedly under the fire control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Russian media claimed that Ukrainian forces had gone about 30 km deep into Russia and occupied or stormed 22 settlements, including two district centers: Korenevo and Sudzha.

The situation in another district center, the city of Lgov, is also alarming for Russians, as locals have already begun to leave en masse. Russian Telegram channels write that allegedly Ukrainian soldiers can go not only to Kursk but also to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which is located in the city of Kurchatov. There are about 50 kilometers from this settlement to the nearest place of fighting, although Z-channels say it is 30 kilometers. In addition, some Russian military reporters write about the fighting for Rylsk, which is also a regional center.

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^{Photo: fighting in the Kursk region is getting closer to the local nuclear power plant in Kurchatov (screenshot by deepstatemap)}

What's happening in Kursk region: analytics, battle maps
For the first time since the beginning of the breakthrough, the Ukrainian analytical resource DeepState has shown a map of the fighting in the Kursk region. Experts have marked the settlements that are not controlled by Russia in the region (this is an update for August 6).

"Updates will be delayed. Some information may ultimately differ from the testimony of direct participants in the events," DeepState explains.

According to the analysts, the Ukrainian Defense Forces liberated Sverdlikovo, Daryino, and Oleshnya.

"The Ukrainian Defense Forces struck near Sverdlikovo and Oleshnya. The first village was captured as a result of a battle, and the second without a fight or with minimal effort," the statement says.

According to experts, about two platoons of the Russian troops are surrounded at the Sudzha checkpoint. The village of Gornal was also surrounded.

"Advance groups have reached Goncharovka and the outskirts of Sudzha. Fighting in the area of Zelenyi Shlyakh, intensity is unknown. In Nikolaevo-Daryino, Russia's stronghold managed to hold off the first attack, but not for long," DeepState adds.

In total, the area of the liberated territory in the two areas is 72.74 square kilometers and 70.25 square kilometers, respectively. The gray zone in the Kursk region covers an area of 110.71 square kilometers.

^{Photo: DeepState for the first time showed on the map the liberated territories and the gray zone in the Kursk region on the first day of the operation (screenshot deepstatemap)}

The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) writes about the presence of Ukrainian troops in Russian areas located 35 kilometers from the internationally recognized border with the Sumy region of Ukraine.

"However, Ukrainian forces certainly do not control the entire area within Russia's maximum claims of Ukrainian troop advances in the Kursk region," ISW notes.

^{Photo: map of Ukrainian advance in Kursk region by Radio Liberty (svoboda.org)}

Based on geolocated footage and Russian statements, analysts name the areas where the Ukrainian military could have advanced:

Sudzha. Some Russian military officials complain that the town has already been captured, while others say that the Russians do not control only part of the settlement.
Miliutino and Kromskie Byki (35 kilometers from the border). These villages are already part of the Lgov district of Kursk region. These villages are marked on the ISW map as the highest point where the Armed Forces of Ukraine could advance.
Russkoe Porechnoe (north of Sudzha). Ukrainian forces have probably advanced toward the village. Meanwhile, Russian military officials report that Ukrainian troops are advancing further along the 38K-024 road near Anastasievka.
Goncharovka and Zaoleshenka. Presumably, Ukrainian troops are operating in the area of the first settlement and to the north of the second. Although some Russian bloggers complain about the capture of Honcharivka.
Novoivanovka (10 km from the border). A geolocation photo shows that Ukrainian forces are operating in this settlement, although Russians again claim to have captured it along with Bogdanovka (northwest of Sudzha).

ISW also cites several other Russian statements about the alleged movement of Ukrainian forces. They say that Ukrainian forces have also advanced to Mala Loknya and the outskirts of the village of Cherkasskoe Porechnoe, as well as in the area of Kruglenkoe, Martynovka, Bolshoe Soldatskoe and near Myrnyi, Sudzhansky district.

Russian military commanders also wrote about an attack near the villages of Snagost and Olgovka. These settlements are part of the Korenevo district.

^{Photo: ISW map shows the alleged advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces up to Myliutino in Luhansk district (understandingwar.org)}

However, the Russian media outlet Agenstvo, which positions itself as an opposition to the government, claims that Luhansk is 10 kilometers away from the nearest point of fighting.

^{Photo: map of the fighting from Agenstvo (agents.media)}

How Russia can act: four possible scenarios from ISW
According to international analysts, the Russian military command has many possible options to respond to the cross-border operation in the Kursk region. ISW names four of them:

First. Russia may decide to use its existing conscripts, Federal Security Service (FSB) border guards, the Russian Guard, and other irregular forces already deployed in the international border area to push back Ukrainian troops and defend itself against the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region.
Second. Decide on the use of the existing Northern Group of troops deployed along the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Third. Redeploy operational reserves accumulated for the planned offensive efforts for the summer of 2024 and/or relatively better equipped and more capable forward units to the Kursk region from other regions of the theater.
Fourth. Russia may seek to retain the forces it currently allocates to the Kursk region, but could redeploy a significant number of aviation and strike units to the area to improve its ability to retake the territory.

� озтрощений батальйон окупантів! � осійська колона знищена ударами HIMARS у Курській області

On August 6, 2024, after a massive shelling of the town of Sudzha, Russian media and local authorities reported a breakthrough of the border in the Sudzha and Korenivka districts of the Kursk region of Russia.

Initially, the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Russian FSB claimed that the attempts to break through were allegedly repelled. However, they later admitted that the fighting in the border area was still ongoing. A day after the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted, claiming a large-scale provocation and blaming Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military and political leadership did not confirm any involvement in the operation in the Kursk region. Amid the reports, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only said that Russia should also feel the war. Ukraine's partners also did not speak out immediately but emphasized that Kyiv has every right to defend itself in this way.

«Твари по телевизору врут!» - росіяни скаржаться на відсутність евакуації з Суджі

Read more about the situation in the Russian border area in RBC-Ukraine's article.

Sources: the report and maps of the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW), maps of the analytical resource DeepState, the Telegram channel "Important Stories", open sources.

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Ukrainian troops destroyed a Russian ammunition depot in Ocheretyne, the Donetsk region

^{The destroyed Russian depot in Ocheretyne, the Donetsk region. August 2024. Photo credits: @Melnit2005 on X (ed. Twitter)}

The Ukrainian military destroyed a Russian ammunition depot in Ocheretyne, the Donetsk region.

The relevant footage was published by the Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 110th Mechanized Brigade.

The Russian invasion forces turned one of the high-rise buildings into their ammunition depot.

During combat operations, a Ukrainian drone, presumably from an unnamed adjacent unit of the Defense Forces, has hit this depot.

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Вибух російського складу на Донеччині [серпень 2024]

After that, ignition occurred inside, which later led to a powerful explosion.

^{Explosion of an ammunition depot set up by the Russians in a high-rise building in Ocheretyne, the Donetsk region. August 2024. Frame from the video t.me/rubpak}

It is likely that the Russians stored a large number of artillery shells or other ammunition there.

^{The destroyed Russian depot in Ocheretyne, the Donetsk region. August 2024. Photo credits: @Melnit2005 on X (ed. Twitter)}

A powerful explosion caught on camera by a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone completely destroyed the high-rise building.

Later, a video from the invaders appeared on social media showing the aftermath of this powerful detonation.

^{The destroyed Russian depot in Ocheretyne, the Donetsk region. August 2024. Photo credits: @Melnit2005 on X (ed. Twitter)}

It is likely that the Russians have lost significant stockpiles of ammunition in this section of the front line, where they are trying to advance by constantly storming the Ukrainian positions.

Previously, Ukrainian troops in Olenivka hit a parking lot where the invaders were hiding a TOR air defense system.

^{A Ukrainian reconnaissance drone monitors the movement of the Russian TOR SAM in Olenivka, Donetsk region. July 2024. Ukraine. A frame from the video of the 79th Brigade}

The Russian system was discovered by the soldiers of the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade, who observed it using a drone.

В Оленівці HIMARS уразив стоянку З� К "ТО� " окупантів

The invaders hid the TOR in an industrial building on the outskirts of the village. The Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the location with a U.S. HIMARS rocket system.

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MT-LB with 9K55 Grad-1 launcher spotted in the Kursk region

^{MT-LB with the installed 9K55 Grad-1 MRL launcher. Source: RIA Novosti}

In the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, an unusual MT-LB tracked tractor with a 9K55 Grad-1 multiple rocket launcher was spotted.

The relevant footage was published by the Russian RIA Novosti.

It is worth noting that the installation of the Grad launcher on the MT-LB chassis and its modification for the 2S1 self-propelled artillery system was discussed back in the Soviet Union.

The combat vehicle existed in three versions: 9K55 Grad-1 on the MT-LB chassis and 2S1 and 9K51 Grad on the MT-LB chassis.

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^{9P139 on 2S1 chassis. Photo from open sources}

At the time, the promising combat vehicle was designated 9P139, but never went into mass production.

The Russians demonstrated such combat vehicles before the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war, and there are a series of photos of 9K55 Grad-1 on the MT-LB chassis with a 2S1 stern.

^{MT-LB with the stern from 2S1 ACS and the launcher of the 9K55 Grad-1 multiple rocket launcher. Photo from open sources}

The MT-LB spotted in the Kursk region has original hatches, so it is a completely different vehicle.

It is not known what kind of combat vehicle it is, what its index is, or whether it is mass-produced.

In addition to this unusual MT-LB, Russian propagandists from the Zvezda TV channel showed other interesting specimens: MT-LB with a twin 2M-3 25 mm naval gun, a classic MT-LB with a ZU-23-2 gun, and an MT-LB with a MT-12 Rapira 100 mm anti-tank gun.

^{MT-LB with a twin 2M-3 25 mm naval gun and MT-LB with a MT-12 Rapira 100 mm anti-tank gun. Source: “Zvezda”}

Militarnyi has repeatedly reported on Russian and Ukrainian combat vehicles based on MT-LB.

For example, in June 2023, it was reported that the Russians had installed a Soviet A-22 Ogon naval MRL system.

Read more about the modernization of the long-suffering MT-LB in the article “MT-LB: combat chariot of the Russo-Ukrainian war“

Also in September 2023, it was reported that the Russians had installed an RBU-6000 Smerch-2 naval MRL on the MT-LB.

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Russian lawmakers seek to allay popular fears of mass draft amid Ukrainian incursion
Despite the intensification of fighting in Russia’s southwestern Kursk region over the past few days as an unprecedented Ukrainian incursion shows no sign of slowing, Russian lawmakers were at pains to stress on Friday that a second wave of mobilisation would not be necessary.

“We have enough forces, there are already successes there, our aviation is working,” Russian lawmaker Victor Zavarzin told state-aligned Moscow radio station Govorit Moskva on Friday when asked if the situation in the Kursk region warranted a full-scale draft effort.

Zavarzin added that the 700,000 professional soldiers currently serving in the Russian military would be enough to repel the Ukrainian forces.

The Russian authorities declared a federal emergency on Friday following a Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, as local authorities warned that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) were approaching the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the city of Kurchatov.

The biggest AFU cross-border raid into Russia to date saw Ukrainian troops gaining control of around 100 square kilometres of Russian territory by Thursday evening and capturing “hundreds” of Russian troops, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while dozens of Russian soldiers appear to have been killed in a coordinated missile strike on a military convoy travelling to bolster its troops in the Kursk region.

Another Russian State Duma member, Viktor Sobolev, echoed Zabarzin’s statement on Friday, stressing that “everything was proceeding as planned”, telling Russian state-affiliated news outlet RTVI that there would be “no additional mobilisation for now”.

Though the Russian authorities seemed to be attempting to quell popular fears that another draft could be imminent, mercenaries supplied by the notorious Wagner Group have already been redeployed to the Kursk region to support the Russian military response to the AFU’s ongoing incursion, multiple pro-war Telegram channels claimed on Thursday.

Russia has not declared a full military draft since Vladimir Putin’s “partial mobilisation” decree in September 2022, when Russia’s Defence Ministry conscripted up to 300,000 reservists. Since then, the Russian army has relied on professional soldiers and those enlisting voluntarily to fight in Ukraine.

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Magyar’s Birds Destroy 22 Howitzers in Under a Week

^{D-30A howitzer of the invaders, August 6, 2024. Photo credits: "Birds of Magyar"}

The 414th Marine Strike UAV Regiment has destroyed 22 towed howitzers of the invaders in six days.

A video of the combat missions was posted on the unit’s page.

From August 1 to August 6, the regiment’s operators used FPV strike drones to critically damage 22 D-30 howitzers that were discovered by an aerial reconnaissance unit on the battlefield.

The drones, equipped with a cumulative warhead, targeted the barrel and breech of each artillery system, making it impossible to use and impractical to repair due to a shortage of barrels for the old systems.

In particular, as noted by the regiment’s commander, Robert Brovdy, on August 6 alone, one crew managed to disable eight enemy guns.

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Очі та Жало: 22 гармати перетворено на сопілки протягом перших шести днів серпня F-дронами ПтахівМ.

Operators used a drone to inspect the place of the hit, looking for a hole at the site of the hit and, if there was none, re-hitting the target.

It is worth noting that among the detected and damaged Russian equipment, a significant number of early D-30 howitzers, made in 1960 and produced until 1978, can be seen.

They can be identified by a specific 5-slot muzzle brake compensator. The later D-30A has a more massive integrated two-section muzzle brake in its place.

^{D-30 mod. 1960 howitzer}

In his video, Magyar noted that the invaders, hiding their howitzers in the trees and camouflaging them with branches, made elementary mistakes by not dispersing howitzers over the area and often placing them at a distance of 10 meters from each other. In particular, due to this, the unit managed to destroy so many vehicles.

Due to the significant losses in artillery systems that the Russian defense industry cannot compensate for and the shortage of ammunition, the Russian military is actively using alternative means of destruction and munitions.

Recently, a hybrid based on the carriage of the M-46 artillery system and the artillery part of the AK-130 naval gun was spotted in use by the invaders.

^{The moment of charging the 130mm hybrid gun with the A3-UF-44 high-explosive projectile. Photo: Armed Forces of the Russian Federation}

The extraordinary solution allowed the ground units of the Russian Armed Forces to use unitary shells instead of the basic 130mm separate-loading ammunition. These shells are available in large quantities in the Russian Navy’s depots.

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CAR Report: Kh-101 Missile That Hit Kyiv Hospital Was Freshly Manufactured

^{A Russian Kh-101 cruise missile before hitting the "Okhmatdyt" (children's hospital) in Kyiv. 07/08/2024. Ukraine. A frame from the KiyvToday Telegram channel video}

The missile that hit Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital on July 8, 2024, was manufactured in the Russian Federation just weeks, or possibly days, before the attack.

This was established by Conflict Armament Research (CAR) investigators.

On July 30, 2024, CAR investigators documented the remains of a missile that struck the National Children’s Specialized Hospital “Okhmatdyt” in Kyiv.

CAR identified the missile as an Kh-101. This assessment aligns with statements made by other research organizations, which reached similar conclusions after analyzing video footage of the attack.

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.

^{Launch of the Kh-101 cruise missile. Freeze frame from a video of the Russian Ministry of Defense}

The investigators’ analysis, based on trace evidence from the wreckage, shows that the missile that targeted the Okhmatdyt hospital was manufactured at most three months before the attack, and possibly as early as eight days before.

The researchers documented parts of a 13-digit production number (31526379XXXXX) on the tail of the missile. This format matches the markings documented on 11 other Russian Kh-101 missiles in Ukraine since 2022.

The first three digits (315) of the production number are common to all Russian Kh-101 missiles CAR has documented in Ukraine, as are the next three digits (263).

^{Debris from a Russian Kh-101 missile that hit the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv. July 08, 2024, Ukraine. Photo credits: SSU}

The numbers “7” and “9” indicate that the missile was manufactured in the second quarter of 2024 (between April 1 and June 30, 2024), according to CAR’s previously published methodology.

In line with its tracking methodology, CAR has obscured the last five digits that would uniquely identify the missile.

Given that the attack on the children’s hospital took place on July 8, this finding confirms that the missile was manufactured weeks or possibly days before the attack.

Kh-101
The Kh-101 is a strategic cruise missile developed using radar-avoidance technology. The missile with a special nuclear warhead is designated X-102.

It has been under development since 1995 and was put into service in 2013. The missile carrier is a Tu-95MSM turboprop strategic bomber (8 missiles on external hardpoints) and a Tu-160 (12 missiles in internal compartments).

The missile uses a combined inertial guidance system with optoelectronic correction with homing head activation in the final stages of flight.

^{Kh-101 missiles on Tu-95MSM. Photo from open sources}

In the transport position, the R95TM-300 turbojet engine is located inside, the wings are folded under the missile, and the fins are also folded.

After launch, the engine is pulled out of the body and the wings are unfolded.

The maximum flight range is 5,500 kilometers. The product can change targets during flight.

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Russian media report that Kursk Nuclear Power Plant prepares for defence


Russia is preparing to defend the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) because of some groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine allegedly approaching the nuclear facility.

Source: Vazhnye Istorii (Important Stories), a Russian news outlet

Details: Russian media outlets reported that Russian forces blocked the entrances to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant on the afternoon of 9 August.

A Vazhnye Istorii source at the plant reported earlier that all men had been removed from the station's security, leaving only female fighters of the Russian Guard (Rosgvardia). Immediately afterward, Rosgvardia reported that security at the Kursk NPP had been strengthened. An employee of the plant confirmed to Vazhnye Istorii today that the male Rosgvardia officers have been returned to duty.

SPOILER

quote:

The source also said that the management of the Kursk NPP recommended that the employees take unpaid leave and evacuate their children.

Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company, confirmed that it had reduced the number of construction workers at Kursk NPP-2. Currently, the Kursk NPP is the only plant in Russia where new power units are being actively built.

One pro-war Russian blogger also reported that the Kursk NPP is preparing for defence, as small mobile groups of 5-20 people from the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been spotted 39 kilometres away from the plant.

Background:

• On the morning of 6 August, the Russians claimed that Ukrainian forces had mounted an attempt to infiltrate Kursk Oblast, Russia. Russian propagandists and military bloggers are claiming that Ukrainian forces have secured a foothold in the border area. Russian ruler Vladimir Putin called the situation a "provocation".
• Ukraine has not yet commented on the events in Kursk Oblast.
• A state of emergency has been declared on the second day of the breakthrough on the border in Kursk Oblast.
• Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), having analysed the data collected, have confirmed the advance of Ukrainian troops up to 10 kilometres deep into Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
• Earlier, Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed the advance of supposedly Ukrainian forces in two districts of Kursk Oblast and noted that it had moved reserves to the border and was "attacking Ukrainian troops from the air".
• Russia’s Ministry of Defence issued a statement on 9 August on the situation in Kursk Oblast, acknowledging that Ukrainian forces were on the outskirts of the town of Sudzha.

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Lipetsk airfield. First satellite images show Ukrainian strike aftermath
Destroyed buildings and traces of fire are visible

Satellite images showing the aftermath of a nighttime strike by Ukrainian Defense Forces on a Russian airfield in the Lipetsk Oblast have emerged, revealing destroyed buildings and traces of fire. Radio Svoboda's Schemes project published the relevant photos from Planet Labs.

The satellite images from August 9 show the consequences of Ukrainian strikes on the airfield near the Russian city of Lipetsk.

The pictures show a destroyed section of the airfield's premises (likely warehouses), and traces of fire can be seen on the airfield.

For comparison, photos before and after the August 9 strike are provided:


Additionally, craters are visible on the ground, which could have appeared as a result of Ukrainian weapon impacts:

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Iran training Russians on short-range missile, arms transfer expected soon — sources
Dozens of Russian military personnel are being trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, two European intelligence sources tell Reuters, adding that they expect the imminent delivery of hundreds of the satellite-guided weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine.

Russian defense ministry representatives are believed to have signed a contract on Dec. 13 in Tehran with Iranian officials for the Fath-360 and another ballistic missile system built by Iran’s government-owned Aerospace Industries Organization called the Ababil, say the two intelligence officials, who request anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters.

Citing multiple confidential intelligence sources, the officials say that Russian personnel have visited Iran to learn how to operate the Fath-360 defense system, which launches missiles with a maximum range of 120 km (75 miles) and a warhead of 150 kg. One of the sources says that “the only next possible” step after training would be actual delivery of the missiles to Russia.

Moscow possesses its own ballistic missiles, but the supply of Fath-360s could allow Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets beyond the front line, while employing Iranian warheads for closer-range targets, a military expert says.

A spokesman for the US National Security Council said the United States and its NATO allies and G7 partners “are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with such transfers.”

It “would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” the spokesman says. “The White House has repeatedly warned of the deepening security partnership between Russia and Iran since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”

Russia’s defense ministry does not respond to a request for comment.

SPOILER

quote:

Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York said in a statement that the Islamic Republic had forged a long-term strategic partnership with Russia in various areas, including military cooperation.

“Nevertheless, from an ethical standpoint, Iran refrains from transferring any weapons, including missiles, that could potentially be used in the conflict with Ukraine until it is over,” the statement says.

The two intelligence sources gave no exact timeframe for the expected delivery of Fath-360 missiles to Russia but say it will be soon. They do not provide any intelligence on the status of the Abibal contract.

A third intelligence source from another European agency says it had also received information that Russia had sent soldiers to Iran to train in the use of Iranian ballistic missile systems, without providing further details.

Such training is standard practice for Iranian weapons supplied to Russia, says the third source, who also declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the information.

A senior Iranian official, who requested anonymity, says Iran sold missiles and drones to Russia but has not provided Fath-360 missiles. There was no legal prohibition on Tehran selling such weapons to Russia, the source added.

“Iran and Russia engage in the mutual purchase of parts and military equipment. How each country uses this equipment is entirely their decision,” the official says, adding that Iran did not sell weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.

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500 people remain in Chasiv Yar, they are not going to evacuate, it is impossible to deliver humanitarian aid - Filashkin
There are cities in the Donetsk region where, despite the lack of food, water, medical care, civilians continue to live. They refuse to evacuate to safer places.

As Censor.NET informs, the head of the Donetsk RMA, Vadym Filashkin, told about this in an interview with Glavkom.

He emphasized that there has been no water and electricity in Chasiv Yar for more than a year, but civilians remain there.

"There is no water, no electricity, no gas, nothing. It's just a dead city. Up to 500 people live there. They survive on the food they have accumulated from the remains of humanitarian aid," he says.

Filashkin noted that whenever there is an opportunity, humanitarian aid is brought to people, having previously coordinated their actions with the military. But how much of what was brought is enough for people - the question is. At the same time, it is not clear that the locals wanted to leave.

"They adapt to everything. Even if the stew is expired, the main thing is that it is there. So, there is no need to leave anywhere. Such is the logic. They sit and wait." - says Filashkin.

The head of the RMA added. that also the occupiers do not allow food and humanitarian aid to be delivered to Toretsk and Krasnohorivka.

"It's almost impossible to get to Toretsk, it's also impossible to get to the Ocheretyne district, it's been impossible to get humanitarian aid to Krasnohorivka for three weeks now. The city management together with the military tries to get to Vugledar once a week. It doesn't always work, it depends on the security situation and events on the front line. There are cities that have already become partially occupied recently," says Filashkin.

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Lithuania to Provide New Military Aid Package to Ukraine in August

^{Armored vehicles that Lithuania transferred to Ukraine. June 2024. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania}

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine, which will be delivered in August.

The press service of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry reported on this.

In particular, Lithuania will transfer military equipment, anti-aircraft systems, transport and logistics equipment, as well as some old weapons.

“We have, we are and we will continue helping Ukraine fight the aggressor. Lithuania will soon hand over to Ukraine the critically needed short-range air defense systems as a contribution to the German, U.S. and French-led Air and Missile Defense Capability Coalition, Lithuania is a part of. We will also transfer more equipment, systems and weapons needed on the battlefield on a daily basis. Our assistance is an investment in our own security,” stated Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

SPOILER

quote:

.

^{A batch of military aid from Lithuania, July 11, 2024. Photo credits: Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense}

A total of 14 M113 armored personnel carriers, short-range air defense systems with missiles, and drone jamming systems will be delivered to Ukraine in August.

In addition, any donated electronic warfare systems, all-terrain vehicles with spare parts, cargo trailers, 20-ton telescopic loaders, wheel loaders, rifles, ammunition, smoke munitions, gun accessories and spare parts for weapons.

Militarnyi previously reported on the previous military aid package in early July.

A shipment of weapons arrived in Ukraine on July 11. It included ammunition for 5.56�45 mm rifles, anti-drone rifles, and military auxiliary equipment, including folding beds.

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with military assistance worth more than �641 million. Lithuania’s overall support for Ukraine is long-term and has exceeded �1 billion.

^{M577 Command Post Vehicles, which Lithuania handed over to Ukraine. April 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania}

As previously reported, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine tested Lithuanian-made FPV drones in conditions as close to combat as possible.

In the near future, taking into account the assessments and proposals of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Lithuanian manufacturers that participated in the tests will be asked to submit final proposals and sign contracts.

To support Ukraine, it is planned to allocate �5 million for the purchase of Lithuanian drones, in addition to the same equipment purchased for the needs of the Lithuanian army (up to �3 million).

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Pro-Ukrainian resistance fighters in Kursk call for expulsion of Russian army
In a video message, a participant of the pro-Ukrainian Kursk resistance has made a fervent plea, stating that Russian soldiers, who have left their peaceful homes to fight for money, are unwelcome in the region.

The resistance group invites locals to join and assist in eliminating the Russian army, said the men calling themselves the "Kursk Resistance," asserting that no one in Kursk is waiting for the Russian soldiers.

“We, the Kursk Resistance, send our regards to our guests from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Try not to destroy everything here. To our army, we say, you are not welcome here," stated one member, noting that there were never any problems with Ukrainians, and they were never shelled until the Russians arrived.

A masked man in the video added that the Russian military, who have come from their warm, peaceful homes to fight for money, should go back.

“Get the hell out of Kursk region. You are not welcome here,” he declared.

The resistance members also expressed their gratitude to friends in the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces for providing weapons and other support, which they use effectively.

“Guys from Kursk, Kursk region, if you want to join us, you can find us through this website - opir.org.ua. Just indicate that you are with us,” stated the men standing before a sign reading “Sudzha”.

Earlier, pro-Ukrainian partisans have reported that Russia lost control of 800 sq. km of territory during recent fighting in the Kursk region.

To expand the area free from Kremlin control, Russians are encouraged to join the resistance and provide intelligence to units involved in the breakthrough in the Kursk region. Detailed instructions on how to do this have been shared on the Telegram channel of the Legion "Freedom of Russia".

On August 9, Ukrainian forces took control of Sudzha in the Kursk region. They assured that the city remains calm and all houses are intact. Meanwhile, the "strategic object" of Gazprom (gas transmitting station) in Sudzha is under the control of the 99th Battalion of the 61st Brigade. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the capture of Sudzha in the Kursk region.

quote:

Russia implements 'counter-terrorism operation' in bordering Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod oblasts amid ongoing fighting
Russian authorities have introduced a so-called "counter-terrorism operation" in bordering Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts in response to Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region, Russian state-media outlet RIA Novosti reported on Aug. 10.

Following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces across the border days earlier, fighting has continued in the oblast, with Ukraine reportedly making gains deeper into Russian territory.

Russia's Defense Ministry acknowledged on Aug. 9 that its forces were fighting the Ukrainian army on the outskirts of the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee introduced new restrictive measures in the three oblasts including monitoring residents' phone conversations and restricting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, New Voice reported.

Other measures include the temporary relocation of residents as well as loosely defined "public order protection."

SPOILER

quote:

Earlier in the day, Russia's Defense Ministry said it was sending additional military equipment to Kursk Oblast's Sudzha district - a town located 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the border with Ukraine.

Battles are also ongoing "a few dozen kilometers" from Kurchatov in Kursk Oblast, the town's mayor, Igor Korpunkov, claimed. The town is located some 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and hosts the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry also said on Aug. 9 that the situation in Kursk Oblast had been declared a "federal emergency."

Kyiv has so far maintained a policy of silence on the incursion, but President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 8 that "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done." He did not directly mention the incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian officials have regularly referred to Kyiv's democratically-elected government as a "terrorist regime" in an effort to justify its invasion.

In the last known instance, Russia instituted a counterterrorism operation on June 23 after militants allegedly fired on a synagogue, two churches, and a police post in Russia's Dagestan Republic.

quote:

Translation:

"I'm Vasiliev Maksim Sergeyevich, serve as an instructor of the recon group of the FSB Border Service (Pskov branch). We arrived on 26 of July, 45 people in total, under command of Capt. Shved. In the following span of three days we were actively engaged by FPV drones, Baba Yagas, arty, etc. Captain made attempts to get a clearance to retreat by calling the command in Sudzha, without any luck. After that the comms were lost: first the radio, then the cell connection after Baba Yaga's hits. In the early hours of the morning of Aug 6 we got worked on by either a tank or arty, hard to tell... There were over 30 hits... We were forced to seek cover downstairs in the shelter, and thought about ways to retreat, until we heard some shots next to us, which also sounded like an ammo cache that caught on fire... In reality, at that moment our position was taken, and Capt. Shved and Pt. Kirsanov were killed by grenade. Realizing that we were surrounded, we laid down our weapons and surrendered. Since we had conscripted servicemen among us, it was a prudent decision to surrender, rather than risk the lives of young kids. Very grateful that our lives were spared..."

quote:

He is sorry for "misunderstanding". Akhmat never left their positions and never was hiding behind conscripts left to die.

quote:

The 38th brigade of marines arranges "Dronopad" 🔥

Its pilots destroy enemy reconnaissance UAVs in the South.

Before the start of the gathering, we handed over FPV drones to the 38th OBrMP — and here is the result. So the brigade will get more so that the "Dronopad" does not stop.

Do not stop at donations and you 👉 https://bit.ly/3WxEy7X

quote:

You cannot support Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and at the same time receive several hundred million kroner each year in development aid.

The government has therefore decided to phase out Sweden's bilateral aid strategy with Mali in 2024.

quote:

Zelenskyy: "Replenishment of Exchange Fund, Capturing Occupiers" Especially Successful in Past 3 Days
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address stated that over the past three days, the replenishment of the prisoner exchange fund has been "particularly effective."

“I would like to separately thank our soldiers and units who are contributing to the replenishment of the exchange fund—capturing occupiers and thereby helping to free our people from Russian captivity. This is extremely important, and over the past three days, it has been especially successful,” Zelenskyy said.

“Additionally, there were reports from the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) regarding the near-term prospects, capabilities, and objectives of the terrorist state. We are working on further restricting Russia's ability to conduct this war.

Specifically, there was a report on our long-range drones. The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Maliuk, reported on their use. Thanks for the accuracy! We are expanding this capability. It has become a real strategic sector of our defense industry—one that will always serve Ukraine.”

The Commander of the Air Force also reported on strengthening air defense. Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko reported on the security preparations of Ukrainian schools for the new academic year. “We are assisting regional and local authorities to ensure that in all communities where possible, children will be able to attend school in person,” said Zelenskyy.

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87-Year-Old Man Assaulted on Moscow Bus for Alleged Wagner Criticism

An 87-year-old pensioner was assaulted on a Moscow bus for his alleged criticism of the Wagner mercenary group, the independent rights project OVD-Info reported Friday, citing an eyewitness and the veteran’s lawyer.

Dmitry Grinchiy was attacked by two fellow passengers who claimed he called Wagner fighters “murderers” as their bus passed a memorial to the mercenary group, OVD-Info said.

Video of the incident shows two men aggressively twisting Grinchiy’s arms, shouting and cursing at him, and trying to drag him off the bus to “hand him over” to the police.

All three men were detained following the incident.

Grinchiy was later released without charges and filed a complaint regarding the assault.

SPOILER

quote:

The Wagner memorial was erected in central Moscow last year following the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash just two months after he launched a stunning mutiny against Russia’s military leadership for its handling of the war in Ukraine.

Wagner mercenaries, who have operated in conflict zones in Ukraine, Syria and several African countries, have been accused of severe human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture.

Grinchiy’s father, Pavel Grinchiy, was executed on espionage charges in 1938 during Stalin’s Great Terror.

Grinchiy later told journalist Ilya Azar that he “didn't disgrace anyone” on the bus, but “was simply remembering that in '37 all my relatives were shot.”

“I just regret that I had to be born in a country where people are not considered people. Decent people,” he told Azar.

quote:

87-year-old Dmitry Grinchiy, who was riding a bus past a memorial to the Wagner PMC fighters and, as it seemed to two passengers, called the military murderers, was detained in Moscow. The pensioner has already been released

quote:

Death toll from Russian strike on supermarket in Donetsk region rises to 14

^{Supermarket in Konstantinovka destroyed by missile strike}

As a result of the Russian missile strike on the supermarket in Konstantinovka, 14 people were killed and 43 were injured, the head of the military administration of Donetsk region Vadim Filashkin reported . According to him, there are children among the victims, and an examination will be conducted for identification.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office reported that Russia used a laser-guided Kh-38 air-launched missile for the attack. The projectile's warhead weighs 250 kg and has a range of 40 km. Eight of the dead have not yet been identified, and one injured person is in serious condition.

Radio Liberty journalist Sergei Gorbatenko, who visited the site of the attack, confirmed that the bodies can only be identified through DNA testing. "I saw the remains - they were just charred silhouettes of people. That's how strong the fire and explosion were," he noted , adding that the police had set up a special point where DNA could be donated to search for relatives.

SPOILER

quote:

Supermarket manager Victoria Kipot reported that 17 employees were working in the building at the time of the landing. It is unknown how many customers there were. Filashkin said that there could have been about 50 people there.

Prosecutor General Andrei Kostin called the attack on the supermarket a war crime. "This is terror and barbarity. No situation on the front can be an excuse for killing civilians. An investigation has already begun. <…> The terrorist country must and will be punished for everything it has done," he emphasized.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed with this assessment. "Russia always knows where it is hitting with its missiles, and this is deliberate and targeted Russian terror. Another war crime for which the occupier will answer. Answer before the court and history and now before the strength of our soldiers," Zelensky emphasized .

He added that the rescue operation in Konstantinovka was continuing. According to him, as a result of the strike, not only was the supermarket blown up, but dozens of buildings were also damaged, including a post office, shops, and residential buildings.

quote:

Dozens of conscripts went missing in Kursk region after Ukrainian Armed Forces invasion
During the invasion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the border areas of the Kursk region there were at least several dozen conscripts, writes "Verstka". The publication spoke with relatives of seven such servicemen and found out that many conscripts stopped communicating and disappeared after the start of the operation of the AFU.

Svetlana's son, who was doing his military service in Sudzha, wrote to her on the evening of August 6 that he was going "for reinforcements." "The last ones remained, the rest have already gone for reinforcements. There were wounded," Svetlana recounts the content of the message she received. According to her, her son did not contact her again.

A similar story happened to Evgenia's nephew from Novoaltaisk, who was called up for military service in the fall of 2023. She said that her relative last contacted her on the afternoon of August 7. Before that, he managed to report that he was alive and not captured, but "many conscripts were captured," and some were killed.

There were 30 more conscripts at the position where Evgenia's nephew was. According to him, those who survived were waiting to be evacuated. "It's not safe anywhere there now. Civilians are still being evacuated by ordinary good people. Some are getting out on their own. It's a shame. And no one remembered the conscripts at all," she noted.

SPOILER

quote:

Dilyuza's brother from Bashkortostan, who was at a position in the Sudzhansky district along with 25-30 other conscripts, said that they were supposed to be taken "to a quieter place" on August 6, but she still does not know whether this happened, since after that call he stopped communicating.

Yulia's son from Syktyvkar was drafted in December 2023 and arrived in Sudzhansky District in April 2024. He last contacted at 10:00 PM on August 5. The mothers of other conscripts told her that when the Ukrainian Armed Forces entered Kursk Oblast, their sons held the line and many were captured. Yulia does not know whether her child was among them.

"When Guevo was captured, the boys from the encirclement wrote to their mothers, asking for help. But we can't get through to Moscow [to the Defense Ministry hotline] at all, the military registration and enlistment offices tell us: 'What nonsense are you talking about, they're not there, they just took their phones.' In short, they take us for fools. The Kursk hospital won't give us any information, they say they don't have time, there are a lot of wounded," she said.

On August 6, son Daniil wrote to Ksenia that the Ukrainian army had begun shelling their position. He was eventually evacuated. Later, Daniil said that all the conscripts who were evacuated with him survived, and those who were closer to the border were killed or taken prisoner.

Alexei's mother Olga reported that her son served in a military unit in the Bryansk region, but this summer he was transferred to the border in the Kursk region. On August 6, he called from someone else's phone, and then contact with him was completely lost. His current whereabouts are unknown.

Volunteer Yana, who cooked meals for soldiers on the border, told the publication that there were at least 15 Russian positions in the Sudzhansky District and conscripts were almost everywhere. In particular, there were from 7 to 30 such servicemen at each stronghold.

Now 52 relatives of missing conscripts have united in an attempt to find information about their loved ones and reach out to the Ministry of Defense.

Meanwhile, the department is preparing to transfer a new batch of conscripts from the Irkutsk region to the Kursk region. According to the publication "People of Baikal", the conscripts were told that after a three-month course for young soldiers, they will be sent to the border. The commanders assure that there the newly-minted soldiers will allegedly "only dig trenches".

In total, at least 159 Russian conscripts have died in the 2.5 years of war in Ukraine, the BBC calculated , having analyzed a list of casualties based on open data. At the beginning of the invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised that conscripts would not be involved in combat operations on the territory of a neighboring state.

quote:

Dugin Accuses Deripaska of Betrayal After Talking About Putin's 'Crazy' War
The founder of the aluminum giant Rusal, billionaire Oleg Deripaska, who spoke negatively about the war in Ukraine, has challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin, said conservative philosopher and ideologist of the "Russian world" Alexander Dugin.

He noted that " the West had been counting on a revolt of Russian oligarchs from the very beginning," but this has not happened so far. "Some oligarchs have decisively sided with Putin and the people. Some are biding their time. <…> And now Deripaska is making the first direct throw of the gauntlet at Putin, openly calling the SVO "madness," Dugin stated.

In his opinion, "in a critically difficult situation for the country," when the Armed Forces of Ukraine broke into Russian territory, such a statement can be considered "announcement of another front" and "assistance" to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Previously, Deripaska's positions regarding the SVO were not unambiguous. Now he has made up his mind. He is on that side. This is a stab in the back," Dugin emphasized .

Deripaska called the war in Ukraine "madness" in an interview with the Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia, which was published on August 8. He criticized Russia's defense spending, which has exceeded 10.7 trillion rubles (about 6% of GDP), and called for an immediate ceasefire. The businessman arrived in Tokyo as a representative of the Russian Federation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Council forum.

Deripaska once called the conflict in Ukraine “madness” — a month after the Russian invasion. After that, the businessman was asked by the Kremlin at least twice to stop criticizing the war, the Financial Times wrote in late 2022. That same year, as a result of lawsuits, Deripaska’s company lost the yacht port and the Imeretinsky hotel complex in Sochi, on which he spent $1 billion.

quote:

Russian Generals Start Turning In Each Other During Defense Ministry Purge

^{Chief of the Main Communications Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces Vadim Shamarin at the 235th Garrison Military Court}

The head of the Main Communications Directorate (GUS) of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Vadim Shamarin, was detained after his former subordinate, Major General Alexander Ogloblin, convicted of large-scale fraud, testified against him, TASS reports . According to sources, he was released in exchange.

"Ogloblin's sentence was changed from detention in a penal colony to correctional labor after he testified against General Shamarin. This happened in March 2024," the agency's source in law enforcement agencies said.

Meanwhile, on August 9, it became known that at the end of June, the Second Cassation Court of General Jurisdiction overturned the decision to replace Ogloblin's real term with correctional labor. The petition was sent for a new hearing to the Babushkinsky District Court of Moscow. At the same time, the general was not returned to the colony, a TASS source claims . His current location is not reported.

SPOILER

quote:

Ogloblin served as the head of the first division of the Main Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces. In February 2022, he was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for embezzling 1.6 billion rubles allocated for the purchase of digital telecommunications equipment for the army.

Shamarin was arrested on May 22 after the resignation of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The general is accused of receiving a bribe of 36 million rubles from the CEO of the Perm Telta telephone plant, Aleksey Vysokov, and the company's chief accountant, Elena Grishina, in exchange for government contracts and general patronage. The general faces up to 15 years in prison.

The purge of Shoigu's team began shortly before his resignation. In April, his key deputy Timur Ivanov was detained and arrested in connection with a billion-dollar bribe. In mid-May, Lieutenant General Yuri Kuznetsov, head of the Defense Ministry's main personnel department, was sent to pretrial detention. He is also accused of taking a bribe of 30.5 million rubles in the form of a cottage.

In addition, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate for Innovative Development of the Ministry of Defense, Major General Vladimir Shesterov, and Director of the Patriot Park, Colonel Vyacheslav Akhmedov, were arrested. They are accused of embezzling funds allocated for the operation of the park and exhibition center. The head of the department for ensuring state procurement, Colonel Vladimir Verteletsky , is also in pretrial detention . He is accused of abuse of power, which resulted in damages of 70 million rubles.

Also arrested in connection with the fraud case was the former commander of the 58th Army, Major General Ivan Popov, who had a conflict with the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and threatened to tell President Vladimir Putin the “truth” about what was happening in the war in Ukraine.

The unprecedented campaign to arrest generals and high-ranking officials of the Defense Ministry is being carried out with the consent of the Kremlin, government sources told The Moscow Times . According to them, behind the criminal cases is the desire of the special services to blame the army for failures in Ukraine and to gain control over the huge budgets of the military department. The TMT source noted that by the end of the year, “hundreds of people will be arrested” in all units of the Defense Ministry.

quote:

Translation:

I wish you health.

Battalion 252 is located in the village of Poroz.

Glory to Ukraine.

quote:

Serbian president says Russia warns of preparations for Western-backed coup
"Those who dream of achieving something by force will fail," Aleksandar Vucic said

Moscow has warned Belgrade of preparations for mass riots initiated by representatives of Western countries, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters.

Asked about Western preparations for a coup in the country, he said: "Today, we received official information from the Russian Federation."

"The information was provided through formal channels and we are working to sort it out. The Security and Information Agency (Serbia's intelligence body - TASS) is responsible for that; besides, people in the Serbian government and other agencies who specialize on these things are doing their job," Vucic stressed.

"Those who dream of achieving something by force will fail. Serbia is consistently moving forward and they cannot and will not stop it. They will never be able to stop it again. This is my message to everyone, and our people have nothing to worry about," the head of state concluded.

Earlier, the Vecernje Novosti newspaper reported that members of Serbia’s opposition were ready to take advantage of the pro-Western protests in Belgrade planned for August 10 to seize the presidential palace, eliminate the head of state and launch the same scenario as in Ukraine.

Russia’s assessments and opposition’s calls
According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the assessment of the situation in Serbia indicates that malicious forces have resumed attempts to sow instability.

On July 19, Serbia and the European Union signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership in the field of raw materials, which called for environmentally clean production of lithium in Serbia. The Serbian opposition is strongly opposed to possible lithium mining, saying it could put at risk the lives of people and harm the environment, and calling for nationwide protests.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 03:14 schreef Delenlill het volgende:
https://www.moscowtimes.e(...)viroslo-do14-a139120
[..]

SPOILER

[..]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:06 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Als we Kursk niet kunnen verdedigen, dan gooien we maar een bom op een supermarkt Ruzzen

quote:

Russian Vessel Destroyed in Occupied Crimea by Ukrainian Special Forces, Video

^{A MAGURA V5 unmanned surface vehicle, developed for the Defence Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry, is showcased during Defence and Industrial Complex Employee Day celebrations in Kyiv. Source: Getty Images.}

On the night of August 8-9, 2024, near the settlement of Chornomorske in temporarily occupied Crimea, Ukrainian special forces from the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) conducted a successful operation using the MAGURA V5 marine drone. The operation resulted in the destruction of a Russian high-speed boat of the K-701 “Tunets” project, which had been used by Russian occupiers for patrolling and logistics.

Additionally, the operation caused damage to three other enemy vessels, the types of which are currently being determined. This incident continues a series of attacks on Russian ships of this type: on May 2024, two “Tunets” boats were destroyed and another two were damaged.

The MAGURA V5, a state-of-the-art strike platform recognized by international experts as one of the most effective in the Russo-Ukrainian War, has been notably successful in targeting Russian vessels. To date, these Ukrainian-produced marine drones have targeted 18 enemy ships, of which 9 have been destroyed.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 08:27 schreef Delenlill het volgende:
[ x ]
Hmmm, Rusland heeft mogelijk een waarschuwing vanuit Iran gekregen.
[ x ]
[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:11 schreef Aether het volgende:

[..]
En na 2,5 jaar nog steeds beweren dat ze alleen militaire doelen aanvallen.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:11 schreef Aether het volgende:

[..]
En na 2,5 jaar nog steeds beweren dat ze alleen militaire doelen aanvallen.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:52 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Je ziet ZSU voertuigen staan bij de supermarkt.

Bij UkraineWarVideoReport plakken ze de kop "attack by Russians to kill as much civilians as possible" erbij.
UkraineRussiaReport maakt er "ZSU uses civilian supermarket" van.

Het eerste wat sterft in oorlog is de waarheid.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:55 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Russische oorlogsmisdaden goedpraten Walgelijk figuur ben je toch ook.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:52 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Je ziet ZSU voertuigen staan bij de supermarkt.

Bij UkraineWarVideoReport plakken ze de kop "attack by Russians to kill as much civilians as possible" erbij.
UkraineRussiaReport maakt er "ZSU uses civilian supermarket" van.

Het eerste wat sterft in oorlog is de waarheid.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:52 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Je ziet ZSU voertuigen staan bij de supermarkt.

Bij UkraineWarVideoReport plakken ze de kop "attack by Russians to kill as much civilians as possible" erbij.
UkraineRussiaReport maakt er "ZSU uses civilian supermarket" van.

Het eerste wat sterft in oorlog is de waarheid.

quote:

Op vrijdag 9 augustus 2024 11:04 schreef Delenlill het volgende:

https://www.reddit.com/r/(...)committed_an_act_of/
The Russians have once again committed an act of terrorism against the civilian population of Ukraine! Direct missile strike on a supermarket in Konstantinovka while full of people during lunch.
Rusland die uit wanhoop maar weer een supermarkt bombardeert vol met burgers.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 10:09 schreef Delenlill het volgende:

[..]
Dat Oekra�ense soldaten er boodschappen doen maakt het geen legitiem doelwit. Tevens het is helemaal niet zeker dat het legervoertuigen waren. Ze zagen er namelijk als normale voertuigen uit, alleen dan in een groene kleur.

Dat jij dit nu aan het goed praten bent zegt veel over jou.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 10:17 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Er staan voertuigen in volledige camo met ZSU kruis en communicatiemiddelen. In oorlog is dat een legitiem doelwit.

@:bleiblei, let je even op?

Nepnieuws door Delenlill. Bij 3 strikes een permaban was toch het voorstel?

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 10:09 schreef Delenlill het volgende:

[..]
Dat Oekra�ense soldaten er boodschappen doen maakt het geen legitiem doelwit. Tevens het is helemaal niet zeker dat het legervoertuigen waren. Ze zagen er namelijk als normale voertuigen uit, alleen dan in een groene kleur.

Dat jij dit nu aan het goed praten bent zegt veel over jou.
[..]
Het filmpje die jij waarschijnlijk bedoelt.

Het witte kruis zou inderdaad het leger kunnen betekenen, maar dat praat een aanval op een supermarkt vol met burgers niet goed.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 10:09 schreef Delenlill het volgende:
maar dat praat een aanval op een supermarkt vol met burgers niet goed.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 10:21 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Dat er veel nevenschade is, is een ander punt.

Er zijn wel degelijk militaire voertuigen te zien bij de supermarkt.

@:sp3c weet een stuk meer van de juridische implicaties mbt oorlogsrecht als wij.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 11:08 schreef Starhopper het volgende:
In konvooi naar Kursk

[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 11:16 schreef BEFEM het volgende:

[..]
Dit klinkt als grote onzin, zo'n beetje alle reserves.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 11:16 schreef BEFEM het volgende:

[..]
Dit klinkt als grote onzin, zo'n beetje alle reserves.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 11:42 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Als het waar is, dan zitten ze zwaar in de problemen.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 11:42 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Als het waar is, dan zitten ze zwaar in de problemen.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 11:33 schreef Anton91 het volgende:
[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:12 schreef BEFEM het volgende:

[..]
Als het waar is dat jij je huis uit wordt gezet ook.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 11:08 schreef Starhopper het volgende:
In konvooi naar Kursk

[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:29 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
[ x ]

Reserves dus niet uit Donbass.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:04 schreef Idisrom het volgende:
Een theorie.
De aanval in de Koersk oblast is een afleidingsmanoeuvre.
Het is deze zomer nog niet vaak zo heet geweest in Zuid Oekra�ne. Het terrein in de moerasdelta van de Dnjepr is nu op z'n droogst. De Russen hebben volgens mij de laatste maanden troepen weggehaald van de oostelijke rivieroever.
De echte Oekra�ense aanval komt straks in de oostelijke Khersonregio.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:16 schreef Korenfok het volgende:

[..]
Ah dit wordt waarschijnlijk volgende talking point op forums; Oekraine valt gebied aan met alleen ouderen en kinderen. Zie hoe laf deze aanval eigenlijk is.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:41 schreef Eyjafjallajoekull het volgende:

[..]
Goals remain unclear leest een beetje alsof men niet precies weet wat ze aan het doen zijn.

Maar het kan juist ook betekenen dat men heel goed weet waar ze mee bezig zijn, en prima alles geheim weten te houden met hele goede opsec.

Is maar net hoe je het als journalist wilt framen denk ik.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:29 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
[ x ]

Reserves dus niet uit Donbass.

quote:

But military experts said that Russia would likely be able to respond with reserves who were not fighting in Ukraine.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:51 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
Of aanleiding tot een offici�le oorlogsverklaring en een volgende mobilisatiegolf in RU.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:51 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
Of aanleiding tot een offici�le oorlogsverklaring en een volgende mobilisatiegolf in RU.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:41 schreef Eyjafjallajoekull het volgende:

[..]
Goals remain unclear leest een beetje alsof men niet precies weet wat ze aan het doen zijn.

Maar het kan juist ook betekenen dat men heel goed weet waar ze mee bezig zijn, en prima alles geheim weten te houden met hele goede opsec.

Is maar net hoe je het als journalist wilt framen denk ik.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:57 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Uh huh.
[..]
En ISW is een andere mening toegedaan, die geven aan dat er al reserves van de resp. fronten worden verplaatst.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:58 schreef Korenfok het volgende:

[..]
Van welke middelen, die supersoldaten en super wapens die ze al drie jaar in een geheime kluis hebben liggen?

En daarom bedelt rusland bij Iran om wapens en bij Noordkorrea om manschappen?

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:51 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
Of aanleiding tot een offici�le oorlogsverklaring en een volgende mobilisatiegolf in RU.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:57 schreef Mortaxx het volgende:

[..]
Jeetje een offici�le oorlogsverklaring

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:51 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
Of aanleiding tot een offici�le oorlogsverklaring en een volgende mobilisatiegolf in RU.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 14:09 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Daar geloof ik op dit punt al geen ene reet meer van.

putin doesn't want to rock the cradle, dat was vanaf moment 0 al zo. Anders viel de 'snelle 3 daagse militaire operatie' niet te verkopen.

En rus heeft 0 escalatie mogelijkheden over. Da's het nadeel van vanaf moment 0 met gestrekt been naar binnen gaan, en zonder al te veel scrupules kinderziekenhuizen bombarderen. Ze hebben alles al geflikt wat er te flikken valt.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 14:23 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
Ik hoop het. Hun imperialistische waanvoorstelling en horige positie tov China is alles wat ze nog hebben. Oh, en 6000 kernkoppen natuurlijk.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 14:23 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
Ik hoop het. Hun imperialistische waanvoorstelling en horige positie tov China is alles wat ze nog hebben. Oh, en 6000 kernkoppen natuurlijk.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:17 schreef Korenfok het volgende:

[..]
En waarom zou het niet waar zijn. Jij gelooft nog steeds in de 700.000 soldaten in de regio die eergisteren de aanval al hadden afgeslagen?

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 14:36 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Welbeschoud zijn er 2 escalatie opties: gevecht aangaan met de NAVO, of nukes.

Het is zeer onwaarschijnlijk dat deze opties hun situatie gaan verbeteren. Het tegendeel zelfs.

Ow, en wat ik wel zie gebeuren is dat normale russen ge-gang pressed worden in het rus leger, in regio's kursk en belgorod, daar is immers de staat van beleg afgekondigd.

Maar; wat jij ook opmerkt; tenzij je op dit punt nog steeds gelooft in het RUSSIA STRONK! 5D schaken verhaal, waar rus 'ECH WEL' nog ladingen materiel achterhouden, gaat wat ze wel kunnen verzamelen niks worden. Pantservoertuigen die er niet zijn, verschijnen niet bij magie als je gaat mobiliseren.

Het lijkt er ook op dat de VS/DE deescalatie facties in de kelders van resp. de bondskanselarij en het witte huis in foetus houding liggen te janken.

De VS wil niet meer communiceren met het kremlin (op militair vlak):

[ x ]

Ondanks dat zelensky russia proper is binnengevallen, met overduidelijk westers materiel, is er toch weer broodnodige package gekomen:

[ x ]

En ook duitsland lijkt oekraine hun zegen te hebben gegeven.

[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:51 schreef Perrin het volgende:

[..]
Voor de onderhandelingspositie: Russisch grondgebied straks ruilen tegen Oekraiens gebied.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:01 schreef -XOR- het volgende:

[..]
Dit inderdaad, plus afschrikking en onrust onder de Russische bevolking veroorzaken. Lijkt me niet zo heel ingewikkeld.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 14:58 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
Die ontwikkelingen waren me ook opgevallen. Sterker nog, ik meende in de gevangenenruil en de reactie van Rusland op de ontmoedigingscampagne van US/SA om af te zien van toegezegde wapensteun aan de Houthi's zelfs enige vorm van rapprochement te zien.

Maar goed, wat kun je nog voorspellen of verwachten in het huidige geopolitieke klimaat? 3 weken geleden was Trump nog 'verzekerd van verkiezingswinst', 2 weken later wijst de windvaan weer compleet de andere kant op... Ik verwacht niet dat de komende 3 maanden minder politieke en economische volatiliteit gaan brengen, integendeel, maar weet wel dat het spel voor Oekra�ne over en uit is als het fundament onder de NAVO opgeblazen wordt. Wat dat betreft gaat het natuurlijk niet alleen om het militaire potentieel van Rusland en de posturing van westerse bondgenoten op basis van de huidige omstandigheden.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:02 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Kans wordt steeds kleiner dat Oekra�ne NAVO-lid wordt.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:04 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Zijn alle F16's al uit de lucht geschoten?

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 14:38 schreef dudewhereismycar het volgende:

[..]
6000 kerntoppen, die amper onderhouden zijn. Geloof er geen snars van dat ook maar 10� nog werkt.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:02 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Ze kunnen het nooit lang volhouden, dat grondgebied ruilen is afgeschreven.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:02 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Kans wordt steeds kleiner dat Oekra�ne NAVO-lid wordt.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:02 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Ze kunnen het nooit lang volhouden, dat grondgebied ruilen is afgeschreven.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:07 schreef Opnaarutrecht het volgende:

[..]
Op basis waarvan?

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:04 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Amerikanen prefereren winnaars. En Rusland staat nu werkelijk enorm voor lul. Dus als Trump nu gaat roepen dat Poetin zo fantastisch is en dat Oekra�ne moet stoppen en whatnot staat hij te juichen voor de verliezer. Daar wordt de zwevende kiezer niet heel enthousiast van.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:12 schreef Dubbelzuurrr het volgende:

[..]
De zwevende niet nee, maar de machtsbasis van Trump bestaat uit grootse miskende slachtoffers, net zoals die van de PVV hier. Dus met die esoterisch gemixte politieke boodschap kan Trump misschien nog wel uit de voeten... Poetin, slachtoffer van de mondiale elite!

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:08 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Ok vlad.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:08 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Ok vlad.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:17 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Bewaar deze post maar even. We komen er over twee weken op terug ok�? Jij zegt ze bezetten grondgebied. Ik zeg het lost langzaam op en het gaat weer naar de status quo.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 13:51 schreef Perrin het volgende:

[..]
Voor de onderhandelingspositie: Russisch grondgebied straks ruilen tegen Oekraiens gebied.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:20 schreef TwenteFC het volgende:

[..]
Of simpelweg bufferzone van die flank op Russisch grondgebied. Kunnen ze straks eerst hun eigen woningen en mensen die weigeren te vertrekken kapot schieten voor ze in de buurt van Oekraine komen. Daarnaast houdt het artillery op (grotere) afstand en vergroot het de range waarin je vijandelijke vliegtuigen kan neerhalen en je eigen vliegtuigen kunnen dieper vliegen.

Denk wel dat ze verbaasd zijn hoever ze Rusland in konden rekken, geeft ze daarintegen wel extra tijd om die buffers beter in te regelen. Ook een bonus dat ze zoveel russen hebben kunnen vangen die ze straks voor mensen kunnen inruilen.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:02 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Ze kunnen het nooit lang volhouden, dat grondgebied ruilen is afgeschreven.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 14:16 schreef polderturk het volgende:
[ x ]

80s Soviet Synthpop Альянс - На заре (At dawn) USSR, 1987

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:47 schreef AQuila360 het volgende:

[..]
Daar zou je je wel eens in kunnen vergissen, en kunnen ze niet nog ergens ook over de grens wippen om daar weer chaos te cre�ren.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:06 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Als we Kursk niet kunnen verdedigen, dan gooien we maar een bom op een supermarkt Ruzzen

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 09:59 schreef Starhopper het volgende:
Ze rijden nu ook Belgorod binnen

[ x ]

[ afbeelding ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:11 schreef Ulx het volgende:
[ x ]

Dit lijkt me plausibel. Of ze echt alle reserves terug naar Rusland gaan brengen durf ik niet te zeggen, maar er ontstaan nu andere zwakke plekken. Dat kan haast niet anders.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:41 schreef polderturk het volgende:
Colonnes worden nu op Russisch grond aangevallen.

Dat is mooi.

[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:56 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Nou. Het is misschien wel mogelijk. Dit zou kunnen werken.

[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:17 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Bewaar deze post maar even. We komen er over twee weken op terug ok�? Jij zegt ze bezetten grondgebied. Ik zeg het lost langzaam op en het gaat weer naar de status quo.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:42 schreef polderturk het volgende:

[..]
Hij is ironisch.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:20 schreef Parafernalia het volgende:

[..]
echt he, vuile honden. Ik ben er ook klaar mee. Ik ga doneren voor Oekra�ense wapens. Tegen m'n principes eigenlijk maar rot maar op. Heeft iemand een link waar je met PayPal of ideal kan betalen?

quote:

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT DONATION ACCOUNTS

DEFENSE
Ministry of Defense account at National Bank of Ukraine -- https://bank.gov.ua/en/about/support-the-armed-forces

DEFENSE & HUMANITARIAN OPTIONS
United24 -- https://u24.gov.ua/ - President Zelenskyy's fundraising program.

Funds raised via UNITED24 have allowed designated ministries to purchase 176 ambulances, hundreds of units of medical equipment, and ammunition for Ukrainian defenders; the first mine-clearing vehicle was brought to Ukraine; over 3,839 UAVs / UAV complexes were contracted; 11 bridges in the de-occupied Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts were rebuilt; and the world was introduced to the first Fleet of Naval Drones.

Current fundraising projects (https://u24.gov.ua/projects): Type C ambulances (Uber to match up to $1million) and humanitarian de-mining equipment, among others.

Detailed results of UNITED24's work can be found on u24.gov.ua. All activity is audited by Deloitte Ukraine, part of the global Deloitte network and 'Big Four' accounting firm.

The official partner of UNITED24 in the USA is Ukraine House DC Foundation which is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit organization (EIN 872080907). Donations are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.
​
OTHER DEFENSE SUPPORT

Drones for Ukraine Fund -- https://www.dronesforukraine.fund/

Name is self-explanatory. Aggregating funds allows for bulk purchases of parts/systems at prices lower than individual consumers can achieve, allowing donations to go further, and also facilitates sourcing that matches end-users' receivers.​

Come Back Alive (UA) -- https://savelife.in.ua/en/

They provide support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine -- thermal imagers, drones, off-road vehicles, intelligence systems, training, etc. According to istadniy: "Headed by a former Ukrainian marine, these guys know what they are doing, which is mostly quickly plugging holes where government funding is too slow and ponderous to help."
​
Ukraine Aid Ops (US) -- https://ukraineaidops.org

They raise funds to cover: protective gear & equipment (helmets, plates, body armor, safety goggles, ear protection…), clothing (winter uniforms, shoes, thermal underwear, gloves…), technical equipment (secure radios, night vision devices, drones…), medical kits, sleeping bags, generators, power banks, shovels, vehicles. They also maintain Amazon wish lists (US, DE) and a Victory Gallery Gift Shop / Fighting War With Art shop.​


HUMANITARIAN AID - MEDICAL / PROTECTIVE GEAR / GENERATORS / ETC

Ukrainian Red Cross (UA) -- https://redcross.org.ua/en/

As opposed to the International Red Cross, the Ukrainian Red Cross is on the ground in UA helping civilians affected by the war. istadniy knows a fellow rider who works for them and speaks highly of their efforts. Detailed impact numbers are on their home page.
​
Hospitallers (UA) -- https://www.hospitallers.life/about-us

A volunteer organization of paramedics founded in 2014. They source medicine and medical equipment, and provide medical training.​

Leleka Foundation (US/UA) -- https://leleka.care/

Founded in December 2014, they procure and distribute medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, they have focused on the urgent supply of medical supplies to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians on the front lines. istadniy has been working with this org since 2014, and adds that they supply both individual kits and large backpacks of supplies.
​
Razom (US, UA) -- https://www.razomforukraine.org/

Founded in 2014, Razom ("Together") creates spaces where people meet, partner and work together to unlock the potential of Ukraine, focusing on the needs on the ground to support Ukraine and on opportunities to amplify voices from Ukraine in conversations in the United States. We operate in Ukraine as Razom Dlia Ukraini (Разом Для України) and we collaborate with organizations and individuals so that we can deliver the highest impact. (In addition to supporting medical/etc, they support policy advocacy in the US and concerts, film festivals, and other cultural events in the US).
​
UHelpUkraine (CA) -- https://uhelpukraine.org

Founded by Ukrainian-Canadian volunteers in Canada who collect/ship medical supplies to UA.
​
British-Ukranian Aid (UK) -- https://www.british-ukrainianaid.org/

Founded in 2014, all-volunteer effort (100% of donations go to mission), partners with the Ministry of Health in Ukraine regarding critical deficits. They support immediate and longer-term needs, e.g., procure/deliver first aid kits, ambulances, specialized medical equipment; cover the cost of medical treatment for individuals in need of medical aid and organisations caring for them; arrange consultations with British specialists on medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation; and procure and deliver humanitarian aid to organisations and individuals.
​
Kyiv School of Economics (UA) -- https://kse.ua/support/donation/

A large educational organisation that has been raising funds to make bulk purchases. They have also hosted the GlobalMinds4Ukraine lecture series and have wasted no time developing online masters and other degree and certification programs in an effort to skill their population up for the massive rebuilding ahead. Donations raised at this time go to civilian relief and protective/medical equipment for Ukrainian Armed Forces and first responders as needed.
​
Zgraya (UA) -- https://zgraya-help.com/

A group of volunteers from a local marketing agency worked with the military in eastern Ukraine in 2014-2015. They've gotten back in action, helping source and distribute food, medical supplies, and shelter to civilians, pet food, and non-lethal aid to the military. Basically a tight-knit version of the red cross. istadniy again knows people inside the organization and says that everything he's seen is praise-worthy.​


EVACUATION ASSISTANCE

Helping to Leave (UA) -- https://helpingtoleave.org/en

They help people evacuate from areas of military conflict, including those who are forcibly deported to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and to Russia.

IF SOMEONE NEEDS EVAC ASSISTANCE, START WITH THIS TELEGRAM B: https://t.me/helpingtoleave_bot

"Territories Are People"

​
FOOD

World Central Kitchen (US) -- https://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraine

An org that serves up meals for those displaced by the war, at front lines, etc. worldwide, to include in Ukraine.
​

PETS / ANIMALS

UAnimals -- https://uanimals.org/en/pro-nas/

Ukrainian animal welfare org founded in 2016 that is helping with evacuations, feed and medicines for animal shelters, and rebuilding animal shelters. A Ukraine-wide program for free neutering of stray animals is available in Kharkiv, Chernivtsi, Zaporizhya, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Poltava, Chernihiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy and other cities. Endorsed by PETA and Humane Society International-Europe.
​
International Fund for Animal Welfare (US) -- https://www.ifaw.org/action/ukraine-emergency-aid-update

They have been in the animal welfare space for decades. Re UA, "We have been working tirelessly to support refugees and their pets, source dog and cat food / supplies for animal shelters, fund zoos, and facilitate animal rescues. We began working with animal shelters in Ukraine following the 2014 Russian invasion and will continue to be there for the pets and wildlife caught in this conflict."​

Four Paws (US, UK, CH, DE, FR, SA, ... ) -- UK link as example: https://www.four-paws.org.uk/about-us/faqs-collection/faq-ukraine

IF A UA REFUGEE IN EUROPE WITH A PET REQUIRES VET ASSISTANCE:
Contact Vets for Ukrainian Pets (program currently runs through 31 Dec 2023)​


NARRATIVE ASSISTANCE - NAFO (NORTH ATLANTIC FELLA ORGANIZATION)

NAFO, or the "Fellas" = internet users from around the world who are raising money for Ukraine and fighting Russian disinformation online.

Story about them on Vice: Shitposting Shiba Inu Accounts Chased a Russian Diplomat Offline
TVP World interview with former NATO official Edward Hunter Christie: "We are NAFO" - memes against war

To join the Fellas, per another inmate on this great site: "To join is easy. Join Twitter, search for NAFO, find Kama @ Kama Kamilia, follow the instructions in his pinned post by donating to the Georgian Legion ... via paypal, screen grab your donation and tweet post on Kama's page, requesting the design of Fella you'd like. ... From there, sit back for a little while, understand how NAFO operate then get amongst the fun."
​

IN EUROPE: DONATE LAPTOPS, CELL PHONES, AND TABLETS

Laptops for Ukraine -- https://laptopsforukraine.com/

Give your spare laptop, phone or tablet a new life in the hands of a Ukrainian healthcare worker, teacher or student. Supported by the European Commission among others. Collection points throughout Europe.

​
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL? BECOME A MEDICAL VOLUNTEER

https://en.moz.gov.ua/article/news/...dical-institutions-during-this-difficult-time​

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 17:00 schreef Ulx het volgende:
Oekra�ne heeft in de laatste vier dagen meer land van Rusland afgepakt dan Rusland in de laatste vier maanden van Oekra�ne.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:37 schreef Eyjafjallajoekull het volgende:
robo hont doet ook mee

[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 17:02 schreef Hyperdude het volgende:

[..]
Deze zag ik eerder deze week langskomen en heeft Paypal:
https://mil.in.ua/en/news(...)-pure-anger-snipers/
Zal nog even verder kijken. Had ergens een hele lijst. Ook met iets minder geweld.
[..]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:56 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Nou. Het is misschien wel mogelijk. Dit zou kunnen werken.

[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:40 schreef spicymchaggis het volgende:

[..]
Volgens Robbie's kristallen bol kan dit helemaal niet en is het de Oekra�ners alleen maar om "gezichtsverlies voor Poetin" te doen.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:42 schreef spicymchaggis het volgende:

[..]
Whatever you want.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:20 schreef Parafernalia het volgende:

[..]
echt he, vuile honden. Ik ben er ook klaar mee. Ik ga doneren voor Oekra�ense wapens. Tegen m'n principes eigenlijk maar rot maar op. Heeft iemand een link waar je met PayPal of ideal kan betalen?

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 17:43 schreef polderturk het volgende:
[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:07 schreef Opnaarutrecht het volgende:

[..]
Op basis waarvan?

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 15:02 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Kans wordt steeds kleiner dat Oekra�ne NAVO-lid wordt.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:07 schreef oheng het volgende:
De reden voor deze inval is heel simpel: omdat dit het zwakste punt was.
Bovendien moet rusland nu haar leger verspreiden over 1500km.
Dit verergert het personeelstekort �n de kosten.

De Pows, veroverd materieel, de politieke schade, de moraal boost, etc, etc zijn allemaal mooi meegenomen.

Het grondgebied an sich is niet zo belangrijk, tenzij Oekraine het wil gaan gebruiken als ruilmiddel.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:05 schreef michaelmoore het volgende:

[..]
de kans is wel zeker aanwezig , het is de enige manier om rusland voorgoed buiten de deur te houden

Het zal wel moeten dus

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:20 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Maar dit gerotzooi in Rusland helpt zeker niet mee na verloop van tijd. Nu denken we van aah mooi, maar later gaan we daar anders over denken, in ieder geval de VS.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:24 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Eh, gewoon,

Nee.

Je, wat door moet gaan voor: argument gaat gewoon helemaal nergens over.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:20 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Maar dit gerotzooi in Rusland helpt zeker niet mee na verloop van tijd. Nu denken we van aah mooi, maar later gaan we daar anders over denken, in ieder geval de VS.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:25 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Prima als jij er zo over denkt.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:25 schreef kibo het volgende:

[..]
WE????

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:25 schreef kibo het volgende:

[..]
WE????

quote:

Nee, eigenlijk was het helemaal niet goed, dat oekraine besloot het land dat hun binnenviel, zelf binnen te gaan vallen

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:28 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Zeker, en ik zal je blijven wijzen op de volstrekt ononderbouwde, incoherente onzin die jij hier maar blijft posten.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:36 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Wacht het nou maar gewoon af schat.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:36 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Wacht het nou maar gewoon af schat.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:24 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Eh, gewoon,

Nee.

Je, wat door moet gaan voor: argument gaat gewoon helemaal nergens over.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:13 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Die kerncentrale kan nog wel eens grappig worden.

Het enige waar rus vooruitgang mee boekt is de combinatie meatwaves en glidebombs. En die laatste gaat hem niet worden, als de tegenstander een kerncentrale bezet houd.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:34 schreef ExTec het volgende:

[..]
Europa vind het op dit moment far and wide gewoon wel best wat oekraine nu uitvoert.

Dat europa, in de toekomst (?), hierover ineens 180 graden draait(?) en gaat zeggen:
[..]
Lijkt mij extreem-onwaarschijnlijk.

Maar goed, we hebben het hier wel over meneer Disco, echt zo'n post-truth figuur, trekt zich niks aan van indicatoren die een andere kant dan zijn mening op wijzen,

Hij heeft gewoon "een mening", dat "vind hij gewoon",

En denkt als klap op de vuurpijl ook nog eens dat mensen daadwerkelijk zitten te wachten op z'n nooit onderbouwde brainfarts

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 19:04 schreef Bocaj het volgende:
Zag gister Oranjezomer en die Bolle daar vertelde dat Oekra nu eindelijk Rusland binnenvalt etc.
Maar vallen ze nu ook steden (en natuurlijk de inwoners) aan?
Zal nu toch wel schrikken zijn voor de Russische inwoners die dit misschien toch niet verwacht hadden?

_{~Misschien een rare vraag, maar ik zit niet helemaal diep in de oorlog. Zie wel eens videos van The Sun waar steeds maar weer Russisch materieel vernietigd wordt. State of the art oorlogsmaterieel (vele miljoenen waard) die met een drone kapot wordt gemaakt!}

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:20 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Maar dit gerotzooi in Rusland helpt zeker niet mee na verloop van tijd. Nu denken we van aah mooi, maar later gaan we daar anders over denken, in ieder geval de VS.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 19:04 schreef Bocaj het volgende:
Zag gister Oranjezomer en die Bolle daar vertelde dat Oekra nu eindelijk Rusland binnenvalt etc.
Maar vallen ze nu ook steden (en natuurlijk de inwoners) aan?
Zal nu toch wel schrikken zijn voor de Russische inwoners die dit misschien toch niet verwacht hadden?

_{~Misschien een rare vraag, maar ik zit niet helemaal diep in de oorlog. Zie wel eens videos van The Sun waar steeds maar weer Russisch materieel vernietigd wordt. State of the art oorlogsmaterieel (vele miljoenen waard) die met een drone kapot wordt gemaakt!}

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:00 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Russische inwoners in de grensgebieden zijn nu wel in paniek lijkt me. Jarenlang volgepompt met anti-Oekra�ne propaganda, en dat alleen Poetin ze kon beschermen, en dan nu dit.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:05 schreef inslagenreuring het volgende:

[..]
Die denken inderdaad dat de Navo het land binnen komt rijden aan de hand van het materieel.

quote:

July was 'deadliest month' for Ukrainian civilians since October 2022, UN says

^{Emergency and rescue personnel clear the rubble from the Okhmatdyt children's hospital, which was destroyed in a Russian missile attack, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 8, 2024. (Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images)}

At least 219 civilians were killed and 1,018 injured in Ukraine in July, making it "the deadliest month for civilians" since October 2022, the U.N. human rights office said in a report on Aug. 9.

"The high number of casualties in July continues a trend of increasing civilian casualties since March 2024," reads the report.

The vast majority of civilian casualties (90%) and damage to educational and healthcare facilities (86%) continued to occur in the Ukraine-controlled territory in July, according to the report.

SPOILER

quote:

Russia carried out a mass aerial attack against Ukraine on the morning of July 8, targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kryvyi Rih, among other cities, killing over 40 people and injuring at least 147, including seven children.

Okhmatdyt, Ukraine's largest children's medical center, was hit during the Russian July 8 missile attack. Two people, including a doctor, were killed there while one hospital building was destroyed and four others damaged.

A boy who was evacuated from the Okhmatdyt children's hospital after the attack died at another Kyiv hospital on July 10.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the U.N. estimates that at least 11,520 civilians have been killed and at least 23,640 injured.

The actual figure of civilian casualties is likely much higher.

The number of dead and injured in fighting immediately after the outbreak of the full-scale war has yet to be fully accounted for, and some of the places that saw the heaviest combat in early 2022 are still under Russian occupation, making it all but impossible for outside observers to investigate.

quote:

Zurich resident reports on the horror of military service for Ukraine
The Swiss military justice system is prosecuting 24 Swiss nationals suspected of having fought in Ukraine. One of these volunteers is Jona Neidhart, a 36-year-old from Zurich. He recently returned and criticizes Switzerland's "hypocrisy" in this conflict.

Jona Neidhart returned to Switzerland two months ago. He is proud to have fought for the Ukrainians and for freedom. Despite the barbarity of the conflict, he suffered neither war injuries nor psychological after-effects.

"The Russians are much more numerous and do not follow any rules on the battlefield," he told the Swiss radio and television station RTS. "This means that we have to fight an enemy that is absolutely brutal and without conscience."

Shocked by the Russian invasion, the then 34-year-old dropped out of his studies in Bern in March 2022 to join the international legion of the Ukrainian army "Slava Ukraina".

He served for two years in the "Bravo" company. The company suffered heavy losses. "One of my comrades died last November," Neidhart recalls. "We had to recover his body. His head was gone."

Despite the horror, he never doubted the meaning of his fight and never lost his motivation on the battlefield. When he came to liberated areas, the Ukrainian civilians were extremely grateful, he says. "They thanked us and said that they finally felt free from these 'Russian monsters'." Neidhart is convinced that he fought for democracy in Ukraine.

SPOILER

quote:

Waiting for the trial
On June 13, the Zurich native returned to Switzerland. He voluntarily submitted himself to military justice because in Switzerland it is illegal to fight for a foreign army.

Neidhart hopes to receive the maximum sentence of three years in prison. This would give him the opportunity to draw public attention to the absurdity of convicting someone who is fighting for a just cause on which, in his opinion, the entire West and Switzerland depend.

However, it is not certain whether military justice will be so strict. It could limit itself to a fine. The motivation behind a Swiss citizen's service in a foreign army also plays a role in determining the sentence.

While Neidhart is awaiting trial, he is not allowed to leave Switzerland. He finds it a difficult situation. He would like to do much more because, in his eyes, "innocent people are killed and massacred by the Russians every day."

In the meantime, he is continuing his fight by writing a book in which he intends to denounce the inadequate delivery of Western military supplies to Ukraine.

Why did I return to Switzerland? | Jona Neidhart

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 17:43 schreef polderturk het volgende:
[ x ]

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 18:20 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Maar dit gerotzooi in Rusland helpt zeker niet mee na verloop van tijd. Nu denken we van aah mooi, maar later gaan we daar anders over denken, in ieder geval de VS.

quote:

Production of Bozena-5 and PT-300 demining systems has been localized in Ukraine

^{The PT-300 D:MINE demining system by FAE. May 2024. Ukraine. Photo credits: AVTEK}

Slovakia’s Way Industries and Italy’s FAE have localized the production of their remote-controlled demining systems in Ukraine.

Ihor Fedirko, Advisor to the Minister for Strategic Industries, told Militarnyi about this.

The Italian company FAE Group has localized the production of PT-300 D:MINE demining systems.

The Slovakian company Way Industries has also localized the production of Bozena-5 demining systems.

“Global manufacturers understand that they need to localize production in order to speed up the supply of their equipment to the Ukrainian market,” said Ihor Fedirko.

SPOILER

quote:

.

^{Bozena-5 demining system of the Way Industries company. July 2023, Slovakia. Photo credits: Way Industries}

Localization also reduces the difficulties associated with paperwork, which takes longer to obtain when importing into Ukraine.

Ihor Fedirko said that Ukraine needed 300 such demining systems.

International charitable foundations are actively helping Ukraine with these vehicles. In addition, 8 demining systems were officially purchased for Ukrainian budgetary funds.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine notes that the PT-300 D:MINE confidently copes with its tasks, namely clearing fields littered with mines, cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance.

^{The PT-300 D:MINE demining system by FAE. May 2024. Ukraine. Photo credits: AVTEK}

The PT-300 D:MINE is equipped with a Caterpillar diesel engine (275 hp or 302 hp) and is capable of operating on slopes up to 45 degrees and downhill slopes up to 35 degrees. The vehicle has a length of 4950 mm (with a 6500 mm linkage) and a track width of 2360 mm.

The operating weight is 10830 kg. The specific ground pressure is 0.34 kg/cm�. The vehicle can effectively clear the territory of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines at a speed of up to 6.5 km/h.

Ігор Федірко про українські боєприпаси для дронів, технології для розмінування та ZBROYARI

Bozena-5 has been used in Ukraine for a long time for demining. It is equipped with a rotating chain de-mining device. The system includes the main hull of the vehicle, unloading device, operator’s cabin and trailer of the transport platform.

quote:

Ukraine updates: Russia says 76,000 evacuated from Kursk
Russia said tens of thousands of residents of the Kursk border region have been brought to safety as a Ukrainian incursion lasts into its fifth day. Meanwhile, Belarus said Ukraine violated its airspace. DW has more.

What you need to know
• Russia says 76,000 evacuated from Kursk region amid Ukrainian incursion
• Russia launches new operations to fight back Ukraine's incursion into border regions
• Belarus says Ukraine violated its airspace
• IAEA, the UN's nuclear watchdog, called for restraint from Ukraine and Russia.
• Russia imposed anti-terrorism measures in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions

Russia says over 76,000 residents of Kursk evacuated
Russia on Saturday said over 76,000 residents in the western parts of Kursk bordering Ukraine have been evacuated so far this week.

"More than 76,000 people have been temporarily relocated to safe places," the state-run TASS news agency quoted an official from the regional emergency situations ministry as saying at a press briefing on Saturday.

Ukrainian forces began an incursion on Tuesday into the Kursk region in a surprise attack.

The fighting, which has caught Russia off guard, now persists into a fifth day.

SPOILER

quote:

Ukraine hits Black Sea gas platform used by Russia — navy spokesperson
Ukraine has said it hit a gas rig operated by Russian forces in the Black Sea.

Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk told the Ukrainska Pravda news site that there were no civilians on the platform and that it was out of operation.

Pletenchuk said that Russian forces gathered equipment and personnel at the gas rig and aimed to use it to jam satellite navigation signals and disrupt civilian shipping, including Ukrainian grain exports.

The RBK-Ukraine news agency reported that the ship was holding 40 Russian military personnel at the time of the Ukrainian strike.

Lukashenko accuses Ukraine of violating Belarusian airspace
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said that Minsk believed 10 Ukrainian drones entered Belarusian airspace.

He was cited by state news agency Belta as saying Belarus shot down several of the Ukrainian objects.

"The Ukrainian armed forces violated all rules of behavior and violated the airspace of the Republic of Belarus," he said, adding that the incident occurred on Friday evening.

He said that Belarusian authorities suspected that the objects, which reportedly entered through the eastern Kastsyukovichy area, were Ukrainian "combat drones."

The information could not be independently verified.

The statements come as Ukrainian forces continue their incursion into Russian border regions.

Minsk is an ally of Moscow, which used Belarus as a staging ground for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia launches operations to fend off Ukrainian incursion
Russia announced that it had launched a "counter-terror operation" in areas bordering Ukraine to halt the advance of Ukrainian forces into Russian territory.

Security forces and the military are given enhanced emergency powers during "counter-terror operations," allowing them to relocate residents, control phone communications and requisition vehicles.

Russia's army claimed that Kyiv initially dispatched 1,000 troops and more than two dozen armored combat vehicles and tanks. The figures could not be independently verified.

The Russian Defense Ministry said fighting was continuing in the Kursk region and that the army had conducted airstrikes against Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian incursion 'threat' to Kursk nuclear power plant — Rosatom
Russia's nuclear agency Rosatom said that Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region poses a "direct threat" to the region's nuclear power plant.

"The actions of the Ukrainian army created a direct threat not only to the Kursk nuclear power plant, but to the entire nuclear energy industry," Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev was cited by Russian state news agency RIA as saying.

He made the comments during a call with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IARA), Rafael Grossi.

"At the moment there is a real danger of strikes and provocations by the Ukrainian army," Rosatom said in a separate statement.

At least 16,000 civilians have been evacuated from border areas due to the Ukrainian incursion.

Similar accusations have been made against Russian forces who are occupying the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the largest in Europe.

One killed in Ukrainian drone attack on Lipetsk
A Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian city of Lipetsk killed one civilian, the regional government said on Saturday.

Lipetsk is located 300 kilometers (around 185 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Governor Igor Artamonov said Russian air defense intercepted 19 Ukrainian drones overnight, in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

The Russian Defense Ministry also reported the interception of 32 drones: 26 in the Kursk region and six in Yaroslavl.

Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev no damage or casualties were reported from the attack.

Russia enforces anti-terrorism measures in Kursk, nearby regions
Russia imposed anti-terrorism measures in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions, Moscow's anti-terrorism committee said late on Friday, according to Russian news agencies.

The move, according to the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, is aimed at countering Ukraine's "unprecedented attempt to destabilize the situation in a number of regions."

Alexander Bortnikov, head of the FSB intelligence service took the decision "in order to ensure the safety of citizens and suppress the threat of terrorist acts being carried out by the enemy's sabotage groups," the committee said.

Measures included potentially moving residents, transport restrictions, enhanced security, and wiretapping.

Meanwhile, Russia was reinforcing its southern Kursk region with additional tanks, artillery, and rocket systems as it faced a surprising Ukrainian incursion.

IAEA urges restrain as conflict nears Kursk nuclear plant
IAEA, the UN's nuclear watchdog, called for restraint from Ukraine and Russia on Friday as fighting intensified in Russia's Kursk region, home to one of the country's largest nuclear power stations.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said "maximum restraint" was needed to prevent a nuclear disaster amid the ongoing conflict near the Kursk nuclear plant.

"I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences," Grossi said in a statement released by the IAEA.

"I am personally in contact with the relevant authorities of both countries and will continue to be seized of the matter."

According to Russian media, Moscow's diplomatic mission in Vienna informed the IAEA that fragments, possibly from downed missiles, were found at the plant, though there was no evidence of a direct attack.

Meanwhile, the state nuclear energy company Rosatom said the Kursk nuclear plant was operating normally on Saturday.

There have been reports of fierce fighting, deaths and casualties in the Russian territory of Kursk.

Ukrainian troops had advanced as far as 35 kilometers (21 miles) into the region, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War, although, they reportedly do not have full control of the area.

quote:

SBU Uses Double Agent to Apprehend a Senior GRU Agent in Kyiv
The SBU turned a resident of Kyiv who had been recruited by Russia to carry out arson attacks in the capital to trap Moscow’s military spy.

^{Caption: A senior agent of the GRU of the Russian Federation was detained Photo: Security Service of Ukraine}

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported the detention of a senior agent of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU) through the use of their own double agent.

A Russian operator had been in the process of creating an intelligence cell in Kyiv, the primary task of which was to set fire to vehicles belonging to Ukraine’s Defense Forces to cause social and political destabilization.

An individual who had himself been caught by the SBU preparing to commit arsons agreed to cooperate in documenting the subversive activities of the female Russian military intelligence officer.

She recruited and coordinated the arsonists and helped them organize other subversive activities in Kyiv. The woman gave instruction in the manufacture of homemade ignition devices, which were to be used to destroy military vehicles.

She arranged to film the arson attack to be committed by the SBU double agent and was caught in the act.

SPOILER

quote:

The GRU officer had been recruited by Russian military intelligence at the beginning of a full-scale war when she was living in the city of Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia, and then moved to the capital.

There, her Russian intelligence handler, who promised funding which she never received, maintained remote contact.

She will be charged with acts of treason committed under martial law for which she faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The SBU earlier reported the detention of a 32-year-old fitness trainer from Odesa who set fire to the cars of the Armed Forces in Kyiv, Dnipro and Odesa on the orders of the FSB.

The Odesa man, who was looking for quick money on the Internet, set fire to an АFU van in Kyiv after having traveled to the capital, where he rented an apartment for one day.

At night, he set fire to the parked military vehicle, capturing the result on his phone which Russia wanted to “prove” the existence of a pro-Russian underground in Kyiv. He intended to carry out similar actions in other Ukrainian cities.

quote:

Self-proclaimed Belarusian president orders Iskander missile systems and rocket artillery to be sent to border with Ukraine
Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, has ordered the reinforcement of the grouping of forces in the Gomel and Mozyr tactical areas bordering Ukraine's Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts.

Source: Belarusian state-owned news outlet BelTA, citing Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin

Quote from Khrenin: "The commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces [i.e. Lukashenko] has given instructions to strengthen the grouping of forces in the Gomel and Mozyr tactical areas.

Special operations forces, ground forces and rocket units, particularly Polonez multiple-launch rocket systems and Iskander missile systems, have been tasked with moving to the designated areas.

Background: Earlier, Lukashenko claimed that "several targets coming from Ukraine" had been shot down over Belarus.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:43 schreef Bensel het volgende:
76000 vluchtelingen opvangen kost behoorlijk wat in organisatie, logistiek en geld. . maar goed, we weten allemaal wat voor kwaliteit rusland hun burgers geeft

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:05 schreef inslagenreuring het volgende:

[..]
Die denken inderdaad dat de Navo het land binnen komt rijden aan de hand van het materieel.

quote:

Ukrainian Defense Forces strike Black Sea gas tower used by Russia
Ukrainian defenders attacked a gas platform in the Black Sea, resulting in a fire, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk and the Telegram channel Crimean Wind.

A video of an alleged attack on a gas platform in the Black Sea was shared online today, August 10. Unconfirmed reports suggest Russia had installed technical reconnaissance equipment and had up to 40 personnel stationed on the platform.

The Ukrainian Navy spokesperson confirmed the strike on the platform. Pletenchuk stated that it was an operation conducted by the Ukrainian Navy and the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

"Yes, the Russian occupiers were using this location for GPS spoofing to endanger civilian shipping. We cannot allow this. And yes, half a day before the attack, Russia placed equipment and military personnel on the platform. There were no civilians present. The platform was not performing its normal functions," he says.

The Ukrainian Navy spokesperson later hid his post on Facebook.

SPOILER

quote:

Tower importance
Later, Dmytro Pletenchuk explained how the Russian occupiers used the damaged gas tower. According to him, this location was not used regularly.

"It was used to install various equipment, including GPS spoofing. This is a deliberate action when electronic warfare devices send false GPS signals to interfere with systems that are guided by them. Given that this is the northern part of the Western Sea, this could affect the operation of our grain corridor and the safety of civilian shipping," the Ukrainian Navy spokesperson said.

He noted that the Russians also transferred relevant personnel to the platform. Pletenchuk emphasized that Russian losses need to be further investigated and clarified. However, it is known for sure that there were no civilian personnel there, only military.

The Crimean Wind Telegram channel reports that a fire broke out on the tower after the strike and was extinguished.

<sup>Photo: a fire broke out at a gas tower in the Black Sea (t.me/Crimeanwind)


Photo: a fire broke out at a gas tower in the Black Sea (t.me/Crimeanwind)</sup>

What platform Ukrainian Defense Forces hit?
Ukrainian Defense Express reports that, according to satellite monitoring by NASA, the attack occurred on August 8-9.

Analysts indicate that the gas platform targeted is located in the Stormove gas condensate field. Likely, the captured by the Russian offshore platform No. 17 (OP-17) was hit.

As early as 2014, Russia installed a Neva-BS radar station and hydroacoustic detection equipment on OP-17.

Defense Express does not rule out that after 2022, the Russian occupiers may have increased the number and types of reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and communication equipment at this site.

Boyko Towers
Recall that on September 11, 2023, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine announced that it had regained control of the so-called Boyko Towers. Before this, Ukraine had launched a missile strike on the platforms.

These are oil and gas drilling platforms located near the coast of occupied Crimea in the Black Sea. Russia captured the platforms in 2014 following the occupation of the peninsula.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine explained that regaining control of this site deprived Russia of the ability to conduct reconnaissance in the air, on the sea, and on land.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 16:42 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
ik zag ergens anders dat dit een ouder filmpje zou zijn.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:45 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
En hoe voorkom je dat ze gaan morren? Blij zullen ze niet zijn.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:50 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Het filmpje met de tungsten gaatjes en doden in de vrachtwagens kwam ook uit 2023.

Veel nepnieuws op social media wat zonder filter gecopieerd wordt.

Kwam ook hier weer voorbij.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 19:56 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Ze doen de Russische mensen geen kwaad.
Het gaat pas verschrikkelijk worden voor ze als het Russisch leger de boel komt bevrijden. De Russen schieten de boel helemaal in puin

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 19:04 schreef Bocaj het volgende:
Zag gister Oranjezomer en die Bolle daar vertelde dat Oekra nu eindelijk Rusland binnenvalt etc.
Maar vallen ze nu ook steden (en natuurlijk de inwoners) aan?
Zal nu toch wel schrikken zijn voor de Russische inwoners die dit misschien toch niet verwacht hadden?

_{~Misschien een rare vraag, maar ik zit niet helemaal diep in de oorlog. Zie wel eens videos van The Sun waar steeds maar weer Russisch materieel vernietigd wordt. State of the art oorlogsmaterieel (vele miljoenen waard) die met een drone kapot wordt gemaakt!}

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:58 schreef skysherrif het volgende:

[..]
[ x ]

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:59 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Of er dan een verkeerd filmpje bijstaat of niet maakt weinig uit.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:26 schreef Delenlill het volgende:
https://www.dw.com/en/ukr(...)-kursk/live-69906248
[..]

SPOILER

[..]

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:04 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Als je gaat concluderen dat er tungsten HIMARS gebruikt zijn en je baseert je op beeld uit 2023 gaat er iets goed mis.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:10 schreef Parafernalia het volgende:

[..]
Hoeveel mensen zijn er eigenlijk ge�vacueerd?

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:00 schreef skysherrif het volgende:

[..]
Er zullen heus burgers omkomen tijdens dit offensief, dat kan niet anders. Maar dat valt volledig het kremlin te wijten.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:12 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Dat is wat anders dan bewust burgers vermoorden.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:50 schreef PluggieOD het volgende:

[..]
Het filmpje met de tungsten gaatjes en doden in de vrachtwagens kwam ook uit 2023.

Veel nepnieuws op social media wat zonder filter gecopieerd wordt.

Kwam ook hier weer voorbij.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:25 schreef oheng het volgende:

[..]
Idd er wordt erg veel materiaal gerecycled. Wordt er bijna paranoide van. Zit nu de hele tijd te denken of ik inslag X nu wel of niet herken.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:14 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Als de Russische soldaten tussen de eigen burgers gaan staan om Oekra�ners te beschieten wordt het wel een enorme mentale spagaat voor een aantal mensen op dit forum.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 20:51 schreef Delenlill het volgende:
[ x ]
Dat ziet er erg indrukwekkend uit zeg.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:28 schreef skysherrif het volgende:

[..]
En de russen die weer 4 verschillende invalshoeken recyclen van 1 voertuig, of het beeld eerder afkappen. De helft van de lancet inslagen die ik gezien heb in kursk hebben gemist, nog niet et spreken van de iskanders haha

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:00 schreef skysherrif het volgende:

[..]
Er zullen heus burgers omkomen tijdens dit offensief, dat kan niet anders. Maar dat valt volledig het kremlin te wijten.

quote:

‘Doing the least obvious thing’: Ukraine embarrasses Putin with surprise assault on southern Russia
Vladimir Putin fixed the commander in chief of Russia’s military, General Valery Gerasimov, with a cold stare and a look of exasperation. The video, released Wednesday by the Kremlin, showed the Russian president was not happy with news from the southern region of Kursk.

At that moment, hundreds of Ukrainian troops, backed by tanks and protected by air defenses, were advancing into the region. Russian soldiers were surrendering; hundreds of Russian civilians in and around the town of Sudzha were fleeing with anything they could grab.

In two-and-a-half years of warfare, it was an unprecedented Ukrainian incursion into Russia. Putin told the Kremlin meeting that it was “another major provocation” by Kyiv. The region’s acting governor declared a state of emergency, describing the situation as “very difficult.”

Above all, it was humiliating for a Russian state that prides itself on protecting the motherland.

The Kursk attack was an audacious and counter-intuitive move from the Ukrainian military, what one analyst describes as “doing the least obvious thing.”

Despite steadily losing ground in eastern Donetsk, it chose to send elements of experienced brigades into Russian territory, with the apparent goals of embarrassing the Kremlin and forcing the Russian Defense Ministry to redeploy resources and providing the home front with a much-needed morale boost.

SPOILER

quote:

George Barros at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War says the Ukrainians “achieved operational surprise against great odds and are currently exploiting Russia’s lack of readiness in its border areas.” (The same tactic worked in September 2022 when they recovered much of occupied Kharkiv region within a week.)

The Russian regiment tasked with defending this part of the border abandoned its positions. Several dozen soldiers were taken captive, leading President Volodymyr Zelensky to express Friday “special gratitude to our warriors and units who are replenishing the ‘exchange fund’ – by taking the occupiers as captives and thus helping to free our people from Russian captivity.”

A column of Russian reinforcements was taken out by a missile attack near the town of Rylsk on Thursday night, possibly because the Ukrainians had managed to hack into multiple traffic cameras that are a feature of Russian highways. One Russian blogger, Aleksander Kots, said he had driven the route. “I noticed that there are cameras working along the entire highway. They are literally blinking their lights.”

Meeting little resistance, and with Russian communications in the region reportedly jammed by effective electronic warfare, the Ukrainian brigades pushed more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) inside Kursk in the first two days of the operation.

Good intelligence allowed advanced units to move still further forward in a somewhat chaotic battlefield, often bypassing Russian defenses. By Friday Russian authorities had lost control over at least 250 square kilometers of territory, according to several independent analyses and CNN’s mapping.

This wasn’t just a patch of empty Russian countryside. Among the places that came under Ukrainian control was a natural gas transit hub near the border through which Russia supplies Europe with substantial volumes of natural gas.

On Friday, a Ukrainian military Telegram channel declared the facility “under the control of the 99th mechanised battalion of the 61st Mechanized Brigade,” one of the experienced units involved in the assault. A video showed soldiers in front of the building, but Gazprom said Saturday that the pipeline was still operating.

Inside Russia, the sort of anger that had greeted setbacks at the beginning of the war was rekindled.

Andrey Gurulyov, a former commander in the region, reposted a comment on Telegram that demanded military prosecutors investigate decisions by commanders to transfer units from the Kursk region ahead of the attack.

And there was resentment amongst Russian civilians in the region, thousands of whom fled their homes. The head of the city of Rylsk – some distance from the most advanced Ukrainian units – said Friday more than half the population of 15,000 had left. Social media videos illustrated the frustration among civilians at the sluggish response of the military; some appealed directly to President Putin.

An expeditionary force
Ukrainian troops, even if reinforced, cannot expect to occupy several hundred square kilometers of Russian territory. This is very much an expeditionary force, albeit a battle-hardened one, that has exploited the absence of organized resistance to make ground quickly.

But holding a large chunk Russian territory is beyond their capacity and probably beyond their goal. Russian reinforcements will eventually make their mark, even if it takes them longer than three days to begin effective defense. On Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said units had “thwarted the attempts of the enemy’s mobile groups to get to the depth” of Russian territory near Ivashkovsky, Malaya Loknya, and Olgovka in the Kursk region. Olgovka is 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the border.

There were also signs Saturday that Russian “Lancet” drones were beginning to degrade Ukrainian armour.

Emil Kastehelmi at the Black Bird group in Finland, which uses open-source intelligence to track the conflict says “time is running against Ukrainians – (the) Russians won’t be disorganized forever.”

Even if the Ukrainians need to pull back from more advanced positions, such an operation still serves several purposes. Barros says it “exposes some of Russia’s planning assumptions and critical vulnerabilities.” And Matthew Schmidt, who has taught strategic and operational planning at the US Army’s Command and General Staff College, said the Ukrainians’ “creative use of force was designed to put pressure on the decision-makers in Moscow” – and possibly cost some of them their jobs.

Russian military blogger Vladislav Shurygin crystallized all this in a Telegram post Friday, saying that the enemy had “very skilfully and accurately chosen a different strategy - taking advantage of the bureaucratic rigidity and sluggishness of the Russian management system, to exhaust Russia with continuous unexpected strikes on sensitive infrastructure and the civilian population, provoking discontent, disappointment and apathy.”

The Kursk operation also demonstrates to Ukraine’s allies that it still has the energy and imagination to surprise its enemy and embarrass the Kremlin at a time when much of the news from the frontline was bleak for Kyiv.

That’s not lost on Shurygin. “The goal of this new strategy is to put Russia before the prospect of an increasingly costly war (financially, reputationally and organizationally) and to force it to negotiate peace by November-December.”

Daniel Fried at the Atlantic Council says there is a long history of such surprise military raids – some inconsequential and others impactful. He recalls George Washington’s daring maneuver to cross the Delaware River in 1776, when he returned with captured prisoners and supplies and raised morale for the fight against the British.

Fried, a former US assistant secretary of state for Europe, says that by demonstrating Russia’s failure of intelligence and weakness along its border, the raid had punctured the Kremlin’s narrative “that Ukrainian resistance is useless and support for Ukraine is futile.”

Ukraine’s Kursk gambit forces the Russian Defense Ministry into some tough choices. It appears that existing groups in Kursk such as the National Guard, FSB and irregular elements are unable to combat the Ukrainians.

Barros told CNN that the military command may redeploy elements of the recently created Northern Grouping but the redeployment of significant elements “would likely further stretch these elements and create vulnerabilities in Russian defenses elsewhere along the border.”

Alternatively, it may call on Russia’s substantial reserves in a larger-scale operation – but these are critical for current Russian offensive operations inside Ukraine, where the continuous commitment of high numbers of troops has eroded Ukrainian defenses.

Or, Barros says, the Russians may turn to aviation to attack Ukrainian armor inside Kursk, thereby preventing Ukrainian forces from consolidating positions and assisting current Russian forces deployed in the area.

Whatever combination the Russians choose, they are trying to reverse a humiliating episode in the conflict just as sheer mass and air superiority in eastern Donetsk was beginning to deliver incremental progress, underpinning the Kremlin’s insistence that Ukraine give up four eastern regions as a condition for negotiations.

“The unfolding events demonstrate the extent to which Moscow has deeply depended on sanctuary in Russian territory to wage its war against Ukraine,” Barros told CNN. “Russia has undermanned its borders and border fortifications, relying on its perception of safety because it has not felt vulnerable.”

Across a southern border with Ukraine that is hundreds of miles long, that perception has been seriously, and unexpectedly, challenged.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 22:23 schreef skysherrif het volgende:
Two Majors:

g time and tediously apologizing for the fact that we were wrong.

[ afbeelding ]
[ afbeelding ]

er lijkt iets heel groots te gebeuren (elk russisch tg account meldt hier nu over)

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 22:23 schreef skysherrif het volgende:
Two Majors:

g time and tediously apologizing for the fact that we were wrong.

[ afbeelding ]
[ afbeelding ]

er lijkt iets heel groots te gebeuren (elk russisch tg account meldt hier nu over)

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 22:23 schreef skysherrif het volgende:
Two Majors:

g time and tediously apologizing for the fact that we were wrong.

[ afbeelding ]
[ afbeelding ]

er lijkt iets heel groots te gebeuren (elk russisch tg account meldt hier nu over)

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:46 schreef Anton91 het volgende:

[..]
En als die burgers Kremlin gezind zijn dan is het nog mooi mee genomen ook. Want dat zijn wel de mensen die het mogelijk maken dat Rusland zo lang door kan vechten.

quote:

The scale of the fighting in the Belovsky district of the Kursk region is not yet clear. The entry of the Ukrainian Armed Forces brigade is not confirmed by sources from that direction. The Russian Aerospace Forces are launching missile and bomb attacks on the enemy in the rear areas of the Sumy region.

quote:

Translation: My car has been destroyed by mines. The barrel seems to be intact. Everything’s burned. They destroyed it. This headlight is unscathed. Victory will be ours.

SPOILER

SPOILER

quote:

In general: / for soldier's replies /

Our volunteers captured a soldier bla-bla-bla.

Why have you come here to kill fellow slavs? See, we don't hurt you, we don't think of you like you (Ukranians) think of us. /They tell us about you same shit you've being told about us/

Other guy: I've been talking to him all the way - they're being told we are faggots, we're being told they are faggots. /Yes/

Do you see faggots here? /No/ Is your asshole intact? /Yes/

/Thank you, guys, for being nice to me/ That's ok, you gonna be ok, you'll live.

Name? Surname? Age? /Soldier answers/ So young, a green one.

Our heroes, bla-bla-bla.

PS. Looks very real. Soldier is stressed and scared. Surrounding guys are relaxed and quite nice, very natural.

SPOILER

quote:

-->

Hi, it's me, Vlad, your son.

I was taken prisoner. We were abandoned.

We had no support. Nothing at all.

General Lapin, the commander of the Kursk area, just fucking sent us away.

Now they're shoving enlisted men like me here to die like dogs and get captured.

(...)

I urge everyone not to come here.

Mom, I urge you to arrange as much as you can.

A big public outcry, so you can run everywhere, so you can see it, so you can show it to everyone.

You can't imagine, mom, how much I want to go home, how I "stuttered" before.

And they threw me here without military training.

And we'd all still be here.

We got fucked!

I don't want that to happen to anybody else.

I want to go home so bad.

quote:

“3 ran away, 8 survived rest dead. We met akhmat twice first time they were just driving to Sudja and were shooting at trees for some reason. So we wasted one hour there waiting for them to finish their activities. Our commanders were not doing jack…. Well they were not russian”

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 22:23 schreef skysherrif het volgende:
Two Majors:

g time and tediously apologizing for the fact that we were wrong.

[ afbeelding ]
[ afbeelding ]

er lijkt iets heel groots te gebeuren (elk russisch tg account meldt hier nu over)

quote:

"Failure of the system": Russian elites perceived the invasion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a blow to Putin's reputation
The breakthrough of Ukrainian military units into the Kursk region and their advance over four days, despite assurances from the General Staff that they would be routed and forced out, has left high-ranking government officials and businessmen close to the Kremlin in a state of shock. At the same time, just recently, representatives of the bureaucratic and business elite were talking about Vladimir Putin organizing military operations in neighboring NATO countries and seizing cities like Estonia's Narva.

"This is a very big blow to the reputation of the Russian authorities, the military and Putin. Because for two and a half years, Russian territory, with the exception of the occupied territories [in Ukraine], suffered minimal damage. It was only from drones," a major businessman told The Washington Post. "And now it is unclear how many victims there were, there is destruction, and it is obvious that they [the authorities, the military] are not able to stop this quickly."

This is indeed a blow, since it is clear that the leadership received a signal from intelligence, but “no measures were taken,” admitted political scientist Sergei Markov, who is close to the Kremlin:

This is a failure of the entire intelligence system, and since Putin is responsible for this, it is clear that this is a blow to Putin.

SPOILER

quote:

The Ukrainian military and leadership were shocked by the invasion, four Russian officials told The Moscow Times. “This is a strong slap in the face for the president. We have been unable to push back the enemy for 24 hours. A Russian region and population have been endangered... This is not how a country confident of its victory behaves,” said a current government official. According to people who have known Putin for a long time, he appeared “dissatisfied” and “annoyed” at a meeting with security officials on Wednesday and in public appearances on Thursday, judging by his facial expressions and gestures.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces operation involves units from at least four airborne assault and mechanized brigades, the Financial Times and The New York Times report . Each brigade can have between 1,000 and 8,000 men. Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk, who now advises the government, explained to the FT that the Ukrainian Armed Forces units have demonstrated the ability to implement “new combined arms combat tactics” taught to them by Western instructors.

Indeed, "this appears to be a fairly well-coordinated and planned combined arms operation," military analyst Franz-Stefan Gadi of the International Institute for Strategic Studies told the NYT:

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have electronic warfare systems that they have deployed to suppress the operational control systems of Russian units. There are air defense systems that have been transferred to [Kursk Oblast] to cover the attackers. And there are very effective mechanized formations that are moving forward at a fairly confident pace.

The operation involves aviation, artillery and missile systems.

Meanwhile, the Russian army has been conducting a continuous offensive in Donbass for several months now, and in May it invaded the Kharkiv region, although it got stuck in the border areas and was unable to approach Kharkiv itself, as planned. Despite gigantic losses (according to British military intelligence, since May Russia has been losing about 35 thousand soldiers a month in killed and wounded), or rather, thanks to them, the occupation forces have accelerated their advance in the Donetsk region.

As a result, representatives of the bureaucratic and business elite, having adapted to the war, began to discuss what victory would look like, whether it would be the capture of Kharkov or Kyiv. Since the conflict in Ukraine has escalated into an existential confrontation with the West, Putin is ready to attack NATO countries, demonstrating the weakness of the alliance countries, their disunity and fatigue from the war, officials and businessmen told journalist Mikhail Zygar.

According to them, Putin may not be satisfied with his success on the battlefield in Ukraine. He may attack a NATO member, most likely Estonia or Latvia. A well-established scheme will be used, Zygar described their stories in Foreign Affairs magazine in late June. The FSB will organize a request to the Kremlin for help from Russian-speaking residents of one of the countries allegedly oppressed by a neo-Nazi regime; in response, Russian troops will cross the border, capturing several cities, such as Narva in Estonia. This will allow Putin to test whether the alliance countries are really ready to risk provoking World War III over a few square kilometers of the Russian border.

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Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 22:37 schreef oheng het volgende:

[..]
Ja inderdaad, ik had het inderdaad over Belitsa, 20km ten oosten van Sudzha.

Overigens zie ik ook allemaal gekke dingen op FIRMS in de rest van rusland (oa Rostov), maar laat ik het topic maar niet vervuilen

Hier zijn de FIRMS beelden rond Sudzha..

quote:

Na een reeks ochtend- en middagaanvallen is de offensieve activiteit van Oekra�ense formaties in de richting van Koersk afgenomen, hoewel er in verschillende nederzettingen nog steeds botsingen plaatsvinden.

Tegelijkertijd bereidt het Oekra�ense commando nieuwe eenheden voor die naar de Russische grens worden gestuurd. Volgens voorlopige informatie kan de periode vanaf de gevechtsco�rdinatie tot de daaropvolgende overdracht ongeveer vijf weken duren.

🔻In het Sudzhansky-district houden Oekra�ense formaties Goncharovka nog steeds vast, vanuit de buitenwijken waarvan ze het oostelijke deel van Sudzha beschieten.

▪️Oekra�ense media publiceerden beelden van leden van de strijdkrachten van Oekra�ne in het dorp Makhnovka, gelegen ten zuiden van Sudzha: blijkbaar verscheen de vijand (https://t.me/rybar/62587) in het dorp in de eerste dagen van de operatie, en toen namen ze de foto. De foto's zijn echter pas vandaag online geplaatst.

▪️Er waren berichten over een bepaalde vijandelijke groep nabij Belitsa, die ruim 20 km ten zuidoosten van Sudzha ligt. Er is echter geen bewijs hiervoor - het is mogelijk dat geruchten over saboteurs verschenen tegen de achtergrond van het schieten op dezelfde drones, en de geluiden van geweerschoten werden doorgegeven als een botsing in de buurt.

🔻In het Korenevsky-district heeft de frontconfiguratie ook geen significante veranderingen ondergaan. Bij de bocht tussen Russkoye Porechnoye en Cherkasy Porechnoye raakten Russische troepen verschillende eenheden pantservoertuigen van de Oekra�ense strijdkrachten met een nauwkeurige treffer van de Lancets - er zijn al beelden op internet verschenen (https://t.me/creamy_caprice/6326 ?single) van de kleurrijke vernietiging van de T-64BV-tank.

▪️In het zuidoosten van Korenevo werd bewijs ontvangen van de aanwezigheid gedurende de dag van een groep leden van de strijdkrachten van Oekra�ne aan de oever van de Krepna-rivier nabij het dorp Zhuravli. Met grote waarschijnlijkheid zouden dit de overblijfselen kunnen zijn van vijandelijke troepen die onder vuur kwamen te liggen in het Kauchuk-gebied (https://t.me/rybar/62650).

📌In de regio zelf (https://t.me/dva_majors/49384) blijft een nogal moeilijke situatie bestaan: in totaal werden minstens 76 duizend mensen ge�vacueerd uit de grensgebieden van de Koersk-regio. Er zijn tijdelijke opvangcentra voor hen verschenen in acht deelstaten van de Russische Federatie, waar momenteel meer dan vierduizend mensen verblijven.

quote:

Convict in Kremlin critic murder released from jail to fight in Ukraine — agencies
Tamerlan Eskerkhanov was convicted in the murder of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was shot dead in 2015 as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin.

^{Tamerlan Eskerkhanov, who was convicted in the killing of a Russian opposition figure in Moscow, will be released to fight in Ukraine.}

A man convicted in the killing of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov has been discharged from jail after signing a contract to join the military operation in Ukraine, state-run news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported on Saturday.

Nemtsov, a critic of President Vladimir Putin and former deputy prime minister under president Boris Yeltsin, was shot dead in 2015 as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin in the heart of the Russian capital.

In 2017, a Russian court sentenced five men to prison terms ranging from 11 and 20 years for his murder. Among them was Tamerlan Eskerkhanov, who was convicted as an accomplice and jailed for 14 years.

“Eskerkhanov signed a contract with the defense ministry in March 2024, was pardoned, and then released from his penal colony,” TASS cited a source in law enforcement agencies as saying.

“He went to one of the assault units and is now carrying out combat missions in the special military operation zone.”

SPOILER

quote:

He added that the other convicts jailed over Nemtsov’s killing were still in jail because they had refused to sign contracts with the military.

Ilya Yashin, Nemtsov’s one-time spokesman who was freed last week in a high-profile prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, the United States and several European countries, called Eskerkhanov’s release “scorn for memory of my dead friend.”

Tens of thousands of Russian prisoners have volunteered to join the Russian army fighting in Ukraine, taking advantage of an offer of clemency for those who survive their stints at the front.

The recruitment of prisoners was initially pioneered by the Wagner mercenary group, whose leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in an August 2023 plane crash after a failed mutiny against Russia’s military leadership.

Russia’s defense ministry has since adopted the tactic, forming its Storm-Z units partly out of convict volunteers recruited directly from prisons.

quote:

Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 07:38 schreef AFA2022 het volgende:
Blijkbaar heeft het Westen dus stilzwijgend toestemming gegeven om met hun materieel Rusland binnen te vallen. Dit is toch wel een volgende fase in deze oorlog en natuurlijk trots op het Westen dat ze eindelijk hun ballen hebben gevonden. Zou mooi zijn als door de troepenverplaatsingen het front gedeeltelijk in mekaar zou storten.

Die Oekrainers blijven me keer op keer verbazen hoe goed ze eigenlijk zijn, bizar goed zelfs!

quote:

Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:10 schreef Mansjester het volgende:
Het is natuurlijk vrij g�nant voor de Russen dit. Aan de andere kant valt de opmars ook wel mee toch? Ze hebben een paar gehuchten,maar meer niet. Elk gehucht wordt behoorlijk uitvergroot door die grote Twitter accounts zoals Maks.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:12 schreef Starhopper het volgende:

[..]
Dat is wat anders dan bewust burgers vermoorden.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:14 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Als de Russische soldaten tussen de eigen burgers gaan staan om Oekra�ners te beschieten wordt het wel een enorme mentale spagaat voor een aantal mensen op dit forum.

quote:

Op zaterdag 10 augustus 2024 21:34 schreef spicymchaggis het volgende:

[..]
Dat is dezelfde taktiek die door Hamas ingezet wordt. Ik kan eerlijk gezegd geen mededogen hebben voor een misdadige bevolking die massaal steun verleend aan een al even misdadig staatsapparaat wat hen als menselijk schild inzet. Bevolking en staat hebben hun lot aan dat van mekaar verbonden en mogen dan ook samen ten onder gaan.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:16 schreef KareldeStoute het volgende:

[..]
In vierkante kilometers is het inderdaad niet zo spannend. Maar dat is de Russische opmars van de afgelopen maanden ook niet. Alleen die lukt enkel met zeer grof geweld. Dat maakt wel wat verschil. En het is ook interessant hoe ze dit weer terug willen gaan veroveren. Hun eigen dorpen compleet tot puin schieten is natuurlijk wel een wat lastiger overweging dan dat in Oekra�ne te doen…

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:16 schreef KareldeStoute het volgende:

[..]
In vierkante kilometers is het inderdaad niet zo spannend. Maar dat is de Russische opmars van de afgelopen maanden ook niet. Alleen die lukt enkel met zeer grof geweld. Dat maakt wel wat verschil. En het is ook interessant hoe ze dit weer terug willen gaan veroveren. Hun eigen dorpen compleet tot puin schieten is natuurlijk wel een wat lastiger overweging dan dat in Oekra�ne te doen…

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:30 schreef bianconeri het volgende:

[..]
Wauw wat misselijk.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:06 schreef Hyperdude het volgende:
Engelsen en Amerikanen met Duitsers in de laatste maanden van WW2. Je krijgt vlot klappen, of erger, en als je je verzet ben je dood, maar in principe blijf je in leven

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:33 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Gegeven hoe groot Rusland is moeten we dit natuurlijk ook niet al te significant opvatten. Wat is het, nog niet eens 1% van het Russisch grondgebied?

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:29 schreef bianconeri het volgende:

[..]
[..]
Precies.

Oekraine is geen Isra�l en probeert alle burgerdoden te voorkomen. Dat is in alle jaren oorlogen al gebleken.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:42 schreef Idisrom het volgende:

[..]
Ik denk toch dat de Russen dit gebied in de oblast Koersk terug willen veroveren, en dat niet zullen doen met de troepen die momenteel in de Donbass en langs het Loehanskfront vechten. De Russen zullen extra manschappen moeten opleiden en gaan mobiliseren, met wellicht meer dwang.
De Russische soldaten aan het het oostfront zullen wel iets opgelucht zijn, dat Oekra�ne ervoor heeft gekozen om het totale front een heel stuk breder en langer te maken.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:33 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Gegeven hoe groot Rusland is moeten we dit natuurlijk ook niet al te significant opvatten. Wat is het, nog niet eens 1% van het Russisch grondgebied?

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:39 schreef KareldeStoute het volgende:

[..]
Je manieren om om te gaan met tegenslag voor de Russen worden er niet sterker op…

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:45 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Maar dit is toch hoe dan ook een tegenslag voor de Russen? Waarom ontken je dat ik dat zou ontkennen?

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:06 schreef Hyperdude het volgende:
Leesvoer over behandeling van Russische burgers enzo.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russians_in_Ukraine

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holodomor

Voor de zondagochtend. Heb eigenlijk geen idee van de verhoudingen tussen Russische burgers en Oekra�ners, binnen en buiten Oekra�ns grondgebied, van 1990-2022.

Heb tot nu toe de indruk dat Oekra�ense militairen omgaan met Russische militairen als bv. de Engelsen en Amerikanen met Duitsers in de laatste maanden van WW2. Je krijgt vlot klappen, of erger, en als je je verzet ben je dood, maar in principe blijf je in leven. Hoe de Wehrmacht/SS met Russische militairen, en andersom, omging was een compleet ander level.

Holodomor is pas echt bekend sinds Glasnost, 1988-1990. Dat kan bij oudere officieren/soldaten niet erg diep onder de oppervlakte verborgen zitten.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:47 schreef Idisrom het volgende:

[..]
Holodomor was al veel eerder bekend. Dat leerden wij al in de jaren '70 op school. Niet die naam, maar wel dat de Oekra�ense burgerbevolking in begin jaren '30 werd uitgehongerd door de Soviet-collectivisering van de landbouw, met als gevolg miljoenen doden.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:47 schreef KareldeStoute het volgende:

[..]
Ik ontken toch niet dat je dat zou ontkennen?

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How the Red Cross failed Ukraine.
The international organization is meant to be a beacon for international law around the globe. But it has fallen short, standing by without fulfilling its basic duties, in the Ukraine-Russia war.

When Ukrainians were beaten to death in Russian prisoner of war camps, the Red Cross was nowhere to be seen.

The organization left Mariupol early in the full-blown war when more than 300,000 civIlians were surrounded by occupation troops, leaving them to their fates.

And it failed to do enough as evidence has piled up that Russia has violated international humanitarian law — time and time again. That’s despite the ICRC’s role being to enforce the so-called “rules of war”, protecting humanitarian rights.

Their near-silence has given the green light for more war crimes, claim freed prisoners of war and the families of existing POWs who told their stories to The Counteroffensive.

“The Red Cross would rather let people die, as long as it maintains its reputation” for neutrality, said Ukrainian Marine Illia Iliashenko, who was released in March 2023 from Russian captivity.

SPOILER

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^{Ukrainian marine Illia Iliashenko. Photo was taken from Illia’s Instagram.}

The failures of the Red Cross to adequately track Ukrainian prisoners of war; facilitate communications between POWs and their families; ensure that prisoners are not being tortured; or otherwise monitor and publicize violations of international law suggest that existing institutions are not sufficient for modern warfare.

The war in Ukraine has shown that the Red Cross is not in a position to protect civilians or prisoners when a country refuses to abide by international law – which puts the very purpose of its existence into question.

^{The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)}

The Red Cross is a primary global watchdog on compliance with international humanitarian law. Responding to criticisms that it doesn’t speak out enough, the ICRC claims to be focused on “confidential dialogue.”

“We talk about existing problems, just not with other people and not in the public space, but directly with the parties to the conflict,” the organization has said.

However, more than two years after Russia's full-scale invasion, the ICRC has shown little effectiveness in carrying out its mandate.

The Russians have tortured 95 percent of the Ukrainian POWs in their prisons, according to a UN official. At least 61 prisoners of war have been executed.

And still, the Red Cross has not publicly condemned Russia.

Illia, known by his call sign ‘Smurf,’ experienced this firsthand. He defended his hometown of Mariupol from the first day of the full-scale invasion.

^{A view shows the city of Mariupol and the Azovstal steel plant on May 10, 2022. (Photo by STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)}

Along with more than 1,900 other soldiers, he surrendered at Azovstal in the spring of 2022 when the plant was surrounded. Medicine, food, and water had nearly run out. They believed that their capture would not last long – they just needed to hold out for a few months.

One factor influencing their choice to surrender was the Ukrainian government’s belief that international organizations could be trusted to ensure Russia’s commitments to treat prisoners humanely.

“The key condition for the chosen format was the Russian side's commitments to international organizations to preserve the lives and health of Ukrainian defenders,” read a joint statement by Ukrainian government agencies in June 2022.

However, the ICRC not only failed to protect Illia and his fellow soldiers from relentless torture, but it also neglected one of its most basic responsibilities: registering them as prisoners of war. When a prisoner is taken in war, the ICRC takes down their details on a ‘POW card’, making a record of who they are.

The Red Cross arrived in Azovstal on May 17, 2022, although the Ukrainian military had begun to surrender the day before.

The ICRC blamed the timing for missing some of the POWs, claiming it could not observe the departure of all Ukrainian soldiers from the Azostal, since one or two buses with prisoners had already been taken away by the Russians before they arrived.

Smurf was one of the last to leave Azovstal, but for some unknown reason he met the same fate. As he boarded the bus after leaving the plant, Illia filled out his information and his family's contact details on a ‘POW card’, so that they could be notified of his capture.

The ICRC never informed Illia's mother that Russia had captured her son.

For almost a year, the Red Cross considered Smurf missing in action. After he was released, he tried to find out what happened.

^{Mariupol during Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Andrey BORODULIN / AFP via Getty Images)}

“A representative of the Red Cross assured me that I had made a mistake somewhere and that they could not find my relatives. Then they convinced me that I had filled out a regular information card, not a POW card. It seemed to me that in half an hour they were going to tell me that I filled out an employment form,” Illia recounted his conversation with the ICRC in Geneva a year after he was released.

The ICRC refused to comment on any individual cases, including Illia Iliashenko’s, arguing that it will have an impact on “ability to access those most affected by conflict.”

And it says that it does not have the ability to ensure POW safety.

“We did not guarantee the safety of the POWs once in enemy hands because it is not within our power to do so. We had made this clear to the parties in advance. It is the obligation of parties to the armed conflict to ensure POWs are protected against acts of violence, intimidation, and public curiosity, as well as against the effects of hostilities,” the ICRC said.

^{Illia Iliashenko, a defender of Azovstal, is holding a poster: “I was in captivity, I know what hell is.” Photo was taken from Iiia’s Instagram.}

The Red Cross has no public record of the number or names of the Russian POW camps it has visited. The reason for this is the policy of confidential dialogue to which the organization adheres.

“This approach is also why we often do not call out violations of the law of war publicly. Instead, our preferred approach is to go straight to the source, directly to those involved to share our concerns with them one-on-one. This approach allows us to be as frank as possible in sharing our concerns, while also not risking loss of humanitarian access to those who need our help the most,” Pat Griffiths, ICRC Spokesperson in Ukraine, told The Counteroffensive.

But the Russian-Ukrainian war suggests the opposite. Since 2014, Moscow has hardly allowed the Red Cross any visits to the POW detention sites, and Russia has provided very little information about who it has in custody as POWs.

Until 2022, the ICRC reported visiting Ukrainian POWs in the temporarily occupied territories only once.

^{ICRC representatives in Luhansk region observe the exchange of prisoners in October 2015. Source: www.radiosvoboda.org}

Officially, the ICRC is very careful not to criticize Russia. It does not deny that Russia doesn’t allow them access to prisoners of war. But it also does not publicly say that it is Russia that is blocking access.

^{Russian POWs eating in a Ukrainian prison canteen. (Photo by Mykhaylo Palinchak/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)}

Moreover, even when the ICRC finds violations during its visits to places of detention, the mission's representatives merely pass on requests to improve detention conditions. But this is never made public.

The Red Cross has a policy of confidentiality. It does not publicly report to anyone. It keeps a record of all violations in its archives, which are not made public until decades later. The Red Cross maintains that if it starts reporting war crimes, it will lose access to all prisoners of war and communication with the party violating the Geneva Conventions.

The Red Cross does not publicly report war crimes, even when it has all the evidence to do so. Testifying before the International Criminal Court is also prohibited.

The ICRC’s lack of support frustrates many Ukrainians, especially those who have loved ones in captivity.

“We understand that confidential dialogue is sometimes an effective method. But crimes against humanity cannot be silent. Silence is permission to continue,” said Anastasia Savova, daughter of an Azovstal defender still in Russian custody.

Citing confidentiality, the Red Cross publishes joint reports for both sides of the war. The ICRC recently announced that more than 8,000 families had received information on the whereabouts and health of their loved ones. Given that Ukraine provides access to POW sites, while Russia blocks it, it is reasonable to assume that most of this data relates directly to communication between Russian prisoners and their families.

^{Relatives of captured Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol demand for a prisoner exchange during a rally on Maidan Nezalezhnosti on February 18, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The participants came out to remind that the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol have been in Russian captivity for the second year. (Photo by hurricanehank/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)}

"There is an illusion that the Red Cross is effective, that they work with families, that they work with prisoners of war [from both sides]. But given the fact that this is generalized information, it would be good if at least a thousand Ukrainian families received information about their loved ones in captivity," Anastasia said.

Even after receiving information about the exact place of detention, the ICRC is unable to establish communication between prisoners and their families, although this is part of its mandate.

Throughout his captivity, neither Smurf nor his fellow prisoners have received a single letter from their families through the Red Cross. According to POW family coordinators from various brigades, only around five or ten percent of Ukrainian POWs receive letters from their families.

According to the Red Cross, Russia is blocking communication.

“In any armed conflict, the law of war is clear that prisoners of war need to be treated with dignity and are entitled to communicate with their families. Our role is to support this process where we can, where we are granted access. But the primary responsibility is with the states who are parties to the conflict,” Pat Griffiths, ICRC Spokesperson in Ukraine, told The Counteroffensive.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Red Cross movement on the Russian side contribute to the functioning of the Kremlin's military propaganda machine.

The Russian Red Cross has repeatedly violated the basic principle of neutrality. Foreign media reported on leaked Kremlin documents showing plans to finance new “puppet” Red Cross branches in occupied Ukrainian territory, replacing the work of the international Red Cross.

In February 2024, the Russian Red Cross began cooperating with the Russian state foundation ‘Defenders of the Fatherland’, which supports Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. The European Union has included the head of the organization Anna Tsivilova, who is Putin’s cousin, on its sanction list.

^{Screenshot from the official website of the Russian Red Cross Society, where the organization raises funds for the families of Russian soldiers}

In addition, in October 2022, the Russian Red Cross announced a fundraising event for the families of the Russian military. This was part of the ʼWe Are Togetherʼ campaign initiated by Putin. It delivers military equipment, food, trench tape, etc. to the Russian army. It also teaches schoolchildren how to assemble drones that can direct the fire of Russian artillery.

The Counteroffensive sent a request for a comment to the Russian Red Cross regarding its ties with the Kremlin but received no response.

The Ukrainian Ombudsman who monitors human rights violations, Dmytro Lubinets, has already called for and investigation into the Russian Red Cross, suspending its membership in the International Federation, and expelling it from the organization for violating its neutral status. This was done with the Belarusian Red Cross last December over accusations of deporting Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories to Belarus.

Instead, the ICRC continues to recognize the Russian Red Cross Society as part of the movement and has invited it to its international conference, which will be held for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this October.

“The expectation for all members of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is that they adhere to our statutes and fundamental principles, including on integrity and to work towards achieving the same humanitarian goals. It’s essential that humanitarian action isn’t pulled into political dynamics,” Pat Griffiths, ICRC Spokesperson in Ukraine, said to The Counteroffensive.

^{Families of Ukrainian POW’s the office of ICRC on June 17, 2024. Photo provided by Valeriia Tymoshenko, a wife of missing-in-action}

Today, former POWs and families awaiting the release of their loved ones continue to draw international attention to the fate of the Ukrainians in captivity.

100 families of Ukrainian POWs recently visited the ICRC headquarters in Geneva in June 2024. They called on the Red Cross to state the impossibility of fulfilling its mandate, and asked them to condemn the torture and deaths of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

But the families left disappointed. Valeriia Tymoshenko, who shares a child with a soldier now missing in action, told The Counteroffensive:

“Imagine 150 people like I am, who passed a thousand kilometers just to visit ICRC not only to ask for an explanation. We also suggested what is possible to do, we suggested involving us. They didn't accept it at all, just ignored.”

Many Ukrainians, who have watched their loved ones facing war crimes from the Russian side, want more from the ICRC.

“As long as we remain silent, we strengthen Russia's confidence that it can do anything. The Red Cross had to draw conclusions about its activities and start acting in a different, more effective direction,” said Anastasia Savova, the daughter of an Azovstal defender still in captivity. “We don't have time to wait for confidential dialogue to work when all we see are tortured bodies.”

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:53 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
maar strategisch of tactisch van weinig waarde

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:54 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Toch wel bizar hoe de Sovjet Unie een tegenmacht was van de VS. Of was dat puur en alleen om de kernwapens?

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:57 schreef over_hedge het volgende:

[..]
Denk je nou echt dat Oekra�ne dit alleen doet voor een pr stunt?

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Russia Denies Engaging In Fraud Scheme To Recruit Indians In Military
The Russian Embassy in Delhi in a statement said, "Since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India."

The Russian Embassy in India on Saturday denied that Russia had engaged in any "public or obscure campaigns" in "fraudulent schemes" to recruit Indian citizens for military service in the country.

The Russian Embassy in Delhi in a statement said, "Since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian Armed Forces."

"The Embassy outlines that the Russian Government has at no point of time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian nationals for military service in Russia," the statement read.

The Russian Embassy in India also condoled the deaths of Indian nationals while serving in the Russian Army in the war against Ukraine.

It said, "The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased."

SPOILER

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"The agencies concerned in both countries work in close coordination for early identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily contracted for military service in Russia. All contractual obligations and due compensation payments will be fulfilled in full measure," the Russian embassy statement read.

The Russian mission said it has received multiple requests from the media to comment on the issue.

"The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has been in receipt of numerous requests from the media to comment on the issue on Indian citizens in service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as there have been unfortunate instances of casualties among them in the course of the Special military operation in Ukraine," the Russian Embassy said.

Notably, several Indians were allegedly duped into fighting in Russia's war with Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs.

In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, took a strong stance on the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army and the Russian government has assured an "early discharge" of these Indians from the army service.

Just recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to questions on Indian nationals in the Russian Army informed Parliament that 91 Indian nationals were recruited of whom 14 have been discharged and 69 are awaiting release.

Speaking in Parliament, Jaishankar said that eight indian nationals serving in the Russian forces had unfortunately, passed away.

In April, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), had busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting Indian nationals on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly sending them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone.

The CBI stated that these traffickers have been operating as an organised network and were luring Indian nationals through social media channels like YouTube, etc., and also through their local contacts and agents for highly paid jobs in Russia.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:54 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Toch wel bizar hoe de Sovjet Unie een tegenmacht was van de VS. Of was dat puur en alleen om de kernwapens?

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:57 schreef over_hedge het volgende:

[..]
Denk je nou echt dat Oekra�ne dit alleen doet voor een pr stunt?

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Ukrainian Air Force receives unit operations centers from the donors

^{Unit operations centers for the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Come Back Alive Foundation and Kyivstar. August 2024. Photo from the Foundation’s social media pages}

The Ukrainian Air Force has received 10 unit operations centers to strengthen its air defense capabilities.

The Come Back Alive Foundation donated them.

The unit operations centers were purchased with funds collected jointly with Kyivstar.

This was done within the framework of the joint project “We Live Here: Mobile Communication Systems for Air Defense.”

The total cost of the 10 units is UAH 86,703,379, of which:
• UAH 50,000,000 – Kyivstar’s contribution;
• UAH 21,240,061 raised by the operator’s subscribers through the Help for the Armed Forces Superpower and short charity numbers;
• UAH 15,463,318 – donations to the general accounts of the Come Back Alive Foundation from individuals and businesses.

SPOILER

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^{Unit operations centers for the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Come Back Alive Foundation and Kyivstar. August 2024. Photo from the Foundation’s social media pages}

The Foundation reported that the fighters of the Air Command “South” of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received the unit operations centers.

“The specially equipped trucks will be used to organize communication between air defense units covering Mykolaiv, Kherson, Odesa, and partially Dnipro, Kirovohrad, and Zaporizhzhia regions,” the Foundation noted.

Unit operations centers are specially equipped four-wheel drive trucks developed by the Come Back Alive Foundation and the Air Force Air Defense Forces.

The operations centers’ task is to coordinate work and organize communication between air defense units. As a command and control vehicle, they receive information about danger from the air and quickly transmit it to the combat unit.

The Foundation shared that each truck has three full-fledged workplaces and the equipment necessary to support air defense systems.

These include secure communication systems, computers with special software, monitors, cables, routers, and switches.

^{Pickup trucks for the Armed Forces of Ukraine from donors. July 2024. Photo credits: Come Back Alive Foundation}

Previously, the soldiers of the Air Command “South” of the Ukrainian Air Force received 25 new pickup trucks from the Come Back Alive Foundation.

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Ukrainian paratroopers destroy Russian Giatsint-S self-propelled artillery system in the Donetsk region

^{Giatsint-S 152mm self-propelled gun of the Russian military. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Russia}

The 25th Airborne Brigade’s soldiers destroyed a Russian Giatsint-S 152mm self-propelled gun in the Pokrovsk sector.

The military published a video of the incident.

To destroy the enemy artillery unit, Ukrainian defenders used FPV strike drones.

The position of the Russian artillerymen with the Giatsint-S 152mm SPG was probably detected by Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance.

SPOILER

quote:

Знищення російської САУ “Гиацинт-С” на Донеччині� [серпень 2024]

The invaders placed their firing position near a forest belt in the Donetsk region and fired at the Ukrainian Defense Forces position.

^{Russian Giatsint-S in FPV sight and its defeat in Donetsk region. August 2024. Frame from the video of the 25th Brigade}

As a result of a hit by one or more FPV drones, the artillery unit was destroyed.

^{Destroyed Russian Giatsint-S in the Donetsk region. August 2024. Frame from the video of the 25th Brigade}

Judging by the footage, the propellant charges could have caught fire inside or near the vehicle, causing the Giatsint-S self-propelled gun to burn out.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have repeatedly destroyed such Russian artillery systems. They have used a variety of weapons, including various drones and high-precision artillery or rocket launchers.

In particular, the Security Service of Ukraine recently showed how its officers destroyed an enemy Giatsint-S in Zaporizhzhia. The Russian artillery system was equipped with additional protection that was supposed to protect it from FPV drones and drops.

Знищення російської «Гиацинт-С» дроном СБУ на Запоріжжі.

However, as a result of a hit by Ukrainian kamikaze drones, the enemy’s Giatsint-S detonated a munition.

^{Giatsint-S 152mm self-propelled gun. Photo from open source}

The invaders’ self-propelled gun was destroyed near the village of Voskresenka, Pologivskyi district, Zaporizhzhia region.

Previously, soldiers of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also destroyed a Giatsint-S in the Zaporizhzhia region. At that time, they identified the position of Russian artillery and adjusted the Defense Forces’ firepower using a Ukrainian Shark UAV.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 10:33 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:
Gegeven hoe groot Rusland is moeten we dit natuurlijk ook niet al te significant opvatten. Wat is het, nog niet eens 1% van het Russisch grondgebied?

quote:

Russian Missile Kills 4-Year-Old Boy and Father in Kyiv Region

^{The photo captures the aftermath of a rocket strike in a residential area of the Kyiv region. Source: State Emergency Services}

Russian forces targeted Kyiv region on the night of August 11 with missiles, resulting in the death of a 4-year-old boy and his father. Their bodies were recovered from the rubble of a residential building in the early hours of Sunday. The missile targeted residential buildings in the Brovary district.

According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), three other individuals sustained serious injuries, including a 13-year-old child.

The full extent of the damage from the attack is still to be determined.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:29 schreef bianconeri het volgende:

[..]
[..]
Precies.

Oekraine is geen Isra�l en probeert alle burgerdoden te voorkomen. Dat is in alle jaren oorlogen al gebleken.

quote:

Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 09:42 schreef Idisrom het volgende:

[..]
Ik denk toch dat de Russen dit gebied in de oblast Koersk terug willen veroveren, en dat niet zullen doen met de troepen die momenteel in de Donbass en langs het Loehanskfront vechten. De Russen zullen extra manschappen moeten opleiden en gaan mobiliseren, met wellicht meer dwang.
De Russische soldaten aan het het oostfront zullen wel iets opgelucht zijn, dat Oekra�ne ervoor heeft gekozen om het totale front een heel stuk breder en langer te maken.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 11:33 schreef Ulx het volgende:

[..]
Oekra�ne beweert ook helemaal niet dat ze Rusland van de kaart willen vegen.

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Op zondag 11 augustus 2024 11:50 schreef Discombobulate het volgende:

[..]
Oh. Dat wordt gesuggereerd dan?