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June 15, 2022
Ukraine Open Thread 2022-87
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Rickover was also interested in the general education of the citizens, as Martyanov said.
“Uneducated citizens are potentially as dangerous to the proper functioning of our democratic institutions as are uneducated workers when they handle complicated machinery.”
― Hyman George Rickover, The Never-Ending Challenge of Engineering: Admiral H.G. Rickover in His Own Words
Probably some of us in the US have seen young people who have attended college for other reasons than to learn anything worthwhile. Then, how can they contribute anything?
Posted by: Don Bacon | Jun 16 2022 3:48 utc | 201
Two US American soldiers of fortune were captured near Kharkiv:
The U.S. State Department said it was looking into reports that Russian or Russian-backed separatist forces in Ukraine had captured at least two American citizens. If confirmed, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began Feb. 24.
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-veterans-from-alabama-reported-missing-in-ukraine-/6619614.html
The way the MSM is treating this, it’s Russian propaganda to suggest the captured Americans are mercenaries, likely to wind up with the same verdict as the British mercenaries. They’re called “veterans” and “volunteers” — heaven forfend that m-word.
Posted by: Aleph_Null | Jun 16 2022 3:53 utc | 202
to all those barflies liking what Maria Zakharova has to say I would posit she is the bad cop to Lavrov being the good cop
Make sense now? Russia knows how to do both diplomacy and PR at the same time
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jun 16 2022 2:29 utc | 189
Yes agree. And they have quite different roles and responsibilities. Lavrov is also very direct and often outspoken, so he is not just a good cop imo. He is a foreign Minister in the government, Maria is head of the Communications Dept of Foreign Affairs, so they have different constraints on what they can do and say. Both very intelligent and always educational.
Posted by: K | Jun 16 2022 4:00 utc | 203
159 and 164
Re gazogens
To make a gas generator suitable for feeding an auto engine or a generator, go to this site:
http://www.gengas.nu/byggbes/contents.shtml
The engine itself needs small modifications such as spark timing and conduct of the gases from the unit to the engine.
nothing a good craftsman or DIY cant do.
Posted by: CarlD | Jun 16 2022 4:01 utc | 204
@ LeMoyne | Jun 16 2022 3:20 utc | 195
thanks for your commentary… i am not sure what is going on.. i am always the last one to know!!
@ Peter AU1 | Jun 16 2022 3:41 utc | 197
i think russia is on the right track either way, although unknown surprises can always come up.. thanks..
larry johnsons latest –
IS NATO SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE FLAGGING?
Posted by: james | Jun 16 2022 4:09 utc | 205
looks like someone made a lot of money …
https://t.me/TheEternalUkrainian2/9481
ukies complain about the helmets. further checking show these are airsoft helmets . ie paintball, not bullet proof. i guess after a hit the wearer isnt in a condition to write a complaint form.
Posted by: hankster | Jun 16 2022 4:43 utc | 206
Ha, this was wild to see… @61 I posted:
“In a roundabout way the theory I’m sure many of us heard decades ago of global guerrilla war slowly surrounding and besieging the imperialist powers is coming about at last, not in the traditional sense but in a hybrid sense. Economics determining politics, China with its BRI is dethroning neocolonialism and the 7/8ths of humanity is cornering the ‘golden billion’ of the West in their historical lairs.”
Pepe Escobar in his latest, The ‘New G8’ Meets China’s ‘Three Rings’, quotes Cheng Yawen from the Institute of International Relations and Public Affairs at the Shanghai International Studies University, on:
“… the current discussions inside the Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU), with Chinese participation, designing an alternative financial-monetary system not only for Eurasia but for the Global South – bypassing possible American attempts to enforce a sort of Bretton Woods 3.0.
“Cheng uses a Maoist metaphor to illustrate his point – referring to ‘the revolutionary path of ‘encircling the cities from the countryside’.’ What is needed now, he argues, is for China and the Global South to ‘overcome the West’s preventive measures and cooperate with the ‘global countryside’ – the peripheral countries – in the same way.’
“So what seems to be in the horizon, as conceptualized by Chinese academia, is a ‘new G8/BRICS+’ interaction as the revolutionary vanguard of the emerging multipolar world, designed to expand to the whole Global South.”
With deepest acknowledgement to the Russian Revolution leading the way, to its aid to the Chinese Revolution and to Russia’s continuing solidarity with China, I am nonetheless amazed at the new levels on which China is truly globalizing class war and giving whole new meanings to “Workers and oppressed peoples of the world, unite!”
Posted by: Vintage Red | Jun 16 2022 4:52 utc | 207
The wheels on the tanks go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the tanks go round and round
All day long.
Posted by: WTFUD | Jun 16 2022 4:54 utc | 208
Re: CarlD | Jun 16 2022 4:01 utc | 202
MANY THANKS FOR THIS!!!
Posted by: Perimetr | Jun 16 2022 5:21 utc | 209
@Tom_Q_Collins | 15 de junho de 2022 23:26 utc | 164
Tom, it’s about “gasogen”: generation of flammable gases from the controlled burning of wood or coal.
There is no need for major alterations to the car’s engine: a filter is enough to remove the soot that may appear at the exit of the “burning chamber” (the filter was made of a nylon female sock folded several times).
In the 1970s, during the oil crisis, two friends of mine equipped their cars (a Maverick V8 and an Opel) with the device they had developed themselves at university.
On the dashboard of the car was a switch that switched the fuel: gasoline or gasogen. Simple as that (if the chamber was fueled and burning, of course).
These images (7 and 8) show my friends with the “converted” Opel:
*ttps:// player. slideplayer. com. br/ 2/ 351849/ data/ images/ img7.jpg (—–>Please, remove the blanks).
If you search for gasogen, you will see several photos of devices used during the war and a detailed explanation of how it works.
Greetings.
Posted by: SCan | Jun 16 2022 5:34 utc | 210
Below is a Xinhuanet posting about a Xi/Putin conversation today that shows to me that China supports Russia in Ukraine in spite of what joe tzu thinks
BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday afternoon held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
During their conversation, Xi noted that since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have maintained a sound development momentum in the face of global turbulence and transformations.
The economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has made steady progress, Xi said, adding that the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk cross-border highway bridge has opened to traffic, creating a new channel connecting the two countries.
The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Russian side to push for steady and long-term development of practical bilateral cooperation, Xi said.
China is willing to work with Russia to continue supporting each other on their respective core interests concerning sovereignty and security, as well as on their major concerns, deepening their strategic coordination, and strengthening communication and coordination in such important international and regional organizations as the United Nations, the BRICS mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xi said.
China is also willing to work with Russia to promote solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries and developing nations, and push for the development of the international order and global governance towards a more just and reasonable direction, he added.
For his part, Putin said the Russian side sincerely congratulates China on its remarkable development achievements under the strong leadership of Xi.
Since the start of the year, the practical cooperation between Russia and China has been developing steadily, he said, adding that Russia supports the Global Security Initiative proposed by the Chinese side, and opposes any force to interfere with China’s internal affairs using so-called issues regarding Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among others, as an excuse.
He noted that Russia is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China so as to make constructive efforts in boosting multipolarization of the world, and establishing a more just and reasonable international order.
The two heads of state also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. Xi emphasized that China has always independently assessed the situation on the basis of the historical context and the merits of the issue, and actively promoted world peace and the stability of the global economic order.
All parties should push for a proper settlement of the Ukraine crisis in a responsible manner, Xi said, adding that China for this purpose will continue to play its due role.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jun 16 2022 5:44 utc | 211
Thanks comments refuting zizeks article by Ann Miller, and if I can just add:
Zizeck is a pseudo- philosopher, Slovenian in a German university and pumps out western propaganda disguised rationale. His hatred for Muslims and other coulours can be seen through his masks if one knows how to interpret. He is a allowed time on RT, who wants to keep an ” independent” view. That is a fallacy.
To saggy@1, there is no 14/6 sitrep posted on the saker and the saker has rarely posted any maps of anything. They are much better websites that B clearly knows which shows more of the real truth.
Southern front gives a much clearer picture of the daily happenings, including maps. It is corrobarated by ria novosti, kommersant, press tv, sana and even Chinese Media.
The saker has Andrei martynov, pepe Escobar and Michael Hudson, which you can read on many other websites.
After saying that USA/ Nato’s goal was to bog down Russia in a years long struggle, and now advising negotiations; what is next on your BS?
There is no need for major alterations to the car’s engine … Posted by: SCan | Jun 16 2022 5:34 utc | 207
—
ECU says no.
Posted by: too scents | Jun 16 2022 6:34 utc | 213
From IntelSlava
🇺🇦 The American news portal Axios, citing the head of the Servant of the People party, David Arakhamia, reports that the total daily losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Donbass reach 1,000 people, of which from 200 to 500 were killed.
It should be noted that in recent days the topic of the highest losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donbas has suspiciously intensified. What is especially interesting is that this topic (as if on cue) was actively started by representatives of the office of President Zelensky.
The same gang surrounded by the President of Ukraine, which is actively intervening in the work of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Zaluzhny and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After yesterday’s public “kick” received by Zaluzhny from Zelensky, it’s time to talk about a direct conflict between the political wing and the military.
What is the purpose of Arakhamia, so simply throwing out shocking information about the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine? Yes, apparently, with the same goal as other subjects from the OP: blame everything on the incompetence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Several facts speak in favor of this:
First, this week, Arakhamia is leading a Ukrainian delegation to Washington to lobby the Biden administration and Congress to increase the pace of arms transfers and recognize Russia as a terrorism-supporting state. It is very difficult to lobby your sponsor, who, through a number of reputable media outlets, has already expressed doubts about the correctness of the strategy of the war in Donbas chosen by Kyiv. Here, Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny looks much more adequate in the eyes of the United States, because, like advisers from the Pentagon, he advocated the preservation and withdrawal of forces from Severodonetsk.
Second moment. Arakhamia reports that up to 1 million people have been recruited into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and there are reserves to recruit another two million people. Everything is simple here. Arakhamia voices a simple fact to the American side – there are resources for a full-scale war. Give me only ammo.
Third moment. And again, spitting at Zaluzhny, but now the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been put in charge of a very painful issue for the West – the export of grain from the territory of Ukraine. Arakhamia says in plain text that the military is against demining the approaches to Odessa because of the possibility of a Russian landing. In fact, he confirms that it is Ukraine itself that prevents the export of grain, engaging in political blackmail against its partners.
The very trip of Arakhamia is an attempt to justify the political environment of Zelensky and himself, as well as to drown the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who is adequate in the eyes of the American partners. It is very likely that this is where such a sharp talk about the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from people who created the conditions for such losses with their own hands comes from.
Axios interview
Ukraine suffering up to 1,000 casualties per day in Donbas, official says
Posted by: Down South | Jun 16 2022 6:36 utc | 214
Whatever we are being told about the AZOT plant there is another story coming out of Russia.
https://johnplatinumgoss.com/2022/06/16/foreign-mercenaries-at-the-azot-plant/
Below are two current Reuters headlines
”
Macron, Scholz and Draghi have arrived in Kyiv
Ukraine says Russian forces trying to attack simultaneously in nine directions
”
I think it time for Russia to bomb something in Kyiv, just for shits and giggles.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jun 16 2022 6:50 utc | 216
On the brink of a chemical disaster: Ukrainian troops surrounded at the Azot plant
KP.RU military correspondent Oleksandr Kots told what will happen to the Ukrainian military surrounded at the Azot plant
https://www.kp.ru/daily/27406/4602758/
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 6:51 utc | 217
Ha, this was wild to see… @61 I posted:
“I’m sure many of us heard decades ago of global guerrilla war slowly surrounding and besieging the imperialist powers is coming about at last, not in the traditional sense but in a hybrid sense. Economics determining politics, China with its BRI is dethroning neocolonialism and the 7/8ths of humanity is cornering the ‘golden billion’ of the West in their historical lairs. “
Pepe Escobar, in his latest The ‘New G8’ Meets China’s ‘Three Rings’ quotes Cheng Yawen, from the Institute of International Relations and Public Affairs at the Shanghai International Studies University, on
“… the current discussions inside the Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU), with Chinese participation, designing an alternative financial-monetary system not only for Eurasia but for the Global South – bypassing possible American attempts to enforce a sort of Bretton Woods 3.0.
Cheng uses a Maoist metaphor to illustrate his point – referring to ‘the revolutionary path of ‘encircling the cities from the countryside’”. What is needed now, he argues, is for China and the Global South to “overcome the West’s preventive measures and cooperate with the ‘global countryside’ – the peripheral countries – in the same way.”
So what seems to be in the horizon, as conceptualized by Chinese academia, is a “new G8/BRICS+” interaction as the revolutionary vanguard of the emerging multipolar world, designed to expand to the whole Global South.”
With deepest acknowledgement to the Russian Revolution leading the way, to its aid to the Chinese Revolution and to Russia’s continuing solidarity with China, I am nonetheless amazed at the new levels to which China is globalizing class war and giving whole new meanings to “Workers and oppressed peoples of the world, unite!”
Posted by: Vintage Red | Jun 16 2022 6:58 utc | 218
Speech at the panel discussion “The dictatorship of neoliberalism through the eyes of Russian compatriots abroad”
Maria Zakharova June 16, 2022
The title of our plenary session is “The dictatorship of neoliberalism through the eyes of Russian compatriots abroad.” At first glance, it may seem that some kind of oxymoron is hidden here – a combination of incongruous. The basic principles of liberalism in its refined form, as follows from the textbooks of political science, seem to be alien to dictate, repressiveness and methods of direct coercion, especially by the state in relation to individuals. Within the framework of this ideological model, such concepts as individual freedom, human rights, including freedom of speech and pluralism of opinions, are absolutized and even romanticized. The indisputable value is the right of private property.
Nevertheless, the harsh reality of recent times, especially since the recognition of the independence of the DPR and LPR and the start of a special military operation in Ukraine, opens up new, savage facets of the meta-democracies of the 21st century. The nuclear anti-Russian hysteria that broke out in the West a few months ago clearly shows that liberalism, brought to an absurd state, quietly acquires the prefix “neo-” and in many ways becomes an ugly caricature of itself. It can be directly stated that in a very short period of time the neo-liberal camp held a full-format presentation of its true moral and ethical guidelines. Western countries methodically, one after another, denounce without exaggeration each of the cornerstones of liberalism, the still recently sacred “norms and values” of a democratic society. At the same time, dense, medieval methods are used without hesitation, including the principle of “collective responsibility” long rejected by the fundamental legal codes, in this case, the whole people, or rather the ethno-social community for the actions of a particular state.
A record, more than 10 thousand, number of sanctions against everything and everyone indiscriminately has been adopted. It is not even their astronomical number that is absurd, but the justifying formulations – for example, “for supporting the actions of the Russian state.” Such is the fault of the Russian. Accounts and various holdings of Russian origin have been blocked – moreover, if you call a spade a spade, the withdrawal of funds occurs both from the state and from ordinary citizens who are not connected with it at all. The prospects for the expropriation of assets, that is, theft, are seriously discussed. With our real estate, by the way, this is already happening in some especially “developed” democracies. A totalitarian purge from the Russian media of the Western information space has been carried out. A truly Orwellian level of censorship, as the other day the legendary American linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky spoke exhaustively. Apparently, because at the age of 93 he is not too afraid of the consequences for freethinking. True, I’m not sure that his statements will be able to be read in his homeland. The carriers of alternative points of view, and in some countries even showing elementary sympathy for Russia, are threatened with a whole range of repressive measures, ranging from close attention from the secret services to real fines and terms. And finally, as the most striking manifestation of the ultra-liberalism of the #MeToo and BLM era, the “cancellation” campaign “scaled” to the level of everything related to Russia and Russians, implemented in a coordinated manner and literally in all spheres of life: from sports and science to literature, ballet and even cat shows.
Today, with us are those who have experienced in full measure what manifestations of radical liberalism are, combined with Russophobia, which is actually fueled in Western countries at the state level. I am sure that the participants in today’s discussion will share with us vivid and very dramatic examples from personal experience, debunking to smithereens the imaginary halo of the moral superiority of the countries of the “golden billion”.
The attempts, as they like to call themselves, by advanced democracies to “cancel” Russia and everything Russian fit into the general geopolitical context associated with the growing pains of a new, polycentric world order based on. Of course, the “collective West”, which is losing its historical dominant positions, is not at all happy with this circumstance – it seeks to aggressively and uncompromisingly oppose the inexorable historical process. And yet, this is not only about interstate confrontation, competition for influence on the global agenda. Behind all this is an ideological conflict, which is expressed in the clash of an extreme form of Western-style liberalism with traditionalism, which seeks to preserve its sovereign identity and the originality of the cultures representing it.
The entire course of events in recent months irrefutably proves that neoliberalism as an ideological matrix for stamping the same type of puppet regimes is, paradoxically, inseparable from dictatorship. It is to dictatorship that he irresistibly strives by nature as the most convenient form of further, unrestricted expansion. Radical liberalism as a manifestation of aggressive postmodernity exists solely due to the rejection of tradition and natural diversity. It is no less far from “classical” liberalism (although it tries in every possible way to seem like it), like some totalitarian ideologies of the last century, since it also perceives it as a kind of tradition: if not with outright hostility, then certainly with alienation. And definitely borrows a lot from the gloomy past. For example, the ease with which you can designate an entire ethnic group, Russian civilization, as an enemy, and launch the mechanisms for its “cancellation”.
What can be opposed to this? Sound traditionalism, absorbing all the best from the liberal paradigm. If something needs to be “cancelled”, it is the promotion within the country and on the international arena of artificially derived destructive values, the whole essence of which is connected with the destruction of the supporting elements of the identity of a person and society and the weakening of the state. Instead of these malignant meanings, natural, original ones are needed like air, allowing these identities to be preserved in the form of original culture, religion, traditions, moral foundations of sustainable societies.
There is one more thing. Personally, I am convinced that ideologemes impregnated with aggression and anger, justifying their dictate with some kind of “good intentions”, mired in the logic of “double standards” and political pretense, are doomed to self-destruction or to a deep transformation. Having completely torn off all masks, neoliberalism has demonstrated its true appearance to the whole world without embellishment. And the world is much larger and more diverse than the area of the “collective West”, no matter how much they would like the opposite. It will not work to impose this discredited model on other countries as before, by the method of a stick smelling of carrots.
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 7:35 utc | 219
Live: Panel discussion “on the sidelines” of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum with the participation of the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, M.V. Zakharova, on the topic “The dictatorship of neoliberalism through the eyes of Russian compatriots abroad.”
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 7:44 utc | 220
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfc–UN-E5k
🔗 https://rutube.ru/video/8e4883f08b9a09335ae6772547355865
🔗 https://vk.com/video/@mid?list=f2e9e9706760d7f220&z=video-70034991_456247807
🔗 https://mid.ru/ru/press_service/video/
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 7:45 utc | 221
#—Posted by: Bad Deal Motors On | Jun 15 2022 16:14 utc | 53
I had to get by without my Polenta for a long time due to a factory-fire in Italy. That’s the work of monopolization.
Posted by: Anne B | Jun 16 2022 7:55 utc | 222
@ Richard Steven Hack | Jun 15 2022 23:28 utc | 165
Putin’s Russia is in full control of its irritation for 20 years.
And preparing.
On military porn and economics, just playing the long run and… classic game.
Just keep in mind
3. ATTACK By STRATAGEM
1
Sun Tzu said: In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them. #
2
Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting. #
3
Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy’s plans; #
the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy’s forces; #
the next in order is to attack the enemy’s army in the field; #
When he is already at full strength.
and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities. #
4
The rule is, not to besiege walled cities if it can possibly be avoided. #
The preparation of mantlets, movable shelters, and various implements of war, will take up three whole months
and the piling up of mounds over against the walls will take three months more. #
5
The general, unable to control his irritation, will launch his men to the assault like swarming ants,
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 8:09 utc | 223
Ostro: thank you for that speech by Maria Zakharova.
And also a thank you to everyone else who spend time and effort on translations and the like (especially Karlofone). I’m not able to read all of it myself but I read some of it despite not making specific comments about the contents (I nearly always do not have anything in particular to add). Lately it has mostly (not exclusively) been from Russia and a little from China but previously there has also been very enlightening or informative translations from other parts of the world and it is always welcome!
Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Jun 16 2022 8:20 utc | 224
Now those who, leaving Rubizhne (this is a neighboring town), are sitting on the Azot, mined the chemical enterprise Zarya, which produced explosives, there. There was a wild amount of explosives, so many that you can simply demolish the city of Rubizhnoye from the face of the earth. So here you can also expect provocations at Azot plant. Ukrainians can strike with artillery from Lysichansk and it will be a humanitarian catastrophe.
It could be understood, when the German Nazis had to leave a city in WW2, they mined it — it was not in their own country, but here in the Ukraine, the Ukrainians are doing it to sort-of their own cities. Are the Ukrainian consider these cities, land as their own, or just simply being Nazis?
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 8:27 utc | 225
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 8:09 utc | 220
Interesting, but I am aware of Sun Tzu. Since no where did I suggest that Russia would attack Kiev in the manner suggested – “assault like swarming ants” – this is irrelevant.
What Russia can do is the Syria approach: surround the city, cut off resupply, perform probing attacks, then weakening attacks, then wait until the city falls. This can be done with far fewer forces than would be necessary to assault a city with an adequate functioning defense.
Since it is likely that the rest of the Ukrainian military will be destroyed long before Russia reaches Kiev, I suspect it will be even easier. The only obstacle might be if all of the remaining Ukrainian forces concentrate inside Kiev. Then it might take some time and many weakening attacks before the city falls, depending on the supply of food and ammo available.
But if as seems likely given Kiev’s strategy in the east – i.e., throw forces at the Russians to delay them in the vain hope of NATO help – that Kiev will do the same with most of its remaining forces and not concentrate them in Kiev, then only a handful of forces will remain to defend Kiev. They will not be capable of defending Kiev effectively.
Further, it’s Kiev (let alone Lviv). Russia is likely to not be so interested in sparing the city by that time (and especially not Lviv).
We shall see.
Posted by: Richard Steven Hack | Jun 16 2022 8:44 utc | 226
What I don‘t follow is that Siemens supplies an SGT-A35 aerodrive compressor say to Gazprom. The firm RVG in UK Services all types of SGT-A35….
@ James, bevin, Karlof1
Delivery of gas is now reduced to 40% …
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 15 2022 21:01 utc | 124
Frankly I do not know what Siemens does – it has a contract for the Maghreb gas pipeline too which might be questionable since Algeria is at loggerheads with Spain.
The aeroderivative compressor was developed by Rolls-Royce Plc and uses RB-211 engine which is why before being designated SGT-A35 it was known as “Industrial RB-211”
RWG in UK can repair and maintain ANY SGT-A35 and carries parts for all systems………
so it was not necessary to send the kit to Montreal other than that is how Siemens has organised itself. There is another compressor due for scheduled maintenance in 2022 but Gazprom no longer trusts Siemens so that will not be shipped from Russia. Siemens has already caused problems over turbines in Crimea.
I should think Russia will simply violate patents and start their own parts manufacturing for these compressors which will take time – in the interim there is a full shutdown of Nordstream 1 for 11-21 July as every year for schedule pipeline maintenance – corrosion problems and leakage I should expect
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Jun 16 2022 9:34 utc | 227
@ Richard Steven Hack | Jun 16 2022 8:44 utc | 223
We are in complete agreement.
The only problem for a large city to be besieged over time is to ensure that the siege is hermetic, and to maintain your own supply line of food and ammunition.
It is necessary to be able to ensure that no outside force or attempt to leave the city can break the siege.
This means enveloping fortified points within long-range artillery range, at a minimum. That is the way Russians are grinding Ukronazis and unfortunately AFU associates in Donbass.
For Kiev, the east and west should be secured first, almost to the Polish border, with NATO and the stockpile of weapons in reserve dangerously close, unless Belarus is involved, but that is another war and I have no doubt that the plans of the Russian and Belarusian armies are ready, if necessary.
I think the fate of Kiev will be sealed by what is left of the Ukrainians when [and if…. ] they themselves have decided to get rid of the Ukronazis.
Slaviansk and then Dnepropetrov and Odessa [and probably in that order for the reasons explained above] should be enough and it is already a very big job.
So, we shall wait and will see.
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 9:38 utc | 228
Posted by: Melaleuca | Jun 16 2022 1:30 utc | 183
Thank you for all your actions in support of Julian Assange. Without your steadfast support and financial help and legal advice Julian Assange would have been in greater difficulty. It is people like you Melaleuca we all look to to help Alina Lipp now. Only by your public denunciation of the Staatsanwaltschaft in Lueneburg and your intimate knowledge of German law that results can be achieved.
For instance that German Staatsanwaltschaft have WEISUNGSPFLICHT.
Not many people outside Germany know about this feature in Germany. A political superior can INSTRUCT a Staatsanwalt even on the telephone with no written order – to DROP any case. There is nothing to stop the Oberstaatsanwalt in Hannover or even the Justizministerin Barbara Havilza from dropping the case.
What is unfortunate in Germany is that a Judge like Havilza can become a politician as she did – something not considered appropriate in Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence since it undermines Separation of Powers which in Germany – are not actually SEPARATED at all.
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Jun 16 2022 9:42 utc | 229
Posted by: Aleph_Null | Jun 16 2022 3:53 utc | 200
It used to be that Soldiers discharged from Military were automatically assigned to Reserves. Now in UK they must enrol as Reservists and register their employer with the CO and any change of employer so they can be called-up or sent for training.
I am suspicious as to the real status of many of these “veterans of foreign wars” who are affiliated with cutouts and commercial “agents” to fight in the direction their former Military employers have aligned themselves.
The term “mercenary” means nothing other than “you do not have Geneva protections” and it was April 2022 when Kiev informed UK they would not honour Geneva Conventions and certain Ukr regime officers pledged to castrate or even murder Russian POWs
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Jun 16 2022 9:47 utc | 230
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 9:38 utc | 225
“The only problem for a large city to be besieged over time is to ensure that the siege is hermetic, and to maintain your own supply line of food and
ammunition. It is necessary to be able to ensure that no outside force or attempt to leave the city can break the siege. This means enveloping fortified points within long-range artillery range, at a minimum. “For Kiev, the east and west should be secured first, almost to the Polish border…”
Shouldn’t be a problem for Russia once the rest of the Ukrainian military is destroyed. NATO can’t move without revealing its intentions well in advance to Russian intelligence. And if they did, taking Kiev would no longer be relevant, as it would be Russia vs. NATO. I did suggest a couple months ago that Belarus and Russian forces in Belarus could come down along the Polish border to seize Lviv and cut off the border to Poland. This might be involved in the final push to Kiev, as you suggest.
“they themselves have decided to get rid of the Ukronazis.”
Possibly. There appears to be turmoil between the Ukrainian military and the Zelenskyy regime. Could escalate to a coup.
Posted by: Richard Steven Hack | Jun 16 2022 10:06 utc | 231
I do not believe in a Chinese attack on Taiwan unless the DPP declares independence.
Posted by: aquadraht | Jun 15 2022 20:51 utc | 120
Xi is showing quite a lot of madness already regarding covid. This year there is a party congress where he needs to be re-appointed.
I doubt that time works in China’s advantage: in Taiwan the old generation that started their life on the mainland is slowly dying out. On the other side, China profits more from a (semi-)independent Taiwan as that gives it access to Western technology. But my impression is that Xi’s power hunger is bigger than his rationality.
Posted by: Wim | Jun 16 2022 10:24 utc | 232
Paul Greenwood | Jun 16 2022 9:34 utc | 224
“RWG in UK can repair and maintain ANY SGT-A35 and carries parts for all systems………
UK? Just what the doctor ordered for Boris’s ratings. A chance to seize, and to be seen seizing.
***
The US and UK are like “Badman and Robbin’.”, all masked up and ready to leap off tall buildings; Joe Tzu
***
La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 9:38 utc | 225
What we may see are increased attempts by the Ukrainians to start new fronts – to draw Russian/DPR away from Severdonetsk, at any cost. OR because the Russians don’t want the Chemical plant to act as an enormous suicide belt for the region, so now they will have to stop and wait.
ie. New front. 2 attacks in the direction of Kherson (unconfirmed, undated) almost certainly NATO aided.-
Popasnya and Izium are seeing counter attacks.
etc.
Could have a bearing on future negociations? Probably not from the Russian side, but might give the Uke Military a bit of room to manoeuvre in their internal political battles.
Posted by: Stonebird | Jun 16 2022 10:29 utc | 233
On the question of “taking Kiev,” it is not that easy, if you’ve been to Kiev you’d know. It is a vast city, built in th estandard Soviet way, and is hilly city. It also has a very deep metro system, and soviet style underground system, some only known to government. Of course, what was there is the time of USSR is known very well to the Russian military intelligence. There maybe certain bunkers that even the Kiev government doesn’t know, but only known to Moscow. Also Moscow/Russia wouldn’t want to destroy anything they themselves built in the soviet times. And, most importantly, there are lot of people, Russia-speaking people, who cannot be injured in any way. In time, Kiev will fall out of the Nazi grip and become free, even if it take few months.
I cannot still fathom, how a Jew could beguile the Ukrainians.
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 10:41 utc | 234
Are the forces of the French resistance finally rising up against the occupier?
On June 14, at the Russian embassy in Paris, De Gaulle denounced
…”the responsibility of the United States in the current conflict, the disastrous role of NATO which is constantly expanding, and the ill-considered policy of the Ukrainian government. The latter, strengthened by beautiful promises and fed by American and European illusions, has led a very condemnable policy towards the Russian-speaking populations of Donbass, multiplying discrimination, despoilment, embargo and bombing.”
Video from the site of RT France, inaccessible in all countries of the European Union without VPN (use Psiphon and oddly pretend you’re in Serbia), no English subtitles unfortunately:
https://tinyurl.com/476kp7h3
Pierre De Gaulle is the grandson of the General.
Posted by: Leuk | Jun 16 2022 10:46 utc | 235
U.S. mercenary captured in Donbass served in Chemical Corps (EurAsia Daily, June 16, 2022 — in Russian)
[A photo of Alexander Drueke]
More and more information starts to appear on the internet indicating that foreign mercenaries may be involved in war crimes during hostilities in Donbass.
We are talking, among other things, about those mercenaries who are already held captive by the forces of the Russian coalition. In particular, details have appeared about the military service of Mr. Alexander Drueke, who, as is known, was taken prisoner in the battles near Kharkov.
Regarding him, information began to circulate on the internet that could seriously complicate his situation, especially if the case goes to court.
As it turned out, Drueke served in the U.S. Chemical Corps. That is, he is not a marine, not a commando, not a paratrooper, but a specialist in various toxic substances.
[A photo of Alexander Drueke in uniform and an image of the Chemical Corps regimental insignia]
Thus, a suspicion immediately arises that he may have been involved in the provocations that were carried out with chemicals by Ukrainian militants in Donbass. For example, in the explosion of an acid tank in the city of Rubezhnoye (LPR) in April of this year.
Recall that, according to experts, that mining was carried out very competently, taking into account the wind rose. The resulting toxic cloud was supposed to cover the settlement of Kudryashovka, which had previously been liberated by the forces of the LPR.
If the plan had worked, it could well have resulted in mass deaths of civilians. If it suddenly turns out that Mr. Drueke was involved in the preparation of such actions, then his future may turn out to be sad.
Especially considering that in the republics of Donbass, as a maximum punishment, he can be sentenced to death. As has already happened with Aiden Aslin, Shaun Pinner and Brahim Saadoun.
Posted by: S | Jun 16 2022 10:57 utc | 236
… Possibly. There appears to be turmoil between the Ukrainian military and the Zelenskyy regime. Could escalate to a coup.
Posted by: Richard Steven Hack | Jun 16 2022 10:06 utc | 228
In the normal run of things that might have already happened a month or more ago.
I suspect that blanket 5-Eyes digital surveillance is leading to the preventative assassination of anyone who is/was in a position to topple the Zelensky government (I.e. the CIA’s government, if we’re being honest) and settle with RF on non-kamikaze terms.
To the last Ukrainian, or as near as damn it (Joe Tzu).
Posted by: anon2020 | Jun 16 2022 11:04 utc | 237
The military of the Russian Armed Forces must, in the course of a special military operation to protect the inhabitants of Donbass, liberate “all Russian cities”, which include Odessa. The head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin on June 16 during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2022).
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 11:16 utc | 238
@ Leuk | Jun 16 2022 10:46 utc | 232
Thanks for the link to RT
where Grandson of Général De Gaulle denounced
…”the responsibility of the United States in the current conflict, the disastrous role of NATO which is constantly expanding, and the ill-considered policy of the Ukrainian government. The latter, strengthened by beautiful promises and fed by American and European illusions, has led a very condemnable policy towards the Russian-speaking populations of Donbass, multiplying discrimination, despoilment, embargo and bombing.”
Video from the site of RT France
https://tinyurl.com/476kp7h3
Incredibly powerful and true.
Look like is grandfather nearly 82 years ago from “ennemy” London radio.
If nobody does it first, I will try to transcript and translate
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 11:17 utc | 239
If you want to have a laugh…https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-price-us-gas-now-qualifies-catastrophe
and, on Putin’s decrees on imposing price hikes in the US of A
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 11:26 utc | 240
WTFUD@205….and the track goes, klickity klack, klickity klack
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Jun 16 2022 11:30 utc | 241
Are the Ukrainian consider these cities, land as their own, or just simply being Nazis?
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 8:27 utc | 222
I’d say that the Ukrainian army, especially its nazi leadership do not see Donbas as their own any more, if they ever did. The goal for them was always to get rid of the population and keep the territory. This is evidenced by terror in parts of Donbas held by Ukrainian forces, using civilians as hostages, bombing civilian targets, especially the residential areas. In essence, it is an attitude, not unlike US foreign policy, which can be summed up as: If I can’t have it, I shall destroy it so the other side can’t have it either.
I wonder how long will it take for Ukrainian leadership to realize that the war is lost and that there will be no future for them in the country. It will be emigration or prison, so at what point will they decide that – if they can’t have it…
Posted by: Pagan | Jun 16 2022 11:35 utc | 242
What we may see are increased attempts by the Ukrainians to start new fronts – to draw Russian/DPR away from Severdonetsk, at any cost. OR because the Russians don’t want the Chemical plant to act as an enormous suicide belt for the region, so now they will have to stop and wait.
ie. New front. 2 attacks in the direction of Kherson (unconfirmed, undated) almost certainly NATO aided.-
Popasnya and Izium are seeing counter attacks.
etc.
Ukies are currently in 4 cauldrons, Servodonetsk is one. A total of 15,000 Ukies are encircled. That is 30 BTGs.
Ukie ability to start new fronts is curtailed by the fact that they must leave their fortifications for the open, where Allied artillery decimates them before they can reach their start line(s).
As for negotiations…. what don’t you understand WRT the Allied terms “Unconditional Surrender”???
INDY
Posted by: Dr. George W Oprisko | Jun 16 2022 11:40 utc | 243
The aeroderivative compressor was developed by Rolls-Royce Plc and uses RB-211 engine which is why before being designated SGT-A35 it was known as “Industrial RB-211”
I should think Russia will simply violate patents and start their own parts manufacturing for these compressors which will take time – in the interim there is a full shutdown of Nordstream 1 for 11-21 July as every year for schedule pipeline maintenance – corrosion problems and leakage I should expect
Russia will simply seize the IP as part of their compensation package for their seized bank reserves.
As for Siemens, it is toast throughout EurAsia. It was replaced in the Chinese high speed rail network, and will be replaced in the NatGas compressor business. All new gas turbine engines for compressor stations will be Chinese/Russian.
INDY
Posted by: Dr. George W Oprisko | Jun 16 2022 11:45 utc | 244
From IntelSlava
🇷🇺🇺🇦⚡ Pushilin RIA Novosti about whether it is necessary to take Odessa during the special operation: it is necessary to liberate all Russian cities
Posted by: Down South | Jun 16 2022 12:01 utc | 245
Pierre de Gaulle
born in Suresnes on June 20, 1963, is the youngest son of Admiral Philippe de Gaulle, a true naval officer as Martianov likes them, who volunteered in the French Navy in 1940, at the age of 19 as a simple sailor.
When Pierre de Gaulle spoke at the Russian embassy at that precise moment, it was necessarily a message from a part of France to the world.
Transcript available [French] on internet site of Russian ambassy in Paris.
https://france.mid.ru/fr/presse/reception_d_tat_l_occasion_du_jour_de_la_russie/
Deepl translate
On behalf of the French people, I cordially greet
the Russian people and its leaders and President Vladimir Putin.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen
thank you, on behalf of my family and my father, Admiral de Gaulle, for inviting us to the
for inviting us to the celebration of your National Day.
Our peoples are linked by long years of friendship and by the blood shed against the Nazis.
This is an opportunity for me to repeat that the Franco-Russian relationship was
for General de Gaulle of a very particular importance. France and
Russia are close to each other but also united by the awareness of their
community of interests and destinies.
Even more, Russia was seen by my grandfather as a reverse ally
indispensable to his security but because it took part in his conception of the
of the balance of Europe and of its place in the world.
The General even said: “The disastrous decision of Napoleon to attack Alexander I is the most
mistake he made. Nothing forced him to do so. It was contrary to our interests, to our traditions, to our genius. It is from the war between Napoleon and the Russians that
our decadence.
to affirm once again, loud and clear, that it is in France’s interest to maintain good relations with Russia and to say that we must work together to help the union and security of our continent,
as well as to the balance, progress and peace of the entire world.
Everyone today recognizes the responsibility of the United States in the present conflict, the
conflict, the disastrous role of the ever-expanding NATO and the ill-considered policy of the Ukrainian government. The latter, strengthened by beautiful promises and fed by American and European illusions, has led a very condemnable policy towards the Russian-speaking populations of Donbass, multiplying discrimination,
spoliation, embargoes and bombings.
The Westerners have unfortunately
let Zelenski, his oligarchs and the neo-Nazi military groups get locked into a spiral of war.
This blindness has serious consequences for the Ukrainian people. But let us not be mistaken
But let’s make no mistake: what do the Americans want if not to provoke a new East-West confrontation, whose only goal is to weaken and divide Europe in order to impose their
impose their directives, their economy and their system?
/… /
End of part 1
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 12:03 utc | 246
https://twitter.com/spriteer_774400/status/1537396671746826242/photo/3
Look at the body language of Draghi while Z is about to shake his hand. For me he looks as if he is disgusted by Z putting on an old man fake smile.
The only reason for this meeting is that Z is getting a dressing down by the power center of the EU, Germany, France and Italy, no insignificant Polish or Baltic bullshit.
Posted by: Arne Hartmann | Jun 16 2022 12:23 utc | 247
Just more bad luck for the West or one of our major allies part of a manufactured collapse scenario now unfolding.
Posted by: Scorpion | Jun 15 2022 23:01 utc | 159
“It isn’t luck,” a UID reminded me many years ago. “Probability isn’t luck. Whether you will abuse it and to what degree depends on your culture. You can only abuse it with the collaboration of others who keep you in power. It helps if they are trained to kiss your ring and accept your doctrine on faith.”
Faith merely manifest is that event which one does not expect; that event which one’s experience and knowledge has not prepared you to predict.
back matter at HANKYOREH
Posted by: sln2002 | Jun 16 2022 12:29 utc | 248
My post La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 11:17 utc | 236
Incredibly powerful and true.
Look like is grandfather nearly 82 years ago from “ennemy” London radio.
If nobody does it first, I will try to transcript and translate
Really sorry,
Transcript available on internet site of Russian ambassy in Paris
, machine translate… and posted three times
but something is broken. Don’t know what.
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 12:30 utc | 249
It seems to me as though there is one common denominator with these western mercenaries (cannot call them ‘volunteers’) which is that they all appear to be ‘ex armed forces’. The thing is I don’t think they are ‘ex’ in any way. I think they are still serving in those Forces. The whole thing is too off pat for me. These 2 Americans now quick as a flash the USA say they are volunteers attached to a Ukrainian battalion which said battalion does specialist intelligence gathering or recon. I think same as Shaun Pinner the USA say they are therefore entitled to Geneva Convention protection as POWs. I don”t think so somehow . I strongly believe all these USA and UK mercenaries are there in an official military capacity not as volunt freer fighters. I could go on. Any thoughts?
Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 16 2022 12:32 utc | 250
Any thoughts?
Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 16 2022 12:32 utc | 251
There are people who gravitate to wars, for various reasons. Not all of them are just looking for money. Not all of them are bad guys. War groupies I call them. Often vets for sure. A place where experience really helps. With regard to the US guys that got caught, I would agree they might be there on orders, but they might not need to be coerced into it.
Posted by: Bemildred | Jun 16 2022 12:48 utc | 251
Ukraine will capitulate in autumn, th eprobabilities are high.
Right now, the Ukrainian authorities refuse to negotiate. But by Autumn, Zelensky will no longer be able to resolve the conflict through diplomacy, due to the catastrophic situation of the Ukie army. This will happen soon, as the Ukie army groups in the Donbass will be finally destroyed, physically or taken prisoner.
Most of the “real” leaders of the EU countries would have to finally start thinking of their own citizens, and the coming winter, after a quite heaty, rainless, fertiliser-less summer. Ze, if he is still alive, or not thrown out by his own army chiefs, will be forced to take into account the critical state of the Ukie economy and industry, so sue for practical negotiations, but most likely Ukraine will simply capitulate.
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 12:59 utc | 252
Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 16 2022 12:32 utc | 246
I think that the Russian allies should treat them as mercenaries, until such time as they are acknowledged by their own countries as still being on the pay roll.
As a minimum they should engage in a very extensive legal request for paper work proving that they were paid members of the Ukrainian military, complete with pay slips, bank records, training history, any essential permissions from their home countries, visas, passports etc. I have no doubt that former military are required to advise their former employers of their plans, especially in the few years post release when many would probably have some reserve call up requirement. Try them as mercenaries and let the lawyers chase up all the paper work. Even if in the end they are treated as POW, they will need a lot of changes of underwear during the three (or ten) years it takes to prove they were legal members of the Ukrainian army
Posted by: watcher | Jun 16 2022 13:01 utc | 253
There are people who gravitate to wars, for various reasons. Not all of them are just looking for money. Not all of them are bad guys. War groupies I call them. Often vets for sure. A place where experience really helps. With regard to the US guys that got caught, I would agree they might be there on orders, but they might not need to be coerced into it.
Posted by: Bemildred | Jun 16 2022 12:48 utc | 252
I agree, there are tons of males in Western society – often vets – who have no sense of purpose in their civil lives and taking on a violent cause of an underdog fills the void, even more so when its a matter of live and death in a war zone. These ppl become conflict hoppers, because they are addicted to the thrill of war, to feeling “alive”. Many war reporters suffer from the same addiction and are drawn again and again to conflicts. I would put most Western volunteers in that category, inflamed by Western MSM reporting.
Posted by: Arne Hartmann | Jun 16 2022 13:05 utc | 254
Part 1 finally available La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 12:03 utc | 247
Hier is part 2
Part2
Since World War I, the Americans have made a pact to establish a necessary balance of power in Europe and to be involved in the security of the European continent.
It is not by organizing a systematic military escalation in Ukraine that they will respect their commitment, nor their great principles of freedom and democracy!
The United States is in error, NATO is in error, whose unbridled and thoughtless expansionism leads inexorably to the imbalance of the world and to injustice.
The beautiful promises of the Americans not to enlarge NATO to the East nor to the North, have not been respected. The Minsk agreements have not been respected.
The reality is that the Americans have never accepted, nor the West with them, that after the difficult transition of 1991 and the reconstruction that followed, that
Russia does not fit into its unipolar world. Neither the Americans nor Europe, have never accepted that Russia transforms itself according to the Western model, in its
image.
Because of this and from the beginning, President Putin was perceived as a dictator, whereas he is a great leader for his country!
The United States has also never accepted the loss of the role of the dollar as the the loss of the role of the dollar as the dominant currency in the settlement of international trade in the world. world. The worst thing is that, in this blindness, they are only reinforcing, by
by shifting the economic and financial interests to the East, the position of China and the Chinese currency that they also want to fight! Sanctions, which are those of the policy of the weak, are inoperative, except to weaken the Europeans and
other nations of the world. The Africans themselves, through the intermediary of the President of the African Union, Mr. Macky Sall, are very worried about this.
/… / end part2
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 13:12 utc | 255
For a laugh…it is even hitting that far…https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/16/unclear-when-electricity-market-suspension-will-end-as-chris-bowen-backs-extreme-intervention
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 13:23 utc | 256
Pierre de Gaulle
Part3
By provoking a deep, systemic and lasting economic crisis that is already affecting us all, from the price of bread to the price of food, the already affecting us all, from the price of bread, to heating and fuel, but also by the shortage of food, raw materials and industrial metals that it entails, the Americans are weakening the Europeans to their advantage. Have we forgotten that for at least a century, all the major financial crises have come from the United States?
“Our dollar, your problem” said Henry Kissinger. The Americans still have us in their debt, which they export.
By imposing a cultural and social model based on the cult of enjoyment and consumption, the Americans are undermining the foundation of our traditional values and the two pillars of civilization that are the family and tradition.
Europe, and of course France, have everything to lose if they lock themselves into this military and ideological escalation desired by the United States and NATO. Charles de Gaulle once said: “America is not part of Europe. I think I discovered it on the map.”
In the current terrible and formidable situation, France can and must play a capital role. France and Russia are both daughters of Europe. France must not forget that it is the eldest of the European nations and that none of them has behind her such a long trail of glory.
My grandfather always supported and defended the imperative need, even in the most difficult moments of history, to build and preserve a strong and shared relationship with Russia.
He loved Russia. My family and I love Russia and its people. The
Russian people, whose right to property is so unjustly violated all over the world. It reminds me of the worst moments of the occupation and the Vichy regime in France.
And are Russian artists and sportsmen also responsible? This systematic and blind policy of confiscation and discrimination of the whole Russian people is scandalous and shocks me considerably.
Allow me to quote General de Gaulle once again: “In France, we have never considered Russia an enemy.
never considered Russia as an enemy. I am for the development of
friendship between France and Russia and I have never sent and I will never send arms to people who would have fought against Soviet Russia.”
The Americans give money (and weapons), we pay them in shares
of independence. I regret that the French government is committing itself to this submission to NATO and thus to American policy.
I deplore that, because of the will of certain French presidents, France has dissolved in NATO. However, General de Gaulle has always tried to maintain France’s independence in the integrated command of NATO.
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 13:27 utc | 257
I cannot still fathom, how a Jew could beguile the Ukrainians.
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 10:41 utc | 235
I think that putative ethnicity of a culturally Russian person in Ukraine is not an issue here. The person may be an idiot, but he had a long experience in many acting genres ranging from slapstick to a serious role of a populist president rooting out corruption etc. in a long-run TV serial. In short, his qualification as a beguiler were solid.
Contast this with Biden winning Democratic primaries in 2020. As the accumulated delegate counts were hopelessly partitioned and a major brouhaha was brewing, SUDDENLY bulk of candidates and eventually all conceded to the only candidate with serious neurological problems and no attractive program…
Taken from the county jail
By a set of curious chances;
Liberated then on bail
On my own recognizances;
Wafted by a favouring gale
As one sometimes is in trances
To a height that few can scale
Save by long and weary dances;
Surely, never had a male
Under such like circumstances
So adventurous a tale
Which may rank with most romances
I italicized verses that were not applicable, but there was galore of curious chances and favouring gales.
Posted by: Piotr Berman | Jun 16 2022 13:28 utc | 258
Especially considering that in the republics of Donbass, as a maximum punishment, he can be sentenced to death. As has already happened with Aiden Aslin, Shaun Pinner and Brahim Saadoun.
Posted by: S | Jun 16 2022 10:57 utc | 237
Hmmm…. IF an international Court wished to step in to prevent death sentence of such captured mercenaries or volunteers, they would first have to accept the jurisdictional validity of the two Donbass republics before claiming higher authority over them having first gotten them to sign up as UN recognized States. As that is almost certainly not going to happen, what happens in Donbass stays in Donbass. And that suits Russia just fine.
I expect some executions to take place fairly soon if for no other reason than pour decourager les autres…
To the last Ukrainian, or as near as damn it (Joe Tzu).
Posted by: anon2020 | Jun 16 2022 11:04 utc | 238
We shall demonstrate our unflubbable resolve by fighting to the last damn Ukrainian!
Joe Tzu.
Interesting that one of the Americans captured in Kharkov was in the Chemical Corps of the US Army. One of the chief DOD biolabs is in Kharkov.
Posted by: Lysias | Jun 16 2022 13:37 utc | 261
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 12:03 utc | 247
“The Westerners have unfortunately
let Zelenski, his oligarchs and the neo-Nazi military groups get locked into a spiral of war.
This blindness has serious consequences for the Ukrainian people. But let us not be mistaken
But let’s make no mistake: what do the Americans want if not to provoke a new East-West confrontation, whose only goal is to weaken and divide Europe in order to impose their
impose their directives, their economy and their system?”
Where was he during the recent election campaign?
Also: can some wiser soul than myself please explain the symbology of the President of Ukraine always walking around in pseudo-military fatigues even when meeting with Heads of State?
I think that putative ethnicity of a culturally Russian person in Ukraine is not an issue here.
Posted by: Piotr Berman | Jun 16 2022 13:28 utc | 259
————————————————
I was not talking about “culturally Russian persons,” by the way.
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 13:40 utc | 263
Elensky is and always has been irrelevant. A figurehead. Just like Joe and his entire wrecking crew pretending to be in charge of the government, the army, transportation and so forth…
@V
“Also: can some wiser soul than myself please explain the symbology of the President of Ukraine always walking around in pseudo-military fatigues even when meeting with Heads of State?”
He is just back from the trenches on the front lines – no time to change clothes.
Posted by: the pessimist | Jun 16 2022 13:44 utc | 265
@Scorpion | Jun 16 2022 13:43 utc | 265 – copy/paste error
Posted by: the pessimist | Jun 16 2022 13:45 utc | 266
Hardly anyone expected this: The Swiss National Bank is taking a big step up in the key interest rate. – der Bund
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) surprisingly raises the key interest rate significantly. The central bank increases the so-called SNB key interest rate by 0.50 percentage points to -0.25 percent. The monetary authorities want to counteract inflationary pressure with this, the SNB said on Thursday. It cannot be ruled out that further interest rate hikes will be necessary in the foreseeable future. The tighter monetary policy is intended to prevent inflation in Switzerland spreading more widely to goods and services.
Well?
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 13:46 utc | 267
From RT:
“A hotline has been established between Russian and Ukrainian generals to negotiate the question of safely getting ships loaded with grain out of the port of Odessa, Turkish media outlets reported on Wednesday, citing the defense ministry in Ankara.”
Maybe the General is trying to undermine Zelensky
Posted by: the pessimist | Jun 16 2022 13:51 utc | 268
He is just back from the trenches on the front lines – no time to change clothes.
Posted by: the pessimist | Jun 16 2022 13:44 utc | 266
Duh! Of course. How simple.
(And also entirely ridiculous.. but, hey, he’s been paid almost a billion dollars for doing this so if wearing a T-shirt is in the script notes….)
… Also: can some wiser soul than myself please explain the symbology of the President of Ukraine always walking around in pseudo-military fatigues even when meeting with Heads of State?
Posted by: Scorpion | Jun 16 2022 13:39 utc | 263
It’s even become a thing, search “macron paratrooper hoodie”.
Are they ever going to dress in the manner of someone who’s been tied to a chair and beaten to death by Kiev’s potato-headed nazi bumpkins, I wonder?
Posted by: anon2020 | Jun 16 2022 14:27 utc | 270
I’d say that the Ukrainian army, especially its nazi leadership do not see Donbas as their own any more, if they ever did. The goal for them was always to get rid of the population and keep the territory. This is evidenced by terror in parts of Donbas held by Ukrainian forces, using civilians as hostages, bombing civilian targets, especially the residential areas.
Posted by: Pagan | Jun 16 2022 11:35 utc | 243
It’s in the DNA of the Galician Western population of Ukraine who think of themselves as “Real Ukrainians”. They did the same number on the Poles in 1942/43 where OUN/UPA battalions using axis, hammers, sickles, ….. murderer upwards of 100+ thousand Poles (whole families including kids) so as to “clear them off the land that is ours.”
https://volhyniamassacre.eu/zw2/history
It’s in the blood because no normal people would do that to others. Bullet in the head, OK. But axis ???? PSYCHOS.
Posted by: Tom_12 | Jun 16 2022 14:34 utc | 271
More funny stuff…https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/secretaries-defense-state-said-publicly-us-wanted-ukraine-win-biden-sa-rcna33826
When the secretaries of Defense and State said publicly the U.S. wants Ukraine to win and weaken Russia, Biden said tone it down.
“He was not happy with the rhetoric,” said one official familiar with President Biden’s conference call with Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin.
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 14:37 utc | 272
https://youtu.be/_TQJJRzkdaw
Mariupol today, 16.06.2022. Food products, price of fuel, and where the girl lived before. Still the voice is nice, people smiling. Interestingly, Pb95 is 47 rubles/litre (at ~60rubels/USD, 0.78USD/litre ). very much cheaper than in the EU. In Poland for example, it is equivalent to 1.82USD/litre. In Germany the fuel prices are even higher.
Posted by: ostro | Jun 16 2022 15:19 utc | 273
Scorpion, 263:
> Also: can some wiser soul than myself please explain the symbology of the President of Ukraine always walking around in pseudo-military fatigues even when meeting with Heads of State?
He’s an actor playing the role “servant of the people” and such a character must wear a t-shirt at all times.
I’m looking forward to see him in his next role as cannon fodder i Donbass, with or without t-shirt.
Posted by: Mr Y | Jun 16 2022 15:19 utc | 274
@ Paul Greenwood | Jun 16 2022 9:34 utc | 228
i don’t have an answer for that, but i like what @ 234 stonebird says…
@ la bastille… thanks for your posts..
Posted by: james | Jun 16 2022 16:00 utc | 275
Neuste Meldung Tass:
MOSKAU, 16. Juni./TASS/. Die NATO-Staaten werden offensichtlich versuchen, alle ihre Ressourcen einzusetzen, um den Erfolg der russischen Spezialmilitäroperation in der Ukraine zu verhindern, sagte die Sprecherin des russischen Außenministeriums, Maria Zakharova, am Donnerstag in einem Kommentar.
„Das Kiewer Regime wird ständig mit immer tödlicheren Waffen gepumpt, insbesondere mit raketenabschießender Artillerie, was die Zahl der Opfer unweigerlich erhöhen wird. Das Auftauchen solcher Waffen in der Konfliktzone hat bereits zu einer Zunahme der Zerstörung geführt zivile Infrastruktur in der LVR und DVR”, betonte der Diplomat.
“Aber das stört im Westen niemanden, das ist für sie ein ‘Kollateralschaden'”, betonte sie. „Die Hauptsache ist, Russland die Spezialoperation in der Ukraine nicht erfolgreich abschließen zu lassen. Natürlich werden alle verfügbaren Ressourcen der NATO und ihrer Mitgliedsländer verwendet, um dieses Ziel zu erreichen“, sagte Sacharowa.
Posted by: ma | Jun 16 2022 18:09 utc | 276
Given that after 100+ days of war the Russians control only about 50% of the Donetsk region, it seems to me that talk of a Ukrainian defeat or collapse is premature, at best. Yes? No?
Posted by: Saggy | Jun 15 2022 13:41 utc | 1
Quite stupid reasoning. It is necessary to compare with the situation on 2022-2-24. Of course you did not do that.
All the South collapsed and not only inside the Donetsk PR. How much of the Kherson oblast collapsed? How much of the Zaporoje oblast collapsed? Of course you will not draw maps about such collapses from 0% to more than 50% certainly. And what about Lugansk? 95% already and soon 100% with the coming collapses of Severodonetsk and Lisitshansk. Mariuopol collapsed. Many settlements collapsed in Donetsk PR. And why are you in a hurry? The Ukrainian is collapsing piece by piece.
But here you come with your disinformation and your pro-nazi propaganda trying to make believe that the UA is not collapsing.
Posted by: Olivier | Jun 16 2022 20:46 utc | 277
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 13:27 utc | 258
De Gaulle says many true things, but “France must not forget that it is the eldest of the European nations and that none of them has behind her such a long trail of glory” must indicate some hubris in his thinking.
Posted by: tucenz | Jun 16 2022 21:59 utc | 278
@ tucenz | Jun 16 2022 21:59 utc | 279
Yes, some French arrogance. But the only way to convince French that our culture is older than “les lumières”, “les misérables” and “la prise de la Bastille”
Posted by: La Bastille | Jun 16 2022 22:05 utc | 279
has behind her such a long trail of glory” must indicate some hubris in his thinking.
Posted by: tucenz | Jun 16 2022 21:59 utc | 279
Which “glory”? Killing people on all continents to loot their ressources. Losing almost all wars. In 1940, losing in less than 2 months. Etc.
French people always think that they are the best, that they will always win. They are only interested by themselves. Never to forget that when the cock is singing it has its feet in the shit.
Yes, hubris.
Posted by: Olivier | Jun 16 2022 22:48 utc | 280
CGTN: The 7 Deadly Sins of Western Mainstream Media
http://thesaker.is/cgtn-the-7-deadly-sins-of-western-mainstream-media/
Perfect description of French people and beyond.
Posted by: Olivier | Jun 16 2022 23:30 utc | 281