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August 17, 2022
Ukraine Open Thread 2022-132
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This is a milder version of what the fascists ukrainian government have been doing during their war of aggression against the Donbas: they cut off electricity, water, food, heating supplies 8 years ago, hoping that the people of Donbas (and Crimea) would starve and freeze and thus have mass death or mass emigration.”…
Posted by: susan mullen | Aug 18 2022 2:01 utc | 84
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I’d like to hear/see this happening in the US/UK. True, an amount of people in the US/UK live in streets, but it’d be interesting to see this happening in countrywide manner, getting electricity, water heating cut off with a lack of food additionally — the US people should feel on their own skins what they are doing to others in Asia, Africa and South America. What they have done to Iraqis, Afghans, Libyans, Serbians and now to Ukrainians in the Donbass.
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 6:01 utc | 101
Just published a new article about the misery that our political leaders pour out on us with the reprehensible sanctions policy with which they are shooting themselves in the foot, see
https://geopoliticincontext.wordpress.com/2022/08/18/survives-de-europese-unie-de-energiecrisis-of-sneuvelt-enkel-de-eurozone/
The title reads: “Will the European Union survive the energy crisis? Or will only the eurozone fall?”, and the synopsis: “The energy crisis approaching us leads to the collapse of the German Wirtschaftswunder. Germany is dragging Europe into its trap. The resulting economic misery is passed on to the “ordinary” citizens. Governments must guarantee a roof over their heads and basic facilities for everyone.”
Translation is provided in the ‘Google translate’ tool in the top right corner.
Posted by: Paul-Robert | Aug 18 2022 6:05 utc | 102
So, this bill will make the IRS larger than the army of the nation of Italy, also the nation of the Philippines, also the U.K…
So, in an actual democracy, IRS agents should be taught to be polite, but under Joe Biden, IRS agents are taught “to shoot.” How is that not war on the population of the country?/Well, not exactly humour…
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 6:27 utc | 104
David.in.Italy | Aug 18 2022 5:08 utc | 99
>killer watts.
Yep.
See these twitter threads:
> Right this minute in baltic states where i live, we pay 4000 euros. Needless to say i turned off my electricity from breakers. Am using phone’s internet. Many businesses closed for the evening.
https://twitter.com/
krissukristel/status/1559935783322238976
https://twitter.com/
zerohedge
/status/1560066575683682304?cxt=HHwWgICw2Z6SvKYrAAAA
>Gazprom said on Tuesday that European gas prices could spike by 60% to more than $4,000 per 1,000 cubic metres this winter
> Gas & electricity bill for a business owner in the South of Italy (literally a few km away from my hometown)
– July 2021: EUR 120k
– July 2022: EUR 979k
https://twitter.com/MacroAlf/status/1559879874776547328
> In southern Norway the price of electricity has increased by more than 1000% relative to the average for this time of year from 2013-2019.
https://twitter.com/olsOYN/status/1559915879185498113
Posted by: Melaleuca | Aug 18 2022 6:43 utc | 105
David.in.Italy | Aug 18 2022 5:08 utc | 99
>killer watts.
Yep.
See these twitter threads:
> Right this minute in baltic states where i live, we pay 4000 euros. Needless to say i turned off my electricity from breakers. Am using phone’s internet. Many businesses closed for the evening.
https://twitter.com/
krissukristel/status/1559935783322238976
https://twitter.com/
zero hedge
/ status/1560066575683682304?cxt=HHwWgICw2Z6SvKYrAAAA
>Gazprom said on Tuesday that European gas prices could spike by 60% to more than $4,000 per 1,000 cubic metres this winter
> Gas & electricity bill for a business owner in the South of Italy (literally a few km away from my hometown)
– July 2021: EUR 120k
– July 2022: EUR 979k
https://twitter.com/MacroAlf/status/1559879874776547328
> In southern Norway the price of electricity has increased by more than 1000% relative to the average for this time of year from 2013-2019.
https://twitter.com/olsOYN/status/1559915879185498113
Posted by: Melaleuca | Aug 18 2022 6:44 utc | 106
@Paul-Robert | Aug 18 2022 6:05 utc | 103
Schlitz is only aretarded puppet. Everything he did is not bad management, is exactly what he was told to do. The entire Greens seem to be simple puppets. I can’t wait to see how he’ll turn protests into blood, which he must do to preserve power.
German Air Force deploys fighters & support aircraft to the Indo-Pacific region for the 1st time.
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 6:45 utc | 107
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 18 2022 4:05 utc | 91
Karloff, no, I don’t think the poll is too vague. But it is an Economist poll. Look for a poll by the left and then one by the right and maybe try an average. The Economist is not a center publication. I think the US is mostly against the Ukraine conflict and mostly knows it is all due to the US, just as with Iraq and Syria and Vietnam, to name a few others. We have gotten poorer, and we would prefer that war budget be spent on us instead.
Everyone is saying a Republican will win the next election. Biden is aging badly and no alternative is appearing.
Posted by: HelenB | Aug 18 2022 6:50 utc | 108
Kiev is preparing a provocation at the Zaporozhye NPP.
It is scheduled for August 19 and is connected with the visit of the UN Secretary General to Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry reported. The purpose of the provocation is to accuse Russia of creating a man-made disaster. The 44th Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on August 19 plans to launch artillery strikes on the territory of the nuclear power plant.
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 6:59 utc | 109
Posted by: Paul-Robert | Aug 18 2022 6:05 utc | 103
Link Offline
geopoliticincontext.wordpress.com doesn’t exist
Do you want to register geopoliticincontext.wordpress.com?
.
https://geopoliticincontext.wordpress.com/2022/08/18/survives-de-europese-unie-de-energiecrisis-of-sneuvelt-enkel-de-eurozone/
Posted by: mac999 | Aug 18 2022 7:25 utc | 110
watcher #98
So I guess we need to all be bracing for president Harris.
I suspect a crazed person will remove that future and after a very brief Pelosi pukefest the USA will enjoy the duplicitous Rod DeSantis.
Bleak…
Posted by: uncle tungsten | Aug 18 2022 7:26 utc | 111
The Soviets built the nuclear power plants (NPP) so that they could even withstand a direct nuclear attack. The problem would be the nuclear waste which is stored outside. As Russia had the NPP under control since February 28th, they must’ve removed that problem away from the NPP area. Otherwise, it’d be a problem.
Anyway, Ukraine needs the Zaporozhye NPP to work, giving free electricity to central Ukraine. So, Ukies won’t shell the NPP directly, that is, so it’d damage the working areas. They’d just shell a bit, here and there, but not exactly on the 6 main nuclear reactors. It is just blackmail on the Ukie side, to keep the electricity flowing.
But, I believe certain parts of Ukraine will be hit very badly in the next few days.
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 7:41 utc | 112
World War III starts tomorrow.
https://t.me/intelslava/35682
Posted by: Dave | Aug 18 2022 7:52 utc | 113
That’s exactly how it is, Ukraine needs this nuclear power plant!
The few coal-fired power plants have no coal. The few gas power plants will soon run out of gas!
It’s about survival for Selenski, but… he should think about how HE can survive !!
Posted by: mac999 | Aug 18 2022 7:56 utc | 114
I don’t think they’ve removed the used fuel. No news about anything like that and I don’t think it can be done in a dark night. Last night it was drones attack again. It’s like they invite nazis to do something there. What remains to be seen is if they have a good plan or no plan, like the Crimea ammo depot.
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 7:58 utc | 115
@mac999 | Aug 18 2022 7:56 utc | 114
If Ukr needs ZNPP so much then why is it used at 70% power (because of unused electricity)?
Probably EU wanted to steal from Ukr npps. I can’t find any other reason for EU connecting to Ukr power grid a few months ago, after the operation started.
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 8:06 utc | 116
The Ukies are not attacking the Zaporozhye NPP seriously enough to damage it. They are just shelling to keep the status quo. This shelling started after someone in Allied forces stated that Ukraine electrical supply will cease few weeks ago. Keeping the status quo atm is also alright with Russia. But, let the world live in panic!
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 8:14 utc | 117
A look on the bleak side at Zaporozhye.
An explosion or similar that made the spent fuel into a dirty bomb, could even be the desired outcome.
It could make the entire Baltic coastline, Crimea, and the Russian speaking parts (Donbas, Odessa) more or less uninhabitable. (Depending on the radiation level released). This is NOT for the Ukrainians, but would fit in with the programme of the nihilists in the US and UK, to isolate Russia physically. (ie. as wanted by people that are far from the front lines, but supply the weapons and mercenaries)
Supporting indications. The recent overflying near Murmansk by both the US and UK spy planes To control (and eventually closing) the ports of Arkhangel and Murmansk.
The Military build up of Latvia and Estonia, the radicalization of their populations (and possibly Lithuania), plus the corresponding alienation of Finland, could be used to close St.Petersbourg as a port in the future. Also by nullifying Kalingrad or closing the strait OUT of the Black sea, eliminates either it’s use as a port or as a Land “bridge” to the Black Sea.
Those countries could also form the basis of a future NATO attack overland, similar to the one that was planned by Ukraine before the Russian pre-emptive attack of the 24 February. (Same planners , same plan, repeat).
That leaves Vladivostok and the Caspian/Iranian areas as the only naval “exits” for the Russians and their submarines.
Posted by: Stonebird | Aug 18 2022 8:26 utc | 118
Posted by: Arioch | Aug 17 2022 23:47 utc | 65
We may argue who was the aggressors, and who has fair case, and who would better win. Yet… The state of USA is an enemy to China and Russia, won’t you agree?
Or, otherwise, who are foreign enemies of DC?
Posted by: Objective Observer | Aug 18 2022 1:10 utc | 80
the better question is who isn’t an enemy of the US? Whether or not the US has declared war on any country, thus making them formal enemies in my opinion, the US, considers almost every country to be a potential enemy.
Posted by: Arioch | Aug 18 2022 2:02 utc | 85
If an American commoner is asked to name a foreign enemy of the state (and he makes a distinction between his personal self and the state; he would neither parrot MSM spin, nor project his personal enmities to DC) – and he would refuse to name China and Russia – then whom would be left to be named?
Posted by: Objective Observer | Aug 18 2022 2:49 utc | 87
how to reconcile so many Americans who don’t believe in US foreign policy yet buy into the ‘enemies’ as forwarded by the same foreign policy establishment.
Posted by: ak74 | Aug 18 2022 3:28 utc | 89
Being called an enemy of America is one of the highest honors–if not the highest honor–that you can achieve,
<=To me, the best way to identify enemies of the USA is to analyze for embedded competitive threat[ECT]. The industries that Wall Street has directed its monopoly powers and investor money to in support of activities in foreign lands.
I think it is necessary to type the threats embedded within the nations [<=in order to understand who qualify as enemies of the USA ] into commercial, technical, educational, natural resources, low cost of competitive labor, low cost of competitive skilled labor, and competitive threats not already controlled by a Wall street multi national global corporate owned interest and countries with leadership resistive to strategic military needs.
So Countries pro se are not the most likely target enemies to be, instead enemies of the USA are the competitive commerce or technical know-how or resistive strategic classifications. it is these things. that define enemy of the Oligarch owned USA.
Posted by: HelenB | Aug 18 2022 6:50 utc | 108 IRT that Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 18 2022 4:05 utc | 91
I think the US is mostly against the Ukraine conflict and mostly knows it is all due to the US, just as with Iraq and Syria and Vietnam, to name a few others. We have gotten poorer, and we would prefer that war budget be spent on us instead.
<=This mostly explains why Americans do not rise in opposition to the USA spending its trillions on foreign affairs.. there are so many of them, so little known about them, and just not time in the life of an American to track them all even if they often appear in the propaganda rags distributed by the MSM.
Posted by: snake | Aug 18 2022 8:31 utc | 119
Poor Ukraine . Last week in Copenhagen, the Western allies decided to give Kyiv $1.5 billion. Hardly enough for an oligargh to hold in one hand .
Posted by: hankster | Aug 18 2022 8:37 utc | 120
@Stonebird | Aug 18 2022 8:26 utc | 118
Nato does not have any capability to “close” any port or sea, not even in case of ww3.
The UK or US flights happen often anyway. Russia does it too. When they get bored of intercepting they suddenly appear in Alaska or other places then it’s quiet for a while.
The puppet Baltic states want to make themselves important for US and they will buy as many weapons as they can. But in case of war they’ll be gone before they understand what happens. For Lithuania, the most angry retard, it’s even simpler. They exist based on agreements with Russia and they’re no longer valid if they block Kaliningrad – Lithuania disappears.
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 8:40 utc | 121
There can be no doubt now that Zelensky is a fully fledged Despot given all the decrees he’s issuing the last one being that anyone in the Donbass who receives or accepts Russian Humanitarian Aid will be arrested as collaborators and liable to 10yrs in Prison. He is out of control now not even bothering to put this through Parliament. He is now a despot Dictator of the worst kind. He needs to be deposed. I wish Zaluhzny would grow some and force a military coup. Or that the people of Ukraine would storm Parliament or something.
Posted by: Jo Dominich | Aug 18 2022 8:50 utc | 122
Russian Defense Ministry :
From July 18 – the station is subjected to regular shelling by the Ukrainian army from multiple launch rocket systems;
During the shelling, the auxiliary support systems of the station and the life support facilities of Energodar were damaged;
The Ukrainian side, together with their handlers from the United States, is trying to cause, in their opinion, a minor accident at a nuclear power plant;
The United States is hushing up data on shelling and the situation at the nuclear power plant, thereby encouraging the impunity of the Kyiv regime and contributing to the possible development of a nuclear catastrophe in Europe”;
The Ministry of Defense warned how the emergency situation at the Zaporozhye NPP could develop and presented a map of possible consequences;
If the situation with Ukrainian shelling continues to develop negatively, the issue of putting the 5th and 6th power units into cold reserve may be considered, which will lead to the shutdown of the Zaporizhzhya NPP;
The purpose of the Ukrainian provocation at the Zaporozhye NPP is to create an exclusion zone of up to 30 km, introduce international forces and foreign observers to the station and accuse the Russian military of nuclear terrorism
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 9:16 utc | 123
Posted by: Stonebird | Aug 18 2022 8:26 utc | 118
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The German, French and other NPPs can get blown off too. The Bear indicated that once.
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 9:23 utc | 124
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 7:41 utc | 112
No way. Moving spent fuel is really complex thing. Check how long did the West built a stationary depot for spent fuel near ChernobylNPP
And that was about storing not moving and not moving through contested battle/guerilla zone.
Even in peace time it would take an all nation economic effort, that USSR decided not to undertake.
Russia would neither.
First, we just do not need it. Would Kiev manage to create ecologic disaster in Zaporozhye – we would have our sympathies and would make the most PR of it, both in blame games and in providing aid.
But would we start moving it – Kiev would definitely devastate our attempts. Just think, what is easier to destroy, a massive reinforced concrete building, or a car moving at snail-pace? Would we attempt moving – we would provide Kiev a sure way to finally actually destroy the rods, and at the place of their choice (along the path).
No way. Russia does not want to be blamed for bad workers or bad cars and to have the pollution in her own (or Donbass’) soil.
Contaminating Zaporozhye and sokely by Kievan hands with no any i out from Russia would be a least of evils
Posted by: Arioch | Aug 18 2022 9:45 utc | 126
Kherson yesterday, and it rains there, https://youtu.be/rUwD8RWvBOU
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 9:48 utc | 127
Repairing roads in Melitopol, https://youtu.be/h-iknADGuwU, uploaded yesterday
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 9:53 utc | 128
@rp | Aug 18 2022 9:23 utc | 124
Medvedev? You can ignore that twitter warrior. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. And 3 more npps waiting for the exact same scenario even if Russia doesn’t get near them. As long as the nato proxies are never attacked, Russia shouldn’t complain if anything glowy happens in Ukr, Belarus or Russia.
From today: Ned Price condemned recent Russian actions in and around Ukraine’s Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and called for return of full control of these facilities to Ukraine, and Moscow to end its war of choice against its sovereign neighbor.
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 10:00 utc | 129
Medvedev? You can ignore that twitter warrior. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 10:00 utc | 129
—
You can ignore him, as you are not a Russian. You wouldn’t ever understand Russians. You can enjoy Ned Price, or even the demented One…
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 10:06 utc | 130
It rains even in Mariupol, which is getting rebuilt pretty fast, https://youtu.be/TYBuqQ5xTnE
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 10:08 utc | 131
The USAF Stratotanker is back again over Poland, https://www.flightradar24.com/multiview/2d1c6a25. There must be other USAF/NATO aircraft flying around exercising, so has to be pumped on the fly. Of course, they cannot be seen on Flightradar, but can be heard. Those planes don’t come near Belarus or the Ukranian border.
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 10:19 utc | 132
NATO11 is doing circles over Romania, but not crossing the Moldavia airspace, https://www.flightradar24.com/multiview/2d1c692e
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 10:22 utc | 133
Just published a new article about the misery that our political leaders pour out on us with the reprehensible sanctions policy with which they are shooting themselves in the foot, see (NOW WITH THE CORRECT LINK)
https://geopolitiekincontext.wordpress.com/2022/08/18/overleeft-de-europese-unie-de-energiecrisis-of-sneuvelt-enkel-de-eurozone/
The title reads: “Will the European Union survive the energy crisis? Or will only the eurozone fall?”, and the synopsis: “The energy crisis approaching us leads to the collapse of the German Wirtschaftswunder. Germany is dragging Europe into its trap. The resulting economic misery is passed on to the “ordinary” citizens. Governments must guarantee a roof over their heads and basic facilities for everyone.”
Translation is provided in the ‘Google translate’ tool in the top right corner.
Posted by: Paul-Robert | Aug 18 2022 10:23 utc | 134
rp | Aug 18 2022 10:06 utc | 130
You seem as smart as Ostro or whatever name that was
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 10:29 utc | 135
The Zaporizhzhya militia told how Kiev underestimates losses of the AFU
The commander of the Zaporizhzhya detachment “Troy” Vladimir Novikov said that Kiev underestimates losses of the AFU
“This is my strict opinion, I think about 200 thousand “two hundredths” (dead – Ed.) and more than 300 thousand wounded, who will not come back to service,” Novikov said.
Link to ria.ru
Posted by: Iguana | Aug 18 2022 10:34 utc | 136
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 10:29 utc | 135
—
People always compare me with others, whoever they are.😏
Anyway, I watched Medvedev being the president. He maybe short, looks not much, but he is tough, very tough. And, he is also from Peter, like Putin, Lavrov or Miller. By the way, a few days ago, on Aug 11, he was in LNDR on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation. He is the deputy of the RF Security Council, so you can imagine what might be the reason he was there.
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 10:49 utc | 137
The Chinese bowing to their masters in the Kremlin – rightfully so, they should know their place.
China to send troops to Russia for joint week-long military drills
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/18/china-to-send-troops-to-russia-for-joint-week-long-military-drills
Posted by: Night Tripper | Aug 18 2022 10:51 utc | 138
Care of ukrop artillery bombing on Energodar could be taken by air strikes and one single airborne operation on Marganets; if Russia assessed it as serious threat.
Since they dont, one can believe they are OK with it.
Posted by: Greg Galloway | Aug 18 2022 11:04 utc | 139
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chief of the RF Security Council
Sociology of the masses against the politics of idiots: who wins?
The governments of European states, especially the impoverished Balts, the rabid Poles and the Finns jumping to NATO, are competing to see who will speak more angrily about their desire to break off all relations with Russia. Literally: we despise the Russians and do not want to let them go anywhere. Cancel visas. Forget books. Unsee the pictures. Unhear the music. Gas and oil? We will not take. Although no…the latter is more difficult, especially in anticipation of a cold winter. But for now, all European politicians are trying to stay in tune – no ties with the Russians. From now on and forever!
But ordinary citizens, judging by the results of opinion polls, have not lost common sense. More than half of the inhabitants of the EU countries are not at all eager to break contacts with Russia. They want a full-fledged relationship, as it was before. Normal personal contacts, Russian energy resources in boilers, our market for their products, successful trade, our tourists in their museums and cafes.
Their brains, of course, full of shit notably. But there is a limit to the pressure of feces in a propaganda fan pipe. Further, the public consciousness begins to suffocate in the miasma of cynical lies pouring in a fetid stream on the heads of tired Europeans. When, as according to Orwell, the cold in the batteries is the warmth of European solidarity, and the rise in prices in grocery stores is the minimum price to pay for the preservation of European democracy, which can die from asphyxia in the arms of a Russian bear.
From three quarters to 90 percent of EU citizens categorically do not want to participate in hostilities on the side of the Kiev regime. Although, judging by the sociological survey, this is still not ruled out by moronic European politicians. And anti-Russian sanctions (also according to polls) are not ready to support by more than half, and in some states even two-thirds of their inhabitants. Moreover, support is offered purely at your own, personal expense. Moreover, all this nonsense – from saving on cremation of bodies to washing toilet paper – in order to punish the distant “dense Russia”, which did not harm any of the EU citizens with its operation in Ukraine. And the inhabitant, finally, begins to think: why should he pay for other people’s sins?
Of course, we want peaceful cooperation, trade, exchanges and other things that are normal for all things. We do not close ourselves from anyone, we support any sensible proposals. True, in turn, we would like to see how the citizens of Europe not only express quiet dissatisfaction with the actions of their governments, but also say something more intelligible. For example, they call them to account, punishing them for their obvious stupidity. Especially if the “payment for European democracy” is cold in apartments and empty shelves in refrigerators, such “democracy” is for the insane. That is why four cabinets of ministers in Europe have already resigned in a short time. That’s where they go. And this is clearly not the end. The votes of the voters are a powerful lever of influence even on the most frostbitten politicians.
So act, European neighbors! Do not be silent. Call your fools to account. And we will hear you. The benefit is obvious – in the winter in the company of Russia it is much warmer and more comfortable than in splendid isolation with the gas stove turned off and the battery cold.
(It is not easy to translate Russian, as they speak/write in short sentences.)
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 11:06 utc | 140
3rd August 2022 from this site:
“Ukraine SitRep – On The Ground Report – Ukrainian Frontline Collapses”
Tick, tock…
Posted by: evilsooty999 | Aug 17 2022 17:06 utc | 12
I assume that “tick, tock” is supposed to imitate the sound of an empty head without a thinking brain? There are more than one line of defenses. One falls, some soldiers are killed (all of Ukraine’s men wouldn’t even fit into a single front), the fighting falls back to the next defensive installation. Which becomes the new front line.
Eventually either the soldiers run out (or away), a surrender happens, or as in the case of Ukraine, you get to open plains without any useful defensive positions.
What is so difficult to understand about having multiple successive “front line” battles?
Posted by: Jusses | Aug 18 2022 11:11 utc | 141
Posted by: Night Tripper | Aug 18 2022 10:51 utc | 138
–
Want to have look at the Tank Biathlon? https://rutube.ru/video/38c95a8c58128191b05f76f6acabfb38/
Posted by: RK | Aug 18 2022 11:14 utc | 142
(It is not easy to translate Russian, as they speak/write in short sentences.)
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 11:06 utc | 140
Medvedev’s words made me smile from ear to ear.
What a straight shooter he is yet with compassion and a great sense of humour.
Thanks for the translation 🙂
Interesting that a diplomat in Russia is calling the people of Europe to rise up and discipline their leaders. Seems the west totally failed to take the communism out of the country.
Posted by: K | Aug 18 2022 11:28 utc | 143
Their brains, of course, full of shit notably. But there is a limit to the pressure of feces in a propaganda fan pipe. Further, the public consciousness begins to suffocate in the miasma of cynical lies pouring in a fetid stream on the heads of tired Europeans.
Beautifully stated. Did anyone else see the photo of Nickolai II, the last Tsar of Russia, on RT recently? Doesn’t Dmitry Medvedev look like the last Tsar? Maybe this is his latest reincarnation. And this time he has some scores to settled . . .
Posted by: Sam Smith | Aug 18 2022 11:40 utc | 144
(It is not easy to translate Russian, as they speak/write in short sentences.)
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 11:06 utc | 140
It was done well, thank you. A much better version of Medvedev (in English) than I have seen in the past.
Posted by: Bemildred | Aug 18 2022 11:41 utc | 145
Posted by: Jusses | Aug 18 2022 11:11 utc | 141
Not exactly deserving of the hyperbolic “collapse” description then, is it?
Whatever. Carry on in this echo chamber thinking up 5d chess reasons as to why the superpower Russian army making such glacial progress is an act of strategic genius.
No doubt we’ll see more articles talking about “collapse” in the upcoming months despite very little changing on the ground.
Posted by: evilsooty999 | Aug 18 2022 11:45 utc | 146
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 6:45 utc | 107
German Air Force deploys fighters & support aircraft to the Indo-Pacific region for the 1st time.
Whatever. Carry on in this echo chamber thinking up 5d chess reasons as to why the superpower Russian army making such glacial progress is an act of strategic genius.
You may be right. I am still uncertain what happened over 20 years in Afghanistan with US military……….and 13 years in Vietnam leaves me very confused……….
What were US objectives ? Were they achieved ?
I still don’t know why France and Germany pounded Verdun into oblivion and have an Ossuary at Douamont with 130,000 skeletal remains in it……….and France just fuelled in the soldiers to feed the guns up La Voie Sacree.
War has strange dimensions when you are a spectator…………
I suspect the GRU has a very good idea of US involvement both in the air and on the ground……and British presence…..and French……..I suppose if Russia wanted to start a general war it could eradicate ALL US spy satellites and planes – but that would escalate to endgame.
I have no idea what GRU knows – but they play their game and pay the stakes………..it is not a football game.
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Aug 18 2022 11:55 utc | 148
The Military build up of Latvia and Estonia, the radicalization of their populations (and possibly Lithuania), plus the corresponding alienation of Finland, could be used to close St.Petersbourg as a port in the future. Also by nullifying Kalingrad or closing the strait OUT of the Black sea, eliminates either it’s use as a port or as a Land “bridge” to the Black Sea.
You clearly have poor knowledge of Baltic States and their demographics and puny military. How do you propose to close Russian ports ? Don’t you think Iskander is there for a reason – or Bastion ???
You really have no geopolitical nous and seem oblivious to European history
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Aug 18 2022 11:59 utc | 149
@ Night Tripper | Aug 18 2022 10:51 utc | 138
It’s just the rotation.
Each year the russians conduct large scale exercises with invited nations and each is named after the military district hosting the exercise. Vostok (east), Zapad (west), Tsentr (centre) & Kavkaz (south, the Caucasus) and rotate each year.
They’re worth keeping an eye on because Russia tends to ‘theme’ them with particular strategic concepts. e.g. Last years was electronic warfare which of people were interested in.
You’re keen eye will no doubt have noted that russia has *5* military districts. Not 4. North (Murmansk) isn’t included on the rotation because murmansk was formed as a separate district from central too late. (which is kinda unfair in my opinion)
Posted by: S.O. | Aug 18 2022 12:01 utc | 150
Posted by: Moses | Aug 18 2022 11:52 utc | 147
It is true. It is farcical.
Germany sends 8 Eurofighters to OZ which take part in US exercises before flying to Korea and then Japan.
China looks at its imports from Germany and “does an Oz” on them………
It is the best example of Student politics in Berlin and helps hold the hand of shaky Americans in the Pacific area
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Aug 18 2022 12:01 utc | 151
This is pretty interesting – ammo dump going up in Amvrosiivka, near the Russian border in Donetsk oblast. Based on distances & assuming it was a GMLRS strike, it would have been launched from somewhere near Karlivka or even closer to the front lines & in range of basically any and all indirect fire Russia has available. Suggests that Ukraine is able to move those launchers with impunity and is not keeping them at safe distances – probably, they have enough now (with zero likely destroyed) that they can take more risks with them:
https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1560088262001188864
Posted by: Yenwoda | Aug 18 2022 12:31 utc | 152
We’re hours away from a potential catastrophe if the Kiev regime carries through with its threats to target the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The Russian MoD say the 19th August is the day!
The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue intensive shelling of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, which carries with it huge risks of a new tragedy on a global scale. Moreover, it became known that Kyiv is preparing a resonant provocation at the nuclear power plant, scheduled for August 19.
And the date is certainly not chosen by chance. All this is taking place against the backdrop of today’s visit by UN Secretary General Guterres and Turkish President Erdogan. Ukraine is working out its standard training manual for creating high-profile headlines in the media against the backdrop of visits from world figures. Only this time, the consequences of Ukrainian actions may affect the life of the whole world. I really hope that Kyiv will stop “playing with fire”, as hundreds of thousands of people may suffer.
“>https://t.me/ukr_leaks_eng/540
Posted by: Yenwoda | Aug 18 2022 12:31 utc | 154
–
Your brain, of course, full of shit notably. But there is a limit to the pressure of feces in a propaganda fan pipe.
Posted by: RK | Aug 18 2022 12:49 utc | 154
UN Secretary General is viditing Ukraine trouble spot at request of english and american pirate races.
But Russia will go on useless protest instead of fighting the war in field and winning The war.
Now every day Russia will be distracted by anglos as to doing something nasty false flag in port of Odessa which Brits pirates want to own.
It is so disgusting to see that Russia never learns and that is why she faces attacks from anglosaxon parasites again and again.
England and its 5 evil anglo eyes spread some rumour, Russia foolishly wastes time, energy and concentration on refuting the charges and anglos put secondary charges. Russia never asks as to who to be punished for Iraq war, for Syrian war, for Libyan war for Venezuelan destabilisation effort. They are dead issues. What is current is what Russia is alleged to have done now.
In the middle of war, no nation, however stupid and loser, pauses for talk or take up issue of grain supply. That was England’s intention and they hit at right spot. The same people did not care for Yemeni starvation or half a million children dead in former Yugoslavia.
In this war waged by england, Russia is losing on all fronts but is in denial mode.
Putin has proved himself useless as war president ever since Donbass debacle when in Feb 2015 he allowed, under lavrov suggestion, to let British mercenaries get out safely from Debaltsevo couldron and then brought Minsk 2.
Putin never learns.
He wants to live in delusional world surrounded by traitors.
FM lavrov for 15 years doing useless long winding talks with no result ever! Still holding job!!
Nabiullina ulina burning 600 billion dollars of Russian money abroad!
Putin is surrounded by traitors like pasko, sergie lavrov etc. Putin has discarded Demitri Rogozin, the yesterday’s chairman of space agency ROSCCOMOS. He is the only man besides Defence minister Shoigu who should be installed or elected as President.
Putin is long past sale by date rotten article now.
Russian naivety
Russia wanted to be cheated so she was cheated.deliberately living in delusion despite evidence to the contrary
What has putin and his traitor FM lavrov done in last 5 years ,? Calling for ceasefires in Donbass (at Debaltsevo in2015 when English and american terrorist mercenaries were surrounded ) and in Syria ( 2016) when pro Russian side was winning ? Why?
To please Anglo-Saxon who are real enemy of Russia.
Never learnt bugging this moron Russia.
Still rooting for INF treaty which protects her main enemy England 1500miles west and which Russia has to tackle whether she wants it not because her main enemy’s plot is to create war between two strong nations in Europe andand t watch on the side line .
Germany and Russia beware ! 3rd world war has been in way for last 5 years
More naivety of lavrov and Putin
. like sanctions on NK imposed this year,
sanctions and breaking deal with Iran etc,
shear cowardice and ignorance shown when dealing with Georgia and Ukraine etc.,
arming Muslim fundamentalists in Azerbaijan against historical orthodox brothers and allies in Armenia (it’s Serbia all over again),
cooperating with Israel against Russian allies in Syria,
keeping Belarus at arms length because Lukashenko doesn’t like Putin’s criminal oligarchs and much, much more.
With friends like that why would anybody need enemies? Is there any wonder that Russia is cornered and can never win a nuclear war.
Russia needs to eliminate only England which is a serious trouble maker that english pirate race has always been
Ten topol nukes will sort out england for ever.
Posted by: Singh | Aug 18 2022 13:03 utc | 155
Posted by: Singh | Aug 18 2022 13:03 utc | 157
–
Your brain, of course, full of shit notably. But there is a limit to the pressure of feces in a propaganda fan pipe.
Posted by: RK | Aug 18 2022 13:12 utc | 156
A vido of a former liberal anti-russian women after she visited the real
https://youtu.be/0OysQ7yQl_o
Posted by: Peter | Aug 18 2022 14:07 utc | 157
Moses | Aug 18 2022 11:52 utc | 149
nato’s air command twitter is the source
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 14:33 utc | 158
Posted by: Moses | Aug 18 2022 11:52 utc | 149
Posted by: rk | Aug 18 2022 6:45 utc | 107
German Air Force deploys fighters & support aircraft to the Indo-Pacific region for the 1st time.
Didn’t notice any public announcement or discussion. Sounds quite unpropable without. Sources, please?
https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/news/detail/8995 (use a translator from German)
Posted by: aquadraht | Aug 18 2022 15:20 utc | 159
rk | Aug 18 2022 8:40 utc | 123
The UK spy plane that was refused permission to overfly Murmansk area, is now circling just North of Kalingrad, with Yank02 (who is a regular). They don’t know where to go sniffing. (Nukes).
https://www.flightradar24.com/multiview/RRR9914/2d1ca3b0
But as the Russians have just sent three new M-31 with Kinzhals this may be the reason.
Posted by: Stonebird | Aug 18 2022 15:26 utc | 160
James – It is not possible to take seriously anyone who advances the proposition USA permission is required for peace in Europe. Such a statement ignores the past 70 odd years of regional conflict in which the US was the principle aggressor /instigator.
Snake states the case well at Aug 18 2022 8:31 utc | 121:
the better question is who isn’t an enemy of the US? Whether or not the US has declared war on any country, thus making them formal enemies in my opinion, the US, considers almost every country to be a potential enemy.
The OP ignores history which conflicts with his selective “facts.”
Cheers!
Posted by: Sushi | Aug 18 2022 15:36 utc | 161
For the last couple of weeks I’ve been watching the Bakhmut webcam (opposite the Palace of Culture) in the town centre, on various pro-Ukr youtube feeds.
Feeds have vanished today (I never knew the original source) with no comments to say why.
I assume that means not that the town’s neccessarily fallen, but that Ukr vehicles are passing to and fro as the battle gets closer. As one of the sites (Observation Room) says “We dont show Ukraine army movements or checkpoints for security reasons”.
They are happy to show Ru/DPR/LPR military though.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Aug 18 2022 16:00 utc | 162
Posted by: Stonebird | Aug 18 2022 15:26 utc | 162
–
It is leaving now, after doing lot of circling. But, never crossed the Klaipeda-Kaunas line and about 75 kms away from Kaliningrad borders.
Posted by: rp | Aug 18 2022 16:04 utc | 163
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2022/08/ukraine-open-thread-2022-132.html?cid=6a00d8341c640e53ef02a308db9381200c#comment-6a00d8341c640e53ef02a308db9381200c
“england which is a serious trouble maker that english pirate race has always been”
Don’t fret, the pirate race is being replaced by Brahmins (previous Chancellor), Kurds (current Chancellor) and even Sikhs, I seem to remember Ranjit Singh was a bit of a pirate himself and a very effective one too.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Aug 18 2022 16:08 utc | 164
Right now two clowns are having a press conference with Erdogan in Lvov.
Posted by: RK | Aug 18 2022 16:32 utc | 166
Paul Greenwood | Aug 18 2022 11:59 utc | 151
Misunderstanding there, as I assumed a NATO/US build-up using the three countries as “fronts” but didn’t specify it in my post. Their own “armies” on their own are – obviously – not capable, and have possibly given away all their arms to Ukraine already.
*
Demographics; There have been plenty of US mechanized troops “showing the flag”, going through the mainly Russian speaking villages along the frontier to impress the locals. This was a regular occurence and shows a strong US/NATO presence is already installed.
Easy enough to block St. P. at the end of the Gulf of Finland, if both sides of it are deemed “hostile”.
Posted by: Stonebird | Aug 18 2022 16:35 utc | 167
Just watch Zelensky at this press conference in Lvov. Look at his facial expressions
Posted by: RK | Aug 18 2022 16:46 utc | 168
I think the UN are playing silly buggers!
🇺🇦🇷🇺 UN Secretary General Guterres called for an urgent agreement on the restoration of the civil status of the Zaporozhye NPP and ensuring the security of this zone.
He added that the UN could support the visit of the Zaporizhzhya NPP by IAEA inspectors only if the mission goes there via Kyiv.
Zelensky said that negotiations with Russia are only possible if Russian troops leave the illegally “occupied territory of Ukraine.”
“>https://t.me/intelslava/35707
@ Posted by: Barofsky | Aug 18 2022 12:44 utc
I was a few months old when the last time (publicly) we were at this juncture with the Cuban Missile Crises Moment.
Then of course I would have died being a happy baby in this thing called Life , surrounded by death spreading. The grown ups would have suffered the most.
Today is such a moment for this century, the next few hours are when the suppuration can not but explode.
With 100k of the ‘million’ ukros sacrificed – it is already decimation for them.
With another 200k in the Donbass about to falter – there is much desperation on behalf of the Collective Waste at yet another failed attempt to ‘take Russia’. This generations Great Gamers are frantic. Their Straussian last roll of the dice. ‘Elensky in the bunker. Nato having monitored for six months the forces of Russia , feel they have collected enough knowledge, are ready to get our boots on the ground – because the ancient Power and its pliant billionaire wizards are desperate to not lose it all… ‘if we can’t have it , burn it down, they can’t keep it’ narcism.
The increasing strikes on Russia , the Kerch Bridge attack, the NUclear plant ; all to preserve the Dream.
A simple mistake, a Jack D Ripper, a mad demented rabid growl and leap into the abyss.
A Dangerous few hours will settle the matter . There will certainly be the dead dog frothing Collective Waste at the end of it – but what damage will it have left behind?
Well Mr Fuck inz Hell will have his say.
I guess most of the string pullers are known , as are their estates, super yachts, bunkers , secret islands and all their whereabouts.
They should not survive the madness by feeling they are well insulated and a long way from the destruction . No need for Putin – Xi and co to wait for a Nuremberg trial , a court the secret string pullers never saw, let that be for the belligerents. The string pullers can make do with their demise in these far away places away from the public eye. That can be my final Will & Testament, a request to today’s grownups – Please make sure these bastards are gone forever, deprived of all their plans.
Only the psychopaths will believe it’s worth it – their ‘Essence of Life’ preserved.
Yup I am trepiditious. All normal humans will be tonight.
Goodnight barflies, sleep well.
Posted by: DunGroanin | Aug 18 2022 22:36 utc | 170
@17
Emil Cosman seems pretty up front. Almost always disparaging of the Ukrainians and Europeans, perhaps slightly of the Russians.
More in the line of dodgy is Youtube channel Suchomimus which is voiced by a native British speaker, but appears written by an American and is violently anti-Russian. You can hear that the voice-over is added, and sometimes seem to have been provided over a mobile phone.
Guesses are that this is a UA disinformation channel with support from Americans.
Posted by: Jezza | Aug 19 2022 4:14 utc | 171
shows a strong US/NATO presence is already installed.
You are kidding !
Ukraine loses more soldiers KIA in a week than NATO has in the Baltic States.
There is nothing but light infantry from USA in Poland – 82nd Airborne.
This is tokenism.
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Aug 19 2022 12:31 utc | 172
I was a few months old when the last time (publicly) we were at this juncture with the Cuban Missile Crises Moment.
Not true. Not comparable.
Cuban Situation has been overhyped for US image. Truth is Khrushchev thought Kennedy weak over Berlin Wall. It breached Four Power Agreement yet US did not tear down the wall build illegally by the GDR in violation of Four Power Agreement. GDR had ZERO status in Berlin – only UK, US, USSR and France.
Khrushchev wanted Jupiter Missiles out of Turkey – he got them out of Turkey (but US propaganda never mentions them) –
Kennedy lied in 1960 Election claiming a “Missile Gap” with USSR and was hardliner. USSR had very few ICBMs – around 16. Cuba was a Soviet ploy to show USA USSR was not weak.
It worked. Trouble is it led to the ICBM built up as USSR tried to cover its weakness and started its expansion of silos and SSBNs for fear of US attack
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Aug 19 2022 12:37 utc | 173