On The Upcoming Putin Speech And Announcements
Moscow has made a decision how to proceed in the proxy war with NATO in the Ukraine.
We do not yet know what the decision is.
The President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will hold a TV speech at 8 pm Moscow time (17:00 UTC) followed by an announcement by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
In July Putin has held a press conference or speech where he said with regards to Ukraine something like: "We haven't even started yet."
It may be that Russia will do that now.
That a decision had been made was noticeable.
Yesterday the parliaments of the Luhansk and Donetz People's Republics suddenly requested their government to immediately launch referendums about the republics accession to the Russian Federation. Today Denis Pushilin, the head of of the DNR government, announced that a referendum will be held on September 23 to 27.
Also yesterday the Russian parliament introduced amendments to the Russian Criminal Code which will increase the prison penalties for 'voluntary surrender', 'looting', 'non-fulfillment of military orders' during a time of mobilization, martial law and war. Companies who reject to produce for the military will also be penalized. The amendments passed their second reading in parliament today and will become law after a third reading.
If the LNR and DPR vote to become part of Russia, and if Russia accepts it, any attack of them will be an act of war against Russia. The 'Special Military Operation', which Russia is currently proceeding with, would thus change into something way more serious. Russia could declare the conflict to be a war. It could then use conscripts in war functions, mobilize reserves and use its full arsenal against the Ukraine. Potentially also against those who support it with weapons and other war material.
I find this whole seemingly hasty process atypical for Putin's usual way.
My hunch is that Russia received information over some weapon systems the U.S. is secretly providing to the Ukraine. This could be missiles with several hundred kilometer range or other types of weapons that could seriously threaten Russia's towns and cities.
If so, Russia has to do something now to end the war before its becomes more than a nuisance for Russia and its people. Ending means of course by winning it.
Training up a mobilization force takes about three months. It would put it on the front in the mid of winter, a season during which Russian forces can operate quite well.
Posted by b on September 20, 2022 at 16:32 UTC | Permalink
next page »It takes 3 months to train a recruit, but most of the soldiers in Russian army have been there for more than 3 months. Hence, there should be plenty of trained unit comprising conscripts that are ready to go. Am I misunderstanding something? I don't see why training a mobilization force would take 3 months, unless it is done with fresh conscripts
Posted by: Karl | Sep 20 2022 16:42 utc | 2
At Escobar's VK, the referenda are the hot topic in which he cites Medvedev:
MEDVEDEV UNPLUGGED PLUGS THE REFERENDAThat's pretty much the official version.
The referenda are crucial for "restoration of historical justice."
They "completely change the vector of Russia's development for decades. And not only our country. Because after they are held and the new territories are accepted into Russia, the geopolitical transformation in the world will become irreversible."
This passage is key:
"Encroachment on the territory of Russia is a crime."
And then, "after the amendments to the Constitution (...) no future leader of Russia, no official will be able to reverse these decisions."
That is why these referendums are so feared in Kiev and in the West."
Brace for MAJOR impact.
My comment to this follows:
"I see these developments as the Russian way of Lawfare, as with Crimea 100% legal under UN Charter and established precedent. Now incorporated into Russia they can be defended by all members of Russia's military, which is a critical legal distinction within Russia. Plus, NATO will then be directly attacking Russia. IMO, this change will be something the Global South will support, while the West has no more sanctions to wield of any import. BigLie Media will scream, bitch and moan, but the deal will be done."
The referenda are also linked to facts on the ground, both now and in future. It remains difficult to discern what Russia's Fall/Winter plan is, but consolidation of ground already gained seems certain while the twin SMO goals continue to be worked on daily. Perhaps S could inform us about Russian public opinion regarding capturing and incorporating Odessa and rest of Black Sea coastline.
Enlarging Russia will alter the SMO's dynamic regarding troop deployment and usage. Duma head Volodin is quoted by Escobar, "Volodin is already on the record: If the people of Donbass say they want to be part of Russia, the Duma will support them." Thus my question for S since Duma reflects public opinion. How far West to Duma members think proper?
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Sep 20 2022 16:40 utc | 1
Meant to write: It will NOT be "war", but "mobilization period"
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Sep 20 2022 16:45 utc | 4
The speech will be broadcast by RT via rumble
https://rumble.com/vwbbjn-putin-announces-special-operation-in-donbass-special-coverage.html
Posted by: Norwegian | Sep 20 2022 16:47 utc | 5
I don't think it is hasty. They would have pre planned the scenario, and now they decided to enact it. They are not trying to win information wars.. at least not with the West
Posted by: Tony | Sep 20 2022 16:47 utc | 6
This seems ominous. And yeah, it had to be prompted by something bad, most likely done by the US.
Posted by: wagelaborer | Sep 20 2022 16:48 utc | 7
Here is the thing: Russia will now be able to intervene with its regular troops, within institutional and constitutional boundaries, without having to declare war. Once those territories become fully Russian, the Ukrainian will be warned that any action against them is going to be considered a terrorist attack. This of course will not slow the Ukrainians down, and so the President will be able to declare and start a Counter-Terrorism operation - and in this case, regular troops can be involved beyond the volunteers (and mercenaries) already involved in the SMO.
Posted by: Ajax | Sep 20 2022 16:49 utc | 8
Karl @2--
We had a discussion on that subject on yesterday's thread. The big deal is where conscript soldiers can be used, not when. Plus, conscripts only actively serve for one year before moving to reserves, which is barely enough time to properly master an MOS.
"Ending means of course by winning it."
Losing is simply not an option when fighting Nazis and other psycho death squads.
Denazification is not optional. Since NATO has chosen to go full Nazi, denazification now also means deNATOfication.
Hopefully this helps clarify things for those who keep concern-trolling about when Russia will stop.
Posted by: William Gruff | Sep 20 2022 16:52 utc | 10
Alexander Mercouris has a good video explaining what he thinks is the reason for changes. I tend to agree with him that Putin waited to feel out the allies, China, India and Turkey before starting to hammer the Ukros
Posted by: Balkanizer | Sep 20 2022 16:57 utc | 11
wagelaborer@8
Erdogan's latest move which includes an assertion that Crimea belongs to Ukraine and must be returned, presumably so that he could snag it for his projected renewal of the Ottoman Empire, tells me that something is happening. Erdogan tends to go whichever way the wind is blowing, which suggests that Washington is planning something big, probably with Israeli help.
Posted by: bevin | Sep 20 2022 17:00 utc | 12
President Putin's address is said to be delayed, but is likely to become live via https://www.rt.com/on-air/
Posted by: Norwegian | Sep 20 2022 17:10 utc | 13
amendments to the Russian Criminal Code which will increase the prison penalties for 'voluntary surrender', 'looting', 'non-fulfillment of military orders' during a time of mobilization, martial law and war. Companies who reject to produce for the military will also be penalized.
If they need this law then I would say they had these issues with their military during the SMO. I know Stalin knew how to deal with these issues very quickly. He did not need a law.
Posted by: circumspect | Sep 20 2022 17:15 utc | 14
AP: 4 Ukrainian regions schedule votes this week to join Russia
Russian-controlled regions of eastern and southern Ukraine announced plans Tuesday to start voting this week to become integral parts of Russia. The concerted and quickening Kremlin-backed efforts to swallow up four regions could set the stage for Moscow to escalate the war following Ukrainian successes on the battlefield.The scheduling of referendums starting Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions came after a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin said the votes are needed and as Moscow is losing ground in the invasion it began nearly seven months ago, increasing pressure on the Kremlin for a stiff response.
Former President Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council chaired by Putin, said referendums that fold regions into Russia itself would make redrawn frontiers “irreversible” and enable Moscow to use “any means” to defend them.
The votes, in territory Russia already controls, are all but certain to go Moscow’s way but are unlikely to be recognized by Western governments who are backing Ukraine with military and other support that has helped its forces seize momentum on battlefields in the east and south.
re hastiness:
I cannot find references after 10+ minutes searching (which am lousy at) but seem to recall that at least some of these referenda were already scheduled or about to be a few weeks ago but the counter-attacks caused them to be delayed, possibly until November. Now that is all being ignored (or I am wrong) and they are happening in a few days.
Most likely there indeed was consultation with key allies before going ahead. And most likely after the referenda RF will also go ahead with a different approach making the SMO into a pure, clean defensive campaign to repel invasion by any means necessary and most effective.
Also, quite likely upcoming winter season is a factor in timing considerations at this juncture.
If Germany believes it can weather the coming winter(however poorly) with the gas storage it presently holds (80% they say), wouldn't it be interesting if a really big fire should break out at one of their main storage sites around the end of October. Make it look like incompetence caused it and there will be a mass twisting of lederhosen in every beer hall from Sylt to Munich.
Let Baerbock say "Let them eat Streuselkuchen" then, and see what happens.
Posted by: HOGGY | Sep 20 2022 17:16 utc | 17
PCR is perhaps just a little bit happy at the latest developments:
https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2022/09/20/finally-perhaps-we-can-make-sense-out-of-putins-decisions/
He has been urging RF to be more assertive lest the West become over-confident and escalate matters into obliging RF to go nuclear.
I'm assuming there was in-person conversation at the latest meeting of the SCO, as well as plenty of "confidential" dialogue leading up to it. Looking around it appears that more and more military provocation is being used to stir things up, ostensibly to destabilize Russia and her allies. To me it reads as desperation but who knows. As significant fact is that the USA is no longer revealing (if it ever really did) the weapons it is funneling to Ukraine. On an earlier thread (here?) a poster speculated that the USA had provided some high altitude air defense missiles which then effects the use of strategic bombers. We do know that "anti-radiation" missiles are in theater. I'd go out on a limb and say that the USA may be sending even more modern so called wonder-weapons, if not in huge numbers. What better place to test them....I am seeing Russia consolidating its gains and building its forces up for whatever comes next.
In regard to the info war, I sense some cracks and fatigue in the West generally. The selective and manufactured outrage is becoming diluted as Old Man Winter approaches, combined with the EU being made to fall on its sword. Thus the new meme of mass graves, genocide, and nifty new meme: the yellow and blue bracelet on the skeletal arm! The spin doctors (no relation to the mediocre rock band) ought to be careful because if they draw so much attention to the fake massacre it makes it easier to debunk.
After having watched the Iranian loitering munitions in action, it seems like a thousand of those would come in handy. Whats a little commerce in weapons between friends, am I right Pentagon? Seriously though, a couple dozen in a swarm?! Myeouch! It could all be part of the "Alright, you asked for it" that sometimes happens in these types of escalation.....Tragic though it may be, it sure is educational to watch....interesting times, the entire paradigm is going into violent global shift. I think I'll see if I can grow a ton of potatoes next season just for kicks...better to have it and not need it.....
Posted by: Chevrus | Sep 20 2022 17:24 utc | 19
Several months ago back in July at the annual dedication to those Russians practicing/collecting "Illegal Intelligence", Putin said the following, with the first two paragraphs setting the context:
At the same time, the West is trying to ignore an inconvenient reality for itself – the formation of a multipolar world order. Of course, they cannot completely ignore these objective trends. But in their practical policy, they are guided by one goal – to maintain their dominance by any means.Such dogmatism, the weight of the past, the unwillingness to face the truth inevitably increases the risk of further ill-considered, impulsive actions on the part of the West. But at the same time, this situation opens up opportunities for Russia and our like-minded people in the world – and you know that we have a lot of such like-minded people. Some are afraid, however, to raise their heads and say it out loud, but they think with us in approximately the same way, they think like us, in fact. There are many of them, these like-minded people, countries and people, peoples who want to follow their own path, based on the principles of genuine multilateralism.
Of course, a separate conversation is needed about such a model, about our vision of the future, about an agenda that would unite, not divide, humanity. And in the future, I think it is important, of course, to specifically devote one of my public speeches or some other format to this subject. [My Emphasis]
Of course, Putin could talk about a completely different topic, like the refusal of the Outlaw US Empire to issue visas to Lavrov and his staff for the UNGA Debates which begins today, which at the moment appears to have occurred, although no official word's been announced by Lavrov or MFA. On the referenda, Lavrov said:
"From the very beginning of the special military operation and in the period preceding it, we said that it was up to the peoples of the respective territories to decide their fate. The whole current situation confirms that they want to be masters of their own destiny."
There's no hint at the Kremlin website aside from Putin having conducted a busy day as usual, which included meeting with heads of defence industry enterprises the day after the annual celebration of Gunsmith's Day.
Meanwhile, RT reports NATO saying it's "not at war with Russia: Arms shipments to Ukraine do not constitute a case of military conflict with Moscow, a senior bloc official has said;" except we all know NATO's provided intel and other means of direct support, so the buffoon's lying.
The big deal is where conscript soldiers can be used, not when.
Posted by: karlof1 | Sep 20 2022 16:50 utc | 10
It will NOT be "war", but "mobilization period"
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Sep 20 2022 16:45 utc | 1 & 5
As soon as accepted in Russian federation, conscripts can be used anywhere on liberated zones.
Not even necessary to fight, just 100000 more on defense, deterance and logistics
Posted by: La Bastille | Sep 20 2022 17:26 utc | 21
Crimea was already annexed and has been attacked. Why do those not count as attacks on Russia?
Posted by: Lossy | Sep 20 2022 17:26 utc | 22
What do people think?
Was this move planned all along or did it develop from a realization that the SMO was insufficient to achieve the tasks it set out to achieve?
To me, it looks like the Duma or Putin finally realized the SMO was insufficient given the amount of US aid being given to Ukraine. The question then had to be asked: how best to escalate to next level?
This referendum approach seems to be the answer. Clearly plans were coordinated in advance, allies were informed, and now it is announced.
I suspect this is in part intended to deter the US from further aid or involvement, as now this more directly risks war with Russia. Let us hope that the deterrence works.
Posted by: WJ | Sep 20 2022 17:29 utc | 23
@bevin | Sep 20 2022 17:00 utc | 13
I think the West's "Just in Time" armaments flow has gotten results. Trading in Turkish bank shares had to be halted last week.
The margin calls were followed by the suspension of MIR payments.
Posted by: too scents | Sep 20 2022 17:30 utc | 24
Macron "overhyperventilating" in New York.
Now calling 0for the international LAWS.
Not anymore "rules based order"?
C'est une provocation, ces référendums n'ont pas de base légale, l'annexion ne sera pas reconnue, les armées russes doivent quitter le territoire ukrainien, nous avons une guerre d'annexion de la Russie sur l'Ukraine....
Posted by: La Bastille | Sep 20 2022 17:32 utc | 25
I've been out of the USArmy for a long time. But basic training was 2 months long. Armor advanced individual training (AIT) was 2 months long. Tankers got trained on M60 tanks in 2 months. They didn't put all new guys on a tank crew. The new guy usually started as a loader, then moved to driver, then to gunner. It's not rocket science. I know Russian tanks don't have 4 man crews like we did. Russian tanks have an automatic loader. Most of the real training is on the job training. By the time a guy gets to be a tank commander (one tank) he usually has plenty of experience.
Posted by: Leroy | Sep 20 2022 17:33 utc | 26
Crimea was already annexed and has been attacked. Why do those not count as attacks on Russia?
Posted by: Lossy | Sep 20 2022 17:26 utc | 23
Those are/were just a few random pot shots which Ukraine denied being responsible for.
Under no circumstances would the Ukes relentlessly shell or send troops into Crimea
Posted by: Night Tripper | Sep 20 2022 17:34 utc | 27
This seems ominous. And yeah, it had to be prompted by something bad, most likely done by the US.
The ‘bad thing’ that is happening is that Ukrainian forces are advancing and Russian forces are losing ground. The second ‘bad thing’ is that countries like China and India are becoming more critical over the action in Ukraine and want it over as quickly as possible.
These two pressures are driving this sudden need to hold a referendum and passing laws compelling conscripts to fight or else.
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:34 utc | 28
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:34 utc | 29
Whatever, it’s all over now. No hope for the Kiev regime as they have been totally blindsided by this. Not a chance they send troops into annexed territory. They have no more moves left to make.
Posted by: Night Tripper | Sep 20 2022 17:38 utc | 29
I read a comment, perhaps here, which posited that China was to encourage RF to increase military action in the Ukraine – for China this would ‘distract’ the US from ramping up Taiwan provocations or more, and buy time
Besides which, from the start, the RF has had no illusions about US intentions, after all these were made very clear, and will long have been prepared
Posted by: Gerrard White | Sep 20 2022 17:40 utc | 30
Ukrainian as well as NATO recon and sabotage units appear to have been hard at work, even setting their sights on an NPP inside Russia proper...that will not go unanswered. Also: the biological research labs scattered about Ukraine as well as other places are going to get addressed sooner or later.
Posted by: Chevrus | Sep 20 2022 17:42 utc | 31
Mr.White-31:
VVP certainly seemed to have some additional pep in his step. Maybe because of some assurances from allies?
Posted by: Chevrus | Sep 20 2022 17:44 utc | 32
I think the black swan (for the West) is that Russia will continue its operations during the Winter, particularly with missile and drone strikes -- and this makes quite a bit of sense.
Denuded forests will make it *very* difficult for the Ukies to hide their armored vehicules and their HIMARS. These will fall as easy prey to loitering drones purchased (or at least licensed) from Iran, you know, the ones Martynov says aren't being used by the Russians but with a fair bit of videos and such implying the reverse. These, or course, are actually labeled "GERAN-2" but look suspiciously identical to the Shahed 136 Iranian drone. To make things fair, the Russians should invite IRGC to operate them, saving up manpower to help keep the line in Kharkiv. No doubt part of the denial on the part of the Russians about the drones is to not upset the shitty little country.
As for the HIMARS, wow they must really be wunderwaffles if the Ukies can do so much damage with only 8 of them (aside - those believing the DoD press releases I have a special seminar I would like to invite you to about buying a time-share of the new bridge to Crimea. Owners of these shares can open toll booths to collect income!)
More seriously, the long range HIMARS rounds are already being used or will be shortly. My guess ist that this doesn't mean much since likely the delivered warhead is likely pretty puny... but if precise, it can still do quite a bit of damage.
As for the Kharkiv retreat being planned, well, Russians plan for everything but its obvious that Russia was not properly prepared, and still is not. The giveaway is that Russia is having to moved Wagner PMC assets which are doing great in Donbass/Soledar/Bakmut, to Liman and Lisichansk. Any time you have to move assets around it probably means you didn't have enough to start with. THIS is the reason the Ukie went all in and were so successful in the counterattack. Please recall that the Russians had send alot of their soldiers to KHERSON to shore up that front.
The shortage of manpower DIRECTLY leads to civilian deaths and the Russian Stavka owns the responsability - they are either heartless, or incompetent in the matter of protecting the people of Donbass/Kherson and liberted areas.
This evenings presser by Putin and Shoigu will be another huge phase change, so hold onto your hat...
Posted by: Simplicius | Sep 20 2022 17:44 utc | 33
WJ @24--
I refer you to Lavrov's short answer today where Russia had made the decision prior to the SMO that the people of Donbass would be making their own choice about their future direction. Public opinion for such acts is paramount for Russia as this move will be denounced as already predicted and NATO has done today. Thus, my questions for S. For example, I can't find any polling reports as to Russian opinion on expanding Russia, which is very odd IMO given the upcoming referenda. I just scoured Ria-Novosti and found nothing.
@30 Night Tripper
So, the SMO turned out to be a good old fashioned land grab. So much for ‘We don’t want any Ukrainian territory’. Some things never change.
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:48 utc | 35
@ HOGGY | Sep 20 2022 17:16 utc | 18
Shortages on beer in Germany, not even sure if we can maintain octoberfest.
Need carbon dioxide which is a byproduct of fertilizer manufacturing.
As fertilizer factories stop production, anti-Russian sanctions become downright anti-German ones.
FT: Lack of carbon dioxide could bankrupt breweries in Germany
https://scooptrade.com/ft-lack-of-carbon-dioxide-could-bankrupt-breweries-in-germany/
Posted by: La Bastille | Sep 20 2022 17:52 utc | 37
https://t.me/Slavyangrad/9305
The broadcast of Putin's and Shoigu's live address to the nation is now slated to begin at 21:00 Moscow Time.
Posted by: Norwegian | Sep 20 2022 17:52 utc | 38
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:48 utc | 36
Errr no. The areas where Russians were under attack from Ukraine, that Russia promised to defend, will no longer be attacked.
Thankfully.
Posted by: Night Tripper | Sep 20 2022 17:53 utc | 39
@13 bevin
Turkey is blessed and cursed with the most important geographical positioning in the developed world.
All sides probably know that Erdogan will always press for the best possible outcome for his Ottoman Revanchist ideas.
Iran's internet went down yesterday and their military is gathering on the border with Armenia. Iran and Israel repairing ties, but Israel has an affinity for Armenia, but I would never trust the Israelis. Hmmmmm....
The sides will get more clear and established as time goes on.
But the west, including Turkey, have a large problem behind them: Turkey and Greece at enmity, nationalist reactionaries at home.
The west needs a galvanizing event to ready the people at home and straighten out their domestic troubles.
I don't think an economic collapse will cut the mustard, because there will be too much blame foistered on our elites, where it should be.
I think a nuke false flag is on the horizon.
But this is also dangerous for the elites. They do not how this would activate the population and force the people awake from this "war through a dream."
The elites have to have the people asleep to control them. When they are awake, all bets are off and they expose their hidden hand to danger. But the situation is desperate now for the elites.
Posted by: NemesisCalling | Sep 20 2022 17:59 utc | 40
Edit to post above
Iran and Israel repairing ties
...
Should be: Turkey and Israel repairing ties
Posted by: NemesisCalling | Sep 20 2022 18:00 utc | 41
So, the SMO turned out to be a good old fashioned land grab. So much for ‘We don’t want any Ukrainian territory’. Some things never change. Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:48 utc | 36
...and the war plus bankruptcy of the Ukrainian State was planned to enable the purchase of fertile Ukrainian farmland by US and EU multinationals.
You also left off the recent gas deposits under the Sea of Azov.
Posted by: Opport Knocks | Sep 20 2022 18:00 utc | 42
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:48 utc | 36
The School Nº 5 in Sebastopol was a failed land grab, as a matter of fact the whole of Ukraine was lost at School Nº 5, that's why the pentagram deleted School Nº5 and it disappeared down the Winston Smith's tube. Land grabs will come to your avatar, and the dead kingdom will not be united anymore. That day I might have a shot of highland malt since I do prefer grape alcohol like brandy or cognac, once in a while, when friends come over for a hearty land grub. Tommy can you hear me? cheer up, your party pooping goes nowhere, better stick with pinball.
A round on me, feeding the trolls has a price. And don't miss the speech, Tommy.
Posted by: Paco | Sep 20 2022 18:04 utc | 43
So, seems like announcing referendums has sparked some military response in Kiev. Wagner PMC reports that Kiev is mobilizing 'everything it's got' for an attack. Found on several TG sources.
One has to wonder what they have been doing for the last weeks and how/why is this different.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 20 2022 18:04 utc | 44
Considering Ukraine's history, can its disintegration caused by NATO be called a "land grab"? IMO, it cannot. The story is long and sordid, for the western parts of Ukraine WW2 never ended as OSS/MI6/CIA immediately infiltrated to support OUN and its allies to keep Nazism alive--that's officially acknowledged fact. From 1945 to the last 1950s, Russia fought what could be called a counter-insurgency war in Western Ukraine that cost over ten thousand Soviet lives and an unknown number of Ukrainians. Soviet leaders decided to cease their attempts to cleanse that part of Ukraine, but CIA/MI6 continued their support awaiting their chance. The first opportunity came in 2004 but failed. Another decade passed allowing for further preparation and planning, then 2014 arrived and the coup succeeded, although the main goal of Crimea failed to be realized.
Given history, the reclamation of Traditional Russian lands is a no-brainer--the finishing of WW2, essentially.
Alms for 404
The US is reported to be sending six more National Advanced Surface to Air Missile Systems, or NASAMS, and an unspecified number of counter-drone systems called Vampire, along with more artillery ammunition, radars, and other materiel.
SOURCE:
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/nasams-air-defenses-310k-artillery-rounds-in-huge-3b-ukraine-aid-package
NASAMS is best suited to defend key infrastructure and population centers, a role that it fulfills in the United States, where it’s deployed permanently to various locales to protect Washington DC.
SOURCE:
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-to-get-same-surface-to-air-missiles-that-protect-u-s-capital-report
Also being mooted are the transfer of US M-1 tanks and/or wheeled 8x8 M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS), which are armed with 105mm guns, but are not tanks, could be another potential option for the U.S. military to help bolster Ukraine's armoured vehicle fleets. The U.S. Army announced its plans to divest all of its M1128s last year, meaning that they'd be readily available to send to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
SOURCE:
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/american-tanks-for-ukraine-are-absolutely-on-the-table
The highly mobile Stryker's are likely best suited to the 404 use case as they do not have the maintenance requirements of the M-1.
Posted by: Sushi | Sep 20 2022 18:06 utc | 46
bevin @13
Erdogan is so two-faced and shifty and incapable of agreement that he could be president of the US.
He makes a play for Crimea just a week after he attended the SCO?
What a lizard.
Posted by: wagelaborer | Sep 20 2022 18:06 utc | 47
Opport-43: What was it, 15-million hectares sold off since 2014? Oh well, I guess Monsanto is now the larges land owner....
Posted by: Chevrus | Sep 20 2022 18:08 utc | 48
As for the Kharkiv retreat being planned, well, Russians plan for everything but its obvious that Russia was not properly prepared, and still is not.
Posted by: Simplicius | Sep 20 2022 17:44 utc | 34
Fair enough but a key dynamic keeps being ignored in most commentary namely that when you write above that 'Russians plan' and 'Russia was not ... prepared' those on the ground were nearly all Donbass militia not RF forces. Yes, RF is supporting the militias with Intel, artillery, supplies etc. but on the whole - at least this is what I've gathered - it is Donbass doing the heavy lifting in terms of actual combat. Indeed, they must be pretty exhausted after over six months of this. In any case, clearly they can only do so much.
Presumably most of the people remaining in conflict areas are pro-Russia with most anti-Russians having already left. The remaining population will request entry into the RF, RF is finally now ready to accept them and from now on the Donbass militia in both soon-to-be RF oblasts will be under RF command for the first time and then ASAP blended into RF military proper.
Once this happens, then we'll see how the 'Russians' are able to plan and execute against Ukraine-NATO. Thus far they have been assisting but not leading.
The corollary of this, if b is correct about haste, is that everyone chuckling "Go-slow is best", "Why does Russia need to destroy infrastructure? Let the Ukies come to them and get clobbered!", "Trust the plan, 56D chess" etc were all wrong. Sooner or later the Sepps were going to put Russia in a position where they would be forced to up their game. Go-slow was never going to last.
Posted by: Herr Ringbone | Sep 20 2022 18:12 utc | 50
"So, the SMO turned out to be a good old fashioned land grab. So much for ‘We don’t want any Ukrainian territory’. Some things never change. Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:48 utc | 36"
Says the guy from the British Empire. Takes one to know one, I guess.
Posted by: Laughingsong | Sep 20 2022 18:13 utc | 51
Duh. The giveaway, for those who did not mark it, is an announcement by Shoigu following speech by Putin. Shoigu will only speak of matters in his bailiwick. He will announce something military.
Posted by: oldhippie | Sep 20 2022 18:15 utc | 52
Herr Ringbone @51
Yes, the Empire of Delusions will continue escalation until we have glowing craters where major cities used to be. Russia is not necessarily wrong for trying to avoid that.
Posted by: William Gruff | Sep 20 2022 18:17 utc | 53
Only seemingly hasty.
Russian planners gamed this and that long time ago, new information came into light and triggered pre planned contingency. We will know what soon enough.
6 months ago in Feb whole Russian action seemed hasty too, but we found out 3 triggers that put things in motion (plan to attack LDPR, nuclear plans & biolabs).
Posted by: Abe | Sep 20 2022 18:18 utc | 54
Posted by: Herr Ringbone | Sep 20 2022 18:12 utc | 51
UAF mostly threw force conscripted cannon fodder to stop artillery shells. Apparently they are now sending tank crews on kamikaze missions (a.k.a welding hatches shut). Anyone can make of that what they will, but imo a 'normal' country would have surrendered a long time ago. 'Going slow' does cause serious attrition, the longer it goes on.
My guess is Russia has full Chinese backing. Erdogan is playing some kind of interference game to keep the western idiocrats guessing. But the other elephant in the room is that Ukraine can still mobilize many millions and the slow attrition isn't enough, in this particular context. But whether 'mobilizing millions' is feasible in the real world, I don't know. Sure, Nato can throw in some super duper long range MLRS, but the fact is they are not 'mass artillery' for front lines, they are 'pin point' rocket weapons for carefully selected targets. Will that win the war? Probably not, but it can become more than just a nuisance.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 20 2022 18:21 utc | 56
Historians are the only ones that are going to have any credibility about calling what is transpiring slow or fast....what Russia is doing is pushing towards it goals in an intentional manner.
At every step Russia is available for empire to surrender to but it hasn't. Empire is now deciding to escalate the aggression through its proxies Ukraine and EU NATO countries. Russia has made it clear what the red lines are and evidently they have been crossed to the point where Russia will tighten the SMO screws more and some of that tightening just might include military decision making/directing centers outside of Ukraine managing the "new" military hardware being provided.
I also think/hope that pressure is going to rise in other empire hot spots around the world to bring this civilization war to a climax.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Sep 20 2022 18:24 utc | 57
@52
Yes, it does. Land grabs are an old UK speciality. We’re still holding onto Scotland.
A referendum held in territory occupied by Russian forces, where a substantial portion of the population has already fled - will now become ‘Russian’ with a majority vote of 98.4%.
You would have to be blind not to see that one coming.
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 18:26 utc | 58
" ... C'est une provocation, ces référendums n'ont pas de base légale, l'annexion ne sera pas reconnue, les armées russes doivent quitter le territoire ukrainien, nous avons une guerre d'annexion de la Russie sur l'Ukraine...."
Mon cher Macron -- Kosovo + Chartre des Nations Unie
Posted by: chet380 | Sep 20 2022 18:33 utc | 59
Seems like the Putin speech will not happen or come much later than announced:
RT has deleted its tweet saying that Putin would address the nation at 20:00PM Moscow time
Posted by: b | Sep 20 2022 18:34 utc | 61
God dammit. Stop with the dithering, Putin.
Posted by: Night Tripper | Sep 20 2022 18:40 utc | 61
On the topic of speeches, Biden will give his UNGA address tomorrow, and it will be interesting to count how many violations of the UN Chater he makes since the Outlaw US Empire already leads the world in the number of illegal sanctions it's issued--illegal since they violate the UN Charter. Global Times reports on what Politico wrote about the speech:
"According to an article from Politico on September 16, Biden's aides have worked for weeks on his speech to the UN as they view it 'as the latest in a series of high-profile opportunities' for Biden to place the battle in Ukraine into his larger view that the 'next century will be defined by the battle between democracies and autocracies.'"
The Trussed one is also to deliver her speech tomorrow, which will be similar in bluster to Biden's as we learn from the same GT report:
"Britain's new Prime Minister Liz Truss will also deliver a speech to the UN on Wednesday and is expected to say that the UK will remain 'an active defender' of democratic values against 'authoritarian foes,' the AFP reported."
The article offers a general view of China's expectations for the UNGA. Wang Yi and his team are already in New York while Lavrov and his team still await visas in Moscow.
If the LPR and DPR referendums at the end of the month, in which if the people decide to join the Russian Federation, and ergo an attack on them would be as good as an attack on Russia itself, will lead to a full-scale conflict in which Putin will commit his entire forces to try and end it quickly is such a good idea.
For ultimately the attacks on the Donbas republics will not end, and if Russia extends itself to try and end the conflict quickly, Russia could leave itself open to some sort of Nato counter-attack. The idea of ending the conflict quickly does have an appeal, but it's no without risks.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Sep 20 2022 18:48 utc | 63
@ 12 Balkanizer
Screw what the 'Allies' think. This is fighting for your existence.
Only Iran can survive without Russia energy and they support Russia 100%.
Too many western shit-stirrers in China & India for my liking.
Posted by: WTFUD | Sep 20 2022 18:51 utc | 64
So Putin has actually gone fishing.
Someone got the day of the tv appearance wrong
Posted by: Keith | Sep 20 2022 18:57 utc | 66
The west wanted escalation and it appears the wish will be granted. I'll be surprised if there's any grand mobilizations or declarations of war. Declaring it a counter terrorism operation would probably suffice with some mobilization of active duty and reserve troops. Likely the results are much more actual Russian military doing the fighting, much less concern for Ukrainian feelings and a giant fuck you to the United States. The Kharkov offensive with its large contingent of western forces being coordinated by westerners is the trigger for this, because it's no longer a true proxy war but the nearly direct conflict. That is, Ukraine isn't a pawn so much as the territory of Ukraine is the chessboard.
Whether it works isn't up to me to predict, but I do think that Putin played this relatively well. In that he waited for the west to show its hand and waited for the Russian public to be behind the idea (whether the kremlin seeded information ops to nudge the public is immaterial because all governments do that all the time). Now the west has to decide whether it will continue to have the Ukrainian tar baby stuck to it or try to extricate itself.
Posted by: Lex | Sep 20 2022 18:57 utc | 67
@ Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 17:48 utc | 36
Or one could interprate it the Russia acted to protect the russian diaspora in Ukraine and itself - clearly there is no negotiating the issue with the puppet regime.
However, one sees what one wants to see.
Posted by: jared | Sep 20 2022 18:58 utc | 68
Maybe Putin speech will come after referendums held, see no point holding one now.
Posted by: unimperator | Sep 20 2022 18:59 utc | 69
It seems b's assessment was written in haste.
I suspect Russia has been condering this option for some time now. Was Russia supposed to leak it in advance, I wonder.
Posted by: jared | Sep 20 2022 19:01 utc | 70
The reaction from white house and others to the plannned referendums was predictable. Sham referendums will not be recognized. Well then EU values, show us how they work in all their democratic fee ways in say, Catelonia. The images of militarised police ripping ballots from old ladies hands and shoving them backwards is still fresh
Posted by: hankster | Sep 20 2022 19:01 utc | 71
Looks likes they might have decided to let the dog see the rat?
Posted by: Guy L'Estrange | Sep 20 2022 19:02 utc | 72
In response to
"
Seems like the Putin speech will not happen or come much later than announced:
RT has deleted its tweet saying that Putin would address the nation at 20:00PM Moscow time
Posted by: b | Sep 20 2022 18:34 utc | 61
"
Thanks for that update b It certainly says to me that heavy shit is going down in the back rooms around the world.
Putin just needs to keep walking his talk and sooner or later the bully of global private finance empire will back down and humanity will move on into better forms of social organization that don't have a private finance cult at the center.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Sep 20 2022 19:03 utc | 73
"..."Britain's new Prime Minister Liz Truss will also deliver a speech to the UN on Wednesday and is expected to say that the UK will remain 'an active defender' of democratic values against 'authoritarian foes,' the AFP reported...."
And they say that British humour is dead. Or reduced to the sort of drivelling that Tom (I've been listening to the BBC and reading the Daily Mail) afflicts this site with.
Tom: the people of the eastern regions of the Ukraine are not allowed to use their own language in public, they are under constant artillery attack from a government in Kiev that answers not to them or any other Ukrainians but to foreign oligarchs and the United States. And you call Russia's intervention, after eight years of watching and waiting for you or anyone else in western Europe to do the right thing and protest to Kiev against this "killing of their own people", a land grab.
You should wash your mouth out, you are a disgrace to the British, and after Boris etc, that is saying a lot.
Posted by: bevin | Sep 20 2022 19:03 utc | 74
"will now become ‘Russian’ with a majority vote of 98.4%.
You would have to be blind not to see that one coming.
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 18:26 utc | 59"
If you are so sure, take it to the bookie.
Posted by: Laughingsong | Sep 20 2022 19:04 utc | 75
"Biden's aides have worked for weeks on his speech to the UN as they view it 'as the latest in a series of high-profile opportunities' for Biden to place the battle in Ukraine into his larger view that the 'next century will be defined by the battle between democracies and autocracies.' The Trussed one is also to deliver her speech tomorrow, which will be similar in bluster to Biden's as we learn from the same GT report:."
Posted by: karlof1 | Sep 20 2022 18:45 utc | 64
Maybe Putin decided to let them go first rather than giving them a last word tomorrow....
The most interesting angle in the last week was Armenia basically joining the West side. Baffling as Israel and UK are balls deep in Azerbaijan. Yerevan is another Erdogan level weasel - question is how close is Putin to the *Azeri* side and leader, supposedly pretty close. So the question is what flared up the Armenia-Azeri ceasefire? MI6? Mossad? What is Turkije's take on this?? Note that Iranian troops are again heading back to the border perhaps to fill in for Russian peacekeepers, as much as they can...
As for what it seems to me is in store w/ the referendum and SMO, Russia still does NOT need to mobilize, nor does it need to designate Ukraine a terrorist state. Either of those thow actions are risky (e.g. if in response Russia gets labeled terrorist things get complicated)
Sufficient to be able to replace some of the defensive troops along the front line with other categories of troop - enough can be freed up to *greatly* speed up the Kherzon/Zap. frontlines and start getting some real traction, regardless of Ukie/NATO/USUKI perfidy...
Posted by: Simplicius | Sep 20 2022 19:15 utc | 77
My hunch is that Russia received information over some weapon systems the U.S. is secretly providing to the Ukraine. This could be missiles with several hundred kilometer range or other types of weapons that could seriously threaten Russia's towns and cities.
Borell said the EU was preparing a military mission to Ukraine. He said it would happen in October, but they still needed to coordinate with Zelensky. I think this was a headline on rt.com. This may have something to do with the timing of the referenda, even though those probably were in the works for some time - after all, some of the regions originally planned to hold their referendum at the beginning of September.
Posted by: Martina | Sep 20 2022 19:17 utc | 78
@ Laughingsong 77
I believe I met Tom at a party in London a couple of years back, where he tried to sell me some drugs and Nazi insignia.
Posted by: WTFUD | Sep 20 2022 19:21 utc | 79
Re the seeming haste.
Here is a speech by Friedrich Merz made a few days ago
Rather ominous. They’re planning something big for the 24th of September. It’s 20:42 long but you just have to listen to the first 60 seconds
Partial transcript:
President, ladies and gentlemen
Dear colleagues , this 24th of September 2022 will remain in our memories as a day we will all remember, we will say
“ I know exactly where I was when I first heard the news of the war in Ukraine and saw the first pictures of it”
Speech in German with English subtitles.
Posted by: Down South | Sep 20 2022 19:23 utc | 80
People are already jesting that Putin's speech was a feint.
Posted by: Krištof | Sep 20 2022 19:24 utc | 81
The article offers a general view of China's expectations for the UNGA. Wang Yi and his team are already in New York while Lavrov and his team still await visas in Moscow.Posted by: karlof1 | Sep 20 2022 18:45 utc | 64
That statement is a week out of date:
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The United States has given Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a visa to travel to New York for the United Nations' annual gathering of world leaders next week with half the delegation Moscow requested, a Russian diplomatic source said on Tuesday.Moscow had asked Washington for 56 visas, according to a Sept. 2 letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia. The Russian diplomatic source said on Tuesday the United States had approved 24 visas.
Posted by: Opport Knocks | Sep 20 2022 19:25 utc | 83
IMO, one of the greatest weaknesses in the current discussions around Ukraine (Russia-US/UK) is a lack of understanding of the position of Europe. Most, whether 'pro-Russian' 'pro-US' or 'neutral' see Europe and the EU as an extension of the US.
This misses the history of Europe from 1871 forward, including the two world wars.
Germany has approved a constitutional amendment to allow for an unprecedented rearmament bill, the largest in Europe's post-war history, which the Bundestag just approved. Scholz's speech in Prague last month signals Germany's intention to build an independent Europe - independent of the US - in cooperation with France.
I know that this idea will meet with a lot of poo-poo-ing. The New York Times and Guardian both had a laugh at it. But Germany's ambitions, and its conflicts with the US/Uk, have defined European history for over 100 years.
I have argued that the Biden Administration's braying about Ukraine joining NATO had as much to do with cutting the legs out from under Germany as it did with wrecking Russia. Funny that this war comes just as Germany and Russia were about to open the taps on NordStream II.
It will take time for a strong German position to emerge. But it will, and will further destabilize this 'pax americana' that has been so very unpeaceful for most of humanity.
https://myke-simonian.medium.com/german-rearmament-signals-shift-in-european-alliances-653d40a6c458
Zelensky, Israel and the US want to turn Ukraine into one big Israel, and here's how Zelensky envisages that state.
“We will not be surprised that we will have representatives of the Armed Forces or the National Guard in all institutions, supermarkets, cinemas — there will be people with weapons,”
https://thegrayzone.com/2022/09/17/zelensky-nato-ukraine-big-israel/
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Sep 20 2022 19:27 utc | 85
Or one could interprate it the Russia acted to protect the russian diaspora in Ukraine and itself - clearly there is no negotiating the issue with the puppet regime.However, one sees what one wants to see.
Posted by: jared | Sep 20 2022 18:58 utc | 70
Diaspora??? Someone has not been paying attention. Eastern Ukraine (Novorossia) was Russian since 1785ish and was only made part of Ukraine by the administrative actions of Lenin and Khrushchev.
Posted by: Opport Knocks | Sep 20 2022 19:30 utc | 86
Posted by: b | Sep 20 2022 18:34 utc | 61
Seems like the Putin speech will not happen or come much later than announced:
I tuned into RT at 9 o'clock to hear Putin's speech, but all I got was my friends Janus and Christelle chatting.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Sep 20 2022 19:32 utc | 87
"will now become ‘Russian’ with a majority vote of 98.4%.
You would have to be blind not to see that one coming.
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 18:26 utc | 59"
If you are so sure, take it to the bookie.
Posted by: Laughingsong | Sep 20 2022 19:04 utc | 77
Well, yes. Yes, of course. Just think about it: The Zelensky regime threatens anyone who participates with 12 years in jail. If you are threatened with 12 years in jail for casting a ballot, will you vote to remain with the people who want to lock you up?
How do you plan to prove that you were the 1.6% remainers loyal to Kiev? You can't. What you may be able to prove is that you did not cast a ballot - but even then you will need to explain why you collaborated with the enemy by staying in the occupied areas.
Posted by: Martina | Sep 20 2022 19:33 utc | 88
"...in the mid of winter, a season during which Russian forces can operate quite well"
Well, it seems to me that the winter season, when rivers (and the soil in fields) are likely to freeze, would make the current Russian military operation infeasible.
The Russian force of 100-150K troops is holding an (at least) 1000km front-line against ~700K Kiev's troops. Even now, when they are (mostly) using rivers as a natural barrier, it's problematic. As soon as rivers freeze (and the soil hardens) it'll become impossible.
Posted by: Mao Cheng Ji | Sep 20 2022 19:37 utc | 89
@ Myke 86
Are you serious, German independence?
What's the point of independence when you will never have an independent energy policy, you've already lost access to cheap Russia Oil/Gas?
Habeck, Scholz and Baerbock , 3 US stooges running the show, taking direct orders from the CIA.
Try winding down the 30+ US military bases in Germany first and get back to us.
Posted by: WTFUD | Sep 20 2022 19:42 utc | 90
This morning on BBC Radio 4 broadcast a plummy military voice straight out of the British Raj. Straight out of Mme Tussaud's.
We know from the past that Israel has radar and mininuke technologies that could change this SMO into a modern psyops nuclear confrontation.
If these technologies are used as with MH 170 and Beirut, it would shake the sleeping populations out of their torpor, making them understand that we Brits no longer have any military power.
Posted by: Giyane | Sep 20 2022 19:42 utc | 91
@Down South | Sep 20 2022 19:23 utc | 82
Here is a speech by Friedrich Merz made a few days ago24 September 2022 full German speech - A day to remember by Friedrich Merz
Dear colleagues , this 24th of September 2022 will remain in our memories as a day we will all remember, we will say
“ I know exactly where I was when I first heard the news of the war in Ukraine and saw the first pictures of it”
Friedrich Merz is just mixed up in his words. He must be referring to February 24, 2022.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Sep 20 2022 19:47 utc | 92
RT reports that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kissinger yesterday and said “an outbreak of a new Cold War will be a disaster for China and the US, as well as other parts of the world.”
In a separate op/ed, the writer opens thusly:
"In an interview with CBS 60 minutes on Sunday, just before attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, US President Joe Biden answered 'yes' to a question asking if US servicemen would be used to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack."
And that's yet another provocation by Biden on that issue and the One-China Policy, something Wang Yi likely discussed with Kissinger. China continues to try and convince the Outlaw US Empire as "Wang went on to say that the US has 'a wrong perception of China', viewing it as 'its most prominent rival and a long-term challenger.'"
Unfortunately, IMO it's Wang who misunderstands the Outlaw US Empire as well as the UK for they're both nations/Empires built on Plunder and their leaders front for Neoliberal Plundering Parasites who will only change their ways when forced to do so after suffering complete military defeat.
RT 20 September 2022, 21:27
In the republics of Donbass and in the liberated territories of Ukraine, from September 23 to 27, a vote will be held on the issue of these regions joining the Russian Federation. The authorities of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions made relevant statements on Tuesday, September 20.
The head of the DPR Denis Pushilin appealed to President Vladimir Putin with a request to accept the DPR into Russia in case of a positive decision on the results of the vote.
Posted by: gary | Sep 20 2022 19:48 utc | 94
Mobilization is not a bluff. Mobilization is a last effort to exist.
Bankster crazies always understood that banking is the path to world domination, as epitomized and taught by board-game called "Monopoly". [How many have played the game Monopoly without realizing it is the game of banking?]
They made clear their intention to overthrow and grab Russia ...resulting in Napoleon's failure in 1812, then World War 1 which failed, then WW2, which failed, then the "Cold War" in which millions suffered/died and never ended. And yes, City of London's prime movers demand it because their existence, their reason-for-being, demands it. In mid-1850s Karl Marx forever terrorized the rapacious rich by exposing their criminal nature.
And Russia's population does not know about this?
And China? After 1950 as Mao united the country, China then became a the second threat to bankster control of Earth-world. Every effort was made to turn China against Russia...and failed.
Banksters are now desperate because banking in China and Russia is to facilitate trade for the well-being of the population. It is not plunder-madness. It Is not freedom to accumulate unlimited wealth and power. It is not obsession by a few to subjugate all other people into "subjects".
No more Higknesses. No more lownesses. Only people of different qualities having limited understanding of how they got here and how best to survive despite oppressive conditions and, anyway, guaranteed death.
Posted by: chu teh | Sep 20 2022 19:54 utc | 95
...FT: Lack of carbon dioxide could bankrupt breweries in Germany
...
Posted by: La Bastille | Sep 20 2022 17:52 utc | 38
It’s the end of Alcohol Poisoning as we know it!
Posted by: anon2020 | Sep 20 2022 19:55 utc | 96
@76 bevin
Yep, a land grab.
What would you call an occupying military force holding a referendum in a territory massively depleted of its people and then declaring themselves the ‘winner’ and that you are ‘all our citizens now’?
No one is going to buy it, and Putin cancelling his presser indicates not everyone internally is buying it either.
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 19:55 utc | 97
Catelonia @73
Nothing in the Donbass, Crimea situation is comparable to Spain and Catalonia.
Posted by: Galahad | Sep 20 2022 20:02 utc | 98
Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 18:26 utc | 59
I suspect the real blindness is in not realizing the land has been Rus land for at least a millenia.
Posted by: donten | Sep 20 2022 20:02 utc | 99
What would you call an occupying military force holding a referendum in a territory massively depleted of its people and then declaring themselves the ‘winner’ and that you are ‘all our citizens now’?No one is going to buy it, and Putin cancelling his presser indicates not everyone internally is buying it either.
Posted by: Tom UK | Sep 20 2022 19:55 utc | 98
That reasoning is a big leap of faith.
Not to mention there is insufficient time for Kyiv to organize a mail-in ballot campaign. The accepted "rules based" modern method of rigging elections (*cough* 2000 Mules).
Posted by: Opport Knocks | Sep 20 2022 20:04 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
It will be "war", but "mobilization period"
This was published by RT today:
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Sep 20 2022 16:40 utc | 1