Ukraine Open Thread 2023-73
Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict.
The current open thread for other issues is here.
Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators.
Posted by b on March 29, 2023 at 14:18 UTC | Permalink
next page »War for Water - https://peds-ansichten.de/2022/12/krieg-um-wasser/ (in German)
The perspective regarding water supply for Donbass was something I had not seen previously.
I was also not aware that Ukraine had only refrained from cutting water to Donetsk (as they did to Crimea) previously because that would have impacted Mariupol - and that they were working on solving that dependency before they lost Mariupol to Russia.
It also give a perspective on what parts of Ukraine Russia might go after next. And why.
Posted by: Martina | Mar 29 2023 14:34 utc | 2
I’m sure there will still be enough intelligent well-informed logical posters here to keep this blog well worth reading while b takes a break.
Posted by: Dalit | Mar 29 2023 14:39 utc | 3
Zelensky says that if Ukraine loses Bakhmut, public pressure will force him to negotiate with Russia.
Prigozhin says that both the Ukranian army and Wagner have been destroyed in Bakhmut.
Thoughts?
https://twitter.com/RWApodcast/status/1641043528284266496?cxt=HHwWgICzxZ6ZlMYtAAAA
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 14:52 utc | 4
Head of Russia security council: Every day Western weapons are supplied to Ukraine brings us closer to the nuclear apocalypse
VIDEO https://twitter.com/AbrahamStein8/status/1641091694320812035?s=20
Posted by: Dave Oneil | Mar 29 2023 14:56 utc | 6
Blinken won’t let Zelensky negotiate until all ‘Russians’ have been ethnically cleansed from the Ukraine. That’s official State Depart. Policy. Yessiree my friends.
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2023 14:56 utc | 7
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2023 14:56 utc | 7
What form does the US "not letting" Zelensky negotiate take? The US is not all-powerful. If the Ukrainians lose the will to fight then the US can't do anything about that.
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 15:03 utc | 8
"Prigozhin says that both the Ukranian army and Wagner have been destroyed in Bakhmut."
No he doesn't. There is a very big "IF" in his comment. Prigozhin is given to hyperbole.
If you look at the BBC/Mediazone figures, it is clear that Russian casualties (including Wagner) are orders of magnitude less than Ukrainian casualties. With Russia's overwhelming artillery superiority, that's hardly surprising.
Posted by: goldbach | Mar 29 2023 15:03 utc | 9
Posted by: goldbach | Mar 29 2023 15:03 utc | 9
Wagner in Bakhmut has a significant advantage compared to UAF. But what Prigozhin probably means that despite a very large advantage, the casualties are still large for Wagner, nevertheless. Not hardly surprising that huge amount of best Nato trained troops, territorial defense and now even special forces are being fed into the city. Wagner men are making massive contribution in the total war effort but they pay a price.
The thing in the ruined city is that the Ukrainian firing positions are hidden almost all the time, until they are exposed. They are exposed through means of advancing in small troops, which prompts them to open fire. Then they are surveilled with drones and pounded by artillery. Most likely, it's during the exposing process when most casualties occur.
Ukraine still has no artillery support in Bakhmut city area, the Russian flanks operating drones and artillery keep them away? That is an advantage.
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 29 2023 15:10 utc | 10
Using Chrome's built-in translation function to access Telegram
@YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 14:32 utc | 1
Also https://t.me/s/RVvoenkor, "Operation Z", but you need a translate custom control or similar on your browser as it's in Russian.
I use Google Chrome with translation to read Russian language Telegram channels on my desktop Mac. This link works for me, but I need to be registered.
https://web.telegram.org/k/
If I go to web.telegram.org directly, it redirects me to another page, that does not load on my Chrome. ("k" works, "z" does not.)
https://web.telegram.org/z/
There are some issues in using Chrome's built-in translation function. Telegram takes over almost all of the browser screen and normal mouse menus stop working. I use a 4K monitor with the browser screen about 2000 pixels wide. I can access the "Translate to English" menu only from the white borders that fall outside the green captive area. On smaller screens, it is very difficult to turn translation on.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Mar 29 2023 15:11 utc | 11
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 29 2023 15:10 utc | 10
Ukraine is still shelling Bakhmut. I have seen recent video evidence of that. Chasiv Yar is only 10km away.
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 15:13 utc | 12
Without wishing to sound like a concern troll, I've watched a fair lot of Russian video, and while they may have the shells, do they always have the accuracy? I'm pleased to see they're starting to produce some kind of guidance/glide capability into their shells, otherwise you can throw a lot at a target before you hit.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 15:15 utc | 13
https://t.me/ukraine_watch/478
⚡️ A petition is initiated on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine demanding that the AFU be banned from using depleted uranium ammunition, which the UK has promised to provide:"Given the decay period of heavy metals, such contamination will be a long-term harm for many generations to come. The damage could also affect agricultural land, which would either make it unusable or serve as an additional pathway for the spread of toxic substances and their ingestion into the human body," the text of the petition reads.
Posted by: Norwegian | Mar 29 2023 15:16 utc | 14
History Legends on yootoob is a hoot!
He's funny, informative and comes up with some insights...
Posted by: Chevrus | Mar 29 2023 15:18 utc | 15
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 15:15 utc | 13
I am ignorant, but suspect that guided artillery shells are of limited usefulness against moving targets.
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 15:19 utc | 16
The big news this week is the horrific attack of Kiev’s thugs on Ukrainian Orthodox Churches throughout the country.
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2023 15:21 utc | 17
A similar petition appeare in UK, but just 110 signatures so far.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635335
Posted by: hans23 | Mar 29 2023 15:21 utc | 18
What form does the US "not letting" Zelensky negotiate take? The US is not all-powerful. If the Ukrainians lose the will to fight then the US can't do anything about that.
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 15:03 utc | 8
Kiev’s citizens have long ago lost the will to fight. That’s why tens of millions fled the place since 2014 and that’s why there are tens of thousands of sheep dipped NATO ‘volunteers’ currently fighting.
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2023 15:25 utc | 19
https://t.me/UkraineHumanRightsAbuses/22722
◾️The Italian newspaper il Fatto Quotidiano cites excerpts from an order dated November 1999 for NATO units that were part of occupied Kosovo.◾️It clearly states that you must not touch equipment damaged by depleted uranium projectiles, and that you must wear masks when examining it or being within 500 meters of it.
Posted by: Norwegian | Mar 29 2023 15:28 utc | 20
Pro-UA mapper Live UA Map has all roads into Bakhmut either red or within small arms range. It appears that the city is completely cut off from supply by marked roads now. It may still be possible to get some supplies through if they are able to go cross-country and cross the streams and wetlands. Meanwhile, Avdeevka has only a 5 kilometer gap to allow supplies in and that's closing quickly. When Bakhmut and Avdeevka fall then it will be easy to encircle New York and Seversk too. Does UA have a plan?
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 15:29 utc | 21
Prigozhin says that both the Ukranian army and Wagner have been destroyed in Bakhmut.
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 14:52 utc | 4
That is a complete misrepresentation.
Posted by: First Time Poster | Mar 29 2023 15:30 utc | 22
"Without wishing to sound like a concern troll, I've watched a fair lot of Russian video, and while they may have the shells, do they always have the accuracy? I'm pleased to see they're starting to produce some kind of guidance/glide capability into their shells, otherwise you can throw a lot at a target before you hit.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 15:15 utc | 13"
Not sure what you mean? Artillery is very damn accurate has been for decades. Now the question is not artillery but targetting.
But with the help of drones IMO that issue is solved.
Id rather have a whole lot of "dumb" artillery and drones. Than much less "smart" artillery
Posted by: Comandante | Mar 29 2023 15:31 utc | 23
Head of Russia security council: Every day Western weapons are supplied to Ukraine brings us closer to the nuclear apocalypse
Posted by: Dave Oneil | Mar 29 2023 14:56 utc | 6
Don't he realize that The West wants nuclear exchange?
Posted by: sarmat | Mar 29 2023 15:34 utc | 24
https://t.me/UkraineHumanRightsAbuses/22845
⚡️ (https://t.me/rybar/45185)🇷🇺🇺🇦🔎 Where did the Western Armoured Vehicles delivered to #Ukraine arrive?The other day, a video from an unidentified training ground with western armoured vehicles delivered to the AFU appeared in the Ukrainian segment of the Net. A British Challenger 2 tank, a German Marder BMP, an American Bradley BMP and an Australian Bushmaster APC were captured.
Specific indications caught by the cameraman's lens allowed our OSINT team to identify the precise location of the site where Ukrainian troops are being trained. It is the 37th Combined Arms Range near the village of #Perlyavka, southwest of #Zhitomir.
The coordinates are: 50.202333, 28.509047
You can look it up on Google Maps, west of Zhytomyr
Posted by: Norwegian | Mar 29 2023 15:41 utc | 25
This is part of an interview with Prighozin where a captain explains the situation in Bakhmut and the surrounds with regards to the AFU.
Has English subtitles
https://twitter.com/GraphicW5/status/1641101401110503425
Posted by: Down South | Mar 29 2023 15:48 utc | 26
Has there been any news yet about whether the Ukr Govt has evicted the Monks from Lavra? Zelensky shows how evil he really is by attacking the right to people's place of worship by burning down monasteries and churches and arresting priests. Some EU Values we have right here! Pure Nazi ideology. As Alex Christoforou of the Duran said last year, Sanctioning a Holy Man (Pastor Kirril) will not end well for the people that imposed the Sanctions (e.g. like Boris Johnson in the UK). It will end very very badly for Zelensky and probably for the people of Ukraine who didn't want any of this.
Shame on the Collective West for a lack of condemnation of these attacks on Holy Men and Holy Churches.
Posted by: Jo Dominich | Mar 29 2023 15:52 utc | 27
Zelensky is safe and can make any decision he wants. His personal body guards are British and American special forces.
Posted by: Bob In Portland, Ore | Mar 29 2023 15:52 utc | 28
The United States is giving Ukraine only 20% of the financial assistance it allocates to Kyiv. More than 60% of these funds remain with Washington.Michael McCall, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, admitted this.
“Of the allocated $113 billion in four supplementals, approximately 60% is allocated to US troops, US workers, and to modernize US stocks,” the legislator said.
https://t.me/Slavyangrad/39625
Posted by: Down South | Mar 29 2023 15:54 utc | 29
❗️Ukrainians want to hand subpoenas in messengers"At the level of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, we are now considering the issue of improving the legislative basis for serving subpoenas, including the ability to send men to be mobilized a message about the need to come to the recruiting center using instant messengers, that is, send subpoenas online.
Now we are considering the possibility of eliminating the bureaucratic problems associated with this issue," MP Fyodor Venislavsky said.
https://t.me/Slavyangrad/39629
Posted by: Down South | Mar 29 2023 15:56 utc | 30
@Norwegian 20
is there a way for non-Telegram users to see that?
would be good info!
thx
Posted by: AG | Mar 29 2023 15:58 utc | 31
HOLY DEFIANCE: Clergy refuse to leave the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (monastery) until the end of trial as it is made official that the Lavra will challenge Kiev's termination of their lease in court.Their defiance is reinforced by worshippers flocking to the chapel and praying outside.
🗣Clergy will not be evicted from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra on March 29, 30 and 31, as well as on other dates, as there are no legal grounds for this - Head of educational department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
https://t.me/IntelRepublic/17383
Posted by: Down South | Mar 29 2023 15:58 utc | 32
4 - I don't know about public pressure, as the open expression of it could well lead to being beaten up or even killed by Zelensky thugs, with nary a word in the Western media. A decline in morale could result in mass desertion etc. but we may not be there yet.
Posted by: Waldorf | Mar 29 2023 15:59 utc | 33
did something with Telegram change?
until recently I could look it up as Preview-Channel, e.g. Down South´s posts.
No more...
Posted by: AG | Mar 29 2023 16:00 utc | 34
@AG | Mar 29 2023 15:58 utc | 32
Sorry, I don't know for sure. I obviously have Telegram, I use it almost exclusively from a PC.
Posted by: Norwegian | Mar 29 2023 16:08 utc | 35
... depleted uranium ammunition, which the UK has promised to provide
Posted by: Norwegian | Mar 29 2023 15:16 utc | 14
Probably the UK Foreign Office already has a shortlist of handy excuses ready when depleted uranium ammunition shows up on the black market.
Terrorist groups: An indispensable ingredient for your next dirty bomb. Please send reasonable offer to V. Z., Kiev, Ukraine. Limited supply - these are flying away.
Posted by: Passerby | Mar 29 2023 16:11 utc | 36
@YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 15:15 utc | 13"
@catdog | Mar 29 2023 15:19 utc | 16
@Comandante | Mar 29 2023 15:31 utc | 23
Not an expert but ...
A GPS guided round would not be useful against a moving target. Laser-guided rounds (such as the Russian Krasnopol) can hit a moving target but of course require a spotter (which can be a suitably equipped drone) to designate the target.
I'm always a little hesitant to be impressed by sheer volume of artillery fire because, yeah, if you're just churning up dirt it's nothing to get excited about. Drones have obviously been a boon to artillery spotting though, and allow the ubiquitous "dumb" artillery round to be corrected on to a target without the presence of a human forward observer having line of sight.
However, I will speculate that the lethality of guided rounds is enhanced because they offer no warning to the target. Even if unguided artillery takes only two rounds to zero in on the target, that's precious time for the target to disperse, take shelter, or otherwise evade before the next round lands.
On the defence, I would think pre-registering of target locations levels the playing field between unguided and GPS guided rounds.
Posted by: Mike314159 | Mar 29 2023 16:21 utc | 37
There are some issues in using Chrome's built-in translation function. Telegram takes over almost all of the browser screen and normal mouse menus stop working. I use a 4K monitor with the browser screen about 2000 pixels wide. I can access the "Translate to English" menu only from the white borders that fall outside the green captive area. On smaller screens, it is very difficult to turn translation on.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Mar 29 2023 15:11 utc | 11
This is way better:
Posted by: Greg Galloway | Mar 29 2023 16:24 utc | 38
All types of notifications between Russia and the United States under START suspended, including on test launches - Russian Foreign Ministry
Slavyangrad
https://t.me/Slavyangrad/39587
I think people here understand the meaning of the last part. We are talking START here, that is, the strategic arsenal ICBM tests with no warnings. And, no JFK in sight anywhere.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 16:40 utc | 39
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 15:15 utc | 13
Re your statement, did you watched this video of 1 artillery round wiping out a whole squad of Ukies walking in a file, and a second smaller round literally vapourising a casualty.
https://t.me/ZandVchannel/58205
Posted by: Surferket | Mar 29 2023 16:41 utc | 40
Don't use chrome. It's barely disguised google spyware. Use something without one of huge US companies (Microsoft/Apple/Facebook/Google/rest of spyware peddlers) behind it, like Firefox, it's a much better browser anyway...
Posted by: Mr V | Mar 29 2023 16:42 utc | 41
Depleted Uranium powder dropped on Britain from ground up shells in Ukrainian soil?
Be careful what you wish for. Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind.
The Evil, but desperate and incompetent West, personified by Jumping Joe Biden, are doing more to destroy themselves than anything their purported enemies could ever devise.
Posted by: kupkee | Mar 29 2023 16:42 utc | 42
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 14:32 utc | 1
Lord Of War ⚡️🗣 Pentagon sees no point in transferring MQ-9 Reaper drones to Ukraine, as they will not survive in the confrontation with Russian air defense systems - Pentagon Chief Austin.Top US General Milley is of the same opinion. He believes that the MQ-9 will not give the Armed Forces any advantages and additional capabilities.
No shit! Russian pilots brought it down by pissing on it!
https://t.me/llordofwar/108762
Lord Of War is currently available to non-registered viewers. Those sites seem to go off and then come back on so keep them open in your browser and check back now and again
Posted by: anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 16:50 utc | 43
# 38
Keep in mind that the time of flight for artillery projectiles is 10 to 20 seconds. How far can you run in that much time? How far can a tracked or wheeled vehicle drive in that much time?
Drones equipped with laser designators are massively increasing the effectiveness of laser guided artillery projectiles. Real time targeting data is provided during the flight of the projectile. The projectiles can hit moving targets provided that the laser is agile enough to stay on target and the evasive maneuvers of the target do not exceed the manauverability of the projectile. The US has had such guided rounds for decades but has since become overly impressed with GPS guidance that can't hit a moving targets. Since the US now has GOS guidance retrofit kits that simply screw into existing shells as a substitute for a standard fuse, similar compact laser guidance retrofit kits should also be feasible.
Right now, Russia seems to have the advantage in precision artillery fire against moving targets. Given this capability, tanks might become irrelevant.
Posted by: Elmer Fudd | Mar 29 2023 16:52 utc | 44
I am ignorant, but suspect that guided artillery shells are of limited usefulness against moving targets.
Posted by: catdog | Mar 29 2023 15:19 utc | 16
In fact that is a scenario where they can excel, provided ground troops or a drone can keep a laser illuminator on the moving target.
Current barrel and rocket artillery tends to have restricted angles of attack which defenders can exploit to force attacking troops to break cover in order to attack. Troops can fire missiles / grenades horizontally into defensive positions, as can tanks.
It’s one of the claimed capabilities of GLSDB that it can fly around, even behind a target, and hit at very shallow angles of attack. It might not matter in practice, either due to technical problems or limited availability, but I can assure that the idea of quickly delivering precision guided / smart weapons to the battlefield via a booster rocket is absolutely sound, with a lot of untapped potential for improved range and strike effectiveness.
Posted by: anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 17:13 utc | 45
Zelensky is safe and can make any decision he wants. His personal body guards are British and American special forces.
Posted by: Bob In Portland, Ore | Mar 29 2023 15:52 utc | 29
Bob, you definately win this thread !
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2023 17:14 utc | 46
How could mummy from Tutuanchamonstan put direkctions when his is on data program?
Really interesting
Posted by: BB Rad | Mar 29 2023 17:23 utc | 47
throwing this idea out to the bar. events in the Ukraine are likely to hot up in the next few months. Crimea is likely to be attacked. UK implemented a TEZ around the Falkland's. Why would not Russia do the same as missiles/drones/boats attack from the sea.
The Total Exclusion Zone (TEZ) was an area declared by the United Kingdom on 30 April 1982 covering a circle of radius 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi) from the centre of the Falkland Islands.[1] During the Falklands War any sea vessel or aircraft from any country entering the zone may have been fired upon without further warning.
Posted by: duggie | Mar 29 2023 17:25 utc | 48
For the Telegram'ers
Settings > Language > Show Translate button. Now go to your telegram posts (e.g Russian Language) and right click on the text. You will then be able to translate the post into your language. No need for chrome.
Posted by: Cunningstunt | Mar 29 2023 17:25 utc | 49
Posted by: Passerby | Mar 29 2023 16:11 utc | 37
I wonder if they have a shortlist of handy excuses ready for when it turns up in their own food and drink?
They can hardly object.
Posted by: anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 17:26 utc | 50
@ anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 17:13 utc | 47
So far, I think that seen UAV application throughout battlespace was and still is a rather big game changer, if not the only one so far. Not just as loiter ammo, but also as the eyes on the ground.
Swarms of drones could be more efficient of decimating an enemy than salvoes of even rather precise shelling. 200 drones launched simultaneously and flying towards targets is very efficient way of combat, however the downside is that one has to know where the targets are. There is a Chinese made combat system that does just that.
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/drone-swarm-launcher-truck-displayed-at-chinas-big-arms-expo
RF needs this in thousands.
Posted by: whirlX | Mar 29 2023 17:34 utc | 51
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 16:40 utc | 40
I can’t knock RF for taking action to protect the secrecy of Russian nuclear installations against a quasi-enemy state, there’s no doubt a lot more to it behind the scenes, and I don’t see any better response, but this is clearly what US warmongers actually want.
Posted by: anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 17:35 utc | 52
Every day for a while now the Russian MOD is reporting huge Ukrainian manpower losses in the 'Donetsk Direction' of between 200 and 340. https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12462255@egNews There are no where near this amount anywhere else. Anyone know why so many in this direction? Are they talking about Avdiivka or further south?
Posted by: Rob Campbell | Mar 29 2023 17:44 utc | 53
Posted by: Rob Campbell | Mar 29 2023 17:44 utc | 53
Dontesk direction per Rus Mod briefings is from Avdeevka to Bakhmut. Obviously where the biggest battles are.
Posted by: ObserverBG | Mar 29 2023 17:53 utc | 54
Posted by: whirlX | Mar 29 2023 17:34 utc | 51
(Apologies if this double posts)
Agreed, drones are a big development and drone surveillance is now the difference between life and death. If you can spot and target the enemy but they can’t do the same in return they’re toast. Spotter drones can relay target info to any available weapon system (guns, rockets, strike drones).
Drone swarms have the almost unique ability to cheaply saturate and penetrate top line air defense systems.
Existing weapon systems still have plenty of value but losing drone surveillance coverage would now be almost fatal. Ground forces would be sitting ducks. Expensive hardware close to the front is especially vulnerable (tanks, artillery, radar, air defense, ammo & fuel).
Posted by: anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 18:04 utc | 55
anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 16:50 utc | 43
Thank you ! Lord of War is back! But hold on a minute !
https://t.me/s/llordofwar is what I see.
My old fav was https://t.me/s/loordofwar which is still up the creek from my perspective.
What's the score I wonder?
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 18:14 utc | 56
RE: De-Dollarization
Article mentioning that regimist media is now mentioning De-Dollarization
https://rubino.substack.com/p/de-dollarization-just-got-real/comments
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2023 18:20 utc | 57
@LightYearsFromHome 39
I can´t see the Telegram message, though this is Pavel Podvig´Twitter thread on this issue from 4 hours ago:
https://twitter.com/russianforces/status/1641077480797741056
"(...)Here is the official statement on New START suspension, which explicitly says that the 1988 notifications will continue https://mid.ru/ru/press_service/spokesman/official_statement/1855184/?lang=en#sel=19:48:U6j,19:73:xr2
Why do journalist jump to conclusions and interpret everything in the worst possible way. Things are bad enough without it.
(...)
RUSSIA WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO EXCHANGE NOTIFICATIONS OF ICBM AND SLBM LAUNCHES WITH THE UNITED STATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT SOVIET-US AGREEMENT SIGNED IN 1988(...)".
Posted by: AG | Mar 29 2023 18:20 utc | 58
This is worthy as it's coming from Sladkov so whatever it is, real or psyops it's worth noting. The fascinating part is the DPRK entering as a PMC. We are living in a very dystopian sci-fi world, future just keeps getting bleaker. Good luck to all of us with WW3 overrun with mercenaries and PMCs - global berserker chaos.
50 thousand soldiers from North Korea are ready to take part in the hostilities in Ukraine on the side of the Russian Federation, if China approves. This was stated by military commander Alexander Sladkov.
"North Korea. I was talking to a friend of mine... he is the head of the Korean War Veterans Organization. Came here recently. I say: "What are the Koreans?". He says: "50 thousand special forces are ready to be sent." He said so.
China should also give the go-ahead to North Korea to create some kind of private military company with 500,000 employees who can work here," Sladkov said.
https://t.me/DonbassDevushka/50929
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 18:23 utc | 59
On Polish TV
The map shows that the entire south and east of Ukraine will be included in Russia. The western part will join Poland. Small chunks of territory will go to Romania and Hungary.
https://twitter.com/Spriter99880/status/1641133069716291590
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 29 2023 18:26 utc | 60
^ forgot to add that Sladkov is not a military commander but a war correspondent, from what I gather Russia's most popular and trusted. Not sure what is up with that mis-statement, or where DonbassDevushka got it. I assume what he's saying in the vid is what is quoted below.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 18:27 utc | 61
unimperator @ 60
The western part will join Poland. Small chunks of territory will go to Romania and Hungary.
TV is a silly thing, still I find this interesting, the foaming at the mouth loud barking dogs of the ex-warsaw pact and this includes Ukraine all signed on for big meaty pieces of dismembered Russia that the USA and UK promised as soon as they carve up the carcass of the RF. So, now it will be Ukraine that is carved up and feed to the eager dogs? To a rabid dog meat is meat.
This is a contrary view from a channel that so far has proven respectable. The nukes in Belarus imply that Ukraine will be dealt with solely by Russia and no one else. Stakes raised, fuck around, you get nuked. UKR could still be carved up I guess, but that will be at Russia's prerogative not forced on Russia.
Whatever, idle ideas to toss around:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-6fDLfs0w4
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 18:45 utc | 62
It does indeed look like reading Intel Slava necessitates a TG account now. Colonel Cassad is still easyly available and overlaps Intel Slava very much, although Cassad is rather more alarmist (warning about epic Ukrainian counter attacks) and Intel Slava shows much more hate of Ukrainian criminals, with some cruel delight in pictures of bodies.
Prighozin never said Wagner was being destroyed, but only that this destruction might happen if the cause was worth it: that's Russia for you ( https://www.rt.com/russia/573806-prigozhin-ukrainian-army-destroyed/ ). And Wagner in Africa is going strong too, ask Macron...
Posted by: Anthony | Mar 29 2023 18:52 utc | 63
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 18:14 utc | 56
Weird, maybe someone’s cloning the content to make it accessible on an open channel. Now I can’t remember where I got that link from, maybe from the bar or linked from another TG channel.
Posted by: AG | Mar 29 2023 18:20 utc | 58
Thanks for the START update.
Posted by: Anthony | Mar 29 2023 18:52 utc | 63
But don’t ask him for the time =)
Posted by: anon2020 | Mar 29 2023 19:04 utc | 64
“by: Norwegian | Mar 29 2023 15:41 utc | 25”
“A British Challenger 2 tank, a German Marder BMP, an American Bradley BMP and an Australian Bushmaster APC were captured.”
Wow!
“Specific indications caught by the cameraman's lens...”
A clarification for everyone else who misread the statement above: those four tanks were not “captured”, which explains why there are no victorious Russian troops posing on them and no articles on RT celebrating the capture of four tanks. They were ‘recorded’ (i.e. ‘captured on video’ I suppose), and that’s all.
Posted by: Dalit | Mar 29 2023 19:16 utc | 65
AG @ 58
Why do journalist jump to conclusions and interpret everything in the worst possible way. Things are bad enough without it.
Because TG isn't journalism it's social media, and social media is a mess, though Slavyangrad is about as good as it gets. Thanks for the twitter find, nukes is important stuff, best get it right.
There's a ton of TG channels Russian and in English on the SMO but there's very very very little info and that little bit gets repeated and churned over and under. Once someone posts it, that itself, the act of posting, becomes the info's legitimacy, and why social media is a mess, no editors, no colleagues, no peer review. Blessing and a curse.
Does anyone know if TG monetizes like youtube, are channel operators there making money on hits? It sure seems like it, it would explain the proliferation of channels just churning the same few vids and tidbits around and around as fast as possible.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 19:29 utc | 66
Some sickos in Anglosphere leadership
And to all those debating whether or not DU is a hazard to health...
30 mins ago Sputnik posted this:
Fractured Ukraine Poisoned by Depleted Uranium 'Win' Scenario for Pentagon, Says Ex-DoD Official
the money graphs:
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul's hearing on "Oversight, Transparency, and Accountability of Ukraine Assistance" is aimed at exposing the Biden family and additional corruption among Dems to weaken the Democrats in 2024, retired Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski, a former analyst for the US Department of Defense, told Sputnik.On March 29, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul gave remarks at a full committee hearing on Ukraine oversight and accountability, stressing that American taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going. At the same time, he emphasized that he does not conduct this oversight to undermine or question the importance of military aid for Ukraine, but to "incentivize the administration and Ukraine to use funds from Congress with the highest degree of efficiency and effectiveness." So far, the US has provided over $110 billion to the Kiev regime.
[.]According to Kwiatkowski, the rationale behind McCaul's hearings is to deal a blow to Team Biden and the Democratic Party ahead of the 2024 presidential election. It's no secret to anyone in Congress that Ukraine is the most corrupt country in Europe, however most US lawmakers don't want to stop aiding Kiev as it would reduce the billions of dollars going into the Pentagon and into the Defense sector, according to the former DoD analyst. She stressed that Congress as a whole protects the federal redistribution of tax dollars and debt to their important donors.
"Even if Ukraine ends up fractured, under a US-selected military commander, permanently polluted with mines and depleted uranium dust, with a collapsed infrastructure and half of its prior population - even then, Ukraine can still be seen as an American forward base in the coming decade. It cannot be spoken - but that is the 'win' scenario for the Pentagon and US defense contractors, and it is quite achievable – and creative politicians and strategists will claim that this "successful outcome" was created for them by Russia's SMO," Kwiatkowski noted.[.] (emphasis added)
Well there now Mr. Putin and Mr. Shoigu, you have been warned; it's all the way to Poland.
Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 29 2023 19:46 utc | 67
@unimperator | Mar 29 2023 18:26 utc | 60
Ive been saying for a while that Russia might insist in peace negotiations that each region hold monitored referendums to decide which country, if any, they wish to join. Self-determination instead of external dictation. A "Ukraine" might, or not, even exist after that effort; it might be named after Bandera.
Posted by: barstool | Mar 29 2023 19:52 utc | 68
barstool @ 68
A "Ukraine" might, or not, even exist after that effort; it might be named after Bandera.
I vote for "Javelina".
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 19:55 utc | 69
Military summary new analysis on coming Ukraine deployments. They say 3 army corps, 19 brigades including 2 artillery brigades. Remember that Ukraine just announced a 500k mobilization over 4 months.
One interesting point he also made was that Ukraine isn't forming any tank units, the tanks are all distributed to mechanized infantry units. It's most likely because there simply aren't that many tanks and/or the tanks are meant to operate with the AFV/IFV columns and advances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjZVetta734
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 29 2023 20:08 utc | 70
A year ago most of the peoples in the Western world were pretty eager to see the USA and NATO take on the Russians.
Most thought the West would quickly bring the Russians to their knees economically and win the sanction war. They thought that Russia would easily be defeated on both the economic and the military battle fields.
The average person had no idea what this conflict was going to cost them personally. The average Western person still does not have a clue how much more this conflict is about to cost them.
Now a year later, a much larger portion of the populations in Europe have figured out what the current conflict with Russia is costing them. It's sad that more foreward thinking people were not around to see how this conflict could directly impact them.
Fortunately, many have woke up to the reality of taking on the bear. And most of them are ready to see an end of the conflict as quick as possible. This is especially true for those who live in the most impacted places so far, that is in Europe.
However, the leaders will not let it go. The USA has the most to lose. If it sues for peace, then Russia will still be around with its current leadership. And that leadership is a direct threat to the USA world hegemony. If Russia is allowed to continue to isolate itself from the USA hegemony, then not only Russia but many other countries will be embolden to slip away from the grasp of the USA. This is starting to already happen.
The USA has no intention of losing its hegemony with its money (the USD) losing it world's reserve currency status.
So, we are at stalemate. The USA and its vassal NATO countries are not going to back down.
All talk about a peace agreement is wasted words and time listening to such words. When different commentators start talking about a peace agreement, I quickly click off their channel. This is not because I don't want peace. It is because it is obvious that is not where this conflict is heading. Listening to such is A WASTE OF TIME which I don't have to be spending upon speculations that just are not going to happen in this case.
The Ukrainain conflict and Russia's Special Military Operation are going to spiral to nuclear war. This is the logical conclusion to where the current conflict in Ukraine is heading. The escalator of escalation will guarantee that is the case. Spend time looking at the continue and exponential increase in the escalation.
The only question that remains, is when will the nuclear war come?
The best time for Russia to launch is when the bear has taken and secured all the Donbas. This will ensure that a very nasty and hostile AFU army is no longer on its Western border. This position is supported by the writings of the Prophet Daniel found within the Bible in Daniel 7:5 where the bear has 3 ribs in its mouth between its teeth before it arises and devours much flesh.
The bear has raised itself up on one side and is now in the process of having 3 ribs in its mouth. Those ribs just are not between the teeth of the bear yet. I think they will be when the Donbas is taken and secured by Russia. I think the 3 ribs are Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
Be watchful of a Russian launch soon after the bear takes and secures the Donbas which includes all of the Donetsk and the Luhansk regions. If you live in the USA or any of its territories, take an extended vacation outside of the USA before the bear takes all of the Donbas. Get your assets and hide out of the USA.
This may prove to be the most important survival decision you could make. You really don't want to be caught up in any country that has been destroyed by nukes and has invading armies coming in to take and to destroy.
Posted by: young | Mar 29 2023 20:09 utc | 71
Some say that America favours long wars because long wars destabilise their opponents and prevent them from growing and then competing with the US. So America favours a long war in Ukraine, in the hope that a long war will destabilise Russia. And yes, America is trying to instigate lots of little wars all around Russia with the same aim. Only problem is: Russia doesn't have a problem fighting all these skirmishes. In fact Russia is also intent on fighting a long war in Ukraine, with the intention of royally pissing the West off because the West can't compete with Russian armaments production.
So the West and Russia both agree on a long war. If the West wins in Ukraine there will be no-one speaking Russian in Ukraine, definitely no-one belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. But if Russia wins in Ukraine will Putin leave any Ukrainian speakers in Ukraine? Definitely if long term peace is an objective there can be no Ukrainian speakers left in Ukraine, and all must belong to the Russian Orthodox Church. Anything less and this conflict will just be fought in a few generations time again. Then also Russia will have to occupy the whole of Ukraine, any subdivision will just lead to conflict in the future, as agreements and treaties are not worth anything.
But while the West has clear objectives and intentions in Ukraine, Russia just seems to be making up things as they go along. Russia is just not taking this conflict seriously, even Putin said that Russia hasn't really started anything in Ukraine yet. Its like Russia is just following the Eastern concept that its only war when its total war, otherwise its just a minor misunderstanding. So for Russia the conflict in Ukraine is just a minor misunderstanding. Its not a existential issue for Russia because Russia can just shell there indefinitely. Meanwhile for the West it is an existential issue because the whole world will laugh at the West if the West doesn't win in Ukraine.
Posted by: gT | Mar 29 2023 20:12 utc | 72
Let's wish his majesty the d..ck swinger comedian President of the Ukrainian neonazis good luck in his campaign to take over Crimea.From a military point of view, how could he dream of going to Crimea when Ukrainian NATO proxies are losing in the center of the battlefield, Artemovsk, Avdeevka...? Also there's noticeable change in Zelinski's appearance. He looks a little bit wiser these days. It seems he has given up much of his earlier infantile tough-guy/superman character. Once Artemovsk is liberated, he'll be ready to leave Ukraine.
Posted by: maskazer | Mar 29 2023 20:13 utc | 73
Cheers, b.
That's the best i can offer, but it is heartfelt.
Posted by: Pacifica_Advocate | Mar 29 2023 20:15 utc | 74
Posted by: hans23 | Mar 29 2023 15:21 utc | 18
"A similar petition appeare in UK, but just 110 signatures so far.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635335"
Well I've signed it! Now there are 138 signatures... seems most of the UK not bothered...
QK
Posted by: Qolotlh Kernow | Mar 29 2023 20:16 utc | 75
Posted by: Mike314159 | Mar 29 2023 16:21 utc | 37
Summary of post-WW2 research about artillery effectiveness being ignored in favour of trying to transform the big guns into long range killing devices. The West’s obsession with accuracy allowed the MIC to gouge billions for these systems; whilst allowing politicians to cut their overall numbers and supporting inventories, by over-claiming their force multiplier capabilities. The end result of this cynical policy is evident in the Ukraine, with over-inflated claims for the technologies effectiveness as a substitute for real battle-winning capabilities.
https://wavellroom.com/2020/08/18/the-psychology-of-artillery-effectiveness-fire-support/
Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 29 2023 19:46 utc | 67
Alternatively, the West are desperately trying to rationalise their disastrous decision to provoke Russia and claim victory whatever the outcome.
Posted by: Milites | Mar 29 2023 20:19 utc | 76
Re: the seized $300 billion of Russian foreign reserves
It appears the EU has recognized there is no legal basis for simply keeping the money. The scheme now is to “invest” the sums and use the returns from investment for Ukraine reconstruction. This will require re-writing the hastily conceived sanctions protocols from last year. It will also need coordination with the G7 and others to avoid ‘spooking investors who could shun European financial infrastructure if the EU acted unilaterally.”
Posted by: jayc | Mar 29 2023 20:20 utc | 77
I’m sure there will still be enough intelligent well-informed logical posters here to keep this blog well worth reading while b takes a break.Posted by: Dalit | Mar 29 2023 14:39 utc | 3
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 29 2023 20:29 utc | 79
Posted by: jayc | Mar 29 2023 20:20 utc | 77
So the Ukraine laundromat keeps tumbling: steal Russian assets, claim your reinvesting in Ukraine who then pay their mercenary masters,i in DC/Brussels, with the cash.
Posted by: blueswede | Mar 29 2023 20:23 utc | 78
Probably reacting to his constituents who, like an increasing number of US citizens, are getting increasingly vocal about the Biden administrations involvement in the conflict. The House investigation of Hunter Biden’s finances keeps turning up evidence of Ukrainian involvement, and whilst the MSM ignore or attack their findings the public mood, especially among conservatives, seems to be slowly shifting.
Posted by: Milites | Mar 29 2023 20:35 utc | 80
@78 They will be running around frantically looking for some dirt on Senator Brakey.
Posted by: dh | Mar 29 2023 20:47 utc | 81
blueswede | Mar 29 2023 20:23 utc
Great speech.
I think it's the Maine Senate though so hopefully people will share it.
Posted by: spudski | Mar 29 2023 20:49 utc | 82
@29 Down South
Just as a point of accuracy, Representative McCaul is spelled AUL, not ALL.
Posted by: David Hart | Mar 29 2023 20:51 utc | 83
"Meanwhile for the West it is an existential issue because the whole world will laugh at the West if the West doesn't win in Ukraine."
The West will get "microaggressioned", is that it? Maybe the Global South with deliberately use the "wrong" pronouns for the EU and America?
Just curious: Does "gT" stand for "gay Troll"? I'm wondering `cuz your priorities are extremely gay.
So that you know, I am laughing at you right now, so go have an existential crisis in your "safe space".
Posted by: William Gruff | Mar 29 2023 20:51 utc | 84
sarmat | Mar 29 2023 15:34 utc | 24 "...The West wants nuclear exchange...
Half true at best. (1) They don't want "exchange", but a shock-and-awe strike by their forces without retaliation. (2) And even this scenario is not the whole West. Neither in territory nor population. Only the transatlantic warmongers who think they are safe in the distance, plus the few with bunkers in New Zealand.
Your username isn't a coincidence, is it? Here are a few articles about Sarmat, making clear that (1) and (2) above are based on lethally wrong unrealistic premises.
Posted by: OttoE | Mar 29 2023 20:52 utc | 85
Judge Napolitano interviews Col. Douglas Macgregor today, March 29, 2023. 1 hour ago @ 4:50 PM EST as I write.
Macgregor posted a map of the frontline; said his sources told him:
Bakhmut has effectively fallen completely surrounded by RF troops. Will UKR surrender?
Map up @ 6 min. 22 secs discussed in detail troop forces RF UKR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQw7ZXiZJTU
Have a chuckle at the clip, Lloyd Austin saying UKR will be successful.
Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 29 2023 20:56 utc | 86
LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 18:23 utc | 59:
The 50,000 Special Forces is a bit of an exaggeration. I doubt any help of significance would be sent by North Korea as both China and North Korea is expecting the Empire to open up a new front in the Pacific. I don't believe the PMC excuse is really needed. They can just say volunteers decided to help Russia. It's no different than the help Ukraine and ISIS used to receive in the past.
Posted by: Ian2 | Mar 29 2023 21:03 utc | 87
Qolotlh Kernow | Mar 29 2023 20:16 utc | 75
Posted by: hans23 | Mar 29 2023 15:21 utc | 18"A similar petition appeare in UK, but just 110 signatures so far.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635335"
Well I've signed it! Now there are 138 signatures... seems most of the UK not bothered...
Biscotte they're not as stupid as you, you, you have now given your views, poss name & address to the people who really, really would like to know who their enemies are ?
Mmm, kay?
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Mar 29 2023 21:05 utc | 88
LightYearsFromHome | Mar 29 2023 18:45 utc | 62
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (your linked video), partitioning of 404 -> Your conclusion "...The nukes in Belarus imply that Ukraine will be dealt with solely by Russia and no one else..."
Agreed. The Iskanders in Belarus dissuade Poland in particular. See this map
Posted by: OttoE | Mar 29 2023 21:18 utc | 89
Catdog (4), thanks for citing that thread. Dead prisoners are a profit center for Russia. They are a net cost re: human capital. Whereas law abiding civilians are valuable human capital. When they die, millions of dollars (thousands of oz of gold if you prefer) of value is lost per death. Prigozhin is all about making $. He's Russia's official entrepreneur of state services. Whether it's Kremlin catering, mercenaries, or prison-commercial 'partnerships' he sure knows how to extract value from strange places.
"Pictures starting to filter out of Ukraine's new Leopards. Looks like the AFU is slapping ERA tiles and side skirts on what is already an overweight vehicle. The grand reconquesta of Crimea is going to be quite the show - I'm looking forward to it."
https://twitter.com/witte_sergei/status/1641191977298567168
Yes, it does look like the mighty battleship Yamato with all its weight and glory.
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 29 2023 21:39 utc | 91
Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 29 2023 20:56 utc | 86
thanks for that link, I'm always interested in what Macgregor has to say.
Posted by: pretzelattack | Mar 29 2023 21:41 utc | 92
Military summary reporting central Bakhmut fallen, town hall captured by Wagner.
MacGregor may have a better source indicating that the western pincers have closed. Who knows. I would think leaving it open for the Ukies to crawl through the mud would be smarter.
Posted by: Chris | Mar 29 2023 21:49 utc | 93
Mariupol was surrounded and it still took almost a month to capture it. We see similar with Bakhmut, urban fighting is slow.
Posted by: alek_a | Mar 29 2023 21:55 utc | 94
Ian2@87
Where in the Pacific? China is not going to engage in military actions re Taiwan, which is an apple slowly ripening which will fall into Beijing's lap soon enough.
Where else? A CIA/Turkish guerrilla war in Zinkiang? Or Tobet? Hardly likely.
I see no prospect of any US initiatives, except of the propaganda/provocation type in the Pacific. Surely you fon't believe that South Korea is going to invade the North, again?
The truth is that the US is at a tremendous disadvantage in the Far East, and most of Asia and having Australia on their side won't do them much good.
That's why they have chosen the European venue it is the only one remotely favourable to them. As to North Korea using its forces in Europe why should it not? NATO threw in its weight behind the US Sygnhman Rhee and fascism- they almost reduced the country to ashes. North Korea owes them...
Posted by: bevin | Mar 29 2023 21:56 utc | 95
Posted by: alek_a | Mar 29 2023 21:55 utc | 94
Well, maybe, but it appears the Ukrainians blundered yet again. They threw a lot of resources into the west trying to keep some sort of muddy supply line technically "open" so that they could win the press conference, per usual.
Meanwhile, Wagner is cutting off the entire central side of Bakhmut from the west. Divide and destroy.
Posted by: Chris | Mar 29 2023 21:59 utc | 96
cery hard for me to comment these days because i have to use ohone.
lots of ttpis and shift jey a total pain. no mouse to aid correction.
i suggest read pearls and irritations. Australian sute and the writers are old guard very very very reoutabke .
beware priz from wagner. dangerous guy. remember he is a mercenary. all mercenaries are dangerous. it is in their nature.
.putin is no young and will retire soonish.
i see three candidates competing. prizy from Wagner is one and would be a terrible oresidebt. lacks any diplomatic skill whatever and probably wouls turn full dictator and eveb be bought he is a mercenary.
me devev is making all the right noises but byt but.
r
then there is the wonderful Maria. i guess you know my preference.
Posted by: watcher | Mar 29 2023 22:05 utc | 97
then there is the wonderful Maria. i guess you know my preference.
Posted by: watcher | Mar 29 2023 22:05 utc | 97
Wouldnt that be something? Russia to have a female president before the US does. Liberal exploding heads proclaiming that if Trump wasnt there, they would have won that race!
Posted by: alek_a | Mar 29 2023 22:26 utc | 99
I think (as I have previously said) that this whole Ukraine (and soon to be Taiwan too..probably) thing is most likely part of a bigger plan, to get a third world war going, and from that a One World Government. The people behind this (the Rothschilds, Rockefellers etc., basically the Illuminati) intend to enslave all of humanity by taking cash out and microchipping everyone. This is Biblical stuff, literally. The mark of the beast. They are probably planning on killing most of us through some engineered virus too, they were behind covid too, after all. There's proof of that too, but for some reason I can't post the link on this site, the message won't go through.
Posted by: just somebody | Mar 29 2023 22:28 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
Well, in b's well-earned absence, what are the best sources of information out there?
I read Donbass Devushka
https://t.me/s/DonbassDevushka
Used to read Intel Slava Z and Lord Of War, but neither seem available now to non-Telegrammers. Pity.
Also https://t.me/s/RVvoenkor, "Operation Z", but you need a translate custom control or similar on your browser as it's in Russian.
What's out there that's not youtube? I like to read.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Mar 29 2023 14:32 utc | 1