Moon of Alabama Brecht quote
June 26, 2023
Ukraine Open Thread 2023-151

Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict.

The current open thread for other issues here.

Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators.

Comments

All Prigozhin / Wagner stuff has to go into this thread. It doesn’t belong here.

Posted by: b | Jun 26 2023 16:00 utc | 1

It isn’t Ukraine they are so intent on defending — it’s their control over their neoliberal system as Putin stops them over and over from doing what they want, when they want, and how they want. First he stopped their pillaging of Russia, then Syria, and who knows what else has been put on hold because of a fear of Putin? Invading Iran maybe? Central Asia? From: Pride Comes Before The Fall (Of Europe)

Posted by: kana | Jun 26 2023 16:31 utc | 2

ntel Slava Z
🇨🇳🇷🇺 Chinese assessment of the events of June 23-24.
“The suppression of the rebellion in such a short period of time actually strengthened the authority of the Putin administration. The Russian president himself once again reaffirmed his commitment to Russia’s interests in Ukraine, calling a special military operation his priority” (c) Global Times

Posted by: james | Jun 26 2023 16:31 utc | 3

I see from RF MoD clobber lists that Russia is still handing the AFU it’s a***e in a big way. What I find amusing rather than irritating is the likes of Blinken and the Western MSM making big claims that Russia is weak following the events of the last 2 days. On the contrary, Putin, Russia’s Govt and the Russian Army have emerged stronger, much stronger.
The Russian Army is on the cusp of winning this hands down. The number of AFU surrenders, if my understanding of information is correct, is extremely high. Zelensky has now ordered a mass mobilisation but, what good is this going to do other than kill hundreds of thousands more Ukranian young men. My God, Zelensky will be remembered for two things (i) the complete and utter destruction of his country and the wiping out of an entire generation of young, middle aged and older men for nothing more than greed, money and power and (ii) the brutal Nazi Dictator that he is who is guilty of very serious, numerous war crimes. He will be exposed, it’s just a matter of time. I think ordinary Ukranians are powerless at the moment with the SBU arresting anyone who speaks Russian and other alleged crimes. People are still going missing.
Russia has got this fair and square. the Collective West can’t stand it so are seeking to prolong this massacre of Ukrainian citizens in their name for their own interests. I do not believe God will allow this degenerate, deep rooted malice and evil to exist in the world. Russia has stepped up to the mark and has exposed the utter corruption, immorality, degeneracy and power made wannabee Dictators in the collective West.
Where do the collective West think Ukraine is going to get any more men from to shore up their army? I believe that Russia are on the brink of the major breakthrough that will collapse Ukraine entirely. On this front, I note the Samart is due, imminently, to be deployed. I can’t see this being held by the AFU past the end of July/August 2023. It’s numerically impossible. Biden is, without doubt, the biggest war criminal in all of this Nuland being a close second.
I cannot fathom how a President of any country would allow his country to be destroyed in such a manner just to serve the interests of the collective West and, of course, Zelensky’s own greed and lust for power. Ukraine is, in the near future, not going to exist in any form. If it does exist in some form, who would want to be President? Billions of dollars in debt, the total collapse of society, the total collapse of the economy and the total eradication of the young generation who would, in any functional society, build the future of the country. The collective West will walk away from this as populations of their respective countries become poorer, face redundancies, their housing and homes being at risk and their Governments become ever more Fascist and Draconian by the day. The people are slowly beginning to and will rise up.
So, I am more hopeful that this cesspit of corruption (including the USA) will be brought down either by de-dollarisation, a people’s revolution (I think here the French will lead the way) and the big fight against this pathetic ‘woke’ culture.
I am going to end this by quoting something that was in Pravda some months ago in reference to Govts pushing this ‘woke’ agenda: “When I observe Europe and the US, I don’t see cohesive, patriotic and vibrant societies marching into a multicultural utopia, but near civil wars based on ethnicity, colour and culture divides. The European Union Slogan of ‘Diversity is our strength’ is in fact a weakness and creates easily exploitable divisions.. Moreover, every country and civilisation in history collapsed when a competing culture became dominant”. In other words, it’s got nothing, absolutely nothing to do with ‘inclusion’ but rather ‘exclusion’ of the ‘norm’.

Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 16:42 utc | 4

5. Right. Putin has seen down the road of the neoliberal agenda and as a nationalist doesnt like what he saw. The West has had a multiplicity of opportunies to negotiate with him an acceptable compromise..but we continue – again and again – to try to enforce our will. It’s a sort of childish, ‘who do they think they are’ response to Russias nuanced strategic competence.
They think Russia is still that of the Yeltsin years.
Putin is making the strategic leadership of the West look like a gaggle of retards, from this perspective. They might want to look into their internal hiring practices..maybe nepotism doesn’t build strong decision making. Whoda thunk it?

Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Jun 26 2023 16:47 utc | 5

Both Russian Prigozhin and Russian General Shoigu look to become quick history regarding the Ukrainain conflict. Along their side of forgotten generals and heros will be missing Ukrainian Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
The next star of the conflict will be Russian General Surovikin as his Russian forces plow through the Army Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv.

Posted by: young | Jun 26 2023 17:00 utc | 6

posted by Open Source Intelligence Monitor @sentdefender (Twitter) this morning:
Preparations are reportedly underway for the Construction of a Major Operations Base for the Wagner PMC Group near the Town of Osipovichi in the Mogilev Region of Eastern Belarus, with the Base said to be able to House and Support up to 8,000 Fighters; Belarusian Media has stated this is part of a plan to Build a Network of Camps and Facilities for the Wagner Group across Southern and Eastern Belarus with the Majority being roughly 100 Miles from the Border with Ukraine.
Reasonable to assume the plans and preparations for this base HAD to have been in place BEFORE the alleged “mutiny” took place. How to reconcile that with the events of the past few days…

Posted by: Irish | Jun 26 2023 17:01 utc | 7

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Jun 26 2023 16:23 utc | 3
Not a bad anlaysis. You surprise me sometimes …

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jun 26 2023 17:02 utc | 8

Flamethrowers ?
In one the recent clobber lists, there was mention of the RF using flamethrowers in a attack to dislodge NATO forces. It language appeared to describe armored flamethrower vehicle(s).
Questions:
1) anyone know if the Russian Military has flamethrowing armoured vehicles ?
2) It’s my uneducated impression that Flamethrowers are only used against dug in or fortified defenders. Did this clobber list attack mean that certainRF units are now going on the offensive ?
Thoughts ?

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 17:05 utc | 9

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 17:05 utc | 12
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOS-1
Not “flamethrower” in the sense that it doesn’t shoot stream of napalm, but thermobaric rockets.

Posted by: catdog | Jun 26 2023 17:12 utc | 10

Posted by: kana | Jun 26 2023 16:31 utc | 5
Fredrik Hayek described his philosophy of neoliberalism as the political economy of fascism devoid of bias towards any group other than capital. The cult of Fredrik Hayek has been spread through the university system in the west to become the ruling ideology despite it being the antithesis of any form of progress or human achievement. Ayn Rand postulated in her work of fiction Atlas Shrugged that the rule of capital would create high speed rail. Reality gives you Palestine Ohio being attacked by a chemical weapon in broad daylight and a barely functional system of transport that sets society back over its Dengist or Keynesian competitors. The war in Ukraine is Neoliberalism vs Dengism as Putin in action if not words is a follower of Deng.

Posted by: badjoke | Jun 26 2023 17:13 utc | 11

The Great Ukrainian Counteroffensive was stage managed to “justify” more money and weapons to Ukraine as the US authorization ran dry in Sept.
It fizzled. The Ukraine War project was in trouble.
Then along comes the change of subject, a new excuse. Already we have seen more money and weapons pledged to Ukraine, just as hoped, plus more troops to the Baltics as well. All it took was a failed regime change, no matter how lame, and the project was railroaded through on “fears” of what might happen.
Now, will the counteroffensive just disappear from view, its real purpose served?

Posted by: Mark Thomason | Jun 26 2023 17:23 utc | 12

@12 Flamethrowers ?
To save me a bunch of typing please do a search on Russian TOS 1 Heavy Flame thrower.
It is the “Flamethrower” of which is spoken of. Awesome weapon.

Posted by: Golddigger | Jun 26 2023 17:25 utc | 13

@ Exile 12
TOS-1 is terrifying.

Posted by: NJH | Jun 26 2023 17:27 utc | 14

@ b | Jun 26 2023 16:00 utc | 1
Thank you.

Posted by: John Kennard | Jun 26 2023 17:29 utc | 15

Cognitive dissonance at it’s best.
https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1673359887005253638?s=20

Posted by: jpc | Jun 26 2023 17:30 utc | 16

[9]
You clearly know zilch about Soviet and post-Soviet culture
Unlike USA Soviet culture had Military under Party ie CIVILIAN control
Shoigu is NOT a General – he is a civilian

Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Jun 26 2023 17:35 utc | 17

Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 16:42 utc | 7
What is odd is that the RF is a real multicultural multilingual society with true acceptance and integration of ethnic minorities on the basis of equality and respect. They actually are what the west pantomimes to be and the rulers of the west hate them for it.

Posted by: badjoke | Jun 26 2023 17:47 utc | 18

As nobody else has posted it yet, here’s today’s ‘clobber list’ from the Russian Defence Ministry: https://eng.mil.ru/en/special_operation/news/more.htm?id=12471412@egNews

Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a long-range maritime and airborne high-precision strike at foreign-made ammunition, sent to Ukraine by Western countries.
The goal of the strike has been achieved. All the assigned targets have been engaged.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have continued their attempts to conduct offensive operations in Donetsk, Krasny Liman, and South Donetsk directions during the previous 24 hours.
Two enemy attacks have been successfully repelled due to skilful and committed actions of the Yug Group of Forces units in the vicinity of Spornoye (Donetsk People’s Republic) during the day.
Up to 195 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, as well as two American-made Paladin self-propelled artillery units have been eliminated in this direction during the day.
In Krasny Liman direction, Tsentr Group of Forces’ units, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses to the units of 21st and 63rd Armed Forces of Ukraine Mechanised Brigades close to Nevskoye (Lugansk People’s Republic), and Terny, Torskoye (Donetsk People’s Republic).
Two sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been eliminated close to Kuzmino (Lugansk People’s Republic).
The enemy has suffered losses of over 90 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, five pick-up trucks, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and one D-30 howitzer in this direction in the past 24 hours.
In South Donetsk close to Vremevka salient, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems of the Vostok Group of Forces have repelled four enemy attacks in the area of Rovnopol (Donetsk People’s Republic).
Moreover, the Russian Forces have repelled an attack of the 47th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).
In addition, actions of one sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been thwarted near Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region).
The total losses of the enemy in these directions during the day amounted to over 150 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, two pick-up trucks, and one Msta-B and one D-20 howitzers.
?? In Kupyansk direction, Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces launched strikes at enemy manpower and hardware near Novomlynsk, Timkovka (Kharkov region), and Artyomovka (Lugansk People’s Republic).
The enemy’s losses in this direction during the day amounted to over 30 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, and two Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery systems.
In Kherson direction, up to 35 Ukrainian servicemen, three motor vehicles, and two Msta-B howitzers have been neutralised by fire.
An ammunition depot of the 126th Territorial Defence Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been obliterated close to Kazatskoye (Kherson region).
Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces have engaged 83 AFU artillery units, manpower and hardware in 104 areas during the day.
A communication centre of the 25th Airborne Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed close to Ivanovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).
An armament repair and recovery facility of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been hit near Novoyakovlevka (Donetsk People’s Republic).
Russia’s Air Defence shot down 19 unmanned aerial vehicles close to Privolye, Rubezhnoye, Zaliman, and Belogorovka (Lugansk People’s Republic), Vladimirovka and Spornoye (Donetsk People’s Republic), Mirnoye, Ocheretovatoye (Zaporozhye region), and Proletarka (Kherson region).
In total, 444 airplanes and 240 helicopters, 4,798 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,356 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,131 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,238 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,197 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

More heavy losses of troops for the AFU (All F*cked Up?), doesn’t look as if matters got too distracted by the Rostov Ring Cycle saga.

Posted by: West of England Andy | Jun 26 2023 17:50 utc | 19

I think people are making a mistake in keep harping on about Shoigu not coming from a military background. There are numerous Defence Secretaries of State around the world that have no military background. Shoigu, in my opinion, is doing a good job. Gerasimov, a very well respected General with a lengthy military background and a highly successful one at that, is in overall charge of the SMO and, from where I am sitting, the Russians are delivering in a spectacular way even though there is little acknowledgement of that. There is no reason to remove either of them.
I mean, UVDL was a German Defence Secretary of State with no military training whatsoever. In the end she was uncovered and sacked by Merkel for being corrupt and found to be too. Look where she is now. What about Stoltenberg, no military background at all yet General Secretary of NATO. All this pointing at Shoigu is rubbish. He is competent and capable.

Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 17:51 utc | 20

Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Jun 26 2023 17:35 utc | 20

You clearly know zilch about Soviet and post-Soviet culture
Shoigu is NOT a General – he is a civilian

Ah, but Mr. Greenwood, it appears neither do you:

Allegiance: Russia
Branch/service: Military Council of the Civil Defence Troops
Years of service: 1991–present
Rank: General of the Army
Battles/wars 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine (chairman)
Awards: Hero of the Russian Federation , Order of St. Andrew (with swords)

And in general response to the ignorance around Shoigu’s background displayed on these forums:L

– In 1991, Yeltsin appointed him head of the newly established Russian Rescue Corps, responsible for the rescue and disaster response system. The Rescue Corps replaced the previous Soviet civil defense system and soon absorbed the 20,000-strong militarized Civil Defense Troops of the …. with Shoigu being appointed chairman of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations, and Disaster Response.
– Civil Defense remained a quasi-military organization in continuation of Soviet practice and Shoigu was politically involved, such as an unsuccessful attempt to evacuate Russian-backed Afghan President Mohammad Najibullah in 1992 and
– the intended distribution of weapons from the Civil Defense stocks to Yeltsin supporters during the October 1993 coup.
– In keeping with the militarized nature of Russian civil defense, Shoigu received the rank of major general in 1993,[11] and was promoted swiftly to lieutenant general in 1995,[12] colonel general in 1998,[13] and to army general, in practice the highest Russian military rank, in 2003.[14] The committee was renamed the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) in 1994, making Shoigu a government minister.

And, oh wow:

He became popular because of his hands-on management style and high visibility during emergency situations, such as floods, earthquakes and acts of terrorism.[7] Under Shoigu, the responsibilities of the ministry were expanded to take over the Russian State Fire Service in 2002, making the MChS Russia’s third-largest force structure.[15]

(from Jewpedia)
This is a military man, through and through and one who ascended to his rank through experience, not by mere appointment.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Jun 26 2023 17:51 utc | 21

Alastair Crooke provides us with an outstanding essay, “The Negotiator’s Nightmare”, where he explores the massive problems anyone form the Outlaw US Empire will have to deal with in trying to find an end to their failed attack on Russia. Crooke provides us with the following opening and then goes on to explain further:

President Putin has said that he is open, at any time, to talks with an American interlocutor.
Why then, has no one come forward? Why, when there is growing anxiety amongst the American public that the war in Ukraine seems locked into forever escalation, and fears are palpable that “Joe Biden and the ‘warmongers in Congress’ are leading the U.S. to a ‘nuclear holocaust’”? This was the stark warning from former Presidential Candidate, Tulsi Gabbard, on Tucker Carlson’s widely-watched show.
The urgency to halt the slide towards escalation is clear: Whilst the space for political manoeuvre continuously shrinks, the momentum amongst the neo-cons in Washington, as well as Brussels, to land a fatal strike on Russia is not spent. Far from it, the talk in the lead-up to the NATO summit rather is one of preparing for a ‘long war’.
Urgency? Yes. It seems so simple – start talking. But seen from the perspective of a putative U.S. mediator, the task is anything but.

IMO, this is a brilliant essay for its insights into the huge problems the Empire’s negotiator will face–assuming we ever get to negotiations. It’s possible Russia could force an unconditional surrender on Ukraine without any negotiations and the Russia/Outlaw US Empire conflict will continue to be played out. I see the Big Picture closing down the Empire’s abilities in many areas globally while its domestic turmoil continues to escalate. I look forward to Crooke’s weekly interview with Judge Napolitano tomorrow where this essay and more will be discussed.

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 17:57 utc | 22

@ Jo Dominich, §21:
Unlike von der Lying and Jens “Dr Strangelove” StolenTurd.

Posted by: John Marks | Jun 26 2023 18:02 utc | 23

I mean, UVDL was a German Defence Secretary of State with no military training whatsoever. In the end she was uncovered and sacked by Merkel for being corrupt and found to be too. Look where she is now. What about Stoltenberg, no military background at all yet General Secretary of NATO. All this pointing at Shoigu is rubbish. He is competent and capable.
Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 17:51 utc | 21
Excellent point Joe.
The perils of the incompetent failing upwards.
And the consequences for Europe.

Posted by: jpc | Jun 26 2023 18:05 utc | 24

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 17:05 utc | 12
Good evening, for more details, Have a look to this terrific weapon
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/tos1-thermobaric-southern-ukraine-militia
Russian TOS-1 ‘Flamethrower’ Thermobaric Rocket Systems Neutralise Ukrainian Militias on Southern Frontlines

Posted by: Baerenkopf68 | Jun 26 2023 18:05 utc | 25

@Exile | Jun 26 2023 17:05 utc | 12
It refers to thermobaric warheads.

Posted by: ranelagh | Jun 26 2023 18:11 utc | 26

@7 jo
The only future for America-intact that involves deescalation with the east and dismantling of numerous foreign bases abroad will necessitate an open communist-revolution or a coming-out party of the power that is trying to keep reactionaries here in the states down. What do the reactionaries want: an end to unfettered immigration and state-sponsored crypto-migration, an end to an unregulated FED-banking complex (greenback as reserve currency), the stymieing of a CBDC, and a return of manufacturing jobs (protectionism and isolationism => nationalism).
What are the communists angling to do currently? Precisely the opposite. They want to erode the cohesion of reactionary (read: white conservatives of european-origin) by encouraging through all kinds of nefarious means a multicultural-place. But a multicultural-place is a misnomer. You can not have a place that is multicultural, because the term “place” is etymologically a spiritual-historical concept that gives a people its foundation, its wellspring, for culture.
And contrary to what FED-sponsored, “white-nationalist” ops on the interwebs will have you believe…the blacks are not what will spell our doom and total erosion into the tyrannical hands of the globalists. At this point, I would say hands-down it is the quiet-envy of Mestizos who will soon be challenging reactionaries openly and this will bring about violence or a great, open clashing.
Many think the U.S. will degenerate into a Brazil-type thing and this means that the current trend of erosion in the U.S. will continue apace. I think this is wishful thinking. The only way TPTB can hope for a Brazil-type thing to continue to occur in the U.S. is to somehow keep all the theater going, despite continuing erosion of purchasing-power of their dollar, despite the widening-gap of rich/poor, despite the uber-narrative of our military’s need to police bad, nazi-type dictators from picking on little guys falling by the wayside.
I happen to work alongside many, many Mestizos. Many make more than I do. They are friendly enough, but they either harbor no illusion that they are strangers in a strange land (iow, they demonstrate symptoms of lacking an identity that is derived from “place”), or that they are lying in wait to grab the throat of the more European-derived, the blancos, out of deep envy. The ones with more power and intelligence amongst them lean towards this envy-based hatred.
They have no place. They have no identity grounded in Christianity. This is untenable for all except a certain tribe of people who require the utter confusion and incoherence of their cattle’s sense of self. And they are flooding the states as a result of the bait-and-switch of globalism where whites were told their lives would be easier…but were conveniently not told that an easier life meant more or less to have no life at all.
The scrambling of the U.S. continues apace. It is, of course, readily obvious to any independent-minded thinker, while surveying the landscape, to notice that the old-left that haunts the bar here is currently rooting for ethnically-homogenous, and traditionally-governed (often times encouraging religion or a strong sense of self-surrender to the state (Turkey, Russia, China)) states. Meanwhile, they heap their scorn upon their own birth-countries in the west who encourage multiculturalism to their own detriment. One sees why commentary from the likes of someone like Jimmy Dore is acceptable to paleo-conservatives. There is an overlap currently, a meeting in the venn diagram of traditional leftists with paleo-conservatives, because they both recognize that globalism is a deeply-sinister force built on deception that, by its nature, sets the table for a great conflagration or break-up when its contradictory nature arises, like a boil in need of a lance.
We rightly notice there is a thunderous violence on the horizon. And the right and left are jockeying for position.

Posted by: NemesisCalling | Jun 26 2023 18:11 utc | 27

Re flamethrower: I think I saw a video of a weapon, not TOS-1, that looked like it was firing a stream of napalm (?) from a single barrel, at a distance of maybe 100-200m at most. Flat trajectory. Maybe it was just a steady stream of tracer shells. No idea what it’s called, but I sure wouldn’t want to be the target.
Maybe I’m remembering it wrong.

Posted by: Boris Badenov | Jun 26 2023 18:18 utc | 28

Barflies,
Thanks for quick answer on the ‚flamethrower‘ – interesting that the TOS is attached only to NBC units and not to regular Army. Also interesting that the range of the older units is a paltry 3km. The upgraded version has a max range of 10km
Finally, fascinating that the Saudi‘s have a liscense to build their own TOS.

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 18:25 utc | 29

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 17:57 utc | 23
A good piece by Alistair Crooke, thanks for the link. A very, very minor nitpick at the end of his article, the caterpillar doesn’t leave the chrysalis, the flying adult does. But overall, he’s right that any supposed Empire negotiator will not only be walking a tightrope, that tightrope itself is highly fragile and frayed.

Posted by: West of England Andy | Jun 26 2023 18:25 utc | 30

Doubtless it’s just coincidence, but I do recall one or two posters here making quite similar if not identical classical analogies a few days ago: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/26/prigozhin-julius-caesar-rubicon-wagner-putin

Posted by: Jupiter | Jun 26 2023 18:30 utc | 31

Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 17:51 utc | 21–
On Shoigu not having a military background, the position he was appointed to at MoD is primarily a management position, not a commander position. His rank is related to his career as Russia’s Minister of Emergency Situations. Wikipedia has the following:
“In keeping with the militarized nature of Russian civil defense, Shoigu received the rank of major general in 1993, and was promoted swiftly to lieutenant general in 1995, colonel general in 1998, and to army general, in practice the highest Russian military rank, in 2003. The committee was renamed the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) in 1994, making Shoigu a government minister. He became popular because of his hands-on management style and high visibility during emergency situations, such as floods, earthquakes and acts of terrorism. Under Shoigu, the responsibilities of the ministry were expanded to take over the Russian State Fire Service in 2002, making the MChS Russia’s third-largest force structure.”
It was during his tenure at MChS that Shoigu began his long relationship with Putin, but I have scant details on that aside from them sharing vacations in Siberia together often over the years. At 67, Shoigu is a few months older than me, but IMO remains very capable. All bureaucracies have “personality” problems that are hard to correct because of the nature of bureaucracies as many have described over the past 70+ years. IMO, the problems articulated by Prigozhin were projection on his part, not a reflection on the quality of Russia’s top military managers.

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 18:33 utc | 32

Arch Bungle | Jun 26 2023 17:51 utc | 22 (re Sho
*** military man, through and through and one who ascended to his rank through experience, not by mere appointment.***
That Shoigu supported Yesltsin says more than enough.

Posted by: Cynic | Jun 26 2023 18:33 utc | 33

Please someone put Maduro and Putin in the same pic laughing, saying Coup what Coup

Posted by: FundMe | Jun 26 2023 18:35 utc | 34

Putin will make a number of important statements tonight.
– Dmitry Peskov

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 18:42 utc | 35

Alexander Lukashenko’s press service also announced a speech

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 18:44 utc | 36

If anyone is interested in seeing what a TOS1 volley can do to a brigade. The Ukie command was under the impression that the Russians didn’t have very good nightime ISR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CMby_WPjk4&list=PLbkPPs8YO207tfAHwBoGoAXPixglb1NYZ&index=7&t=3163s

Posted by: Ralph Conner | Jun 26 2023 18:47 utc | 37

Putin will make a number of important statements tonight.
These statements, without exaggeration, will determine the fate of Russia.
Dmitry Peskov

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 19:00 utc | 38

The beginning of Putin’s address at 22:10, Moscow time

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 19:04 utc | 39

[22]
In fact I remain much better informed than you and clearly know much more about Soviet and post-Soviet politics than you do which is no surprise given my background.
Dr Rachel Levine is an Admiral despite never having served in the military because the title goes with the Public Health job for some weird American logic
Shoigu has zero military background – nada
Gerasimov is a General because he attended the Military Academy and is a career soldier.
Until Donald Trump fetishised Generals they were not in The White House but he put 3 at least in his administration which I do not recall ever happening before but now Biden has done the same with Raytheon having its pet general at DoD
Shoigu is not a military man and Gerasimov is which is the conventional civilian control of military

Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Jun 26 2023 19:10 utc | 40

That Shoigu supported Yesltsin says more than enough.
Posted by: Cynic | Jun 26 2023 18:33 utc | 34
############
Do you know who else supported Yeltsin?
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jun 26 2023 19:12 utc | 41

@ -> ostro | Jun 26 2023 19:04 utc | 40
The beginning of Putin’s address at 22:10, Moscow time
Any live link?

Posted by: whirlX | Jun 26 2023 19:13 utc | 42

Posted by: whirlX | Jun 26 2023 19:13 utc | 43
https://t.me/SolovievLive?livestream
Hope it will not be a senseless nothingburger like ALL his previous speeches

Posted by: Hartz4ukr | Jun 26 2023 19:17 utc | 43

Posted by: whirlX | Jun 26 2023 19:13 utc | 43
Try this: https://sputnikglobe.com/20230626/president-putin-delivers-statement-1111479237.html

Posted by: West of England Andy | Jun 26 2023 19:22 utc | 44

Karloff @33. Thank you for responding to my Post. It gives me hope that I do have some insight although not anything l ike the depth of experience you and other Posters here have.

Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 19:22 utc | 45

Putin clearly said it was a paid for attempt to start a civil war. Now what?

Posted by: Newbie | Jun 26 2023 19:22 utc | 46

Насчет исторического характера выступления Песков конечно погорячился.
Путин просто подвел черту под вопросом государственной оценки произошедших событий – с точки зрения государства это был вооруженный мятеж и никаких пересмотров этой позиции не будет.
“Вагнер” в прежнем виде, с учетом того, что части личного состава предлагают поступать на контракт МО РФ или увольняться (помимо варианта с Белоруссией) будет подвергнут реструктуризации.
As for the historical nature of the speech, Peskov certainly got excited.
Putin simply drew a line under the question of the state assessment of the events that took place – from the point of view of the state, it was an armed rebellion and there will be no revision of this position.
“Wagner” in its former form, taking into account the fact that parts of the personnel are offered to enter the contract of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation or leave (in addition to the option with Belarus) will be restructured.
CC

Posted by: repost | Jun 26 2023 19:25 utc | 47

Posted by: Ralph Conner | Jun 26 2023 18:47 utc | 38
That video lecture at West Point from 5 years ago is incredibly illuminating. Every Barfly should watch it starting at 40 minutes.
Lecturer is a NATO guy who spent a lot of time with Kiev‘s troops during the 2014-18 period.

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 19:26 utc | 48

Putin clearly said it was a paid for attempt to start a civil war. Now what?
Posted by: Newbie | Jun 26 2023 19:22 utc | 47
Now time to nuke Kiev and Poland and let the Wagner boys mop up.

Posted by: Night Tripper | Jun 26 2023 19:28 utc | 49

@48
More than that. Foreign instigated attempt to start a civil war …
Or did I get a mistranslation ?

Posted by: Newbie | Jun 26 2023 19:29 utc | 50

What a speech! Lol. No wonder Russia looks so weak. After a ragtag group of misfits nearly takes Moscow this clown gives that speech?! The comments on Russian Telegram (none of you understand Russian) are hilarious. People really want another option in Russia. Now you know why the citizens of Rostov supported Wagner.
If any of you still support Putin you are officially a bottom. Putin is the least Russian acting man I have EVER seen. He is pathetic. Weak. Afraid to do anything. Prigozhin is Russian. He is angry, pissed, and always wants to fight.

Posted by: Clyde | Jun 26 2023 19:29 utc | 51

@ Clyde | Jun 26 2023 19:29 utc | 52
A balance between Putin’s and Prygozhin’s characters keeps you and us alive.

Posted by: whirlX | Jun 26 2023 19:32 utc | 52

Обращение Путина. Главное:
📌Организаторы мятежа, предав страну, предали и тех, кто был с ними.
📌Враги России хотели, чтобы страна захлебнулась в кровавой междоусобице, они просчитались.
📌Попытки устроить смуту обречены на провал.
📌Вооруженный мятеж все равно был бы подавлен.
📌Подавляющее большинство бойцов «Вагнера» – патриоты Родины, их использовали втемную.
📌Благодарю всех военнослужащих, сотрудников спецслужб, которые встали на пути мятежников.
📌Путин заявил, что по его прямому поручению принимались решения, направленные на то, чтобы избежать крови.
📌Путин отметил, что мужество и самопожертвование павших в ходе субботних событий героев-летчиков уберегли от ужасных последствий.
📌Путин поблагодарил граждан РФ за выдержку, сплоченность и патриотизм.
📌Путин считает, что решающую роль в остановке мятежа сыграл патриотический настрой россиян, консолидация всего общества РФ.
📌Путин выразил признательность Лукашенко за вклад в разрешение ситуации с ЧВК «Вагнера».
📌Путин предложил бойцам «Вагнера» подписать контракт с Минобороны, вернуться домой или отправиться в Белоруссию.
📌Путин заверил, что данное им обещание вагнеровцам будет исполнено.
Putin’s speech. The main things:
The organizers of the rebellion, having betrayed the country, betrayed those who were with them.
The enemies of Russia wanted the country to drown in a bloody civil strife, they miscalculated.
Attempts to arrange a riot are doomed to failure.
An armed rebellion would have been suppressed anyway.
The vast majority of the Wagner fighters are patriots of the Motherland, they were used in the dark.
I thank all the military personnel, special services employees who stood in the way of the rebels.
Putin said that on his direct instructions, decisions were made aimed at avoiding blood.
Soloviev

Posted by: repost | Jun 26 2023 19:33 utc | 53

Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 16:42 utc | 5
If you knew what they had probably had to do to get in those positions of power, you’d understand they are slaves, desperately hoping to be granted manumission, by their ‘overlords’. Until genuinely popular movements sweep away the institutions that were the legacy of the Cold War, we are also slaves.
On a more positive note, read the comments on this Trump supporting website, the scales are beginning to drop.
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/06/25/sunday-talks-anthony-blinken-spins-a-tale-of-woe-for-vladimir-putin/
Of special interest was the earlier comments about the St Petersburg ‘Scarlet Sails’ festival. People are intuitively understanding what they are losing and have lost, and, in reaction, a grass-roots counter-movement is growing that has cost companies, pushing ‘the narrative’, billions.

Posted by: Milites | Jun 26 2023 19:34 utc | 54

Putin noted that the courage and self-sacrifice of the heroes-pilots who fell during Saturday’s events saved them from terrible consequences.
Putin thanked the citizens of the Russian Federation for their endurance, solidarity and patriotism.
Putin believes that the decisive role in stopping the rebellion was played by the patriotic mood of Russians, the consolidation of the entire society of the Russian Federation.
Putin expressed gratitude to Lukashenko for his contribution to resolving the situation with the Wagner PMCs.
Putin suggested that the Wagner fighters sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense, return home or go to Belarus.
Putin assured that his promise to the Wagnerians would be fulfilled.
Soloviev

Posted by: repost | Jun 26 2023 19:34 utc | 55

Thanks to everyone for posting links to the live feed and comments. I find Putin’s speech to be as comprehensible as that Machiavelli quotation that b posted.

Posted by: Bruised Northerner | Jun 26 2023 19:36 utc | 56

“Right turn, Clyde”…

Posted by: West of England Andy | Jun 26 2023 19:36 utc | 57

Putin thanked the citizens of the Russian Federation for their endurance, solidarity and patriotism.
Putin thanked the citizens of the Russian Federation for their endurance, solidarity and patriotism.
The highest consolidation of society was manifested.
An armed rebellion would have been suppressed anyway.
Everyone was united and united by the main thing — responsibility for the fate of society.
Putin noted that the public, parties, religious organizations, and the whole society took a firm position on supporting the constitutional order.
The organizers of the rebellion, having betrayed the country, betrayed those who were with them.
I would like to thank all the servicemen and special services who stood in the way of the rebels.
Putin noted that the courage and self-sacrifice of the heroes-pilots who fell during Saturday’s events saved them from terrible consequences.
The enemies of Russia wanted the country to drown in a bloody civil strife, they miscalculated.
The vast majority of the Wagner fighters are patriots of the Motherland, they were used in the dark.
Putin said that on his direct instructions, decisions were made aimed at avoiding blood.
Putin suggested that the Wagner fighters and commanders sign a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry or return to their families.
The enemies of Russia wanted the country to drown in a bloody civil strife, they miscalculated.
Attempts to arrange a riot are doomed to failure.
Putin assured that his promise to the Wagnerians would be fulfilled.
————————————————-
He never mentioned Prigozin by name.

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 19:36 utc | 58

@ 56. Putin suggested that the Wagner fighters sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense, return home or go to Belarus.
Army or back to their families, or was there a mistranslation. ?

Posted by: Newbie | Jun 26 2023 19:37 utc | 59

From Kommersant translation
06/26/2023, 22:31
2 minutes.
Putin’s address to the Russians after the rebellion of Prigozhin and Wagner PMC. Full text, video
“Dear friends! Today I once again appeal to all citizens of Russia. Thank you for your endurance, unity and patriotism. This civic solidarity has shown that any blackmail, attempts to arrange internal unrest are doomed to failure.
I repeat, the highest consolidation of society, executive and legislative power at all levels was shown. A firm, unambiguous position in support of the constitutional order was taken by public organizations, religious denominations, leading political parties, in fact, the entire Russian society. Everyone was united and rallied by the main thing – responsibility for the fate of the Fatherland.
I emphasize that from the very beginning of the events, all the necessary decisions were immediately taken to neutralize the threat that had arisen, to protect the constitutional order, the life and security of our citizens.
An armed rebellion would have been suppressed in any case. The organizers of the rebellion, despite the loss of adequacy, could not fail to understand this. They all understood, including that they went to criminal acts, to split and weaken the country, which is now confronting a colossal external threat, unprecedented pressure from outside. When at the front with the words “not a step back!” our comrades are dying.
However, the organizers of the rebellion, having betrayed their country, their people, betrayed those who were drawn into the crime. They lied to them, pushed them to death, under fire, to shoot their own.
It was precisely this outcome – fratricide – that the enemies of Russia wanted: neo-Nazis in Kyiv, and their Western patrons, and all sorts of national traitors. They wanted Russian soldiers to kill each other, so that military personnel and civilians would die, so that in the end Russia would lose, and our society would split, choke in bloody civil strife.
They rubbed their hands, dreaming of taking revenge for their failures at the front and during the so-called counteroffensive, but they miscalculated.
I thank all our military personnel, law enforcement officers, special services who stood in the way of the rebels, remained faithful to their duty, oath and their people. The courage and self-sacrifice of the fallen heroes-pilots saved Russia from tragic devastating consequences.
At the same time, we knew and we know that the overwhelming majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbass and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers in arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future.
Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed. This took time, including to give those who made a mistake a chance to think again, to understand that their actions are resolutely rejected by society, and to what tragic, destructive consequences for Russia, for our state, the adventure into which they were dragged leads.
I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner group who made the only right decision – they did not go to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line.
Today you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defense or other law enforcement agencies, or to return to your family and friends. Anyone who wants to can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled. I repeat, the choice is yours, but I am sure it will be the choice of Russian soldiers who have realized their tragic mistake.
I am grateful to President of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko for his efforts and contribution to the peaceful resolution of the situation.
But I repeat, it was the patriotic spirit of the citizens, the consolidation of the entire Russian society that played a decisive role these days. This support allowed us to overcome the most difficult trials for our Motherland together.
Thank you for that. Thank you.”

Posted by: daffyDuct | Jun 26 2023 19:43 utc | 60

@ Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 19:22 utc | 46
Jo, I always read your posts and find them interesting & well thought out. Don’t ever feel insecure about
posting. There are some very knowledgeable posters here for certain, but there are also
a lot of average folk, many of whom bluster, so I never think in any sense of intimidation.
As for Stoltenberg not being a military man and yet head of NATO, he has been a politician
since his teen years and is well versed in lying which is the primary requisite for that job.

Posted by: waynorinorway | Jun 26 2023 19:44 utc | 61

As I keep telling you trolls – Putin’s job is to do very little and let Russia implode from within. Russians are starting to realize this. If Wagner could get to the outskirts of Moscow with ease imagine a well-coordinated group of NATO soldiers. Game Over.
Some in Russia say a big announcement will come tomorrow…lol. The entire thing is pathetic. Prigozhin unloaded on the Kremlin and Putin again today! He just won’t stop! Love that guy! Why? Because he is alive. Passionate. Everything little Putin isn’t.
Again, the people of Rostov supported Wagner. Wagner is more Russian than the Russian military. It is tough, brutal, and mysterious. Putin and pals just want some European LGBT freaks to be their friends.
Remember when the dumb trolls came on here telling you that the slow pace was in the favor of Russia?! What clowns.

Posted by: Clyde | Jun 26 2023 19:45 utc | 62

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 19:26 utc | 49
I met that guy at a logistics event over a decade ago. We were joking around and I was struck at the visceral hatred he had for anything Russian.

Posted by: Ralph Conner | Jun 26 2023 19:46 utc | 63

@Clyde | Jun 26 2023 19:45 utc | 63
So Bonnie allowed you back on social media?

Posted by: the pessimist | Jun 26 2023 19:48 utc | 64

Putin speech was a nothing burger again !!!
5D Nothingburger!
„Flasche leer!“
Not worth to listen anymore any of his senseless monologues

Posted by: Hartz4ukr | Jun 26 2023 19:49 utc | 65

Reporter Rudenko reported in his TG channel that,
“The units of the Wagner PMCs, together with regular weapons and military equipment, entered the territory of Belarus.”
This was at 21.05 Moscow time.
What I still can’t fathom is why a part of Wagner entered Belarus with “regular weapons and military equipment”?

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 19:51 utc | 66

@ karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 17:57 utc | 23
thanks for the alastair crooke link.. i enjoyed it… it is a dilemma, isn’t it? The Negotiator’s Nightmare – is a good title for it..
———-
thanks for the live putin speech links folks..

Posted by: james | Jun 26 2023 19:54 utc | 67

I was struck at the visceral hatred he had for anything Russian.
Posted by: Ralph Conner | Jun 26 2023 19:46 utc | 64
————–
They suck that hate with their mother’s milk. I know a lot such hating people. Funniest part is that they have never met a Russian in their life! Maybe in a Rambo film… 🙂

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 19:55 utc | 68

I was struck at the visceral hatred he had for anything Russian.
Posted by: Ralph Conner | Jun 26 2023 19:46 utc | 64
——————-
Indeed but that’s what makes his West Point lecture so illuminating – he details how far ahead the RF military is ahead of the Pentagon in all sorts of operational and technical areas. Those West Point Cadets are now Majors.

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 19:55 utc | 69

Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Jun 26 2023 19:10 utc | 41
I don’t think he ‘fetishised generals’, I think he either naively decided, or was led to believe, they would be neutral/supportive members of his cabinet, that he was struggling to create. We now know they were one part of the institutions defence lines to stop any disruption to their schemes of self-advancement and financial ‘renumeration’.
As for Generals not being the traditional ‘Generals’, it’s just a legacy of modern militaries who fight their most savage battles with government budgets, spill ink not blood and are more capable of creating imaginative PP slides, not schemes of manoeuvre. Russia has the opportunity, after the SMO to gain a head start, leveraging its experiences in P2P warfare by replacing some of senior General Staff with people who have ‘seen the elephant’. The West has the scrambled egg brigade, who deploy on the editorial pages and can clean a buffet and bang their PA’s, but little else.

Posted by: Milites | Jun 26 2023 19:58 utc | 70

Meanwhile, from Sputnik: https://sputnikglobe.com/20230626/russian-jets-escort-uk-reconnaissance-aircraft-fighters-over-black-sea-1111479054.html

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Two Russian Su-27 fighter jets on Monday escorted an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and two multi-purpose Typhoon fighters of the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) over the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry’s National Defense Control Center said.
According to the center, radars detected three air targets approaching the Russian state border over the Black Sea. The Su-27 fighter was scrambled to prevent foreign aircraft from entering Russian airspace.
The Su-27 identified the air targets as an RC-135 electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft and two Typhoon multipurpose fighters of the RAF.
“When approaching Russian fighters, foreign military aircraft performed a U-turn from the state border of the Russian Federation,” the defense ministry said.

As a British taxpayer, I demand a refund. In no way, at no point in time have I been given the chance to consent or object to the use of my money for harassing the territorial integrity of Russia. But of course, in this “free and democratic”© miniature archipelago off the north-west coast of a minor Eurasian peninsula I don’t actually get a say,really.

Posted by: West of England Andy | Jun 26 2023 20:02 utc | 71

Mister NetanYahoo/Israel seems to be a new “Friend” of Russia?
NO – That guy is not a permanant friend of RF – anyway so far.
Israel has instantly understoo + proclaimed – after that probally “miss-understanding with Our USA Friends” – and have rejected any MSM speculation of ours they would support RF anyway.
That’s all published just like a joke for everyone , what the small Israel-Sttate still migh have a “power!.
They (the Israelis have NOTHING – despit firing day-by-day against cicilians in Gaza and elsewhere …..
Togay, pls. forget the Reuters Agency & it’s followers!
the newest ‘attacks’ occured on Florida, United States of America (so-called USA), as follows:
A car Pick-Up Ford-Frontier ran to a blocked road barrier in Arizona, may be the driver drunken) – with app. 70 mps speed into a Police “Steel”-blocked blockade .. Driver survived due to having Airbag – bur his eyes are destroyed forever.
so pls. now let’s assume the “same analogue” situation of above accident ..
Discovered by US/FBI, they would find some interesting pareallels to some old files, but “no more facts”
So let’s wait what better informed have to deliver some new facts (Simplicius, Dima, S.Ritter and some more then good hundreds of “them”, hopefully being further published on their own channels (but NOT on YT if ‘necessary’ by disrupting Ads).
Best is to hear on rumble.com – after Serching-Click on-Top: “What you search for” – then ernter i.e. “RT” .. or other search items ..
Sorry b. this is only a guide for the so-called newcomers – that never heard of this channel (may remember if You matched at that once?)
So, let’s following the only-focus on this treat:
he UKR/RF WAR” …
Several vids have already shown destroyed arm-vehivles + men beside dying – of the UKR guys – but the Mr. Olaf Scholz (President/Chancellor of GER) has never seen such videos.
So pls. Mr Olaf – Your current corruption trials here “forgotten” :
Show Your Antlantic FACE ! Do not try to hide — Go directly towards ‘EAST! into jail ..
Sorry Mr. Olaf S., we have identified You only as anormaö criminal person.
You have luck – will be “free” on 400,999 EUR Kaution, newer left the States of Germany,
has to report weekly on local Police Station.
MoA: Believe that of above story? No bot have discussed, neither I do believe anything before it’s a truth –
Think a while , MoA is one of my daily base means to ‘consume’ in Bern.
: MoAs go ahead ..! Thanks for thinking —

Posted by: spare_truth | Jun 26 2023 20:03 utc | 72

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 19:55 utc | 70 how far ahead the RF military is
I wish I could’ve seen his face in 2018 when Putin gave them a hint of how far behind they really were.

Posted by: Ralph Conner | Jun 26 2023 20:04 utc | 73

@LoveDonbass | 42
That Shoigu supported Yesltsin says more than enough.
Posted by: Cynic | Jun 26 2023 18:33 utc | 34
############
Do you know who else supported Yeltsin?
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
Thanks for that great reminder. In fact, wasnt it Yeltsin who appointed or recommended Putin for his first important post which eventually led to his becoming President.
Perhaps Yeltsin thought he was putting a nobody in place whom he could control but got more than he bargained for.
From the outside looking in, I have no idea is Shogui is a good guy or bad guy. Part of what we all miss (in my own opinion), is the skill Putin has shown in managing a state that had fragmented into a soup of oligarchs who each had a certain feudal power within the overall government. He maneuvered through that morass and resestablished the authority of the central government and has slowly been disarming the power and influence of the oligarchs. This is a task that takes generations, that he has accomplished what he has in 20 years suggests great ability and/or the hand of God.

Posted by: danf51 | Jun 26 2023 20:04 utc | 74

So the Wagner guys having been freed from jail (not all of them) by signing a contract with Wagner to undertake a minimum of 5 years of servitude are going to give it all up and go back to Jail after risking their lives in the hell of Bakmut.
Not only Bakmut but all other engagements. Sucks Fake the Russian DOJ hold those contracts. All that the Russians were asking was that the Wagnarites sign fealty to the Russian MOD.
A few of them did not want to do so perhaps a quater of the men. Prig stood by them. This whole shit show began when they the Wagnarites where asked to sing up with the Russian Army. End of Story.

Posted by: FundMe | Jun 26 2023 20:04 utc | 75

I see we have a new flea named Clyde.
I also see many have already provided the first of Putin’s addresses this evening as Peskov clearly said statements in the plural. Putin did confirm that pilots did perish via Wagner arms. Otherwise, I don’t see anything extraordinary being said thus begging the question, What more will he add?

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 20:13 utc | 76

And here they come–The Assault of the Fleas.

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 20:14 utc | 77

My god, watched this 11 minute video at Slava, with those tank infantries going through any kind of total horror, mostly mines. It’s saddening.

Posted by: Tapio | Jun 26 2023 20:15 utc | 78

@Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 17:57 utc | 23

IMO, this is a brilliant essay for its insights into the huge problems the Empire’s negotiator will face–assuming we ever get to negotiations. It’s possible Russia could force an unconditional surrender on Ukraine without any negotiations and the Russia/Outlaw US Empire conflict will continue to be played out. I see the Big Picture closing down the Empire’s abilities in many areas globally while its domestic turmoil continues to escalate. I look forward to Crooke’s weekly interview with Judge Napolitano tomorrow where this essay and more will be discussed.

An excellent essay, pulling the analysis back to the big picture – the US capitalist ruling class cannot allow Asia to consolidate into an aligned region of economically successful and truly sovereign nations. I say “Asia”, because I think that it is too late to talk about “EurAsia” given that Europe has partaken of the US-provided poisoned chalice of Russia (and Slav) hatred. Europe will become a very authoritarian declining archipelago, and its time for Asia and Africa to let the colonial heartland grind itself into subjugated irrelevance. The European elites have nowhere to go but a “liberal” fascism given the scale of their lies and corruption, and the damage they have wreaked upon the populations of Europe.
Just as Corbyn was taken out in the UK to repurpose the Labour Party, and the Green parties were repurposed, I can see the AfD and NF in Germany and France being repurposed. There is already a party ruling Italy with a fascist past, so that would be the three biggest economies in Europe. Poland, the Baltics, Romania and Moldova are already well along toward there as well. Starmer seems an excellent candidate for the leadership of a National Socialist Labour Party. When cultural hegemony fails, the ruling class turns to increasing authoritarianism and then outright fascism. The “liberal” version in most cases in Europe, still mouthing BS about identity rights and hate speech etc.
The US capitalist elites can’t give up the struggle against Asia as so much of its wealth rests on its ability to dominate the globe, so it will keep fighting in Ukraine until absolutely forced to move on (in 2025?) but then it will only be to move on to the leading act, triggering a Taiwan crisis. Every year they know that their chance of success against China reduces, just like the Germans prior to WW1 looking at the progressing industrial development of Russia, and the UK worrying about Germany’s industrial development. The US elites would much prefer to rule over a heavily damaged US and Europe to accepting a sovereign and powerful Asia, as long as China, Russia and Iran are much more damaged; short-term loss for long-term gain. They may be delusional to think that this is possible (as I consider them to be), but in their delusional world their obstinacy and aggression have a certain sociopathic logic.
Ukraine is simply an early Act in a multi-Act play. And in that act, Ukraine throws away yet more Ukrainian men as they struggle to a maximum gain of about 4km from the frontline of 7 weeks ago. I am reading the excellent but quite depressing book “Atrocity Fabrication And Its Consequences” by A. B. Abrams that not only deals with Western fabrications but also the horrific actions of the US military in the Korean War and many others. Nothing done by the West, and especially the US and UK security services, would surprise me.
Military Summary Latest

Posted by: Roger | Jun 26 2023 20:16 utc | 79

«Вторая часть обращения» скоро будет на совещании с силовиками. Не уходите далеко от ваших голубых экранов.
The “second part of the address” will soon be at a meeting with the security forces. Don’t stray far from your blue screens.

Posted by: repost | Jun 26 2023 20:16 utc | 80

@ jpc 17.
If you scroll down the page there is a vid. that is of a Ukr. officer murdering his troops who refused to go back to the front.
On the assumption that it is genuine there must be a complete breakdown of morale.

Posted by: deal | Jun 26 2023 20:20 utc | 81

If a NATO trained officer does this to his own troops; imagine what he does to enemy civilians

Posted by: Exile | Jun 26 2023 20:29 utc | 82

The western bloc is boiling the frog. That’s not in the western interest to quickly destroy Russia. This is much better to slowly do this – This way, Russian elites wouldn’t do anything and, eventually, Vladimir Putin could be thrown away or killed like a thrash… Then, Russia will implode and get balkanized into hundreds of microstates. Y’all are delusional if you believe Russia could outlast the western bloc in terms of economy or military production, etc. Russia is too poor to win against NATO. Y’all are jerking off to couple of destroyed tanks, while y’all wouldn’t see thousands of destroyed equipments in Russia’s side… This said quite a lot about y’all.

Posted by: Pierogi | Jun 26 2023 20:29 utc | 83

Putin speech was a nothing burger again !!!
5D Nothingburger!
„Flasche leer!“
Not worth to listen anymore any of his senseless monologues
Posted by: Hartz4ukr | Jun 26 2023 19:49 utc | 66
############
Dear friend, you should definitely apply for a refund of the taxes you have paid to support the Russian government since President Putin won’t give you satisfactory speeches.

Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jun 26 2023 20:30 utc | 84

Posted by: karlof1 | Jun 26 2023 20:13 utc | 77
—————-
I listened to Putin again, after reading your post. He mentioned about self-sacrificing by pilots, was that against Wagner is not exactly sure. Later about going to Belarus, he was taking about general Wagner troops, but was there any say about those who betrayed the country? About the leaders? I am not that sure, if the traitors will be pardoned.
Here’s YT video of that speech, https://youtu.be/-6TBAm0xB4k

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 20:34 utc | 85

Pierogi you sound like you need to get out of the sun. What the hell is Y’all sounds like a boat to me.

Posted by: FundMe | Jun 26 2023 20:34 utc | 86

West of England Andy @72. Well said. Well said. As a fellow Brit deeply ashamed of my Government I wholeheartedly endorse your Post. Our Government is getting the UK into a serious, very serious confrontation with Russia. Who will win I wonder? It won’t be the UK that’s for sure! From where I am sitting, Ben Wallace seems to be obsessed with Crimea. For Sunak, a multi millionaire himself, now to be giving billions more British pounds to Ukraine is unbelievable at a time when Britain is in serious decline financially, people are losing their jobs, their homes, everything.
I have been a lifelong Labour voter but, I will never vote for Labour whilst Keir Starmer is Leader of the Party. I am a big fan of Jeremy Corbyn. He was subjected to the most vicious, hateful, vitriolic, personal campaign of malice by the MSM unprecedented in British Parliamentary History. So the morally corrupt Johnson was elected. Britain is poorer for not having Corbyn, right now, as the Prime Minister. He would not have embroiled the UK in this idiotic Ukrainian obsession. He would have worked for Peace. Nothing wrong with that.
Strangely enough, I thought Sunak might have proven himself to be more of a Statesman than Johnson and Truss. I was wrong. He is a little puppy seeking love and affection from Biden and the Fascist Presidents of the EU. I thought he would be a bit different. Not so. He has lost all insight to vanity, power and wealth. It reminds me somewhat of Faust he sold his soul and then was dragged to Hell realising he had given his life for triviality which looked like power and wealth to him. What price riches, power, influence and narcissistic ambitions Faust realised, was just ‘show’ and illusion. It is the true human soul that mattered. He lost it. Sunak has lost it. Starmer has never had it. He is an unashamed Globalist in pursuit of power. He will be a dreadful Prime Minister of the UK, worse than Sunak I think. The only thing that will change this corrupt, power mad, evil UK Government is that the people of Britain will start a revolution and topple them. Well, as Marx said, the only Revolution that will happen in Britain is in Gardening!

Posted by: Jo Dominich | Jun 26 2023 20:37 utc | 87

@Pierogi | Jun 26 2023 20:29 utc | 84
I realize you’re trying to irritate the pro-Russian regulars but for God’s sake, man, show some mercy. The use of “y’all” is just inhumane cruelty. Please stop.

Posted by: Mike314159 | Jun 26 2023 20:39 utc | 88

The “second part of the address” will soon be at a meeting with the security forces. Don’t stray far from your blue screens.
Posted by: repost | Jun 26 2023 20:16 utc | 81
—————-
Most probably, the second part will be tomorrow. He is at that meeting already. I’m going to sleep. Let’s see tomorrow. You’d anyway, repost it, won’t you? 🙂

Posted by: ostro | Jun 26 2023 20:39 utc | 89

Песков заявил, что ряд СМИ выдали фейк в преддверии обращения российского лидера к нации, приписав ему слова о судьбоносных изменениях:
«Такого заявления не было. Очень непрофессионально со стороны многих»
Peskov said that a number of media outlets issued a fake on the eve of the Russian leader’s address to the nation, attributing to him words about fateful changes.
“There was no such statement. Very unprofessional on the part of many.”
RIA Kremlinpool

Posted by: repost | Jun 26 2023 20:42 utc | 90

Pierogi, are you a yank or a pole?

Posted by: jure | Jun 26 2023 20:42 utc | 91

Posted by: FundMe | Jun 26 2023 20:04 utc | 76So

… the Wagner guys having been freed from jail (not all of them) by signing a contract with Wagner to undertake a minimum of 5 years of servitude are going to give it all up and go back to Jail after risking their lives in the hell of Bakmut. ..

Don’t think so (there is not a permanent 5-years contract in any case esp. not independent from the Nation of those guys have registered as a so-called mercanery/volunteers)
.
Like the “Red-Z”, some of Chechen mercs, they are highly motivated to fight for “anything”?.
OK – they may be high – ly – (but not by any dope?) motivated to fight againt “THE” Enemy ..
I’ve respect of doing the RF-Just-Today newly planning by MoD to cover all available sources under “one” head, implementing the remaining
Wagners with the like Chechen forces, fighting TOGETHER – against a common UKR-Enemy –!
That’s not an easy job!
Mr. Shoigu has done that all very well! Why cancel him (due to his daughter ..) ?

Posted by: spare_truth | Jun 26 2023 20:45 utc | 92

Posted by: jure | Jun 26 2023 20:42 utc | 92
I think it is the people from the US south that use y’all. Although I can’t link to a video to back that up 🙂

Posted by: Membrum Virile | Jun 26 2023 20:46 utc | 93

i almost asked in my last post if he is from “dooooown sayyyyyooooouth”. hehehe… but pierogi is a polish word (polish dumplings)

Posted by: jure | Jun 26 2023 20:49 utc | 94

Aleks from Black Mountain Analysis just released a piece about the prospects for nuclear war.
https://bmanalysis.substack.com/p/strategic-stability-and-prospects

Posted by: Thomas | Jun 26 2023 20:51 utc | 95

I think Shoigu is a serious man.

Posted by: FundMe | Jun 26 2023 20:58 utc | 96

This may or may not be a legitimate Ukrainian response:

“We value our sponsors and we are seeking to leverage the functionality of their donations using best practices to restore integrated and interpersonally diverse viability to our nation within industry leading service level targets.”

I’ll leave others to judge its validity…

Posted by: West of England Andy | Jun 26 2023 20:59 utc | 97

@West of England Andy
You and I Both

Posted by: FundMe | Jun 26 2023 21:04 utc | 98

@spare_truth
Wagner took serious casualties in Bakmut their friends and brothers died in their scores they went on just like the band of brothers they did the “Into the breach”. I admire them.

Posted by: FundMe | Jun 26 2023 21:12 utc | 99

@20
Today UAF reported control of Rivnopil, so I’m afraid Konashenkov is telling fables as usual… UAF also established foothold on the left bank of Dnieper at the head of Antonovsky bridge, RUAF wasn’t able to push them back or even see them due to strong EMW.

Posted by: Malthus | Jun 26 2023 21:15 utc | 100