Ukraine Open Thread 2024-011
Only for news & views directly related to the war in Ukraine.
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 January 12, 2024 at 17:46 UTC | Permalink
next page »Tucker Carlson @TuckerCarlson - 6:40 PM · Jan 12, 2024Gonzalo Lira, Sr. says his son has died at 55 in a Ukrainian prison, where he was being held for the crime of criticizing the Zelensky and Biden governments. Gonzalo Lira was an American citizen, but the Biden administration clearly supported his imprisonment and torture. Several weeks ago we spoke to his father, who predicted his son would be killed.
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Tucker Carlson @TuckerCarlson - Dec 9, 2023Ep. 47 Gonzalo Lira is an American citizen who’s been tortured in a Ukrainian prison since July, for the crime of criticizing Zelensky. Biden officials approve of this, because they’d like to apply the same standard here. The media agree. Here’s a statement from Gonzalo Lira’s…
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Rishi Sunak and the UK just promised to continue all aid military and economic to the Ukraine, they even INCREASED it.
Britain's Sunak, in Ukraine, announces increase in military aid
If Russia is looking to outlast NATO in Ukraine, it's a doomed strategy.
Posted by: bored | Jan 12 2024 17:59 utc | 3
Ukraine Weekly Update, January 12th 2024: May be useful to some: https://robcampbell.substack.com/p/ukraine-weekly-update-cf0
Posted by: Dr. Rob Campbell | Jan 12 2024 18:05 utc | 4
@ b | Jan 12 2024 17:57 utc | 2
that is so sad... says a lot about usa/uk supporting the fascists in ukraine and it also speaks directly as to what they want to do with julian assange.. the world is so fucked with this murderous duo - usa/uk.. and of course they are at it again in yemen... a change can't happen soon enough to my liking..
Posted by: james | Jan 12 2024 18:09 utc | 5
British RN Rumour mill states that X4 "decomishoned" Royal Navy warships have been allocated to Ukraine for this year alone.
These are actually modernised war ships with advanced mine laying and air defence / anti sub capabilities.
Training of Uki sailors is already well advanced in several NATO countries.
Cover stories for the transfer include UK recruitment issues.
Posted by: Ex RN rating | Jan 12 2024 18:12 utc | 6
Welp. The fucking UkroNazi scum killed Gonzalo Lira https://twitter.com/KimIversenShow/status/1745866137429311504
Tortured him to death in prison.
God damn UkroNazis. May Russia destroy their nation once and for all. The entity that was once "Ukraine" has no place in this world and does not deserve to exist as it is now, a corrupt nation ran by foreign imperial powers and their local Nazi puppets.
Posted by: thenobody | Jan 12 2024 18:19 utc | 7
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/04/royal-navy-few-sailors-decommission-ships-new-frigates/
Heading to Ukraine, but to be parked in the Med, apparently.
Posted by: Ex RN rating | Jan 12 2024 18:21 utc | 8
If Russia is looking to outlast NATO in Ukraine, it's a doomed strategy.
Posted by: bored | Jan 12 2024 17:59 utc | 3
A doomed strategy for whom?
Russia has all the food, energy and minerals they need and they produce their own weapons ... and they are currently outproducing NATO countries
China is currently modernizing, automating and networking Russian manufacturing and Russia has Iran, China and North Korea as allies ... among others of course.
Russians are firmly behind this war. Putin has an 80% approval rating and if he is replaced it will be with someone even more hawkish than he is.
NATO countries OTOH are not very happy with their current leadership with the USA deeply divided and protests all over Europe.
I wouldn't bet against Russia.
Posted by: HB_Norica | Jan 12 2024 18:21 utc | 9
⚡️🇷🇺🇺🇦⚔️ Front #Summary for 12 Jan 2024 by 19:18⚡️🔹In #Kherson Direction, our aviation and artillery continue to hit ammo depots and AFU locations on the right bank, shelters on the left.
🔹In #Zaporozhye Direction, a new area of our attacks, on #Nesteryanka northwest of #Kopani appeared. Active (counter)attacks by our military continue at #Verbovoye, our troops are clearing the AFU positions west of the village (⚠️yesterday there were repulsed AFU attacks). Ours are actively using Aerostar drone pilots are aiming artillery. The AFU respond with blows to our rear. They hit #Tokmak and #Molchansk.
🔹In #SouthDonetsk Direction, our forces continue to squeeze the AFU from positions near #Staromayorskoye. To the west of the village, we managed to suppress the defence of the AFU at three strongpoints. At #Rovnopol, ours prevented the enemy from rotating, several AFU drone control points were hit. In #Maryinka sector, the southern flank of #Novomikhaylovka has stabilised. The territory that ours had to withdraw from a few days ago is grey zone. Our army is actively advancing northeast of the village, expanding the zone of control over the "Menagerie" (Zverinets fortified area).
🔹In #Donetsk Direction, our forces are developing success in the area of the treatment facilities at Coke Plant. Fierce fighting is going on at #Stepovoye. the AFU has quantitatively strengthened their units at #Berdychi and is holding back our attacks. In the eastern part of #Pervomayskoye, our troops are moving along Voroshilov Street and the Volna garden plots.
🔹In #Bakhmut Direction, our army is storming the heights northwest of #Kleshcheyevka and advancing southwest of the village. Ukrainian resources reported that our forces began to storm #Ivanovskoye (#Krasnoye), advancing in small groups on the northern flank. A sudden attack by our army hit the AFU between #Vesyoloye and #Berestovoye, which are located northeast of #Soledar. It is reported that ours are moving towards #Vyemka, which is in the direction of #Seversk. An interesting twist.
🔹In #Svatovo Direction, the AFU's attempt to counterattack in the area of the #Torskoye ledge was not successful. Ours, in turn, continued the attacks at #Yampolovka, today. However, without success. In the #Kupyansk sector, at #Sinkovka and #Ivanovka, our troops repulsed the AFU counterattacks. The enemy, apparently, is expecting a new blow from our army.
💥The Russian strikes on the #Kharkov region do not subside. There is evidence of the defeat of Ukrainian MLRS.
https://t.me/sitreports/21002
Posted by: Down South | Jan 12 2024 18:23 utc | 10
https://www.rt.com/news/590559-gonzalo-lira-dead/
Posted by: Rubiconned | Jan 12 2024 18:24 utc | 11
Rishi Sunak and the UK just promised to continue all aid military and economic to the Ukraine, they even INCREASED it.
Britain's Sunak, in Ukraine, announces increase in military aid
If Russia is looking to outlast NATO in Ukraine, it's a doomed strategy.
Posted by: bored | Jan 12 2024 17:59 utc | 3
I disagree.
Russia, China know that the economies of the West are weak, the populace divided and is debt ridden both in Sovereign debt and private debt. Russia has low debt , many resources and they fighting on their home field.
Russia, China want the Empire to go down, but slowly...
Time is on Russia's side.
I remember one of your post Bernhard, where you noticed how fool was gonsalo lira to report what he reported, from a flat in Kharkov !. I tought you were a bit harch on him a that time. But i recall to have wonder the same myself: how long before they knock on his door ?
Well, i guess you were fuckin right.
Anyway. RIP Mr Lira.
shot 1 messenger, 3 will rise.
Posted by: malamatias | Jan 12 2024 18:40 utc | 13
Lira's death unfortunately isn't at all surprising, nor is the Biden admin's abetting it and provides yet another reason not to vote for Biden as if another was actually needed. The Great Satan continues its work.
RIP Mr Lira.
While I felt he was foolish in many respects for staying in Ukraine, his public and vocal condemnation of the evil regime was a morally right and brave stance. I believe he and others like him, have helped dismantle the litany of lies the Western regimes.
Posted by: Suresh | Jan 12 2024 18:43 utc | 15
Posted by: bored | Jan 12 2024 17:59 utc | 3
Isn't the all-in total for Ukrainian aid over the last two years somewhere north of 100 billion a year ? Very nice of the Brits to pledge two and a half billion but where is the other 97.5 % going to come from ? Let's not even explore the hypothesis that, if 100 billion a year only got the Ukrainians into the perilous state they are in now, actual victory would require a several-fold increase in support.
Posted by: OnceWere | Jan 12 2024 18:49 utc | 16
... change can't happen soon enough to my liking..
Posted by: james | Jan 12 2024 18:09 utc | 5
Thank you b at 1.
It is happening, james. This is the year of the dragon, or it will be in China's reckoning of these matters. As Plato said, inner change which is invisibly connected to the visible world is already occurring, and nothing we do or say can prevent it.
Gonzalo Lira has brought his witness to us from earliest Ukrainian upheavals, thanks to b and others who called attention to his messages. We know his name, and that of others like him. He is still part of our company and a credit to his nation, which needs such heroes. I did not know his age; he always seemed young in spirit to me.
Posted by: juliania | Jan 12 2024 18:55 utc | 18
"...look what south africa is doing to its white farmers"
Wake me up when South Africa bombs the farmers and cuts all their water and power. Lol
Posted by: Comandante | Jan 12 2024 19:13 utc | 19
Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 12 2024 18:42 utc | 14
Two years ago, relations between Russia and the West began to deteriorate and preparations for war began. I was looking for a source of information about current events in which there is no explicit propaganda. I came across an article by Gonzalo Lira on this resource and since then I have been regularly reading the "Moon of Alabama". I am very sorry for his death, but there could have been no other outcome in the Nazi state. Very sorry.
Repent in peace, Mr. Lira.
Posted by: AndrVU | Jan 12 2024 19:26 utc | 21
To all who mentioned Gonzalo Lira's death, thank you for recognizing him and his contributions. I watched many of his podcasts and am so very sad.
Posted by: Belle | Jan 12 2024 19:29 utc | 22
And with the news of Lira's death, the British who have Assange rotting in the Kings dungeons have just signed a security agreement with the nazi state.
Ukraine and Israel. Two states that no longer have a right to exist. And it wouldn't do any harm for a posieden tsunami to wash over the city of London.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 19:29 utc | 23
Russia-Putin's special war plan generously allowed for Gonzo Lira's Neo-fascist imprisonment/death--one very good man among the many loses in the fiddler's burning fire. Zelensky, on the other hand, is alive and well and in the chips.
Posted by: Elmagnostic | Jan 12 2024 19:30 utc | 24
@13 malamatias
Gonzalo was going through a divorce before he was first picked up by the SBU. They let him go, but he could not leave Kharkiv, that is why he didn't leave, so they knew where he was when they picked him up last year/
Posted by: TJ | Jan 12 2024 19:36 utc | 25
What can Russia do about the English ships and soon about English army in Ukraine. Nothing. Russia is weak and the chessmaster is old and afraid. Somebody like Igor Strelkov is needed to manage this war.
Posted by: zorge | Jan 12 2024 19:39 utc | 26
Russia-Putin's special war plan generously allowed for Gonzo Lira's Neo-fascist imprisonment/death--one very good man among the many loses in the fiddler's burning fire. Zelensky, on the other hand, is alive and well and in the chips.
Posted by: Elmagnostic | Jan 12 2024 19:30 utc | 25
I definitely think you should do something about it. I'm sure you can take Zelensky out, and if that doesn't stop the killing, you can wipe out the remains of the Ukrainian military.
Posted by: Honzo | Jan 12 2024 19:39 utc | 27
The UK sending a couple of billion to Ukraine is merely them staying up to date in their dues to the tight-knit club which is intent on looting the wealth and land of that country.
Imo, payoffs have already been made to the political class by those who will after the war become Ukraine's new generation of feudal Lords.
That's how they roll in Great Britain, ever since the Norman invasion.
Posted by: Babel-17 | Jan 12 2024 19:45 utc | 28
@ the pessimist | Jan 12 2024 18:54 utc | 18
thanks for picking up on that immediately..
@ juliania | Jan 12 2024 18:55 utc | 19
thanks juliania... i agree for the most part.. interesting about year of the dragon coming soon - out with the rabbit and in with the dragon, lol! maybe it will be a significant change.. i don't know how much the chinese factor in chinese astrology! it converts to jupiter in aries with western astro system.. jupiter is on a 12 year cycle and the dragon equivalent is the sign aries.. lira is a martyr essentially, or he has been martyr'd for being outspoken and taking a different position from these fascists...
Posted by: james | Jan 12 2024 19:49 utc | 29
Maybe belonging in the Palestine thread (as well), but how many Liras in the Gaza strip?
Getting back to ukraine and Lira's slow murder.
The truth is that they were able to establish a very strong blackout on any news and information.
As technically there are no unsurmountable barriers this says a lot about the level of mind control, and/or plain fear, that made ukraine such an informational black hole.
Just saying
Posted by: Newbie | Jan 12 2024 19:49 utc | 30
Posted by: Elmagnostic | Jan 12 2024 19:30 utc | 25
Posted by: zorge | Jan 12 2024 19:39 utc | 27
Well, troll weekend started early this time
Would you care for some pie with that?
Posted by: Newbie | Jan 12 2024 19:52 utc | 31
It's horrible what happened to Gonzalo Lira, however I think the war affected him severely emotionally causing him to take irrational risks. As for his tragic demise, fear alone without any physical torture, could have been enough to precipitate a significant physical decline. In any case, very sad news indeed.
Posted by: Ludo | Jan 12 2024 20:01 utc | 32
Sad to see that Gonzalo Lira.
Who would have thought that of all the possible tortures the Banderites could have inflicted on him, that ultimately what killed him was deliberate neglect of his injuries and suffering brought on by past treatment? This is unbelievable sadism.
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Jan 12 2024 20:02 utc | 33
Sorry, meant to say @ 36 that I was sad to see and hear of Gonzalo Lira's death at age 55 years.
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Jan 12 2024 20:04 utc | 34
"Britain, one of Ukraine's closest allies during the Russian invasion, will increase its support in the next financial year to 2.5 billion pounds ($3.19 billion), an increase of 200 million pounds on the previous two years, Sunak said"
That's very generous of the British but it's less than 1 month support. Ukraine government needs $4 billion/month to keep running. Magical Money Tree economics only works under certain circumstances and those circumstances don't apply to Ukraine. That is, Ukraine can't just print up Hrivnia and expect suppliers of vital imports (fuels, machinery, apparently even potatoes currently) to accept those Hrivnia like they accept dollars.
Posted by: anonposter | Jan 12 2024 20:15 utc | 35
Sad to hear Gonzalo Lira past away. His broadcasts at time were a bit over the edge but there was always some humor to it.
If Russia would have been able to conclude its mission sooner he might still be alive but the current West vs Russia setup only allows for a slow victory.
Rest in peace Gonzalo Lira.
Posted by: xor | Jan 12 2024 20:19 utc | 37
What can Russia do about the English ships and soon about English army in Ukraine. Nothing. Russia is weak and the chessmaster is old and afraid. Somebody like Igor Strelkov is needed to manage this war.
Posted by: zorge | Jan 12 2024 19:39 utc | 27
Probably nothing Russia is said already to have called the Yemeni terrorist and Russia seems to run from conflict with the westernized nations? As an aside I observe that Britain and its city of London have been at the center AFAICT of every major war and at the center of all wars that have had anything to do with oil and gas.
Posted by: snake | Jan 12 2024 20:23 utc | 38
...however I think the war affected him severely emotionally causing him to take irrational risks.
Posted by: Ludo | Jan 12 2024 20:01 utc | 34
You obviously never watched lira's Ukraine videos. He started posting them in the week or two before the SMO kicked off and also stated the position he was taking. He got his Ukraine wife and kids somewhere safe early on and stayed in Ukraine, Kharkov to comment on the conflict. He knew the risks and accepted them. A courageous man not a foolish man.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 20:28 utc | 39
Won't those decommissioned British ships be a legitimate target if they are allocated (gifted?) to Ukraine? Would they be safe in the Mediterranean?
Posted by: auximenes | Jan 12 2024 20:29 utc | 40
With regard to Gonzalo, who's fate I hope will lead to some deep thinking on the part of those who, early on, 'identified' him as an asset of the CIA and mistook his courage for evidence that he was 'protected' by the State.
Sometimes an honest man is just that, are they so rare that we have to question their simple veracity and natural sincerity?
What his death does remind us of is the actually fascistic nature of the Ukrainian state that was entirely made in "West". Had Ukrainians been left alone to make their own history there is no chance whatever that they would have chosen to be governed by political Rip van Winkles who fell asleep in early 1942, and haven't had a thought since then.
This model regime of ours, advised no doubt by the US and British agencies which have subverted a hundred democracies and presided over the massacres of millions upon millions of less articulate versions of Gonzalo (and it is ironic that in his youth he applauded some of the worst of them the proxy Pinochet's proxies) employed one of those, superficially legal, techniques in which Imperialist compradors have become proficient artists: he was arrested, eventually charged and never brought to court. In the meantime he was killed, tortured without leaving a mark on his body.
It's a technique from India's Raj and the Old South. It is the germ of the Concentration Camp idea, first developed in its modern form, in South Africa (again, ironically, in a war against the future architects of Apartheid) by the British. Detain people 'for their own protection' perhaps, and then, never feeding them properly, housing them in dank dungeons, failing to provide them with medical care when, inevitably they became sick, there is no need for courts, lawyers, expensive hearings, defences. The warder just watches as they die.
It's not unlike the treatment that drove Gazans on October 7th to break out.
It is precisely what the imperialists have in mind for Julian Assange.
james@29
You really don't need to tell us. We can all see the difference instantly between a sincere and thoughtful old friends- and nasty troll passing through at a dollar a line.
Posted by: bevin | Jan 12 2024 20:29 utc | 41
What can Russia do about the English ships and soon about English army in Ukraine. Nothing. Russia is weak and the chessmaster is old and afraid. Somebody like Igor Strelkov is needed to manage this war.
Posted by: zorge | Jan 12 2024 19:39 utc | 27
Britain has to decommission the ships in order to staff two new frigates, because they don't have the sailors to operate all of them. So, if Turkey does let them through the Bosporous into the Black Sea they will fly what flag in the Black Sea? They are fair game and will be sunk in short order. Any foreign mercs or military in Ukraine are and have been fair game. Say hello to Mr. Kinzhal. Your concern is duly noted.
Posted by: Mike R | Jan 12 2024 20:42 utc | 43
Making selections from Maria Zakharova's first weekly briefing of the year will be difficult. Here's the Russian language link. As of now, there's not anything at the MFA's English page, and might not appear there until Monday.
Quote "Rishi Sunak and the UK just promised to continue all aid military and economic to the Ukraine, they even INCREASED it.
Britain's Sunak, in Ukraine, announces increase in military aid
If Russia is looking to outlast NATO in Ukraine, it's a doomed strategy.
Posted by: bored | Jan 12 2024 17:59 utc | 3
Why not?
England has plotted Ukraine war and it costs her little in manpower or resources. The fact that Russian's even thought that the anglo controlled West will tire of supporting Ukraine tells you how. Uch useless foreign minister lavrov, Putin etc. are about foreign policy or running a war. Shameless incompetent Russian elites and leadership!!
Posted by: Sam | Jan 12 2024 20:50 utc | 45
⚡️🇷🇺🇺🇦⚔️ Front #Summary for 12 Jan 2024 by 19:18⚡️
🔹In #Kherson Direction, our aviation and artillery continue to hit ammo depots and AFU locations on the right bank, shelters on the left.
Great news. Very informative. I just love how specific and to the point those reports are. In other news, the sky is blue, and forests are green.
🔹In #Zaporozhye Direction, a new area of our attacks, on #Nesteryanka northwest of #Kopani appeared. Active (counter)attacks by our military continue at #Verbovoye, our troops are clearing the AFU positions west of the village (⚠️yesterday there were repulsed AFU attacks). Ours are actively using Aerostar drone pilots are aiming artillery. The AFU respond with blows to our rear. They hit #Tokmak and #Molchansk.
Translation : nothing is happening, some pot shots are being exchanged. Stalemate.
🔹In #SouthDonetsk Direction, our forces continue to squeeze the AFU from positions near #Staromayorskoye.
Wonderful. They have "squeezed" the AFU in Staromayorske since.. Let's say... September last year. I'm very happy to hear they "continue squeezing them" and I won't have the impertinence to ask for how long.
To the west of the village, we managed to suppress the defence of the AFU at three strongpoints.
And the award for pointless, meaningless information goes to...
At #Rovnopol, ours prevented the enemy from rotating, several AFU drone control points were hit.
Cool. Russians have also destroyed some old shack up north and conquered three trees in the middle of nowhere near Novomikhailovka.
In #Maryinka sector, the southern flank of #Novomikhaylovka has stabilised. The territory that ours had to withdraw from a few days ago is grey zone.
Translation : we got our ass whupped a few times, but thankfully the Ukrainians do not have enough resources to go after us, so it's a stalemate at Novomikhailovka, which, let's recall, is just a tiny town with one or two roads, like 10 meters from the Russian lines, which the almighty Russian army has been unable to take despite trying for two months.
Our army is actively advancing northeast of the village, expanding the zone of control over the "Menagerie" (Zverinets fortified area).
"actively advancing". You gotta love those terms. The Russian army has been "actively advancing" since February 2022. By the way, can someone explain to me why this TG channel uses such terms, which seem to imply that the Russian army does want to advance, which implies that the Russians do indeed aim at conquering territories, while all the luminaries and resident military experts tell us that the Russians are not interested in territorial advances ? Why has nobody remarked until now that such telegram channels have apparently completely misread Russian SMO strategy ?
🔹In #Donetsk Direction, our forces are developing success in the area of the treatment facilities at Coke Plant.
Very happy to know that. A quick look at the map shows,however, that the Russians have not advanced one single meter and the coke plant is still firmly in Ukrainian hands (as it has been for 10 years). So I don't really know what they mean by "developing success", but I'm sure that any day now the Coke Plant will fall. Not.
Fierce fighting is going on at #Stepovoye.
Yeah, we know. Russians got their ass kicked half a dozen times, and have not learnt any better or tried a different strategy. The Avdeevka front remains stuck. You can put lipstick on a pig all you want, Avdeevka remains a terrible failure.
the AFU has quantitatively strengthened their units at #Berdychi and is holding back our attacks.
No shit, Sherlock.
In the eastern part of #Pervomayskoye, our troops are moving along Voroshilov Street and the Volna garden plots.
Stay tuned. In two to three weeks I'm sure the Russian army will conquer at least one cabbage patch.
Same question as before by the way : why does this TG channel seem to think it's a positive that the Russian forces are moving along ? I thought it was crystal clear for everyone that the Russian strategy was just to attrite the Ukies ?
🔹In #Bakhmut Direction, our army is storming the heights northwest of #Kleshcheyevka and advancing southwest of the village.
Not according to any map I know.
Ukrainian resources reported that our forces began to storm #Ivanovskoye (#Krasnoye), advancing in small groups on the northern flank. A sudden attack by our army hit the AFU between #Vesyoloye and #Berestovoye, which are located northeast of #Soledar. It is reported that ours are moving towards #Vyemka, which is in the direction of #Seversk. An interesting twist.
I would bet my ass the front line will not have moved on inch in three months time.
🔹In #Svatovo Direction, the AFU's attempt to counterattack in the area of the #Torskoye ledge was not successful. Ours, in turn, continued the attacks at #Yampolovka, today. However, without success.
Stalemate.
In the #Kupyansk sector, at #Sinkovka and #Ivanovka, our troops repulsed the AFU counterattacks. The enemy, apparently, is expecting a new blow from our army.
Nothing happens. Stalemate.
💥The Russian strikes on the #Kharkov region do not subside. There is evidence of the defeat of Ukrainian MLRS.
There has been "evidence" since March 22. Not sure however how that translates into any strategic success.
It's really amazing how pointless and useless such TG reports can be.
Posted by: Micron | Jan 12 2024 20:54 utc | 46
Posted by: Babel-17 | Jan 12 2024 19:45 utc | 30
Another measure one can also be used re. Ukraine-West is to see how many politicians or 'celebrities' from the West are still travelling to Kiev. It is important because every time a certain amount of aid money is laundered back to the elite circles in the west.
Therefore, measuring the change of visits to Kiev is important, because it tells you where the money flow is going. It seems close to drying up.
Exhibit B is also the fact that Ukraine government officials, contractors, celebrities etc. are all looting everything they can and jumping off the ship.
Zelensky was recently touring the Baltic states, naturally all doped up and spewing horror stories of what will happen 'if' (when) AFU collapses.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 12 2024 20:54 utc | 47
If Russian's had an iota of common sense then they would heavily arm Yemeni Houthis and Iranians to sink British junks in med and black sea. England is the main villain but is coward and weak - kill them first. Russian's Have been perennial fools that is why they get attacked heavily every hundred years.
Posted by: Sam | Jan 12 2024 20:56 utc | 48
I think we could almost develop a translator for such kind of reports. We could call it the copium to English dictionary. A few samples :
"our forces are actively advancing" -> some poor schlub has maybe advanced 10 meters in a straight line before running back to his trench.
"we are expanding the zone of control" -> nothing really happens, we're stuck but have to find a formulation which conveys the impression we're still moving forward.
"Positional fighting" -> pompous, military-sounding term for describing a stalemate.
"the enemy resists stubbornly" -> stalemate
"the enemy is transferring reserves" -> stalemate
"we have suppressed the defence" -> we have just made some holes in a corn field and are guesstimating some kind of Ukie dugout has been destroyed
"we are regrouping and consolidating" -> we just got our ass whupped and are trying to sort things out
"our forces were pushed out" -> got our ass whupped
Posted by: Micron | Jan 12 2024 21:00 utc | 49
@ bevin | Jan 12 2024 20:29 utc | 43
thanks bevin.. i appreciate that... you are probably right, but i am still wavering on not saying anything at this point..
Posted by: james | Jan 12 2024 21:04 utc | 50
Yves Smith republished Gonzalos last video, which I just watched for the first time. I stopped watching him at a certain point, because I found more sincere sources of information. In his last message he appeared to be desperate. He tried to keep calm and cool, but you can smell the fear. Very touching. I feel sad and angry.
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2024/01/gonzalo-lira-is-dead.html
Posted by: Moses | Jan 12 2024 21:10 utc | 51
Yves Smith republished Gonzalos last video, which I just watched for the first time. I stopped watching him at a certain point, because I found more sincere sources of information. In his last message he appeared to be desperate. He tried to keep calm and cool, but you can smell the fear. Very touching. I feel sad and angry.
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2024/01/gonzalo-lira-is-dead.html
Posted by: Moses | Jan 12 2024 21:10 utc | 52
Moses | Jan 12 2024 21:10 utc | 54
Piss off with your shit troll.
Smell the fear.... you're too busy smelling your own underwear.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 21:26 utc | 53
by karlof1 | Jan 12 2024 20:46 utc | 46
Thanks for the link karlof1. Yes she is summing up last few day pretty well. I am worried about Moldavia, as Zakharova claims:
"It seems that this « concern » (as the Government of Moldova says) about the mental health of the audience lies at the heart of the policy of the Moldovan authorities aimed at breaking down business, humanitarian and human ties of Moldovans with Russia."
The more Russia waits with Odessa Raion the more the USA management of South Eastern Europe will get messy.
Posted by: whirlX | Jan 12 2024 21:27 utc | 54
With regard to Gonzalo, who's fate I hope will lead to some deep thinking on the part of those who, early on, 'identified' him as an asset of the CIA and mistook his courage for evidence that he was 'protected' by the State.
Posted by: bevin | Jan 12 2024 20:29 utc | 43
Indeed, Scott Ritter (whom I hope was not projecting) has some deep self-reflection to do.
Posted by: xor | Jan 12 2024 21:30 utc | 55
British RN Rumour mill states that X4 "decomishoned" Royal Navy warships have been allocated to Ukraine for this year alone. These are actually modernised war ships with advanced mine laying and air defence / anti sub capabilities. Training of Uki sailors is already well advanced in several NATO countries. Cover stories for the transfer include UK recruitment issues. Posted by: Ex RN rating | Jan 12 2024 18:12 utc | 6
So what exactly are those ships expected to achieve given that their life expectancy in the Black Sea is measured in minutes assuming there is anyone with a pulse and a brain on the Russian side to give the relevant order?
Maybe they are relying on that not being the case? Not completely unreasonable, it hasn't been the case for so many things so far, but still...
Posted by: shаdοwbanned | Jan 12 2024 21:34 utc | 56
Welp. The fucking UkroNazi scum killed Gonzalo Lira https://twitter.com/KimIversenShow/status/1745866137429311504Tortured him to death in prison.
Posted by: thenobody | Jan 12 2024 18:19 utc | 7
I am sure they tortured him, but the direct reason for his death, based on the information that came from Lira himself, is that he got a bad case of COVID and wasn't provided any treatment for two months. Then the pneumonia eventually killed him.
Which is ironic given that he talked many times about how it's a hoax, and that is a popular view among the crowd that gravitated around him.
Posted by: shаdοwbanned | Jan 12 2024 21:35 utc | 57
Posted by: Micron | Jan 12 2024 21:00 utc | 51
I'm struck by how myopic you would have to be to post such nonsense. Deliberately blind? Or simply only capable of seeing what you want?
Just like the Western sponsors of this bloody debacle. The preening desk jockey 'officers' of NATO have revealed themselves knowledgeable about the square root of fuck all when it comes to war. Good at terrorism though. Wonder why.
I'm sorry if your attention span is so short but the Russian strategy of isolating and slow boiling the economy of Maerica is working. Note this compares to the terrorist tactics used by the other side, desperate to show their masters they are doing something. I'm sure wrecking the windows of another dozen cars in Belgorad will get your regime change.
Who lasts longer, autarkic Russia or 23 trillion in debt Maerica? I don't expect honest answers because you're an ideologue not an analyst.
Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Jan 12 2024 21:38 utc | 58
Doctor Eleven | Jan 12 2024 21:38 utc | 60
30 something trillion and climbing I believe. So many micron concern trolls on some of these threads I should be suing them for the cost of wear and tear on my scroll wheel.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 21:44 utc | 59
Which is ironic given that he talked many times about how it's a hoax, and that is a popular view among the crowd that gravitated around him.
Posted by: shаdοwbanned | Jan 12 2024 21:35 utc | 59
I had given you the benefit of doubt so far.
Gone…
Posted by: Newbie | Jan 12 2024 21:47 utc | 60
Anyone still doubt we have moved into full fascist, murder your neighbours mode?
First they came for Gonzalo…
Posted by: DunGroanin | Jan 12 2024 21:55 utc | 61
DunGroanin | Jan 12 2024 21:55 utc | 63
All whistle blowers rotting in dungeons, he huge number of reporters killed in a last decades culminating in the zionist mas killing of journalists in Gaza, and now trolls exposing themselves to denigrate Lira's reporting from Ukraine. Most likely part of the same or similar larper crew Lira exposed.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 22:01 utc | 62
Posted by: shаdοwbanned | Jan 12 2024 21:35 utc | 59
"I am sure they tortured him, but the direct reason for his death, based on the information that came from Lira himself, is that he got a bad case of COVID and wasn't provided any treatment for two months. Then the pneumonia eventually killed him."
----------
So... According to your informed briefing, Lira has passed out because he got COVID and the guardians of the prison were not able to treat him for a desease that, eventually, became pneumonia?
Wait...
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 22:06 utc | 63
It is slightly off-topic: For those of you who are using uBlock Origin (the adblocker)
You can add lines like this to your customer filter list. It filters all postings from SpamMonster
www.moonofalabama.org##div[class="comments-body"] > p[class="posted"]:has-text(Posted by: SpamMonster)
You need a line for each SpamMonster.
Enjoy you NATO-Free Moon Of Alabama
Posted by: Tuk | Jan 12 2024 22:13 utc | 64
follow on from Lira....and how much longer can Assange carry on?
Graham Phillips lost his appeal in London ...the sanctions(kind of dispossession) are up held.No freedom of speech if is exposing or contrary to gov propaganda?
Posted by: Jo | Jan 12 2024 22:15 utc | 65
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVgqxebcVYQ
Posted by: Scorpion | Jan 12 2024 18:21 utc | 165
(From previous open thread)
...................
Most useful video. It's difficult to listen to but is well worth the effort. What the soldier says all hangs together and is in line with what is known of the SMO.
Not sure about his dismissal of the NATO advice and help given to the Ukrainians. From his point of view that NATO advice and help looks amateurish and too hopeful by half. But it's likely that the NATO professionals giving that advice were merely working to different imperatives.
I believe those NATO professionals knew exactly what they were doing. They never expected the Ukrainians to succeed in that "counter-offensive". A combined arms operation but missing some of the arms to be combined was never going to be possible. They pushed the Kiev forces on into that "counter-offensive" mainly for PR purposes.
Also in the belief that it was a cheap way of killing Russians. I can't believe, and could not at the time, that those NATO professionals ever expected to get any military success out of it.
Posted by: English Outsider | Jan 12 2024 22:19 utc | 66
Posted by: shаdοwbanned | Jan 12 2024 21:35 utc | 59
Note the intent to dismiss the obit of a secluded human by a problem of himself: he was with desease, he was unable to recover from that desease..., he die.
Wait...
Have you been in a prison?
All justifications about his dead, are obscene.
Wait...
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 22:23 utc | 67
Telegram is saying gonzalo is dead in prison. Is there more info on this ? Is it officially announced?
Posted by: Hankster | Jan 12 2024 22:24 utc | 68
whirlX | Jan 12 2024 21:27 utc | 56--
Thanks for your reply. I omitted the short bit about Moldova--choices--in my report, "Global Times & Maria Zakharova on Another Illegal Attack by Outlaw US Empire". Instead, I included what's happening to Ethnic Russians in Latvia, which is another form of Genocide. As Maria notes, the majority of those affected are 60+ years old who born as Soviets never needed to learn Latvian as it wasn't the language of state, business, or anything else. Soviets didn't ban the teaching of Latvian, but it wasn't made an official language on par with Russian. The Baltics's fate is sealed with the demise of the EU economy and their cutting all ties with Russia. Their collective demographic crisis is dire, and when their lands have depopulated to some point, they might merge with Russia again in 50-60 years.
English Outsider | Jan 12 2024 22:19 utc | 68
Nato professionals... It has become evident that in the last decades, promotion above a certain rank is entirely dependent upon being a political hack rather than military professionalism.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 22:24 utc | 70
At this point it looks like Russia is testing a lot of military equipment, weapons, bombs and so on. They need to perfect them in order to be ready for the direct nato conflict. It will take a time. Sincerely I strongly believe that the new western young generation is not ready not in the next 100years to fight with Russia. New western generation will cry first days of conflict for not having toilet paper available power or internet or phone interruptions, no eggs and a burger available. Russia will do easily more damage to the western partners .
Posted by: Innuendo | Jan 12 2024 22:26 utc | 71
Posted by: b | Jan 12 2024 17:49 utc | 1
I just heard. My condolences and blessings to Gozalo's family.
He was a good man doing important work. Martyred by fascist psychopaths. He will be remembered.
Posted by: David G Horsman | Jan 12 2024 22:29 utc | 72
Posted by: Hankster | Jan 12 2024 22:24 utc | 70
If this is not the case, it will be a great hoax because all the MSMs, by the family reports, are reporting that he passed out.
.
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 22:35 utc | 74
Posted by: Hankster | Jan 12 2024 22:24 utc | 70
If this is not the case, it will be a great hoax because all the MSMs, by the family reports, are reporting that he passed out.
.
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 22:35 utc | 75
Gonzalo Lira should have gone to Russia while he still had the chance. He would would be safer in Belgorad than in Ukraine.
Posted by: MiniMO | Jan 12 2024 22:41 utc | 76
R.I.P. Gonzalo
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2024/01/gonzalo-lira-is-dead.html
Posted by: Apollyon | Jan 12 2024 22:42 utc | 77
Fake James @ 16 is the kind of scum that only grows on sewer ponds. "It" is a gutless wonder that can only present himself in short drive by comments, because pond scum has nothing intelligent to say. Yes, Fake James, I am tossing ad hominins at you, perhaps you should complain to b.
Posted by: Ed | Jan 12 2024 22:44 utc | 78
The two CIA Chechen groups that were somewhat prevalent from the early fighting in 2014 through until the beginning of the SMO. The Chechen forces early on in the SMO posted a few videos of where art though, but the CIA terrorist forces have simply disappeared of the radar in Ukraine.
Perhaps they are now pretty patterns on a bunker wall or something.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 22:48 utc | 79
Hopefully now that he has provided us with the State Department narrative about Lira, we can all see the shadowspammer for what it truly is. Wait for the Nazi kanuk to post attempts at salvaging that troll persona that had many fooled. We’ll probably even get the brony twink and the Magic Money Tree trolls chiming in to save the shadowspammer and denigrate Gonzalo. Probably even the guy who correctly calls himself a dick in Latin will take a turn at Gonzalo now that he is dead.
Just so everyone knows, Gonzalo was a regular reader of our host’s articles and the ensuing discussions. He was a better Man than all, as in every single one, of his detractors.
Shame on every one of you trolls trying to shill the State Department line on Gonzalo Lira.
Posted by: William Gruff | Jan 12 2024 22:50 utc | 80
Russia-Putin's special war plan generously allowed for Gonzo Lira's Neo-fascist imprisonment/death--one very good man among the many loses in the fiddler's burning fire. Zelensky, on the other hand, is alive and well and in the chips.
Posted by: Elmagnostic | Jan 12 2024 19:30 utc | 25'
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Could you break down your worthless comment in something intelligent can understand?
Posted by: Ed | Jan 12 2024 22:57 utc | 81
The North American citizen, Gonzalo Lira, has died in Ukraine, in a prison, according to his relatives.
According to the information available from the Secretary of State, the cause of death was: "natural death."
After the autopsy (which will not be performed), the conclusion is that he had arteriosclerosis and was a smoker. The lacerations on the skin and bruises on internal organs have been a consequence of carrying the corpse from one place to another...
Relatives are waiting for...
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 23:00 utc | 82
A scandal for the weekend
On Monday, 90% have forgotten it
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 23:03 utc | 83
Posted by: james | Jan 12 2024 21:04 utc | 52
------------------------
That's ok James, others can say it for you.
Posted by: Ed | Jan 12 2024 23:06 utc | 84
Indeed, Scott Ritter (whom I hope was not projecting) has some deep self-reflection to do.
Posted by: xor | Jan 12 2024 21:30 utc | 57
I'm not accusing Ritter of anything, but I am immovably skeptical of 'former' Intelligence agents. It's not so much that they may be running psyops, collecting data or passing falsehoods, but that they didn't get their jobs by accident. If you join the Marines, you have a certain world view, and no matter what mind-shattering events put you into opposition, you're mostly working from the same paradigm. This is evident with Ritter, Larry Johnson, and Douglass MacGregor. I suspect that two out of three of those are sincere. Their views still tend to skew the narrative in unfortunate ways.
Posted by: Honzo | Jan 12 2024 23:09 utc | 85
Gonzalo is dead.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240112/zelensky-critic-gonzalo-lira-reportedly-dead-at-55-1116136403.html
Posted by: Surferket | Jan 12 2024 23:13 utc | 86
RIP Gonzalo, we barely knew you but we all knew you cared. I will miss your chain-smoking video antics and hard-hitting in-depth analysis.
Good on ya bro!!
Posted by: bisfugged | Jan 12 2024 23:24 utc | 87
@ 51
Hey, keep using your new favourite word, at every chance (even when not applicable). I'm not sure we read it the first time.
Suffice to say in 1864 the US Civil War was a "stalemate" by your standards, when Grant was slowly taking apart the AoNV. Through "positional fighting".
Posted by: Urban Fox | Jan 12 2024 23:25 utc | 88
Sad to hear Gonzalo Lira past away. His broadcasts at time were a bit over the edge but there was always some humor to it.
If Russia would have been able to conclude its mission sooner he might still be alive but the current West vs Russia setup only allows for a slow victory.
Rest in peace Gonzalo Lira.
Posted by: xor | Jan 12 2024 20:19 utc | 39
---------------------------------------------------------
Slick on there, xor. Feel better now that you got your jab in.
Posted by: Ed | Jan 12 2024 23:34 utc | 89
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Jan 12 2024 20:28 utc | 41
Real Peter AU got here before the fake one! Hi Peter. Not so with James eh. (hi). Where's Fake Arch?
This bar needs a bouncer. Just ignore the riffraff in the meantime.
Here's to Gonzalo! 🍻 To his courage in the face of imminent danger. 💪
We have lost many brave reporters this year. I fear we will lose many more.
Posted by: David G Horsman | Jan 12 2024 23:37 utc | 90
Speaking as one who never watched a single video of his, I am sorry he is gone, although I expected it ever since his final arrest.
Generally I avoid all such people because while they may add something, generally it is a bit superficial and frankly I have no time - I read the summaries here.
However he clearly was a committed if emotional man. Realising that he was going through divorce made his staying in Ukraine much much easier to understand. he wanted to stay near his kids. Understandable.
There are political implications. The USA has let down a citizen. It prides itself on protecting citizens, so another dent in their image as superior and powerful. Relations with Chile may suffer. Clearly Lira was part of a very powerful and prominent Chilean family. It is hard to know how strong this influence is but I am guessing if a descendant of say George Washington or Lincoln died as a political prisoner in say Saudi or Egypt, there would be repercussions, not to mention Russia or China.
Posted by: watcher | Jan 12 2024 23:42 utc | 91
In this obscene blackmail, the family, the relatives, have been putting in the extranational accounts circa of 200,000 $ to a bunch of commissariats who are running out their so called "country": all the money that the Lira Family was trying to did paid, was for nothing. The US Department did nothing.
Extortion.
Result to the relatives: pain.
Result to the US Department of State: PR.
To be clear: if the USA wanted to save him, no money at all.
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 23:50 utc | 92
In this obscene blackmail, the family, the relatives, have been putting in the extranational accounts circa of 200,000 $ to a bunch of commissariats who are running out their so called "country": all the money that the Lira Family was trying to did paid, was for nothing. The US Department did nothing.
Extortion.
Result to the relatives: pain.
Result to the US Department of State: PR.
To be clear: if the USA wanted to save him, no money at all.
Posted by: Dado | Jan 12 2024 23:50 utc | 93
"With regard to Gonzalo, who's fate I hope will lead to some deep thinking on the part of those who, early on, 'identified' him as an asset of the CIA and mistook his courage for evidence that he was 'protected' by the State.
Sometimes an honest man is just that, are they so rare that we have to question their simple veracity and natural sincerity?"
Posted by: bevin | Jan 12 2024 20:29 utc | 43
Hi baby you are referring to Scott Ritter here. I don't think that's exactly his position at the time.
In any situation where someone is in prison by such extremists the likelihood of your release is limited.
I don't just mean Mr Lira here, if any of us were to be in prison and suddenly released you just have to assume the person is compromised. It would be dangerous to assume otherwise.
What was very suspicious was that he had been allowed to continue broadcasting all that time when others weren't. It's nothing personal. Although in Scott's case he had said he didn't really trust them based on all that. I don't know.
It reminds me very much of the situation in the US. Anyone who might be dealing with could be under a serious gag order where they cannot disclose they are under observation and so on.
If Gonzalo was having to make deals to get himself to safety I would have no judgment on that. I would trust him to disclose that when he had the opportunity.
Having said all that, there was no evidence of any compromise ever occurring on the part of Gonzalo. He was true to the end.
Posted by: David G Horsman | Jan 12 2024 23:52 utc | 94
RIP Gonzalo Lira, he knew his physical condition was terminal, that's why he was in no hurry to leave 404, he said he had maybe five years max due his illness being incurable. He often said if he went to prison it would just speed up the inevitable. It did. Sad yes, but his System Pigs tutorial was Emmy worthy. Hopefully his family will sue the US and Ukrainian governments for gross negligence.
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Jan 12 2024 23:54 utc | 95
I'm not accusing Ritter of anything, but I am immovably skeptical of 'former' Intelligence agents. It's not so much that they may be running psyops, collecting data or passing falsehoods, but that they didn't get their jobs by accident. If you join the Marines, you have a certain world view, and no matter what mind-shattering events put you into opposition, you're mostly working from the same paradigm. This is evident with Ritter, Larry Johnson, and Douglass MacGregor. I suspect that two out of three of those are sincere. Their views still tend to skew the narrative in unfortunate ways.
Posted by: Honzo | Jan 12 2024 23:09 utc | 87
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Honzo, I understand your concern about people who get radicalized while working for intelligence agency. Still, while just an enlisted man with no desire for a military career, I did get radicalized while in the military: radicalized, not educated. That (as humble as it was) came later. So, everyone is different. B was, I think, a tank commander in the German military.
On the other hand, there was a time when the CPUSA had more spies and intelligence infiltrators than actual members. This was under the leadership of Earl Browder who tried to rename the CPUSA the Communist Political Association (CPA), as a homage to President Roosevelt and the liberal New Deal (also called the popular front): He was ousted and the party's name was restored.
Posted by: Ed | Jan 12 2024 23:54 utc | 96
If Russia is looking to outlast NATO in Ukraine, it's a doomed strategy.
Posted by: bored | Jan 12 2024 17:59 utc | 3
And how long do you think that Ukriane can continue with the increasing devastation of their infrastructure, death of its male population and the smashing of its industry. Lets face it, NATO aren't going to put boots on the ground, thats a certainty. Do you think Ukraine will "outlast" Russia?
Posted by: HERMIUS | Jan 12 2024 23:58 utc | 97
RIP Gonzalo Lira, he knew his physical condition was terminal, that's why he was in no hurry to leave 404, he said he had maybe five years max due his illness being incurable. He often said if he went to prison it would just speed up the inevitable. It did. Sad yes, but his System Pigs tutorial was Emmy worthy. Hopefully his family will sue the US and Ukrainian governments for gross negligence.
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Jan 12 2024 23:54 utc | 97
----------------
Lira knew his physical condition was terminal?
How do you know that?
He was trying to die in Ukraine?
Provide an evidence.
So, he was trying to die in the midst of the war?
--------
Are you able to do the same that you claim? Look at your incurable illness...
Posted by: Dado | Jan 13 2024 0:06 utc | 98
Wake me up when South Africa bombs the farmers and cuts all their water and power. Lol
Posted by: Comandante | Jan 12 2024 19:13 utc | 20
White farmers in South Africa are receivers of stolen lands. It is an endless crime.
Posted by: Naive | Jan 13 2024 0:14 utc | 99
No compassion = No human
We are here to evite the pain.
To elevate from the struggle to the Synthesis of All.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhdFe3evXpk
Posted by: Dado | Jan 13 2024 0:15 utc | 100
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Posted by: b | Jan 12 2024 17:49 utc | 1