The End Of The Avdeevka Cauldron
The Ukrainian defense of Avdeevka is falling apart.
bigger
bigger
The small cauldron south of Avdeevka around the 'Zenit' fortification, as seen in the Feb 15 map, has fallen. The Ukrainian military who fled from it under fire through open fields had to leave their wounded behind:
Both Russian and Ukrainian media reported Ukrainian troops had evacuated the formidable fortification network first built in 2014 following the Kremlin’s first invasion of Ukraine and improved since then. Ukrainian troops forced to fight their way out of a near-total encirclement in a bid to reach friendly lines had to abandon wounded and suffered casualties as they retreated, reports from both sides said.
...
Viktor Bilyak, a member of 2nd Company, 1st Battalion, 110th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the unit based at Zenit, in an Instagram post said higher command denied medical evacuation to wounded and six men of his 15-20 men section were abandoned to the Russians.
Another strong point, the Donetsk city water filtration plant east of Avdeevka has likewise fallen. Ukrainian troops retreated from it.
On Wednesday the 3rd separate assault brigade, an Azov neo-nazi unit, was ordered into the city. It found no prepared fortifications, was unprotected from artillery and aerial bombing and soon completely surrounded. After taking high losses in a short time frame the brigade command ordered to retreat from the central city:
The elite third Separate Assault Brigade, one of Ukraine’s most prominent fighting units, was deployed to the area in a bid to stabilise the situation.Andrii Biletskyi, the brigade’s commander, said: “Avdiivka is hell.”
He described the situation as “precarious and unstable”, with the Russians constantly deploying fresh troops and resources to the fight.
“Our fighters demonstrate unprecedented heroism,” the commander wrote on the Telegram messaging app. “We are forced to fight at 360 degrees against new brigades that the enemy is setting up.”
...
Russia has amassed some 50,000 troops on the front line between its forces and the Ukrainians defending Avdiivka, according to Dmytro Lykhoviy, the Ukrainian military spokesman.“In Avdiivka, a manoeuvre is underway in some places to withdraw our units to more advantageous positions, in some places to force [the Russians] out of positions,” he added.
Units of the 3rd brigade filmed themselves leaving Avdeevka towards the west. Their U.S. made M113 'armored' aluminum can is driving at high speed and comes under fire. They are passing the 'Welcome to Avdeevka' sign which, in late December, was the background of Zelenski's selfie stunt at the west entrance to Avdeevka.
bigger
What is left of the 3rd brigade has moved out of the city and into the coke plant further north. However that place isn't save either:
agitpapa @agitpapa - 12:33 UTC · Feb 16, 2024Suriyakmaps: Russian forces took the [Avdeevka coke plant] management building and adjoining complex (48.16201, 37.7054). The high-rise is a perfect observation and firing position that the Azovs would have never given up if they could.
What and whoever is left in Avdeevka and the coke plant is under deadly fire:
Russian artillery was dominant and with Ukrainian guns firing back only rarely, and Russian air strikes were unceasing, practically all accounts said. A social media post purportedly from a 25th Airborne Brigade trooper in the Avdiivka sector said:”They are raining down endlessly 24/7, there are no longer any trenches or dugouts from them. I am not calling anyone a traitor, but we we ask at least for some minimal anti-aircraft defenses. The (Russian) bombers are operating freely, we can fight everything they throw at us except this. We will stand as long as necessary…We have enough of everything, shortages of food, armored cars or something else is long in the past. (That we have). We need something of a different order of magnitude: Make it so that the enemy's aircraft does not fly."
The Russian air force is using glide bombs with a satellite based guidance kit that is the equivalent of the U.S. JDAM. These bombs are launched from a safe distance. They have only recently become available in large quantities (machine translation):
Ukrainian military publics call Russian FABs (guided aerial bombs) one of the main factors in the advance of the Russian Federation in Avdiivka.About 250 bombs were dropped in the city and district in 2.5 days, "Nikolaevsky Vanek" writes. As well as thousands of projectiles and hundreds of FPV drones.
Ukrainian military specialist in drones Sergey Flash Beskrestnov writes that "the fabs do not care what kind of assault unit you are from and whether you have completed the Q course of the MTR."
He says that these 500 kg bombs "literally leveled us to the ground."
The press officer of the 3rd Azov brigade, now in the coke plant, confirmed this:
"The enemy is starting to use phosphorus. The use of guided aerial bombs has increased. Those bombs are much worse than artillery .... We are talking about 50 or more such bombs per day. It's a very large number of them for such a small foothold.
And now phosphorus is being used. We got the news about it the day before."
...
"The invaders are using phosphorus shells, which cause fuel oil tanks to catch fire. Poisonous smog is spreading across the entire territory of the (coke plant - ed.).This is now the new 'home' of the 3rd Assault Brigade. Doesn't it remind you of something?
Mariupol? Azovstal?
The Ukrainian leadership has ordered to hold onto Avdeevka as long as possible.
This is a repeat of the undue hold-out in Bakhmut. Instead of retreating to shorter straight defense lines thousands of Ukrainian troops will die in the city while trying to hold onto indefensible positions.
Posted by b on February 16, 2024 at 15:24 UTC | Permalink
next page »I would feel bad for the Ukies but then I remember this is the Azovs
Posted by: Ezzie | Feb 16 2024 15:35 utc | 2
We are seeing some of the real balance of power in Ukraine that goes outside the chain of command. "The Butcher" can order units into a hopeless position to die in the festung in service of their country, but units with an independent power base, such as the 3rd Assault, can simply refuse to die there and pull back on their own accord.
Posted by: Bob | Feb 16 2024 15:36 utc | 3
Imagine the look on Zelensky's face when after going all the way to the front to see one, he discovered what a Coke plant actually was...
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 16 2024 15:37 utc | 4
In this video b posted, the guy has a US flag on his helmet.
Units of the 3rd brigade filmed themselves leaving Avdeevka towards the west.
Azov retreat
Posted by: lex talionis | Feb 16 2024 15:40 utc | 5
Thanks for the posting b....better than buying the clickbait the Western MSM is pushing today.
I question one point you made about the 3rd Azov brigade being in the coke plant. Is that all of it or did some part of it get all the way out of the cauldron?
Thanks
Another commenter reported that Z is out of the country and has given orders to hold Avdeevka
When this is completed will de-nazification be done enough?
Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 16 2024 15:42 utc | 6
@ post #5:
It seems the Azov battaliion were given US made military attire.
Posted by: WMG | Feb 16 2024 15:46 utc | 8
We should expect more provocations to cover the rout that is occurring and provide some favorable media coverage. Navalny and the Russian death star are likely not sufficient, so expect more.
Posted by: the pessimist | Feb 16 2024 15:47 utc | 9
While it has nothing to do with Avdeevka, for those who are not on Twitter or otherwise bombarded with the latest breaking news: Navalny died and first given cause is blood clots. That will make for some good jokes in the pharma critical crowd.
The Duran already covers it (pretty quick): https://rumble.com/v4drjik-alexey-navalny-dies-in-prison.html
While Seth Rich and Gonzalo Lira are not worth a single word in the west, the nazi and traitor Navalny will be propagandized to the max in the coming days.
Posted by: Hamburger | Feb 16 2024 15:47 utc | 10
Either because they have to maintain appearances to keep the money flowing in, or out of pure stupidity, the Ukrainians have been running the war in a way that does maintain appearances on a day by day basis. The outcome of that has been the wasting of material resources. For equipment, they have burned through most of their war materials. For men they have used up a large part of those people who are best suited to serve in a military. And now the bills have come due and Ukraine is running out of military assets. With that, the Russian system steps in. Ignore appearances and make the best use of the military assets so as to conserve them.
The wounded left behind may well be better off than those being evacuated. Perhaps they are more likely to live through the war.
Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2024 15:49 utc | 11
@9:
New provocation is CIA mi6 poisoning of Navalny... perfect distraction
Posted by: Peter b | Feb 16 2024 15:53 utc | 13
"While Seth Rich and Gonzalo Lira are not worth a single word in the west, the nazi and traitor Navalny will be propagandized to the max in the coming days."
Sounds about right, but there's a outcry in the west over Navalny's death, but why would Putin have him killed when Putin's stock world wide is/was on the rise due to the candid interview with Tucker Carlson it doesn't make sense.
As for the RF's FAB bombs, they seem to have given the RF an even bigger advantage on the battlefield, throwing troops into the cauldron seems utterly reckless.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 16 2024 15:57 utc | 14
Posted by: lex talionis | Feb 16 2024 15:40 utc | 5
Doesn't it violate the Hague Convention for a Ukrainian soldier to wear an American flag patch?
Posted by: CIROC | Feb 16 2024 15:58 utc | 15
@psychohistorian
"Another commenter reported that Z is out of the country and has given orders to hold Avdeevka"
Selensky is in Germany. He will beg for money at the Munich Security Conference.
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 15:58 utc | 16
they have to maintain appearances to keep the money flowing
Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2024 15:49 utc | 11
---
Perhaps the Ukrainian War provided sufficient cash flow to keep bonds rolling over up until now, however this year commercial real estate obligations dwarf Ukrainian promises by a factor of at least 10.
A rolling bond gathers no loss, but it will be a very good trick indeed to funnel the needed more than $900B into CRE from an approximately $80B Ukrainian outlay.
Posted by: too scents | Feb 16 2024 15:59 utc | 17
Do I get this right? The Azov Brigade had a rendevouz with two Iskanders, after which they
made it in time into the couldron, left their positions because it is pointless, but did they
get out in time? Because if not, Zelinsky is busy on his yet another welfare tour and I am
not sure they would think it advantuous to surrender either.
And who will block the lines of the Ukrainian leftover street conscripts in the future? Just
good timing that the big bosses just happen to meet in Munich. I think they urgently need an
overhaul of their play book.
Posted by: C | Feb 16 2024 16:00 utc | 18
Navalny alive was a (pardon the pun) dead end.
Now, he serves as a useful distraction.
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 16 2024 16:03 utc | 19
All the King's Horses and all the Kings Men couldn't put Avdiivka together again ...
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 16 2024 16:11 utc | 20
Instead of retreating to shorter straight defense lines thousands of Ukrainian troops will die in the city while trying to hold onto indefensible positions.
I don't understand how any part of humanity arrived at this "meat grinder" strategy: despatching wave after wave -- mainly of poor conscripts, with some fanatics thrown in for seasoning. Zaluzhny had to go before this cauldron collapse, though not far from fanaticism himself, he didn't understand this "meat grinder" anymore.
Who benefits when Ukranians are senselessly sacrificed like this, over and over again? I don't think a coherent explanation exists. Only sheer nihilism.
Posted by: Aleph_Null | Feb 16 2024 16:15 utc | 21
lex talionis | Feb 16 2024 15:40 utc | 5--
The helmet appears to be a special purpose comms helmet for M-116 crew that likely came with the APC. All those guys are riding atop while the troop hold probably has wounded, if they're lucky.
I am here simply to memorialize all those bravely announcing Avdeyevka to be "a complete Russian failure" for the last few months, who appear to have tragically left us over the last week. You are not forgotten.
Posted by: boneless | Feb 16 2024 16:21 utc | 23
Maximising his income by using Avdeevka losses to scare the Germans with ‘the Russians are coming’, Zelensky shakes down Sholz for another 11, 17 ? Billion euros.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/28178
The racket goes on.
Posted by: Lev Davidovich | Feb 16 2024 16:24 utc | 24
My only wish is that every western mercenary soldier of fortune is bring vaporized by Russian munitions after taking money and believing ZOG lies.
If Azov wants to be Nazis in their own country that is 100% fine with me.
I want my own future enemies in my country to die in vain fighting Russia.
Posted by: ryanggg | Feb 16 2024 16:27 utc | 25
Posted by: Lev Davidovich | Feb 16 2024 16:24 utc | 24
I really doubt that Germany or EU have the money to sustain Ukraine.
Posted by: Mario | Feb 16 2024 16:28 utc | 26
Zelensky, through Ermak and Syrsky, is in full charge of the Avdeevsky case and he personally makes all decisions - source.
It was Zelensky who gave the order to hold Avdiivka at any cost, and even now he did not give the order to withdraw the groups from the cauldron, but to continue to hold it, risking the lives of the soldiers.It is impossible to evacuate the wounded from Avdeevka. It turns out that the wounded there were sentenced to death.
Videos have appeared that the military leadership abandoned their wounded in Avdiivka.We previously insided that Zelensky personally gave the order to hold Avdiivka, and ex-commander-in-chief Zaluzhny was against holding it at any cost, for the sake of political situational goals. This was one of the reasons for his resignation.
https://t.me/legitimniy/17270
Posted by: Down South | Feb 16 2024 16:34 utc | 27
I can't help but to think that some in power in Ukraine believe that holding Adiivka is critical to getting the Senate passed aid bill across the finish line in the House of Representatives. Lot of moving pieces on the political chess board, and also, imo, there's the factor that got spoken by George C. Scott as he played General Patton. Clip of that below. "America loves a winner, and will not tolerate a loser."
https://youtu.be/sv9XNFpRdhg?si=00nFpfLuR7pTo5TK
Posted by: Babel-17 | Feb 16 2024 16:45 utc | 28
Hellish!
Posted by: karlof1 | Feb 16 2024 16:16 utc | 22
that would explain why the guy is holding his hand to his ear.
Posted by: nathan in WA US | Feb 16 2024 16:55 utc | 29
Posted by: Babel-17 | Feb 16 2024 16:45 utc | 28
The money flow from EU/US enables them to skim off some money. I don't think we need any more examples how utterly corrupt the leadership is, they will sell their own grandmother for a cookie crumb. Don't mention they won't sell 100k men, women and children for a bunch of more cookie crumbs.
The aid from the US and EU are in fact completely dependent on full mobilization.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 16 2024 16:58 utc | 30
Drinks all around today, it's Adveyevka liberation day!
As an extra bonus, with the House on recess, there is no hope for money for the Zee-boi. He's busy begging in Europe. And, brain-dead Biden has spittle running out of his mouth and pudding leaking from his ears as he rants and raves like a demented Alzheimer's patient.
Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 16 2024 17:03 utc | 31
The ONLY lucky ones in Ukraine's conscript army are those who were able to surrender and those who were wounded and found by the Russians...
Posted by: pyrrhus | Feb 16 2024 17:04 utc | 32
Posted by: ryanggg | Feb 16 2024 16:27 utc | 25
Yes, getting rid of these people by killing them in a foreign land has a lot of benefits for the rest of us suffering through shitbirds like Macron, Biden, and Sunak.
The murder rate will probably drop as these disposable assets are wasted.
We should all send Putin a thank-you card.
Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 16 2024 17:06 utc | 33
Doctorow on Navalny-'The Brits did it!'-is interesting today.
And he has a point: all these 'assassinations' of prominent Russian 'dissidents' have a very clear British connection.
caveat: by British I refer simply to the ruling class running that fair land into the ground.
Posted by: bevin | Feb 16 2024 17:10 utc | 34
a very clear British connection
Posted by: bevin | Feb 16 2024 17:10 utc | 34
---
What are the odds those same people provide Zelensky's personal security team?
Posted by: too scents | Feb 16 2024 17:14 utc | 35
The “inconsolable” widow of Nawalny can barely contain her smile
https://t.me/ZandVchannel/100483
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 17:25 utc | 36
Navalny Must have outlived his usefulness to the War Party. A consistent pattern with the War Party useful idiots.
Posted by: Exile | Feb 16 2024 17:32 utc | 37
Ukraine Weekly Update, 16th February 2024: May be useful to some: https://robcampbell.substack.com/p/ukraine-weekly-update-d90
Posted by: Dr. Rob Campbell | Feb 16 2024 17:33 utc | 38
According to DW News, Zelenskiy has signed a "joint security pact" with Germany whilst in Munich.
It'll be interesing to see if this pact translates into anything more tangible/helpful than regular "Sympathy" and "Get Well Soon" postcards.
Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Feb 16 2024 17:38 utc | 39
STATE BUDGET EXPENDITURES ON MILITARY SALARIES ALMOST HALVED IN JANUARY – DATA FROM THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
In January of this year, UAH 57.4 billion was allocated for the salaries of military personnel. This amount is almost twice less than the one that took place a month ago – UAH 107.8 billion, Writes censor.net with reference to notice Ministry of Finance.
According to the ministry, the total amount of cash expenditures of the general fund of the state budget in January amounted to UAH 150.2 billion.
Posted by: Paul from Norway | Feb 16 2024 17:49 utc | 41
Maybe the whole idea is to get the Nazis culled by the Russians so that they can never try to get a coup d'etat going with the support of zalzhuny and his right sector kind of Neo fascists and Neo nazis militias
Posted by: Tranceislife | Feb 16 2024 17:50 utc | 42
The Ukrainians in Avdiivka are giving excuses why they will lose, not giving a reason why they will win. Avdiivka is lost.
Nord Stream was built because Ukraine stole Russian gas on its way to Germany. The Ukrainian thought they were clever, getting paid by Russia and getting free gas, too. Counting the Ukrainian dead, that free gas was very expensive.
Posted by: Passerby | Feb 16 2024 17:59 utc | 43
The beeb BBC, had to inform the 45 people who listen to it that Avdeeka is about to fall, the Russian conscript force is ordering human waves of its men without regard to their deaths it reports.
No mention of why the AFU, without any artillery, have not retreated given that Avdeeka is only a back water town, no,just protecting an image of thousands of Russian corpses piled up in front of brave AFU warriors who are killing the enemy with no ammunition.
Posted by: Eoin Clancy | Feb 16 2024 18:09 utc | 44
Hamburger @10
How was Navalny a nazi? If you have any evidence, please present it. Otherwise get your Nazi Derangement Syndrome under control. Navalny was an inconsequential figure in Russian history, never amassing more than 2% of the vote. He was funded by Western interests, such as Soros. Possibly a CIA asset, one can accuse him of attempting to sell out his country. But nazi, he was not.
Posted by: AJ | Feb 16 2024 18:10 utc | 45
Maybe the whole idea is to get the Nazis culled by the Russians so that they can never try to get a coup d'etat going with the support of zalzhuny and his right sector kind of Neo fascists and Neo nazis militias
Posted by: Tranceislife | Feb 16 2024 17:50 utc | 42
There are lots more Nazi formations still behind the lines.
Posted by: Honzo | Feb 16 2024 18:18 utc | 46
The ONLY lucky ones in Ukraine's conscript army are those who were able to surrender and those who were wounded and found by the Russians...Posted by: pyrrhus | Feb 16 2024 17:04 utc | 32
The best outcome for a Ukrainian soldier is being taken prisoner by the Russians. The worst outcome for a Russian soldier is being taken prisoner by the Ukrainians. Says a lot about the parties to the conflict.
Posted by: Mike R | Feb 16 2024 18:19 utc | 47
Posted by: CIROC | Feb 16 2024 15:58 utc | 15
I don't know.
Posted by: karlof1 | Feb 16 2024 16:16 utc | 22
That makes sense.
I watched the video, and then I was like, "Wait a second." Watched back and hit pause. "Humm. That's what I thought."
When are they just going to blow up Los Angeles? They would be doing me a favor. I'm so tired of life. But that's another matter... I guess we all will find out soon enough.
Posted by: lex talionis | Feb 16 2024 18:29 utc | 49
I browsed MSM channels on my tv (CNN, BBC, Euronews, Bloomberg...). The simulated cacophony of “ poor Navalny, bad Putin” is just deafening. Navalny was supposed to organise a coloured revolution in Russia and even quite marginal political figure, he was west’s best shot at forceful removal of Putin.
Posted by: Milos | Feb 16 2024 18:29 utc | 50
Posted by: AJ | Feb 16 2024 18:10 utc | 45
Fascist, nationalist, racist, etc. Help yourself! See how is was advocating killing the "cockroaches":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT0tCSaWZ9Q
Or in French:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD8hjfrE_js
On February 23, 2021, Amnesty International declared that it no longer considers Navalny a "prisoner of conscience" because of his "hate speeches" pronounced in the 2000s, and in which "he advocated violence and discrimination", without ever retracting.
Here is an eloquent example, where the inhabitants of the Caucasus (predominantly Muslim Russian region) are targeted.
I guess you are not a cockroach.
Posted by: Naive | Feb 16 2024 18:32 utc | 51
Apollyon @48
Thank you for linking to a very informative article. It, however, proves my point. Nazi stands for National Socialist. Ultra-nationalist he may have been, but, according to the article, Navalny was no socialist. Economic liberalism is very different from historical national socialist economic and labour policies.
Posted by: AJ | Feb 16 2024 18:34 utc | 52
… spoken by George C. Scott as he played General Patton. Clip of that below. "America loves a winner, and will not tolerate a loser."
Posted by: Babel-17 | Feb 16 2024 16:45 utc | 28
Interesting film and quote. I preferred “Well, get back down there, son. You're the only son of a bitch in this headquarters that knows what he's trying to do.” from the same movie or “The CID is so irresponsible, they couldn't find horseshit in a stable” from George Kennedy’s Patton in Brass Target.
Posted by: anon2020 | Feb 16 2024 18:35 utc | 53
⚡️🇷🇺🇺🇦⚔️ Front #Summary for 16 Feb 2024 by 19:31⚡️🔹In #Kherson Direction, without changes and some counter battles.
🔹In #Zaporozhye Direction, our army has advanced on the #Vremyevka ledge, west of the #Novodonetskoye's outskirts. There are also oncoming battles.🔹In #SouthDonetsk Direction, our troops are intensifying the offensive in #Novomikhaylovka. They are attacking from the eastern part of the village towards the centre. Persistent fighting continues in #Georgiyevka.
🔹In #Donetsk Direction, last night and this morning, our military literally collapsed the AFU defence on the southern outskirts of #Avdeyevka. The Donetsk Filtration Station, Zenit and Cheburashka fortifications came under our control. In the northern coverage, our flag was 👉 hoisted over the stele at the entrance to the city, where Zelensky took selfies last December. The AFU failed to withdraw organised, many positions were abandoned with wounded in them. They continue to retreat in small groups across the fields. Meanwhile, our army is approaching #Lastochkino. Our southern and northern groups are marching to unite with each other, with about 1 km missing for the advanced units.
❗️Our troops will have to carefully monitor the situation on the flanks, providing cover for the advancing units to avoid possible AFU flank attacks. The next target will surely be the Coke Plant, where the Azov terrorists are staying. Their chief of staff has publicly admitted that the AFU's attempts to fight head-on with the Russians is a mistake. Ours surround the plant, carefully entering the territory.
📌 The liberation of #Avdeyevka will mark a new significant combat victory for our army. It will confirm both the failed AFU counteroffensive and our strategic initiative.🔹In #Bakhmut Direction, our troops consolidating on a fairly extensive territory in the woodland south of Popovsky Forest.
🔹In #Svatovo Direction, on the #Seversk front, our forces are actively advancing along the railway line near #Vesyoloye (north of #Soledar). From near #Belogorovka footage is coming of an attack on AFU positions in the territory of the chalk plant by our Aida group drone operators. Fighters track down the slightest movement in the ruins of the enterprise. The enemy is not going to give up, retreats, but only tactically, for subsequent counterattacks from more advantageous positions. In the #Kupyansk sector, our forces are developing their coverage of #Sinkovka. After the recent successful attacks from the northwestern outskirts, ours managed to advance in the northeast. They are marching on a wide front, united with the southern front of the #Olshana village.🎯 Our Military carried out numerous attacks on the AFU positions in #Volchansk, from where, among other things, attacks were launched on #Belgorod.
https://t.me/sitreports/23049
Posted by: Down South | Feb 16 2024 18:46 utc | 54
How was Navalny a nazi?
You are right. He was just someone who betrayed his country as an agent of another country. He had no known affiliations with national socialist ideology.
My understanding is, that he was a liberal. George Orwell was once asked (after the release of 1948) who he dispised more, Communists or Fascists. He answered that he despised both equally, but what he feared most were his liberal friends.
Neoliberalism has become authoritarian and totalitarian and today is just as poisonous to any country as Nazism was to Germany. It is the contemporary fassade of imperialism and corporate capitalism as was fascism before.
Doesn't change the fact that the term 'nazi'was inappropriate in regards to Navalny.
PS: I understand that fascism and National Socialism are two different things that should be differentiated but in reality most of the time are not.
Posted by: Hamburger | Feb 16 2024 18:50 utc | 55
We should expect more provocations to cover the rout that is occurring and provide some favorable media coverage. Navalny and the Russian death star are likely not sufficient, so expect more.
Posted by: the pessimist | Feb 16 2024 15:47 utc | 9
-----------------------
Trouble nobody bar a noisy fringe/propagandists in the West or wider world actually cares.
We've been hearing about Putin running an assassins guild like the Old Man of the Mountain for decades at this point.
It's old regurgitated agi-prop.
Still RE Navalny as of now:
Full multiple section Wikipedia page on his death. Mass-MSM-media barrage from usual suspects, saying what you’d expect them to say.
In the creepy multinational, multi-outlet synchronised, repedtitive chorus. That I’ve come to expect from the “rules-based democratic Western free-press”.
Anyone saying he wasn't an asset, has a massive burden of proof quandary.
Posted by: Urban Fox | Feb 16 2024 18:56 utc | 56
Neoliberalism has become authoritarian and totalitarian and today is just as poisonous to any country as Nazism was to Germany. It is the contemporary fassade of imperialism and corporate capitalism as was fascism before. ...
Posted by: Hamburger | Feb 16 2024 18:50 utc | 55
And it's fascism today.
Posted by: Oliver Krug | Feb 16 2024 18:56 utc | 57
SIMPLICIUS Ѱ
@simpatico771
⚡️🇺🇦Azov Brigade has reportedly again found themselves trapped in a factory basement. This time AKHZ instead of Azovstal:"Video from the basements of Koksokhim in Avdiivka.
Footage shot by soldiers of the Third Assault Brigade. Inside the plant, the military takes cover from constant enemy fire, and medics stabilize the wounded. Even when the ceiling is pouring down from the regular CABs.
https://twitter.com/simpatico771/status/1758562584540705225
I did also see a video of a small group of Azovs hightailing it out of dodge so the Russians haven't trapped them all. Will be interesting to find out how many are trapped in the coke plant.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 16 2024 19:01 utc | 58
From a Lavrov speech that is in the latest Substack link from from karlof1 I can't find...sigh
The quote
After all, 17 territories still remain in colonial dependence. The metropolises are not going to release them, despite the requirements of the relevant UN resolutions.
I want a list of those 17 territories are....barflies?
Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 16 2024 19:08 utc | 59
Big bunker-busting boom from glide FABs, but ….
https://t.me/belarusian_silovik/30173
I managed to talk today with one of the former “Wagners” who is now fighting in Avdeevka.He said this: if at the moment when we took Soledar and Bakhmut, the crests would have had the same number of FPV drones, then we would all have died there.
This is to the question of how much FPV drones decide and how difficult it is now for guys to occupy every meter of land.
Posted by: anon2020 | Feb 16 2024 19:19 utc | 60
Hamburger @55
Thank you for your response.
There are two conspiracy theories circulating re Navalny's death. 1. "Putin did it". Why? And why now? Navalny was a marginal figure, all but forgotten. Putin derives no benefit from this. 2. "Western interests eliminated him". This would make more sense from a "cui bono" perspective. Both as to timing and as to him being more useful as a "martyr" than as a forgotten convict in a penal colony. I would like to mention a third possibility: He could have died of natural causes, the timing of his death being coincidental. He was not a healthy man, and people do die suddenly, of natural causes, all the time. In any case, we may or may not find out more in the coming days...
Posted by: AJ | Feb 16 2024 19:21 utc | 61
I really doubt that Germany or EU have the money to sustain Ukraine.
Posted by: Mario | Feb 16 2024 16:28 utc | 26
Probably because you don't understand what the word " ISSUE " means. Running out of money is the equivalent of running out of keys on a computer keyboard.
Or if you prefer the horses mouth
https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=Can+the+ECB+run+out+of+Euros
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 16 2024 19:26 utc | 62
@AJ
"Navalny was no socialist. Economic liberalism is very different from historical national socialist economic and labour policies."
Hitler wasn't a socialist either. Gregor and Otto Strasser were socialists: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strasserism
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 19:28 utc | 63
A moving image but I find it very disturbing that this has to be repeated after barely 80ys. Supremacy and Nazism in Europe runs deep, very deep.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Feb 16 2024 19:29 utc | 64
I finally found it. According to Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, the use of flags of countries that are not parties to the conflict is prohibited.
Article 39 - Emblems of nationality
1. It is prohibited to make use in an armed conflict of the flags or military emblems, insignia or uniforms of neutral or other States not Parties to the conflict.
https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/api-1977/article-39
Since the U.S. is not a party to the conflict (right?), it is illegal for Ukrainian soldiers to wear patches of the American flag.
Posted by: CIROC | Feb 16 2024 19:35 utc | 65
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 19:28 utc | 63
Now you have really confused the Americans. You better explain it to this chump.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xnP7WlSfRzg&pp=ygUeSm9lIFJvZ2FuIGhhZCBpdCB3aXRoIHRoZSBsZWZ0
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 16 2024 19:36 utc | 66
Rubiconned | Feb 16 2024 15:37 utc | 4
Zelensky's face when he discovered what a real Coke plant…
Thx m8.
Not much else to comment on the Fall of Avostal Artyomovsk Avdeevka.
Posted by: Melaleuca | Feb 16 2024 19:38 utc | 67
@AJ
"They" killed him.
Nawalny died today, when the Munich Security Conference started, where HIS WIFE HAPPENED TO BE - WHAT AN AMAZING COINCIDENCE!
https://x.com/maxseddon/status/1758497891067334978?s=20
Navalny's death gives Biden a pretext for more sanctions against Russia.
https://x.com/BeppiButler1/status/1758475423606776147?s=20
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 19:38 utc | 68
The editors of Readovka and personally the editor-in-chief Alexey Kostylev went out to talk with Navalny’s fans in Moscow to remind them of yesterday’s tragedy in Belgorod. It was not possible to talk - they don’t even know about her.The editors of Readovka could not stay away from the ambiguous situation when just yesterday little Valya died, killed by a fragment of a Ukrainian rocket in her stroller, and today her death is virtually forgotten for fans of the liberal Fuhrer. This whole crowd and their minions are hypocritically shedding tears for others, not noticing what is happening in our country. Not only the girl’s death is forgotten - they carefully do not see other deaths, thereby showing that not all of our fellow citizens are equal to them.
That’s why we decided with editor-in-chief Alexei Kostylev to go to a spontaneous gathering of rare Navalny fans in Moscow to remind us what is really important today, to remind us of the death of a 4-month-old girl from an enemy shell, and to look into the eyes of those who think that this is not important. Yes, this is our editorial position, and it is that during a war in which we are fighting for our freedom and in which our defenders are dying hourly, the death of one bygone unlucky political schemer should not be a higher priority, than the deaths of others. Moreover, this farce of defiantly laying flowers on one’s idol and ignoring the death of our fellow citizens already contains an insult to those who gave their lives for our freedom.
As it turned out, those gathered don’t even know what happened yesterday and consider the death of Belgorod residents a provocation, which they did not hesitate to tell us. People cry in front of the cameras, but after reading what is written on our poster, they make faces and hurl insults. They also tried to remove our poster dedicated to the tragedy in Belgorod from the spontaneous memorial. There was also an incident with the police, but our valiant security forces quickly figured out which of those gathered were for the truth and which were against the country. Belgorod, we mourn.
Posted by: shаdοwbanned | Feb 16 2024 19:38 utc | 69
From IntelSlava
🇷🇺🇺🇦 It is reported that over the past 24 hours, tactical aircraft dropped 250 bombs from UMPC on Avdeevka from just one airfield.🇷🇺🇺🇦 Confirmed advance of the Russian Armed Forces inside Avdeevka after occupying the city park and clinic.
🇷🇺🇺🇦 Russian troops occupied the Avdeevka metal structures plant, continuing to advance parallel to Industrial Avenue in the direction of a block of high-rise buildings. Objects that in another situation could have been serious strongholds for a long time are abandoned by the enemy with limited resistance. In fact, we are watching online the gradual transfer of Avdiivka into the hands of our troops. The enemy will probably hold on to the coke plant and possibly to the block of high-rise buildings.
🇷🇺🇺🇦⚡Russian troops liberated the Avdeevka clinic and city park.
Posted by: Down South | Feb 16 2024 19:40 utc | 70
AJ | Feb 16 2024 19:21 utc | 61
Navalny has died conveniently timed for the Russian presidential elections.
(I’d actually forgotten he existed.)
Posted by: Melaleuca | Feb 16 2024 19:41 utc | 71
Wow!
Genocide Joe aka Dickhead Tracey has found Putin GUILTY of (?) for the death of A. Navalny.
This smells stupider and lazier than the trumped-up January 6th, and election-stealing, charges against Donald J Trump.
It invites one to contemplate the question: "Does Genocide Joe EVER think before he speaks?"
Or
is this just another case of: "If there's nothing to say, Joe will say it?"
Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Feb 16 2024 19:44 utc | 72
Probably because you don't understand what the word " ISSUE " means. Running out of money is the equivalent of running out of keys on a computer keyboard.
Or if you prefer the horses mouth
https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=Can+the+ECB+run+out+of+Euros
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 16 2024 19:26 utc | 62
-------------
I heard blah blah blah it'll be worth sweet f**k-all, but we won't ever run out.
Posted by: Urban Fox | Feb 16 2024 19:45 utc | 73
Neoliberalism has become authoritarian and totalitarian and today is just as poisonous to any country as Nazism was to Germany. It is the contemporary fassade of imperialism and corporate capitalism as was fascism before.Posted by: Hamburger | Feb 16 2024 18:50 utc | 55
Old school communists used to constantly draw a direct causal line between liberalism and fascism, because they saw the process unfold in real time right in front of their eyes in the period from the end of the 19th century to WWII, and knew very well what happened and why (note that it is a rather harmful myth that it all happened in the interwar period, not at all, the roots are deep in the 19th century, and in fact lots of 19th century practices were outright fascism too, it's just that the concept didn't exist back then). Liberalism and fascism were pretty much one and the same for them.
But then the evil empire executed a masterful judo move and replaced the true left that was concerned with class issues with a pseudoleft that harped on race, gender, and anything else but class issues, and that direct causal relationship was completely forgotten. That was aided and abetted by the traitors on the other side of the Iron Curtain, of course...
Posted by: shаdοwbanned | Feb 16 2024 19:45 utc | 74
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 19:28 utc | 63
The right didn't destroy the left the liberals did. It has been their strategy for decades. By the time Sir Keir Rodney Starmer is finished, very few will vote for Labour for the next 30 years. It is how the one party nation state works to keep the upper class elites in power.
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 16 2024 19:46 utc | 75
56 - He probably was, though sometimes assets get flung away. It depends on what their controllers want.
Posted by: Waldorf | Feb 16 2024 19:49 utc | 76
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 16 2024 19:26 utc | 62
AFAIK Germany and EU work in different way than USA when it goes to printing money.
Posted by: Mario | Feb 16 2024 19:51 utc | 77
Illuminating most illuminating Readovka article - no wonder Readovka is blocked.
Posted by: Exile | Feb 16 2024 19:55 utc | 78
Posted by: Mario | Feb 16 2024 19:51 utc | 77
Of course, doesn't mean they are going to run out of it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_fF3pNTtmfc&pp=ygUcQ2FuIHRoZSBFQ0IgcnVuIG91dCBvZiBtb25leQ%3D%3D
They can run out of things to buy, but they can't run out of Euros.
Germany can run out but the ECB won't.
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 16 2024 19:55 utc | 79
Z is in Paris tonight. he is enjoying the fresh lobster, the delicious oysters and the good cheese and chilled champagne that emanuelle is having served today.
Z won't arrive in Munich until tomorrow, Saturday.
Posted by: John Heartfield | Feb 16 2024 20:04 utc | 80
whole pogramme on UK channel 4 on the N....almost if prepared...
shame he was not protected???? Careless?Known drug user...the tests of him had revealed serious health problems I seem to recall that could indicate a weak vulnerable constitution ...Gone for a walk felt ill onconscious sounds very like the pattern of the airplane"incident"?
Could drugs be available in the prison? Whete did he walk...in an enclosure.. outside access? Will the 'chok be claimed?
Posted by: Jo | Feb 16 2024 20:10 utc | 81
Hamburger @ 55, AJ @ 61:
My understanding is that Alexei Navalny had personal and family connections in Ukraine and some of these may have been fascist or even neo-Nazi. So Hamburger's comment @ 10 may not be too far off its mark.
Navalny certainly was not a healthy man. He was known to be in a pre-diabetic state at the time he collapsed on the plane flying from Tomsk to Moscow back in 2018. It is likely the underlying cause of his death is the same cause behind his earlier collapse, so neglect by prison authorities in the proper and prompt treatment of his condition should not be ruled out. It would be concerning if this is the case; the prison system should have learned something from Sergei Magnitsky's death and the way Bill Browder has been milking its propaganda value to no end.
Strange also how Navalny's death comes so soon after Tucker Carlson's interview with the Russian President. Hope this is just coincidence.
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Feb 16 2024 20:11 utc | 82
"The Ukrainian leadership has ordered to hold onto Avdeevka as long as possible.
This is a repeat of the undue hold-out in Bakhmut. Instead of retreating to shorter straight defense lines thousands of Ukrainian troops will die in the city while trying to hold onto indefensible positions."
A mobile defense requires trained troops, mobility, and officers who have the confidence of their men. Ukraine has none of the above, except maybe mobility.
Therefore, to prevent a retreat from turning into a rout, the Ukrainian Army is ordering troops to hold fast. This makes sense. Even a chimp can stand in a trench, especially if chimpo knows that there are blocking units prepared to shoot any simian who tries to surrender or retreat.
The goal is to slow the Russian progress as much as possible, to inflict as many casualties as possible, before the call goes out to Send In The Poles!
Posted by: Feral Finster | Feb 16 2024 20:12 utc | 83
I would feel bad for the Ukies but then I remember this is the Azovs
Posted by: Ezzie | Feb 16 2024 15:35 utc | 2
I don't.
Posted by: Feral Finster | Feb 16 2024 20:12 utc | 84
" Economic liberalism is very different from historical national socialist economic and labour policies."
Posted by: AJ | Feb 16 2024 18:34 utc | 52
Apollyon has answered this, to an extent.
The history of what the Nazis actually did, after taking power, leaves no doubt that as the German Industrialists, General Staff and Conservatives all understood there was nothing socialist about Hitler's policies or programme.
HIs government was a sustained series of attacks on Labour and a disaster for the constituencies of socialist and Trade Union movements. In these matters Nazi policy coincided with the wishes of German liberal circles and mirrored the political economy of liberalism.
Posted by: bevin | Feb 16 2024 20:14 utc | 85
@psychohistorian
"Another commenter reported that Z is out of the country and has given orders to hold Avdeevka"
Selensky is in Germany. He will beg for money at the Munich Security Conference.
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 15:58 utc | 16
Navalnyii's wife also just happens to be speaking there today. By total coincidence, no doubt. /s/
Posted by: Feral Finster | Feb 16 2024 20:14 utc | 86
John Heartfield @ 80:
I'm sure Zelensky's wife is hitting up the shops on Champs Elysees Boulevard and splashing around US taxpayer money too.
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Feb 16 2024 20:14 utc | 87
FPV drones are an important facet of the modern battlefield in Ukraine, but inexpensive and mass produced glide bomb kits are a game changer. Russia probably still has an almost limitless supply of “dumb bombs”. And as forward Ukrainian air defenses are further and further attrited the ability to deploy the glide bombs increases.
As for Navalny, he mostly adopted whatever ideology his handlers thought was right for the moment. Back in the 90’a he was hanging around with the Natsbol crew, but it was never easy to figure out whether that was a serious political movement (fringe) or performance theater. Then he went all in on virulent Russian nationalism during the second Chechen war since that had the best chance of destabilizing Russia. And then he became a liberal, democratic campaigner against corruption while being corrupt.
I’m going to guess there’s no real conspiracy in his death. Russian prisons aren’t the most forgiving places in the world, those in the Arctic even less so. Of course the Brits might have killed him. But it’s just as likely he simply died.
Posted by: Lex | Feb 16 2024 20:23 utc | 88
Since the U.S. is not a party to the conflict (right?), it is illegal for Ukrainian soldiers to wear patches of the American flag.
Posted by: CIROC | Feb 16 2024 19:35 utc | 65
Nice find. Hat tip.
Posted by: Passerby | Feb 16 2024 20:33 utc | 89
@Lex
"I’m going to guess there’s no real conspiracy in his death. Russian prisons aren’t the most forgiving places in the world, those in the Arctic even less so. Of course the Brits might have killed him. But it’s just as likely he simply died."
I mentioned it before: Today started the Munich Security Conference. It was perfect timing. All the western war-mongering Russia-hating assholes gathered in a Munich hotel. Maybe the SBU killed N. They hated him, because he was a nationalist and because he said that Crimea belongs to Russia.
Posted by: Apollyon | Feb 16 2024 20:41 utc | 90
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 16 2024 19:36 utc | 66
Rogaine: "This fake world of leftist ideology...."
LOL, Mkay.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Feb 16 2024 20:48 utc | 91
It'll be interesing to see if this pact translates into anything more tangible/helpful than regular "Sympathy" and "Get Well Soon" postcards.
Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Feb 16 2024 17:38 utc | 39
Another worthless security guarantee- get well cards would be prefered, Norway will sign the next "guarantee":
"Ukraine has signed an "agreement on security guarantees" with Germany.
It should be noted that the word "guarantees" is not mentioned in the document. It is called the Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany.
In the event of a second Russian invasion of Ukraine, consultations will be convened within 24 hours to determine further steps, and Germany "will provide Ukraine with prompt and sustained security assistance, if necessary, modern military equipment in all necessary areas, as well as economic assistance."
But the specific volumes and timing of the delivery of this aid are not specified and remain at the discretion of Berlin.
With regard to the latter, there is an important reservation - "Germany recalls that national budget allocations apply and require the express permission of the German Bundestag. The document is valid for 10 years from the date of signing."
Posted by: Pål Harald Halseth | Feb 16 2024 20:50 utc | 92
Hoarsewhisperer | Feb 16 2024 17:38 utc | 39
According to DW News, Zelenskiy has signed a "joint security pact" with Germany whilst in Munich.
It'll be interesing to see if this pact translates into anything more tangible/helpful than regular "Sympathy" and "Get Well Soon" postcards.
Could be. But I think it is more sinister than that.
Taurus incoming, certainly German troops. etc.
Sholtz still believes in the USA backing. Good.
Ah yes, Navalny. Rotten traitor. But they have one more left. Frau Navalny. She looks as Helga from some WWII comedy. I can imagine her among those drooling gray-suits, and certainly is funny to see her dwarf the tiny German gynecologist and a hausfrau, Uschi.
Posted by: whirlX | Feb 16 2024 20:52 utc | 93
Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 16 2024 19:08 utc | 59
Dutch Antilles.
Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Diego Garcia.
Ceuta and Melilla.
French Guyana, Martinique, Guadaloupe, Reunion.
US Virgin Islands. Guam. Puerto Rico.
Posted by: Passerby | Feb 16 2024 20:52 utc | 94
Does anyone know why the fortification northwest of "Zenit", at the shamrock highway crossing, was called "Fort Cheburashka"? I know the fantasy animal for kids of that name, origination from soviet times, but fail to see the connection.
Posted by: aquadraht | Feb 16 2024 21:05 utc | 95
Posted by: Lex | Feb 16 2024 20:23 utc | 88
These UMPC glide kits are both much cheaper and much longer range than RF’s many other glide bombs. In a way, given the cost of the conflict, the bargain price isn’t an absolute necessity but, yes, their glide range allows the delivery aircraft to operate safely given the current AD situation, which provides an almost uniquely effective tool against UA forces dug in or hidden in concrete structures that would take forever to wear down with lighter explosive charges.
When the glide bombs started flying in Bakhmut, whole units were taken out along the buildings they were holed up in, no chance to fall back or booby trap their retreat. Now the glide kits are being used to deliver cluster and thermobaric bombs as well. UA forces are already pleading for some kind of AD to suppress RF bomber operations.
There’s been some outward refinement of the glide kit aerodynamics to maximise range but there might be more range to be had from a longer wing span and chord, blended fairings to smooth out the surfaces and software optimisation on the autopilot (assuming there’s anything to room left for improvement on the last point). Even 20%…30% more range would count towards operation safety.
Posted by: anon2020 | Feb 16 2024 21:08 utc | 96
@ Pål Harald Halseth | Feb 16 2024 20:50 utc | 92
Yes, and later he did the same with the Macaron, with the addition that it's 10 years or until Ukr joins nato.
Posted by: rk | Feb 16 2024 21:09 utc | 97
Posted by: Feral Finster | Feb 16 2024 20:12 utc | 83
It looks like it’s rapidly turned into a rout. Chimps panic, too. Dimas latest showed an abandoned Leopard tank left out in the fields south of Avdeyevka. He said that the remaining Ukrainian troops within the city just left their equipment behind and are running in every direction, including towards Russian lines.
The lucky ones will be taken POW.
By tomorrow we should have a better idea of the scale of this disaster but it looks full Afghan to me.
Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 16 2024 21:18 utc | 98
Neoliberalism has become authoritarian and totalitarian and today is just as poisonous to any country as Nazism was to Germany. It is the contemporary fassade of imperialism and corporate capitalism as was fascism before. ...Posted by: Hamburger | Feb 16 2024 18:50 utc | 55
It is called Inverted totalitarianism
Posted by: schkid | Feb 16 2024 21:20 utc | 99
Feral Finster @ 83
The obvious solution in the trench will be to surrender and point out to the captors that the next line is barrier troops. Russian infantry loves those from what I heard.
Guess we'll get there soon, once all the firepower from Adveevka is freed up, rested and redeployed, spring Rasputitsa is ending. Sweet timing.
Posted by: SOS | Feb 16 2024 21:21 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
Translation: ukrainian elite troops are send to the meat grinder.
Posted by: WMG | Feb 16 2024 15:33 utc | 1