Ukraine Open Thread 2025-258

November 6, 2025

News & views related to the war in Ukraine …

Posted by b on November 6, 2025 at 15:50 UTC | Permalink

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Ivan Katchanovski – University of Ottawa
Abstract: This open access book examines the Russia-Ukraine war and its origins. Based on analysis of a large number of primary and secondary sources, it provides a systematic analysis of this crucial war, its nature, outcome, possibility of peaceful settlement, violence against civilians, and origins. The book examines the role of such factors as the NATO accession of Ukraine, Russian imperialism, democracy, genocide, and the far-right in the start of the war and traces the conflict escalation ladder, which culminated in this war, to preceding violent conflicts in Ukraine, in particular, the Euromaidan, the Maidan massacre, the Russian annexation of Crimea, and the war in Donbas. The Russia-Ukraine war is the most significant armed conflict of the 21st century in the entire world and in Europe since World War Two in terms of countries involved, casualties inflicted, and actual and potential impact in the world. This book analyzes the involvement of different conflict parties, such as the Ukrainian, Russian, and Western governments, Donbas separatists, and the far right, in this crucial war and in the Euromaidan, the Maidan massacre, the Russian annexation of Crimea, and the war in Donbas, and the nature of these conflicts. This book also examines support for pro-Western/pro-nationalist and pro-Russian/pro-communist political parties and presidential candidates and attitudes towards separatism and joining the European Union, NATO, and the union with Russia in regions of Ukraine in parliamentary and presidential elections and surveys since the Euromaidan.
The Russia-Ukrainian War and its Origins: From the Maidan to the Ukraine War: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396694016_The_Russia-Ukraine_War_and_its_Origins_From_the_Maidan_to_the_Ukraine_War

Posted by: Elmer Fudd | Nov 6 2025 16:17 utc | 1

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 16:18 utc | 2

(Wrong thread again. Apologies. Not keeping up.)

Wondering where Zelensky, if he survives, goes from here. Will he push off to some inconspicuous retreat, as so many do when the cards don’t fall their way? Maybe in Florida, maybe in Israel where a whole heap of oligarchs tend to end up – think Zelensky’s original patron, Kolomoisky – or maybe some sunny Mediterranean resort? Or does Zelensky still have a useful future in Western politics?

If in doubt consult an expert. Someone who knows his way around in what for most of us is the blur that is Ukrainian politics. From around 14 mins, Sleboda with Jamarl Thomas. Sleboda, from a Russian perspective but with a solid grasp of the Western dilemma in Ukraine, looking around at the forces acting upon the various players.

“Mark Sleboda | Russia’s Pokrovsk Kill Zone: Kiev’s Black Hawk Disaster Explained”

https://youtu.be/g-JtrZjdZII?t=785

But even in Sleboda’s case I’m not sure that sufficient attention is paid to the European dimension. The European politicians are fully committed to the fight against a malign and predatory Russia. They can’t go back on that. They cannot say to their increasingly restive electorates, it’s over and we’ve lost, live with it.

The European politicians would accept, reluctantly, a ceasefire that would allow NATO to keep a foothold in Western Ukraine so the conflict could later be resumed in more favourable conditions. But that’s out of their reach. The Russians have told Trump that such a ceasefire is not doable. We see the Ukrainian conflict as a small nation bravely attempting to resist predation by a larger. But the Russians see Ukraine as a NATO attack dog and they will accept no compromise or temporary peace that leaves that attack dog still usable.

No matter which point of view one accepts – most of us in Europe the former – when two such irreconcilable aims are in conflict it’s only force that will resolve that conflict. We’re not going to suddenly accept that the Russians are in the right nor they that we are. There will be no come to Jesus moment for either side.

So it’s a question of who can apply the most force, economic and military, and since February ’22 it’s been obvious that when it comes to economic and military force the Russians have more of it. How will the Europeans cope with that disagreeable conclusion?

Here’s a muddled and unrealistic article, written during the Biden era, showing the US, even the less hawkish elements within the US, failing to get to grips with the fact that the sanctions war against Russia was lost and that therefore the military war against Russia could not lead to victory for the West.

https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/04/27/the-horrible-dangers-in-pushing-a-us-proxy-war-in-ukraine/

Note the date. By April ’22 it was already obvious to anyone looking in from outside that the sanctions war was a bust and therefore the military war with it. Note the writer. Anatol Lieven. One of the most acute observers of the American foreign policy scene and a military expert to boot. If the best of the Western analysts at that time didn’t, to use a term one sometimes hears used in UK military circles, know his arse from his elbow when it came to military matters, then what hope for the Bidens and the Lindsey Grahams?

We must remember too that at that time US and therefore NATO military impotence in the Ukrainian theatre, at all levels except the nuclear, was not as apparent as it is now. Lieven, like all of us in the West in ’22, was still living back in the glory days of NATO when the Germans had a more than respectable army, we had the BAOR, and we both had the awesome military power of the US to fall back on. We had not at that time got accustomed to a world in which the German army trained with broomsticks, we had a strike force that would fit comfortably into a tennis court, and the only awesome thing about the US military was the size of its budget.

Nor had we got our heads round the fact that Russian industry could outperform ours when it came to military production. Nor that their missiles were more up to date and they had more of them. Nor that their General Staff took war fighting seriously whereas for our General Staffs war fighting simply meant shoving the proxies into battle any old how as long as the PR looked good. If that seems too caustic a view, look at the exploits of the Milley/Cavoli/Radakin trio. Why did Lieven, even at that early stage, not pick up on the fact that years of beating up on goat herders had left our Staffs unfit for more demanding work?

Nevertheless if one reads Lieven’s attempt at analysis and considers that this was from one of the best Western analysts, one begins to understand the confusion we saw in the States during the Biden years. They’d provoked a conflict with Russia they didn’t understand and were quite incapable of handling.

The unexpected arrival of Donald Trump changed matters. Never mind that Trump 47 isn’t what it said on the tin. When it came to the Ukrainian nonsense Trump saw through it all at a glance. He does after all have some experience in cutting his losses when an enterprise is heading for bankruptcy. Veni vidi cucurri, I came, I saw, I got the hell out, was the only realistic solution available to the US. At present Trump’s floundering about like a hooked fish trying for a way of cutting his losses in Ukraine that’ll not hurt him in the midterms, but that’s another matter. He wants out, is the main point here.

The European politicians don’t. Their electoral credibility, and that means their hold on power, depends on their maintaining their crusade against the Russians in Ukraine. After our defeat in Ukraine that crusade must continue. If those European politicians or politicians like them are to remain in power – it’s a bold man who could predict otherwise – then Cold War II is a certainty. Merz sees “military Keynsianism” as the solution to Germany’s self-inflicted economic woes. Where the still formidable German economic and industrial colossus goes the rest of us in Europe must follow. Festung Europa is Europe’s predictable future, if Europe’s not to fall apart, and most of us in Europe will man the ramparts against the common foe. Russia delenda est will be our common cause.

Where does that leave the Black Sun crowd and their hangers on? Sleboda’s intimately familiar with the Ukrainian political scene. Leave it to him to predict Zelensky’s chance of political survival, or indeed his chance of physical survival, if he displeases that crowd. But Zelensky or someone similar will do very well in the Cold War II the European politicians are aiming for. A happy life in the West as a symbol of resistance against a predatory Russia is his best bet. It’s not for nothing that he gets hugged by the Starmers and the Macrons and that he gets the seat of honour at British Cabinet Meetings. The European politicians aren’t as dumb as they look. Possibly their only claim to fame. Zelensky, if he survives, will be their mascot as they capitalise on their forthcoming defeat in Ukraine.

Posted by: English Outsider | Nov 6 2025 16:35 utc | 3

AFU flag planting operations did not stop AFRF from closing the Pokrovsk line from Mirnograd proper, it seems.

Posted by: boneless | Nov 6 2025 16:46 utc | 4

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 16:18 utc | 2

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9_%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%BD

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 16:49 utc | 5

Posted by: Elmer Fudd | Nov 6 2025 16:17 utc | 1
The Russia-Ukraine War and its Origins: From the Maidan to the Ukraine War
by Ivan Katchanovsky

I read parts of that book in 2022, I think as manuscript. I have a pdf in some computer or external HD. The version you linked to is now Open Access.
The author will not gather any simpathies from the West, Ukraine or Russia, lol!, because it is super objetive, informative, and uses mostly neutral and technical language.
When I read it (partially) I thought it was informative and well written.
Read Chapte 13, Conclusion, if you want less detail.
From Ch. 13:

“This conﬂict ladder started with Euromaidan, in particular, the Maidan massacre and escalated into the Crimea and Donbas conﬂicts and conﬂicts of Ukraine and the West with Russia. Russia strongly escalated these conﬂicts with its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Peaceful resolution of these conﬂicts could have stopped the conﬂict escalation ladder and prevented or minimized devastating consequences to Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine war outcome will shape the future not only of Ukraine and Russia but also of the world order.”

What I don’t like about the author it is that he is an avowed liberal who gives (or pretends to) too much importance to law in the relations between States. So he often calls the Russian invasion of the Ukraines “illegal invasion” as if that mattered or as if it were something oh so terrible. Of course it was illegal, there is no law that allowed the invasion, and so what? States’ territories are invaded not because a court of law decided the invasion, they are invaded because they are stupid and/or weak and/or are in the way of a more powerful State.
But apart from those possibly fake and definitive feminine outrages, oh it was illegal!, Katchanovski writes a useful and well written book.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 6 2025 16:58 utc | 6

EU commission is getting wet feet in Ukraine. They know all these issues since forever, but the real unnamed determining factor for Ukraine in EU is their … *drumroll* … battlefield performance.

The EUrotards are finally waking up to the inherent risk Ukraine poses for the bureaucrats losing their power, so they are at least visually trying to back away. But there’s still a high chance they will complete their suicide process.

BREAKING: European Commission report on the situation in Ukraine. – Stagnation of the anti-corruption system – Unlawful arrests and torture of Ukrainians Zelenskyy’s dictatorship is becoming obvious to the majority of people. 1/3

The rights of detainees and prisoners in Ukraine are still being violated; torture and ill-treatment remain a serious concern. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found multiple violations of its Convention in Ukraine. There are currently 694 cases under scrutiny by the Committee of Ministers. Ukraine lacks effective legal remedies for citizens. 2/3

Ukraine lacks a robust and independent anti-corruption system. Investigations into corruption crimes are stagnating. 3/3

https://x.com/Panchenko_X/status/1986158412359737689

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 6 2025 17:14 utc | 7

West Planning Major Sabotage at Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant – Moscow

https://www.rt.com/russia/627411-nato-sabotage-nuclear-plant-kiev/

“European NATO members are pushing Kiev to cause an accident at the facility and blame it on Russia, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service…”

Posted by: John Gilberts | Nov 6 2025 17:25 utc | 8

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 6 2025 16:58 utc | 6

I generally dislike American liberals. I generally dislike American conservatives, too, but I have an intense hatred for American liberal lawyers.

Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Nov 6 2025 17:25 utc | 9

“ Of course it was illegal, there is no law that allowed the invasion, and so what? States’ territories are invaded not because a court of law decided the invasion, they are invaded because they are stupid and/or weak and/or are in the way of a more powerful State. “ Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 6 2025 16:58 utc | 6
Yes there is a law and it was legal Andre the UN deemed requirements of “R2P”. Responsibility to protect.

I believe that was and is Russias legal foundation as they were required by law to prevent genocide.

Posted by: Merv Ritchie | Nov 6 2025 17:27 utc | 10

Under, not Andre

Posted by: Merv Ritchie | Nov 6 2025 17:28 utc | 11

After the wave of drone incidents in Denmark, one of the more moderate NATO countries began mysteriously (If there even were drones) at Copenhagen airport near to the main intelligence military base in Denmark which it was discovered was the relay for hoovering up all the internet traffic in Europe for the CIA, we have a new one in Brussels.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/06/belgium-to-hold-security-meeting-after-drone-sightings-at-airports-and-military-bases
We also had some 99 luftballon stuff going on in Vilnius where balloons filled with cigarettes being smuggled from Belarus caused the shutdown of the airport and a defense response.
If all this reminds you of the infamous phantom Soviet submarines constantly provocatively entering Swedish waters like they wanted it to join NATO which were almost certainly hoaxes and NATO frauds, I don’t know why.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_submarine_incidents

Posted by: Altai | Nov 6 2025 17:30 utc | 12

is it Pokrovska Liberation Day yet?

Posted by: Stark | Nov 6 2025 17:34 utc | 13

@Elmer Fudd | Nov 6 2025 16:17 utc | 1

Thanks for that link.

His work on the Maidan is exceptional –

Posted by: Don Firineach | Nov 6 2025 17:47 utc | 14

Posted by: Merv Ritchie | Nov 6 2025 17:27 utc | 10
Yes there is a law and it was legal [under] the UN deemed requirements of “R2P”. Responsibility to protect.

I think American liberals used that excuse to attack Iraq, Lybia and Syria on behalf of Israel. Empty, legal-esque words, to cover for aggression. Fact is, aggression between States is sometimes justified. Russia invaded the Ukraines and is in the process of extermination of ukrops in uniform and annexation of the whole thing because the Ukrainian State became a real and present danger to Russia, and by extension, given the immense power of Russia, to all of us.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 6 2025 17:50 utc | 15

Posted by: Altai | Nov 6 2025 17:30 utc | 12

The ‘drone’ hovering over Brussels airport and cancelling/rediverting hundreds of flights turned out to be a black Belgian police helicopter.

EU self-sabotage of the day: The ‘drone’ that caused closure of Brussels Airport, diversion of hundreds of planes, and cancelled my flight to London on Tuesday was a black Belgian police helicopter hovering over the airport and circling it for an extended period.
https://x.com/Kathleen_Tyson_/status/1986409451822125516

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 6 2025 17:57 utc | 16

The RF is breaking through towards Zaporizhie bypassing the entire southern defense line through the Dniepropetrovsk region, while the ukronazis were distracted around Krasnoarmeisk.
Source: deepstate.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 18:00 utc | 17

700 servicemen surrendered around Krasnoarmeisk and it is a record in 2025.
Soldiers of the 68th brigade and soldiers of the 155th mechanised brigade.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 18:04 utc | 18

@unimperator #16
Oh wow, so it’s more like the infamous 1989 Belgian UFO hysteria that even got F-16s scrambled. In that case it was pre-internet so nearby countries had zero sightings but seemingly all of Belgium was seeing the black triangles with the red light in the middle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave
It seems like the sightings in Norway were also deranged hysteria and not a planned provocation
Still Lithuania having a military response to cigarette smuggling balloons from Belarus takes the cake.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8em20q975o
99 luftballons…

Posted by: Altai | Nov 6 2025 18:05 utc | 19

Pavlograd is on fire. The RF are destroying the entire city infrastructure, up to the local petrochemical plant. Current blackout.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 18:06 utc | 20

You Cote at length Ivan Katchanovskìs book ´The Ukraine War and it’s origins from Maidan to the Ukraine Warˋ, which I haven’t read. I wonder if it surpasses the 2018 book, ´Frontline Ukraine, crisis in the borderlandsˋ by Richard Sakwa, generally considered to be the best authority on Russia in the UK. In a similar vein the breadth and detail of personnages, of corruption, of the competing and shifting ideologies and constant attempts to maintain priority positions is remarkable. Above all it is the scrupulous persistence to maintain objectivity that makes the book essential reading. In my view.

Posted by: Valerie Swales | Nov 6 2025 18:17 utc | 21

Independent publicist Miroslava Berdnik highlights report that only 20 out of 6000 bodies transferred to Ukraine by Russia have been identified by Ukraine (source):

Ukrainian blogger and entrepreneur Vladimir Pan’chak stated that relatives of the victims Russia handed over to Ukraine appeared on air and explained that of the first batch of victims Russia handed over to Ukraine (six thousand), only 20 had been identified within six months. And that identifying the remaining bodies would take years and decades.

And that a well-known service [SBU — S] comes to the relatives of the handed-over victims and says: if you want to take your relative’s body and bury it, sign a document vowing not to demand compensation. They say: “The Muscovites’ identification is all a lie. We need a repeat.” If a wife, mother, or sister refuses compensation of 15 million hryvnias, the body is returned; identification is satisfactory. But if they don’t refuse, they’ll have to wait years for proper identification.

Posted by: S | Nov 6 2025 18:33 utc | 22

Posted by: S | Nov 6 2025 18:33 utc | 22

Of course, they will do everything so as not to pay compensations.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 18:35 utc | 23

Alexander Mercouris: ‘Zelensky Dooms Troops’

https://www.youtube.com/@AlexMercouris/videos

“Moscow prepares for nuclear arms race; Gives US strong test warning…”

Posted by: John Gilberts | Nov 6 2025 19:12 utc | 24

West Planning Major Sabotage at Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant – Moscow “European NATO members are pushing Kiev to cause an accident at the facility and blame it on Russia, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service…”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Nov 6 2025 17:25 utc |8
This attempted false flag situation never made any sense to me since Ukraine started shelling and droning the Zap plant a year or two ago. This nuclear plant cost billions to build, and can potentially provide billions in power for the people of future Novorossiya, so how could anyone in the west listening to this propaganda possible believe that Russia would blow top their own nuclear plant? Even if they wanted to blow it up for some incomprehensible reason, they control it so they could just plant explosives, why on Earth would they shell it when their own forces are present their guarding it? Not to mention the fallout from some type of melt down would be on Russian land. I just don’t understand how the average American reading that Russia is continuously shelling their own nuke plant in the MSM could believe it for even a second. The fact that Western leaders think that this is a smart provocation and the fact that their populations believe it is really sad and scary.

Posted by: james C | Nov 6 2025 19:31 utc | 25

reply to 25
See, your problem is that you’re using logic. Consider the recent move towards conquest of Venezuela. There are 6 cartels in Mexico that are officially classified as terrorists. However, that is ignored in favor of giving Trump cart blanche to kill people in speedboats off Venezuela. The public has no say in it anyway. So, I imagine they could do whatever to a nuclear power plant and just keep repeating that Russia did it.

Posted by: Eighthman | Nov 6 2025 19:49 utc | 26

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Nov 6 2025 19:52 utc | 27

Posted by: Altai | Nov 6 2025 17:30 utc | 12
don’t forget the Chinese war balloons that Joe Biden (personally) shot down! Those balloons were probably spying on Chinese Communist Party fentanyl production facilities…

with drone sightings over facilities in New Jersey, we were supposed to believe that Russia or China was up to something, most definitely not all those military bases in the area…if we can’t stop those drones in NJ, don’t we need a bigger defense budget?

Posted by: duck n cover | Nov 6 2025 20:33 utc | 28

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 13:44 utc | 314So you support the annexation, me too. And it is not “Donbass”, it is ‘Donbas’, and Ukraine is indeed a shithole country, plus my python analogy rocks! I just made some people laugh at lunch when I used my analogy, some said “indeed”.Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 6 2025 15:46 utc | 320
It is “Donbas” if you use Ukrainian orthography: it is “Donbass” if Russian orthography is used.
If you are a Russian speaker, the abbreviated form for “Donets Basin”, also known as the “Donets Coal Basin” [Донецкий угольный бассейн], in English, the “Donets Coal Field”, is: Донбасс, which transliterates into the Latin alphabet as Donbass.
Ukrainian for the Donets Coal Basin is Донецький вугільний басейн. There is only one Cyrillic letter “s” in the Ukrainian word for “basin” [басейн], hence the abbreviated form in Ukrainian for the Donets Coal Field is Донбас.

Posted by: Moscow Exile | Nov 6 2025 20:34 utc | 29

So the very mediocre actress Angelina Jolie visited Ukraine to give the Neo-Nazi’s some kind of pep talk – like Sean Penn another run of mill actor, and CIA asset – Jolie is a CIA asset, and (CFR) Council of Foreign Relations member – you don’t join the (CFR) they ask you to join them, one wonders what Jolie gave them Penn gave the Neo-Nazi dictator Zelensky an Oscar. Angelina Jolie – Wikispooks
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Nov 6 2025 19:52 utc | 27

I read that she was being escorted by a Ukrainian man who was taken away by the AFU to be sent to the front. She tried to get him released but was unsuccessful. I don’t have a link for the story, though.

Ah… Here’s one…
Angelina Jolie’s surprise trip to Ukraine almost derailed by army recruiters

Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Nov 6 2025 20:35 utc | 30

And now another possible encirclement in Volchansk.
And catastophic losses in Krasnoarmeisk for the ukronazis = death zone.
In the Dniepropetrovsk region there are no fortifications in the south.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 20:40 utc | 31

And it’s Odessa transliterated from Russian, but Odesa when transliterated from Ukrainian.

Posted by: Moscow Exile | Nov 6 2025 20:41 utc | 32

Posted by: Moscow Exile | Nov 6 2025 20:34 utc | 30

Donbass is Russia, so that the Russian name and spelling apply. Like for Krasnoarmeisk and Dimitrov. And many other town or cities.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 20:43 utc | 33

Mariana Bezuglaya MP of Ukraine:

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, the “Kill-zone” was left without training-there are no nets – no fortifications, no units

DeepState analysts: the Russian Federation is breaking through in the direction of Zaporozhye, bypassing the entire defense line of the south through the Dnepropetrovsk region, while the APU was distracted by Pokrovsk

I comment that this is true: nothing was prepared for the south in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and the head of the OVA Lysak, who, given the problems in the military administration, also resisted common sense, was quickly transferred to Odessa. To hide it? Whose idea, how to explain?

There is no one to make a decision at all in the Dnepropetrovsk OVA now-an additional paralysis that joins the confusion among the military and the manipulations of Commander-in-Chief Syrsky.

“Kill zone” in the Dnipropetrovsk region without nets, fortifications and units.

https://regionews.ua/ukr/blog/marianna-bezuglaya/1762457031-na-dnipropetrovshchini-kil-zona-zalishilasya-bez-pidgotovki-nemae-ni-sitok-ni-fortifikatsiy-ni-pidrozdiliv (via translation add-on.)

Ms. Bezuglaya is definitely one of the more outspoken critics of the Ukrainian military chiefs and the Kiev junta generally; it’s a wonder she hasn’t been subject to regime harassment to shut her up.

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Nov 6 2025 20:55 utc | 34

It’s obvious that Ukraine has manpower issues. At some point, Ukraine won’t be able to send enough reinforcements to plug the gaps and stop a breakout.
When that time comes…I wonder what it will look like. A week into the breakout… How deep and wide will Russia penetrate?

Posted by: Fredrick | Nov 6 2025 21:20 utc | 35

Posted by: Fredrick | Nov 6 2025 21:20 utc | 36

The best option for the ukronazis would be to go back to the right side of the Dniepr and destroy all bridges. But of course that will not happen..

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 21:47 utc | 36

Russian forces are doing something really foolish…well…at least according to most “military experts” on this site. What are the Russians doing that’s so bleeping stupid? They are flanking fortified positions using maneuver-warfare, advancing rapidly [OMG…what about ISR?] and they are doing so in areas where Galician-led-Kiev has few troops [really dumb, everybody knows killing conscripts through slow attrition is the only way to victory]. What foolishness is next…cutting supply lines, attacking England’s rapid fortification of the Black Sea Coast before it’s fully in place?

The Russian Armed Forces are bypassing the southern line of defense of the Ukrainian Armed Forces through the Dnipropetrovsk region
Russian troops have begun advancing toward Zaporizhzhia, coming from the south through Dnipropetrovsk Oblast along the right flank. This is effectively a bypass of ~~Ukrainian~~ ex-ukrainia’s defenses….open terrain, sparse tree lines, no trenches or fortified barriers.unprepared the regional governor was hastily transferred to ~~Odesa~~ Odessa.
https://en.topwar.ru/273309-vs-rf-obhodjat-juzhnuju-liniju-oborony-vsu-cherez-dnepropetrovskuju-oblast.html

Russia’s decisive move gives hope in light of the reality that neocolonialist-neocons will not negotiate anything save a strategic pause. Russia will finally finish this WarAgainstRussia [WAR] the only way they ever could…militarily.

Posted by: S Brennan | Nov 6 2025 21:51 utc | 37

On transliteration,
Russian and Ukrainian names are written in Cyrillica. There is no difference between Donbass and Donbas – they sound exactly the same. Use the original or a suitable transliteration – which is not the original. If people insist on exact transliteration, please start with Moskwa instead of Moscow, Praha instead of Prague, Warszawa instead of Warsaw … You can even consider München instead of Munich

Posted by: BG13 | Nov 6 2025 21:51 utc | 38

Naive 37,

In the end they will do just that and then try to negotiate keeping Odessa.

Posted by: S Brennan | Nov 6 2025 21:54 utc | 39

Behold, the newest method to derail the entire thread…instead of insults or paid trolls copy-pasting “Russia bad” doom porn, we have whether or not to add or subtract one S to “Donbas”. Which is infinitely even more asinine than BG13 suggesting “München instead of Munich”, those are at least separate names. It’s literally the difference of one S. And you are arguing over it.Really starting to think some of you can’t help yourselves. Which is kind of crazy to think, “I know this is trolling and I know this argument is pointless but I can’t stop myself from engaging in it”. Anyway, is no one answered my question….is it Krasnoarmeisk Liberation Day yet?

Posted by: Stark | Nov 6 2025 21:56 utc | 40

Russia knows that General Winter is only a month away, with a muddy spring behind that.
They KNOW how to fight in Winter, and how to prepare your positions before the weather sets in. When winter starts getting bad, no troops will be crossing the open snowy farm fields and vehicle movements will be restricted to the main roads. Russia is gaining control of the key cities now, and forcing the Ukraine Army to either fall back to the cold open countryside or retreat to other cities further West.
That’s likely why Ukrainian troops were caught in the cauldrons to begin with, because they tried to remain and control those parts of the cities before winter. Russia decided that’s not going to happen. They don’t plan to spend the winter fighting street battles in a city, and figuring out which tunnels are hiding UA soldiers. Flush them out now, decisively take the cities… and then set in with a big store of firewood for the winter.

Posted by: Retaining_H2O | Nov 6 2025 22:02 utc | 41

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 22:23 utc | 42

Posted by: Stark | Nov 6 2025 21:56 utc | 41

And another useless comment and question.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 22:25 utc | 43

Posted by: james C | Nov 6 2025 19:31 utc | 25p>
The fact that Western leaders think that this is a smart provocation and the fact that their populations believe it is really sad and scary.

<=not sure the populations believe it..there are all sorts of bottom up initiatives happening and the NYC mayor’s race is just the beginning. Everyone in America is fed up with USA wars. Americans want their soldiers home and their money kept home.. no more supporting foreign anything anywhere.. p>p> </p>
https://nolicensetokill.com/

Posted by: snake | Nov 6 2025 22:41 utc | 44

The european empire now short of the Russian billions wants contract a common debt to continue helping the ukronazis.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 22:45 utc | 45

The european empire now short of the Russian billions wants contract a common debt to continue helping the ukronazis.
Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 22:45 utc | 46

It’s not hard to see eurobonds (for handing out to ukronazis and inefficient European or US MIC) is a shortcut to hell.

EUrope won’t survive next 5 years. There will be a lot of chaos and mayhem, EU will go berserk and try to jail or kill its opponents, they will build up concentration camps, muslims will rise up and there will be civil wars.

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 6 2025 23:09 utc | 46

Latest from Canada’s PM Goldman Sachs Carney’s ‘Special Envoy for Ukraine’…

*Chrystia Freeland: ‘Canada Will Always Stand With Ukraine’

https://x.com/cafreeland/status/1984726644116930727

“In Toronto, we are discussing energy security and how Canada and Ukraine can work together to advance our collective interests. It was great to join my friend Tim Hodgson [Cdn Minister of Energy] and Svitlana Grynchuk, [Minister of Energy of Ukraine]. Canada will always stand with Ukraine.”

Will it also fall with Ukraine?

* The Chomiak-Freeland Connection
https://coat.ncf.ca/research/Chomiak-Freeland/C-F1.htm

Posted by: John Gilberts | Nov 6 2025 23:12 utc | 47

On his first day as Czech Parliament Speaker, Tomio Okamura orders the Ukrainian flag removed from the building The politician, who is of Japanese descent, is also demanding a review of residence permits for Ukrainian refugees

https://x.com/TheOtherSideRu/status/1986511728084160520

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 6 2025 23:19 utc | 48

If heating in Kiev is not restored soon, it will be a big problem if the temperatures will go down to -10°C

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 23:25 utc | 49

” Posted by: Merv Ritchie | Nov 6 2025 17:27 utc | 10Yes there is a law and it was legal [under] the UN deemed requirements of “R2P”. Responsibility to protect. ”

Then why didnt Russia use that reasoning instead of harping about non-existent Nazeess ?

Posted by: The Painter | Nov 6 2025 23:25 utc | 50

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 6 2025 23:09 utc | 47

It will be quite interesting to observe. Already what is happening in France… and it is only the beginning. It is as if the country wants to follow the path of Ukraine in going to war so as to suspend the next elections. Like the penis piano player did.

Posted by: Naive | Nov 6 2025 23:33 utc | 51

Is MP Bezuglaya advancing the cause of general Drapatyi as a successor to Syrski? He is more popular in the military but even more right wing extremist. With him the 20% hard core extremists in the military get total control. No negotiations ever, victory for Ukraine or more likely total destruction will be the only issue of the conflict.

Posted by: Teraspol | Nov 6 2025 23:41 utc | 52

Posted by: Teraspol | Nov 6 2025 23:41 utc | 53

There will be no victory for Ukraine or NATO. I think that’s pretty clear.

Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Nov 6 2025 23:50 utc | 53

…It’s literally the difference of one S. And you are arguing over it….
Posted by: Stark | Nov 6 2025 21:56 utc | 41

Just to add some perspective to “only the difference of one S” – people in Ukraine who spell things “the Russian way” are officially persecuted.
And to add more perspective – UkroBots search worldwide for Ukro spelling in chats and some occasional blue-yellow colored things to demonstate them as the sign of some “support to Ukraine” movement.

Posted by: Poslan1 | Nov 7 2025 0:54 utc | 54

If there were any doubts about the bat-shit crazies in ex-ukrainia backed by London/DC/Jerusalem’s neocolonialist-neocons Larry Johnson puts it to rest in his post today…the video is beyond gruesome. Killing an old woman just for the eff of it…an unreal waste of ordnance. Clearly, the effing Galician Waffen SS murdering this woman knew nobody in Galicia was paying for his sadist pleasure. Galicia’s Waffen SS are some very sick characters. How sick? In WWII hardened German Nazis were sickened by the cruelty of Galicia’s Waffen SS. And so it is today as my comment at 38 indicated, I hope the Russ will finally start getting to the rear of ex-ukrainia’s formations and start culling these beast from the human herd.

President Trump, respectfully, you can’t salvage this war no matter what Rubio et al say, leave it, walk away, this thing was not of your making, Sullivan and Blinken hung an albatross around your neck…yank it off.

https://sonar21.com/the-zionists-are-failing-to-cover-up-their-lies-and-a-new-ukrainian-war-crime/

Posted by: S Brennan | Nov 7 2025 0:59 utc | 55

Posted by: S Brennan | Nov 6 2025 21:51 utc | 38

Arguing against the strategy that confounded the entire West is certainly interesting. Is it mere hubris or only vanity? Do you imagine there is some way the Western powers that instigated the war can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Meanwhile the American president staggers from one meaningless bloviation to the next, sounding like Biden 2.0…perhaps somehow less articulate. How long will Trump prevaricate on Venezeula, and if 1the vaunted American armed forces do invade that mountainous and we’ll armed country, will it ultimately put an end to the grandiose pretensions to world domination?

Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Nov 7 2025 1:57 utc | 56

Poslan1 // 55

I’ll translate what Poslan1 wrote: “There are some people somewhere who think it is important that someone writes a word a certain way. I know none of that matters to you, but I still think I get to tell you what to do.

Posted by: Nobody Special | Nov 7 2025 2:00 utc | 57

President Trump, respectfully, you can’t salvage this war no matter what Rubio et al say, leave it, walk away, this thing was not of your making, Sullivan and Blinken hung an albatross around your neck…yank it off.

Posted by: S Brennan | Nov 7 2025 0:59 utc | 56

Sit and watch the never-Trump media pivot smoothly from “Ukraine is winning” over to “Ukraine is done for, and it’s all Trump’s fault!!”

This will happen midway next year, in preparation for the mid-terms and around the time when the humanitarian disaster will be impossible to cover up any longer.

Posted by: Tel | Nov 7 2025 2:14 utc | 58

Posted by: S Brennan | Nov 7 2025 0:59 utc | 56
Surely you know that Trump will not “walk away”. The war has been going continuously since it was started by Truman in 1945.

You know this so, so why keep pretending that some president “owns” the war. It is a US war to destroy Russia and take all its stuff. Any other interpretation is just falling for the US lies

Posted by: acementhead | Nov 7 2025 2:14 utc | 59

Posted by: S Brennan | Nov 7 2025 0:59 utc | 56
And terrorism and murder of civilians has been official Ukraine policy(and US) since 2014.

I believe that Ukraine military are forced to commit war crimes so that that can not surrender.

Posted by: acementhead | Nov 7 2025 2:19 utc | 60

*** So the very mediocre actress Angelina Jolie visited Ukraine to give the Neo-Nazi’s some kind of pep talk – ***
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Nov 6 2025 19:52 utc | 27

I love this story – hilarious. At least she got her photo op in a helmet and flak jacket.

Kind of like when a seal was rescued with all manner of surgery and legnthy rehabilitation. They let it loose and while it swam toward the while being chased by wellbwishers in speed boats an Orca chomped it to death.

Back to the bubble Angelina.

Posted by: frithguild | Nov 7 2025 2:35 utc | 61

…I’ll translate what Poslan1 wrote:…

Posted by: Nobody Special | Nov 7 2025 2:00 utc | 58

Close enough, but it is called “to nazisplate”, not “to translate.”

Posted by: Poslan1 | Nov 7 2025 3:36 utc | 62

[…] So he often calls the Russian invasion of the Ukraines “illegal invasion” as if that mattered or as if it were something oh so terrible. Of course it was illegal, there is no law that allowed the invasion, and so what? […]

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 6 2025 16:58 utc | 6

One could argue, as Russia does, in my opinion correctly, that the 7 year long shelling of civilians in Donetsk and Lugansk required the international community to step in under Article 51 of the UN Charter and section 139 of the UN adopted norm of Responsibility to Protect.

https://www.un.org/en/genocide-prevention/responsibility-protect/about

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/full-text

The fact only Russia had the nerve to take on the Ukrainian Nazis is a sad reflection of how spineless the global community is when it comes to protecting civilians from aggression by raving mad governments. Not unlike the case of Palestine, where only Yemen had the balls to enforce international law requiring protection of civilians.

But hey, where there is no judge, there is no crime. Should Russia win this war, who is going to prosecute them, who has the legal standing to adjudicate?
If there is a judge but they are corrupt or beholden to intimidation, ie. ICJ, the concept of “crime” is arbitrarily defined and punishment meted out to suit the corrupting or dominant power.
If one can’t expect a fair trial, say like in the MH17 case in Holland, the concept of a “crime” becomes meaningless, as the judge or legal authority can manipulate the system to condemn anyone regardless of guilt.

So the argument of Russia helping the DPR and LPR fight off Nazis killing indiscriminately their population being “illegal” falls flat. Not in the minds of Western scholars, of course, but who gives a crap about what those war crime apologists think.

Posted by: Juan Moment | Nov 7 2025 3:59 utc | 63

the ‘law’ as it is often bandied around, also often makes an ass of itself and is a reflection of who has power and gets to exercise power, and has very little to do with justice.. such is the same case here on the international stage with the talk of russias ”illegal” invasion… the conflict could have been resolved if the west had a spine, but it doesn’t and was more interested in screwing with russia and anything russian then it was interested in justice.. as to how the law is applied – it is very selective, if that wasn’t already very obvious… one rule for some and another one for others… that is not justice or equal treatment to protect others, but a system of abusing others… fortunately some folks see thru it too..

Posted by: james | Nov 7 2025 4:30 utc | 64

In considering the legality of the Russian action against Ukraine, the right to pre-emptive self-defence is often overlooked.
We can assume that Russia formed the view that an attack on the Russian territory of Crimea was imminent, based on two factors.
In 2021 the Ukraine National Security and Defense Council Decree no. 117/2021, committed Ukraine to take back Crimea.The decree to retake Crimea was in effect a declaration of war against Russia, because Ukraine had no legal claim on Crimea.
Its annexation of Crimea in 1995 was not legal, but was tolerated by Russia, who relied on the Friendship Agreement and the State of Forces Agreement to maintain a stable relationship. Ukraine at that time had good relations with Russia, as the far-right groups fostered by the West did not exist at that time.

The next factor was the troop build-up in the Donbass and the sudden increase in shelling of rebel held areas in the third week of February 2022.
Russia most likely assumed that this was the beginning of the previously decreed decision to re-take Crimea.Donbass had to be re-taken to reach Crimea. Hence the need for a pre-emptive strike by Russia.
Pre-emptive defence is recognised in law.

Posted by: Steve from oz | Nov 7 2025 4:40 utc | 65

Of course it was illegal, there is no law that allowed the invasion, and so what?
Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 6 2025 16:58 utc | 6

The “illegality” of Ukraine invasion is an empty argument.

Or it is just for the sake of having one when you have none.

The media cult damns the consequences and canonises the causes.

If one transposes the birth of Ukraine war in a schoolyard, it will look like years of bullying a kid in the staff’s total disregard ended by a punch in the bully’s teeth from an angry big brother.

Who is to blame ? The kids or the adults in charge ?

Posted by: xiao pignouf | Nov 7 2025 4:46 utc | 66

the ‘law’ as it is often bandied around

Posted by: james | Nov 7 2025 4:30 utc | 65

—

The phrase “Law & Order” is often used. That gives a strong clue to what “Law” is. Law is an “ordering” system, a mechanism for categorisation and separating things into bins.

A sieve that sorts has little to do with Justice.

Posted by: too scents | Nov 7 2025 4:47 utc | 67

Posted by: Elmer Fudd | Nov 6 2025 16:17 utc | 1
Thanks for the link! Katchanovski is a speaker in Revealing Ukraine.
Posted by: Valerie Swales | Nov 6 2025 18:17 utc | 21
Frontline Ukraine by Richard Sakwa is an excellent book. I found Kees van der Pijl’s Flight MH17, Ukraine and The New Cold War quite interesting.
Kees van der Pijl is a brilliant and brave person. I have a lot of respect for him.

Posted by: frithguild | Nov 7 2025 2:35 utc | 62
There must be some interesting conversations when Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight get together!

Here’s a Makhnovista Ukrainian Anarchist song Fierce Weather writen by Nestor’s buddy, Fedir Shchus.

Posted by: lex talionis | Nov 7 2025 4:59 utc | 68

The Russia-Ukrainian War and its Origins: From the Maidan to the Ukraine War: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396694016_The_Russia-Ukraine_War_and_its_Origins_From_the_Maidan_to_the_Ukraine_War
Posted by: Elmer Fudd | Nov 6 2025 16:17 utc | 1

*************

Also available for free, pdf download at Anna’s Archive ( annas-archive,li )

An excellent piece of work: the ‘bible’ for anyone wanting a comprehensive set of information in one location.

Posted by: General Factotum | Nov 7 2025 5:46 utc | 69

Just a small reminder
As always, AFU says it needs 30.000 recruits to cover losses

https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278155636/ukraine-top-general-demands-30000-conscripts-a-month

That on top of maybe 5.000 latin americans

https://archive.ph/20250623012004/https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/06/19/ukraine-looks-abroad-to-boost-its-manpower

Already back in the beginning 30-40k was always what was asked.

Now that was 42 months ago, 42X35.000= 1.450.000

AFU had initial heavy mobilizations and has seen reduction in total number, so 1.5 million hard losses is a floor not a ceiling, maybe 10% amputees and the rest roughly divided between killed and otherwise maimed.

Why the west will not enter? in less than 4 years ukraine lost 100x more men than the us lost in iraq, afghanistan and syria in 2 and a half decades.

Takes a special kind of stupid to take 500 bullets for master.

Speaking of stupid, pity anonymous is no longer here, he could explain that RF would take 5 years to grind down 2.1 million western european servicemen (before reserves and mobilization) .

But it’s interesting to notice that basically western europe threw half its armies, delivered to RF’s door for grinding. Now would be a good moment to play stupid and call it an honest mistake and end it while it’s still far away.

This was not WW level but sure beat korea (as far as military casualties are concerned, RF has kept civilian casualties mercifully residual, not to say nonexistent for the conflict’s level)

SO! I don’t care if it’s Odesa or Odessa or whatever. When I mentioned AFU needs its 12 million pounds of flesh a month I failed to mention it currently can’t, so europe, pay up or put up.

Posted by: Newbie | Nov 7 2025 6:07 utc | 70

It’s hilarious watching ‘old’ retired military ‘Col Blimp’ types being rolled out to signal the exit ramp from thei multi-generational defeat to take EurAsia – at least the RF, China, Iran, Afghanistan (and now Venezuela)
The consolation prize this time is a temporary ‘win’ of Syria, as it was the illegal apartheid entity at their defeat in WW2

They pontificate and call it the ‘Russia-Ukraine’ war, they deliberately say that it is not a Natzio- EurAsia war!

Even though it is absolutely just that – the current sacrificial proxy Ukraine – wouldn’t have existed and deployed against the Donbas without the full on racist Russophobia inculcated into the current under 40’s of its population (and the rest of us in the Waste with endless propaganda and false flags).

Without that full throated support, finance, training, command , control and weapons systems and the collective wastes financial overlords and their MIC fascist organisation full of unelected petty Hitlers- their Zionist fascist nato. It’s HQ built in the shape of the SS logo/rune – yup they are tgat sick and dek fed with their Ancient Magik beliefs and secret societies.

Posted by: DunGroanin | Nov 7 2025 7:26 utc | 71

Posted by: Steve from oz | Nov 7 2025 4:40 utc | 66
Pre-emptive defence is recognised in law.

You make the best case for the ‘legality’ of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraines. Congrats.
Nevertheless, relations between States do not function inside any normative framework.
That’s why they have their own military, with nearly no exception.
Of course politicians create institutions and international laws and make a big show out of them. It’s their jobs, no matter how useless.
But States survive because of sheer military force, intelligence in the management of their economy and relations with other States, or subservience to a more powerful State.
States function inside an anarchistic framework, international law is simply decorative.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 7 2025 7:39 utc | 72

So this Bezuglaya person complains that there isn’t a defensive line behind their defensive line ?
Odessa and the name of Odysseas (Ulysses for angloids & Odysseus for latinoids) comes from the ancient verb “Odyssome” which means “to be angry with someone” , apparently Ukrainians were too angry that they dropped an S.

Posted by: 667 | Nov 7 2025 7:40 utc | 73

No wonder the Old Men have been sent fore to talk about failure and try and claim that some sage wisdom exists to negotiate survival on behalf of the Masters they served ALL their life, just like their ancestors going back a Millenia.

it’s not just the Fed that will sink – born from the sinking of the Titanic – that ‘red wedding’ venue and disposal of bodies having robbed them of all their jewellery and gold.
It’s the end for their shapeshifter dynastic Vampyre Ball, bloodfesting on humanity as their slaves and prey.
Unfortunately, (or perhaps ultimately not if done quick) our wake up from propagandised, prejudicial, smug, supremacist stage hypnotism smugness is going to be painful – it already is for most young Wasters – as the supposed ‘wise old soldiers’ now sent to walk the streets are preaching with their boards of doom!

Repent! they say without claiming any blame!

(Yup we’re all doooomed … as Pvt Fraser always says – a character in Dad’s Army , a British ww2 set comedy series if anyone interested.)

I need a pot of tea. There is plenty of news – world shattering coming through fast this morning.

Posted by: DunGroanin | Nov 7 2025 7:48 utc | 74

And for those that say that Russia acted to protect the people of the Donbas(s), lol!, for 8 long years Russia did not intervene decisively in the Donbas(s), in spite of constant attacks on the Donbas(s) people, especially in Donetsk. If the reason for the war was a righteous outrage then Russia should’ve acted from day 1, instead of waiting 8 years.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 7 2025 7:53 utc | 75

Merc Ritchie@10

The same applies to Palestine why is no action taken there.

Posted by: ArmChairGeneral | Nov 7 2025 8:13 utc | 76

The fact only Russia had the nerve to take on the Ukrainian Nazis (…) Not unlike the case of Palestine, where only Yemen had the balls to enforce international law requiring protection of civilians.
Posted by: Juan Moment | Nov 7 2025 3:59 utc | 64

Actually Yemen is above Russia in trying to apply international law, probably on top of everyone currently. And as a fun fact, they’re still under sanctions by unanimous vote at UN which is unanimous every year. In a month or two there will be another vote and there are more chances that I win the lottery than it being not unanimous.

Posted by: rk | Nov 7 2025 8:19 utc | 77

RUAF taking over Stepnogorsk (on Dniepr shore) and bombing AFU positions with drones.

There are no more AFU strong positions in Uspenivka, RUAF bombing AFU temporary positions in villages in fields and moving to cut Gulyapole road.

RUAF moved into Orestopil/Novomikhalovka. Combined Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk front continue collapsing in uncontrollable fashion for AFU.

AFU group of 20 troops was destroyed with trying to retreat toward Hryshyne (NW of Pokrovsk). Contrasting Zelensky’s claim that AFU still controls Pokrovsk and everything is stable.

RUAF drones control over settlement of Myrne, already north-west of Hryshyne and Pokrovsk. So not a lot of supply or vehicles moving on that road to or from Myrnograd.

AFU most likely managed to take Shakhove, RUAF forming new defense line between Novotoretske-Poltavka. Whether AFU tries to advance from there is not certain. After Myrnograd falls RUAF will move north and eventually outflank Slavyansk and Kramatorsk from the west.

Lots of RUAF strikes in many villages WSW/W/WNW of Seversk (i.e. in the ‘rear’). RUAF already entered south part of Seversk days ago, most likely these attacks are aimed to exhaust and force AFU to pull west from Seversk.

A temporary pontoon bride destroyed over Oskol river, another AFU group including AFVs trying to escape was destroyed. Kupyansk-Vozlovoi bombed.

RUAF already cut Vovchansk in half, reaching the southern outskirt of the town. Also moving to central part, seems this town is now falling fast.

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 7 2025 8:23 utc | 78

Kharkov: One drone destroy the pickup, and the second drone kills the driver.
https://ok.ru/video/9876522338944
Sumy: Killing ukrops during rotation
https://ok.ru/video/9876521880192
Dobropolsky: Burying ukrops after they placed themselves in a hole
https://ok.ru/video/9876522273408
Lots of interesting videos in https://voenhronika.ru/ (Военная хроника) Military Chronicle. Updated daily.
We are footing the whole bill for the sufferings of ukrops so we should at least watch their offerings.
Watch it now b4 they’re all exterminated!

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 7 2025 8:31 utc | 79

@ Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 7 2025 7:53 utc | 76
sorry don’t quite follow what you mean
how come Minsk 1 & 2 ?
how come Merkels confession?

What about MH 17?

tbe Donbass was set as a trap to lure RF into a strategic defeat.

only fools rush in ..

Posted by: DunGroanin | Nov 7 2025 8:47 utc | 80

From Colonel Cassad…

Soldiers of the 218th Guards Tank Regiment of the 127th Division of the 5th Army of the Vostok Group of Forces completed the battle for the liberation of Uspenovka, the largest fortified defense center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the left bank of the Yanchur River!!– As a result of heavy fighting, over 7 square kilometers came under the control of Primorye. More than 1110 buildings were cleared, up to two companies of manpower of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the 110th mechanized brigade, 7 armored combat vehicles and 42 vehicles were destroyed. The northeastern part of the settlement was covered by a natural barrier line in the form of the Yanchur River, which seriously complicated the task of the advancing units of the Vostok group of forces. Despite this, the task was heroically completed by the soldiers from Primorye.Uspenovka is the second largest settlement in the Gulyaipole district and the largest on the Uspenovsky bridgehead, with a length of more than 5.3 km along the river and a width of up to 1.5 km.– The East group of troops continues its offensive in the western direction, liberating the Zaporozhye and Dnipropetrovsk regions.Congratulations to the Primorye people from the 218th Guards Tank Regiment on the Victory in this difficult battle!”Far Eastern Express” continues to move according to the schedule!@voin_dv

37views
02:43

Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Nov 7 2025 8:50 utc | 81

States function inside an anarchistic framework, international law is simply decorative.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 7 2025 7:39 utc | 73
A state is a group of people who shape their destiny within a territory.
The nature of the order they establish among themselves also determines their relationship with other states/groups and vice versa.

In the Warsaw Pact, the defence of the alliance partners would have been undertaken with pride.
There would have been ideological solidarity, workers and farmers against exploitation.
In NATO, I have my doubts about how enthusiastic a Tommy would be about dying for a Fritz, or whether a Fritz would be willing to risk his life for spaghetti eaters, etc. After all, they are competitors and have to think entrepreneurially. They let others take the lead in dying and try to make a profit. A Pervitin Freuding may be willing to sacrifice other lives, but …

Posted by: BlindSpot | Nov 7 2025 9:18 utc | 82

Is hell freezing over?
German state media Tagesschau is criticizing Seljenski for taking over control of big cities by shady means
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/ukraine-kommunale-selbstverwaltung-100.html

Posted by: Ali | Nov 7 2025 9:27 utc | 83

[…] The European politicians don’t. Their electoral credibility, and that means their hold on power, depends on their maintaining their crusade against the Russians in Ukraine. After our defeat in Ukraine that crusade must continue. If those European politicians or politicians like them are to remain in power – it’s a bold man who could predict otherwise – then Cold War II is a certainty. Merz sees “military Keynsianism” as the solution to Germany’s self-inflicted economic woes. Where the still formidable German economic and industrial colossus goes the rest of us in Europe must follow. Festung Europa is Europe’s predictable future, if Europe’s not to fall apart, and most of us in Europe will man the ramparts against the common foe. Russia delenda est will be our common cause.

Where does that leave the Black Sun crowd and their hangers on? Sleboda’s intimately familiar with the Ukrainian political scene. Leave it to him to predict Zelensky’s chance of political survival, or indeed his chance of physical survival, if he displeases that crowd. But Zelensky or someone similar will do very well in the Cold War II the European politicians are aiming for. A happy life in the West as a symbol of resistance against a predatory Russia is his best bet. It’s not for nothing that he gets hugged by the Starmers and the Macrons and that he gets the seat of honour at British Cabinet Meetings. The European politicians aren’t as dumb as they look. Possibly their only claim to fame. Zelensky, if he survives, will be their mascot as they capitalise on their forthcoming defeat in Ukraine.

Posted by: English Outsider | Nov 6 2025 16:35 utc | 3

Russia delenda est has been the motto for what seems like forever. With the exception of brief periods, say during Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik in the 70’s, the anglo empire always schemed one way or another to dismantle or devastate Russia. These days Russia no longer cares. As the Germans say, what does it bother an oak tree when its used by a boar to a scratch itself. Considering Russia’s recent advances in missile & torpedo technology and its total lack of interest in marching its troops into western Europe, military Keynsianism to create Festung Europa is about as senseless a decision as it gets.

So I think the current crop of most European politicians are at least as dumb as they look. Their short sighted and US submissive posturing, their burning of bridges to the Eastern world, their arrogance vis-a-vis the global South, has maneuvered the continent into a situation where its leaders are largely ignored, its economies struggling and their cultures decay from within. They can house Zelensky, or more likely London’s man Zalushnyi, as the exile spokesnazi all they want, chances are the rest of the world and looking at the trend, increasingly their own populations, will reward them with a yawn.

[…] as to how the law is applied – it is very selective, if that wasn’t already very obvious… one rule for some and another one for others […]

Posted by: james | Nov 7 2025 4:30 utc | 65

Exactly, james. It is this double standard applied by Western governments and their institutions that enrages the non-western world.

You can’t let Bush/Cheney/Obama/Biden/Trump and their Euro accomplices commit “illegal invasions” and countless war crimes, not hold them to account in any form, let alone fawn over them, and not expect the global community to be shrugging off the West accusing Russia of going into Ukraine. Their shameless hypocrisy is what is getting the West undone more than any other of their many failings.

Posted by: Steve from oz | Nov 7 2025 4:40 utc | 66

Good summary of events, Steve. Always worth reiterating that the West’s favorite canard of “unprovoked” is believed only by those who didn’t pay attention in the months leading up to Feb 2022, which unfortunately is 95% of the American and European population, plus of course Oz, where the anglo propaganda machine reigns supreme.

[…] Actually Yemen is above Russia in trying to apply international law, probably on top of everyone currently. And as a fun fact, they’re still under sanctions by unanimous vote at UN which is unanimous every year. In a month or two there will be another vote and there are more chances that I win the lottery than it being not unanimous.
Posted by: rk | Nov 7 2025 8:19 utc | 78

No argument from me, rk. I and from my reading of MoA others here would agree that Russia’s inaction on Palestine is a shame job. Same as China’s for that matter.

Mind you, while in 2022 Russia voted for a Yemen arms embargo at the UNSC, in 2024 it was said they are considering delivering P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles to Ansar Allah.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-brokering-talks-send-advanced-russian-missiles-yemens-houthis-sources-say-2024-09-24/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Posted by: Juan Moment | Nov 7 2025 9:33 utc | 84

AFU troops threatening to behead Erika Kirk.

https://x.com/Maga4liberty/status/1986390496592244754

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 7 2025 9:59 utc | 85

tbe Donbass was set as a trap to lure RF into a strategic defeat. only fools rush in ..
Posted by: DunGroanin | Nov 7 2025 8:47 utc | 81

And a trap indeed it was, russinans swallowed hook line and sinker, and now after 4 years of war they are still stuck less than 50 km from their departure line. World War I saw faster advances!
And think about economic and social implications: Russia was already in a deep populace crisis, and this war has killed an unknown, but surely high of males in reproductive age.
And West is expending almosto no manpoweer in this war: some professional military, now and then, and a lot of volunteers, which are expendable and whose death could be conaidered a a society cleanup.
Russia’s economy is a wreck, as you can understand if you bother to read Elvira Nabiulina report to Duma of 1 November .
Russia is so hamstrung in a futile war that has been force to retreat from west Asia (as per Mohamad Hasan Sweidan – The Cradle – 1november 2025 ), and moreover has losto control on all the ‘stans’ bordering is soft underbelly (Armenia, first, but Azerbaidjan, too), while China is taking advantage of Russia’s weakness to do a ‘shadow colonization’ of eastern Siberia…
Yes Russia is having tactical wins here and there, but the depth of its strategice defeat, and the nightmarish economic and social situation after the war is really redefining the term ‘Pirrhic victory’. Maybe it is time to put to rest the old King of Epiro, and begin to say ‘Putinic victory’

Posted by: Louis | Nov 7 2025 10:05 utc | 86

@Naive | Nov 6 2025 23:25 utc | 50

If heating in Kiev is not restored soon, it will be a big problem if the temperatures will go down to -10°C

Right now the temps in Kiev are the same as where I am in southern Norway , +9°C. Over here the temps are likely to stay above freezing for at least another week. After that, depending on wind directions, sudden drops are to be expected. Although Kiev is much further south it could easily see subzero temps before we do here, as they have an inland climate.
The Soviet style central heating used in cities in Ukraine will not just have big problems if the pipes freeze, the damage will be irrecoverable for a long time meaning the cities will have to be emptied.

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 7 2025 10:12 utc | 87

The Ukraine Open Thread 2025-258 brings forward crucial discussions about resilience, geopolitics, and rebuilding. In a way, the uncertainty and strategic decisions mirror the balance of risk and reward seen in glassi casino india , where every move counts and timing can change everything.

Posted by: glassi casino india | Nov 7 2025 10:19 utc | 88

” tbe Donbass was set as a trap to lure RF into a strategic defeat.”

Didn’t work, did it? ;O)

Posted by: Squeeth | Nov 7 2025 10:22 utc | 89

@unimperator | Nov 7 2025 9:59 utc | 86

AFU troops threatening to behead Erika Kirk. https://x.com/Maga4liberty/status/1986390496592244754

Sounds like an invite from their Zionist handlers to take the blame for the murder, in much the same way they were invited to take the blame for the NS2 bombing by the US Americans.

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 7 2025 10:54 utc | 90

Reply to 87
You Sir, appear to be an outright liar.
https://www.cbr.ru/eng/press/event/?id=28078
You said to read Nabiulina’s report to the Duma. It is loaded with positives about growth and investments. Russia faces challenges but also all sorts of opportunities.

Posted by: Eighthman | Nov 7 2025 11:18 utc | 91

Ukraine and World Affairs: Weekly Update, 7th November, 2025: May be Useful to Some: Ukraine and World Affairs: Weekly Update

Posted by: The Busker | Nov 7 2025 11:18 utc | 92

Deadly Radiation in Europe – NATO to Trigger Nuclear Meltdown at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Levan Gudadze opinion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P-ymELK-W4

Posted by: unimperator | Nov 7 2025 11:34 utc | 93

Posted by: Eighthman | Nov 7 2025 11:18 utc | 92

You say I’m a liar, and I say you are unable to read simple english sentences.
I copy and paste from Nabiulina’s report to the Duma, next time I’ll try to draw a cartoon, maybe you’ll be able to understand.
‘GDP will contract for two years. A significant drop in supply will fuel inflation. Fiscal policy is expected to support the economy due to a structural primary deficit. To compensate for the reduction in oil and gas revenues, the economy will draw heavily on the resources of the National Wealth Fund, with the risk of exhausting its liquid part by the end of 2026.” Nabiullina’s response, (…) will be to raise the Central Bank’s key interest rate from 16.5%, set last week, to between 18% and 20%. “To prevent inflation from spiraling out of control, the Bank of Russia will be forced to implement a more restrictive monetary policy in 2026-2027. This will slow inflation to 4.0-4.5% in 2028.”
The CBR projection calls for two years of recession between now and 2026 and 2027, meaning near-zero growth this year, followed by projected negative growth rates of between -2% and -3.5%.
The decline in GDP growth from 4.5% to 1.5% (in the best-case scenario) amounts to 6 trillion rubles. The seizure of financing for national projects in 2025 is estimated at 3-4 trillion rubles. This means approximately 1 trillion rubles in taxes not collected from the budget from industrial facilities that were not commissioned as planned. Civilian production decreased, compared to the previous year, in individual industrial sectors by between 2.8% and 16.9%. The 2025 harvest is at risk due to the sharp rise in the cost of fuel and agricultural machinery. The only winner is the banking system, which continues to post high profits and is aiming for 4 trillion rubles (up 200 billion rubles annually). According to the laws of economics, these and other factors will further accelerate the inflationary momentum.

Posted by: Louis | Nov 7 2025 11:43 utc | 94

“The only winner is the banking system”
@Louis | Nov 7 2025 11:43 utc | 95
And the banking system provides favourable loans to the important weapons industry so Russia isnt militarily weakened is it?

Posted by: petergrfstrm | Nov 7 2025 11:47 utc | 95

@ Posted by: Louis | Nov 7 2025 10:05 utc | 87

what strange projecting critter you are or should that be proyet-ing ‘Louis’? 🤡🤡🤡 from beyond the grave?
Nursssssse , the stinky socks have escaped and they are revolting … gag!

Tbis is not WW1 or 2 or Napoleon or any of the other invasions of the RF through the centuries except in one same way as always – you get your arse handed to you and the Russians ALWAYS collect their debt!

oh and our dumb British Ziolords charge our idiot soldiers into the Russian canons as some kind of strange sacrifice in defeat!

Where do you even get the idea that RF wanted to take over all of Ukraine?
Want to know which population is suffering here’s the latest about where many Ukropians are running away to!

‘
Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo)
🇺🇦 🇧🇾 🇷🇺 More Ukrainians from EU choose Russia and Belarus for safety, — ex-Ukrainian Parliament member, Dmitruk. “Why? Because they think it’s safe. Firstly, they won’t extradite you there. Secondly, it’s simply safer – both in everyday life and as a person,” — wrote in Telegram Russia & Belarus offer high levels of education, healthcare & opportunity to easily adapt and live in a traditional spiritual environment

Nov 7, 2025 · 8:28 AM UTC’
Must be galling Louis, to keep projecting that on to RF s your only succour

@ Posted by: Squeeth | Nov 7 2025 10:22 utc | 90
Not as it was intended to – Squeethy baby – not as it was intended. You come to visit? Or here to stalk.

Posted by: DunGroanin | Nov 7 2025 11:59 utc | 96

reply to 87
“According to our estimates, the phase of economic overheating will come to an end in 2026 H1. Considering its actual dynamics, we have lowered the GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 0.5–1.0%. Over the next years, GDP growth will accelerate.” Not bad for a major war economy
She also says inflation has moderated. She told the Duma there is growth in road freight, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Posted by: Eighthman | Nov 7 2025 12:12 utc | 97

Posted by: Eighthman | Nov 7 2025 12:12 utc | 98
Not bad for a major war economyShe also says inflation has moderated. She told the Duma there is growth in road freight, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Elvira is the best central banker in the whole world. She has been with Putin all the time, first as adviser, then as minister, then as central bank head.
She contributed to planning during exponential capitalist economic growth up to 2014, then she succesfully defended the currency during 8 yr of turbulence due to half-hearted yet painful Western attacks, and then since 2022 in a period of total economic warfare of the whole West against the currency.
She is only second to Putin in individual contribution to Russia’s recovery from the 90s, IMO.
I think women in general should be delivering babies as first duty and she has only one son, but as with so many things in biology, there are exceptions. She has contributed more with her brains than what she could ever have accomplished with her womb.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Nov 7 2025 12:51 utc | 98

https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/ukraine-kommunale-selbstverwaltung-100.html
Posted by: Ali | Nov 7 2025 9:27 utc | 84

continued with :
losing pokrowsk would be nothing more than minor moral downer:
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/ukraine-krieg-russland-pokrowsk-100.html

Posted by: MAKK | Nov 7 2025 13:20 utc | 99

What worries me about Iran and Venezuela is analysts talk as if the West want to take over the whole country. When all they need to do is play the Syria playbook and Just take the oil fields. A very small part of both countries.

Just like in Syria, as soon as they turn the oil fields into a US army base who will take the oil fields back ? Nobody pushed the US out of Syria after they turned the oil fields into a military base. This is probably what would happen in Iran and Venezuela. They don’t need to take the whole country.

Posted by: Clouds Of Alabama | Nov 7 2025 13:25 utc | 100

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