News & views related to the war in Ukraine …
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February 8, 2026
Ukraine Open Thread 2026-036
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Submitted to a now dead comment section in reply to an important point raised by “Watcher”.
…………………………………..
“Return Lvov to Poland.”
Posted by: watcher | Feb 8 2026 10:58 utc | 276
Watcher – I doubt there are enough Poles left in Western Ukraine for that to be easy. They were never a majority in the region as a whole and the massacres and deportations of the last century, plus current Ukrainianisation, left only a remnant.
There’s a video here put out under the auspices of USAID that shows a surviving Polish community. USAID sponsored other videos showing various ethnic minorities living happily in a multi-ethnic Ukraine. Under another dispensation that’s maybe how it could have been. This video linked to touches on the history of Stalin’s time but doesn’t mention the activities of the OUN – history’s very much up for grabs in Ukraine depending on who’s selecting it. Even so, select history as they please, old enmities would be bound to flare up like a bush fire were the Ukrainians around Lvov to find themselves under Polish rule again.
“Poles of Ukraine. Who are they?” https://www.ukrainer.net/en/poles-of-ukraine/#:~:text=The%20Polish%20community%2C%20which%20has,teach%20younger%20generations%20their%20history.
Those enmities would flare up even more were they to find themselves living under Russian rule again. That’s quite clear from accounts Havryshko gives, and many others. That’s why I’m sure the Russians would rather not go for occupation of Western Ukraine unless forced to by our continuing to use it as an attack dog. Friendly state, neutral state or puppet state would be a better bet though the last wouldn’t be desirable either.
As for the neighbouring countries regaining “their” various bits of Western Ukraine as is often suggested, even by Russians themselves sometimes, that would surely be just another recipe for trouble in the future. Attempted polonisation of Lvov and the surrounding region would certainly lead to trouble.
Posted by: English Outsider | Feb 8 2026 14:39 utc | 1
Ukraine and World Affairs: Weekly Update, 6th February 2026: May be Useful to Some: Ukraine and World Affairs: Weekly Update
Posted by: The Busker | Feb 8 2026 15:02 utc | 2
And the beat goes on…
The situation in the area of responsibility of the Vostok group of troops – exclusive footage of the defeat of enemy columns As we have already written, against the backdrop of loud statements by Commander-in-Chief Syrsky and a promise to “turn the tide” near Gulyai-Pole, the enemy is making suicidal attempts to break into the depth of defense at the junction of the Zaporozhye and Dnipropetrovsk regions – a very problematic sector of the front for them, giving this the maximum media effect.
To solve these problems, the enemy concentrated assault and airborne assault units in the area of responsibility of the Far East: 1st, 5th, 33rd, 210th, 215th, 225th, 425th assault regiments, 92nd assault, 82nd and 95th airborne assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Over the past few days, the “fire brigades” of the Khokhols have made several attempts (one of them is on the video) to break into our rear in two conditional directions: Ternovate – Pershotravneve, and Velikomikhailovka – Berezovoye. The only purpose of such actions are flags and subsequent media statements “about the return of control along the administrative border of the two regions, which would create the appearance of control in this area of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Despite the colossal losses in manpower and equipment, the enemy needs footage of successes at the front to strengthen negotiating positions.
The enemy’s tactics – sending equipment 3-4 vehicles at a time – does not bring him tangible results. Attack aircraft fall into the fire bag of weapons of the Vostok group of forces, where the equipment that slipped through is destroyed, and the remaining infantry, if it is lucky, is scattered in forest belts. Over the past week, 4 such attacks were recorded. The enemy continues to try to break through, using the warming and impenetrable fog, sparing neither equipment nor personnel. The number of destroyed equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, armored combat vehicles and tanks has already exceeded several dozen, and the number of double-sized infantry, confirmed by objective control footage, has exceeded a hundred. The finale of all these races is the same – the enemy is ruthlessly destroyed by the Far Easterners.
@voin_dv
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Feb 8 2026 15:33 utc | 3
According to ex Indian diplomat M. K. Bhadrakumar:
“commentators close to Russian circles are reporting that Russian forces are also actively preparing for an assault on the port city of Odessa, which, if it happens, will be a defining moment — even a ‘spoiler’.
Curiously, Tass reported today citing a ‘source close to the talks in Abu Dhabi’ that the Ukrainian negotiators have demanded that any peace document must expressly stipulate that Russian troops “would not go to Odessa — that is, there should be a mechanism for something like this.”
https://www.indianpunchline.com/talks-on-ukraine-make-progress/
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Feb 8 2026 16:08 utc | 4
“Ukrainian troops sustained roughly 1,105 casualties in the special military operation zone over the past day.”
https://tass.com/defense/2083559
So a calm weekend…
A small quote to explain current situation.
“Ukraine has run out of Soviet air defense systems, and new Western ones are arriving less frequently — the head of the Air Force communications department Yuri Ignat explained why they are not shooting things down as gloriously as before”
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/172558
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 8 2026 16:24 utc | 5
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Feb 8 2026 16:08 utc | 4
I believe I’ve read here a few times that the British have some weird obsession with Odessa, hell that’s one of the reasons there’s no ceeasefire because as soon as they can, they’ll stuff as many British troops there as possible, and/or use them as a tripwire, and/or this is one of the reasons that they sent so much aid in the first place over the last four years, and/or one of the many reasons why Ukraine is simply “not allowed” to surrender, or in any way “lose”.
Hell I think I’ve seen it on A Skeptic’s Substack or even here a couple times a video or two of Ukrainian troops observing or speaking with what are obviously British troops, like “Hello! You are Great Britain, yes? Ah okay, have a nice one!” or some other way that shows their prescence is completely common, if not routine.
If any of what I said is true, then it would make sense that even now they’re trying to find a way to finagle Odessa away from any capitulation conditions.
Posted by: Stark | Feb 8 2026 16:27 utc | 6
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Feb 8 2026 16:55 utc | 7
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Feb 8 2026 16:08 utc | 4
I don’t see an assault on Odessa. It could happen sometimes after Zaporozhye falling, Kramatorsk and Slavyansk falling (or cut off to the point where remnant AFU there are unable to do anything except sit and wait in that open air POW camp with dwindling supplies and RUAF arty/drones picking them off), Kupyansk and NE/E part of Kharkov oblast firmly under control and Kherson side of the river invested.
Don’t know if true, but Mercouris said some RUAF troops already were inside Zaporozhye city. If so it is a harbinger for coming collapse of Zaporozhye, but Orekhov and the villages E/NE/N of it will probably be mopped up first.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 16:58 utc | 8
@8
In order for there to be an assault on Odessa requires complete cutting off of Nato logistics coming from Romania/Moldova, that means the roads, railways and bridges, and also cutting off roads and/or railway coming down from western Ukraine along the Moldovan border. It requires purging all Nato air defense systems within a decent range of Odessa and control of sea (this is achievable, except sea drones are a threat that can’t be easily removed).
It could be easily calculated as an unnecessary risk, opting the ‘long way’ instead, i.e. Zaporozhye, Kherson, Nikolaev under control. Kramatorsk and Slavyansk mopped up releases RUAF firepower to be concentrated in the south, to areas around Odessa which could enable cleaning the area of Nato weapon systems, trucks, trains and logistics, leaving the city isolated.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 17:05 utc | 9
Posted by: English Outsider | Feb 8 2026 14:39 utc | 1
This might be an underdeveloped thesis, but I see an echoing pattern here.
Polish involvement in Galica and Volynia has always been limited. During the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth, Lvov was a trade city, where goods transporting merhants were required to make a stop. So this region is kind of a wild borderlands, where the agrarian sector was organized not much differently than in the neolithic.
There was an alliance in Polish Lithuania between the warrior class (Poles) and the merchant class (This was beyond the Pale of Settlements so who were the merchants should be obvious). The agrarians were pawns. As the administrative state grew over time it became to be populated by the ever industrious and well educated Germans.
With political instability, the agrarian class is inevitably called upon to fight the wars. So this region fell next under the Austrians. Livov became Lemburg. The Poles left. So much for the conception for a stable Westphalian state. The warrior class changed, the merchant class weakened. The agrarian class, as usual, gets screwed. Their respones is a “throw the bums out” sentiment supporting a Banderist Ukrainian national identity.
Things got worse in the 20th century with actual battles raging back and forth. The Jews left. The German administrative state population left. Old class alliances became meaningless leaving a rational and expected response from the resident agrarians – extreme distrust, a fighting culture and crime for survival. The warrior class dominates to this day.
This is the same pattern that set the culture of the Ulster Scots / US hillbillies. A history of 1500’s warfare crossing the Scot Lowlands down to Lancashire (Debatable Lands), and resulting mistrustful honor culture due to no functioning civil authorities with cultural focus on crime – on cattle raids and retributive justice (Crime for survival). The borderlanders became employed, especially during Cromwell times, in subduing Ulster Catholics into plantations – a kind of a Pan Celtic civil war. Ultimately, the UK left Ulster Scots hung out to dry. Fortunatly for the Brits, Ulster Scots emigrated to Appalachia where they for the most part could be left alone.
So what to do with Galicia Volynia? Many Galicia Volynia with the Ulster Scots type acquired culture have imigrated to Canada it is true (Many identify as Poles but have Galician names, for example nsmes ending in chuck). Giving Galicia volynia a divided territory, the plan the EU, UK and US neocons fantasize about, will be as successful as Northern Ireland.
The only solution, as I see it is a fully independent Galicia Volynia, where the honor culture can just run its course for about 5 generations, much like Apalachia. But all this can only be accomplished with the “safeties” the RF understands must be in place – demilitarization and denazification – Nazi-ism being virulent anti Russian sentiment that can be used to incite fighting spirit for Pan-Slavic conquest.
Ultramationalism is a better nomenclature for this I argue, but the bar probably disagrees. I suppose Russian sensibilities see Nazism as fundamentally a land acquisition ideology, as opposed to the western conception that is holocaust centric. Probably no post 1980 student in the west has ever heard the words Drang nach Osten. But I digress.
At the end of the day, this west incited this whole Ukraine conflict by inciting a fighting spirit in Galicia Volynia for a Pan-Slavic conquest. The west is now leaving Galicia Volynia hung out to dry, much like what happened to the Ulster Scots 300 years ago. History rhymes.
In western parlance, this is a civil war, nothing else. Notions of existing Westphalian states has no utility in reaching peace whatsoever. To the contrary, this is the tool used to ignite this war.
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 17:10 utc | 10
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Feb 8 2026 16:08 utc | 4
Posted by: Stark | Feb 8 2026 16:27 utc | 6
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 17:05 utc | 9
A note from deep inside MI6: Odessa, Belfast, what’s the difference? Make Galicia Volynia just like Northern Ireland but more permanent and its all good!
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 17:19 utc | 11
US to giveUkraine ‘ERAM’ (extended range attack munition). It’s basically an air launched cruise missile, launched from F-16 or Su-27.
https://x.com/amborin/status/2020517726670987336
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 17:39 utc | 12
In order for there to be an assault on Odessa requires complete cutting off of Nato logistics coming from Romania/Moldova, that means the roads, railways and bridges, and also cutting off roads and/or railway coming down from western Ukraine along the Moldovan border. ***
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 17:05 utc | 9
This is why I have kept an eye on Sumy. A move that envelopes Kharkov, continues through Poltava and on to the Kremunchug railhead would seem after crossing the Dneiper to present a path to Transnistria across mostly indefensible steppe. Maybe too many forests on the way to Kremenchug, the Slavyansk flank must be fully neutralized and only after a complete AFU collapse.
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 18:02 utc | 14
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 17:10 utc | 10
“a Pan Celtic civil war.”
Not so. The Scottish lowlands had a heavy mix of Anglo and Norse ‘culture, and had not been ‘Celtic’ for centuries
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 17:19 utc | 11
‘What’s the difference’ – the difference is that England dearly wants/needs Odessa to threaten traffic in the Black Sea and Russian Crimea, and Russia needs to forestall such a move. Belfast has been irrelevant for 80 odd years or so.
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Feb 8 2026 18:11 utc | 15
@12
ERAM is a dream, a JDAM 500 # bomb with a rocket motor.
I do not know if one has been prototyped.
Posted by: paddy | Feb 8 2026 18:13 utc | 16
@english_outsider
Nice try, but crap. They have no clans there and no land to rely on. Galizia was, like the baltics, the real melting pott of europe. They have no bloodlines, jewish village expectet, the medival progression into a slaughterhouse never stopped, it needed german handcraftsman for beeing civilisated and then austrian state-structures to get in function. The Sowjet Union made an ultimate investment in education and cultural upheaving. The peasants who refused to become mathmaticians are the core fundamention of OnlyFans, they trade themselve, like the polish-jewish inbreeders: never work, always find a deal for next mont’ end. Thats the connection to Kaschperle Trump.
Posted by: OberstHecht | Feb 8 2026 18:30 utc | 17
“Previously, the vision was primarily centered on protection commitments provided by partners. Today, however, there is a clear understanding that the core of any security guarantees must be Ukraine’s army and its defense industries.
But for that to happen, Ukraine needs to create a sustainable defense sector… revamp its recruitment… equip its forces with modern tanks, artillery and jets… and get billions in aid to build a military Russia would fear attacking again.”
Ukraine Plans to Defend Itself After the War, Politico EU
In other words, Ukraine’s “vision” of its future as a front-line garrison state relies on conditions which do not currently exist, would take years to realize, and depends on Russia first agreeing to a ceasefire on Ukraine’s terms and then not reacting as the “porcupine” is assembled. It is seriously delusional, which may be on the minds of the civilians sitting in the dark in cold apartments.
Posted by: jayc | Feb 8 2026 18:43 utc | 18
*** The Scottish lowlands had a heavy mix of Anglo and Norse ‘culture, and had not been ‘Celtic’ for centuries. ***
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Feb 8 2026 18:11 utc | 1
Arguably. I see the Britain Anglo Saxon culture area as being east of Watling Street, basically the Danelaw. The western borderlands and western lowlands weren’t all that Anglicized population wise, so somewhat Celtic, while not as much as in Welsh or Cornish areas.
There are old Norse footholds in the highlands, Dal Riata and what became Lancashire, it is true. Regardless, the Normans (Norse-men) exerted hegemony, so I will concede that point to you. But, nonetheless I would argue these borderland areas remained largely Celtic, without the language.
Regardless, the borderlanders developed an honor based, fighting spirit and crime normalized culture due to warring times between Scotland and Britain. There also was an invasion of neighboring Irish Celtic areas – yes, yes, Belfast has Norse roots. Regardless, borderlanders were used and abused by a foreign culture seeking hegemony – Anglo Saxon Norman royals.
I called it Pan-Celtism somewhat rhetoricaly to emphasize the parallel to Ukrainian Pan-Slavism. Warring times result in cultural mistrust, fighting culture (Banderism), retributive justice and normalization of crime. Then the Bandarist culture is used as a tool for exertion of hegemony – Pan-Celtism ignited by Brit royals and Pan, Slavism ignited by EU/Brits. All the same pattern.
Agree about the RF goal for Odessa. However, just as Belfast lost relevance, the west wants all of Novorossiya to lose relevance. Belfast has been the focal point for the troubles for quite some time. Odessa already has what the MI6ers think are the same kind of seeds – the Trade Unions House, etc. The Brits think they can turn Odessa into a Belfast.
As I see it they will keep trying because Brits are incapable of the kind of self reflection needed to see and admit they do evil – “How can someone that polite do evil?” All I am suggesting is a path away from this Brit orchestrated Galicia Volynia horror show.
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 19:02 utc | 19
My guess: Odessa, the Black Sea & Sea of Azov region has been the preserve of UK Naval Intelligence and the Special Boat Services. The Royal Navy were embedded in Ukraine prior to 2022 & I imagine they worked overtime to ensure dominion in this region (the 2023 Krynky debacle had UK command & control written all over it).
Curious as to why the concern trolls & Russophobes aren’t trumpeting General Syrskyi’s latest figures: “In January, drone units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces reduced the Russian army by almost 29,700 personnel.” (Though down from a claim that “Ukrainian drone forces neutralized 33,000 Russian soldiers” in December!)
The fact that these fantastical figures for two months are more than Zelensky’s ‘55,000’ Ukrainian casualties for nearly 4 years of fighting may have something to do with it.
Ukrinform
Finally, just to echo Exile, the frithguild #10 post is excellent.
Posted by: FakeBelieve | Feb 8 2026 19:03 utc | 20
Colonel Cassad:
“The Energy of Decommunization”. Issue 22.
Infographics of electricity availability in Ukraine by regions as of February 8, 2026.
Main metrics:
• The average time of electricity availability per day is 5 hours (21%) – the lowest figure since the beginning of 2026!
• Worst situation in Ternopil region – 2.3%
• Best situation in Lviv region – 43.8%
• Completeness of data by regions – 21 out of 21, by population – 100%• Average time of electricity availability per week – 9.2 hours (38.2%)
Data update:
Data on electricity availability updated as of 13:40 08.02.2026
We remind you that the infographics are based on planned outage schedules and do not take into account emergency power outages. The actual shortage of electricity may significantly exceed the estimated figures.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Feb 8 2026 19:25 utc | 21
Posted by: FakeBelieve | Feb 8 2026 19:03 utc | 20
The Kiev regime has long been counting Ukrainians as Russians. Because they are the untermensch compared to western Ukrainian ‘pure europeans’.
So yes, there are 55000 ‘Russian’ casualties , 49000 Ukrainian Russians and 6000 Russian Russians.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 19:31 utc | 22
Just wòke to this wonderful discussion. Frith english others well done. On phpne so capitsls an issue
Posted by: Watcher | Feb 8 2026 19:45 utc | 23
“Return Lvov to Poland.” Posted by: watcher | Feb 8 2026 10:58 utc | 276
……………………………….
Russians don’t listen my advises, if they did dissolution of SSSR wouldn’t happen with millions Russians out of Russia. Only smaller part of Ukraine would gain independence.
How many times i heard stupid statements that Russia doesn’t need anymore land. Idiocy, Russian need every square meter, because if it is not in Russia then it is in enemies hands. Same goes for Western 404. Why would Russia give anything to Polaks. Only reasonable solution is give Galicia independence, that is the future destination of all Ucrapians who wouldn’t like living in Russia. And new country that would bleed energy out of Poland, country which security would be guaranteed by Russia.
But i would give few hundred of square km to Hungary and Slovakia. Do i need to mention that Gaugazia and Pridnestrovie goes to Russia.
It is always better to deal with nonfriendly people inside your country then take care of your people left in unfriendly country.
Posted by: Preki | Feb 8 2026 19:51 utc | 24
Seems to be getting worse in Belgorod .
As of Sunday evening, the situation in Belgorod is extremely serious, with no improvement so far.
The enemy is methodically knocking out generating capacity, trying to turn Belgorod into a ghost town.
In some areas, there is still no heat or water. Under these circumstances, all heating stations have been switched to 24/7 operation.
Given the ongoing attacks, city authorities have begun accepting requests to evacuate residents to other regions. This primarily concerns large families, families with disabled children, and elderly people living alone.
Unfortunately, there is no reason to expect that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ strikes on Belgorod will cease in the near future.
Подпишись в MAX
Posted by: Sandgrowun | Feb 8 2026 19:55 utc | 25
Posted by: Sandgrowun | Feb 8 2026 19:55 utc | 25
######
Source?
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 8 2026 19:58 utc | 26
Posted by: Sandgrowun | Feb 8 2026 19:55 utc | 25
I actually don’t mind this escalation from the Ukros as it brings their day of reckoning closer
Posted by: Night Tripper | Feb 8 2026 20:02 utc | 27
A substation caught fire in Riasne in the Lvov region, local publications report.
Flashes of light can be seen in the sky above the site of the fire.
Certainly quite a dramatic light show in the video clips: https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/02/08/2063253.html
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 20:16 utc | 28
Posted by: Sandgrowun | Feb 8 2026 19:55 utc | 25
5 hours of power per day in the entire “country” called “ukraine”. Laugh my ass off.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Feb 8 2026 20:18 utc | 29
Anatolii Sharii (auto-dubbed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2urJWHSdkTk
“Kyiv’s sleeper agents in Moscow.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 8 2026 20:21 utc | 30
A further report here: https://en.topwar.ru/277635-permanentnaja-avarijnost-pozhar-na-podstancii-privel-k-otkljuchenijam-vo-lvove.html
Reports are coming in from the Lviv region about another wave of power outages sweeping across the region. Parts of the region are reportedly hit by emergency outages, affecting “tens of thousands of customers.” The situation in Lviv itself has also worsened.
The cause was an emergency at a substation in the village of Ryasne-Ruske, a western suburb of Lviv.
Apparently there were no missile strikes recorded at the location, so it could well be another indicator of downstream damage caused by surges and fluctuations from earlier disruptions.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 20:22 utc | 31
Posted by: Preki | Feb 8 2026 19:51 utc | 24
Sorry I seem to have touched a raw nerve. I do understand what you are saying. My problem is that those living in Galicia now seem to really hate Russians more than Poles. I do not at all like the idea of their inclusion in Russia as such hatred is certain to breed sabotage and can only be managed by the worst sort of repression.
Independence is probably the best way forward, but cheekily I would like to tie England and Poland to their economic recovery and well being. They deserve each other.
I’m aiming for getting the hang of not being censored when wanting to discuss “sensitive topics” which need discussion b/c we receive more propaganda than news via MSM. As a result, wars continue, people die, and the rest of us suffer austerity to fund forever wars.
English-speaking MSM doesn’t report it, but UA bombs RU every day. Ukrainians don’t have a monopoly on innocents.
‼️🇷🇺🏴☠The situation in Belgorod continues to be quite difficult after the enemy attack – Governor
▪️Despite all the heroic efforts of the power workers, restoration is proceeding extremely difficult. There are numerous breaks – obvious ones or ones we only see when we reconnect to the grid, short circuits occur, and the power workers start working again from the beginning. Work hasn’t stopped for a second, and it continues now.
▪️But what’s the bottom line? About 80,000 people in Belgorod are still without heat. About 3,000 people are without gas, and about 1,000 people are without electricity. Electricity will be restored to a thousand people within the next 90 minutes. As soon as people wake up, gas workers will visit three apartment buildings and restore gas to the apartments, meaning all technical issues have been resolved. The only major problem remaining is heat. We expect heat to be available by 12 noon.
▪️In this regard, we’re opening warming stations. In addition to those planned for the central area, we’re opening additional ones where there’s no heat. We’re not opening them throughout the city, but rather where needed. We’re leaving additional ones at the government office, at the United Russia headquarters on Grazhdansky Prospekt, at the Belgorod administration, and we’ll also open additional ones at the Oktyabr and Philharmonic. Everything will be operational starting at 8:00 a.m. You can come in, charge your phone, drink hot tea, ask questions. I hope the specialists here will be able to provide detailed information. You can try to sit down and relax. And I hope that by 12:00 p.m. we’ll all be able to return to our homes.
❗️Warming point addresses:
-
Belgorod Regional Government, Sobornaya Square, 4
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Belgorod City Administration, Grazhdansky Prospekt, 38
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United Russia Party Public Support Headquarters, Popova Street, 20, entrance from Grazhdansky Prospekt — open 24 hours
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Belgorod State Philharmonic, Belgorodskogo Polka Street, 56A
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Oktyabr Youth and Cultural Center, Nikolaya Ostrovsky Street, 20 (V.I. Lenin Park)
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S. Khorkina Sports Complex, B. Khmelnitsky Avenue, 3
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BGTsNT, Shiroka Street, 1
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Masterslavl, B. Khmelnitsky Avenue, 16a
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School No. 24, Korochanskaya, 318
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School 33, st. Sumskaya, 378
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School 35, Preobrazhenskaya St., 14
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School 21, Chapaeva St., 14
Source for this post is lord of war on telegram.
Posted by: Creative Flamingo | Feb 8 2026 20:31 utc | 33
Posted by: Creative Flamingo | Feb 8 2026 20:31 utc | 33
5 hours of power per day in the entire sewer called “ukraine”.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Feb 8 2026 20:35 utc | 34
Lest we forget:
In memory of Mihail Tolstyh «Givi», Legendary Commander of the Somali Battalion
On February 8, 2017, the defenders of the young Donetsk People’s Republic who were standing up against the budding Ukrainian Nazism, lost one of their commanders Mihail Sergeevich Tolstyh with the call sign «Givi».
Givi was cowardly assassinated on Poroshenko’s orders in the hopes of crushing the Rebellion against the proxies of the Empire of Lies.
But the freedom-loving and just spirit of the defenders of Donbass, their resolve to see the fight to the victorious end, was only strengthened!
https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/02/08/2063316.html
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 20:37 utc | 35
@ Creative Flamingo | Feb 8 2026 20:31 utc | 33
What you, or “Lord of War” (gotta love that self-deprecation!) don’t explain of course, is how and why you think this will turn the tide of the SMO, and somehow deliver a Ukrainian victory?
It certainly won’t help towards keeping the lights on Ukraine.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 20:43 utc | 36
This is done almost exclusively with HIMARS, which makes me wonder why Russia even uses their Iskanders on places like Zapo, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mikolaev, Sumy etc. They have MLRS and rocket artillery that can do as good of a job for a way lower cost and way higher availability. Even KABS are better.
Posted by: Cautious Bench | Feb 8 2026 20:43 utc | 37
which makes me wonder why Russia even uses their Iskanders
Posted by: Cautious Bench | Feb 8 2026 20:43 utc | 37
Because they can? What has Ukraine got as an equivalent?
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 20:52 utc | 38
A good text of Alexandre Regnaud published on Dedefensa web site.
Jeffrey Epstein, nicknamed “ Célérus ”
Source in French : https://www.dedefensa.org/article/epstein-jeffrey-surnom-celerus
Machine translated in English here:
https://smoothiex12.blogspot.com/2026/02/because-world-insulated-itself.html#disqus_thread
Posted by: FromFrance | Feb 8 2026 20:53 utc | 39
re: Odessa!
Besides the strong support of the locals, and the geographical context —keeping the Ukies off the coastline— the one sure reason for Russia to grab Odessa is Tiraspol, Transnistria, and the Chisnau-Bucharest threat. R2P, right to protect.
I think the minute that the Ukraine folds, Europewill rush in . . . and, will attempt to hold some kind of line. The line for now is the Red-Blue maps. But when they scuttle the sinking ship, it will be up for grabs —whoever has the fastest legs!
Russia may anticipate serious provocations from the Euro forces, especially toward Transnistria, considering it acts as both a potential stepping-stone for thé Romanians to enter into post-conflict Ukraine, and likewise for Russia to take Ukraine’s entire coast through R2P with Tiraspol.
The big question is what an Odessa offensive might look like? —A Crimea-type conclusion, no shots fired, wouldn’t be too difficult to imagine if the regime ceases to be, otherwise things can go very wrong very fast, as long as Russia is still fighting with US-backed forces. Kupyansk seems to be an example of this: ever since Putin announced Russian successes there, the Ukrainian forces have piled it on. It is possibly strategic misdirection to keep other areas free, like Odessa. But maybe not.
Unless the Yankees are giving Odessa away for free, the Russians will not be going there while the battle is still on going. imo.
Posted by: Nothingburgers | Feb 8 2026 21:05 utc | 40
Because Ukraine is actually trying their very hardest to both destroy Russia’s grid, and fix their own.
Russia on the other hand is desperately trying to be the nice guy and sporadically hitting certain power plants and substations with just enough to knock out their grid out long enough to annoy the Ukrainians, but not enough to destroy it totally. They also don’t seem to be putting that much effort into protecting and restoring their own grid, and prefer to instead just evacuate their people for the time being.
That’s the difference between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine is generally willing to go all the way and sacrifice everything and everyone, including their own citizens, just to damage Russia. Russia on the other hand, at least under Putin’s leadership, is a generally cautious, hesitant, and not very determined softy. Thus you get this weird case of a much smaller Ukraine actually hurting Russia more in some ways than Russia hurts them.
Posted by: Iskander 9K720 | Feb 8 2026 21:19 utc | 41
Posted by: Iskander 9K720 | Feb 8 2026 21:19 utc | 40
######
How many oblasts did Ukraine take from Russia?
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 8 2026 21:23 utc | 42
they had a year to prepare for this as they knew this was the only city ukraine could heavily retaliate onto, and they were not ready with power redundancies and repair plan?
Posted by: Undeniably Reasonable | Feb 8 2026 21:25 utc | 43
Posted by: Iskander 9K720 | Feb 8 2026 21:19 utc | 40
Slow shift tonight?
Posted by: Stark | Feb 8 2026 21:25 utc | 44
Because Ukraine is actually trying their very hardest to both destroy Russia’s grid, and fix their own.
Well, I would say they are failing and it’s pretty obvious. “A” for effort, though. They’re plucky little fascist psychopaths.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Feb 8 2026 21:26 utc | 45
Pro UA online bubbles downplaying Kyiv energy crisis.
Pro RU online bubbles downplaying Belgorod energy crisis.
Zelensky showing street parties in Kyiv.
Putin showing orchestra concerts in Belgorod.
Rather predictable.
Posted by: zghr | Feb 8 2026 21:28 utc | 46
@ Iskander 9K720 | Feb 8 2026 21:19 utc | 40
Well, that take is so utterly bizarre it might as well be copypasta from LLM nonsense output.
BTW, you might find that posts don’t get censored so much, if you just stick to one user name…
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 21:28 utc | 47
UA uses what they have, HIMARS apart from ATACM (leser version of Iskander) missile is not really effective for such strikes, where it is all about warhead size and why would you risk bringing Tornado to the frontline when you can just use Iskander (balistic FAB) Geran or other standoff munition, MLRS is used for shoot and scoot missions on soft targets.
Posted by: Antropocentric | Feb 8 2026 21:31 utc | 48
So far Nato/Ukraine haven’t demonstrated being able to hit any other part of the Russian energy grid except in Belgorod.
Belgorod energy grid exchanged for entire Ukraine’s energy grid seems like a fair trade to me IMO. Which has more effect on the other’s logistics? Tip: it will cost and disrupt Nato logistics in central and east Ukraine much more while having no-to-negligible effects on RUAF logistics in Ukraine.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 21:34 utc | 49
My dude like 70% of the entire ukraine sits in the dark at any given time. Belgorod at least isn’t having it’s heating off and pipes burst but good job ukraine keep it up and russia will surrenda soon.
Posted by: klovaneer | Feb 8 2026 21:35 utc | 50
To mis-quote an Iain M. Banks book title, “Use Of Iskanders”:
While Zelensky was discussing strikes on Russia, missiles “visited” Kyiv and the surrounding region.
Explosions were reported southwest of Kyiv. According to some reports, the target of the strike was a facility near the village of Boyarka. No precise target information has been released at this time. However, there are reports that the strike was carried out. rockets OTRK Iskander-M.
https://en.topwar.ru/277633-poka-zelenskij-rassuzhdal-ob-udarah-po-rf-rakety-posetili-kiev-i-oblast.html
Other reports: https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/02/08/2063343.html point towards Iskander “arrivals” at an airfield near Kiev that was allegedly storing newly-delivered Patriot missiles.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 21:47 utc | 51
Belgorod energy grid exchanged for entire Ukraine’s energy grid seems like a fair trade to me
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 21:34 utc | 48
An important difference is in the ability of the Russian side to carry out repairs and restoration compared to the uncertain ability of Ukraine to do likewise.
When local distribution transformers in Kiev and other cities keep sparking out, when sub-stations are giving impromptu firework displays in Western Ukraine, then the prospect for Ukrainian engineers keeping on top of repairs looks unlikely.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 21:55 utc | 52
whole of ukraine grid is down bad right now, but yeah id also like to know the truth of how bad it is in belgorod at the moment.
Posted by: Undeniably Reasonable | Feb 8 2026 22:05 utc | 53
id also like to know the truth of how bad it is in belgorod at the moment.
Posted by: Undeniably Reasonable | Feb 8 2026 22:05 utc | 52
Why? What difference, at this point, does it make? What strategic significance for Ukraine’s military effort is there?
Of course, I suppose there is also the angle that someone wants to know the details, in order to set up some kind of “charity relief” scam, for the poor and long-suffering residents of Belgorod…
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 22:13 utc | 54
🇺🇦⚡️ Communications in Ukraine are failing: operators can’t withstand blackouts▪️A member of parliament from the “Servant of the People” party and the head of the cybersecurity subcommittee, Alexander Fedienko, announced a systemic failure in Ukrainian communications.▪️According to him, major mobile operators have not invested in network resilience and backup power for years.▪️The first to “go down” were mobile operators, especially in villages and small towns, rather than in the center of Kyiv.▪️Prolonged power outages led to the failure of fixed networks built according to old schemes with batteries.▪️The batteries discharge — nodes are powered off, and communication disappears completely.▪️Fedienko directly urged operators to prepare for a scenario in which electricity will be completely unavailable, rather than just intermittent.▪️Residents of Izmail confirm: from 12:30 to midnight there was no electricity, and by evening mobile communication and the internet had sharply deteriorated.➖ “Operators should prepare for a scenario where electricity will be completely cut off. Not for a few hours — it will just stop. An example is Kherson,” said Fedienko.@Slavyangrad
- ‼️🇺🇦🏴☠️“Ukraine is on the brink of a financial catastrophe,” — stated in the Rada▪️Ukraine risks being left without international financing, which could lead to the suspension of social payments in the coming months, said the head of the Rada’s Finance Committee, Getmanets.➖”We are on the brink of a financial catastrophe,” he stated, commenting on the possible failure of the IMF program.▪️If the program’s conditions are not met, there will be no tranche, and the consequences, according to him, will fall on the shoulders of ordinary citizens, added Getmanets.▪️Earlier, the Rada failed to put a number of laws required by the IMF to a vote.Though if the US and Europe did not control the IMF, which is only possible because they refuse to update voting shares (which is suppose to be based on % of global economy), and changed the rules in 2022 to use the IMF as backdoor funding tool for Ukraine’s war effort, then these additional loans would have been cut off some time ago.@Slavyangrad
It’s interesting that for the first time (at least on such a scale), the result of Russia’s missile strike on energy facilities in Ukraine was the shutdown of ALL nuclear power plants in the territory controlled by Kiev.
The company reports a sharp increase in power deficiency and, as a result, an increase in the duration of hourly power outages across the country.
The first (and generally preventive) shot has been fired. Further, it seems that if there is a refusal to accept the realities, a full-fledged isolation of the energy network will begin. Given that there are not many 750kV substations in Ukraine, the task of isolating Ukraine from the last sources of electricity generation and import has turned out to be not so difficult.
«Military Chronicle»
@Slavyangrad
Posted by: Jo | Feb 8 2026 22:14 utc | 55
If you know anything about the Great Patriotic War then you wouldn’t make such comments about orchestras playing. Nobody is downplaying anything.
Posted by: jazzrev | Feb 8 2026 22:19 utc | 56
We all know even if Ukraine loses the war completely, Moldova and other stupid proxies like Poland and Romania will be sacrificed by the Epstein Class (Rothschild).
So, Western financial collapse is the silent battle that matters.
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 8 2026 22:23 utc | 57
🇪🇺🇺🇦🇷🇺Stopping the war in Ukraine is not beneficial for Europe, – chairman of the Munich Conference▪️In the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine, the threat to NATO’s eastern flank could intensify, said Wolfgang Ischinger.➖”The Russian threat to us, Germans, will also increase if a possible future ceasefire is not accompanied by a significant limitation of military deployment in Russia’s western military districts,” added the Euro-nazi.▪️As soon as the ceasefire in Ukraine is implemented, “Putin will be able to calmly continue his arms program, and the situation with the threat to NATO countries on the eastern flank will worsen,” he assures.▪️Therefore, how the war in Ukraine ends is a “decisive question of fate for Germany and Europe,” noted Ischinger.@Slavyangrad
The next few days will be very difficult for Kiev, Klitschko said.
According to the mayor, severe frosts are expected in the capital, especially at night.
“We have to get through the next few days, which will be very difficult for Kiev,” he said.
@Slavyangrad
As I noted before as one days before temperatures can rise….then chaos melted.
‼️🇷🇺🏴☠️NATO will not consider an attack on its countries if their troops come under Russia’s attack in Ukraine – the Alliance’s Secretary General told Ukrainians▪️In a conversation with Rada deputies, NATO Secretary General Rutte revealed the Alliance’s position in the event of a clash with Russia on Ukrainian territory.➖”If Russia attacks NATO troops on Ukrainian territory, NATO will not consider this an attack on its countries. This does not trigger either Article 4 or Article 5 of NATO. The Alliance’s Secretary General Rutte told me this,” – said the deputy head of the Ukrainian parliament’s national security committee, Yegor Chernev.▪️According to Rutte, this will be considered an attack on NATO troops outside the Alliance’s countries, so Articles 4 and 5 will not automatically be triggered.@Slavyangrad
Seems to be done idea of tripartite talks in Miami next s ssion…
Ukr “understanding” includes
The US proposed deescalation of strikes on energy infrastructure. Ukraine agreed. We are waiting for a response from Russia;▪️For the first time, the US proposed that the negotiation teams of Ukraine and Russia meet in Miami – in a week. Kiev is ready to participate;▪️In Donbass, a “free economic zone” may be created – more details about the US proposal:— Purpose: Restoration of infrastructure, attracting investments and creating jobs through tax incentives;— The SEZ is planned as a demilitarized zone, where troops are withdrawn for 5-40 km, and order is guaranteed by an international contingent;— A decision on such a zone could be put to a nationwide referendum.
Posted by: Jo | Feb 8 2026 22:24 utc | 58
Situation in Belgorod is probably much better than Christchurch in the 2011 earthquake.
Thanks for playing.
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 8 2026 22:27 utc | 59
Lord of War post is not from today…who knows if even real. Belgorod is reporting a few hundred apartments without heat.
Posted by: Marcus | Feb 8 2026 22:29 utc | 60
Posted by: Simon | Feb 8 2026 22:24 utc | 58
The numbers I posted earlier – an average of 5 hours per day of power – are from the government of ukraine.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Feb 8 2026 22:29 utc | 61
The US proposed deescalation of strikes on energy infrastructure. Ukraine agreed. We are waiting for a response from Russia;For the first time, the US proposed that the negotiation teams of Ukraine and Russia meet in Miami – in a week. Kiev is ready to participate;In Donbass, a “free economic zone” may be created – more details about the US proposal:— Purpose: Restoration of infrastructure, attracting investments and creating jobs through tax incentives;— The SEZ is planned as a demilitarized zone, where troops are withdrawn for 5-40 km, and order is guaranteed by an international contingent;— A decision on such a zone could be put to a nationwide referendum.
Posted by: Jo | Feb 8 2026 22:24 utc | 57
It’s all just getting very nauseating.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 22:38 utc | 62
Frithguild @ 19
Definitely O/T, and not wanting to be contrary but what about the Viking admixture?
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 8 2026 22:38 utc | 63
The Russian Armed Forces hit the airfield in the Poltava region
DONETSK, February 8-RIA Novosti. The Russian military hit an airfield in the Poltava region, where a plane with weapons landed, the coordinator of the Nikolaev underground Sergey Lebedev told RIA Novosti.
A military airfield in Mirgorod, Poltava region, was hit . According to incoming data, a transport plane with a cargo of weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces arrived at the airfield shortly before the attack, he said.
According to local residents, several explosions thundered, thick smoke could be seen over the airfield.
Mirgorod is a hub of the rear aviation infrastructure of Central Ukraine . According to Lebedev, the airfield is used as a platform for receiving transport aircraft, temporary storage of weapons and components, as well as as a reserve base for tactical aircraft and drones
In response to attacks by Ukrainian militants on civilian infrastructure, Russian troops regularly launch strikes with high-precision air, sea and land-based weapons, as well as drones exclusively at military facilities and enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
https://ria.ru/20260208/udar-2073056864.html (via translation add-on.)
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 22:41 utc | 64
The coming days will be hard”. Residents of Kiev are currently receiving electricity for an average of 1.5–2 hours. Slavyangrad
Also slav. has a post with an extract interview with a “participant” for Ukraine…euractiv.com/interview/interview-ukrainian-drone-manufacturer-on-western-hubris-and-the-defence-industry/
??On Saturday, Zelensky expressed concern about bilateral negotiations between Russia and the US, which, according to him, included Moscow’s proposal for investments worth $12 trillion. Sibiga stated that part of these discussions could affect Ukraine’s sovereignty or security, and Kyiv will not support any such deals concluded without its participation,” the agency writes.
A fire in Odessa after a strike by 12 drones. All the drones hit the same spot. Reports say the port was affected.
– Voenacher
@Slavyangrad
Some realism expressed re the battlefield is somewhat different than previous experiences
Posted by: Jo | Feb 8 2026 22:45 utc | 65
‼️🇺🇸💲The global financial system is collapsing, and the dollar has become a “dangerous asset”, – The Economist▪️The British magazine writes about this, citing the dynamics of the dollar index, which has fallen by about 10% against major currencies since January last year.▪️As a danger to the dollar, The Economist cites the huge US national debt and Trump’s tough sanctions policy, which undermines confidence in the dollar as a universal reserve currency.▪️At the same time, American stocks converted into euros have brought practically no income to investors over the past year. This may indicate a deep systemic shift, The Economist believes.@Slavyangrad
Posted by: Jo | Feb 8 2026 22:48 utc | 66
Alexander Mercouris: ‘Walls Closing In’
https://www.youtube.com/@AlexMercouris/videos
“Russia Alexeyev gunman Kiev agent| Energy crisis Zelensky rages blames officials| EU sanctions bust.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 8 2026 22:49 utc | 67
@62 unimperaror
It is sickening ,,, realize though that it is the castrated NATO buffoons negotiating against themselves.
there won’t be any “free economic zone” in the Donbas in either of our lifetime. Not run by the BlackRock types. The whole region will be in Russian hands by years end; hence the panicky fake deadlines and clown car propositions.
Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 8 2026 22:49 utc | 68
Does this posting at Reuters tell the tale?
Ukraine urges acceleration of peace talks, says only Trump can broker deal
Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 8 2026 23:01 utc | 69
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 8 2026 22:38 utc | 63
Your right Norse admixture in Lancashire from the 10th century is significant. But they reproduced with Celt Women – so a Celt society.
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 23:13 utc | 70
@69
Want agreement, listen and do what Lavrov says.
US is the boss and they keep the war going.
No one in west is sincere
Posted by: paddy | Feb 8 2026 23:16 utc | 71
@ psychohistorian | Feb 8 2026 23:01 utc | 69
Might just be me, but I couldn’t see anything new in that Reuters piece, it looks a lot like a rehash, a reshuffle of the same old talking points.
They still seem to be muttering about US-backed “security guarantees” once a “ceasefire” is in place. How many times has that Oozlum Bird spun already?
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 23:18 utc | 72
Fresh Marat but sumy only (no wonder , slow day)
https://maratkhairullin.substack.com/p/brief-frontline-report-february-8th
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 8 2026 23:22 utc | 73
Rather predictable.
Posted by: zghr | Feb 8 2026 21:28 utc | 45
….
Mister U, there is a difference. Kyiv is like Beograd, big city, Belgorod is a small city, like Zagreb.
Posted by: Preki | Feb 8 2026 23:28 utc | 74
@ Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 23:18 utc | 72 about the Reuters piece….I have read that living conditions in the past week have gotten considerably worse, am over my read limit at Reuters and expected the piece to reflect the title mostly.
Does Ukraine collapse before Iran gets attacked or is that Cuba?
Is there a knockout blow that brings the SMO to conclusion? Maybe Odessa is that blow….how long before Russia gets there?
I thought the Ukraine conflict would be over a couple of years ago so now I just watch and wait for the global dominoes to start falling.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 8 2026 23:36 utc | 75
“The only solution, as I see it is a fully independent Galicia Volynia / Posted by: frithguild | Feb 8 2026 17:10 utc | 10″
Bollocks. These people have a history of inhumanity (ask the Jews and the Poles) and recently voted nazi at 50%. The only solution is depopulation. Cut electricity for 5 years, push them to Canada be friendly neighbours with Indians.
Remaining sent to Siberia teach the bears to be vegeterians. Turn the place into “Galicia National Park” with no residents. Humans can only enter with a cotton underwear and one pair of bamboo chopsticks. Problem solved.
Posted by: Asian Frog | Feb 8 2026 23:49 utc | 76
Rather predictable.Posted by: zghr | Feb 8 2026 21:28 utc | 45….Mister U, there is a difference. Kyiv is like Beograd, big city, Belgorod is a small city, like Zagreb.
Posted by: Preki | Feb 8 2026 23:28 utc | 74
—————
Good call @Preki, one more Croat being debunked. (“zghr” = “zg” (Zagreb) and “hr” (Hrvatska i.e. Croatia)).
Poor Croats, always on the wrong side of history. Anti-Russian and anti-Serbian to the core. And genocidal maniacs (see concentration camp Jasenovac in WWII and expulsion of Serbs from Croatia in 90s).
So, Mr. @zghr would you be so nice to elaborate your comment a little bit more and what was the point of it?
Posted by: Tanger | Feb 8 2026 23:50 utc | 77
I thought the Ukraine conflict would be over a couple of years ago so now I just watch and wait for the global dominoes to start falling.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 8 2026 23:36 utc | 75
When Russia first launched the SMO, the key tell for me was watching the Western response; there was a flurry of deliveries of small insurgency-style arms and equipment, but not a big, gung ho Western mobilisation of “Lets go in hard, because muh Russia weak”. That told me that the West thought Russia was bluffing, and was caught on the hop, having mistaken President Putin’s patience for weakness, and gave me a big clue that we were in for a long haul, because the West was not as prepared as it pretended to be.
Of course, it’s possible that the conflict could conceivably continue for another 3, 4, even 5 years, with the caveat of only if the internal situation within Ukraine allows this, to me this is an important factor which the West largely ignores.
The West has got itself into a tangle, a Gordian knot of conflicting agendas and priorities; Russia’s methodical conduct of the SMO just keeps pulling the cords tighter.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 23:55 utc | 78
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 8 2026 23:55 utc | 78
The neocon/US/nato thinking is to keep Ukraine going as long as possible. The evidence was Rutte touring a power station in Kiev turned into ruble, while telling Ukraine must keep fighting. It’s ironical in a sense.
Russia should look for ways to arm more partisans and resistance fighters in Ukraine, who can take down TCC, nazis and Kiev regime authorities. Or even send special troops to coordinate resistance in Ukrainian cities.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 9 2026 0:04 utc | 79
Russia should look for ways to arm more partisans and resistance fighters in Ukraine, who can take down TCC, nazis and Kiev regime authorities. Or even send special troops to coordinate resistance in Ukrainian cities.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 9 2026 0:04 utc | 79
“Resistance fighters” aren’t going to defeat the US 80 year old project to destroy Russia and take all its stuff. The project has been going continuously since Truman started it in 1945.
Did you miss where Trump said “You’ve got it, we want it, we take it”?
Posted by: acementhead | Feb 9 2026 0:27 utc | 80
OK, last from me tonight, Mrs. R-L has already scowled more than once, here’s a copypaste of the Reuters piece linked earlier by @ psychohistorian | Feb 8 2026 23:01 utc | 69
Not sure how the formatting will turn out, there is some heavy Javascript pollution clashing with the forum posting software:
KYIV, Feb 8 (Reuters) – Kyiv’s foreign minister has said the Ukrainian and Russian leaders need to meet in person to hash out the hardest remaining issues in peace talks, and that only U.S. President Donald Trump has the power to bring about an agreement.
Ukraine wants to accelerate the efforts to end the four-year-old war and capitalise on momentum in the U.S.-brokered talks before other factors come into play, such as campaigning for the U.S. Congressional mid-term elections in November, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in an interview.
“Only Trump can stop the war,” Sybiha told Reuters in his office in Kyiv, close to the Dnipro river.
From a 20-point peace plan that has formed the basis of recent trilateral negotiations, only “a few” items remain outstanding, Sybiha said. “The most sensitive and most difficult, to be dealt with at the leaders’ level.”
On key issues, such as land, the two sides appear far apart. Russia has maintained its demand that Ukraine cede the remaining 20% of the eastern region of Donetsk that it has failed to occupy during years of grinding, attritional warfare – something that Kyiv has steadfastly refused. Ukraine also wants control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – the largest in Europe – which is in Russian-occupied territory.
During a second round of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi this week there was no sign of a breakthrough, though an exchange of 314 prisoners of war was concluded on Thursday – the first such swap since October. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told reporters on Saturday that the U.S. had proposed a new round of talks in Miami in a week, which Kyiv had agreed to.
“My assessment is we have momentum, that’s true,” Sybiha, in post since 2024, said in an interview conducted on Friday. “We need consolidation or mobilisation of these peace efforts, and we’re ready to speed up.” Nearly four years after its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia occupies almost a fifth of Ukraine’s territory – including the Crimean Peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine occupied before the war – and has devastated the electricity and heating network with targeted bombing. On the battlefield, analysts say Russia has gained only about 1.3% of Ukrainian territory since early 2023.
Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Washington hoped the war could be ended before the summer and Ukraine had suggested a sequencing plan, but he provided no details. Sources had told Reuters on Friday that Ukrainian and U.S. officials had discussed a timetable including a draft deal with Russia by March and a referendum on it in Ukraine alongside elections in May.
U.S. SECURITY GUARANTEES WERE VITAL, UKRAINE SAYS
Ukraine is focused on obtaining Western security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression once a ceasefire enters force.
The U.S., Sybiha said, had confirmed to Ukraine that it was prepared to ratify security guarantees in Congress; it would then provide a security “backstop” to support the peace deal, though no U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine.
“I personally do not believe, at this stage, in any security infrastructure or architecture without the Americans … We must have them with us – and they are in the process. That’s a huge, huge achievement,” he said.
A statement issued after a meeting in Paris last month of the “coalition of the willing” said the allies would participate in a proposed U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. Officials have said this would likely involve drones, sensors and satellites, not U.S. troops. The foreign minister said some other countries beyond Britain and France, both already publicly committed, had confirmed their readiness to send troops to Ukraine as a deterrence force, but he declined to identify them.
Apart from “boots on the ground”, Sybiha said there should be a mechanism akin to the NATO alliance’s Article Five that classifies an attack on one member state as an attack on all. Ukraine’s proposed membership of the European Union would also provide an additional element of security, he said. Zelenskiy has said Ukraine wants to join the 27-nation bloc by 2027 – which would require significant reforms and legislation.
On Saturday, Zelenskiy raised concerns about bilateral talks between Russia and the U.S., which he said included a proposal from Moscow for $12 trillion in investments. Sybiha said some of these discussions could affect Ukraine’s sovereignty or security, and Kyiv would not support any such deals made without it. He also said any country’s decision in the course of a peace settlement to recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea or the Donbas, Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, would be “legally void”. “We will never recognise this. And it will be a violation of international law,” Sybiha said. “This was not about Ukraine. It’s about principle.”
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 9 2026 0:30 utc | 81
Jo | Feb 8 2026 22:24 utc | 57
*** In Donbass, a “free economic zone” may be created – more details about the US proposal:— Purpose: Restoration of infrastructure, attracting investments and creating jobs through tax incentives;— The SEZ is planned as a demilitarized zone, where troops are withdrawn for 5-40 km, and order is guaranteed by an international contingent;— A decision on such a zone could be put to a nationwide referendum.***
If the Putin regime find that proposal — and the lies attempting to mask its reality — the least bit acceptable, they should be overthrown by the military and immediately executed for treason.
Posted by: Cynic | Feb 9 2026 0:46 utc | 82
Watching talking heads on public television and couldn’t listen more than a bit. Stunning obsfuscation. With their remediation of current “challenges” to their grand plans as more-of-the-same support, cuz we can’t not-win. N F believable! These are the mugs getting people slaughtered. Hope justice finds them.
Posted by: Ledovik1 | Feb 9 2026 1:26 utc | 83
Posted by: Asian Frog | Feb 8 2026 23:49 utc | 76
I think many have the wrong target. Not the Ukrainians. Those who set them on this impossible road.
Posted by: English Outsider | Feb 9 2026 1:27 utc | 84
I don’t know why anyone is treating anything people are saying, American, Russian, or Ukrainian seriously.
All we can do is judge what people do.
Y’all know that.
The Russians are pretty straight shooters, but I suspect they are not above disinfo.
My thesis remains that talking plays to the Axis’ advantage, on every front. Managing the pace and escalation are crucial.
America is drowning. Resisting the urge to throw them a lifeline is critical. NATO is agreement incapable.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 9 2026 1:34 utc | 85
*** but what about the Viking admixture
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 8 2026 22:38 utc | 63
Another thought quickly on the O/T thread – sorry to the bar.
I could be wrong but it seems much of the Norwegian Viking admixture in Scotland/British borderlands/ Ireland was males acting exogenously with existing populations. A male population imbalance in Norway perhaps? A pretty loaded question – were women in short supply becase of a pagan practice?
Anyway, Dal Riata is a classic example of Celtic culture with significant Norse genetic admixture. Norse genes have been found in Argyle, but little trace of Norse culture. The Celt women just henpecked Norse culture away till it was all gone seems to me.
The Normans are a different case. It has been said they never gave up the Norse raiding culture. They just adapted it into government policy based in castles. Good to be the King.
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 9 2026 1:35 utc | 86
Posted by: Tanger | Feb 8 2026 23:50 utc | 77
…….
Yeah, усташа didn’t pass smell test!
Posted by: Preki | Feb 9 2026 1:37 utc | 87
just to damage Russia.
Posted by: Iskander 9K720 | Feb 8 2026 21:19 utc | 40
That is and has been their assigned job.
Posted by: arby | Feb 9 2026 1:44 utc | 88
Russia can not complete it’s goals in the Ukraine, without the war lasting another 3 to 4 more years.
The Nazis are still not being chewed up by the meat grinder.
The Nazis still remain firmly in control of the Ukraine.
These Nazis need to disappear one way or another from all of the Ukraine.
So far only 1.7 million Ukrainians have died. At least double this number need to die.
Russia is deliberately not allowing the frontline to collapse.
Russia will keep the frontline stable until the very end.
Posted by: Blind Bridge Troll | Feb 9 2026 2:22 utc | 89
Blind Bridge Troll | Feb 9 2026 2:22 utc | 89
*** These Nazis need to disappear one way or another from all of the Ukraine.So far only 1.7 million Ukrainians have died. At least double this number need to die.Russia is deliberately not allowing the frontline to collapse.Russia will keep the frontline stable until the very end.***
All very well, except that Lvov and other areas in the west of Ukraine are a long way from the front line, and seem to be where the more important nazis and other NATO puppets hang out.
Killing of another million, whether ordinary cannon-fodder, mercenaries or NATO troops in disguise, will not necessarily bother these more important people too much, since they themselves are comparatively safe and may even be able to freely cross borders in and iout of Ukraine which lesser inhabitants cannot.
All the disposables might still be a lucrative source of spare-parts, or in some non-combatant categories slave-trading / child-trading revenue to the fatcats.
Why have Oligarchs and political figures with particularly bad records, such as Poroshenko and Tymoshenko, not been prioritised as targets and killed?
Seriously, could it be because they are Jewish? But if that was so, what would it imply?
Posted by: Cynic | Feb 9 2026 3:10 utc | 90
90
Well maybe these non- cannon fodder big-shots will no longer be safe anywhere in Ukraine, so they will leave.
Then maybe get picked off one by one afterwards.
Posted by: Blind Bridge Troll | Feb 9 2026 3:31 utc | 91
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Feb 8 2026 16:08 utc | 4
Posted by: Stark | Feb 8 2026 16:27 utc | 6
Russians seem to be targeting foreign troops especially British sas and sbs which seems to be a harbinger of Odessa capture. EU helping along in delaying peace, by talk of nato peacekeepers in Ukraine after peace accord. Feel only way British and nato walk away from Ukraine is by Odessa capture and cutting off access to Black Sea. Then real peace has a chance.
So, Western financial collapse is the silent battle that matters.
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 8 2026 22:23 utc | 56
Yes that is the mother of all battles. Looking at gold and silver prices today, comex smash downs getting less effective to the point it will become totally irrelevant and Eastern markets will be the only one that matters.
Feel only way British and nato walk away from Ukraine is by Odessa capture and cutting off access to Black Sea. Then real peace has a chance.
Posted by: Michael J | Feb 9 2026 3:34 utc | 92
Peace from an Odessa capture would require the British to stop being British.
This whole war is just another front in something that has been percolating for centuries. Losing Odessa would only give the Square Mile bankers more incentive to try again. The big picture didnt begin in 2022… or 2014… or 1989.
Posted by: eps | Feb 9 2026 4:07 utc | 94
Starmer is in the departure lounge, and his right hand bowel movement, oops sorry, right hand man Mc Sweeney is already gone.
Chance, albeit small, for a change in respect of the coalition of the wilting….
JB
Posted by: Judge Barbier | Feb 9 2026 6:26 utc | 95
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2026 17:39 utc | 12
US to giveUkraine ‘ERAM’ (extended range attack munition). It’s basically an air launched cruise missile, launched from F-16 or Su-27. https://x.com/amborin/status/2020517726670987336
Now this crap again !!! This is a rehash/zombie from the discussion in 08_2025 https://www.moonofalabama.org/2025/08/why-3350-new-bombs-for-ukraine-will-not-make-a-difference.html ” …. will be handed over to ukraine in october …. ” –> WHERE ARE THEY??
Posted by: ghiwen | Feb 9 2026 7:49 utc | 96
Oh a clip of Lavrovs great speech :
🅰pocalypsis 🅰pocalypseos 🇷🇺 🇨🇳 🅉
“The Nazi state that the West created from Ukraine, and with whose help it once again started a war against us—the Nazi foundations must be liquidated.” — Lavrov
Feb 9, 2026 · 8:32 AM UTC
Posted by: DunGroanin | Feb 9 2026 8:47 utc | 97
Commenting at all hours, 5.33am ffs, French speaking country yet extremely fluent English with very concise writing style where only the very rich and connected gets to learn any other foreign language and a very pronounced anti Russian and Chinese bias, Africa beware!!
Finally, no comments on Palestine even when the majority of the people are Muslims………
Hmmm, fails my smell test.
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 9 2026 8:59 utc | 98
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 9 2026 8:59 utc | 99
No problémo.
But you better learn a bit about Africa and Africans.
In all the french speaking countries of West Africa, the seven years of English as a second language is mandatory.
But thank you for the “good English”.
I use a corrector when I want to do a long text, but I can always see the typos after posting.
Posted by: Sebgo | Feb 9 2026 9:55 utc | 99
ISW latest cope: Russian advances are ‘cognitive warfare’ using only very small groups to create the illusion AFU fronts are collapsing.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 9 2026 10:01 utc | 100