News & views related to the war in Ukraine …
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June 21, 2026
Ukraine Open Thread 2026-131
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*** At a certain point even the most apathetic population won’t accept anymore the degradation of their living standing, the misappropriation of the Justice, Welfare, economic, etc. budgets to fuel a forever war bringing no victory and no result excepting depleting Europe of its fundamental needs.***
Posted by: scc | Jun 20 2026 14:06 utc | 230
In the meantime, the ordinary Brit believes the British are more wealthy than the Swiss. Apathy is insignificant when misperception of reality is that large of a factor.
I just listened to an interesting lecture about how young women lead pronunciation changes in accents. I would take this general principle further to argue that the heuristics adopted by 16 to 24 year old women are the most critical in arriving at a national policy response to a perceived threat.
Men follow women – even more so in the west, where women assume policy making functions at far greater rates than anytime in the past (post 1960’s). Men see that the 18-24 year old women are scared and they reflexively ask, why can I do to stop this? Stated simply, they all want to get laid. This is how armies are raised (Not by women beaurocrats or transgender generals, but I digress).
This is one of the reasons I think the “worship the bones of the Nazi architect of the 1943 Wolyn genocide” is so critical. It is knid of a judo flip – the “Nazi should be feared” heuristic is so deeply engrained in western culture that it can be leverage in working against what the blob’s use of Russiphobia is trying to acomplish. The proof lies in how scarce photos of Elensky kneeling before Melnyk’s bones have become. Try to find for yourself and see.
This Melnyk story popping up in non MSM info sources recently. The post covid, Kirk influenced American libertarian mindset seems to have taken root with women in the 18-24 demo. This gives me hope.
I can only guess this morning’s strange thinking of mine may run the wrong way accross the knap of Eastern European and Asian thinking. Exogenous communitarian family structure countries think diffetently with masculine threat responses at the forefront. This is what I see in this baroom – brilliant and incisive analysis coupled with strategies to deter enemy actions. This kind of response is just not understood by the frightful western 16-24 year old western woman.
Posted by: frithguild | Jun 21 2026 15:20 utc | 1
From previous thread…
… Putin who refuses to take care of this problem in Kiev.Posted by: OXI | Jun 21 2026 10:23 utc | 286 The problem can’t be solved in Kyiv. These are NATO drones, so action would have to be taken there.Really? A direct war between Russia and NATO? With the likelihood of nuclear weapons being used?So all you armchair generals who suggest such “great” solutions should start thinking before speaking or posting here.
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 21 2026 11:40 utc | 288
Direct war? Is that not what NATO is doing right now? So how is it NATO can strike into Russian territory, but Russia cannot into NATO territory? That means Russia is fearful of their Article V while NATO fears nothing from Russia.
That is why there is debate about using a low-grade tactical nuke strike upon their proxy in ukraine to establish that red line called deterrence. Without that deterrence, we will continue to see NATO attacking Russia at will. Something needs to be done; the status quo is not working to deter NATO strikes inside Russia.
Liberal Putin’s game is to ignore these drone strikes until the Donbas is secured later this year and then seek hugs and kisses with Trump that is supplying weapons, drones and intel to strike at Russia. Makes no sense if you ask me. Maybe a last minute to save the mid-terms for Trump will be Putin’s “peace” gift later this year.
Military 101, if your nation is getting attacked, you are getting attacked. Why would you not respond into their territory? I guess NATO is not a “paper tiger” after all and has deep capabilities to defeat Russia with. That is what I am reading here. We are already at a WWIII status.
Posted by: OXI | Jun 21 2026 15:49 utc | 2
Ukraine and World Affairs (including Iran/ME): Weekly Update, 19th June 2026: May be Useful to Some: (2) Ukraine and World Affairs (including Iran/ME): Weekly Update
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 21 2026 15:51 utc | 3
Re: Posted by: OXI | Jun 21 2026 15:49 utc | 2
Liberal Putin’s game is to ignore these drone strikes until the Donbas is secured later this year and then seek hugs and kisses with Trump that is supplying weapons, drones and intel to strike at Russia. Makes no sense if you ask me. Maybe a last minute to save the mid-terms for Trump will be Putin’s “peace” gift later this year. Military 101, if your nation is getting attacked, you are getting attacked. Why would you not respond into their territory? I guess NATO is not a “paper tiger” after all and has deep capabilities to defeat Russia with. That is what I am reading here. We are already at a WWIII status.
It’s too late for this “gift”.
There is ZERO CHANCE Russia will conquer Donbas this year – we are half way through this year and how much of Donetsk has taken this year?
Nowhere near enough to secure a victory in Donbas in only four months! (Before Mid-Terms).
Look at Russian progress over the last four months (March-April-May-June) – it’s slow slow slow to non-existent.
No large settlements captured in the last four months, why would that suddenly change?
It won’t change!
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 16:00 utc | 4
No comment
“Russian presidential advisor Ushakov declared that the Spirit of Anchorage had evaporated because one side had failed to fulfill its obligations.
That the Spirit of Anchorage would be of no use became clear almost immediately. The Americans continued to constantly supply the Ukrainians with Starlink, the main and most dangerous weapon of the ongoing war, while, in turn, cutting us off from Starlink. The invocations to evoke this very spirit and some attempts to pass off the foulest farts as a spirit of negotiation actually represented a fading vision: that we would make peace and that everything would go back to the way it was, that we would go to America and be part of the “enlightened West,” albeit an extremely imperfect one. Nothing reflected this vision—cowardly for anyone who loves their homeland and values themselves—better than the video released before the meeting in Alaska, in which an American boy dances with a Russian girl.
I sincerely hope that now, after Mr. Ushakov’s statement, that segment of the population who, with a tenacity worthy of a better cause, continued to try to cling to this same spirit and drag all this into the information sphere, will somehow scale back their aspirations and consider that there is another way to engage with the West.
Source @vysokygovor
Posted by: Cagliostro | Jun 21 2026 16:23 utc | 5
Look at Russian progress over the last four months (March-April-May-June) – it’s slow slow slow to non-existent. No large settlements captured in the last four months, why would that suddenly change? It won’t change!
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 16:00 utc | 4
Have you been living in a bubble, unaware that Russia did *not*…?
How could this have passed you by? Do you actually follow the news in your own media?That alleged massive Ukrainian drone attack—with all that smoke and fumes—was actually a cinematic trick staged for the G7 summit because they needed reports of success!
Most of the drones didn’t carry warheads; instead, they held a napalm-like mixture designed to do just one thing: generate an unusual amount of smoke. This ensured that every downed drone created a visual spectacle visible from afar—perfect for Western audiences.Two channels reported this, and Anti-Spiegel confirmed it.
Posted by: Genesis | Jun 21 2026 16:41 utc | 6
@OXI | Jun 21 2026 15:49 utc | 2
The Russians know it will take more time to take the very strong fortifications in the Donbass. It is not a sign of a Russian failure that it goes slowly but it demonstrates how much the west has laid down efforts helping to delay the Russian victory. The west always is trawling after a regime change in Russia. Therefore that time delay is important to keep spirits high in the west.
Posted by: petergrfstrm | Jun 21 2026 16:46 utc | 7
Not everyone in Ukraine is as full of joy and celebration as the trolls here seem to be:
The war has become a universal solution to preserve Zelensky’s power , and media personalities justify this by democracy: there are no elections, 67% of citizens do not want to see Zelensky as president, billions of dollars in budgets have been embezzled, and energy has been destroyed. But speakers continue to call it democracy and justify power.
They say that despite the lack of elections in Ukraine, Ukrainians live in a democratic state, said Ukrainian journalist and writer Vitaly Portnikov.
“Look, we live in a democratic state. We don’t have elections, but our president listens to society. We will not ignore this. He listens to society ,” Portnikov said.
67% of citizens do not want to see Zelensky as president . In any normal democratic system, this would mean a serious political crisis and preparations for a change of power . But in our country, the people cannot influence the situation.
https://t.me/ZE_kartel/13051 (via translation add-on.)
Clearly they aren’t as well-informed about the inevitable defeat of the neoliberal/Zionist/one-legged Irish pig-farming Putin ray-zheem as many of the purveyors of “freedom and democracy” posting here in the Ukraine topics…
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 16:55 utc | 8
Zelensky’s Ukraine now threatening Belarussia reminds me that recently there were a bunch of Chinese military in Belarussia talking about, maybe signing, a mutual defense agreement. So count down the days till they come back, a Chinese division or two around the Pripyat marshes will concentrate “minds” in Kiev.
Posted by: Andrew Sarchus | Jun 21 2026 17:10 utc | 9
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 16:00 utc | 4
If you clowns just want to suck each other off, get a room.
Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Jun 21 2026 17:17 utc | 10
@ Julian | Jun 21 2026 16:00 utc | 4
Aprotracted conflict is tragic to — or fatal for — those who suffer or die in the extended time frame. I’m not at all convinced, however, that it’s bad for Russia.
Posted by: malenkov | Jun 21 2026 17:30 utc | 11
This ensured that every downed drone created a visual spectacle visible from afar—perfect for Western audiences. Two channels reported…
Posted by: Genesis | Jun 21 2026 16:41 utc | 6
That black burning napalm thingy you can see exploding in videos when the drone is shot down must have been used to create damage when the drone falls, a fire. They used hundreds of drones, they must have known many will be shot down and fell in populated areas
Posted by: rk | Jun 21 2026 17:38 utc | 12
Look at Russian progress over the last four months (March-April-May-June) – it’s slow slow slow to non-existent.
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 16:00 utc | 4
Well, the same could be said for Ukraine‘s progress in re-capturing the Donbass regions and Crimea; that certainly is “slow slow slow to non-existent”…
When do you anticipate Ukraine being able to finally achieve these re-captures? What is your timescale? Surely they could take Sevastopol in three days, if they really put the effort in…?
Why is NATO dithering about (again) providing the necessary resources to enable Ukraine to recover its territorial integrity?
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 17:42 utc | 13
They used hundreds of drones, they must have known many will be shot down and fell in populated areas
Posted by: rk | Jun 21 2026 17:38 utc | 12
Yes, all very well, but how does that help Ukraine restore its territorial integrity? Presumably that is something you wish to see achieved?
Same questions for you as for @ Julian.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 17:53 utc | 14
Posted by: rk | Jun 21 2026 17:38 utc | 12
———————-
The oil storage tank roof that blew up was not even hit by a Ukrainian drone or missile but by a Russian AD misfire.
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/zelensky-launches-mass-attack-on
What about Konstantinovka and Krasny Lyman?
Posted by: scc | Jun 21 2026 18:22 utc | 15
YuriPodolyaka·46m
A big “thank you” to our Chinese “allies” for … …supplying Kiev with everything necessary for the war against us. A subscriber from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) shared a Chinese proposal for the Ukrainian side regarding drone interceptors, which perform the function of air defense. Pay attention to the prices. 1 hryvnia = 1 ruble 64 kopecks.
Posted by: MiniMO | Jun 21 2026 18:54 utc | 16
NY Times today:
Bitter Historical Feud Threatens Ukraine-Poland Alliance
*** The blowup was set off by Mr. Zelensky’s signing of a decree on May 26 in honor of World War II Ukrainian nationalist fighters whom Poles hold responsible for the killing of tens of thousands of Polish civilians. The fighters were in the Ukrainian Partisan Army, which in 1943 committed what Poland remembers as the Volhynia Genocide. Ukrainians remember them for fighting against the Soviet Union. ***
Posted by: frithguild | Jun 21 2026 19:06 utc | 17
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 16:00 utc | 4
There is ZERO CHANCE Russia will conquer Donbas this year – we are half way through this year and how much of Donetsk has taken this year? Nowhere near enough to secure a victory in Donbas in only four months! (Before Mid-Terms). Look at Russian progress over the last four months (March-April-May-June) – it’s slow slow slow to non-existent. No large settlements captured in the last four months, why would that suddenly change?
Because the next 3-4 months are not the same as the previous 3-4 months.
Look up rasputitsa, ra-ra rasputitsa.
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 21 2026 19:29 utc | 18
Ukrainian Attacks On Territory Of Russia And Military Situation In Ukraine On June 21, 2026 (Maps Update)
https://southfront.press/ukrainian-attacks-on-territory-of-russia-and-military-situation-in-ukraine-on-june-21-2026-maps-update/
– Russian strikes destroyed targets in Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, Cherkasy, Odesa, Chernihiv, and the DPR;
– According to the Ukrainian Air Force, on the night of June 21, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 105 UAVs;
– As a result of Russian strikes with glide bombs, the bridge across the Dnipro HPP dam and the combined (road-rail) Preobrazhensky Bridge in Zaporizhzhia were blocked. A strike was also carried out on the Zaporizhzhia-1 railway station, where military trains, among others, are unloaded;
– Russian forces struck a gas processing plant in the settlement of Hubynykha and a temporary deployment point of the AFU in Shakhtersk, Dnipropetrovsk region;
– The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that in the southwestern part of the Black Sea, the Black Sea Fleet forces sank four Ukrainian naval drones;
– Russian forces struck AFU targets in Vilkovo, Kiliya, and Izmail, Odessa region;
– Russian forces struck Starokonstantinov airfield, Khmelnytskyi region;
– Ukrainian losses amounted to approximately 1,565 troops over the past 24 hours.
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 21 2026 19:39 utc | 19
In the meantime, the ordinary Brit believes the British are more wealthy than the Swiss. Apathy is insignificant when misperception of reality is that large of a factor. Posted by: frithguild | Jun 21 2026 15:20 utc | 1
This ordinary Brit thinks “citation needed”. Sounds like a lot of bollocks to me.
But on the question of ‘misperception of reality ‘, there are certainly ordinary Brits who – indeed know – that they are poorer than they might otherwise be. Their ‘misperception of reality’ is that they blame that on penniless migrants rather than the billionaires who keep them poor.
Posted by: Red Star | Jun 21 2026 19:44 utc | 20
DANISH STATE BROADCASTER REPORTS RISING NEO-NAZISM AMONG UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/187199
Hands up anyone who’s suprised….
Posted by: Red Star | Jun 21 2026 19:48 utc | 21
Russian officials have pointed out the financial strain of the war since the summer of 2025, leading to promises from the Kremlin to lower military expenditure in 2026.
The opposite appears to be happening, however. Russia is increasing its defence budget despite falling tax revenues, said Janis Kluge, an economist and Russia expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
Russian finance ministry data suggested that defence spending was up 30 percent in the first quarter, compared with the same period last year, Kluge said.
Although defence spending was meant to fall from 7.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) last year to 6.2 percent this year, it was on track to reach 10 percent, he found.
Falling government income meant that military spending has reached two-thirds of budget revenues
Last month Putin forgave two thirds of the regional governments debts on the condition that they spent it on economic investments and ‘other significant goals’ to alleviate growing economic presurre in the less prosperous regions of the country but as the head of the russian central bank cancelled her appearance at the recent St Petersburg economic forum for international investment (the one attended by Candace Owes/Steven Seagall/Andrew Tate etc) after she in previous years have been rather pessimistic about the direction of the Russian economy it likely isn’t going terribly rosy despite what must be increased energy export revenue on the back of the war in Iran.
Perhaps US efforts to keep the prices down by constantly signalling ceasefire and a reopening strait mixed with Ukrainian strikes against refineries have somewhat managed to limit the revenue gains, especially when compared to the rising military expenditures.
I do find the whole thing odd with the Russian government having made promises every year to lower its military expenditures to stabilise the economic projections only to inevitably raise military spending. It’s not so much odd for the fact that something like the Ukraine war is expensive, it’s more that anyone actually believed that the costs of the war would be coming down first in 2025 then 2026 and that saying this had a stabilising effect on the economy, it seems kind of simular to what Trump has been doing with Iran to keep energy costs down by lying about the state of affairs.
Unless western europe intervenes directly you gotta reckon Russia still has more years of fighting left in them than Ukraine if things were forced to the breaking point in 3 years time (If Russia is willing to carry on the war for that long) but while in previous years the damage caused by the war to the Russian pre-war industry through labour shortages and tax increases have been painted over with the boost seen by the war-time industry, as the extensive monetary reserves built up ahead of the war are beginning to exhaust the same thing is happening to Russias economy as happened to any other european countries economy after fighting a war this big for this many years.
Posted by: nikolaz | Jun 21 2026 20:08 utc | 22
The long-serving Washington DC “the Atlantic Council” a few days ago put up “Ukrainian drones are cutting Russian logistics and reshaping the battlefield“. They seem to be the quotidian types who genuinely think Ukraine has the initiative. They also still type the phrase ‘full-scale invasion’ (with no idea this habitual use of boilerplate damages their own analysis, makes them believe Russia is going all out).
This particular article is, of course, about the new Crimea & drones situation. I comment because Ukraine is trying balloons lifting up glide drones to 35000 feet(?), and the glide drones released are not just cheap but apparently targetable, and because such a tactic seems to always favor the west side of a line of contact (because the jet-stream moves eastwards?). To introduce this balloon tactic
Ukraine’s current advantage in the drone war will not go unchallenged, of course. Instead, it is important for Kyiv’s partners to understand that the recent shift in battlefield momentum represents a window of opportunity that will not remain open indefinitely and must be exploited without delay.
How to exploit, this analyst thinks
For Ukraine, the key task in the coming months will be to maintain the country’s current technological edge while adapting tactically to neutralize Russia’s countermeasures. The drones hunting Russian military trucks today may soon be armed with different warheads and targeting systems, for example. Novelties such as the use of balloons to extend the range of strike drones may also become more commonplace.
Seems pure copium but do want to know how useful this balloon+glide drone tactic will be for them. The combo is cheap. Glide drones have small warheads. They would have to send up hundreds at time. The balloons are about 2 meters across asfaik and have a small radar signature.
Posted by: JustSomeOldGuy | Jun 21 2026 20:19 utc | 23
You see, for all the trolls here, defeat for Russia includes the complete restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity, back to its 1991 borders.
But nobody, repeat loudly, nobody has any idea how to practically achieve that objective:
- NATO has no idea
- NAFO has no idea
- The EU has no idea
- The UK has no idea
- The accumulated conglomeration of Western synagogues has no idea
- @ Julian has no idea
- @ ed4 has no idea
- @ Cagliostro has no idea
- @ rk has no idea
- Likely @ GM has no idea
Such an intelligent and well-informed collective brains trust, yet none of them have a clue…
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 20:19 utc | 24
Posted by: nikolaz | Jun 21 2026 20:08 utc | 22
Uh-huh, so the first thing you need to ask yourself is: what exactly is a
Russia expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
?
A lot of folks like to hurl invective at Andrei Martyanov, but he is absolutely correct with his analysis concerning the lack of real knowledge about Russia among the Western diplomatic and think-tank “experts”.
How would anybody at the “German Institute for International and Security Affairs” actually prove their credibility?
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 20:28 utc | 25
Banderite troll and his wet dreams:
There is ZERO CHANCE Russia will conquer Donbas this year – we are half way through this year and how much of Donetsk has taken this year?Nowhere near enough to secure a victory in Donbas in only four months! (Before Mid-Terms).Look at Russian progress over the last four months (March-April-May-June) – it’s slow slow slow to non-existent
Well, in the first 5 months of 2026, Russia took control of the Gulaipolje area and all territories east of the Gaichur river, pushing west towards Verchnya Tersa. They also made progress in southern Djyepropetrovsk oblast.
In Donbass, Dimitrov (“Myrnograd”) was taken begin of 2026, full control over Krasnoarmejsk a month later (though Ukes conceded not before April), then Rodinskoye and Grishino. The whole agglomeration taken under control had a prewar population of 379,000.
No large settlements captured in the last four months, why would that suddenly change?It won’t change!
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 16:00 utc | 4
Lol. wet dreams of a nazi moron. Konstantinovka, just practically fallen, had a prewar population of 67,000, Krasnij Liman, also about to fall, 20,000. The village of Rai Alexandrovka, just taken under control of the RuAF, had only 1000 people which are certainly gone. but it has a paramount position overlooking both Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, 12 and 15km distance. Moreover, this was the key position in the commanding heights defensive of the Ukrainian forces. From there, it goes downhill towards the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, militarily unfavorably located in the river valleys of Kasenny Torez and its tributaries. Northwest of both the hills are lower so no good fallback.
Of course the AFU will play its dirty nazi scorched earth game, not leaving much intact when driven out, other than the Russians when they retreated. Nazis …
Posted by: aquadraht | Jun 21 2026 20:29 utc | 26
There was an explosion at the Qatari gas plant at Ras Laffan. Locals report it being like an earthquake.
Another zio false flag?
Posted by: unimperator | Jun 21 2026 20:35 utc | 27
There was an explosion at the Qatari gas plant at Ras Laffan
Posted by: unimperator | Jun 21 2026 20:35 utc | 27
News for sure, I’m struggling to find the relevant Ukrainian oblast, though…
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 20:46 utc | 28
Seems pure copium but do want to know how useful this balloon+glide drone tactic will be for them. The combo is cheap. Glide drones have small warheads. They would have to send up hundreds at time. The balloons are about 2 meters across asfaik and have a small radar signature.
Posted by: JustSomeOldGuy | Jun 21 2026 20:19 utc | 23
The balloon story (did not find it in the Atlantic Council article) sounds somewhat ridiculous. A baloon able to lift a considerable payload into high altitudes would be huge, and gain volume/diameter when rising. To believe it could escape radar is absurd, and it is a sitting duck even for simple interceptors. Do you have any reference for that proposal?
Posted by: aquadraht | Jun 21 2026 20:53 utc | 29
There was an explosion at the Qatari gas plant at Ras Laffan. Locals report it being like an earthquake. Another zio false flag?
Posted by: unimperator | Jun 21 2026 20:35 utc | 27
Qatar???
Here is the Ukraine thread!
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 21 2026 20:55 utc | 30
Military 101, if your nation is getting attacked, you are getting attacked. Why would you not respond into their territory?
Posted by: OXI | Jun 21 2026 15:49 utc | 2
Military 201 – attack your opponent and cause damage without them knowing who did it, when, or how it was done.
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 21 2026 21:35 utc | 31
Military 101, if your nation is getting attacked, you are getting attacked. Why would you not respond into their territory?Posted by: OXI | Jun 21 2026 15:49 utc | 2Military 201 – attack your opponent and cause damage without them knowing who did it, when, or how it was done.
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 21 2026 21:35 utc | 31
Oh yes, a real armchair commander.
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 21 2026 21:37 utc | 32
Hypersonics 101 –
Put the entire nation into an air-raid lockdown every time a MiG-31K is airborne…
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 21:42 utc | 33
Spectacular attacks on civilians don’t win wars. That is just a poor show for donors. Ukraine has bled around 19 million people since 2015 mostly to European countries and the rest to war. This is unsustainable. The moment the war ends another dozen million will leave. They know that peace won’t last. Ukraine is eroding from within. Only females and the very old will be left behind as Europe has no further demand they can fill. Repopulating Ukraine with a Russian mix population is the ultimate goal.
Why no territory gains since May this year? The aim is not to end the war but to cause enough attrition in Ukraine to achieve demographic changes. If what remains to be captured is taken, then there is no further justification to bleed Ukraine any longer. This is an attrition war, not a territory capturing one.
This is what terrorized NATO. Their cannon fodder is drying up. Literally. The way to reassure them is to show spectacular attacks on civilians. Russia should keep mincing Ukraine, 1,500 a day. No need for anything spectacular. Just keep going.
Posted by: Jason | Jun 21 2026 22:14 utc | 34
Oh yes, a real armchair commander.Posted by: smartfox | Jun 21 2026 21:37 utc | 32
Armchair? I just pulled up a barstool, ordered a pint of Krupnikas and had a laugh at the thought that Russia should change tactics when they are clearly winning against the vile Banderites and Eutards, including my own Nazi (note: not neo-Nazi) countrymen.
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 21 2026 22:23 utc | 35
Alexander Mercouris says there is a gasoline shortage in Crimea caused by Ukraine causing trouble on routes from the mainland. There is no shortage in the rest of Russia.
Posted by: arby | Jun 21 2026 22:24 utc | 36
Posted by: arby | Jun 21 2026 22:24 utc | 36
Gas/fuel trucks going to Crimea are now being armored with spaced steel grids to defend against drones. It won’t stop all drone strikes but it might stop some of them. There may be a nuisance on civilian fuel sector, but for military fuel is available anyway.
That said, the entire strategy to isolate Crimea becomes gradually moot as AFU loses its remaining Donbass holdings. Why you might ask?
Because crushing a nice chunk of the un-retreatable AFU in Slavyansk, Druzhivka and taking those last defense lines straightens the front significantly, and release RUAF forces to redeploy to other directions. That means RUAF will further consolidate and overrun AFU defenses in the Orekhov, eastern Zaporozhye and eastern Dnipro areas. The land connetion
That means the land corridor becomes un-interdictable. AFU pushed back further past Zaporozhye and toward Pavlograd from the east and south. The safe land route from Melitopol now extends to Kherson, and Crimea will be out of reach for good. They will still send a few drones but to cut off Crimea you literally need to advance and take Melitopol, which is never going to happen. Any amphibious assault from Kherson would end up the same way as Krynky, which got bogged down and turned into a slaughter house when RUAF moved all the necessary pieces to surround the landing area.
Posted by: unimperator | Jun 21 2026 22:33 utc | 37
Big UAV attack from Ukraine…concentrating on Moscow and Crimea which seems to be “shut down” while air defence working. Posted to ukropenthread on telegram the flight map from lord of war. Seems like Ukraine giving it all now.
Posted by: Jo | Jun 21 2026 22:56 utc | 38
Re: Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 21 2026 19:29 utc | 18
Because the next 3-4 months are not the same as the previous 3-4 months.Look up rasputitsa, ra-ra rasputitsa.
18
Right – here you go. I’m well aware of this excuse.
In countries of the former Soviet Union, the concept is applied to two periods during the year – spring and autumn – and also refers to impassable road conditions during such a period,[5] specifically the heavy rains of October and the thaw of the frozen steppe in March.[6]
So you’re referring to 1 month out of the last 4.
What was the progress in the last 3 months (April, May & June) – no “rasputista”?
Barely noticeable a map is the answer.
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 23:03 utc | 39
Russian tactics are like Monty’s, slow but sure and parsimonious with Russian flesh and blood.
Posted by: Squeeth | Jun 21 2026 23:04 utc | 40
Daughter in law could fill up car tank last week but limitations severely imposed again.
Respite before a new strike?Ukrainian formations have been attacking Russian territories with small forces for a second consecutive night, not deploying more than 200 drones. Air defense units shot down at least 187 drones, the majority over Crimea and the waters of the Azov and Black Seas.During the day, the AFU acted more actively: from morning until 14:00, 216 UAVs were shot down, and by 20:00, another 50 drones of various types.Daytime strikesThe main target of the daytime raid was Russia’s western regions. The AFU again used their corridor-cutting tactic toward the capital and nearby areas.Nighttime strikesAt night, the enemy concentrated on the Crimean Peninsula, where oil and gas infrastructure in the Gvardeyskoye district and the Tavricheskaya TPP came under attack.
European MBDA to produce ‘Neptune’ missilesEuropean defence giant MBDA signed a memo with Ukraine’s Luch Design Bureau to develop the new Neptune-2 cruise missile and modify existing projects. MBDA, active in the UK, France, Italy and Germany, produces Storm Shadow/SCALP and Taurus missiles.This deal shows the West seizing effective weaponry from the special operation. The pre-2022 Neptune barely flew. After 2022, foreign engineers made it operational, then extended range to 1000 km. These cheaper ground-launched missiles could see mass production at MBDA, which makes thousands of missiles yearly.@Slavyangrad
🇷🇺Water supply has been cut off in Crimea after a power outage– In Sevastopol, Alushta, Krasnoperekopsk, Armyansk, and Nova Yalta in Crimea, power outages due to damage to electrical networks.- After power outages, water pumping stations were de-energized and water supply was cut off in a number of settlements.- “Water of Crimea” reports that the pumping stations were de-energized due to network failures. Work is underway to restore water and electricity supplies.
239 Ukrainian UAVs shot down overnight over Russian regionsThe Russian Defence Ministry reported the destruction of 239 drones across multiple regions.@Slavyangrad
@Slavyangrad
The electricity is returning in the cities and districts of Crimea.
@Slavyangrad
Posted by: Jo | Jun 21 2026 23:07 utc | 41
Long-range strikes on Russia prolong the war and weaken Europe, says French politician“This is the path to total war,” stated Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing La France Insoumise party.According to him, the goal of this war is to weaken not only Russia, but also Europe. “In the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Americans’ interest is to weaken the Russians, but also the Europeans,” he added.Debates continue in Europe on whether to start negotiations with Russia and who will represent the EU. Ahead of next year’s presidential elections in France, Mélenchon is the highest-rated left-wing candidate.@Slavyangrad
Posted by: Jo | Jun 21 2026 23:08 utc | 42
Re: Posted by: JustSomeOldGuy | Jun 21 2026 20:19 utc | 23
The long-serving Washington DC “the Atlantic Council” a few days ago put up“Ukrainian drones are cutting Russian logistics and reshaping the battlefield“. They seem to be the quotidian types who genuinely think Ukraine has the initiative. They also still type the phrase ‘full-scale invasion’ (with no idea this habitual use of boilerplate damages their own analysis, makes them believe Russia is going all out).
Why wouldn’t Russia go “All Out” – do they want to win this thing or not – it’s been 4.5 years / almost 13 years in reality – already.
I thought this fight was “existential” for Russia – you don’t use half measured in an existential fight – that’s insane.
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 23:15 utc | 43
Kaja move over and let Rutte take over. Anyone seen this or know if it’s out of context or something? Everything is possible in ClownWorld otherwise it wouldn’t be ClownWorld; but, can Rutte really be this stupid???
Who’s he talking too??? Even if he’s in overarching propaganda mode he’d only make a total jackass of himself saying this.
I give up, ClownWorld is beyond me:
“Russia is no bigger than Belgium and the Netherlands combined,” – stated NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
https://t.me/c/1550682061/458427
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 21 2026 23:15 utc | 44
Posted by: aquadraht | Jun 21 2026 20:29 utc | 26
Absolutely
Until January 2026 Russia was on a major advance in Ukraine. At least three of thr big towns in Donetsk were on the point of falling. Then Iran happened and my guess *only a gu4ss) is that Russia pulled back equipment and reserves in fear of a full on WWIII battle (troops needed to protect the Southern underbelly and probably also Belarus.
This threat has faded slightly and we see Russian advances again. As of today (using DPA’s very cautious analysis), Lyman, Konstanyivka, Kramatorsk and Kupyansk are on the point of complete takeover by Russia. Now this seemed probable back in December so essentially there has been a 6 month hiatus. Gains too in Karkov, Sumy and possibly Zaporizhia.
‼️🇷🇺🏴☠ Safety restrictions are being introduced in Sevastopol▪️Mass street events are cancelled in Sevastopol from June 22nd until further notice, Governor Razvozhaev announced.▪️Public transportation will operate only during daylight hours – from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.▪️Car ferries will cease operating, leaving only passenger boats.▪️A decision has been made to allow public transportation to operate during emergency situations; it will take effect at 3:00 PM on Monday.▪️Shopping centers, supermarkets, and hypermarkets will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and food service establishments will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Small shops, kiosks, and pharmacies can set their own hours.▪️It has also been decided not to turn on street lights.⚠️. RV: |
Posted by: Jo | Jun 21 2026 23:22 utc | 46
On today, the anniversary of Operation Barbarossa, let’s all thank the soldiers of the Red Army for their blood soaked sacrifices and their valour that – from Day One of the invasion – hamstrung, crippled, and ultimately destroyed the nazi beast.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:27 utc | 47
I thought this fight was “existential” for Russia – you don’t use half measured in an existential fight – that’s insane.
[Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 23:15 utc | 43]
This is what I’ve been saying over and over: Putin is fighting like a CEO looking at posting a profit on the next quarterly balance sheet to keep the shareholders content. Like a CEO his focus is only to the next balance sheet. If he were thinking in the long term Ukranazistan wouldn’t have existed anymore.
It’s interesting that one of the most intelligent and analytical pro Russian voices on Twitter, ex-US Army artilleryman Armchair Warlord, has stopped posting on Twitter. For those with an IQ above one digit, the writing on the wall is clear to see. Ukranazistan is fighting an existential war, and as dirty as it has to. Russia is fighting as though it would rather be sitting back and drinking tea.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:33 utc | 48
watcher @ 45
Might simply be that with wall to wall drones it’s impossible to advance in winter w/o tree cover. Lot’s of forested areas needed to be taken before entering the cities.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 21 2026 23:35 utc | 49
@jo 41
Wait till Germany etc really get their drone production in full gear, by the end of this year. Fuel shortages etc will be the least of the problems that Russia will face then.
All because Putin is a craven Europhile who prefers to keep his EU “partners” appeased than to go Iran on them, something that should have happened long ago.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:37 utc | 50
I thought this fight was “existential” for Russia – you don’t use half measured in an existential fight – that’s insane.
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 23:15 utc | 43
If it was me, I would choose the safest and most reliable method while keeping casualties low on my side. I certainly wouldn’t go all out … but you know what? There elections coming up in Russia soon, I think you would be in with a chance … just campaign as, “That blog commenting dude who is much smarter than Putin” … everyone will recognize you instantly.
Posted by: Tel | Jun 21 2026 23:40 utc | 51
To anyone with a mind:
Drones are a new and hitherto unknown primary weapon in war. Nobody has ever fought a war where drones were the primary weapon before. To act as though Ukranazistan is losing just because Russia is, at the pace of an arthritic snail, advancing, is ridiculous, since whatever territory changes hands won’t make a difference to the fact that drones will decide this war.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:42 utc | 52
This ordinary Brit thinks “citation needed”. Sounds like a lot of bollocks to me.
Posted by: Red Star | Jun 21 2026 19:44 utc | 20
I was referring to the Freshwater Strategy poll conducted for the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), which found by a substantial margin that the British public dramatically overestimates the UK’s economic standing, incorrectly believing it to be as wealthy as, or wealthier than, nations like Switzerland, Singapore, Germany, and the United States. The bollocks your smelling are coming from the Brits perhaps?
Google is your friend.
Posted by: frithguild | Jun 21 2026 23:42 utc | 53
“If it was me, I would choose the safest and most reliable method while keeping casualties low on my side.”
[Posted by: Tel | Jun 21 2026 23:40 utc | 51]
You know, Russia is still accepting foreign volunteers. What are you waiting for to join?
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:44 utc | 54
DANISH STATE BROADCASTER REPORTS RISING NEO-NAZISM AMONG UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/187199
***
Posted by: Red Star | Jun 21 2026 19:48 utc | 21
This is a really important story – nice post.
Posted by: frithguild | Jun 21 2026 23:48 utc | 55
@frithguild 45
Sounds like they’re admitting it now, after all these years, so that they can find an excuse to deport the “refugees” back to Ukranazistan so ꑭelensky can bussify them.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:50 utc | 56
“Six thousand drones from the Germans, to disrupt logistics, in Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk oblasts—summer will be hot.”
Source:
https://x.com/777AFU/status/2068631501885903056?s=20
They’re making no attempt to disguise the source anymore, and why should they? They know Putin’s red lines are jokes to be ignored.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 0:02 utc | 57
*** deport the “refugees” back to Ukranazistan so ꑭelensky can bussify them.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:50 utc | 56
Freshwater Strategy poll for Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) data is pretty interesting. I think the 16-30 demo have woken to the truth that they have been lied to by governments about just about everything – including that Ukranians could not possibly be Nazis. Looks like notwithstanding historic losses UK Labor will be doubling down.
Posted by: frithguild | Jun 22 2026 0:10 utc | 58
Barely noticeable a map is the answer.
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 23:03 utc | 39
Why would you think that “progress” in attritional warfare is measured in square kilometres? It sounds like you have fallen for some kind of narrative ploy: you know, “if Russia haven’t won x amount of territory by some arbitrary date, then they have stalled or are losing”.
Russia have not lost ground, nor have they lost the number of battlefront soldiers. Even if they had lost the same number of soldiers as the Ukies, they could afford to. Remember too, the Ukies have a compulsory draft – Russia doesn’t need one.
Have you seen the estimates of “vehicles” lost? The last figures I have for Jan+Feb 2026 (and maybe others here have more recent or better estimates)
Type Russia Ukraine
APC 13 70
Armored Cars/MRAP 2 157
Engineering 1 1
IVF 12 26
MLRS 15 7
SPG 7 62
Tanks 17 27
TOTAL 67 350
Even if the losses were equal, Russia have a far greater capacity to replace them, Ukraine does not. Any ideas where they could get more from?
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 22 2026 0:18 utc | 59
If it was me, I would choose the safest and most reliable method while keeping casualties low on my side. I certainly wouldn’t go all out … but you know what? There elections coming up in Russia soon, I think you would be in with a chance … just campaign as, “That blog commenting dude who is much smarter than Putin” … everyone will recognize you instantly.
Posted by: Tel
I see a few people did not care for your sense of humour, amigo, but to me that was as funny as hell and I laughed out loud – good one. To me, as well, it is amusing to see the crowd that is piling on Putin, trying to get him to cut a bloody swath across Ukraine, leaving nothing alive bigger than a field mouse, like Genghis Khan. Because those are the same people who would gasp, “I never meant THAT” if he actually did it, and broader public opinion around the world quickly turned against Russia. Those are the same people expressing backhanded admiration for Ukraine for fighting a ‘dirty war’, although that – and Zelensky’s social-hand-grenade personality – have taken the atmosphere from standing O’s for the Green Goblin before he even spoke to where he is an embarrassing grifter, better keep your hand on your wallet while you’re talking to him. Europe is dithering over establishing back-channels with Moscow, although for a couple of years they claimed nothing but as bloody a defeat as possible on the battlefield would suffice. Yet Putin has not changed his position a bit.
Ukraine is not winning. It is losing. It has to pay about $1.5 Billion to the IMF by the end of this year – anyone think that will happen? I know it’s not as exciting as exploding fuel tanks, but debt is slowly killing Ukraine – moreover, it is killing the EU who is financing it, because it has broken rule after rule that it wrote itself so that it could continue ‘lending’ to a debtor already in default. The only way you make a pile of money from supporting a proxy army against an enemy is if your proxy wins. Ukraine is so far in the red it’s almost pressure-purple, and its still begging for more money and the EU is still borrowing for it.
The west has been trying to bump off Putin since about six months into his first term as President, around where it decided any analysis that he had squishy liberal tendencies and might love money – so that he could be fooled or bought – were mistaken. In all those years he has weathered crisis after crisis dreamed up by the west, which has never stopped trying to run a stick through his spokes. This war is just the latest. The west has failed every time, and it will fail this time. But this one will be remembered, because of what it cost to lose.
*** any ideas where they could get more from?
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 22 2026 0:18 utc | 59
Perhaps from among those fierce Danish Vikings (/s) – except for the ones who are “feeling unsafe” seeing Nazi regalia:
*** Officials say they’ve received a string of reports since spring about Ukrainian teens and twenty-somethings displaying swastikas and SS symbols on clothing and tattoos. Police in North Zealand, Copenhagen, and Mid- and West Zealand all confirm cases, with Copenhagen Police noting some have made people feel unsafe. ***
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/187199
Posted by: frithguild | Jun 22 2026 0:30 utc | 61
I thought this fight was “existential” for Russia – you don’t use half measured in an existential fight – that’s insane.
Posted by: Julian | Jun 21 2026 23:15 utc | 43
It’s existential for Ukraine too. When are they going to start winning?
And when will they start repaying the debts they have racked up?
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 22 2026 0:30 utc | 62
Who invited the village idiot?
Maybe he join Julian and his butt buddy in a threesome.
Existential, ha!
404 is but memory in history.
Massive raids ongoing in that NATO Colony.
Posted by: Suresh | Jun 22 2026 0:37 utc | 63
“Sounds like they’re admitting it now, after all these years, so that they can find an excuse to deport the “refugees” back to Ukranazistan so ꑭelensky can bussify them.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:50 utc | 56 ”
Yet, somehow the topic of forcefully sending Arab of African “refugees” back to their war zones is NEVER mentioned.
(1) sat!ngh0st on X: “@Parodyjeffx It’s literally the Kallergi Plan playing out. Of course it was concocted by a Jew. 😂 https://t.co/YMXc2VxbcJ” / X
Posted by: Vacuous Cipher | Jun 22 2026 0:56 utc | 64
re: Jo | Jun 21 2026 23:22 utc | 46
Do you have a URL for this? I would like to pass it on to a friend who always requires a source.
Your post:
“Safety restrictions are being introduced in Sevastopol. Mass street events are cancelled in Sevastopol from June 22nd until further notice, Governor Razvozhaev announced. Public transportation will operate only during daylight hours – from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Car ferries will cease operating, leaving only passenger boats. A decision has been made to allow public transportation to operate during emergency situations; it will take effect at 3:00 PM on Monday. Shopping centers, supermarkets, and hypermarkets will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and food service establishments will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Small shops, kiosks, and pharmacies can set their own hours. It has also been decided not to turn on street lights.”
This is a description of a nation under siege rather than a side that is “winning the war”.
Posted by: Perimetr | Jun 22 2026 1:32 utc | 65
NATO has no idea
NAFO has no idea
The EU has no idea
The UK has no idea
The accumulated conglomeration of Western synagogues has no idea
@ Julian has no idea
@ ed4 has no idea
@ Cagliostro has no idea
@ rk has no idea
Likely @ GM has no idea
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 20:19 utc | 24
Is that the cast of the upcoming movie “Dim and Dima”?
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 22 2026 1:48 utc | 66
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 22 2026 0:18 utc | 59 “Remember too, the Ukies have a compulsory draft – Russia doesn’t need one.”
.
Russia has a compulsory draft. Spring and fall.
Posted by: ed4 | Jun 22 2026 1:57 utc | 67
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 22 2026 0:30 utc | 62 It’s existential for Ukraine too. When are they going to start winning? And when will they start repaying the debts they have racked up?
.
Ukraine ‘wins’ by surviving. When do the terms of the debt say they have to be paid back?
Posted by: ed4 | Jun 22 2026 1:58 utc | 68
DANISH STATE BROADCASTER REPORTS RISING NEO-NAZISM AMONG UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
Hands up anyone who’s suprised….
Posted by: Red Star | Jun 21 2026 19:48 utc | 21
I’m surprised! — that someone in Denmark reported it.
Posted by: malenkov | Jun 22 2026 2:06 utc | 69
The SMO started in February of 2022, Ukraine was pretty well supplied with ordinance although it never said it had enough and always wanted more. Biden said something to the effect of, “You will get as much as it takes for as long as it takes.” Then the October 7 attack happened and the Israelis tripled down on retribution. They bombed the sh*t out of Gaza and Biden was finding ways to ship weapons to Israel at a level that was just below the requirement for congressional approval just to keep them out of the picture. Some time in 2024 Biden actually told Zelensky that he would have to wait for weapons because Israel came first. To me, this was a first indication of a supply-chain problem. Here we have the IDF murdering mommies and babies and the UAF trying to match Russia’s shelling, with minimal ballistic missile play – and the US can’t supply both.
When Trump takes over in January of 2025, things aren’t much better. Trump continues supplying Israel along with the previous Biden commitment to Ukraine. When the Biden commitment runs out he moves to a deal with Europe/NATO where they give weapons to Ukraine and then order replacements from the US – for a future delivery date. The rumour I heard was at least a year before delivery. Mind you, while all this has been going on both Biden and Trump are acting belligerent towards China and China gives out the big “scr^w you” and stops supplying the US with the rare earth metals they need for the weapons that the US needs to attack China with. Imagine that as a sign of greatness – the greatest country in the history of histories lets an adversary corner the market on critical materials.
While all this stuff is hitting the fans, Bibi talks Donald into attacking Iran; promising an easy decapitation war that will last a few days. All they need to do is take out some leaders and the Iranian people will rally to support the US and Israel – their historical best friends. Pretty much a grade C movie plot. That war lasts about 5 weeks and they run out of targets. Not only that they have seriously underestimated Iran’s resilience and their ability to hit back. Pretty much every US Military Base in the the region is damaged or destroyed, the dynamic duo is running out of weapons – especially the air defence types. Donald can roar and cuss, but he doesn’t have the weapons or logistic capabilities to take down Iran. Plus Iran has taken control of Hormuz and the world is very close to an energy crisis – maybe the mother of all energy crises.
All these occurrences are observable and well-documented, pretty much common knowledge. I am wondering what part war in Ukraine had to do with the loss in Iran? Russian missiles and drones have reduced the inventory of Patriot and THAAD systems, it has also stretched production for artillery. I wonder what would the Iran war have looked like without Ukraine and Gaza?
Posted by: TimD | Jun 22 2026 2:07 utc | 70
Russia has a compulsory draft. Spring and fall.
Posted by: ed4 | Jun 22 2026 1:57 utc | 67
Are Russian draftees sent into battle?
Posted by: malenkov | Jun 22 2026 2:08 utc | 71
Ukraine ‘wins’ by surviving. When do the terms of the debt say they have to be paid back?
Posted by: ed4 | Jun 22 2026 1:58 utc | 68
1. So regaining former Ukie territory isn’t part of winning?
2. Kinda leaves the Euros holding the bag, eh?😉
Posted by: malenkov | Jun 22 2026 2:10 utc | 72
@malenkov 71
Only on Russian territory short of a declaration of war. They were deployed in Kursk but not in the SMO.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 2:10 utc | 73
@ Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 2:10 utc | 73
You’re not good at recognizing rhetorical questions, are you?
Posted by: malenkov | Jun 22 2026 2:11 utc | 74
I see Suresh is now too cowardly to name me when he makes his zero-IQ commentary attacking me.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 2:12 utc | 75
At this point I would love to know how many of Putin’s oligarch cronies still have investments in Ukraine – and how many of them have zionist passports.
I can see no other reason for Putin to keep forcing Russia to fight with both hands tied behind its back as he has always been doing.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 2:12 utc | 76
@ed4 68
Ukranazistan’s fate is ultimately immaterial to its NATO owners. To them it’s just using Rissians to fight Russia. Whatever they say in public, they know and prove by their behaviour that they are aware that Ukrainians are Russian.
It’s the same thing that they did during the Russian Civil War to keep the Whites afloat as long as possible.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 2:15 utc | 77
I can see no other reason for Putin to keep forcing Russia to fight with both hands tied behind its back as he has always been doing.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 2:12 utc | 76
It doesn’t. Look at the figures and the daily reports. 1,500 enemy troops killed in a single day. Now, two key strategic positions have been captured, resulting in a straightened front line and freeing up forces. That makes sense.
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 22 2026 2:27 utc | 78
Well, AFU casualties yesterday 1.450, things are warming..
Meanwhile browsing the thread I finally understood why the west is not worried about fertilizers, plenty of manure…
For the few others, hang on and don’t feed the trolls
Posted by: Newbie | Jun 22 2026 2:28 utc | 79
Is that the cast of the upcoming movie “Dim and Dima”?
Posted by: Liolia Paluzas | Jun 22 2026 1:48 utc | 66
LOL!!!!
You forgot to include “Comic Book Hero” Biswapriya, aka village idiot. (The noooks, the noooookkkkss!)
Posted by: Suresh | Jun 22 2026 2:40 utc | 80
Now your own Russian citizens are unable to buy gasoline from gas stations in the 3rd largest producer of gasoline.
Reminds me of Syria back in the day.
Perhaps the USA will sell you some soon…
Posted by: Trubind1 | Jun 22 2026 4:08 utc | 81
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 22 2026 2:12 utc | 76
You NEVER do me or anyone else the courtesy of a sensible reply. You do not have to agree but please give a cogent reason whyy not
Here it is.
Russua fears WWIII.
Russia MUST preserve enough weapons and reserves to fight a co-ordinated attack from
- the far East (Japan, USA, SK, Australia)
- Kazakhstan following a successful colour revolution
- Via the Caspian Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran if the USA/Israel had achieved regime change
- Turkey with influence across the whole Black Sea
- Poland, Germany, France, Italy etc via Ukraine
- UK and the Baltics via belarus (and even Belarus after a regime change)
- The Baltic Sea and the arctic via scandinavia.
- USA via long range bombing and via installations in all of NATO
Now Bis please giver me a RATIONAL reason why this scenario is n ot possible or even likely.
Now if you were in charge would you send 80% of your stuff to Europe and leave the rest undefended
Netanyahu heading for the rails, and Israel headed for Ukraine/Zelensky status.Posted by: GeorgeWendell | Jun 22 2026 4:52 utc | 129 I don’t see it that way yet. For that to happen, Israeli power in America would have to be broken more permanently.
Right now, all I see is that Netanyahu is getting a forced respite until after the midterm elections. So, no final “end” for him, while Trump has a break of over two months, during which he can replenish his supplies. If the population grumbles afterward, the warmongers won’t care. If necessary, they’ll implement Musk’s proposed “helicopter money”—a government “donation” for all citizens.It strongly reminds me of COVID measures.
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 22 2026 5:01 utc | 130
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 22 2026 5:03 utc | 83
Pubblicato da: watcher | 22 giu 2026 4:20 utc |Why send 80% of Russian troops to Europe?
A few mishaps on NATO bases along the borders would be enough.
Iran hasn’t sent any troops, yet it won two rounds.
And if we want to tell things as they are, NATO’s goal is the slow military and economic attrition of Russia. Yesterday it used the Chechens and Georgians, today the Ukronazis, tomorrow the Armenians and Azerbaijanis, and perhaps even the Poles and the Baltics.
Because the hegemon manages these wars, and Putin, like the frog, is wallowing in the pot that’s slowly coming to a boil.
For those who aren’t blind, this is clearly visible, even with the recent American attacks on Crimea.
Posted by: Cagliostro | Jun 22 2026 7:00 utc | 84
Yes, all very well, but how does that help Ukraine restore its territorial integrity? Presumably that is something you wish to see achieved? Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 21 2026 17:53 utc | 14
Most connections are only in your head and should remain there. You need to go to Marty from Amerika’s blog where its age-appropiate for you
Posted by: rk | Jun 22 2026 7:07 utc | 85
You know, Russia is still accepting foreign volunteers. What are you waiting for to join.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Jun 21 2026 23:44 utc | 54
You buffoon, Russia is not my country to defend and I’m not the one going around calling, “Putin weeeeeak, must bomb Europe else weeeeak, blah blah”. I happen to expect the Russians can and will win this just fine all on their own … I also think the whole thing is a tragedy and the typical European has no idea no idea quite how brutally the Ukrainians are being ground down. Eventually it will become well known, and then all the people cheering for Ukraine and encouraging an extra million casualties will become pariahs.
But unlike the trolling morons … I am clever enough to figure out that blog comments are exactly that, detached comments, without believing somehow Putin sits all day wringing hands worrying about some English language comment with a poor opinion. That’s the bit that I find so confusing, how the heck the Western powers believe that flooding the comments section is bringing them closer to victory. Especially, when all they can achieve is the same talking points over and over, which weren’t plausible at any stage.
Posted by: Tel | Jun 22 2026 7:41 utc | 86
You NEVER do me or anyone else the courtesy of a sensible reply.
Posted by: watcher | Jun 22 2026 4:20 utc | 82
And that right there is how you can identify trolling vs real discussion. For the first year and a bit we got, “Ukrainian counterattack! Russia doomed, Ukraine strong!” That literally was the level of their intellect. Then obviously it wasn’t going to happen, the counterattack got smashed as they tried to run men and tanks across minefields.
Then we got, “Ukraine has drones! New weapon cannot be stopped!” … but very quickly Russia caught up and then they also had drones, indeed by all recent accounts Russia has already pulled ahead in every weapon space.
Then we got, “Crimea cut off any minute now!” … and that never happened.
Then we got, “Frozen conflict! Too slow, Putin must go!” … as if bizarrely the Kremlin needed to be accountable to a specific timeline, provided by some dunderhead blog troll.
Now we are getting told that unless Putin starts WWII, he must be a very weak leader because one or two Ukrainian drones managed to slip through and hit some civilian infrastructure, and of course the appropriate response to any damage is always to start WWIII, I mean that’s what everyone does isn’t it? Which is essentially the last ditch attempt to somehow escalate, given that every other hope is now lost.
But yeah, all of these just get endlessly repeated. Ignore everything else, loop, bang bang repeat again, loop repeat again. Convince no one, don’t care, endless repetition. Keep up the talking points, drown out everything with mindless crap.
Posted by: Tel | Jun 22 2026 7:51 utc | 87
Posted by: watcher | Jun 22 2026 4:20 utc | 82
——————-
Calm down Watcher. This is too much for his CPU.
Posted by: scc | Jun 22 2026 8:03 utc | 88
- I. understand that for trolls in love with Putin, trolls are those who see Putin for what he is.
Austerity regime introduced in SevastopolCollapse
An operational headquarters meeting was held. In light of recent events on the peninsula and the need for prompt logistical adjustments, a series of temporary forced measures were adopted:
Fuel:
To save money, fuel will not be sold in the city on June 22nd and 23rd. Refueling will only be carried out for special services that support the city.
Transport:
Public transport has changed its schedule: from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.Maritime service: Ferries will not operate, only passenger boats.Public transport operations during the air raid: starting at 3:00 PM on June 22nd.
Retail and restaurants:
Large retail outlets (shopping centers, supermarkets, and hypermarkets) will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Small shops, kiosks, and pharmacies will operate at their own discretion.
Cafes and restaurants are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Infrastructure:
Street lighting will not be on. Due to overloaded power grids outside Sevastopol, temporary power outages may be planned.
Therefore, I urge everyone now, if possible, to reduce consumption and use fewer appliances simultaneously.
Mass events: All street events are canceled starting June 22 and until further notice.
Please understand the restrictions introduced. They are necessary to ensure safety and stability under the current conditions. We will certainly address all temporary difficulties together.
Governor of Sevastopol Razvozhaev
PS. Power was restored in the evening. By morning, the connection had dropped to 70%.
Posted by: Cagliostro | Jun 22 2026 8:04 utc | 89
Konstantinovka.
The Russians liberated it, but who did they liberate? The city is a pile of rubble.
My question is: wouldn’t they have done better to surround it and wait for the Ukronazis to starve?
Its “liberation” certainly cost tens of hundreds of Russian casualties, and then for what?
For a pile of rubble?
So, I’m asking for a friend.
Posted by: Cagliostro | Jun 22 2026 8:19 utc | 90
Another day, same nafo cope
Russia will never liberate Konstantinovka!
Ukrainian army will never surrender and leave Konstantinovka!
Ukrainian counterattack pushed russians out of Konstantinovka!
The mission of ukrainian defenders in Konstantinovka has been accomplished.
Russia liberates Konstantinovka.
It was never strategically important.
It is a pile of rubble. <— you are here
Posted by: pinche | Jun 22 2026 8:31 utc | 91
I checked with AI about casualties in Ukraine
Early 2023Confirmed Deaths: ~15,000 to 17,000 (Strictly verified by name)Total Casualties (Killed + Wounded): ~157,000End of 2024Confirmed Deaths: ~60,000 to 70,000 (Strictly verified by name)Total Casualties (Killed + Wounded): ~600,000 to 700,000
So I said
Q:But look what you state for 2023 and 2024 you say 60-70000 in 2024 and yet you claim that the cumulative number rose from 157000 to 600-700000
AI again:
AI :The mathematical leap from ~157,000 to ~600,000 total casualties happened because the underlying death counts used by analysts changed drastically. In 2024, researchers shifted from counting only named obituaries to calculating actual estimated deaths
So there was a redefinition.
Current Status (June 2026)Casualties (Killed + Wounded): ~1,100,000 to 1,200,000
I still believe the ratio of 7 for Ukraine to Russian losses was true from 2022 and some years because artillery differences were so large. But the latest slow period may mean the heavily fortified areas cause less wear to the defenders and larger losses to the attackers.
Question to MOA commenters:
Is there any source that has consistently brought reliable info about this topic?
Posted by: petergrfstrm | Jun 22 2026 9:04 utc | 92
Is there any source that has consistently brought reliable info about this topic?
Posted by: petergrfstrm | Jun 22 2026 9:04 utc | 92
Yes and no
1) Neither side publishes figures regarding its fallen soldiers.
2) Approximate ratios can be calculated based on data concerning the exchange of fallen soldiers and prisoners.
Consequently, only estimates and claims exist, varying according to the figures and data used—and their source. Credibility therefore depends on one’s own assessment of the source.
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 22 2026 9:32 utc | 93
wouldn’t they have done better to surround it and wait for the Ukronazis to starve?
Posted by: Cagliostro | Jun 22 2026 8:19 utc | 90
I have asked myself the exact same question ever since the battle for Bakhmut/Artemiovsk. Why go through these heavy fortifications if you can just go around them? Why destroy a city that will be part of your territory?
I never found a fully satisfying answer, but from what little I understand it isn’t that easy to go around a city. The city funcions as a castle or as a fortress from which the surrounding forces can be attacked. You would hav to go quite wide around to be safe from those attacks, but then there are other cities that you eventually get too close to.
Secondly and more importantly, the attacker needs the city for logistics and safety (even if it’s mostly rubble). Ukraine is a huge flat land. Drones everywhere and nowhere to hide. So you go over the wide open field for too long and your logistics lines will be decimated. In order to advance, Russia needs places to accumulate forces and to build logistics hubs. There probably is no exact number on how deep into the open fields you can stretch your advance, but it seems too much to actually surround a proper city.
Still, it’s a shame for some of those places to be destroyed. A lot of the architecture is soviet blocks, but there are also some beautiful old buildings that will never be rebuilt.
Posted by: Hamburger | Jun 22 2026 9:43 utc | 94
In response to Jeremy Rhymings-Lang@24,
Not sure if this was ever actually on the agenda. We do hear occasionally about reclaiming territory, but it’s been decades since anyone said a word about how Ukraine is meant to reintegrate almost 10m people, and even back then the hypotheticals floated on this topic were rather insane. This was never viewed as realistic, I believe, even before the start of the SMO. Poroshenko’s victory criteria, back then, was EU integration, visa-free travel and perpetually frozen conflict via NATO membership. Today’s victory condition is to essentially spoil Russian efforts by whatever means exist and for as long as possible, which granted isn’t rational — there’s nothing gained from this at all — but is an achievable low bar to aim for. Just listen to the voices in this thread — Ukraine is winning bigly every day. *I grin.*
The optimistic side-quest is to somehow pressure Russia to settle for less than their officially stated demands (meaning the goal is some sort of PR/humiliation) or to expand the conflict further, hoping perhaps that the hollowed out husk of Ukraine might appear more attractive if more of the world is in ruins. That’s cranking the insanity and pettiness another notch past 11, since as before, nothing would actually be gained from these victories.
Restoring territorial control? Liberating former Ukrainian citizens, now Russian passport holders, from the clutches of the enemy? Get with the program, grandpa, it’s a new era. Entities can choose their genders, drones win wars, and states can choose how they define victory.
Posted by: Skiffer | Jun 22 2026 9:53 utc | 95
watcher | Jun 22 2026 4:20 utc | 82
“Russua fears WWIII.Russia MUST….
Now if you were in charge would you send 80% of your stuff to Europe and leave the rest undefended.”
If I were in charge of a nationalist government in Russia which would fight for the Russian people, I would long ago have moved from “defending” to counterattacking. Why do you Putin apologists keep pretending Iran hasn’t given proof of principle: Russia can launch an Iran-style conventional counterattack on NATO in Europe any time it chooses. The US would skedaddle. The US in Europe has always been nothing but a cowardly bully who would detach as soon as Russia gave them a real bloody nose.
This Russian leadership chooses to fight a fake war, and chooses a seemingly permanent “new normal” of terrorist drone attacks within the homeland, in the expectation that the Empire will remain a permanent “partner” in the continuity of this fakeness.
Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Jun 22 2026 9:56 utc | 96
Posted by: Hamburger | Jun 22 2026 9:43 utc | 94
The widest plausible way to encircle the remaining AFU Donbass agglameration is taking Pavlograd, and from around Lyman, advance and cut the Slavyansk-Izyum(-Kharkov) road.
The latter is getting quite close. Taking Pavlograd is reliant on the Orekhov offensive (which is auxiliary/supporting to this objective, moving southern flank) and move in the area west of Pokrovsk, which is on the direct road to Pavlograd. Alternative to Pavlograd, that may require less effort, is north of Pokrovsk, namely Dobropillya – Oleksandriivka axis.
That basically cuts all roads to the agglameration and seals it as a large open air POW camp. The Lyman option should be proceeding quite well, Pavlograd is still far off, Dobropillya advance may be what is also currently happening. These bypass and encircle the cities by a wide margin, forming a sort-of distant blockade.
Posted by: unimperator | Jun 22 2026 9:57 utc | 97
Will liberal Putin respond or more stern words:
9 Strom Shadow cruise missiles sent to Voronezh targeting a factory that produces components for Pantsir, Iskander-K and Kh-101 cruise missiles.
When will this end? NATO cruise missiles now hitting deep into Russia most likely using NATO intel aircraft and satellites. Yet, Russia will not respond to NATO, they are off-limits due to hugs and b-day wishes to Trump. Sad world we live in.
Posted by: OXI | Jun 22 2026 10:12 utc | 98
Russua fears WWIII.
Posted by: watcher | Jun 22 2026 4:20 utc | 82
NATO and the EU should do the same, as should the USA. After all, what would happen then? Nuclear weapons would come into play, and that could very quickly escalate into an all-out nuclear war that destroys the entire Northern Hemisphere.
There would be no winners, and talk of a “decapitation strike” is utter nonsense, since Russia always possesses a second-strike capability (not to mention that, with over 2,500 nuclear warheads, Russia has by far the largest arsenal of any country).
The danger lies in the possibility that a madman—and there are certainly enough of them in governments—might trigger this regardless, or—what would be at least as bad—deploy “dirty bombs,” simply because hatred and overestimation of oneself override reason.
In short, it is an unforeseeable and incalculable risk.
Posted by: smartfox | Jun 22 2026 10:16 utc | 99
Will liberal Putin respond…
4 Russians killed, 28 wounded in Crimea as NATO drones become relentless targeting fuel supplies. Now residents have restrictions to fuel thanks to NATO, but NATO is off-limits to response, only hugs and b-day wishes for Trump allowed.
Posted by: OXI | Jun 22 2026 10:17 utc | 100