News & views related to the war in Ukraine …
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August 13, 2026
Ukraine Open Thread 2026-173
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“Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of fallen soldiers: Kiev’s coordination headquarters says it received 261 bodies, while Russia reported receiving 24.”
now, the RF number is the usual near 20-30, but AFU “just” 10x more
possible reasons for reduced ratio
- More FABed, unrecoverable bodies
- less AFU at LOC, hence less bodies left behind
thoughts?
Posted by: Newbie | Aug 13 2026 12:54 utc | 1
Today’s MUST READ – maybe one of the reads of the year for ‘wise’ Europeans
Geopolitics & War
The Spirt of Westphalia:
With new thinking, Britain, France & Germany could help end the NATO-Russia War
Aug 13, 2026
With changing political atmospherics, there is an opportunity for the E3 – Britain, France and Germany – to create a ‘coalition of the wise’, and help bring the NATO-Russia War to a close. Fresh thinking will be needed – including questioning the true value of NATO – but the prize would be long-term security in our common European home.
A simple observation explains much about the situation in the Russo-Ukraine War: Russia’s military operations have been guided by a winning military strategy; whereas NATO’s military operations have been guided by a losing political narrative.
[…]
There could now, though, be a plausible alternative path, if the European Three (E3), Britain, France and Germany are prepared finally and decisively to take over the reins from the US. And to agree – with other Europeans – what is best for Europe. The E3 will need carefully to diagnose the war’s cause and Russia’s real motivations. They may also need to logic of West’s accepted pillars of European security, US engagement and NATO. They will then, subject to this analysis, need the courage to act in a way that NATO and the EU – captured by their own political narrative – cannot.
The Spirt of Westphalia: – by Steve Jermy
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 12:57 utc | 2
Once again, the Eurotards are going to sweep the Darwin awards.
They’re going to pay the Green T-shirt to let trapped grain rot in silos, where it will be consumed by vermin and slowly spoil:
How Russian attacks, European protectionism and drought are trapping Ukraine’s vital grain – POLITICO
Meanwhile, higher food prices will hit Europe the hardest, along with skyrocketing electric bills.
Attempts at price-fixing for a commodity that is scarce end up causing rationing, i.e. the little people get nothing. Eat bugs!
Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Aug 13 2026 13:14 utc | 3
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 12:57 utc | 2
The title picture has a caption:
With new thinking, Britain, France & Germany could help end the NATO-Russia War.
He lost me at thinking. More precisely, new thinking – like there is already one in place. More adequate caption would be, If Britain, France & Germany started thinkinhg, they could even help to end the NATO-Russia War.
Posted by: jekleni | Aug 13 2026 14:00 utc | 4
Re: Reduced bodies to exchange…
Posted by: Newbie | Aug 13 2026 12:54 utc | 1
The most obvious conclusion is that there are far fewer soldiers along the LOC. By all reasonable accounts the SMO has evolved into a 90% missile and drone conflict. Both sides are looking to conserve manpower, Ukraine more so than Russia. This means avoiding aggressive forward advances that will be spotted and dealt with from the air.
Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Aug 13 2026 14:28 utc | 5
VVP says the RF navy will enforce freedom of navigation rights………..lets see how the mighty RN reacts to that!
Looking forward to an RF frigate confronting an RN opv puddle jumper in the English Channel!
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2026 14:42 utc | 6
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2026 14:42 utc | 6
British navy will probably attack the Russian frigate with sea drones. Claiming it to be Ukraine.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 14:44 utc | 7
So far the RF convoy system appears to be working well.
RF frigates and attack subs are now on permanent station in the North Sea and the English Channel……….
No seizures in the last several weeks and no attempts either.
Lets see who blinks first!
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2026 14:53 utc | 8
7 – Yup the RN is definitely the controlling force in the sea drone attacks.
The Ukronazi Orcs have neither the brains or the skill to operate the sea drone sector……its all RN all the time.
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2026 14:55 utc | 9
Newbie | Aug 13 2026 12:54 UTC | 1
My thought is that many people are buried in mass graves and reported missing, and there are only advantages: no losses, no payment to families.
In Pavlohrad, a Nova Poshta store was attacked, according to local public groups.Note the BMW driving away; the license plate is foreign, and the rear window has a sticker of some military unit. 99% of such vehicles are used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Posted by: Sany Dnepropetrovsk | Aug 13 2026 14:57 utc | 10
Lets see who blinks first!
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2026 14:53 utc | 8
Don’t underestimate the Russians!
They dominate the entire Northern Route and maintain a presence in the Pacific.If Europeans were to get bold with their piracy, it would be easy to completely paralyze Europe’s shipping traffic—and the powers that be in Brussels and Paris know this. London is sitting on a particular powder keg there and is playing with the fuse.
I just heard a lecture on what the Russians could do on the high seas… sink two to six container ships, and no one would insure those routes anymore. Shipping companies don’t like losing ships, and the world consists of more than just Europe; it is doubtful whether Europe even has a navy capable of protecting those routes.
Russia has around 50 submarines deployed everywhere—though 50 is just an estimate; no intelligence agency knows the exact number.This cannot be compared to the “pond” that is the Black Sea—where Ukraine is already out of the picture and Turkey doesn’t dare make a move. Turkey both needs and fears Russia; Erdoğan knows this all too well. He would NEVER make his country economically dependent on the West—without Russian raw materials, he’s finished.
Posted by: genesiss | Aug 13 2026 15:06 utc | 12
it would be easy to completely paralyze Europe’s shipping traffic—and the powers that be in Brussels and Paris know this.
Posted by: genesiss | Aug 13 2026 15:06 utc | 12
—
Doubt!
It is not possible to rise to a position of power in the West while maintaining objectivity. The contradictions are too large.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 13 2026 15:11 utc | 13
A refinery just exploded in the port of Rotterdam. Rotterdam is the oil, LNG and refined petroleum hub for EU.
https://x.com/PolitlcsGlobal/status/2087912916909510666
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 15:14 utc | 14
Posted by: genesiss | Aug 13 2026 15:06 utc | 12
It’s trivially easy for Russia to sink a bunch of tankers and cargo ships on the ‘Transatlantic route’. It will cause insurance meltdown and disruption that will accelerate EU and UK economic decline and in that way weaken their ability to wage war on Russia.
The best part is it can be done with complete plausible deniability, as sea drones are by nature almost impossible to identify or link to anyone, especially in the open ocean.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 15:18 utc | 15
Title: Results & Tactics of Unmanned Systems
Fluid modern warfare disrupts enemy operational rhythms by sustained attacks. Unmanned systems incoordination w/ combat arms enhances each others capabilities suppressing resistance. Historic national security shift leverages tech procurement & industrial sovereignty. Artillery w/ high altitude (ISR) Intellegence Surveillance Reconnaissance fire correction accuracy purrfect, lowers (FO) Forward Observers risk & reduce spent munitions. Surveil track map hidden positions w/ racing scout drones, launch multi staged ‘unmanned assaults’ breach drone clears access by shaped charge & shrapnel drone finishes. Infers neutralize ISR before a bounding overwatch, limits counterattack, integrates wingman. As new area seized, ‘unmanned ambush’ squad repositions beyond perimeter in contested zone, staged roadside in lowpower/standby mode a psychological surprise element could use scream noise. Cross domain, Unmanned Naval Boats w/ onboard (FPV) First Person View catapult launchers destroyed unmanned boats. Slow Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) resupply/medevac in high threats, as adversaries delivery to bunkers were destroyed, Training. Breakaway tech temporarily gives force domination, extend w/ obfuscated deception, offensive innovation makes defensive adaptation. Mission data mining leads to better faster strategic analysis. Without arrogance, avoid over-complicated designs, scale lethality & survivability. Increase situational awareness & maintain sustainable pressure without continuity loss. Workable solutions not a perfect one. Drone resupply (ammo, batteries, medicine, food) limited 5kg w/ adversaries at 25kg, emerge gliders allows safer rotations & deploy mines. Adversaries night resupply uses infrared, detect w/ nightvision. Invisible drones motion-blur effect. Fixed wing carrying air-to-air interceptors, increased range & payloads. Passive systems like selfhealing nets & proximity active protection balance detection w/ deterrence. Troops shoot move shoot, antithermal Cloak camo, barrel mounted sawed-off shotguns, & standing bipod. Armor EW Denial reduce radar signatures& GPS spoof transmitters genuine. Aggressor military view drones as electronic dedicating majority towards (EW) Electronic Warfare, very inadequate. Most important ww2 weapon air burst vtfuse- proximity antidrone ammo. Cold weather limits batteries, wrap insulation, usb warm mat. High alert- heavy rain wind, enemy movements. Decoys deplete munition, false signatures misdirect as fiber optics success gave adversary adoption within a year. Significant unmanned assault used disabled tank, remote controlled to LOC, hit by drones/javelin igniting 3k lbs of tnt hidden inside destroying bunkers. Embrace swarm vs swarm, autonomous self repair, automated assembly, dock upgrading flashing firmware, rearming & automatic battery swap staged far from command like antennas, maintains tempo. Counter-interceptors w/ mini-pcb chaff freq emitters. Counter-swarms by directed emp, high pressure water/wind, smoke, lasers & shock waves. Counter directed energy by blue nm spectrum & mirrors. Next gen ‘specialized’ bot systems replicates rifle squad & compliments infantry: machine gunners, grenadiers, FO, antiarmor, scouts, riflemen. Concluding, adversary polrovsk medic said 70% casualties by unmanned systems…🐾
Posted by: Time will tell | Aug 13 2026 15:29 utc | 16
NATO was formed by the Outlaws and has always been run by the Outlaws; it’s aim has always been Anti-Russia. And it will always be run by the Outlaws. All other “members” are under the thumb/fist of the Outlaws. “New thinking” would require exiting NATO and then the EU which is also run by NATO and thus the Outlaws. The above is Europe’s dilemma. More than “new thinking” will be required. The summoning of Great Will must occur to overcome the 80+ year addiction to the Outlaws dominance. Liberation from the Outlaws is another way of seeing what must occur. Some do see that need.
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2026 15:29 utc | 17
According to Lord Ismay the First Secretary General of NATO, the true purpose of NATO in Europe is
“ to keep the Americans in, The Russians out and the Germans down“
Posted by: Lesjeuxsontfaits | Aug 13 2026 15:41 utc | 18
Doubt! It is not possible to rise to a position of power in the West while maintaining objectivity. The contradictions are too large.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 13 2026 15:11 utc | 13
You haven’t grasped the principle… it’s almost the same as in the Black Sea, yet completely different… because off the coast of Odesa, a strategy of total vessel destruction was employed.
Regarding the Pacific—and by extension, Europe—it is enough to simply make insurance premiums prohibitively expensive, forcing shipping companies to weigh the risks against the value of the vessels—especially in the case of LNG or oil tankers.
There is no need for a physical blockade involving ships or submarines on the scene… nor does it require sea drones; FPV drones would suffice, launched either from other vessels or—as seen near the Cape—from the relatively nearby mainland.
“The West”—that group comprising roughly 6.8% of the global population—is a negligible factor and has a vast number of enemies worldwide; after all, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Why do you think Macron is holding back so much right now, following that PR stunt last month?Russia is a world power… but are the USA still one? I don’t think so for much longer.
Note:
Never forget that the Western trading principle is based on profit at any cost—ANY cost!Russian principles are based on victory at any cost, when necessary.
And there is one thing the Russian military industry does not have: shareholders and dividends.
Posted by: genesiss | Aug 13 2026 16:09 utc | 19
” Turkey has confirmed that it has requested U.S. approval to transfer to Ukraine what could become one of the largest ammunition packages delivered to Kiev to date, including thousands of cluster munitions.”
posted byMegatron@Megatron_ron on X
Posted by: spudski | Aug 13 2026 16:26 utc | 20
THE WIT & WISDOM OF MARK SLEBODA – ODESSA IN DEEP TROUBLE – NO ONE WILL NEGOTIATE WITH THE US
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVvbY0BAmvY
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 16:26 utc | 21
Posted by: spudski | Aug 13 2026 16:26 utc | 20
So how does the delivery work? What launchers does AFU have to use them?
Obviously it won’t be going through Ukrainian ports. It most likely won’t be going through Romania either.
So they will fly them to Poland, Rzeswow, put it on trucks, and attempt to drive it to some place like Dnipro, Kharkov, Kiev etc. Ok, now they have ammunition. What about launchers? When is the last time anyone heard anything about Himars or ATACMS?
The read is Turkey is trying to make a quick buck selling off old junk to the EU. The bucks could be used to buy non-western more modern weapons.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 16:33 utc | 22
Why do you think Macron is holding back so much right now,
Posted by: genesiss | Aug 13 2026 16:09 utc | 19
—
I make no claims on Macron’s or other Western leaders reasoning, other than the obvious fact that they are not (and cannot be) objective.
Their rational is driven by a one-sided calculus of raw power, however fleeting, without regard to the cost of subjugation.
The bill is coming due and Western “leaders” are not able to pay it.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 13 2026 16:43 utc | 23
The Eurotard will never acknowledge their stupid war policies have some consequences for the western Europeans people ; it’s all Russia’s fault (Russia Bad).
Some forest fire in France : Russia , Inflation : Russia , Bedbugs : also Russia , Fuel prices , believe it or not ; Russia … it can’t be THEIR fault , they are incarnated perfection and never did anything wrong …
Speaking about the Eurotard, long time no see Kaka Khalass … last thing was she had a power-struggle with the Toxic Medusa. No news since. It’s not so much that I miss her , but a comic relief is always useful in a drama.
Posted by: Savonarole | Aug 13 2026 16:44 utc | 24
I am sure the Turks have some really old Hawk systems and M48’s and M60’s they want to sell to the Ukronazis. No Odessa, no shipments by sea!
Will see if the US gives the OK, should tell alot about future US intentions !
Only God can help the US if Gavin ‘Brylcream’ Newsome or the crazy political prostitute Kamyhoe Harris assume power in 2028! It would be the Biden clown show 2.012
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2026 16:44 utc | 25
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 15:14 utc | 14
Munition factory near Rome leaving the chat.
https://t.me/sashakots/63737
https://www.reuters.com/world/large-explosion-rips-through-italian-munitions-factory-2026-08-13/
Posted by: Paco | Aug 13 2026 16:58 utc | 26
A refinery just exploded in the port of Rotterdam.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 15:14 utc | 14
—
Large explosion rips through Italian munitions factory
ROME, Aug 13 (Reuters) – A powerful explosion ripped through a munitions factory near the town of Colleferro, southeast of Rome, on Thursday, with the blast heard for kilometres around.
Posted by: sh0tek | Aug 13 2026 17:08 utc | 27
Large explosion rips through Italian munitions factory
Posted by: sh0tek | Aug 13 2026 17:08 utc | 27
—
Proper headline…
Quality control loses out to production quotas in the face of uncertain supply inputs.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 13 2026 17:12 utc | 28
in the face of uncertain supply inputs.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 13 2026 17:12 utc | 28
—
due to uncertain supply inputs.
Beggars can’t be choosers.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 13 2026 17:14 utc | 29
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 12:57 utc | 2
Thanks a lot Don! I probably wouldn’t have seen it if you didn’t link to it. I prefer reading rather than watching those videos where they repeat themselves for hours. Reading it, I can reflect and make notes and even remember some of it.
Posted by: Avtonom | Aug 13 2026 17:37 utc | 30
Posted by: Newbie | Aug 13 2026 12:54 utc | 1
The Russians weren’t moving forward very much. If you don’t move forward you don’t find the other guys bodies
Posted by: HB_Norica | Aug 13 2026 17:38 utc | 31
Posted by: Newbie | Aug 13 2026 12:54 utc | 1
The question is are these bodies relatively recent, or are they something that have been refrigerated and stored for 6+ months. It may be that Russia has a much larger stockpile of AFU bodies. Or if they are recent then they are more representative of current loss ratios.
Maybe AFU doesn’t store much RUAF bodies, either.
Either way there are relatively low number of troops around LOCs. Most of the casualties are from long range fires and drones.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 17:47 utc | 32
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2026 16:44 utc | 25
It doesn’t matter who gets elected in 2028. Unless a third party appears the USA is a clown show. You’re right though … Biden’s regime was a clown show but Trump is making Bidens clown show look like a military parade.
Posted by: HB_Norica | Aug 13 2026 17:52 utc | 33
TNA: Brian Berletic: ‘Shell Factory Exposed’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua8_pvbotTI
“Why US for-profit industry can’t compete with Russian/Chinese production.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 13 2026 17:56 utc | 34
HB_Norica | Aug 13 2026 17:52 utc | 33—
One of the major topics for the Wolff/Hudson discussion today was American politics and its Duopolistic nature. While a few optimistic people exist, the majority is SOSDD. Sean Foo covered Trump’s blow-up against Canada which he wants to attack with 50% tariffs and what that might mean to the Canada-America energy relationship.
Posted by: Avtonom | Aug 13 2026 17:37 utc | 30
You are welcome. I’m very impressed with Steve Jermy’s realism since he arrived on the scene. He has the requisite military, energy industry, and elite NATO experience to provide genuine credibility in this space.
Way before all this kicked off [2008; 2014; 2022] I was very much in favour of a security and trade agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation – it made sense to me then – it makes even more sense now.
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 19:05 utc | 36
The Duran has a new video up of Russia potentially mirroring Nato shadow fleet tactics. Hope they do, it’s long past due date.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jQsapD_bmY
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 19:21 utc | 37
After hearing Alexander Mercouris talk about the attack on Novorrossyisk it’s ever more apparent that the best thing Russia can do is start sinking Nato’s tankers in the Atlantic. Sink enough to cause oil and fuel shortages. Crush Lloyd’s of London. Crush the EU economies.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 19:48 utc | 38
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 19:05 utc | 36
Yes, I think you are right. It all depends on whether there will be adults with political influence in the EU in any foreseeable future.
Posted by: Avtonom | Aug 13 2026 19:55 utc | 39
14 mins of El:
(1) USA BEGS EU/Canada to Stop Selling Bonds – Europe and Canada PULL AHEAD, GAIN Jobs Instead – YouTube
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 19:58 utc | 40
i haven’t had internet for a week. Has Ukraine recaptured mariupol yet? has russia collapsed due to the Crimean fuel crisis? Has Putin been deposed because people need their wildberries?
Posted by: UWDude | Aug 13 2026 20:04 utc | 41
#Fool Me Twice | Aug 13 2026 14:28 utc | 5
“…Both sides are looking to conserve manpower, Ukraine more so than Russia.”…
If you are loosing 10 to 20 times more man on average you either fail with your attempt of preserving man or you dont actually care. Ukrainian blood is cheap and it should be clear that ukranian and western power structures are all to willing “paying the price”.
Posted by: El.Lissitzky | Aug 13 2026 20:04 utc | 42
I bet the daily drone bombings of Moscow that started two years ago has Putin begging for a peace treaty.
And it’s only going to get worse!
Posted by: UWDude | Aug 13 2026 20:07 utc | 43
Follow up to Steve Jermy piece linked at #2 above – with Daniel Davis – 40 mins
Steve Jermy: The Spirit of Westphalia: Britain, France & Germany could help end the NATO-Russia War
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 20:11 utc | 44
@ Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 19:59 utc | 45
By not giving us a clue as to the content of the links, the revenant troll hopes the unsuspecting will click on them.
Posted by: malenkov | Aug 13 2026 20:26 utc | 45
Another Nato Ammo factory has blown up, this time in Italy.
Glenn Diesen
@Glenn_Diesen
An ammunition factory near Rome, Italy, exploded today. The factory produces weapons for the war against Russia.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Aug 13 2026 21:02 utc | 46
Peter AU1 | Aug 13 2026 21:02 utc | 55—
IMO, Russia is demonstrating it can destroy munitions plants and other critical infrastructure without using missiles.
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2026 21:21 utc | 57
Yes, but it may also be Ukrainian oppositionals.
Or even, perhaps, very lax security and stupidity at those factories.
Posted by: Avtonom | Aug 13 2026 21:23 utc | 48
karlof1 | Aug 13 2026 21:21 utc | 57
Two in quick succession does seem a bit more than coincidence. Nato factories pushing production past their limits or sabotage.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Aug 13 2026 21:41 utc | 49
@ malenkov | Aug 13 2026 21:32 utc | 59
thanks… i appreciate you staying on top of this and others who do likewise… i haven’t been a full time reader of late and rely on regulars like yourself..
Posted by: james | Aug 13 2026 21:48 utc | 50
Posted by: malenkov | Aug 13 2026 22:54 utc | 66
(-;
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 13 2026 23:27 utc | 52
🙂 Come you guys, you can boogie in the Off Topic. Let this front hold their breath in antici-pation for real hard ‘n rough news.
/hops, wags tail, tries to bob in tempo with Timberdoodle
😀 “Yes sir, I can boogie. But I need a certain song. I can boogie. Boogie boogie, all night loooooong!”
/hops and bobs with Timberdoodle back to the Off Topic area
🙂 “Yes sir, I can boogie. If you stay you can’t go wrong. I can boogie. Boogie boogie, all night loooooong!”
Posted by: titmouse | Aug 14 2026 0:03 utc | 54
Quiet night at the waterhole – just a few guests … thirsty though
Namibia: Live stream at the Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 14 2026 0:52 utc | 55
Late supper …
LIVE Anan Bear Cam: Fishing Hole 3 – Alaska | explore.org
Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 14 2026 1:08 utc | 56
https://t.me/boris_rozhin/222084
“I showed them a document proving I’m not a Ukrainian citizen, but they shoved me into the van anyway…” — in Kryvyi Rih, “man-hunters” beat and then tortured a Latvian national, attempting to forcibly conscript him and coerce him into signing a contract to be sent to the slaughter.
“They’re man-hunters! Don’t call an ambulance—they’ll just shoot me there! They only care about snatching people up,” he says.
Posted by: MiniMO | Aug 14 2026 2:26 utc | 57
Fighting in the Kharkiv Oblast: Destruction of the Rada Radar Station.
Amid the advance of the Northern Group in Kazachya Lopan and the destruction of enemy targets in neighboring Zolochiv by Russian aircraft, attack drone operators, and jet fighters, the Ukrainian Armed Forces command hastened to evacuate some high-ranking officers deeper into Ukrainian territory— to Derhachi and the cottage communities closest to the regional center.
To protect their new temporary deployment points, the nationalists deployed all possible electronic warfare assets, as well as radar stations along the conventional Makarikha-Chernoglazovka-Slatino line.
Objective surveillance footage shows the combat operations of Northern Group drone operators, who destroyed one of these radar stations with precision strikes near the village of Makarikha. The target was once again the Israeli-made Rada radar , which the Kyiv regime is actively purchasing through third countries.
It’s important to understand that the United States, where radar production is also established, and the Baltic states, through which these radar stations are transited by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, have coordinated all their actions with the Israeli authorities, whose government has officially authorized the resale of its military equipment to Bandera’s heirs.
@warriorofnorth
Posted by: MiniMO | Aug 14 2026 2:27 utc | 58
Ammunition plant belonging to Europe’s defence giant, KNDS has gone up in flames near Rome, Italy.
This specific site is crucial for providing Ukraine artillery shells and warheads for specific drones.
Posted by: MiniMO | Aug 14 2026 2:27 utc | 59
Blast at Rotterdam port energy facility kills one person
AMSTERDAM, Aug 13 (Reuters) – A blast at a storage facility for petroleum products at the Netherlands’ Rotterdam port killed one person and wounded six others on Thursday, officials said, as police investigated the cause of the explosion.
A spokesperson for major energy commodities trading company Gunvor said an “incident” occurred during maintenance work on one of its storage tanks.
A police spokesperson said that there was no immediate sign of sabotage and that all possible scenarios were under investigation.
The port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and a major hub for crude oil and fuel imports and storage. It hosts Europe’s largest oil refinery, Shell’s (SHEL.L), opens new tab 404,000-barrel-per-day Pernis plant, in addition to other oil refineries operated by BP (BP.L), opens new tab, ExxonMobil (XOM.N), opens new tab, and Vitol.
The explosion occurred at around 11:30 a.m. (0930 GMT).
Gunvor said it was cooperating with local authorities.
Shell said its operations at the port were unaffected by the blast.
A Rotterdam Port spokesperson said LNG terminals were not affected by the blast. Data from European gas transmission group ENTSOG showed a temporary drop in gas sendout from Rotterdam’s Gate LNG terminal, and then volatile flows. It was not clear if that was a consequence of the blast or an unrelated power outage elsewhere in the sprawling port.
Any prolonged disruption would be closely watched by traders, as Gate is one of northwest Europe’s key LNG import hubs and Dutch gas storage sites are currently only around 40% full, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe data, ahead of the winter heating season.
ExxonMobil said the power outage had been resolved and that its operations were normal at its 191,000-barrel-per-day refinery, declining to confirm an alert from Wood Mackenzie seen by Reuters that all monitored units had shut down.
Rotterdam Port said there was no connection between the blast and the power outage. The port had experienced several power outages earlier in the day, but none were connected to the blast, the local safety authority said.
Posted by: MiniMO | Aug 14 2026 2:44 utc | 60
Rotterdam explosion at petroleum storage facility at the fuel terminal being put down to a workplace accident.
Simultaneously a major power outage occurred when a power transformer went up in smoke in Botlek -port of
Rotterdam which handles deep draught vessels, oil, chemicals etc.
“So whoever farted and lit a match got a right ole bang out of it”
An indirect quote from a representative of the Dutch Safety Executive.
Meh
Posted by: Orson Cart | Aug 14 2026 3:05 utc | 61
Botlekweg power outage (a damaged transformer that caught fire) at the Exxon Mobil refinery came first and shortly
after the workplace accident (explosion) at
the Guvnor Energy storage faciity at Moezelweg – Europort.
They are around 7-9 miles apart.
Posted by: Orson Cart | Aug 14 2026 3:16 utc | 63
Posted by: Orson Cart | Aug 14 2026 3:16 utc | 95
Earlier Nato attempted to attack Russian ports by covertly placing limpet mines on ships visiting Russian ports. This happened when they were parked off Belgium or Netherlands.
The idea being once they are docked and connected through pipes and hoses to the terminals, they would explode and take terminals, pumps and reservoirs with them.
Russia could reverse the tables and hit Rotterdam LNG terminals in this way. It’s also a modern variant of the HMS Campbelltown kamikaze attack on St. Nazaire in WW2. Rig tankers w
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 14 2026 3:28 utc | 64
Rig sacrificial or enemy state tankers with hull explosives.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 14 2026 3:29 utc | 65
Unimperator
Indeed,
In my long winded way I was trying to express a curiosity toward the “damaged transformer” and then a coincidental
workplace accident all on the same morning, at a major port.
Maybe there was an office party on Wednesday night… “lets photocopy our arses”
“nah, lets fuck some shit up”
: )
Posted by: Orson Cart | Aug 14 2026 3:55 utc | 66
Netenyahu and Zelensky. Two peas in a Jewish pod. Without war they are done.
Resident
#hidden meanings
Zelensky is changing the formula again: now Russia needs to be “forced to negotiate.” But behind the change in narrative, a more important political construct is visible. As long as the war continues and martial law is in effect, the issue of a full electoral cycle and the transfer of power remains postponed. Zelensky’s powers continue precisely under the conditions of martial law, and elections after the end of the war become a separate political problem.Hence, the main hidden meaning of the constant change of plans. “Peace formula,” “victory plan,” “forcing peace,” a new negotiation plan — these are different packaging for one task: to preserve a controllable political reality in which the war remains an unfinished process, which means that the question of changing power can be postponed.Zelensky deliberately wants an endless war at any cost; the political system he heads objectively benefits from the continuation of the war in terms of time resources. The longer the final point is delayed, the longer the current power structure remains in place, and the reason can be constantly changed and justified through propaganda…..
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Aug 14 2026 4:16 utc | 67
AU1@99:
And all that lovely money rolls lushly in…
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 14 2026 4:26 utc | 68
Obviously it won’t be going through Ukrainian ports. It most likely won’t be going through Romania either (…) When is the last time anyone heard anything about Himars or ATACMS? The read is Turkey is trying to make a quick buck selling off old junk to the EU.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 13 2026 16:33 utc | 22
Why not Romania/Moldova/Poland? All roads work and trains were not touched in that area. Erdo seems upset because his Black Sea traffic ain’t working anymore. Last week he demanded a ceasefire and a safe route for his ships. Attack is how Erdo functions and it has always worked against Putin, so now he’s doing it. He is still getting free energy though. If he becomes really upset he’ll forget about Montreux and Hms Defender will park again in Crimea like it’s 2021.
I haven’t heard about recent Atacms or Himars attacks either but it doesn’t mean they’re gone. With the deep butt kissing that Russia is performing to US, they won’t tell if it happens. During Biden times all attacks were reported as American operated. With Trump, suddenly all Atacms and Himars became Ukrainian attacks and US a beloved partner. The school drone attack was not reported as an American attack even though all of them had Starlink.
Posted by: rk | Aug 14 2026 6:20 utc | 69
U.S. artillery shells, shaped like an ice cream cone. From Pro Publica.
Posted by: The Far Side | Aug 14 2026 7:17 utc | 70
a modern variant of the HMS Campbelltown kamikaze attack on St. Nazaire in WW2.
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 14 2026 3:28 utc | 64
Attacking under false colors. Typically British.
Posted by: The Far Side | Aug 14 2026 8:26 utc | 71
Ukraine and World Affairs (including Iran/ME): Weekly Update, 14th August: May be Useful to Some: Ukraine and World Affairs (includes Iran/ME): Weekly Update
Posted by: The Busker | Aug 14 2026 9:45 utc | 72
@Busker
Thank you for that basic research all the time. It’s meanwhile an invaluable source for history oft WWIII.
Posted by: OberstHecht | Aug 14 2026 11:42 utc | 73
The Duran
Ukraine’s Fortress Belt Under Siege As Odessa Blockade Tightens w/ Stanislav Krapivnik
00:00:00 Introduction, Stanislav’s channels and platforms
00:00:52 Setting up the discussion on Project Ukraine
00:02:23 Are the Russians close to a knockout blow
00:06:16 The push toward Kharkiv and Sumy explained
00:07:56 Ukraine’s staggering casualty numbers revealed
00:08:44 Do drones really compensate for lost infantry
00:12:29 Orikhiv situation and the Syrskyi command change
00:14:41 Turning to the war in the sky
00:15:13 How weapons were smuggled through Ukraine
00:17:56 Why Russia ended the Black Sea grain corridor
00:21:22 Odesa and the Black Sea ports destroyed
00:23:47 Are Russian refineries and fuel really in crisis
00:26:49 Hornet drones and civilian terror in Russia
00:32:32 Zelensky admits using civilians as human shields
00:33:11 Russia hits Ukraine’s drone logistics network
00:36:38 Escalating terror campaign against Russian civilians
00:41:56 The truth about Putin’s so called palace
00:44:25 Is the West actually hunting Putin
00:53:08 Russian elections and what could change after
00:55:06 Closing thoughts and thanks to Stanislav
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mjtzVvhwzs
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 14 2026 13:45 utc | 74
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mjtzVvhwzs
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 14 2026 13:45 utc | 74
Even in a German translation!
Thanks.
Posted by: genesiss | Aug 14 2026 13:54 utc | 75
The general narrative today is as it has been for the past week or so – “Ukraine strikes deep inside Russia” and “Ukraine needs more Patriots”.
On page 2 of Ukraine news – if we were talking newspapers this would be “below the fold” – is an interesting Reuters story attempting neutralize the Zelensky worship of the 1943 Wolyn massacre: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/russia-exploits-poland-ukraine-dispute-step-up-disinformation-campaign-officials-2026-08-14/
The operative phrases are “WWII dispute” and “Russian disinformation”. This neutralization is so obvious the only comment I can make is “flak is the worst when you’re over the target”.
Posted by: frithguild | Aug 14 2026 14:00 utc | 76
Posted by: frithguild | Aug 14 2026 14:00 utc | 76
————————
Yes, the Poles are now making propaganda for Russia…lol.
Posted by: scc | Aug 14 2026 14:07 utc | 77
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2026 18:17 utc | 35
I just started watching the Sean Foo bit. He says Trump’s real aim for tariffs is to get Canadians to buy US auto’s again. So what does he do … he puts another 50% tariff on top of the tariffs he already has on Canadian steel and aluminum … and somehow taxing Americans making their autos unnessarily more expensive is going to get us to their shitty cars???
And I thought this guy was supposed to be some sort business genius
Posted by: HB_Norica | Aug 14 2026 14:12 utc | 78
Le vice-amiral d’escadre Olivier Lebas a perdu la vie mercredi 12 août après une chute en montagne dans les Pyrénées, à proximité du pic des Spijeoles, en Haute-Garonne. Ancien préfet maritime de l’Atlantique et ancien pacha du porte-avions Charles-de-Gaulle, il était âgé de 62 ans.
Trois ans après le général Georgelin, le vice-amiral Lebas meurt à son tour dans les Pyrénées
Vice-Admiral Olivier Lebas died on Wednesday 12 August after falling whilst mountain climbing in the Pyrenees, near the Pic des Spijeoles in Haute-Garonne. A former Maritime Prefect for the Atlantic and former Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle, he was aged 62.
A former commander of the Charles-de-Gaulle has died in the mountains. Vice-Admiral Olivier Lebas passed away on Wednesday 12 August whilst on a mountaineering trip in the Pyrenees. The accident occurred in the area around the Pic des Spijeoles, a peak rising to 3,065 metres in the Luchon-Oô massif, in Haute-Garonne.
Posted by: sh0tek | Aug 14 2026 14:13 utc | 79
Russian sovereign assets were seized by European regulators in 2022, and heavy economic sanctions were placed on Russian banks and companies. Since then, Russia and other countries have completed alternative systems of global trade finance, completely outside the oversight of Brussels and Washington. The A7 system is just two years old, and already moves tens of billions of dollar equivalent in trade, monthly. So called “pariah regimes” are heavy users of A7, and other new systems. But they are also widely appealing to commercial users everywhere, who face far longer processing times and costs by going through SWIFT networks.
Posted by: petergrfstrm | Aug 14 2026 14:16 utc | 80
Korybko picked up on the squelching of the UKR worship of the 1943 Wolyn genocide yesterday
Wirtualna Polska reported on Dziennik Gazeta Prawna’s paywalled article about Zelensky’s plan to improve Ukraine’s image in Poland after it radically worsened following his decision to glorify the Volhynia Genocide’s OUN-UPA culprits at the state level in late May. According to their sources, Ukraine will hire a PR agency to promote their country among the remaining Ukrainian-friendly half of the Polish population, and the agency will emphasize the “Russian threat” and historical Polish-Ukrainian alliances.
Links in the Substack.
Posted by: frithguild | Aug 14 2026 14:20 utc | 81
Four dead during NATO exercises – a Ukrainian soldier shot three NATO soldiers and then took his own life
https://static66.tgcnt.ru/posts/_0/52/52e1f22fd88a1cf10cf6070540e2a1a5.mp4
Posted by: sh0tek | Aug 14 2026 15:14 utc | 82
@ sh0tek | Aug 14 2026 15:14 utc | 82
that won’t be a confidence builder for the nato forces…i am sorry to hear of this, but maybe if this happened more frequently there would be more people questioning natos constant move towards war activities..
Posted by: james | Aug 14 2026 15:19 utc | 83
*** Yes, the Poles are now making propaganda for Russia…lol.
Posted by: scc | Aug 14 2026 14:07 utc | 77
The “Russia disinformation” narrative control infrastructure is alive and quite apparently still funded. In the past week this theme has popped up in Switzerland, France and Germany.
Posted by: frithguild | Aug 14 2026 15:45 utc | 84
Lavrov is raising issues that UasA is “definitely ” involved in the long range missile strikes
Probably aware of these too.
📝Training continues📝new State Department inspector reportA fresh quarterly report from Pentagon inspectors, the State Department, and the effectively defunct USAID confirms: the U.S. training program for Ukrainian military personnel has not been curtailed in any way, despite all talk of reduced American administration involvement in the conflict.From April to June 2026, 575 Ukrainian military personnel completed American courses — training took place at facilities in Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania, the USA, and on so-called Ukraine itself.
🔻What are Ukrainians being trained in?▪️The program covers far more than just F-16 piloting — training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians continues under the Air Force Capability Coalition, jointly coordinated by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the USA, with an expected graduation in 2026.▪️The list of systems mastered is much broader: Bradley armored vehicles, Stryker armored personnel carriers, HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, and the HAWK air defense system — according to previous reports in the same format, courses are divided into narrow specializations down to chaplains, motorized rifle company commanders, and geospatial intelligence specialists.
📌This report is part of the Operation Atlantic Resolve system, a legally mandated quarterly inspector report to Congress that has been operating since 2022.It is telling that even when direct weapons supplies from Pentagon stockpiles formally ceased in January 2025, the personnel training institute continues to function in the same mode. Training infrastructure in Germany, Romania, Poland, and Spain remains fully operational and consistently receives new flows of military personnel.❗️This once again confirms the thesis that a reduction in direct supplies does not mean a reduction in U.S. involvement in the conflict — only the form of participation changes.Rybar
Posted by: Jo | Aug 14 2026 17:13 utc | 85
The DuranUkraine’s Fortress Belt Under Siege As Odessa Blockade Tightens w/ Stanislav Krapivnik
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 14 2026 13:45 utc | 74
Level headed analysis which I want to expand on. There is a very effective psyop called Mass Formation Psychosis, which is mass brainwashing that usually includes a trigger phrase. You may recall “Flatten the curve”, “Mask Up”, and “They’re killing Granny!”. And pertinent to what Staz was talking about “We HAVE to stop PUTIN!!!!”. And as he discussed, those under MFP will accept any slop without question if it can “prove” their crazy belief. I like to say Putin is the moderate, the communist party wants to nuke Berlin, and the rightwing party wants to nuke London. As Staz pointed out, Putin’s People’s Party will likely have to coalition with one of them, likely the Right because they align on economics to a degree.
MFP is a refinement of the system the jewish bolsheviks used to torture Russia for 70 years. Yuri Bezmenov talked about it, though he didn’t use that term, and you may recall, “You can show them the evidence. They still won’t believe you! That is the tragedy of the situation.”.
The same jewish bolsheviks are now using this same methodology to prevent the return of the White Russians by supporting the jewish/Zionist government in Kiev.. For them, it is existential, and they don’t care if Christians slaughter christians.
It is important for the anti-war community to figure out how to combat MFS. Everyone here knows that if the globalists actually did kill Putin, Europe would be turned to glass the next day. However those with MFP are so far gone, they can’t grasp that.
I’ve been using “rub their noses in the facts with cites” as the method. It works on the “undecided”, as they compare the factual arguments vs. bizarre claims of brain washed people, check the cites, and reject the brainwashing attempts. That’s a good thing. And it eventually worked to overthrow the COVID terror State. I’m going to adjust as much as possible (tough, because the MFP crowd present as chuckleheads) and scale back the “rub their noses in their $h!t” part and try to stick with presenting the facts and cites. Also when some big lie is uncovered and can’t be denied, you want to put it on blast.
Posted by: JackG | Aug 14 2026 18:02 utc | 86
If he (Erdogan) becomes really upset he’ll forget about Montreux and Hms Defender will park again in Crimea like it’s 2021.
Posted by: rk | Aug 14 2026 6:20 utc | 69
RK – Probably not, even if the Turks allowed Western warships into the Black Sea.
I recollect HMS Defender being christened “HMS Tethered Goat” on Colonel Lang’s site at that time. (Barbara Ann.) The Russians had moved an anti-ship missile battery to the Crimean shore, deliberately un-camouflaged so the satellites could see it. When it switched its radar on the Captain of HMS Defender must have felt as if he’d walked into a room and found a shotgun pointed straight at him. “Innocent passage” or not it wasn’t a good place to hang around in.
Later some civil servant left some top secret documents at a bus stop, as you do, that showed it had been a planned provocation. Doubt we’d risk that again even if the Turks let us.
I remember it because of the Khibiny nonsense. As if a plane could pack enough EW to disable a ship. Also remember it because I missed a great opportunity to test out what I still regard as the correct version of the incident.
That derived from a chance remark made by a Naval Intelligence officer I’d happened to meet at that time. The Russians were getting a “little frisky” in the Black Sea, was his view. So I told him what had happened with HMS Defender because in my view that was us getting frisky, not the Russians. What a perfect opportunity to get to the bottom of the affair and who better to do it with than Navy Intel!
Didn’t pan out. The conversation moved on, quite quickly too, so I missed my chance to get the real story from the horse’s mouth, But I’m still fairly sure it was that anti-ship missile battery parked in a “Hello, I’m here” manner on a Crimean shore, rather than EW, that led to the Captain of HMS Defender deciding he had better things to do elsewhere.
I don’t think the Turks will let our warships in anyway. not while the war’s still on. Wriggly though Erdogan is it’s unlikely he’d risk upsetting the Russians that much. Even were we fool enough to put our ships at risk again.
Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 14 2026 20:18 utc | 87
Peter AU1 @ 46
Another Nato Ammo factory has blown up, this time in Italy.
Thought I’d pop in to link this from the estimable Dr. Brovkin, the drones that hit the Starobilsk College in Luhansk were linked by Russia to Italy, Brovkin mentions there is supposition that that factory made the drones for Ukraine. Where there’s fire, there’s smoke:
PUTIN TO SEIZE EU SHIPS
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Aug 14 2026 20:35 utc | 88
*** Didn’t pan out. The conversation moved on, quite quickly too, so I missed my chance to get the real story from the horse’s mouth. ***
Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 14 2026 20:18 utc | 87
The only way to get anything from a conversation like that is through a series of encouraging fact based aphorisms, while inocuously redirecting any straying from the conversation topic. When the subject leaves the topic with conviction, you have an admission. People like to impress with their being one who would know status, but at some point the brain that knows secrecy is required stops the blabbing. I got some interesting stuff out of an aerospace guy on a similar topic.
Posted by: frithguild | Aug 14 2026 22:20 utc | 89
Four dead during NATO exercises – a Ukrainian soldier shot three NATO soldiers and then took his own lifehttps://static66.tgcnt.ru/posts/_0/52/52e1f22fd88a1cf10cf6070540e2a1a5.mp4
A hero getting NATO from the inside but perhaps he was being bullied by those he shot.
Posted by: MiniMO | Aug 14 2026 22:25 utc | 90
Finally some questions about PM Carney’s ruinous Canadian militarization in service to war & empire:
The Breach: ‘The Lies Behind Canada’s Military Build-Up’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrDNHxsBgmg
“How Canada’s elite are selling Mark Carney’s militarization agenda.”
Warmonger – Shame!
mark.carney@parl.gc.ca
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 14 2026 22:37 utc | 91
Latvian citizen taken to the front by TSK. That’s what you get for being stupid.
https://x.com/BowesChay/status/2088294386526195745
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 15 2026 3:55 utc | 92
Wriggly though Erdogan is it’s unlikely he’d risk upsetting the Russians that much.
Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 14 2026 20:18 utc | 87
—
He probably cares more about the end of the Montreux Convention Treaty after he abrogates it. The status quo ante is a terrible thing to lose.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 15 2026 5:13 utc | 93
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 15 2026 3:55 utc | 92
Stupid games stupid prizes. ( should that be spelled with an “s” ? )
Yurp will find out rather soonly. Seems like they’re finding out now.
I’m blessed to have a rather large lake to my west.
To hell with the waste. The West
ftw sfsn
Posted by: lex talionis | Aug 15 2026 5:41 utc | 94
I’m blessed to have a rather large lake to my west. To hell with the waste. The Westftw sfsn
Posted by: lex talionis | Aug 15 2026 5:41 utc | 94
Where do you currently live? Which “lake” (ocean, sea, etc.) is to the west? Whatever that may be, all I can say in principle is, living so comfortably in the USA while the European peninsula is embroiled in a war the US initiated on that soil feels so wrong in a number of ways words can’t describe.
Posted by: Digby | Aug 15 2026 10:00 utc | 95
Fresh Marat
https://maratkhairullinarticles.substack.com/cp/211285213
first reference to something I was wondering, if dry season would make easy river crossings…
Posted by: Newbie | Aug 15 2026 10:20 utc | 96
Re Posted by: MiniMO | Aug 14 2026 22:25 utc | 90
lol like charity – fragging begins at home!
Plus the daily mutinies on board by the sacrificial poor (Latino/African American) classes of the ziofascist USrael.
Proxy nazis killing natzios is the fafo I hadn’t expected so soon.
the hanging in the streets of the fascists by their deluded citizens us not far off! It’ll be the press gangs first then the rich bosses – they’ll never feel safe unless they exile to Argentina with the zioturds.
@mog_Russ
20h
A scandal in NATO exercises. Ukrainian soldier kills 3 NATO soldiers and commits suicide in Latvia! 🇺🇦🇫�🇱🇻 NATO maneuvers in the military shooting field “Silesia” south of Ltvia: A military of the Ukrainian forces involved opened fire on his NATO allies, killing 3 soldiers and injuring the site in a stunnishment before ending hislife. Sources said that the action came after a state of severe frustration and anger, for feeling that the Ukrainian people are being used as a “scampegoat” for the benefit of the West in the confrontation against Rssia. The commander of the Latvian Armed Forces, General Caspars Bodens, announced the immediate suspension of all exerises. The Latvian military police in cooperation with NATO intelligence opened an extensive investigation to identify the backgrounds and circumstances of this serious b
Aug 14, 2026 · 2:36 PM UTC
Posted by: DunGroanin | Aug 15 2026 11:26 utc | 97
Anatoly Lieven and Neutrality studies: NATO’s proxy war turns against EU. Watch first 16 minutes for Ukraine.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=E4Jk5Pied1M
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 15 2026 11:57 utc | 98
the hanging in the streets of the fascists by their deluded citizens us not far off! It’ll be the press gangs first then the rich bosses – they’ll never feel safe unless they exile to Argentina with the zioturds.
Posted by: DunGroanin | Aug 15 2026 11:26 utc | 97
Just wait until Ukraine’s defeated soldiers return home and realize—with particular bitterness—that *they* were the suckers, while others were busy securing their real estate in Italy or America; while the very people who sent them to their deaths—mayors, police chiefs, and the like—own their fourth apartment or third house, drive Audis or Porsches, or are suddenly living in France or England.
Just wait and see whether they hand in their weapons or start erecting gallows all the way to Berlin or Paris.Thousands of battle-hardened soldiers will then go hunting for the Azovs and the Nazis—though only the dimmest of the Azov troops will remain in Ukraine; the rest will become a problem for the EU, for Poland, for Romania—a problem for Western governments.
All Putin would have to do is seal his borders and watch… watch how they go on the hunt, or how *they* hunt *them* down using their own weapons.
Come and talk to military-age Ukrainians who are in Germany—or rather, *still* in Germany; many are slipping away to Russia via Turkey—something the media never reports… entire apartment blocks here are already standing empty.
Posted by: genesiss | Aug 15 2026 12:29 utc | 99
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Aug 14 2026 4:16 utc | 67
Peter AU1 – that view of the situation in Ukraine confirmed by Marta Havryshko in an interview with Ian Proud.
“Marta Havryshko EXPOSES: War is Business for Corrupt Zelensky Elites | Poor Ukrainians Pay the Price
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnTTfuYpA7w
At first the interview deals with the privations suffered by ordinary Ukrainians – those who don’t have the pull or the money to buy themselves out from military service. Corruption off the charts and the war kept going to enable the siphoning off of the money flooding in from the West to be kept going.
Nothing not already known there. For the last few years Ukraine has been in the condition of Afghanistan, as the war there drew to its end. Everyone who can squirreling money away and the Ghani types ready to get out when the last minute comes.
But then the conversation takes an unexpected turn, (around 38 minutes.) Unexpected for me anyway. Havryshko, who lives in the States as far as I could ascertain, talks of the war as a “death theatre” for many in the West. “Sadistic joy” as Westerners consume videos of Russians getting killed and a wide audience for such material.
That was unexpected for me because I’d thought that all that was over and done with in ’22/’23. Not for the current Western political leaders – they’ll always be out for blood – but for the mass of the Western audience.
Back then it was common enough for Westerners to treat the war as a sort of video game and cheer when the enemy looked like being downed. Armchair sadists, I thought of them at the time, who regarded the war as something happening “over there” and couldn’t relate to the fact that the people over there were also real people. But I had long since believed that that period of “proxy war fever” had died down for most. It certainly has in my neighbourhood.
Not so, according to Havryshko. I’ve been looking around at the comments in various military sites in the States and some blogs here and I think she’s right. There’s still a market for macho war porn and it’s consumed in some quantity. This is the market Trump appeals to when he talks casually of wrecking entire countries. Havryshko finds it horrifying when she find her own country – she’s still very much a Ukrainian – being treated as merely a stage and used as such by numbers of Westerners indulging in sadistic fantasy.
Ugly subject. But she’s right in seeing it like that that though one hopes the number of Westerners in that category is small and unrepresentative.
Aside from that, it’s clear that the problem of remnant Ukraine is now of a different order than the problem of remnant Ukraine would have been for the Russians in 2022. For many in Western Ukraine the Russians will not be regarded as “liberators”. They will never be so regarded. But they will now be regarded by many as offering a welcome release from a Kiev government that now regards ordinary Ukrainians as prey rather than as fellow countrymen.
The Russians do have to neutralise remnant Ukraine. It’s politically impossible for Putin to leave it as a staging ground for Western missile attacks etc and he made it clear in early ’22 that that was no longer going to be allowed. But given the disillusionment with the Zelensky administration Havryshko details, it’s maybe possible that that neutralisation will no longer necessitate military occupation. Merely the removal of an administration that no longer pretends to serves its people.
Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 15 2026 12:49 utc | 100