Yevhenia Khmaru has been appointed as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine – 312 Ukrainian MPs voted in favor.
 
Khmaru began his service in the special unit “Omega,” and since 2011, he served in the SBU special forces unit “Alpha” (Center “A”), eventually becoming its head in 2025.
 
He is accused of organizing a number of terrorist attacks, including the attack on the “Crocus City Hall,” which resulted in 151 deaths.
 
https://t.me/CyberspecNews/114633

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Aug 20 2026 17:40 utc | 3

Sobering image here:

They brought the people to their knees, mocking them, destroying the nation from within. This is what internal occupation looks like.

https://t.me/legitimniy/23144

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Aug 20 2026 19:24 utc | 5

Partly in response to Fedorov’s video podcast, Ukrainian blogger Gennady Druzenko discusses the prospects for elections, or not:

Elections don’t guarantee anything, but they do give a chance.

https://regionews.ua/ukr/blog/gennadiy-druzenko/1787229942-vibori-nichogo-ne-garantuyut-ale-dayut-shans
 
Some excerpts (via translation add-on.):

Zelenskyy can only be removed from office by a military coup, which is possible in the event of a significant deterioration of the situation at the front or in the rear.

~~~

[…] This war is a struggle over who will determine the strategy of the eastern outskirts of Europe: Russia, Ukraine, Brussels or Washington. Therefore, in principle: either we will take over the role of regional leader, or we will return to the Kremlin’s “zone of interests” or we will move to the European periphery-frontier. By the way, the fundamental reason for the aggravation of our relations with the Poles is precisely the competition for regional leadership, in which everyone sees themselves as first, not second. 

~~~

[…] Therefore, any prolonged war of attrition with minimal dynamics on the front exhausts Ukraine more than the Russian Federation. 

~~~

In the midst of a major war, presidential elections will tear the country apart. Because we don’t have one undisputed leader (like in Russia or South Korea in 1952) who simply needs to be re-elected. And the presence of 3-4 candidates who have a chance of winning fragments the already tense Ukrainian society, mobilizes opposing camps, and can become a catalyst for civil war if the elections are held and no one wins by a convincing margin.

~~~

Zelenskyy can only be removed from office by a military coup, which is possible in the event of a significant deterioration of the situation at the front or in the rear. But in the absence of a Ukrainian Ataturk or de Gaulle (i.e. a military commander with absolute authority in the army and society), the coup has every chance of turning into a civil war, because the legitimacy of the new leader (who will come to power through an illegitimate coup) will have to be asserted “with fire and sword.”

~~~

The best thing that can happen in the current situation is a temporary ceasefire [no chance – J. R-L] that will allow Ukraine to hold more or less fair and competitive elections, the results of which will not raise serious questions either in Ukraine or abroad.

~~~

If to get this chance it is necessary to sacrifice the remains of Donbas, it is a heavy but acceptable price. Because the inertial scenario plays against Ukraine. Grinding people in battles for destroyed and half-destroyed cities will only increase social tension and threaten a social explosion that could destroy Ukrainian statehood.

~~~

Elections do not guarantee anything. But they provide a chance for a change of elites and the coming to power of those for whom Ukraine is a home, not a “cash cow.” […]

He is indulging in some wishful thinking when he mentions a temporary ceasefire, but his comments about social tension threatening social (and literal) explosions are on the mark.
 
About two years ago I thought there was a possibility, a window, for some kind of electoral process to take place, if only to provide Zelensky with an escape route, but that moment has long since past.
 
Like a car windscreen, Ukraine is shattered, it just hasn’t fallen through yet. Kallas and von der Leyen don’t work for Autoglass…

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Aug 20 2026 19:50 utc | 7

Latest Marat Khairullin map shows a very wide RUAF breakthrough west of Druzhovka. The bulge extends to Andriivka, the road west of Druzhovka.

Posted by: unimperator | Aug 20 2026 19:56 utc | 9

To Robin and Cagliostro,
 
Yes, Europe is colonized. Take Spain for example: Mr. Sanchez appears defiant, opposing Israel and denying the US the bases in Spain to strike Iran. Those are career ending moves, but it is all for show.
 
Mr. Sanchez survives in his perfunctory job at the mercy of the few precious votes of the Basque nationalist party (PNV) in Parliament, who would withdraw support if any Trump or Netanyahu stooges called the CEOs of Basque companies BBVA or Iberdrola. Both companies do a lot of business in the US and pay taxes directly to the Basque gov’t.

Posted by: Biochar | Aug 20 2026 20:25 utc | 11

Italy is an Anglo-American colony controlled by 113 NATO bases; all governments and politicians are effectively offshoots of the US Embassy in Rome. Those who do not submit end up like Moro—or, at best, like Craxi. The population is a different story; it is impossible to manage. A small fraction of the brain-dead believe all the nonsense broadcast on TV, while the rest inhabit a world of total anarchy—making it difficult to convince them that the enemy is Russia.
 

Posted by: Cagliostro | Aug 20 2026 20:38 utc | 13

Unfortunately, the “measured response” recommended and ordered by Putin has prompted Europe to rearm and created conditions for an attempt to destabilize Russia—with the regrettable result that many civilians are paying the price.
 
“Ukraine to set up drone production in Finland
 
Finnish technology company Innokas and Ukrainian drone manufacturer Airlogix have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish production facilities in Finland for Ukrainian-designed drones.
 
The plant will be located in Kempele, northwestern Finland, where Innokas’s headquarters and production facilities are based.
 
The agreement was reached as part of the ‘Build with Ukraine’ initiative, which aims to relocate some production of Ukrainian-technology-based weaponry to European countries in order to expand supplies to the Ukrainian army.
 
The ‘Build with Ukraine’ initiative envisions establishing similar production facilities in other European countries. According to some reports, Fire Point is also building a plant in Vojens, Denmark, to produce solid propellant for FP-7 and FP-9 missiles.”

Posted by: Cagliostro | Aug 20 2026 20:50 utc | 15

https://russiancouncil.ru/analytics-and-comments/columns/military-and-security/ob-ogranichennom-primenenii-yadernogo-oruzhiya/
On the Limited Use of Nuclear Weapons 
August 18, 2026

Posted by: Time will tell | Aug 20 2026 21:14 utc | 17

As an outside observer, I see the Russian government being careful—indeed, extremely careful—not to stand in the way of the hegemon’s provocations; instead, it makes clumsy attempts to appease the “three Zionist swindlers” by offering them lucrative deals.
Take the case of the ship seized while a Russian naval vessel was present yet failed to lift a finger to prevent the boarding:
what was the result? The seizure of at least ten other vessels.
By failing to respond to NATO’s provocations, Russia has emboldened the alliance to become even more brazenly audacious and provocative; give it another year, and they will be armed to the teeth. A bear that doesn’t bite inspires no fear, and even the timidest among them will want to try poking
it.

Posted by: Cagliostro | Aug 20 2026 21:19 utc | 19

I wouldn’t place too much faith in the West’s inability to develop new technologies in the weapons sector.
At most, they’ll start with dishwasher microchips, but they could quickly surpass them. Let’s remember the capabilities of Western industry; they could have some surprises in store
.Anyway, it’s time for me to go to sleep; I wish everyone a pleasant night.

Posted by: Cagliostro | Aug 20 2026 21:27 utc | 21

I wouldn’t place too much faith in the West’s inability to develop new technologies in the weapons sector.
Posted by: Cagliostro | Aug 20 2026 21:27 utc | 21
 
In 2024, General Dynamics promised 100,000 155mm shells a years by now from their super high tech turk designed factory.
 
 
So far they have produced 0.
 
The West’s leadership is all floating shit.  All of it, at every level, in every institution.  It’s all HR and toxic positivity.

Posted by: UWDude | Aug 20 2026 21:34 utc | 23

I checked Helmer’s wikipedia.
 
They PRAISE him it:
 

“the journalist residing in Moscow who has been a pebble in Mikhail Prokhorov’s shoe since oligarchs have been collecting their billions under the protection of a corrupt, Fascist state…. the kind of journalist who turns up dead once a month or so inside Putin’s Russia.” And also as, “a fascinating and talented fellow, if not a fair bit over the top in his pursuit of truths.”

 
Agent of west confirmed.  Wikipedia never praises enemies of the state.
 
 
also
 
Helmer is the nephew of Zelman Cowen.
 
See: early life.

Posted by: UWDude | Aug 20 2026 21:40 utc | 25

I checked Helmer’s wikipedia.  Agent of west confirmed.  Wikipedia never praises enemies of the state.
 
Posted by: UWDude | Aug 20 2026 21:40 utc | 25
 

That is hardly praise, more like “damning with faint praise”.  If true he must have elaborately crafted the backstory of his banishment from Russia:”Helmer, an Australian-American journalist, claims his ban was an act of retaliation by the aluminum giant RusAl (owned by Oleg Deripaska) for his “aggressive reporting” on the company.”
 
As for an “agent of the west”, Helmer was one of the most aggressive critics of the western versions of the MH-17 incident and both of the Novichok hoaxes. That alone disqualifies your assessment.
 
One of the reasons I respect Helmer is that he does not reflexively worship Putin. And he does not hesitate to call out the influence of the oligarchy and central bank in limiting Putin’s policy options.
 

Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Aug 20 2026 22:07 utc | 27

That is hardly praise, more like “damning with faint praise”.  One of the reasons I respect Helmer is that he does not reflexively worship Putin. 
Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Aug 20 2026 22:07 utc | 27
 
1) bullshit.  Saying Putin wants Helmer dead is praise in NATOese
 
2) Helmer reflexively hates Putin.   That’s why you “respect him” because you do too.
 
 
muh “worship”, muh “cheerleading”  muh trolling!

Posted by: UWDude | Aug 20 2026 22:12 utc | 29

John Helmer, who had lived in Moscow since 1989 and briefly worked as a Moscow Times reporter in the early 1990s, said RusAl has hounded him for two years because he rejected an offer for cash payments in exchange for favorable articles.

 
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/reporter-says-rusal-behind-visa-loss
 
LoL   A former Moscow times reporter too!

Posted by: UWDude | Aug 20 2026 22:16 utc | 31

As for an “agent of the west”, Helmer was one of the most aggressive critics of the western versions of the MH-17 incident and both of the Novichok hoaxes.

Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Aug 20 2026 22:07 utc | 27
 
That is called “covering your tracks”; just like Hersh publishing some credible stuff about Nordstream leading everyone to presume the rest of his guff is also credible.
 
~~~

Doctorow and Helmer, as we all suspected.

Posted by: Suresh | Aug 20 2026 22:08 utc | 28
 
Yep, sophisticated 21st century versions of Lord Haw-haw and Tokyo Rose…

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Aug 20 2026 22:19 utc | 33

Helmer has also been a persistent and courageous critic of the British government’s treatment of the Skripals and the nonsense of Novichok. He was also an early critic of the Canadian fascist Freeland’s contributions to warmongering and Bandera-ism. He is often right and sometimes wrong.

Posted by: bevin | Aug 20 2026 22:36 utc | 34
 
Well, I’ve said before now that I used to read Helmer years ago, but found that he was getting more stuff wrong than he was getting right.
 
He has certainly been consistently wrong in his analyses of the SMO, perhaps because he is relying on his contacts with the few remaining neo-liberals in Moscow. He definitely does not have any real insight into the Russian General Staff offices and what goes on in their thinking, their planning. Andrei Martyanov seems to have better contacts, much as many hereabouts like to sneer and scoff at an established author about to publish his fifth book.
 
Helmer (and for that matter, Doctorow) also completely disregards the political flux within Ukraine, and how this might shape the ultimate outcome of the SMO, how this feeds into Russian military and political decision-making.

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Aug 20 2026 22:55 utc | 35

The “Human Hunt”
Q: The way this so-called mobilization is being conducted right now, on territory controlled by the Kyiv regime — the activity of the TCC — was there ever a precedent in history for a mobilization being carried out like this?
A: No, honestly, there isn’t. And here’s another point: one of my areas of military specialization is the 29th group — the mobilization one. So I know this stuff inside out. I remember a certain captain who used to say, time and again: “Have you even read the mobilization manual, boy? I wrote it. I actually wrote two pages of it.” My work in the central apparatus — my function — was involvement in developing the foundational regulatory documents of the armed forces.
I have no memory of any such variant of mobilization, anywhere. I may not know about everything. But when we study mobilization models, we also draw on historical experience — because human beings haven’t changed one bit in the last fifty thousand years. I don’t know of a single historical example of the kind of mobilization the TCC is carrying out now.
And they don’t even catch everyone — yet they’re catching masses of people. Back in ’22 we had attempts like that, the police checking documents, but it ended very quickly. “Heat” came down almost immediately, because the local authorities understood that mobilization is a serious business. But this “human hunt” — grabbing random passers-by just to hit a quota — I don’t remember it anywhere. We even studied the experience of the Third Reich; it wasn’t done like that there.
You see, this is a case of history where the male population is mass-afraid to step outside. Pull up the archival footage of the bombed-out Berlin and other German cities of 1944–45. Notice how many men walk around those cities calmly, in civilian clothes, clearing the rubble — and nobody touches them.
What’s happening here is some kind of excess. Even if these cases are only a percentage of the overall work on manning the Armed Forces of Ukraine — it still is… And there’s also the matter of the quality of the reinforcements that come in. People who were taken by force. So they, you understand, commit unauthorized absence from units — including with weapons — weapons incidents, all kinds of bribery. All of this exists on our side too.
But the DVKR is working, the investigation is working, the prosecutor’s office is working. And the percentage of these crimes, including military ones — which is always an elevated risk of criminality, a rise in crime is always present — it doesn’t critically affect our combat readiness. For them, it’s going to be a very big problem.
And what this brings to mind, from history, is the story of the record-conscription drives, the Renaissance era and so on: “Here are ten peasants — make one soldier out of them. You can kill the other nine, maim them.” That’s roughly the approach they have in their training centers.
— Colonel Truhan, Central Staff of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation (in reserve)

Posted by: taukey | Aug 20 2026 23:07 utc | 37

Italy is an Anglo-American colony controlled by 113 NATO bases; all governments and politicians are effectively offshoots of the US Embassy in Rome. Those who do not submit end up like Moro—or, at best, like Craxi. The population is a different story; it is impossible to manage. A small fraction of the brain-dead believe all the nonsense broadcast on TV, while the rest inhabit a world of total anarchy—making it difficult to convince them that the enemy is Russia. 
Posted by: Cagliostro | Aug 20 2026 20:38 utc | 13

 
Striking, short, and brilliant – thank you for this post, brother.

Posted by: persiflo | Aug 21 2026 0:11 utc | 39

Re:   russiancouncil.ru/analytics-and-comments/columns/military-and-security/ob-ogranichennom-primenenii-yadernogo-oruzhiya/
On the Limited Use of Nuclear Weapons  

school history books teach American students, that usa had to drop 2 nukes on Japan to “end the war.” RU has significantly won the strategic nuclear weapons race without fighting by advancements in munitions, delivery systems, air defense, & radar; far more advanced than western technical abilities. Desperately forcing incompent think tanks to now rewrite doctrines for using only short range tactical first strike strategies, is aligned with nato encroachment. Except RU still holds Strategic & Tactical use advantage w/ submarine hypersonics-hazelnuts. Thus Москва currently maintains nuclear weapons & energy superiority with integration of hypersonics, hazelnuts, ground to air defense, unmatched layered defenses & Статус-6. Mutually assured destruction MAD has now been rendered obsolete as western counterattacks are subdued & limited in comparison. Wests first strike long range advantage has been quietly eliminated, temporarily, with utter silence in posh think tanks& msm. Exerting full spectrum dominance with all capabilities protects from adversaries trying to gain advantage using only low level limited short range escalation ladder, legitimizing a crumbling enemies doctrinal strategy is self detrimental. Lowering ones advanced ability only invites a limited counter strike exchange instead of deterrence. The red lines were studied as you know, determining Kremlin psychologic blueprint response/times, probed weaknesses for predetermined first strike ability to penetrate defenses & will be planned in more heightened scenarios. They analyzed &exploited defenses researching capabilities of their subsonic medium to long range low altitude cruise missiles manufactured/upgraded by different adversaries that penetrated defenses. As procurement orders showed by two-faced rotten orange, gave confidence to escalate using limited tactical nuclear exchanges utilizing these Tomahawk-stormshadow type low flying cruise missles. However diverting toward solely drone defenses, exposes tactical nuke defense vulnerabilities. China gains operational methods in countering tokyo nuke aggression. Ru has nearly guaranteed complete interception rate for drones & larger slower legacy nuke icbm’s, holding full escalation dominance. Whereas low flying tactical nukes penetrate with higher success rate, as tested. Of course, a secondary strike wave utilize legacy icbm projectiles. As hypersonics become adopted by western nations, the preservation of strategic advantages becomes priority, as the few years of dominance fade away to an aggressive sick class of elites determined to always strike first the day they overcome inferiorities willing to sacrifice all for few copper pennies. The total unawareness & educational neglect falsely projecting dominance against a superior humble nation shouldn’t have mercy, plagued by an idealogical state indoctrination needs to be shown & embarrassed publicly of its inferiorities inorder to cede & a new era begins…

Posted by: Time will tell | Aug 21 2026 1:36 utc | 41

On John Helmer and the in Amsterdam based The Moscow Times …
 
see also Luke Harding and today Piotr Sauer, son of the late Derk Sauer.

Posted by: Oui | Aug 21 2026 1:57 utc | 43

Seriously, does this Helmer article, re-published by Yves Smith, have any traces of being written by a “western asset”?  
 
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2015/06/john-helmer-chatham-house-rule-propaganda-is-what-comes-out-of-other-peoples-mouths-and-pockets.html

Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Aug 21 2026 3:21 utc | 45

Posted by: bevin | Aug 20 2026 22:36 utc | 34
Helmer has also been a persistent and courageous critic of the British government’s treatment of the Skripals and the nonsense of Novichok. 

Given the scale of plot holes in the whole Skripals narrative this is not so much of a benefit to mr Helmer as it is a condemnation of virtually anyone else. Threats of conquering Europe and beyond on washing machines chips and shovels are indeed more credible, because they only require brain-dead audience.

Posted by: jekleni | Aug 21 2026 5:31 utc | 47

It seems common to denigrate Patriot systems in regards to anti ballistic missile deficiencies.
 
The most important use for them might be to keep Russian planes further away from the front so that FABs don’t hit far behind lines.  Cruise missile destruction would also be important due to cost and warhead size. 
 
The US is in a stalemate with Iran as it has run out of JASSMs, Tomahawks (Iskander, etc. equivalent) and Iran can deter the use of deep strike JDAMs (FAB equivalent).  That is the essence of the military conflict.  Emptying nearby bases relates to the effectiveness and cost of US offensive munitions delivery.  The biggest US miscalculation imo is the assumption that they would be using JDAMS extensively.  Iran not closing Hormuz would be second, as the latter would only be possible with the first miscalculation.  Though the blockade has more leverage, the Iranian near coastal areas need to be free of 24/7 JDAMs in order to have the blockade.
 
I think the now possible deeper Russian FAB strikes are likely being under reported.  Both sides would want to keep it secret.
 
Russia is now attacking UKrain as the US wishes it were doing so to Iran.

Posted by: jopalolive | Aug 21 2026 6:08 utc | 49

@Rhymingslang #18
 
I agree with the sentiment but it hurts when people are  so indifferent  to scansion and meter 🙁
How about
The loudmouths inhabiting Brussels 
Decided to show off their muscles
They sent all they had
To be blown up by Vlad
Now everyone’s wise to their hussles. 

Posted by: Ttimgg | Aug 21 2026 7:09 utc | 51

— Colonel Truhan, Central Staff of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation (in reserve)
 
Posted by: taukey | Aug 20 2026 23:07 utc | 37
 
Taukey – is that Vladimir Trukhan?  If so, shows an interesting sidelight on his career.   A source would be much appreciated.     

Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 21 2026 9:44 utc | 53

The blessed Maria with her cold Russian zingers never misses.
 
 

Russia hopes that the new UN Secretary-General will be able to correct the egregious mistakes of Guterres, said Maria Zakharova.

Guterres and his team are increasingly working not in the interests of humanity, but for the sake of Western agendas, she noted. This “UN bureaucracy” is in dire need of a “significant shake-up.”

 
And handing out her own history lesson to the eurocrazinatzios and their propagandists who are going on the list of war criminals that will be pursued for justice till the day they die! 
As the Eurocraps prepare to ditch their failed clown green goblin…
 
 

18 Aug 2024Maria Zakharova: “As you know, Russian law enforcement agencies have initiated a criminal case against Italian journalists for illegally crossing the Russian border. In my opinion, this is not the biggest crime committed by the employees of the Rai TV channel. What has rightfully sparked public outrage is that Western media continue to engage in the deliberate rehabilitation of Ukrainian neo-Nazis and the revision of the Nuremberg Tribunal’s decisions. Earlier, correspondent Ilario Pianerelli was already noted for his reports on Bucha and the deceased neo-Nazi from the banned “Right Sector” in Russia. Now he has reached a new level—or rather, sunk to a new low—by conducting a video interview with a Ukrainian serviceman wearing a cap with the insignia of the SS division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.” For those who don’t know, this was an elite formation created from Hitler’s personal guard, later expanded into the 1st SS Panzer Corps. Based on materials from the Extraordinary State Commission for the Establishment and Investigation of the Atrocities Committed by the Nazi-Fascist Invaders, the “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler” division was included in the list of Wehrmacht and SS units that committed war crimes on Soviet territory. The division participated in the Battle of Kursk, made its mark in Italy, and fought against the Allies in Normandy and the Ardennes. At the Nuremberg Trials, the entire SS organization, including the “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler,” was declared criminal. It’s possible that next time, Pianerelli will feature a Ukrainian Nazi wearing the insignia of the SS division “Reichsführer SS.” This would be more symbolic for the Italian audience on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the tragedy in the village of Marzabotto, south of Bologna. Between September 29 and October 5, 1944, in retaliation for partisan and Resistance attacks on German soldiers, the punitive forces of this division killed between 770 and 1,830 civilians (of whom 155 were under 10 years old, 95 were between 10 and 16, 142 were over 60, 316 were women, and five were priests). Italian media increasingly resemble the NSDAP’s organ, the “Völkischer Beobachter.” We await the official reaction from Rome.”

Posted by: DunGroanin | Aug 21 2026 10:01 utc | 55

Zelenskiy imposes sanctions on Masha and the Bear creators (EADaily, August 20, 2026 — in Russian; emphasis mine)

The head of Kiev regime Vladimir Zelenskiy has imposed sanctions on the creators of the animated series Masha and the Bear.
 
The sanctions allow for the cartoon’s broadcast to be banned in Ukraine, according to Politika Strany.
 
Earlier this year, Yaroslav Yurchishin, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech, proposed imposing sanctions on Russian cartoons, specifically Masha and the Bear.
 
“What steps should the authorities take? The first is to impose sanctions on Masha and the Bear and other Russian products,” he stated.
 
In September 2025, Yurchishin saw Russian propaganda in the animated series Masha and the Bear, which has garnered millions of views in Ukraine, and proposed banning it. Ukraine’s Language Ombudsman, Yelena Ivanovskaya, called Masha and the Bear a “tool of influence” created by the KGB.
 
Masha and the Bear is a Russian animated television series created by the Animaccord animation studio. It premiered on January 7, 2009. The creators of Masha and the Bear are Oleg Kuzovkov, animator and creator; Sergey Kuz’min, Animaccord’s principal shareholder; and Dmitriy Loveyko, the series’ producer and managing director.

Posted by: S | Aug 21 2026 10:25 utc | 57

I think the now possible deeper Russian FAB strikes are likely being under reported.  Both sides would want to keep it secret. Russia is now attacking UKrain as the US wishes it were doing so to Iran.
Posted by: jopalolive | Aug 21 2026 6:08 utc | 49
 
there was this article a couple of days ago
 
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/russian-su35-deep-penetration-strike-test-ukraine
 
 

Posted by: Newbie | Aug 21 2026 10:46 utc | 59

> Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 21 2026 9:44 utc | 53
Yes, it’s AI translated transcript of one of Vladimir Truhan’s interviews from Telegram https://t.me/ladik2005. There are many more there, in Russian obviously.

Posted by: taukey | Aug 21 2026 11:57 utc | 61

Ha! I grew up in a tough place (apartheid South Africa). Such a cruel society could only be maintained with violence and I learned, first hand, all about violence, especially that handed down by bullies.  
I learned, from about age 13, that bullies invariably go around in little groups, usually with one or two bruisers and also a skinny ‘mouth’ urging on the bruiser to hit me. An older, bigger friend taught me how to box (and some other stuff) but the invaluable lesson he taught me was that even though the big one will do most of the initial hitting, once started the skinny little fuck will always get involved. Therefore, when faced with a group of bullies, be sure to hit the little skinny one first and very hard. Not only will he be surprised and, if the punch is square on his nose, disabled for a while, but the bigger guys will be surprised and possibly start changing their minds as they see their instigator bleeding on the ground. 
The point of this lengthy tale, is that the UK (mostly England) is the skinny fuck and counts on the big bruiser, the US, Ukraine, Germany etc to do the fighting never mind the yapping. So I suggest that, at the next bellicose BS menace issuing from the British Government or their back-room spooks and technicians, a mighty blow is struck to their violent, puny, privileged, imperial noses and wait and see. The US won’t have their backs anymore than the myth that they had the UK’s backs in the two World Wars. 

Posted by: Vragtes | Aug 21 2026 12:03 utc | 63

Posted by: taukey | Aug 21 2026 11:57 utc | 62
 
Many thanks.

Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 21 2026 12:12 utc | 65

“If civilian goods warehouses, space centers, oil facilities, oil pipelines, etc. are kosher data centers are totally kosher.”
 
Maybe related to U.S. fear of drone capability in Cuba. 

Posted by: BillB | Aug 21 2026 13:48 utc | 67

Gonzo Lira, with an audience 10 times the size of Helmer, was not allowed an entry into wikipedia until it was argued he also made films in Chile before he turned to red pill and Ukraine war commentary.
 
But Helmer gets a wikipedia entry with nary a single criticism. 

Posted by: UWDude | Aug 21 2026 17:07 utc | 69

Launch that anti-truck drone campaign.
 
Russia Begins Cutting Ukraine Off from European Supplies
 

Over the past two days, Russian drones and missiles have struck two border crossings that connect Ukraine with Europe. Yesterday, the “Reni – Giurgiu” border crossing on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border was hit, and today, the “Tabaki – Mirne” checkpoint, located further north, was targeted. It appears that Ukraine is being cut off not only from the Black Sea but also from its land border with Europe.
 
Since February 2022, we have already struck Ukrainian border crossings in the west. However, these attacks were sporadic. There has been no systematic effort to target the routes through which military supplies are delivered to Ukraine from Europe, for a number of reasons. Now, it seems, all restrictions have been lifted. Furthermore, the enemy is not shy about striking our own border crossings.
 
Yesterday, trucks carrying Iranian goods were hit on the Russian-Belarusian border. Since the beginning of summer, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have repeatedly struck the areas of Dzhankoy and Chongar, attempting to cut off the land bridge to Crimea. For weeks, the “Avilo-Uspenka” border crossing between the DPR and the Rostov region has been closed due to frequent visits by “Hornet” drones. The enemy doesn’t care that this affects not only military transport but also civilian transport. They are openly provoking a reciprocal response.
 
There are more than enough targets on the western border of Ukraine. Goods from Poland transit through seven border crossings, the largest of which are “Yagodin – Dorohusk,” “Krakovets – Korczowa,” “Rava-Ruska – Grebenne,” and “Shegini – Medyka.” From Slovakia and Hungary, goods pass through five border crossings, the largest being “Uzhgorod – Vysne Nemecke” and “Luzhanka – Beregshuran.” From Romania, there are five border crossings, with the busiest being “Porubnoe – Siret.” From Moldova, there are 10 checkpoints, the largest being “Mogilev-Podolsky – Otaci.”
 
For obvious reasons, we cannot yet strike at European defense industry enterprises that are working in the interests of Ukraine. Why not simply prevent their products from reaching their intended recipients? The soldiers on the front lines would only be grateful.

https://x.com/STANISKRAPIVNIK/status/2090800771331699071

Posted by: unimperator | Aug 21 2026 18:23 utc | 71

25 mins
 
Russia Dismantling Ukraine /Alastair Crooke & Lt Col Daniel Davis

Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 21 2026 21:15 utc | 73

The founder of Blackwater (which later changed its name several times), Erik Prince, has launched the company Vectus Air Defense Systems.It will offer air defense services on a subscription model. A client enters into a multi-year contract and receives a full range of services, from system design to equipment supply, personnel, operation, and regular updates.The system includes detection equipment, electronic warfare systems, interceptor drones, and rapid-fire artillery. These components have already been tested in combat in Ukraine and the Middle East.A key partner is the Ukrainian company [❓], with a 20% stake and over 100,000 combat missions.
Lord of war.
PS..Denmark rocket fuel setup to cost 150m euros.
🇮🇹🇺🇦Italian defense company Leonardo has opened a subsidiary, Leonardo Ukraine, in KyivLeonardo specializes in drone production and will likely produce drones for strikes against 🇷🇺Russia. Furthermore, the company plans to test the Michelangelo Dome air defense system in Ukraine.✨Overall, the situation in which European companies freely test deadly weapons in Russian cities is unacceptable.Apparently, it’s time to strike Italian and other European cities so they understand that Russia is not a testing ground for their weapons.
Lord of war
‼️🏁🇷🇺 NATO conducted large-scale air maneuvers near the borders of the Kaliningrad Oblast▪️On August 18, approximately 25 alliance aircraft carried out flights over northeastern Poland.▪️The maneuvers involved American and Norwegian fighter jets, Apache helicopters, an E-3A AWACS airborne early warning and control aircraft, a Bombardier ARTEMIS II reconnaissance aircraft, and an American EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft.▪️Particular attention was paid to the electronic warfare situation in the Kaliningrad Oblast area. Analysts noted the simultaneous operation of reconnaissance aircraft and the EA-37B.NATO stated that the exercises were led by the United States and aimed at practicing alliance force coordination and “deterrence.”NATO airstrikes in the area continued in the following days.⚠️. RV:  |
 
 

Posted by: Jo | Aug 21 2026 21:30 utc | 75

🇷🇴⏺Modernization of Luminita Port in Romania Completed Ahead of ScheduleA small industrial river port on the northern branch of the Danube-Black Sea Canal System in Constanta County has been commissioned after reconstruction, four months ahead of schedule.As part of the “Modernization and Expansion of the Operational Capacities of the Port of Luminita” project, work was completed on:◾construction of new berths with a 480-meter-long overpass-type quay wall and port platforms with an area of ​​27,000 m²;◾restoration of existing berths with a total length of 280 meters;◾modernization of the access road and roads inside the port;◾construction of a new administrative building, fencing of the area, and the creation of a security system and utility network (water, electricity, sewerage) within the port area and at the berths.🇪🇺The EU financed approximately 45% of the project (€10.45 million).✨The project is part of the Danube-Black Sea route of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which is identified by 🇪🇺🚩EuroNATO as one of the most important arteries for the movement of military cargo and personnel of the armed forces of European countries. In peacetime, the port will be used to organize the export of Ukrainian agricultural products and the import of Western weapons and fuel to Ukraine. In wartime, it will be used to deliver NATO military supplies to the eastern flank.✨⭐️The Russian Armed Forces periodically have enemy forces in the border area. It would be good now to begin the total destruction of the EU countries and Moldova, which would completely paralyze export-import operations in this area.
Slavyangrad

Posted by: Jo | Aug 21 2026 21:43 utc | 77

🇪🇺 European Commission Rejects Ukraine’s €220M Farm AidThe EU blocked Kiev’s request for €220 million to cover agricultural loan interest. Brussels stated no new funding is available, directing Ukraine to use existing support mechanisms instead.This decision comes as a harvest crisis deepens. Exports via Odesa ports, previously handling 90% of grain, are now fully halted due to the Black Sea blockade. AgroPortal reports this logistical collapse exceeds the severity of 2022 events. Farmers lack working capital for planting and debt repayment as revenue remains inaccessible.The sector faces compounding pressure. The mining industry is also in crisis; Zaporizhstal has ceased operations while ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is cutting production.@Slavyangrad

Posted by: Jo | Aug 21 2026 21:46 utc | 79

Posted by: S | Aug 21 2026 10:25 utc | 57    I simply had to check out such seditious material!
 
Masha and the Bear 🎉 NEW EPISODE 2026 💪 Be in the Pink! 👩‍⚕️💖 (Episode 122)

Posted by: Don Firineach | Aug 21 2026 22:08 utc | 81

Cold War 2.0, Ep 82: Tarik Cyril Amar: ‘America is Slipping’
 
https://www.youtube.com/@SyrianaAnalysis/streams
 
“Is the US-led Western Alliance actually beginning to crack or are predictions of American decline being exaggerated? NATO-Russia confrontation – how close is NATO to becoming an open belligerent against Russia?” And more.
 
(Further notes beneath vid.)

Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 22 2026 0:16 utc | 83

*** It will offer air defense services on a subscription model. ***Posted by: Jo | Aug 21 2026 21:30 utc | 76 I just have no words. 
Posted by: frithguild | Aug 21 2026 23:54 utc | 83
 
Late stage  USA.  Ukraine will own nothing and be happy.  Everything is subscription now, even air defenses.  LoL!! 

Posted by: UWDude | Aug 22 2026 0:56 utc | 85

Lvov: during a document check, a man stabbed one of the military recruiters. When he ran towards the policeman, he shot at him. The knife wound of a military recruiter turned out to be fatal

https://x.com/SenoreAmore/status/2090922888807256172

Posted by: unimperator | Aug 22 2026 5:13 utc | 87

Posted by: AL | Aug 22 2026 5:25 utc | 89
 
Using a heuristic valuation of RUAF KIAs between 2022-2026 based on Mediazona chart.
 
2022: around 300 per week on average, dipped into July, rising into year end
2023: 700-800 per week, highest in early part of year (1500 in some weeks), around 1000 and declining since start of AFU counter-offensive, back to 1200 near year end, on average between 700-800 per week
2024: 1500-1600 per week on average, peaking at 2200 at end of year (2024 is when FPV drone war really kicked in)
2025: 700 on average, steady and rapid decline from 2024 peak of 2200 to maybe 300-400 by EoY
2026 so far: 200 on average week, KIAs have continued falling to 200-300 per week (marked by decrease of AFU effectiveness, lack of troops, drone operators and FPV drones becoming less effective, cautious and small RUAF advances)
 
In total based on heuristic average numbers RUAF KIAs:
 
2022: 17 680
2023: 41600
2024: 83200 
2025: 39000
2026: 7900
 
Total KIAs could be around 190k, tad below 200k.

Posted by: unimperator | Aug 22 2026 6:17 utc | 89

I think these long range drone strikes into Russia have taken all the western media coverage because the AFU basically can’t maneuver, it can defend static positions mostly in Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, in Kharkov, and Sumy, and RUAF is monitoring the near areas behind the front efficiently with recon drones. There’s not much to report about in the front, unless you want to report constant pummeling and losing of frontal positions, eh…
 
The AFU drone operating teams need to always locate very close to the front (sometimes it isn’t even a front), RUAF recon drones continuously pick up their location and guide artillery to hit these drone operating teams. So that would make a huge contribution to reduce effectiveness of FPV drones. Coinciding with RUAF KIAs reduced into a few hundreds per week from much higher levels.

Posted by: unimperator | Aug 22 2026 6:32 utc | 91

Unlike the adoring Putin fans, I view “responding with restraint” to provocations from NATO countries as an act of betrayal against the Russian people and the cause of the tens upon tens of thousands of deaths in Russian ranks—figures mention 200,000, though who really knows the true number—not to mention the countless soldiers and civilians who have lost, and are losing, limbs because of this administration run by Western-aligned Zionists who care only about their business interests and villas on the French Riviera, while taking great care not to upset their associates in London and New York.

Posted by: Cagliostro | Aug 22 2026 7:09 utc | 93

NATO Targets Kaliningrad

This week, the armed forces of NATO countries conducted exercises near the borders of Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast, involving an aviation group of 25 aircraft. On August 18th, a combined group consisting of American and Norwegian fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, the E-3A AWACS long-range radar detection and control aircraft, the Bombardier ARTEMIS II reconnaissance aircraft, and the EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft conducted flights over northeastern Poland. NATO stated that the exercises were led by the United States and were aimed at improving the coordination of alliance forces and “deterrence,” and were not a response to any specific actions by Russia.
 
Right now, the enemy is rehearsing a future war that they themselves predict will begin in the 2030s. And the first strike will be against our western enclave. NATO considers the Kaliningrad Oblast to be an A2/AD (Anti-Access / Area Denial) zone. This is a territory protected by a layered defense system. Its elements include modern air defense systems, anti-ship missile complexes, and operational-tactical missile systems. This fortress must be capable of repelling attacks from the air, land, and sea. And attempts to seize it by force could lead to unacceptable losses in personnel and equipment. It would be very dangerous, costly, and slow.
 
Therefore, they are already conducting reconnaissance and looking for weaknesses in the enclave’s defenses. The composition of the NATO aviation group is indicative. With a high degree of probability, helicopters and fighter jets flew at different altitudes and speeds near the range of our radar systems, while reconnaissance aircraft were simultaneously trying to determine their locations. And the rare EA-37B electronic warfare aircraft (the US only has five) may have been practicing electronic suppression of communication and control systems of Russian troops in the Kaliningrad Oblast.
 
The most likely NATO plan in the event of a future conflict has been repeatedly mentioned: to blockade Kaliningrad and force Russia to try to reach it through the Suwalki Gap, which Europeans have been actively strengthening and mining for a couple of years. The calculation is that the army will expend all its offensive potential against these defensive lines, after which the demoralized enemy will be defeated by tanks, aviation, and artillery.
 
They still haven’t realized that war is different now. Before columns of tanks enter the Suwalki Gap, swarms of drones will fly out, which will nullify all enemy defenses. By the 2030s, we hope to have accumulated a sufficient reserve of these drones. Recently, Ukrainian media shared the impressions of Ukrainian border guards who participated in exercises with NATO forces. They played the role of the enemy and, according to them, completely outmaneuvered the Westerners with drones. They may be lying, but the lack of practical experience in the new type of warfare among NATO armies is a fact.
 
However, they still have time to prepare. As do we. If you want peace, prepare for war.

 
https://x.com/STANISKRAPIVNIK/status/2090890941691220090

Posted by: unimperator | Aug 22 2026 7:20 utc | 95

Good discussion here.
The Duran
Ukraine Encirclement, Slavyansk and Kramatorsk on the Brink

The Duran: Episode 2604
00:00:00 Front line situation overview
00:00:27 Von der Leyen claims Russia is losing
00:02:40 Battle for Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia
00:05:22 Battle for Dobropillya in western Donbas
00:06:42 Encirclement forming near Sloviansk and Kramatorsk
00:07:51 Witkoff and Kushner trip to Moscow
00:09:10 Russia demands full capitulation from Ukraine
00:11:34 Why the Witkoff Kushner mission will fail
00:12:11 Ukraine plan to drone swarm Moscow airports
00:14:05 Why the Moscow drone plan will fail
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EyMb0__tRQ

Posted by: unimperator | Aug 22 2026 9:53 utc | 97

Ukraine has not hit a single civilian target in Russzia.
 
90% of Russian strikes are against civilian targets in Ukraine.
 
Russia has literally demolished 15% of Ukraine – you can see it from ******* space.
 
Meanwhile, Russzia is in the process of losing the war.
 
When you’re winning you don’t have to bomb shopping malls and children’s hospitals.
 
That’s what terrorists do when they are losing.
 
Only 29% of gas stations in all of Russia are open today. The rest are OUT OF GAS.
 
This is gonna be hell on the harvest and keeping Russzia from collapsing this winter/
 
Russzia is literally collapsing.  They should have gone home a long time ago.
 
 
Zero Hedge comment.  A whole lot punchier than I get in England from the  Russia delenda est pages of the  Economist or the Times.   So’s this selection of comments – 
 

– Take a close look at the first image.  Zoom in and out.  Look around the perimeter.  There does not appear to be a parking lot suitable for a shopping mall.  Also, there are structures on what’s left of the roof that one would not expect to find atop a shopping mall. Ukraine took a hit and is trying to turn it into propaganda for Russophobes.
 

 
– Also, look at the first video clip.  Freeze it at 2 seconds, just as the explosion occurs.  Zoom and look at the roof again.  A bunch of structures that would not be on top of a shopping mall.  There’s a metal tower of some sort adjacent to the building.  At the bottom, there is some sort of parking structure that has been constructed beneath the prominent treeline. The signage along the front is probably a decoy.  It’s not a shopping mall.
 

– Impossible to say

– I dunno. For sure is one strange looking shopping mall.
 

 But the Russia delenda est contingent comes back strong –
 
–  The Russian terrorists just bombed a shopping mall during business hours.
 
That’s terrorism plain and simple
 
……………………
 
A quick skim through that ZH  comment section shows the Russia delenda est contingent in the minority.  But that’s not the point.  The point is that that tiny self-selected group of Americans is not just a freakish anomaly.   All over the US, admittedly mostly outside the Beltway and the American press, similar debate on all issues, even issues that we in Europe dare not discuss or may only discuss with caution, is to be found.  Free ranging and pointed debate that most of us in Europe look down on as crude and uninformed – I’ll bet most here do! –  but that does in fact show an understanding of reality that leaves us in Europe way behind.  
 
That’s a view that I’ve been tending to for a decade or so now.   It’s impossible not to look at the West and see a civilisation in terminal decline.  The notion that our salvation is somehow to come from the East is for children.  It can only come from ourselves and if it is to come, it will not come from the heavily conformist and blinkered peoples of Europe, trapped as they are in parochial feuds and  orthodoxies long past their use by date.   If it is to come at all, it will emerge from the turbulent debate now raging across the Atlantic. 
 

Posted by: English Outsider | Aug 22 2026 12:04 utc | 99