"In the survey, carried out by Kantar Public, 53 percent of those questioned said that burning holy scriptures of any religion in public should be prohibited, while 34 percent answered that it should be allowed, and 13 percent were undecided." #Sweden #NATO

Most Swedes want ban on #Quran burnings after global outcry
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/6/most-swedes-want-ban-on-quran-burnings-after-global-outcry

Most Swedes want ban on Quran burnings after global outcry

Opinion is shifting amid an international political fallout over the burnings and a spike in new applications.

Al Jazeera

"This week, Volodymyr #Zelenskiy hit out against critics who say his #counteroffensive has been slow and underwhelming. The Ukrainian president pointed out that his country’s battlefield success was directly dependent on western supplies of heavy weapons."

‘We need #Russia’s complete defeat’: Ukrainian forces upbeat on the frontline | #UkraineWar | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/07/we-need-russias-complete-defeat-ukrainian-forces-on-the-frontline-

‘We need Russia’s complete defeat’: Ukrainian forces upbeat on the frontline

As the counteroffensive slowly advances, those doing the fighting call for more arms from the west

The Guardian

"#Telegram is the opposite of mainstream platforms such as #Facebook: it gives free rein to content makers, deplatforming them only for illegal #pornography, #scams or #spam, and calls for #violence. This has made the platform a haven for those escaping censorship from autocrats but also for extremists, conspiracy theorists, and criminals." #Russia #UkraineWar

Telegram has become a window into war - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/7/23786422/telegram-russia-war-news-blogging-censorship-disinformation

Telegram has become a window into war

Messaging app Telegram has become a key channel for spreading news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including the march of Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The Verge
"Mercenary fighters of Yevgeny #Prigozhin’s #Wagner group are preparing to move to #Belarus under the terms of a deal that defused their mutiny against #Russia’s military leadership, a senior commander of the group was quoted as saying." #UkraineWar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/08/russia-ukraine-war-live-ukraine-makes-tactically-significant-gains-in-bakhmut-says-us-thinktank-as-war-enters-500th-day?page=with:block-64a945478f0850c66ca2e825#block-64a945478f0850c66ca2e825
Russia-Ukraine war live: Rishi Sunak says UK discourages use of cluster bombs after US agrees to send them to Ukraine

Counteroffensive makes ground in previously lost areas, says Institute for the Study of War; Volodymyr Zelenskiy wins Turkey’s support for Nato membership

the Guardian

"The #WhiteHouse argument is simple: that the end justifies the means. #Ukraine is burning through its available supply of conventional artillery shells. #Washington’s money pit is not bottomless and public patience is not inexhaustible." #UkraineWar

End justifies means for #Biden in sending #ClusterBombs to Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/07/biden-ukraine-cluster-bombs-us-military

End justifies means for Biden in sending cluster bombs to Ukraine

Decision to approve cluster munitions, lambasted by rights groups, exposes feeling in Washington that war is reaching crunch time

The Guardian

Home at last 👏 End of the war soon 😁

"The Ukrainian defenders held out in tunnels and bunkers under the #Azovstal steel plant, until they were finally ordered by #Kyiv to surrender in May last year.

#Moscow freed some of them in September in a prisoner swap brokered by #Ankara, under terms that required the commanders to remain in #Turkey until the end of the war."

Moscow denounces return of Mariupol commanders sent to Turkey in prisoner swap | #UkraineWar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/08/ukraine-brings-home-five-commanders-captured-in-mariupol-siege

Moscow denounces return of Mariupol commanders sent to Turkey in prisoner swap

President Zelenskiy flies men back to Ukraine as Russia says Turkey has violated terms

The Guardian

This is a major, major ask from Erdogan.

"Turkish President Recep Tayyip #Erdogan says his country could approve #Sweden’s membership in #NATO if European nations 'open the way' to Turkey’s bid to join the #EuropeanUnion" #UkraineWar

#Turkey’s Erdogan demands #EU membership talks for backing Swedish #NATO bid
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230710-sweden-s-pm-tries-to-break-turkish-resistance-in-nato-talks

Sweden's PM tries to break Turkish resistance in NATO talks

Sweden's prime minister will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday in a last-gasp attempt to bridge a diplomatic impasse over his Nordic state's stalled NATO membership drive.

France 24

Hands down, the best fighting force in Europe. The #Philippines should learn from them.

"#Europe would thus be wise to incorporate commercially available software into its defense planning and military operations, as #Ukraine has so adroitly done, demonstrating that laying cutting edge #software over older generations of hardware can significantly improve performance." #UkraineWar

Ukraine has set the standard on #SoftwarePower
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-has-set-the-standard-on-software-power-russia-war/

Ukraine has set the standard on software power

Whatever capabilities European NATO members are rushing to procure won’t be enough to deter adversaries unless they heed a salient lesson — the importance of software and data in modern warfare.…

POLITICO

Sweden is in! And they will support Turkey’s accession to the #EU. Guess the #F16 fighter jets from the US are heading to Ankara soon.

"The surprise announcement ended nearly a year of brinkmanship by Turkey, which has insisted it will not accede to #Sweden’s application to join #Nato unless #Stockholm did more to clamp down on exiled Kurdish activists it accuses of terrorism." #UkraineWar

Turkey agrees to support Sweden’s Nato application
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/turkey-sweden-nato-application-proceed-erdogan

Turkey agrees to support Sweden’s Nato application

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to set aside his veto following last-ditch talks on the eve of the Nato summit in Vilnius, Lithuania

The Guardian

Got the chills reading this. It would explain a lot of things about the mutiny.

"A source in Russian occupied east #Ukraine, with knowledge of the matter, said this caused concern in the #Kremlin and provided impetus for a hastily negotiated end to the rebellion on the evening of 24 June, brokered by Belarusian President Alexander #Lukashenko." #Prigozhin #Putin #Russia #UkraineWar

#Wagner reached nuclear base to ‘raise stakes’ in mutiny: Ukraine spy chief
https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/wagner-reached-nuclear-base-to-raise-stakes-in-mutiny-ukraine-spy-chief/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

Wagner reached nuclear base to ‘raise stakes’ in mutiny: Ukraine spy chief

In an exclusive interview, Ukraine's head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said that the Wagner fight

EURACTIV

No invitation or timetable yet. The cancelation of the requirement for a Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a major concession to Ukraine.

'#Ukraine’s future is in #Nato', says ascension plan published by alliance #UkraineWar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/11/russia-ukraine-war-live-russia-missile-attack-kyiv-before-nato-zelenskiy?page=with:block-64ad72698f080a06e305d2c0#block-64ad72698f080a06e305d2c0

Russia-Ukraine war live: Ukraine’s future is with Nato, alliance says, and invitation will come ‘when allies agree’

Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg says alliance will issue invitation after ‘conditions are met’

the Guardian

"#G7 countries are expected to announce an 'international framework for #Ukraine’s long-term security arrangements” on the margins of the #Nato summit in #Vilnius on Wednesday, the #UK government said in a statement." #UkraineWar

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/12/russia-ukraine-war-live-zelenskiy-nato-invitation-membership-kyiv-missile-drone?page=with:block-64ae53338f08ce64897eaac5#block-64ae53338f08ce64897eaac5

Russia-Ukraine war live: Zelenskiy set to meet key Nato leaders as Russia strikes Kyiv for second night in a row

Alerts issued as Kyiv defends itself from drone attack; Ukrainian president to meet with leaders after Nato membership rebuff

the Guardian

"When #Ukraine’s President Volodymyr #Zelensky returned from a visit to #Turkey last weekend, he did not board the plane alone. Joining him were five former #Azov commanders, captured by #Russia in the 2022 siege of #Mariupol and later handed over to Turkey in a prisoner exchange. Their return to Ukraine was a major diplomatic win for Ukraine and a slap in the face for Russia" #UkraineWar

Azov commanders return home
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230712-azov-commanders-return-home-a-diplomatic-win-for-ukraine-a-slap-in-the-face-for-russia

Azov commanders return home: A diplomatic win for Ukraine, a slap in the face for Russia

When Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky returned from a visit to Turkey last weekend, he did not board the plane alone. Joining him were five former Azov commanders, captured by Russia in the 2022 siege of Mariupol and later handed over to Turkey in a prisoner exchange. Their return to Ukraine was a major diplomatic win for Ukraine and a slap in the face for Russia, who has since accused Turkey of violating the terms of the deal to score points with the West.

France 24

Ben Wallace has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine from the very beginning of the #UkraineWar.
---
"#VILNIUS#Ukraine must show “gratitude” to its allies, despite its disappointment over the way #NATO framed #Kyiv’s future membership prospects, in order to maintain long-term Western public and political support, the British defense secretary warned on Wednesday." #UK #BenWallace

Ukraine must show ‘gratitude’ to the West to keep support, UK defense minister warns
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-show-gratitude-west-support-ben-wallace-nato/

Ukraine must show ‘gratitude’ to the West to keep support, UK defense minister warns

Ben Wallace cautioned that Kyiv should rein in its disappointment over NATO’s language on joining the alliance.

POLITICO

"#Ukraine had achieved a lot at the summit: a commitment from all members of the #G7 to continue with military and economic aid long term, an agreement to start a training programme for its pilots on western #F16 jets with the help of 11 countries, a €700m (£600m) #MilitaryAid package from #Germany and many other fresh pledges, as well as a formal promise that 'Ukraine’s future is in #Nato.' " #UkraineWar

#Zelenskiy forced to recalibrate to avert Nato summit falling-out
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/12/zelenskiy-forced-to-recalibrate-to-avert-nato-summit-falling-out-ukraine

Zelenskiy forced to recalibrate to avert Nato summit falling-out

Ukrainian president’s frustration threatened to overshadow meeting – and did not go unnoticed by other leaders

The Guardian

“Russian forces have captured a total of 282 square kilometers in the entire theater since January 1. In five weeks, Ukrainian forces have liberated nearly the same amount of territory that Russian forces captured in over six months,” the ISW said. #UkraineWar

Analysis: #Ukraine rolls back 6 months of Russian gains in 5 weeks
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/12/analysis-ukraine-rolls-back-6-months-of-russian-gains-in-5-weeks

Analysis: Ukraine rolls back 6 months of Russian gains in 5 weeks

Assessment of Ukraine’s counteroffensive suggests it has retaken 253sq km (98sq miles) of its territory since June.

Al Jazeera

"Such public criticism of #Russia’s military leadership from a battle-hardened general less than three weeks since the #Wagner mutiny indicates the level of discontent within the Russian army as it fights the biggest land war in #Europe since #WorldWarTwo." #UkraineWar

Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in #Ukraine
https://www.rappler.com/world/europe/russian-general-popov-dismissed-after-accusing-top-brass-failing-soldiers/

Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine

(1st UPDATE) 'The senior chiefs apparently sensed some kind of danger from me and quickly concocted an order from the defense minister in just one day and got rid of me,' says Major General Ivan Popov

RAPPLER

"Nearly a dozen European countries that pledged this week to train Ukrainian pilots are still waiting on the #US to formally approve the program before instruction on American #F16 fighter jets can begin, according to U.S. and European officials involved in the discussions." #UkraineWar

#Europe still waiting on U.S. to formally approve F-16 training
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/14/europe-us-f16-training-00106433?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social

Europe still waiting on U.S. to formally approve F-16 training

A coalition of 11 nations, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, formally agreed to train Ukrainians to fly F-16s and potentially other fighter aircraft at the NATO summit.

POLITICO

"A United States ally and rising arms exporter, #SouthKorea has faced renewed pressure to provide weapons to #Ukraine, which Yoon’s administration has resisted in favour of humanitarian and financial aid, wary of #Russia’s influence over #NorthKorea." #UkraineWar

South Korea’s President Yoon in Ukraine to meet #Zelenskyy
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/15/south-koreas-president-yoon-in-ukraine-to-meet-zelenskyy?sf180137380=1

South Korea’s Yoon promises $150m aid after Zelenskyy talks

President Yoon pledges to ‘expand the scale’ of his country’s humanitarian and non-lethal military aid to Ukraine.

Al Jazeera

"Ukrainian media outlets cited unnamed sources suggesting the Ukrainian domestic security service, along with the navy, had been responsible for the attack. Some reports suggested underwater #drones may have been used." #UkraineWar

Two dead after explosions on #KerchBridge linking #Crimea and #Russia
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/17/explosions-reportedly-hit-crimeas-kerch-bridge-as-russia-cites-emergency-situation

Two dead after explosions on Kerch Bridge linking Crimea and Russia

Only direct overland link damaged as Russia says it will pull out of UN-brokered grain deal

The Guardian

"The #CrimeanTatars are the Turkic-speaking native people of #Crimea, absorbed by the #Mongol #GoldenHorde in the 13th century. They adopted #Islam and broke away as the powerful Crimean Khanate in the 15th century. After Russian annexation in 1783, the process of persecution and expulsion began under imperial rule, and it was continued under the #SovietUnion." #UkraineWar

The underground Crimean Tatar group taking up arms against #Russia
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/17/the-underground-crimean-tatar-group-taking-up-arms-against-russia

The underground Crimean Tatar group taking up arms against Russia

The Atesh guerrilla group is active behind Russian lines, and leaders of the Indigenous movement say they are ready if they can get the weapons

The Guardian

"The #Vatican statement's mention of humanitarian initiatives and children appeared to be a reference to #Kyiv's request - and the Vatican's willingness - to help with the repatriation of Ukrainian #children." #UkraineWar #CatholicChurch #PopeFrancis

Papal envoy to visit #Washington to talk Ukraine peace
https://www.reuters.com/world/papal-envoy-visit-washington-talk-ukraine-peace-2023-07-17/

Papal envoy to visit Washington to talk Ukraine peace

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, tasked by Pope Francis to help bring peace to Ukraine, was heading to Washington on Monday to meet U.S. officials as a follow up to his talks in Kyiv and Moscow, the Vatican said.

Reuters

"With traffic jams building up, officials proposed that tourists drive 400km (250 miles) through territories held by the Russian army, some seriously affected by fighting, AFP reports." #UkraineWar

Russian officials on Monday encouraged holidaymakers stranded in #Crimea to drive home through occupied #Ukraine after explosions damaged the #KerchBridge, connecting the Crimean peninsula to #Russia, halting traffic.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/17/russia-ukraine-war-live-crimean-bridge-emergency-traffic-stops-explosion?page=with:block-64b534638f08742a26fe8d86#block-64b534638f08742a26fe8d86

Russia-Ukraine war live: two killed in Crimean bridge explosion; Russia pulls out of Black Sea grain deal

Russia-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov says ‘measures’ being taken to restore ‘situation’ at bridge; Kremlin says part of agreements concerning Russia ‘have not been implemented’

the Guardian

"In a statement, the #UN secretary general, #AntónioGuterres expressed his 'deeply regret' at the #RussianFederation’s decision to withdraw from the #BlackSea grain deal, saying hundreds of millions of people facing a global cost-of-living crisis 'will pay the price' . " #UkraineWar #Russia

Hundreds of millions 'will pay the price' of Russia's withdrawal from Black Sea grain deal, UN says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/17/russia-ukraine-war-live-crimean-bridge-emergency-traffic-stops-explosion?page=with:block-64b559038f08742a26fe8fa6#block-64b559038f08742a26fe8fa6

Russia-Ukraine war live: millions ‘will pay price’ of Russian Black Sea grain deal exit, UN says; two dead in Kerch bridge explosion

António Guterres says he ‘deeply regrets’ grain deal decision; Russia-installed governor says measures being taken to restore ‘situation’ at bridge

the Guardian

"As these losses have piled up — and as it lacks the capacity to refurbish more modern #tanks at the rates needed — #Moscow has increasingly brought outdated Soviet-era #T54, #T55 and #T62 tanks out of storage and to the frontline, even as #Ukraine receives increasingly advanced artillery from its Western allies." #UkraineWar

#Russia Sends Obsolete Tanks to Battle in Ukraine Amid Staggering #Artillery Losses
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/07/17/russia-sends-obsolete-tanks-to-battle-in-ukraine-amid-staggering-artillery-losses-a81862

Russia Sends Obsolete Tanks to Battle in Ukraine Amid Staggering Artillery Losses

Russia has resorted to sending aging, Soviet-made tanks to the battlefield in Ukraine in a desperate bid to compensate for its staggering artillery losses, experts and analysts have said — to mixed effectiveness.

The Moscow Times

Russia really doesn't want the Black Sea grain exports to continue.

"#Russia aimed several waves of #ShahedDrones and six #Kalibr cruise missiles at the #BlackSea port city of #Odesa overnight, #Ukraine’s Operational Command South has said, with all shot down by air defences." #UkraineWar

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/18/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-airstrikes-crimea-kerch-bridge-explosions-reopens-latest-news?page=with:block-64b624588f0820b061204ed7#block-64b624588f0820b061204ed7

Russia-Ukraine war live: Moscow launches wave of airstrikes; Crimea bridge partially reopens after explosion

Road traffic partially restored on key bridge damaged by explosion

the Guardian

"The so-called #SolidarityLanes" are designed to provide alternative land routes for the exportation of Ukrainian #grain after #Moscow blockaded docks in the #BlackSea region.

The measures include new border posts, flexible customs checks, logistics support, prioritization of Ukrainian agricultural exports and new storage facilities on the #EU’s side of the border." #UkraineWar

EU will expand solidarity lanes after #Russia's withdrawal of Ukraine #GrainDeal
https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-07-18-23/h_691ed27f343d2528ab857b45015dd596

July 18, 2023 Russia-Ukraine news

Russia launched an attack on Odesa early Wednesday, the second night in a row the southern Ukrainian city has been targeted.

CNN

"Despite their mutual fury toward #Putin, Ukrainian activists and Russian dissidents are largely avoiding each other. There’s little cooperation and no serious coalition building. Instead, there’s tremendous suspicion on the Ukrainian side and defensiveness from the Russians." #UkraineWar #Russia #Ukraine

They oppose Putin. But Ukrainians won’t work with them
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/18/ukrainian-activists-russian-dissidents-00106679?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social

They oppose Putin. But Ukrainians won’t work with them.

Many Ukrainians say their problem with Russia extends far beyond the autocrat who runs the place.

POLITICO

"#Russia’s withdrawal on Monday, which included revoking its guarantees for safe navigation, also ended a pact between the #UnitedNations and #Moscow in which U.N. officials agreed to help Russian food and fertilizer exports reach world markets." #BlackSea #UkraineWar

UN says ideas 'floated' on how to get Ukraine, Russia grain to world | Inquirer Business
https://business.inquirer.net/410984/un-says-ideas-floated-on-how-to-get-ukraine-russia-grain-to-world

UN says ideas ‘floated’ on how to get Ukraine, Russia grain to world

UNITED NATIONS  -There are a "number of ideas being floated" to help get Ukrainian and Russian grain and fertilizer to global markets after Moscow quit a deal allowing the safe Black

INQUIRER.net

It just might work 🤔

"Suspilne reports that #Ukraine is considering the possibility of a #GrainCorridor through the territorial waters of #Romania and #Bulgaria, after #Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal. It cited Ukraine’s ambassador to #Turkey" #UkraineWar

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/19/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-moscow-attacks-odesa-crimea-military-base-fire-evacuation-kirovske-tavrida-highway?page=with:block-64b79ea88f08ed3a541d254c#block-64b79ea88f08ed3a541d254c

Russia-Ukraine war live: Lavrov to replace Putin at South Africa summit amid ICC arrest warrant

South Africa had previously asked the ICC for permission not to arrest Putin at the BRICS summit

the Guardian

"Warning comes after #Moscow says all ships sailing to Ukrainian ports could be seen as ‘involved’ in conflict after it pulled out of the #UN-backed grain deal" #GrainCorridor #UkraineWar

#Russia may attack civilian #ships in #BlackSea and blame #Ukraine, US warns
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/20/russia-may-attack-civilian-ships-in-black-sea-and-blame-ukraine-us-warns

Ukraine signals readiness to fight on Black Sea after Russia threatens ships

Kyiv says it could target all shipping out of Russian-held ports, mirroring Moscow’s threat on Wednesday

The Guardian

"Not only they withdraw from the grain agreement in order to export grain from #Ukraine, but they are burning the grain,” Borrell said.
“What we already know is that this is going to create a big, a huge #FoodCrisis in the world,” he continued. #UkraineWar

"A barbarian attitude:" Russian attack on #Odesa causing “destruction of grain storage," #EU says
https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-07-20-23/h_a8233b228c78f365a8206f51fc8800e5

Latest news on Russia's war in Ukraine, Odesa strikes

A series of explosions roared through a Russian ammunition storage facility in occupied Crimea on Wednesday, forcing thousands of residents of nearby areas to flee. Follow here for live updates

CNN
Russia-Ukraine war live: UN security council to meet over ‘humanitarian consequences’ of grain deal collapse

Statement comes after Russia decided against renewing the Black Sea deal

the Guardian

"The number of #ATACMS in American stockpiles is fixed, awaiting replacement with the next generation, longer-range Precision Strike Missile, called the Prism, for PrSM, which is expected to enter service by the end of this year, officials said. #LockheedMartin Martin still manufactures 500 ATACMS each year, but all of that production is destined for sale to other countries." #UkraineWar

#US 'holds firm on refusal' to provide & #Ukraine with long-range missiles
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/23/russia-ukraine-war-live-one-killed-in-odesa-as-moscow-launches-fresh-strikes-putin-and-lukashenko-set-to-meet?page=with:block-64bcf9058f08ff360bcb32e2#block-64bcf9058f08ff360bcb32e2

Russia-Ukraine war live: one killed and cathedral in Odesa hit as Moscow launches fresh strikes

Another 19 wounded in overnight attack on the southern Ukrainian port city, governor says

the Guardian

"The flight of $239 billion from #Russia last year, including $13 billion in the pre-invasion month of January, was four times the amount that was pulled out of the country in 2021, according to the analysis." #UkraineWar

Russia Loses Record $253Bln in Wartime #CapitalFlight
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/07/24/russia-loses-record-253bln-in-wartime-capital-flight-a81948

Russia Loses Record $253Bln in Wartime Capital Flight

A record $253 billion has been pulled out of Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian Central Bank has said.

The Moscow Times

"Wojciechowski said 60% of #Ukraine’s exports were shipped via #SolidarityLanes and 40% went via the #BlackSea while the #UN backed grain deal was in operation.

The collapse of the deal is expected to take a particularly heavy toll on countries in #Africa that depended on deliveries by sea." #UkraineWar #Russia #BlackSea

EU ready to move almost all of Ukraine’s grain exports via solidarity lanes
https://www.rappler.com/world/europe/european-union-ready-move-almost-all-ukraine-grain-exports-solidarity-lanes/

EU ready to move almost all of Ukraine's grain exports via solidarity lanes

Solidarity lanes are rail and road transport connections through EU member states that border Ukraine

RAPPLER

This is a great video showing the evolution and capabilites of the Black Hornet drones soon heading to Ukraine.
----
"The PD-100 #BlackHornet is a nano UAV developed by Prox Dynamics. The Black Hornet offers intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to armed forces in mission critical operations. The UAV gives access to remote locations and provides situational awareness on the battle field." #Ukraine #UkraineWar

Nano UAV - Black Hornet - PD-100 PRS
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4o7mRg74qcY

Nano UAV - Black Hornet - PD-100 PRS

YouTube

This is definitely aimed at #Turkey.

"#Sweden's government has accused #Russia of running a disinformation campaign around the recent #QuranBurning protests, saying that it was intended to make it more difficult for the country to join the #Nato alliance." #Ukraine #UkraineWar

Sweden accuses Russia of inflaming Quran-burning crisis
https://www.thelocal.com/20230726/sweden-accuses-russia-of-inflaming-quran-burning-crisis/

Sweden accuses Russia of inflaming Quran-burning crisis

Sweden's government has accused Russia of running a disinformation campaign around the recent Quran-burning protests, saying that it was intended to make it more difficult for the country to join the Nato alliance.

The Local

"The New York Times cited unnamed #Pentagon officials as saying the 'main thrust' of the counteroffensive had now begun, with the Ukrainian army pouring thousands of western-trained and equipped reinforcements into a perceived weak spot in Russian defences in the #Zaporizhzhia region. " #CounterOffensive

#Ukraine steps up counteroffensive with new push south and around #Bakhmut | #UkraineWar | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/26/ukrainian-forces-appear-to-advance-closer-to-bakhmut

Ukraine steps up counteroffensive with new push south and around Bakhmut

Ukrainian official says every type of weapon in use, including US cluster munitions, as troops push forward

The Guardian

Erik Tollefsen, head of the committee's weapon contamination unit, said, "In one day, the flying machine can do the work of a dog in six months."

"While a #deminer will identify mines over an area of around 50 square meters in one day, the #drone will be able to do it in four flights and will have done the same work over 100,000 sq meters," Tollefsen said. #UkraineWar

#RedCross seeking to use #Japan #AI to detect #landmines in #Ukraine
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230727/p2g/00m/0sc/008000c

Red Cross seeking to use Japan AI to detect landmines in Ukraine - The Mainichi

GENEVA (Kyodo) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross seeks to utilize Japan-developed artificial intelligence technology to speed up the det

The Mainichi

“If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening,” he said. “I am extremely worried about what it could lead to.”

#Sweden’s embassy in #Baghdad was stormed and set on fire on 20 July by protesters angered by a planned #QuranBurning. #Russia #NATO #Ukraine

Swedish PM ‘extremely worried’ as more apply to burn #Quran https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/27/swedish-pm-extremely-worried-about-quran-burning-protests

Swedish PM ‘extremely worried’ as more apply to burn Qur’an

Ulf Kristersson says ‘there is a clear risk of something serious happening’ amid growing Muslim anger at the attacks on Islam’s holy book

The Guardian

"The latest sanctions follow similar embargoes announced by the #UnitedStates and #EU, Kuroda said.

Other items added to the export ban list include #steel, #plastic products, and #ElectronicParts 'that can be diverted to military use,' he added." #UkraineWar

#Japan on Friday announced an expanded list of $sanctions against #Russia that includes an export ban on hybrid and #ElectricVehicles.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/07/28/japan-expands-sanctions-on-russia-over-ukraine-invasion-a81988

Japan Expands Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

Japan on Friday announced an expanded list of sanctions against Russia that includes an export ban on hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Moscow Times

"#Russia's #WarInUkraine has disrupted the global supply of parts and raw materials needed to complete a variety of products - from #cars to #ComputerChips." #UkraineWar

#India and #Japan look to collaborate in building #semiconductors and resilient #SupplyChains
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/07/28/japan-expands-sanctions-on-russia-over-ukraine-invasion-a81988

Japan Expands Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

Japan on Friday announced an expanded list of sanctions against Russia that includes an export ban on hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Moscow Times

"Those taking part in the summit will include #Ukraine, as well as #Brazil, #India, #SouthAfrica and several other countries, the official said. A high-level official from #JoeBiden’s administration also is expected to attend, the official said." #UkraineWar

The Associated Press is reporting that #SaudiArabia will host a Ukrainian-organised #PeaceSummit in early August seeking to find a way to start negotiations
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/jul/30/russia-ukraine-war-live-drones-damage-moscow-buildings-in-early-morning-attack-putin-says-he-does-not-reject-peace-talks?page=with:block-64c5e8d38f085120bb1d979a#block-64c5e8d38f085120bb1d979a

Russia-Ukraine war live: drones damage Moscow buildings; Putin says Kremlin ‘building up the power of its navy’

Night-time drone attack damages two office blocks, one injured, say Russian officials

the Guardian

"The Swedish government said this month that it would examine whether it could change #Sweden's Public Order Act to give police the possibility to stop demonstrations that threatened Sweden's security." #NATO #Quran #QuranBurning

#Turkey urges Sweden to take steps to stop #KoranBurnings
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/turkey-urges-sweden-to-take-steps-to-stop-koran-burnings/ar-AA1eyNMx

MSN

"The towers, often unoccupied at night, are located further from the #Kremlin than other highly-defended government targets like the #MinistryOfDefence, where #Russia had stationed a Pantsir S-1 air defence system on the roof last year, and present a large, tall target." #UkraineWar #Ukraine

#Moscow tower hit for second time in fresh #DroneStrike, says mayor
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/01/moscow-hit-by-fresh-drone-strike-says-mayor

Drone hits Moscow tower housing ministries for second time, says mayor

Russian defence ministry blames Kyiv for attack as Ukrainian presidential adviser says Kremlin should expect ‘more war’

The Guardian

"A flock of #NATO aircraft carefully monitored the ships as they sailed toward #Izmail, a small Ukrainian port just across from #Romania on the #DanubeRiver. The vessels presumably will load grain in Izmail then sail back into the #BlackSea and onward to foreign ports." #UkraineWar

NATO Planes Watched As Three Civilian Ships Ran #Russia’s #NavalBlockade Of #Ukraine

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/07/31/nato-planes-watched-as-three-civilian-ships-ran-russias-naval-blockade-of-ukraine/?sh=31453e2c1b72

NATO Planes Watched As Three Civilian Ships Ran Russia’s Naval Blockade Of Ukraine

Sunday’s successful blockade run could signal to international shippers that it’s reasonably safe to resume operations from Ukrainian ports.

Forbes

"People living around the eastern Polish village of #Białowieża, close to the #Belarus border, shared accounts on social media of what they said were border violations before the defence ministry issued its statement." #Poland #NATO #Wagner

#Warsaw sends troops to border, accusing Belarus of violating its airspace
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/01/warsaw-sends-troops-to-border-accusing-belarus-of-violating-its-airspace

Warsaw sends troops to border, accusing Belarus of violating its airspace

Polish military says army helicopters crossed eastern flank, adding to tensions caused by proximity of Wagner fighters

The Guardian

Izmail port was hit again.

"In late July, Russian drones targeted the #Izmail, destroying a grain warehouses. And on Sunday, Ukrainian media reported several foreign cargo ships had arrived at the port from the #BlackSea for the first time since the expiration of the grain deal." #UkraineWar #Russia

Russian drones hit port, grain storage in #Ukraine’s #Odesa region – official
https://www.rappler.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-crisis-updates-august-2-2023/

Russian drones hit port, grain storage in Ukraine's Odesa region – official

'Russia is trying to cut Ukraine out of the future grain agreement and, most importantly, to strategically displace our country from the global food market,' says Serhiy Bratchuk, speaker of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army South

RAPPLER
Russia-Ukraine war live: Russian strikes cause fire at grain store in Odesa after drones shot down over Kyiv

Russia attacks port and grain storage facilities in Izmail after drones downed during an overnight attack on Kyiv

the Guardian

"This isn’t the first time an ally has insinuated #Ukraine needed to be more grateful to its allies.

Speaking to reporters at the #NATO summit in #Vilnius earlier this summer, British Defense Secretary #BenWallace said Ukraine must show 'gratitude' to its allies in order to maintain long-term Western public and political support." #Poland #UkraineWar

Ukraine summons Polish ambassador over ‘unacceptable’ comments about gratitude https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-summons-polish-ambassador-bartosz-cichocki-kyiv-over-unacceptable-comments/

Ukraine summons Polish ambassador over ‘unacceptable’ comments about gratitude

Polish official said Kyiv should ‘start appreciating the role Poland has played for Ukraine in recent months and years.’

POLITICO

“The summoning of the Polish ambassador — a representative of the country that was the only one left in #Kyiv on the day of #Russia’s invasion of #Ukraine — to the Ukrainian foreign ministry should never have happened,” Morawiecki said. #UkraineWar

#Zelenskyy urges cool heads as #Poland lashes out at Ukraine in gratitude spat
https://www.politico.eu/article/zelenskyy-restraint-poland-ukraine-agriculture-gratitude-spat/

Zelenskyy urges cool heads as Poland lashes out at Ukraine in gratitude spat

Polish PM slaps Kyiv down for summoning Warsaw’s ambassador.

POLITICO
Turkish President Recep Tayyip #Erdogan urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir #Putin in a call on Wednesday not to further escalate tensions, after #Moscow struck facilities vital for grain shipments from #Ukraine. #UkraineWar
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/08/02/erdogan-urges-putin-not-to-escalate-ukraine-war-tensions-a82038
Erdogan Urges Putin Not to Escalate Ukraine War Tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a call on Wednesday not to further escalate tensions, after Moscow struck facilities vital for grain shipments from Ukraine.  Erdogan was a key player in the now-collapsed deal that allowed for safe passage of Ukraine grain shipments on the Black Sea, and has positioned himself as an intermediary in the conflict.  The Turkish leader said "no steps should be taken that will escalate tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war."

The Moscow Times

The detailed training syllabus still has to be finalized and approved by the #US and it isn't clear yet which countries will actually transfer fighter jets to #Ukraine. #UkraineWar

#F16 questions remain as Ukrainian pilots set to start training this month
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/f-16-questions-remain-as-ukrainian-pilots-set-to-start-training-this-month/ar-AA1eDN4z

MSN

"Meanwhile, #Romania said on Thursday it will clear customs for up to 30 ships waiting to enter the country from Ukrainian ports on the River #Danube over the next two days, a sign that trade has not halted despite a Russian attack on #Ukraine’s main river port." #GrainCorridor #UkraineWar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/03/russia-ukraine-war-live-russia-deliberately-using-food-as-a-weapon-says-eu-massive-drone-attack-on-kyiv?page=with:block-64cb9e8b8f082f4d589125b8#block-64cb9e8b8f082f4d589125b8
Russia-Ukraine war live: Ukraine investigating Russia’s attacks on agriculture infrastructure as potential war crimes

Ukraine’s prosecutor general is investigating attacks on civilian infrastructure

the Guardian

"In 2023, #Ukraine supplied 80% of the wheat procured to support humanitarian operations in the most #FoodInsecure countries such as #Afghanistan, #Djibouti, #Ethiopia, #Kenya, #Somalia, #Sudan and #Yemen." #UkraineWar #BSGI #GrainCorridor #BlackSea

#Putin is using food as a weapon – but his cynical attempts to drum up forced allies will fail | Joseph Borrell
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/03/russia-food-vladimir-putin-black-sea-grain-initiative-eu-aid

Putin is using food as a weapon – but his cynical attempts to drum up forced allies will fail

By reneging on the Black Sea grain deal, Russia has driven up food prices around the world, says Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy

The Guardian
Russia-Ukraine war live: EU bans drone sales to Belarus and adds state TV presenters to sanctions list

Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, is close ally of Vladimir Putin and EU says regime is ‘accomplice in Russia’s unprovoked war’

the Guardian

"Experts given access to two units at Russian-held site one month after #Ukraine claimed there were devices on roofs" #IAEA #NuclearPlant #UkraineWar

#UN nuclear watchdog finds no explosives at #Zaporizhzhia plant
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/04/un-nuclear-watchdog-searches-for-explosives-at-zaporizhzhia-plant

UN nuclear watchdog finds no explosives at Zaporizhzhia plant

Experts given access to two units at Russian-held site month after Ukraine claimed there were devices on roofs

The Guardian
Russia-Ukraine war live: chemical tanker hit near Crimea as UK reports ‘significant blow’ to Russian fleet

Ukrainian drones said to strike ship in Kerch Strait just one day after Russian Black Sea fleet vessel struck

the Guardian

"#JPMorgan had handled some Russian #GrainExport payments for the past few months with reassurances from #Washington. However, that cooperation stopped this week, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Friday." #Ukraine

#Russia says JPMorgan Stopped Processing Its Grain Payments https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-says-jpmorgan-stopped-processing-its-grain-payments-/7212697.html

Russia Says JPMorgan Stopped Processing Its Grain Payments

Moscow demands action from Washington to help Russian grain and fertilizer reach global markets

Voice of America (VOA News)

@Norobiik Demining with drones is such an obvious idea I'm surprised it has taken this long.

In the combat situation, a basic remote controlled toy truck pulling a line of thick detonating cord forward would make a good modern day advance on the Bangalore Torpedo. The truck should have a claymore type device on the front so you can use it against a target and also clear the path from you to the target.