"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-
"#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
"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
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
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
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/
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
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
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
"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
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.
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 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
“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
"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/
"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
"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
"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
"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 #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/
"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
"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
"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 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.
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
"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
"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
"#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
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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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/
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
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/
"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
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
@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.
Norobiik @
mike805