And of course the #UkraineWar and the #Russia #sanctions have nothing to do with it 🙄 #Ukraine

An economic adviser to Russian leader Vladimir #Putin has criticised the country’s central bank, suggesting that it is to blame for the weakness of the #rouble and setting the stage for monetary policy tightening.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2023/aug/14/uk-employers-pay-rises-bank-of-england-ftse-100-china-property-mortgage-interest-rates-business-live?page=with:block-64d9e8958f08e1f5a10e7d70#block-64d9e8958f08e1f5a10e7d70

"#Russia invaded #Ukraine in February 2022, and #mines have since then been laid in the #BlackSea by the combatants. Romanian, Bulgarian and Turkish military diving teams have been defusing those that have drifted into their waters.

The sea is crucial for shipments of #grain, #oil and #OilProducts and is shared by #Bulgaria, #Romania, #Georgia and #Turkey, as well as Ukraine and #Russia." #UkraineWar

Romania deploys ship, chopper to find stray Black Sea mines
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romania-deploys-ship-chopper-find-stray-black-sea-mines-2023-08-14/

"It is believed that tens of thousands of Ukrainian men have left the country illegally since the full-scale war with #Russia started last February, many by paying bribes. On Friday, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr #Zelenskiy, fired every regional #MilitaryRecruitment head in the country, citing endemic #corruption in the apparatus." #DraftEvasion #UkraineWar #Ukraine

#Bribes and hiding at home: the Ukrainian men trying to avoid conscription
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/15/bribes-and-hiding-at-home-the-ukrainian-men-trying-to-avoid-conscription

"As long as the war continues it just gets worse for #Russia, the #RussianEconomy and the #rouble. Hiking policy rates won’t solve anything" -Timothy Ash, senior emerging markets sovereign strategy at Bluebay Asset Management in London #Ukraine #UkraineWar

As long as the war continues it just gets worse for Russia' – analysts
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2023/aug/15/uk-basic-wage-growth-russia-china-central-bank-interest-rates-business-live?page=with:block-64db515a8f08f412aaa9afc7#block-64db515a8f08f412aaa9afc7

Despite the threats, last week #Ukraine announced a "humanitarian corridor" in the #BlackSea to release #CargoShips that have been trapped in its ports, pledging full transparency to make clear they were serving no military purpose. #Russia #UkraineWar

Cargo ship leaves Ukrainian port despite Russian threat of attack
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/cargo-ship-leaves-ukrainian-port-despite-russian-threat-attack-2023-08-16/

"But elsewhere one thing is clear: since Vladimir #Putin launched his full-scale invasion of #Ukraine last February, #Moscow has had to resort to riskier and less conventional methods of spying, mainly because so many of the spies it had placed under diplomatic cover in #Europe have been expelled." #EU #espionage #UkraineWar

#Russia turning to #SleeperCells and unofficial agents
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/15/russia-turning-to-sleeper-cells-and-unofficial-agents

"#Ukraine will not be able to operate US-built #F16 #FighterJets this coming autumn and winter, air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat told Ukrainian television late on Wednesday." #UkraineWar

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/17/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-f-16-jets-russian-grain-price-attacks-usa?page=with:block-64dd96c68f0800b618b8af07#block-64dd96c68f0800b618b8af07

Only eight Ukrainian pilots are in the first batch which is short of a full squadron (12). Pilot skill isn't the problem, the bottleneck is the need for English language proficiency.

"#Ukraine had a small air force of Soviet-standard jets at the start of the war. It has actively sought the US-made #F16 fighter to help it counter Russian air superiority." #UkraineWar

US reportedly approves sending F-16 jets to Ukraine from #Denmark and #Netherlands
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/18/us-reportedly-approves-sending-f-16-jets-to-ukraine-from-denmark-and-netherlands

They let the monsters out.

"Concern that #convicts re-entering society after stints in #Ukraine will bring ‘wave of #murder, #rape and #DomesticViolence’" #Russia #UkraineWar

Russian women living in fear as convicted murderers freed to fight for #Wagner return
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/19/russian-women-wagner-convicts-war-ukraine

"Speaking at a joint news conference with Swedish Prime Minister #UlfKristersson in Harpsund, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) west of #Stockholm, #Zelensky said that test flights with Ukrainian pilots had already begun." #UkraineWar #Gripens4UA

#Ukraine discussing #JAS39Gripen fighter aircraft delivery with #Sweden, Zelensky says
https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-08-19-23/h_bf352abf9886552e08965c0c833b3b32

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/110560840749346334

"#Zelenskyy said #Ukraine on his Telegram channel that #Ukraine would get 42 jets, but the #Netherlands and #Denmark, in a joint statement announcing the deliveries, did not specify numbers" #UkraineWar

The Netherlands and Denmark will give #F16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the Dutch prime minister says
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-netherlands-f16-9252de3ad10357a41212262c560874aa

#Denmark to provide 19 #F16 jets to #Ukraine
#UkraineWar

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/8/20/russia-ukraine-war-live-drone-attacks-on-moscow-region

"There seems to be no end to the misery of Indian students who had to go back to war-torn #Ukraine to complete their medical degrees. They are increasingly facing the anger of sections of the local population who see #India as supporting #Russia in the war." #UkraineWar

'Go back': Indian students face anger in Ukraine as war drags on
https://m.timesofindia.com/city/bhopal/go-back-indian-students-face-anger-in-ukraine-as-war-drags-on/articleshow/102869353.cms

"#Washington announced its approval of the #F16 transfers on Friday, and training of #Ukraine pilots is set to begin this month, which may allow Ukraine to begin deploying the jets in early 2024." #UkraineWar

Ukraine ‘sky shield getting stronger’ as allies supply coveted F-16s
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/20/kyiv-hails-dutch-danish-decision-to-supply-f-16-jets-to-ukraine

In response to the Russian blockade, #Ukraine announced a "humanitarian corridor" hugging the sea's western coastline near #Romania and #Bulgaria. A #HongKong-flagged container ship stuck in #Odesa port since the invasion travelled the route last week without being fired upon. #UkraineWar

Ukraine may use new #BlackSea route for #GrainShipments - producers
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-may-use-new-black-sea-route-grain-shipments-producers-2023-08-21/

It's a no go - for now. Nicely timed, being announced after #Denmark & the #Netherlands committed to donating #F16's to #Ukraine.

#Sweden’s prime minister, #UlfKristersson, said on Monday that Sweden needs #JAS39Gripen planes for its own defence, noting that the country’s bid to join Nato has not been finalised. #UkraineWar #Gripens4UA

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/21/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-zelenskiy-f-16s-moscow-nuclear-threat?page=with:block-64e32f158f08111b4b786b42#block-64e32f158f08111b4b786b42

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/110919920735989765

"In the vision of the Air Force, it was stated that 128 fighters would be sufficient to replace the old fleet of equipment and be dispersed throughout the country's territory. This would be approximately four aviation brigades," Ignat stated in an interview with Radio Svoboda. #UkraineWar #F16

#Kyiv: #Ukraine needs 128 western fighter jets to protect its entire airspace
https://www.uawire.org/kyiv-ukraine-needs-128-western-fighter-jets-to-protect-its-entire-airspace

These bombers are irreplaceable, Russia can no longer build them.
----
"The Russian #Tu22 bomber that was destroyed can travel at twice the speed of sound and has been used extensively by #Russia to attack cities in #Ukraine.

#Moscow's defence ministry said in a statement that an attack by a 'copter-type UAV' took place at around 10:00 Moscow time (08:00 BST) on Saturday." #UkraineWar

Ukrainian drone destroys Russian supersonic bomber
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66573842

"There was no official confirmation of the report by Alexei Venediktov, the well-connected former head of the now-defunct Ekho Moskvy radio station.

Venediktov on his #Telegram channel said #Surovikin had been removed by official decree, without providing any further details." #Ukraine #UkraineWar

Prominent journalist says #Russia's Surovikin dismissed as head of aerospace forces
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/prominent-journalist-says-russias-surovikin-dismissed-head-aerospace-forces-2023-08-22/

"For years, Baltic leaders tried to warn their #NATO allies that #Russia posed a threat. As far back as 2007, #Estonia became one of the first countries targeted by a massive cyberattack. Authorities there had removed a 1947 monument honoring the Soviet Army as World War II liberators of Tallinn. The decision sparked protests by Russian speakers, and before long, Estonia’s internet became mysteriously paralyzed." #UkraineWar #Ukraine

Opinion: Russia’s uneasy neighbors https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/23/opinions/russia-neighbors-baltics-latvia-estonia-lithuania-ghitis/index.html

"Letting the #UkraineWar overshadow the struggle of #Belarus’s beleaguered opposition movement is playing into Alexander #Lukashenko’s hands, Sviatlana #Tsikhanouskaya tells the Guardian" #Ukraine #Russia

‘Belarus’s people are still resisting’: exiled leader calls for west’s support
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/aug/23/belarus-people-still-resisting-exiled-leader-sviatlana-tsikhanouskaya-calls-for-wests-support

"#JoeBiden has strongly suggested Vladimir #Putin’s involvement in the apparent death of Yevgeny #Prigozhin in a plane crash, as Ukrainian officials interpreted the incident as a warning to Russian 'elites' and flowers were laid for the late #Wagner chief outside the organisation’s #StPetersburg headquarters." #Russia #Ukraine

Biden points finger at Putin as Prigozhin’s reported death seen as a warning to ‘elites’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/24/wagner-boss-yevgeny-prigozhin-reported-killed-death-russia-biden-suggests-putin

"If confirmed, #Norway would become the third nation after the #Netherlands and #Denmark to announce donations of #F16 jets to #Ukraine." #UkraineWar

Norway will donate combat aircraft to Ukraine, reports Norwegian broadcaster TV2
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/24/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-wagner-yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-moscow-putin?page=with:block-64e72c078f08a1ac55462121#block-64e72c078f08a1ac55462121

"#Sweden should prepare to send #JAS39Gripen fighter jets to #Ukraine to help the country defend against the #RussianInvasion, although the Nordic nation must first complete its own #Nato accession process, Sweden’s opposition leader said on Thursday." #Gripen #UkraineWar #Gripens4UA

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/24/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-wagner-yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-moscow-putin?page=with:block-64e721458f08f3273b0853f8#block-64e721458f08f3273b0853f8

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/110927224980690427

The way it was done, there could be nothing "accidental" about it. It felt like an act of desperation and the wrong move to me. #Russia #Ukraine

#Prigozhin's presumed death will make #Wagner group a bigger threat and follows 'pattern'
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/24/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-wagner-yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-moscow-putin?page=with:block-64e734a28f08590bcc98cefe#block-64e734a28f08590bcc98cefe

"Milley, who is #Catholic, afterwards told reporters traveling with him that the visit meant a great deal to him, according to Milley’s spokesperson, Colonel Dave Butler.

The general, who is visiting several European countries, said the Pope was deeply concerned about the loss of life in #Ukraine, particularly of civilians, since #Russia invaded in February 2022."

#PopeFrancis discusses #UkraineWar and peace with US military chief
https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/pope-francis-discusses-ukraine-war-with-united-states-military-chief/

#Russia #Ukraine #UkraineWar

#US imposes sanctions on 13 people and entities over forced deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/25/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-ukrainian-drones-launched-over-crimea-says-russia-us-to-train-f-16-pilots-in-october?page=with:block-64e8401d8f08a1ac55462b68#block-64e8401d8f08a1ac55462b68

"#ORIKHIV AREA, #Ukraine, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Ukrainian forces believe they have broken through the most difficult line of Russian defences in the south and will now be able to advance more quickly, a commander fighting in the south told Reuters." #UkraineWar

Ukraine will speed up advance on southern front -commander
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-will-speed-up-advance-southern-front-commander-2023-08-26/

"The #Vatican sought to defend #PopeFrancis on Tuesday after the pontiff sparked fury in #Ukraine by praising #Russia's imperial rulers — a history President Vladimir #Putin has invoked to justify his ongoing war.

The #Kremlin delighted in the controversy, which stemmed from comments Francis made to a group of young Russians urging them to see themselves as the heirs of a 'great' empire."

Vatican defends pope's praise of 'great' Russian empire after fury in Ukraine
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-praise-russian-empire-ukraine-putin-rcna102283

Planes in Russian city of #Pskov hit by drones

A #DroneAttack on the city of Pskov in northwestern #Russia has damaged four heavy transport planes, state media reported early on Wednesday, amid reports of explosions in regions south of #Moscow. | #UkraineWar #Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/30/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-drone-attacks-russian-planes-pskov-black-sea-boats?page=with:block-64ee8afd8f08b9a6738aa15d#block-64ee8afd8f08b9a6738aa15d

"A critical juncture has been reached in #Ukraine’s months-long counteroffensive. After weeks of difficult battles, Ukrainian forces have slowly edged south in the #Zaporizhia region, taking hamlet after hamlet as Russian forces try to keep them at bay." #UkraineWar #Russia

Ukraine’s months-long #counteroffensive at the crossroads
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/8/31/ukraines-months-long-counteroffensive-at-the-crossroads

#Ukraine’s foreign minister, #DmytroKuleba, has hit out at critics of #Kyiv’s tactics in its counteroffensive against #Russia’s invasion, saying they were spitting in the faces of Ukrainian soldiers and should “shut up”. #UkraineWar

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/aug/31/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-zelenskiy-corruption-military-medical-exemptions-moscow-drone-down?page=with:block-64f072a88f083bb275c21bd5#block-64f072a88f083bb275c21bd5

#TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Multiple air defense missile systems deployed by #Russia on two disputed islands off northern #Japan in 2020 have been moved off the isles, an analysis of satellite images showed #Thursday, raising the possibility that Moscow is repurposing weapons from its Far East for use in the war against #Ukraine. #UkraineWar #NorthernTerritories #SouthernKurils

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230831/p2g/00m/0in/086000c

In 2021, when Muratov co-received the #NobelPeacePrize, he dedicated the award to #NovayaGazeta’s “fallen” journalists who “gave up their lives for their profession”.

Since 2000, Novaya Gazeta has seen six of its journalists and contributors killed, including investigative reporter #AnnaPolitkovskaya, who was shot dead in #Moscow on President Vladimir #Putin’s birthday. #Ukraine

#Russia adds #Nobel prize-winning journalist #DmitryMuratov to list of ‘foreign agents’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/02/russia-adds-nobel-prize-winning-journalist-dmitry-muratov-to-list-of-foreign-agents

"A by-product of #uranium enrichment, depleted uranium is used for #ammunition because its extreme density gives rounds the ability to easily penetrate armor plating and self-ignite in a searing cloud of dust and metal.

While depleted uranium is #radioactive, it is considerably less so than naturally occurring uranium, although particles can linger for a considerable time." #UkraineWar

Exclusive-US to send controversial depleted-uranium munitions to #Ukraine -sources
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/exclusive-us-to-send-controversial-depleted-uranium-munitions-to-ukraine-sources/ar-AA1g7nbt

"#Armenia's security architecture was 99.999% linked to #Russia, including when it came to the procurement of arms and ammunition.

But today we see that Russia itself is in need of weapons, arms and ammunition (for the war in #Ukraine) and in this situation it's understandable that even if it wishes so, the Russian Federation cannot meet Armenia's security needs."

Armenian PM says depending solely on Russia for security was 'strategic mistake'
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/armenian-pm-says-depending-solely-russia-security-was-strategic-mistake-2023-09-03/

"But #Russia's slide and #Indonesia's ascent are both driven in large part by the same thing: people. Russia is suffering from acute brain drain while Indonesia's labor force is growing," the Council wrote.

"In particular, Indonesia's educated professional class is growing while Russia's is shrinking." #UkraineWar #Ukraine #TootSEA

Russia's massive #BrainDrain is ravaging the #economy - these stunning figures show why it will soon be smaller than Indonesia's
https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-economy-brain-drain-labor-shortage-workforce-exodus-capital-flight-2023-9

In his resignation letter, #Reznikov provided an overview of his 22 months in the post, praising #Ukraine’s fierce wartime resistance against Russian forces and his ministry’s lobbying efforts to secure vital military aid from the west, Reuters reported. #UkraineWar

Ukraine's defence minister submits resignation letter
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/sep/04/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-izmail-port-attack-putin-erdogan-talks-wheat?page=with:block-64f5845d8f083bb275c243b9#block-64f5845d8f083bb275c243b9

Superficially, the roughly 24,000 active-duty personnel in the Swedish armed forces might not seem a major addition to a defensive alliance already estimated to draw on more than 3.5 million personnel. But that would overlook #Sweden’s decades of ‘armed neutrality,’ which has left the country far better equipped than most its size. #Ukraine #Russia

When Sweden Officially Joins #NATO, It Will Bring More Than Meatballs to the Table
https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a44546660/what-sweden-joining-nato-means/