#XiJinping and #Biden expected to discuss #UkraineWar at #Apec meeting; #Germany says aid to #Ukraine will be ‘massively expanded’ in 2024
#RussiaUkraineWar at a glance: what we know on day 629 | Ukraine | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/14/russia-ukraine-war-at-a-glance-what-we-know-on-day-629
With built-in radar and twin 35mm autocannons, the Gepard is the ideal mobile antidrone defense system. #DroneWar #Jordan
#US Secures 60 #Gepard Anti-Aircraft Systems for #Ukraine in $118 Million Deal - Militarnyi
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/u-s-secures-60-gepard-anti-aircraft-systems-for-ukraine-in-118-million-deal/U.S.
Ms Politkovskaya, an investigative reporter and vocal critic of #Russia's war in #Chechnya, was shot in a lift in her block of flats.
Her reporting for #NovayaGazeta newspaper won international renown for her dogged investigation of Russian abuses in Chechnya.
#AnnaPolitkovskaya: Russian convicted of journalist murder gets pardon fighting in #Ukraine - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67414517?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA&utm_source=press.coop
image source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Politkovskaya
One of the world’s biggest accountancy firms helped #Russia’s “richest” #oligarch attempt to transfer £1bn in a public company on the day he was placed under #EUSanctions, leaked documents suggest. The disclosure raises serious questions about the role played by #PwC #Cyprus in a potential #SanctionsBreach.
#PriceWaterhouseCooper #Ukraine #UkraineWar #CyprusConfidential
PwC Cyprus moved £1bn for Russian tycoon on day he was put under sanctions | Business | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/14/pwc-cyprus-russian-tycoons-ukraine-invasion-sanctions
The role of the blue-chip accountants #PwC Cyprus and other advisers in managing transactions as Vladimir #Putin’s forces launched their assault has emerged from #CyprusConfidential, a cache of 3.6m files leaked by an anonymous source to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (#ICIJ) and Germany’s Paper Trail Media. #Russia #UkraineWar
#Cyprus to clamp down as investigation reveals oligarchs moved assets after #Ukraine invasion
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/14/cyprus-to-clamp-down-as-investigation-reveals-oligarchs-moved-assets-after-ukraine-invasion
The documents, and Seipel’s response, suggest the payments were for his work on a 2015 biography called #Putin: Inner Views of Power and a 2021 title, Putin’s Power: Why #Europe Needs #Russia, both originally written in German.
Seipel does not appear to have disclosed the payments to his publisher.
Top German journalist received €600,000 from Putin ally, leak reveals | #Germany
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/14/german-journalist-putin-hubert-seipel
The war in #Ukraine has backfired on #Russia in almost every conceivable way, from kickstarting #NATO expansion to affirming the Ukrainian national consciousness. If #Putin truly believes the future masters of #AI will be masters of the universe, the war’s closing of Russia’s narrow window to catch up in the field may be the most devastating consequence of all.
Putin Wants Russia to Win the #ArtificialIntelligence Race. Here’s Why it Won’t - The Moscow Times
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/14/putin-wants-russia-to-win-the-artificial-intelligence-race-heres-why-it-wont-a83103
It's also possible Russia doesn't have enough border guards anymore because of the war in #Ukraine.
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Russian border guards usually stop people without valid #EU visas from crossing into #Finland. But on Wednesday #Niinistö said he believed #Russia had started guiding asylum seekers towards Finnish crossing points in retaliation for #Helsinki’s plans to sign a defence cooperation agreement with #Washington.
Here are the latest developments:
#Ukraine says its forces have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the #DniproRiver - potentially allowing it to transfer vital equipment across the river
#Russia has been focusing its efforts on eastern Ukraine with fighting continuing around #Bakhmut and near #Donetsk
Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60506682
Here's to hoping Kherson will have a bombardment free Christmas this year 🕊️
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The Ukrainian armed forces have said they have carried out “successful actions” on the east bank of the #DniproRiver.
The river has been the de facto front line in southern #Ukraine since Russian forces withdrew from the #Kherson region last November.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/nov/17/russia-ukraine-war-live-thousands-of-ukrainian-children-taken-to-belarus-yale-research-shows?page=with:block-655725788f08945e7e4d0eec#block-655725788f08945e7e4d0eec
#Girkin, who is also known by the alias #IgorStrelkov, has repeatedly said #Russia faces revolution and even civil war unless Vladimir #Putin’s military leadership fights the war in #Ukraine more effectively.
Pro-war Russian nationalist Igor Girkin says he wants to run for president
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/nov/19/russia-ukraine-war-live-wave-of-drone-attacks-on-kyiv-for-second-night?page=with:block-6559dd648f08ee81dbe5b004#block-6559dd648f08ee81dbe5b004
...cheerfully assisted by the Russian army who sells them bicycles and tells them where to go. Finland will have to seal it's Russia border soon. #Ukraine #NATO
Asylum seekers biking into #Finland from #Russia
https://euobserver.com/world/157712?utm_source=euobs&utm_medium=rss
Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo spoke to reporters at a border post in #Kuhmo today, amid concerns about the arrival of asylum seekers via #Russia.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/nov/20/europe-far-right-victory-argentina-javier-milei-live?page=with:block-655b7cb28f086b1ccf455522#block-655b7cb28f086b1ccf455522
#HELSINKI (Reuters) - Dozens of #migrants stood behind barriers at two crossings on #Finland's border with #Russia on Saturday, the Finnish Border Guard said, after Helsinki erected barricades to halt a flow of asylum seekers it says was instigated by #Moscow. #Russia #Ukraine #NATO
Unlike other instances where #Congress tends to quickly approve urgently needed aid, lawmakers in both parties are now openly questioning whether an emergency package for #Israel and #Ukraine can get done at all. #US
Fears grow in Congress over Ukraine and Israel aid amid dispute over #immigration and spending cuts | CNN Politics
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/21/politics/congress-israel-ukraine-aid-border/index.html
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Wednesday that as of the end of Friday, only its northernmost border crossing with #Russia, Raja-Jooseppi, will remain open.
#RajaJooseppi is the northernmost [border crossing], and it requires a real effort to get there,” Orpo said at a press conference. #NATO #Ukraine
#Finland to close all but one of its border crossings with Russia | Migration News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/22/finland-to-close-all-but-one-of-its-border-crossings-with-russia
#EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said this week that the challenges on #Finland’s border gave her a feeling of “deja vu,” two years after #Belarus began driving migrants into #Latvia, #Lithuania and #Poland in what European officials said was an attempt to destabilize the 27-nation bloc. #NATO #Ukraine
EU sends border police reinforcements to Finland over fears that #Russia is behind a migrant influx
https://apnews.com/article/finland-russia-border-frontex-guards-2fc202b3a900d6887e0152b235a0a00d
The European Union’s border agency says that it will send dozens of officers and equipment as reinforcements to Finland to help police its borders amid suspicion that Russia is behind an influx of migrants arriving to the country. Frontex said Thursday that it expects a “significant reinforcement” made up of 50 border guard officers and other staff along with patrol cars and additional equipment to be put in place as soon as next week. Around 600 migrants without proper visas and documentation have arrived in Finland so far this month compared to a few dozen in September and October. They include people from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Kenya, Morocco and Somalia.
The Nordic country has already taken decisions to close seven stations, leaving open only the northernmost remote border point, #RajaJooseppi in #Lapland. #NATO #Ukraine
#Finland Warns Border to Be Sealed If #Russia Keeps Up Pressure
https://news.yahoo.com/finland-warns-border-sealed-russia-195403617.html
The many weaknesses in the Russian economy nonetheless remain apparent. #GDP has not grown above pre-2014 levels because of Western financial sanctions and its odious #kleptocracy. It is not very stable. The exchange rate of the #ruble jumps like a yo-yo. The underlying reason for this is massive #CapitalFlight, #Russia’s exclusion from international financial markets, and its limited liquid reserves. #Ukraine #UkraineWar
Why the Russian #Economy’s Luck is Running Out
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/21/why-the-russian-economys-luck-is-running-out-a83165
Russian authorities will transport 55 asylum seekers who were waiting to cross the now-closed #Salla border crossing with #Finland to the last open crossing in the north of the #Murmansk region, its governor announced Friday. #RajaJooseppi #NATO #Ukraine
#Russia to Transport Dozens of Migrants to Last Open Finnish Border Checkpoint - The Moscow Times
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/24/russia-to-transport-dozens-of-migrants-to-last-open-finnish-border-checkpoint-a83217
Russian authorities will transport 55 asylum seekers who were waiting to cross the now-closed Salla border crossing with Finland to the last open crossing in the north of the Murmansk region, its governor announced Friday. Another 200 foreign nationals who were unable to cross the border have decided to stay in Russia and will be provided with a bus connection to St.
Additional concrete barriers were placed on the bridge connecting #Estonia and #Russia on Friday evening as preparations continue for a possible future closure of the border. #Ukraine #Finland
PPA puts more barriers on Estonian-Russian border | News | ERR
https://news.err.ee/1609175470/ppa-puts-more-barriers-on-estonian-russian-border
The attack, which used Iranian-designed #Shahed kamikaze drones, reportedly began hitting different districts of #Kyiv in the early hours of Saturday, with more waves coming as the sun rose. The air raid warning lasted for six hours.
Air force chief Mykola Oleschuk said 71 of the 75 drones launched at #Ukraine had been downed.
More than 70 Russian drones hit Kyiv, wounding five: Ukrainian officials | #Russia-#UkraineWar News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/25/more-than-70-russian-drones-hit-kyiv-wounding-five-ukrainian-officials
Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo has announced that the last remaining open border crossing with #Russia will be closed this week.
#Finland has accused Russia over the past days of orchestrating the arrival of people from third countries at its border. #RajaJooseppi #Ukraine #NATO
Finnish border with Russia to be closed for two weeks, prime minister announces
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/nov/28/geert-wilders-netherlands-government-nato-migration-europe-latest-news?page=with:block-6565f7c58f0892870f38a65b#block-6565f7c58f0892870f38a65b
The tense situation on the border has developed rapidly in the last two weeks, with #Finland accusing #Russia of driving #AsylumSeekers to its border as an act of revenge for its cooperation with the #US. Relations between the two countries have worsened in recent months, particularly since Finland became a member of #Nato in April. #RajaJooseppi
Finland closes entire border with Russia after tensions over asylum seekers
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/28/finland-closes-entire-border-with-russia-after-tensions-over-asylum-seekers
In recent weeks, there’s been a surge in #MiddleEastern and #African migrants trying to enter #Finland from #Russia. Finnish officials have accused #Moscow of orchestrating an artificial influx of asylum seekers at the border as retaliation for Finland’s accession to #NATO, a view which the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has called “very strange.” #Ukraine
Weaponized migration
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/11/28/weaponized-migration
In recent weeks, there’s been a surge in Middle Eastern and African migrants trying to enter Finland from Russia. Finnish officials have accused Moscow of orchestrating an artificial influx of asylum seekers at the border as retaliation for Finland’s accession to NATO, a view which the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has called “very strange.” Migrants are reportedly allowed into Russian territory without proper documentation, driven to checkpoints, and sent across on bicycles in freezing temperatures. On November 24, Finland closed all but one border crossing with Russia and has now announced it will close the remaining one for two weeks, starting November 30. To better understand the situation, Russian and Finnish journalists analyzed group chats on messaging apps and on social media where citizens of third countries allegedly discuss how to transit Russia in order to seek asylum in Finland.
Ukrainian government cyber snoops claim they've infiltrated the computer systems of #Russia's federal air transport agency #Rosaviatsiya, and stolen data that shows the invading nation’s civil aviation sector is on the "verge of collapse." #UkraineWar
#Ukraine claims Russia's planes in peril as #sanctions bite | #Aviation | The Register
https://www.theregister.com/2023/11/28/ukraine_claims_hackandleak_shows_russian/?td=rt-3a
For months, #Turkey and #Hungary have delayed ratification of #Sweden’s #Nato membership, fuelling frustration within the military alliance. #Ukraine
Turkey told Sweden it expects Nato bid ratification 'within weeks', Swedish minister says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/nov/29/sweden-nato-turkey-ratification-membership-europe-latest-updates?page=with:block-6566f0ad8f0892870f38af6d#block-6566f0ad8f0892870f38af6d
#Ukraine has hailed the return of #ScythianGold treasures as a “symbolic and historic” victory over #Russia, which had laid claim to the artefacts in a decade-long struggle over ownership.
On Tuesday the collection was shown off in #Kyiv. They are among 1,000 items lent in 2013 by four museums in #Crimea for an exhibition in the #Netherlands.
‘Part of our history’: Ukraine hails return of Scythian gold treasures
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/28/part-of-our-history-ukraine-hails-return-of-scythian-gold-treasures
Vesa Arffman, the head of Ivalo border guard station, also in #Lapland, says the past few weeks have been “hectic”, preparing for #AsylumSeeker arrivals and the recent increase in numbers.
“For me personally, I would hope that it was a once in a lifetime experience,” Arffman said. #RajaJooseppi #NATO #Ukraine
‘This may be just the beginning’: the guards at #Finland’s closed Russian border
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/30/this-may-be-just-the-beginning-the-guards-at-finlands-closed-russian-border
The latest #AntiAbortion measures are notable for their scale and speed.
Some observers believe the sudden, increased focus is linked to #Russia’s ongoing invasion of #Ukraine, which has placed a new spotlight on old demographic fears. #PopulationCrisis
Russia limits women’s access to abortion, citing demographic changes | Women News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/11/28/russia-limits-womens-access-to-abortion-citing-demographic-changes
Leading economists say the consequences of the court ruling will stretch far beyond #Europe’s largest economy. With talks on a 2024 budget indefinitely deferred, future financial support for #Ukraine, the #EU budget and other key areas of spending are all up in the air.
Fear and anger rise in #Germany over handling of budget crisis | #Economy | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/01/germany-scholz-government-handling-of-budget-crisis
The new Polish government has gutted the top management of #PublicTelevision, making good on a campaign promise to reform a broadcaster that functioned as a mouthpiece of its rightwing populist predecessor, but also prompting criticism of their methods from some quarters. #Ukraine
#Poland’s new government sacks state TV, radio and news bosses | Poland | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/20/poland-new-government-sacks-state-tv-radio-and-news-bosses
The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in #Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions.
But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said.
#Russia-Ukraine war live: #Netherlands to deliver #F16 jets to Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/dec/22/russia-ukraine-war-latest-news-updates?page=with:block-65858b0c8f08dc9aada0ca94#block-65858b0c8f08dc9aada0ca94
A spokesperson for Vladimir #Putin told reporters on Friday that if the #Biden administration and European leaders planned to seize Russian central bank assets believed to be in excess of $300bn (£236bn) that were frozen after #Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of #Ukraine in February 2022, they should “realise that Russia will never leave those who do it alone”.
#Russia warns #US and #Europe over reports Ukraine may get its seized assets | Russia | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/22/russia-europe-us-ukraine-seized-assets
#Britain should lead in creating a coordinated sanctions and military supply chain unit that brings together #UK, #US and #EU efforts. This would map the complex Russian military supply chains at every step of their way, define their choke points and combine resources to disrupt them using the full range of tools. #Russia
#DavidCameron has a chance at redemption by delivering crucial weapons to #Ukraine | Peter Pomerantsev | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/24/david-cameron-has-a-chance-at-redemption-by-delivering-crucial-weapons-to-ukraine
#Navalny had been imprisoned in the Vladimir region of central #Russia, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) east of #Moscow, but his lawyers said they had not been able to reach him since Dec. 6.
His spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was now located in a prison colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenetsk region about 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. #Ukraine
The Turkish parliament was Tuesday set to resume debate on approving #Sweden's bid to join #NATO, a thorny issue that was further complicated after President Recep Tayyip #Erdogan linked it to Ankara's request for F-16 fighter jets from its ally the United States. #Russia #Ukraine
#Turkey's parliament set to debate Sweden NATO bid
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231226-turkey-s-parliament-set-to-debate-sweden-nato-bid
The Turkish parliament was Tuesday set to resume debate on approving Sweden's bid to join NATO, a thorny issue that was further complicated after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked it to Ankara's request for F-16 fighter jets from its ally the United States.
The move paves the way for a vote by the full parliament, where Erdogan's ruling alliance holds the majority of seats. It was not immediately clear when it would be. #Russia #Ukraine
#Turkey parliament committee approves #Sweden's bid to join #NATO
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20231226-turkey-parliament-committee-approves-sweden-s-bid-to-join-nato
A key committee in the Turkish parliament on Tuesday approved Sweden's bid to join NATO after months of delays, clearing another hurdle in the Nordic country's accession process in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.
The Russian BMP lacks the heavy armor and clever shaping that protects the best new infantry vehicles from rockets, mines and artillery fragments.
After a few BMPs ran over mines in #Afghanistan during the Soviet war there in the 1980s, the infantry took to riding on top of the vehicles instead of inside them. #Ukraine #Russia
Russian Troops Face An Impossible Choice: Burn Inside Their Flimsy Vehicles Or Ride Outside—And Get Killed By #Drones
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/12/27/russian-troops-face-an-impossible-choice-burn-inside-their-flimsy-vehicles-or-ride-outside-and-get-killed-by-drones/
Here we go again 🙄
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Tobolsk City Duma deputy Egorov, 46, a member of #Putin's ruling #UnitedRussia party, fell from the third floor window of a house on Kedrovaya Street in Tobolsk in the #TyumenOblast, Russian Telegram channel Baza, which has links to Russian security services, reported. #Russia #Ukraine
Putin Ally Found Dead After Falling From Third Floor Window: Reports
https://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-egorov-putin-ally-found-dead-window-1856059
The partisans stated #Putin’s furious crackdown showed #Russia’s inability to intercept Western-made missiles like #Ukraine’s #StormShadow cruise missile and would lead to military figures being accused of sabotage, despite commanders claiming otherwise. #Crimea #Russia
Furious Putin "orders commanders to frontline" after 74 sailors killed in Novocherkassk sinking - Euromaidan Press
https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/12/30/furious-putin-orders-commanders-to-frontline-after-74-sailors-killed-in-novocherkassk-sinking/
"It’s no secret that #Moscow’s new strategy is to outlast #Kyiv—to win a war of attrition. But the Russians can’t win a war of attrition if they continue to lose many more vehicles and troops than the Ukrainians lose.
In that context, the battle for #Avdiivka has been a disaster for #Russia."
Killing Russians By The Truckload Around Avdiivka, #Ukraine’s M-2 Fighting Vehicles Are Showing How Russia Loses—And Ukraine Wins | David Axe
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/12/30/killing-russians-by-the-truckload-around-avdiivka-ukraines-m-2-fighting-vehicles-are-showing-how-russia-loses-and-ukraine-wins/
In one of the most aggressive air offensives of the 22-month war, #Moscow's strikes damaged buildings in six cities including warehouses, a shopping mall, and a maternity hospital, according to Ukrainian officials.
In Photos: The Aftermath of #Russia's Massive Drone and Missile Attack on #Ukraine - The Moscow Times
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/29/in-photos-the-aftermath-of-russias-massive-drone-and-missile-attack-on-ukraine-a83604
Yale researchers Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian have published an op-ed in Foreign Policy, shedding light on #Russia’s economic challenges and emphasizing that President Vladimir #Putin’s recent appearance of strength is not indicative of the nation’s economic reality. #Ukraine
#WesternSanctions and Capital Flight Hit Russia's Economy Hard, Yale Study Finds
https://www.thestockdork.com/western-sanctions-and-capital-flight-hit-russias-economy-hard-yale-study-finds/
#Moscow touted the Yastreb-AV as a modern and highly capable system in its announcements, with state media reporting that it was tested in late 2021 or early 2022. But just hours after the announcement it had been fielded in #Ukraine, it was hit hard by the very threat it was there to help defeat.
Ukraine struck a new $250 million Russian #ArtilleryRadarSystem right after the military touted its arrival
https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-blew-up-new-russian-radar-system-after-it-arrived-2024-1
#LONDON, #UnitedKingdom – Russian hackers were inside Ukrainian telecoms giant #Kyivstar’s system from at least May last year in a cyberattack that should serve as a “big warning” to the West, Ukraine’s cyber spy chief told Reuters.
The hack knocked out services provided by Ukraine’s biggest telecoms operator for some 24 million users for days from December 12. #Russia #CyberWar
Russian hackers were inside #Ukraine telecoms giant for months – cyber spy chief
https://www.rappler.com/technology/russian-hackers-inside-ukraine-telecoms-giant-kyivstar-months/
Illia Vitiuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine's cybersecurity department, discloses details about the hack against Kyivstar, which he said caused 'disastrous' destruction and aimed to land a psychological blow and gather intelligence
Around #Avdiivka alone, the Russians are losing 60 tanks a month. And that number could grow as the 239th Tank Regiment rolls into battle—and runs afoul of the same #minefields and #artillery and #drone kill-zones that pulverized the tank units that came before it. #Ukraine #Russia
Avdiivka Eats Russian Tanks. The Kremlin Is About To Feed It More.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/01/03/avdiivka-eats-russian-tanks-the-kremlin-is-about-to-feed-it-more/
The #US’s national security council spokesperson, #JohnKirby, said on Thursday that #Russia fired a North Korean #ballistic missile into #Ukraine on 30 December, but it landed in an open field. However, Kirby said Russian forces had launched more such missiles as part of a large salvo on 2 January, and their impact had yet to be assessed.
Russia ‘attacked Ukraine with North Korea-supplied ballistic missiles’ | Russia | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/russia-attacked-ukraine-with-north-korea-supplied-ballistic-missiles
#Russia confirmed Friday it had blocked the #UN's nuclear watchdog from accessing parts of #Ukraine's #Zaporizhzhia power plant, but said the restrictions were for safety reasons.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement Wednesday that experts had not been allowed to access reactor halls in three of the plant's units for two weeks.
Russia Curbs UN Access at Zaporizhzhia #NuclearPlant - The Moscow Times
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/01/05/russia-curbs-un-access-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-a83645
Old isn't necessarily obsolete
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The #US is currently working on a successor to the #U2. Nevertheless, these aircraft were recently modernized to accommodate contemporary detection methods better. The upgrades include communication, navigation, imaging systems, new cockpit gear, and a new mission computer
US deploys historic U-2 spy plane amid #Ukraine conflict and #GPS interference in #Baltics
https://essanews.com/us-deploys-historic-u-2-spy-plane-amid-ukraine-conflict-and-gps-interference-in-baltics,6981846474594433a
#Farmers accused the new Polish government of failing to defend them against Ukrainian #GrainImports, but also demanded a series of financial support measures. Saturday's deal finally implemented those financial demands but didn't include restrictions on #Ukraine imports. #TruckersBlockade
#Poland reaches deal with farmers to call off blockade of Ukraine border crossing
https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-deal-farmers-blockade-ukraine-border/
The scheme highlights how #Russia has struggled to keep its commercial planes in the air since western #sanctions were imposed after Vladimir #Putin invaded #Ukraine in February 2022.
A Kansas man pleaded guilty to selling plane parts to Russia. Here's how Russian airlines have struggled with sanctions.
https://www.businessinsider.com/man-pleaded-guilty-selling-plane-parts-russia-sanctions-2024-1
For two months, Polish truckers have been blocking traffic at the #Ukraine-#Poland border, holding up thousands of trucks waiting to cross. They are outraged over the #EuropeanUnion's decision to remove limits on how many Ukrainian drivers and businesses can enter Poland and the EU. #TruckersBlockade
20-mile backup as Polish truckers blockade border in standoff with Ukrainian drivers
#Canada, #Sweden, the #UnitedKingdom and #Ukraine have filed a complaint with the #UnitedNations civil aviation agency against #Iran for shooting down a passenger plane in 2020, killing 176 people.
The 4 countries, which all had citizens on board the Ukraine International Airlines flight, accused #Tehran of “using weapons against a civil aircraft in flight in breach of its international legal obligations”.
#Moscow's current #MilitarySpending has overshadowed social spending for the first time since the fall of the #SovietUnion.
#Russia has allocated nearly one-third of its 2024 budget to defense spending. #SocialSpending including salaries, pensions, and benefits will make up for about one-fifth of the budget #Ukraine
Russia is spending so much money and manpower on defense that it's draining the rest of the economy
https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-defense-military-war-spending-drains-resources-other-sectors-2024-1
"#Ukraine has spent a considerable reserve on those three attacks that took place,” Ihnat told Ukrainian TV, according to Reuters. “It is clear that there is a deficit of #AntiAircraft guided missiles.”
#USCongress last month failed to approve $50bn (£39bn) in security aid for Ukraine as negotiators fell short of a deal.
Russia-Ukraine war live: Ukrainian air force says it is running short of anti-aircraft missiles
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/09/russia-ukraine-war-latest-news-updates?page=with:block-659cffd68f082bcdaa7df661#block-659cffd68f082bcdaa7df661
"There are suspicions that Vladimir #Putin is engaged in espionage activities at #Bundeswehr sites where Ukrainian troops are training for frontline combat," reports the "Münchner Merkur." Despite the German authorities' lack of solid evidence, substantial indications suggest unwelcome Russian activities. #Russia #Ukraine
#Germany on high alert over suspected Russian spy drones at military sites
https://essanews.com/germany-on-high-alert-over-suspected-russian-spy-drones-at-military-sites,6982514269624449a
#Ukraine has become heavily reliant on its air defence, but with #US funding in increasing doubt after Western financial and military aid has become snarled in internal wrangling, US military experts warned in December that Ukraine will start running out of ammo for its #AirDefence systems in February or March, exposing cities to attack again.
US warns #Kyiv it will stop delivering badly needed #PatriotMissiles to Ukraine soon
http://www.intellinews.com/us-warns-kyiv-it-will-stop-delivering-badly-needed-patriot-missiles-to-ukraine-soon-306826/
@Norobiik The Sherman tank also had a catching on fire problem. Still won the war. It was reliable and we had a lot of them. Well, so do the Russians.
Russian stuff looks low tech but it performs its basic function well. And Russian leadership doesn't care how many of their own they kill, which is a strategic advantage for them.
Norobiik @
mike805