Here we go again-Ukraine once again

[Skybird]

Russian artillery's party time is over - for the time being, at least.



https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/10/p...ine/index.html

[Skybird]

Ukrainian secret service repeats its warnings that a new Russian mobilization for 500 thousand men is imminent.


Bullets and missiles versus mass of bodies - who runs out of his means of war first?

[Jimbuna]

Britain has not made final decision on transfer of Challenger 2 tanks, - Sunak’s press secretary

Great Britain has not yet made a final decision on whether to send tanks to Ukraine. However, they noted that discussions with Ukraine are ongoing.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to channel 24.

Britain will continue to coordinate its support with allies after Germany, France, and the United States said they would provide armored vehicles to Ukraine, spokesman Rishi Sunaka said.

"At this stage, we have not made any final decisions on the supply of tanks... Until decisions on such things are made, we do not comment on speculation about what additional equipment can or cannot be sent," the press service representative said.

Instead, he added that Britain will continue to discuss with Ukrainian colleagues the "best form" that can be provided. At the same time, adding that decisions are made together with allies. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392450

Western allies have changed their approach to military aid to Ukraine, - CNN

As two high-ranking US officials told CNN, there have recently been significant changes in the type of weapons that the US and its allies have begun to provide to Ukraine to meet Kyiv’s demands for firepower.

As Censor.NET informs about this with reference to RBC-Ukraine.

The latest US aid announcement included more offensive weapons such as Bradley fighting vehicles and advanced long-range missile systems. Experts agree that Bradley provides Kyiv with significant new offensive potential.

"I think what the Ukrainians will do is take these 50 Bradleys and put most of them in one battalion or one armored brigade ... and create an iron fist that will be used to penetrate Russian line defenses," said US Army Lt. Gen. retired Ben Hodges.

One US official also noted that Ukraine is complying with restrictions on the use of Western-provided weapons, easing reservations about sending more powerful systems.

We will remind you that the training of the Ukrainian military in the use of the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle will begin at the end of this month. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392449

[Jimbuna]

German Foreign Minister Berbock arrived in Kharkiv. PHOTOS

On Tuesday, January 10, German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock arrived in Kharkiv on an unannounced visit.

According to Censor.NET with reference to n-tv, Berbok is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeev.

The head of the Foreign Ministry stressed that the people of Ukraine should know that they can rely on the solidarity and support of Germany.

She became the first from the German government to visit eastern Ukraine.

The visit was kept secret for security reasons.

According to dpa, cited by Die Zeit, Berbok saw in particular the Saltivka district, which was seriously damaged by Russian shelling.

The press service of the German Foreign Ministry reports that the minister called Kharkiv "a symbol of the madness of Russia's aggressive war and the endless suffering that people face every day," as well as "a symbol of the incredible resilience and courage of Ukrainians."

Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter expressed his belief in continued support from the side of Germany and published photos of Berbok's visit. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392462

Turkey supports Ukrainian "peace formula", - Foreign Minister Cavusoglu

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlt avuolu expressed support for the "peace formula" proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G20 summit in November 2022.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the Euro Integration.

The head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that Ankara is making efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has from the beginning sought to achieve both a ceasefire and lasting peace.

"Of course, our goal is lasting peace and a mutually acceptable solution. We believe that this war will end at the negotiating table. The sooner it happens, the better," he said.

"But there are new conditions and realities. Russia now expresses readiness for negotiations, and Zelensky proposed a ten-point peace plan. As Turkey, we support this plan and continue our work," Çavuşoğlu added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392443

NASAMS, IRIS-T, Crotale and Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled guns: airspace of Kyiv is protected with help of number of air defense systems, - KCMA

The sky over Kyiv is protected by a number of anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMS): NASAMS, IRIS-T, Crotale, Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled guns and other systems. With their help, the Armed Forces effectively shoot down enemy missiles and drones.

As Censor.NET informs, Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, told about this in an interview with TSN.

"The forces and means of defense of the city of Kyiv are constantly improving their potential. In addition to the existing air defense systems, which have long been in service with the Ukrainian army, anti-aircraft missile complexes NASAMS, IRIS-T, Crotale, anti-aircraft self-propelled guns Gepard, and other systems have been added that effectively oppose enemy missiles and drones," Popko said.

"These weapons are modern air defense systems, which Ukraine continues to receive from partners, and Ukrainian defenders quickly master them and use them effectively. The best proof of this is the last attack on the capital of Shahedamiwhen air defense destroyed 32 out of 32 enemy UAVs," he noted.

The official also called on the Ukrainians to install the "ePPO" countermeasures to help the Ukrainian military.

"If you saw an air target, you need to open "ePPO" on your phone. Then - select the type of air target, point your smartphone in the direction of the target's movement and press the big red button. After a few seconds, air defense specialists will see your mark on the map. The application is quite effective More than one missile was shot down precisely thanks to caring citizens," he noted.

According to him, Kyiv is conducting negotiations on the supply of various weapons to combat Russian missiles and UAVs. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392456

[August]

[Jimbuna]

[Gorpet]

What the hell, I want someone to tell me. What will Ukraine be able to give back. When it's over. Nato can not rebuild the countries they have destroyed already. Nato and it's ruling families must be stopped.They want this Planet for themselves. And the Rich and their kids who go to colleges they think they are smarter than you. Oh my god i've never had one working and sweating next to me.Then again it's my lot in life. Acceptance is the first step into the open doorway of 1984. In 2030 there will be millions of Winston Smith's. And thousands of College educated idoligest. But only the ones who survive the Culling will be left and a new world order will walk with a new symbol on their clothes.

[Gorpet]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Russian artillery's party time is over - for the time being, at least.



https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/10/p...ine/index.html

You must be freezing.Immigrants are living better than Germans. Welcome to NATO.You know here in AMERICA it's hard. Our government and all those who make the big decisions are still eating Lobster and the lights are on, driving gas guzzling cars, **** we had Zylinski here Joe and the Demorats Hug and kissed and told him don't worry about the Germans.They will give you what you need. The Germans, In 30 more years will not even be German. What was that saying in Braveheart if you can't kill them.Breed their blood out. And it would seem the more Africans you accept the less dangerous you will be.

[Jimbuna]

Conflicting claims over embattled town of Soledar

By James Waterhouse in Kyiv & George Bowden in London
BBC News

Russia's mercenary Wagner Group has claimed control over the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine - but Kyiv says its soldiers are holding out.

Russia's media carried a statement purported to be by the Wagner head, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, who said Ukrainians were now encircled in the city centre.

Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar earlier said that "heavy fighting is continuing".

The claims by both sides have not been independently verified.

In the reported statement late on Tuesday, Mr Prigozhin said: "Wagner units took control of the entire territory of Soledar. A cauldron has been formed in the centre of the city in which urban fighting is going on."

The statement stressed that only Wagner fighters - who are not part of the Russian armed forces - were taking part "in the storming" of Soledar.

Meanwhile, Ms Maliar said a few hours before that "the enemy does not pay attention to the large losses of its personnel and continues to actively storm".

"The approaches to our positions are simply strewn with the bodies of dead enemy fighters. Our fighters are defending bravely," she added.

The fall of Soledar - a small salt-mining town in the Donetsk region - could help Russian troops to encircle the nearby strategic city of Bakhmut.

The UK said earlier on Tuesday that Russian troops and the mercenary Wagner Group were "likely" to now be in control of the town.

On Monday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said there was "almost no life" left in Soledar and "no whole walls left".

"This is what madness looks like," he added.

And in a new address late on Tuesday, Mr Zelensky praised the resilience of Ukrainian forces.

The strategic importance of Soledar is debated, but its capture would be significant for two reasons.

First, it would allow Russian forces to inch closer to the regional city of Bakhmut. Russia could use access to Soledar's deep, city-like network of salt mine tunnels, dormant since April, to penetrate Ukrainian-controlled territory.

Secondly, invading forces would be able to give Ukraine a taste of its own medicine.

One thing that has helped Kyiv liberate territory has been its ability to target Russian supply lines.

Long-range missile strikes have often left thousands of invading troops unable to replenish personnel, ammunition, fuel, and rations, and stopped them freely moving military hardware.

The capturing of Soledar - which had a population of 10,000 before the war - would effectively cut Bakhmut off from a major supply line from nearby Sloviansk.

The UK said it believed Soledar was close to falling to Russia - but added that the Kremlin was "unlikely" to take Bakhmut immediately due to Ukraine's "stable defence lines".

A senior military official from the US Department of Defense said earlier on Monday there was a "good portion" of Soledar in Russian hands.

Fighting around Bakhmut has been going on for months, and the US official described the most recent exchanges as "savage".

Two British nationals have gone missing in the region and were last seen heading to Soledar.

Despite the long and intense battle, Oleh Zhdanov - a highly respected military analyst in Ukraine - believes that neither Soledar nor Bakhmut are especially important from an operational point of view.

Mr Zhdanov said in an interview on Monday with the Ukrainian newspaper Gazeta that Russia "is trying to prove to the whole world that its army is capable of winning".

The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think-tank, has said that Mr Prigozhin, "will continue to use both confirmed and fabricated Wagner Group success in Soledar and Bakhmut to promote the Wagner Group as the only Russian force in Ukraine capable of securing tangible gains".

Russia has suffered several major setbacks in Ukraine since its invasion nearly a year ago, including losing control of the only regional capital in the south it had managed to capture.

Capturing Soledar would just as much be a propaganda victory for the Kremlin as a military one.

The gains for Russia are relatively small and costly, but the town would be a much-needed trophy to present to critics back home.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64219979

[Jimbuna]

[Jimbuna]

Heavy fighting for Soledar continues, enemy continues assault despite heavy losses - Ministry of Defense

Russian occupants continue their attempts to capture Soledar in Donetsk region despite the losses.

This was stated by Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Maliar, іnforms Censor.NЕТ.

"Heavy battles for holding Soledar continue. The enemy does not pay attention to the heavy losses of its personnel and continues to assault actively. The approaches to our positions are covered with the bodies of fallen enemy soldiers," said Maliar.

She stressed that Ukrainian soldiers are bravely holding the defense. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392503

Ukraine will not be able to become EU member as long as Russian troops are in it, - Deputy President of European Commission Timmermans

One of the conditions for Ukraine’s accession to the EU is the cessation of the war and withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

This was stated in an interview with DW by Deputy President of European Commission Frans Timmermans, reports Censor.NЕТ.

"No, it is impossible. But the whole idea is for Ukraine to emerge from this conflict victorious, sovereign, independent, free and able to make this choice itself. And I think that Ukraine is fighting for that to happen. The European Union should support Ukraine in achieving this goal," Timmermans answered the question whether Ukraine can become a member of the EU if there are Russian military in this country.

As noted by the European Commission, when Ukraine acquired the official status of a candidate for EU membership, it is necessary to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria - the conditions of accession to the EU, adopted in 1993. Among them are stable state institutions, a functioning market economy and the ability to effectively fulfill the obligations of EU membership.

In addition, the EU Commission has formulated seven conditions to be fulfilled by Kyiv on the way to EU membership. These are judicial reforms, fight against corruption, deoligarchization and policy towards national minorities.

Timmermans compared Ukraine's potential accession to the EU in terms of impact to the largest single enlargement of the European Union in 2004. "It will really change the character of the European Union," he said. "To prove that it's not just talk, we need to show live what we can do to bring Ukraine closer to the EU," Timmermans emphasized, noting Kyiv's first steps to fulfill the seven criteria.

"We should respond to this by saying to Ukraine: okay, now you have adopted this law, in the coming years we will help you to implement it and we will provide you with support to make its implementation successful. This process of preparation for accession will be extremely important, but we have to start it immediately," explained the Deputy President of the European Commission.

He emphasized the possible role of Ukraine in the implementation of the EU energy transition strategy. "We need to make Ukraine part of the future EU hydrogen economy. Ukraine is ideally suited to become a major producer of green hydrogen and biomethane for the goods that will be needed for Europe's clean economy in the future," Timmermans said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392496

[Jimbuna]

Putin deterred NATO from helping Ukraine with nuclear threats, he is bluffing - Bolton

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has succeeded in deterring NATO from providing military assistance to Ukraine by threatening nuclear weapons, but he is bluffing.

This was stated by former US National Security Advisor John Bolton, reports Censor.NЕТ with reference to LIGА.

According to Bolton, Putin's political position is obviously weaker now than at the beginning of the big war, but his regime is not threatened now. He noted that if the US and NATO increase military and economic pressure on Russia, this point can be reached.

"It is very important not to show any tendency to any agreements with Russia - it is Russia that carries out unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, they kill civilians and destroy infrastructure. It is necessary to bring Russia to such a state that it itself asks for negotiations, and Ukraine can conduct them from a position of strength. The goal is the 1991 borders of Ukraine," Bolton said.

The politician said that Putin managed to restrain NATO in helping Ukraine because of the allies' fears of war across Europe and threats of nuclear weapons, but this is the dictator's bluff. He believes that Ukraine should also be given the opportunity to strike at military bases in Russia. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392500

West knows that Ukraine will not liberate occupied territories without significant supply of tanks - The Guardian

According to The Guardian, Western officials do not believe that Ukraine will be able to liberate the territories captured by Russia without large-scale supplies of tanks and other armored vehicles.

This is stated by Censor.NЕТ with reference to UNIAN.

According to The Guardian's sources, Russian and Ukrainian forces are currently roughly equal, which does not allow the Ukrainians to launch a major offensive.

"Ukrainians will not be able to liberate significant territory without changes in their balance of forces compared to last year. The balance of forces between Russians and Ukrainians is too precisely balanced," an unnamed British official told the newspaper.

According to the interlocutors, the most realistic option is to supply Ukraine with German "Leopards", which in the amount of about 2 thousand units are in service in 13 European countries.

"Something has to come out of this impasse, especially if they (Ukrainians) want to liberate the territory and go on the offensive. Main battle tanks and APCs are part of this mix," one of the interlocutors said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392508

Sweden will send Archer SPA to Ukraine, - Foreign Minister Billstrom

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that his country will send Archer self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine to repel Russian invaders.

According to Censor.NЕТ with reference to the channel Sky News, Billstrom said this while talking to the press.

According to him, Ukraine needs more Western-style offensive weapons, and Sweden is obliged to make its contribution.

He made it clear that the shipment of Archer to Ukraine has already been decided, noting that the only question is when the systems will be delivered.

The diplomat rejected the argument that this will lead to an escalation of the war, calling it the opposite step.

"We have been restraining ourselves in this regard for too long. We have not understood that if Ukraine does not receive the military equipment necessary to win on the battlefield, this war will drag on, which will only benefit Vladimir Putin," Billstrom said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392509

Canada will purchase NASAMS system for Ukraine from USA

Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand announced on Tuesday that Ottawa will purchase the NASAMS air defense system from the United States and transfer it to Ukraine.

As reports Censor.NЕТ with reference to "European truth", Anand announced this after a telephone conversation with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov.

"This is Canada's first donation of an air defence system to Ukraine. Under the conditions of Russia's brutal air strikes on Ukraine, this air defense system will help protect Ukrainian settlements and critical infrastructure from attacks by drones, missiles and aircraft," the Canadian Minister of Defence emphasized.

She added that NASAMS systems are extremely effective, which will make Canada's assistance a very valuable contribution to Ukraine's defense capabilities.

"By providing comprehensive military assistance, Canada will continue to support the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia's illegal and unjustified invasion," Anand said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3392510

[Rockstar]

Originally Posted by Gorpet

What the hell, I want someone to tell me. What will Ukraine be able to give back. When it's over. Nato can not rebuild the countries they have destroyed already. Nato and it's ruling families must be stopped.They want this Planet for themselves. And the Rich and their kids who go to colleges they think they are smarter than you. Oh my god i've never had one working and sweating next to me.Then again it's my lot in life. Acceptance is the first step into the open doorway of 1984. In 2030 there will be millions of Winston Smith's. And thousands of College educated idoligest. But only the ones who survive the Culling will be left and a new world order will walk with a new symbol on their clothes.

Ukraine has a lot to offer. They are a people tired of Soviet/Russian oppression & imperialism. They have access to the Black Sea, they have grain, they have 1.09 trillion cubic meters of UNTAPPED natural gas, uranium reserves are also the largest in Europe, coal, largest reserves of manganese ores in Europe and the second largest in the world. 3.7 billion tons of shale oil, 138 million tons of oil reserves, the largest reserves of titanium in Europe. 45.6 thousand tons of Uranium reserves, the largest in Europe.

Believe me, they can afford to rebuild and pay back their debts.

[Commander Wallace]

Originally Posted by Rockstar

Ukraine has a lot to offer. They are a people tired of Soviet/Russian oppression & imperialism. They have access to the Black Sea, they have grain, they have 1.09 trillion cubic meters of UNTAPPED natural gas, uranium reserves are also the largest in Europe, coal, largest reserves of manganese ores in Europe and the second largest in the world. 3.7 billion tons of shale oil, 138 million tons of oil reserves, the largest reserves of titanium in Europe. 45.6 thousand tons of Uranium reserves, the largest in Europe.

Believe me, they can afford to rebuild and pay back their debts.

These facts alone explain why Russia doesn't want to lose the " jewel in their crown." There is no telling how far a maniacal Putrid will go to keep this jewel. This has nothing to do with protecting native Russians that are being " persecuted" at Putrid has said. It's about land and economic resources, for Russia. For the Ukraine, It's about the survival of their homeland.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/war-ukrai...100000835.html

[Skybird]

Already one year ago I hinted at Russia's will to strengthen its globally dominant grain-exporter status by bringing the Ukrainian competition under its control, into its possession, that is.

Also, by size, population and now military expertise and combat experience and fighting will, also the enormous size of its agricultural sector, Ukraine would be a heavy-weight in the EU if it would be accepted into it, dramatically shifting the balance inside the block from Westenr nations like France and Germany to the eastern states like the Ukraine, and Poland. This also explains why Paris and Berlin are not in a hurry to come to Ukrain'S support with effective weapons not only to defend itself against russian attacks, but to bring a defeat onto Russia. It explains why Bubble-Olaf never mentions an "Ukrainian victory", and never used the words "Russian defeat" (reminder: he only talks of "Ukraine not loosing the war" and "Russia not winning it").



They cannot endlessly prevent an Ukrainian membership in the long run , but they will try to delay it for as long as they can.