Ukraine - Russia's perfidious attack, a chronicle of events

[Alex_Sor]

American inventor of Ukrainian origin LYUBOMIR ROMANKIV - a native of Zhovkva in the Lviv region, thanks to whom the appearance of hard disks and personal computers became possible. One of the inventors inducted into the US Hall of Fame (only he and Igor Sikorsky are Ukrainians). "Ukrainian Elon Musk", as the press calls him.
When we turn on the computer, we activate several Ukrainian patents at once. "People ask me," says Lyubomyr Romankiv, "show me exactly which of your developments I use on my computer." My answer is very simple: press the "Start" button on the keyboard, you will see a picture on the screen - it is mine the magnetic head on the hard disk is already working. In addition, seven other patents of mine are working for you."
Lyubomyr Romankiv - Director of the Electrochemical Technology and Magnetism Department of the IBM Corporation Research Center, the company's leading scientist in the field of computer technologies, author and co-author of 180 scientific discoveries (67 of which he patented) and 150 scientific articles.
He received a BA from the University of Alberta in 1957, an MA and a PhD in metallurgy and materials science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1962). He managed the Center of Electrochemical Technology and Microstructures at the Research Institute named after T. J. Watson of the IBM company.
The main direction of his work (it was he who brought the greatest success to the inventor) was related to the study of magnetic materials, reflective displays and copper plating processes. Thus, he discovered the processes of creating inductive and magnetoresistive microheads for writing/reading information on hard disks of computers, developed an industrial process, as well as tools and everything necessary to start the production of hard disks. Another well-known American of Ukrainian origin - Steve Wozniak - bought exactly such disks from IBM for a small startup in a garage. Over time, the famous Apple company led by Steve Jobs emerged from this. And Lyubomyr Romankiv also invented the technology of soldering micro-contacts on a computer chip and the technology of forming multi-level connections, which is now in every computer.
The invention and work of Lyubomir Romankov allowed IBM to earn millions of dollars, while he trained a whole new generation of engineers for the company. In total, the Ukrainian received 13 awards for outstanding inventions and contributions from IBM and 25 awards for inventions and achievements, included in the prestigious publications "Who's Who in the Scientific World" and "Who's Who in America". In March 2012, Lyubomyr Romankiv was inducted into the US National Hall of Fame, he is one of the ten inventors awarded with such an honor.
Despite the fact that he is considered one of the best inventors in the USA, he has dozens of patents, but the inventor did not become a millionaire. Contribution to science, not money, was and remains his priority.
Along with scientific and inventive activities, Lyubomyr Romankiv always paid a lot of attention to participation in the life of the Ukrainian community. He is a member of the presidium of the World Congress of Ukrainians, chairman of the Committee of Ukrainian Youth at SCU, was the organizer and chairman of student societies in Edmonton and Boston, the founder and head of the Ukrainian radio program in Edmonton, the founder of Ukrainian culture courses at Mercy College (New York).
L. Romankiv is one of the active figures and leaders of Plast. He became its member in 1946 in Berchtesgaden, Germany. And since then, he has gone from an educator and organizer of a village in Edmonton to the head of the GPR. It was he who, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, initiated the beginning of negotiations with the Scout Bureau in Geneva about accepting Plast into World Scouting. He also helped build Plast in Ukraine in the early 1990s. It has a number of strata features.
  Ukraine recognized the merits of Mr. Lubomir, awarding him the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 10.04.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., April 10, 2023

Day 411 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

During the day of April 9, the adversary launched 26x air strikes and 4x missile strikes. 2x russian S-300 air defense missiles targeted and hit civilian infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia. The attack killed and wounded civilians, destroyed and damaged residential buildings. Another 2x S-300 missiles were launched at a civilian infrastructure facility in Kostyantynivka (Donetsk oblast). Also, the adversary launched 60x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian infrastructure in various settlements. The attack hit civilian infrastructure in Kup’yans’k (Kharkiv oblast) and Druzhkivka (Donetsk oblast). As a result, civilians were wounded and residential buildings damaged.

The likelihood of missile and air strikes across Ukraine still remains high.

The adversary continues to focus its main efforts on the offensive operations on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes. During the day of April 9, the Ukrainian defenders repelled 58x enemy attacks on these axes.

Volyn, Polissya, Sivershchyna, and Slobozhanshchyna axes: no significant changes in the operational situation, no signs of the formation of adversary offensive groups were found.

The enemy continues to maintain a military presence in the areas of Kursk and Belgorod oblasts (russia) bordering Ukraine. The adversary continues engineering development of terrain in the border areas of Kursk oblast.

During the day of April 9, the enemy shelled the settlements of Yasna Polyana Hrem’yach (Chernihiv oblast), Baranivka, Volfyne, Zapsillya, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Kozacha Lopan’, Mala Danylivka, Hatyshche, Ustynivka, Milove, Velykyi Burluk, and Topoli (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: Krasne Pershe, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, and Pershotravneve (Kharkiv oblast) came under enemy fire.

Lyman axis: during the day of April 9, the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives to the south of Dibrova. Novoselivs’ke, Cherneshchyna, Makiivka, Nevs’ke, Yampolivka, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Kolodyazi, Tors’ke, Sivers’k, Spirne, as well Berestove (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues to conduct offensive operations, attempting to take full control of the city of Bakhmut. Fierce fighting continues. During the day of April 9, the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives to the east of Bohdanivka and near Khromove. The Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled more than 30x enemy attacks in this area of the front line. Vasyukivka, Zaliznyans’ke, Min’kivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Markove, Bakhmut, Khromove, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, Ozarianivka, Druzhba, and Zalizne (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy shelling.

Avdiivka and Mar’inka axes: the adversary conducted offensive operations

in the vicinities of Novokalynove, Berdychi, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Vodyane, and Mar’inka. None of them were successful. The fiercest fighting in this area of the frontline is for Avdiivka and Mar’inka, where more than 20x enemy attacks were repelled. At the same time, the enemy shelled the settlements of Novokalynove, Berdychi, Stepove, Avdiivka, Lastochkyne, Sjeverne, Pervomais’ke, Krasnohorivka, Hostre, Heorhiivka, and Mar’inka (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations during the day of April 9. The invaders shelled the settlements of Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Bohoyavlenka, Shakhtars’ke, Novoukrainka, Velyka Novosilka, Prechystivka, and Zolota Nyva (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary continues to improve fortifications at its defensive lines and positions. More than 45x settlements near the line of active combat were shelled by the enemy. Among them are Vremivka, Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast), Zaporizhzhia, Ol’hivs’ke, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Kachkarivka, Mykolaivka, L’vove, Mykil’s’ke, Inzhenerne (Kherson oblast), and Kherson.

The russian occupiers continue to force russian passports on the residents of the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia oblast. In particular, the russian so-called “authorities” put in office by the occupation forces in the city of Tokmak announced that in order to obtain a russian passport, it is required to submit a passport of a citizen of Ukraine, a birth certificate, and fingerprints. At that, the original passport of a citizen of Ukraine and the birth certificate will allegedly be returned to the owners.

During the day of April 9, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 6x air strikes on the concentrations of occupants’ personnel and military equipment. Also, 6x enemy UAVs were shot down: 3x Lancet, 3x Zala, and 1x Supercam.

During the day of April 9, units of the Ukrainian missile troops and artillery hit 4x anti-aircraft missile systems, 11x concentrations of manpower, weapons, and military equipment, 1x ammunition depot, and 5x electronic warfare stations of the enemy.

[Alex_Sor]

Data leak on Ukraine led to a crisis in US relations with allies - Politico

It is not yet clear how Washington will remedy what many are already calling one of the biggest failures of American intelligence.

Senior US officials are trying to reassure the allies after the leak of highly classified information about the war in Ukraine, Politico writes, citing sources in the US and Europe.

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/10/ukraine-intel-leak-00091229

Following the release by unidentified individuals of the UAF counteroffensive, senior U.S. intelligence, State Department and Pentagon officials contacted their counterparts in other countries to allay concerns about the release of intelligence, four officials from different countries told the publication.

Officials in London, Brussels, Berlin, Dubai and Kiev began asking Washington questions about how classified information ended up on the Internet, who was responsible for the leak, and what the US is doing to ensure that information is removed from social media.

As of Monday morning, U.S. officials told allies that the administration was investigating and that they were still trying to understand the full extent of the leak, the sources said.

It is also reported that Ukraine has long been worried that the information it shares with the United States is being made public. "This incident showed that the Ukrainians were absolutely right in this. The Americans now owe the Ukrainians. They should apologize and compensate," one of the European officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The leak led to a crisis in US relations with allies, and it is not yet clear how Washington will correct the situation, which many already call one of the biggest failures of American intelligence since the release of classified documents on the WikiLeaks website.

 

[Alex_Sor]

Students in Wales 'rape' chatbot ChatGPT to improve academic performance

With the help of artificial intelligence, local students wrote term papers and did homework, shocking teachers with their knowledge.

As a result, coursework and homework written using artificial intelligence were rated higher by teachers than independent work. Writes about it BBC News.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-65167321

In January alone, Cardiff University's Wi-Fi network reportedly caught over 14,000 student visits to the chatbot. Such interest in the possibilities of ChatGPT fell just at the "hot" student period, when it was necessary to hand over final papers for the first semester.

As some students admitted to the media, they did use ChatGPT's services, and it paid off.

According to one student, he wrote one of his term papers (covering 2500 words) relying on ChatGPT and received a very high grade, while the second term paper, which he wrote himself, was rated worse by the instructor.

Another student at the University of Cardiff admitted that he generally wrote all his work with a chatbot.

At the same time, students assure that they thoughtfully treated the tasks, and artificial intelligence only helped them to correctly analyze the information.

However, the university has already responded to this way of "learning" and promised to add "misuse of AI" to the list of academic misconduct.

P.S. I'm wondering if someone from our alcohol forum :-) has already tried to use AI to create new interesting drinks?

[Alex_Sor]

Russian troops are moving away from the line of contact in order to maximize the distance unattainable for Ukrainian weapons of destruction, Natalya Gumenyuk, head of the Joint Coordinating Press Center of the Southern Defense Forces, said on the air of Radio Donbass.Realii (a Radio Liberty project).

At the same time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are trying to prevent this and destroy the invaders during their movement. “But we are trying to keep fire control over the transport routes in such a way that they cannot use them, even to retreat to such a large distance. That is, we track their progress, try to stop their movement, stop not only the columns of equipment and manpower on forward and retreat," Gumenyuk said.

Gumenyuk stressed that a “powerful preparatory stage” is now underway, at which the Armed Forces of Ukraine are destroying the capacities of the Russian troops: warehouses, accumulations of equipment, places of deployment of personnel.

"They, of course, calculate the mileage so as not to be hit by our weapons, but based on the fact that the cotton season in Crimea has already begun, they are gradually realizing that wherever Ukraine is, they will not have peace," she added. Gumenyuk.

[Alex_Sor]

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, one of America's closest allies in the Middle East and a major recipient of US aid, recently ordered his subordinates to manufacture up to 40,000 missiles to be clandestinely sent to Russia, writes The Washington Post, citing leaked "secret Pentagon documents.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/04/10/egypt-weapons-russia/

Part of the document summarizes alleged conversations between Sisi and senior Egyptian military officials, and also mentions plans to supply Russia with artillery shells and gunpowder. The Egyptian President instructed officials to keep the production and shipment of missiles secret "in order to avoid problems with the West."

Responding to questions about the document and the veracity of the conversations it describes, Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, a spokesman for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that "Egypt's position from the very beginning is based on non-intervention in this crisis and the obligation to maintain an equal distance from both sides."

"We continue to call on both sides to end hostilities and reach a political solution through negotiations," he said.

A US government spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity regarding confidential information, said: "We are not aware of any implementation of this plan," referring to the missile export initiative. "We have not seen this happen," the official added.

Providing weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine would be a potentially explosive move for Egypt, WP explains. Egypt, despite deepening ties with Moscow, continues to invest deeply in its partnership with America.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 11.04.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6.00 a.m., 11th April, 2023

Day 412 of the full-scale russian military aggression has begun.

Over the past day, the enemy launched 39x air strikes and 7x missile strikes, 4x of which were from the S-300 air defense system, against the peaceful city of Kramatorsk. They carried out 47x rounds from MLRS on the positions of our troops and the civilian infrastructure of populated areas.

The russian federation continues to disregard the laws and customs of war, so the probability of launching missile and air strikes remains high throughout the territory of Ukraine.

Despite numerous losses in equipment and manpower, the enemy does not give up waging a war of aggression. They continue to focus main efforts on conducting offensive operations on the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mar’yinka axes. Last day, our defenders repelled 52x enemy attacks on the indicated axes.

Volyn’, Polissya, Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly. Certain units of the territorial troops of the armed forces of the russian federation continue to be on the territory of the republic of belarus.

The enemy continues to maintain a military presence in the Kursk and Belgorod regions bordering Ukraine, and continues to carry out engineering equipment in the area.

During the past day, the enemy shelled the settlements of Gremyach and Kamianska Sloboda of Chernihiv Oblast; Katerynivka, Volfine, Andriivka, and Popivka in the Sumy Oblast, as well as Veterinarne, Strelecha, Staritsa, Gatishche, Vovchanski Khutory, Okhrimivka, Mala Vovcha, and Vilkhuvatka in the Kharkiv Oblast.

Kupyansk axis: the settlements of Kam’ianka, Kolodyazne, Krasne Pershe, Novomlynsk, Dvorichna, Vilshana, Kindrashivka, Kislivka and Berestov of the Kharkiv Oblast were hit by enemy fire.

Lyman axis: during the past day, the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near the settlements of Makiivka, Chervonopivka, and Bilogorivka. Novoyehorivka, Makiivka, Nevske, Belogorivka in the Luhansk Oblast, as well as Torske, Spirne and Berestov in the Donetsk Oblast were hit by artillery fire.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues to conduct offensive actions, tries to take full control of the city of Bakhmut, fighting continues. During the past day, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near the settlements of Hryhorivka and Khromov. Vasyukivka, Zaliznyanske, Minkivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bakhmut, Khromov, Ivanovske, Predtechine, Chasiv Yar, Ozaryanivka, Druzhba and New York of the Donetsk Oblast were affected by enemy shelling.

Avdiivka and Mar’yinka axes: the adversary carried out offensive actions in the areas of Avdiivka, Severna, Nevelske and Mar’yinka settlements of the Donetsk Oblast, was unsuccessful. The fiercest battles continue for Avdiivka and Mar’yinka. At the same time, the settlements of Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Pervomaiske, Krasnohorivka, Gostre, Georgiivka, Mar’yinka and Pobyeda of the Donetsk Oblast were subjected to enemy shelling.

Shakhtars’ke axis: during the past day, the enemy did not conduct offensive operations. They shelled the settlements of Novomykhailivka, Vugledar, Bogoyavlenka and Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the enemy continues the defence. During the past day, they shelled settlements near the frontline. Among them are Vremivka of Donetsk Oblast; Novodanilivka, Orykhiv, Novoandriivka and Kam’ianske of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The russian occupiers continue to increase pressure on Ukrainian citizens in the temporarily occupied territories. Recently, in Snizhny, Donetsk Oblast, employees of the city hospital who did not receive russian passports were dismissed.

In the city of Energodar, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, local residents must obtain permission to move around the Oblast. Those who applied for passes are subject to increased checks by the occupiers for involvement in the defense forces of Ukraine. In some places, the invaders even search human dwellings.

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force has carried out 8x strikes on areas of concentration of personnel and military equipment of the occupiers, as well as a strike on the enemy's anti-aircraft missile complex.

During the past day, an enemy Mi-24 helicopter was shot down, as well as 9x unmanned aerial vehicles of various types.

Units of missile and artillery troops struck the area of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment, as well as the enemy's ammunition depot.

Support the Armed Forces!

United we will win!

Glory to Ukraine!

[Alex_Sor]

On February 24, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russian troops are shelling and destroying key infrastructure facilities,

conducting massive shelling of residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages.

I am in the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv.
I do not leave the city, I follow what is happening here, reassure my family and friends, explain the situation and follow the press reports.

A lot of panic messages, a lot of fake news from Russian propaganda.
I select only the information that has confirmation.
As a former military man (in the distant past), I have a good understanding of how hostilities are conducted and what weapons are used.

I will answer all your questions.

Since February 24, Russia has attacked Ukraine, many cities of Ukraine have been destroyed.

Because of the war, I lost my business in Ukraine, if you want to help me and my family, my Paypal is: Alex.Sor.2022@gmail.com

[Alex_Sor]

"Leaked" Pentagon documents indicate that Ukraine's Air Defense Forces are running out of ammunition, - The New York Times

According to The New York Times, leaked Pentagon documents paint a bleak picture of the state of Ukraine's air defenses. Air defense of Ukraine needs a significant amount of additional ammunition. According to the publication, this could lead to Russian President Vladimir Putin sending military aircraft to Ukraine in such a way that it could change the course of the war.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/09/us/politics/leaked-documents-ukrainian-air-defense.html

It is noted that in the first days of the invasion, Russian planes flew hundreds of sorties into Ukraine. However, the importance of the Russian aircraft was weakened by miscalculations in Russian strategy and how Ukrainian warplanes and air defense assets held up in the initial stages of the attack. This prevented Moscow from seizing the airspace over Ukraine and forced Russia to withdraw most of its air force from combat operations.

Currently, representatives of the US Department of Defense are concerned that Russia's attacks are depleting Ukraine's missile arsenal, which it uses for self-defense.

According to estimates revealed in the "leaked" documents, Ukraine's defense against most fighter jets, as well as some bombers, relies on the Soviet S-300 and Buk air defense systems. According to forecasts, the ammunition for the S-300 will run out by May 3, and the Bukis will run out by mid-April. The estimate was based on data at the time, and it is unclear whether the situation has changed.

Most of the efforts of the Russian Air Force are concentrated on the front line. According to the leaked document, the means of air defense of Ukraine, intended for the protection of forward troops, will be completely exhausted by May 23. This, in turn, according to estimates, will lead to a load on the air defense network in the depths of Ukraine.

If that happens, officials say, Russia may decide it is finally safe to send its fighter and bombers back into the air. This, in turn, could jeopardize the course of the war.

According to senior officials of the US Ministry of Defense, such a decision would be a serious challenge for Ukraine. Especially if Russian aircraft will be given more freedom of action than before to launch strikes against the positions of Ukrainian troops and important objects inside the country.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 12.04.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6.00 a.m., 12th April, 2023

Day 413 of the full-scale russian military aggression has begun.

Over the past 24 hours, the enemy launched 1x missile and 21x air strikes, and conducted 33x MLRS attacks on Ukrainian settlements and on Ukrainian Defense Forces positions.

The russian federation continues to violate the laws and customs of war, so the probability of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine.

Despite heavy casualties and significant losses of equipment, the russian federation doesn’t give up its aggressive plans towards Ukraine. It focuses main efforts on offensive actions on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mar’yinka axes, where Ukrainian defenders repelled more 72x enemy attacks during the past day.

Volyn’, Polissya, Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly. Certain units of russian territorial troops remain in belarus, however, there are no signs of the formation of offensive groupings.

Russia maintains enhanced military presence in its Kursk and Belgorod oblasts bordering Ukraine, and continues to harden defensive positions there.

During the past day, the enemy shelled Bleshnya, Kam’yans’ka Sloboda, and Hremyach (Chernihiv oblast); Volfyne, Katerynivka (Sumy oblast); Veterynarne, Hlyboke, Hatyshche, Vovchans’k, Zybyne, Volohivka, Okhrimivka, Chernyakiv, Komisarov, Budarky, and Dovzhanka (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the settlements of Kolodyazne, Kam’yanka, Topoli, Krasne Pershe, Ridkodub, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Kindrasivka, Pishchane, and Berestov (Kharkiv oblast); Novoselivs’ke (Luhansk oblast) came under enemy fire.

Lyman axis: during the past day, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of Biloghorivka and Spirne (Luhansk oblast).

Makiivka, Nevs’ke, Biloghorivka (Luhansk oblast); Yampolivka, Tors’ke, and Spirne (Donetsk oblast) were subjects to enemy artillery fire.

Bakhmut axis: russian forces make further attempts to seize full control over the town of Bakhmut, fighting continues. During the day, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the vicinities of Bohdanivka.

Nikiforivka, Vasyukivka, Minkivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkovo, Markovo, Bakhmut, Khromovo, Chasiv Yar, Ivanovs’ke, Stupochki, Predtechyne, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Kurdyumivka, Ozaryanivka, Druzhba, Torets’k, and New York (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy attacks.

Avdiivka and Mar’yinka axes: the enemy attempted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of Avdiivka, Pervomais’ke, Nevels’ke and Mar’yinka (Donetsk oblast). The heavy fighting continues in Mar’yinka area.

At the same time, the settlements of Novokalynove, Orlivka, Avdiivka, Tonen’ke, Severne, Pervomais’ke, Netaylove, Karlivka, Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Mar’yinka, and Pobieda (Donetsk oblast) were subjects to enemy shelling.

Shakhtars’ke axis: during the past day, the enemy did not carry out offensive actions. However, the occupiers shelled the vicinities of Novomykhailivka, Shakhtars’ke, Novoukrainka, Velyka Novosilka, Vuhledar, and Prechistivka (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axis: the enemy stays on the defensive. Over the past 24 hours, more than 30x Ukrainian settlements suffered enemy attacks. Among them are Vremivka and Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast); Novosilka, Olhivs’ke, Malynyvka, Chervone, Hulyaipole, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, and Orihiv (Zaporizhzhia oblast); Zolota Balka, Kachkarivka, Beryslav, Kozats’ke, Burgunka, Ivanivka, Mykils’ke, Antonivka, Bilozerka, Dniprovs’ke, and Veletens’ke (Kherson oblast) and the city of Kherson.

During the day, Ukrainian Air Force conducted 13x air strikes on the concentrations of russian troops and military equipment. In addition, Ukrainian defenders shot down

2x enemy "Orlan-10" type UAVs.

During the day, Ukrainian missile and artillery troops attacked 5x concentrations of enemy troops, weapons and military equipment, as well as 2x radio electronic warfare stations of the enemy.

[Alex_Sor]

British Army trains Ukrainian Tank Crews on Challenger 2

 

[Alex_Sor]

Russia's war against Ukraine may reach a dead end - WP with reference to "leaked" US documents

The war in Ukraine will continue next year. 2023 will end with both sides making only "minor" military territorial gains due to "insufficient numbers of troops and supplies for effective operations," WP writes, citing "leaked" Pentagon data.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/04/12/leaked-documents-ukraine-war/

Such a stalemate, with neither side achieving a decisive advantage, is described in the document as "the most likely scenario."

At the same time, both sides will refuse to negotiate an end to the war.

The forecast concludes that even if Ukraine wins back "significant" territories and inflicts "unacceptable losses on Russian forces," which US intelligence says is unlikely, the country's gains will not lead to peace talks. "Negotiations to end the conflict are unlikely during 2023 under all scenarios considered," the document says.

In addition to predicting an indefinite conflict, the recently released document also predicts how Ukrainian and Russian military leaders will respond to challenges on the battlefield. For the Ukrainian side, according to American analysts, the ongoing war of attrition will lead to domestic disillusionment and "criticism" of the way the war is being conducted, "increasing the likelihood of a leadership change."

At the same time, Ukraine is likely to step up strikes against Russia itself, a dynamic that has alarmed some US officials who fear such strikes could force Putin to escalate the conflict or give China an excuse to start supplying ammunition to the Russian army.

[Alex_Sor]

Ukraine's national debt is approaching 100% of GDP

Ukraine's public debt has already exceeded one hundred billion dollars, and by the end of this year it may come close to 100 percent of GDP.

Public debt to GDP is a key macroeconomic indicator that helps assess how much debt a country has against its economy. This indicator allows you to compare the level of debt burden of different countries of the world. This is also money that the country owes to citizens, companies, other countries and international organizations. This indicator can be calculated both in the national currency and in the currency of other countries, usually in US dollars or euros.

According to a World Bank study, when public debt is more than 77 percent of GDP, a country's economy is considered problematic. In our country, which has been in a state of brutal war waged against us by Russia for almost 14 months, a situation is possible when this indicator will approach one hundred percent.

As of the beginning of March 2023, the state and state-guaranteed debt of Ukraine already amounted to 4 trillion 242 billion hryvnias (116 billion US dollars). That is, if we divide this debt among all citizens (if we consider that 37.5 million citizens are registered in Ukraine), then each Ukrainian owes 113 thousand hryvnias (3 thousand dollars), and by the end of this year, on the condition of receiving all the promised loan funds from partners, this indicator can increase to 173 thousand hryvnias (4.5 thousand dollars). I don't even want to count how many there are for each actual resident of our country, taking into account the fact that only officially, about 8 million Ukrainians live in European countries, who have left since the beginning of the full-scale foreign invasion.

Experts emphasize that such rapid growth of debt to GDP is not only due to the fact that our country has increased the amount of borrowing, but also the reason that our economy fell by 29 percent according to the results of last year, and this year the growth even according to the most optimistic forecasts, most likely, it will not exceed 1-2 percent.

"We still need about 4-5 years, according to optimistic forecasts, to reach the GDP level of the end of 2021, which then reached almost 200 billion dollars. Unfortunately, due to the attack of the aggressor, we are forced to borrow significant funds, and at the same time, we have a significant decline in the economy and incomes of citizens," economic expert Serhii Kostiantynov told UNIAN.

"Ukraine has a unique situation. Before the invasion, we had one of the lowest levels of public debt in Europe... The invasion led to the destruction of the Ukrainian economy, an increase in defense spending and a drop in taxes... Without restructuring, as a result, we are in for serious economic and social upheaval. Creditors won't get anything at all. In principle, like all of us...", Amelin stressed.

The expert suggests considering the possibility of writing off at least 50 percent of the state debt and restructuring the remaining part for five to ten years.
...

https://www.unian.ua/economics/finance/derzhborg-nablizhayetsya-do-100-vvp-chi-vidchuye-kozhen-ukrajinec-signal-ekonomichnoji-trivogi-12216468.html

( in ukrainian lang)

[Alex_Sor]

US intelligence considered several scenarios for the development of the war in Ukraine in case of unlikely events.

As The New York Times reports, this became known from secret Pentagon documents dated February 24, 2023, which were "leaked" on the Internet.

In particular, an analysis conducted by the Pentagon's intelligence department after an hour of war became open access. The document outlines four "wild card" scenarios and how they can affect the course of the conflict in Ukraine.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/11/world/europe/leaked-documents-russia-ukraine.html

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 13.04.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6.00 a.m., 13th April, 2023

Day 414 of the full-scale russian military aggression has begun.

During the past day, the enemy launched 2x missile and 32x air strikes, launched more than 40x rounds from MLRS on the positions of our troops and the civilian infrastructure of populated areas, there are dead and wounded civilians. 2x russian missiles fired from the S-300 air defense system hit the objects of civil infrastructure in the city of Sloviansk.

The russian federation continues to disregard the laws and customs of war, so the probability of missile and air strikes remains high throughout the territory of Ukraine.

Despite numerous losses in equipment and manpower, the occupiers continue to focus their main efforts on conducting offensive actions in the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mar’yinka areas. During the day, thanks to the courage of each soldier, more than 45x enemy attacks were repelled.

Volyn’, Polissya, Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly. Certain units of the territorial troops of the armed forces of the russian federation continue to be on the territory of the republic of belarus. A comprehensive check of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of the republic of belarus is underway. Individual compounds and units are brought to higher levels of combat readiness. Additional manning of the units involved in the inspection was carried out at the expense of the draft of reserve servicemen.

The enemy continues to maintain a military presence in the Kursk and Belgorod regions bordering Ukraine, and continues to carry out engineering equipment in the area.

During the past day, the enemy shelled the settlements of Galaganivka, Zaliznyi Myst, Arkhipivka of the Chernihiv Oblast; Methodivka, Seredyna-Buda, Esman, Khodyne, Bilopylla, Iskriskivshchyna, Volfine, Pavlivka, Obody, Kindrativka, Varachyne, Basivka, Zapsillia and Myropillya of the Sumy Oblast, as well as Veterinarne, Lukyantsi, Neskuchne, Vovchansk, Varvarivka, Nesterne, Zemlianki, Komisarov, Kolodyazne, Novomlynsk and Oskil in Kharkiv Oblast.

Kupyansk axis: Topoli, Krasne Pershe, Novomlynsk, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kindrashivka and Oskil of the Kharkiv Oblast were hit by enemy fire.

Lyman axis: during the day, the enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the area of Bilogorivka. Novoselivske, Nevske, Kuzmine, Belogorivka of the Luhansk Oblast and Torske and Spirne of the Donetsk Oblast were hit by artillery fire.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues to conduct offensive actions, tries to take full control of the city of Bakhmut, fighting continues. During the past day, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the area north of the settlement of Khromove and near Bohdanivka and Predtechyny. Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanovske, Novodmytrivka, Kurdyumivka, Druzhba, Severnye and Zalizne of the Donetsk Oblast were affected by enemy shelling.

Avdiivka and Mar’yinka axes: the enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the areas of Severne, Mar’yinka, Pobieda, and Novomykhailivka settlements of the Donetsk Oblast. The fiercest battles continue for Mar’yinka. At the same time, Keramik, Novokalynove, Krasnohorivka, Stepove, Avdiyivka, Tonenka, Severna, Vodyane, Pervomaiske, Netaylove, Nevelske, Karlivka, Georgiivka, Mar’yinka, and Pobieda of the Donetsk Oblast were under enemy fire.

Shakhtars’ke axis: during the past day, the enemy did not carry out any offensive actions. They shelled the settlements of Novomykhailivka, Shakhtars’ke, Novoukrainka, Velyka Novosilka, Vugledar and Prechistivka in the Donetsk Oblast.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the enemy continues to conduct defensive operations. Over the past 24 hours, more than 35x settlements have been shelled. Among them are Olhivske, Chervone, Charivne, Novodanilivka, Orihiv, Novoandriivka, Mali Shcherbaki, Stepnohirsk of Zaporizhzhya Oblast; Kozatske, Odradokamyanka, Mykolaivka, Olhivka, Tyaginka, Kizomys of the Kherson Oblast and the city of Kherson.

The russian occupiers continue to strengthen the counter-intelligence regime in the temporarily occupied territories. The number of roadblocks and patrols has increased in and around the village of Grafske, Volnovasky district, Donetsk Oblast. At the checkpoints, the enemy is actively conducting filtering activities of the local population.

The situation is somewhat similar in Blagodatny, Donetsk Oblast. Fearing the leakage of information about the location of the occupying units, the invaders began to restrict certain traffic routes to taxi drivers, local residents are allowed to enter only with registration.

During the day, the aviation of the Defense Forces of Ukraine made 6x strikes on the areas of concentration of personnel and military equipment of the occupiers. Also, our defenders shot down 2x enemy UAVs of the "Orlan-10" type.

At the same time, units of missile and artillery troops hit 4x areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment, 2x enemy ammunition depots, as well as 1x enemy radar station.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 14.04.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., April 14, 2023

Day 415 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

The russian federation continues to wage its war of aggression. The invaders continue to disregard the International Humanitarian Law, as they target and shell the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian infrastructure alike.

During the day of April 13, the adversary launched 19x air strikes, 39x MLRS attacks, causing civilian casualties.

The likelihood of missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains quite high.

The adversary has not abandoned its plans to occupy Ukrainian territory, despite significant losses. The invaders continue to focus their main efforts on the offensive operations on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes. The fiercest fighting is for Bakhmut and Mar’inka. Coordinated actions and the heroism of the Ukrainian Defense Forces allowed to repel 49x adversary attacks during the day of April 13.

Volyn, Polissya, Sivershchyna, and Slobozhanshchyna axes: no significant changes in the operational situation, no signs of the formation of enemy offensive groups were found. Certain units of the territorial troops of the russian Armed Forces continue their deployment on the territory of belarus.

The adversary continues to maintain military presence in the areas of Kursk and Belgorod oblasts (russia) bordering Ukraine.

During the day of April 13, the adversary shelled the settlements of Halahanivka (Chernihiv oblast), Studenok, Iskryskivshchyna, Volfyne (Sumy oblast), Udy, Kozacha Lopan’, Ternova, Starytsya, Hatyshche, Mykolaivka, and Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: Krasne Pershe, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Masyutivka, and Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast) came under enemy fire.

Lyman axis: during during the day of April 13, the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives near of settlements of Dibrova and Bilohorivka. Novoselivs’ke, Stel’makhivka, Andriivka, Nevs’ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), and Spirne (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues its offensive operations. Heavy battles for the city of Bakhmut continue. The adversary attempted to attack in the vicinities of Bohdanivka and Predtechyne, to no success. Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Khromove, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Bila Hora, Novodmytrivka, Kurdyumivka, Pivnichne, and Zalizne (Donetsk oblast) were shelled by the enemy.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives towards Sjeverne, firing artillery at Novokalynove, Stepove, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Pervomais’ke, Netaylove, and Karlivka (Donetsk oblast), among other settlements.

Mar’inka axis: during the day of April 13, Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinity of Mar’inka (Donetsk oblast). At the same time, Nevel’s’ke, Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Pobjeda, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled by the enemy.

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations during the day of April 13. The invaders shelled the settlements of Shakhtars’ke, Velyka Novosilka, Vuhledar, Novoukrayinka, Prechystivka, and Zolota Nyva (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary continues to defend. The invaders shelled settlements near the line of active combat. Among them are Ol’hivs’ke, Chervone, Hulyaipole, Huliaipilske, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, Novodanylivka, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka, Stepnohirs’k (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Stepanivka, Antonivka (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

The russian federation continues to impose the so-called “passportization” on Ukrainian citizens. In certain settlements of Kakhovs’kyi district (Kherson oblast), russian occupants are forcing people to re-register their vehicles under russian regulations, which requires the owners to have russian passports.

Activities aimed at accelerating the issuance of russian passports have particularly intensified in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk oblast. Departments of Migration Service of the russian federation are reported to work seven days a week. Priority is given to civil servants and soldiers of the First Army Corps.

During the day of April 13, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 3x air strikes on the concentrations of occupant troops and military equipment.

Units of the Ukrainian missile troops and artillery hit 3x command posts, 3x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment of the enemy, 1x ammunition depot, 1x radar station, and 1x electronic warfare station.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 15.04.23 were approximately:

 

Situation update as of 6.00 a.m., 15th April, 2023

Day 416 of the full-scale russian military aggression has begun.

The russian federation continues to ignore International Humanitarian Law, strikes and fires not only at the positions of our troops, but also at the civilian infrastructure of populated areas.

Over the past day, the enemy launched 9x air and 19x missile strikes, 13x of them from the S-300 air defense systems against the peaceful cities of Slov’iansk and Kramatorsk, and shot with 42x rounds from MLRS on the positions of our troops and the civilian infrastructure of populated areas. There are dead and injured civilians, high-rise and private residential buildings, as well as other civilian infrastructure, have been destroyed and damaged.

The probability of launching missile and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine remains high.

The enemy continues to focus its main efforts on conducting offensive actions on the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiiv and Mar’yinka axes. The fiercest battles continue for Bakhmut and Mar’yinka. During the past day, 56x enemy attacks were repelled.

Volyn’, Polissya, Sivershchyna, and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly, and no signs of the formation of offensive groups have been detected. Some units of the territorial troops of the armed forces of the russian federation continue to be on the territory of the republic of belarus. A full check of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of the republic of belarus is underway.

The enemy's military presence is maintained in the Kursk and Belgorod regions bordering Ukraine.

During the past day, the enemy shelled the settlements of Galaganivka, Chernihiv Oblast; Studenok, Rivne, Iskryskivshchyna, Volfyne of the Sumy Oblast, as well as Kozacha Lopan, Tokarivka, Mali Prohody, Strelecha, Lukyantsi, Neskuchne, Staritsa, Vovchansk, Nesterne and Zemlianki in the Kharkiv Oblast.

Kupyansk axis: Stroivka, Dvorichanske, Krasne Pershe, Novomlynsk, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Lyman Pershey, Kindrashivka, Masyutivka, Tabaivka, and Berestov in the Kharkiv Oblast were under enemy fire.

Lyman axis: during the past day, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near the settlements of Dibrova and Bilogorivka. Novoselivske, Stelmakhivka, Nevske, Belogorivka of the Luhansk Oblast and Torske, Dibrova and Spirne of the Donetsk Oblast were hit by artillery fire.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues to conduct offensive actions. Heavy fighting continues for the city of Bakhmut. Vasyukivka, Orihovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Stupochki, Diliivka, Toretsk and New York of the Donetsk Oblast were affected by enemy shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the Novokalynovo and Pervomaysky areas of the Donetsk Oblast, without success. They shelled the settlements of Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Pervomaiske and Karlivka.

Mar’yinka axis: our defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the area of the Mar’yinka settlement of the Donetsk Oblast over the past day. At the same time, Pobyeda and Novomykhailivka got under enemy fire.

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not carry out offensive operations the last day. They shelled the settlements of Bogoyavlenka, Shakhtars’ke, Novoukrainka, Velyka Novosilka, Neskuchne, Zolota Niva, and Vugledar in the Donetsk Oblast.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the enemy continues to conduct defensive operations. Over the past 24 hours, there were shelled more than 40x settlements near the frontline. Among them are Vremivka, Novopil’ of the Donetsk Oblast; Olhivske, Malynyvka, Chervone, Gulyaipole, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, Orihiv of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast; Zolota Balka, Novoberislav, Kozatske, Burgunka, Ivanivka, Mykilske, Antonivka, Bilozerka, Dniprovske of the Kherson Oblast and the city of Kherson.

russian invaders continue to commit looting in the temporarily captured territory of Ukraine. In particular, in the Novokakhov district of the Kherson Oblast, cases of grease draining from electric transformers were noted, which, in turn, led to the blackout of individual streets of the district's settlements.

Over the past day, the Ukrainian Air Force has struck 5x areas of concentration of personnel and military equipment of the occupiers.

Units of missile and artillery troops hit 1x control point, 3x areas of concentration of enemy manpower, weapons and military equipment, as well as 1x enemy electronic warfare station.

 

[Alex_Sor]

Opinion

Some of my GOP colleagues have lost their moral compass on Ukraine
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/18/chris-sununu-ukraine-republican-party/
...

History has taught us that complacency and appeasement benefit our enemies much more than they benefit the United States. Some in the Republican Party have lost their moral compass on foreign policy, as evidenced by former president Donald Trump, who once called Putin’s invasion “genius” and “savvy.” As Republicans, we should support freedom, not abandon it. We must not equivocate, but rather lead with strength and courage in the mold of Ronald Reagan.

There should never be blank checks when it comes to government funding, and all tax dollars must be spent and accounted for wisely. Yet the price the United States is paying in Ukraine today is far less than the price we will face if Putin continues his westward march, threatening the sovereignty and security of NATO.

As a stabilizing global power and the leading democracy on the planet, the United States has a duty to limit authoritarian and tyrannical aggression, whether it’s Russia in Ukraine or China in Taiwan. If we were to abandon Ukraine, the United States would send an unmistakable signal to dictators that the United States does not stand with its allies, nor for the expansion of freedom. Allied countries such as Japan and Australia would be left to wonder if the United States would tolerate Chinese aggression in the Pacific.

...

[Alex_Sor]

Discord member details how documents leaked from closed chat group

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/04/12/discord-leaked-documents/

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 17.04.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6.00 a.m., 17th April, 2023

Day 418 of the full-scale russian military aggression has begun.

Over the past day, the russian occupiers launched 25x missile strikes with S-300 air defense system missiles on the peaceful cities of Zaporizhzhia and Komyshuvakha (Zaporizhzhia oblast); and Snihurivka (Mykolayiv oblast). Moreover, the enemy launched 42x air strikes and conducted 46x MLRS attacks that targeted civilian infrastructure and Ukrainian Defense Forces. The attacks caused casualties among civilian population and damage to residential buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, churches and other civilian infrastructure.

The russian aggressor continues to use terror tactics, the threat of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine.

Despite heavy losses the russian federation does not give up on plans to occupy our territory. The adversary continues to focus its main efforts on offensive actions on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’yinka axes. Russian forces make active use of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Heavy fighting continues in Bakhmut and Mary’inka, where Ukrainian defenders repelled more than 60x enemy attacks during the day.

Volyn’, Polissya, Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: no signs of the formation of enemy offensive groups detected.

During the past day, the russian invaders shelled Svesa, Shalygine, Bunyakyne, Bilopillia, Iskriskivshchyna, Shpyl’, Volfyne, Yunakivka, Basivka, and Velyka Pisarivka (Sumy oblast); as well as Veterynarne, Neskuchne, Ohirtseve, Vovchans’k, Bochkove, Mala Vovcha, Zemlianka, and Topoli (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the enemy shelled Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, and Kindrashivka (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the enemy attempted unsuccessful offensives in the area north of Hryhorivka and in the vicinities of Spirne.

Stelmakhivka, Nevs’ke and Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast); Ivanivka, Spirne, and Tors’ke (Donetsk oblast) came under artillery fire.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues to conduct offensive actions. Heavy fighting is ongoing in Bakhmut. The enemy launched unsuccessful attacks in the vicinities of Khromove and Ivanivs’ke.

Vasyukivka, Minkivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivs’ke, Chasiv Yar, Novodmytrivka, Svivnihne, Pleshchiivka, and Shcherbynivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled by russian forces.

Avdiivka axis: the enemy attempted unsuccessful attacks in the vicinities of Novokalynove, Severne, Vodiane, Pervomais’ke, and Nevels’k.

Russian occupiers shelled more than 15x settlements, including Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Tonen’ke, Vodyane, Pervomais’ke and Netaylove.

Mar’yinka axis: our defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinities of Mar’yinka (Donetsk oblast). Krasnohorivka, Mar’yinka, Heorgiivka, Maksimilianivka, Pobieda and Novomykhailivka came under enemy fire.

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy stays on the defensive. Vuhledar, Prechistivka, Novoukrainka, Velyka Novosilka, and Vremivka (Donetsk oblast) were subjects to enemy attacks.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the enemy stays on the defensive. Over 40x settlements were shelled during the day, including Vremivka and Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast); Chervone, Charivne, Orihiv, Novopavlivka, and Stepove (Zaporizhzhia oblast); Zolota Balka, Kozats’ke, Lviv, and Mykils’ke (Kherson oblast); as well as the city of Kherson.

Over the past day, Ukrainian Air Force launched 5x air strikes on the concentrations of russian troops and anti-aircraft missile complex.

4x enemy UAVs were shot down (2x Orlan-10 type, 1x Eleron reconnaissance and 1x Lancet kamikaze drone).

Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x command post, 1x anti-aircraft missile complex, 1x concentration of troops, 1x fuel and lubricant warehouse and 2x ammunition depots of the occupiers.

Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

[Alex_Sor]

How do you bring down a drone?

Small, portable and energy efficient, radiofrequency jamming devices are the next line of defence against drones
https://cosmosmagazine.com/news/how-to-bring-down-a-drone/

 

[Alex_Sor]

With Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, NATO Readies for Combat on Its Borders

Shocked by Russian atrocities, NATO is becoming the war-fighting alliance it was during the Cold War, committed to defending “every inch” of its territory from Day 1.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/17/world/europe/nato-russia-ukraine-war.html
 

after Russia's atrocities in its occupied areas of Ukraine, from Bucha and Irpin to Mariupol and Kherson, border states such as Poland and the Baltic states no longer want to risk a period of Russian occupation. They note that in the early days of the Ukrainian invasion, Russian troops seized more land than some of the Baltic countries.

Therefore, the new concept of defense suggests that there should be more troops along the border with Russia. In addition, NATO countries intend to work out in more detail the specific course of action in the event of an attack from outside.

Putin has long complained about encirclement and NATO invasion. But his invasion of Ukraine provoked an alliance to get rid of the remaining prohibitions on the increase in the number of Western troops along the entire border of NATO with Russia.

The new concept envisages not just an increase in the number of NATO troops near the borders of the Russian Federation, but also their deliberate demonstration as a deterrent.

The new approach was explained by Camille Grand, until recently Assistant Secretary General of NATO, and now a representative of the European Council on Foreign Affairs. According to her, earlier the alliance considered a deterrent for the aggressor the promise that NATO would certainly liberate all the territories that the aggressor managed to capture. Now, Russia should be deterred by a promise to defend "every inch of NATO territory" from the first day of the invasion.

 

[Alex_Sor]

Polish President Andrzej Duda believes that due to Russia's own geopolitical greed, in the event of a victory in Ukraine, another state will choose the next military target.

The politician recalled this during a joint conference with Italian leader Sergio Mattarella, who visited Poland on Monday, April 17.

Duda stressed that everyone who today calls for an end to aid to Ukraine, in the conditions when the Russians continue their military escalation on the territory of Ukrainian lands, is actually acting in the interests of Moscow and, in fact, wants Russia to defeat Ukraine, Polskie Radio reports. 24.

According to Duda, if the world stops supporting Ukraine, Russia will be able to win the war, but will not stop in its ambitions.

     "If Ukraine is not given help, Russia will win this war, which will be only the first step on the part of Russia to expand its dominance over the peoples of this part of Europe," he said.

As the Polish president added, the Poles are well aware of this Russian greed: "The greed to rule over other peoples, to enslave other peoples, to deprive them of their potential and use it," Duda said.

During a conversation with the leader of Italy, he stressed that Warsaw would continue to support Ukraine and urged its partners to do so. It is important that Kyiv feel supported continuously, because only then Russia will not be able to win this war: "if Russia wins this war, it will attack another country," he said.

Following the talks, Duda noted that his colleague Sergio Mattarella also shares this opinion.

[Alex_Sor]

The West Needs a New Strategy in Ukraine
A Plan for Getting From the Battlefield to the Negotiating Table
By Richard Haass and Charles Kupchan
April 13, 2023

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/russia-richard-haass-west-battlefield-negotiations

...The West will betray Ukraine... :-(
Everything is heading towards this...

I don't understand: do you want to kill and rape the inhabitants of Europe? Germany? France?
None of the European countries will withstand the Russian offensive that was against Ukraine in 2022...
... The West does not want to think with its head ...

[Alex_Sor]

This is how Ukrainian cities in Donbas look close to the front...