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

[Alex_Sor]

In the United States of America, there is no doubt about the authenticity of Ukraine's statement about the downing of the Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missile using the US Patriot air defense system.

According to CNN, citing a source, the Patriot system successfully counters ballistic missiles, but its ability to shoot down hypersonic air-launched missiles before this event had a purely theoretical basis. The fact that the missile was able to be intercepted in Ukraine demonstrated that the complex is indeed capable of this. It is noted that the Pentagon considers this an important event.

Previously, Russia was convinced that if a hypersonic ballistic missile was used, it would definitely hit. However, the shooting down of the Kinzhal missile by Ukrainian soldiers called this calculation into question.

The fact that the intercept was carried out by a Ukrainian crew trained in Oklahoma but had no U.S. advisers on the battlefield made the Pentagon even more pleased, the source added, calling it a significant return on investment. The intercept also likely created significant uncertainty for Russia. raising the question of whether Ukraine has a sustainable means of countering hypersonic ballistic missiles, the source added.

https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-07-23/h_b460a19fabadba404011bbc0ffecb47e

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 08.05.23 were approximately:

Operational information as of 06.00 05.08.2023 regarding the Russian invasion
The four hundred and thirty-ninth day of large-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against our state has begun.
On the night of May 8, 2023, the enemy again attacked the territory of Ukraine, using the Iranian strike UAV "Shahed". 35 out of 35 drones were destroyed by our defenders.
  Continuing its terror tactics, the Russian Federation launched 16 missile strikes last night, in particular on the cities of Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Odesa regions. In addition, 61 airstrikes and 52 enemy attacks from rocket salvo fire systems on the positions of our troops and populated areas were recorded. Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded civilians, high-rise buildings, private homes and other civilian infrastructure were damaged.
The probability of further Russian missile and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine remains high.
The enemy is concentrating its main efforts on the Lymansky, Bakhmutsky, Avdiyivskyi and Marinsky directions. Heavy fighting continues for the cities of Bakhmut and Maryinka. In general, during the past day, 55 enemy attacks were repulsed on the indicated sections of the front.
No signs of the formation of enemy offensive groups were detected in the Volyn and Poliske directions.
In the Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi directions, the enemy maintains a military presence in the border areas with Ukraine. During the past day, the enemy carried out airstrikes on the areas of the settlements of Zareche, Leonivka, and Kostobobriv of the Chernihiv region and Glukhiv of the Sumy region. He carried out mortar and artillery shelling of the settlements of Orlykivka, Tymonovichi, Zareche, Bleshnya, Zaliznyi Myst, Arkhipivka, Leonivka, Buchki of the Chernihiv region; Stara Huta, Seredyna-Buda, Bachivsk, Ulanov, Vorozhba, Iskryskivshchyna, and Novgorodske in the Sumy region, as well as Udy, Vovchansk, Pletenivka, Bochkove, Mala Vovcha, Nesterne, Budarky, and Stroivka in the Kharkiv region.
The enemy did not conduct offensive operations in the Kupyansk direction. He carried out airstrikes in the areas of Hryanikyukka and Vilshan settlements. The settlements of Krasne Pershe, Figolivka, Novomlynsk, Zapadne, Lyman Pershey, Berestov in Kharkiv region and Novoselivske and Stelmakhivka in Luhansk region were hit by artillery and mortar attacks.
In the Lyman direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the direction of Spirny during the day. He carried out airstrikes in the areas of the settlements of Bilogorivka in the Luhansk region, as well as Torske and Spirne in the Donetsk region. Stelmakhivka, Makiivka and Nevske in the Luhansk region and Belogorivka and Spirne in the Donetsk region were hit by artillery fire.
In the Bakhmut direction, the enemy continues to conduct offensive actions.
Fighting continues in the city of Bakhmut, the occupiers bombarded the city with incendiary and phosphorous ammunition. During the day, the enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the direction of the settlements of Khromove, Ivanovske, Chasiv Yar and Stupochki. He carried out airstrikes in the areas of the settlements of Bakhmut, Bohdanivka, Kurdyumivka and New York. Zaliznyanske, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Markove, Bakhmut, Ivanovske, Chasiv Yar, Stupochki, Oleksandro-Shultine and Leonidivka of the Donetsk region were affected by enemy shelling.
In the Avdiivka direction, the enemy conducted offensive operations in the Avdiivka and Pervomaisky districts last night, without success. Shelled Keramik, Novokalynove, Ocheretine, Berdychi, Avdiyivka, Vodyane, Pervomaiske, Nevelske, Netaylove, Karlivka, and Gostre settlements in the Donetsk region.
In the Marinka direction, units of the defense forces repelled numerous enemy attacks in the area of the city of Marinka. At the same time, Krasnohorivka, Georgiivka, Kurakhove and Pobyeda of the Donetsk region came under enemy fire.
The enemy did not conduct offensive operations in the Shakhtarsky direction. He shelled the settlements of Novomykhailivka, Katerynivka, Elizavetivka, Vugledar, Pavlivka, Prechistivka, Zolota Niva, Novoukrainka, Shakhtarske, and Velika Novosilka of the Donetsk region.
The enemy continues to conduct defensive operations in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions. He carried out airstrikes in the areas of Vremivka in the Donetsk region and Gulyaipol and Novodanilivka in the Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, he shelled more than 50 settlements. Among them - Poltavka, Charivne, Novoandriivka of the Zaporizhzhia region; Zmiivka, Prydniprovske, Romashkove, Yantarne, Kizomys, Sofiivka, Stanislav of the Kherson region and the city of Kherson.
The Russian occupiers are carrying out the so-called evacuation of local residents from the temporarily occupied Tokmak of the Zaporizhzhya region in the direction of the settlement of Berdyansk. Representatives of the so-called local "authority", collaborators, children, teachers and educators are subject to this procedure. At the same time, the children's parents are threatened not to enroll in the school year if they refuse to "evacuate" the child.
Queues for fuel are observed at gas stations, all drivers have been informed that no new fuel deliveries are planned.
In the village of Vesele, Zaporizhzhia region, the local police department of the enemy is closed and does not function. The day before, the destruction of the documentation of this institution was observed.
Over the past day, the Air Force of the Defense Forces carried out 8 strikes on areas where the enemy's personnel and military equipment are concentrated, as well as a strike on the enemy's anti-aircraft missile complex.
Also, our defenders destroyed 2 attack and 6 reconnaissance UAVs of the enemy.
At the same time, units of rocket troops and artillery hit 2 control points, 2 areas of concentration of weapons and military equipment of the occupiers, as well as 3 warehouses of enemy ammunition.

[Alex_Sor]

[Alex_Sor]

UAV in Kiev...

https://www.facebook.com/100027134836740/videos/201007185594699

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 10.05.23 were approximately:

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

Day 441 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

During the day of May 9, the adversary launched 23x missile and 43x air strikes, 97x MLRS attacks. The enemy used various types of missiles for missile attacks, most of them were intercepted by Ukrainian defenders, but, unfortunately, some have hit their targets. In particular, 5x S-300 missiles hit the cities of Kup’yans’k, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, and Kostyantynivka.

The likelihood of further missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high, as the enemy continues its terror tactics.

The adversary focuses its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, having conducted 46x attacks. The fiercest fighting is for the cities of Bakhmut and Mar’inka.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary fired artillery at the settlements of Hasychivka, Zaliznyi Mist, Murav’i (Chernihiv oblast), Tovstodubove, Bachivs’k, Stari Vyrky, Iskryskivshchyna, Volfyne, Yunakivka, Mohrytsya, Popivka, Slavhorod (Sumy oblast), Hoptivka, Varvarivka, Buhruvatka, Ohirtseve, Hatyshche, Pletenivka, Tykhe, Mala Vovcha, Budarky, Zemlyanky, Vil’khuvatka, Dvorichans’ke, and Khatnje (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the adversary attempted to improve its tactical situation, conducting offensive operations near the settlements of Masyutivka and Stel’makhivka, to no success. The invaders fired artillery and mortars at Kam’yanka, Kolodyazne, Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Kindrashivka, Lyman Pershyi, Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast), and Stel’makhivka (Luhansk oblast).

Lyman axis: the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Bilohorivka. Makiivka, Bilohorivka, Vesele (Luhansk oblast), Yampolivka, and Spirne (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the adversary continues to advance. During the day of May 9, it conducted unsuccessful offensives in the city of Bakhmut, as well as towards the settlements of Ivanivske and Stupochky. Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Zalizne, and New York, (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary did not conduct any offensive operations. Russian aircraft launched an air strike in the vicinity of Avdiivka. The invaders shelled the settlements of Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Pervomais’ke, Netaylove, and Karlivka (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinity of the city of Mar’inka. At the same time, Heorhiivka (Donetsk oblast) and other settlements were shelled by the enemy.

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations during the day of May 9. The invaders launched an air strike in the vicinity of Velyka Novosilka, shelled the settlements of Novomykhailivka, Vodyane, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, and Velyka Novosilka.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary stays on the defensive. Russian aircraft launched air strikes at Orikhiv, Kizomys, and Stanislav. The invaders shelled the settlements of Vremivka, Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast), Ol’hivs’ke, Poltavka, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv, Novodanylivka, Novoandriivka, Stepove, Kam’yans’ke, Plavni (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Antonivka, Molodizhne, and Zelenivka (Kherson oblast).

In Enerhodar, the russian occupiers organized a so-called “evacuation” for family members of Zaporizhzhia NPP employees. Yet, the employees of the power plant are not allowed to leave the city.

The so-called “authorities” put in office by the occupation forces announced the evacuation to recreation centers and hotels of Berdyans’k and Kyrylivka. However, those who agreed were taken to Rostov oblast (russia) and placed in tent camps.

The situation was somewhat different in Velyka Bilozerka. Last week, most of the collaborators used their own vehicles to leave for Crimea.

During the day of May 9, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 8x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and military equipment of the adversary, as well as 2x air strikes on the anti-aircraft missile systems.

During the day of May 9, Ukrainian defenders intercepted 6x various-type UAVs of the enemy, 3x of them Shahed.

The Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x command post, 4x concentrations of troops, 2x artillery units at their firing positions, and 1x electronic warfare station of the adversary.

Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine! United we will win!

[Alex_Sor]

Today, the prosecutors of the Kherson regional prosecutor's office reported suspicions to the deputy head of the "Rosgvardia" department of the Rostov region, a police colonel of the Russian Federation, who organized a torture facility during the occupation of Kherson and personally gave orders to use violence against hundreds of illegally detained civilians.

This was reported in the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. It is noted that suspicion was also reported to three of his henchmen. All four were reported suspected of violating the laws and customs of war (Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to investigators, more than two hundred people were kept and tortured in the seized premises of the temporary detention facility from March to October 2022.

One hundred and sixty of them turned to law enforcement agencies. Work to identify other victims continues.

     “They were predominantly pro-Ukrainian activists, volunteers, veterans, relatives of law enforcement officers. Some were held for hours, others for months. In terrible unsanitary conditions. Beaten and tortured, limited in food and water, denied medical care. At least 17 men used torture sexual organs with electric current," the prosecutors inform.

It is noted that, as in the days of the NKVD, confessions were "knocked out" of people in what they did not do. They tried to force them to cooperate with the occupying "power". They were accused of having links with the resistance movement and demanded information about the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

It is already known that at least three captives were tortured to death. Six were forcibly taken to the temporarily occupied territories.

"This case, unfortunately, is not uncommon. Only in the Kherson region, 11 torture and 13 places of detention of people have been identified. Information about the illegal detention of almost 1,000 people is being checked," said Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

 

[Alex_Sor]

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin dreamed of a blitzkrieg in Ukraine and really believed in capturing Kyiv in a few days. He didn't have a plan B, and that led him into a trap.

As analyst Thomas Friedman writes in an op-ed for The New York Times, now the dictator cannot lose this war, nor can he stop it. At the same time, his army is not capable of capturing new territories. The cessation of hostilities will mean acceptance of defeat.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/09/opinion/putin-ukraine-war.html

Putin's lack of a plan "B" confirms that the Russian occupiers have resorted to chaotic shelling of the civilian infrastructure of peaceful Ukrainian cities. Perhaps the Kremlin now hopes to wage a war of attrition that can break Ukrainian resistance and weaken Western aid to Ukraine.

Today, Putin's plan "B" is to mask the collapse of plan "A" to take over all of Ukraine at lightning speed. The journalist ironically stated that the Russians should have called the war not a "special military operation", but the "Save my face" operation.

     “What makes this war one of the most painful and pointless wars of modern times is that the leader destroys the civilian infrastructure of another country until it gives him enough cover to hide the fact that he was a huge fool,” Friedman said.

As the analyst notes, Putin is still trying to find at least some justification for the failures of the "second army of the world" in Ukraine. For example, during the parade on May 9, he was marked by statements that Ukraine does not exist, and its territory is part of the Russian Federation. According to him, the war was provoked by the "globalists and elites" of the West.

Friedman is sure that now Putin is struggling to find a plan "B", but he has a lot of problems. Now the Russians need to explain the failures, losses and isolation in which Russia has found itself.

"It is impossible to get into Putin's head and predict his next move... His actions indicate that he is aware of the failure of Plan A. And now he will do everything to create a Plan B to justify the terrible losses to the country where defeated leaders don't resign peacefully," Friedman said.

[Alex_Sor]

The second year of the war in Ukraine will be even worse: NYT - about the US position and Putin's plans

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/05/opinion/ukraine-war-putin.html

The analyst notes that the majority of Americans still support the provision of weapons and assistance to Ukraine, even though this is fraught with a direct conflict with Russia.

“This is a dizzying change in US public opinion. Of course, this is partly due to the fact that there are no US combat forces in Ukraine, so it seems that all we are now risking is weapons and money, while the Ukrainians bear the brunt of the war,” Friedman noted.

In his opinion, Americans at a deep level understand that the world, such as it is, has been preserved thanks to the American authorities and allies.

“To the extent that we have used our power wisely and cooperated with our allies, we have built and defended a liberal world order since 1945 that has been extremely in our interests – economically and geopolitically.

This is the order in which autocratic great states such as Nazi Germany, imperial Japan, or modern Russia and China cannot simply devour their neighbors. And this is an order where free markets and open trade have lifted more people out of poverty than at any time in the history of the world. It is not always perfect, but in a world where nothing is ever perfect, this order has led almost 80 years without a great power war, a war that could destabilize the whole world," the journalist says.

Bad news for Ukraine

Friedman writes that during the first year of the war, it was relatively easy for America and its allies. They sent weapons, aid, and intelligence to Ukraine, and imposed sanctions on Moscow, while the Ukrainians fought.

"I don't think the second year will be as easy," the analyst said.

According to him, Putin decided to redouble his efforts, mobilizing in recent months, perhaps up to 500,000 new soldiers.

“Basically, Putin is telling Biden: I can’t afford to lose this war, and I will pay at any cost and bear any burden to ensure that I come out with a part of Ukraine that can justify my losses. And you, Joe? as for your European friends - are you ready to pay at any cost and bear any burden in order to maintain your "liberal order", the journalist argues.

In his opinion, the United States is now in a worse situation than at any time since the 1962 Caribbean Missile Crisis.

Friedman notes that US support for Ukraine in this war is not only an American strategic interest, but also a value. At the same time, the journalist admits that thoughts of reconciliation with Russia are increasingly heard in the West: “There are many voices that ask: is it really worth risking a Third World War to completely expel Russia from Eastern Ukraine? Maybe it’s time to conclude a “dirty agreement” ?" .

The analyst spoke to Brookings Institution historian Robert Kagan, who stressed: "Any negotiations that leave Russian troops on Ukrainian soil will only be a temporary truce before Putin's new attack."

“Putin is in the process of completely militarizing Russian society, which Stalin did during World War II. He is betting on the long game because he expects the US and the West to get tired when faced with the prospect of a protracted conflict,” the historian says.

Earlier, the WSJ explained why the West has sharply increased aid to Ukraine. According to journalists, the West fears that the Kremlin may gain an advantage in a prolonged war of attrition.

Also, the American media wrote that the US Department of Defense will increase the production of ammunition by 500% to the level of the war in Korea.

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 11.05.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., May 11, 2023

Day 442 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

During the day of May 10, the adversary launched 1x S-300 missile strike at the civilian infrastructure of Kostyantynivka (Donetsk oblast). In addition, the invaders launched 45x air strikes and 53x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements in Kherson oblast. The attacks caused civilian casualties, damage and destruction of private housing and other civilian infrastructure.

The likelihood of further missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high, as the enemy continues to use terror tactics.

The adversary continues to focus its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, with 39x enemy attacks repelled. The fiercest fighting is for the cities of Bakhmut and Mar’inka.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no signs of the formation of offensive groups were found. Certain units of the russian federation’s Armed Forces continue their deployment at the training grounds of the republic of belarus.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the enemy fired mortars and artillery at the settlements of Bleshnya, Leonivka, Krasny Khutir (Chernihiv oblast), Bachivs’k, Khodyne, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Volfyne, Bilovody, Popivka, Pavlivka, Basivka (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Zelene, Hatyshche, Zybyne, and Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations. The occupant forces launched air strikes at the vicinities of settlements of Masyutivka, Pershotravneve, and Terny. The invaders fired artillery and mortars at Mykolaivka, Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Masyutivka, Lyman Pershyi, Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast), and Stel’makhivka (Luhansk oblast).

Lyman axis: the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Serebryans’ke forestry. The invaders launched air strikes at the vicinities of settlements of Bilohorivka, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, and Spirne. Makiivka, Bilohorivka, Vesele (Luhansk oblast), Yampolivka, Spirne, and Berestove (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives in the city of Bakhmut. He carried out air strikes at the vicinities of Tors’ke, Bakhmut, Klishchiivka, Kurdyumivka, and Bila Hora. Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Zalizne, and New York (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Avdiivka. The occupiers launched air strikes at the vicinities of Novokalynove and Avdiivka. He fired at the settlements of Berdychi, Avdiivka, Pervomais’ke, and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinity of the city of Mar’inka. At the same time, the settlements of Heorhiivka and Pobjeda (Donetsk oblast) were shelled by the enemy.

Shakhtars’ke axis: during the day of May 10, the enemy conducted offensive operations in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka, to no success. Russian forces launched air strikes near Prechystivka and Novosilka. The invaders shelled the settlements of Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, and Novoukrainka.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary stays on the defensive. The occupant forces launched air strikes at the vicinities of Hulyaipole, Mala Tokmachka, Stepnohirs’k, Kizomys and Stanislav. The invaders shelled the settlements of Vremivka, Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast), Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Mykil’s’ke, Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Marhanets’, Nikopol’ (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Dudchany, Beryslav, Vesele, Antonivka, Dniprovs’ke, Berehove, Bilozerka, Kizomys, Shyroka Balka, Stanislav (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

Over the past three days, the russian occupation administration has “evacuated” about 300x civilians, including children, from the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia oblast to Berdyans’k.

During the day of May 10, Ukrainian Air Force launched 4x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and military equipment of the adversary. Ukrainian defenders intercepted 5x enemy UAVs of various types during the day of May 10. The Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x anti-aircraft missile system, 2x concentrations of troops, 1x fuel and lubricants depot, 2x artillery units at their firing positions, and 1x electronic warfare station of the occupiers.

[Alex_Sor]

On 10 May 2023, NATO’s highest Military Authority, the Military Committee, is meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The meeting brings together Allied Chiefs of Defence and their invitee counterpart from Sweden. The Chiefs of Defence are supported by General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT). NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined the meeting’s first session to address the Alliance’s key priorities and challenges ahead of the Vilnius Summit.

On 10 May 2023, NATO’s highest Military Authority, the Military Committee, meet at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined the meeting’s first session to address the Alliance’s key priorities and challenges ahead of the Vilnius Summit.

We look forward to hearing from the Ukrainian Military Representative to NATO, Major General Serhii Salkutsan, what his latest appreciation is of the situation on the ground and how Ukraine continues fighting for what is rightfully theirs.

I received a letter yesterday from the Ukrainian CHOD, our friend General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, that even his participation via BICES-VTC was impossible due to the complex operational situation defending against the Russian aggression. Our best wishes are with the Ukrainian defenders, and we are focused to receive Valerii’s insights through his MilRep.

In his opening remarks, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the Military Committee, commended the Secretary General for his unparalleled leadership during challenging times for global security. On Russia´s war of aggression against Ukraine, Admiral Bauer said that Russia is now in the fifteenth month of what they hoped would be a 3-day war. “Goliath is wavering. And that is because David has shown immense resilience and tactical brilliance, supported by 50 nations around the world,” he said.

The Secretary General thanked NATO’s military leaders for their work in transforming the Alliance over the past decade and ensure that it is well prepared for a "new era of collective defence." Following President Putin’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO activated all its defence plans, put 40,000 troops under NATO command, backed by significant air and maritime power, and strengthened its forward defences. "These actions reduce the risk of miscalculation and escalation. By making crystal clear we will defend every inch of NATO territory," Mr Stoltenberg said.

The NATO Military Authorities are developing Regional Plans. These are geographically specific plans that describe how the Alliance will defend itself against the two threats described in NATO’s Strategic Concept and the NATO Military Strategy: Russia and terrorist groups. The Regional Plans require a new NATO Force Model to produce more troops at high readiness across the Alliance, as well as a New Force Structure to determine the number and types of equipment and organisations needed to conduct NATO operations.

Admiral Bauer praised the herculean effort accomplished by SHAPE and the Joint Force Commands Brunssum, Naples and Norfolk to integrate NATO and national military planning on such a detailed level. Admiral Bauer: "This makes it possible to collectively defend not only the physical safety of our one billion people and 31 nations… but also the democratic values we all hold dear".

The Secretary General outlined some of the main priorities for the Vilnius Summit in July to further strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence. These include supporting new regional defence plans, along with an ambitious new defence investment pledge and a new Defence Production Action Plan. “We need that investment and production capacity now and for the long-term. We are moving in the right direction, but not as fast as the dangerous world we live in demands,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

Текст/ Фото: © NATO https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_214413.htm

[Alex_Sor]

"We have entered a new era of collective defence. And thanks to the work of this Committee and our military leaders across the Alliance, NATO is prepared.

In fact, the transformation of our Alliance over the last decade has been nothing short of remarkable: since russia illegally annexed Crimea and entered into eastern Ukraine in 2014, we have increased the readiness of our forces, we have deployed combat-ready troops to the east of the Alliance for the first time in our history, and European Allies and Canada have spent an additional 350 billion dollars extra on defence.

When President Putin launched his full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we were therefore ready. Within hours, we activated all our defence plans, we put 40,000 troops under NATO command, backed by significant air and maritime power, and we strengthened our forward defences from the Baltic to the Black Sea. These actions reduce the risk of miscalculation and escalation beyond Ukraine by making crystal clear that we will defend every inch of NATO territory.

So this has been a decisive decade for our deterrence and defence thanks to you, Allied Chiefs of defence. So let me thank you all for your service, your leadership and you also, Admiral Bauer, for leading the Committee through very demanding and challenging times with a lot of decisive decisions. As we prepare for a more dangerous future, we must redouble our efforts to keep our one billion citizens safe, and to uphold the rules-based international order.

High-intensity warfare is back in Europe. Global competition is rising, authoritarian regimes are challenging our values, interests and security, and other threats are also multiplying: from terrorism to cyber-attacks; from nuclear proliferation to climate change. So we need to step up for this new era of strategic competition, and NATO is rising to the challenge.

Through the work of our Strategic Commanders, Supreme Allied Commander Europe Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) - Commander of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) General Christopher Cavoli and the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation NATO - Allied Command Transformation (ACT) General Philippe Lavigne, we will ensure our Alliance remains ready to protect every inch of Allied territory, and to tackle multiple threats across multiple domains.

SACEUR’s package of proposals include strengthened and updated regional plans detailing how we will deter and defend NATO Allies against any aggression. They provide a much more precise requirement for what is needed to help transform our militaries so Allies will know exactly what forces and capabilities are needed, including where, what and how to deploy.

We will train and exercise more together, place more forces on higher readiness through our New Force Model, and strengthen our Command and Control structure – the backbone of our Alliance.

I expect Allies to support these regional plans, forces and structures at the Vilnius Summit in July. And for this, we need the right resources.

So I also expect that when our heads of state and government meet in Vilnius in July, they will agree a new defence investment pledge, with two percent not as a ceiling we strive to reach, but two percent of GDP as a minimum that we have to invest in our defence.

I also expect that leaders will endorse a new NATO Defence Production Action Plan to ensure that NATO continues to have the capabilities we need. We need that investment and production capacity now, and for the longer term.

We are moving in the right direction, but not as fast as the dangerous world we live in demands. All of this requires political courage and the continued commitment of our military colleagues. I count on all of you to support SACEUR’s proposals and set the stage for a successful Summit in July.

We have a busy agenda, and a burden of responsibility to keep our one billion people safe in a more dangerous world.

NATO has ensured our security for almost 75 years. And with you and your leadership will continue to do so also in the future."

Текст/ Фото: © NATO https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_214413.htm

 

[Alex_Sor]

The center for the preservation of trophy and promising development and military equipment held an exposition of trophy production and military equipment in one of the primary deposits of Kiev.

The exposition is recognized for the recognition of cadets with the help of trophy weapons and military equipment and professional orientation of cadets.

An exhibition of trophy sightings and buried military equipment of Russian military equipment was found in one of the main military deposits in Kiev.
Colonel Sergiy Bachurin at the exhibition, certifier of the Center for the Prospective Development of Captured and Advanced Development of Military Technology The battle of Russian aggression against Ukraine allows you to overcome the enemy in the over-folded minds of the current war.
In the first days of the exhibition, the intercessor of the Chief of the General Staff of the ZSU, Major General Volodymyr Koval, subdued: “We are not just fighting, we have been analyzing for the whole hour, we are equal, what they have and what we can do. Considering the already loud demonstrations of missiles and shells, and fragments of destruction in various types of museum expositions, we move on to the next stage: the formation of a detailed understanding of the use of features of in-line combat actions. This exhibition has two aspects: to show the technical ability of the aggressor, which does not show the effectiveness, as well as to show respect for the claims of failures on the technical solution of the Russian defense industry and to ask for details that are included in the package sanctioned obmezheniya and can not be stagnant in Russian srazkah.
At the exhibition, there were presented images of the enemy’s equipment being withdrawn, which were taken by the Ukrainian military servicemen at the places of conducting combat operations after the time of the time spent recouping the territories by the Russian aggressor, as well as in the peaceful places of Ukraine, on the occasions of the fall of Russian shells, missiles, UAVs.
The exhibition is aimed to bring the army of the Russian Federation into the field of conducting light sources and high-tech components, demonstrating the low technological level of the Russian army and the spray on the ground with the help of the ZSU to resist aggression from the side of the Russian Federation.
As the organizers said, the exhibition will also be exhibited in other primary foundations of the capital of Ukraine.

 

[Alex_Sor]

During transit through Russia, sanctioned goods from the European Union "disappeared", which were transported to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.

According to the Financial Times, the value of the “lost” goods is over $1 billion, but the FT statistics only cover dual-use goods that can be used for military purposes, so the real figure of shadow imports is much higher.
https://www.ft.com/content/76fc91b2-3494-4022-83d0-9d6647b38e3d

According to the material, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, "dual-use" goods worth $2 billion were imported into the territory of the aggressor from the EU countries under the pretext of transit to other countries. "A disproportionately large part of phantom exports" came from the Baltic countries bordering Russia and Belarus . Half of these goods did not reach their final destination.

Product categories such as gas turbines, soldering irons, radio equipment, aircraft components, optical equipment, etc. never reached their final destination and settled on the territory of the aggressor. According to the material, Russia was able to circumvent sanctions by entering fake destinations on EU customs declarations.

"Discrepancies in global trade statistics are not unusual, but they go beyond typical minor errors," said Elina Rybakova, senior fellow at the US-based Peterson Institute for International Economics.

“Where else could they go? Why did these countries suddenly need these goods at such a time? Who needs these goods most in this region? Obviously, this is Russia,” said Estonian sanctions minister Erki Kodar.

[Alex_Sor]

He wrote a book on a rare subject. Then a ChatGPT replica appeared on Amazon.
From recipes to product reviews to how-to books, artificial intelligence text generators are quietly authoring more and more of the internet.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/05/05/ai-spam-websites-books-chatgpt/

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 12.05.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., May 12, 2023

Day 443 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

During the day of May 11, the adversary launched 6x missile attacks, in particular on the cities of Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka, and Zaporizhzhia. In addition the 59x air strikes and 95x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements were reported. The attacks caused civilian casualties, damage and destruction of private housing and other civilian infrastructure.

The likelihood of further missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high, as the russian federation does not stop its terror tactics.

The adversary continues to focus its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, with 44x enemy attacks repelled. The fiercest fighting is for the cities of Bakhmut and Mar’inka.

Volyn and Polissya axes: enemy no signs of the formation of offensive groups were found. The russian federation continues to use the territory, materiel, and equipment of the republic of belarus for training and combat coordination of the mobilized troops of russian Armed Forces. These units are then involved in combat operations in Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the enemy launched air strikes on the vicinities of settlements of Krasnyi Khutir (Chernihiv oblast), Krenydivka, Znob-Novhorod’ske, and Uralove (Sumy oblast) during the day of May 11. The invaders fired mortars and artillery at the settlements of Halahanivka, Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Novovasylivka, Ukrainske, Znob-Novhorods’ke, Murav’i, Chervone, Iskryskivshchyna, Bilopillya, Yastrubyne, Kindrativka, Basivka (Sumy oblast), Hur’yiv, Hlyboke, Starytsya, Buhruvatka, Ohirtseve, Hatyshche, Vovchans’k, Tykhe, Synel’nykove, Zybyne, Bochkove, Budarky, and Velykyi Burluk (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations during the day of May 11. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Pishchane. The enemy fired artillery and mortars at the settlements of Odradne, Dvorichans’ke, Kam’yanka, Topoli, Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast), and Stel’makhivka (Luhansk oblast).

Lyman axis: the occupiers conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Serebryans’ke forestry. They launched air strikes near Hrekivka, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Spirne, and Bilohorivka. Makiivka, Nevs’ke (Luhansk oblast), Bilohorivka, Tors’ke, Serebryanka, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Spirne, Berestove, and Vesele (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the adversary continues to advance. Battles in the city of Bakhmut continue. During the day of May 11, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensives towards Stupochky. The invaders launched air strikes at the vicinities of settlements of Bakhmut, Bila Hora, Kurdyumivka, and New York. Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Markove, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Kostyantynivka, Oleksandro-Shul’tyne, Pivdenne, Toretsk, Pivnichne, and New York (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Avdiivka. The invaders shelled the settlements of Novokalynove, Berdychi, Stepove, Sjeverne, and Pervomais’ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled numerous attacks in the vicinity of Mar’inka. Hostre, Heorhiivka, and Pobjeda (Donetsk oblast) also came under enemy fire.

Shakhtars’ke axis: during the day of May 11, the enemy conducted offensive operations in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka, to no success. The invaders launched air strikes near Vuhledar and Prechystivka, shelled the settlements of Paraskoviivka, Kostyantynivka, Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, and Prechystivka.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the occupiers stay on the defensive. The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka, Omel’nyk, and Kizomys. The enemy shelled Vremivka, Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast), Ol’hivs’ke, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Huliaipilske, Bilohir’ya, Mala Tokmachka, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Nikopol (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Zolota Balka, Vesele, L’vove, Ivanivka, Antonivka, Dniprovs’ke, Kizomys (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

During the day of May 11, Ukrainian Air Force launched 14x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and military equipment of the adversary. In addition, 9x enemy UAVs of various types were destroyed. The Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 11x command posts, 19x concentrations of troops, 1x ammunition depot, 1x fuel and lubricants depot, 9x artillery units at their firing positions, 1x air defense asset, and 2x other important targets of the adversary.

[Alex_Sor]

Putin Is Fighting, and Losing, His Last War

By Timothy Snyder

Dr. Snyder is a professor of history at Yale University and the author of many books on fascism, totalitarianism and European history.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/09/opinion/russia-war-ukraine-nuclear.html

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 13.05.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., May 13, 2023

Day 444 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

The russian federation does not abandon its plans to occupy Ukrainian territory, continues to wage its war of aggression.

The enemy does not stop launching strikes or shelling military and civilian targets alike.

During the day of May 12, the adversary launched 7x missile and 49x air strikes, 81x MLRS attacks. The enemy once again used S-300 air defense systems to launch missile strikes on Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Zaporizhzhia.

The likelihood of missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high, as the enemy continues to use terror tactics.

The adversary continues to focus its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes. These areas of the frontline saw a total of 47x combat engagements during day of May 12, with Bakhmut and Mar’inka remaining at the epicenter of the fighting.

Volyn, and Polissya axes: no significant changes or signs of the formation of offensive groups were found.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary continues to maintain military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The invaders fired mortars and artillery at Karpovychi, Medvedivka (Chernihiv oblast), Sokhany, Volfyne, Slavhorod, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Chervona Zorya, Veterynarne, Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya, Ohirtseve, Hatyshche, Vovchans’k, Nesterne, Velykyi Burluk (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: during the day of May 12, the adversary attempted to improve the tactical situation and conducted offensive operations towards Masyutivka. To no success. The adversary fired artillery and mortars at the settlements of Kam’yanka, Krasne Pershe, Mytrofanivka, Fyholivka, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kyslivka, Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast), and Stel’makhivka (Luhansk oblast).

During the day of May 12, the invaders shelled settlements near the line of active combat, including: Makiivka, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Serebryanka, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Spirne (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the adversary continues to advance. Incessant battles in the city of Bakhmut continue. In addition, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive operations towards the settlements of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Hryhorivka, and Stupochky during the day of May 12. The invaders launched air strikes on the vicinities of settlements of Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, and New York. Vasyukivka, Fedorivka Druha, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Stupochki, Pivdenne, Toretsk, Druzhba, Pivnichne, and New York (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Avdiivka and Vodyane, shelled Stepove, Avdiivka, Netaylove, and Pervomais’ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinity of the city of Mar’inka. At the same time, the settlements of Hostre, Heorhiivka, Maksymil’yanivka, Mar’inka, and Pobjeda (Donetsk oblast) were shelled by the enemy.

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations during the day of May 12. The invaders launched air strikes at the vicinities of settlements of Prechystivka and Velyka Novosilka, shelled the settlements of Paraskoviivka, Kostyantynivka, Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, and Prechystivka.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary stays on the defensive. The occupant forces launched an air strike near the settlements of Novopil (Donetsk oblast), Malynivka, Chervone (Zaporizhzhia oblast), and Kizomys (Kherson oblast). In addition, the invaders shelled settlements near the line of contact, including Vremivka, Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast), Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Bilohir’ya, Novodanylivka, Novoandriivka, Novopavlivka, Mali Shcherbaky, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Kozats’ke, Ivanivka, Sadove, Antonivka (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

In order to replenish casualties, one of the enemy units operating in Svativs’kyi district (Luhansk oblast) was reinforced with the mobilized personnel. It is reported that among the newly arrived, there are servicemen who have undergone treatment and rehabilitation for mental disorders.

Recently, against the backdrop of significant losses, the russian occupiers have been stepping up counterintelligence activities in the temporarily occupied settlements. In particular, the number of checkpoints and patrols in Yalta (Donetsk oblast) has increased. Representatives of the russian commandant’s office are looking for so-called “informants” and conducting searches.

During the day of May 12, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 12x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and military equipment, as well as 5x air strikes on the anti-aircraft missile systems of the adversary.

Ukrainian defenders intercepted 22x enemy UAVs of various types during the day of May 12.

The Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 2x command posts, 3x concentrations of troops, 7x artillery units at their firing positions, 1x ammunition depot, and 2x electronic warfare stations of the enemy.

[Alex_Sor]

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 15.05.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., May 15, 2023

Day 446 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

Last night, russian terrorists attacked Ukraine with Shahed kamikaze drones yet again. Information on the aftermath of this attack is currently being updated.

During the day of May 14, the adversary launched 11x missile attacks, in particular on the cities of Kharkiv, Kostyantynivka, and village of Zolochiv. In addition, the invaders launched 41x air strikes and 74x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. The attacks caused civilian casualties, damage and destruction of private housing and other civilian infrastructure.

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

The adversary continues to focus its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, with 46x combat engagements taking place. Bakhmut, and Mar’inka remain at the epicenter of the fighting.

Volyn, and Polissya axes: no significant changes or signs of the formation of enemy offensive groups were found.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary continues to maintain military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine.

The invaders shelled Hirs’k, Leonivka, Popivka (Chernihiv oblast), Volfyne, Sadky, Mohrytsya (Sumy oblast), Oleksandrivka, and Starytsya (Kharkiv oblast) with mortars and artillery.

Kup’yans’k axis: the occupiers conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of Masyutivka and Syn’kivka. The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Vil’shana and Kyslivka. The adversary fired artillery and mortars at Kam’yanka, Topoli, Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kindrashivka, Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast), and Stel’makhivka (Luhansk oblast).

Lyman axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations. The adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Yampil’, Dibrova, Bilohorivka, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, and Spirne. Makiivka (Luhansk oblast), Bilohorivka, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Spirne, and Berestove (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues its offensive operations. Heavy battles for the city of Bakhmut continue. In addition, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive operations towards the settlements of Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, and Predtechyne during the day of May 14. The invaders launched air strikes near Ivanivske and Stupochky. Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Chervone, Kostyantynivka, Druzhba, Pivnichne, Toretsk, Shumy (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novokalynove and Avdiivka, shelled Stepove, Lastochkyne, Avdiivka, Tonen’ke, Netaylove, Pervomais’ke, and Karlivka (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinity of the city of Mar’inka. At the same time, Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, 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 May 14. The invaders shelled the settlements of Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, and Prechystivka.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary stays on the defensive. The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Kizomys and Stanislav (Kherson oblast). Also, russian forces shelled around 40x settlements, including Vremivka, Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast), Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Bilohir’ya, Mala Tokmachka, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Nikopol’ (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Zolota Balka, Vesele, L’vove, Antonivka, Dniprovs’ke, Kizomys (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

The adversary continues its attempts to replenish casualties through forced mobilization in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Thus, in a number of settlements of Kherson oblast, men who had previously renounced Ukrainian citizenship in favor of russian citizenship were reported to be forcibly detained. After the detention, during initial interview, the occupiers demand that these citizens pay an illegal monetary reward to postpone the mobilization. Persons who refuse or do not have the required amount of money to pay the bribe are sent to field camps and undergo an accelerated boot camp course. After that, these people are sent to settlements bordering the line of contact.

During the day of May 14, Ukrainian Air Force launched 17x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and military equipment of the adversary. Also, Ukrainian defenders intercepted 2x Orlan-10 reconnaissance UAVs and 1x Supercam UAV of the enemy.

The Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x command post, 6x concentrations of troops, 4x artillery units at their firing positions, 1x air defense asset, and 7x other important targets of the adversary.

[Alex_Sor]

Russia spent almost $120 million on unsuccessful attack on Ukraine

This was already the eighth massive attack on the capital.

The Russian Federation launched another massive missile attack on Ukraine early in the morning of May 16. The ineffective shelling cost the aggressor $119.08 million.

According to the Air Force, today the Russians used:

     6 missiles of aeroballistic missiles "Dagger";
     9 cruise missiles "Caliber";
     3 ballistic / anti-aircraft missiles (type to be specified);
     6 strike UAVs Shahed-136/131;
     3 UAVs "Orlan", SuperCam.

Earlier, Forbes reported that one Caliber missile costs $6.5 million. Thus, the total salvo on May 16 cost the Russian Federation $58.5 million. RF $60 million

According to information in open sources, the cost of Iranian Shahed-136/131 UAVs varies from $20,000 to $50,000 per unit. The launch of 6 such drones cost the occupying country $280,000.

According to the General Staff estimate, the Russian Orlan-10 drone costs $100,000. It is not known exactly how much SuperCam costs, but if its price is the same as that of the Orlan, then Russia paid $300,000 for all three UAVs.
Rocket attack on 16 May

As UNIAN reported earlier, the eighth massive attack on Kyiv turned out to be exceptional in its density - a large number of missiles in a very short period of time.

The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that the air defense forces shot down all the missiles fired by the invaders.

[Alex_Sor]

Shoot down everything: how Russia lost the prestige of an invincible missile power.

During the night attack on Ukraine, the military shot down all the rockets fired by the occupiers, including Caliber, Daggers and Iskanders (S-400 - Iskander-M). According to a representative of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, six downed "Daggers" is an impressive figure.

Such a massive attack using "Daggers" is due to the fact that Russia is losing the prestige of an invincible missile power.

After it was reported on May 4 that Ukraine shot down one Kinzhal missile, which the Russians had previously promoted as impossible to shoot down and which would “bring the US to its knees,” they decided to restore their reputation tonight. The Russians prepared, chose objects, studied the situation for several days, chose directions for carrying out strikes, and tonight decided to carry out a massive strike ... they tried, first of all, to destroy our air defense systems (they are interested in the Patriot air defense system) and strike at important political objects in the center of Kiev.

This is really important for the Kremlin, because Russia has lost its prestige and respect for its military might. The Russians have been showing "cartoons" for a long time, what kind of missiles they have, with what speed they will fly "to the West", how "they will burn the States in three seconds." They kept these missiles a secret for a long time. We used them only a few times, and we really could not bring them down at that time. And until May 4, they kept them as a means of intimidating both the West and us. But it turned out that these advertised missiles are only slightly better than conventional ballistic missiles. Thanks to Western air defense models, we took these missiles "in flight". And this was a slap in the face for Russia, brought all their efforts to naught. The downing of the "Dagger" is a bucket of slop on Russian military-political heads.

Therefore, tonight they gave us a serious, difficult "examination session" with more than one "Dagger". And we, fortunately, with the help of the latest air defense systems, passed this "exam", passed it perfectly.

But I want to warn the advance joy from this. In the future, Russia will stage even more vile and more insidious attacks, more thoughtful and more massive attacks. The Kremlin desperately needs to prove that they have a missile capable of breaking through air defenses. Therefore, we must expect the next blows and prepare for them. And only if we beat off such attacks a few more times (and there will be more than one of them, it’s worth waiting for them to try a few more times, no less), then they can calm down a little. After all, we will prove that all their ultra-modern missiles are a fake letter.

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 16.05.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., May 16, 2023

Day 447 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

During the day of May 16, the enemy launched a massive attack on Ukraine yet again and employed various types of missiles. Detailed update will follow.

During the day of May 15, 2x missile attacks employing S-300 air defense systems were reported in Kostyantynivka (Donetsk oblast). In addition, russia launched 48x air strikes and more than 50x MLRS attacks.

The likelihood of further missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high, as the enemy does not abandon its terror tactics.

The adversary focuses its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes. During the day of May 15, 49x combat engagements took place in the above areas of the frontline. Bakhmut and Maryinka remain at the epicenter of the fighting.

Volyn and Polissya axes: enemy no signs of the formation of offensive groups were found.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary fired mortars and artillery at the settlements of Yeline, Medvedivka, Murav’i (Chernihiv oblast), Vovkivka, Manukhivka, Stukalivka, Iskryskivshchyna, Volfyne, Shpyl’, Stepok (Sumy oblast), Kozacha Lopan’, Hoptivka, Luk’yantsi, Hatyshche, Budarky, Nesterne, Kruhle, Zemlyanky, Starytsya (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the adversary keeps trying to improve its tactical situation. During the day of May 15, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the vicinities of Masyutivka and Novoselivs’ke. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Kyslivka. The invaders fired artillery and mortars at the settlements of Dvorichans’ke, Kam’yanka, Krasne Pershe, Mytrofanivka, Fyholivka, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kindrashivka, Kup’yans’k, Kyslivka, Tabaivka, Berestove (Berestove Kharkiv oblast), and Stel’makhivka (Luhansk oblast).

Lyman axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations during the day of May 15. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Spirne. Makiivka, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, and Spirne (Donetsk oblast) were among the targets shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues its offensive operations. Heavy fighting for Bakhmut continues. In addition, during the day of May 15, the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives towards the settlement of Ivanivske. Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Stupochky, Druzhba, Oleksandro-Shul’tyne, Pivnichne, Zalizne, Petrivka, Toretsk, and New York (Donetsk oblast) suffered from enemy shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary conducted offensive operations near Avdiivka, to no success. The invaders launched air strikes on Avdiivka, fired artillery at Stepove, Lastochkyne, Avdiivka, Pervomais’ke, and Karlivka (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinity of the city of Mar’inka. At the same time, Krasnohorivka, Hostre, Heorhiivka, Mar’inka, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled by the enemy.

Shakhtars’ke axis: during the day of May 15, the enemy shelled various settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Novoukrainka, and Shakhtars’ke.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary stays on the defensive. The invaders launched air strikes on the settlements of Vil’ne Pole (Donetsk oblast), Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Stanislav, and Kizomys (Kherson oblast). Also, russian forces shelled numerous settlements settlements Burlats’ke, Vil’ne Pole, Novopil’ (Donetsk oblast), Ol’hivs’ke, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Huliaipilske, Bilohir’ya, Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhya oblast), Nikopol’ (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), and the city of Kherson.

The adversary continues to cynically use educational institutions in the temporarily occupied settlements for its own purposes. For example, the russian occupiers use the building of a local school in Yasynuvata (Donetsk oblast), to accommodate their troops. Military equipment is hidden in the school yard, and the basement is used as a shelter.

During the day of May 15, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 9x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and military equipment of the adversary, as well as 7x air strikes on the anti-aircraft missile systems of the adversary. 6x combat UAVs of various types were intercepted. In the meantime, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 3x command posts, 5x concentrations of troops, 4x artillery units at their firing positions, 1x anti-aircraft missile system, 5x electronic warfare stations, and 1x ammunition depot of the enemy.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 17.05.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 p.m., 16th May, 2023

Day 447 of the full-scale russian military aggression continues.

Today, the Russian Federation launched another massive missile attack on the civilian and critical infrastructure of Ukraine. The russian aggressor cynically continues to use terror tactics.

During the day of May 16th, the enemy launched 27x missile and 37x air strikes, launched about 20x MLRS attacks at the positions of our forces and populated areas. Precise information states that the enemy used 6x ‘Kinzhal’ aeroballistic missiles, 9x ‘Caliber’ cruise missiles and 10x land-based missiles (S-400, Iskander-M) for missile strikes, all of which were destroyed by Ukrainian Air Defense. The occupiers launched 2x more S-300 missiles at the civilian infrastructure of Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast.

The civil infrastructure was damaged. In particular, due to shelling of settlements Dvorichna, Vovchansk and Tyshchenkovka of the Kharkiv Oblast, civilians were killed and wounded; private houses, a hospital and other civil infrastructure were destroyed.

The enemy continues to concentrate its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mar’inka axes. In total, up to 44x firefights took place on specified axes. Heavy fighting continues in the cities of Bakhmut and Mar’inka.

Volyn’ and Polissya axes: no signs of the formation of enemy offensive groups were detected. Certain units of the armed forces of the Republic of Belarus continue to be present in the areas bordering Ukraine. The transfer of the Russian territorial troops, which were trained at the training grounds of Belarus, to the frontline continues.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the enemy forces continues to maintain a military presence in the areas bordering Ukraine. They carried out mortar and artillery shelling of Murav’yi settlements in Chernihiv Oblast; Romashkove, Iskriskivshchyna, Volfyne, Kindrativka, Sadky, Zapsilya of the Sumy Oblast, as well as Kozacha Lopan, Hoptivka, Luk’yantsi, Hatyshche, Pletenivka, Budarky, Nesterne, Krugle, Zemlyanky, Starits’a and Budarky in the Kharkiv Oblast.

Kup’yans’k axis: the adversary carried out unsuccessful offensive operations in the vicinities of Masyutivka, Kharkiv Oblast, and Novoselyvs’ky and Stelmakhivka, Luhansk Oblast. russians conducted airstrikes near the settlements of Budarka, Vilshana, Kislivka, Kotlyarivka and Tabaivka of the Kharkiv Oblast. Dvorichanske, Kam’ianka, Krasne Pershe, Figolivka, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Masyutivka, Kindrashivka, Kup’yans’k, Kislivka, Tabaivka, Berestov of Kharkiv Oblast and Stelmakhivka of Luhansk Oblast were subjected to enemy artillery and mortar attacks.

Lyman axis: russian forces carried out offensive operations in the area of Belogorivka, Luhansk Oblast. They carried out airstrikes in the areas of the settlements of Bilogorivka in the Luhansk Oblast and Spirne, Sivers’k and Chervone in the Donetsk Oblast. Makiivka, Nevs’ke, Belogorivka of the Luhansk Oblast and Verkhn’okam’ians’ke, Torske, Spirne of the Donetsk Oblast were shelled by artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the enemy continues to conduct offensive operations. Heavy fighting continues for Bakhmut. In addition, during the day, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the vicinities of the settlement of Ivanovske. Invaders carried out airstrikes in the areas of Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, and Toretsk settlements of the Donetsk Oblast. Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivs’ke, Chasiv Yar, Stupochki, Pivnichne, Toretsk of the Donetsk Oblast were affected by artillery fire.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary continues to destroy the infrastructure of settlements, carried out airstrikes on Avdiivka and Vodyanivka, shelled the settlements of Novokalynove, Berdychi, Stepove, Avdiivka, Pervomaiske, Nevel’s’ke, and Karlivka of the Donetsk Oblast.

Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian armed Forces forces repelled numerous enemy attacks in the vicinities of Mar’inka. The enemy launched an air strike in the Krasnohorivka area. At the same time, Gostre, Mar’inka, and Pobyeda of the Donetsk Oblast also got under enemy fire.

Shakhtars’k axis: during the day, russian forces carried out airstrikes in the areas of Vugledar and Velyka Novosilka. They striked at Novomykhailivka, Paraskoviivka, Vugledar, Prechistivka and Novoukrayinka of the Donetsk Oblast.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: russian forces are on the defensive. They carried out airstrikes on the settlements of Vremivka in the Donetsk Oblast, Novodanilivka in the Zaporizhia Oblast, and Berislav, Kizomys, and Mala Tokmachka in the Kherson Oblast. Meanwhile, they carried out artillery shelling of the settlements of Ol’hivske, Malinivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Hulyaipilske, Biloghirya, Shcherbaki, Stepove and Kam’ianske of the Zaporizhia Oblast, as well as Tokarivka, Kizomys of the Kherson Oblast and the city of Kherson.

The Russian occupiers continue to rob the population of Ukraine, appropriating the grain harvest of peaceful citizens. Therefore, in the city of Feodosia, temporarily occupied Crimea, the so-called russian occupation "authorities" are trying to transport the stolen grain to ports by loading it onto the sanctioned Syrian ship "Souria".

During the day, Ukrainian Air Force carried out 13x strikes on the enemy's personnel and military equipment concentration areas, as well as 3x strikes on the enemy's anti-aircraft missile systems. Also our defenders destroyed 1x Iranian strike UAV "Shahed" and 2x reconnaissance drones.

Ukrainian missile and artillery units striked at 5 areas of concentration of manpower, 3 stations of radio-electronic warfare, 2 warehouses of enemy ammunition and 1 point of fuel and lubricating materials of the occupiers.

[Alex_Sor]

Morning attack of the Russian Federation on Kyiv: photos of downed Russian missiles appeared

There were photos of missiles shot down over Kiev during an air attack by the Russian Federation. Andrey Nebitov, head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Kyiv region, stressed that the enemy’s plans to hit the capital with strikes once again failed due to the successful work of air defense.

The police are inspecting the places where the debris fell and fixing the damage.

At present, no significant damage has been recorded, there are no injured persons.

Citizens were once again urged not to touch the wreckage of missiles, UAVs or other unknown objects. In case of their discovery, you need to inform law enforcement officers on the special line "102". If possible, it is necessary to limit the access of unauthorized persons to the scene of the incident and wait for the arrival of special services.
Russia has carried out an air attack on Kyiv for the ninth time since the beginning of May.

 

[Alex_Sor]

The Russian occupiers continue to launch missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine.
From 21:00 on May 17 to 05:30 on May 18, the Russian invaders launched several waves of missile attacks from different directions.
A total of 30 sea-, air-, and land-based cruise missiles were launched.
22 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles were fired from strategic aircraft: two Tu-160s and eight Tu-95s.
Six Kalibr cruise missiles are among the ships in the Black Sea.
And also two "Iskander-K" cruise missiles from ground-based operational-tactical missile systems.
The forces and means of air defense of the Air Force, in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, destroyed 29 cruise missiles.
Two Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs and two reconnaissance UAVs of the operational-tactical level were also shot down.