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

[Alex_Sor]

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a resolution on a pilot project to start the restoration of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, blown up by Russian invaders.

Prime Minister Denys Shmygal stated this during today's government meeting, noting that the decision to prepare for restoration was made after consultations with experts and specialists, and the restoration of the hydroelectric power plant itself will increase the economic potential in both the agricultural and energy sectors.

"The project is designed for two years. At the first stage, we will design all engineering structures, prepare the necessary base for restoration. The second stage will begin after the de-occupation of the territories where the hydroelectric power station is located. It provides for the actual construction work," the prime minister said.

The Ministry of Economy will coordinate the project, and the Ukrhydroenergo enterprise will be the customer.

As Taras Melnychuk, the representative of the government in the Verkhovna Rada, added, by its decision the Cabinet of Ministers approved the procedure for the implementation of the project.

"It is envisaged that the financing of the pilot project can be carried out at the expense of the private joint-stock company Ukrhydroenergo, credit funds and other sources not prohibited by law," he said.
Undermining by the occupiers of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station

On the night of June 6, the Russian invaders blew up the dam of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station, which led to a large-scale man-made disaster. At the same time, information appeared that the hydroelectric power station would be impossible to restore.

As a result of the terrorist attack, about 80 settlements in the Kherson and Nikolaev regions were flooded, and deaths were reported. Vodokanals in Nikopol and Marganets stopped their work.

[Alex_Sor]

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says the Ukrainian Armed Forces have seized the initiative on the battlefield with the Russian invaders. According to an UNIAN correspondent, Austin said this at the beginning of the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues of Ukraine (Ramstein-14), which takes place in a virtual format.

"The Ukrainian people have shown strong resilience in the face of great brutality. Ukrainian forces continue to fight valiantly to defend their fellow citizens and their country. The Ukrainian counteroffensive marks a key moment in this tragic war. The Ukrainian armed forces seized the initiative to regain control of their sovereign territory, but Russian aggression against Ukraine has created an extremely explosive situation," Austin said.

In particular, according to the US Secretary of Defense, the war of Russian President Vladimir Putin against Ukraine continues to create terrible and bloody consequences.

At the same time, the members of the Contact Group continue to supply Ukraine with critically needed capabilities, including air defense systems and ammunition. "We're not going to back down," Austin said.

He stressed that the participants in the meeting in the Ramstein format will continue to make efforts to provide Ukraine with the necessary support. "We will continue to conduct exercises, equipment and support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in order to build capable and professional Ukrainian troops that can defend now and deter aggression in the future," Austin said.

As the US Secretary of Defense said, the Contact Group has never shied away from emerging challenges. "This is an extremely important moment in the history of this war and this century. The United States will stand on the side of Ukraine for as long as necessary, and so will this contact group," Austin said.

[Alex_Sor]

Poland and Slovakia have announced plans to extend a ban on grain imports from Ukraine until the end of the year, brushing aside fears that Russia's decision to end an export deal with Kiev could disrupt food supplies.

According to Bloomberg, Polish Minister of Agriculture Robert Telus said that he sees no reason to lift the agricultural embargo. "I do not see any significant arguments in favor of lifting the current ban in mid-September. I hope that the embargo will not end, that we will be able to achieve its extension within our coalition of five EU countries," Telus said, noting that the Agreement with the European Union still allows transit traffic to other countries.

At the same time, Slovak Agriculture Minister Jozef Bires said that representatives of the five eastern EU countries will meet in Warsaw on Wednesday, July 19, to prepare a statement to the European Commission to extend the ban and also extend it to other products.

According to him, it was clear that the impact of the additional supply on prices extended to an increasing range of products, such as strawberries and raspberries in Poland. However, according to the Slovak minister, the European Commission is unlikely to support an extension of the ban.

"We support Ukraine in every possible way, but on the condition that food imports cannot distort the domestic market. We are harvesting, and some of our warehouses are full due to past grain imports," Biresh said.
The war in Ukraine and the situation with grain

Poland and Slovakia - along with Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary - currently have restrictions on buying Ukrainian grain until mid-September, after price cuts sparked protests from local farmers.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-18/poland-and-slovakia-push-to-further-extend-ban-on-ukraine-grains

 

[Alex_Sor]

The Kremlin moved on to new threats. Now Moscow is threatening "risks" if Turkey, Ukraine and the UN continue the "grain deal" without Russia.

Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov, in a comment to propagandists on July 18, reacting to the corresponding initiative of Ukraine, said that the Russian invaders in this case would allegedly not be able to "give security guarantees" to ships in the Black Sea.

"After all, we are talking about a zone that is directly close to the area of hostilities, and without appropriate security guarantees, certain risks arise there," Russian Interfax quoted Peskov as saying.

According to him, "if something is formalized without Russia, then these risks should be taken into account."

Further, Peskov twisted US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who called Russia's decision to withdraw from the "grain deal" unconscionable. "In this case, probably, the position of the European states should be called unscrupulous. This is not the fault of Mr. Guterres and the UN," Putin's spokesman said.

Also in this speech, Peskov actually refuted the statement of the Russian Ministry of Defense that the strike on Odessa and Nikolaev - the cities that participated in the "grain agreement" - was allegedly inflicted as an "act of retaliation" for the strike on the Crimean bridge.

"The response from Russia (to the attack on the Crimean bridge - UNIAN), of course, will be. The Ministry of Defense is preparing appropriate proposals," Peskov added.

When asked whether Moscow is ready to recognize Ukraine as a "terrorist Kyiv regime," Peskov answered evasively, referring to the fact that the State Duma itself lacks such a desire.

[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]

On the night of July 19, 2023, the Russian invaders attacked Ukraine from the south, using air-, land-, and sea-based cruise missiles, as well as Iranian attack UAVs of the "Shahed" type.
Objects of critical infrastructure and military facilities were attacked, the main direction of the attack was Odesa.
During several waves of attacks, the enemy used:
16 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles, presumably from the small missile ship "Ingushetia" and the frigate "Admiral Essen" from the Black Sea;
  8 Kh-22 cruise missiles from Tu-22M3 long-range aircraft from the Black Sea;
6 "Onyx" cruise missiles from the coastal missile complex "Bastion" (Crimea);
1 Kh-59 guided air missile from the Su-35 fighter from the Black Sea;
  32 attack UAVs of the "Shahed-136/131" type from the Chauda training ground (Crimea) and Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Rostov region).
According to the results of combat operations, 37 air targets were destroyed by the air defense of the Air Force and air defense systems of other components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine:
- 13 Kalibr cruise missiles;
- 1 guided air missile Kh-59;
- 23 attack UAVs "Shahed-136/131".
The strikes of the Kh-22 and Onyx missiles were aimed at the infrastructure of the Odesa region. Local military administrations will report on the consequences of these strikes and the victims.
During the current and past days, the Air Force has carried out more than 20 airstrikes against objects, places of concentration of equipment and personnel of the Russian occupiers.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 19.07.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., July 19, 2023

Day 511 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

Last night, the russian federation launched yet another missile and air strike on Ukraine. Information on the aftermath of this terrorist attack is currently being updated.

During the day of July 18, the russian occupiers launched yet another missile and air strike on the territory of Ukraine, using 6x Kalibr cruise missiles and 35x Iranian Shahed-136 combat UAVs. The Ukrainian Air Force intercepted 6x Kalibr cruise missiles and 31x Shahed-136 combat UAVs of the adversary.

In addition, the enemy launched 80x air strikes and 74x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have killed and wounded civilians, destroyed industrial facilities, residential buildings, and other civilian infrastructure.

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

The adversary focuses its main efforts on Kup’yans’k, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, with more than 20x combat engagements taking place during the day of July 18.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of the republic of belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary continues to maintain its military presence. The invaders fired mortars and artillery at more than 20x settlements, including Seredyna-Buda, Popivka, Iskryskivshchyna, Volfyne, Stepne (Sumy oblast), Kozacha Lopan’, Vovchans’k, and Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the Ukrainian troops are standing their ground.

The adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast). Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Syn’kivka, Kup’yans’k, and Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire of the adversary.

Lyman axis: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Spirne, and Sivers’k (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Nevs’ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors’ke, Lyman, Berestove, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: under heavy fire from enemy aircraft and artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled enemy attacks in the vicinity of Bohdanivka (Donetsk oblast). The enemy launched air strikes in the vicinities of Kurdyumivka, Ozarianivka, Druzhba, Bila Hora, and Oleksandro-Shul’tyne (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Vasyukivka, Bohdanivka, Stupochky, Oleksandro-Shul’tyne, Pivnichne, and Pivdenne (Donetsk oblast), suffered from enemy artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast). At the same time, the adversary fired artillery at more than 15x settlements, including Keramik, Avdiivka, Pervomais’ke, and Semenivka (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the russian offensive in the vicinities of the cities of Mar’inka and Krasnohorivka (Donetsk oblast). The adversary shelled more than 10x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Novomykhailivka, and Maksymil’yanivka (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars’ke axis: the adversary made an unsuccessful attempt to regain the lost ground in the vicinities of Rivnopil’ (Donetsk oblast) and Novodarivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Velyka Novosilka, Makarivka, and Rivnopil’ (Donetsk oblast). The occupiers shelled more than 10x settlements, including Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, Zolota Nyva, and Shakhtars’ke (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary focuses its main efforts on preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops.

The invaders launched an air strike in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka, Novodanylivka, Orikhiv, and P’yatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The occupiers fired artillery at more than 20x settlements, including Vil’ne Pole, Vremivka (Donetsk oblast), Zaliznychne, Lobkove, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Synel’nykove, Nikopol’ (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Burhunka, Sadove, Berehove, Veletens’ke (Kherson oblast), the city of Kherson, and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol’ and Berdyans’k axes, consolidating their positions, firing artillery for effect on the identified enemy targets, and conducting counter-battery fire.

The russian occupants continue to rob civilians, appropriating the Ukrainians’ grain harvest. For example, the russian so-called “authorities” put in office by the occupation forces have intensified the use of the port in the temporarily seized Skadovs’k (Kherson oblast) since July 10. Their aim is to export this year’s grain harvest to russian ports.

During the day of July 18, Ukrainian Air Force launched 12x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, as well as 3x air strikes on the anti-aircraft missile systems of the adversary.

During the day of July 18, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops destroyed 1x command post, 1x anti-aircraft missile system, 16x artillery systems at their firing positions, 3x ammunition depots, and 3x electronic warfare stations of the enemy.

iefly. War. Day 510. Video digest

 

 

[Alex_Sor]

The circus that undermines the defense capability of the state continues...
The new season of the cult TV series "Purchasing the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine" is starting
And now very briefly, in series, as you like.
The first series.
During the audit of the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Ukraine, the State Audit Service of Ukraine recognized ALL PROFITS OF THE SUPPLIERS OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE, BOTH WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT, AS LOSSES TO THE STATE.
Series two.
During the meeting of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi with businesses, the President tasks the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine represented by Denys Shmyhal to settle this issue.
The third series.
There have been 2 weeks of conciliatory meetings regarding the introduction of changes to the existing resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers. I was present at the last of them. A decision was made to cancel Resolution 335 of the CMU, and to settle the issue of profit in Resolution 1275. Everyone agreed, even the head of the State Audit Office said by word of mouth that they would review the conclusions of the State Audit in terms of profit.
The fourth series. Changes to 1275 seem to have been voted, but the resolution has not been published anywhere. By type: "do you see a gopher? No. And he is."
Series five. I learned from personal sources that the Federation of Employers of Ukraine and all associations of various industries that work with the Ministry of Defense confirm this. And now attention!
Instead of reconsidering its decision, the State Audit Service sends letters to law enforcement agencies, where it informs them that the profits of enterprises that work with the MoD are losses caused to the state and initiates the opening of criminal proceedings.
The sixth series. Final.
All suppliers of the Ministry of Defense, from socks, underwear to weapons of various calibers, froze in silent shock, from the expectation of a mask show, searches, extraction of documents, and other.
Somewhere between these series, the Ministry of Defense files lawsuits. On weapons, information is closed, on rear support to the Kyiv District Administrative Court, case 320/20717/23 on the recognition of illegal actions and the cancellation of the points of demand.
What we have in the dry residue.
1. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine ignored the order of the President of Ukraine.
2. MoD suppliers are in a quiet "akher", as I am with them.
3. We will get a disruption in the supply of anything during martial law, no matter how transparent procurement is.
What will this lead to? Right.
TO UNDERMINING THE DEFENSE CAPACITY OF THE COUNTRY DURING THE WAR.
And for the last question.
Why? Why is this done?
Out of indolence, unprofessionalism, or something else?
I do not find answers to these questions.

[Alex_Sor]

The production of UAV Lancet in Russia went into a serious series. They even developed a multi-charge launcher for them. They are already producing up to 2,000 units per month. In addition, their capacity allows them to collect 4,000 FPV drones and about 40-50 Shaheds per month. Production, in fact, is put on stream and in some cities whole groups of students are used for it. They are scaling up their production and by the end of autumn they will already collect 10 thousand FPVs and up to 3.5-4 thousand Lancets. Plus they have China next to them, which sells both pre-assembled kits and ready-made products.
If by this time we cannot, on our own or with the help of partners, create a massive multi-frequency trench EW, which can be placed both on equipment and carried by infantry or placed somewhere near the artillery position, then next year they will do a LOT to us with their penny drones troubles, and the entire Western military industry will not have time to compensate for our losses or simply restore equipment and machinery. This is a problem and I hope they are STILL working on a solution, otherwise...

[Alex_Sor]

A terrible blow to the Odessa region: a lot of destruction, there are victims
There is a hit in the grain and oilseed terminals of the port

At night, the Russian military launched a combined attack on the Odessa region, which destroyed the industrial and port infrastructure, and there were victims.

According to the Operational Command "South", tonight a furious enemy hit the south of Ukraine with a powerful accumulation of missiles and kamikaze drones.

"Without taking out of the bay in Sevastopol, one of the surface missile carriers attached it to the Caliber attack: 12 out of 12 of our air defense forces were destroyed," the command said.

Also during the night, the invaders used a coastal missile system from the temporarily occupied Crimea and hit the Odessa region with Onyxes, and strategic aviation struck with Kh-59, Kh-22 missiles. Simultaneously with the missile attack, the Russians launched Shahed-136 drones in the south.

According to "South", the Kh-59 missile was shot down on approach to the coast and, having fallen in one of the quarters of Odessa, formed a large funnel, several buildings around were damaged by the blast wave. In this place, three civilians are injured.

In addition, the Onyxes and X-22s were sent by the invaders to the port and critical infrastructure. There are hits in the grain and oil terminals, damaged tanks and loading equipment. There was a fire, now all the competent services are working to eliminate the consequences. Information about the victims has not yet been received.

 

 

 

[Alex_Sor]

Russian terrorist forces fired at port infrastructure facilities that were involved in the "grain initiative".

On the night of July 19, 60,000 tons of grain, which were supposed to go through the "grain corridor" two months ago, were destroyed in the port of Chornomorsk in Odesa region as a result of Russian missile fire.

This was reported by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

The message says that Russian terrorist forces attacked grain terminals and infrastructure in the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk.

"The night strike knocked out a significant part of the grain export infrastructure of the port of Chornomorsk... In the port of Chornomorsk, 60,000 tons of grain was also destroyed, which was supposed to be loaded on a large-tonnage ship and sent through the grain corridor 60 days ago," the Ministry of Agrarian Policy clarified.

According to the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solsky, the grain infrastructure of international and Ukrainian traders and carriers Kernel, Viterra, CMA CGM Group was the most affected.

According to experts, it will take at least a year to fully restore the objects affected by the missile strike.
"This is a terrorist act not against Ukraine, but against the whole world. Food security is again under threat. Humanity is being held hostage by a terrorist country that is blackmailing the whole world with hunger," Mykola Solskyi commented on the missile strike.

He emphasized that the lack of an opportunity to export food from Ukraine will lead to the fact that the population of the poorest countries will be on the verge of survival, as the price of grain and food products will increase.

 

[Alex_Sor]

Night attack on Ukraine: the Russians hit the grain terminals in the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk

Damaged grain infrastructure of international and Ukrainian traders, as well as carriers Kernel, Viterra, CMA CGM Group.

During the night attack on Ukraine on July 19, Russian troops struck grain terminals in the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk, damaging the infrastructure of traders.

Oleksandr Kubrakov, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine, reported on the Web.

Kubrakov noted that "Russia continues to terrorize the world even after withdrawing from the grain initiative." Thus, enemy forces attacked grain terminals and port infrastructure in the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk.

As a result of the attacks, the grain infrastructure of international and Ukrainian traders and carriers Kernel, Viterra, CMA CGM Group was damaged.

In addition, the minister noted, the night before the Russians attacked the port infrastructure involved in the work of the grain corridor. As a result, the reservoirs and berths of the Odesa port were damaged.

"An attack on grain terminals is an act of aggression against the world. The goal of Russian terrorists is the destruction of any means of supplying grain to world markets. The terrorist state is at war not only with Ukraine, but with the population of Africa and Asia, for whom this grain is a matter of survival ", Kubrakov's statement reads.

He emphasized that grain and port infrastructure in Ukraine must be protected by the world in order to guarantee global food security.

What is known about the night attack on Odesa and the region on July 19

The Russians have been striking Odesa for two nights in a row - July 18 and 19. Thus, during the first attack, fragments of downed enemy missiles and the blast wave damaged the port infrastructure facilities and several private houses.

And on the night of July 19, the invaders released drones and various types of cruise missiles over Odessa and the region. So, the debris fell in the middle of the regional center and created a large gap, houses were damaged, and there are victims. The enemy hit grain and oil terminals, an industrial facility. Warehouses with tobacco and fireworks were also damaged.

 

[Alex_Sor]

I was once amazed by the figure I saw in Janusz Bugajski's book: 70% of the assets privatized during Yeltsin's time were nationalized during Putin's time (calculated by the value of assets).
That is, our view of Russia as a country of capitalism is inadequate.

Russia's nationalization of Danon and Carlsberg assets is a very good thing.

First of all, a part of Western business and investors, even after the beginning of the invasion, entertained the illusions that only assets in energy and heavy industry are at risk - a war, what will you do. Oh no, hello FMCG.
Yes, there were, are and will be entrepreneurs in the West who are ready to work with ghouls and cannibals so that the margin covers risks, particularly reputational risks, and assets are safe.
But the nationalization of assets in the "civilian" FMCG sector puts an end to foreign investment. Investors remember this very well.
In 2021, the inflow of foreign direct investment in the Russian Federation was 39 billion dollars. Already in 2022 - minus 19, that is, the balance fell by 58 billion and went into the red. This is when the investment withdrawal opportunities are actually closed. Now this line of the balance of payments is doomed to be negative for decades.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, Western investment was a source of modernization. Not just modernization of assets, but a channel of inflow of modern technologies, modern management culture. Now Russia can forget about it for good.
If it were possible to abstract from the war, it would generally be a fascinating experiment to observe from the side - we take a modern Western corporation with a revenue of 1.5 billion dollars and one and a half dozen factories, put Kadyrov's nephew in charge of it and observe the rate of degradation of efficiency, methods of working with the market , price policy. High, ice cream.
But, of course, I cannot abstract. That's why I wish business in Russia more nationalizations, a transition to military rails, a five-year plan and prodrazvyorstka, mass executions, Vlasov's armies... oops, a little carried away. But everything will be.
The weaker the Russian Federation is in the long term, the smaller the chances that our children will have to go through another big war.
P.S.: At the same time, by the way, there was news that the prosecutor's office of the Russian Federation began to systematically squeeze the assets of the former sanatoriums of the USSR on the Black Sea coast, which were privatized already 20 years ago. Due to the challenge of privatization. Dozens and dozens of hotels, hundreds of hectares of expensive land.
When the first trials end in favor of the prosecutor's, Russian business will also clearly realize that the game by the rules is finally over. And this will also radically affect the propensity of local businesses to invest in the Russian jurisdiction. But it already affects. Therefore, good luck to the prosecutor.

[Alex_Sor]

The entire system of public administration in Ukraine is a sleeping USSR decorated with yellow and blue ribbons.
He absorbs any reform, any initiative. People who come to the civil service to change something, then go to interrogations and court hearings for years, because any action contradicts the rules, the most important of which is that nothing happens. This is called the Soviet word "stasis", it is one of the reasons for the disappearance of the Soviet Union, and we are still alive only because there are many people who are ready to do something for the sake of the country or for the sake of corruption, and the punishment machine works in low gear.
All this should be thrown into the dustbin of history, but no politician will risk it, because the vast majority of voters consider this property of the USSR to be of great value - both nostalgic grandfathers and grandmothers, as well as the current young men and women in embroidered dresses who were brought up by them. Because the ideal of the average voter is the USSR with the Ukrainian language and a yellow-blue flag.
And you ask why there are no Ukrainian weapons, but there is the laying of cobblestones. And officers, educators, doctors and civil servants produce tons of written off papers instead of the main work.

...

"Fighting corruption"
vs
Real system changes

Sorry, longread is not about series. But also about them.
The entire Ukrainian state apparatus is built in such a way to work only on "strays". What are "strays"? These are sophisticated workarounds that allow you to work among dozens of rules and instructions. These rules and instructions often do not make sense, may contradict each other, and are a key hook for the Accounting and State Audit Service. This applies to everyone, even the president, he just doesn't know about it. But when he gives some assignment - seemingly simple (for example, to put a monument to the first cosmonaut on his grave) - all subordinates down the chain try to figure out how to do it quickly and without consequences in a few years. The story about the monument is real, and as a result, it was made with donor funds. Although there was a "mistake", how to do it officially, it had to be dealt with.
So, if you want to be an effective official, minister, politician, you have to invent schemes. Even the most honest people have repeatedly had to choose between what is right legally, what is right financially, and what the auditor thinks is right. And often there is also political expediency, and journalists who can, without understanding, accuse of illegal actions. How was it with the drums. Or what about defense orders, where it is forbidden to make a profit.
Therefore, it is logical that literally all participants in political processes, and at the same time the media, concentrate on what is simple, understandable, and easily replaceable. On personalities, bribes, escapes, electronic bracelets, etc.
The public case of the ex-chairman of the FSMU Sennichenko was loudly announced.

Meanwhile, for the state of Ukraine, no less problematic (and in my opinion, even more so) is a completely different story. The one laid down in our legislation. Any structure that owns premises and can rent them out for holding events - prefers not to rent them out for short-term rent. Because otherwise: a) the procedure for agreeing the lease with the FSMU will drag on for months; b) will have to give a very large part of the income to the FSMU. So all - literally all state institutions take money for "event organization". They take it officially, on a special account, simply to bypass the legislation on state property. Otherwise, there will be no measures anywhere in principle, and these will be losses for the state. And losses for the state are already inefficient management, and here the Accounting Chamber eagerly raises its head.

This is actually a "stray" - to use the property, and at the same time correspond at least a little to the realities. "Prybluda" arose out of an attempt to combine the market economy (property should bring profit) and the planned Soviet economy ("no trozh narodnoye dobro!"). Something I have not heard about bills, initiatives, collection of signatures that would change this story.
There is an even deeper layer of problems regarding the management of state property. It is not very public, but affects most processes in the state. Investigative journalists do not want to talk about him. Because it's boring, and there are no greedy characters.
So, the sphere of state property management. It would seem like a very simple question. There is the legacy of the Soviet planning system, and there are reformers who argue that the state cannot be an effective owner and everything must be sold. As a result, for several decades there has been a public dispute surrounding corruption stories - what to do, where it all goes, and why privatization does not solve anything.
Meanwhile, the very idea that there is some universal rule regarding the management of state property is false. There are many examples in the world when states manage their resources effectively, successfully, even better than private owners. They simply created effective management companies.
What do we have in Ukraine? We have a chaotic system of state-owned enterprises, state institutions, budgetary institutions and central executive bodies that manage everything that the state has. There are no single logical and rational rules, but there are many exceptions and "mole holes". A few facts about which even investigative journalists know little.
State institutions (SU) pay VAT. So after receiving a conditional 30 million hryvnias for a year, they immediately return 20% to the budget. And they are considering whether to become state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

After all, many SOEs are not VAT payers. Those who do not pay try to work with an Individual Entrepreneur (FOP) or LLC on a single tax, because that way they get more for the same money. This sincere desire is expressed in constant complaints from the State Security Service - why are you working with FOPs.
SOEs, in contrast to State Institutions (DU), must make money, because they are enterprises. For this, it receives a certain functionality, often a monopoly position, which, in theory, should bring a stable profit. It is easier for those SOEs that arose a long time ago, acquired property, land, and conveyor lines by various truths and lies, and can produce and sell. But at the same time, they carry their statutory burden from the past – without kpi, without management rotation, without independent assessment of management methods, with an outdated salary scale, etc. The statutes of some SOEs have been in our lives since the stormy 90s, and have not changed since then. As a result, these are stagnant places where you can go after public service and quietly "saw" budgets.
But new SOEs and DUs appear, with new faces, new approaches. But the approaches to them remain old. Thus, state structures are prohibited from buying fixed assets and reinvesting profits. That is, new SOEs that have decided to make money, for example, on souvenir products, cannot buy machines to start manufacturing them - this is prohibited. The Ministry cannot allocate funds for this to SOEs, because it is prohibited. A loan, a loan is an extremely complicated story. And here we are in history, when the government approves a single UkraineNow brand, and SOEs, which can functionally sell a souvenir with a brand, cannot start production for this. Therefore, it is ineffective, exists at the expense of taxpayers, does not bring profit to the state. It must be eliminated!
There are many practical cases that at the level of legislation, all this system of SOEs, DU, TsOVV, etc. is an ear of corn on clay feet. It is not just ineffective, it cannibalizes reforms - simply absorbs any positive initiatives. And along with judicial reform, law enforcement reform, civil service reform - we desperately need a reform of the property management system.
Do you want to build underground weapons factories? Start with public property legislation. Otherwise, many sad stories about corrupt officials and fleeing abroad await us.

[Alex_Sor]

On the night of July 20, 2023, the invaders again attacked the southern regions of Ukraine! This time, Odesa and Mykolaiv were hit by Russian missiles.
In total, the enemy launched 19 cruise missiles and 19 kamikaze drones:
7 winged "Onyx" from the coastal missile complex "Bastion" (Crimea);
4 Kh-22 air-launched cruise missiles – launched from Tu-22MZ aircraft (Black Sea area);
3 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles, presumably from a submarine (Black Sea area);
5 "Iskander-K" land-based cruise missiles (Crimea);
19 strike UAVs of the "Shahed" type from two directions - southern (Chauda, Crimea) and northeastern (Kursk).
As a result of the combat work of our soldiers, 18 air targets were destroyed:
- 2 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles;
- 3 "Iskander-K" surface-based cruise missiles;
- 13 strike drones of the "Shahed" type.

 

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 20.07.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., July 20, 2023

Day 512 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

Last night, the russian federation launched yet another missile and air strike on Ukraine. Information on the aftermath of this terrorist attack is currently being updated.

During the day of July 19, the enemy used 16x Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles, 8x Kh-22 cruise missiles, 6x Oniks cruise missiles, 1x Kh-59 air-launched guided missile, and 32x Shahed combat UAVs to launch a massive missile and air strike on the territory of Ukraine. Air defense of the Ukrainian Defense Forces intercepted 13x Kalibr cruise missiles, 1x Kh-59 air-launched guided missile, and 23x Shahed combat UAVs.

In addition, the enemy launched 78x air strikes and 69x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements.

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

The adversary focuses its main efforts on Kup’yans’k, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, with around 30x combat engagements taking place during the day of July 19.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the enemy launched an air strike in the vicinity of the village of Hrem’yachka (Chernihiv oblast). The invaders fired mortars and artillery at more than 20x settlements, including Hirs’k, Yeline, Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Bachivs’k, Myropillya, Pokrovka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Kozacha Lopan’, Strilecha, Vovchans’k, Mala Vovcha, and Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the Ukrainian troops are standing their ground. The adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Kyslivka. Dvorichna, Zapadne, Syn’kivka, Kyslivka, and Berestove (Kharkiv oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire of the occupiers.

Lyman axis: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Nevs’ke, Novolyubivka, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Yampil’, Serebryanka, and Spirne (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Nevs’ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors’ke, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Berestove, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled adversary attacks in the vicinity of Bohdanivka. The enemy launched an air strike near Dyliivka. More than 10x settlements, including Vasyukivka, Markove, Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Stupochky, and Oleksandro-Shul’tyne (Donetsk oblast), suffered from enemy artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: under heavy fire from enemy aircraft and artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled russian troops’ attacks in the vicinity of Nevel’s’ke. The adversary launched a missile and air strike in the vicinity of the city of Avdiivka. At the same time, the invaders fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Lastochkyne, Avdiivka, Karlivka, and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: despite enemy air strikes and artillery fire, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the russian offensive in the vicinities of Mar’inka and Krasnohorivka. The adversary shelled more than 10x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Heorhiivka, and Pobjeda (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novomykhailivka and Blahodatne (Donetsk oblast). The occupant forces shelled more than 10x settlements, including Paraskoviivka, Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, and Blahodatne (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary focuses its main efforts on preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops. The invaders made unsuccessful attempts to regain the lost position in the area north of Pryyutne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The occupant forces shelled more than 20x settlements, including Novodarivka Ol’hivs’ke, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Bilohir’ya, Lobkove (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Dudchany, Kozats’ke, L’vove, Ivanivka, Antonivka, Berehove, Kizomys (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct offensive operations on Melitopol’ and Berdyans’k axes, consolidating their positions, and conducting counter-battery fire.

During the day of July 19, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 7x air strikes on the concentrations of occupant troops. Also, the Ukrainian defenders intercepted 2x operational-tactical level reconnaissance UAVs of the enemy.

During the day of July 19, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 4x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment of the adversary, 1x ammunition depot, 11x artillery systems at their firing positions, 2x air defence assets, and 1x stations of the adversary of the enemy.

 

 

 

[Alex_Sor]

General Valerii Zaluzhnyi: "I had a telephone conversation with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley The Joint Staff. I told him in detail about the operational situation along the frontline."

#AFU are grateful for #US support and assistance

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, despite the enemy’s super-dense minefields, anti-tank obstacles, and fire engagement system are systematically destroying his forces, and continuing the offensive actions in order to deoccupy our territory. There are gains along several axes. Our warriors are heroes.

Separately, we discussed the matter of military aid supplies to Ukraine, in particular materiel and ammunition.

I am grateful to General Milley and the entire American Nation for the robust support and dialogue that we continue further on.

Together to the Victory!

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 21.07.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., July 21, 2023

Day 513 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

Last night, the russian federation launched yet another missile strike on the territory of Ukraine. Information on the aftermath of this terrorist attack is currently being updated.

During the day of July 20, the russian occupiers launched a massive missile and air strike on the territory of Ukraine, using 3x Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles, 5x Iskander-K ground-launched cruise missiles, 4x Kh-22 cruise missiles, 7x Oniks cruise missiles, and 19x Shahed combat UAVs. Air defense of the Ukrainian Defense Forces intercepted 2x Kalibr cruise missiles, 3x Iskander-K ground-launched cruise missiles, and 13x Shahed combat UAVs.

In addition, the enemy launched 49x air strikes and 72x MLRS attacks. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have caused civilian casualties, destroyed or damaged industrial facilities, residential buildings, and other infrastructure.

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

The enemy continues to focus its main efforts on Kup’yans’k, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, with 32x combat engagements taking place during the day of July 20.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary continues to maintain its military presence. The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Semenivka, Novhorod-Sivers’kyi (Chernihiv oblast), Hrabovs’ke (Sumy oblast), and the city of Sumy. The russian forces fired mortars and artillery at more than 25x settlements, including Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Basivka, Volfyne (Sumy oblast), Udy, Kozacha Lopan’, Odnorobivka, Starytsya, Vovchans’k, and Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the Ukrainian troops are standing their ground, and have

successfully repelled enemy attacks southwest of Masyutivka (Kharkiv oblast). Dvorichna, Zapadne, Fyholivka, Kam’yanka, Krasne Pershe, Kup’yans’k, Kucherivka, Monachynivka, and Topoli (Kharkiv oblast) came under enemy artillery and mortar fire.

Lyman axis: the settlements of Nevs’ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors’ke, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke Spirne, Berestove, Kyslivka, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: under heavy fire from enemy artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled enemy attacks in the vicinity on the southwestern outskirts of Klishchiivka. More than 10x settlements, including Vasyukivka, Markove, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Stupochky, Chasiv Yar, and Oleksandro-Shul’tyne (Donetsk oblast), suffered from enemy artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: under heavy fire from enemy aircraft and artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled russian troops’ attacks in the vicinity of Nevel’s’ke. The adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Sjeverne and the city of Avdiivka. At the same time, the invaders fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Avdiivka, Karlivka, Pervomais’ke, and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian forces continue to hold back the russian offensive in the vicinities of Novomykhailivka and Mar’inka (Donetsk oblast). The adversary launched air strikes near Oleksandropil’ and Novomykhailivka. The invaders shelled more than 15x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Zhelanne Pershe, Pobjeda, and Heorhiivka (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars’ke axis: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Zolota Nyva, Vuhledar, Storozhove, Makarivka, Blahodatne, and shelled the settlements of Velyka Novosilka, Vuhledar, Vodyane, Blahodatne, and Odradne (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary focuses its main efforts on preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops. The invaders made unsuccessful attempts to regain the lost position in the area north of Pryyutne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The enemy launched air strikes in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka, Novodanylivka, Yehorivka, P’yatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), and Kozats’ke (Kherson oblast). The occupant forces shelled more than 30x settlements, including Novodanylivka, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Lobkove, Zaliznychne, Bilohir’ya (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Ponyativka, Tyahynka, Chervonyi Mayak, Antonivka, Zymivnyk (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol’ and Berdyans’k axes, consolidating their positions, firing artillery for effect on the identified enemy targets, and conducting counter-battery fire.

During the day of July 20, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 8x air strikes on the concentrations of enemy troops. Also, the Ukrainian defenders intercepted 1x operational-tactical level reconnaissance UAV of the enemy.

During the day of July 20, Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 10x artillery systems at their firing positions, 2x air defense assets, 2x electronic warfare stations, and 4x other important enemy targets.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 24.07.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., July 24, 2023

Day 516 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

The russian federation continues to kill civilians in Ukraine, ignoring the laws and customs of war, using terror tactics, striking and shelling both military and civilian targets.

Last night, the russian federation launched yet another air strike with Iranian Shahed combat UAVs in Ukraine. Information on the aftermath of this terrorist attack is currently being updated.

During the day of July 23, russian occupants launched a missile attack on the territory of Ukraine, using 17x cruise missiles and 2x ballistic missiles. The forces and means of air defense of the Air Force of Ukraine intercepted 9x cruise missiles. In addition, the enemy launched 39x air strikes and 49x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the attacks have caused civilian casualties, residences, religious buildings, and other civilian infrastructure were damaged.

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

The adversary continues to focus its main efforts on Kup’yans’k, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar’inka axes, heavy fighting continues. During the day of July 23, there were 35x combat engagements.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of the republic of belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary continues to maintain its military presence. The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Pavlivka and Stepne (Sumy oblast). The russian forces fired mortars and artillery at more than 20x settlements, including Tymonovychi (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Pokrovka, Uhroidy, Yunakivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Kozacha Lopan’, Budarky, Hatyshche, and Veterynarne (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the Ukrainian troops are standing their ground. The adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Kucherivka (Kharkiv oblast). Fyholivka, Berestove, Novomlyns’k, Dvorichna, and Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire.

Lyman axis: the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the vicinity of Tors’ke (Donetsk oblast). The invaders launched an air strike in the vicinity of Serebryans’kyi forest (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Nevs’ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors’ke, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Spirne, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: under heavy fire from enemy artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled the attacks in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and northeast of Orikhovo-Vasylivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Bila Hora, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Druzhba, and New York (Donetsk oblast), suffered from enemy artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: under heavy fire from enemy aircraft and artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled russian troops’ attacks in the vicinities of Avdiivka and Nevel’s’ke. At the same time, the enemy fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Avdiivka, Karlivka, Sjeverne, and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the russian offensive in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, and Mar’inka. The enemy shelled more than 15x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Oleksandropil’, Katerynivka, Mar’inka, and Pobjeda (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka and launched air strikes near Blahodatne and Makarivka (Donetsk oblast). The invaders shelled more than 15x settlements, including Zolota Nyva, Prechystivka, Vodyane, Vuhledar, and Blahodatne (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary focuses its main efforts on preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops. The invaders made unsuccessful attempts to regain the lost position in the vicinity of Pryyutne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv, Novodanylivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast), and Antonivka (Kherson oblast). More than 30x settlements were shelled with artillery, including Novodariivka, Hulyaipole, Huliaipilske, Novoandriivka, Stepove (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Illinka, Kam’yans’ke, Nikopol’ (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Antonivka, Havrylivka, Novoberyslav, Respublikanets’, Kizomys (Kherson oblast), the city of Kherson, Yaselka, and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol’ and Berdyans’k axes, consolidating their positions, firing artillery for effect on the identified enemy targets, and conducting counter-battery fire.

During the day of July 23, Ukrainian Air Force launched 7x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment of the adversary. Also, the Ukrainian defenders intercepted 4x operational-tactical level reconnaissance UAVs of the enemy.

During the day of July 23, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x concentration of manpower, weapons, and military equipment of the adversary, 6x artillery systems at their firing positions, 1x command post, 1x air defense system, and 1x electronic warfare station of the enemy.

 

 

[Alex_Sor]

On the night of July 23, 2023, the occupiers again attacked Odesa. In total, the enemy used 19 different types of missiles for the strike:
- 5 winged "Onyx" from the coastal missile complex "Bastion" (Crimea);
- 3 Kh-22 air-launched cruise missiles - launches were carried out by Tu-22MZ aircraft from the Black Sea;
- 4 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles, presumably from a submarine from the Black Sea;
- 5 land-based cruise missiles "Iskander-K" (Crimea);
- 2 "Iskander-M" ballistic missiles (Crimea).
As a result of combat operations of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, 9 aerial targets were destroyed: 4 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles and 5 Iskander-K land-based cruise missiles.
During the current and past days, the Air Force aircraft carried out more than 15 airstrikes against objects, places of concentration of equipment and personnel of the Russian occupiers.

[Alex_Sor]

Russian blow to the "heart" of Odessa: how many and which architectural monuments were mutilated

In the UNESCO protected zone, damage was recorded to 28 architectural monuments that suffered from a Russian missile attack on the center of Odessa on the night of July 23.

"Nine objects on Gogol Street were damaged the most," the city administration's press service said.

Among the damaged buildings:

     home of the Credit Society (1881) by the Belgian architect Arthur Luix;
     a residential building and outbuilding of Kovalevsky (end of the 19th century) and Manuk-Bey's mansion (1845-1846) - a joint project of the Italian Cayetano Dallakva and Alexander Shashin;
     the residential buildings of Mas and Maszewski, a 19th-century creation by the famous architect Felix Gonsiorowski;
     tenement house of Tolstoy.

The following have been destroyed:

     Vassal House (second half of the 19th century) and Janusz tenement house (1901) by the Swiss-Italian architect Alexander Bernardazzi;
     the mansion and arena of the residential building Massa (1849-1850) and the house of Rodokonaki (1823-1825) of the Italian Franz Morandi;
     the house of Russell del Turco (1910) from Odessa Mauritius Reingertz.

It is also known that the list of those affected by the missile attack includes the profitable houses of Zabludovsky (with an outbuilding, 1890), Zhdanova (architect Kabiolsky V. M., Dupont Yu. L., 1901-1902), Gagarin (end of the 19th century) and Naum (architect Panpulov A.S., beginning of the 19th century).

Restoration after the attack will require Papudova's house (architect Kozlov I. S., Morandi F. J., 1832-1833) and the house (architect A. M. Kollovich), in which in 1889-1890. lived General Radetsky, and others.

The strike of the invaders on Odessa on the night of July 23, 2023 - main news

On the night of July 23, the Russian military launched massive missile attacks on the center of Odessa. In particular, the historical center, which is included in the UNESCO list. Many architectural monuments and residential buildings suffered damage and destruction. A powerful blow fell on the Transfiguration Cathedral, the house of scientists, and the like. The building of the Consulate of Greece was damaged.

As a result of the attack, a man was killed, more than 20 were injured, including four children.

 

[Alex_Sor]

In Poland, new army units are being created specifically to strengthen the defense of the so-called Suwalki corridor against the backdrop of threats coming from Moscow. The creation of the first such unit - a sapper battalion - was announced the day before by the Minister of Defense of the country, Mariusz Blaszczak.

“We are taking care of the security of the eastern flank! A sapper battalion will be formed in August. This is another military unit built by us from scratch, and I assure you, it will not be the last one. I will inform you about new investments [in security] soon,” he wrote on his Twitter.

According to the Polish Ministry of Defense, the main task of the battalion will be to strengthen the wall along the border with Belarus and strengthen the Suwalki corridor.
The Suwalki Gap Problem

The peculiarities of the outline of state borders formed a relatively narrow strip of Polish territory, sandwiched between the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation and Belarus. With a width of only about 100 km, the Suwalki corridor can be easily cut by counter attacks by advancing troops from Kaliningrad and Belarus. In this case, the Baltic countries are completely deprived of land communications with Poland and the NATO countries in general, finding themselves in a complete encirclement of the numerically superior troops of Russia and Belarus.

In mid-July, against the background of news about the arrival of thousands of Wagner Group mercenaries in Belarus, the head of the State Duma Committee on Defense Andrei Kartapolov publicly stated that their task could be an attempt to cut the Suwalki corridor.

“It’s clear that the Wagners went to Belarus to train the armed forces there, but in fact, not only and not so much for this. There is such a Suwalki corridor. And this corridor, in which case, we really need it. <…> The point is that a shock fist is ready, which this unfortunate corridor will take in a matter of hours,” said Kartapolov.

[Alex_Sor]

West must focus on preparing Ukraine’s troops – or we will all pay the price

Jack Watling
 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/23/west-must-focus-on-preparing-ukraines-troops-or-we-will-all-pay-the-price

For two months Ukrainian forces have been endeavouring to fight their way through densely fortified Russian positions to breach the so-called Surovikin line in an attempt to liberate their territory. Fighting has been exceedingly hard, with heavy losses of equipment and personnel on both sides. Irrespective of how much progress is made over the coming months, Ukraine’s international partners need to focus their assistance on preparing Ukrainian armed forces for the next fight.

It is important to understand the challenge the Ukrainians are trying to overcome. Russian troops are fighting from successive layers of concrete-hardened positions, each behind 120-500 metres of complex minefields. They are backed up by significant artillery and attack helicopter support and protected by dense electronic warfare and air defences. Although Ukrainian troops tend to win when they get into close combat with the Russians, getting there without taking unsustainable losses is not always possible.

...

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 25.07.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., July 25, 2023

Day 517 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

The russian federation continues to kill civilians in Ukraine, ignoring the laws and customs of war, using terror tactics.

Last night, the russian federation launched yet another air strike on Ukraine, using Iranian Shahed combat UAVs. Information on the aftermath is being updated.

During the day of July 24, the enemy launched 1x missile and 72x air strikes, more than 50x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the attacks killed and wounded civilians, including children; destroyed or damaged port infrastructure and grain storage facilities in the south of Ukraine, residential buildings.

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

During the day of July 24, there were more than 35x combat engagements.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Hur’yiv Kozachok and Pishchane (Kharkiv oblast). The adversary fired mortars and artillery at more than 30x settlements, including the areas northeast of Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Bilopillya, east of Uhroidy, southeast of Popivka (Sumy oblast), Strilecha, Ohirtseve, Bochkove, Nesterne, and Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: air strikes were reported near Terny, Vil’shana and Kyslivka.

Krasne Pershe, Fyholivka, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kup’yans’k, Odradne, Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast) were shelled with artillery and mortars.

Lyman axis: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Lyman, Yampol, Sivers’k, Spirne, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Nevs’ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors’ke, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Spirne, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled adversary attacks in the areas northwest of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, south of Ivanivske, and west of Klishchiivka. The enemy launched air strikes in the vicinities of Dyliivka and Predtechyne (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Klishchiivka, Chasiv Yar, Kostyantynivka, Kramatorsk, Pivnichne, and New York (Donetsk oblast), suffered from enemy artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: under heavy fire from enemy aircraft and artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled russian troops’ attacks in the vicinity of Pervomais’ke. The adversary launched air strikes near Novokalynove, Avdiivka, and Nevel’s’ke. At the same time, the invaders fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Avdiivka, Lastochkyne, Vodyane, Pervomais’ke, and Karlivka (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the russian offensive in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, and Mar’inka. The adversary shelled more than 10x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, Pobjeda, Heorhiivka, and Maksymil’yanivka (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars’ke axis: the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the vicinity of Rivnopil’ (Donetsk oblast). The occupant forces shelled more than 10x settlements, including Paraskoviivka, Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, and Blahodatne (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary focuses its main efforts on preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops.

The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv, and Lobkove (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The occupant forces fired artillery at more than 35x settlements, including Novodarivka, Levadne, Stepove, Lobkove, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Burhunka, L’vove, Tyahynka, Mykil’s’ke, Dniprovs’ke, Stanislav (Kherson oblast), and the city of Kherson.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol’ and Berdyans’k axes, consolidating their positions.

During the day of July 24, Ukrainian Air Force launched 1x air strike on a command post, 8x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and 6x air strikes on the anti-aircraft missile systems of the adversary. During the day of July 24, the Ukrainian defenders intercepted 3x Shahed-136 combat UAVs of the adversary.

During the day of July 24, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 4x command posts, 3x air defense assets, 9x artillery systems at their firing positions, and 4x electronic warfare stations of the enemy.

[Alex_Sor]

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 26.07.23 were approximately:

Situation update as of 6 a.m., July 26, 2023

Day 518 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun.

During the day of July 25, the enemy launched 1x missile and 65x air strikes, 84x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the attacks have caused civilian casualties, damaged residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.

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

During the day of July 25, there were 26x combat engagements.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary continues to maintain its military presence. The occupant forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Veterynarne and Hraniv (Kharkiv oblast). The adversary fired mortars and artillery at more than 20x settlements, including Semenivka (Chernihiv oblast), Vil’na Sloboda, Svarkove, Stepne, Basivka, Mohrytsya, Pokrovka, Oleksandrivka (Sumy oblast), Hur’yiv Kozachok, Hraniv, Vovchans’k, Bochkove, Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup’yans’k axis: the Ukrainian troops are standing their ground. The adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Novoselivs’ke (Luhansk oblast). Krasne Pershe, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kup’yans’k, Kyslivka, and Berestove (Kharkiv oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire of the adversary.

Lyman axis: the adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives in the area south of Dibrova (Luhansk oblast). The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Serebryanka, Spirne, and Kuz’mynivka (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Nevs’ke, (Luhansk oblast), Tors’ke, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Spirne, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast) were shelled with artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled adversary attacks in the areas east of Stupochky and near Dyliivka (Donetsk oblast). The enemy launched air strikes in the vicinities of Klishchiivka, Predtechyne, and Dyliivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, and Pivnichne (Donetsk oblast), suffered from enemy artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: under heavy fire from enemy aircraft and artillery, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled russian troops’ attacks in the vicinity of Avdiivka. At the same time, the enemy fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Novokalynove Avdiivka, Lastochkyne, Vodyane, and Karlivka, (Donetsk oblast).

Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the russian offensive in the vicinity of the city of Mar’inka. The enemy launched air strikes near Nevel’s’ke and Krasnohorivka. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Maksymil’yanivka, and Heorhiivka (Donetsk oblast) came under artillery fire.

Shakhtars’ke axis: the adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novomykhailivka, Zolota Nyva, and Makarivka (Donetsk oblast). The occupiers shelled more than 10x settlements, including Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, and Velyka Novosilka (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: the adversary focuses its main efforts on preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops. The invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novodarivka, Levadne, Mala Tokmachka, and Orikhiv (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The enemy fired artillery at more than 30 settlements, including Novoandriivka, Levadne, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Stepove, Lobkove, Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Dudchany, Beryslav, Kozats’ke, Molodizhne, Antonivka, Komyshany, Kizomys, and Stanislav (Kherson oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol’ and Berdyans’k axes, consolidating their positions.

During the day of July 25, Ukrainian Air Force launched 9x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment of the adversary. Also, our defenders intercepted 1x Ka-52 helicopter, 5x Shahed-136 combat UAVs, and 2x operational-tactical level reconnaissance UAVs of the adversary.

During the day of July 25, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x concentration of manpower, weapons, and military equipment, 7x artillery systems at their firing positions, 2x electronic warfare stations, and 2x anti-aircraft missile systems of the adversary.