A recent attempt on youtube by an obvious anti-Russian, to pour scorn on this film's historical accuracy, tries to point out that the nazi troops state they are members of a unit that was not there.. but can't bring himself to see that they might have been lying!
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St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox
SpiritualCare Centre
THE TRAGEDY IN UKRAINE
"Veterans and children of the Great PatrioticWar: to the Government andpeopleof Germany".
By events in Ukraine
Today, when the German government decided
to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons, the
world has changed -- the silhouettes of a
new world war are more than clearly
outlined! And again - Germany!
But there are honest people in Germany.. anti-
fascists, and we hope that this Message will
fall into their hands. People born between
1927 and 1945 have the status of "war
children" in Russia.
All those who survived that war can subscribe to this letter. We think that actual signatures are not necessary, we suggest that veterans(or "war children"), read them this letter, independently or with someone's help,
and send us (at the coordinatesindicated below) something like the following:
Moscow, Ivanov Ivan Ivanovich, 90 years old, disabled war veteran (or otherwise), Hero of the Soviet Union (or Holder of the Order of Glory... or otherwise), was repatriated to Germany during the war (or otherwise).
Or just the city, full name, and age. The
main thing, is that they should be real
people who are familiar with the text.
MESSAGE TEXT
We, the last veterans -- and all the peoples of
Russia who survived that great and terrible
war.. are now on the verge of death! Our
time is already running out. For a huge
part of our lives, we hoped we would
come to the end of it, in peace -
without all-destroying hatred!
For the painfully long decades after the Second World War, we overcame our righteous anger! I long for retribution for the innumerable wounds, spiritual and physical.. that we still carry in our bodies and our hearts! And most of us have forgiven! And not in a small way due to the fact that Germany for many years, has demonstrated its repentance its understanding of what it has done! And we have overcome -- not only ourselves, but also the voice of the blood of our barbarically exterminated relatives! By whom? Germans ...fascists!
We have forgiven... following the laws of human
coexistence! So it was... until 2014. And then,
in 2014, when everything began in Ukraine...
we looked with hope at Germany, and at the
then Chancellor Angela Merkel. We couldn't imagine that after all that the Germans did
in Ukraine, after Babi Yar, after mountains
of mutilated corpses, they would still look
with lust: at the Ukrainian fields that can
feed Europe today! Or they, the Germans,
who have covered the Crimea they once
promised with blood, will still somehow be interested in turning the Crimea into an American - and in general - a NATO base, ideal for aggression against Russia! Which would be clearly
aimed at afuture war.
After all -- only fools do not understand the meaning and goals of the entire coup inUkraine..... in the conditions of which Russia behaved in the only possible way! But the Germans are not fools! We the Russians, know for certain your psychology, as "brothers in blood" - our blood, which you "prudently" shed in rivers!
We remember -- your "systematic methods of
population reduction"! Our population! Until
now - in different parts of our once united
Homeland - where the boot of German
fascism was trodden, we find hidden
mass graves of our civilians: in the
Novgorod region, in the Kuban, in
the Rostov region, in Karelia. In
Belarus, in 2021... hundreds of
civilian remains... were found
in Brest ...on the site of the
Jewish ghetto the Trostenets
concentration camp.... near
Minsk terrible in its tragedy
revealed the secret of the
remains... of thousands of
tortured and killed people!
We are talking about tens of thousands of newly discovered victims of Nazism! This blood - still cries out for revenge - and for decades the memory of these barbarously destroyed
Russian people -- and monuments to Russian soldiers, liberators - have been desecrated with impunity!
And the new Nazis are marching in the Baltic
States and Ukraine - in front of the entire
"civilized" world! But, in 2014, we were
sincerely convinced - that in this new
Nazi demarche it's the Germans who
will be our associates in preventing
this meanness!
We hoped that, guided by an elementary
conscience -- the Germans would not
participate.. in an obviously fascist
anti-state coup in Ukraine! After all
...the subsequent catastrophe of
modern Ukraine was committed
by direct descendants of those
who were special bastards in
the German army! Clearly,
openly!
Americans and Canadians have only hidden and preserved this diabolical heritage... feeding thisgeneration, but the product of this evil... is Germany! Hitler's Germany! And it was impossible for us to believe that it was Germany that would again give a "road map" to these inhumans! But we were wrong! Germany has once again allowed these fascist geeks...... to enter the world!
The support of modern Germany - in the face of
the new government of Ukraine-Bandera.. the
heirs of the SS division "Galicia" -- the thugs
of the UPA OUN, and all other abominations;
is simply unthinkable for us! This is beyond
all that is human! But you.. Germany, have already done it and continue to do it! You
have, once again, set your sights on the
Slavic world and these geeks are blood
from the blood of German Nazism! And
again to Russia!
Only, even more despicable: inciting our closest Ukrainian brothers against us! And you know it! You know this as well as we do! You killed one nation in that Great War! Yes, we are one people!
The truth is written and often spoken about
by your own Steinmeier, who at the same
time, viciously took a direct part in the
Kiev coup of 2014 — fascist in fact!
This American.. may not be clear about some-
things, but it's more than that, for you! And
after all, it was your vykormysh... that got
ready.. for their torchlight processions in
Kiev! The living shadow of Nazi Germany
is behind all this. It was only temporarily
covered up by sly diplomacy - "helmets
instead of guns"! But that's it, "masks
are reset"! Your supply of German
weapons to Ukraine today... is
natural - it is in the logic of
your policy of recent
decades.
Today it is clearly pro-fascist! You have taken
this step: German weapons will kill Russians
again! Keep killing. During the years of the
conflict in the Donbas, your professional
killers have already killed Russians, at
least by teaching them... "how to kill
correctly"! Only now -- it's even more
despicable — you're teaching this to
- your blood brothers! Donbass is on
your conscience! Thousands of lives
of its peaceful citizens --- again your
handiwork! We do not care about the
role of Americans, in everything that
happens: there, is money-God! We,
veterans of that war, its children,
are concerned about the role of
the Germans! Because it is you
who know -- exactly -- who the
Ukrainian "national battalions"
consist of --- and could have
prevented and stopped, this
new fascism ! But they did
not do it! And just by doing
this -- you are once again,
responsible to history!
And you are definitely participating ---- in the
preparation of Ukraine for war with Russia!
You can't help but understand the purpose
of everything that happened ---- from the
unconstitutional coup in Kiev .....to the
bloodshed in the Donbass! But, in fact
this is preparation for the Third World
War! And again, you are Germans...
Germany! We hear from the high
German rostrum in Berlin today:
"Russia, will pay a high price"!!!
This is the German Chancellor's
speech! Unthinkable! We have
already paid the price ------ 27
million of our lives! Isn't that
enough for you?! What price
are you still talking about?
There is no home ----- in Russia, Ukraine and
Belarus - where "this price" isn't paid! And
there is no home --- in Germany, that did
not participate in that terrible, bloody
barbarism! It's scary! It's wild! And
today, there are, already, more than
13 thousand dead Russian people
in the Donbass at the hands of
the new Nazis!
The German Chancellor's public mockery of the
Russian genocide in the Donbas, is a crime in
itself! How much can the lessons of history
be misunderstood - and discredited! The
scariest story in the world! Do you want
to be even scarier?! After all, this new
"Dranch nach Oschtern" ..may lead to
the fact that the 2nd Nuremberg trial
over you will no longer be - there will
simply be no humanity! You won't be
here! But a special Ecumenical trial
of you Germans is inevitable! Over
all aggressors — but over you
ESPECIALLY!
World justice will be served! And we --- the last
veterans of that terrible war, are leaving this
world ---- as witnesses! Witnesses for the
PROSECUTION! And today the victory
will be ours, but those who died
yesterday, or those of us who
will die today, already bear
witness to the role of the
German people, in the
history of the human
world — a bloody
history!
German weapons are back in the
hands of Nazi thugs! Please stop!
Email addresses for information:
veterans1945@yandex.ru
https://t.me/Veteran_v_stroy_chat
- Russian Union of Veterans: organizing
questions and collecting signatures of
veterans and children of the Second
World War
****************************
veteran1944@yandex.ru -questions about
this publication to its author: Monk John (Adlivankin), Deputy Head of the Russian Orthodox Church. head and ved.
specialist.... of the St. Peter's
Orthodox Counseling Centre.
St. John of Kronstadt.
__________________________________
If you want the truth about the massacre of civilans in Bucha - paste the web address below into your browser
https://www.bitchute.com/video/6ZHPL2pTuadJ/
REQUIEM
Efran and Poet's tribute to all those killed by wars
THE LATEST NEWS
Vucic stated: that it is difficult
to prevent a third world war
March 20th, 11:41pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The third world war may already be underway, but no one is
officially talking about it. This opinion was expressed on
March 20 by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in an
interview with the Berliner Zeitung (BZ).
"It will be difficult to prevent a third world war. Perhaps it has
already begun, but we are not officially talking about it yet,"
Vucic said.
According to him, the struggle for oil, gas, minerals, rare
metals, and other resources... has been going on for a
long time. He noted that many players are currently
trying to buy time... while they prepare for larger
and more significant conflicts.
The President of Serbia warned ---- that the use of tactical
nuclear weapons could not be ruled out in such conflicts,
and he reminded the public.
"The interests of the major powers are too different and too
significant for one side to simply give in. This is often what
leads to escalation...... in the end," he said.
Earlier, on the air of the RTS TV and Radio, Vucic said that
Croatia and Albania, members of NATO, are preparing to
attack Serbia, together with the partially recognized
Republic of Kosovo. The Serbian President noted:
''They are forming an alliance to attack us.''
__________________________________
Le Monde reported on the crisis in the Rada
caused by Zelensky's threats --- to send deputies to the front
March 20th, 10:26pm
(Izvestia.ru)
President Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky intends to send
members of the Verkhovna Rada to the front, which in
turn has exacerbated the situation in the country.
This was reported by the newspaper Le Monde
on March 20.
"This phrase....... which was not well received by many elected
representatives, did not help to ease tensions. Some deputies
believe that their opinions are being disregarded. <...> This is
compounded by growing political fatigue.. and a loss of trust
in Zelensky, fueled by political scandals," the article states.
According to the publication, Andriy Motovylovets, deputy
head of the Serpent of the People faction, said that
despite the commitment of the deputies to the
Rada.... more than 40 parliamentarians are
ready to terminate their powers - early.
On March 15, Zelensky threatened to send members of
the Verkhovna Rada to the front. This was Zelensky's
comment on the recent unsuccessful votes in the
Rada, on bills that the International Monetary
Fund, among others, requires to be passed.
On March 13, Ukrainian People's Deputy Oleksandr
Yurchenko announced that about 60 members of
the Verkhovna Rada had written statements
about the termination of their powers.
When asked if he was referring to members of the ruling
Servant of the People party, Yurchenko confirmed this.
Hundreds of soldiers of the 159th Separate Mechanized
Brigade (OMBR) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU)
died or disappeared without a trace in the village of
Zybino in the Kharkiv region, which became a real
black hole for them. This ---- was reported by
Russian security agencies on March 18.
"In Ukraine, there is another black hole, where Ukrainian
servicemen disappear without a trace. This time, it is
about the small village of Zybino," said the
interlocutor, to RIA Novosti.
The security forces noted -- that most of the casualties were
caused by the 159th Brigade's militants. These conclusions
were reached based on an analysis of data on the search
for missing enemy soldiers.
"An analysis of missing person announcements showed that
hundreds of soldiers from the 159th OMBR of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine did not return from their missions,"
the sources said.
In the Russian security forces... the day earlier, they spoke
about the announcement of a search in Kharkiv for more
than 10 militants of the VSU. It is noted, that we are
talking about the technicians of the repair and
recovery battalion of the brigade, who were
previously... in the Volchansky district.
They were sent to Kharkiv to receive a
reward -- from the brigade commander.
________________________________________
Private Chuyko participated in the assault on
the Ukrainian Armed Forces' stronghold
that he discovered.
March 18th, 9pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Private Dmitry Chuiko discovered a stronghold of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine and participated in the assault as part of
a motorized rifle assault group. The press service of the
Russian MoDef reports on the feats of Russian military
personnel in the zone of the special military operation.
Chuyko promptly provided the command, with information
about the location of the stronghold. An aerial recon was
conducted, which allowed for identification of enemy
firing points and shelters, and the approximate
number of enemy personnel.
The motorized riflemen.... decided to approach from multiple
directions, and then used grenade launchers and hand-held
fragmentation grenades on the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As a result, the stronghold was captured, and the
Russian soldiers ---- secured their new positions.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also noted the dedication of
Corporal Denis Demikhov, who organized communication
between Russian units and the command.
As a result of the artillery fire from the Armed Forces
of Ukraine, the wire line was damaged. Realizing
the need to quickly restore communication,
Demikhov went to the site of the damage.
Upon arrival, he discovered that the cable was beyond repair
and needed to be replaced. Demikhov successfully
completed this task in a short amount of time,
restoring communication between the units.
Earlier on March 18th, the Russian Defense Ministry's press
service reported that Sergeant Yevgeny Yaptune was
among the first to break into a Ukrainian stronghold,
personally destroying two drones and eliminating
three enemy soldiers, which contributed to the
further advance of Russian assault troops.
_____________________________________________
Patrushev --- allowed the Russian Navy
to escort the Russian merchant fleet
March 18th, 3:21pm
(RT.ru)
Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of Russia
and Chairman of the Maritime Board, has allowed the
Russian Navy to escort the Russian merchant fleet.
In an interview with Kommersant, he noted that the risk
of terrorist and sabotage threats against ships sailing
to Russian ports ...is not decreasing.
"Measures are being taken to escort
the merchant fleet by the Navy,"
Patrushev said.
_____________________________________________
As a result of active and decisive actions:
the Russian Armed Forces liberated
Aleksandrovka in the DPR
by Adeline Vishnevskaya
March 18th, 1pm
(RT.ru)
The Russian armed forces ---- have liberated the village of
Aleksandrovka in the DPR, according to the Ministry of
Defense. In addition, Ukrainian energy and transport
infrastructure facilities used by the Armed Forces
of Ukraine were targeted. 2 US armoured
fighting vehicles... 2 US M113 armoured personnel carriers, an unmanned boat and a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled gun have been destroyed. The Armed Forces of Ukraine ------ have suffered more than 1,100 casualties.
Operational-tactical aviation, strike UAVs, missile forces, and
artillery of the Russian Armed Forces' military groups have
destroyed Ukraine's energy and transport infrastructure
facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces,
according to the Ministry of Defense.
Strikes have been carried out on temporary locations of
Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries,
in 145 areas.
Russian air defense systems ---- shot down three
guided aerial bombs and 316 aircraft-type UAVs.
Units of the Northern Group of Forces - improved their position
on the front line. They defeated the personnel and equipment
of 2 mechanized, airborne, and assault brigades, an assault
regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a territorial
defense brigade in the areas of the settlements of
Novaya Sech, Miropolye, Luzhki, Maryino, and
Kondratovka (Sumy region).
In the Kharkiv region, the Sever fighters defeated units of 2
mechanized and motorized infantry brigades of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine, a territorial defense brigade, and a
National Guard brigade in the areas of Izbitskoye,
Petrovskoye, Kolodeznoye, and Vesyoloye.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 255 fighters,
an infantry fighting vehicle, 13 vehicles, and three
artillery pieces. 3 warehouses - were destroyed.
At the same time, units of the Zapad military group liberated
the village of Aleksandrovka (DPR) as a result of active and
decisive actions.
In this area, the Russian Armed Forces defeated the personnel
and equipment of 4 mechanized brigades, 2 battalions of the
--- and two field artillery pieces. 3 ammunition depots and 6
material depots, were destroyed.
In addition, the units of the Center group of troops have
improved their tactical position. The personnel and
equipment of 5 mechanized, infantry, and airborne
brigades, a UAV brigade, an assault regiment of
the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine infantry
brigade -- and 3 brigades of the National Guard
were destroyed in the areas of Novofedorovka,
Petrovka, Novogrigorovka, Kucherov Yar,
Lenina, Grishino, Belitskoe (DNR),
Ivanovka, Andronovka....... plus
Novopavlovka (Dnepro region).
The Ukrainian armed forces lost more than 275 soldiers, ten
armoured vehicles, 15 cars, 2 field artillery pieces, a radar
station, and 3 electronic warfare stations in this sector.
Meanwhile, units of the Vostok military group - have advanced
into the depths of the enemy's defenses. Russian forces have
defeated formations of 2 mechanized, two airborne assault,
and an assault brigade, as well as 4 assault regiments of
the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the areas of
Komsomolskoye, Chervony Yar, Rozovka,
Kopani, Novoselovka, Vozdvizhevka
(Zaporozhye region), Prosyanaya,
Mechetnoye, and Gai
(Dnepro region).
In this area, the enemy lost up to 275 soldiers, 2 armoured
vehicles, 6 cars, & a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled gun.
Units of the Dnipro military group --------- have destroyed the
manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces'
mechanized brigade, in the areas of Orekhov and
Preobrazhenka (Zaporozhye region).
In the Dnipro's area of responsibility -- up to 55 militants, 11
vehicles, an artillery gun, five electronic warfare stations,
an unmanned boat, an ammunition depot, and three
material depots - were destroyed.
__________________________________
Offensive on Sloviansk and battles for
Krasny Lyman: how the situation in
the SVO zone is developing
by Peter Skubey
March 17th, 10:30pm
(RT.ru)
The command post of the Southern Group of Forces was
visited by the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian
Armed Forces, Army General Valery Gerasimov.
During the visit, he noted the successes of the Southern
Group of Forces in liberating the territories of the DPR,
set new goals, and awarded state decorations to the
most distinguished soldiers of the Russian army.
In addition, Valery Gerasimov gave a report on the current
situation in the SVO zone. According to him, the Russian
army is advancing in all directions.
In particular, despite the Ukrainian Armed Forces' attempts
to hinder the Russian Armed Forces' advance towards
Slavyansk, the Russian army is pushing back the
enemy from their positions.
"On the right flank ----- units and military formations of the 3rd
Army are actively advancing on a broad front in the direction
of Slavyansk. The front line has been pushed more than 12
kilometres west of the city of Seversk," Gerasimov said.
According to him, street fighting continues in Konstantinovka,
and Russian attack helicopters ------ are advancing deep into
the city.
"More than 60% of the village's territory (Konstantinovka. RT) is under our control. The offensive is also developing in its suburb, the village of Ilyinovka," the Chief of the General Staff emphasized.
In addition, according to the data provided, the Sever fighters
continue to create a "security zone" in the border areas of
the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
At the same time, the Western military forces are finishing off
the remnants of the Ukrainian Armed Forces units that were
blocked on the eastern bank of the Oskol River, near
Novoosinovo. The village itself is more than 85%
controlled by the Russian army.
"The most active fighting - continues in the Krasnolimansk
direction, where the group's assault units are engaged in
battles to liberate Krasny Lyman. More than half of the
city is under the control of the Zapad group,"
Gerasimov said.
Troops of the Centre military group are completing the
liberation of Grishino and Novy Donbas, and fighting
continues for Belitskoye (DNR). Fighting is also
ongoing --- to capture Novopavlivka and
Novopodgorodnoye --- in the
Dnipropetrovsk region.
According to the Chief of the General Staff, the fighters
of the Vostok group are repelling numerous attacks
by the Ukrainian Armed Forces' assault units...
from the directions of Velikaya Mikhailovka
and Pokrovskoye.
The Army General emphasized that the Ukrainian Armed
Forces... lost over 2,500 fighters and 120 pieces of
equipment in this area alone during February
and March.
"The troops of the Vostok group ----- despite the Ukrainian
command's attempts to halt our advance in the eastern
part of the Zaporozhye region... are confidently
maintaining the initiative ---- and actively
advancing in the western direction,"
Gerasimov said.
The situation in the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Meanwhile, the plight of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is also
evidenced by the stories of prisoners of war. For example,
the Russian Ministry of Defense shared footage of a
conversation with one of the Ukrainian fighters.
According to him, the command had ordered
their own "brothers" to be shot if they tried
to leave their positions.
"We were brought to Grishino --- we got into the basement and
were watching, passing on (information. RT) We didn't leave.
If I go out, the second one will shoot me. Because that's
the order: if one goes out, the second one shoots.''
___________________________________________
Zelensky gave the British King an
iPad ...to monitor the front lines
March 17th, 8:35pm
(RT.ru)
Vladimir Zelensky presented King Charles III
of the United Kingdom with a "military" iPad.
He announced this at a briefing with
British Prime Minister Kir Starmer.
According to Zelensky, the device allows real-time
tracking of targets in the sky and the situation
on the front lines.
He noted that the Minister of Defense, the Prime
Minister, and several military officials...... have
similar devices.
Earlier, it was reported that Zelensky had arrived
in London, but was not met by British officials...
at the airport.
_____________________________________
Zelensky said that the situation at the front - is
very difficult for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
March 17th, 8:31pm
(RT.ru)
Vladimir Zelensky said that the situation at the front
remains extremely difficult for the Armed Forces
of Ukraine.
He said this in an interview with the Jerusalem Post.
"It's a very difficult situation, and of course, we
face difficulties ----- every day," he emphasized.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the
liberation of the village Sopych in the Sumy region.
It was also reported that the Russian military
cleansed.... more than 300 buildings and
basements in this locality.
_______________________________________
The destruction of the Armed Forces
of Ukraine in the rear areas has been reported
March 17th, 8:30pm
(Izvestia.ru)
RIA Novosti: Deserter gangs destroy
the Armed Forces in the rear areas
Ukrainian special forces - are being destroyed by a band
of deserters in the rear areas. This was announced by
Russian law enforcement agencies, on March 17.
"In social networks, an obituary was identified about the
death ''in a traffic accident'' of the commander of the
Ukrainian group of SSO (Special Operations Forces.
Ed.) R. Fermanchuk, who was involved in combat
operations in the Sumy region. Many in Ukraine
see this.... as a consequence of PTSD (post-
traumatic stress disorder. Ed.) ------ while
others believe - that Ukrainian special
forces, are being destroyed by bands
of deserters who're taking revenge
for the blocking units," according to the security forces' words ...
as reported by “RIA Novosti”.
The publication also mentions - an increase
in combat losses among Ukrainian special
forces - in the rear areas.
On March 16, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff
of the Armed Forces (AF) of the Russian Federation,
announced --- that the assault units of the West
military group are fighting for Krasny Liman
and more than half of the city is already
under Russian control. As a result of
the fighting, Drobushevo, Yarovaya
and Sosnovoye are now liberated.
According to Gerasimov, the
liberation of the village of
Aleksandrovka, is also
nearing completion.
_____________________
Two Ukrainian soldiers -are charged -
for their actions in the Kursk region
March 17th, 2:54pm
(RT.ru)
The Main Military Prosecutor's Office has approved
indictments against two Ukrainian military
personnel, 37-year-old Vasily Ivanitsky
and 39-year-old Anton Zaitsev, who
are accused of committing a
terrorist act.
According to the version of the investigation, in February
and March 2025, they illegally crossed the border in the
Sudzhansky district of the Kursk region, carrying
automatic weapons.
Together with other militants, the military controlled the
villages of Guevo and Kurilovka, interfered with the
work of local authorities, opposed the Russian
military, and intimidated civilians.
Both have been detained, and are currently in custody.
Criminal cases with approved indictments, have been
transferred to the 2nd Western District Military Court
... for consideration on the merits.
______________________________________
At London Airport, Zelensky was met
only by Zaluzhny ....and the pilot
March 17th, 2:45pm
(Izvestia.ru)
President Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky landed in London, only
to be met by the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, Valeriy
Zaluzhny, and the plane's pilot. This was reported by
the Ukrainian publication Strana.ua on March 17.
The publication clarifies that Zelensky will meet with King
Charles III at Buckingham Palace and Prime Minister Kir
Starmer, plus.. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
He will also address the parliament.
Zelensky on March 12 complained about the lack of PAC-2 and
PAC-3 anti-aircraft missiles for Patriot systems in his armed
forces. He also expressed hope that Kyiv would be able
to sign a major drone supply deal with US
manufacturers, which requires
Washington's approval.
Bloomberg reported on March 10 that, at the initiative of
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a number of
European countries ---- have allocated 35 PAC-3
interceptor missiles to Ukraine for the US
Patriot missile defense systems.
The exact number of countries participating in
the German initiative, has not been disclosed.
Defense Express weapons expert, Ivan Kirichevsky, noted on
March 17 that Ukraine, due to the conflict in the Middle East,
may face a acute shortage of missiles PAC-3 for Patriot
anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMs) in the next one
to three months.
_______________________________________
The Russian army liberated Sopych
in the Sumy region and Kaleniki
in the DPR
March 17th, 9:33am
(Izvestia.ru)
Russian troops have established control over the settlements
of Sopych in the Sumy region and Kaleniki in the Donetsk
People's Republic (DPR), according to the Russian
Ministry of Defense - on March 17.
"As a result of active operations, the units of the North military
group have established control over the village of Sopych in
the Sumy region," the ministry said in a statement.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian Armed
Forces lost up to 270 fighters in this area. 3 electronic
warfare stations, an Israeli-made RADA RPS-42
counter-battery station, plus 2 ammunition
depots and 8 material depots.....
were destroyed.
"As a result of active operations, units of the Southern Group
of Forces liberated the village of Kaleniki in the Donetsk
People's Republic," the ministry added.
In the areas of Konstantinovka, Druzhkovka, and Slavyansk,
the South Group - defeated 3 mechanized brigades of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine. The enemy suffered up to 200
casualties, and an M113 armoured personnel carrier,
2 ammunition depots, and 6 material depots...
were destroyed.
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian
Federation Valery Gerasimov on March 16 announced the
liberation of 12 settlements in the SVO zone in March.
According to him, the most active battles are taking place in
the area of responsibility of the Centre group of troops. In
addition, the Russian Armed Forces are completing the
liberation of the settlements of Grishino and Novy
Donbass in the DPR. There are also battles -
for Belitskoye.
_________________________________________________
Pushilin announced that victory in the special
military operation .....will be achieved soon
March 17th, 6am
(Izvestia.ru)
Russia's victory in the special military operation (SVO) is "just
around the corner," and it is being brought closer by both the
feats of the Russian Armed Forces (RF) and the resilience of
the people of Donbass. This was announced on March 17
by Denis Pushilin, the head of the Donetsk People's
Republic (DPR).
He noted: that there is already a sense
.........of victory approaching, in Russia.
"Victory is just around the corner.... we can feel it. Thanks
to the resilience of the people of Donbas, thanks to the
Russian spirit of our soldiers --- who are advancing
on the front line on the battlefields every day -
and bringing this victory closer, we can feel
the victory coming," the politician said,
in an interview with TASS.
On March 16, the head of the DPR also said that Russian
servicemen are actively fighting near Novy Donets and
Belitsky, east and southeast of Dobropillya.
A day earlier, Pushilin reported, that the Russian Armed
Forces were only a few kilometres away.. from the city
of Slavyansk in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).
The reality of roads: military convoys are
now protected by ground and air drones
These new tactics, allow for the avoidance of military
equipment being destroyed by mines and land mines.
and artillery. In addition, Russian forces have targeted
Ukrainian military and foreign mercenary bases
in 149 locations.
_____________________________________________
Russian special services... gained access to
the smartphone of the Chief of Staff of the
Ukrainian Armed Forces Brigade
March 13th, 5:53am
(Izvestia.ru)
Russian intelligence services managed to gain access
to the smartphone ---- of the chief of staff of the 159th
separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of
Ukraine, Lieutenant Colonel G. Murzanovsky. This
was reported by Russian security agencies on
March 13.
"Russian intelligence services.. managed to gain access to
the smartphone .of Lieutenant Colonel G. Murzanovsky,"
the text of the message says, as RIA Novosti reported.
According to the interlocutor, the malicious link was sent to a
Ukrainian officer in a congratulatory message on the second
anniversary of the brigade's formation. By clicking on the
link, Murzanovsky granted access to his device.
It is noted that the officer paid a "generous monetary reward"
to regain access to his account in one of the popular
messaging apps. However, he did not report the
incident to his superiors ......to avoid any
investigations or potential reprisals
from the Ukrainian Security
Service (SBU).
The KillNet hacker group in December last year, received
information about the location of the AFU fighters along
the entire front line, and also put this data on its
interactive Matrix map.
In addition, the representative of the group noted - that the
development of KillNet will be transferred to the Russian
Ministry of Defense, so that the fighters and command
of the Armed Forces (AF) of the Russian Federation
could see various information about the AFU with
one click.
_________________________________________
Evacuees from Krasnoarmeysk spoke
about life in the besieged city
March 13th, 4:55am
(Izvestia.ru)
The evacuation of residents of Krasnoarmeysk continues
with the help of the 5th Main Command Post (MCP) of the
51st Army and the People's Front. Izvestia published
relevant footage, on March 13.
As one of the evacuated women said, life in the besieged city was difficult: she baked bread on her own and searched for food in the destroyed apartments.
"Stores closed last June. Flour, sugar ----- there were supplies. We've cooked everything for ourselves," the evacuee shared.
The woman also added, that the Ukrainian soldiers were
stationed in her building's entrance... and one of them,
who was from Lviv, had tried to escape three times
but was returned to the front each time.
On February 18, servicemen of the Armed Forces of Russia
(AFR) of the 5th OKP of the 51st Army, together with the
People's Front, carried out the evacuation of residents
of liberated Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov. According
to the evacuees, many of whom are minors, they
had to hide ----- during the shelling by
Ukrainian drones.
_________________________________________________
The Russian Armed Forces' unmanned systems
unit ......adjusted its strike on enemy targets
March 13th, 4:15am
(Izvestia.ru)
A Skat-350M reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
operated by the 27th Guards Motorized Rifle Division of the
Centre military group provided adjustment of an air strike
using FAB-250 aerial bombs equipped with a universal
planning & correction module in the Dnepropetrovsk
direction of the special military operation (SMO).
This was reported by the Russian Ministry
of Defense, on March 13.
During the execution of air reconnaissance tasks to detect
enemy strongholds, firing positions, artillery crews and
logistics routes, UAV operators recorded the
movement of a ground-based robotic
complex (G-RCT) of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine (AFU)
transporting food and
ammunition between
the positions -- of a
major stronghold.
"We conduct reconnaissance 24 hours a day - if the weather
conditions allow. We followed the jeep, which arrived.. then
unloaded the equipment onto a trolley, and then continued
on its route. During the next flight we conducted objective
monitoring --- to destroy the identified strongholds," said
Alexey Nikolaev, the senior operator.
After additional verification of the information received, the
coordinates were transmitted for an airstrike against the
enemy's forces. The UAV unit ...provided support and
adjustment for the destruction of the target. As a
result of the joint actions of the unmanned
systems and aviation units --- a major
Ukrainian Armed Forces stronghold
was destroyed. The defeat of the
enemy positions and personnel
created conditions -- for the
advance of the assault
units in the area.
"We observed them from the air, adjusted the FPV drones,
and all the targets were destroyed," says operator
Andrey Ermakov.
The daily work of UAV operators allows for the timely
identification of new targets -- and their destruction
by drone strikes, artillery fire, and aviation assets.
On the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported
that the BM-21 Grad MLRS crew of the 90th Guards Tank
Division of the Centre military group ---- carried out an
artillery strike on the positions of the Armed Forces
of Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region in the zone
of the special military operation. After receiving
intelligence data from unmanned aerial vehicle
operators, the crew moved to a prepared firing
position. The military personnel fired a volley
at the identified target ------- at a range of
about 18 km.
______________________________________
Grad missile launcher ---- destroyed
Ukrainian Armed Forces positions
in the Dnepropetrovsk region
March 13th, 2:15am
(Izvestia.ru)
The BM-21 Grad MLRS unit of the 90th Guards Tank Division
of the Center military group's artillery regiment delivered
an artillery strike against the positions of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region, in
the zone of the special military operation (SVO).
This was reported by the Russian Defense
Ministry on March 13.
After receiving reconnaissance data from unmanned aerial
vehicle operators, the team moved to a prepared firing
position. The soldiers fired a volley at the identified
target at a range of approximately 18 kilometres.
"We inflicted fire damage - on the enemy's manpower. We are
firing rockets. We are working on the enemy's rear, infantry,
ammunition, mortarmen, and BAPELs," said Petr Volkov, a
corporal ...and commander of the vehicle.
Fire control and damage assessment were conducted in
real time. The high accuracy of reconnaissance and
well-coordinated operations ------ allowed for the
destruction of concealed enemy personnel
with the first volley, without the need for further adjustments.
After completing the combat mission, the crew quickly
dismantled the installation and moved to a reserve
position, taking precautions against potential
retaliatory strikes and enemy UAV activity.
"We worked well on the targets. When we started to withdraw
from the firing position, an FPV drone arrived. Two squads
fought back and left for the concentration area and rear
areas," says Dinitslam Yusupov, a junior lieutenant
and platoon commander.
Grad MLRS crews -- continue to carry out 24-hour tasks in the
SVO. Cooperation with reconnaissance units and unmanned
aerial vehicle services ensures the timely identification of
targets -- and effective strikes, against enemy personnel,
equipment, ammunition depots, and command centres.
Currently, the units are providing fire support to
the advancing assault units of the Centre
military group in Dnipropetrovsk region.
"Swarm" of Opportunities: A New
Flamethrower Drone is Being
Used in the SVO Zone
The unmanned vehicle "burns out" enemy fortifications.
On March 12, the Ministry of Defense reported that the crews
of the Hyatsint-S self-propelled guns of the 25th Combined
Arms Army of Zapad military group -- while carrying out
fire missions -- destroyed camouflaged positions with
manpower and communication equipment of the
UAV control centres of the Ukrainian Armed
Forces - in the Krasnolimansk area.
_______________________________________
The Solntsepek system destroyed
Ukrainian military bases in
the SVO zone
March 13th, 2am
(Izvestia.ru)
The TOS-1 Solntsepek calculation of the 35th Army of the
Vostok military group destroyed the deployment points
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the area of
the special military operation (SVO). This was
reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense
on March 13.
During aerial reconnaissance in a populated area -- in the
Zaporizhzhia region, the enemy's deployment points
and equipped positions --- were identified.
After the coordinates were adjusted, data was transmitted
to the Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system, which
delivered a thermobaric strike against the target.
To ensure effective command and control,
domestic communication equipment
was used to facilitate interaction
between units - at any time of
the day.
As a result of the strikes, enemy positions and strongholds
were destroyed --- along with enemy the personnel, which
significantly reduced the defense capabilities of the
Ukrainian Armed Forces in this area of the Special
Military Operation in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Trumps in the bag: the Postman attack
drone - has appeared in the SVO zone.
These new systems are guaranteed to destroy enemy
firing points - during attacks on enemy fortified areas.
On March 12, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported
that the calculation of the Msta-B towed howitzer of
the howitzer artillery division.. of the 80th Guards
Tank Regiment of the 90th Guards Tank Division
of the Centre military group -- cooperating with
the calculations of 'unmanned aerial vehicle'
systems, destroyed temporary deployment
points of the personnel of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine ------- in the
Dnepropetrovsk direction
of the SMO.
___________________________
Invisible to air defense systems.
Rostec --- has created a drone
with high maneuverability
and range
March 12th, 4:05pm
(DAN)
Rostec specialists have developed a drone with a
new... long-range loitering munition. This was
announced today by the state corporation.
"Rostec continues to actively develop unmanned technologies
for both civilian and military purposes. Today, our portfolio
includes over ten types of serial drones that perform
tasks for various customers. In addition, a number
of unmanned aerial vehicles created by the
Corporation's enterprises, both for
reconnaissance ....and strike
purposes, are being used
in the special military
operation zone.
''The new loitering munition has a delta form factor, and is currently undergoing testing," said Boris Podolny,
Managing Director for the Development of
Unmanned Aerial Systems, at the
State Corporation.
The drone is designed to destroy enemy military facilities in
the deep rear. It is equipped with an internal combustion
engine and can perform missions over hundreds of
kilometres. Its high speed and maneuverability
allow it to use various flight profiles, bypass
air defense zones, and accurately -------
strike targets.
During the development, special attention was paid to
interference immunity. A reliable communication
channel ensures stable control of the drone.....
over the entire range of application distances.
______________________________________________
They -- will spend the rest of their lives
behind bars: the court has sentenced
the participants of the terrorist
attack at Crocus
by Peter Svetov
March 12th, 3:55pm
(RT.ru)
Four of the perpetrators of the terrorist attack at Crocus City
Hall ------ have been sentenced to life in prison. Eleven of their accomplices will also spend the rest of their lives in prison.
Four other defendants have been sentenced to terms ranging
from 19 to 22 years. Following the trial -- the Investigative
Committee stated, that the terrorist attack that claimed
the lives of 149 people in March 2024 was carried out
in the interests of the Ukrainian government to
destabilize the situation in Russia.
The search for two more organizers and four perpetrators of
the terrorist attack is still ongoing. They are internationally
wanted and have been arrested in absentia.
The Second Western District Military Court sentenced all the
perpetrators of the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in
March 2024 to life imprisonment. The four main defendants,
The units of the Northern Group of Forces, improved their
position on the front line during the day ---- defeating the
formations of the mechanized and airmobile brigades
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a Territorial Defense
Brigade, and a border detachment of the Ukrainian
Border Service, in the areas of Grabovskoye,
Khoten, Novaya Sech, Katerinovka, and
Miropolye (Sumy Region).
In the Kharkiv Region, the units of the mechanized, motorized
infantry brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine --- and the
Territorial Defense Brigade, were defeated in the areas of
Staritsa, Volchanskie Khutora, and Grafskoye.
In the North's area of responsibility, the Ukrainian Armed
Forces lost up to 225 soldiers, three armoured vehicles,
20 cars, and two artillery pieces. A radio electronic
warfare station, an ammunition depot, and eight
material depots ....were also destroyed.
The units of the Southern Group of Forces, in turn - improved
their position on the front line. The soldiers of the Southern
Group of Forces defeated the formations of 2 mechanized
and mountain-assault brigades of the Armed Forces of
Ukraine in the areas of Lipovka, Kaleniki, Slavyansk,
Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, Nikiforovka, Krivaya
Luka, Rai-Aleksandrovka, and Golubovka (DPR).
In this area -- the enemy lost up to 135 troops, five armoured combat vehicles - including 2 US M113 armoured personnel carriers and 1 US Stryker, 13 vehicles and 4 field artillery
pieces. 2 electronic warfare stations and four material
supply depots, were also destroyed.
Meanwhile, units of the Centre group of troops, have taken advantageous positions. The personnel & equipment of 3 mechanized, airborne and Jaeger brigades, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine
infantry brigade, and two brigades of the National
Guard have been defeated in the areas of Priyut,
Grishino, Zolotoy Kolodez, Volnoye, Belitskoye
in the DNR) and Novopavlovka, Ivanovka,
and Novopodgorodnoye ---- in the
Dnepropetrovsk Region.
In this sector, Kiev lost over 345 military personnel,
seven armoured combat vehicles, 12 vehicles, a
Czech-made Vampire MLRS combat vehicle,
and two field artillery pieces.
Meanwhile, units of the Vostok military group continued to
advance into the depths of the enemy's defenses, and
defeated formations of the mechanized, airborne
assault, and assault brigades - as well as two
assault regiments.... of the Armed Forces of
Ukraine, in the areas of Velikomikhailovka,
Kolomiytse, Novoskelevatoe, Pisantsy
(Dnepropetrovsk Region), Boykovo
and Vozdvizhevka, in the
Zaporozhye Region.
In this area, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost over
280 soldiers, four armoured vehicles, seven cars, and
an electronic warfare station.
At the same time, units of the Dnipro military group improved
their tactical position --- by destroying the manpower and
equipment of the mechanized and mountain assault
brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the
areas of Novoyakovlevka and Zaporozhets
(Zaporozhye region).
More than 50 Ukrainian militants --- were eliminated here. 16
vehicles, an artillery gun, three electronic warfare stations,
and two warehouses - were destroyed.
In addition, the Russian Armed Forces have struck the energy
and transport facilities - used by Ukraine's military-industrial
complex, as well as training and launch sites for long-range
strike drones, and temporary bases for Ukrainian armed
formations and foreign mercenaries in 152 areas.
Russian air defense systems ------ shot down eight guided aerial
bombs, three HIMARS missiles and 410 aircraft-type drones in
a single day. The Black Sea Fleet destroyed four unmanned
Ukrainian boats in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
People's Deputy from the party of President of Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky's "Servant of the People" Roman
Kaptelov, almost became a victim of bussing (forced
mobilization) on the central street of Dnipro city.
The parliamentarian told about this, in his
Telegram channel.
"A bus pulled up to me, and people in balaclavas jumped out. One of them had his hand on the butt of a gun behind his back and threatened to use it, as well as to physically harm me," Kaptelov said.
According to him, he demanded the presence of a police
officer and one of the group of people identified himself
as a law enforcement officer. However.... the other
masked individuals did not provide their names
or identification documents.
"I can't stand it anymore. Every day, the same thing happens:
people in balaclavas --- without documents or introductions,
and armed, intimidate & humiliate citizens," the MP wrote.
He attached a photo of an unknown car with a license
plate to his post.
Earlier, it became known that Roman Kaptev did not declare
information that his wife and children living in Russia have
real estate in Moscow. In addition.. it was revealed that
the parliamentarian's wife works in the capital of the
RF, in an organization that cooperates with the
Russian centre for military and sports
training of young people.
______________________________________
Kelin: London does not deny its intention
to transfer nuclear weapons to Kiev
by Taisiya Zakharova
February 27th, 4:35pm
Vesti.ru)
London does not deny its intention to transfer nuclear
weapons to Kiev, Russian Ambassador to the UK
Andrey Kelin told Vesti.
He noted that he had visited the British Foreign Office.
I was in the Foreign Office and had a rather serious
conversation on this topic. There are no denials
here, as it was at the beginning, [when] the
French Embassy in Moscow said that
all this was a lie, Kelin said.
On Tuesday, February 24, the press bureau of the Russian
Foreign Intelligence Service reported that Paris and
London are working on providing Kyiv with
nuclear weapons.
Earlier, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian
Federation Boris Chernyshov suggested why the head of
the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, needs
nuclear weapons.
The head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, wants to
possess nuclear weapons in order to blackmail those
European countries that do not agree to finance
Ukraine. This opinion was expressed by Boris
Chernyshov, Deputy Chairman of the State
Duma of the Russian Federation, to the
Vesti news service.
According to him, the Kiev regime, which was raised by the
Europeans themselves, is now trying to manipulate them.
Zelensky is actively interfering in European politics,
the parliamentarian emphasized.
He [Zelensky] needs some kind of bright conclusion right now.
The red button, which he will use to keep the Europeans in
check, not Russia. He's blackmailing them with British
nuclear weapons, French nuclear weapons, and he's
already blackmailing - all Europeans who refuse
to provide funding, said Chernyshov.
On February 24, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service
reported that the British and French authorities were
actively working on providing Kiev with nuclear
weapons. The Russian State Duma, then
adopted a resolution -- addressing a
number of European parliaments
over this information.
Later, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Kira Starmer
said that London and Paris do not plan to transfer nuclear
weapons to Kiev. Meanwhile, Russia's President's Press
Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said that the SVR's data ----
is not unfounded.
__________________________________________
Kelin: Russia demands - that Britain
abandon plans to transfer nuclear
weapons to Ukraine
February 27th, 4:18pm
(RT.ru)
Russia demands that Britain abandon its plans to transfer
nuclear weapons to Ukraine, according to Andrey Kelin,
the Russian ambassador to London.
"We demand that the British refuse, if they have such plans...
This is a confrontation at the nuclear level," he said,
reports RIA Novosti.
Earlier, the SVR reported that Britain and France are preparing
to arm Ukraine with nuclear weapons. This is planned to be
done under the pretext of the Kiev regime's alleged
development of such weapons.
Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily
Nebenzya, called ''irresponsible'', plans by London
and Paris to supply Kiev with nuclear weapons.
_______________________________________
"They took advantageous positions":
The Russian Armed Forces have
liberated Krasnoznamenka in
the Dnipropetrovsk region
by Anastasia Stepanova
February 27th, 11:23am
(RT.ru)
According to the Ministry of Defense, the military personnel
of the Russian Center military group have liberated
Krasnoznamenka in the Dnepropetrovsk region.
Over the past week, the Russian Armed Forces have carried
out two massive and six group strikes against targets in
Ukraine, as well as taken control of four settlements.
During this period, the air defense forces have shot down five
Flamingo missiles, four Neptune missiles, and 2,041 aircraft-
type drones.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian Armed
Forces have lost over 8,700 fighters over the past week.
Russian military forces have taken control of the village of
Krasnoznamenka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This was
reported in the daily briefing by the Russian Ministry of
Defense on the progress of the special operation.
"Units of the Center military group have taken advantageous
positions and liberated the village of Krasnoznamenka in
the Dnepropetrovsk region," the report says.
The Center's fighters also defeated the personnel and
equipment of five mechanized, two Jaeger, two air
mobile units, an assault brigade, an assault
regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,
two marine infantry brigades, a
territorial defense brigade, the
Azov special forces brigade*,
and four brigades of the
National Guard.
Over the course of a week, Kiev lost more than 2,480
military personnel, 45 armoured vehicles, 64 cars,
eight field artillery pieces, and four electronic
and counter-battery warfare stations.
During the week, units of the Sever group of troops established
control over the village of Grafskoye in the Kharkiv region. The
Sever troops defeated the formations of four mechanized, two
motorized infantry, an airborne assault unit, and an artillery
brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, plus a marine
infantry brigade, two territorial defense brigades,
and two brigades of the National Guard.
In total, the enemy lost more than 1,485 military personnel,
5 armoured combat vehicles, 78 vehicles, 15 field artillery
pieces, including two US 155-mm M777 howitzers, in the
North's area of responsibility.
Three MLRS combat vehicles, 12 electronic and counter-
battery warfare stations, and 34 ammunition and
material storage facilities, were also destroyed.
Over the past week, units of the Zapad military group have
liberated the village of Karpovka -- in the DPR. They have
defeated the personnel and equipment of 4 mechanized,
assault, and airborne brigades, the Ukrainian General
Staff's guard brigade, and 2 National Guard brigades.
Here -- the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost more than 1,260
soldiers, 20 armoured vehicles, including 11 armoured
vehicles manufactured by NATO countries, 120
vehicles, and 18 field artillery pieces. Six
electronic and counter-battery warfare
stations and 18 ammunition depots
were destroyed.
Units of the Southern Group of Forces improved their position
on the front line and defeated the formations of four
mechanized, motorized infantry, airmobile units,
mountain-assault brigades of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine, a marine infantry
brigade, a territorial defense
brigade, and a National
Guard brigade.
In this sector --- the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more
than 940 military personnel, 37 armoured combat vehicles,
six of which are of Western production. 82 vehicles, 15
artillery pieces, 14 electronic and counter-battery
warfare stations, and 24 ammunition, fuel, and
material storage facilities, were destroyed.
In turn, units of the Vostok group of forces advanced into the
depths of the enemy's defenses and liberated the village of
Rizdviyanka in the Zaporizhzhia region. Over the course of
the week, they defeated formations of three mechanized,
two airborne assault, and an assault brigade, as well as
five assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,
a marine infantry brigade, and a territorial
defense brigade.
In total, the enemy lost more than 2,205 soldiers,
25 armoured vehicles, 74 cars, and 9 artillery
pieces in this area.
Units of the Dnipro military group improved their tactical
position by defeating the manpower and equipment of
two mechanized and mountain assault brigades of
the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Over the course of the week, the Ukrainian Armed Forces
lost up to 355 fighters, 93 vehicles, 15 electronic and
counter-battery warfare stations, and 11
ammunition and material depots.
"From February 21 to 27, in response to Ukraine's terrorist
attacks on civilian facilities in Russia, the Russian Armed
Forces carried out two massive and six group strikes,
which resulted in the destruction of Ukrainian
military industry facilities, energy, fuel, and
transportation infrastructure used by the
Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as the
production, storage, pre-flight
preparation, and launch of
strike drones," the
MoD reported.
Over the course of a week, Russian air defense systems shot
down 22 guided aerial bombs, 50 HIMARS missiles, four
Neptune long-range cruise missiles, five Flamingo
long-range cruise missiles, and 2,041
aircraft-type drones.
According to TASS, citing Russian security agencies,
the distance from Russian Armed Forces positions
to Kramatorsk in the DPR, does not exceed
15 kms... in some areas.
* Azov is an organization recognized as a terrorist organization by the Supreme
Court on August 2, 2022.
________________________________________
Zakharova: The UN has acknowledged the
fake nature of the provocation- in Bucha
by Maria Feschuk
February 27th, 9:23am
(Vesti.ru)
UN representatives admitted on the sidelines, that the
investigation of the events in Bucha is being ignored,
as everyone - understands their provocative nature.
This was reported by Maria Zakharova, the official
representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Russia has repeatedly stated - that the events in Bucha
are a monstrous fake and provocation, said Zakharova,
whose words are quoted by TASS.
On the sidelines, these UN officials told us: we all know
that this is a provocation, and that's why.. we hardly
ever talk about it, the diplomat said, during the
Moscow-Islamabad media forum
Zakharova recalled that Moscow had asked the UN to act
as an intermediary...... in providing lists of the deceased.
__________________________________________
Putin congratulated Russians on the
Day of Special Operations Forces
February 26th, 9pm (BMT)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, on what is now February 27 in Moscow, congratulated the citizens of the Russian
Federation, personnel and military personnel of the
Armed Forces of Russia ---- on the Day of
Special Operations Forces.
"Dear comrades, I would like to congratulate you on your
professional holiday, the Day of Special Operations
Forces!" he said, in a video message.
Putin stated --- that the creation of mobile units equipped with
advanced weapons was a necessary measure in response to
the serious challenges of the 21st century and to strengthen
Russia's sovereignty and security. He emphasized that the
soldiers of these units can rightfully take pride in their
ability - to quickly establish a leading position in the
Russian military -- building upon the traditions of
the country's special forces and employing the
latest strategies and tactics, significantly
enhancing the combat readiness of the
Armed Forces.
The President emphasized that the soldiers have proven their
ability to effectively solve unique and complex tasks in any
conditions. He also expressed gratitude to the personnel
and veterans of the special operations forces for their
impeccable service, professionalism, and courage.
Special words of gratitude ----- were addressed to the military
personnel currently serving in the special military operation
(SVO). Putin emphasized that they are carrying out 'recon.'
activities, demonstrating courage and determination in
operations behind enemy lines, and neutralizing
enemy sabotage groups in border areas.
The Russian leader also expressed confidence that they will
continue to guarantee the security of our Motherland and
its citizens at the highest level. Their example serves as
an embodiment of loyalty to the oath and military duty,
as well as a model of worthy and devoted service to
the Fatherland.
"Happy holiday to you! Good health and all the best to you
and your loved ones," the head of state concluded.
On February 23, Putin congratulated the country's citizens,
veterans, military personnel, and civilian staff of the
Russian Armed Forces - on Defender of the
Fatherland Day.
According to the Russian leader, Russians cherish the memory
of the country's heroic past and pass it down from generation
to generation. This memory was shaped by the military
prowess of great commanders, the unwavering will,
and the courage of soldiers and officers.
___________________________________
1,000 to 35: Russia and Ukraine
exchanged the bodies of
fallen soldiers
by Anastasia Stepanova
February 26th, 4:11pm
(RT.ru)
Today, Russia handed over 1,000 bodies of deceased
Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers to Ukraine,
according to Vladimir Medinsky, an aide
to the Russian president. In return,
Ukraine handed over 35 bodies
of Russian soldiers
to Moscow.
This is the second such exchange in 2026 — the previous one
took place on January 29. At that time, Moscow gave Kiev
1,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian servicemen and
accepted the bodies of 38 Russian soldiers.
How did past exchanges go?
Moscow and Kiev agreed on the transfer of the bodies of the
deceased during the second meeting, which took place on
June 2 in Istanbul. At that time, Russia proposed to
unilaterally transfer more than 6,000 bodies of
Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers to Ukraine
and expressed its readiness to do so
in the near future.
However, when Russian representatives arrived at the
exchange site on June 6 to hand over the bodies of
the deceased to Kiev, the Ukrainian side
unexpectedly postponed the
exchange indefinitely.
"For some reason, their negotiating team didn't even
arrive at the exchange site. The reasons given
were various and rather strange,"
Medinsky said.
On June 16, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on the
implementation of the agreements regarding the transfer of
the bodies of deceased military personnel: Russia carried
out a large-scale humanitarian action to transfer 6,060
bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to the Ukrainian side.
In turn, Kiev transferred the bodies of 78 deceased Russian
soldiers to Moscow. Moreover, the Russian side expressed
its readiness to continue working on the transfer of the
bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine.
On July 23, the 3rd round of direct talks between Russia and
Ukraine.... took place in Istanbul. According to Vladimir
Medinsky, all the humanitarian agreements reached
during the second round --- were implemented,
and the Russian side made a number of new
proposals to the Ukrainian representatives.
In particular, Moscow expressed its
readiness to transfer another 3,000
bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to Kiev.
After that, the parties held several more rounds of exchange.
In early February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
said that more than 12,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers
had been transferred to the Ukrainian side since last
June. During the same period, Russia received
over 200 bodies of Russian soldiers.
On February the 5th, Russia and Ukraine held a prisoner of war
exchange according to the “157 for 157” formula. In addition,
as part of the exchange, three residents of the Kursk region
who were illegally detained by the Kiev regime... returned
to Russia.
_______________________________________
An elderly man... was seriously injured
when an explosive device detonated
in Donetsk
February 26th, 2:10pm
(DAN)
A civilian in the Petrovsky District of Donetsk was injured
as a result of the detonation of an explosive device. This
was reported by Alexey Kulemzin, the head of the
municipal district of Donetsk.
"According to the information received, a 1958-born man was
injured multiple times in the Petrovsky District as a result of
the detonation of an explosive object in Kantemirovsky
Lane," Kulemzin said.
He added that the victim had been taken to a medical
facility. No details about his condition were provided.
Here, the enemy lost over 140 troops, 6 armoured vehicles,
11 cars, five field artillery guns, including four of Western
production. Two electronic warfare stations and three
warehouses ..were destroyed.
Units of the Center group of troops, have taken advantageous
positions. The Center's fighters have defeated the personnel
and equipment of three mechanized, Jaeger, infantry, two
airborne brigades, an assault regiment of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine, a marine infantry brigade, a
territorial defense brigade, and 2 brigades
of the National Guard, in the areas of
Kutuzovka, Belitskoye, Dobropolye,
Sergeevka... Novoaleksandrovka,
Kucherov Yar (DPR), Mezhevaya,
and Novopavlovka (in the
Dnepropetrovsk region).
In this sector, Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 390
soldiers, six armoured vehicles, eight cars, and an
artillery piece.
Units of the Vostok Group of Forces continued to advance
into the depths of the enemy's defenses. They defeated
formations of a mechanized brigade, two air assault
brigades, an assault brigade, and three assault
regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in
the areas of Vozdvizhevka, Lyubitskoe,
Lesnoye, Novonikolaevka (Zaporozhye
Region), Pokrovskoye, Prosyanaya,
Novoaleksandrovka..... and
Novoskelevatoye... (in the
Dnepropetrovsk Region).
The enemy lost up to 355 soldiers, five armoured
vehicles, 11 cars, and four field artillery pieces.
In addition, units of the Dnipro military group defeated
the personnel and equipment of the mechanized and
mountain assault brigades of the Armed Forces of
Ukraine in the areas of Kirovo & Kamyshevakha
(Zaporozhye region).
More than 50 militants, 15 vehicles, three electronic warfare
stations, an Israeli RADA counter-battery station, and an
ammunition depot were destroyed in the Dnipro's area
of responsibility.
_______________________________________
Putin called for attention to be paid
....to supporting the widows and
children of military personnel
February 23rd, 1:59pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 23 promised
to continue to constantly demand -- that all levels of
government --- pay attention to supporting the
widows and children of fallen servicemen.
"I constantly talk about this. I demand that representatives
of all levels of government, both municipal and regional,
as well as federal and departmental representatives -
constantly pay attention to these issues," Putin said.
The Russian leader emphasized that the homeland defended
by the fallen heroes will always be by the side of the
military personnel's widows. The head of state
noted that the families of military personnel
will always have a direct connection to
Defender of the Fatherland Day.
___________________________________
Poddubny called "Zarnitsa 2.0"
an opportunity to pass on the
right values to children
by Alexander Mironov
February 23rd, 1:21pm
(Vesti.ru)
The All-Russian Military-Patriotic Game "Zarnitsa 2.0" is an
opportunity: to pass on love for one's country and family
values to the younger generation. This was stated by
Evgeny Poddubny, the Deputy Director General of
VGTRK, in an interview with Vesti.
Today, on February 23, the new season of the All-Russian
military-patriotic game "Zarnitsa-2.0" began. The grand
opening ceremony was held at the Victory Museum
on Poklonnaya Hill. The participants ranged in
age from seven to 35 years old.
''We have - a uniquely favourable situation right now. Our
patriotic education is carried out by people, heroes of
Russia, who can show their children something by
personal example. And... you can teach your
homeland to love -------- only by personal
example ----- there are no other ways.
"Zarnitsa" -- is now, not just a game
-- not just an activity for children.
It is actually - an opportunity to
convey your views on life, and
your attitude to the country,
to the family. Tell them ----
what is good and what is
bad. Pass on your value
system to your children''
said Evgeny Poddubny.
This year, Zarnitsa-2.0 is being held for the third time.
Today, it has brought together over 100,000 people.
Earlier, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, said that
the children of participants in the special military
operation (SVO) ....can rightfully be proud of
their parents.
_______________________________________________
A civilian in the Bryansk region was killed
after an attack by Ukrainian drones on
a village
February 23rd, 1:18pm
(Izvestia.ru)
In the village of Goritsy in the Bryansk region, a civilian was
killed as a result of an attack by kamikaze drones of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported on
February 23rd, by the head of the region,
Alexander Bogomaz.
"The Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked the village of Goritsy
in the Pogarsky district with kamikaze drones.
Unfortunately, a civilian was killed as a
result of this terrorist attack,"
Bogomaz wrote, on his
Telegram channel.
The governor emphasized that the family of the civilian
will be provided with all the necessary support and
material assistance, adds Gazeta.Ru.
Operational and emergency services
are still working at the scene.
On the same day, the governor of the Belgorod region,
Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that a resident of the
village of Pushkarnoye in the region was injured
as a result of a drone strike on the territory of
a private house.
It was noted that an ambulance team had taken the
victim to a hospital in Belgorod, where she was
receiving the necessary medical care.
______________________________________
Ukrainian drones attacked a school
in the village of Novaya Pogoshch
in the Bryansk region
February 23rd, 1:15pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The Armed Forces of Ukraine militants attacked a school in
the village of Novaya Pogoshch in the Bryansk region with
kamikaze drones, damaging the educational institution
building. This was reported on February 23, by the
governor of the region, Alexander Bogomaz.
"The Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked the village of Novaya Pogoshch, in the Suzemsky district, with kamikaze drones. The attack was carried out on the most peaceful civilian facility.... a school," he said, in a Telegram post.
According to the governor, there were no casualties as a
result of the Ukrainian militants' attack. However - the
school building was damaged due to the detonation
of explosive devices. Emergency services are
currently working at the scene.
On the same day, the governor of the Zaporizhzhia region,
Yevgeny Balitsky, reported that an ambulance had been
attacked by a Ukrainian drone in the village of
Vodyanoye, in the Kamiansko-Dniprovsky
municipal district. According to him -
the paramedic team.. managed to
leave the vehicle on their own
and take refuge in a nearby
private house.
On February 23, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
Maria Zakharova said that since 2014, at least 1,936
children, including teenagers and minors, have
been affected by the actions of Ukrainian
Nazis, and 345 of them have died.
She emphasized: that the experiences of these children,
cannot be distorted or rewritten through falsifications
and information materials.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said on February 9,
that the “Nazi foundations” in Ukraine must be eliminated
- as this is a condition for ensuring the security of the
Russian Federation. He added, that Russia will not
allow the deployment of any types of weapons
on the territory of Ukraine which, according
to Moscow, could threaten the interests of
Russian security.
____________________________________________
Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier
by Natalia Mulko
February 23rd, 12:44pm
(Vesti.ru)
On Defender of the Fatherland Day, Russian President
Vladimir Putin arrived at the Alexander Garden, to
pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. The ceremony
was broadcast by the Russia 24 TV channel.
A wreath with a tricolor ribbon was presented to
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, by members
of the Presidential Regiment.
Vladimir Putin knelt, adjusted the wreath's ribbon,
and stood in silence for a moment in memory of
all the fallen defenders of the Fatherland.
The ceremony was attended by Russian military
personnel, who had been awarded the title of
Hero of Russia, as well as Russia's Defense
Minister, Andrey Belousov.
The Honour Guard's march ------ concluded the ceremony,
and the President bid farewell to the military personnel.
Earlier in the Kremlin, the President presented
state awards to military personnel awarded
the title of Hero of Russia, and the Order
of Courage.
_________________________________________
Military analyst McGregor reported
the deaths of thousands of NATO
soldiers in Ukraine
by Maxim Kozlov
February 23rd, 11:47am
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
To share
Former Pentagon adviser Douglas MacGregor, has reported
significant losses among NATO troops in the conflict zone
in Ukraine, with thousands of soldiers being killed.
He made this announcement on the Judging
Freedom YouTube channel.
McGregor stressed that "thousands of NATO soldiers in
Ukrainian uniforms, mostly Poles, but not only, have
already been killed in Ukraine during the conflict."
According to him, this circumstance is a key reason
why Polish President Karol Nawrocki said that he
would not send soldiers to the Ukrainian
conflict zone.
The analyst noted that the worse the
situation in Kiev becomes.... the
more often such statements
will be made.
"I think -- the Russians are preparing to move forward
and end this conflict on their own terms," he added.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian
Federation reported that the Kiev regime
uses foreign mercenaries as
"cannon fodder".
The numbers are impressive: Fresh data on the losses
of foreign mercenaries in the ranks of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine - has been published.
__________________________________________
Medvedev pointed out ---- Ukraine's
gradual realization of its situation
February 23rd, 11:19am
(Izvestia.ru)
Kiev is gradually realizing the situation they are in. This was
announced by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the
Russian Security Council, on February 23.
"I can say that, in my opinion, they are gradually coming to
a certain understanding of the situation they are in," he
said during a meeting with Russian military personnel
as part of a working trip to one of the units of the
unmanned aviation forces.
Medvedev emphasized that the Russian Federation has
agreed --- not to disclose the results of the ongoing
negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict. However,
he clarified --- that during the meeting, the
Russian side presented its position,
including on the territorial issue
and the parameters ------- of
Ukraine's demilitarization.
According to him, Kiev is taking the demands into
consideration, but there is no response yet.
In addition, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security
Council urged the military personnel to take care of
themselves, emphasizing that Moscow needs
a victory, but its cost matters.
In Geneva, on February 18, the third round of negotiations
between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States ended,
which was held in a closed session.
After the meetings, the head of the Russian delegation,
Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation
Vladimir Medinsky...... described the trilateral
negotiations as complex but constructive.
In turn, the Special Envoy of the US leader, Steven Whitkoff,
shared that the parties made significant progress during
AFU drones attacked one of the facilities in Udmurtia.
This was on the night of Saturday reported the head
of the republic, Alexander Brechalov.
"According to the operational data, there is damage
and casualties," he wrote on his Telegram channel.
The regional governor added, that the
wounded were receiving assistance.
Emergency services are
already on the scene.
______________________________________
Russia has set conditions for
holding elections in Ukraine
by Marina Sovina (night editor)
February 20th, 10:16pm
(Lenta.ru)
Presidential elections in Ukraine, can only take place
after a peace treaty is signed. This was reported by
former Prime Minister of Russia Sergey Stepashin,
to RIA Novosti.
According to him, the current elections will
be a "political and not only" death --- for
Vladimir Zelensky.
Earlier, Insider UA, citing sources in the Verkhovna Rada,
reported that presidential elections could take place
in the autumn of this year, and the parliamentary
elections.. in the spring of 2027.
In turn, Zelensky himself said that elections in Ukraine
could take place in the event of a ceasefire for two
months. This was his response to the proposal of
President US Donald Trump to organize a vote.
________________________________________
INSIDER UA: Presidential elections in
Ukraine - may be held in the autumn
February 20th, 10:02pm
(RT.ru)
INSIDER UA journalists, citing sources in the Verkhovna Rada... report that Ukrainian deputies have begun preparations for the presidential election.
"Some political leaders have told their regional branches
that the presidential elections will be held in the fall of
2026, and the parliamentary elections will be held
in the spring of 2027," the publication said.
At the same time, parliamentarians are working
on scenarios for holding a vote during military
operations, without lifting the state
of emergency.
Earlier, Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleksiy Honcharenko*
called to send Vladimir Zelensky to resign after the
publication of the US Congress report on the
corruption scheme in Energoatom.
* Included in the register of individuals
involved in terrorism and extremism.
________________________________________
The LDPR - proposes to grant leave
to parents and their children who
participate simultaneously in
the SMO
February 20th, 9:20pm
(Izvestia.ru)
LDPR deputies have drafted a bill that will allow parents of
participants in the special military operation to take leave
of absence at work on the same dates as their son or
daughter is given at the front. The initiative will be
submitted to the government for consideration
on February 21.
"The draft law proposes to extend this right to simultaneous
leave not only to spouses, but also to the parents
of military personnel. This will ensure a unified
approach to protecting the family of a military
person as a whole institution ---- where both
spouses and parents, perform the crucial
function of moral and psychological
support," the explanatory
note states.
The deputies note that the parents of military personnel in
the SVO zone need support and communication as much,
and sometimes even more, than other family members.
Spending time with family, including parents, can help
reduce anxiety in military personnel ......and alleviate
symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
"The care and love of [parents] is more valuable than any
possible awards, praise, or titles. However, military
personnel can only see their families during their
vacations. Although parents can take vacations
at the same time as their military children,
employers are not always willing to
approve such vacations," said
Leonid Slutsky, the leader of
the Liberal Democratic
Party of Russia.
It is assumed that the new law will operate on
the same principle as the existing rule for
military spouses.
___________________________________________
Private Zaverukha destroyed
enemy drones... that were
attacking the SAU crew
February 20th, 9pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The driver-mechanic, Private Georgy Zaverukha, as part
of the crew of a self-propelled artillery installation (ACS),
noticed drones of the Armed Forces of Ukraine flying in
his direction. Russia's MoD tells about the exploits of
Russian servicemen in the SMO zone.
Zaverukha was the first to detect the danger and
destroyed the unmanned aerial vehicle -- with a
shot from his standard weapon. Another drone
appeared next, but it was also destroyed.
The crew then continued their mission --- and
eliminated an artillery crew of the Ukrainian
Armed Forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also praised the courage
of Junior Sergeant Yegor Mateykin, who led an assault
group when the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted
to disrupt Russian soldiers using drones.
Mateykin was able to properly disperse the soldiers into
shelters and organize the destruction of enemy drones.
As a result, the group managed to reach the positions
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and attack suddenly,
when the enemy was not expecting an assault.
The stronghold was taken over
by the Russian soldiers.
__________________________________
Residents of Odessa have blocked
a road due to a lack of electricity,
which has been out for 10 days
by Anatoly Kazantsev
February 20th, 8:43pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
To share
Residents of Odessa have blocked the roadway on one of
the city's streets due to a lack of electricity, according
to the publication "Strana.ua" citing local social
media accounts.
Footage published by the publication shows
people standing at a pedestrian crossing.
Traffic is paralyzed.
It is clarified - that Odessa residents
have not had electricity for 10 days.
As a reminder, electricity in Ukraine disappears
periodically almost throughout the country.
The country has been facing energy
shortages since the end of 2025.
Residents of Ukrainian cities, dissatisfied with
the prolonged power and heating outages,
are holding protests.
Zelensky admitted that there is not
a single undamaged power plant
in Ukraine.
____________________________________
Zelensky needs to buy time so that
the Europeans --- can boost their
military-industrial complex
by Stanislav Mamrov
February 20th, 5:04pm
(Vesti.ru)
The head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, is only
a "head" - that broadcasts the decisions of European
politicians. This was stated, by the Russian Foreign
Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik
in an interview with Vesti news agency.
The ambassador emphasized --- that Ukraine is 90%
dependent on EU subsidies, so Zelensky is merely
translating the desires and decisions of
the Europeans.
When Zelensky makes statements like this, that they need
to prepare for a three-year war, it can only be interpreted
as the fact that the Europeans need another three years
to develop their military-industrial complex and fulfill
the promises or wishes..... made by leaders like
Chancellor Merz and Starmer, said Miroshnik.
He added that, according to analysts, Ukraine
needs to buy time ...until 2028, to boost the
European military-industrial complex.
Earlier, the head of the Kiev regime, Volodymyr Zelensky,
ordered to develop a plan for military operations.. for
another three years, said the Wall Street Journal
journalist Boyan Panchevsky, citing sources
in Kiev.
_______________________________________________
Pilot Krishtop, who spent a year
in Ukrainian captivity,spoke
about the brutal torture
by Andrey Mamaev
February 20th, 2:47pm
(Vesti.ru)
Maxim Krishtop, a legendary Russian pilot and lieutenant
colonel in the Russian Aerospace Forces, who flew the
Su-34 and was held in Ukrainian captivity for over a
year, told the "Divanny Stab" program about the
torture he endured at the hands of the SBU
and the horrific conditions in the
Ukrainian prison.
Krishtop was captured in March 2022, and returned during
the exchange on May 6, 2023. According to him, during a
combat mission, the plane was hit by enemy missiles
- the pilot ejected, while his partner did not survive.
Krishtop - managed to escape into the forest, but
he was discovered and captured in the morning.
Krishtop was held captive ----- including in the dungeons of the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate and the
Security Service of Ukraine, where two prisoners
shared a single blanket and received meager
rations of two spoonfuls of buckwheat, or
rice, and a piece of bread, twice a day.
There were systematic beatings, and they were very
brutal, with a sadistic edge. I understood that the
person was hitting with knowledge, knowing
where to hit and how to hit. They were
strangling me with a plastic bag.
They tried to stab me, but I
think it was more for
intimidation, said
the pilot.
He said they beat him at night, held a knife
to his throat, and used a gun on him.
Artillerymen and pilots were particularly
severely beaten, Krystop said.
They beat me, just because they wanted to beat me.
The beatings were especially brutal and terrifying
before the press conferences. My body stopped
feeling anything. Half of my body was blue,
black, and purple, the pilot confessed.
Waiting for the release, according to him, helped,
also books, and "smoothly getting used to the
place where you are".
Earlier, a captured Ukrainian militant, Daniel Zharkov,
said that Azov (a terrorist organization banned in
Russia) broadcast the torture of Russian
fighters on the radio.
___________________________________________
The Russian General Staff reported: that
the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost
more than 1 million soldiers since the
start of the special military operation
February 19th, 9:20pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Since the beginning of the special military operation, the
Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more than 1 million
soldiers. This was stated on February 19 by the First
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed
Forces of the Russian Federation... Colonel
General Sergei Rudskoy, in an interview
with the Russian Ministry of Defense
newspaper, Krasnaya Zvezda.
"In 2024 alone, the number of killed and wounded in the
Armed Forces of Ukraine's ranks --- reached 590,000.
Since the start of the special military operation, this figure has exceeded 1 million," Rudskoy said.
He said that Russian troops had liberated almost 4,500
square kilometres of territory over the past year. The
first two months of 2026 brought new successes,
with the Russian Armed Forces liberating more
than 600 kilometres.
"The Kiev regime..... will no longer be able to significantly
change the situation on the battlefield. The enemy has
largely lost the ability... to produce the necessary
weapons, equipment ---- and ammunition," the
Dpty Chief of the General Staff emphasized.
He noted that arms supplies from Western countries would
only prolong the conflict..... but - would not significantly
change the situation. According to Rudsky, the same
consequences would occur if Ukraine lowered its
draft age to 18, as the Western countries - are
calling for.
"In general --- the future prospects for the development of
the conflict in Ukraine depend not on the Kiev regime,
but on the West's readiness - to build a European
security architecture that takes into account
the interests of the Russian Federation,"
he concluded.
The interview with Rudsky - took place on the occasion of
the 323rd anniversary of the Main Operations Directorate
of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian
Federation. On February the 20th ---- it celebrated its
323rd anniversary.
On February 19, the Russian MoD noted - that Ukrainian
military personnel continue to voluntarily surrender to
Russian soldiers. Vyacheslav Nedoshivka, a prisoner,
revealed that he had been mobilized and sent to the
front after a brief training period. He stated ---- that
many members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are
are presently considering a voluntary surrender.
_________________________________________
"I told my wife that I would definitely
come back. How else could it be?"
A height taken by cunning, saved comrades,
and a challenge to a direct-fire tank — the
SVO fighters told about their feats
by Vladimir Matveev
Bogdan Stepovoi &
Yulia Leonova
February 19th, 9:01pm
(Izvestia.ru)
To control a strike drone -- when a high-rise collapses under
you, to distract the enemy so that comrades break through
to their own, to rise from a trench and lead a platoon into
battle - all of this was experienced by commanders with
whom Izvestia correspondents spoke, on the eve of the 'Defender of the Fatherland Day.'
Each of them has more than one award on their chest, and
behind them is more than one year of the SVO. They went
through fire, water and digging under enemy positions.
And almost every second, they were sure that they
would definitely return home alive. Because they
promised, and because they're expected there.
“There are moments when the choice is simple”
A shell - landed in front of the armoured personnel carrier,
and the soldiers on board were thrown into the air by the
blast. This is how Sergeant Yuri Mushenkov, the deputy
commander of the engineering assault platoon...
received his first injury. After that, everything
went as usual: the battle, the evacuation...
the hospital. Eventually --- he returned
to active duty.
He was drawn back to his guys on the front lines. And at
some point he realized that he couldn't do otherwise -
he had to go there - so that his family could live a
peaceful life, so that his children, God forbid,
didn't wake up under shelling and didn't
flinch at the sound of explosions.
The most important thing was to convince his wife, Marina,
who would be left with their three children, to let him go that his decision was not reckless, and that he would
be all right.
"What words did you find?" I ask, not
expecting a very honest answer.
"I will definitely come back," Yuri smiles.
He told his wife, looking her in the eye, so that there
would be no doubt ------- that this would come true.
''All our guys make this promise, because we're
going to come back. How else -- can we do it?''
He found himself on the front lines in the midst of the
Ukrainian counteroffensive, as the enemy attacked
without regard for casualties.
Their sapper-assault platoon - was thrown forward. That
day, things didn't go as they had planned. In one of the
villages, they had to stay behind to clear the road and
escort a convoy of wounded soldiers.
Upon arrival, they completed their mission by laying mines
in several forest belts and important intersections. Upon
exiting, their Typhoon armoured vehicle was hit. Under
fire, the soldiers retreated to an abandoned hangar.
After looking around, they realized that a large
enemy force had entered the village.
"We fought them for two hours, trying to find
a way out, at the same time," Yuri recalls.
They had two options: they could use the old trenches, to
make their way to the outskirts of the village, then cross
the river ...and reach their own lines. Alternatively, they
could make their way to a forest, at the village's edge.
The enemy, having made sure that they would not be able
to break through our defenses, called in artillery. One of
the first shells hit the hangar ---- killing the platoon
commander and wounding several soldiers.
Yuri took command and ordered the group to break through
the old trenches, while he decided to distract the enemy.
"I started running towards the forest, firing randomly
to draw the enemy's attention," he says.
— Did you remember your promise to your wife?
''Yes, but there are moments when the choice is simple
— either you or your comrades-in-arms. They also
....made a promise to return.''
He reached a wooded area, where he rested, and returned
to replenish his ammunition. In the ruins, he found two
more wounded comrades.
The road to their own side.. was long. They were spotted
by the enemy several times, and they were attacked by
artillery. In one of the villages, they heard our soldiers
being called to surrender over loudspeakers.
"It was like during the Great Patriotic War," Yuri recalls.
"They were shouting, 'Russian soldier, surrender,
we'll feed you!'"
Yuri's group was spotted by a drone while they were
bypassing one of the villages occupied by the
Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"The cluster munition wounded all three of us," says Yuri.
"I was in the lead, so I wasn't hit as badly, but the other
two were hit hard.''
He carried his comrades to the front garden and decided to
go out on his own to his own people, and there already, to
report on the wounded. The guys supported him.
On the way, he passed through two minefields and saw
enemy soldiers a few steps away several times. But
he made it.
"Our guys greeted me with machine-gun fire, but they
eventually figured out who was who, and everything
ended well," he smiles.
The main group, which was walking along the old trenches, quickly reached their own lines. Yuri returned home after the hospital, where his wife, Marina, and three sons, Yaroslav, Matvey, and Ivan, were waiting for him. He had returned ---- as he had promised.
At the beginning of the special military operation, Oleg
Kuleshov’s unit at the Crimean Naval Base, had to
carry out a risky operation to capture and hold
a strategically important bridgehead.
"We had to tie down significant enemy forces - for as long
as possible," he recalls. "The operation was planned in
detail, and everything was taken into account. We
even determined the location where we would
hide the boats.. from which we would land.''
''We managed to take control of the point - without much
trouble, but the enemy quickly recovered and began to
prepare for a counterattack. First, a Bayraktar UAV
hovered over our soldiers, and never left the area,
trying to capture all our fighters' movements.''
"Then long-range artillery started firing, and there were
also missile strikes. We survived them --- without any
casualties, although it was almost impossible to dig
in on the rocky terrain — our training helped," says
Oleg. "There was no fear —— we had all been
through hot spots before.''
They were waiting for the enemy's next move, and it came.
The enemy attacked with superior forces ---- and was
persistent, managing to capture the high ground
- in the first few minutes.
"It was a serious battle -- with the distance sometimes
reducing to 10-15 metres," Oleg recalls. "We were at
the bottom, which gave the enemy an advantage.
Despite this, they regained their height.
"It felt like a minute, but when we looked at the clock,
we realized that the fight had lasted almost an hour
and a half," he recalls.
After examining the battlefield, our soldiers realized that
foreign special forces were operating against them. The
weapons, equipment, and insignia, were not Ukrainian.
"They collected many bodies, and they weren't
Ukrainian soldiers, but foreign mercenaries,"
Oleg says.
Then their bodies .....were exchanged for our prisoners.
According to the amount of ammunition, Oleg recalls,
the enemy was planning a long special operation,
but our guys managed to disrupt it.
Oleg is sure that the most important thing in their business
is a reliable back. And he has one —— his wife Irina and
daughters Snezhana and Victoria... are waiting for
him at home.
“At some point, you just step over your fear”
In intelligence ------- it’s not customary to speak loudly.
Precision of commands, silence, and a cool head are
highly valued. Lieutenant Pavel Tikhomirov, the
platoon commander of the Zapad group, is
one such person.
He received his Order of Courage - for his actions in the
Belgorod region, where the enemy attempted to break
through the state border near the village of Kozinka.
"On my birthday, we were woken up and
sent to repel an attack," Pavel recalls.
The task was clear: to liberate the street occupied by
saboteurs. Tikhomirov's group landed on the
outskirts and advanced stealthily under
heavy artillery fire. There were many
enemy drones in the sky, but our
guys methodically cleared
house after house.
On the other side were well-trained
foreign mercenaries, mostly Poles.
"At first --- of course it's scary," says Pavel. "We were told
that the enemy outnumbers us, and my unit is small, so
we work in small groups. But at some point, you just
push through that fear. You set a goal to liberate
your land, and you keep moving forward. And
it's reassuring to have trusted comrades
and true brothers - by your side.''
In that battle, a miracle happened. His group evacuated a
wounded soldier when they were spotted, and had to
take refuge.. in an old house. The Armed Forces of
Ukraine were hitting it with everything: mortars,
guns, drones looked straight through the
windows. This went on for three hours.
But in the end, there was not a single
direct hit on the house, although
everything around it became
a lunar landscape.
With the onset of darkness, the group was able to reach
a safe place. There were no casualties. Thanks to the
"decoy" that the soldiers unwittingly became, our
artillerymen identified and destroyed many of
the Ukrainian army's artillery systems.
There's a real brotherhood in Tikhomirov's unit. According
to him, newcomers are treated like family: "They'll dress
them up, put them in shoes, and comb their hair." They
always cook together. They have their own signature
dish ------ which was introduced by a comrade who
served in the south: pilaf.
Pavel's wife, Olga...... and their 14-year-old twins,
Matvey and Valeria, are waiting for him at home.
"When I come back from vacation, my first instinct
.....is to hug and kiss everyone," Pavel smiles.
“The rest shift was sleeping right underground”
Cold ground, a lack of oxygen, 87 metres of a dark tunnel
underground leading to victory — this is how the story
of the attack led by Senior Lieutenant Alexander
Alexandrov... begins.
Before the war, he worked for 25 years at a mine, where he
was the foreman of an advanced section. When the draft
came, he was just about to celebrate his retirement —
he even ordered a restaurant. But the celebration
had to be postponed.
"Guys, I'm sorry, but, I can't do this. I'll come back after the
victory, and we'll continue," he said, packed his backpack,
and left for the military recruitment office.
His civilian experience came in handy near Belogorovka,
where they had to take an impregnable chalk mountain.
The enemy was firmly entrenched there. They had set
up a stronghold with 3 machine-gun emplacements
that covered all approaches. The attacks were
unsuccessful, as the Ukrainian fighters could
see .....every movement of our soldiers.
Alexander then proposed a solution:
to build a tunnel.
Work began immediately, which was carefully disguised.
In order to conceal the removal of soil from the tunnel,
the soldiers ---- began to place white bags of clay,
imitating the usual strengthening of parapets.
The enemy saw the activity, but did not
understand its significance.
They dug at a depth of 4 to 6 metres. The height of the
tunnel was 1.5 metres, and the width was one metre.
They were reinforced according to all the rules of
mining: with wooden posts every metre ---- to
prevent a collapse.
It was 30 degrees in the pit, and there was a shortage
of air, but they worked --- without stopping.
"The rest shift slept right underground,"
Alexander recalls.
A month later, the 87-metre-long tunnel ......was ready. At a
crucial moment, under the cover of artillery fire and drone
noise the soldiers blew up the exit. The enemy, expecting
a frontal attack, was stunned: the Russians...... literally
"rose" from the ground 50 metres from their positions.
The height was taken in a matter of minutes without a
single casualty. For this operation, Alexander was
awarded the Medal of Courage.
But most of all, he remembered the battle for which he
received his first Order of Courage. It was an assault
on a hill, that resembled a heart. It was 20 degrees
below zero, and the hill's slopes.. had turned into
a skating rink.
''I got down on one knee, made the sign of the cross, and
went first. The guys ....followed me,'' Alexander recalls.
The height was taken in 25 minutes. Again, no losses.
Today, Senior Lieutenant Alexandrov continues to serve.
His wife and 19-year-old daughter ..are waiting for him
at home.
“The guys are lying in a crater, unable to raise their heads”
A successful entrepreneur with income from the restaurant
business, a railway engineer - and a father of a young son,
Artem Simonenko even had a “bailout” from mobilization.
But in December 2022, he woke up with one thought:
“What am I doing here while the guys are defending
my home?” Without waiting for a draft notice, he
signed a contract.
Today, he is a lieutenant, commander of a UAV platoon in a
motorized rifle battalion. He received his baptism of fire in
Marinka. Back then, operators had to go to the front
lines, literally into the trenches, to keep their
drone's signal strong.
In two years, he mastered the Mavics, the drone
bombers ------ and the latest fibre-optic devices.
"We can fly through any window," he says.
Artem received his Order of Courage for Bakhmut
(Artemovsk). His unit was operating from a
dilapidated five-story building when the
enemy discovered their position and
destroyed their external antenna.
At that moment, an assault group of our soldiers,
guided by drones, was trapped in an open field,
pinned down ----- by a machine gunner.
"The guys are lying in a crater, unable to lift their heads.
We hear them on the radio and realize that enemy
drones will arrive --- and destroy the group,"
Artem recalls.
The solution came instantly. There was no antenna, so
he had to go higher. Under the fire of an enemy tank
destroying the building - the lieutenant climbed to
the roof. As the concrete shook beneath his feet,
he eliminated the machine gunner - with a
precise drone drop.
"When a high-rise building goes out from under your
feet --- it's an unforgettable experience," he smiles.
When the building began to collapse, Artem didn't drop
the remote. He waited.. for the "bird" to return home
before starting his descent down the crumbling
stairwells. Meanwhile, the enemy tank ----
continued to bombard the building.
Artyom recalls with a smile that after the battle,
the commander said angrily:: "You're not
exactly smart...But well done!"
Artem's wife, Nadezhda, and his son, Nikita, are waiting
for him at home. When his father left for the front,
Nikita was only 3 years old. Now he knows
that his father is a hero.
________________________________________________
Private Baranov -- evacuated a wounded soldier
while attacked by the Ukrainian Armed Forces
February 19th, 9pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Private Sergei Baranov saved a wounded comrade-in-
arms by providing first aid - and transporting him to
the evacuation site. Russia's MoD's press service
announced the heroic deeds of Russian military
personnel in the SMO zone.
Baranov's group was conducting a rotation at the positions
when it came under attack -- by strike unmanned aerial
vehicles ..of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. One of the
group members was wounded. Despite a continuing
threat, the private provided first aid to the victim
--- and independently delivered him to the
evacuation point, from where..... the
wounded serviceman was taken
to a medical facility.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also noted the
professionalism and dedication of Private
Alexander Golikov, who was part of a
support team that delivered food
and ammunition to the artillery
unit's position.
Golikov's vehicle was attacked by an enemy UAV. The
soldier was wounded, but he decided to continue his
mission. Golikov successfully delivered the cargo to its destination and evacuated two wounded
soldiers from the artillery unit ---- to a safe
location - for medical treatment.
The press service of the Russian Defense Ministry -- also
told how Private Valery Komarov, during the assault on
an enemy stronghold was one of the first to enter the
AFU stronghold ------- and eliminate the enemy
machine-gun crew.
______________________________________________
"STRANA.ua": A Ukrainian man changed
his gender......... to avoid mobilization
February 19th, 8:40pm
(RT.ru)
The publication notes that when a resident of Kharkiv
"became a woman," he went to the TSK to have him
removed from the register of military personnel,
but was refused.
After that, the Ukrainian went to court. The court agreed
with him, stating that women.... only serve voluntarily.
Earlier, it was reported that a resident of Odessa tried
to saw off his hand with a grinder ---- for fear of
Units of the South Group of Forces liberated Minkovka
in the DPR, and units of the North Group of Forces
liberated Pokrovka ----- in the Sumy Region,
according to the Ministry of Defense.
In addition, the Russian Armed Forces destroyed the
energy and transport infrastructure of the Ukrainian
Armed Forces, as well as the storage and launch
sites of enemy long-range UAVs.
Russian air defense systems ----- shot down eight
HIMARS missiles and 345 drones in a single day.
The Russian army has liberated two more settlements
in the special military operation zone: the troops of
the Northern Group have taken Pokrovka in the
Sumy region, and the troops of the Southern
Group have taken Minkovka in the Donetsk
People's Republic. This was reported in
the daily briefing by the Russian
Ministry of Defense.
During the day, units of the Northern Group of Forces,
also defeated formations of the mechanized brigade
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Territorial
Defense Brigade ---- in the areas of Grafskoye,
Andreyevka, and Miropolye (Sumy Region).
In the Kharkiv Region -- units of the mechanized brigade
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard
Brigade -- were defeated in the areas of Kazachya
Lopan, Liptsy, and Tokarevka.
In the North's area of responsibility, the Ukrainian
Armed Forces lost over 170 fighters, 18 vehicles,
4 material depots, and 3 ammunition depots.
At the same time, units of the Zapad military group took
advantageous positions, destroying the personnel and
equipment of 2 mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian
Armed Forces and a brigade of the National Guard in
the areas of Novoosynove, Kovsharovka (Kharkiv
Region), Krasny Lyman, and Ilyichevka (DNR).
In this area, the Armed Forces of Ukraine lost up to 150
soldiers, 2 armoured vehicles, 13 cars, and an artillery
gun. Three ammunition depots, were destroyed.
In addition to the liberation of Minkovka, the units of the
Southern Group of Forces --- defeated the formations of
3 mechanized and motorized infantry brigades, of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine infantry brigade
and a National Guard brigade..... in the areas of
Reznikovka, Nikiforovka, Konstantinovka,
and Kramatorsk (DPR).
Here, the enemy lost over 175 troops, a tank, six
armoured vehicles, 15 pickups, and an artillery
piece. Two warehouses were destroyed.
Meanwhile, the units of the Center group of forces have
improved their tactical position. The personnel and
equipment of four mechanized, two Jaeger, and a
air-assault brigade of the Armed Forces of
Ukraine, a Territorial Defense brigade,
and 2 brigades of the National Guard
were defeated ------- in the areas of
Novopavlovka.. (Dnepropetrovsk
region) and Grishino, Maryevka,
Svetloe, Belitskoe, Toretskoe,
Sergeevka, as well as Novy
Donbas, (in the DNR).
In this sector, Ukrainian armed forces lost up
to 300 soldiers, 6 armoured vehicles, 9 cars,
and an artillery piece.
Units of the Vostok military group - continued to advance
into the depths of the enemy's defenses. They defeated the formations of a mechanized brigade.. two assault brigades, two air assault brigades, and two assault
regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the
areas of Podgavrilovka, Velikomikhailovka
(Dnepropetrovsk Region), Rizdvanka,
Charivne, Lyubitskoe, and
Komsomolskoye, in the
Zaporizhzhia Region.
In this area, Kiev has lost more than 275 military
personnel, 4 armoured combat vehicles, ten
vehicles, 3 field artillery pieces - including
a US-made 155mm self-propelled artillery
unit called Paladin, and two electronic
warfare stations.
Meanwhile, units of the Dnipro military group improved
their tactical position by defeating the manpower and
equipment of the mechanized and mountain assault
brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in the
areas of Veselyanka, Hryhorivka, and Orekhiv
(Zaporizhzhia region).
Up to 20 Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters ---- were
eliminated here. 3 armoured combat vehicles,
11 vehicles, 2 electronic warfare stations,
a material supply warehouse, and an
ammunition warehouse....
were destroyed.
In addition, the Russian Armed Forces have targeted
energy and transport infrastructure facilities used
by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, long-range UAV
storage and launch sites, as well as temporary
locations for Ukrainian armed formations and
foreign mercenaries --- in 152 areas.
During the day, air defense systems shot down eight
HIMARS rockets and 345 aircraft-type drones.
________________________________________________
Forces of Ukraine are 70% made up
of forcibly mobilized people
February 16th, 11:41am
(Vesti.ru)
The Ukrainian Armed Forces - are predominantly
composed - of forcibly mobilized people. This
trend was noted by military correspondent
Alexey Gavrish in an interview with the
Vesti Information Service.
''They don't even try.. to take their wounded soldiers. For
example -- during severe frosts in the Krasnolimansk
direction, a large number of enemy soldiers simply
froze to death. They were not evacuated --- and
they were not provided with warm clothes, or food. This shows.... that the degradation
is indeed increasing....... every day.
However, the enemy is still fighting.''
Gavrish summed up.
Earlier, a surrendering AFU fighter, in response to a
question about whether he loved Ukraine, said
that he loved his home, not the state. He
admitted that he had been forcibly
mobilized and had been at the
front... for six days.
__________________________
Russian Armed Forces soldiers reveal
the details .....of the liberation of the
village of Tsvetkovoye
February 16th, 2:40am
(Izvestia.ru)
Russian Army Special Operations Soldiers of the 218th
Tank Regiment of the 127th Motorized Rifle Division
..of the 5th Guards Combined Arms Army of the
Vostok Military Group, shared details about
the liberation of the village of Tsvetkovo
in the Zaporozhye region.
Relevant footage was published by the Russian
Ministry of Defense on February 16.
During the fierce battles, the Primorye warriors expanded
their control zone, taking over another defense area of
more than 8 square kilometres.
"We entered....... quietly, calmly, very quietly. From a single
entrance. There was a second group that provided cover,
but they were not involved. We suppressed them, with a
grenade, stunned them - and immediately engaged in a
firefight. It all happened instantly" said commander
of the assault group with the call sign Veles,
describing the moment when the Russian
Armed Forces entered the settlement.
The enemy has suffered significant losses in personnel
and military equipment. In addition, during the
operation... to liberate the settlement,
Primorsky soldiers eliminated two
control centres.. for unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"The command came in --------- that a vehicle carrying the
enemy's ammunition had departed. I flew to the target
-- and the vehicle arrived, I approached, dropped an
anti-tank mine, and the vehicle was no more. We
approach unexpectedly ---- and carry out our
mission. Intelligence.... observed the take-
off points of the UAVs and FPV systems.
"There was a base camp -- and the team received
information that there were five to 10 people at
the base camp. I flew over and took a look,"
said the UAV operator..... with the call
sign "Bald."
After the East group's assault units began their
operations, the enemy attempted to resist by
deploying more forces near the settlement.
"The equipment went, after our attack. Three armoured
vehicles. They were dismantled on the way -- right on
the way to the settlement. The drones helped, they
were burning. And the artillery was also working,"
concluded the assault rifleman.. with the call
sign Kai.
Despite fierce resistance from the Ukrainian Armed
Forces -- the Vostok troops have created a bridge-
head... for further liberation of the territory in
the Zaporizhzhia region.
On February 15, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General
Staff of the Russian Armed Forces... said that the
Russian military had liberated 12 settlements
in two weeks of February, despite the
difficult winter conditions.
He also noted that more than 200 square kilometres
of territory had been taken under the control of the
Russian Armed Forces. It was clarified - that the
troops of the Vostok military group, had taken
control of the settlements of Staroukrainka,
Pridorozhnoe, Zaliznichnoe,
and Tsvetkovoye.
_____________________________
Russian Armed Forces advance - and
effective drone operations: how the
SVO zone situation is developing
by Peter Skubey
February 14th, 9:30pm
(RT.ru)
On Saturday, February 14, the Russian Ministry of Defense
reported on the successes of the Russian army in key
areas of the front. According to the Ministry, the
enemy lost more than 1,200 fighters in a day.
However, the Ministry also highlighted the achievements of
the unmanned systems troops. The operators of the ZALA
and Lantset drones regularly destroy Ukrainian soldiers
and expensive military equipment. The Ministry also
praised the work of the ZALA and Lantset crews in the Konstantinovka area.
Earlier, the Ministry shared summary data on the progress
of the special military operation ---- from February 7 to 13.
According to the ministry's report, the Russian Armed Forces
liberated four settlements during this period, and the
enemy's losses exceeded 8,000.
On Saturday, Moscow Time, the Russian Ministry of Defense
shared the successes of the Russian army in the SVO zone.
According to the military department, the Russian Armed
Forces continue their advance, while the enemy suffers
losses in equipment and personnel.
In the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, Russian
fighters were able to advance deep into the enemy's
defenses and inflict fire damage.
"The enemy has lost more than 415 military personnel,
14 armoured combat vehicles, 22 vehicles, four field
artillery pieces and an electronic warfare station,"
the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
Meanwhile, in the Donetsk People's Republic and the Kharkiv
region, Russian Armed Forces troops have gained more
advantageous positions.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian
Armed Forces..... have lost more than 160 fighters and four
armoured vehicles -- in just one day of combat operations
in this area ----- including a US M113 armoured personnel
carrier and a Canadian-made Senator armoured vehicle.
In addition ----- 15 vehicles, a field artillery gun,
and three ammunition depots were destroyed.
According to the military department, the Russian army is
also advancing in other key areas of the front. Over the
past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have
suffered more than 1,200 casualties.
Air under control
Against the backdrop of the Russian soldiers' successes,
the Russian Ministry of Defense once again highlights
the achievements of the unmanned systems troops.
According to the Ministry of Defense, UAV operators
regularly destroy Ukrainian militants and expensive
military equipment.
For example, the drone operators of the Marine Corps of
the Center military group, destroyed an enemy recon
group in the Krasnoarmeysky direction. In turn, the
soldiers of the 5th Separate Guards Motorized
Rifle Brigade shot down several enemy hexa
copters ----- using an air ram.
Meanwhile, in the Zaporizhzhia region, Vostok servicemen
-- thwarted an attempt by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to
launch a counterattack, and destroyed several enemy
armoured vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles.
Shock Tandem
The Russian military department - paid
special attention to the effectiveness
of loitering munitions.
ZALA UAV crews in the Konstantinovka direction - revealed
the position --- of an enemy artillery gun. After confirming
the target the Lantset loitering munition crew promptly
launched a kamikaze drone --- and destroyed the
Ukrainian artillery installation --- with a
“precision hit”.
"The ZALA and Lantset systems ---- have been actively and
successfully used in tandem since the beginning of the
special military operation, and have proven to be an
indispensable and effective means of recon,
targeting, and the destruction of various
enemy targets & facilities," according
to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
As a reminder, along with the Lancet, the Russian army also
uses a number of kamikaze drones and loitering munitions.
These include the Molniya-2 UAV, Geran drones, and the
Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky fibre-optic FPV drone.
Promotion of the Russian Armed Forces
Earlier on Friday, the Russian Ministry of Defense shared
summary data on the progress of the special military
operation from February 7 to 13.
According to the press release, during this period, the
Russian army advanced deep into the enemy's
defenses and liberated four settlements.
As a reminder, on February 7th, the Northern Military Group
established control over Chugunovka in the Kharkiv region.
Then, on February 8, Russian Armed Forces troops occupied
Sidorovka in the Sumy region. On the same day, their
comrades from the Zapad military group captured
Glushkovka in the Kharkiv region.
Finally, on February 10, the Vostok assault troops pushed
the enemy out of a well-fortified defense area in the
Zaporizhzhia region. The fighters advanced four
kilometres deep, liberating Zaliznichne and an
area of more than 18 square kilometres.
"The soldiers of the 114th Motorized Rifle Regiment of
the 127th Motorized Rifle Division of the 5th Guards
Combined Arms Army worked together smoothly
and confidently. The village of Zaliznichnoye in
the Zaporizhzhia region has been liberated.
Over 500 buildings have been cleared,"
the Russian Ministry of Defense said
in a statement.
According to the military department's data, the enemy's
losses during this period exceeded 8,000. The largest
number of casualties occurred in the areas of
responsibility of the Vostok and Tsentr
military groups ---- with over 4,500
Ukrainian soldiers being killed.
In addition, the enemy continued to lose expensive weapons,
including those manufactured in the West. These included
three German Leopard tanks, a Czech Vampire MLRS and
several hundred other pieces of military equipment.
In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense emphasized that
between February 7 and 13, the air defense forces shot
down five Ukrainian long-range Flamingo cruise
missiles, 28 guided aerial bombs, 39 US-made
HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, four
long-range Neptune missiles, and
1,243 aircraft-type unmanned
aerial vehicles.
___________________________________________
Expert Orlov: The main defensive positions
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are
located in forest plantations
February 14th, 4:29pm
(Vesti.ru)
The main fighting in the special operation zone takes place
either in populated areas or in forest plantations. Military
expert Vladimir Orlov spoke about this in an interview
with Russia 24 TV channel.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are trying to gain a
foothold in the forest belts, where they mainly have
their strongholds, bunkers, and fortifications,
the expert noted.
"In general, if we talk about plantations, the most important
thing to understand, is that all the fighting is taking place
either on an urbanized landscape, in some settlements,
or in plantations. In open and bare areas -------- it's
essentially death ---- for anyone who is there.
Plus, plantations provide some protection
from drones -- as it is challenging for
drones to fly in these forests,"
Orlov said.
Given the enemy's location, Russian forces are forced to
launch concentrated strikes in fortified forest areas,
the expert emphasized.
"In order to either hit the enemy or bring them down to the
ground with fire, and allow our assault troops to get
closer to these landing sites, in order to launch a
direct assault. And, in fact, this is how the line
of combat is moving today. The drone factor
has determined this type of combat,"
Orlov said.
_____________________________________
The Russian Ministry of Defense proposes
counting a day of service in the SVO
as three days of work
February 14th, 12:57pm
(Vesti.ru)
The Russian Ministry of Defense has proposed equating a day of
service in the special operation zone with three days of work
or public service. This is stated in the draft document.
The agency proposes to amend federal legislation, specifically
the Law on the Status of Military Personnel, to establish that
the period of military personnel's participation in the special
military operation will be counted as one day of military
service... for every three days of work.
"The period of participation of military personnel in a special
military operation is counted in the length of public service
of a civil servant... in the length of work in the specialty
and in the total length of service at the rate of one
day of military service for three days of work,"
the proposal of the defense ministry says.
Earlier, Russia approved a law that includes in the pension
experience of Russian citizens..... periods of work in
Ukraine, as well as in the new Russian regions.
____________________________________
RIA Novosti: A group of Ukrainian Armed
Forces fighters.... froze to death
near Novopavlivka
February 14th, 12:36pm
(Vesti.ru)
A group of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers froze to death near
Novopavlivka, on the border between the Donetsk People's
Republic and the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to
RIA Novosti, citing Russian security forces.
The agency's interlocutors clarified that the militants were left
without support or communication, forcing them to hide in
basements in hopes of evacuation.
"The evacuation never came, and they simply froze to death
- without receiving any help or supplies," Russian security
officials said, in a conversation with RIA Novosti.
______________________________________________
Russian Defense Ministry: Strike on the
Central Base -- of the Armed Forces of
Ukraine's Missile & Artillery Weapons
February 14th, 9:35am
(Vesti.ru)
The Russian Armed Forces have struck energy and transport
infrastructure facilities that are used by the Ukrainian
Armed Forces (AFU), as well as the central base
..for Ukrainian missile and artillery weapons.
This was reported in the daily briefing
by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The Defense Ministry stated that the enemy was defeated
by operational-tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs), missile forces, and artillery of the
Russian Armed Forces.
In addition, they struck the locations where the Ukrainian Armed
Forces store and launch long-range UAVs. They also attacked
the temporary locations of Ukrainian armed formations and
foreign mercenaries --- in 154 districts.
Earlier, it was reported that the Russian Armed Forces carried out
one massive and six group strikes in a week. As a result, the
enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex
were affected.
__________________________________________
Commander Pirate on the capture of Dimitrov:
The Armed Forces of Ukraine panicked
at the sight of our Grand Daddies
February 14th, 8:14am
(Vesti.ru)
The details of the liberation of Dimitrov in the DPR were shared
by the commander of the assault unit of the 5th Brigade of the
A. Zakharchenko Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, with the
call sign Pirate. The success was facilitated by the
unusual camouflage of the Russian soldiers.
Russian servicemen dressed as Father Frosts suddenly appeared
in the rear of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This caused panic
among the enemy, who had not yet organized a proper
defense of the city.
"At the very end, we gave the enemy a 'holiday', showed that we
were really there, that there was no need to invent any stories,
no need to draw something on the map that doesn't exist.
Our military personnel in Santa Claus costumes
organized walks around the city... and gave
small gifts to the locals, but this -- was a
personal idea of the unit commanders,"
Pirate explained, in an interview with
the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The Ukrainian military didn't even realize how the Russian Armed
Forces soldiers - had got into their rear. In total, two dozen
soldiers were dressed as Grand Daddies.... which is a
fifth of the Russian soldiers involved in the assault.
"And they raised the Russian flag where it will never be lowered
again. And there was a celebratory salute. We were
congratulating each other on the air, and the
enemy was panicking - because no one
expected this," Pirate continued.
The full liberation of Dimitrov (Ukrainian name:
Myrhorod) was stated on December 27, 2025.
Currently, the regiment's soldiers are providing assistance to the
residents of Dimitrov by regularly delivering food, hygiene
products, and essential items. However, the enemy, as
explained by the Russian Ministry of Defense,
sometimes attempts to hinder this.... by
launching shelling and drones.
"The guys are helping, they're helping with food. I just want
to have some peace," said Galina Viktorovna, a resident
of Dimitrov.
Now Russian soldiers are removing Ukrainian symbols from
houses in Dimitrov, military correspondent, Grigory Vdovin
reports in his report from the city on the Rossiya channel.
_____________________________________
TASS: Ukrainian Armed Forces units "Shkval"
in the Kharkiv region..... have lost their
combat effectiveness
February 14th, 7:01am
(Vesti.ru)
Almost all of the Ukrainian "Shkval" units, which are formed
from former prisoners, have lost their combat effectiveness
in the Kharkiv region.
This was reported by TASS, in Russian
law enforcement agencies. According
to the source --- the Ukrainian Armed
Forces are experiencing a shortage
of assault troops.
"Almost all of the Squall units have lost
their combat effectiveness," the
agencies said.
At the same time, most newly conscripted
Ukrainians refuse to participate in
suicide attacks.
Earlier, the Armed Forces of Ukraine lost a multiple rocket
launch system (MLRS), and up to a company of personnel
killed and wounded near Pechenegi in the Kharkiv region.
__________________________________
The Russian Army destroyed Ukrainian
nationalist stormtroopers near Sumy
February 14th, 5:02am
(Vesti.ru)
In the Krasnopolsky district of the Sumy region, two groups of
Ukrainian Armed Forces stormtroopers who were trying to
launch counterattacks were destroyed. Russian units
had previously identified and defeated the fighters
of the nationalist 153rd Arey Regiment of the
Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Arey Regiment of Ukrainian nationalists was recently
transformed from the 253rd Separate Assault Battalion
of the 129th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade
and deployed near Sumy. Arey also includes
foreign mercenaries and former prisoners.
"In the Sumy direction, in the Krasnopolsky district, the enemy
conducted one unsuccessful counterattack by the Nazi 153rd
Arey Regiment," a source in the Russian Armed Forces
explained to TASS.
The Aria nationalists also participated in the invasion of
the Kursk region ---- where they suffered heavy losses.
The Sumy region is part of the Russian Northern Group of Forces.
Over the past week, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost more
than 1,425 soldiers in this region. Armoured vehicles, field
artillery pieces, Grad MLRS, and Vampire MLRS....
have been destroyed.
In the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, the Russian army is creating a
security zone along the Russian border. The Ukrainian Armed
Forces' "Shkval" unit in the Kharkiv region has almost lost
its combat effectiveness. "Shkval" has faced significant
personnel losses, and Ukrainian assault troops often
refuse to engage.. in suicidal counterattacks. The
Ukrainian military's attempts at counterattacks
in the Zaporizhzhia region have also resulted
in significant casualties.
Vladimir Zelensky recently said that since February 2022,
Ukraine has allegedly lost 55,000 regular and mobilized
military personnel. According to Ukrainian media
reports, these figures are - at least -
underestimated by a factor
of five.
________________________________________
In Dnepropetrovsk, a man outsmarted
the TSK officers - and escaped them
February 13th, 9:47pm
(RT.ru)
A Ukrainian man outwitted the military registration and
enlistment office and escaped from them in
Dnepropetrovsk, according to
STRANA.ua.
"During his conversation with the TSK employees, the man
asked them to hold his bag, after which ---- he fled,"
according to a post on the Ukrainian
publication's Telegram channel.
Earlier, it was reported that in Odessa, a man climbed
a tree --- to escape from the military enlistment office.
In addition, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, TSK
employees ---- beat a mobilized man to death.
________________________________________________
Soldiers of the 5th Guards Brigade
captured saboteurs near Dimitrov
February 13th, 6:50pm
(Vesti.ru)
Troops of the 5th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade named
after A.V. Zakharchenko captured a group of three Ukrainian
saboteurs near the town of Dimitrov in the Donetsk
People's Republic. This - was reported by Anton
Olshanitsky, the Deputy Commander of the
Brigade, on the Russia 1 TV channel.
According to him, the Ukrainian militants' backpacks contained
supplies for three days, as well as equipment.... that could be
used to identify the nature of the unit as a sabotage group.
"The guys went on an autonomous mission... for at least three days.
If there are three people in the group, each person has three days
to last, which means they can last six days until the next supply
arrives. In fact, if they have two radios, ponchos, and warm
jackets, they can go for as long as they want. The back-
pack is good," Olshanitsky said.
Earlier, it was reported that the anti-terrorist unit "Gorynych"
of the regional department of the Russian Federal Security
Service --- eliminated a Ukrainian sabotage and recon.
group ....on the outskirts of Dimitrov.
__________________________________
Military Correspondent Vdovin:
The fire pocket near Chasov Yar
will collapse in the near future
February 13th, 4:27pm
(Vesti.ru)
The fire pocket in Chasovyi Yar, Donetsk People's Republic (DPR),
will collapse in the near future. This was reported by Grigory
Vdovin, a military correspondent for VGTRK, on the 60
Minutes program on Russia 1 TV channel.
According to him, Russian troops are currently systematically
advancing westward from Seversk and further away from
Soledar. The pocket near Chasov Yar is gradually being
cleared and taken under control, according to the
war correspondent.
"This is a serious line of fortifications, for which the enemy
held on to the last and is now forced to retreat, because
loomed.... not a zero prospect of being surrounded. So
this pocket in the near future, obviously, that as they
say -- will collapse. Even small... and not very fast,
small steps of our stormtroopers, making their
way in small groups, through the remains of
trees, and due to the advance of the front
line ----- to the west," said the
military commander.
Earlier, Grigory Vdovin stated that the fighting in Svetogorsk,
Krasny Liman, and Sloviansk in the Donetsk People's
Republic --------- will inevitably cut off the
Sloviansk-Izyum highway.
___________________________________
Military Correspondent Vdovin: The Russian
Armed Forces are testing the formation of
semi-rings around the DPR
February 13th, 4:01pm
(Vesti.ru)
The Russian Armed Forces are currently testing the formation of
semi-rings around the cities of the Donetsk People's Republic.
This was reported by Grigory Vdovin, a military
correspondent for VGTRK ---- on the "60 Minutes" program on the
"Russia 1" TV channel.
According to him, the front is gradually
moving westward... in the DPR.
"It's as if our troops are carefully and cautiously approaching
the cities of the Donetsk People's Republic that are still
under enemy control. It's worth noting --- that there
aren't many of them left. It's as if they're testing
the possibility of forming semi-circles around
them," the correspondent said.
Earlier, Grigory Vdovin said that Russian troops are systematically
encircling the city of Konstantinovka in the DPR in a semicircle,
which allows them to control all supply routes. According to
him, the Ukrainian command is trying to turn the city into
a fortress by supplying it with militants, armoured
vehicles, and other military equipment.
______________________________________
Captured Ukrainian Militant: His
Comrades Refused to Shoot at
Russian Soldiers
February 13th, 2:30am
(Vesti.ru)
The command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) ordered
its soldiers to open fire on Russian servicemen when they
surrendered to the Russian Armed Forces, but the
soldiers refused to obey and did not fire.
This was reported by Yevgeny Berestenko, an assistant
grenade launcher operator in the 31st Separate
Communications Regiment of the AFU.
According to him, the Russian Armed Forces demanded that
the Ukrainian unit surrender, after which the unit was
ordered to open fire.
"I heard someone start banging on the door in the house, we
shouted: "Who's there?" In response, they said that this is
the army of the Russian Federation, we must surrender.
We were shouted into the radio by [the commanders]
to open fire to kill. But we were not going to open it
because everyone wants to return home and their
own lives --- are more precious," the Ukrainian
prisoner told the TASS news agency.
Berestenko also emphasized the humane treatment of
him and his fellow soldiers, by the Russian military.
Earlier, military expert Yevgeny Mikhailov said that all the
conditions have been created in Russia, for the normal
maintenance of Ukrainian prisoners. Many Ukrainian
military personnel do not want to return home when
they are included in the exchange lists, he stressed.
The Russian Armed Forces have destroyed the infrastructure
of the military airfield of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a
day. This was reported in the Russian Defense Ministry.
The Defense Ministry stated that the attack also targeted
transport infrastructure used by the Armed Forces of
Ukraine, as well as temporary accommodation
facilities for Ukrainian troops and foreign
mercenaries... in 147 areas.
"Operational-tactical aviation, strike drones, missile forces, and
artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have
destroyed the infrastructure of a military airfield," the
Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
According to the ministry's report -- the Ukrainian Armed
Forces lost approximately 1,270 soldiers in a single day.
___________________________________________
Defense Ministry: Russian Armed Forces
Launch a Group Strike on Ukraine's
Energy Facilities
February 12th, 9:28am
(Vesti.ru)
The Russian military has carried out a group strike with precision
weapons against energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine that
were used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
According to the military department, the strike was carried out in
response to Kiev's attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russia.
"The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group
strike with long-range precision-guided ground- and air-based
weapons, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, against
energy infrastructure facilities used by the Armed
Forces of Ukraine," according to the Russian
Ministry of Defense's daily report on the
ongoing special operation.
In addition, strikes were carried out on the production and
storage sites of Ukrainian attack drones. All targets were
hit, and the designated objects were destroyed,
according to the ministry.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense reported on the destruction
of five long-range Flamingo cruise missiles over the past
24 hours.
_____________________________________
Deputy Commander of the Akhmat
Special Forces Battalion Killed in the Kharkiv Region
February 12th, 7:26am
(Vesti.ru)
The deputy commander of one of the Akhmat special forces
battalions, with the call sign Grom, was killed in the
Kharkiv region. This was reported on the
battalion's Telegram channel.
The deputy commander.... was killed in the direction of
Kazachya Lopan after an FPV drone of the Ukrainian
Armed Forces hit a car.
"Grom was killed yesterday. Our deputy battalion
commander," the message reads.
It is clarified that the soldier was seriously
injured after taking the hit.
___________________________________________
Russian Armed Forces soldiers told how
a captured Ukrainian soldier --- helped
them take an enemy stronghold
February 12th, 7:05am
(Vesti.ru)
Stormtroopers of the 38th Guards brigade of the Vostok group
told the Rossiya 24 TV channel --- how an AFU militant who
surrendered helped them capture an enemy stronghold.
A shooter with the call sign Purik shared that
a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier, tired of
fighting, offered his assistance.
"We brought him in, and he said he was tired of fighting.
Well, like many people. And --- he offered to help,"
Purik said.
A shooter with the call sign Doctor gave the fighter
a mission to eliminate the commander of an
enemy unit.
"I explained the situation to him. I say ---- you don't want to
fight, and we have a problem here with your commander.
So we need to eliminate your commanding officer. He
says: I agree," the Doctor said.
The Russian Armed Forces soldiers said that the prisoner
had to approach the enemy's stronghold, call out his call
sign, and, once he was let in, throw a charge inside.
"We took the thermobar that was there. We gave it to him
and went together. We were also monitoring him. He
approached the checkpoint, and they started
talking," Purik said.
After the militants confirmed that their colleague was trying
to enter, the prisoner completed his task, the Doctor said.
"He'd already pulled the ring out of the thermobar, turned
back to me, and said, 'Am I coming in?' I said, 'Yes, it's
fine.' He opened the door, gave his call sign, and
threw it in. You have three seconds. He threw
it in, jumped out, and his hat flew off,"
the Doctor said.
Earlier, a Ukrainian soldier told how he
surrendered to the Russian military
with the cry "Our own".
_____________________________________
Russian volunteer Olimp shot down a Shark
reconnaissance drone ---- worth $325,000
February 12th, 6am
(Vesti.ru)
A Russian soldier with the call sign Olimp shot down a Ukrainian
Shark reconnaissance drone on the border of the Donetsk and
Luhansk People's Republics. The destroyed Ukrainian drone
costs $325,000.
The enemy reconnaissance UAV was difficult to detect and shoot
down at night. However, the radar station's calculation helped
Olympus with this, according to RIA Novosti. After that,
Olympus destroyed another drone ..and also helped
the calculation shoot down two Ukrainian drones.
"We received payments, for the downed drones. They were able
to improve their calculation through the efficiency of our work,"
the Russian serviceman explained.
Olimp volunteered for the special military operation in 2023.
In 2025, he became an operator in the unmanned systems
troops. Currently, Olimp serves as a squad leader for
FPV drone calculations.
Shark is a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle. It was created by
Ukrspetssystems to monitor and correct fire on the battlefield.
It can operate in the rear at a distance of 80 kilometres from
the front line. The maximum speed of the "Shark" reaches
130 kilometres per hour, and the flight range is 300 kms.
The UAV rises to an altitude of three kilometres.
_______________________________________________
Doctorow: Russian Armed Forces' Access
to the Dnieper.... Will Open a Direct Path
to Odessa
February 12th, 4:42am
(Vesti.ru)
The exit of the Russian Armed Forces to the Dnieper River will open a direct route for the Russian Federation to Odessa, said Gilbert Doctorow, a US expert on international relations.
He emphasized that the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir
Zelensky, is at an impasse, which forces him to make
contradictory statements and make more and
more demands.
"When they (the Russian military) reach the Dnieper River, the
only option left is to negotiate with Zelensky's government,
if it's still in place, about what will happen to Odessa and
Kharkiv: will the Russians ----- take them as well?" the
expert said on the Glenn Diesen YouTube channel.
Doctorow expressed the opinion that the Russian-Ukrainian
conflict is nearing its end, which may partly explain
Zelensky's "hysteria."
Earlier, the expert stated that all of Russia's demands
for resolving the Ukrainian conflict ---- will be met.
____________________________________
South's fighters destroyed 28
Ukrainian bunkers -- in a day
February 12th, 2:06am
(Vesti.ru)
According to Vadim Astafyev, head of the press centre of the
Russian Southern Military District, the troops of the Russian
Southern Military District have destroyed 28 bunkers of the
Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) over the past 24 hours.
Ten communication antennas and an AFU repeater were
destroyed in the Kramatorsk, Konstantinovka, and
Slavyansk areas.
"The Armed Forces of Ukraine also lost a Starlink communication
terminal and three ground-based robotic systems. Six enemy
drones were shot down," Astafyev said, in a video posted
by the Ministry of Defense.
Meanwhile, Russian troops are cutting off the Ukrainian Armed
Forces group to the south-west of the liberated village of
Similarly to the ABM Treaty, the US unilaterally pulled
out of the INF Treaty in 2019. However, instead of
simply stating it wished to develop weapons
beyond the treaty’s limitations, the Trump
administration accused Moscow of
violating the treaty by lying about
the range of its 9M728/9M729
missiles used by Iskander
missile systems.
Nonetheless, within 2 weeks of the US’ formal
departure from the treaty, in August 2019, it
began testing the first of multiple missiles
that violated the treaty’s limitations.
The origins of the INF Treaty lay in a dramatic
showdown, across Europe, in late 1983,
triggered by Washington’s deployment
of ITS Pershing-II intermediate-range
ballistic missiles (IRBM) to Europe.
With a 900-mile range, a flight apogee of just 60 miles,
and a maneuverable, radar-guided reentry vehicle,
the missile could put an 80-kiloton nuclear war-
head on Moscow in between 6 and 11 minutes
...according to Pentagon leaders. Such a fast
strike time gave the Soviets just minutes to
identify, analyze and respond to the threat,
greatly increasing the risk of them mis-
reading a situation and launching a
mistaken nuclear return volley,
believing it to be their
only chance.
In addition, tensions in Europe had already been
ramped up by years of psychological operations
designed to increase Soviet anxieties, such as
US bombers charging Soviet borders and
turning away at the last second
That’s why, when NATO began the vast, ultra-realistic
“Able Archer-83” war games, simulating an all-out
attack on the Soviet Union, in November 1983, it put Soviet fears through the roof.
However, it wasn’t until after the war games had
concluded, several days later, that NATO
commanders discovered key signs: the
Soviets had loaded hundreds of strike
aircraft in East Germany and Poland
with nuclear bombs, and orders to
strike “front-line targets” at a
moment’s notice.
The INF Treaty eliminated missiles like the Pershing-II,
banning land-based missiles with ranges of between
500 klms and 5,500 klms. This significantly cooled
tensions in Europe... although the treaty was only
between the US and Soviet Union -- now Russia --
which left other countries, such as China, free to
develop their own intermediate-range missiles.
The INF’s absence now is especially poignant,
considering the long-standing Russian fears
over a NATO Aegis Ashore missile system,
built on a land base in Deveselu, Romania.
While the US claimed the system was purely
defensive, Moscow noted... that Aegis can
also be used to launch offensive missiles.
Among the missiles tested after the INF Treaty lapsed
was a land-based Tomahawk missile with a range of
1,600 kilometres - a cruise missile US Aegis
cruisers have fired at sea for years.
1992 Treaty on Open Skies
The Open Skies treaty... was an attempt to increase
transparency and put to rest fears of an impending
attack by the other side. The deal allowed 35
partner nations to perform reconnaissance
overflights over other nations... using
specialized aircraft with specialized
equipment. However, flights could
not interfere with other military
activities and could be refused
by the overflown nation, for a
variety of reasons.
The US sent signs it was interested in leaving the
treaty as early as 2019, claiming it was caused
by Russia refusing US Open Skies aircraft
access to several areas almost a decade
earlier - denials Moscow insisted were
within its rights under the treaty.
The US finally made the move on May 21ST 2020,
meaning the six-month cooldown time had the
US leaving the treaty, after the November 2020 elections, that Trump lost.
The decision sparked an outcry across Europe, with Ukraine being one of the loudest critics;
that nation having long used Open Skies to perform overflights in western Russia, to calm its nerves about troops and
installations there.
Indeed, the Open Skies Treaty was drafted precisely to
avoid the type of anxious confrontation... unfolding on
the Russia-Ukraine border, over the last two months.
The Democrats publicly attacked Trump’s withdrawal
as illegal then... although much of their criticism
focused on his refusal to notify Congress before
pulling out. However, in March 2021, a leaked
message --- sent to concerned “international
partners” by the Biden administration said
it was afraid that doing so “would send
the wrong message to Russia and
undermine our position... on the
broader arms control agenda.”
Istanbul, Astana Declarations
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) has its origins in the November
1972 multilateral talks in Espoo, Finland
...intended to further the peaceful
cooperation of the Detente era.
Today, the OSCE has 57 members and 11 observers
and continues to serve as a regional forum for
resolving international issues.
Two of its most important declarations of principles
came at summits in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1999 and in
Astana (now Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan, in 2010,
which, among other topics, affirmed each
nation’s right to its own security in the
context of an international community.
"The security of each participating State... is
inseparably linked to that of all others. Each
participating State, has an equal right to
security. We reaffirm the inherent right
of each and every participating State
...to be free to choose or change its
security arrangements, including
treaties of alliance, as they evolve.''
''Each State also has the right to neutrality. Each
participating State will respect the rights of all others in these regards. They will not
strengthen their security ...at the
expense of... the security of
other States.'' the Astana
declaration states.
While the OSCE met in Vienna, Austria, 2 weeks ago,
the talks yielded no major breakthrough. Earlier this
week -- when the US and NATO delivered separate
written responses to Russia’s December security
proposal -- the US response was considerably
more intransigent, while NATO’s, sent from
Brussels and speaking for 30 member
states, acknowledged the Russian
security concerns and proposed
mutual briefings in the NATO-
Russia Council and the re-
establishment of their
respective envoys in
Moscow & Brussels.
However, neither reply gave deference to Russia’s
central concern --- the eastward expansion of
NATO and the impact that has on Russian
security, especially since now, the US
explicitly regards Russia as a
challenger to its position ...as leader of the post- Cold War global order.
Speaking on Thursday, about the US response,
in particular, Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey
Lavrov said "The principle that one should not strengthen one's security -- at the expense of
the security of others is deliberately avoided.
Neither the Istanbul or Astana declarations are mentioned by our Western partners in the discussions on European
security that are currently
taking place. We cannot
accept this.”
Morgan Artyukhina is a writer and news editor at
Sputnik’s Washington, DC, bureau... focusing on
international & breaking news. Born in southern Maryland, she studied Russian, Central, and
East European Studies, at the University of
Glasgow and is a former history professor.
At Sputnik, she covers military technology,
the expanding neoliberal police state, and
the ongoing struggles against it in the US
and around the globe.
Paul Larudee: Zionist Dream
Turning into Nightmare
November 25th, 5:26pm (FNA)
Paul Larudee, political activist and commentator,
says Zionists have come to this understating
- that Zionism is now nearing its predestined
self-annihilation.
Speaking in an interview with FNA, Larudee
said, “Zionism planted the seeds of its own
destruction the moment they created a
plan for a Jewish state in someone
else's homeland. It is increasingly
becoming an international pariah
...contributing to the wars and
conflicts in West Asia, South
America, Africa, and other
parts of the world. It only
creates more enemies
for them.”
Paul Larudee is an - Iranian-born - American political
activist who is a major figure in the pro-Palestinian
movement. Based in the San Francisco Bay area,
he is involved with the International Solidarity
Movement, & was a founder of the Free Gaza
Movement & the Free Palestine Movement.
Larudee was a member of the US delegation
aboard the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla,
which was attacked by Israeli forces.
Below is the full text of the interview:
Q: Yaakov Sharett says “Israel and the Zionist
enterprise were born in sin.” What do we
learn about the nature of Israel?
A: Such words from a Zionist leader's son may help to
gradually sink doubts into the minds of other Zionists,
but we must not forget that many Jews were opposed
to Zionism for decades before 1948. It is unfortunate
that as Zionism became more successful in its
genocidal project, it also became more
acceptable to more Jews. But that is
now being reversed. As Zionism
becomes more racist, violent,
and aggressive, it is starting
to lose Jews who cannot
stomach such behaviour.
Q: Such a significant assertion was made by the son
of a signatory to the Israeli declaration in 1948. Do
you believe settlers will learn a lesson to end their
occupation of the Palestinians’ land?
A: There are two kinds of settlers that are being used
to colonize the West Bank and Jerusalem. The most
aggressive and violent are the ideological settlers,
who think of themselves as conquering soldiers,
much like the Europeans who took the land from
the native peoples in the western hemisphere.
They want to expel all Palestinians by any means
necessary, and take their land. They do not need
Israel to paint a rosy picture. They are ready to
endure hardship, although Israel actually
helps and enables them. The other type
are the opportunists. Israel builds
subsidized housing and industrial
parks on Palestinian land... and
makes it attractive for settlers
to move there. Israel creates
many advantages for them...
so as to increase the Jewish
population in the occupied
territories and push the
Palestinians out.
Q: Yaakov Sharett predicts a dark future for Israel
and asks settlers to immigrate from Israel; like-
wise, Lawrence Wilkerson, former Israeli State
Department aide, said Israel will be gone in
some 20 years. How do you assess
these statements?
A: Clearly, Sharett is being a realist in this case.
Despite Israel's influence, propaganda, bribes
and manipulations of other governments, it is
increasingly becoming an international pariah,
contributing to the wars and conflicts in West
Asia, South America, Africa and other parts of
the world. They believe that this makes them
strong, but it only creates more enemies for
them. Sharett seems to understand that the
Zionist dream is proving to be unsustainable.
It can only be realized by committing greater
and greater crimes, but even many Zionists
consider this too high a price for their dream,
and their dream is turning into a nightmare.
Zionism planted the seeds of its own destruction
the moment they created a plan for a Jewish
state on someone else's homeland.
UN Must Prevent Normalization of
Israeli Violation of Human Rights:
Iran Envoy
November 20th, 11am (al Manar)
Iran’s ambassador to the UN office in Geneva
put the onus on the United Nations: to take
action: against the normalization of the
systematic violation of human rights
and humanitarian laws, by the
Zionist regime.
In an address to a meeting between ambassadors
of the member states of the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation, residing in Geneva,
and to members of the Commission of Inquiry of the UN Council on Human
Rights, held on Friday, Esmaeil
Baqaei Hamaneh called for the
clarification of true and false
narratives, referring to the
stories... that equate the
victims of Israeli crimes
with the perpetrators
of the heinous acts.
“It is the duty of all of us to clarify the true and false
narratives, the narrative that equates the victims
of Israeli crimes, with their killers, which is
humanly shocking, legally unfounded,
and morally shameful,” the Iranian
envoy stressed.
He added that the inquiry commission has an historic
responsibility --- to prevent the normalization of
systematic human rights violations by the
Israeli regime.
The Iranian diplomat invited all the participants in the
meeting to call for justice; and not allow war crimes,
crimes against humanity, and blatant violations of
human rights, to become normal, Press
TV reported.
In May, the UN Human Rights Council agreed to initiate
an international probe into “systematic” human rights
abuses committed during the asymmetrical war
between ‘Israel’ and Palestinian resistance
groups in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The 47-member forum adopted a resolution presented
by Pakistan on behalf of the OIC and the Palestinian
delegation to the UN, by a vote of 24 states in favour, 9 against, and 14 abstentions.
The UN rights body agreed to establish “an ongoing
independent, international commission of inquiry”
into the war to probe the “underlying root causes
of recurrent tensions and instability, including
the systematic discrimination and repression
based on group identity.”
Israeli troops have, on numerous occasions, been
caught on camera, brutally killing Palestinians...
with the videos going viral online and sparking
international condemnation.
The Tel Aviv regime has been criticized for its extensive
use of lethal force against, and extrajudicial killing of,
Palestinians... who do not pose an immediate threat
to the occupation forces, or to the Israeli settlers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Palestinian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, called
on the International Criminal Court to launch an
immediate investigation into the Tel Aviv
regime’s crimes, in the occupied
Palestinian territories --- after
the Israeli forces shot dead a
young man, in the northern
part of the West Bank.
Source: Iranian Agencies
China is no threat
to people in the US; Wall Street,CIA & the Pentagon are
-- Analyst
October 16th, 3:14pm (PressTV)
US political analyst and activist Bill Dores says
China is no threat to the people in the US., but
Wall Street, the CIA, and the Pentagon, are.
Dores, a writer for Struggle/La Lucha and a longtime
antiwar activist, made the remarks in an interview
with Press TV on Saturday, after the CIA launched
a new mission centre to address what it calls “the most important geopolitical threat” posed... by China.
CIA Director William Burns said in a statement last week
that the new unit, called the China Mission Centre, will
“further strengthen our collective work on the most
important geopolitical threat we face in the 21st
century, an increasingly adversarial Chinese
government.”
Burns said that his agency will still focus on other threats
as well, including those emanating from Russia, North
Korea and Iran.
The CIA’s renewed attention to China is the latest evidence
of the Biden administration’s focus on Beijing as its main
foreign policy target.
Since taking charge of the White House earlier this year,
the Biden administration has been directing resources
toward countering China.
Why is the CIA targeting China?
“The CIA is grabbing more tax money --- to start a ‘mission
centre’ aimed at China, which it calls the ‘most important
geopolitical threat we face.’ This is ominous news
- considering the agency’s history of 'fabricating'
evidence to start wars, e.g. Iraq’s nonexistent
‘weapons of mass destruction,’” Dores
commented to Press TV.
“US troops have left Afghanistan. But not a dime has been
slashed from the bloated US military budget. Indeed, it’s
being increased to $778 billion from $753 billion to face
the alleged ‘Chinese threat.’ That’s more than the
combined military budgets of China, India,
Russia, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Germany,
France, Japan, South Korea, Italy
and Australia,” he added.
“It’s also been revealed that US Special Forces have been
operating secretly on Taiwan for two years. Meanwhile...
the US Congress will not pass the Build Back Better Act
to modestly extend our social safety net,” he added.
“The People’s Republic of China... has five times the population of the United States. But it spends only
$258 billion on its military. China’s forces are
deployed in - or around - the borders and
coasts of China. By no stretch of the
imagination is China threatening
he US militarily. Why would it?
For what gain?” he asked.
“So, what the Sam Hill is a ‘geopolitical threat.’ It’s a
twisted concept based on the twisted premise that
the United States, with 4 percent of the world’s
population, should dominate the world
politically & economically. And that
really means the billionaires and
millionaires, that Occupy Wall
Street protesters called the
‘One Percent,’” he stated.
China’s economic ‘threat’ to US
“China’s real ‘threat,’ in the minds of the US corporate
ruling class, is economic. China produces more than
the United States, and its economy is growing much faster,” the analyst said.
“It has achieved this, not by destroying the economies of
other countries with war and sanctions, but by growth,
and trade. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has greatly
weakened the stranglehold Wall Street banks once
held on the world economy. An article in the US
magazine Foreign Policy whined: that China is
‘whittling away’ at the murderous ‘sanctions
regime’ the US and West Europe use -- to
‘punish’ countries that defy their
dictates,” he explained.
“US corporations do, of course, invest in China. They make
a lot of money there. But they cannot dictate to China's
government the way US oil companies dictated to the
Shah of Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Or
the way they dictate to their paid servants in the
White House and the Capitol today,”
he observed.
“Politicians and news media tell working-class people in
the US that China’s growth is, somehow, a threat to our
well-being. They conceal the fact: that China’s dynamic
growth is the biggest single factor staving off a global
economic collapse,” he said.
“Yet it is their own Wall Street masters who have shut
down plants all over this country and foreclosed on
millions of homes. It is they who used the techno-
logical revolution as a weapon, to drive down
wages and destroy millions of jobs,”
Dores said.
Washington’s ‘hate China’ campaign
“Washington raises several phony issues in its ‘hate
China’ campaign. One is the alleged persecution of
the Uighur people in Xinjiang Province. There’s
nothing but hypocrisy here,” the analyst said.
“If this claim were true - and I’ve seen no reliable evidence
that it is - Washington would be the last to care. The US
leads the world in mass incarceration and murder
by police,” he noted.
“According to the Equal Justice Initiative... ‘Millions of
Americans are incarcerated in overcrowded, violent,
and inhumane jails and prisons.. that do not provide
treatment, education, or rehabilitation.' A majority
are from the oppressed Black, Latin and Native
nations... targeted by the police,” he said.
“Among the incarcerated are dozens of political
prisoners, such as Mumia Abu Jamal, Leonard
Peltier and Jamil Abdullah Al Amin, who have
spent decades behind bars on framed-up
charges,” he stated.
“Last year’s Black Lives Matter uprising..... highlighted
the extent of racist police murder in the US. Between
1980 and 2018, the US police killed more than 30,000
people. Half of those killings were misclassified,
according to a study published in the Lancet
medical journal,” he said.
US supports ‘ethnic cleansing and
murder of Palestinian people’
“We also can't forget that Washington not only supports
but subsidizes --- the ethnic cleansing and murder of
Palestinian people --- by the racist state of Israel,
including the mass imprisonment of 2 million
people in the giant concentration camp
called the Gaza Strip. The US also has
no problem with the oppression of
the majority Muslim people of
Kashmir, by the Indian state,” Dores noted.
“The US accuses China of stealing ‘intellectual property,’
a twisted concept indeed. Perhaps the West should pay
China for inventing paper, iron smelting, the seed drill,
the compass, rockets, gunpowder and other
innovations... that made its economic
development possible,” he said.
“There is the accusation of currency manipulation. But
Washington... has flooded the world with devalued
dollars ever since the Nixon administration took
the dollar off the gold standard in the 1970s.
The US has long used the dollar as an
instrument of financial warfare,”
he said.
Why is the US Navy in the South China Sea?
“And there is the issue of ‘free navigation’ in the South
China Sea. Which raises the question, what is the US
Seventh Fleet doing in the South China Sea anyway?
For that matter, why is the US Fifth Fleet off the
coast of Iran and the US Fourth Fleet off the
coast of Venezuela,” Dores said.
“Every year, ships carry $3.4 trillion worth of goods
through the South China Sea. Most of that is
bound to and from China,” he said.
“The PRC has no interest in stopping that commerce.
It does have an interest in keeping US warships
away from its coast and ports,” he said.
“For the past seven years, the US Navy has helped Saudi
Arabia impose a naval blockade that is starving the
children of Yemen. US sanctions, backed by the
US Navy, are the main obstacle to commerce
between nations in the world today,”
he said.
“Instead of new CIA mission centres, military bases and
fleets of warships and warplanes all over the world, the
US should do what China does: Invest in schools,
health care, housing, railroads and renewable
energy. Bring all the ships, planes, troops
and spies home. The world would be a
much better and safer place,”
he concluded.
Iran won’t let US, Turkey, Israel
create crisis in Caucasus
Sunday, October 3rd, 11:51am (PressTV)
by Sa’dollah Zarei
The fact of the matter is, that if there is no more time for
preventing a conspiracy from taking shape... there is
still time to thwart the conspiracy that has formed.
Here are some points with regards to this issue:
1) What the US, the Zionist regime, the governments of
Turkey and Azerbaijan, and the West in general, are
pursuing in the regions north of Iran is, firstly, a reaction to the great achievements of the
Islamic Republic and the resistance front.
When the criminal Zionist regime refers to the Republic of
Azerbaijan as “Lebanon of Israel,” it means that there is
a “Lebanon of resistance” that has foiled any Israeli
conspiracy over the past forty years and turned
into a major crisis for the occupying regime.
Why is a front led by the US, Zionist regime, Turkey and
Azerbaijan, talking about launching a pan-Turan move
-ment here? Because a powerful religious movement
has, for more than 40 years, disrupted the plots of
colonialists and criminals. So, it is quite clear that the enemy, although very hardworking, is in a state of “passivity.”
Here is another important question: will this evil conspiracy
ever yield any result? The answer is that there is a serious
antidote to prevent the realization of this tension-making
scheme, and if it enters the scene, it will definitely
thwart the plan, as it has happened so far.
2) Some people make a mistake here and say that the Syunik
agreement with North Karabakh... is a matter that concerns
the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia and that Iran’s
objection to it is not a matter of concern. They argue that
the implementation of the agreement is to the detriment
of Iran’s regional situation, but it is a natural
consequence and thus does not create a
right for Iran to legitimize its opposition.
The answer is clear; This is not an agreement between the
two countries on a disputed region, but one on creating a
region meant to undermine the security, political and
economic position of a third country.
While acknowledging their military and political failure, in
Afghanistan, the Americans explicitly speak of pursuing
a proxy war model to make up for their defeat. Shortly
afterwards, it becomes known that they had sent a
signal to Azerbaijan to launch and attack and a
signal to Armenia to, in turn, show tolerance
and accept the post-war reality, and at the
same time, following the end of a recent
44-day Karabakh war, the US stated
that they 'support' the agreements
reached between Azerbaijan and
Armenia. All this suggests that
the US has been standing behind this war and the situation that ensued.
Simultaneously, the Azerbaijani government announced
the widespread use of Israeli attack drones in the war,
and the Armenian army called the UAVs the main
reason for its heavy casualties in the war. This
means that it was an American-Israeli war.
Everyone knows, that the administration of Armenian
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is a Christian govern-
ment dependent on the West, but it's interesting that
in this war, the United States and Israel destroyed the forces and facilities belonging to a pro-West
Christian administration, and supported a
Muslim government instead! Isn’t that
a telltale sign?
The question is, what kind of “proxy war” US officials
were talking about in the course of their withdrawal
from Afghanistan? Was it possible for the US to
start such a war in Afghanistan? Which forces
could be used by the US to launch a proxy war
in Afghanistan? Could the US bring the Taliban
- which was taking power - into a proxy war?
Proxy war with whom? The answer is no.
Was the Afghan army able to enter a proxy war? The
answer's clear. Was the army that was not even able
to defend Kabul for an hour, against the Taliban —
which took control of the capital without firing a
single shot — ready to enter a proxy war?
Could the old mujahedeen forces.. serve
as the proxies of the American war? The
answer is clear. The old forces, besides
having an anti-American spirit... have
currently no military capability. Could
the USA... create a ''proxy force'' in
Afghanistan, in the medium term,
with the Taliban et al present on the scene? The answer to this
question is also, no. This is
because... for at least the
next 50 years... US crimes
will be in front of the eyes
of the Afghan people, and
the prospect for any kind
of Afghan-American,
cooperation...
is bleak.
So, what did the Americans mean by a proxy war? In fact,
the Americans wanted a proxy war where there was a
fertile ground... and the required strength. From the
American point of view, the “ethnicity” factor must
be emphasized and turned into a winning weapon
against anti-American revolutionary uprisings.
The Americans have long focused on the
model of racism and pan-Turanism... in
the case of this region, and considered
them as “a possible solution,” or more
accurately, the last “remaining arrow,”
and pinned their hopes on it.
Therefore, the prominent role of this tendency, in the
developments in the north, and its overlapping in the
Caucasus, besides the intention to highlight the anti
Iranian and anti-Islamic edges in the rhetoric of the
officials of these countries, tell us that we are
facing a “semi-hard” proxy war.
When Azeri President Ilham Aliyev speaks openly in an
interview about the widespread presence of Israeli
forces and equipment in the Caucasus, and the
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis, he
is, in fact, blowing the lid off a proxy war.
3) Saudi Arabia’s measures are yet another issue that is indicative of the proxy war in the developments
unfolding in Iran’s northwestern frontiers, on
the one side, and its scale, on the other. The
Saudis have explicitly said that they are
working to launch a 24-hour television
network for the Turkish region of the
Caucasus called “Turk national.”
Why is the Saudi regime in the Caucasus trying to launch
such a TV network? The people in this region are neither
Arabs nor Sunnis in order for them to be the audience of
a Sunni Arab country. At the same time, it is obvious that this decision cannot be implemented without the consent and cooperation of the governments in the region.
4) Naturally, on this front, Iran can't remain silent and turn
a blind eye to the dimensions and consequences of the
action that being along its borders; therefore, it has to
react, but what is the due reaction? There is no doubt
that military conflict & dragging Iran into the military
arena is a well-known policy of the American front.
On the other hand... we know that what is intended for the Caucasus region is not even a full-fledged military
war, let alone a regional and multilateral war. We
are thus not talking about a war in the sense
that it is perceived. We are talking about
actions that disturb the peace of this
region and the interests of the
powers around it.
Isn’t it true... that the Azerbaijani government says Israeli
drones and forces have been involved in the recent war
between the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of
Armenia? Isn’t it true that the Israelis explicitly referred
to the Republic of Azerbaijan... as “Lebanon of Israel”?
Since there are talks about the formation of a definite
security threat against the Islamic Republic, Iran has
the right to dismantle and confront the centre of
conspiracy against itself, without coordination
with any place or individual.
This type of Iranian confrontation is not so incomprehensible
to Zionists. Interestingly, an Israeli institution wrote a few
days ago: “Iran may want to retaliate against Israeli attacks
in Syria in Azerbaijan.” The regime is attacking areas in
Syria under the false pretext that Syria has become a
base for the presence of Iranian military personnel.
The Israeli institute asks what problem would arise
if Iran attacked a base in Azerbaijan, where Israeli
force are possibly present?
Of course, Iran knows very well how to use developments
to the detriment of its enemies. The Islamic Republic will
naturally begin with negotiations, to fraternally resolve
the issue between neighbours on Iran’s northwestern
border. Over the past 2 decades, the United States,
Turkey, and the Zionist regime have faced ultimate
defeat in any sedition that they incited and gotten
out of the situation while fraught with humiliation.
They are inciting sedition while they do not have
the power to tolerate and manage the war. If
these acts of sedition are not put aside, they
will face defeat, thanks to Iran’s measures.
(The views expressed in this article.... do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
It’s time for NATO to leave Kosovo
before it does any more damage
October 2nd, 10:36am (RT)
By Boris Malagurski, a Serbian Canadian documentary
film director, known for “The Weight of Chains”,
enlisted in the catalogue of the Library of
Congress, whose work has been show- cased on international festivals...
including Raindance in London.
Follow Boris on Twitter @malagurski
Just as it all ended badly for the West’s military interventions
in Vietnam and Afghanistan, so it will in Kosovo. NATO has
overstepped its mandate, overplayed its hand, and
overstayed its welcome.
As the last US military helicopters were leaving Kabul,
Afghanistan, many, including myself, emphasized the
similarities with America’s embarrassment in Saigon,
South Vietnam – but one parallel that few dared to
draw, was with Kosovo.
When I merely asked “Is Kosovo next?” on Twitter, it
sent Albanian media outlets into a frenzy. Kosovo’s
Albanian majority celebrates the NATO troops as
saviours – NATO bombed Serbia, to take away
control of its Southern province of Kosovo in
1999. Since then, NATO has been sponsoring
a nation-building project... that seemed to have culminated in 2008, when Kosovo’s
provisional authorities declared
independence from Serbia.
It wasn’t an ‘end of history’ moment. Serbia and much of
the world didn’t recognize Kosovo as an independent
country, and Kosovo itself remained heavily
dependent on Western aid... and military
support. Most Albanian politicians are
aware of this and they are highly
obedient with regards to NATO,
whose KFOR troops are
‘keeping the peace’
in Kosovo.
However, NATO has overstepped its mandate. UN Security
Council Resolution 1244, which put an end to NATO’s war
with Yugoslavia, guarantees Serbia’s sovereignty over
Kosovo, while NATO has pushed for an independent
Kosovo from day one of their occupation. The
resolution also called for... the return of an
agreed number of Yugoslav and Serbian
personnel to maintain a presence at
significant sites and key border
crossings.... NATO has never
allowed this to happen. The
last Serbian prime minister
who called for this agree-
ment to be honored, was
assassinated in 2003, a little over a month
after his request.
On the other hand, what are the results of NATO’s nation
building in Kosovo? Close to a 30% unemployment rate.
One of the poorest areas of Europe... with as much as
45% of the population living below the official poverty
line, and 17% being extremely poor. Former Kosovo
Liberation Army terrorists, some accused of
trafficking weapons and human organs,
replaced their military uniforms with
politicians’ suits and are governing
the entity. The previous president
of Kosovo, nicknamed ‘The Snake’
...is currently being tried for war
crimes, and crimes against
humanity, at The Hague.
He’s the one who unveiled the Bill Clinton statue in
Kosovo’s capital. Bill then came to celebrate with
‘The Snake’.
Kosovo’s recent license plate row with Serbia was just
the latest example of a leadership in Kosovo incapable
of dealing with real issues, but rather... going into
conflict... to cover its incompetence. Instead of
negotiating with Belgrade, Kosovo unilaterally
used force --- to implement the removal of
Serbian license plates. And all that NATO
was willing to contribute to deescalate
the tensions... was to offer its KFOR
troops, to replace Kosovo’s special
unit, without even trying to resolve
the essence of the dispute. What
is NATO still doing in Kosovo?
Probably the same thing it was doing in Afghanistan.
Hoping a bad decision to go in, will eventually pay
off somehow. But it won’t. It didn’t in Vietnam, it
didn’t in Afghanistan, and it won’t in Kosovo.
So it’s time for NATO to start packing
its bags.
The statements, views and opinions expressed
in this column, are solely those of the author,
& don't, necessarily, represent those of RT.
“Normalization":Betrayal of Palestineby Arab despots no easy road
by Iqbal Jassat
October 1st, 11am (PressTV)
Pinning Palestinians down while applying harsh
measures of violent repression -- accompanied
by a fanatical settler movement of arch-racists
given free reign to attack and plunder -- is a
notorious game Israel has elevated to a
daily ritual.
In fact the routine of inflicting war crimes has all
the hallmarks of a rogue regime entirely caught
up in a misplaced belief --- that to engage in ethnic cleansing, is a religious obligation.
Conflating Judaism with a racist political ideology
of Zionism has been part of a strategy designed
to deceive, distort and divert. It has its roots in
the first Zionist congress held on the eve of
the 19th century.
That this is well documented and widely known is
not in dispute. Indeed... awareness of Zionism's
goal to dismember and dislodge Palestinians
from their centuries old homeland and
forcibly impose thereon a foreign
entity known as Israel, has
always been a bedrock
for resistance.
Israel has thus always been considered an enemy
thrust upon a native population through the most
horrific forms of terrorism. The memories of Deir
Yassin remind the world of bloody massacres
committed by Zionist terrorists which didn't
spare hundreds of villages... to
colonize Palestine.
That more than seven decades later the expansionist
goals of Zionism are still being pursued at great
human cost to successive generations of the
indigenous Palestinian population, is
reflected in daily atrocities.
None of these facts, as attested to by historians, as
well as organs of the United Nations, are contested.
Though of course Israel and supporters of it seek
to distort and malign commentators who speak
truth to power, as anti-Semitic.
Yet against this background of terrorism and current
conditions siege, occupation, killings and mass
imprisonment - recorded and broadcast via
mainstream media for all the world to
witness - it is bizarre that a handful
of Arab regimes, have broken rank
with Palestine's freedom struggle.
And at a time when even Haaretz describes
the atrocities by Israel, as a pogrom:
"Residents of the Palestinian communities in the south-
eastern West Bank have experience of settler attacks
- when they graze their flocks, work their fields, or
even have a picnic on their own land.... But they
cannot recall an attack like the one experienced
Tuesday -- by the small communities of Khirbat
al-Mufkara, al-Rakiz and al-Tuwani. On Simhat
Torah, dozens of young Jews, most of them
masked, conducted what can only be
described as a pogrom."
The treachery associated with what has become known
as "normalization" is an outrageous manifestation of
betrayal and collaboration. Limited to the UAE,
Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco,.. these regimes
have in effect confessed that the protection
of their shaky thrones... counts for more...
than legitimate rights of the Palestinians.
As unelected self-imposed despots fearful of democratic
values, they have bargained that "normalization" with
the usurper of Palestine will "guarantee" safety and
protection for them. In other words, just as Egypt
has done, these oligarchs have outsourced their
intelligence networks and security apparatus to Israel, knowing full well that in doing so, they have abandoned Palestine.
Though the abnormality of the implicit recognition of an
illegal colonial enterprise, has been in sharp contrast
to countless Arab League resolutions... the deal of
"normalization" pushed by Trump and vigorously
backed by the Biden administration... has exposed these leaders - as surrogates of western imperialism.
The case of Bahrain's role in the "Abraham Accords"
reveals the soft underbelly of Arab dictatorships.
Besides being financially dependent on its
neighbours especially the UAE and Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain’s alliance with Israel is
designed to entrench its power and
crush any resistance to author-
itarianism or efforts towards
freedom and democracy.
In 2011, during the onset of the Arab Spring uprisings,
Saudi Arabia sent troops to Bahrain to suppress anti
-government protests. This trend continues today
by Israel --- equally committed to maintaining the
status quo, and preventing the success of any
popular uprisings.
In this context, one may justifiably condemn Bahrain’s gross insensitivity and abject abdication of Palestine's freedom struggle... as treacherous.
Showcasing Israeli war criminal Lapid’s visit to Manama
where he is set to open the embassy flying Israel's flag
is utterly outrageous. This follows the opening of a
Zionist embassy in Abu Dhabi, and will likely be
establishing one in Rabat. Sudan thus far has
reportedly said that it has no plans yet to
open an embassy in Khartoum.
Not surprising therefore that the Arab street across these
capitals have vowed to end "normalization". The iron-
fisted grip held by Arab despots notwithstanding,
human rights movements (many banned and
leaders exiled) have declared their outright
rejection of America's much-vaunted
Abraham Accords.
Stirrings in Sudan are becoming more vocal despite
Khartoum's attempts to silence critics. In Bahrain
the main opposition group, al-Wefaq National
Islamic Society declared Lapid’s trip as a
"threat", saying, "This is provocative
news and this trip is completely
rejected, and he (Lapid) should
not set foot on Bahraini soil."
Their message is clear: "Any (Israeli) presence on Bahraini soil --- means incitement."
Iqbal Jassat is an executive at the Johannesburg-
based Media Review Network (MRN), a socio-
political advocacy group, that concerns
itself with media and political analysis.
(The views expressed in this article do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
Greece And FranceTake First Step
Towards European Independence
Following AUKUS Debacle
September 28th (South Front)
by Paul Antonopoulos,
independent geopolitical analyst
Signing of Franco-Greek Agreement is the
beginning of supplanting NATO in Europe.
Of the 30 NATO member states, Greece is one of the few
to spend well over 2% of its GDP on defense, as agreed
upon by NATO Defence Ministers, in 2006. However,
Greece’s high spending (relative to GDP), is not
because it is positioning itself as a buffed-up
military state opposed to Russia, as per the
aims of NATO, but rather, to defend itself
against the threats of another NATO
member, Turkey.
With NATO consistently downplaying Turkish aggression
against Greece and the new AUKUS pact creating
distrust between the Anglosphere and the
Europeans... Greece has ensured new
extra security assurances against
its long-time enemy.
Greece’s strengthened partnership with France highlights
that the immediate consequences of the AUKUS alliance
are already being felt, as the two countries are making
the first serious steps towards a Europe independent
of Washington.
Alexis Papahelas, one of Greece’s top journalists, explained
that the Franco-Greek security pact is Macron’s “revenge”
against the Americans as it will strengthen European
autonomy. He also confirmed persistent rumours
that a defensive pact between France and
Greece was almost reached last year,
but ultimately broke down at the
last minute for “unknown
reasons.”
To put the situation in context, Greece for a year and a half-
received bids from six countries, including France, the U.S.
and UK for brand new navy frigates. The finalization of a
deal was continuously delayed... due to Greece’s
insistence, that a frigate purchase must include a defense agreement.
Greece signed its 12-month Mutual Defense Cooperation
Agreement (MDCA) with the US last year, but ultimately
did not decide on which frigate bid to accept. With
negotiations for a Franco-Greek defence pact
last year stalling, Athens ultimately decided
to sign the MDCA... with Washington. This
was rumored to be partially motivated
as part of 'negotiations' to pressure
the French to accept Greek terms.
However, with the sudden emergence of AUKUS, European
trust in the Anglosphere quickly diminished, and thus
galvanized Franco-Greek discussions on European
independence. And finally, a deal to purchase
three brand-new French Belharra-class
frigates, was stricken.
For his part, Mitsotakis said on Tuesday morning at the
signing of the agreement that:- “It is an historic day for Greece and France. Today’s development is an
initiative that responds to the demands of the
times on our continent. It paves the way for
an autonomous and strong Europe of the
future. Whether there is a timetable for
creating a European army: the debate
on European military autonomy,
evolves. Options such as this
corporate defense partner-
ship, move to this central
strategic choice.”
Effectively, Greece and France are advocating for a pan-
European military that would likely drive out NATO, as
the premier defensive pact in Europe.
Another demonstration that this pact is aimed at
supplanting NATO... is its careful wording.
Although Turkey was not mentioned
explicitly, there is little doubt that
part of the motivation for the
Franco-Greek defense pact
was Turkey’s unilateral
aggression in the
Mediterranean.
Even just minutes after the signing of the Franco-Greek
agreement, former Dutch diplomat Fons Stoelinga
tweeted: “EU autonomy in security and defense.
NATO still does not address the problem of
NATO-member Turkey destabilizing the
whole Eastern Mediterranean region.
France and Greece now react and
signed a security bilateral pact.”
The mutual defense assistance clause of the agreement
ensures that if Greece or France is attacked on its
territory, the other will come to assist, even if the
attacking country is part of other alliances.....
including NATO. This is an obvious message
directed towards Turkey, a NATO member
that on a daily basis violates Greek air-
space and threatens to invade its
Aegean islands.
These violations and threats receive no repercussions from
NATO as individual members are unwilling to risk their
economic relations with the country, whilst many
NATO leaders still believe that Turkey is a
bulwark against Russia.
France for most of its modern history, but especially
galvanized under President Emmanuel Macron.. had
an ambition of creating a more independent Europe.
The European experience under former U.S.
President, Donald Trump, and the recent
snub from President Joe Biden, with the
AUKUS debacle... has only increased the urgency of achieving European
independence from Washington.
Despite this ambition, as well as warning Europe that it will
become secondary in world affairs, if it does not become
independent, it appears that France can finally kickstart
its project alongside Greece.
Achieving EU unity is a difficult prospect, because minnow
states like Lithuania prioritize the interests of Washington
rather than the continent, but as Paris and Athens have
shown --- they will move ahead, in changing the geo-
political balance in the Mediterranean and will not
wait, while member states continuously bicker
amongst themselves on foreign policy issues.
If France and Greece can create strong foundations for an
independent Europe, it will only be inevitable before more
EU member states become interested in also being
integrated into a continental structure that is
independent of transatlantic alliances.
Why did the Taliban win against
the Americans in Afghanistan?
by Eric Zuesse
August 21st, 2021
Why did the communists win
against the Americans in Vietnam?
Why did the communists win
against the capitalists in the
Russian Revolution?
Why did the American Revolutionists
win against the British Empire?
I shall here propose an answer to all of them, because that answer applies to all such cases, as I'll explain:
When an imperialistic society is as corrupt as Britain has been since the creation of the British East India Company in 1600, and as America has been since the end of World War II in 1945, with its takeover and control by the MIC (military-industrial complex), which has inevitably produced the cancerous growth of America’s permanent-warfare state, what, then, is the reason to continue living by staying merely as a colonist or a vassal-regime (or even as the imperialist regime itself), which means, when the imposed regime is so profoundly corrupt --- as any
imperialist power necessarily is --- to accept such corruption, as this?
There’s something that is worse than dying... and it is to continue
living under a regime that one utterly despises. That’s a dragged
-out death, instead of a quick death. A regime which is as
corrupt as any imperialistic regime inevitably is, will be
intolerable for a significant number of the residents in
any one of its vassal-nations or “colonies.” Death, for
them, isn’t such a bad choice, if it means that they'll
go down fighting to overthrow it. They are driven by
the motivation, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
This is a motivation that few, if any, of the imperialistic regime’s hired
soldiers (regardless of whether conscripted or not) can match. And
when they are foreigners who are fighting on a foreign soil (instead
of locals who are defending their land’s own locally determined
rulers), they especially and certainly cannot match such
motivation, because only the locals can be fighting with
a patriotic spirit. This is an intrinsic weakness in any
empire. And imperialist leaders tend to ignore it,
because they don’t want to understand how
repulsive they are, to virtually anyone but
their own boot-lickers.
Ultimately, the demoralization of a hired soldier’s continuing to place
his very existence in jeopardy so as to continue the war to enslave
and control the resisting local subject-population will mount high
enough to produce self-contempt, desertion, and sometimes
even suicide, in the oppressing power’s forces, especially if that’s a foreign power.
No longer will the rationalizations(that “We are protecting the residents here”) be able to continue fooling the invading-force’s soldier, and the imposed stooge- regime’s soldier. They both (the foreign regime, and its imposed local stooge-government or colony) are there really, to control the local subject-population; and, ultimately, enough of the oppressor’s forces will know this to cause the imposed stooge-government, to be conquered by those indigenous residents there - people who will be recalled as heroes, by the other
residents in that land.
This is an advantage that any revolutionists
have, against the imposed regime.
This is the real meaning of “martyrs,” in the deeper sense than
merely of a religious type — it is instead of the patriotic type; it
concerns the land -- and not necessarily any religion -- such as
Christianity, Islam, or Marxism. Their loyalty is to Afghanistan;
or it is to Vietnam; or it is to Russia; or it is to China; or (before
America became imperialistic) it was to America. And so forth.
It is to the local land, not to any dictators. It is to the country
that the foreign invader’s forces are occupying. The
invader’s forces and their imposed stooge-regimes
can’t match this motivation.
Similarly, when the American invaders were conquered by the
residents of Vietnam, the winners were the Vietnamese, not
really the communists; and, in fact, the Marxist philosophy
(or ‘religion’) subsequently has waned there. America, in
Vietnam, as in Afghanistan, was the invader, in a land
which had not invaded their own.
That similar situation exists in Afghanistan. The Sauds had invaded
America on 9/11, with the assistance of G.W. Bush, Condoleezza
Rice, and perhaps others in the Administration. And so, the U.S.
-imposed soldiers in Afghanistan couldn’t even possibly have
been fighting against Afghanistan for any authentically
patriotic real (factually true) reason, at all. Therefore,
lies were constantly needed by the U.S. regime, not
only against Iraq, but even against Afghanistan.
(Furthermore, if Bush’s objective had really been to identify whom
and how was actually behind the 9/11 attacks, then he would have
pursued that at the U.N. Security Council and would have gotten
unanimous backing for it, which would quickly have isolated
and led to the destruction of Al Qaeda. It could all have been
done without any war between nations, and also fully in
accord with international law. To the extent that 9/11 was state-sponsored terrorism, it was actually being
sponsored by the Governments of the U.S. and
Saudi Arabia.
George W. Bush, who was buddy-close with the Sauds, used 9/11 as
an excuse to trash both the U.S. Constitution and international law
so as to hoist yet higher his own tyranny, his own power - not only internationally but also.. in his own nation. An imperialist would,
of course, like to trash both, and to hoist his personal power as
high as possible. And GWB had the boldness to do it, and -
because America has been imperialistic ever since 1945
(i.e., international aggressions... have been America’s
culture since 1945) — he has been able to enjoy the
success of getting away with doing it. However,
everyone else, and especially outside America’s MIC, suffers from it.
What have the mere soldiers of invading and occupying
imperialist powers actually earned by having placed
their own lives at risk? Maybe a tombstone back
home, in the country that had invaded and
occupied that colony.
By contrast, even if a defending soldier has died as a
hero among the locals in a failed revolution against
the imperialist power, any tombstone will be
unnecessary to be that person’s memorial,
because the true memorial is in the heart,
and in the mind, of the locals there, not
in anything that is in the land of the
invading foreign power.
And, so, I propose that the answer, to the question here, is that,
whereas America’s Founders were waging war as heroes
(because their war was just), today’s Americans are
waging war as villains (because our wars are unjust
- imperialistic aggressions, instead of heroic
defenses against an aggressor). Between
America’s founding and the present time,
America has switched from doing war
against military occupiers, to doing
war as military occupiers.
And this, I maintain, is the reason why: “The Taliban’s 80,000
troops have retaken Afghanistan with cities falling like
dominos while the 300,000-strong government forces,
better equipped and trained, mostly melted and
surrendered with no will to fight.”
What today’s Taliban are to today’s Afghanistan is therefore what
the 1776 American Revolutionists were to the America of that era.
It’s not the ideology; it is the love of that land there, which has
motivated the residents’ forces to victory, against the forces
of the invading-and-occupying foreign power. This can
happen in any land, at any time.
America went into Vietnam focused on the “body counts.” That’s
how stupid America’s imperialistic leaders were, back then. The
only motivation they really understood was fear: “body counts.”
They’ve evidently learned nothing since. That is how corrupt
America is.
Right now in America, the ‘debate’ about Afghanistan is about Joe
Biden, who is basically irrelevant. He wanted to end America’s
military occupation there, just as Trump did, and just as
Obama did. He acted on it, whereas they did not — they
didn’t want to be accused by their political opponents
of having ‘lost Afghanistan on their watch’, but Biden
was evidently willing to risk it.
His only failure in the matter is that he kept lying to the American
people (and probably also to himself) about how chaotic the
evacuation would inevitably be, and about how collapsed
Afghanistan is, and has been, ever since the Soviets
invaded there in 1979.
Throughout America’s imperialistic era, the U.S. Government has
routinely been lying to the American people. Imperialism isn’t as
bad for the imperialistic nation’s public as it is for the conquered
land’s people, but it is very bad, even for them. The only people
who benefit from it are the billionaires, who control companies
such as Lockheed Martin, and ExxonMobil, and Amazon.
Those are the people (the owners), who hire the leading
politicians, including the members of Congress, and the
Presidents, to spread their empire, and their control.
They also hire the ‘journalists’ who shape their nation’s public
to support these invasions and military occupations. The
Government officials of an imperialistic regime represent
not the nation’s public - but its aristocracy - who hire and
appoint millions of the rest, the many agents (employees,
etc.) of the few billionaires. The billionaires really control
their country. After all: America is a thoroughly corrupt
country, just as any imperialistic country is. (All
imperialistic countries, are controlled by their
aristocracy. And every aristocracy is corrupt.)
The public in Afghanistan have long known this fact about America -
that it is corrupt. And this is the main reason why the Taliban now
rule that country. They represent that land. Not this land. It’s a
different culture, and a different place. To most Afghans,
America represents only corruption. There is nothing
unique about what is now happening in Afghanistan.
It has been happening for thousands of years, and
it’s just replaying an ancient script, but in that
particular location.
However, instead, the U.S.-and-allied media are focusing on Biden’s
bit part (which was always in a supporting role) in America’s
invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. So, probably
nothing will be learned from America’s invasion and
occupation of Afghanistan, just as nothing was
learned from America’s invasion & occupation
of Iraq, and from America’s invasion and
occupation of Vietnam, and from the
many other such post-WW-II
American foreign disasters.
For America’s billionaires, these have all been great successes
(very profitable); and, so, probably nothing that’s useful to the
American people will be learned from history; and, instead,
the myths will continue that have caused “The Military” to
be either the highest-respected or the second-highest-
respected of all of the 19 named institutions in America - the world’s permanent- warfare state.
The American military wastes the most money and the most blood
of any institution in America, but Americans nonetheless respect it
enormously. That, too, is a mark of an imperialistic country. The
way to control a public is to sustain the myths. U.S.-and-allied
billionaires make sure that it is done - however much it costs.
As regards the future of Afghanistan itself: On August the 19th,
the most reliable geostrategic reporter and analyst, Alexander
Mercouris, headlined at The Duran, “US Freezes Afghanistan
Reserves, Threatens Economic Crisis. Russia Works to
Establish New Government”, and he explained why the
Taliban will either cooperate with Russia, China, and
Iran, or else will degenerate yet further into a failed
state, especially because the U.S. and its allies will
do everything possible to strangle the fully looted
Government of Afghanistan — the new Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan. So: even after the US
and its allies have all left that land, the war
against the people there will continue, in
full force, from the same people, though
with different methods.
PS: The philosopher Zizek headlined at RT on August 20th, “The
true enemy for Islamists is not the West’s neocolonialism or
military aggression, but our ‘immoral’ culture”, and he said
“it was not neocons who boosted Islamic fundamentalism,
this fundamentalism grew up in a reaction to the influence
of Western liberal secularism and individualism.”
He did not understand that though religious fundamentalists
(including the Taliban) focus especially on sexual and gender
issues, a person didn’t have to be at all religious in order to
consider the financial and economic corruption of the
imperialists and of their stooges to be disgusting.
Americans didn’t invade & occupy Afghanistan, in order to
spread “liberal secularism and individualism,” but in order
for US-and-allied billionaires to expand their wealth, their
empire, and their global control. Even if the Taliban and
other religious persons might object only (or even just
mainly) to the sexual and gender issues... a broader
segment of the Afghan population were repelled by
the rampant financial and economic corruption of
the imperialists, and of their stooge-rulers.
This was not a defeat for “secularism and individualism.”
It was a rejection of imperialism: a rejection of it even by people who don’t understand what “imperialism” means.
(Source: Strategic Culture Foundation)
Israel is committed to
aggressively pursuing
'Zionist colonialism',
says analyst
August 14th, 9:38am (PressTV)
A political commentator says Israel is relentlessly
following its "Zionist colonialism" in the occupied
Palestinian territories, and the evacuation orders
handed out to indigenous Palestinian families in the West Bank and Jerusalem al-Quds, are in line with the regime’s land
expropriation policies: to build more illegal settler homes.
“Israel aggressively pursues Zionist colonialism, which
has been the bedrock of the regime’s illegal ethnic-
cleansing agenda for the last seventy or more
years,” Iqbal Jassat, an executive member
of Johannesburg-based Media Review
Network, told Press TV, in an
exclusive interview
on Saturday.
He lambasted the Tel Aviv regime’s systematic theft of
Palestinian property as “a reprehensible disregard
for the inalienable rights of indigenous
Palestinians to their own lands
and homes.”
“The racist practice of evacuation, is a misleading
interpretation of forced expulsion, illegal under
the international law. It is also indicative of
the Group Areas Act [of 1950], under the
former apartheid regime of South
Africa,” Jassat noted.
The South African analyst also criticized the United Nations
and the International Criminal Court (ICC), for their
“impotence” ...to prevent Israel's unjust and
blatant violations of international
conventions and principles.
“It also raises serious questions about the inherent biases
existing within these institutions. These biases prevent
the exercise of law --- to halt land grabs, home demolitions, expulsions and incremental genocide,” he pointed out.
Jassat went on to say that Western countries’ decades-long
guilty conscience has prevented these states from
criticizing Israel, for its barbaric and brutal
practices, as such denunciations would
be treated as anti-Semitic.
“The US and its allies in NATO view Israel as a bulwark of
their interests in the heart of the Muslim world. They,
therefore, place their so-called security goals
above injustices against Palestinians,”
the analyst said.
“Moreover, the Arab world is mainly made up of unelected
despots, from Egypt to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab
Emirates and Bahrain. Their collective view, pivots
on the false notion... that their security is tied
to Israel. That explains the close proximity
between their notorious intelligence
services and Israel's Mossad
and Shin Bet.”
Jassat further noted that the controversial normalization
agreements that several Arab states have struck with Israel, have stifled opposition to the Tel Aviv regime’s colonialist and expansionist policies.
He said the unacceptable betrayal of the Palestinians'
struggle for liberation from the Israeli occupation,
has even resulted in the regime being granted
observer status, at the African Union.
Peak hypocrisy: US is ''concerned'' aboutChina's nukes
by Daniel Patrick Welch
August 7th, 11:45am
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns of
China's nukes, on the anniversary of his own
country dropping the only one ever.
The US empire never disappoints in its endless quest
to project the behavior of a true sociopath. As with
Goebbels’ Big Lie (which he stole from the US's
Bernays anyway), the tried-and-true strategy,
is to attack others, for actions it has itself
performed on a regular basis.
Hence the whole Russiagate charade about foreign
interference in sacred elections by a country other
than the US —reigning and uncontested champion
of regime change campaigns. Now comes Blinken,
the US talking head du jour on the world stage, to
warn Asia about China’s nuclear weapons. Huh?
If irony wasn’t dead, Blinken and crew (Winken, Nod
et al) would track it down and strangle it with their
bare hands. On August 6th, the State Department
announced Blinken’s warning... to China’s
neighbours: THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS
OWN COUNTRY’S DROPPING OF A
NUCLEAR BOMB on Hiroshima.
I would say “not to put to fine a point on it,” but it just
can’t possibly be sharpened any further. Run that
back, with the reverse tape noise and all.
The ONLY country EVER to drop a nuclear bomb on another,
the United States, chooses the very anniversary of the first of those two genocidal crimes against humanity, to express grave concern about China’s nuclear
arsenal. I guess you could just drop the mic
here — there really is so little left to say.
What comes after tragedy and farce?
Even Old Man Marx didn’t mention
a third, though I might venture
Cynicism Made Flesh?
Of course, Blinken--I just can’t stop saying the name… it’s like
DICK Cheney and COLIN Powell, or that library cop Bookman
from Seinfeld—Blinken isn’t to blame for the blasphemy of
rewriting history. He and his cohorts have a generational
head start on stupid. Seventy-five years of relentless
assault on Americans’ knowledge of history and
political consciousness, has left a populace
with a Hollywood understanding of WWII
that has almost no relation to reality.
Even Eisenhower knew (and said) that the bombings were of no
military use. Lost to Americans’ history—but importantly, not
the world’s—is the cold truth that Truman knew as well and
didn’t care. Perhaps the meanest, and most small-minded
of US presidents, he offed a hundred thousand Japanese
in one fell swoop, just to scare the Russkies. And by his
own admission, never lost a night’s sleep. Brrrrrrrr.
But Back to the Future: Blinken’s degenerate idiocy also further
exposes the infantile disorder of the Lesser Evilists and the rest
of the Harm Reduction menagerie. He is himself, of course, no
more than a cardboard clown, or more likely made entirely of
wood, spouting vituperations like a useful ventriloquist’s
dummy while sitting on the knee of whoever plays Edgar
Bergen in this cynical farce. The masters who pay
Blinken, Biden, (O)Bama, Bush and Bacchus
keep them on a short leash. The sociopaths
in charge make the real decisions.
The notion that “getting back to normal” would yield anything other
than a smooth return to the endless killing machine was not just
wishful thinking, but deliberate self-delusion, a lazy and selfish
need to play pretend and self-soothe while the world burns.
Unforgiveable, really. From Iran to Venezuela, Russia, China and
beyond, and with clockwork precision, the Enemies of Humanity
are ramping up war fever, concocting lies & manipulating truth
and fear like never before. The New York Times’ perversion of
the Tokyo medal counts, to pretend the US won, is more than
instructive: it is the stock in trade and lifeblood of the
predator class, honing its exceptionalist rhetoric to
wield when needed. Dark days ahead.
Daniel Patrick Welch is a writer of political commentary and
analysis. Also a singer and songwriter, he lives and writes
in Salem, Salem, Massachusetts with his wife. Together
they run The Greenhouse School. He has traveled
widely, speaks five languages and studied Russian
History and Literature at Harvard University.
Welch has also appeared as a guest on several TV and radio
channels to speak on topics of foreign affairs and political
analysis--around his day job. He can be available for
interview requests as time and scheduling permit.
Despite the price of being outspoken against US foreign policy
and military adventurism -- which can be steep, in today's
circumstances -- he believes firmly, as did Rosa
Luxemburg, that "It will always be the most
revolutionary act, to tell the truth out loud."
Welch wrote this commentary for the Press TV website.
Russia-Chinathe Endgame
by Finian Cunningham
July 3rd, 1:41pm (Sputnik)
The consolidation of the Russia-China alliance this week
spells the endgame for Western imperialism and the
never-ending wars that it spawns.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and China’s leader Xi
Jinping celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Sino-
Russian Treaty of Friendship, first signed in July
2001. The hallmark of that historic accord is a
mutual commitment to peace, prosperity
and global stability.
As Putin commented, the alliance between Russia and China
is a vital source of “stability at a time of increasing geo-
political turbulence”. The latter remark is an oblique
reference to the US-led Western states which are
driven by ratcheting up antagonism and
tensions with Moscow and Beijing,
using all sorts of spurious
complaints.
The attempt by Washington (whether Republican or Democrat)
and its Western minions to make trouble with Russia and
China has become almost frenetic. Step back from the
daily headlines in Western media and it is glaring just
how much the agenda has become irrationally
hostile towards Moscow and Beijing.
Week after week there are unfounded allegations about
Covid-19, & so on. It’s like a mad cacophony to wind
up tensions. Nevertheless, the deranged attitude of
Western ruling cliques is but the death throes of a
world order that has reached its expiration.
Russia and China’s partnership has hugely transformative
geopolitical significance. Both these giant nations straddle
the continents of Asia and Europe, connecting the Pacific
with the Atlantic, ranging from the Arctic to the
Mediterranean. Both are committed to a vision
of a multipolar world where nations cooperate
for mutual development.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) linking Eurasia with
Africa and the Americas is the vision of the future, and
Russia is a key partner in implementing that
ambitious win-win project for global peace
and prosperity.
This vision stands in stark contrast to the prevailing Western
capitalist paradigm which operates through dominance,
control and exploitation for American and European
profiteering. That kind of centuries-old system
necessarily involves imperialist conduct ...
whereby the natural resources of foreign
nations are commandeered by brute
military force, conflict, subjugation,
subterfuge, skulduggery and
other machinations.
The multipolar vision of global relations advocated by Russia
and China is the nemesis of the Western imperialist system.
And that explains why the Americans and their European
vassals make every effort to demonize and distort
Russia and China.
But the geopolitical potential of Russia and China is
unstoppable. There is a force of natural justice that
all nations will inevitably subscribe to as the only
reasonable, feasible & sustainable way forward.
It’s about people-centered development ...
versus profit-driven disorder.
Moreover, the partnership between Russia and China is a
geographer’s wonder study. Russia is the world’s largest
national territory by landmass. With over 17 million sq.
kilometres, it covers 11 time zones out of the world’s
total of 24. The abundance of natural resources that
Russia possesses is astounding, from reserves of
natural gas, oil, metals and minerals, to forestry,
agriculture and fisheries. It also can boast of
highly advanced technology in multiple
sectors. And... it shares a long land
border with China, for easing trade.
Meanwhile, China has a population of 1.4 billion people, ten
times that of Russia. With highly advanced technology and
manufacturing, China is not only a vast market for Russian
resources, it is also a gateway to the world economy.
China has already become the world’s biggest
economy over the United States, according
to some measures.
The US and Europe are post-industrial economies that are
also post-peak of their prime. Their “prime” was always
based on an extractive predatory relationship with the
rest of the world that was predicated on inflicting
conflict and poverty on others.
As China and Russia build on their strategic partnership for
mutual prosperity and peace the upshot will inevitably
entail the endgame for Western imperial powers,
which are atrophying from massive inequality,
indebtedness, moral decadence and
social decay.
Fortunately, too, and this is crucial, Russia and China have
military defenses from new generations of hypersonic
weaponry that make them impregnable against any
warmongering notions by the United States. A
failing empire like the US and its Western
satellites is always a dangerous time, as
it tries to prevent the inevitable collapse,
but starting a war with Russia & China
...is not an option.
The views & opinions expressed in the article
do not - necessarily - reflect those of Sputnik.
Barry Grossman:US, Israel
Adopting Bullying Tactics
for ICC War Crimes
Investigation in
Palestine
June 30th (FNA)
Barry Grossman is an international lawyer and political
commentator focused on human rights related issues.
He has been extensively published, on various legal
subjects and is a frequent commentator on political
affairs. He has taught law at the University of
Melbourne’s Faculty of Law and Monash
University’s Faculty of Law.
Below is the full text of the interview:
Q: How do you see the ICC ruling and the
issue of anti-Semitism raised by Israel?
A: To be sure, Benjamin Netanyahu has himself said that
“when the ICC investigates Israel for fake war crimes,
this is pure antisemitism”.
There can of course be no doubt that antisemitism is real;
indeed, every bit as real as Islam-phobia. But the long
standing ruse of conflating antisemitism with any and
all criticism of Zionism or Israel, is no longer taken
seriously, by a growing and very substantial
minority of people in the wider population.
Meanwhile the tactic of tarring everyone who resists Zionism
or criticises Israel with the antisemitism brush is having the
unfortunate, though not necessarily unintended
consequence of discrediting even the most
genuine efforts to draw attention to those
people whose speech is, indeed,
motivated by little more than
hatred for Jews.
Q: There are huge media attacks towards ICC’s probe to
Israeli war crimes in Palestine. Do you believe the ICC
can make a correct ruling under this media hegemony?
A: Propaganda about the ICC case published by the
Atlantic World’s Corporate Media Cartel is of course
preceded by pressure and instructions from think-
tanks, as well as the security/policy making
apparatus, which are, of course, fully
infiltrated by individuals promoting
Zionist agendas.
In that regard, both the US and Israel have openly declared
their hostile intentions towards the ICC and there is already
clear evidence that they're deploying all their usual tactics,
including intimidation, extortion, bribery and garden variety
corruption, to get politicians around the world, lawyers
involved in making Palestine’s case, and members of
the ICC to fall into line.
That said, if the myriad jurisdiction related technicalities
raised by Israel can be overcome, I am quite sure the
ICC is capable of reaching what many of us consider
the correct position regarding ubiquitous war crimes
and other violations of international law, perpetrated
by the occupation.
The real problem is that the ICC is quite limited in its ability
to enforce any ruling against responsible individuals and
Israeli organizations, so long as the key Atlantic World
nations continue to provide unqualified support for
the occupation, or, at the very least, to remain
neutral, in the face of clear evidence of the
occupation’s crimes.
A second very significant strategic issue arises from a
prevailing political reality which dictates that, in order
to make a reasonable finding about the occupation’s
crimes, the ICC will also have to use its authority to
investigate violations of international law alleged
against Hamas and other Palestinian groups ---
bearing in mind that the law of armed conflict
does not concern itself with the order in
which things played out and any finding
against Palestinian groups will certainly
receive far more traction, both in the
international community as well as
in occupied Palestine, than any
finding of culpability on the
part of the occupation.
Indeed, from where I sit, I do not see Palestine as
having much to gain from this process, but it
does stand to lose no small part of the
standing in public opinion, which it
has taken decades to develop, at
the cost of thousands of
Palestinian lives.
Q: Is it hypocrisy that Israel says Palestine is not
a sovereign state to have a delegation at ICC?
A: Hypocrisy hardly even begins to cover it. No nation
is in a position to dictate that Palestine is not a
sovereign nation-state, even if the UN has not
yet extended Palestine’s observer nation
status to full membership --- the way it
quickly recognized Israel’s existence
as a full member, in 1949.
It is also worth remembering that
31 UN member nations still do
not recognize Israel.
Of course, none of this is relevant to the Palestinian
delegation’s participation in ICC proceedings
investigating allegations of war crimes and
other violations of international law
committed against Palestinians by
Israeli nationals & organizations,
even though Israel is not, itself,
a party to the ICC treaty.
On the other hand, the Palestinian Authority (PA),
whose statehood and sovereignty has been
subject to intense dispute across the
international community... is a
signatory to the Rome Statute
(that is, the ICC Treaty), so it
would be bizarre, if it was
not permitted to have a
delegation present, at
the ICC proceedings.
US Encirclement of China:
A 'Progress' Report
by Brian Berletic
May 22nd (The Saker)
We post this long-read article in full -
as the New Eastern Outlook site has
been down for a number of days.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing are not merely
the recent results of former US President Donald Trump’s
time in office – but rather, just the latest chapter in US
efforts to contain China, that stretch back decades.
Indeed, US foreign policy has, for decades, admittedly aimed at encircling and containing China’s rise, and maintaining primacy over the Indo-Pacific region.
The “Pentagon Papers” leaked in 1969 would admit in
regards to the ongoing US war against Vietnam that:
…the February decision to bomb North Vietnam and the
July approval of Phase I deployments make sense only
if they are in support of a long-run United States policy
to contain China.
The papers also admitted that China, “looms as a major
power threatening to undercut [American] importance
and effectiveness in the world and, more remotely but
more menacingly, to organize all of Asia against
[America].
The papers also made it clear that there were (and still are),
“three fronts to a long-run effort to contain China: (a) the
Japan-Korea front; (b) the India-Pakistan front; and (c)
the Southeast Asia front.”
Since then, it is clear that from the continued US military
presence in both Japan and South Korea, the now two
decades-long US occupation of Afghanistan on both
Pakistan’s and China’s borders, and the emergence
of the so-called “Milk Tea Alliance” aimed at over-
throwing Southeast Asian governments friendly
with China and replacing them with US-backed
client regimes – this policy to contain China
endures up to today.
Assessing US activity along these three fronts reveals
the progress and setbacks Washington faces -- and
the various dangers to global peace and stability
Washington’s continued belligerence poses.
The Japan-Korea Front
Military.com in their article, “Here’s What It Costs to
Keep US Troops in Japan and South Korea,” reports:
In all, more than 80,000 US troops are deployed to Japan
and South Korea. In Japan alone, the US maintains more
than 55,000 deployed troops — the largest forward-
deployed US force anywhere in the world.
The article notes that according to the US Government
Accountability Office (GAO), the US spent “$34 billion
to maintain military presences in Japan and South
Korea between 2016 and 2019.”
The article cites the GAO providing an explanation as to
why this massive US military presence is maintained in
East Asia:
“…US forces help strengthen alliances, promote a free
and open Indo-Pacific region, provide quick response
to emergencies and are essential for US national
security.”
“Alliances” that are “strengthened” by the physical
presence of what are -- essentially, -- occupying US
forces, suggests the “alliance” is hardly voluntary and claims of promoting a “free and open Indo- Pacific region” is highly subjective – begging the question of, to whom, is the Indo-Pacific “free and open”.
And as US power wanes both regionally in the Indo-
Pacific as well as globally, Washington has placed
increasing pressures on both Japan and South
Korea to not only help shoulder this financial
burden, but to also become more proactive
within Washington’s containment strategy
toward China.
Japan is one of three other nations (the US itself,
Australia, and India) drafted into the US-led
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – also
known as the “Quad.”
Rather than the US solely depending on its own military
forces based within Japanese territory or supported by
its Japan-based forces, Japan’s military along with
India’s and Australia’s are also being recruited to
take part in military exercises and operations
in and around the South China Sea.
India’s inclusion in the Quad also fits well into the US
3-front strategy that made up Washington’s contain-
ment policy toward China as early as the 1960s.
The India-Pakistan Front
In addition to recruiting India into the Quad alliance, the
US helps encourage escalation through political
support and media campaigning of India’s
various territorial disputes with China.
The US also targets Pakistan’s close and ongoing
relationship with China – including the support of
armed insurgents in Pakistan’s Baluchistan
province.
Recently, a bombing at a hotel in Quetta, Baluchistan
appears to have targeted China’s ambassador to
Pakistan, Ambassador Nong Rong.
The BBC in its article, “Pakistan hotel bomb:
Deadly blast hits luxury venue in Quetta,”
would claim:
Initial reports had suggested the target
was China’s ambassador.
Ambassador Nong Rong is understood to be in Quetta
but was not present at the hotel at the time of the
attack on Wednesday.
The article also noted:
Balochistan province, near the Afghan border,
is home to several armed groups, including
separatists.
Separatists in the region want independence from the
rest of Pakistan and accuse the government and
China of exploiting Balochistan, one of
Pakistan’s poorest provinces, for its
gas and mineral wealth.
Absent from the BBC’s reporting is the extensive and
open support the US government has provided these
separatists over the years and how – clearly – this is
more than just a local uprising against perceived
injustice, but yet another example of armed
conflict-by-proxy waged by Washington
against China.
As far back as 2011 publications like The National
Interest in articles like, “Free Baluchistan” would
openly advocate expanding US support for
separatism in Pakistan’s Baluchistan
province.
The article was written by the late Selig Harrison
--- who was a senior fellow at the US-based
(corporate-financier funded) Centre for
International Policy --- & would claim:
Pakistan has given China a base at Gwadar in the
heart of Baluch territory. So an independent
Baluchistan... would serve US strategic
interests, in addition to the immediate
goal, of countering Islamist forces.
Of course, “Islamist forces”... is a euphemism for US-
Persian Gulf state sponsored militants used to both
fight Western proxy wars, as well as serve as a
pretext for Western intervention. Citing
“Islamist forces” in Baluchistan,
Pakistan - clearly - serves as an example of the latter.
In addition to op-eds published by influential policy
think tanks, US legislators like US Representative
Dana Rohrabacher, had proposed resolutions
such as (emphasis added),
“US House of Representatives Concurrent Resolution
104 (112th): Expressing the sense of Congress that
the people of Baluchistan, currently divided
between Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan,
have the right to self-determination and
to their own sovereign country.”
There is also funding provided to adjacent, political
groups supporting separatism in Baluchistan,
Pakistan, as listed by the US government’s
own National Endowment for Democracy
(NED) website under “Pakistan.”
Organizations like the “Association for Integrated
Development Balochistan” are funded by the US government and used to mobilize people
politically, constituting clear interference
by the US, in Pakistan’s internal
political affairs.
The Gwadar Port project is a key juncture within China’s
growing global network of infrastructure projects, as
part of its One Belt, One Road initiative. The US
clearly opposes China’s rise & has articulated robust strategies to counter it; everything up to and including, open war, as seen in the Pentagon Papers, regarding the Vietnam War.
The recent bombing in Baluchistan, Pakistan demonstrates
that this strategy continues, in regards to utilizing local
militants to target Chinese-Pakistani co-operation, and
is one part of the much wider, region-wide strategy:
of encircling and containing China.
The Southeast Asia Front
Of course the US war against Vietnam was part of a wider
effort to reassert Western primacy over Southeast Asia
...and deny the region from fueling China’s inevitable rise.
The US having lost the war and almost completely retreating
from the Southeast Asia region saw Southeast Asia itself
repair relations amongst themselves and with China.
Today, the nations of Southeast Asia count China as their
largest trade partner, investor, a ''key partner'' in infra-
structure development, a key supplier for the region’s
armed forces, as well as providing the majority of
tourism arrivals throughout the region. For
countries like Thailand, more tourists
arrive from China, than from all
Western nations combined.
Because existing governments in Southeast Asia have
nothing to benefit from by participating in American
belligerence toward China, the US has found it
necessary to cultivate and attempt to install
into power various client regimes. This has
been an ongoing process, since the
Vietnam War.
The US has targeted each nation individually for years.
In 2009 & 2010, US-backed opposition leader-in-exile,
Thaksin Shinawatra, deployed his “red shirt” rioters
in back-to-back riots - the latter of which included
some 300 armed militants and culminated in city-
wide arson across Bangkok, and the death of
over 90 police, soldiers, protesters, and
bystanders.
In 2018, US-backed opposition groups took power in
Malaysia after the US poured millions of dollars, for
over a decade, in building up the opposition.
Daniel Twining of the US National Endowment for Democracy subsidiary – the International
Republican Institute – admitted, during a talk by the Center for Strategic & International Studies, that same year, that:
…for 15 years working with NED resources, we worked
to strengthen Malaysian opposition parties -- and guess
what happened 2 months ago after 61 years? They won.
He would elaborate on how the NED’s network played a
direct role in placing US-backed opposition figures into
power, within the Malaysian government, stating:
I visited and I was sitting there with many of the leaders
the new leaders of this government, many of whom
were just our partners we had been working with
for 15 years and one of the most senior of them
who’s now one of the people running the
government said to me, ‘gosh IRI you
never gave up on us even when we
were ready to give up
on ourselves.’
Far from “promoting freedom” in Malaysia ---- Twining
would make clear the ultimate objective of interfering
in Malaysia’s internal political affairs, was to serve
US interests, not only in regards to Malaysia, but
in regards to the entire region and specifically
toward encircling and containing China.
Twining would boast:
…guess what one of the first steps the
new government took? It froze Chinese
infrastructure investments.
And that:
[Malaysia] is not a hugely pro-American country. It is
probably never going to be an actual US ally, but this
is going to redound to our benefit, and and that’s
an example of the long game.
It is a pattern that has repeated itself in Myanmar over
the decades --- with NED money building a parallel
political system within the nation and eventually
leading to Aung San Suu Kyi and her US-backed
National League for Democracy (NLD) party
taking power in 2016.
For Myanmar, so deep and extensive is US backing for
opposition groups there, that the elections virtually
guarantee US-backed candidates win.. every single
time. The US National Endowment for Democracy’s
own website alone... lists over 80 programs and
organizations receiving US government money
- for everything from election polling, and
building up political parties - to funding
media networks and “environmental”
groups used to block any Chinese-
initiated infrastructure projects.
The move by Myanmar’s military in February this year,
ousting Aung Sang Suu Kyi and the NLD, was meant to correct this.
However, in addition to backing political groups
protesting in the streets, the US has – for many
decades – backed and armed ethnic rebels
across the country. These rebels have now
linked up with the US-backed NLD and are
repeating the US-backed regime change
tactics used against the Arab World in 2011 --- in nations like Libya, Yemen,
and Syria – including explicit calls
for “international intervention.”
A US-Engineered “Asia Spring”
Just as the US did during the 2011 “Arab Spring” – the US
State Department, in a bid to create synergies across
its various regime change campaigns in Asia, has
introduced the “Milk Tea Alliance” to transform
individual US-backed regime change efforts in Asia, into a region-wide crisis.
The BBC itself admits in articles like, “Milk Tea
Alliance: Twitter creates emoji for pro-
democracy activists,” and that:
The alliance has brought together anti-Beijing protesters, in Hong Kong and Taiwan, with pro-democracy campaigners in Thailand and Myanmar.
Omitted from the BBC’s coverage of the “Milk Tea Alliance”
(intentionally) is the actual common denominators that
unite it – US funding through fronts like the National
Endowment for Democracy and a unifying hatred
of China - based exclusively on talking points
pushed by the US State Department itself.
Circling back to the Pentagon Papers and recalling the
coordinated, regional campaign the US sought to
encircle China with – we can then look at more
recent US government policy papers like the
“Indo-Pacific Framework” published in the
White House archives from the Trump
administration.
The policy paper’s first bullet point asks:
How to maintain US strategic primacy in the Indo-Pacific
region, and promote a liberal economic order, while
preventing China from establishing new, illiberal
spheres of influence, and cultivating areas of
cooperation to promote regional peace
and prosperity?
The paper also discusses information campaigns designed
to “educate” the world about “China’s coercive behaviour
and to influence operations around the globe.” These
campaigns have materialized in a propaganda war
fabricating accusations of “Chinese genocide” in
Xinjiang, China, claims that Chinese telecom
company Huawei is a global security threat,
and that China – not the US – is the single
largest threat to global peace and
stability today.
In reality US policy aimed at encircling China -- is
predicated upon Washington’s desire to continue
its own decades-long impunity upon the global
stage, and the continuation of all the wars,
humanitarian crises, and abuses, that
have stemmed from it.
Understanding the full scope of Washington’s
“competition” with China... helps unlock the
confusion surrounding unfolding individual
crises like the trade war; the ongoing
violence and turmoil in Myanmar;
bombings in southwest Pakistan;
students mobs in Thailand; riots
in Hong Kong; and attempts by
the US to transform the South
China Sea, into an inter- national conflict.
Understanding that these events are all connected - then
assessing the success or failure of US efforts - gives us a clearer picture of the overall success of Washington in encircling China. It also gives governments and
regional blocs a clearer picture of how to manage policy, in protecting against US subversion: that threatens national, regional, and global peace
and stability.
Brian Berletic, is a Bangkok-based geopolitical researcher and writer, especially for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”.
Australians should be ashamed that they have a regime propped up to serve US racist agendas!
How Exceptional America Is
by Eric Zuesse
September 30th, 2020
America is becoming exceptionally exceptional. In some votes
at the UN General Assembly - the Assembly of nations - only
Israel, or one or two other U.S. allies, vote along with it, and
all others either vote against it, or else abstain in order to
prevent U.S. retaliation against their own nation. No other
nation is anything like that. In fact, on many occasions,
the U.S. arm-twists other delegations -- in order to get
them to abstain from voting so as to make less stark,
and less embarrassing, America’s international
isolation. But America is also extraordinarily
exceptional in other ways, which have
nothing to do with the UN.
America is truly an exceptional nation. As the
Republican Party magazine National Review
stated, on September 15th, “Last week,
the US and Israel were the only states to vote against a General Assembly resolution on the coronavirus response. Some have seized upon that vote to paint the
USt as a bad faith actor that stands alone in the world.”
However, this vote wasn’t about only “the global
coronavirus response.” It was — perhaps even
more importantly - about U.S. sanctions against
Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Russia, China, and other
countries that the U.S. regime considers to be
its enemies. (None of these countries ever
invaded or even threatened to invade
the USA; all of those sanctions are
100% U.S. aggression.
They are target-countries that America’s aristocracy
wants to take over. (The world’s U.S.-sanctioned
countries are marked in red -- on the map of the
world below.) Israel strongly supports sanctions
against both Syria and Venezuela, and routinely
invades and bombs Syria just for good measure.
So, it joined America’s position on that.
That UN General Assembly vote was held on September
11th. America’s Associated Press bannered the next day,
“UN assembly approves pandemic resolution; US, Israel
object”, and reported that, “The 193-member world body
adopted the resolution by a vote of 169-2, with Ukraine
and Hungary abstaining. It was a strong show of unity
by the UN’s most representative body, though many
countries had hoped for adoption by consensus.”
The AP further stated:
It calls on governments and international financial institutions
“to provide more liquidity in the financial system, especially
in all developing countries.” It supports recovery plans that
“drive transformative change towards more inclusive and
just societies, including by empowering and engaging all
women and girls.”
And it urges UN member nations “to adopt a climate- and
environment-responsive approach to COVID-19 recovery
efforts”, including by aligning investments and domestic
policies with the UN goals & the 2015 Paris agreement
to combat climate change. …
By a vote of 132-3, the assembly amended the resolution to
urge all countries “to refrain from promulgating and applying
any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in
accordance with international law and the Charter of the
United Nations that impedes the full achievement of
economic and social development, particularly in
developing countries.”
The United States was then overwhelmingly defeated in
attempts to remove 2 paragraphs from the resolution,
one referring to women’s rights to “sexual and
reproductive health” --- and the other --- to
“promoting global sustainable transport.”
In addition to arguing against the language on sanctions,
the United States opposed all references to the World
Health Organization, which the US administration had
stopped funding, accusing the UN agency of failing
to do enough to stop the virus from spreading
when it first surfaced in China.
Nowhere in the AP’s article was any mention made that
in the “vote of 169-2,” the two nations which had voted
against the Resolution were the US and Israel, but only
that there had been “objections from the United States
and Israel,” regarding attachment, to the Resolution, of
the Amendment that added the anti-sanctions provision
to it. This omission was not an error. It is a type of
omission that is common in propaganda. America
was more isolated than that ‘news’-report
made clear.
This vote was about only a “Resolution,” a statement of
the various nations’ values, to work toward, not about
any nation’s policy, but the U.S. and Israel don’t share
those goals — not even rhetorically. This opposition
to that Resolution’s goals, was truly exceptional.
In particular, nothing is more abhorrent to the US regime
--- than to stop or impede its sanctions. These sanctions
include, for example, punishments against any company
or government that will, in any way, assist in Russia’s 96%
completed NordStream 2 natural gas pipeline to Germany,
for the EU to buy Russia’s pipelined natural gas instead of
America’s fracked, canned, shipped, natural gas. The U.S.
regime insists that EU nations buy the far costlier trans-
Atlantic-shipped fracked US liquefied natural gas (LNG).
That insistence upon the EU’s wasting money, in order to
prop-up America’s fracking industry, is, indeed, exceptional,
because European nations haven’t customarily been treated
as being mere colonies of other powers. America is treating
purchasers from, or cooperators with, that competitor (Russia),
as being its enemies. The way the U.S. Representative stated
this (after a lengthy diatribe which blamed China for Covid-19
and said that the U.S. had quit the World Health Organization
because WHO lacked “independence from the Chinese
Communist Party”) was: “Economic sanctions are a
legitimate means to achieve foreign policy, security,
and other national and international objectives, and
the United States is not alone in that view or in that
practice.” (That exact same sentence had, earlier,
been stated by the US regarding a different matter,
on 18 November 2019.) Actually, the U.S. regime is
very “alone” on it. Furthermore, the other part was
also a lie: the U.S. regime asserts that coercing
corporations and countries to not buy from the
lowest-cost supplier, is within its sovereign
right to do.
However, as Professor Alfred de Zayas, who until recently was
the UN’s top expert on this topic, explained in depth on 27th
June 2019, that assertion is blatantly false, on many clear
grounds concerning international law. It is a blatant lie, no
matter how many times the U.S. regime asserts it (and
asserts that the US regime isn’t “alone” in asserting it).
Even back when Barack Obama (the man who repeatedly
claimed that “The United States is and remains, the one
indispensable nation”) was America’s President, the US
was exceptional at the United Nations. For example, on
24th November 2014, I headlined “U.S. Among Only 3
Countries Officially Backing Nazism & Holocaust-
Denial”, and reported that - “In a UN vote, on
November 21st, only 3 countries - the US, Ukraine, and Canada — voted against a resolution to condemn racist fascism,
or nazism, and to condemn denial of Germany’s World War II Holocaust against, primarily, Jews.''
This measure passed the General Assembly, on a vote of 115
in favour, 3 against, & 55 abstentions (the abstentions were
in order not to offend U.S. President Obama, who was
opposed to the resolution).” Then, on 21 June 2015,
I headlined “America’s UN Ambassador Continues
Standing Up for Nazis” and noted that, again,
Obama’s UN Ambassador, Samantha Power,
had stood up for nazism; she had just
delivered an address -- in Ukraine --
rallying that country’s supporters
of nazism to war against Russia.
Then, on 21 November 2017, I headlined “Trump
Continues Obama’s Support of Nazism”, and
reported that:
On November 16th, US President Donald Trump, acting
through an agent of his agent, UN Ambassador Nikki
Haley, voted at the UN against a resolution that
condemns bigotry, and especially condemns
nazism & all forms of racism. He thus, yet
again, continues in the tradition from his
predecessors, Presidents Obama, and
Bush, each year, placing this nation in
the company of only one or two U.S.
allies throughout the world who join
with the US in refusing to commit to
opposing and doing everything to
reduce, not just political Nazism
(which, of course, is past), but
ideological nazism, racist
fascism - institutionalized
bigotry (which, sadly, is
not past).
But, be that as it may, the U.S. is also exceptional in
many other ways. I listed some of those on July 13th.
There are two main reasons why the U.S. regime is able
to coerce other nations to not violate its will. One is that
although publicly available reports allege it spends
approximately 37% of the entire world’s military
expenditures, the U.S. regime actually - spends
around 50% of the entire world’s military costs,
and therefore, it possesses an extraordinary
physical capacity to impose its will, if and
when merely economically blockading an
‘enemy’ country (via sanctions) fails to do the job of getting it to comply.
And the other main reason is that, since the US government
is at least as corrupt as the average “third-world” country is,
but is instead one of the world’s richest countries, arranging
pay-offs to other world leaders, in order to obtain their
cooperation, is easily affordable... (These payoffs are
being paid by all US.taxpayers, not by only America’s
billionaires, who reap all of the profits from the
empire that is imposed.)
American exceptionalism is real. It’s not the type of
exceptionalism that the regime’s propaganda claims
to be the case, but, nonetheless, it is real.
(Strategic Culture Foundation)
Please watch the video above... We have never existed in such peril, and yet almost no-one is able to act.
Nuclear words: Putin's FINAL warning:
(People DO need reminding -- unless US, UK and French policy changes, and stops being so 'exceptional' -- that is, outside the UN legal Charter and thus, criminal --- there will be a reaping.)
BREAKING: Russia's State TV Advising Russian Citizens on how to survive a World War ! WAKE UP NOW - AND STOP THE WAR ON CHINA/RUSSIA !
The Doomsday clock of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists website now has the final singular moment that will bring civilization to final nuclear annihilation, at 90 seconds to midnight.
This is the closest it has ever been. Scott Ritter says it should be 2 seconds
World Will Not Survive the US' Neocons' Doctrine of US World Hegemony - Paul Graig Roberts Wednesday, February 7th, 2018
"The government of the United States is clearly in demonic hands. We are overflowing with proof", writes American well known analytist and ex- official Paul Graig Roberts in his website.
Take today (2-2-18) for example. A report from the House Intelligence Committee was released that is proof that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice --- and the Democrat National Committee, are now in a conspiracy against American democracy and the President of the United States, with the full support of the presstitute media.
As if that is not enough, also released today, is the Pentagon’s new Nuclear Posture Review. A nuclear posture review specifies a country’s attitude to nuclear weapons and their use. In past posture reviews, nuclear weapons were regarded as unusable except in retaliation for a nuclear attack. The assumption was that no one would use them. There was always the chance that false warnings of incoming ICBMs would result in a nuclear button being pushed - setting off Armageddon.
There were many false warnings during the Cold War
President Ronald Reagan, was very concerned about a false warning, ending in mass death & destruction.
This is why his principal goal was to end the Cold War, which he succeeded in doing. It did not take successor governments long, to resurrect the Cold War.
The new US nuclear posture is a reckless, irresponsible, and destabilizing departure from the previous attitude toward nuclear weapons. The use of even a small part of the existing arsenal of the United States would be sufficient to destroy life on earth. Yet, the posture review calls for more weapons, speaks of nuclear weapons as “usable,” and justifies their use in First Strikes, even against countries that do not have nuclear weapons.
This is an insane escalation. It tells every country that the US government, believes in the first use of nuclear weapons against any & every country. Nuclear powers such as Russia & China must see this to be a massive increase in the threat level from the US.
Those responsible for this document should be committed to insane aslyums, not left in policy positions where they can put it into action.
The neoconservatives are a small group of conspirators. Most neoconservatives are Jews allied with Israel. Some are dual-citizens. They created an ideology of US world hegemony, specifying that the chief goal of US foreign policy, is to prevent the rise of any other power that could serve as a constraint on US unilateralism.
As neoconservatives control US foreign policy, this explains US hostility toward Russia and China and also the neo-conservatives’ use of the US military to remove governments in the Middle East, seen by Israel as obstacles to Israeli expansion. For two decades --- the US has been fighting wars for Israel in the Middle East. This fact proves the power and influence of the insane neo- conservatives. It is certain, that people as insane as the neoconservatives, would launch a nuclear attack on Russiaand China.
The Russian and Chinese governments seem to be completely unaware of the threat that the neo- conservatives pose to them. I have never experienced in interviews with Russians and Chinese, any awareness of the neo- conservative ideology. Possibly, it is too insane for them to grasp.
Ideologues such as the neoconservatives are not fact-based
They are chasing their dream of world hegemony. Russia & China are in the way of this hegemony. Having learned the limits of conventional military power—after 20 years the US “superpower” has been unable to defeat a few thousand lightly armed Taliban in Afghanistan—the neo-conservatives know: conventional invasions of Russia or China, would lead to the total defeat of US forces.
Therefore, the neoconservatives have elevated nuclear weapons to a First Strike, usable, arsenal that in the neoconservative dream of world hegemony can be used to destroy Russia and China.
Ideologues who divorce themselves from the facts create a virtual world for themselves. Their belief in their ideology blinds them to the risks for them- selves and others that they impose on the world.
Thanks to the American liberal/progressive/left, the entirety of the world is faced with a far more likely nuclear demise than ever threatened us during the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
By its collaboration with the military/security complex & the corrupt Hillary DNC, the liberal/progressive/left has forever discredited itself. It is now seen by every thinking person worldwide as an insane propaganda ministry --- for the neoconservatives’ plan to use nuclear weapons to eliminate constraints on US unilateralism.
The liberal/progressive/left has endorsed “hegemony or death.”
They will get death. For all of us.
(Source - DONi News Agency)
According to: PaulGraigRoberts.org
Legendary memorial at Saur-Tomb ''restored by May 2017''
DPR authorities have finished restoring the Saur-Tomb by May 2017. It was announced by the Building Minister, Sergey Naymets.
‘Saur Tomb has been being restored since November, and we planned to finish this by May 2017’, the Minister said.
He said "many people contributed to this project of restoration of the memorial damaged by shelling," Naumets noted.
____________________________
Cool Russia!
[Eng Subs] Children of Donbass, "Toys for Poroshenko" Music Video by Artem Grishanov
POWERFUL - PUT THIS ON HEADPHONES. I guarantee you will cry - and if you don't - please seek psychiatric help.
Full Text: Official Declaration of the Malorossiyan Federation
Zakharchenko announces a new federal state, Malorossiya, (means ''Little Russia'') as the legal successor of Ukraine. DONi News Agency
On 18.7.2017 the Head of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko, declared the creation of a new federal state, Malorossiya, which will become the legal successor of 'Ukraine'. The new state formation, will consist of 19 regions of the former Ukraine with the capital in Donetsk city. Kiev remains a historical and cultural centre, without the status of capital city.
Here is the full English translation of the declaration:
Political Declaration
The project of the state of "Ukraine", formulated 150 years ago and implemented in different versions during the 20th century, has reached its logical conclusion --- and led to the country's disintegration, civil war and the death of tens of thousands of people, including children, women, and elderly people.
And this process is irreversible. An attempt to turn the story back will result in "balkanization" of the conflict, expansion of chaos, escalation of civil war and even bigger numbers of casualties.
To stop the civil war and avoid new victims, we representatives of the majority of the regions of former "Ukraine" assembled in Donetsk on July 18, 2017, discussed the current situation and came to the following conclusions:
- the state of "Ukraine" has revealed itself as a failed state and demonstrated its being incapable of granting its inhabitants a peaceful and prosperous present and future;
- the current authorities – elected in Kiev, after the coup d'etat, against the backdrop of political terror and the absence of elections in the Crimea and Donbass, are illegitimate;
- the state of "Ukraine" is on the brink of economic catastrophe and depopulation;
- an ultranationalist coup is brewing in Kiev, as a result of which outright neo-Nazis will come to power insteadof "Banderites with a European face";
- the Ukrainian nationalistic project (the Galician one) has discredited itself, by the shedding of civilians' blood in the country;
- the ideology of "Ukrainism" has proved to be misanthropic, mixed with xenophobia (Russophobia, anti-Semitism, Polonophobia) and neo-Nazism (the ideology of national exclusivity and superiority);
- resulting from historical development and due to the Maidan, the word "Ukraine" is forever associated with the names of the Nazi accomplices, Bandera and Shukhevich, with the tragedies of the Baby Yar, the Volyn massacre & Khatyn, and, nowadays, with the mass murder of people on the Maidan, in the Trade Unions' House in Odessa, and Genocide of the Donbass people.
On the basis of the above, we believe that the state of "Ukraine", in the form it was established, after the collapse of the USSR, is UNSERVICEABLE.
We, representatives of the regions of the former "Ukraine", propose to re-establish the state and to proclaim the state of MALOROSSIYA, under an historical background, out of the former "Ukraine". In this case, it is of fundamental importance to rename the country, since "Ukraine" as a state, is guilty of war crimes, mass terror and the genocide of its own people.
In turn, the new name of the country, based on historical traditions, will enable us to reunify those pieces of the former "Ukraine" that seemed to have parted ways forever, including because of participation in the civil war, on different sides of the front line.
We must turn the page of our people's history, which is flooded with the blood of our brothers and sisters.
Malorossiya is an INDEPENDENT, SOVEREIGN state, with a new name, a new flag, a new constitution, a new state structure, new principles of social and economic development, and new historical prospectives.
But this is NOT A REVOLUTION ! This is a return to history. This is a novelty that restores, not destroys.
In view of the economic plight of the country, the chaos & disintegration potential, and regarding the possibility of launching a "war of all against all", we consider it necessary to declare a state of emergency for the transition period – up to 3 years. During this time, the process of adoption of the new Constitution and the establishment of the rule of law, should be completed.
Under a state of emergency, a ban on the activities of political parties and foreign funds is to be introduced, & penalties for criminal offenses, especially against the person, are to be increased. The fight against corruption will be toughened, as well as the penalties for it.The shadow arms market is to be eliminated, including by registering weapons in accordance with the new law.
In the same period an investigation is to be carried out, with the involvement of foreign specialists –- from Russia, Belarus & the European Union –- into the crimes committed by the Maidan Kiev regime: the murders on the Maidan, the murder of Odessa citizens in the Trade Unions' House on May 2nd, 2014, and the war crimes in Donbass, in the so-called ATO.
In the same period, the People's Tribunal is to be prepared to charge the state criminals who have led the country into disintegration and civil war: V.F. Yanukovich (with a request to Russia for his extradition), P.A. Poroshenko and his clique: Turchinov, Yatsenyuk, Kolomoisky, Paruby, Nalivaichenko and others.
We are sure that, having recovered from the criminal neo-Nazi ideology of "Ukrainism", we will be able to build a new society on the basis of friendship and mutual assistance -- but not hatred and envy. The creative genius of our people will manage to bring Malorossiya to the forefront of global civilization and play a role in history. The role of Good, and Truth.
Official translation by the DONi Donbass News Agency, 07/18/2017
(Source - Russia Insider)
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Nato – A Dangerous Alliance May 24th
As Nato ends its summit in Brussels, Rae Street explains why the military alliance remains a threat to world peace
When the Warsaw Pact ended, after the collapse of communism, some optimists might have expected Nato to be broken up too. After all, the Labour Party in Britain had been opposed to Nato in the mid-1980s. But that was not to be. The US, which had always dominated Nato, quickly began to reinvent Nato and furthermore, to expand it.
Following the end of the Warsaw Pact many central and east European governments wanted to join Nato. This, of course, was music to the ears of the US military manufacturers. Indeed, the chair of the expand Nato committee, Bruce Jackson, was technical director of Lockheed Martin, the largest military manufacturer in the world. So, for the new Nato members because of the policy on “interoperability,” that is Nato personnel being able to use the same military equipment, it was out with the old Soviet military hard- ware and in with sales of, for example, Lockheed’s military aircraft ,costing millions of dollars.
This continues to this day in countries which can ill afford it, with struggling economies. The latter includes Greece. Think of the situation in Greece today.
Expanding Nato up to the borders with Russia, was a provocative policy. The dangers were pointed out but the military industrial complex and the “hawks” in the West, took no notice.
To this day, this helps President Vladimir Putin: more and more of the Russian people believe that “the West” is against them.
Decades later, we read: “British troops have arrived in Estonia, as part of a major Nato mission in the Baltic states, to deter Russian aggression.”
From the start, Nato has always held a nuclear armed policy. It continues to claim that nuclear weapons “preserve peace.” Manifestly, nuclear weapons do not deter conflict.
Governments, including Britain’s, now analyse the main threats to security as cyber warfare and terrorism. Remember September 11th 2001, when New York was attacked by terrorists in planes, brandishing knives?
The US then had and still has, 13 nuclear armed Trident submarines, of which several will be roaming the seas fully operational. Britain has four, with one constantly on alert at sea.
Were these any use in the madman’s attack on Westminster, or in any terrorist attacks?
Trident is “integrated” into Nato. Even worse, Nato still has a policy of “first use of nuclear weapons.”
When the then minister of defence, Geoff Hoon, was asked in Parliament why Britain has a policy of “first use,” he replied: “Because of our obligations to Nato.”
Under the direction of the US administration, with its policy of global domination, Nato has established a string of nuclear-armed bases across Europe, in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, at Incirlik.
The latter is now causing deep problems as relations between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the US, become more and more fractious.
There is now a real problem for Nato, as Erdogan is a repressive dictator — how can Turkey remain in Nato?
Nato states are supposed to uphold principles of human rights and democracy, notably lacking in Turkey today.
The nuclear-armed bases come under Nato’s “nuclear sharing policy” — in effect a violation of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Nato continues to expand. The policy of not acting “out of area” was dropped long ago. “North Atlantic” simply means, a domination of policies by the US.
Nato claims in its “strategic concept” that “the promotion of Euro-Atlantic security is best assured through a wide network of partner relationships with countries and organisations around the globe.”
In 1994 Nato established the Partnerships for Peace across Europe, extending as far as Uzbekistan.
Nato surrounds Russia from the west and east. These Partnerships for Peace (note the language again) now include 22 states, including “neutral” Ireland.
Then there is the ''Mediterranean Dialogue,'' with ''arrangements'' with countries in the Middle East. Few people realise that Nato carries out military exercises with Israel.
Nato has also established bilateral relations — named individual partnerships — with Afghanistan, Australia, Iraq, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand and Pakistan.
In this part of the globe, where Nato carried out a military exercise in 2014 with Japan, named Ocean Shield, they are surrounding and menacing China, as the enemy.
Then there was the statement by Nato that “co-operation between Nato and the United Nations continues to make a substantial contribution to security in operations round the world.
“The alliance aims to deepen political dialogue and practical co-operation with the UN, as set out in the Nato/UN declaration, signed in 2008.”
This seems like Nato bidding to be the UN's military arm.
This hardly accords with the UN Charter. It was the Organisation for Security & Co-operation in Europe, set up under Chapter 8, of the UN Charter, to prevent and resolve conflict by non-military means and to promote co-operation in humanitarian and other fields.
The 54 member states stretch from Iceland to Kyrgyzstan and include Russia. Alas, how many times do you read of their work in the press, compared with the times you hear about Nato?
Nato is sold to us as a peace-making body. After all, the US is home to the finest PR companies in the world.
To summarise, Nato is pursuing yet more militarism and war:
- All Nato states are required to increase their military budgets to 2 per cent of GDP. That means stealing more money from social needs. Readers of the Morning Star know those all too well: the NHS, education, adult social services; the list is endless.
- Nato member states will have to spend 20 per cent of defence budgets on military equipment: warships, war planes, drones, bombs. By fuelling the arms race, Nato makes a mockery of moves for conflict resolution.
- Nato and its member states multiply interventions outside their territory and increase their presence through world- wide partnerships and “coalitions of the willing.”
- Nato extends its nuclear policies as a supreme “guarantee for the allies’ security,” notwithstanding that the majority of countries in the world are negotiating a treaty to ban nuclear weapons. In the meantime, nuclear weapons in Europe — under the guise of Nato — and elsewhere, are being modernised at a cost of many tens of billions of dollars and pounds. Think of Trident at a cost of £205 billion.
The Nato summit will be held and activists will beholding a “counter-summit” with protesters organising workshops and a demonstration.
CND activists will be there from the UK, but -- we also need people to raise the issues with their MPs, write letters to the press and raise awareness on social media.
Let’s put pressure on the government to invest in social welfare, not Nato, not war.
(Source - Morning Star)
In 2017 in the Donbass - give the children Peace!
Ethnic Ruthenes of sub-Carpathian Ukraine demand autonomy
Activists of a Slavic ethnic group known as Ruthenes -- or Rusyns -- who reside in the Trans-Carpathian (sub-Carpathian) region of Ukraine, have turned to President Pyotr Poroshenko with a demand:
recognize the results of 1991's regional referendum --- when 78% of the region's residents, voted in favor of granting it the status of a self-governing region.
"We have two main demands - to recognize the Rhuthenes as an ethnos and to acknowledge the regional referendum of 1991, where 78% sub-Carpathians voted for the region being a self-governed territory within Ukraine," Vesti quoted Ivan Palinkash, the leader of the Ruthene movement & a member of the People’s Council's presidium of Sub-Carpathian Ruthenes.
Natalya Magalina, a deputy of Uzhgorod district council, told the meeting of leaders of Ruthene ethnic organizations it is important to maintain the Ruthene language by establishing minimal norms for broadcasting in the native tongue, over the state regional TV Channel Tisa-1.
This isn't the first time that the Ruthenes of the sub- Carpathian area have asked the Kiev government to recognize the outcome of the referendum held 25 years ago. The Coordination Council of Ruthene Organizations of the Trans-Carpathian Region turned to the central authorities with the same requirement, the previous time, in the summer of 2015.
It was also in the summer of 2015 that the activists of Ruthene organizations adopted an appeal to the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe & the UN, as well as to the parliaments of Hungary, the Czech Republic, & Slovakia, to wield pressure on President Poroshenko and force the Ukrainian government towards accepting the result of their referendum.
The Ruthenes are an indigenous sub-Carpathian people. Ukrainian authorities do not consider them to be a separate ethnos, and continue calling them Ukrainians, although the UN has issued recommendations more than once, to recognize their status as a separate ethnos.
More than that, Kiev accuses the leaders of Ruthene organizations of making appeals for encroachments on the territorial integrity of the country.
(source - TASS)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zionist lobby preventing West from criticizing Israel: Analyst Fri Dec 16, 2016
The European Union has censured the Israeli regime for destroying Palestinian shelters and structures in the occupied territories. According to a statement by the European bloc, the Tel Aviv regime has demolished 866 structures so far in 2016 in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli military control.
Anthony Hall, editor-in-chief of the American Herald Tribune from Alberta, says that the European states have been under the influence of the Zionist lobby to go along with Israeli interests - and thus refuse to slam crimes against the Palestinian people.
“Every government within the EU has a very strong Israeli lobby, and this is one of the dilemmas that the Western people are facing,”Hall explained.
“Not only the governing parties but the opposition parties as well, are constraining discussion and discourse within a very narrow range, that puts Israeli priorities at the top of the list in all our Western countries,”he added.
The professor also called on Western citizens to“intervene directly and make contact with the Palestinian people, directly.”
“We, as the citizens in the EU, citizens in Canada, & citizens in the US, have to find ways to bypass the constraints of our governments & the biases and power of this lobby over our governments,” he noted.
Hall criticized the EU for its forensic accounting of homes demolished in Palestine.
“This type of numerical accounting fails to really describe the nature of this destruction of homes in its broader context ------ where thousands of Palestinian people are in dungeons and being tortured in Israeli incarceration facilities,” he said.
“The reality: that the world is letting this happen is very discouraging,” he added.
Hall warned that the prospect of a Palestinian state is no longer viable, given the emphasis on building up settlements, and destroying the structures of the indigenous people of Palestine.
"This goes beyond apartheid,” he said.
The Israeli policy of demolishing houses in the West Bank to build illegal settler units has affected 5,704 Palestinians, of whom, 1,221 have been rendered homeless, including 586 children.
(source - PressTv)
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UN Adopts"Paper Tiger" Resolution, on Israel's Withdrawal from the Syrian Golan
Fahwad Al-Khadoumi -The UN General Assembly adopted yet another resolution demanding that Israel withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, in line with a resolution of June 4, 1967.
However, UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding and no more than a paper tiger, with- out a unanimous decision by the permanent UN Security Council members, to enforce them; A highly unlikely prospect.
In its latest resolution, the UN General Assembly again condemned Israel's non-compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981).
The General Assembly reiterated that Israel's decision from December 14th, 1981, to impose Israeli laws, administration & custody on the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, is null and void -- and has no legality at all.
The latest UNGA resolution was adopted by an overwhelming majority of UN member States.
The resolution --- reaffirmed the illegality of acquiring territories ----- through the use of military force. The General Assembly also repeated that Israel's continued occupation & enforcement of Israeli law & administration violates international law, the UN Charter, & the Geneva Convention's principles on the protection of civilians during war.
During the UNGA session, a number of states condemned the Israeli practices in occupied Syrian Golan, calling on Israel to withdraw from Golan, in line with June 4th, 1967.
37 states proposed the now adopted draft resolution. However, UNGA resolutions are non-binding and no more than a paper tiger, unless permanent Security Council members are willing to put their money where their mouth was, when they adopted UNSC Resolution 497 (1981) - decades ago.
Moreover, none of the permanent UNSC members - China, France, Russia, the UK and the US - took any tangible steps when the now former Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, defiantly declared that "Israel and the Golan are part and parcel" and that "the international community should get used to facing the fact that Israel will permanently annex the Syrian territory".
Most favourite scapegoat
The favorite scapegoat among permanent UNSC members, with regard to supporting Israel and neglecting Israel's illegal occupation of Golan is the US. However, Russia is in no way more actively pursuing Israel's adherence with UNSC Resolution 497 (1981) -- than any other -- of the self-anointed permanent UNSC members. In April 2016, Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin, were ominously silent about the Golan when Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, visited Moscow.
Russia failed to respond to what Netanyahu had declared "a red line" - occupation of the Golan.
A brief review of recent history pertaining to the Israeli occupation, international affairs & Israel's use of the Golan to wage war on Syria, suffices to show that the UN System has failed, utterly, and that it is perverted to the point that many analysts call for abolishing the UN altogether.
In June 2013 an Austrian UN Disengagement & Observer Force (UNDOF) officer told the press that Israel is -- running a joint operations room with the insurgents in Syria in the Golan.The UNSC failed to respond and more importantly, failed to take action. In July 2013, the Syrian permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Dr. Fayssal al-Hamwi, noted how Israel, since it occupied the Syrian Golan Heights in 1967, has displaced about half a million of the Golan´s original inhabitants.
Also in Feb. 2014, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu preempted a public relations quagmire by visiting a field hospital for "Syrian Freedom Fighters" in the Golan to show how much Israel cares and does, on the humanitarian front. It turned out that the "Freedom Fighters" belonged to the Syrian Al-Qaeda franchise, Jabhat al-Nusra.
In March 2014, Israel launched one of many military attacks against Syrian military and security forces, from the Golan, while the UNSC and most media were "silent".
In April 2014 The Director of Israel's Military Intelligence, Brigadier General Aviv Kochavi, a protegé of the now deceased Ariel Sharon, was appointed to head the Israeli Defense Forces Northern Command.
NSNBC international editor-in-chief, Christof Lehmann, reported that the appointment of Kochavi, indicated that Israel was planning large-scale military operations in the Golan in the near future and the widening of the Syria war. Lehmann was right on the money.
In May 2014 Israel denied Syrians in Golan the right to participate in Syrian elections. The UN was "silent". In mid-April 2016, ahead of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would hold on to the Golan.
A UNDOF withdrawal has left a 12-16 km wide corridor uncontrolled by the UNDOF... In 2013, it transpired that Israel was giving support to Jabhat al-Nusrah, such as a joint intelligence and military operations room in the Israeli occupied Golan, plus logistical support, weapons, field hospitals, and direct combat support.
In September 2014, Israeli machinations, resulted in the displacement of UNDOF troops from a 12-16 kilometer-wide corridor in the disengagement zone in the Golan by Jabhat Al-Nusra.. The corridor has since been used to supply Al-Nusra and the other terrorists and to launch attacks against Syria.
All permanent UNSC members with the exception of Russia were "silent". Russian diplomats tentatively spoke out against terminating the peace keeping mission in the Golan. The UNSC failed to act.
In 2015 it came out that Israel planned a major hydrocarbon extraction project in the Golan. Partners in crime include Genier Energy.
On the board of directors? Dick Cheney, James Woolsey, Bill Richardson, Jacob Lord Rothschild, Rupert Murdoch, Larry Summers and Michael Steinhardt, among others. Other players involved include the Israeli subsidiary, Afek Oil and Gas, American Shale, French Total and BP. Thus, there exists a broad and powerful nexus of US, British, French and Israeli interests: at the forefront of pushing for the break-up of Syria and control of what's believed to be potentially vast untapped oil and gas resources in the country.
On April 20th, 2016, NSNBC international editor- in-chief Christof Lehmann -- said Netanyahu's "Red Line" would be a litmus test for Russia, as a permanent UNSC member. On April 21st, after talks between Netanyahu and Putin in Moscow, it could be concluded that Russia failed -- spectacularly.
In September 2016, Israel started a wave of home demolitions in the Golan. The UNSC was "silent".
In October 2016, Israel announced plans to build 1,600 settlement units in the Golan, & none of the permanent UNSC members took any action.
So much for the latest UN General Assembly paper tiger.
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The UK Labour MPs who didn’t back the Yemen vote have blood on their hands by David Wearing
Presenting the motion in the Commons, Thornberry was subjected to a series of ill-judged interruptions by Labour MPs, such as Kevan Jones, Toby Perkins and John Woodcock. Indeed, Thornberry received more vocal support in the chamber from the SNP group than from her own supposed comrades.
According to subsequent reports, some Labour members even tried to work with their Tory counterparts, in order to defeat their own party’s motion.
Woodcock, a former 'Progress' Chair, claimed that British support is “precisely focused on training the Saudis” to improve their targeting - so as to “create fewer civilian casualties” - parroting the official government line. The idea that the Saudis’ “widespread & systematic” attacks on civilian targets are just a series of well- meaning errors, is one that, to put it as gently as possible, lacks credibility.
And if decades of training provided by the British to the Saudi pilots hasn’t prevented these supposed errors by now --- it seems rather unlikely that it will in the near future.
In any case, this misrepresents the true nature of the UK's role. When the intervention began, the foreign secretary Philip Hammond, vowed to “support the Saudis in every practical way short of engaging in combat”, including “spare parts, maintenance, technical advice, resupply” and “logistical support”. The reality is that the Saudi Air Force, roughly half UK-supplied and half US-supplied jets, could barely function, without this ongoing assistance from Washington and London.
If there is Yemeni blood on the hands of the Saudi-led coalition - then that blood is also on the hands of the coalition’s western backers, enablers and apologists.
The Saudis and their allies can only wage this war because the Anglo-American suppliers of their air forces are providing active, material support. And British and American politicians can only collude in these outrages, because the political cost on them, so far, has been low. However, it is in the gift of their constituents – you, the reader – to change that equation.
(source - The Guardian)
This could be defeated --- with a UNITED LABOUR PARTY !!!
But unfortunately, there are "entryist" MPs who, for decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda... and their anti-peace MPs are hobbling Labour.
129 Labour MPs voted to stop support for Saudi Arabia’s campaign in Yemen. The vote was defeated by a majority of 90.
The motion called for ---- support to be withdrawn from the Saudi government until a United Nations investigation could determine whether the Saudi bombing had breached international law.
The motion didn't explicitly include a suspension of UK arms sales.
100+ Labour MPs didn't vote on the motion. If all of them had voted to support it, the government would have been defeated.
The following, are the Labour MPs who abstained, or weren't present to vote.
Adrian Bailey Andy Burnham Angela Eagle Angela Smith Ann Clwyd Ann Coffey Anna Turley Barry Sheerman Ben Bradshaw Bridgit Phillipson Caroline Flint Catherine McKinnell Chris Bryant Chris Elmore (Teller) Chris Evans Chris Leslie Clive Lewis (ill) Connor McGinn Dan Jarvis David Crausby David Lammy Diana Johnson Fiona MacTaggart Frank Field Gareth Thomas Gavin Shuker Geoffrey Robinson George Howarth Gerald Kaufman Gill Furniss Gisela Stuart Gloria De Piero Graeme Jones Graham Allen Graham Stringer Heidi Alexander Helen Jones Ian Austin Ian Murray Ivan Lewis Jamie Reed Jim Fitzpatrick Joan Ryan John Mann John Spellar John Woodcock Judith Cummins (Teller) Julie Elliott Kate Hoey Keith Vaz Kevan Jones Kevin Barron Liz Kendall Luciana Berger Lucy Powell Madeleine Moon Margaret Beckett Margaret Hodge Maria Eagle Mark Hendrick Mary Creagh Meg Hillier (Paired) Melanie Onn Michael Dugher Mike Gapes Natascha Engel Neil Coyle Nia Griffith Pat McFadden Paul Flynn Peter Kyle Phil Wilson Rachel Reeves Rob Flello Rob Marris Roberta Blackman-Woods Rosie Cooper Rushanara Ali Ruth Smeeth Shabana Mahmood Siobhain McDonagh Stephen Kinnock Susan Jones Toby Perkins Tom Blenkinsopp Tom Watson Tracy Brabin Tristram Hunt Vernon Coaker Wayne David Wes Streeting Yasmin Qureshi Yvonne Fovargue
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‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guideto Reselection and Democratic Accountability by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:
Nicolas J S Davies is the author of Blood On Our Hands: the American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq. He also wrote the chapters on “Obama at War” in Grading the 44th President: a Report Card on Barack Obama’s First Term as a Progressive (Lol) Leader.
In the past weeks, Burundi and S. Africa have joined Namibia in declaring their intention to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). They are likely to be followed by a parade of other African countries, jeopardizing the future of an international court, which has prosecuted 39 officials from 8 African countries, but has failed to indict a single person who is not African.
Ironically, African countries were among the first to embrace the ICC, so it is a striking turnaround that they are now the first to give up on it.
But it is the United States that has played the leading role in preventing the ICC from fulfilling the universal mandate for which it was formed, to hold officials of all countries accountable for the worst crimes in the world: genocide; crimes against humanity; and war crimes - not least, international aggression, which the judges at Nuremberg defined as “the supreme international crime”, from which, all other war crimes follow.
As the ICC’s founding father, former Nuremberg prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz, lamented in 2011: “You don’t have to be a criminologist to realize that if you want to deter a crime, you must persuade potential criminals that, if they commit crimes, they will be hauled into court and be held accountable. It is the policy of the US to do just the opposite as far as the crime of aggression is concerned.
"Our government has gone to great pains --- to be sure that no US citizen will be tried by any international criminal court, for the supreme crime of illegal war-making.”
The US has not only refused to accept the jurisdiction of the ICC over its own citizens. It's gone further, pressuring other countries to sign Bilateral Immunity Agreements (BIA), in which they renounce the right to refer US citizens to the ICC for war crimes committed on their territory.
The US has also threatened to cut off US aid to countries that refuse to sign them. The BIAs violate those countries’ own commitments under the ICC statute, and US pressure to sign them, has been rightly condemned: as an outrageous effort to ensure impunity for US war crimes.
Resistance to US Impunity
To the credit of our international neighbours, this US strategy has met with substantial resistance. The European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution, stating that BIAs are incompatible with EU membership, and urging EU- member states and countries seeking EU membership not to sign them.
Fifty-four countries have publicly refused to sign BIAs, and 24 have accepted cut-offs of US aid as a consequence of their refusal. Of 102 countries that have signed a BIA, only 48 are members of the ICC in any case ----- and only 15 of those countries are on record as having ratified the BIAs in their own parliaments.
Thirty-two other ICC members have apparently allowed BIAs to take effect without parliament- ary ratification, but this has been challenged by their own country’s legal experts in many cases.
The US campaign to undermine the ICC is part of a much broader effort by the US government to evade all forms of accountability under the laws that are supposed to govern international behaviour in the modern world --- even as it continues to masquerade as a global champion of the rule of law.
The treaties US policy systematically violates today, were crafted by US statespersons and diplomats, working with foreign colleagues, to build a world where all people will enjoy some basic protections... from the worst atrocities, instead of being subject only to the law of the jungle or “might makes right.”
So current US policy is a cynical betrayal of the work and wisdom of past generations of US citizens, as well as of countless victims over the world to whom we are effectively denying the protections of the UN Charter & Geneva Conventions, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and many other multilateral treaties our country ignores, violates or refuses to ratify.
Avoiding jurisdiction in international courts is only one of the ways that the US evades international accountability for its criminal behaviour. Another involves an elaborate, well-disguised, public relations campaign that exploits the powerful position of US corporations in the world of commercial media.
Major Propaganda Funding
The US government spends a billion dollars per year on public relations or, more bluntly, propaganda, including $600 million from the Pentagon budget. The work of its PR teams and contractors is laundered by US news- papers --- and repeated and analyzed ad nauseam, by monolithic, flag-waving TV networks.
These profitable corporate operations monopolize the public airwaves in the US, and also use their financial clout, slick marketing, and the support of the US State Department to maintain a power- ful presence in foreign and international media markets.
Foreign media in allied countries provide further legitimacy and credibility to US talking-points and narratives as they echo around the world. Meanwhile, Hollywood fills cinema and TV screens across the world with an idealized, glamorized, inspirational version of the US that still mesmerizes many people.
This whole elaborate “information warfare” machine presents the US as a global leader for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, even as it systematically and catastroph- ically undermines those same principles. It enables our leaders to loudly, persuasively, demonize other countries and their leaders as dangerous violators of international law, even as the US and its allies commit far worse crimes.
Double Standards
The phrase “aggressive war” is also a no-no in the Western media - when the US government launches wars, across international borders. In the past 20 years, the US has violated the UN Charter to attack at least eight countries (Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya & Syria), and the resulting wars, have killed about two million people.
A complex whirlwind of conflict and chaos rages on in all the countries where the US and its allies have lit the flames of war since 2001, but our US leaders still debate new interventions ---- and/or escalations as if we are the fire brigade not the arsonists. (By contrast, the US government and the Western media are quick to accuse Russia or other countries of “aggression” --- even in legally murky situations, such as after the US-backed coup in 2014, that ousted the elected president of Ukraine.)
Systematic violations of the Geneva Conventions are an integral part of US war-making. Most are shrouded in secrecy: the propaganda machine spins the atrocities that slip through into the public record, as a disconnected series of aberrations, accidents and “bad apples,” instead of as the result of illegal rules of engagement and unlawful orders from higher-ups.
The senior officers and civilian officials who are criminally responsible for these crimes in US & international law -- systematically abuse their powerful positions to subvert investigations, cover up their crimes, & avoid any accountability whatsoever.
Pinter’s Complaint
When UK playwright Harold Pinter was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005, he bravely and brilliantly used his Nobel lecture to speak about the real role the US plays in the world, and how it whitewashes its crimes. Pinter recounted a meeting at the US Embassy in London in the 1980s in which a senior embassy official, Raymond Seitz, flatly denied US war crimes in Nicaragua ---- for which the US was in fact, convicted of aggression by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Seitz went on to serve as Assistant Secretary of State, US Ambassador to the UK, and then Vice-Chair of Lehman Brothers.
As Pinter explained: “this ‘policy’ was by no means restricted to Central America. It was conducted throughout the world. It was never-ending. And it is --- as if it never happened.
“The United States supported - and in many cases engendered every rightwing military dictatorship in the world, after the end of the Second World War. I refer to:- Indonesia, Greece, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Haiti, Turkey, the Philippines, Guatemala, El Salvador, and, of course, Chile. The horror the US inflicted upon Chile in 1973 can never be purged, & can never be forgiven.
“Hundreds of thousands of deaths took place throughout these countries. Did... they take place? & are they in all cases, attributable to US foreign policy? The answer is 'yes', they did take place, and are attributable to American foreign policy. But you wouldn’t know it.
“It never happened. Nothing ever happened. Even while it was happening it wasn’t happ- ening. It didn’t matter. It was of no interest. The crimes of the United States have been systematic, constant, vicious, remorseless, but very few people have actually talked about them. You have to hand it to the US. It has exercised a quite clinical manipulation of power, worldwide, while masquerading... as a force for universal good. It’s a brilliant - even witty - highly successful, act of hypnosis.”
If, in 2016, the world seems to be more violent and chaotic than ever, it's not because the US lacks the will to use force or project power, as both major party candidates for President, & their military advisers appear to believe, but because our leaders have placed too much stock in the illegal threat and use of force, and have lost faith in the rule of law, any international cooperation and diplomacy.
After a century of commercial dominance, & 75 years of investing disproportionately in weapons, military forces & geopolitical schemes, perhaps it is understandable that US leaders have forgotten how to deal fairly and respectfully with our international neighbours. But it's no longer an option, to muddle along, leaving a trail of death, ruin and chaos in our wake, counting on an elaborate propaganda mach- ine, to minimize the blowback on our country and our lives.
Sooner, rather than later, US citizens & our leaders must knuckle down and master the very different attitudes & skills that we will need to become law-abiding global citizens in a peaceful, sustainable, multipolar world.
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Russia ends treaty limiting plutonium production in response to recent US escalation of hostility Fort Russ News - Topwar.ru - Lenta - News.Ru - translated by J. Arnoldski
TopWar: On October 3rd, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on suspending compliance with the agreement with the US on disposing weapons-grade plutonium. The main reason for this decision was pointed out as the “unfriendly attitude of the US towards Russia.”
Sources from the State Duma have reported that Russia is ready to resume the agreement, if the US cancels all the anti-Russian sanctions. Plus, Russia demands that the US reduce its military contingent in Europe, before Russia resumes compliance with the protocols. The State Duma’s statement reads:
“Acting according to the agreement and the protocols of the agreement can be resumed after the US eliminates the reasons which led to this radical change in circumstances: after the US reduces its military infrastructure and the number of its troop contingents deployed on the territory of the NATO countries having joined NATO after September 1st, 2000, down to the level at which they were on the day that the agreement and its protocols entered force.
"Since then NATO has grown to encompass 9 states of Eastern Europe. Just around the corner is NATO’s 10th state to be included since 2000 - Montenegro.”
In addition, Russia has demanded, as one of its conditions, that Washington cancel the so-call- ed Magnitsky Act.
We await a reaction from the US.
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Popov: Russia can and should withdraw from 1997 treaty with Ukraine By Eduard Popov for Fort Russ - translated by J. Arnoldski -
The other day, the disturbing news came from Lvov, the unofficial capital of Ukrainian Galicia, that the Lvov regional council has filed a lawsuit to forcibly evict the Pushkin Russian Cultural Centre. As the head of the regional council, V. Girnyak, said in his statement, organizations tied to the Anti-Terrorist Operation are preparing to transfer the building on Korolenko Street. The Lvov deputies hardly expect to earn more money from these “ATOers.” Rather, the eviction of Pushkin Russian Cultural Centre is explained by a different motive: once again, punishing anyone ideologically representative of an “enemy” Russian culture.
This centre’s building was leased to the Russian community of Lvov, in 1990. In 1999, the then mayor Vasiliy Kuybida, set the symbolic rent fee of 5 hryvnia (around $1 back then).
Let us quote one founding document signed by Ukraine, the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership between the Russian Federation and Ukraine from May 31st, 1997. Point 12 of the agreement reads: “The High Agreeing Parties shall protect the ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious identities of national minorities on their territory and create conditions for the fostering of their identity….they will contribute to creating equal opportunities and conditions for studying the Russian language in Ukraine and the Ukrainian language in the Russian Federation, training pedagogical staff for teaching these languages in educational establishments, and for these purposes, provide equal state support.”
Points 1-2 of the agreement are based on the recognition of the friendly relations between the countries and their territorial integrity. Hence why the agreement is often called a border treaty. For Ukraine, whose territorial sovereignty over some territories (including Galicia, which was part of the Second Polish Republic until September 1939) is quite disputed, this agreement was a real gift. It is no coincidence that a number of patriotic politicians in Russia, demanded that this document not be signed.
Russia’s recognition of Kiev’s sovereignty over territories included in the Ukrainian state is founded on Ukraine’s observance of the rights of its Russian- cultured citizens. After the coup d’etat in 2014, Ukraine began pursuing a policy of cultural genocide (ethnocide) against the Russian-cultured population.
Now Ukraine is discussing the initiative of the scandalously infamous politician Irina Farion, to deprive Russian residents in Ukraine of civil rights.
In fact, this measure is already being implemented. The number of Russian schools has rapidly declined while Russian organizations are being prosecuted and their activities are under close surveillance by Kiev’s intelligence services.
In accordance with the 1997 treaty, an entire network of federal & regional organizations of Ukrainians is funded in Russia. For example, in the Rostov region there is a city-level and regional national-cultural autonomy of Ukrainians.
The organization receives funding from the city and regional budgets. Its head, the businessman Makarchuk, is a member of the Public Chamber of the Rostov region and is proud of his friendship with Rostov governor Vasili Golubev. Meanwhile, Makarchuk is published on the website of the Ukrainian neo-Nazi Svoboda party and frequently makes Russophobic statements.
Unfortunately, Russia is largely to blame for the fact that the civil rights of Russian-cultured people in Ukraine are being massively violated. An example of this is the patronizing policy of Rostov region's authorities. But on the federal level as well, the state does not make sufficient (or any) efforts to defend the Russian population of Ukraine (nearly half of the country’s total population).
Meanwhile, a more responsible attitude towards obligations would lead to discussion of the 1997 treaty. In a situation in which the second country (Ukraine), massively violates the treaty’s basic premises, then Russia has the right to withdraw from the treaty with all the legal and political implications. I see no reason for the Russian budget to support the activities of Ukrainian organizations in Russia, or recognize the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine.
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WHITE HELMETS -- SHAM
The Ron Paul Institute has pointed out: “We have demonstrated that the White Helmets are an integral part of the propaganda van- guard, that ensures obscurantism of fact and propagation of Human Rights fiction that elicits the well-intentioned and self righteous response from a very cleverly duped public. A priority for these NGOs is to keep pushing the No Fly Zone scenario which has already been seen to have disastrous implications for innocent civilians in Libya, for example.”
What better chance to push “the No Fly Zone scenario” than arriving within “moments” of the convoy tragedy, filming it and creating a propaganda scenario before any meaningful forensic investigation could even be started, since the trucks were still burning. And of course, the “White Helmets”, aka “Syrian Defence Force”, were filming, rather than attempting to put out the fire and rescue those in the burning trucks.
[Ed. Yet the UK's Guardian, that snivelling wreckage of a "Liberal" newspaper, lies, & describes them as "the White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group," quotes their accusations of Syrian & Russian "constant bombing of civilians" and calls for a "no-fly-zone" now --- as in Libya.]
The Russian Defence Ministry subsequently caused outrage by claiming that their Drone footage: “shows the bombed Syrian aid convoy included a truck full of militant fighters carrying mortar guns.”
However: “The footage emerged as the United Nations rowed back from describing the attack on the aid convoy as air strikes, saying it did not have conclusive evidence about what had happened.”
It must be asked, why on earth, after long and protracted negotiations over the convoy would Syria and or their Russian ally risk the wrath of the US & “coalition”, and of further decimation of the country, by laying themselves open to accusations of bombing aid convoys?
The tragedy has emphatically achieved 1 thing, however. Wiped from the headlines, is another atrocity - the US bombing which killed over 60 Syrian soldiers and wounded over 100 others, just two days earlier, on Saturday 17th Sept. - causing Russian Foreign Ministry spokes- woman Maria Zakharova, to comment: “We are reaching a really terrifying conclusion for the whole world: That the White House is defending Islamic State. Now there can be no doubts about that”, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.
Again - Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who will guard the guards?
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US prepares an Islamic army in Kosovo
Pravda.Ru - The US is preparing a reserve echelon in the territory of its Kosova enclave. But to keep a secure strategic space, the Southern Serbian provinces may be separated from Kosovo. Given the total apathy of the authorities of Republika Srpska... this plan is inching closer to its implementation.
The goal of the Americans is clear: if Berlin's discontent ousts US bases from Germany, after all, the US will have a spot in Kosovo. It's no secret that the crime and terrorist mayhem plaguing Kosovo, is under the patronage of the US.
Yelena Guskova, a Senator, and member of the Academy of Sciences of the Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), honoured with many Russian and Serbian state awards, commented to Pravda.Ru on this matter, in an interview.
Former Commander of the French foreign legion in Kosovo -- General Jacques Ogar, has recently confirmed to Pravda.Ru, evidence obtained from confidential US sources -- that there are at least five ISIS training camps in Kosovo, which are preparing suicide bombers and an army of Islamists to conquer Europe.
Having found no evidence that proved Milosevic was guilty, the Hague tribunal exonerated him. What do you think of it?
Slobodan Milosevic is a very significant historical person in Serbia's modern history, and the whole of Yugoslavia. In the early 1990s he was seen as the last communist in Europe -- who should be annihilated. His own country turned him over to the Hague; the so-called new government -- after the colour revolution of 2000.
However he was a leader who defended his country and the truth. He combated a large amount of lies at the Tribunal, which tried to prove that only the Serbs were guilty of all the events of the 1990s, as they were charged with collective crimes.
No leader of the Muslim territories of Yugoslavia was convicted, only Serbian ones. The figure of Milosevic was very important, but they didn't manage to find any evidence.
His brother Borislav Milosevic says they secretly took some samples of food and water Slobodan had been given and tested it in Moscow. And it turned out that poison had been added. And it was difficult to breathe for him, which means that something was infiltrated into the air.
Then he stopped eating, but the process had been launched. His death is mysterious but the Tribunal admitted that he was not responsible for crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Colonel Jacques Ogar, who was Commander of a foreign legion in the territory of Yugoslavia in the UN group admits that they were ordered to stand for the Kosovars against the Serbians... Western troops openly supported separatists and participated in punitive actions against the Serbians. Do you have such data?
Surely. I'm a Head of the Centre for the Study of the Contemporary Balkan Crisis at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Our main task is to collect documents and publish them. There occur more and more documents on the events since 1990, which confirm it.
It's absolutely clear that international organizations were biased. The Albanians approach their dream - to create a big country with an Albanian population only. The US has worked a lot to support this movement, as Kosovo is a project of the US.
And they would have got independence long ago, unless it was for Russia. Russia said No to their plans in 2007. it disturbed them, and now they do not influence Russia, but try to govern the Serbian authorities. But I think the process hasn't been completed, & there's a chance to return Kosovo to Serbia.
As they say, there are 8 ISIS training camps in the territory of Kosovo. It is reported that they train suicide bombers to carry out acts in the Western Europe and create a whole army to conquer it. How can you comment on this?
When huge flows of refugees were going across the Balkans in Europe, there were mainly young men and almost no couples. They were well- dressed, were going by three, and had enough means to live in decent hotels. It is clear that there are those among them who should stay in the Balkans & orchestrate implementation of their leaders' aims.
As the Serbian officials struggle to join the EU, they implemented all the terms. And they were told, to not only to let in these refugees, but also to build camps for them. Many stayed in the South, where the population is majority Muslim . A great quantity went to Kosovo and Metohija.
And there's an uncontrolled NATO base Bondsteel there, where enormous resources are deployed. This territory is not controlled by anyone. And when questions of the US military camps in Europe occur, no one speaks of Kosovo.
In Kosovo's camps, where terrorists are trained, they are set absolutely free. It's very dangerous for the whole of Europe, and the Balkans first of all. The US, though, wants to whip Serbia into submission and recognize the independence of Kosovo and Metohija.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, and Serbians who reside there, are hampering these plans.
There is evidence that, as early as in the mid- 1990s the US aimed to go down to the Balkans when the agreement with Germany terminated if they had to leave. They need a territory in Bosnia & Herzegovina, in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Serbia & Macedonia. Republika Srpska hampers implementation of this plan today.
They need to annihilate the Republic and make the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina a unitary state. They didn't manage to conduct a colour revolution in the Republika Srpska, while the terror acts, which may be backed by Muslims in other territories, may be fruitful.
These plans may come forward in the nearest future, and it's a threat for the whole of Serbia. As there is a plan to separate the Southern regions of Serbia, where a lot of Albanians and Muslims reside. Today Serbian officials regard these refugees calmly, as well as capable of possible terrorist acts. But it should be paid 'special attention'.
there's a big difference between the news, and the truth - if you want the latest news and the truth, say, on Brazil - then please go to our One Union page.
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US/UK elite bankrolled A. Hitler
Germans were paid in company shares for loans that managed Germany's war reparations -- thus US capital began to actively integrate into the German economy.
The total amount of foreign investment in German industry during 1924-1929 amounted to almost 63 billion gold Marks (30 billion was accounted for by loans), and the payment of reparations — 10 billion Marks. 70% of revenues were provided by bankers from the US, and most banks were from JP Morgan.
As a result, in 1929, German industry was in second place in the world, but it was largely in the hands of the USA's leading financial-industrial groups.
"Interessen-Gemeinschaft Farbenindustrie", main supplier of the German war machine, financed 45% of the election campaign of Hitler in 1930, and was under the control of Rockefeller's "Standard oil".
Morgan, through "General Electric", controlled the German radio and electrical industry, via AEG and Siemens (up to 1933, 30% of the shares of AEG were owned by "General Electric") and through the Telecom company ITT — 40% of the 'phone network in Germany.
In addition, they owned a 30% stake in the air- craft manufacturing company "Focke-Wulf".
"General Motors", belonging to the DuPont family, established control over "Opel".
Henry Ford controlled 100% of the shares of Volkswagen. In 1926, with the participation of the Rockefeller Bank, Dillon, Reed & Co, the second largest industrial monopoly in Germany, after I.G Farben, merged with metals group, "Vereinigte Stahlwerke" (Steel trust) plus Thyssen, Flick, Wolff, Feglera etc.
US co-operation with Germany's military- industrial complex, was so intense and pervasive, that by 1933, the key sectors of German industry, & large banks such as the Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, Donat Bank, etc, were all under the control of US financial capital.
The political force that was intended to play a crucial role in the Anglo-American plans was being simultaneously prepared.
We are talking about the funding of the Nazi party and A. Hitler personally.
As former German Chancellor Brüning wrote in his memoirs, from 1923, Hitler received large sums from abroad. Where they went, is not known, but they were received through Swiss and Swedish banks.
It is also known that, in 1922 in Munich, a meeting took place between A. Hitler and the military attache of the US to Germany -- Captain Truman Smith -- who compiled a detailed report for his Washington superiors (in the office of military intelligence), in which he spoke highly of Hitler.
Through Smith's circle of acquaintances, A. Hitler was introduced to Ernst Franz Sedgwick Hanfstaengl, (Putzie), --- a graduate of Harvard University who played an important role in the formation of A. Hitler as a politician, rendered him significant financial support, and secured for him, acquaintance & communication with, senior British figures.
Hitler was prepared politically, but, as Germany reigned in prosperity, his party remained on the periphery of public life... The situation changed dramatically with the beginning of 'the crisis'.
In the autumn of 1929, the collapse of the US stock exchange was triggered by the Federal Reserve, and the next stage of the Anglo-US financial circles' strategy, had started.
The Federal Reserve and JP Morgan, decided to stop lending to Germany --- inspired by the bank crisis & economic depression in Central Europe.
In September 1931, England abandoned the gold standard, deliberately destroying international payments systems and completely cutting off "financial oxygen" to the Weimar Republic.
But a financial miracle occurred for the Nazi party: in September 1930 as a result of large donations by Thyssen and I.G. Farben --- the party got 6.4 million votes & took 2nd place in the Reichstag;- after this, more generous investments from abroad were activated.
The main link between the major German industrialists and foreign financiers, became H. Schacht.
On January 4th, 1932, a meeting was held with the largest English financier, a Mr M. Norman, A. Hitler, and von Papen, which concluded a secret agreement on the financing of the NSDAP.
This meeting was also attended by US policy-makers, the Dulles brothers --- something their biographers do not like to mention.
On January 14th, 1933, a meeting between Hitler, Schroder, Papen & Kepler took place, where Hitler's program was fully approved. It was here that they finally resolved the issue of the transfer of power to the Nazis, and on 30th January, A. Hitler became Chancellor.
The implementation of the next stage of the strategy thus began.
The attitude of Anglo-American ruling circles to the new government was very sympathetic. When Hitler refused to pay reparations, which naturally called into question the payment of war debts, neither the UK or France pressed their payment claims.
Moreover, after a visit to the US in May 1933, H. Schacht was placed, again, at the head of the Reichsbank, and, after his meeting with the President and the biggest bankers on Wall Street, the US allocated Germany new loans --- totalling $1 billion.
In June, during a trip to London & a meeting with M. Norman, Schacht sought an English loan of $2 billion and a reduction and then the cessation of payments, on old loans.
Thus, the Nazis got what they could not achieve with the previous government.
In the summer of 1934, Britain signed the Anglo- German transfer agreement, which became one of the foundations of British policy towards the Third Reich, &, at the end of the 30's, Germany became the main trading partner of England.
Schroeder Bank became Germany's main agent in the UK & in 1936 his New York office teamed up with the Rockefellers, to create Schroeder, Rockefeller & Co. investment Bank, which the Times magazine called the Berlin-Rome "economic propagandist axis".
As Hitler himself admitted, he conceived his 4- year plan on the basis of foreign financial loans, so it never inspired him with the slightest alarm.
In August 1934, US Standard oil acquired 730,000 acres of land in Germany... then built large oil refineries which supplied the Nazis with oil.
At the same time, Germany secretly took delivery of the most modern equipment for aircraft factories, from the US, which would begin producing German planes.
Germany gained large numbers of military patents from US firms Pratt and Whitney, Douglas, and Curtis Wright --- and it was US technology, building the Junkers-87.
In 1941 --- as world war ll was raging --- US investments in Germany's economy amounted to $475 million. Standard oil invested - 120 million, General motors - $35 million, ITT - $30 million, and Ford - $17.5 million.
The close financial & economic co-operation of Anglo-American and Nazi business circles, was the backdrop against which, in the 30's, a policy of appeasement led to world war II.
Today, as the world's financial elite begins to implement the 'Great depression 2' plan with its subsequent transition to the "new world order", identifying its key role in the organization of crimes against humanity, becomes a priority.
Yuri Rubtsov is a doctor of historical sciences, academician of the Academy of military sciences, & a member of the International Association of historians of world war II.
FREE POLITICAL PRISONER LEONARD PELTIER NOW!!!
Indigenous rights activist Leonard Peltier,
in prison in the US for 38 years, received the first international human rights prize of Uruguay's Mario Benedetti Foundation.
At a ceremony in Montevideo, where the winner was announced, the human rights group calls Peltier the longest-serving political prisoner in the Americas, AFP reports.
Peltier, a Native American activist who was a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), was convicted in 1977 for the alleged murder of two US FBI agents during a 1975 shootout on the
Pine Ridge Reservation in S. Dakota.
He was sentenced to 2 consecutive terms of life imprisonment.
"Leonard Peltier, who on September 12th, 2014, turned 70, has spent over half his life in prison. He's a symbol of resistance to repressive state policies by the US, where there are people in jail for ethnic, racial, religious & ideological reasons," the foundation's statement says.
Ricardo Elena, a member of the foundation's honorary board, says Peltier's case "is one that is repeated over and over: violation (of rights), persecution, eviction, invasion and expropriation of indigenous people, from the time it was 'discovered', until now.
"It doesn't just happen in the United States; it is happening in southern South America, with the (indigenous) Mapuche people, and with indigenous people in North America," he states.
Elena says the United States "likes to think it's the seat of democracy, but it has political prisoners just like a dictatorship might have."
The Mario Benedetti Foundation was founded to support human rights and cultural causes in line with the work of the Uruguayan writer after whom it was named, who died in 2009.
Peltier is incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
James Swan, the head of the Black Hills chapter of the United Urban Warrior Society - a nonprofit group that helps Native Americans fight racial discrimination and injustice - describes Peltier as a political prisoner whose case needs to be reviewed by an independent body.
"What we want people to realize is that this is an injustice," AP quotes Swan as saying.
Peltier, 66, was given two life sentences in '77, on false charges of killing 2 FBI agents.
Peltier asserts that he is innocent and the FBI framed him for political reasons, especially for his activities as a member of the Native American Movement. He has lodged numerous appeals against the conviction - but all unsuccessfully.
He's been denied parole again and again, and will not be eligible for it again until 2024, when he turns 79.
Peltier's relatives say he suffers a number of health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and the loss of vision in an eye after a minor stroke.
Many activists say Leonard Peltier is the most important political prisoner in the US.
In a review of the US' human rights record, at a United Nations Human Rights Council UPR conference in Geneva, a group called for a new trial for him.
The US Human Rights Network filed a 423-page submission to the Geneva meeting about him.
One item, entitled “Political Repression - Political Prisoners,” about 1970's cases, indicts the FBI: accusing COINTELPRO of “maiming, murdering, false prosecutions and frame-ups, destruction and mayhem throughout the country.”
It cites the FBI for targeting the Puerto Rican Independence Front, the Black Panther Party, the Weather Underground, the American Indian Movement, the Black Liberation Army, as well as “peace activists and everyone in between,” and says “many of today's political prisoners” in the US were jailed indefinitely as a result.
Repression has grown since 9/11, it says.
The political repression paper demands an “immediate criminal investigation into the conspiracy,” and also new trials for two aged activists jailed on murder charges, Mumia Abu Jamal and Leonard Peltier.
