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Posted: 12/5/2023 9:58:01 AM EST
[#1]
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:01:22 AM EST
[#2]
Interesting, 1 hr ago.
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OK, USA
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:14:24 AM EST
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Agreed. I think this is the definition of Karma...'when you act immorally you tend to have immoral things happen to you'. Orban is trying to say that Hungary got screwed every time it took sides in a big conflict in Europe (WWI, WWII ,etc) so they need to stay out of this one. But they joined the losing side every time. And now, they joined an alliance (NATO) that is involved in this transparently obvious right .vs wrong (Russia) conflict and have obligations to it. Karma isn't real, because Ted Kennedy lived a long life. I have to point that out whenever karma is mentioned; carry on. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:19:14 AM EST
[#4]
Video in tweet.
 Quantix™ Recon Unmanned Aircraft System |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:30:04 AM EST
[#5]
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:32:55 AM EST
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By governmentman: I don't think anyone who is paying attention expects unification of Ukraine by direct force of arms, meaning pushing Russia out by a series of conventional offensives. This will go until one side cracks politically or economically. Military losses is now just a means of applying pressure to those two areas. This war could easily continue for years. IMO the best avenue Ukraine has to knocking Russia out is to target Russia's oil production and export infrastructure. Concur, and something I've said for a long time. A large part of Russia's ability to wage war comes from its oil & gas income. They have a huge amount of money to support their imperialism. Taking Russian oil & gas off the international energy market completely would be a huge economic shock around the world, and as such it would harm both the capacity and willingness of western partners to continue sending aid to Ukraine. If Ukraine were facing major defeat, or if western aid were lost, I think they would find a way to achieve such an attack. I don't think they currently have the ability to carry it off, those production facilities are much farther away than Moscow, but I bet they're working on it. What would happen if Russia went from being "a gas station with nuclear weapons" to just a big bully with nuclear weapons? |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:39:28 AM EST
[Last Edit: theskuh]
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lieh-tzu: Concur, and something I've said for a long time. A large part of Russia's ability to wage war comes from its oil & gas income. They have a huge amount of money to support their imperialism. Taking Russian oil & gas off the international energy market completely would be a huge economic shock around the world, and as such it would harm both the capacity and willingness of western partners to continue sending aid to Ukraine. If Ukraine were facing major defeat, or if western aid were lost, I think they would find a way to achieve such an attack. I don't think they currently have the ability to carry it off, those production facilities are much farther away than Moscow, but I bet they're working on it. What would happen if Russia went from being "a gas station with nuclear weapons" to just a big bully with nuclear weapons? Obviously they have to make it really uncomfortable for Russia to stay in Ukraine. Denying the use of Sevastapool is one step but they need to keep pushing until it just becomes too painful for Russia to stay. I am not sure what that would take. Oil and gas yes. Constant attacks on Moscow? |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:39:39 AM EST
[#8]
💥Northern direction.
In the Titov region (Russian Federation), the orcs did not have time to unload when a UFO arrived 😉 Glory to Ukraine and its soldiers 🇺🇦 https://t.me/a_shtirlitz/28430
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:41:25 AM EST
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAjRJK9XgAAvAjQ?format=jpg&name=large |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:46:00 AM EST
[#10]
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:49:10 AM EST
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AzSteven: I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AzSteven: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAjRJK9XgAAvAjQ?format=jpg&name=large I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? I think it's just a civilian car or truck. Russians have been using them for getting supplies to the front lines, so Ukrainian forces are interdicting them. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:51:13 AM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Same or similar info popped up about a thousand pages ago. Most here dismissed it as false. But it keeps popping up... I have zero doubts that "arrangements" have been made and agreed upon by the US and Putin in the usual "unofficial channels" to agree on ROE and deconfliction of Russian and NATO. As I stated way back when, I would be shocked and even disappointed if such back-channels were not open and active to prevent open conflict. Unfortunately, the arrangements between Xiden's Admin and Putin are to manage the conflict politically with zero interest or concern that Ukraine regains territory. "We" have sold out Ukraine victory, orchestrating this stalemate, in exchange for something from Putin. I dont know what that is but the USA has fucked over yet another ally. The accountants in the Xiden Crime Family LLC will be busy for years... Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Originally Posted By RockNwood: Makes me sick to post this kind of stuff but if there is truth it has to be trumpeted. Our intelligence services are strategically inept and the administration is following this stupid over the precipice proudly proclaiming they did everything possible to avoid upsetting Putin, including strangling aid to Ukraine. Well done geniuses. Don’t break a fucking arm patting your back too hard. Read the whole fucking article if you have the stomach https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/494438/IMG_5081-3049853.jpg Hello!! None of your super secret shit worked the past 20 years. You have failed miserably with Russia and Iran, or the Taliban! You should all be hauled in front of a firing squad. Same or similar info popped up about a thousand pages ago. Most here dismissed it as false. But it keeps popping up... I have zero doubts that "arrangements" have been made and agreed upon by the US and Putin in the usual "unofficial channels" to agree on ROE and deconfliction of Russian and NATO. As I stated way back when, I would be shocked and even disappointed if such back-channels were not open and active to prevent open conflict. Unfortunately, the arrangements between Xiden's Admin and Putin are to manage the conflict politically with zero interest or concern that Ukraine regains territory. "We" have sold out Ukraine victory, orchestrating this stalemate, in exchange for something from Putin. I dont know what that is but the USA has fucked over yet another ally. The accountants in the Xiden Crime Family LLC will be busy for years... Recall also that Biden offered Zelensky a ride out of Kyiv, and before that had publicly said that a "minor incursion" would be completely acceptable for the US. Never mind treaties, borders, international law, let great powers do what they want. Biden and his people have never been serious about preserving Ukraine or saving Ukrainian lives or the Ukrainian nation. DC Realpolitik doesn't consider moral arguments. If I had been President, the Establishment would have been horrified.  And Putin would have been shocked.  And things would be different.
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:54:12 AM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: I think it's just a civilian car or truck. Russians have been using them for getting supplies to the front lines, so Ukrainian forces are interdicting them. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Originally Posted By AzSteven: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAjRJK9XgAAvAjQ?format=jpg&name=large I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? I think it's just a civilian car or truck. Russians have been using them for getting supplies to the front lines, so Ukrainian forces are interdicting them. Yeah, “Scooby Doo van”. Looks like a loaf of bread. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:54:39 AM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Prime: In this video, you can see what work 1 BUAR pilot of the 110th OMBr performs on 1 drone in 1 day, on the outskirts of Avdiivka
Fucking brutal. Ruski go home. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:54:44 AM EST
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lieh-tzu: Recall also that Biden offered Zelensky a ride out of Kyiv, and before that had publicly said that a "minor incursion" would be completely acceptable for the US. Never mind treaties, borders, international law, let great powers do what they want. Biden and his people have never been serious about preserving Ukraine or saving Ukrainian lives or the Ukrainian nation. DC Realpolitik doesn't consider moral arguments. If I had been President, the Establishment would have been horrified. And Putin would have been shocked. And things would be different.Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lieh-tzu: Originally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Originally Posted By RockNwood: Makes me sick to post this kind of stuff but if there is truth it has to be trumpeted. Our intelligence services are strategically inept and the administration is following this stupid over the precipice proudly proclaiming they did everything possible to avoid upsetting Putin, including strangling aid to Ukraine. Well done geniuses. Don’t break a fucking arm patting your back too hard. Read the whole fucking article if you have the stomach https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/494438/IMG_5081-3049853.jpg Hello!! None of your super secret shit worked the past 20 years. You have failed miserably with Russia and Iran, or the Taliban! You should all be hauled in front of a firing squad. Same or similar info popped up about a thousand pages ago. Most here dismissed it as false. But it keeps popping up... I have zero doubts that "arrangements" have been made and agreed upon by the US and Putin in the usual "unofficial channels" to agree on ROE and deconfliction of Russian and NATO. As I stated way back when, I would be shocked and even disappointed if such back-channels were not open and active to prevent open conflict. Unfortunately, the arrangements between Xiden's Admin and Putin are to manage the conflict politically with zero interest or concern that Ukraine regains territory. "We" have sold out Ukraine victory, orchestrating this stalemate, in exchange for something from Putin. I dont know what that is but the USA has fucked over yet another ally. The accountants in the Xiden Crime Family LLC will be busy for years... Recall also that Biden offered Zelensky a ride out of Kyiv, and before that had publicly said that a "minor incursion" would be completely acceptable for the US. Never mind treaties, borders, international law, let great powers do what they want. Biden and his people have never been serious about preserving Ukraine or saving Ukrainian lives or the Ukrainian nation. DC Realpolitik doesn't consider moral arguments. If I had been President, the Establishment would have been horrified. And Putin would have been shocked. And things would be different. Same here man, the response would have been extremely violent, and overwhelming. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:55:08 AM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Prime: Yeah, “Scooby Doo van”. Looks like a loaf of bread. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Prime: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Originally Posted By AzSteven: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAjRJK9XgAAvAjQ?format=jpg&name=large I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? I think it's just a civilian car or truck. Russians have been using them for getting supplies to the front lines, so Ukrainian forces are interdicting them. Yeah, “Scooby Doo van”. Looks like a loaf of bread. Ah, now it makes sense.
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:56:32 AM EST
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AzSteven: I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:56:56 AM EST
[#18]
Good thread on the engineering and history of The Bridge and the attacks so far.
EASIER SAID THAN DONE It is no surprise, therefore, that the Ukrainian military has repeatedly attacked the bridge. But these attacks have been unsuccessful because of the structure’s design. The bridge consists of twin spans, one carrying a double rail line and the other holding four lanes for cars and trucks, both built in three segments of roughly four miles each. The eastern and western segments of the bridge traverse open water, whereas the central segment is built on a low island in the middle of the strait. The bridge has about 7,000 pilings, vertical steel and concrete columns that penetrate deep beneath the seabed. These pilings support almost 600 massive concrete piers that rise out of the water and bear the weight of the bridge deck and support beams. In fact, the bridge is neither innovative nor technically complex in design. But its size and strength make it uniquely hard to disable. The eastern and central segments consist of a causeway-type construction that is low and runs close to the water and land. This low-slung construction makes these segments vulnerable to attacks mounted from the sea below. The individual spans along the causeway (the areas between the supporting piers) are just under 200 feet in length. They are the easiest elements of the bridge to damage but also the easiest to repair. The western segment of the bridge features a single long-span arched section, providing a higher and wider opening for ships to pass underneath. This segment’s supporting piers are protected at the water line from ice and ship collisions by fenders and filled caissons: steel, concrete, and soil structures that prevent direct contact with the piers, providing critical standoff between the bridge and seaborne objects at the water line. These fenders and caissons also defend the massive piers from seaborne attack by presenting a navigational challenge for sea drones attempting to reach them. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/putins-weak-link-crimea |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 10:59:13 AM EST
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Prime: Yeah, "Scooby Doo van". Looks like a loaf of bread. https://expeditionportal.com/the-little-bread-loaf-that-could/ |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 11:01:25 AM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By m35ben: Loaf was the nickname long before Scooby-Doo. https://expeditionportal.com/the-little-bread-loaf-that-could/ I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it from Russians, too. It’s here to stay. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 11:21:17 AM EST
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AzSteven: I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AzSteven: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAjRJK9XgAAvAjQ?format=jpg&name=large I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? The Russians have little 4wd vans. Just rectangular boxy vehicles. Some liken their appearance to the van that the cartoon series "Scooby Doo" drove, and yes these Russian utility vehicles do look like that van. However the Russians themselves call them Loaf's because the rectangular appearance resembles a loaf of bread. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 11:25:15 AM EST
[#22]
More than 100 thousand prisoners were sent from Russian prisons to the war with Ukraine
More than 100,000 prisoners from Russian prisons have been sent to fight in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Such data was provided to Newsweek by the founder of the Gulagu.net project, Vladimir Osechkin, who received it from a source in the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) of the Russian Federation. Osechkin’s figures were confirmed by the executive director of the Sitting Rus' movement, Olga Romanova, who, citing her data, announced 120 thousand prisoners sent to the front in Ukraine. According to Osechkin, more than 1 thousand prisoners die at the front per week. According to UK Ministry of Defense intelligence estimates, of the 290–350 thousand total losses of the Russian army to date, prisoners could account for up to 40 thousand wounded and 20 thousand killed. https://t.me/moscowtimes_ru/17505 |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 11:33:20 AM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Same here man, the response would have been extremely violent, and overwhelming. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 11:53:42 AM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fervid_dryfire: Karma isn't real, because Ted Kennedy lived a long life. I have to point that out whenever karma is mentioned; carry on. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fervid_dryfire: Originally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: Agreed. I think this is the definition of Karma...'when you act immorally you tend to have immoral things happen to you'. Orban is trying to say that Hungary got screwed every time it took sides in a big conflict in Europe (WWI, WWII ,etc) so they need to stay out of this one. But they joined the losing side every time. And now, they joined an alliance (NATO) that is involved in this transparently obvious right .vs wrong (Russia) conflict and have obligations to it. Karma isn't real, because Ted Kennedy lived a long life. I have to point that out whenever karma is mentioned; carry on. Orban is trying to play both sides; he is the guy who is holding a pair of twos and is raising as much as possible hoping someone will fold. Turkey is playing a similar game, but with a lot more chips and the ability to fold at any time with little risk. My guess is that Orban is gambling on three factors coming into play: 1) That Russia will come out of this overwhelmingly victorious in some way, and 2) Putin will remain in power and be willing to reward Hungary for it's pro-Russian neutrality, and that 3) the rest of NATO/EU would be willing to trust Hungary as an "honest broker" in the aftermath of a Russian Victory. I'm sure a combination of both corruption and compromise on the part of Orban is a factor as well. Orban's goal seems to be to set himself up as Hungary's leader in a "soft" dictatorship (along the lines of Turkey or Russia) and become a power broker between Russia and the EU in the same fashion as Turkey is in NATO. I highly doubt that Orban or Hungary can pull Orban's vision off, and the blowback for Hungary of a Russian victory would be generally bad on all fronts, but semi-dictatorial would-be dictators tend to be less than perceptive when it comes to accurately predicting 2nd- and 3rd-order effects. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:01:23 PM EST
[#25]
Ukrainian tank has the white cross on it. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:04:45 PM EST
[#26]
Reportedly the first Russian captured Bradley, optical system is smashed.
  
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:06:39 PM EST
[#27]
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:07:24 PM EST
[#28]
8 minutes ago.
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:14:12 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: 8 minutes ago.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmXYpMX0AAkFdO?format=jpg&name=small ⚠️ Attention! The activity of enemy tactical aviation in the Black Sea area is observed! The threat of the use of aviation weapons for the south of Odesa or the island of Zmiiny. https://t.me/kpszsu/8258 Not anymore I guess |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:22:26 PM EST
[Last Edit: Prime]
[#30]
Today, the next, 14th rotation of observers from the mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) took place at the Zaporozhye NPP.
The mission consists of four inspectors. And their task, as before, is to monitor and assess the state of the plant’s safety, both operational and physical. The new IAEA mission plans to celebrate the New Year at the Zaporozhye NPP🎄 Let us remind you that IAEA experts have been working at the Zaporizhzhya NPP since September 1, 2022, after the first visit of the Agency’s Director General Rafael Grossi to the station. https://t.me/znppofficial/708  https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/19461509 Three days ago  https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-200-iaea-director-general-statement-on-situation-in-ukraine |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:25:25 PM EST
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AzSteven: I might have missed this in an earlier post, but what does 'loaf' signify in the civilian car category? Scooby Van |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:34:19 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Reportedly the first Russian captured Bradley, optical system is smashed.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWt7AWgAAcn1Z?format=png&name=900x900 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwocWwAA_QWo?format=jpg&name=medium https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwoPWEAAkHi-?format=jpg&name=medium Whatever happened damaged a lot more than the optical system! 
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Posted: 12/5/2023 12:40:59 PM EST
[#33]
Azerbaijan could start producing shells for Ukraine
Some of the ammunition for the Ukrainian army is probably produced on the territory of Azerbaijan. Information about the start of production was disseminated by RTVI and war bloggers. The day before, Ukrainian military journalist Roman Bochkala published on his channel photographs and videos from the production of shells with a diameter of 122 mm for D-30 howitzers. Bochkala noted that the ammunition is produced “in one of the partner countries,” without specifying which one. In one of the photos, RTVI found a board with the logo of Palladium Defense and Security Solutions, founded in 2014. The company's office is located in Baku. Despite the fact that it is not associated with the Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan, the company regularly won tenders from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Special State Security Service and the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice. The Azerbaijani company Palladium has never been involved in the production of weapons not only for Ukraine, but in principle such production in Azerbaijan. This was reported to RBC by the company's press service, commenting on reports of the supply of ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. https://t.me/moscowtimes_ru/17513  Ukrainian military correspondent Roman Bochkala accidentally revealed the country in which Ukraine organized the production of shells. Azerbaijan became it, RTVI special correspondent Alexey Sochnev drew attention to. In his Telegram channel, the journalist reported that Ukraine has begun its own production of 122 mm shells for the D-30 howitzer. The military correspondent posted a photo report of his trip to the production facility, clarifying that it was established in one of the “partner countries.” In one of the photographs from the workshop, where Bochkala holds the flag, information stands with the symbols of the Azerbaijani group of companies Palladium are placed on two columns to the left and to the right of it. On the company’s partners page, “Ukroboronprom” is listed 📸: Bochkala_WAR / Telegram https://t.me/rtvinews/62595 |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:02:31 PM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By doc540: tungstunned Man, that shit gets everywhere! |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:02:59 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Prime: I'm pretty sure I've seen it from Russians, too. It's here to stay. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:07:23 PM EST
[#36]
Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest:
Reportedly the first Russian captured Bradley, optical system is smashed.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWt7AWgAAcn1Z?format=png&name=900x900 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwocWwAA_QWo?format=jpg&name=medium https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwoPWEAAkHi-?format=jpg&name=medium[/qu ote]The TOW missiles are spent so some shit may have gotten fucked proper. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:09:07 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Prime: I am thrilled to present an incredible interview featuring Yana (@jana_skhidna), a 28-year-old Ukrainian volunteer who has recently returned from Avdiivka. It’s a highly illustrative story showcasing how people, specifically young Ukrainian women, continue to support Ukrainian troops on the most dangerous frontlines. If you're curious about what's happening in Avdiivka and wish to hear a firsthand account from a location typically closed off to journalists and the general public, look no further. We found her answers insightful, so don't miss out! (Due to limitations on the number of images in a single post, you can explore the complete article on our project's website. The link is available in my bio, offering more images shared by Yana.) https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GASZ_eNXkAAjMbM?format=jpg&name=large 1. Hello! Could you please provide a brief introduction and tell us more about yourself? Y (Yana): My name is Yana, and I am 28 years old. Before the full-scale invasion, I worked in the construction industry as a manager of construction projects. I dedicated a lot of time to learning English and took additional courses in ArchiCAD and LIRA-SAPR. A significant part of my free time and, in general, my life, was devoted to studying and improving my knowledge in the field of design. However, after February 24, everything changed. All construction projects that were planned for 2022-23 were canceled and frozen. Currently, I am busy in the field related to my economics education. 2. How and when did the war start for you? Y: The war began for me in 2014. It was a very challenging period during which I experienced depression. I constantly felt unwell both physically and morally. Of course, this affected the learning process, at times impacting my performance, interaction, and communication with people. I worked with a psychologist. It was a huge blow for me to realize that, 1000 km away from where I was living, studying, and currently residing, the most terrible thing was happening - war. It was surreal for me that while I was performing mundane actions, someone was dying, someone was getting injured, homes were destroyed. It was shocking to see that despite these events, people could calmly attend classes, go to work, cafes, and clubs. A part of what I loved was forever lost in 2014. It tore me apart to think that while I was attending an accounting class, there were ongoing military actions in the Donbas region. It was also challenging because many people said, "They themselves called for the Russian world," "They wanted Putin," "It's because of them that there's a war." These were people who never knew the history of Eastern Ukraine and never understood it. 3. When and why did you decide to become a volunteer? (In Ukraine, the term “volunteer" refers to individuals engaged in providing military and humanitarian aid to both military personnel and civilians. These volunteers contribute by fundraising, purchasing, and delivering essential goods to military units and civilians on the frontlines.) Y: It seems that, like many others, it all started for me with weaving camouflage nets. Yes, there were requests for them, and we were told how important it was and how it helps our defenders. It was enough for me as a second-year student at that time. But, as I shared earlier, I found these events deeply painful, and I wanted to do more. I spent my entire scholarship on supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine (ZSU). It wasn't about large-scale fundraising; I didn't inquire about who was buying what and why. We had local volunteers and civic organizations in Chernivtsi (which are still active), and I financially supported them. It was important to me. At that time, intense battles were taking place in Donetsk Airport (DAP), Debaltseve, Ilovaisk, and so on. It was heart-wrenching, and I felt the need to be somehow involved in providing assistance. Later, my mother and I started preparing homemade treats, and I delivered them to the military hospitals in our city. Every Tuesday, I would enter a random ward to visit the soldiers. There was a period when I consistently donated and supported the army without hesitation. Again, my mother always assisted me—whether it was making Easter bread for the soldiers or baking Christmas cookies to send to the front lines. When the full-scale invasion began, on February 25th, my father and I filled our car with essential items and headed to the Territorial Defense headquarters in our city. We collected items for units that were being prepared and sent to the East. We were also helping civilians - by evacuating people from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kyiv oblast, and evacuating animals, transferring them to Europe. Only when I completed my second higher education in May 2022 did we start going on humanitarian missions directly to the frontlines. 4. What is the essence of volunteering and who are volunteers? https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GASb-jdXQAAz8op?format=jpg&name=small Y: The essence of volunteering is perhaps in selfless work, in ongoing activities aimed not at gaining profit or any other additional benefits. Volunteering is, above all, the opportunity to influence environment, to initiate one's own projects, and to change the country. When people become volunteers, they not only get a chance to express themselves, get new knowledge and skills, but also strive to make the lives of others better. I believe that each person who calls themselves a "volunteer" has their own motives that prompted them to engage in this activity. For me, it is primarily patriotism and the fact that my country is at war. Parts of our land are immersed in pain, suffering, and blood. And then, it is about fulfilling the needs of the less fortunate, gaining new experience in working with people, organizing, and conducting various social projects. Currently, the activities of the majority of volunteers and volunteer organizations in Ukraine are focused on helping the military, supporting refugees, and assisting people affected by the war. Because this is our own, our homeland, and I simply cannot comprehend or accept how one can be indifferent to this movement in such challenging times. 5. You've been to many cities and villages that were destroyed by Russian forces. What impressed you the most during your volunteer trips? Y: Oh, here one could talk for days and nights because for almost 2 years of trips to the front and near-front cities and villages, there were many different situations and moments when I could cry and scream from pain and despair, when we laughed, probably hysterical laughter, when we said goodbye to life dozens of times and rejoiced because an important evacuation had succeeded, and when we scolded ourselves for arriving late. I approach each of our trips calmly. For me, it's like going to work, with one important nuance. I perceive it as work because I go to various locations to work with civilians and the military, to help them. This time, I'll share just one incident from our recent trip. We were working specifically along the Mariinka direction, and we entered the village of Maksymilianivka, just 5 km from Mariinka, or more precisely, the stones and ruins left of it. Before the war, 3000 people lived there; now, there are probably around 100. Maybe more, maybe less – it's hard to count accurately because it's constantly under shelling, and people hide in their homes, rarely coming out. In Maksymilianivka, they don't allow entry without an escort; everyone is checked at the checkpoint. And it was the last day of our trip: we traveled to Avdiivka and its surroundings, Bakhmut direction, Vuhledar direction – everywhere destruction, grief, no communication, and here we enter a house in Maksymilianivka, and there's light. It so impressed me, and I said to my colleague, "Wow, there's light here, it's a real miracle!" In the midst of terrible devastation in the village, constant shelling, lack of communication, and internet just 5 km from the front line, we saw light in a house. The thing is, electricians stay there, and despite the constant threat of artillery, MLRS shelling, and Orlan drones, these people work until the last moment and provide light to the people who stay in the village. Our people will probably never cease to amaze me. 6. Let’s talk about the painful - Avdiivka. Tell me about your personal impressions from the recent visits. Y: Avdiivka is my personal pain and a wound that has probably been with me all my life. Working and helping in Avdiivka – I mean both the military and civilians – is like living another life. Perhaps, after the war, I will write a book about it because so much has been experienced there. A lot of things that I cannot always talk about, and things that need to be told and shown to those who come after us, so that these things and stories are not forgotten. I remember Avdiivka differently, in every season, and, of course, it hurts every time... as if for the first time when, instead of a city, I see piles of rubble and construction debris, and on the way to the city, instead of the outlines of a giant industry, I see clouds of black-black smoke from the next shelling... I'm not saying it for the last time because I know that we will still work in the Avdiivka direction – and the last time I was there on my birthday. On November 18, we woke up at 4 in the morning to load humanitarian aid for civilians and equipment for the military, so that by 6:00, a maximum at 6:30 AM, we would already be in the city. Avdiivka now is 22 km of a constantly shelled road. There are sections where enemy UAVs are actively working, so, as we say, we need to "skip" quickly. We entered without headlights, quickly, with open windows in the car to hear enemy UAVs. The landscape in Avdiivka changes every night. Dozens of air strikes per day turn the city into complete ruins. There are fewer and fewer places for shelter, constant "KABs" (Guided Aerial Bombs), the scariest thing imaginable, when a building collapses like a house of cards before your eyes – I've seen that only in apocalyptic movies. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GASc_clXcAA8XQ1?format=jpg&name=4096x4096 If you work with civilians: humanitarian aid and evacuation – everything needs to be done in the morning and very quickly. After the morning, the Russians fly with Orlans (recon UAV); they observe, and determine where there are groups of people (3 or more), from which building smoke is coming from a home stove, and KABs target it. Just damned scum waging war on absolutely unarmed and defenseless people. It's very hard for me when through the window of a burned, black building with broken windows, I see remnants of life – a small intact chandelier that will never shine again, winter clothes on the shelves that no one will ever wear, and neatly arranged books. But every damn time we enter this city, and at the entrance, Ukrainian flags greet us, it adds strength and motivation to move forward. I want everyone, both here and around the world, to realize the price we pay to see these blue-yellow flags in Avdiivka, and what irreparable losses we suffer. When I see our tired, exhausted soldiers who clearly say, "It's hard, but we're fighting," I understand that we have no right to get tired and stop. I'm ready to sacrifice my health, but I will be sure that I did everything to protect and help the bravest people in our country and our city, Avdiivka. 7. In your opinion, why is Avdiivka so important for the Russians? Y: Avdiivka, like a bone in the throat of our enemies, has remained an impregnable fortress. Unfortunately, this fortress is now forced to defend itself. As they say now, "capturing Avdiivka is purely a political goal" for these damn Russians and Putin in particular. They need victories. But a victory over what? Over peaceful people who have been deprived of their homes or because they destroyed the entire city?! Avdiivka is the gateway to Donetsk. From there, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the opportunity to control the presence of the enemy in the oblast center, even by preventing them from moving certain vehicles and ammunition around the city. So, of course, they want to push the front line away from Donetsk. Another point, Avdiivka is probably the only defensive area that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have not lost from 2014 to 2022. That is, during the time when there were large and difficult battles for Soledar, Bakhmut, Lysychansk, Severodonetsk, etc., their advances in Avdiivka were insignificant. Only the surrounding settlements from Avdiivka were lost to the Russians, and that was very long and very difficult for them. And another logistical component. I believe and will always believe that Avdiivka is a symbol of resistance. Probably even the Russians understand this, and that's why they are pushing so hard in this direction. You have to look at the map and understand that Avdiivka is precisely that outpost that, from 2015 to the present, has practically not moved forward or backward. It's a strong defensive zone that has been fortified. 8. Do you agree with the opinion that when the Russians cannot quickly surround a city, they systematically destroy it? Y: Yes, I often think about it... Bakhmut, Popasna, Rubizhne, Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Svatove, Kremenna, Mariinka, Vuhledar, Mariupol, Avdiivka, Krasnohorivka, Siversk, Soledar, and so on... and these are just the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk that Russia has destroyed, erased below the foundations. Once peaceful, flourishing, industrial or not, these cities may never be rebuilt. And how many villages? It's impossible to count. Millions of destroyed homes and millions of shattered human lives. And when they write in their damn publics about the "liberation" of Donbas, I am disgusted with this phrase. Because it is total destruction. In some points of Avdiivka, the destruction is so catastrophic, but it is still being bombed, that I can no longer remember what this city looked like before. Avdiivka is a city where no building is suitable for even a major reconstruction. Also, a key location in Avdiivka was the AKHZ – once the largest coke-chemical plant in Europe, and a city formed around it. If the plant cannot be restored, there will be no more Avdiivka. All the industry of Avdiivka is destroyed, ruined, and brought to a state where it simply can never function again. Probably, this is what they seek – to destroy even the industrial potential of this region so that after the war, it will be simply unusable. These are absolute degenerates, despicable degenerates with nothing sacred, who just, for the sake of entertainment or idiocy induced by imperialist propaganda, destroy everything: schools, hospitals, kindergartens, abandoned warehouse buildings, residential and non-residential buildings. When there is no success on the battlefield, they show their vile power through terror against civilians and through the total destruction of the city. Take, for example, Popasna – they just destroyed the city and announced that they would not rebuild it, and now they are using it as a military base. 9. I know that many Ukrainians trust you and constantly try to help. Do you feel foreign aid from ordinary citizens or organizations? Y: Yes, as strange as it may sound, during this terrible war, there are pleasant moments, such as meeting incredible and strong people or receiving feedback from people. Trust from the community is the best thing anyone can receive. And of course, I am very pleased to receive trust and support from my fellow citizens and from foreigners. Getting help and support from the civilized world is very valuable to us. I always mention and sincerely thank Ukrainians abroad and foreigners in general for supporting the Avdiivka front. Sometimes people, when they see where we are going, how and where we work, say, "I want to help the defenders of Avdiivka!" I repeat, this is very important to me. It is important that the world sees the crimes that the Russians are committing in the once-small industrial city of Avdiivka. Avdiivka is currently closed to journalists, so it is important to show how the city lives and fights, that there are still civilians here, and that the Russians are committing genocide against them. I am very grateful to everyone who supports our fundraisers for the defenders of Avdiivka, and to those who simply support me with warm words and wishes for success, because now it is more dangerous in Avdiivka than ever. 10. How can one help the defenders of Avdiivka? Are there any urgent needs that need to be addressed? https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GASeK46WwAIsR5s?format=jpg&name=medium Y: Today, once again, I spoke with servicemen from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, who have been firmly defending this direction since March 2022. The primary need is for combat equipment! There is also a shortage of personnel. Additionally, there is a constant need for drones: daytime, nighttime, strike, and FPV drones for installing surveillance cameras on various objects. Maximum unity and concentration of efforts are required. We must show that we are a reliable and worthy support for our defenders on the front lines. 11. After the war, what would you like to do? Y: Certainly, I would like to return to my former job in the construction industry. I hope to resume working in the field of design. However, it is very difficult to imagine what life will be like after the war. In any case, I can never go back to my previous life. Our work will continue in one way or another, with a lot of tasks in the de-occupied territories, working with civilians, and humanitarian missions. But yes, along with that, I would still like to engage in design. 12. What places would you recommend for foreigners to visit in Ukraine? Y: Currently, this is a very difficult and painful question for me because dozens of places I would recommend to visit to immerse oneself in the culture, better understand the locality, and experience the uniqueness of the region are unfortunately either destroyed, no longer exist, or are in temporary occupation. Of course, I would like to recommend visiting Donetsk – as we used to call it, the "City of a Million Roses." Or Soledar, there was something to be surprised about in Soledar: remnants of the ancient Permian Sea, industrial objects, steppe landscapes, vast lakes, and even "Martian landscapes." And, of course, the salt mines. There, the descent is almost 300 meters deep, where there used to be a salt mining museum, a salt football field, a naturally occurring salt crystal the size of a human, sculptures created by local craftsmen, and a special hall for symphonic concerts. I also really liked the Avdiivka quarry, or as the locals called it, the "Maldives of Avdiivka." They used to extract quartz sand there. The former industrial zone eventually turned into a local landmark. It had clean and cool water. But many, many other places were destroyed and ruined by the Russians. So, I would recommend visiting the Carpathian Mountains. Take a walk through the wooded hills and blooming meadows, and definitely climb the highest mountain – Hoverla. If you wish to provide direct assistance to the defenders of Avdiivka, kindly visit Yana's account: https://twitter.com/jana_skhidna/status/1729063940448240084 I kindly ask you to like and share this post as it is of utmost importance.
I read the whole thing. If a person can read this and still be indifferent to providing aid to Ukraine, then that person is evil. Yes, evil- there is no other option. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:12:09 PM EST
[#38]
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:16:21 PM EST
[#39]
Ukrainian DRG gets ambushed.
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:16:21 PM EST
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Saltwater-Hillbilly: Whatever happened damaged a lot more than the optical system! Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Saltwater-Hillbilly: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Reportedly the first Russian captured Bradley, optical system is smashed.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWt7AWgAAcn1Z?format=png&name=900x900 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwocWwAA_QWo?format=jpg&name=medium https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwoPWEAAkHi-?format=jpg&name=medium Whatever happened damaged a lot more than the optical system! Yeah, they get damaged or bogged down and abandoned. The Russians continue to shell the area or drop Lancets or fpv drones on them so they accrue more damage. Looks like nearby artillery hit it. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:25:20 PM EST
[Last Edit: Prime]
[#41]
Stormtroopers of the 93rd "Malyuk" and "Ahmed" talk about the beginning of the war, the battles for Bakhmut and Klishchiivka, Wagners, trophy weapons. Full video at the link: https://youtu.be/sBBy_LAkl6U
 ????? 93-? ????? ?? ?????: ??? ?? ?????? ? ?????????, ??????, ??????, ????? ???????, ????????? 300-? “Baba Yaga dropping gifts”  "???? ???" ?????? ?????????. ?????? ?????? ????????. ????????? ?-2. ???????-????????. [i]⚡Occupied Donetsk: SSO destroyed the ammunition warehouse and "Grad" of the occupiers ⚫ During reconnaissance operations in the Donetsk direction, operators of the 73rd Maritime Center of the SSO discovered an enemy ammunition depot and established the location of the BM-21 "Grad" ⚫ The special forces crew inflicted fire damage on the targets with the help of an impact BpAK. As a result of the impact, the warehouse of BC and "Grad" was completely destroyed (how beautifully it burns - see the video)/i] https://t.me/ukr_sof/851  ??????????? ???????: ??? ??????? ????? ??????????? ? «????» ????????? Good interview with Ukrainian volunteers  ?? ?????????: ??? ?????? ? ???????????, ????? ???? ??? ??????, ???????????? ?????? ?? ?????????, NAFO |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:36:27 PM EST
[Last Edit: RockNwood]
[#42]
Slovakia…another small country suckling on the Russian oil teat.
Man, Europe went all in with cheap Russian oil and gas and then blathers about climate change and clean energy. What could possibly go wrong becoming totally dependent on Russia for keeping your factories running and the cash registers on??!! I’m am continually amazed Eastern Europe countries that suffered under Soviet attack and oppression jumped so easily into the lap of the tsar. I’ve seen street interviews asking similar question and the response is “It wasn’t so bad, we had lights and 2-3 meals a day. It could’ve been worse.”
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:44:12 PM EST
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Yeah, they get damaged or bogged down and abandoned. The Russians continue to shell the area or drop Lancets or fpv drones on them so they accrue more damage. Looks like nearby artillery hit it. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Originally Posted By Saltwater-Hillbilly: Originally Posted By AlmightyTallest: Reportedly the first Russian captured Bradley, optical system is smashed.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWt7AWgAAcn1Z?format=png&name=900x900 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwocWwAA_QWo?format=jpg&name=medium https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAmWwoPWEAAkHi-?format=jpg&name=medium Whatever happened damaged a lot more than the optical system! Yeah, they get damaged or bogged down and abandoned. The Russians continue to shell the area or drop Lancets or fpv drones on them so they accrue more damage. Looks like nearby artillery hit it. One of the impacts of drones is that it further complicates the already messy task of armored vehicle recovery. It looks like future AVR missions anywhere near the front will have to done at night or during inclement weather, and that troops will have to dismount and disperse for even relatively minor "mobility kills" any any miring of the vehicle that requires a half-hour or more to "unstick". This will have "knock-on" effects such as how sensitive items and crypto/radios are managed in damaged vehicles and increased chances for the vehicle crews to go "DUSTWUN" during operations. 
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:48:29 PM EST
[#44]
3D view of the front line east of Niu-York to highlight the network of pipes forming part of the structures of the "Siverskyi Donets - Donbass" canal.
 
Footage from the local drone unit.
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Posted: 12/5/2023 1:55:49 PM EST
[Last Edit: RockNwood]
[#45]
The only sure course for survival given that Biden has agreed not to allow harm to Russia.
 https://twitter.com/walter_report/status/1732096680273604673 All soviet R-36 «Satan» intercontinental nuclear ballistic missiles have been produced in Dnipro, Ukraine. Ukraine operates massive nuclear powerplants, the biggest in Europe. The Budapest memorandum has not been upheld by anyone, except Ukraine. Ukraine Aid is actively being limited, the hands of Ukrainian Defenders are being tied down by catastrophically delayed and completely inadequate weapon deliveries, which is getting tapered. The promises and obligations are not being kept - by everyone, except Ukraine. Ukraine should pursue the path of arming itself with nuclear weapons, ASAP. The means to do so are present. Ukraine has the absolute right and sheer necessity to do so. ☢️ |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 2:01:19 PM EST
[Last Edit: Saltwater-Hillbilly]
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RockNwood: Slovakia…another small country suckling on the Russian oil teat. Man, Europe went all in with cheap Russian oil and gas and then blathers about climate change and clean energy. What could possibly go wrong becoming totally dependent on Russia for keeping your factories running and the cash registers on??!! I’m am continually amazed Eastern Europe countries that suffered under Soviet attack and oppression jumped so easily into the lap of the tsar. I’ve seen street interviews asking similar question and the response is “It wasn’t so bad, we had lights and 2-3 meals a day. It could’ve been worse.”
Perhaps Europe needs to have a "Green Draft" of all the folks who like to damage paintings and glue themselves to roads, and that have essentially shut down most of Europe's nuclear power industry, to give them an opportunity to truly fight those evil Russian oil oligarchs. After all, Russian oil and gas companies are sponsoring Russian units, militias and PMCs, so the only logical response is for the so-called "Green Movement" to do likewise in opposition to the petro-driven Russians! It would probably add some drama and existential meaning to the lives of those desperately in need of validation. Global Warming would likely be replaced as the most dangerous thing in their lives and the received education may possibly overcome their indoctrination. As a sop to their environmental concerns, they can serve as light infantry to avoid despoiling the environment with the diesel necessary to cover distances quickly and in relative safety. Another thing that can be done to be more environmentally conscious is to compost the bodies of the fallen near the front to avoid the carbon necessary to ship them home, thereby leaving more oil in the ground. I have a feeling that a lot of folks in the environmental movement would be more mature and reasonable if the threat of actual and imminent personal extinction was added as a component of "Extinction Rebellion".
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Posted: 12/5/2023 2:23:51 PM EST
[Last Edit: AlmightyTallest]
[#47]
I wonder where that new Patriot or SAMP-T went to.
These were reported a distance from Odessa when hit.
 Russian report:
to shoot down the Su-30SM that was on cover - it went away as soon as it was irradiated by the radar. Immediately after this, a Mi-8 PSO flew to the crash site for evacuation; the results of its work are unknown." |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 2:26:48 PM EST
[#48]
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Posted: 12/5/2023 2:35:22 PM EST
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RockNwood:  “Explosions on their own mines…” If only they knew where they planted their own mines. That would be handy, no? Many mines are deployed via artillery. Hard to know exact placement. |
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Posted: 12/5/2023 2:40:23 PM EST
[#50]
 Anders Puck Nielsen - If Russia's War Ambitions Haven't Changed are Peace Talks or Deals Meaningless |
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