informnapalm--2020-06-19--Convoy of Russian equipment covertly crossing Ukrainian border (photo from UAV)

An OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) daily report No .
134/2020 of June 6 , 2020 reported that a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV ) recorded a convoy of trucks that covertly drove into Ukraine in an uncontrolled area of the Luhansk Oblast near the border with the Russia , in places where there are no border crossing facilities .
The movement of trucks from Russia was described in sufficient detail in the OSCE SMM report .
However , the report did not contain any visual details evidencing the gross violation by the Russian Federation .
Volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ images and did additional geolocation to indicate the precise coordinates of both incursion sites of Russian convoys and their destination in Luhansk Oblast .
Pictures from the OSCE SMM UAV and identification by InformNapalm We publish unique images from UAVs confirming the text part of the OSCE SMM report No .
134/2020 of June 6 , 2020 .
Based on the initial data indicated in the OSCE report , InformNapalm volunteers managed to geolocate the mentioned sites , i.e .
to determine the exact coordinates of the images .
The first picture shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border with Russia in the coordinates : 48.160698 , 39.904193 The second picture shows the arrival of trucks at a place with coordinates in Luhansk : 48.538979 , 39.325941 .
By monitoring open sources , InformNapalm volunteers found that this area has long been used by the Russian occupation forces as a base for the Logistics Battalion of the 2nd Army Corps of the Russian Armed Forces .
This is evidenced by the video which was posted by propagandists of the Luhansk People ’ s Republic ( LPR ) terrorist organization in 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 2020 , InformNapalm showed a unique aerial photograph that supplemented the text data of the OSCE SMM report No .
60/20 of March 12 , 2020 exposing 3 modern Russian electronic warfare systems : RB-341V Leer-3 , R-934B Sinitsa and RB-636 Svet-KU .
This information was apparently very sensitive for Russia , the aggressor state .
Shortly after its publication all official pages of all language versions of InformNapalm were blocked on Twitter for the first time in 6 years .
For over 6 years , Russia has been publicly denying its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donbas .
However , there is abundant evidence from international observers and volunteers indicating that Russia grossly violates international law throughout the entire period of the military conflict , continues to deploy weapons and military equipment , and uses its own military personnel , as well as mercenaries , mostly citizens of the Russian Federation .
Peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Donbas is impossible without the withdrawal of Russian hybrid armed formations and equipment from the territory of Ukraine : Crimea and parts of Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts .
Therefore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Donbas ” is fraud and does not contribute to the real end of the war .
Given that the Kremlin has not abandoned its aggressive intentions for 6 years , the international community should continue to strengthen its sanctions against the aggressor state and put consistent diplomatic , economic and other types of pressure on the Russian leadership .
It is also important to acknowledge that the return of the Ukrainian Crimea occupied by Russia is inextricably linked with the war and the occupation of parts of the Ukrainian Donbas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and sanctions for the continuation of the war and occupation should be stepped up until the occupied territories are completely returned under Ukraine ’ s control , the destroyed infrastructure of the Donbas is restored and reparations paid by Russia as a country that launched a war against a sovereign independent nation and inflicted significant irreparable losses : deaths and injuries to tens of thousands of people .
We urge the international community to increase the pressure on the aggressor who launched a bloody war in Europe in the 21st century .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ account for its actions , then other European states may become the next victims of the Russian aggression .
Read and share more from InformNapalm • • Proofs of the Russian Aggression : InformNapalm releases extensive database of evidence • Volunteers gathered evidence of 32 Russian military units taking part in the invasion of Crimea • Signs of PSYOP against Ukrainian army and OSCE at Horlivka • Obstruction of OSCE SMM activity in Donbas by the Russian Federation – Q1 2020 analysis • Ukraine at the OSCE spoke about Russian anti-personnel mines in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international conventions • Russia continues to supply carloads of ammunition for armed groups in the Donbas Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome !
( Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 ) Follow InformNapalm on Facebook / Twitter

An OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) daily report No. 134/2020 of June 6, 2020 reported that a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recorded a convoy of trucks that covertly drove into Ukraine in an uncontrolled area of the Luhansk Oblast near the border with the Russia, in places where there are no border crossing facilities. The movement of trucks from Russia was described in sufficient detail in the OSCE SMM report. However, the report did not contain any visual details evidencing the gross violation by the Russian Federation. Volunteers of InformNapalm international intelligence community obtained unique UAV images and did additional geolocation to indicate the precise coordinates of both incursion sites of Russian convoys and their destination in Luhansk Oblast.
Pictures from the OSCE SMM UAV and identification by InformNapalm
We publish unique images from UAVs confirming the text part of the OSCE SMM report No. 134/2020 of June 6, 2020.
Based on the initial data indicated in the OSCE report, InformNapalm volunteers managed to geolocate the mentioned sites, i.e. to determine the exact coordinates of the images.
The first picture shows a convoy of trucks close to the border with Russia in the coordinates: 48.160698, 39.904193
The second picture shows the arrival of trucks at a place with coordinates in Luhansk: 48.538979, 39.325941.
By monitoring open sources, InformNapalm volunteers found that this area has long been used by the Russian occupation forces as a base for the Logistics Battalion of the 2nd Army Corps of the Russian Armed Forces. This is evidenced by the video which was posted by propagandists of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) terrorist organization in 2015.
It is worth mentioning that in March 2020, InformNapalm showed a unique aerial photograph that supplemented the text data of the OSCE SMM report No. 60/20 of March 12, 2020 exposing 3 modern Russian electronic warfare systems: RB-341V Leer-3, R-934B Sinitsa and RB-636 Svet-KU. This information was apparently very sensitive for Russia, the aggressor state. Shortly after its publication all official pages of all language versions of InformNapalm were blocked on Twitter for the first time in 6 years.
Conclusions
For over 6 years, Russia has been publicly denying its direct participation in the war in the Donbas. However, there is abundant evidence from international observers and volunteers indicating that Russia grossly violates international law throughout the entire period of the military conflict, continues to deploy weapons and military equipment, and uses its own military personnel, as well as mercenaries, mostly citizens of the Russian Federation.
Peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Donbas is impossible without the withdrawal of Russian hybrid armed formations and equipment from the territory of Ukraine: Crimea and parts of Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts. Therefore, any political speculation regarding the “elections in the Donbas” is fraud and does not contribute to the real end of the war. Given that the Kremlin has not abandoned its aggressive intentions for 6 years, the international community should continue to strengthen its sanctions against the aggressor state and put consistent diplomatic, economic and other types of pressure on the Russian leadership. It is also important to acknowledge that the return of the Ukrainian Crimea occupied by Russia is inextricably linked with the war and the occupation of parts of the Ukrainian Donbas. Therefore these issues should be addressed comprehensively, and sanctions for the continuation of the war and occupation should be stepped up until the occupied territories are completely returned under Ukraine’s control, the destroyed infrastructure of the Donbas is restored and reparations paid by Russia as a country that launched a war against a sovereign independent nation and inflicted significant irreparable losses: deaths and injuries to tens of thousands of people.
We urge the international community to increase the pressure on the aggressor who launched a bloody war in Europe in the 21st century. If Russia is not fully taken to account for its actions, then other European states may become the next victims of the Russian aggression.
Read and share more from InformNapalm
Translated by Andrii Gryga, edited by Artem Velichko.
Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome! (Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0) Follow InformNapalm on Facebook / Twitter


informnapalm--2020-06-24--Russian disinformation campaign against Ukraine is unfolding in Portugal

Since the beginning of June , Russia has been actively pushing a new disinformation information operation against Ukraine in Portugal , with messages and narratives typical of the Russian propaganda .
InformNapalm volunteers from the Ukrainian diaspora in Portugal noticed signs of deliberate anti-Ukrainian media campaign .
The culmination of this special operation was on June 21 , 2020 , when one of the most popular Portuguese newspapers Público published 3 articles at once , in which Ukraine was called “ the cradle of modern world Nazism ” and “ a training ground for neo-Nazis from around the world.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated , and their author provoked a diplomatic scandal .
Read more about this below .
On March 27 , 2014 , the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 on the Territorial Integrity of Ukraine was adopted by open vote of UN member states , with 100 countries voting in favor .
Portugal was among these countries .
This meeting of the UN General Assembly was convened specifically to consider the issue of Russia ’ s armed occupation of parts of Ukraine .
In January 2015 , Ukraine officially recognized Russia as an aggressor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ” Address of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the United Nations , the European Parliament , the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe , the NATO Parliamentary Assembly , the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly , the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly recognition of the Russian Federation as an aggressor state.
” On November 8 , 2019 , the UN International Court of Justice issued a full decision recognizing the jurisdiction of the court in the case of Russia ’ s violation of two conventions – the International Convention for the Suppression of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination .
Charges against Russia include : providing weapons and other assistance to illegal armed groups in Donbas ; downing of MH17 flight ; shelling of residential areas of Mariupol and Kramatorsk ; destruction of a civilian passenger bus near Volnovakha and many other crimes .
Volunteers of the InformNapalm international intelligence community have continuously presented numerous facts about the participation of Russian military personnel , unique types of modern Russian military equipment and entire Russian units in the aggression against Ukraine at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the InformNapalm investigations were presented by official Ukrainian delegations at meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe , NATO and OSCE .
Journalists and politicians in the service of the Kremlin ?
Journalists must provide the public with honest reporting , not manipulate data and concepts .
At the same time , distortion of facts through the use of incorrect terms is a tool of the post-truth and misinformation .
Russia is an aggressor country , and this fact has been repeatedly recognized in resolutions of international organizations of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continues to wage an unprovoked war against Ukraine in the Donbas .
It continues to use distorted terminology as an effective tool of hybrid warfare .
Russian propaganda is also active in the EU .
One well-known fact is the Kremlin ’ s funding of radical parties and groups , both far-right and far-left , in many parts of the world .
Kremlin lobbyists are also active in Portugal , sometimes openly and sometimes hiding behind the front of a “ Ukrainian public organization.
” Media attacks are carried out regularly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ immortal regiment ” provokes clashes in the streets of Lisbon .
The Kremlin ’ s propaganda activities are not limited to this .
Accusations of Ukrainians of Fascism , Nazism and neo-Nazism are periodically pushed to readers and viewers .
One striking example is the activity of Mamadou Ba , known in Portugal for his racist remarks , who heads the SOS Racismo , an organization allegedly set up to “ fight racism ” .
Mamadou Ba belongs to the far-left party and is a member of the Portuguese parliament .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be alert , claiming that “ Lisbon is infected by Ukrainian Nazis.
” The Ukrainian community in Portugal responded to the attack by demonstrating , writing an open letter and a letter of complaint to parliament , as Mamadou Ba is one of the legislators , who decides how 36,000 Ukrainians will live on the Portuguese soil .
According to statistics , in 2012 there were 44,074 Ukrainians living in Portugal , then there was an outflow .
According to the latest open official data for 2017 , there are 32,453 Ukrainians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people around the world whose native language is Portuguese .
Therefore , the Kremlin ’ s operations in the Portuguese media space pose an important threat to Ukraine and are just another dimension of the Russian hybrid aggression .
By the way , the InformNapalm international volunteer community also has an active Portuguese version of the site .
Another escalation of the anti-Ukrainian media campaign in Portugal took place in early June .
One of the first alarming signals was an article by Giulia Fontes , which appeared in the Brazilian media on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sao Paulo , protesters in support of incumbent president Bolsonaro appeared with Ukrainian national blue and yellow flag and red and black flag bearing a Ukrainian trident , which , according to the author , are “ extremist symbols ” .
The Ambassador of Ukraine to Brazil Rostislav Tronenko in an interview with CNN , said that the red and black flag is historical and symbolizes the fertile land of Ukraine and the blood shed by Ukrainians in their fight for its sovereignty , whereas the Trident means the Holy Trinity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who brought Christianity to Ukraine in the tenth century .
Contrary to the statement of the Ukrainian diplomat , journalist Giulia Fontes insisted that these symbols allegedly belong exclusively to the “ Right Sector ” and are , in the journalist ’ s opinion , “ extremist ” .
The continuation of the information offensive did not take long in Portugal .
On Sunday , June 21 , 2020 , one of the most popular newspapers Público published 3 articles in a row , in which Ukraine was called “ the cradle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training ground for neo-Nazis from around the world ” ( attached PDF with these publications ) .
The author of these materials is Ricardo Cabral Fernandes , an ardent admirer of the extreme left ( Esquerda or Bloco de Esquerda ) .
All three of his articles sound similar in tone , emphases and use of definitions .
The most noteworthy is the publication titled “ Ukraine – a military training ground for the global extreme right ” ( “ Ucrânia , o campo de treino militar para a extrema-direita mundial ” ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war in eastern Ukraine as Russian aggression , this journalist is actively promoting the Kremlin ’ s narrative of the “ civil war in Donbas ” .
Manipulating baseless allegations is a staple tactic for this author of anti-Ukrainian articles : “ The Azov Regiment has become a broad movement , has created a state within the Ukrainian state , has spread its tentacles throughout Europe , and aims to create a Ukrainian foreign legion , ” said Cabral , pushing another absurd Kremlin narrative .
The manipulations did not end there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine to ISIS or Daesh .
To lend credibility to the manipulation , Cabral made a reference to Jason Blazakis , an expert who for a whole decade was responsible for financial counteraction to terrorism and the definition of terrorist organizations at the US State Department .
The journalist wrote that Blazakis allegedly claimed that this was the way ISIS had trained extremist killers to succeed in Syria , and that Ukraine was an ideal training ground for terrorists because it was “ the back door of the European Union.
” We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quote or any similar statements from Jason Blazakis .
Perhaps this misrepresentation on the part of the journalist Ricardo Cabral is also a manipulative attempt to divert attention from recent US determinations against Russian right-wing radical movements that have recruited militants for the war in Donbas .
Interestingly , Cabral gives negative connotation to the events of the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity , calling these events – a “ “ , fully in tune with the Kremlin terminology book .
It is sad to see such writing from a Portuguese journalist , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his own opinion .
Of much greater concern , however , is the fact that all these articles were published by Público , a major Portuguese newspaper , which had not previously been seen as the “ Kremlin mouthpiece.
” The Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal , represented by Ambassador Inna Ohnivets , addressed the Portuguese institutions and the wider community , expressing outrage at the false reporting in one of the most popular national newspapers .
Meanwhile , the newspaper came out again with the same anti-Ukrainian article on the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portugal have also prepared an open appeal to the Parliament to draw attention to the wave of fake news and publications that promote the narratives of the aggressor country Russia , pointing out that this kind of libelous reporting is harmful not only to Ukraine but also carries a threat to Portugal itself , which has provided and continues to provide political support to Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and independence .
Portugal is also among the countries that have recognized the Holodomor a genocide of Ukrainian people .
Portugal also voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitting Ukraine as a member of NATO ’ s Enhanced Capabilities Program .
Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome !
( Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 ) Follow InformNapalm on Facebook / Twitter

Since the beginning of June, Russia has been actively pushing a new disinformation information operation against Ukraine in Portugal, with messages and narratives typical of the Russian propaganda. InformNapalm volunteers from the Ukrainian diaspora in Portugal noticed signs of deliberate anti-Ukrainian media campaign. The culmination of this special operation was on June 21, 2020, when one of the most popular Portuguese newspapers Público published 3 articles at once, in which Ukraine was called “the cradle of modern world Nazism” and “a training ground for neo-Nazis from around the world.” On June 23, the publications were repeated, and their author provoked a diplomatic scandal. Read more about this below.
Introduction
On March 27, 2014, the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 on the Territorial Integrity of Ukraine was adopted by open vote of UN member states, with 100 countries voting in favor. Portugal was among these countries. This meeting of the UN General Assembly was convened specifically to consider the issue of Russia’s armed occupation of parts of Ukraine.
In January 2015, Ukraine officially recognized Russia as an aggressor state by the Verkhovna Rada Resolution No.3449 on the ” Address of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the United Nations, the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly recognition of the Russian Federation as an aggressor state.”
On November 8, 2019, the UN International Court of Justice issued a full decision recognizing the jurisdiction of the court in the case of Russia’s violation of two conventions – the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Charges against Russia include: providing weapons and other assistance to illegal armed groups in Donbas; downing of MH17 flight; shelling of residential areas of Mariupol and Kramatorsk; destruction of a civilian passenger bus near Volnovakha and many other crimes.
Volunteers of the InformNapalm international intelligence community have continuously presented numerous facts about the participation of Russian military personnel, unique types of modern Russian military equipment and entire Russian units in the aggression against Ukraine at high international platforms. The results of the InformNapalm investigations were presented by official Ukrainian delegations at meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, NATO and OSCE.
Journalists and politicians in the service of the Kremlin?
Journalists must provide the public with honest reporting, not manipulate data and concepts. At the same time, distortion of facts through the use of incorrect terms is a tool of the post-truth and misinformation. Russia is an aggressor country, and this fact has been repeatedly recognized in resolutions of international organizations of the highest level. Russia has invaded Ukraine and continues to wage an unprovoked war against Ukraine in the Donbas. It continues to use distorted terminology as an effective tool of hybrid warfare. Russian propaganda is also active in the EU. One well-known fact is the Kremlin’s funding of radical parties and groups, both far-right and far-left, in many parts of the world.
Kremlin lobbyists are also active in Portugal, sometimes openly and sometimes hiding behind the front of a “Ukrainian public organization.” Media attacks are carried out regularly, and from time to time the so-called “immortal regiment” provokes clashes in the streets of Lisbon.
The Kremlin’s propaganda activities are not limited to this. Accusations of Ukrainians of Fascism, Nazism and neo-Nazism are periodically pushed to readers and viewers. One striking example is the activity of Mamadou Ba, known in Portugal for his racist remarks, who heads the SOS Racismo, an organization allegedly set up to “fight racism”.
Mamadou Ba belongs to the far-left party and is a member of the Portuguese parliament. His message on the page warns the Portuguese to be alert, claiming that “Lisbon is infected by Ukrainian Nazis.”
The Ukrainian community in Portugal responded to the attack by demonstrating, writing an open letter and a letter of complaint to parliament, as Mamadou Ba is one of the legislators, who decides how 36,000 Ukrainians will live on the Portuguese soil.
According to statistics, in 2012 there were 44,074 Ukrainians living in Portugal, then there was an outflow. According to the latest open official data for 2017, there are 32,453 Ukrainians living in Portugal.
There are 273,600,000 people around the world whose native language is Portuguese. Therefore, the Kremlin’s operations in the Portuguese media space pose an important threat to Ukraine and are just another dimension of the Russian hybrid aggression. By the way, the InformNapalm international volunteer community also has an active Portuguese version of the site.
Another escalation of the anti-Ukrainian media campaign in Portugal took place in early June. One of the first alarming signals was an article by Giulia Fontes, which appeared in the Brazilian media on June 1.
Photo: Leo Orestes/Estadão Conteúdo
The article said that in Sao Paulo, protesters in support of incumbent president Bolsonaro appeared with Ukrainian national blue and yellow flag and red and black flag bearing a Ukrainian trident , which, according to the author, are “extremist symbols”.
The Ambassador of Ukraine to Brazil Rostislav Tronenko in an interview with CNN, said that the red and black flag is historical and symbolizes the fertile land of Ukraine and the blood shed by Ukrainians in their fight for its sovereignty, whereas the Trident means the Holy Trinity, a tribute to memory of Prince Volodymyr who brought Christianity to Ukraine in the tenth century.
Contrary to the statement of the Ukrainian diplomat, journalist Giulia Fontes insisted that these symbols allegedly belong exclusively to the “Right Sector” and are, in the journalist’s opinion, “extremist”.
The continuation of the information offensive did not take long in Portugal. On Sunday, June 21, 2020, one of the most popular newspapers Público published 3 articles in a row, in which Ukraine was called “the cradle of modern world Nazism” and “a training ground for neo-Nazis from around the world” (attached PDF with these publications).
The author of these materials is Ricardo Cabral Fernandes, an ardent admirer of the extreme left (Esquerda or Bloco de Esquerda). All three of his articles sound similar in tone, emphases and use of definitions. The most noteworthy is the publication titled “Ukraine – a military training ground for the global extreme right” (“Ucrânia, o campo de treino militar para a extrema-direita mundial”).
Quote:
“A Ucrânia é hoje um dos principais pólos de atracção para a extrema-direita internacional e quase quatro mil estrangeiros de 35 países já receberam treino e combateram nas fileiras de milícias na Guerra Civil Ucraniana.” “Today, Ukraine is one of the main centers of attraction for international extreme right, and almost four thousand foreigners from 35 countries have already been trained and have taken part in the ranks of militia in the Ukrainian civil war”
Despite numerous international documents defining the war in eastern Ukraine as Russian aggression, this journalist is actively promoting the Kremlin’s narrative of the “civil war in Donbas”.
Manipulating baseless allegations is a staple tactic for this author of anti-Ukrainian articles:
“The Azov Regiment has become a broad movement, has created a state within the Ukrainian state, has spread its tentacles throughout Europe, and aims to create a Ukrainian foreign legion,” said Cabral, pushing another absurd Kremlin narrative.
The manipulations did not end there, but became even deeper. Cabral compared Ukraine to ISIS or Daesh. To lend credibility to the manipulation, Cabral made a reference to Jason Blazakis, an expert who for a whole decade was responsible for financial counteraction to terrorism and the definition of terrorist organizations at the US State Department. The journalist wrote that Blazakis allegedly claimed that this was the way ISIS had trained extremist killers to succeed in Syria, and that Ukraine was an ideal training ground for terrorists because it was “the back door of the European Union.” We have not found any original sources of this quote or any similar statements from Jason Blazakis. Perhaps this misrepresentation on the part of the journalist Ricardo Cabral is also a manipulative attempt to divert attention from recent US determinations against Russian right-wing radical movements that have recruited militants for the war in Donbas.
Interestingly, Cabral gives negative connotation to the events of the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, calling these events – a “coup against the incumbent President Yanukovych“, fully in tune with the Kremlin terminology book. It is sad to see such writing from a Portuguese journalist, but Cabral is also just a human entitled to his own opinion. Of much greater concern, however, is the fact that all these articles were published by Público, a major Portuguese newspaper, which had not previously been seen as the “Kremlin mouthpiece.”
The Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal, represented by Ambassador Inna Ohnivets, addressed the Portuguese institutions and the wider community, expressing outrage at the false reporting in one of the most popular national newspapers.

Meanwhile, the newspaper came out again with the same anti-Ukrainian article on the front page.
Politically active Ukrainians living in Portugal have also prepared an open appeal to the Parliament to draw attention to the wave of fake news and publications that promote the narratives of the aggressor country Russia, pointing out that this kind of libelous reporting is harmful not only to Ukraine but also carries a threat to Portugal itself, which has provided and continues to provide political support to Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and independence. Portugal is also among the countries that have recognized the Holodomor a genocide of Ukrainian people. Portugal also voted in favor of the North Atlantic Council admitting Ukraine as a member of NATO’s Enhanced Capabilities Program.
Translated by Andrii Gryganskyi, edited by Artem Velichko.
Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome! (Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0) Follow InformNapalm on Facebook / Twitter


informnapalm--2020-07-03--24th Brigade of Ukrainian Army destroys Russian Kredo-M1 PSNR-8 portable radar station in the Donbas

24th Brigade of Ukrainian Army destroys Russian Kredo-M1 PSNR-8 portable radar station in the Donbas (VIDEO)

On Thursday , June 25 , the press service of the 24th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced the destruction of a position of the Russian occupation forces in the Donbas .
The position housed spotters who used the latest Russian portable ground reconnaissance station PSNR-8 Kredo-M1 of Russian .
InformNapalm international volunteer community reminds that this station has been repeatedly spotted by OSINT experts and there is abundant evidence of its use in the Donbas .
“ This station allowed the enemy not only to automatically detect and determine the coordinates of our technical assets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjustments for artillery fire on them .
It was with the help of this station that Russian mercenaries carried out targeted shelling of our positions , ” – said Ukrainian military spokesman , adding a video recording of the fire engagement .
InformNapalm volunteers also determined the exact coordinates of the position of the Russian spotter which is shown in the video : 48°24 ’ 36.9″N 38°05 ’ 24.5″E .
On May 3 , 2019 , OSCE SMM mentioned in its report that on May 2 , 2019 its short range UAV observed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ western edge of the town of Pervomaisk ( 58 km west of Luhansk ) .
InformNapalm OSINT specialists previously reported the use of the Russian Kredo-M1 PSNR-8 station in the occupied territories of Ukraine .
This station was seen in the occupied territory of the Donetsk region three times : • In the summer of 2015 , the station was seen in use by the “ Khan ” armed gang of the DPR terrorist organization .
• In October 2016 , the station was observed in service with the “ DRG Patriot ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DRG Rusich ” ) , which is staffed by Russian mercenaries and professional Russian servicemen .
• At the end of October 2016 , the station was seen in the occupied village of Olenivtsi .
Kredo-M1 was observed twice in the occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast : • Based on an analysis of the documents exclusively provided by UCA hackivists , we found that artillery units of the Russian occupation forces used this station in Luhansk Oblast in 2015 .
The documents provided detailed information on who and when provided this equipment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorists and how many pieces were delivered .
• In March 2017 , evidence was found that Kredo-M1 was in use by the so-called 10th Artillery Brigade of the LPR terrorist organization ( military unit L-23213 , Luhansk , 2nd Army Corps of Russian Armed Forces ) .
Description and specifications of the system Adopted for the Russian Army in 2002 .
Developed in 1995-2001 .
The developer is Strela NII ( Research Institute ) .
Manufactured by Strela OAO NII Strela .
The station offers automatic detection and positioning of moving ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldiers , units , armored objects , helicopters in hover or flying at low altitude , boats and ships of different classes ) , friendly artillery targeting .
View area : range – from 200 m to 32 km ; azimuth – from 12 to 180 degrees in 12 degree steps ; tilt angle +/- 18 deg .
Target detection range : person – 7-8 km , tank – up to 16 km , truck – up to 32 km , artillery shell explosion – up to 5 km .
Average positioning error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battery Weight Read and share more from InformNapalm • • Proofs of the Russian Aggression : InformNapalm releases extensive database of evidence • Volunteers gathered evidence of 32 Russian military units taking part in the invasion of Crimea • Signs of PSYOP against Ukrainian army and OSCE at Horlivka • Obstruction of OSCE SMM activity in Donbas by the Russian Federation – Q1 2020 analysis • Ukraine at the OSCE spoke about Russian anti-personnel mines in the Donbas , which are prohibited by international conventions • Russia continues to supply carloads of ammunition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reprint with reference to the source is welcome !
( Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 ) Follow InformNapalm on Facebook / Twitter

On Thursday, June 25, the press service of the 24th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced the destruction of a position of the Russian occupation forces in the Donbas. The position housed spotters who used the latest Russian portable ground reconnaissance station PSNR-8 Kredo-M1 of Russian. InformNapalm international volunteer community reminds that this station has been repeatedly spotted by OSINT experts and there is abundant evidence of its use in the Donbas.
“This station allowed the enemy not only to automatically detect and determine the coordinates of our technical assets and personnel, but also to make accurate adjustments for artillery fire on them. It was with the help of this station that Russian mercenaries carried out targeted shelling of our positions,” – said Ukrainian military spokesman, adding a video recording of the fire engagement.
Coordinates of targets engagement
InformNapalm volunteers also determined the exact coordinates of the position of the Russian spotter which is shown in the video: 48°24’36.9″N 38°05’24.5″E.

On May 3, 2019, OSCE SMM mentioned in its report that on May 2, 2019 its short range UAV observed a Kredo-M1 PSNR-8 portable radar on the western edge of the town of Pervomaisk (58 km west of Luhansk).
InformNapalm OSINT specialists previously reported the use of the Russian Kredo-M1 PSNR-8 station in the occupied territories of Ukraine. This station was seen in the occupied territory of the Donetsk region three times:
In the summer of 2015, the station was seen in use by the “Khan” armed gang of the DPR terrorist organization.
In October 2016, the station was observed in service with the “DRG Patriot” armed gang (previously known as “DRG Rusich”), which is staffed by Russian mercenaries and professional Russian servicemen.
At the end of October 2016, the station was seen in the occupied village of Olenivtsi.
Kredo-M1 was observed twice in the occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast:
Based on an analysis of the documents exclusively provided by UCA hackivists, we found that artillery units of the Russian occupation forces used this station in Luhansk Oblast in 2015. The documents provided detailed information on who and when provided this equipment to the units of the occupation forces and terrorists and how many pieces were delivered.
In March 2017, evidence was found that Kredo-M1 was in use by the so-called 10th Artillery Brigade of the LPR terrorist organization (military unit L-23213, Luhansk, 2nd Army Corps of Russian Armed Forces).
Description and specifications of the system
Adopted for the Russian Army in 2002. Developed in 1995-2001. The developer is Strela NII (Research Institute). Manufactured by Strela OAO NII Strela. The station offers automatic detection and positioning of moving ground, air and surface targets (individual soldiers, units, armored objects, helicopters in hover or flying at low altitude, boats and ships of different classes), friendly artillery targeting.
Serviced by 2-3 people.
Operating frequency – 2 cm (J).
View area: range – from 200 m to 32 km; azimuth – from 12 to 180 degrees in 12 degree steps; tilt angle +/- 18 deg.
Target detection range: person – 7-8 km, tank – up to 16 km, truck – up to 32 km, artillery shell explosion – up to 5 km.
Average positioning error: range – up to 25 m, direction – 00-05 (0.3°)
Power consumption – 110 W.
Working time on a battery – up to 24 hours.
Weight – 51 kg.
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Translated by Andrii Gryga, edited by Artem Velichko.
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informnapalm--2020-07-07--Ukraine handed over intelligence to OSCE about Russia’s military build-up near its borders

Ukraine has transferred to the OSCE intelligence about the presence of the Russian troops near its borders , as reported by Ukrinform .
Ukrainian and American experts , as well as the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine warn that under the pretext of the Kavkaz-2020 strategic exercises Russia could launch a large-scale offensive against Ukraine .
The Russian president has recently signed a decree on the recalling reserve military personnel from the reserve “ for military training ” , without specifying any specific date for the training .
And this points to the increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be an attempt to conceal mass mobilization .
These facts raise the question : what number of troops is Russia prepared to deploy against Ukraine ?
How much military hardware does Russia have at its disposal ?
In general , the answers to these questions were heard on July 1 , at the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation .
As Ukraine is currently chairing this decision-making body of the OSCE , on July 1 the issue of the implementation and modernizing of the Vienna Document 2011 on confidence and security building measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine was the head of the Main Department of International Cooperation and Verification of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , Lieutenant-General Leonid Holopatyuk .
He pointed to the transformation of the occupied territories of Donbas into a “ gray zone ” , where the OSCE ’ s arms control regime is not ensured , whereas confidence and security building measures are not being implemented .
Another destabilizing factor is the militarization of the occupied Crimea .
Non-transparency of military exercises in the Russian Armed Forces does not contribute to confidence .
OCCUPATION CORPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EUROPEAN ARMIES “ The Russian Federation , within the framework of the Global Exchange of Military Information , should provide data on the number of troops , weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces deployed in Ukraine , ” said Holopatyuk .
He emphasized the need to develop effective mechanisms for international control over the military activities of the Russian troops deployed in the temporarily occupied territories of eastern Ukraine and the Crimea .
The Ukrainian general noted that today , near the border with Ukraine , Russia has already created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capable of carrying out sudden limited-objective offensive operations on the territory of Ukraine without mobilization and with minimal preparation.
” This analysis does not take into account the highly militarized Crimean peninsula and the occupied parts of the Donbas , where the army corps deployed by Russia outweigh whole armies of several European countries in terms of personnel and fire power .
Setting up of a group of Russian occupation forces in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts composed of the 1st ( Donetsk ) and 2nd ( Luhansk ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large increase in the numbers of armaments and military hardware in eastern Ukraine .
The combat structure of the 1st AC includes : • 5 brigades ( 1 , 3 , 5th Motorized Rifle Brigades , 100th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Republican Guard and an Artillery Brigade ) ; • 3 regiments ( 11th Motorized Rifle Regiment , 9th Assault Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Marines and a Headquarters Regiment ) ; The combat structure of the 2nd AC includes : The staff numbers of the 1st and 2nd AC is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ army corps are armed with 481 main battle tanks , 914 armored fighting vehicles , 720 artillery systems and 202 multiple launch rocket launcher systems ( MLRS ) in the uncontrolled territory of Donbas .
At the same time , command and staff positions , as well as all specialist positions in the 1st and 2nd ACs , are filled by the active-duty personnel of the Russian Armed Forces with a total number of about 650 military men .
In addition , , there are operational / combat and logistic support units , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Armed Forces deployed in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts .
Their total number is about 2,100 men .
To maintain constant tension on the front line and ensure the activity of the 1st and 2nd ACs Russian Federation continues to supply ammunition and fuel through uncontrolled sections of the state border of Ukraine Due to the militarization of the occupied Crimea , the peninsula has virtually become a “ carrier deck ” , housing a powerful combined arms group with land , air and sea components numbering about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastal defense forces were set up and groups of the Federal National Guard troops ( up to two brigades ) and the border service of the Russian FSB were redeployed .
There is an active buildup of the attack capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces illegally based on the peninsula , by increasing the personnel strength and equipping them with new types of weapons and military hardware .
The core of the ground component is the 22nd Army Corps , whereas there are plans to build up a field army and the 810th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces .
Six battalion tactical groups are now ready for combat deployment .
The air component is enhanced by the deployment of bombers , fighters and strike fighters as well asmilitary airlift wing on the peninsula .
Belbek and Hvardiyske airfields were reconstructed to accommodate Russian long-range bombers .
Infrastructure is being prepared for the storage of nuclear weapons in Crimea .
The combat capabilities of the navy component have been enhanced with the adoption of the latest attack ships and submarines carrying of naval cruise missiles of the Kalibr type ( up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submarines , capable of joint salvo of 84 missiles ) .
Even according to official data provided by Russia as part of the annual information exchange in accordance with the Vienna Document 2011 , the numbers of armaments and military hardware of the Russian Armed Forces in Crimea has almost tripled over the past six years .
So , according to the Vienna Document data from Russia , as of January 1 , 2020 , there were 684 items of armament and military hardware in Crimea , and this is 453 more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after the occupation of the peninsula , Russia transferred 31 battle tanks , about 200 armored fighting vehicles , almost 100 artillery systems , as well as 63 combat aircraft and 34 combat helicopters .
THREE COMBINED ARMS FORCES ARE CAPABLE OF SUDDEN ATTACK Russia continues to build up forces along the state border of Ukraine , in particular , by actively forming new military units ( forces and groups ) and the upsizing of existing formations to build up their combat potential .
Today , 28 battalion tactical groups are deployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three new large units is nearing completion – two armies and an army corps , which should reach full operational readiness in 2020 and 2021 .
In the ground component in the Western Strategic Area , the 20th Field Army was set up comprising the 3rd and 144th Motorized Rifle Divisions .
At the same time , 448th Missile Brigade of the 20th Army is equipped with Iskander short-range ballistic missile system ( SRBM ) .
In the South-Western Strategic Area , the 8th Field ( Assault ) Army was created on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the 20th Motorized Rifle Brigade and the operationally subordinate 1st and 2nd Army Corps .
Setting up of the missile brigades armed with Iskander SRBMs is envisaged in the district and the army .
In general , the personnel strength of the Russian ground force along the Ukrainian border is estimated at 87,000 military men , up to 1,100 tanks , up to 2,600 armored combat vehicles , up to 1,100 artillery systems , up to 360 multiple launch rocket systems , 18 SRBMs .
There is ongoing re-equipment of the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft ( Su-30SM , Su-35S , Su-34 , Su-25SM3 , MiG-31K aircraft with the Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile and helicopters of various modifications ) .
In total , about 330 combat aircraft and 230 helicopters have been redeployed to base airfields near the border .
The formation of mobilization support centers is also under way .
These centers can form up to four combined arms divisions ( Boguchar , Kamensk-Shakhtinsky , Novoozernoye , temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea ) .
Thus at present , three combined arms forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Ukraine , capable of carrying out unexpected offensive operations on the territory of Ukraine without mobilization and with minimal preparation .
Read and share more on this topic from InformNapalm • Proofs of the Russian Aggression : InformNapalm releases extensive database of evidence • Volunteers gathered evidence of 32 Russian military units taking part in the invasion of Crimea • ‘ Our task is to catch the invisible American , F-22 Raptor ’ – officer of the Russian Aerospace Forces • “ Unprecedented move in OSCE ” : the representative of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24th Brigade of Ukrainian Army destroys Russian Kredo-M1 PSNR-8 portable radar station in the Donbas ( VIDEO ) Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome !
( Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 ) InformNapalm social media pages :

Ukraine has transferred to the OSCE intelligence about the presence of the Russian troops near its borders, as reported by Ukrinform.
Ukrainian and American experts, as well as the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine warn that under the pretext of the Kavkaz-2020 strategic exercises Russia could launch a large-scale offensive against Ukraine. The Russian president has recently signed a decree on the recalling reserve military personnel from the reserve “for military training”, without specifying any specific date for the training. And this points to the increased likelihood of an offensive: the decree may be an attempt to conceal mass mobilization.
These facts raise the question: what number of troops is Russia prepared to deploy against Ukraine? How much military hardware does Russia have at its disposal? In general, the answers to these questions were heard on July 1, at the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation.
As Ukraine is currently chairing this decision-making body of the OSCE, on July 1 the issue of the implementation and modernizing of the Vienna Document 2011 on confidence and security building measures was raised. The main speaker from Ukraine was the head of the Main Department of International Cooperation and Verification of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant-General Leonid Holopatyuk. He pointed to the transformation of the occupied territories of Donbas into a “gray zone”, where the OSCE’s arms control regime is not ensured, whereas confidence and security building measures are not being implemented.
Another destabilizing factor is the militarization of the occupied Crimea. Non-transparency of military exercises in the Russian Armed Forces does not contribute to confidence.
OCCUPATION CORPS IN THE DONBAS IS BIGGER THAN SOME EUROPEAN ARMIES
“The Russian Federation, within the framework of the Global Exchange of Military Information, should provide data on the number of troops, weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces deployed in Ukraine,” said Holopatyuk. He emphasized the need to develop effective mechanisms for international control over the military activities of the Russian troops deployed in the temporarily occupied territories of eastern Ukraine and the Crimea.
The Ukrainian general noted that today, near the border with Ukraine, Russia has already created three combined arms forces “which are capable of carrying out sudden limited-objective offensive operations on the territory of Ukraine without mobilization and with minimal preparation.” This analysis does not take into account the highly militarized Crimean peninsula and the occupied parts of the Donbas, where the army corps deployed by Russia outweigh whole armies of several European countries in terms of personnel and fire power.
Setting up of a group of Russian occupation forces in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts composed of the 1st (Donetsk) and 2nd (Luhansk) Army Corps (AC) lead to a large increase in the numbers of armaments and military hardware in eastern Ukraine.
The combat structure of the 1st AC includes:
5 brigades (1, 3, 5th Motorized Rifle Brigades, 100th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Republican Guard and an Artillery Brigade);
3 regiments (11th Motorized Rifle Regiment, 9th Assault Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Marines and a Headquarters Regiment);
10 battalions.
The combat structure of the 2nd AC includes:
4 brigades (2, 4, 7th Motorized Rifle Brigades and an Artillery Brigade);
2 regiments (6th Motorized Rifle Regiment and a Headquarters Regiment);
6 battalions.
The staff numbers of the 1st and 2nd AC is about 35 thousand military personnel.
These army corps are armed with 481 main battle tanks, 914 armored fighting vehicles, 720 artillery systems and 202 multiple launch rocket launcher systems (MLRS) in the uncontrolled territory of Donbas.
At the same time, command and staff positions, as well as all specialist positions in the 1st and 2nd ACs, are filled by the active-duty personnel of the Russian Armed Forces with a total number of about 650 military men.
In addition,, there are operational / combat and logistic support units, military advisers, and instructors of the Russian Armed Forces deployed in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. Their total number is about 2,100 men.
To maintain constant tension on the front line and ensure the activity of the 1st and 2nd ACs Russian Federation continues to supply ammunition and fuel through uncontrolled sections of the state border of Ukraine
CRIMEA TURNED INTO A “CARRIER DECK”
Due to the militarization of the occupied Crimea, the peninsula has virtually become a “carrier deck”, housing a powerful combined arms group with land, air and sea components numbering about 32,500 military men.
In addition, coastal defense forces were set up and groups of the Federal National Guard troops (up to two brigades) and the border service of the Russian FSB were redeployed.
There is an active buildup of the attack capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces illegally based on the peninsula, by increasing the personnel strength and equipping them with new types of weapons and military hardware.
The core of the ground component is the 22nd Army Corps, whereas there are plans to build up a field army and the 810th Marine Brigade on the basis of these forces. Six battalion tactical groups are now ready for combat deployment.
The air component is enhanced by the deployment of bombers, fighters and strike fighters as well asmilitary airlift wing on the peninsula.
Belbek and Hvardiyske airfields were reconstructed to accommodate Russian long-range bombers. Infrastructure is being prepared for the storage of nuclear weapons in Crimea.
The combat capabilities of the navy component have been enhanced with the adoption of the latest attack ships and submarines carrying of naval cruise missiles of the Kalibr type (up to 70 warships and boats, 6 submarines, capable of joint salvo of 84 missiles).
Even according to official data provided by Russia as part of the annual information exchange in accordance with the Vienna Document 2011, the numbers of armaments and military hardware of the Russian Armed Forces in Crimea has almost tripled over the past six years.
So, according to the Vienna Document data from Russia, as of January 1, 2020, there were 684 items of armament and military hardware in Crimea, and this is 453 more than January 1, 2014. In particular, after the occupation of the peninsula, Russia transferred 31 battle tanks, about 200 armored fighting vehicles, almost 100 artillery systems, as well as 63 combat aircraft and 34 combat helicopters.
THREE COMBINED ARMS FORCES ARE CAPABLE OF SUDDEN ATTACK
Russia continues to build up forces along the state border of Ukraine, in particular, by actively forming new military units (forces and groups) and the upsizing of existing formations to build up their combat potential. Today, 28 battalion tactical groups are deployed along the border.
The formation of three new large units is nearing completion – two armies and an army corps, which should reach full operational readiness in 2020 and 2021.
In the ground component in the Western Strategic Area, the 20th Field Army was set up comprising the 3rd and 144th Motorized Rifle Divisions. At the same time, 448th Missile Brigade of the 20th Army is equipped with Iskander short-range ballistic missile system (SRBM).
In the South-Western Strategic Area, the 8th Field (Assault) Army was created on the basis of the 150th Motorized Rifle Division, the 20th Motorized Rifle Brigade and the operationally subordinate 1st and 2nd Army Corps. Setting up of the missile brigades armed with Iskander SRBMs is envisaged in the district and the army.
In general, the personnel strength of the Russian ground force along the Ukrainian border is estimated at 87,000 military men, up to 1,100 tanks, up to 2,600 armored combat vehicles, up to 1,100 artillery systems, up to 360 multiple launch rocket systems, 18 SRBMs.
There is ongoing re-equipment of the air force with modern and modernized types of aircraft (Su-30SM, Su-35S, Su-34, Su-25SM3, MiG-31K aircraft with the Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile and helicopters of various modifications). In total, about 330 combat aircraft and 230 helicopters have been redeployed to base airfields near the border.
The formation of mobilization support centers is also under way. These centers can form up to four combined arms divisions (Boguchar, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Novoozernoye, temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea).
Thus at present, three combined arms forces have already been built near the border with Ukraine, capable of carrying out unexpected offensive operations on the territory of Ukraine without mobilization and with minimal preparation.
Vasily Korotky , Ukrinform, Vienna
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Translated by Andrii Gryga, edited by Artem Velichko.
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informnapalm--2020-07-11--Officer of 19th MRB of the Russian Armed Forces beat up his subordinates for opening fire on the gua

Officer of 19th MRB of the Russian Armed Forces beat up his subordinates for opening fire on the guards of Bashar al-Assad in Syria

On June 4 , 2020 , Russian media , citing court rulings , reported that the Vladikavkaz Garrison Military Court fined deputy commander of the 19th Motorized Rifle Brigade ( MRB ) of the Russian Armed Forces , Colonel Yevgeny Teleshev 350 thousand rubles , for beating up his subordinates after they opened fire on the guards of Syrian President Bashar Assad at the command post of Deir ez-Zor in the summer of 2019 .
Details of the lawsuit against the Russian colonel According to the court , Yevgeny Teleshev , while deployed to Syria , served as the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He stated in court that from May to July 2019 , the situation at his post was tense : there was an attack on the command post and a traffic accident involving Russian servicemen , where Syrian citizens got killed .
On the morning of July 23 , 2019 , in the office of the combat post of Deir ez-Zor , Colonel Teleshev beat up two servicemen : a rifleman and his immediate superior .
They were diagnosed with concussion .
He explained the reasons for the hitting his subordinates by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he learned from Colonel-General Andrei Serdyukov , commander of the Russian forces , that one of his subordinate riflemen , while at a military post , had shot at the car of the security service of the Syrian Arab Republic , and a bullet pierced the windshield .
The military court , taking into account the colonel ’ s merits and his military awards , as well as voluntary compensation for moral damages to the victims of 70 thousand rubles each , decided to apply more lenient punishment to Teleshev than mandated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ( Abuse of Office ) .
In the verdict , the court indicated that the defendant committed a crime , allegedly fearing a conflict with the local population and Syrian defense forces , as well as a recurrence of the incident .
The colonel was sentenced to a fine .
This decision was appealed by the victims who demanded Teleshev ’ s incarceration , removal from office and ca.1 million rubles reimbursement .
But the Southern District Military Court dismissed their appeal .
Evidence of the participation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine In the OSINT investigations database of the InformNapalm international volunteer community , there is no information about the deputy commander of the 19th MRB Colonel Evgeny Teleshev .
However , our database contains 14 investigations with numerous materials evidencing the participation of servicemen of the 19th MRB ( military unit 20634 , Vladikavkaz , North Ossetia ) in the operation to capture Crimea and the war in the Donbas .
Among the most interesting investigations : • Identified : servicemen of 19th MRB awarded for fighting in Ukraine ; • Electronic warfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company of Russian 19th Motorized Rifle Brigade detected ; • ‘ Drone Company ’ of Russian 19th Motorized Rifle Brigade .
A story of their Ukrainian ‘ trip ’ ; • Snipers of the Russian 19th Brigade Enlisted in ‘ Somali ’ Terrorist Battalion .
Given such a large number of identified Russian military personnel from the 19th MRB who took part in the hostilities in the Ukrainian Donbas , it is possible that some of the military decorations of Colonel Teleshev could have been received for participating in the aggression against Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal record of the commanders of the 15th MRB and the reasons why Russian officers are ready to carry out any criminal orders of the Kremlin after they get hooked by the “ mercy ” of the Russian courts .
Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome !
( Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 ) InformNapalm social media pages : Facebook / Twitter / Telegram

On June 4, 2020, Russian media , citing court rulings, reported that the Vladikavkaz Garrison Military Court fined deputy commander of the 19th Motorized Rifle Brigade (MRB) of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel Yevgeny Teleshev 350 thousand rubles, for beating up his subordinates after they opened fire on the guards of Syrian President Bashar Assad at the command post of Deir ez-Zor in the summer of 2019.
Details of the lawsuit against the Russian colonel
According to the court, Yevgeny Teleshev, while deployed to Syria, served as the head of the task force in Ash Sholah. He stated in court that from May to July 2019, the situation at his post was tense: there was an attack on the command post and a traffic accident involving Russian servicemen, where Syrian citizens got killed.
On the morning of July 23, 2019, in the office of the combat post of Deir ez-Zor, Colonel Teleshev beat up two servicemen: a rifleman and his immediate superior. They were diagnosed with concussion.
He explained the reasons for the hitting his subordinates by the fact that he could not restrain himself when he learned from Colonel-General Andrei Serdyukov, commander of the Russian forces, that one of his subordinate riflemen, while at a military post, had shot at the car of the security service of the Syrian Arab Republic, and a bullet pierced the windshield.
The military court, taking into account the colonel’s merits and his military awards, as well as voluntary compensation for moral damages to the victims of 70 thousand rubles each, decided to apply more lenient punishment to Teleshev than mandated by the Article #286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Abuse of Office). In the verdict, the court indicated that the defendant committed a crime, allegedly fearing a conflict with the local population and Syrian defense forces, as well as a recurrence of the incident. The colonel was sentenced to a fine. This decision was appealed by the victims who demanded Teleshev’s incarceration, removal from office and ca.1 million rubles reimbursement. But the Southern District Military Court dismissed their appeal.
Evidence of the participation of 19th MRB in the war against Ukraine
In the OSINT investigations database of the InformNapalm international volunteer community, there is no information about the deputy commander of the 19th MRB Colonel Evgeny Teleshev. However, our database contains 14 investigations with numerous materials evidencing the participation of servicemen of the 19th MRB (military unit 20634, Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia) in the operation to capture Crimea and the war in the Donbas.
Among the most interesting investigations:
Given such a large number of identified Russian military personnel from the 19th MRB who took part in the hostilities in the Ukrainian Donbas, it is possible that some of the military decorations of Colonel Teleshev could have been received for participating in the aggression against Ukraine.
InformNapalm also previously reported on the criminal record of the commanders of the 15th MRB and the reasons why Russian officers are ready to carry out any criminal orders of the Kremlin after they get hooked by the “mercy” of the Russian courts.
Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome! (Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0) InformNapalm social media pages: Facebook / Twitter / Telegram


informnapalm--2020-07-13--Ben Hodges: “If Kremlin will move, there would be massive cyberattacks against Ukraine to disrupt co

Ben Hodges: “If Kremlin will move, there would be massive cyberattacks against Ukraine to disrupt communications, command, and control infrastructure”

The Ukrainian Week met with General ( ret . )
Ben Hodges , former commander of United States Army Europe , now a Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis ( CEPA ) to discuss possible Russian attack on Ukraine , Western answer on such actions , and the problems of the Black Sea region .
Do you find current political , economical , and military situations as favorable for Russia to invade ?
If not – why ?
– For certain all of the conditions will be in place in September with the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea , the disinformation operation that Kremlin is conducting in this region , where they have talked about the humanitarian crisis .
And , of course , the new Constitution for Russian Federation .
Basically , they try to take a legal claim to former parts of the Soviet Union .
They also issuing passports to Ukrainians .
All of these things are political and economic conditions .
Then you need to think on Kavkaz 2020 exercise , where you have a significant amount of Russian Federation forces in the region .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States .
We are distracted , right now we have plenty of challenges of our own because of the COVID-19 , domestic violence going on and especially because of the presidential elections .
September would be just a few weeks before our election .
Then you can add this huge mistake decision to withdraw 9500 Americans from Germany .
And most of these troops are essential for logistics , rapid reinforcement .
So all of these things together do not mean necessarily , that there would be an attack .
But the conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so important that not only Ukrainian Armed Forces ( UAF ) are vigilant , but also everyone in the region , like Georgia , Romania , and Turkey .
And the United States pays attention too , same for NATO .
I think Germany and France they should be really putting the pressure on the Kremlin , but they haven ’ t done so yet .
They also have their own internal challenges with post-pandemic recovery .
So if Kremlin thinks that the West would really respond in a minimal way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They could do the calculation , that could lead to an attack of some sort .
Obviously , I hope I ’ m wrong .
And I ’ m sure that UAF will do all the right things to be prepared , to maintain surveillance .
It is really important , that Ukraine works closely with Georgia , Moldova , and Romania to watch very closely this exercise , but also what is going on in the Black Sea and in the Sea of Azov .
You need the whole combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform intelligence .
Ukraine has become very good at working with drones , this would be also very important .
But also maritime surveillance of what is going on out there .
What could be used as casus belli ?
And what is the reason for Russia to make such a move ?
– Of course this water shortage in Crimea , partly as a result of weather conditions and partly of Ukrainian blocking of the North Crimean canal .
Kremlin talking about the humanitarian crisis , and they are not able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more water or creating desalination capability .
I think the pretext for them would be to tell “ We have a humanitarian crisis , we have no choice and need to open the dam near Nova Kakhovka.
” There is already some information operations , that are kind of saying this , in that region .
I don ’ t know how would this invasion look like .
It could be helicopters with special forces , that could be people , who infiltrate not in the uniform , or that could be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disable the dam , but there is a variety of things that they could do to get the water go on again .
If Russians do that and if the West does respond in a minimum way , I don ’ t know where could be the end of it .
They wouldn ’ t go if they only destroy the dam and leave .
In fact , if they control the area of Nova Kakhovka in addition to the whole seashore of Crimea and 10 thousand troops in Transnistria – all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area near Odesa .
And the Russian Navy is always conducting military exercises , which including the blockade of this area .
So for me , that ’ s the long-term goal – to completely control the entire Black Sea coast and isolate Ukraine from it .
You already have troubles with the Sea of Azov , and the Kremlin saw , that the West didn ’ t react .
In the Kerch Strait , there were no “ green men ” , there was the Russian Navy , which seizes Ukrainian vessels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t push back on that , then de facto it becomes Russian territorial water .
Because , obviously , they are not leaving .
The saw there is no real reaction for their actions in Azov , they becoming bolden .
When you combine that with the US have been distracted and lack of strong actions by American administration against Russia , I think they can make a miscalculation , that the Kremlin could be tempted to do something , take advantage of all these factors .
Which developments ( political and military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an early sign of preparation for invasion ?
– Number one is the construction of medical capabilities , like field hospitals , more than there would be necessary for just regular exercise .
Of course , ammunition and similar things .
Logistical preparation is what takes the most time .
And then I could imagine and expect , that the Ukrainian intelligence services are listening to whatever they can .
Same time I could expect that Russian forces would be disciplined in their operational security .
And of course , we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would be a significant increase in the news on the humanitarian crisis .
Potentially , Ukraine could gather some human intelligence on Donbas , because there are thousands of Russian officers .
They could tell somehow about what is going on .
I hope that the OSCE will take a bold step for its SMM to listen to the development of the situation .
But as we hear in the news , terrorists on Donbas prohibit free access to SMM observers , telling that this measure is to stop the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed in Germany and France and the UK , they all don ’ t do more to put international pressure on the Kremlin to allow OSCE to do its job .
To me , it ’ s absolutely unacceptable .
And the Kremlins see that .
It is a shame because there are a lot of brave men and women in the OSCE , that are taking risks doing their job .
Are there any steps for the West and Ukraine to prevent possible invasion ?
– If you think in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through diplomatic channels with Berlin , Paris , London as well as Washington and Brussels .
To raise awareness of all of these things .
To draw attention and to remind people , that Ukrainian soldiers still getting killed every week , that Russia still illegally occupies Crimea , that Moscow making plans , that are completely illegal .
Kyiv needs to build up a proof collaboration with Romania , Georgia , and Turkey .
Together they could be a louder diplomatic voice , that could be heard in Brussels and Washington .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first step .
In the information space , there need to be steady efforts by the Ukrainian government to communicate to all of the citizens , explain what ’ s going on , and build up resilience in the society .
So the people would not be susceptible to the Russian disinformation .
That ’ s easier for me to say , harder to do , but that ’ s the leadership is about .
In the military space – continuing to maintain surveillance on the coast as well as in the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have talked about .
You can not have the whole army just sitting in alarm mode ready to go , which is not sustainable .
We don ’ t talk about alerting everybody .
But I would focus my intelligence efforts , same time making sure that all of our forces are doing the proper things to be ready , like maintenance and training .
In the field of economic Ukraine should get all the countries of Europe to declare that any vessel , that sails from any port in Crimea is contraband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poison to them .
And it should not be allowed to enter any European port , no matter is it Russian Navy or commercial vessel .
That could be an effective way to remind , that Russian annexation of Crimea is illegal .
As I remember , president Poroshenko has declared all ports closed .
So this ban could be an important step within the legal framework .
Also part of the reason why there is not more attention to the Black Sea and why the West does not have a strategy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is despite all the respect to Ukrainian and Georgian people , there are no investments .
There is no skin in the game .
If France , Germany , the US , UK , or other countries do not have a major economic investment in Georgia , Ukraine , and Romania , then , to be honest , there is nothing for them to fight for .
And that is exactly what Russia wants .
Moscow made it impossible for Georgia to make progress with the Anakliya port , for example .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the country becomes a logistic hub between Eurasia and Europe .
So all involved countries would be interested in Georgia security .
Then you could have traffic goes to Odesa and Constanta – that could change the whole economic dynamic of the whole region .
And that ’ s the last thing Russia wants .
Kremlin needs to have total control over the Black Sea .
That allows them to continue to operate in Syria and Lybia , for them it ’ s one region .
We in the West don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia has weaponized refugees from Syria , now they can repeat that in Lybia .
The civil war , in which Russia is supporting general Haftar , generates millions of refugees , which will come to Europe again .
And this is not an accident .
If we talking about the worst-case scenario when the Russian invasion has happened .
What could be the reaction of the Western countries , first of all , the USA , Germany , France ?
What about China and Turkey ?
– What should happen immediately – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the EU as well as the United States ?
Even China , I think .
After that – a significant increase in sanctions , like something we have discussed above .
Germany shouldcease immediately Nordstream-2 , which needs to be done on Day-1 .
If Russia does something – that should be the end of this project .
I don ’ t know what type of military action would be taken , but I think in this case Ukraine should ask Turkey to deny any Russian maritime movement through the straits under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ukraine does such diplomatic work with Turkey right now , so the Ankara would be prepared to do this .
Of course , Russia has huge leverages to pressure on Turkey as well .
For sure , our Romanian allies would be very concerned .
Russia has already seized Ukrainian gas platforms , so Kremlin claims to expand its exclusive economic zone .
They already are up against Romanian EEZ , but underwater with the perimeter for the gas fields there is an overlap of what Russia claims to be their EEZ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the NATO members should make it very clear , that they are ready to defend our Romanian and Bulgarian allies .
Another thing that the West could do would be to hit Russia in another place , like in Syria for example .
A cyber strike of some sort , which shuts down their ability to operate in Tartus or some other places .
And for sure we should shut down more than two major Russian banks , so this would be a real pain , not just sanctions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are very concerned , but not serious .
Do you find such steps by West possible or Ukraine would have just another round of “ deep concern ” expressions ?
– Of course , unfortunately , that is very likely .
Strong unquestioned American leadership is so important in this situation .
What is so concerning , it ’ s that the American leadership right now does not seem as strong and consistent and clear on the Kremlin .
Which is why the risk is up .
As we are in hybrid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use in addition to conventional forces ?
– Without a doubt , if Kremlin will move , there would be massive cyberattacks against Ukraine to disrupt communications , command , and control infrastructure .
As well as the disinformation efforts , they will continue .
I would expect to see a total blockade of Azov .
I would also imagine the possibility of massive civil disturbances that would be generated by Russian special forces in different communities .
They want to distract attention in such away .
So there would be many places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only in the South , with multiple problems for Kyiv , in order to keep people away .
Lieutenant General ( Retired ) Ben Hodges .
Born in 1958 .
In 1980 graduated from United States Military Academy , became an infantry officer , serving as a platoon leader .
In 1993 graduated from the School of Advanced Military Studies .
In 2001 graduated from the National War College .
After his first assignment as an Infantry Lieutenant in Garlstedt , Germany , he commanded Infantry units at the Company , Battalion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Division , including Command of the First Brigade Combat Team “ Bastogne ” of the 101st Airborne Division in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM ( 2003-2004 ) .
His other operational assignments include Chief of Operations for Multi-National Corps-Iraq in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM ( 2005-2006 ) and Director of Operations , Regional Command South in Kandahar , Afghanistan ( 2009-2010 ) .
In November 2012 took command of Allied Land Command .
Hodges became commander of United States Army Europe in November 2014 , holding that position until retiring from the army in early 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis ( CEPA ) .
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The Ukrainian Week met with General (ret.) Ben Hodges, former commander of United States Army Europe, now a Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) to discuss possible Russian attacks on Ukraine, Western answers on such actions, and the problems of the Black Sea region.
This article was taken from The Ukrainian Week magazine with the editorial permission.
Author: Yuri Lapaiev.
Do you find current political, economical, and military situations as favourable for Russia to invade? If not – why?
– For certain, all of the conditions will be in place in September with the summer drought and the lack of water in Crimea, the disinformation operation that the Kremlin is conducting in this region, where they have talked about the humanitarian crisis. And, of course, the new Constitution for the Russian Federation. Basically, they try to take a legal claim to former parts of the Soviet Union. They are also issuing Russian passports to Ukrainians. All of these things are political and economic conditions. Then you need to think of the Kavkaz 2020 exercise, where you have a significant amount of Russian Federation forces in the region. And you need to think about the United States. We are distracted, right now we have plenty of challenges of our own because of the COVID-19, domestic violence going on and especially because of the presidential elections. September would be just a few weeks before our election. Then you can add this huge mistake in the decision to withdraw 9500 Americans from Germany. And most of these troops are essential for logistics, rapid reinforcement. So, all of these things together do not mean necessarily, that there would be an attack. But the conditions are there. This is why it is so important that not only Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) are vigilant, but also everyone in the region, like Georgia, Romania, and Turkey. And the United States pays attention too, same for NATO. I think Germany and France should be really putting the pressure on the Kremlin, but they haven’t done so yet. They also have their own internal challenges with post-pandemic recovery.
So, if the Kremlin thinks that the West would really respond in a minimal way, then I think, there is a risk. They could do the calculation, that could lead to an attack of some sort. Obviously, I hope I’m wrong. And I’m sure that the UAF will do all the right things to be prepared, to maintain surveillance. It is really important that Ukraine works closely with Georgia, Moldova, and Romania to watch very closely this exercise, but also what is going on in the Black Sea and in the Sea of Azov. You need the whole combination of intelligence capabilities: signal intelligence, aerial platform intelligence. Ukraine has become very good at working with drones, this would also be very important. But also maritime surveillance of what is going on out there.
What could be used as a casus belli? And what is the reason for Russia to make such a move?
– Of course this water shortage in Crimea, partly as a result of weather conditions and partly of Ukrainian blocking of the North Crimea Canal. The Kremlin is talking about the humanitarian crisis, and they are not able to solve this problem by themselves with bringing more water or creating desalination capability. I think the pretext for them would be to tell “We have a humanitarian crisis, we have no choice and need to open the dam near Nova Kakhovka.” There are already some information operations that are kind of saying this, in that region. I don’t know what this invasion would look like. It could be helicopters with special forces, it could be people, who infiltrate not in uniform, or it could be an airstrike. The main goal is to disable the dam, but there are a variety of things that they could do to get the water going on again. If Russians do that and if the West does respond in a minimal way, I don’t know where could be the end of it.
They wouldn’t go if they only destroy the dam and leave. In fact, if they control the area of Nova Kakhovka in addition to the whole seashore of Crimea and 10 thousand troops in Transnistria, all that is left for Ukraine is a tiny area near Odesa. And the Russian Navy is always conducting military exercises, which include the blockade of this area. So, for me, that’s the long-term goal, to completely control the entire Black Sea coast and isolate Ukraine from it. You already have troubles with the Sea of Azov, and the Kremlin saw that the West didn’t react. In the Kerch Strait, there were no “green men”, there was the Russian Navy, which seized Ukrainian vessels. If the Western community doesn’t push back on that, then de facto it will become Russian territorial water. Because, obviously, they are not leaving. Since they saw there was no real reaction to their actions in Azov, they became emboldened. When you combine that with the US having been distracted and lack of strong actions by American administration against Russia, I think they can make a miscalculation, that the Kremlin could be tempted to do something, take advantage of all these factors.
Which developments (political and military) from the Russian side could be an early sign of preparation for invasion?
– Number one is the construction of medical capabilities, like field hospitals, more than there would be necessary for just regular exercises. Of course, ammunition and similar things. Logistical preparation is what takes the most time. And then I could imagine and expect that the Ukrainian intelligence services are listening to whatever they can. At the same time, I could expect that Russian forces would be disciplined in their operational security. And of course, we need to look at the information space, if there would be a significant increase in the news on the humanitarian crisis. Potentially, Ukraine could gather some human intelligence on Donbas, because there are thousands of Russian officers there. They could tell somehow about what is going on. I hope that the OSCE will take a bold step for its SMM to listen to the development of the situation.
But as we hear in the news, terrorists in Donbas prohibit free access to SMM observers, telling that this measure is to stop the pandemic.
– At this point I’m disappointed in Germany and France and the UK, they all don’t do more to put international pressure on the Kremlin to allow the OSCE to do its job. To me, it’s absolutely unacceptable. And the Kremlin sees that. It is a shame because there are a lot of brave men and women in the OSCE, that are taking risks doing their job.
Are there any steps for the West and Ukraine to prevent possible invasion?
– If you think in terms of diplomacy, Ukraine should be working overtime through diplomatic channels with Berlin, Paris, London as well as Washington and Brussels. To raise awareness of all of these things. To draw attention and to remind people, that Ukrainian soldiers are still getting killed every week, that Russia still illegally occupies Crimea, that Moscow is making plans which are completely illegal. Kyiv needs to build up a proof collaboration with Romania, Georgia, and Turkey. Together they could be a louder diplomatic voice that could be heard in Brussels and Washington. To me, it’s the first step.
In the information space, there need to be steady efforts by the Ukrainian government to communicate to all its citizens, explain what’s going on, and build up resilience in the society. So that people would not be susceptible to the Russian disinformation. That’s easier for me to say, harder to do, but that’s what leadership is about.
In the military space – continuing to maintain surveillance on the coast as well as in the air watching for the indicators, what we have talked about. You cannot have the whole army just sitting in alarm mode ready to go, which is not sustainable. We don’t talk about alerting everybody. But I would focus my intelligence efforts, while at the same time making sure that all of our forces are doing the proper things to be ready, like maintenance and training.
In the field of economics Ukraine should get all the countries of Europe to declare that any vessel that sails from any port in Crimea is contraband. Crimea should be some kind of poison to them and it should not be allowed to enter any European port, no matter whether it is Russian Navy or commercial vessel. This could be an effective way to remind, that Russian annexation of Crimea is illegal. As I remember, president Poroshenko has declared all ports closed. So, this ban could be an important step within the legal framework. Also part of the reason why there is not much attention to the Black Sea and why the West does not have a strategy for this region the way Russia does, is despite all the respect for Ukrainian and Georgian people, there are no investments. There is no skin in the game. If France, Germany, the US, the UK, or other countries do not have a major economic investment in Georgia, Ukraine, and Romania, then, to be honest, there is nothing for them to fight for. And that is exactly what Russia wants. Moscow made it impossible for Georgia to make progress with the Anaklia port, for example. If they had that port in Georgia, then the country becomes a logistic hub between Eurasia and Europe. So, all involved countries would be interested in Georgia’s security. Then you could have traffic going to Odesa and Constanta which could change the whole economic dynamic of the whole region. And that’s the last thing Russia wants. The Kremlin needs to have total control over the Black Sea. That allows them to continue to operate in Syria and Libya, for them it’s one region. We in the West don’t see it that way. Earlier Russia has weaponized refugees from Syria, now they can repeat that in Libya. The civil war, in which Russia is supporting general Haftar, generates millions of refugees, which will come to Europe again. And this is not an accident.
If we are talking about the worst-case scenario when the Russian invasion has happened, what could be the reaction of the Western countries, first of all, of the USA, Germany, France? What about China and Turkey?
– What should happen immediately, is all the usual diplomatic condemnation from everybody in the EU as well as in the United States. Even in China, I think. After that, a significant increase in sanctions, like something we have discussed above. Germany should immediately cease Nord Stream 2, which needs to be done on Day-1. If Russia does something, that must be the end of this project. I don’t know what type of military action would be taken, but I think in this case Ukraine should ask Turkey to deny any Russian maritime movement through the straits under the Montreux Convention. I would hope that Ukraine does such diplomatic work with Turkey right now, so that Ankara would be prepared to do this. Of course, Russia has huge leverages to pressure on Turkey as well. For sure, our Romanian allies would be very concerned. Russia has already seized Ukrainian gas platforms, so, Kremlin claims to expand its exclusive economic zone. They already are up against Romanian EEZ, but underwater with the perimeter for the gas fields there is an overlap of what Russia claims to be their EEZ. I think the United States and the rest of the NATO members should make it very clear, that they are ready to defend our Romanian and Bulgarian allies. Another thing that the West could do, would be to hit Russia in another place, like in Syria for example. A cyber strike of some sort, which shuts down their ability to operate in Tartus or some other places. And for sure we should shut down more than two major Russian banks, so this would be a real pain, not just sanctions. Otherwise, the Kremlin will know that we are very concerned, but not serious.
Do you find such steps by the West possible or Ukraine would have just another round of “deep concern” expressions?
– Of course, unfortunately, that is very likely. Strong unquestioned American leadership is so important in this situation. What is so concerning, is that the American leadership right now does not seem as strong and consistent and clear on the Kremlin. Which is why the risk is higher.
As we are in a hybrid conflict, which non-kinetic means the Kremlin could use in addition to conventional forces?
– Without a doubt, if the Kremlin moves, there will be massive cyberattacks against Ukraine to disrupt communications, command, and control infrastructure. As well as the disinformation efforts, they will continue. I would expect to see a total blockade of Azov. I would also imagine the possibility of massive civil disturbances that would be generated by Russian special forces in different communities. They want to distract attention in such a way. So, there would be many places in all regions of Ukraine, not only in the South, with multiple problems for Kyiv, in order to keep people away.
Biography
Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges. Born in 1958. In 1980 graduated from the United States Military Academy, became an infantry officer, serving as a platoon leader. In 1993 graduated from the School of Advanced Military Studies. In 2001 graduated from the National War College. After his first assignment as an Infantry Lieutenant in Garlstedt, Germany, he commanded Infantry units at the Company, Battalion, and Brigade levels in the 101st Airborne Division, including Command of the First Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne” of the 101st Airborne Division in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (2003-2004). His other operational assignments include Chief of Operations for Multi-National Corps-Iraq in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (2005-2006) and Director of Operations, Regional Command South in Kandahar, Afghanistan (2009-2010). In November 2012 took command of Allied Land Command. Hodges became commander of United States Army Europe in November 2014, holding that position until retiring from the army in early 2018. From 2018 he is the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).
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