therussophileorg--2020-04-15--UK role in Yemen conflict

UK role in Yemen conflict

This post was originally published on this site * [ https : //www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-10-28-the-uks-secret-military-unit-that-answers-to-saudi-arabian-commanders/ The UK ’ s Secret Military Unit @ @ @ @ @ Commanders ] – Matt Kennard , ” Daily Maverick ” , October 28 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ The UK ’ s Secret Military Unit That Answers to Saudi Arabian Commanders ] – @ @ @ @ @ Maverick ” , October 28 , 2019 * [ https : //www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/14/bae-systems-sold-15bn-arms-to-saudis-during-yemen-assault BAE Systems sold @ @ @ @ @ Saudis during Yemen assault ] – Dan Sabbagh , ” The Guardian ” , April @ @ @

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::”The SAS is working alongside members of Operational Detachment Alpha, the primary fighting force for the Green Berets. Under US command, the heavily armed Special Forces team flew into Aden from Djibouti aboard a UAE Chinook helicopter and met UAE commanders before heading north-east in unmarked pick-up trucks.”
::”The SAS is working alongside members of Operational Detachment Alpha, the primary fighting force for the Green Berets. Under US command, the heavily armed Special Forces team flew into Aden from Djibouti aboard a UAE Chinook helicopter and met UAE commanders before heading north-east in unmarked pick-up trucks.”
* [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6843469/Five-British-Special-Forces-troops-wounded-Yemen-advising-Saudi-Arabia-campaign.html Our secret dirty war: Five British Special Forces troops are wounded in Yemen while ‘advising’ Saudi Arabia on their deadly campaign that has brought death and famine to millions] – ”Daily Mail” , March 24, 2019
* [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6843469/Five-British-Special-Forces-troops-wounded-Yemen-advising-Saudi-Arabia-campaign.html Our secret dirty war: Five British Special Forces troops are wounded in Yemen while ‘advising’ Saudi Arabia on their deadly campaign that has brought death and famine to millions] ”Daily Mail” March 24, 2019
::”The claims are politically difficult since ministers are eager to suggest that as the penholder on the Yemen issue at the United Nations, Britain is an honest broker in the civil war, which is now entering its fifth year since the Saudi air campaign started. The UK is known to be close to the Saudi military but denies it is involved in operations against the Houthis in Yemen.”


therussophileorg--2020-01-07--Iraq Daily Roundup: Three Killed

Iraq Daily Roundup: Three Killed

This post was originally published on this site At least three people were killed , and four were wounded : @ @ @ @ @ left three soldiers dead and another one injured .
Another was abducted .
In Baghdad @ @ @ @ @ were wounded in ongoing rocket attacks in Jadriya and the Green Zone .

This post was originally published on this site
At least three people were killed, and 13 were wounded:
A bomb in Daquq killed one police officer and
wounded three policemen.
One
militiaman was killed and another was wounded in an ISIS attack near Khanaqin.
An ISIS attack left four
soldiers with injuries in Tuz Khormato.
In Dibs, two soldiers were wounded in
an ISIS attack.
Two
Iraqi soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded in a desert home not too
far from Qaim.
In Baghdad, a female activist
was wounded in a drive-by shooting.
A militiaman was
wounded during operations in Imam Weis.
The family of a Kurdish police officer who was kidnapped
near Qara Tapa in November 2019 confirmed that they receive video
evidence of the officer’s
execution. It is unclear when the death occurred, but the family believes
it was several months ago.


Syria news/Current

This post was originally published on this site 9 Jan. After exchange of strikes with Iran , Trump offered to negotiate , which ( in the public space ) was rejected .
8 Jan. Two missile explosions reported by media in Baghdad ’ s “ green zone ” Iran fires ballistic missiles on US Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq , a large airbase of about 5 km in diameter .
( Rusvena , RT ) .
In the initial assessment , US casualties have not been reported , and there was no evening update in the USA .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retaliate , and not via proxies .
7 Jan. Putin , Shoigu and Gerasimov meet Assad on a surprise visit to Damascus .
6 Jan. Libyan National Army ( LNA ) liberates Muammar Gaddafi ’ s hometown Sirte .
Syrian mercenaries flown in by Turkey are seen fleeing toward Misrata .
5 Jan. Report : High ranking jihadist commanders ( Abu Yousef Al-Jazrawi , a Saudi , and a “ Chechen commander from HTS ” ) are assassinated in Idlib .
4 Jan. “ Airstrike ” and explosions are reported in Deir-iz-Zor province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Imam Ali base of pro-Iranian Harakat al-Nujab group which is part of PMU ( report and video , location , map ) .
Reuters : Two Katyusha rockets fell inside Iraq ’ s Balad air base , 80 km north of Baghdad , which houses US forces but caused no casualties .
Other reports say that rockets landed inside the Green Zone in Baghdad 1 , 2 .
3/4 Jan. OIR spokesman : Coalition did NOT conduct airstrikes near Camp Taji ( north of Baghdad ) in recent days 3 Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commander of Iranian “ Quds ( =Jerusalem ) Force “ , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis ( = father of Mahdi , engineer ) , leader of Kata ’ ib Hezbollah and Iraqi PMU deputy head , were among a number of people killed in a strike near Baghdad ’ s airport ( AP , Mil .
Times ; BBC ; Cassad ) .
1 Jan. On New Year ’ s Eve , the Russian military base Hmeimim in Syrian Latakia was bombarded by rocket launchers from pro-Turkish militants .
All 6 rockets were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch positions ( said to be near Turkish observation posts ) were bombed by Russian airforce ; the latter may start before all the launches , according to “ a military source ” of Rusvesna Protests at the US embassy in Baghdad continued for the second day , followed by a report that protesters retreat : The retreat was instigated by the Popular Mobilization Forces , an umbrella body for dozens of militia groups including factions aligned with Iran .
The PMF said protesters demanding the expulsion of American troops from Iraq had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WSJ ) .
Many photos , including aerial , here Cassad : “ Turkey built a runway right in Tripoli…It is assumed that it will be used for take-off attack and reconnaissance drones , and light attack aircraft .
Regular Turkish troops expected to arrive in Libya in the coming month ” 31 Dec. @ realDonaldTrump : “ Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq ” ; see also : CNN ; BBC ; Rus.Vesna .
It is claimed on Cassad that : the advance was stopped by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who convinced the crowd not to continue , saying that : “ The message was delivered.
” Bloodshed has not yet occurred , although there were people with weapons on both sides .
So far , 3 people have suffered from breathing tear gas ” ( unsourced ) ; see also : Rybar ’ 1 , 2 .
The US sends the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East .
750 soldiers were flown to Kuwait immediately , 4000 more will follow .
Videos appeared showing choppers , marines deploying at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ om Kuwait –Fox ; PressTV ( followed by some footage and comments at the embassy ) .
29 Dec. After a US contractor is killed ( 1 , 2 ) at K1 military base near Kirkuk , Iraq , US conducted air strikes on a pro-Iran militant group Kata ’ ib Hizbollah in Iraq and Syria ; soon after , 4 rockets exploded near a base housing US troops near Baghdad , without wounding anyone .
The Turkish Minster of Defense states that Turkey doesn ’ t intend to leave its observation points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SAA after their offensive .
28 Dec. Four planeloads of “ Asian mercenaries ” are transferred from Turkish-controlled Syria to Libya .
Videos show the first Syrian National Army fighters on the frontlines in Tripoli .
Following some counter-attacks by HTS-led militants and a pause due to bad weather conditions , the SAA resumes its Idlib offensive .
ANNA News has published a half-an-hour documentary with war footage about the first week of the offensive .
27 Dec. Wikileaks publishes its fourth batch of leaked OPCW documents indicating that the OPCW leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2018 Douma hostage massacre and to destroy dissenting evidence .
Western media is still silent on the story .
Presidential adviser Shaaban says that Russian and Syrian companies have started to explore oil and gas in the Mediterranean together .
25 Dec. Saudi Aramco involvement in oil projects at Al-Omar oil field/Deir-ez-zor/eastern Syria , SDF/Kurdish/US controlled , is alleged 1,2 , 3 , denied 4 .
24 Dec .
Spokesman for the Turkish President Ibrahim Kalin is quoted saying , as translated to Russian and quoted by patriotic Russian social media : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks in Idlib is growing .
We sent our tough message to the Russian side .
Our delegation ( in the framework of the negotiations in Moscow – Ed . )
was informed that they will make efforts to stop the attacks from the regime within 24 hours , ” Rus .
Probably more accurate , softer-sounding wording is in Turkish here .
Eng .
versions are reported in mass media , eg here .
It is said that SAA ‘ takes a pause ’ .
ANNA news correspondent explains this by low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the rebels took advantage of the pause to retake several settlements .
Pro -government media broadcasts to the rebels instructions to surrender to save life .
23 Dec .
The SAA has captured several towns and villages in their restarted Idlib offensive and it is reported that negotiations over the surrender of Ma ’ arat al Numan have begun .
22 Dec. At about 11 pm it is reported that Syrian air defenses in Damascus responded to guided missiles attack said to come from the Holland Heights or Lebanon and blamed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Russia ’ s Kmeimim airbase and “ Hama army airbase ” ( aka Hama military airport ? )
are said to be repelled ( 1,2 , 3 ) .
It is reported quoting ‘ a military source ’ that as a result of suicide vehicle bomber attack near Raffa in Idlib , about 30 SAA special forces 25th division ( former ‘ Tiger force ’ ) soldiers are killed , including colonel Basel Ali Khadur , and over 80 are wounded- report , photos , explosion video .
The source is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advance .
IS claimed ( 1 , 2 ) that 2 Russian soldiers are killed in ambush near Nava , Daraa , showing ‘ Kalashnikovs ’ for proof .
Report is ‘ not confirmed ’ on t-channels .
SANA : “ synchronous attacks ” on Homs refinery and Rayan Gas station cause damage 20 Dec. weltnetz.tv publishes an interview with Karin Leukefeld , the only German correspondent permanently accredited in Syria , about “ Western ” media ’ s coverage of Syria in recent years and their dealing with her reporting from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language video ) .
It seems like the SAA has started the next step of the Idlib offensive successfully .
19 Dec .
According to Al Masdar citing Al Watan , the SAA is about to start the next phase of their Idlib offensive focusing on Ma ’ arat al-Nu ’ man .
The Rojava Information Center releases a report about “ The Political System of North and East Syria ” .
16 Dec. SANA publishes the English-language transcript of an interview Assad gave to Chinese Phoenix TV .
( video ) 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Astana talks is taking place in Kazakhstan ’ s capital city Nur-Sultan ( formerly Astana ) .
9 Dec. SANA publishes the transcript of an interview Assad gave to Italian RAI at the end of November which wasn ’ t broadcasted by the Italian TV station as scheduled on December 2nd .
( video ) 27 Nov. GasChamberGate finally reaches mainstream media .
The Guardian finally publishes a story on the OPCW leaks after OPCW defend their hoax Syria report .
Peter Hitchens calls Trump ’ s missile strike a scandal .
26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some photo and video backing ) that pro-government airplanes destroyed Kurdish-run oil smuggling facilities and tanker trucks in the vicinity of Tarhin settlement near the city of Al-Bab in Aleppo province , northern Syria .
It is claimed that oil was smuggled through Jarablus and Erbil region in northern Iraq to Turkey .
“ Major ” Yusuf al-Hamoud , representative of the “ Syrian National Army ” ( TFSA ) is quoted claiming that Russian airplanes have been involved ( SANA , Rusvesna ) .
15 Nov. SANA publishes the English translation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media ( video in Arabic ) .
13 Nov. Turkey has started to send imprisoned ISIS fighters back to their European countries of origin and thanks Germany and the Netherlands for cooperation .
The initial examination of Mesurier ’ s body and the testimony of his wife suggest suicide .
11 Nov. Turkish media reports that White Helmets-founder James Le Mesurier was found dead near his home in Istanbul after “ he may have fallen from the balcony of his apartment ” .
( Follow-up article ) 27 Oct. President Trump makes an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISIS leader al-Baghdadi in a raid to Idlib , Syria .
( It is said that part of the raid was through the Russian airspace ; yet RU MoD says it ‘ does not have reliable information ’ and does not expect any ‘ operational effect.
’ Peskov later stated that Russian military saw some planes and drones in the area .
Reaction by the other side so far is covered here ; no word on a new caliph ) .
Photos said to show bodies of others killed in the raid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions raised here .
The news is said to favor Trump while Ukrainegate and impeachment dominate US headlines .
26 Oct. Russian MoD accuses US of smuggling Syrian oil ; publishes some photos of fuel trucks in Deir-iz-Zor dated Aug-Sep. 2019 18 Oct. Russian servicemen from the reconciliation center visited a school in es-Salykhia on the western bank of Euphrates south of Deir ez-Zor .
( Wikipedia ; map ) .
A center to facilitate Russian contacts with tribes on the eastern bank was established/announced here back in 2017 .
17 Oct .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Turkey , the two countries release a statement which other than weasel words contains a point 11 that says that Operation Peace Spring is paused and the YPG has 120 hours to retreat from the borders .
If that happens , the operation will be over and the US promises in point 12 that no further sanctions will be imposed on Turkey .
Turkey , as stated in point 10 , will “ primarily ” enforce the security in a not further specified “ safe zone ” .
13 Oct. SDF and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SAA will take control of the whole Turkish border .
At the same time , US occupation forces are said to be withdrawing from all of “ north ” Syria .
The Iraqi foreign minister announces that his country will demand Syria ’ s return to the Arab League .
12 Oct. SDF General Mazloum Kobani Abdi tells US envoy William Roebuck to either protect the Kurds or leave and let Russia and the SAA move in to offer protection .
Trump releases “ $ 50 million in stabilization assistance for Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and advance human rights.
” 11 Oct .
The Iranian tanker Sabiti on its way to Syria is hit by two missiles in the Red Sea .
This is the third Iranian tanker in 6 months to be attacked in this part of the Red Sea .
The attack follows the Fujairah oil tanker explosions , the Gulf of Oman tanker attacks , and the seizure of the of Grace 1 in the Mediterranean , bringing the total number of tankers sized or attacked in the tanker war to at least 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the vicinity of Kobani came under artillery fire from Turkish positions .
According to US Navy Capt .
Brook DeWalt “ All U.S. troops are accounted for with no injuries .
U.S .
Forces have not withdrawn from Kobani , ” after earlier reports that US forces departed the targeted outpost .
Prior social media reports claimed that 2 French soldiers were injured ; those reports are not confirmed .
( Apparently US and French troops presence near Kobani is known since at least 2017 ) .
9 Oct .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operation Peace Spring started in the afternoon .
Live updates by SyriaInfo .
This follows a phone conversation between Erdogan and Putin where , according to the Kremlin , “ both sides reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and respect for its sovereignty ” .
Earlier , the “ Autonomous Administration ” of the regions east of the Euphrates declared a three day mobilization state .
There will be a UNSC meeting tomorrow morning on request of several European countries .
Firat News Agency publishes an article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s latest withdrawal claim and the allegedly imminent Turkish invasion .
8 Oct .
Surfacing videos seem to show the US army withdrawing from several border posts while the Turkish army is deploying forces to their side of the border .
7 Oct .
The White House announces that US troops will withdraw from northern Syria , allowing Turkey to start its operation .
Trump tweets that captured ISIS fighters are now the responsibility of Turkey .
The SDF releases a statement accusing the US of “ abandoning of its responsibilities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin turns 67 years old .
5 Oct. Erdogan once again threatens to invade Syria east of the Euphrates “ maybe today or tomorrow ” while his spokesperson is in discussion with US National Security Adviser O ’ Brien about “ accelerating safe zone establishment ” .
4 Oct .
The Turkish-backed “ Syrian National Army ” and “ National Liberation Front ” collections of gangs from mercenary to jihadi merge under the “ Syrian National Army ” umbrella at the request of the Turkish government .
Wikipedia has the combined man-power under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” at 80-100 thousand .

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14 Mar. Assad visits Moscow to meet Putin; gives interview to Soloviev (Rus.; abridged Eng.). That was followed by MoD’s meeting.
6 Feb. Major earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Russia offered assistance to Syria and, among others, to Turkey and sent rescue teams to both countries.
Some 20 IS prisoners escaped jail in Rajo, near Turkish border (text).
White Helmets, baby, action (video)
28 Jan. It is said, including Western media, that Israel carried out a drone attack at a weapons factory in Isfahan in central Iran. There are conflicting claims on attack effectiveness, with Iranian photos (1, 2) showing light damage to the net protecting the roof. According to Iranian and referring to them sources, earthquake in Khoy and an accidental fire at an oil purification plant in Azarshahr allow Western media to spread disinformation.
2022
15 Sep. As the war in Ukraine rages on, Iran is to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
SANA: “Syrian Ambassador in Beijing: relations between Syria and China are deeply-rooted”
12 Jul. As the war in Ukraine rages on, Putin is to visit Tehran, for meetings on Syria.
26 Jun. Russian source: US-trained group of militants were preparing terrorist attacks against peaceful targets. They first attacked a civilian bus on Jun. 20 (below). “SAA reconnaissance units found the terrorists and handed over their coordinates to the Russian Air Force”, which delivered a precision strike. “the US must stop encouraging crises where others seek to build PEACE. The occupiers must leave Syria!” (article starts with a reference to WSJ, 17 Jun., below, and aims to tell “what is really happening”).
20 Jun. SANA: Eleven SAA army personnel and two civilians were killed, and three other army personnel were injured in a terrorist attack that targeted a civilian bus on the Raqqa-Homs highway.
17 Jun. WSJ: Russian Escalations in Syria Risk Direct Conflict With U.S., Military Officials Warn (paywalled; free Russian summary). “Russia carried out airstrikes at the al-Tanf garrison Wednesday, where U.S. troops have a train-and-advise mission with local fighters”.
18 Mar. Syrian president Assad pays surprise visit to the UAE.
22 Feb. SANA: “Syria … supports Russia’s recognition of the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk republics”
19 Feb. SANA: “Backed by the army checkpoint in the area, citizens of Tal Dahab confronted a military convoy for the US occupation and expelled it”
20 Jan. In the evening, IS sleeping cells attacked the Al-Sinaa prison in Hasek, where 5,000 members of the group were kept, about a thousand of whom were foreign fighters. A number of prisoners escaped, creating security fears. Details, some follow-up: 1 (robo-translation), 2, 3 , 4.
28 Dec. “The Israeli Air Force attacked the port near the Syrian city of Latakia, near which the Khmeimim air force base of the Russian Aerospace Forces is located, according to the State Television of Syria”. (There is a deconfliction agreement and Russian air defense does not engage IDF). The attack targeted the container port. The Syrian air defense forces did not engage in combat with Israeli F-16 fighters, which attacked the port, as at that time a Russian Aerospace Forces plane was landing at the Hmeimim airfield in the vicinity of this city,..according to the deputy head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation.
13 Dec. Washington Post claims that June 8 Israeli airstrikes near Damascus and Homs were targeting a restarted Syrian chemical weapons program, “according to four current and former U.S. and Western intelligence officials”. Apparently, intel suggested Syria was importing a sarin precursor. A March 2020 airstrike was said to be, “directly tied to Syria’s successful procurement the previous year of a large quantity of tricalcium phosphate..” Which can be used to treat calcium deficiency. Claims of Sarin precursor importation were made in 2018, involving isopropyl alcohol also known as rubbing alcohol.
6 Dec. Israel carries out airstrike on the Syrian port of Latakia. Jersulem Post:A military source told SANA that Israeli aircraft fired several missiles from the direction of the Mediterranean towards the container yard at the commercial port in Latakia. A number of shipping containers caught on fire due to the airstrike and no casualties were caused, according to SANA. More sources compiled by NiqNaq
22 Nov. The Totalitarian Media Regime in the US reaches a new height in censorship. Aaron Maté publishes a new article on the OPCW falsification of the April 7, 2018 alleged chemical attack and massacre in Douma. The same day YouTube cancels and censors the Jimmy Dore Show in the middle of a live stream with Aaron Maté. (It is unknown if the two event are in any way related.)
11 Nov. It is said that Russian S-300 are seen at Al-Tabka airfield in Raqqa province (vacated by US forces in 2019).
10 Nov. Article reports on ‘brotherly’ visit of UAE FM to Damascus to meet Asad; claims that in 2020 Asad was offered money and paid a part, to launch an attack in Idlib, said to be prevented by Russia. (source of claim uncertain).
1-4 Nov. There appears to be an on-going flare-up between Turkey’s backed and Russia’s backed belligerents. It appears that Russia’s airforce is committed, while non-Russia’s forces are on the ground.
25 Oct. Iran’s IRGC capture the Vietnamese flagged tanker SOTHYS in the Arabian Sea. (full video) According to Iranians, the tanker was carrying Iranian crude oil transferred to the ship by Americans, after they had captured another tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Gulf of Oman. No details of this alleged previous incident or the ships involved are known.
3 Oct. 3500 years old piece of written music, said to be the oldest known, was unearthed in ancient Syrian city of Ugarit. Said to challenge Pythagoras priority (the latter probably about consonance and dissonance.
17 Sep. Semion Pegov writes about economic hardship in Syria, and its effects, including perception of Russia, and Asad.
14 Sep. “The Russian army avenged the military deaths in Syria.”
10 Sep. Rojava reports an attack on allied to Turkey forces in Al-Bab (1, 2).
9 Sep. As a result of the explosion of an IED on the route of a Kamaz-5350 truck in Homs province, Lieut. Col. Alexei Shneider was killed. He was 45 years old.
26 Aug. ISIS suicide bomber kills 13 US troops at Kabul airport. US respond by opening fire and may have killed a large part of the 150 Afghan victims, including 30 Taliban fighters.
15 Aug. Afghan president Ghani Claims resigns and flies to Tajikistan, declaring that from now on, the Taliban will be responsible for the “honour, wealth and preservation” of Afghanistan’s people. Panic at the Kabul international airport as NATO collaborators attempt to get a seat in the evacuation airplanes. The US sends 6000 troops to check boarding passes. (archive) This will not be a repeat of 1975, says President Biden.
14 Aug. Very brief white plume of smoke, like a weapon firing, seen on a mountain slope on the video of the crash of Russian BE-200 plane in Turkey, on just a few frames at around 33s. The plane by that time started firefighting water drop but is hidden from view by the mountain. A round floating plume or object is seen in the air after the crash. It is understood that 5 Russian and 3 Turkish persons on board are all killed in the crash. Official version of crash causes are not known so far.
29 Jul. “Syria, Iran to enhance joint economic cooperation.”
22 Jul. TASS: Buk-M2E systems intercept four missiles fired by Israeli fighter jets in Homs province. (However, reports that all missiles were shot down is disputed).
5, 11 Jul. Attacks on American targets in the Al-Omar oil field in Deir ez-Zor province are reported 1, 2, 3
Attacks mapped, 5-11 Jul, Syria &Iraq.
28 Jun. Biden bombs Iraqi forces in Iraq and Syria.
Apparently in response, “U.S. Forces in Syria were attacked by multiple rockets. There are no injuries and damage is being assessed” –1, 2, 3. Satellite image of a US base in the Al Omar oil field, Deir ez-Zor province, after Iranian proxy missile strikes.
26 Jun. It is said that MQ-9 Reaper armed with Mark 82 GPS -guided bomb appeared in an area of SAA and RU AF operation against the rebels; Russian sources alleges that rebels are aided by information collected, and that there were no US strikes in the area for quite awhile (report with photo/visuals)
11 Jun. Report: In the Jebel al-Zawiya area, a precise Russian airstrike killed the HTS official representative Abu Khalid Shami, the head of the HTS media wing Abu Musab Homsi, the head of the internal security service of the Muataz al-Nasser group and a group of militants accompanying them. The attack was inflicted on their moving car, when the leaders visited one of the group’s checkpoints. Information was obtained using the latest technical means of reconnaissance, which are being tested in Syria.
After the airstrike: ” In the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone, Russian reconnaissance drones recorded large units of militants and heavy weapons of the Turkish Armed Forces to conduct provocations in the Serakib area.”
9 Jun. As a result of the explosion of an armored vehicle in the Syrian province of Haseke, one Russian soldier was killed, three more were wounded.
27 May. Assad wins 4th term in office (VoA, TASS).
26 May. Presidential elections in Syria (photo 1 , 2). 5 western countries object.
25 May. Three Russian long-range Tu 22M3 bombers landed in Khmeimim airbase, after landing strip was extended. Such planes can carry X22 or X32 anti-ship cruise missiles.
20 May. Gaza ceasefire appears to be in sight, mediated by Egypt.
12 May. Erdogan and Putin discussed recent Israeli-Palestinian flare-up events (readouts differ).
23 Apr. Unidentified drone sets fire to a tanker while it is offloading the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya-1 outside the oil terminal in Baniyas in Syria.
22 Apr. It is said that a surface to air missile entered Negev desert area in Israel, apparently not far from Dimona reactor; Patriot missile defense was activated but said to fail to intercept. Counter strikes on Syrian positions (claimed to have Iranian presence) near Damascus, including unit that fired missile, is reported.
8 Mar. Report: Assad and his wife tested positive after PCR test for COVID-19. Will quarantine for up to 2-3 weeks.
5 Mar. Syrian forces fire ballistic Tochka U missiles and destroy a fuel smuggling and transporting “market” in the south of Jarabulus, a Syrian town controlled by Turkey and pro-Turkey groups. Videos, reports The White Helmets get a photo op.
25 Feb. President Biden authorizes an airstrike on border post facilities in Al Bukamal, killing an unclear number of members of PMU factions. According to Lavrov, Russian military was warned some “4 or 5 minutes” prior to the strike, seen as insufficient. Lavrov stated that “The United States is in Syria illegally, in violation of all norms of international law, including the Security Council resolutions on a settlement” in Syria.
Abu Muhammad al Jolani with Martin Smith
31 Jan. US journalists Martin Smith interviews Jabhat Al-Nusra leader Abu Muhammad al Jolani in Idlib.
22 Jan. Recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Hama have claimed the lives of an entire family, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on January 22. (Southfront)
21 Jan 2021. US Convoy of some 40 vehicles entered the Hasaka area from Iraq, on the 1st full day of Biden presidency, according to SANA.
25 Nov. Israeli airforce dropped leaflets in southern Syria warning not to collaborate with Hezbollah.
18 Nov. Israel strikes Iranian, Syrian targets in Syria.
16 Nov. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem dies at the age of 79.
9 Nov. “Text of the statement by Putin, Pashinyan and Aliyev to end the war in Karabakh has been published”
It is reported that a new ceasefire agreement is reached on Nagornyi Karabach, which apparently includes withdrawal of Armenian forces, Azerbaijan keeping recently captured territory including Shusha city, and a Russian peacekeeping force.
Azerbaijan forces shot down with MANPADS Russian MI-24 helicopter over Armenia near the border with Azerbaijan “by mistake”.
4 Nov. The US DoJ shuts down and seizes the domain name of the pro-Trump, pro-Syria news and opinion web site American Herald Tribune.
23 Oct. With Russia not explicitly backing either side in Nagornyi Karabakh, Trump is “aiming to help Armenia” (and Bellingcat, too).
It is reported that Russian air force performed strikes on illegal oil installations in Turkish zone of responsibility near Jarablus, Syria
17 Oct. Another major flare-up in Azerbaijan-Armenia violence, with rocket strikes on population centers, Azerbaijan claim of a strike on Armenian S-300 site, etc. Followed by announcement of a ceasefire (of uncertain duration).
10 Oct. It is said (sources) that fighters from Syrian pro-Turkish Hamza division (Wikipedia; logo) or Sultan Murad division are fighting in Nagornyi Karabakh on Azerbaijani side.
4 Oct. Russian sources report on a Syrian program which pays $100 to $300 for providing information “about HTS objects in Idlib”, and for some reason publish details on several identified targets. (Confusingly, report itself talks about training camps for mercenaries prepared for Karabach).
3 Oct. “Today’s Armenian is not a wanderer on the Deir ez-Zor [Syria] road” – Pashinyan’s appeal to the Armenian people.
2 Oct. Joint appeal by Russia, USA, France to Azerbaijan and Armenia to stop warfare and start diplomacy is backed by Armenia but de-facto rejected by Erdogan who supports Azerbaijan actions. On the ground, Azerbaijan fired on Karabakh capital city Stepanaert and a bridge connecting Armenia and Karabakh. Russia stays neutral, so far. Some talk of possible involvement of Iran (who may be on Armenian side, in continuation of an old rivalry in the Caucuses)
29 Sep. Guardian: Syrian rebel fighters prepare to deploy to Azerbaijan in sign of Turkey’s ambition. On 28 Sep., Armenia reported another major attack by Azerbaijan and claimed Azerbaijan losses of 22 tanks, 10 other armored vehicles and 370 soldiers “liquidated”. Other reports include larger totals of vehicles destroyed, and 26 killed in additional Armenian losses.
27 Sep. A serious escalation of Nagornyi Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is said that Turkey-backed militants are recruited to participate on Azerbaijan side in Afrin, Syria, and possibly diverted from Libya (1, 2). Pro-Armenian sources and media sources in Greece claim that Turkish F-16 planes are taking part from Azerbaijan airbases, 1, 2 (unconfirmed), while some Greek sources say that Turkey-made Bayraktar drones armed with MAM-L missiles participate in bombing (1, 2).
22 Sep. Andre Vltchek is found dead in Istanbul. Cause unknown, he was there on holiday with his wife and had recently been ill. His most recent article – The time has come for the West to sit down, shut up and listen to the rest of the world
20 Sep. Russian MoD warned that HTS militants in Idlib assisted by White Helmets are preparing provocations with toxic substances.
It is said that on 9, 15, and 20 Sep. Russian air force performed strikes on militants’ camps in Idlib, “correcting mistakes and ineffectiveness” by Turkey (published 29 Sep.)


US presidential elections

* [ https : //www.strategic-culture.org/news/2019/03/29/illusory-truth-effect-how-millions-were-duped-by-russiagate.html The Illusory Truth Effect : How Millions Were Duped by Russiagate ] – Caitlin Johnstone @ @ @ @ @ , March 29 , 2019 * [ https : //www.strategic-culture.org/news/2019/03/29/illusory-truth-effect-how-millions-were-duped-by-russiagate.html The Illusory Truth Effect : @ @ @ @ @ Russiagate ] – Caitlin Johnstone , ” Strategic Culture ” , March 29 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ How Russiagate Replaced Analysis of the 2016 Election ] – Rick Sterling , ” American @ @ @ @ @ 19 , 2019 * [ https : //ahtribune.com/us/2016-election/3154-russiagate-replaced-analysis.html How Russiagate Replaced Analysis of the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ , ” American Herald Tribune ” , May 19 , 2019 * [ https : @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 and Stuffed Oreos : Read the Andrew Bosworth Memo ] – ” The @ @ @ @ @ January 7 , 2020 ( [ http : //archive.is/SFQOj archive ] ) This post was @ @ @ @ @

+
*[https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/all-things-trump/kerik-memos-prosecutors-show-trump-team-still-probing-election Kerik files surrendered to prosecutors show Trump team still probing election claims before Jan. 6] – ”Just the News”, August 1, 2023


Iran

This post was originally published on this site In January of 1991 , one of the first votes I cast in Congress was against the war in Iraq .
I remember it well .
Almost all Republicans supported the war effort , as did a number of Democrats .
I didn ’ t , and I walked off the floor thinking “ well , I ’ ll probably be a one-term congressman now.
” But I will repeat something today that I said back then , because I think it is still applicable : And that is that the challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin a war that will result in the deaths of many people — young Americans and innocent families overseas — but the real challenge of our time is to see how we can use our power in a different way to stop aggression and keep our people safe .
Because if we are not successful right now , then I think all this world has to look forward to in the future for our children is war , and more war , and more war… as if we haven ’ t had enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first war in Iraq , I voted against yet another war in the same country .
That was the right vote .
And it is almost beyond impossible to imagine that after nearly 17 years of that war in Iraq — a war that upended the regional order of the Middle East and resulted in untold loss of life — that this administration is putting us on such a dangerous path toward more war .
Apparently for some , decades of constant war is not enough .
Let us not forget that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear agreement with Iran , negotiated by the Obama administration along with our closest allies .
Countries from all over the world came together to negotiate that agreement , which put a lid on Iran ’ s nuclear program .
The wise course would have been to stick with that nuclear agreement , enforce its provisions , and use that diplomatic channel with Iran to address our other concerns with Iran , including their support of terrorism .
Unfortunately , Trump followed his reckless instincts and listened to right-wing extremists , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got us into the war in Iraq in the first place .
Now , as you all know , last week President Trump ordered the assassination of a top Iranian general , Qassem Soleimani in Iraq , along with the leader of an Iraqi militia .
Trump justified the assassination of Soleimani by claiming that it was necessary to prevent “ imminent ” attacks on U.S. forces , but his administration has offered no evidence to back that claim up , even in a classified setting .
Then he claimed that there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering no evidence .
And now , unbelievably , we find out that Trump himself told people he was under pressure to deal with Soleimani from GOP senators he views as important supporters in his coming impeachment trial in the Senate .
Once again , we see Trump making enormously consequential national security decisions for selfish reasons and without regard for the Constitution .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.


Collapse?

I want to forestall any speculations from the start–US Dollar-based system IS IN the state of collapse .
We are just within this process which has some less acute or more acute phases , but it is ongoing .
I will repeat myself–the main pillar on which US Dollar based system rests , US military might , turned out to be made from rotten wood , not hardest granite .
Latest events with Iran merely market yet another key point in this pillar ’ s slow collapse .
Once “ power element ” behind US Dollar is completely discredited , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world as a whole dropping US Dollar as a currency of choice .
So , RT ’ s report on that caught my eye today in terms of the time frame for such a collapse .
Judge for yourself : I write about it non-stop : Russian intelligence and analytical institutions are arguably the best in the world , and Putin ’ s ( as head of Russia ) , and Xi ’ s , I may add , actions and words can be better understood when one considers to what degree Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think he has arguably the best picture of the shifting geopolitical balance in the world .
I have all reasons to believe so and he is extremely well aware on the future fate of the US political , financial and military institutions .
To a very large degree an insane tempo of Russia ’ s political , economic and military re-institutionalizing ( I hate this tired stale term “ reform ” ) varies directly with the tempo of US internal political , economic and military degradation .
I warned about this for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Dollar ’ s departure is not even a subject for discussion , it is a cold hard fact of life , fait accompli , but merely a subject for speculation on WHEN this departure will be finally formalized , be that through the internal economic collapse in the United States , the event similar to Suez Crisis ( and Moment ) , or through combination of both .
Difficult to say .
Remarkably , nobody ( I underscore it ) wants US economic and financial collapse–in the end , everyone gets hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the matter of economic strength–but current American political class is completely incapable to right the ship of the American statehood , not to mention stopping avalanche processes within American economy , so we are all treated to a mad circus of Impeachment which will finish US statehood off for good , unless , in the last moment ( yeah , good luck with that ) AG Barr decides to indict a bunch of treasonous lowlifes thus giving us at least some hope .
So far , doesn ’ t look like it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I guess , as long as the stock market is doing great , we all should be fine , right ?
This post was originally published on this site

This post was originally published on this site
The economy is imploding much faster than people realize. Take a look at this…
First About The Banks…
May 9 ( King World News ) – Peter Boockvar: What’s unusual about what is going on with the banks in terms of the failures and the notable tightening of lending standards is that historically this behavior has taken place in response to a recession that has already begun. In the past, the economic downturn creates bad credit, some banks don’t make it as a result and for most of the banks that do respond in kind with limiting the extension of credit. This time, it was the unwinding of the sovereign bond bubble with the pin being the aggressive rate hikes in response to inflation that caused the initial tightening of lending criteria, the deposit flight, the eventual bank failures, and in turn further tightening of credit even before a recession has technically begun. And now the downside of the credit cycle awaits with the stated vulnerability already in place…
ALERT:
This company is about to start drilling what could be one of the largest gold discoveries in history! CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE.
I have yet to mention one word about the debt ceiling in my commentary but will today with the meeting of both sides later. After doing this for a long time and seeing this movie so many times, it’s hard not to have my eyes glaze over every time we see what’s going on and hear the words ‘catastrophic’ or ‘calamity’ stated by both parties over decades if it doesn’t get raised but it always does. What we are telling clients in case there are a few days of disruption is just to make sure you don’t have T-bills maturing in the first few weeks of June if you need the money for something very important. As June 1st is a Thursday, to use that as an example date, if you are closing on the purchase of a house on June 1st or 2nd and your down payment money is in that T-Bill, sell it before then. And for any other important reason you need the money during those few weeks. Otherwise, the government will still pay you back even if the timing is off by a few days (unlikely weeks). Politicians like to talk tough but on something like this, they’ll all fold to raise it again.
Collapse Alert
The NFIB April small business optimism survey fell to the weakest level since January 2013 at 89, down 1.1 pts m/o/m.
Small Business Optimism Near All-Time Lows
Plans to Hire rose 2 pts after falling 2 pts in March and Positions Not Able to Fill rose 2 pts after dropping by 4 in the month before. With respect to compensation, both current and plans for it, they fell a touch. The outlook for earnings softened 5 pts after improving by 5 pts in March. And as I’ve said before, if earnings/cash flow deteriorate, capital spending will slow as one follows the other. Capital spending plans fell 1 pt to match the lowest level since 2010 not including Covid.
Capital Spending Is Collapsing
With inventory still elevated, now especially relative to sales, plans to increase it fell 1pt to -5. Higher selling prices continues to moderate, down 4 pts m/o/m. With respect to the outlook components, those that Expect a Better Economy fell 2 pts and is not far from the lowest on record.
Those That Expect A Better Economy Near Record Low
Those that Expect Higher Sales deteriorated by 4 pts to the softest since last July. Off the lowest level since 1980, those that said it’s a Good Time to Expand rose just 1 pt.
Those That Think It’s A Good Time To Expand Near Record Low
Finally on credit conditions, they remain negative but 1 pt less so at -8.
Just a bit more here on credit, “the average rate paid on short maturity loans was 8.5%, .7 percentage points above March and the highest since October 2007.” This said, only 4% reported that financing was their top business problem (up 1 pt) and just 2% of owners said that their borrowing needs were not satisfied. This of course is something we’ll be watching really closely in coming months and quarters.
The NFIB said “Optimism is not improving on Main Street as more owners struggle with finding qualified workers with their open positions. Inflation remains a top concern for small businesses but is showing signs of easing.”
Insert
***To listen to James Turk discuss why the bank crisis is set to accelerate and how it will impact major markets including gold and silver CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE BELOW.
***To listen to Alasdair Macleod discuss the accelerating bank crisis and how this will impact the gold and silver markets CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE BELOW.
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Russian electronic warfare

* [ https : //www.rt.com/news/432379-jamming-plane-upgrade-il-porubshchik/ Russia ’ s advanced jamming plane to get new body as part of overhaul – @ @ @ @ @ ” , July 9 , 2018 * [ https : //www.rt.com/news/432379-jamming-plane-upgrade-il-porubshchik/ Russia ’ s advanced @ @ @ @ @ body as part of overhaul – report ] – ” RT ” , July 9 @ @

* [https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/mystery-russian-systems-are-taking Mystery Russian Systems Are Taking Out Ukrainian Drones] – Simplicius The Thinker, February 13, 2023
* [https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/mystery-russian-systems-are-taking Mystery Russian Systems Are Taking Out Ukrainian Drones] – Simplicius The Thinker, February 13, 2023
* [https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/the-changing-face-of-war-future-of The Changing Face Of War – Future of the Russian SMO] – Simplicius The Thinker, February 27, 2023


therussophileorg--2020-01-26--April 2018 attack on dissent

April 2018 attack on dissent

* [ https : //thegrayzone.com/2017/11/10/mccarthyism-counter-terror-experts-russian-threats-civil-liberties/amp/ McCarthyism Inc : Introducing the counter-terror ‘ experts ’ hyping Russian threats and undermining our @ @ @ @ @ Blumenthal , ” The Grayzone ” , November 10 , 2017 * [ https : @ @ @ @ @ Russian bots ” and the dehumanisation of dissent ] – Kit , ” OffGuardian ” @ @ @ @ @ * [ https : //off-guardian.org/2018/04/20/the-guardian-russian-bots-and-the-dehumanisation-of-dissent/ The Guardian , “ Russian bots ” and the dehumanisation @ @ @ @ @ , ” OffGuardian ” , April 20 , 2018

This post was originally published on this site
Line 139: Line 139:
* [https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12561484 Security Police suggests: Deliberately spreading fake news on behalf of a foreign power should be criminalized] – ”YLE (Finland)”, August 6, 2022 * [https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12561484 Security Police suggests: Deliberately spreading fake news on behalf of a foreign power should be criminalized] – ”YLE (Finland)”, August 6, 2022
* [https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000009006695.html Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency starts chasing harmful troll campaigns – “These things are urgent”] – ”Helsingin Sanomat”, August 16, 2022 ([https://archive.ph/H51pf archive]) * [https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000009006695.html Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency starts chasing harmful troll campaigns – “These things are urgent”] – ”Helsingin Sanomat”, August 16, 2022 ([https://archive.ph/H51pf archive])
+ * [https://thegrayzone.com/2022/08/21/bbc-antiwar-academics-uk-intel/ BBC assault on antiwar academics was apparent product of UK intel plot] – Kit Klarenberg, ”The Grayzone”, August 21, 2022


Ukraine news/Current

This post was originally published on this site 24 Jan .
Heavy shelling resumes in Donbass , including Donetsk suburbs , 208 mortar shells , 167 grenades , 300 BMP gun shells fired in the past week ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) .
DPR ombudsman : One DPR soldier is killed and 2 wounded in the past week .
Peskov “ did not confirm ” rumors of Surkov resignation or of change of policies with respect to Ukraine .
Those opinions were expressed by well-connected political scientist Alexey Chesnakov , quoting Surkov himself .
In a similar vein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be dead .
23 Jan. Zelenskii , as the Poles , is a no-show in Israel on a made-up excuse , leaving it to Russia ’ s Putin to mark 75 ’ s of Auschwitz .
22 Jan , DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian fire on Dolomitnoe , northern Gorlovka .
DPR says he is killed by sniper fire by arriving special operations sniper group armed with Barrett M82 12.7 mm sniper guns ; calls one more time for OSCE to ensure that ceasefire is observed and violators punished .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet in Israel .
21 Jan. Impeachment trial of President Trump starts at the US Senate .
20 Jan. Aleksei “ Green ” , deputy commander of “ Piatnashka ” Spetsnaz regiment of interior troops of DPR Ministry of Internal Affairs , and opolchenie member from the beginning , is killed in Donetsk .
Blogger Donetsky comments and a linked video with Alexei ’ s interview made in 2018 ( he is deputy commander of “ Piatnashka ” battalion of the same regiment back then .
“ Piatnshka ” commander “ Abkhaz ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Surkov ’ s visit and Abkhazia leader Raul Khajimba resigning ) .
11 Jan. Iran acknowledged shooting down Ukrainian Boeing “ due to human error ” .
Ali Hajizadeh EngRus : air defense unit lost communication with higher command when it discovered a target 19 km away ; it had only 10 s. to make a decision , and they made a bad one ( as translated ) .
This all but excludes Tor-M1 missile engine on at impact ( =impossible with description taken literally ) and suggests that the NYT video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engine off will not be seen ) , or that details of Iranian version are not accurate .
Iranian-version map with partial Eng .
explanation is at around 0:40 here , in RFE/RL article describing follow-up protests in Iran .
Full video here , with details a bit confusing in Eng translation , but apparently launch is 12 km away horizontally ( not 19 km , in print in the same source ) , on approaching courses .
This makes things trickier , but still Tor M1 engine would be off , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be there to videorecord .
Ukraine published photos and claims that the lower part of the pilots ’ cabin was hit by a missile ; SNBO head Danilov says it was discovered before the Iranian announcement and before Western countries started to publicize ( the missile version ) , but was kept quiet to continue the investigation .
It is also said that no distress communication calls were received ( consistent with the cabin hit ) .
Ukr FM Pristaiko at his 30 min long fast-fire Ukr/Eng press conference gives no hints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence info is received but provides no details .
Zelenskii : The missile version is not ruled out , but it has not been confirmed yet .
Iran : plane was on fire for 1.5 minutes .
We estimate that it makes it on fire well before NYT video BC geolocation .
However the 1.5 minutes claim was made before black boxes were analyzed , on unclear and unconfirmed basis .
9 Jan. NY Times publishes a video claiming missile hitting Ukrainian Boeing .
Initial poster first said he did not have metadata @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not clear how the video was verified .
Video , actually , may be genuine , but what does it show ?
It could be the plane climbing up with lights on , or having engine fire ( appearing as “ a missile ” ) , and then the engine exploding , blowing a burning and visible piece back ( uncertain ; can ’ t exclude either this or a missile climbing ; we do not have a good scale useful to infer velocities .
Roughly 11 s. for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the explosion is roughly 3.8 km straight .
There is residential area with look-alike houses and camera could be on either SW or NE side from the path .
Video can be mirrored easily .
Also the plane could be returning back to the airport while it ’ s path on Flightradar an extrapolation .
So either above is not excluded ) .
It remains unexplained why the video author was recording on his cell phone at about 6am local , apparently expressing no emotions and then apparently abruptly stopping the recording .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very first one from a car/dashboard camera .
It appears to give backing to the burning engine version .
8 Jan. Ukrainian Boeing 737-8KV ( Flightradar ; delivered 19 Jul 2016 ) crashed in Tehran , said to be because of engine fire , killing all on board , including 11 Ukrainians .
Putin sends condolences to Zelenskii .
Pompeo sends a Twitter .
Videos .
Crash visualization .
( Noted , engine on fire , Boeing 737 , Rwanda Air , the same day ) .
BBC starts to peddle MH17 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports quoting Western intelligence .
Newsweek has proverbial unnamed officials backing missile theory .
CBS News quoting US intelligence said a satellite detected infrared “ blips ” of two missile launches ( BBC ) , followed by another blip of an explosion ( that is more serious ; but did it ? )
.
Trump got “ suspicions ” .
3 Jan. Denisultanov is interviewed , quoted telling a different version of a shootout ( see 1 Jun 2017 ) involving Okueva and Osmanov in which Denisultanov received multiple gunshot wounds .
Promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nemtsov in another interview .
1 Jan. 2020 A video showing 268 soldiers killed defending L/DPR in 2019 .
DPR ombdudsman data , see 27 Dec. Cassad ’ s count here .
Ukrainian losses in six years may be over 40,000 .
29 Dec .
It is reported that prisoners exchange is completed .
25 prisoners from LPR traveled on a bus to the Ukrainian side of Mayorskoe checkpoint and those released to LPR by Ukraine traveled on a bus back , some of those pictured , and more photos/profiles here .
Exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ rebel ’ side .
Office of president Zelenskii posted some exchange photos and livestreams here .
27 Dec. Ukrainian attorney D. Tikhonenkov on the prisoners ’ exchange with Russia expected to occur at 11 am at “ Mayorskoe ” checkpoint on 29 Dec. 2019 : “ Prosecutor , help the President ( Zelenskii ) keep his word – drop the charge !
” ( Rus .
Прокурор , помоги Президенту сдержать слово – сними обвинение !
Адвокат Д. Тихоненков об обмене ) .
DPR ombudsman : From January 1 to December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Donetsk People ’ s Republic as a result of armed aggression from Ukraine , 166 people were killed , of which 157 were military personnel of the Republic , 6 civilian women and 3 civilian men .
223 people received injuries of varying severity , of which 149 military personnel of the Republic , 24 civilian women , 45 civilian men and 5 minors .
25 Dec. Prihodko : in Gorlovka , Vladimir Sorokin , a 59-year old civilian , had his head and shoulder wounded 22 Dec. LPR .
Ukraine cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a war crime in international law ) .
From 2:00 “ Popasnyansk regional water utility ” completely stopped supplying water from the pump station ZFS-3 , located on the territory of Ukraine , through the water duct “ ZFS-3 – ZFS-4″ .
The cities of Pervomaisk , Stakhanov , Kirovsk , partially Bryanka and other adjacent settlements remained without water supply .
Specialists of the Alchevsk Directorate immediately started switching over at the water supply facilities to redistribute the volumes of water to the above cities .
Because of that , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alchevsk , Perevalsk , Anthracite and Krasnyi Luch had to be reduced by 50 % .
” 21 Dec. JCCC : Ukraine fired mortars on the Volvo center area ( the northern suburb of Donetsk ) .
8 ceasefire violations in the past day , 134 munitions fired ( including mortars , BMP and BTR guns , grenade launchers and firearms including large caliber machine guns ) .
Video of an ambulance car ( barely ) crossing over restored bridge in Stanitsa Luganskaya .
LPR complains that the bridge is narrower than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DPR : 46 ceasefire violations in the past week , 456 shells fired ( including mortar , BMP gun shells , 122-mm artillery , and grenades ) .
The Swiss company Allseas suspends work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline after the US Senate approves sanctions on the company .
Spending bill including sanctions is signed by Trump ( CNN ; TASS ) .
It is said that Russia and Ukraine reached a compromise on continuation of gas transfer at a closed-door meeting in Minsk .
Details of the agreement so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that Ukrainian unpaid sovereign debt of $ 3 bln and some fine on Gazprom of net total of about $ 2.56 bln ( the latter of uncertain merit but with both charges confirmed in Western courts ) are being discussed .
TASS quoting Miller : Gazprom and Naftogas agreed a protocol according to which they will sign a contract on gas deliveries for 5 years , with Gazprom paying $ 2.9 bln .
following Stockholm court decision , and the parties will withdraw all other mutual claims .
There is no update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS : Since 2009 , two contracts have been in force between Gazprom and Naftogaz – on gas supplies to Ukraine and on its transit through the country to Europe .
Both expire at the end of 2019 .
Since 2012 , Naftogaz has ceased to pump in the contracted volume , and since November 2015 , Kiev has not purchased Russian gas at all , replacing it with reverse gas from Europe .
Gazprom , in turn , did not pump the agreed volume of gas through Ukraine .
In 2014 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 Dec. Ukrainian military fired 42 122-mm artillery shells on the area of Naberezhnoe settlment , south of Donetsk ( amid unending reports of Ukrainian mortar and small arms shelling ) .
14 Dec. DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian shelling of Gorlovka 10 Dec. Putin comments that if Ukraine gets control of the border , it may result in ‘ another Srebrenitsa ‘ ( massacre ) committed by Ukrainian nationalists , as it is not clear ‘ who is stronger ’ , Zelensky or them ( Rus ; Eng-but presently QA part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference after the Normandy meeting , Putin ’ s answer on border control was based on Minsk agreement as written .
Russian journo report on some small details observed at the Normandy-4 meeting is not particularly encouraging .
9 Dec. Putin-Zelenskiy two way meeting is confirmed after the Normandy 4-way meeting today .
( TASS , Babel.net ) .
Unending Ukrainian provocations in Donbass are reported in the run-up to the summit .
This includes death of two SBU ‘ Alpha ’ colonels who were part of a 4 men RSG , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by landmine explosion ( details to be linked later ) .
1 Dec. Strelkov published on social media a list of 14 men killed defending L/DPR in November .
Two DPR soldiers were killed by “ Azov ” sniper fire , trying to evacuate a wounded comrade .
It is said that 3 “ Azov ” men were killed and 2 wounded by return fire .
30 Nov. DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian shelling , despite the supposed ceasefire .
29 Nov. DPR People ’ s Council adopted a law “ on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory as the whole Donetsk region as of 2014 .
Presently over half of that region is under Ukrainian control .
According to Council ’ s chairman Vladimir Bidevka , till the settlment of conflict with Ukraine the border will be the separation line and with this it does not contradict Minsk agreements .
Pro-Russian segment commentary on those developments differ , from skeptical to cheerful .
It is unclear whether those developments are more than declaratory + aimed to steer negotiations back into Minsk format .
It is said that Ukrainian reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to separation areas and to allow use of aviation .
Official Russia ’ s commentary is not presently available .
28 Nov. Russian photog Valerii Melnikov won second place in Sakharov center documentary photos competition with photos from the conflict zone in Donbass .
His 15 photos here .
22 Nov. DPR PMHQ ( Basurin ) : 72 ceasefire violations by Ukraine in the past week , including 17 152-mm artillery shells , 67 mortar shells and 228 grenades of various types Photo report : DPR forces remove trenches in the area of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian forces said to do the same ( 1 , 2 ) .
21 Nov. Dilyana Gaytandzhieva : Serbian arms trafficked to Ukraine : evidence of mortars used against Donbass ( + Cassad ) .
13 Nov .
The New York Times publishes a summary of an interview with Igor Kolomoiski in which he accuses the US of forcing Ukraine to be at war with Russia and says that it is time for Ukraine to return into the Russian orbit because contrary to “ the West ” , they are genuinely interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very different from those back in 2014 or so ; however Russian commentators on the patriotic side of the divide point out the monetary self-interest and an intent to go with the highest bidder ) .
9 Nov. LPR .
Ukrainian easel anti-tank grenade launcher fire on Nizhenee Lozovoe is reported .
A LPR soldier is killed .
8 Nov. DPR : three DPR soldiers are killed by Ukrainian shelling .
6 Nov. A DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian fire on Leninskoe settlement in the south .
With the next round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on possible sabotage of chemical plants , in order to blame DPR and prevent troops withdrawals .
Premiere of documentary film “ Remember Odessa ” , by German film director Wilhelm Domke-Schulz -interviews and fragments ( Rus . )
, ( Germ. )
.
2 Nov. Strelkov published on social media names of 17 men killed in Donbass on the pro-Russian side in October , 2019 ( one of those died of a heart attack in custody ) .
UN data : 3330 civilians killed , up to 9000 wounded , 1.3 mln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protection ; 427 km ‘ contact line ’ .
Above all , people want peace .
# 5YearsNoMore .
( Eng ) , ( Rus . )
1 Nov. A civilian man is wounded by Ukrainian shelling of Spartak settlement , north of Donetsk .
Vladimir Tsemakh is interviewed , talking about himself and his kidnapping by Ukraine .
He is not asked and does not directly adress the MH17 , apart from telling that ( 3:35 ) the anti-aircraft detachment consisted of two MANPADS and two “ Zushka ’ s ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did nothing to blame for ( describing his participation in opolchenie in 2014 ) .
He left opolchenie in 2017 due to his past injuries ( 4:02 ) and was not in active service at the time of his kidnapping .
He says that he learned about MH17 ‘ as everybody else ’ in the evening or may be the next morning ( 3:45 ) .
While in Ukrainian custody , he was threatened with life imprisonment , offered ( 12:26 ) a witness protection scheme , “ a citizenship ” ( apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holland .
He turned down those offers .
Russian-speaking police reps from Holland and Australia were present from time to time during his interrogations .
The Ukrainian investigation is still not closed .
31 Oct. A DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian shelling of Lozovoe settlement 29 Oct .
Pilot separation of forces has started in Zolotoe , expected to take 3 days .
Zelenskii commented on 3 stages of ending the conflict , stopping the ‘ hot ’ phase , reconcilliation , reintegration ( but none of the above on the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PR efforts in Russia to discredit Strelkov is observed .
28 Oct .
It is said that after Zelenskii visit to nationalist volunteers and rather intense and much discussed conversations with some of them by the camp fire , volunteers removed their weapons from Zolotoe settlement , a place of pilot disengagement of forces .
Zelenskii has stated that otherwise they will ‘ go in ’ , that is remove weapons by force .
Zelenskii also tried to lead discussion to the conclusiong that negotiation with Putin is needed , and that Ukrainian-imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself , is harmful to Ukrainian economy .
Local residents were present ( older age women ) , saying that they live in a war zone for 5 years and all they want at this point is peace .
Nationalists were arguing for a strong hand approach , at best .
( A version of video here ) 18 Oct .
Some change of rhetoric is observed in Ukraine reporting .
DPR report on yet another Ukrainian shelling of the usual hot-spots ( Gorlovka , villages near Mariupol , and elsewhere ) is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be left unpunished ’ , followed by a more customary appeal to international observers to take appropriate measures .
An op-ed by a journalist Eva Lysovskaya is published by Rusvesna , saying ( quite obviously , but rarely made explicit ) that Russia ’ s patience is not unlimited and that Abkhazia- style scenario , with the official recognition and Russian peacekeepers ensuring order is possible to .
This is not coming from an official source , but could be indicative .
Similarly on Ukrainian side there are statements of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last ’ earnest attempt to follow Minsk — after threats from Ukrainian nationalists following acceptance of the “ Steinmeier formula ” , backtracking on separation of forces , and no end in shelling , resulting in destruction and casualties .
Blogger Donetskii : “ Cunning plan of Zelensky ” , for a counterpoint , and in response to a telegram post .
16 Oct. Ukraine shelled Gorlovka yet again .
Mayor of Gorlovka Prikhodko : T. Golovina , a 61-year old woman , got skin-deep wounds .
11 Oct. Ukrainegate is driving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent coup and possibly into civil war .
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch deposition confirms an approach based on US self-interests , not on stopping killings and war crimes , promoting peace , or well-being of the Ukrainian people .
It stresses Ukrainian “ inviolate borders ” but does not extend “ the right to determine their own destiny ” to people of Donbass and other pro-Russia regions ; such right appears limited to those who supported Euromaidan in 2014 .
The conflict in Donbass is portrayed as “ Russian expansionism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not accurately reflect the overall situation .
It is quite clear that Yovanovitch was not pushing for expressed by Trump wish that Russia and Ukraine get together and solve their problems .
The departure of this Russian-speaking yet anti-Russian lady is not much regretted here ( maybe the next appointee will do more , or at least not less , for peace ) .
As for American-leveled displeasures , see here ( this mentions an unconfirmed claim by Lev Parnas of her taped conversation with disparaging comments on Trump , Guliani ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pocket of Soros ’ , and other such stuff which does not matter much here ) .
Lev Parnas and Igor Furman , Soviet-born US citizens and “ Guliani ’ s fixers on Ukraine ” , has been arrested on campaign finance violations charges , and it is said that Guliani himself is under a criminal investigation .
Guliani responded to CNN here .
10 Oct. A civilian man , 64 yrs old , is seriously wounded by Ukrainian mortar shelling in Zaitsevo settlement ( Prihodko 1 , 2 ; Rusvesna ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ past week , 3 DPR soldiers were killed , 4 people ( 1 soldier and 3 civilian men ) were wounded .
DPR PMH : in the past week , 17 residential homes were damaged or destroyed .
1 Oct .
It is reported that Ukraine finally agreed to the “ Steinmeier formula ” , which it opposed for a long time .
The formula is yet to be implemented in the law on the special status for Donbass 30 Apr .
U.S .
Confirms Delivery Of Javelin Antitank Missiles To Ukraine Poroshenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ joint operation of armed forces ’ , which is aimed at ‘ defending territorial integrity ’ and will only end ‘ when the last piece of Ukrainian land is liberated , including Crimea ’ , which is somehow supposed to happen by ‘ political-diplomatic means ’ .
• Recent history in a nutshell in those photos to the right : • Aftermaths of Ukrainian shelling of the village Zheltoe ( Yellow ) , LPR , 29 Nov. 2016 lug-info .
Note on sources .
At present , pro -Ukrainian and pro-Russian sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on events , and a choice needs to be made .
Currently factual part of reporting by pro-Russian sources appear more accurate , complete , and closer to truth , out of the two available alternatives .
It is also less known , as the other side has greater support by the Western mass media .
For that reason , a lot of reporting here is based on Russian sources .
It is not done for the sake of supporting any pre-determined narrative .
If and when Ukrainian sources appear more accurate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some Ukrainian source reporting is very good , for example Tatyana Montyan numerous videos , some of them translated , are spot-on and at times appear closer to reality than any pro-this or that narratives .
However the bulk of Ukrainian media is unreliable , and often just unbelievable , not passing cross checks ( e.g .
as was illustrated numerous times by well-read on both sides Ukrainian journalist Anatoly Sharii ) ; or else , is filled with hate and may cheer more people harmed or killed ( any of such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally unsupported here ) .

This post was originally published on this site
21 Jun. 3 DPR soldiers are killed by Ukrainian mortar attack despite all ceasefires. One more is killed when SPG-9 was fired on ambulance vehicle collecting bodies, despite additional “silence regime” agreed. Five more are wounded. Anniversary of Nazi attack on USSR is June 22.
11 Jun. Five LPR soldiers, members of “Prizrak” battalion, are killed near Golubovskoe when Ukrainian RSG group ambushed their checkpoint. It is said that a foreign sniper rifle was used in the attack.
3 Jun. UNSC ‘Arria-Formula’ meeting on the circumstances of Maidan and its aftereffects in Donbass, video: Eng, Rus. Tsarev talk, text, [ Rus.] Presenters are former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov, former Rada MP Oleg Tsarev (more here) and Vladimir Oleynik, British reporter Dean O’Brien and French journalist Anne-Laure Bonnel (who uses French diplomatic and military sources). MSM ignores, West castigates. US and UK did not show up at all, saying that some of the participants are under their sanctions. France and Ireland repeated well-known cliches with no interaction with presented testimonies.
Donbass (Vimeo , OK) – documentary film by Anne-Laure Bonnel.
“First line of the Northern Stream 2 is completed“.
Ukrainian officials used Giuliani to sow disinformation.
28 May. US prosecutors investigate if Ukraine criminally interfered in the 2020 US presidential elections by spreading disinformation.
Belarus may suspend shipments of A95 petrol to Ukraine (apparently to do with repairs at oil processing plant). It also introduced targeted sanctions on Ukrainian imports, after Ukraine cut air traffic with Belarus. (According to opolchenie, a lot of Ukrainian tank fuel is coming from Russia and Belarus).
27 May. According to Ukrainian data presented to OSCE, 38 of its soldiers are killed and 115 wounded since additional ceasefire measures were introduced in July, 2020
24 May. Belarus expels all Latvian diplomats, for insult to Belarus flag in Riga where hockey championship is taking place. (Latvia expels Belarus diplomats in turn).
23 May. NEXTA founder/editor Roman Protasevich was arrested in Belarus after Ryanair plane Athens-Vilnius landed in Minsk after the captain was informed of a fake bomb threat issued in the name of Hamas. (RFE/RL version here). This seem to follow footsteps of Ukraine forcing return of Belavia plane on Oct. 22, 2016, to detain anti-Maidan blogger, citizen of Armenia (later released). It is also suggested (see eg here) that Russian PMC arrests in Belarus were originally planned in the form of forcing their flight from Minsk to land in Ukraine (this version was reported by Butusov of tsensor.net).
19 May. DPR: In the past day, Ukraine violated ceasefire 5 times, fired 50 munitions above 12.7 mm. DPR soldier was killed on May 18. (Opolchenie report says a soldier was killed in the evening of May 17; unclear whether this is the same event).
11 May. DPR: one soldier is killed and 2 wounded by Ukrainian shelling.
It is said that official suspicion notes on treason and embezzlement charges are issued to MP Medvedchuk and Kozak; SBU is trying to conduct a search at Medvedchuk home and “serve him with a detention request.” Medvedchuk response is that this is politically motivated persecution, and that he will remain in Ukraine and fight the charges. (Earlier, 2 Feb. 2021, main opposition media resources aligned with his party were banned to broadcast).
9 May. As a result of Ukrainian shelling of Trudovskaya minepit settlement, Tomskaya st., 10, a civilian man is killed, Puchkin Anatoly Nazarovich, born 12.10.1939
Victory day parade in Donetsk.
Tatyana Montyan carries Zelenskii’s grandfather photo at “Immortal regiment” walk in Donetsk. “Let at least his grandfather takes a walk with “Immortal regiment” while his grandson arranges witches sabbath of SS Galitchina in the center of Kiev”. Semyon Zelensky, born in 1924, was called up for military service in 1942. During the Great Patriotic War, he served as the commander of a mortar platoon, and then the commander of a rifle company of the 174th regiment of the 57th Guards rifle division. He was awarded the Order of the Red Star.
7 May. Three DPR soldiers are killed by Ukrainian shelling. According to DPR, they returned fire and say that 2 Ukrainian soldiers are killed and one wounded as a result.
6 May. UNSC Arria Formula: Drivers of conflict in Ukraine (Eng, Rus, Russian representative comments after the event).
5 May. DPR reports Ukrainian mortar shelling of Gorlovka and Veseloe in northern Donetsk; DPR returned fire near Veseloe. Ukrainian 122mm artillery shelling of Staromikhailovka, western Donetsk, is also reported.
LPR report: Ukrainian forces tried to attack, one LPR soldier is killed in a fight.
DPR and LPR blame Ukraine for provocations during US Sec. State visit.
4 May. DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian sniper near Kominternovo.
Victims of the 2014 massacre remembered at the Odessa Trade Union Building
2 May. Marks the 7th anniversary of the Odessa Trade Union massacre. Arria formula UNSC informal meeting to hear testimonies of survivors is announced by representative of Russia.
1 May. Opolchenie: In the Sakhanka area, Ukrainian forces fired at a civilian tractor plowing a field. The tractor driver was not injured.
Gorlovka: elderly couple are both wounded by a landmine explosion with traumatic foot amputation while grazing their livestock
Opolchenie lists 9 soldiers and 1 civilian killed in DPR in April.
23 Apr. There are many reports of continued Ukrainian shelling. Residents’ made video here, “The Trudovskye (settlement) woke up feeling that they were being bombed.” Next day: “You can check your watches by Ukrainian shelling”
22 Apr. The 2021 Donbass Crisis may be over. Russia withdraws troops from the border after president Putin’s speech.
At least 3 NATO military-transport planes arrived to Ukraine in the past 3 days, at least 6 from 2 to 12 April –interfax.ua
Putin responded to Zelenskii’s invitation to meet in Donbass, inviting Zelenskii to discuss bilateral ties in Moscow , and saying that matters concerning LPR and DPR need to be discussed with LPR and DPR first. In addition, Kozak offered to have a Normany 4 (ie Germany , France, Russia, Ukraine) +LPR and DPR meeting in Donbass. The latter was rejected by Ukraine, as Ukraine will not talk to LPR and DPR (either in error or through pressure). Ukrainian official Reznikov threw a fit about LPR and DPR names used at all, portraying it as de-facto recognition. (It is well known what are the actual positions). Same official: “During the war, the president cannot go to the capital and meet with a person who is a representative of the aggressor country. It seems to me that this is a bit strange proposal” (it is well known that no war is declared between Ukraine and Russia; is this about the war with Donbass?).
21-22 Apr. OSCE SMM: 52 Ukrainian tanks “beyond withdrawal lines but outside designated storage sites” (and 11 for L/DPR).
21 Apr. Two DPR soldiers are killed by Ukrainian shelling.
US Senate bill has 300 mln$ per year in new military assitance to Ukraine, a program to encourage foreign donations of excess military equipment, and priority in gaining US excess military equipment.
Russia’s Federal Assembly waiting for Putin ‘s speech
21 Apr. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly. It was speculated that Putin will announce changes to Russia’s Ukraine policy, pending approval of an emergency session of the Federation Council to be held on April 23rd (although some, including patriotic opposition figures, were sceptical). In the end, the speech was mostly on domestic issues, such as post-covid support for families and businesses, and various domestic projects and initiatives. While there were some foreign policy items, such as coups being unacceptable, changes in the posture were rather subtle, and desire to not burn the bridges was empasised, while warning was given not to cross (not specified) red lines. It ended with briefly reporting on increased readiness of the armed forces.
17 Apr. Russian FSB said that a Ukrainian consul in St. Petersburg “was caught red-handed” receiving classified informatiom from law enforcement databases. In unrelated developments of diplomacy, US Ambassador was “advised” to travel to USA for consultations in the process of counter-sanctions announcment, and Lavrov said this to further the diplomacy. (All that does not sound too enchanting).
Lukashenko makes comments on planned assassination of him and his family. Belarus earlier released videos of conversations of alleged conspirators and footage of arrests made.
14 Apr. Claims appeared about plans to create US/NATO bases in Ukraine; it is further claimed that summit proposal may have to do with diverting attention and winning time for those plans. Factual basis is unclear. Meanwhile, Prague was proposed as venue; with above caution, seemed like a good one. (Before the diplomatic row, that is).
13 Apr. Russian DM Shoigu: US troops are being deployed from mainland North America across the Atlantic to Europe. There is a movement of troops in Europe to the Russian borders. The main forces are concentrated in the Black Sea and the Baltic region. “In total, 40 thousand servicemen and 15 thousand units of weapons and military equipment, including strategic aviation, will be concentrated near our territory.” …In the past 3 weeks, Russia deployed to its western borders two armies and three formations of the Airborne Forces, “for checks of the combat readiness”. It is planned to complete the checks in the next 2 weeeks.
5 Apr. At least 3 Hercules planes arrived from the West to Ukraine. (Blogger Donetskii. Flightbox: 06-6161, MC136 / RCH136, landed 7h 38m ago, Kiev (KBP / UKBB)- Ramstein (RMS / ETAR), Monday, April 5 2021, 03:05 EEST Departed). One similar plane arrived to Kiev earlier, and another to Lvov.
DPR reports a brief firefight on Apr. 4 with Ukrainian RSG group near Shumy. A body of Ukrainian soldier Igor Baitalo , 1995 DoB is found on a minefiled; Ukrainian side did not collect the body or announced the loss; DPR asks to do so.
“Ukraine will look for another city instead of Minsk for negotiations on Donbass.”
4 Apr. According to Kravchuk, Ukraine will not participate in the negotiations of the contact group unless the Donetsk People’s Republic excludes from its delegation a public expert, journalist Maya Pirogova, who was convicted in absentia by a Ukrainian court for her activities in the structures of the DPR. (Unclear what are her crimes, apart from working with DPR; charge of “terrorism” is reported).
LPR spokesman: according to the information we received, on the banks of the Seversky Donets River in the area of Nikolayevka settlement a civilian was wounded by an unknown explosive device dropped by militants of the 80th brigade (UAF) using a UAV (drone). As a result, he received multiple shrapnel wounds of moderate severity and was taken to a hospital, where he was provided with qualified medical care.
3 Apr. DPR: Ukrainian drone attack killed a child, 2016 DoB, in Alexanrovskoe settlement; a woman is wounded in the same attack. Katia Katina report, with the boy’s photo and video interview of his grandmother.
Ukrainian activist and lawyer Tatiana Montan is present at boy’s funeral, and confirms that his death is not a fake. Relatives say on the video that explosive device was dropped by Ukrainian drone. They also say that story about ailing grandfather having some IED is fake. There are photos from the site. Impact imprint on cement, round small holes on a water bucket, broken glass seen. Relatives said that OSCE did not visit. Relatives said boy lost leg(s) and arm(s), and was killed soon after exiting the house to play in the yard. Another report, linked by Katina, shows more detailed photos; presents an opinion that device flew from above as there is 360 degree spread of fragments, and as the only viable alternative to drone offers a version that Ukrainian or pro-Ukrainian persons fired a mortar at the house of strongly pro-Russian family. The house is apparently some 15 km from the separation line, according to other pro -LDPR reporting.
Peskov comments, KP, Kommersant.
Russia opens a criminal investigation.
UN and JCCC officials visit Vladik’s family home. Grandmother says that officials recorded information but did not provide an assessment. She says she wants to receive expert opinion as she is hurt by theories, and there were no weapons and ‘no war’ at their home.
2 Apr. LPR reports Ukrainian shelling (mortars, grenade launchers), resulting in a firefight. One LPR soldier is killed. According to LPR sources, Ukrainian military planes arrived to Chuguev , Kharkov region, and a helicopter is deployed towards the separation line.
In Zaitsevo, near Gorlovka, two residential homes are reported on fire (video report), minutes after the area came under Ukrainian fire from a heavy machine gun “Utes”.
1 Apr. DPR announces its first ever draft (“200 men will join the corps”).
US, Canada, UK Defense Attaché met with Ukrainian Min. of defense Taran, deputy. Min. defense Petrenko, Polishchuk, commander of the combined forces lieutenant general. Naev and col. Budanov.
Ukrainian MoD and some Western MSM reports claim US and NATO backing for Ukraine.
“Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley’s Phone Call with Ukraine’s Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Ruslan Khomchak”
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
Western MSN: “U.S. military’s European Command raised its watch level from possible crisis to potential imminent crisis — the highest level — in response to the deployment of the additional Russian troops” (noted, this reports on watchcon level, not defcon or redcon).
After many reports providing photo-visual evidence of additional Ukrainian heavy armor deployments, reports appear on additional Russian troops deployment to the Crimea and to the Ukrainian border.
26 Mar. Ukraine claims that 4 of its soldiers are killed and two wounded in Shumy settlment, blamed on pro-Russian/LDPR forces (noted, full circumstances are unclear, report is disputed, in particular by commenters suspecting landmine explosion; I could not find relevant material in OSCE reports on 27 or 29 March where it would be xpected; people are killed on a regular basis, on both sides, and reports of similar-sized casualties by LDPR forces do not result in war promotions).
24 Mar. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signs Decree No. 117/2021, essentially declaring war on Russia
23 Mar. DPR: two soldiers are killed by Ukrainain shelling near Donetsk airport
22 Mar. DPR: A civilian is killed in Alexandrovka by Ukrainian sniper shot.
20 Mar. Commentary describes “Kravchuk plan”, said to be de-facto capitulation of the republics with no special status and Ukraine taking control of the border before the elections. It is said that Ukraine tries to obtain Germany and France backing of the plan, with military moves towards separation line to drive home the message. Moscow does not agree to the plan and indicates that it will raise the stakes and will support the republics if Ukraine attacks. With all this, situation is dangerous and may escalate out of control.
Blogger Donetskii commentary reminds that Ukraine used tensions to supress opposition figures in Ukraine (Medvedchuk and others), and to move its forces into the conflict zone, no matter what will happen with diplomacy. He asserts that all those back and forth escalations and ceasefires do not resolve the conflict and do not serve interests of the people (while he does not want a full blown war, either).
18 Mar. Daily, numerous reports on Ukrainian shelling (mortars, AGS, small arms, occasional artillery) . Resumed despite “stricter measures” around February, with no end in site, and with many reports on heavy arms moved towards the separation line.
17 Mar. Opolchenie: one soldier is killed today, under Gorlovka.
13 Mar. There is increasing speculation about a planned Ukrainian attack on Donbass; in particular stream of reports of heavy weapons (including heavy artillery and air defense) moved in daytime to the front line, open-sourced report of 8 Bayraktar drones in Ukrainian possesion, etc.
12 Mar. DPR soldier is killed by Ukrainian shelling.
10 Mar. DPR. One DPR soldier is killed, another is wounded by Ukrainian fire. DPR said it returned fire.
It is noted that pro-Ukrainian bots spread on social media fake messages claiming that Russian military teams entered L/DPR.
5 Mar. DPR. Three DPR soldiers are killed and one wounded by Ukrainian sniper shots to the head. One of those killed is Varnavskii Roman. In the absence of international response, DPR forces returned fire. Ukrainian losses are reported.
3 Mar. DPR police officer Voina V.I. is killed by Ukrainian sniper when his group responded to a call saying that a group of children was seen in the grey zone between Ukraiian and DPR forces.
26 Feb. Ukrainian forces fired eighteeen 82-mm mortar shells on Donetsk state plant of chemical products and the adjacent territory; a DPR soldier was killed by shelling.
25 Feb. LPR soldier is heavily wounded by Ukrainian sniper fire near Nizhnee Lozovoe
Heavy shelling of northwestern Donetsk is reported, Yelenovka was shelled earlier.
Heavy weapons shelling of Gorlovka is reported.
23 Feb. DPR. Ukrainian shelling in multiple areas is reported, at least 4 residential houses damaged
22 Feb. A civilian man is wounded by Ukrainian fire in Alexanrdovka, west of Donetsk
21 Feb. Zaitsevo in Gorlovka shelled once again, a direct hit on empty residential house.
20 Feb. At least six opolchenie soldier (Gorbachev Vladimir, Shepetki Evgenii, Alekseev Valery, Petrenko Sergey, Syrovatsky Dmitry, Pyatak Vladimir) killed by Ukrainian mortar shelling near Gorlovka, and 3 wounded, (two, by the official report) shortly after Ukrainian leadership authorised local commanders to open fire without higher-ups approval. Unconfirmed reports claim that more were killed. War correspondent Kotenok: “On situation in Gorlovka. Our losses: 5-200, 3-300, a dugout (blindazh) was smashed. Fire corrected from the drone. From 2 am to 5 am it (Ukrainian fire) flew here.” Another oplochenie/Strelkov unconfirmed report claims that losses of the “3 battalion of the 3 brigade is from 2 to 11 killed; either reconnaissance and sabotage group or murder” (Bezler on 21 Feb: 20 killed; that figure is denied by Evgenii Skripnik “Prapor” who tells about 7 killed and scores wounded, after a rescue group arrived and better account made); and that “at minepit Glubokaia, 7 -200 and 4 -300” (see also 1, 2); it is unclear whether reports are accurate and whether it has intersection with Kotenok report (who is a well-established war reporter). Opolchenie and official DPR sources say that DPR responded and “supressed enemy fire”; it is claimed that 11 Ukrainian soldiers were killed.
DPR later acknowledged that 7 DPR soldiers were killed and 6 wounded on that day near Gorlovka.
OSCE drone is reported in L/DPR airspace.
20 Feb is Ukrainian “day of memory of the heavenly hundred”
17 Feb. Ukrainian mortar and BMP-1 guns fire is reported south of Donetsk, 21 mortar shells fired. More Ukrainian shelling is later reported, 20 AGS grenades and 20 BMP-2 gun shots fired on Abakumov minepit area near Donetsk,and two mortar shells fired on Luganskoe village.
DPR head Denis Pushilin and Leonid Kracvchuk, former Ukrainian president and head of Ukrainian delegation at the contact group, appeared together and had some exchange on a Russian TV show. That may be the first such direct contact ever, at least in public (but little was agreed on…)
15 feb. Attempted assasination attempt on DPR commander Sergei Popov, call name “Dlinnyi”. An explosive devices was planted in his vehicle and exploded when he was taking his daughter to a school. Both survived, with commander receiving multiple wounds to his legs, and daughter shell-shocked.
11 Feb. Opolchenie reports arrival of Ukrainian troops and heavy armor in areas near separation line, discuss concerns on prospects of a large scale Ukrainian attack.
6 Feb. DPR: “For the first time since the commencement of the Complex of Additional Measures (July 27, 2020), Ukrainian militants launched an artillery strike from 122-mm artillery, shelling residential areas of Staromikhaylovka settlement in the Donetsk direction, firing 12 shells. Against this background, we reserve the right to provide an adequate response to the actions of Ukrainian punishers to protect the population from Ukrainian terror. “
2 Feb. Ukrainian president Zelenskii signed a decree blocking three Ukrainian opposition TV channels NewsOne, Zik, 112 from broadcasting, financial transactions, cultural exchanges, transfer of intellectual rights and technology. Prior to this, US indicated “robust U.S. economic and military assistance to Ukraine“, and support on “preventing disinformation” after the decree was signed.
29 Jan. Margarita Simonian in Donetsk: “Mother Russia, take Donbass home” (5:14,2:07). Peskov: Donbass joining Russia is not on the Kremlin’s agenda. (Commenters: split on meaning).
23 Jan. DPR soldier is killed near Staromikhailovka by a munition dropped by Ukrainian drone.
22 Jan. One DPR soldier is killed and another wounded by Ukrainian shelling
Highlights from the past
30 Apr. U.S. Confirms Delivery Of Javelin Antitank Missiles To Ukraine
Poroshenko announced end of ATO and start of ‘joint operation of armed forces’, which is aimed at ‘defending territorial integrity’ and will only end ‘when the last piece of Ukrainian land is liberated, including Crimea’, which is somehow supposed to happen by ‘political-diplomatic means’.
Videos
More videos on talk page
Photos
Recent history in a nutshell in those photos to the right:
Poroshenko, Kiska – EU entry at Uzhgorod
Ukrainian AF killed and wounded in ‘ATO’, Maidan, Kiev
Aftermaths of Ukrainian shelling of the village Zheltoe (Yellow), LPR, 29 Nov. 2016 lug-info.
Sources
Note on sources. At present, pro -Ukrainian and pro-Russian sources more often than not offer opposing claims on events, and a choice needs to be made. Currently factual part of reporting by pro-Russian sources appear more accurate, complete, and closer to truth, out of the two available alternatives. It is also less known, as the other side has greater support by the Western mass media. For that reason, a lot of reporting here is based on Russian sources. It is not done for the sake of supporting any pre-determined narrative. If and when Ukrainian sources appear more accurate, they will be used without a reservation.
Some Ukrainian source reporting is very good, for example Tatyana Montyan numerous videos, some of them translated, are spot-on and at times appear closer to reality than any pro-this or that narratives. However the bulk of Ukrainian media is unreliable, and often just unbelievable, not passing cross checks (e.g. as was illustrated numerous times by well-read on both sides Ukrainian journalist Anatoly Sharii); or else, is filled with hate and may cheer more people harmed or killed (any of such sort, from any side, is totally unsupported here).
OSCE
Official Ukrainian sources
Ukrainian media
DPR and LPR
Minsk Agreements
Safety zone (no heavy weapons) agreed at Normandy format meeting in Minsk, 12.02.2015. Black: current front line; red-19 September line. At the bottom it says: source: the web site of the President of Russia