Syria news/Current

This post was originally published on this site In a statement , the Russian foreign ministry declares that the actions by the SAA on their own soil are fully justified in the fight against terrorism , which has increased in recent months not least because of the changed balance in Idlib due to Turkish proxies being sent to Libya , leaving HTS in charge of the place and unchecked .
Both Turkish and Russian “ military experts ” have died in these terrorist attacks , the statement reads , and reminds Turkey of its obligations in the Astana agreements .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with Putin , says that Turkey may start a military operation if Assad does not withdraw troops from the border following deescalation zone agreement 3 Feb .
The SAA breaks through from the M5 to the M4 highway and stands west of Saraqib .
According to Russian reports , the Turks have not shown up to a joint Russian-Turkish patrol scheduled for today in Rojava .
2 Feb. Turkish military reinforcements try to stop the SAA from advancing on the M5 towards Saraqib .
Several Turkish forces die in the ensuing artillery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the SAA continues to advance at the southern Idlib front and has cleared the M5 between Khan Sheikhoun and Maarat al-Numan , Al-Qaeda with several thousand fighters under personal leadership of Al-Jolani starts a surprise attack on Aleppo city .
Four Russian FSB officers ( forming two sniper pairs ) were killed by artillery and mortar cross fire during rebels advance near Aleppo 30 Jan. Erdogan : As of now , unfortunately , Russia is not loyal to Astana or Sochi .
Our friends are talking with their interlocutors .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ In Idlib , you have stopped these bombings and so on , if you do not stop , we are running out of patience .
We will do whatever it takes from now on .
” ( CNN Turk , Reuters , Vershinin ) .
28 Jan. After further advances in recent days at the Idlib front , the SAA announces that it has liberated Ma ’ arat al Nu ’ man .
The strategic city at the M5 highway has been in “ rebel ” hands since 2012 .
23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Engagement James Jeffrey is quoted to say : “ There were problems with preventing land incidents in Manbij that began about 14 months ago … At some point , we intercepted a Russian major general who was driving towards the city of Manbij .
But it was decided through military channels “ .
( question from the full briefing ) .
21 Jan .
In north-eastern Hasakah province , US military forces block two Russian military convoys from crossing their checkpoints on the M4 highway .
This follows similar incidents last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agrees on an arms embargo for Libya .
12 Jan. A new strike , apparently unguided MLRS/Katiusha on a US base near Baghdad is reported 1 , 2 , 3 , apparently by proxy militia It is reported that Aleppo city was hit by rebels ’ mortar fire , killing several civilians and wounding 12 civilians 11 Jan .
Protests started in Iran after the admission of Ukrainian Boeing shootdown .
9 Jan. After exchange of strikes with Iran , Trump offered to negotiate , which ( in the public space ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 happened after Zarif stated that Iran will retaliate , and not via proxies .
7 Jan. Putin , Shoigu and Gerasimov meet Assad on a surprise visit to Damascus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 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 , Syria , near Iraq border , on the Imam Ali base of pro-Iranian Harakat al-Nujab group which is part of PMU ( report and video , location , map @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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. Iraqi State television said Qasem Soleimani , commander of Iranian “ Quds ( =Jerusalem ) Force “ , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis ( = father of Mahdi , engineer ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 intercepted by “ Pantsir-C1 ” , and launch positions ( said to be near Turkish observation posts ) were bombed by Russian airforce ; the latter may start before all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 delivered their message to the U.S. ( WSJ ) .
Many photos , including aerial , here Cassad : “ Turkey built a runway right in Tripoli…It is assumed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 man in the form of Shiite militia , who convinced the crowd not to continue , saying that : “ The message was delivered.
” Bloodshed has not yet occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 US embassy in Baghdad , and troops om Kuwait –Fox ; PressTV ( followed by some footage and comments at the embassy ) .
29 Dec. After a US contractor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 in Idlib that are now surrounded by the SAA after their offensive .
28 Dec. Four planeloads of “ Asian mercenaries ” are transferred from Turkish-controlled Syria to Libya .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 conspired to produce a fabricated report of the 2018 Douma hostage massacre and to destroy dissenting evidence .
Western media is still silent on the story .
Presidential adviser Shaaban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 : “ We see that the number of attacks in Idlib is growing .
We sent our tough message to the Russian side .
Our delegation ( in the framework of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 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 clouds and expected heavy rain , noting that the rebels took advantage of the pause to retake several settlements .
Pro -government media broadcasts to the rebels instructions to surrender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Israel .
Also , DIY drone attacks on the Russia ’ s Kmeimim airbase and “ Hama army airbase ” ( aka Hama military airport ? )
are said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 quoted to express SAA determination to continue the advance .
IS claimed ( 1 , 2 ) that 2 Russian soldiers are killed in ambush near Nava , Daraa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 government-controlled parts of the country ( German language video ) .
It seems like the SAA has started the next step of the Idlib offensive successfully .
19 Dec .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 Dec .
The 14th round of the Astana talks is taking place in Kazakhstan ’ s capital city Nur-Sultan ( formerly Astana ) .
9 Dec. SANA publishes the transcript @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Nov .
It is said ( with some photo and video backing ) that pro-government airplanes destroyed Kurdish-run oil smuggling facilities and tanker trucks in the vicinity of Tarhin settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 an extensive interview Assad gave to Russian media ( video in Arabic ) .
13 Nov. Turkey has started to send imprisoned ISIS fighters back to their European countries of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 announcement that US special forces kill the ISIS leader al-Baghdadi in a raid to Idlib , Syria .
( It is said that part of the raid was through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , some videos from the scene , + questions raised here .
The news is said to favor Trump while Ukrainegate and impeachment dominate US headlines .
26 Oct. Russian MoD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Following a visit of Pence and Pompeo in Turkey , the two countries release a statement which other than weasel words contains a point 11 that says that Operation Peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Syrian government reach an agreement : the SAA will take control of the whole Turkish border .
At the same time , US occupation forces are said to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 to protect persecuted ethnic and religious minorities , and advance human rights.
” 11 Oct .
The Iranian tanker Sabiti on its way to Syria is hit by two missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
US ( or NATO ) troops in the vicinity of Kobani came under artillery fire from Turkish positions .
According to US Navy Capt .
Brook DeWalt “ All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Erdogan , the invasion of Syria named Operation Peace Spring started in the afternoon .
Live updates by SyriaInfo .
This follows a phone conversation between Erdogan and Putin where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 outlining the chronology leading up to Trump ’ s latest withdrawal claim and the allegedly imminent Turkish invasion .
8 Oct .
Surfacing videos seem to show the US army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 the war on terror ” .
Vladimir Putin turns 67 years old .
5 Oct. Erdogan once again threatens to invade Syria east of the Euphrates “ maybe today or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 the lemma “ Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army ” at 80-100 thousand .

This post was originally published on this site
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.)


Ukraine news/Current

This post was originally published on this site 23 Feb. Ukraine once again shelled Gorlovka , on the once shared Red Army day , showing once again its newly acquired nasty nature ; several homes are damaged – detailed by Prihodko ( Eng . )
20 Feb. Ukrainian nationalist attack busses carrying Ukrainians evacuated from China because of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak while they are transported to quarantine .
18 Feb. Sharp deterioration of security situation is reported in LPR , including Bahmut motorway .
Opolchenie sources tell this has to do with Ukrainians earlier capturing areas in grey areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes in Zaitsevo , near Gorlovka are damaged by Ukrainian shelling .
Putin signed a decree relieving Vladislav Surkov of his duties as presidential aide .
16 Feb. Semyon Pegov with some predictions on future of Surkov ( apparently implying that he will remain , in some capacity ) .
15 Feb .
Civilian man , 1959 DOB , is wounded by Ukrainian sniper fire in Trudovskaya minepit settlement .
There was a problem evacuating the wounded man , ceasefire ( in ‘ ceasefire ’ ) had to be requested over 5 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical condition .
11 Feb. Peskov said that Ukrainian policies will be led by Kozak , while there is no presidential decree on Surkov yet ( 1 , 2 ) .
Zelenskii relieved of his duties his chief of administration Andrey Bogdan and appointed another man Ermak ; reasons are unclear , some theories why here and here .
7 Feb. Four LPR soldiers were killed and 4 wounded by Ukrainian 122-mm artillery strike near Zolotoe , LPR .
( Vladlen Tatarskii comments ) .
Lukashenko and Putin meet in Sochi ; Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Relations and oil/gas sales to Belarus ’ are on agenda .
Meeting was quite positive , despite fears of otherwise , but on practical side , things remained largely unchanged .
President Trump fires Alexander Vindman , the Ukrainian mole deemed traitor embedded in the White House .
( Noted , neither Vindman , nor Democratic or Republicans leadership or the establishment objected in principle to military aid to Ukraine , prolonging and feeding the conflict ) .
5 Feb. Ukraine shelled Gorlovka , homes and a school used as bomb shelter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power ( Prihodko updates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) .
3 Feb .
Despite the agreements Ukraine shelled Staromikhailovka ( western suburb of Donetsk ) , 2 houses are damaged .
1 Feb. After visiting Ukraine to offer US backing , Pompeo visits Belarus , offers US oil , etc , as if trying to insert himself in a gap developed due to some disagreements between Belarus in Russia ( on Russian oil price , future of the union state , etc ) .
Belarus and USA do not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last visit of a secretary of state was 26 years ago .
30 Jan. One LPR soldier is killed and two civilians are wounded by Ukrainian shelling .
Several homes and electric power lines are damaged .
28 Jan .
It is said that negotiations involving generals from Iraq , USA , Britain , Czechia and Ukrainian representatives took place in Kiev on 12-14 Jan. ( soon after the Ukrainian plane shoot-down ) on possible participation of a Ukrainian contingent in NATO operations in Iraq/Middle East 1 , 2 .
24 Jan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 is Ishchenko article -Minsk agreements are said to be dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 is said that Putin and Zelenskii may meet in Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ” recently led protest in Abkhazia which ended after Surkov ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 is fake or misrepresented ( missile with engine off will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 a narrow margin .
And doubtful somebody would be there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 about the crash causes ; confirms that intelligence info is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 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 , then said NY Times published video .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 sound to arrive , the distance to the explosion 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 .
Another video emerged , shot as the very first one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Pictures noted & media reported engine overheating reports quoting Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 more details including something to do with Nemtsov in another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 with DPR is supposed to occur on the ‘ rebel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 26 , 2019 in the territory of the Donetsk People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 water supply ( targeting civilian water supply is a war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 existing water supply in the cities of Alchevsk , Perevalsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 agreed 3m+ .
20 Dec. Basurin , DPR : 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 are not public .
Previously it was reported that Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 on the sovereign debt of Ukraine .
TASS : Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , companies began litigation on both contracts .
16 Dec. Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 not translated ) .
While at a press conference after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , trying to penetrate DPR positions and killed by landmine explosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 DPR state border ” which defines DPR territory as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 includes thereatetning to bring the troops back to separation areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 pilot separation of forces near Petrovskoe .
Ukrainian forces said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 working together .
( Those comments are very different from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 forces separation approaching , DPR renewed warning on possible sabotage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 internally displaced , 3.5 mln need assistance and protection ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ” ( ZU-23 ) , and that he did nothing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Dutch ) , and a house in Holland .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , at this point ) .
Apparent PR efforts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 blockade , as well as the war itself , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 commented as ‘ actions of Ukrainian occupiers will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 sort that they are making ‘ the last ’ earnest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 United States to a state of a permanent coup and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ” , which is convenient but does not accurately reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 comment on her ‘ being in the pocket of Soros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ) .
4 Oct. DPR ombudsman : in the past week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 announced end of ATO and start of ‘ joint operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 more often than not offer opposing claims on events , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @

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


Wuhan coronavirus outbreak

* [ https : //www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/petition-who-director-general-resign-reaches-over-210000-signatures Petition For WHO Director General To Resign Reaches Over 210,000 Signatures ] – ” ZeroHedge ” , February 3 , 2020 * [ https : //www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/petition-who-director-general-resign-reaches-over-210000-signatures Petition For WHO Director General To Resign Reaches Over 210,000 Signatures ] – ” ZeroHedge ” , February 3 , 2020 * [ https : //www.rt.com/op-ed/479970-coronavirus-china-wuhan-hysteria-racist/ Clear racist element to hysteria over new coronavirus – Slavoj Zizek ] – ” RT ” , February 3 , 2020 * [ https : //www.rt.com/op-ed/479970-coronavirus-china-wuhan-hysteria-racist/ Clear racist element to hysteria over new coronavirus – Slavoj Zizek ] – ” RT ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //www.investmentwatchblog.com/sacrificial-city-chinese-authorities-go-door-to-door-dragging-people-away-to-mandatory-quarantine-camps/ SACRIFICIAL CITY ?
Chinese Authorities Go Door to Door , Dragging People Away to MANDATORY Quarantine Camps ] – Daisy Luther , ” IWB ” , February 8 , 2020 * [ https : //news.cgtn.com/news/2020-02-09/The-NYT-is-waging-information-warfare-by-politicizing-the-coronavirus-NWN51fK1JS/index.htmlThe NYT is waging information warfare by politicizing the coronavirus ] – Andrew Korybko , ” CGTN ” , February 9 , 2020 * [ https : //news.cgtn.com/news/2020-02-09/The-NYT-is-waging-information-warfare-by-politicizing-the-coronavirus-NWN51fK1JS/index.htmlThe NYT is waging information warfare by politicizing the coronavirus ] – Andrew Korybko , ” CGTN ” , February 9 , 2020 * [ https : //www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/22/coronavirus-russia-disinformation-campaign-us-officials Coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – ” The Guardian ” , February 22 , 2020 * [ https : //www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/22/coronavirus-russia-disinformation-campaign-us-officials Coronavirus : US says Russia behind disinformation campaign ] – ” The Guardian ” , February 22 , 2020

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*:”And while many believe the virus originated at a fish market in Wuhan, China, Garry said that is also a misconception. “Our analyses, and others too, point to an earlier origin than that,” Garry said. “There were definitely cases there, but that wasn’t the origin of the virus.”


Givi

On February 9 .
2017 apparently a fake story of an insider Igor Myltsev taking responsibility was [ https : //novayagazeta.ru/articles/2017/02/09/71454-eto-tebe-za-patsanov-pogibshih-pod-avdeevkoy implanted via “ Novaya Gazeta ” ] and its notorious reporter Pavel Kanygin , who later published an update admitting that the story may be fake .
Voha , the new “ Somali ” commander , [ https : //www.youtube.com/watch ?
v=jeO_fsMby6g & feature denied ] all the claims made by Novaya Gazeta ; in particular he said that there were two fighters with call names “ Frantsuz ” , but their real names do not match .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story of an insider Igor Myltsev taking responsibility was [ https : //novayagazeta.ru/articles/2017/02/09/71454-eto-tebe-za-patsanov-pogibshih-pod-avdeevkoy implanted via “ Novaya Gazeta ” ] and its notorious reporter Pavel Kanygin , who later published an update admitting that the story may be fake .
• Life news interview with Givi on 3 Feb. 2017 , after Ukrainian attack on Avdeevka was repelled , including by “ Sparta ” ( Motorola ) and “ Somali ” ( Givi ) .
‘ Somali ’ lost several fighters and Givi was lightly wounded , but was back the next day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher losses and was resorting to shelling civilian areas ; and that his side did not extend a counter-attack further as he was following Minsk agreements .
• Who Givi really was , how I ’ ll Remember Him , Graham Phillips , February 10 , 2017 A video with his reaction to a Grad shell hitting nearby made him famous internationally .
…As well as him calling UAF commander on the phone to stop the shelling , Aug. 30 , 2014 .
8 Feb. 2017 .
Prominent commander of DPR “ Somali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is assassinated in his office , said to be by a shot from “ Shmel ’ portable thermobaric rocket .
DPR blamed Ukraine for the assassination .
• Interview with ‘ Somali ’ HQ chief ( refutes fakes , like ‘ opolchenie member claiming responsibility ’ , earlier one on Givi planning to leave , etc ) • DPR investigators confirmed that IED is considered as a possibility .
• Cassad .
Includes ‘ Legion ’ commander & DPR MP Sergei Zavdoveev discussing versions , IED or Shmel , IED a priority based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much ) damaged , and not towards the inside ) and injuries ( looks more like a directed blast coming from a heater by the window ) ; suspects it could be set by a new ( double ) recruit .
Investigators in DPR at some point allege ( “ Hunting the commander ” , documentary film by Alexander Rogatkin , Oct. 3 , 2018 ) , and an accused and self-identified as a SBU agent Oleg Sugerei appears to confirm ( March 5 , 2020 propagandist interview on Censor.net ) that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Ukrainian girl Anastasia Petriga , a student at the Kiev institute of culture , smuggled an explosive device to his office .
SBU denied Sugerei ’ s story .
In March 2019 , SBU insider Valeriy Prozorov backed up the SBU assasination version .
On February 9 .
2017 apparently a fake story of an insider Igor Myltsev taking responsibility was implanted via “ Novaya Gazeta ” and its notorious reporter Pavel Kanygin , who later published an update admitting that the story may be fake .
Voha , the new “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims made by Novaya Gazeta ; in particular he said that there were two fighters with call names “ Frantsuz ” , but their real names do not match .

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Podcaster Benny Johnson says he got upset watching the people of East Palestine, Ohio suffer after a toxic train derailment.
No one showed up to help them.
Not the government.
Not the railroad.
So he traveled to the 20 homes closest to the explosion and gave those people $20,000.00.
WATCH TO THE END TO FIND OUT WHERE THE MONEY CAME FROM


Latest interview

This post was originally published on this site Those of you with some time on your hands may wish to @ @ @ @ @ conservatism with Paul Gottfried and Joseph Cotto , which is now online , as below @

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Sweden has declared all-out war against Russia, taking part in the sanc-tions, sending 50 pcs, CV 90,(infantry vehicle, (1 captured, and two servicemen died, due to Sjojgy´s staff) and 15.000 ATGs and billions of money and support to Ukraine. How to handle this post war, if we have a future ?
But when a Russian dissident burned a puppet of V.V. Putin outside the Russian Embassy, February, 2023, (as the living people in Odessa of Azov), not any protest from the government, only when some refugee burning the Al-Quran outside the Turkish embassy, to have a permit of residence.
Creeping for Turkey and a Nato-membership, but this a big shame for Sweden, selling the Kurds, to Erdogan, (who occupying Syria, as U.S. nice company !) without any reward, than to be a silvertray for Nato´s war plannes, whom now got a well deserved bloody nose in Ukraine, to begin with, as the shameless EU, stripped of any credibility, as a ”peace project” the one Nato/EU coin with two sides, now in shambles.
From now on we are coerced to live in an awful ”nuclear deterrence” climate, with Russia, don’t think common people wish this, who cares about who ruling the Donbass, as such, down in the Black Sea shores, but here the new Swedish border is, long away from the pure Sweden, (as USA) will there be any forces left, if those you-know-who,are coming ?
Doubtful, overstretch, as the U.S, Sweden the 51st federal US-state, brain-washed of Washington, but with huge problems back home in Sweden, with the immigration population, and deadly gangs, high inflation, but now we at least are as the U.S, “a multiculti” society what some Swedes saw as something to achieve, ha-ha, the same with the militarized society. 20% of the population is now immigrants, and their share of the big cities, (3) with immigrants, mostly born outside Europe, but from Africa and Middle East, of course they will stay in the cities, but now their share there is between 50-60%, so a big change to take for the natives.
Obvious the government had different principles to handling such burn-ing and smoking demonstrations ? The answer : No, they have no prin-ciples at all. That’s even a kind of warfare, like the U.S, “Don’t fuck with us – we are crazy !”
And the government is now deconstructing the Swedish basic democracy and the free-speech, (and neutrality since 200 years, with just one major-ity in the parliament, it takes two, but it was so ”secret”, a general elec-tion they thought was impossible, so they steal the peoples democracy, little by little, as a shoplifter ”a snattare”, a soft coup d´etat, from above.)
And tell us how the Nato can be scrutinized by the citizens, how open and democratic is Nato ? No one knows, and it’s about immunity for the personnel, if they commit crimes during their service, and no one asks. Recently when a Nato-ship arrived to Stockholm, they were accused of visiting prostitutes…from where… Ukraine, of course, forbidden in Sweden, but who cares?
The whole of EU is one big brothel, but no feminist parliamentarian comments about it, they are silent, with big salaries, hunting innocent Swedish men instead.
Some say, that a crisis is so important to use, they can’t resist, especially the ruling circles and the Right government, the military. Like the 9/11, was used, we are waiting for the next crisis, but now we know he tactics.
The government is now compared with the Swedish coalition govern-ment, during the ww2, infamous for its attack on the Swedish democracy. to adjust to the Nazi Germany as much as possible, from 1939-1945.
We are as hi-jacked as Zelensky and his Azov-battalions, took over Ukraine, being a tool, for Nato/EU, USA, nothing more. The Ukraine succeeded to wreck the whole of Europe, they are that clumsy fools, and not heroes. Should we creep both for the muslims, those 57 countries, and crazy Ukrainians, for years, because of bad governments.
from https://sonar21.com/latest-interviews-with-ania-k-and-judge-napolitano-on-ukraine-and-the-war-with-russia/


“Experts”.

Kyle Mizokami , who “ blessed ” many of us at some point of time with his “ expert ” opinions while writing for tabloid The National Interest , does it again .
This time in Popular Mechanics .
He , obviously , doesn ’ t get , which is expected from the guy with some funny background in some “ security ” , that the main issue are not some “ hyper-sonic ” weapons related to a rather bizarre concept of Prompt Global Strike but a completely different fruit altogether .
One may ask a question–WHY ?
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer to this question is undeniably fiscal .
The United States realistically is bankrupt , while its technology , even a good one as those handsome Arleigh Burke-class DDGs , is insanely expensive .
This is to put it politely .
But the other huge part of the answer is in this passage : Bryan Clark , a retired submarine officer and senior fellow at the Hudson Institute , said the cuts were a necessary step .
Clark recently authored a study with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments that called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s crazy to throw good money after bad for a bunch of ships you say you don ’ t need , ” Clark said .
“ I think the Navy is coming to grips with the fiscal realities ; the unsustainable nature of their current plan ; and the recognition it is going to have a need for fewer large surface combatants in the future and needs to husband its resources to build a larger fleet of smaller surface combatants .
Those are going to be the bulk of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This post was originally published on this site

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“At the end of 2023, the Russian currency may strengthen up to 70 rubles per dollar, due to solving logistical difficulties in exports and a possible reduction in the spillover of Russian oil grades to Brent. In 2023, the yuan will strengthen against the dollar” Therefore, the weakening of the ruble against the Chinese currency, the yuan It may be more noticeable with the range of 11-11.5 rubles per head,” he says.
from https://newsunrolled.com/economy/154185.html


Syria news/Current

11 Mar .
It is reported that 2 Americans and 1 British citizen are killed in rocket attack on base @ @ @ @ @ : //colonelcassad.livejournal.com/ apparently ] using a DIY launcher mounted on a light truck , later @ @ @ @ @ //edition.cnn.com/2020/03/11/politics/americans-killed-iraq-rocket-attack/index.html 1 ] , [ https : //rusvesna.su/news/1583958142 2 ] ) .
Counter-strikes reported [ @ @ @ @ @ , [ https : //rusvesna.su/news/1583961880 2 ] .


RIAC :: Experts

This post was originally published on this site The opinion of publishing author not always coincides with the opinion of @ @ @ @ @ of materials of RIAC on electronic resources is permitted only by specifying the name of @ @ @ @ @ of “ RIAC expert ” and the presence of active and open for indexing hyperlinks @ @ @ @ @ does not grant the right of publication to third-party resources photos and illustrations placed on @ @ @ @ @ exception of photos and illustrations published in the official account of NP RIAC on Flickr.com @ @ @ @ @ printed publications , please , contact via welcome @ russiancouncil.ru

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Russia International Affairs Council
Ekaterina Entina
Doctor of Science, Deputy Vice Rector, Professor, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Senior Researcher, Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, RIAC Expert
from https://therussophile.org/riac-experts.html/


therussophileorg--2020-04-19--Battle for Marib province

Battle for Marib province

This post was originally published on this site From A Closer Look On Syria

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* [https://www.saba.ye/en/news3106593.htm Al Bayda liberation from ISIS and al-Qaeda dropped last chapters of aggression forces plan to occupy province, open front towards capital Sana’a: Security source for “Saba”] – ”Saba”, August 23, 2020


Libya

ACLOS has no so far covered events in Libya , but there ’ s really no great reason not to @ @ @ @ @ a spot , at least to link to previous works .
ACLOS has no so @ @ @ @ @ , but there ’ s really no great reason not to dabble a bit and @ @ @ @ @ least to link to previous works .

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Counterinformation
Smoke billows amid clashes between armed groups affiliated with Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) on August 15, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Intense fighting between rival military factions in Libya’s capital Tripoli has reportedly killed 55 people.
Armed factions battled in several districts overnight and into Tuesday morning in the city’s worst violence this year.
However, the military commander at the center of clashes between rival militias in the Libyan capital has been released.
The detention of Mahmoud Hamza, the commander of the 444 Brigade, had triggered the violence in Tripoli.
He was released on Tuesday evening by the Special Deterrence Force, according to sources cited in a Reuters report.
The 444 Brigade and the Special Deterrence Force both backed the interim Government of National Accord (GNA) during brief battles last year.
Libya has been beset by violence and chaos since the overthrow and killing of its long-serving ruler Muammar Gaddafi following a bombing campaign by the US-led NATO military alliance in 2011. The resulting chaos and factional divisions then escalated into a regional proxy war fueled by foreign powers, who poured weapons and mercenaries into the country.
Since 2015, Libya has been divided between the internationally-recognized GNA in Tripoli and lawmakers in Tobruk, allied to renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar.
The Government of National Unity of Libya was supported by countries such as Qatar, Turkey, some European countries and the United Nations, and countries such as Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE also supported the army of Khalifa Haftar, a retired general based in Benghazi and Tobruk.
The two rivals fought for power in the country for several years, and after a year of intense conflict that led to the advances of the government of unity to the capital city of Tripoli, they announced a ceasefire in last August.
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/08/16/709042/Libya-clashes-leave-27-people-dead-in-capital-Tripoli
from https://counterinformation.wordpress.com/2023/08/16/libya-clashes-leave-55-people-dead-in-capital-tripoli/