It does look like Ukraine was able to stop the Russian advance, but not push them back. Also a huge drone attack. I wonder how many drones Ukraine has in reserve? They’re pretty easy to make, right?
Kharkiv is Ukraine’s 2nd largest city. Losing it to Russia would be a very significant loss. This NATO war briefing is encouraging. I’m assuming Cavoli has been fully briefed by intelligence analysts with satellite images and by Ukraine.
Semi-OT:
On the Russian front, the Daily Star (a British tabloid, apparently) reports on a manual provided to the wives of returning soldiers, guiding them on how to deal with surliness and sexually sadistic behavior: do not provoke your man, just lie back and take it.
We need better terminology, here, because there are a bunch of very different things called “drones” that are getting used in this war. Some of them are small quadcopters, basically the same thing you find in a toy store, and some of them are full-sized warplanes that just happen to not have a pilot, and everything in between.
There’s also this kind but I’m pretty sure they’re banned by the Geneva Convention.
https:// scottishretail.com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2020/09/ TM-9167.png
Moderating: No more on bagpipes please and before someone feels the need to mention it, yes, at very least the UK still uses them with their Army. Though if desired a new topic could be started on this. I’m just weird enough to enjoy it.
Not exactly known for measured analysis, better known for front page headlines like ALIENS VANISH UP OWN URANUS.
[Some more gems from the Star]
That is really off-topic, I’ll break the link and ask for no more on the Star.
The satellite photos are convincing. It’s the 2nd attack on Belbek airfield in 2 days.
The attacks on the Black Sea Fleet were at the Eastern Novorossiysk port where Russia had pulled ships back for protection.
Ukraine to Russia: “You can run but you can’t hide”? That seems like a useful strategy.
Possibly 2 more Russian ships sunk. A mine sweeper and a missile ship. Russia is reporting that the latest attack was by ATTACMs and they shot down 9 of 12 launched. It’s very unlikely that they shot 12 down (or even 1). I read that these missiles fly at Mach 3 which doesn’t leave a lot of time intercept.
In addition to the Kovrovets minesweeper, which was reportedly destroyed yesterday, the destruction of another ship, the Project 22800 Karakurt Class ‘Tsiklon’, is likely, Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk said.
“Actually, this information is still being verified. Because in order to be 100 percent sure, it is still necessary to obtain the appropriate results of objective control. As soon as we have these results, we will definitely inform the public about it,” he added.
Reported by CNN today:
Zelensky sacks bodyguard chief after foiled assassination plot
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the head of the the agency responsible for his protection after two of its officers were detained over an alleged assassination plot against him.
The sacking of State Guard Service (UDO) chief Serhii Rud was revealed in a decree published on the presidential website. No reason for the dismissal was given.
According to Ukrainian state media Ukrinform, Rud was appointed to be Zelensky’s top bodyguard in October 2019. A replacement is yet to be named.
[snip]
Earlier this week it emerged that Ukraine had detained two security officials allegedly involved in a Russian plot to assassinate Zelensky.
Two colonels in the UDO were accused of carrying out “subversive activities against Ukraine in exchange for financial compensation,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s office said Tuesday.
Both colonels were charged with treason; one was also charged with preparing a terrorist act.
Kyiv’s state security service (SBU) said it had “foiled” the plans to assassinate Zelensky and other senior Ukrainian officials, including the head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, and the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
not reported today, but 14 days ago …
made me think “did he have to do it AGAIN?”
2 items from the Guardian live feed.
It’s good that the US is aware of Russia jamming GLSDB bombs. A solution can be found before the US may have to use them in a war.
Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots are getting good training. They’ll definitely need it to fight Russian air defenses. I haven’t seen any reports about training the maintenance crews.
Yet another benefit to the US of supporting Ukraine.
Cue Russian propaganda “The West is just prolonging the war to use innocent people as guinea pigs”, if they haven’t already spun that line.
We’re “prolonging the war” only in the sense of not letting Russia win, but the benefits to the US military are undeniable. And Russia (and Republicans) have been using the “you’re the real warmongers” line from the beginning.
New story and thread for it on Putin’s request for a ceasefire.