The Ukraine Crisis Part 2 . The Battle for the Donbas

I just read Germany is finally realizing how unprepared they are for war. Only 180,000 on active duty. Only 300 tanks, only half useable. And their ammo is low. To their credit they've already committed like 60 billion to modernize with F35s etc.

Of course the Germans benefitted most from the peace dividend after WWII. Like Japan, they weren't allowed to rearm like before, obviously. So both countries could focus on improving the lives of their citizens instead of pursuing ever more glamorous weapons.

 

Man, finally.

Germany Faces Tall Task in Reversing Bundeswehr’s Decline – Defense Security Monitor

But they have fallen so far behind, my God. They should really start shaking off that guilt over the Nazi times, that was 8 decades ago, they suffered their punishment and the generation of Germans (+1 Austrian) actually responsible for that is now more or less dead. There's a new reality out there, one that is now actually relevant and more pressing, and not of the past, and the German voters should somehow be made to understand this. The dream of everlasting peace is over guys, wake up!

 

Well I'm sure a few eastern European nations like Poland and the Czech republic aren't that keen on having Germany rearm like it's WWII.

Their memories are long, and look what just went down in Germany with the far right ready for a coup. I guess they got the plotters in time.

 

Make no mistake, putin has ambitions to eventually take on all of NATO.

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ISW: Russia Preparing for Potential NATO Conflict By Expanding Naval Capabilities

"The Russian military’s long-term restructuring and expansion effort aims to prepare Russia for a future-large scale conventional war against NATO, and the commitment of expensive naval resources to areas beyond Ukraine and Eastern Europe likely aims to threaten NATO and its allies across multiple regions."

 

The EU decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine & Moldova, and in the process also finally told Hungary to go fuck itself.

Ukraine gets EU membership boost, but no new European aid, after setback in US

EU approves accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova as Orbán abstains

Tired and uninspired putin continues to be a twat, claims another mobilization not needed since 1,500 new men are being recruited daily. Alexeï Navalny has gone missing.

Putin says no peace in Ukraine until Russia’s goals are achieved

An emboldened, confident Putin says there will be no peace in Ukraine until Russia's goals are met

Norway, Denmark, USA continue to aid the Ukrainians.

Continued long-term support from Norway to Ukraine

Norway will give Ukraine $1.8 billion in aid

Ammunition, tanks and drones: Denmark prepares €1 billion aid package for Ukraine

Denmark will present a new aid package worth one billion euros to Ukraine

Biden Administration Announces Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine - United States Department of State

The Czech Republic has issued licenses to supply €4.7 billion worth of military equipment to Ukraine.

Czech Republic issues licenses to supply €4.7 billion worth of military equipment to Ukraine

Close to 350,000 ruSSian troops have been killed or disabled. Actually breaching 350,000 by Xmas is looking likely.



And eggs are now too expensive for the average russians to eat.

Worry in Russia as egg prices soar ahead of festive season

 

ruSSia has a battle plan for at least three more years. They intend to capture all of Donbas next year, and advance to the Oskil river in Kharkiv Oblast. Beyond that, their goal is to reach the river Dnieper. According to the German paper Bild, ruSSia is betting on the West to get tired of supporting Ukraine, and they're also willing to eat the losses of 100,000 troops per year while also enhancing their reserves and propping up their war economy. In short, they're ready to go all out. The kremlin has no intentions for a truce, and any peace talks will be just smoke and mirrors.

Bild.de (German): Mehr Land! Das ist Putins Kriegsplan für die nächsten drei Jahre

Russia plans to fight in Ukraine until 2026, seeks to capture major cities — German intelligence

Russia's new war plan is to occupy more Ukrainian territory by 2026, report says

ISW: "Russian forces continued offensive operations near Kupyansk, northeast and near Bakhmut, near Avdiivka, west and southwest of Donetsk City, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and made confirmed advances in several areas."

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Also, some wise words from a UK professor Justin Bronk:

Europe Must Urgently Prepare to Deter Russia Without Large-Scale US Support

We should pay heed.

That traitorous faggot Orbán vetoed the €50bn EU aid package that was supposed to go to Ukraine. They'll try again in January.

Hungary’s Orbán blocks €50bn EU financial support to Ukraine

Hungary blocks €50bn in EU aid for Ukraine hours after membership talks approved

Fire and explosions at oil depot in Donetsk.

Ukrainian army strikes oil depot supplying Russian troops while pro-Kyiv saboteurs blow up train carrying ammunition and fuel | Daily Mail Online

An oil depot is on fire again in Donetsk

Hundreds of Russian volunteers have defected from their country to fight on Ukraine's side. Dismayed by moscow's war, these Russian volunteers, known as the Siberian battalion, are joining Ukrainian ranks to fight Putin's troops.

Russians join Ukrainian battalion to fight against their own country.

The Siberian battalion: Meet Russians who are fighting against Putin's troops - Times of India

 

He's a fat fucking traitor as far as I'm concerned.

 

Ukrainian artillery's ammo situation dire.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67714719

The EU has approved the 12th package of sanctions against the ruSSian federation.

Press corner

Denmark and Sweden will purchase and transfer new CV90 BMPs to Ukraine.

Denmark, Sweden to Donate More CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine

Ex-major of the ruSSian GRU and senior instructor of the Wagner PMC flew to Amsterdam and requested political asylum.

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPR/status/1736841143743062410

(Dutch) Voormalig Wagner-officier in Nederland om zich bij Strafhof te melden: 'Bevelen voor oorlogsmisdaden kwamen rechtstreeks uit het Kremlin'

EU wants to deprive Hungary of the right to vote in the EU in order to conclude an agreement on providing money to Ukraine, — Financial Times. The EU is finally tired of Viktor Orbán's shit.

https://tass.com/world/1722711?utm_...m_campaign=google.com&utm_referrer=google.com

The so called "second best army of the world" once again shot down one of their own planes.

Russia shot down yet another one of its prized fighter jets by mistake, Ukraine says

Moldova conducts military exercises near ruSSia-controlled Transnistria.

Ukraine updates: Kyiv praises Scholz for EU summit move – DW – 12/17/2023

Belgorod oblast, ruSSia, got raided by the Legion of Freedom of Russia.

Freedom of Russia Legion claims successful raid on Belgorod Oblast

 

Zelenskiy: army has asked for up to 500,000 more troops to be mobilized, final decision not yet taken.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...000-people-be-mobilised-zelenskiy-2023-12-19/

Russia-Ukraine war live: Zelenskiy says army has asked for up to 500,000 more troops to be mobilised — as it happened

Zelenskiy: Ukraine will make one million drones next year

Ukraine Will Produce 'One Million Drones' In 2024: Zelensky

ruSSia visibly angry over Finland joining NATO and signing the DCA pact with the Americans.

Russia summons Finland ambassador over US border accord

 

Rat bite fever strikes Russian troops.

Ukraine-Russia war: Rat bite fever strikes Russian troops

United States turns to the Japanese to request Patriot missiles for the Ukrainians.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/12/19/us-japan-patriot-missiles-ukraine/

US turns to Japan to boost Ukraine's air defenses

Low On Patriot Missiles, US Turns To Japan To Acquire PAC-3 Interceptors For Ukraine War - Reports

Japan weighs allowing Patriot missile transfers to aid Ukraine

Crap quality north-korean ammo is exploding inside ruSSian guns.

russian Howitzer Guns Tear Apart More Often, N.Korean Shells Not the Only Reason | Defense Express

Dissatisfied With Quality and Quantity of North Korean Artillery Shells, russians Complain | Defense Express

Russian soldiers complain that North Korean ammo is causing weapons to explode

North Korean Ammunition is Destroying Russian Howitzers in Ukraine - Technology Org

ruSSia is using gas against the Ukrainians on the front lines in violation of the United Nations’ Chemical Weapons Convention.

Gas, drones and convict recruits: Ukrainian soldiers describe Russia’s deadly surge on the frontlines | CNN

Ukrainians are getting ready to celebrate Xmas for the first time on the 25th since abandoning the Julian calendar.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...st-wartime-christmas-new-calendar-2023-12-20/

 

Newsworthy things that happened over the Xmas period:

Sweden's NATO membership took another step forward in Türkiye, although full membership will have to wait until next year because of red tape and political passions.

Sweden a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey committee gives approval

Turkish parliamentary committee gives approval for Sweden's NATO bid

ruSSia has lost several very expensive fighter planes in a very short amount of time.

Russian Su-34 pilots got "cocky" before losing three bombers in a day: Kyiv

Russia’s Best Su-34 Fighter-Bombers Are Falling From The Sky In Startling Numbers

Four Russian Su-34s in two days: how Ukrainian air defense surpassed its success in Bryansk region

And another boat.

Ukraine claims it destroyed Russian tank landing ship | CNN

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...air-assault-crimeas-port-feodosia-2023-12-26/

Ukraine unfortunately lost the town of Marinka.

Ukraine’s commander-in-chief confirms Marinka town under Russian control

Zaluzhnyi says Ukrainian troops remain in north of Marinka

And then there's another, rather disturbing warning from the Germans.

Bild: Russia may attempt to attack Europe next winter, European intelligence source says

(BILD in russian) https://t.me/BILD_Russian/13712

 

It seems like no matter where I look, we have an issue of seeing things for what they are. Ukraine may well be the outlier since it is difficult to understand based on reporting in the United States what has the Russian Federation focused on Ukraine; and in part I think it's commentary and opportunism, a good intermission point to set forth with direction.

What we don't normally understand in the United States is the level of diplomacy needed in Eastern Europe and in Asia and with China and also with Israel, with Iraq, and especially Iran (which I think can be fixed by asking for the audience of their ruler and understanding the religious nature of their needs), and with Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East.

The needs of the world are developing around these wars. The gravity for every country is to take sides. In that way it is very divisive.

And what about my small country? Will I be allied with less ethical leadership? Will I starve for keeping my principles and refusing? Well?!

It's horror! And to be honest, I flunked ethics. To choose what is right over what is productive or efficient is a little worrisome to me. I think China has some of that. They are strict, there's a reason for that, and there are a billion people who hate it. What if it is what the world needs?



I see Zelensky and I worry about his welfare. My honest hope is that he will find a way to agree, even if it is only on a factual basis.

For example, let's pretend Moscow says,

"Donbas should simply be Russian. Their people are 46% Russian population, and they vote for Russified politics in every election since independence."

I feel like Zelensky has strong footing there! Instead of baited into argument, he could simply say, "That is true." and either wait for the next thing to be said, or to say, "I can give you those in Donbas. Demarcation should be..." and then the maps are on the table. They can reunite that area and let it be a new beginning toward peace.

This is not what Ukraine chose, nor will it ever be. People are dead. Many are murdered and it is such a departure from the lofty ideals and intellectual beginnings of Russia and Ukraine both!

It's not time to surrender, no! But it's time to prioritize the end of the fight and the beginning of the talks. Moscow knows they have done something unforgiveable. I don't think it's beyond them to discuss how to repair the future, now clouded by unfairness, bloodshed, loss, and carnage.

This is not a small hope but a very big one. I hope for Russia and Ukraine a future, and I know it is their wits that will put them back on their feet.

 

A ruSSian missile flew trough Polish airspace, didn't land, no damage. Zelenskyy visited Avdiivka, near the front lines.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...irection-ukraine-says-polish-army-2023-12-29/

Poland says Russian missile briefly entered its airspace

A massive volley of missiles and rockets hit Ukraine all over. The worst bombing since the war started, which also highlights the need for further Ukraine aid.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...attack-ukraine-least-10-dead-kyiv-2023-12-29/

Ukraine says at least 30 killed in massive Russian air assault

Washington puts forward G7 plan to confiscate $300bn in Russian assets.

Washington puts forward G7 plan to confiscate $300bn in Russian assets

ISW: ruSSia is violating the Geneva Convention by forcing Ukrainian POWs to fight against their own countrymen on the front.

"Russia has officially deployed a battalion formed of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) to the frontline in Ukraine, further confirming a myriad of apparent Russian violations of the Geneva Convention on POWs."

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Russia sent a unit of Ukrainian POWs into battle against their own countrymen, analysts say

A cargo ship sailing under Panamanian flag hit a ruSSian mine in the Black Sea.

Cargo Ship Damaged by Russian Mine in Black Sea, Ukraine Says

putin absolutely livid over the destruction of warship Novocherkassk.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/vladimir-putin-completely-furious-sinking-31761334

 

There's no way Zelenskyy can say something like that. Some 80% of the Ukrainian people are against surrendering ANY land to the ruSSians. He wouldn't be able to make that fly among his own.

putin doesn't want peace. He's made it clear it's his way or the highway.

 

Well, the 80% perhaps who live well away from Donbas.

You would know better than I, but to that I would simply suggest that those 80% are correct right along with the rest of the world. That will not stop the conflict.

And nothing can justify it. That is what needs to be said, but also what needs to be understood. A disregard of human life of this magnitude is genocide or just murder. We need to learn to refer to this with the emotions we experience for extraordinary loss, incomprehensible violence, and in line with mass murder and devil worship.

What I mean by that is, every word out in every report turns this incredulous war into a cliche. We are afraid (rightfully?) to confront it personally and that is what shows in every utterance. Are we cowards? I doubt it.

Instead, more than likely we are just lazy. We don't have to do much else than make this intolerable anguish for Mr. Zelensky and the people of Ukraine, who die by the thousands each day into a redundant boring repetitious caricature. People will tire of it, and Russia will have fallen from its origins and its wonderful ideals and ideology. Much of Ukraine will be in ruin. How critical will be then the need for extensive aid? I wonder if we'll remember!

I think it bears repeating. The way this war ends is by talking sense. Russian ideology wasn't born of barbarism. And this war echoes every Western misconception of 'communism' and perpetuates the difficulties it has found with corruption. Is this a means to an end but little more? I think this is much more!

We need Mr. Zelensky to be bigger than that 80%; now more than ever! If 80% of Ukraine will be upset, perhaps 46% of Donbas will be displaced to Russia, all to live as refugees until the tax machine can build them new homes.

The Ukraine that no one ever knew is a beautiful, wonderful, idyllic, democratic, and a peaceful cultured place! When will we ever see her again?

 

Prisoner exchanges continue after months of nothing.

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1742578529315725473

Ukraine and Russia announce largest prisoner swap since start of war

Norway has authorized the direct sale of weapons to Ukraine.

Direct sales of weapons and defense-related products to Ukraine permitted from 1 January 2024

https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/norway-authorizes-direct-arms-sales-to-ukraine/?cf-view

After months of standstill, Ukrainians have made slight advances near Verbove, forcing the enemy to abandon certain positions.

https://www.************/GeneralSta...a1nH1ZbFCZsACogcW1J4rh5TzGzGwApl?locale=uk_UA

Institute for the Study of War

Bundestag MP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann says that Germany should start sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Bundestag Defense Committee chief urges Germany to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

Bundestag MP calls for immediate transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine after massive Russian attacks

ruSSia's latest losses: