Any Ukrainian riders?

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3458197-poland-imposes-embargo-on-russian-coal.html

Friday, 15 April 2022

Poland imposes embargo on Russian coal

Ukrainian President's Office Head Andriy Yermak says Poland has introduced an embargo on Russian coal.

That’s according to his Telegram post, Ukrinform reports.

 

"The economic war with Russia continues.

Poland has imposed an embargo on Russian coal.

Also, the special decisions act signed by President of Poland, provides for the possibility of freezing the assets of entities and individuals supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine,” Yermak said.

 

He noted that Poland and the Baltic states are a “locomotive,” setting an example for other EU nations in the pace of decision-making to confront Russia on the economic front.

 

"The refusal of the Baltic states to buy Russian gas and statement on the future cessation of oil and gas purchases by Poland, with clear deadlines, are the type of decisions that Ukraine expects to be taken by the West.

But, once again, the most important thing is speed.

Everyone must act promptly.

Because for every day spent on decision-making, Ukrainians pay too high a price with the lives of our citizens,” said Yermak.

[Chriull]

Can't reach the online shop of the ucrain post service after i read of this new stamp 

Too much demand or russian hackers?

Source: https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000134950479/ukrainische-briefmarke-zeigt-dem-russischen-kriegsschiff-moskwa-den-mittelfinger?ref=article

[jojo33]

"Ciao, Bye bye, Sayonara Moskva "

[Paul A]

[UniVehje]

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3458521-russian-tu22m3-bombers-strike-mariupol.html

15.04.2022 17:53

Russian Tu-22M3 bombers strike Mariupol

 

For the first time since the beginning of military aggression against Ukraine, Russian troops have attacked the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol using long-range Tu-22M3 bombers.

 

Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzianyk said this at a briefing on Friday, Ukrinform reports.

 

According to him, Russian invaders continue to concentrate their efforts on preparations for the offensive in eastern Ukraine, establishing control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and creating the so-called land corridor with the territory of the temporarily occupied Crimea.

Edited April 15, 2022 by Paul A

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3458568-production-of-tanks-halts-in-russia-intel-reports.html

15.04.2022

Production of tanks halts in Russia – intel reports

 

The production of new tanks in the Russian Federation is halted due to financial problems and lack of imported components.

 

“Russia's Uralvagonzavod tries to overcome the crisis caused by the imposed sanctions. Uralvogonzavod (Nizhniy Tagil) is a Russian manufacturer of armored vehicles, primarily the main Russian tank T-72.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the company has faced numerous financial problems. Rising loan interest rates, lack of funds to service foreign currency loans, rising prices for materials and components (including armored steel) – these and other problems have significantly complicated the production of most types of military equipment," the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine posted on Telegram.

 

It is noted that, despite the widely advertised "import substitution campaign", Russia is not able to continue producing high-tech weapons independently, without imported components supplies.

 

"Therefore, the plant is forced to seek a solution to financial problems, including by requiring 100% advance payments under government contracts. Production of new equipment, including T-90 and T-14 (Armata) tanks is stopped," Ukraine’s intelligence informs.

 

According to the Chief Directorate of Intelligence data, an "operational headquarters" was set up at the Uralvagonzavod. Its main task is the repair of military equipment damaged in the war with Ukraine.

 

As reported, due to inflation and international sanctions, performance of military order is stalled in Russia. While the Russian Defense Ministry insists on price fixing, this leads only to losses for a designated "single executor of the military order."

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3458585-new-us-military-aid-for-ukraine-to-arrive-in-next-24-hours-cnn.html

15.04.2022

New US military aid for Ukraine to arrive in next 24 hours – CNN

 

The first tranche of weapons and equipment from the new $800 million aid package sealed by U.S. President Biden two days ago will arrive in Europe in the next 24 hours.

 

“The first flight of the $800 million in new aid for Ukraine from the United States is expected to arrive in the region in the next 24 hours, according to a senior defense official,” CNN reports.

 

The new batch of military aid will be picked up at the border by Ukrainians and taken into the country.

 

The manifest is not being disclosed, but officials have previously said the most urgent requirements such as howitzers and related ammunition as well as radars will be among the first items to be shipped.

 

On April 13, US President Joe Biden's administration announced the new package which included 11 Mi-17 helicopters that had initially been earmarked for Afghanistan, 18 155 mm Howitzer cannons and 300 more Switchblade drones, in addition to radar systems capable of tracking incoming fire and pinpointing its origin.

 

The new package stands out from previous security assistance in part because this tranche includes more sophisticated and heavier-duty weaponry than previous shipments.

[Paul A]

 

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3458690-russian-woman-who-allowed-husband-deployed-in-ukraine-to-rape-local-women-identified.html

15.04.2022

Russian woman, who “allowed” husband deployed in Ukraine to “rape” local women, identified

 

According to RFE/RL’s journalists, these two phone numbers were used when registering two accounts on the VKontakte social network: 27-year-old Roman Bykovsky and his wife Olga Bykovska… both based in Oryol region, Russia," the report reads.

 

It is noted that the woman, who told her husband he could "rape Ukrainian women," wrote in her profile on Vkontakte that the most important thing in her life is "family and children."

 

[Paul A]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/15/russia-ukraine-war-news-putin-live-updates/

Updated today at 3:13 p.m. EDT

 

Ukrainian forces struck the Russian warship Moskva with two Neptune missiles, causing it to sink, a senior U.S. defense official said Friday.

 

The confirmation comes after dueling reports in which Ukrainian forces claimed a successful attack on the flagship vessel in Russia’s Black Sea fleet while Russian officials said the ship had experienced a fire.

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3458879-zelensky-names-ukrainian-troop-losses.html

 16.04.2022 

Zelensky names Ukrainian troop losses

Ukrainian officials think about 2,500 and 3,000 Ukrainian troops have died since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.

 

According to Ukrinform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with CNN.

 

He added that there are about 10,000 Ukrainian troops who have been injured and that it's "hard to say how many will survive."

 

Civilian casualties are more difficult to quantify, Zelensky said.

 

Asked about the harrowing videos released this week showing the death and devastation in his country, including a Ukrainian woman finding the body of her son in a well, Zelensky said: "It is a great pain for me."

 

"I can't watch it as a father, only because all you want after this is revenge and to kill," he said. "I have to watch as the president of the state where a lot of people have died and lost their loved ones, and there are millions of people who want to live."

 

"All of us want to fight," he continued. "But we all have to do our best for this war not to be endless. The longer it is, the more we would lose. All these losses will be just like that one."

Viewer discretion advised.

Ukrainian Woman Discovers Son's Body In A Well

516K views · 3 days ago

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
561K subscribers

 

 

[Paul A]

'We might have to leave quickly': Finns living near border keep a watchful eye on Russia

689,205 views

Apr 16, 2022

FRANCE 24 English

2.4M subscribers

 

Simo Häyhä

1905-2002

RIP

 

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3459543-nsdc-russias-claim-purging-mariupol-of-azov-regiment-forces-fake.html

17.04.2022

NSDC: Russia’s claim of "purging” Mariupol of Azov Regiment forces fake

 

Russia's Defense Ministry is circulating a fake report, claiming their army has cleansed Mariupol of Azov Regiment fighters.

 

This was reported on Telegram by the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, Ukrinform saw.

 

"Ukrainian forces continue to defend Mariupol but the Russian Defense Ministry has already reported that the entire city of Mariupol is completely cleared of Azov militants, foreign mercenaries. and the Armed Forces. We warn you: this is fake news!"

[Paul A]

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-2500-3000-its-troops-killed-war-no-count-civilian-deaths-2022-04-16/

April 17, 2022

Russia says its forces clear most of Mariupol, strike Kyiv suburb

KYIV/LVIV/MARIUPOL, Ukraine, April 16 (Reuters) - Russia said its troops had cleared the urban area of Mariupol and only a small contingent of Ukrainian fighters remained inside a steelworks in the besieged southern port on Saturday, as missile strikes hit Ukraine's capital Kyiv and other cities.

Moscow's claim to have all but taken control of Mariupol, scene of the war's heaviest fighting and worst humanitarian catastrophe, could not be independently verified. It would be the first major city to have fallen to Russian forces since the Feb. 24 invasion.

 

"The situation is very difficult" in Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the Ukrainska Pravda news portal. "Our soldiers are blocked, the wounded are blocked. There is a humanitarian crisis ... Nevertheless, the guys are defending themselves."

 

Russia's Defence Ministry said if Ukrainian forces in the Azovstal steelworks lay down their arms starting at 0300 GMT on Sunday, their lives would be spared, Tass news agency said. A senior Russian officer was quoted as saying the offer, made after weeks of fierce fighting, was prompted by "the catastrophic situation" in the steelworks as well as "purely humane principles".

 

There was no immediate response from Kyiv.

 

In Mariupol, Reuters journalists reached the Ilyich steelworks, one of two metals plants where defenders had held out in underground tunnels and bunkers. Moscow claimed to have captured it on Friday.

The factory was reduced to a ruin of twisted steel and blasted concrete, with no sign of defenders present. Several bodies of civilians lay scattered on nearby streets.

[Paul A]

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Russia presses offensive in ruins of Mariupol

35,498 views

Apr 17, 2022

Reuters

1.58M subscribers

 

In besieged Mariupol, Russian troops pressed recent advances, hoping to make up for their failure to capture Kyiv by finally seizing their first big prize of the war.

 

[Freeforester]

A Swiss intelligence officer’s perspective on the situation:

 

https://www.sott.net/article/466340-Retired-Swiss-Military-Intelligence-Officer-Is-it-Possible-to-Actually-Know-What-Has-Been-And-is-Going-on-in-Ukraine

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3459771-russia-may-prepare-landing-of-troops-in-mariupol-ukraines-defense-ministry-checking-information.html

17.04.2022 11:38

Russia may prepare landing of troops in Mariupol – Ukraine’s Defense Ministry checking information

 

Information on possible preparations by Russia for a naval landing operation in Mariupol is being checked.

 

"Over the past 24 hours, the enemy was launching air strikes on Mariupol, there were assaults on the seaport. We also check the information about the enemy preparations for a naval landing operation... Mariupol holds on, the Armed Forces strongly defend it.

 

It is important to realize the role of Mariupol now, because, in fact, it is now a shield that defends Ukraine. All the Russian troops are amassed there, they do not go further, to other regions of Ukraine," Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said during the nationwide telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

 

The Mariupol Mayor earlier stated that up to 20,000 civilians had died in the city since the Russian invasion.

 

About 120,000 civilians stay now in besieged Mariupol.

Soldiers of the Azov Regiment, Motor Rifle Brigade, and the Marines continue to defend Mariupol.

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3459778-malyar-russia-currently-unable-to-launch-new-offensive-in-ukraine.html

17.04.2022 11:52

 

Malyar: Russia currently unable to launch new offensive in Ukraine

 

Russian troops are currently unable to launch a new offensive in Ukraine as they are being deterred by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

 

"They are ready and amass their efforts and people. They roll out medical infrastructure and accumulate ammunition. They also accumulate provisions as their personnel used to starve here.

 

They [command] sent them [soldiers] for 2-3 days, thinking that they would capture everything but they were left without anything instead. They prepare now everything, but they are currently unable to start the second aggressive stage simply because the Armed Forces of Ukraine deter them," Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said during the nationwide telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

 

Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar 

 

As NBC News reported with reference to two senior U.S. defense officials, Russia could begin the next phase of its military campaign in Ukraine as soon as this weekend or early next week.

[Paul A]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/17/russia-ukraine-war-news-putin-live-updates/#link-JDAR577H4NBZTE4QSMGN5EV4FE

By Bryan Pietsch 4:46 a.m

Russia’s deadline for Mariupol surrender passes

 

Russia gave Ukrainian forces in the besieged port city of Mariupol a deadline of 6 a.m. local time Sunday (11 p.m. Eastern time Saturday) to surrender, though in the hours after the deadline there was no indication that they had.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukrainian media outlets that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could end if Russian forces killed all of the Ukrainians defending the city.

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3459914-russia-suspends-production-of-antiaircraft-missile-systems-intelligence.html

17.04.2022  14:48

Russia suspends production of anti-aircraft missile systems - intelligence

 

The production of Russian anti-aircraft missile systems has been suspended, and factory workers are being ordered to go on vacation or participate in the war against Ukraine.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

 

According to intelligence, until recently the main supplier for the Russian defense sector was Germany, but since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, any cooperation with the country has been suspended.

According to employees, the plant is unable to continue production on its own, as "almost no Russian-made [components]" are used in the technological process.

 

"Therefore, employees are given a choice: to go on unpaid leave or sign a contract with the armed forces to participate in the war in Ukraine. The recommended position is an 'operator-gunner' of a Buk missile system. The proposed salary is 50,000 roubles a month," the statement said.

_____________

 

50,000 roubles approximately equal to $600 USD.

[Eucner]

3 hours ago, Freeforester said:

A Swiss intelligence officer’s perspective on the situation:

https://www.sott.net/article/466340-Retired-Swiss-Military-Intelligence-Officer-Is-it-Possible-to-Actually-Know-What-Has-Been-And-is-Going-on-in-Ukraine

That was a fine example of quality pro-Russian propaganda. It had delicately picked and twisted "facts". It could have been amusing to read, but unfortunately war is dead serious.

[Paul A]

https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Baud

Jacques Baud

Former member of Swiss strategic intelligence, specialist in intelligence and terrorism.

 

Conspiracy

According to journalist Antoine Hasday, published by Conspiracy Watch , an interview with Jacques Baud given to RT France "ticks all the boxes for geopolitical conspiracy theories" .

 

The latter, sometimes invited by the traditional media, also intervened on the far-right web-television TV Libertés , as well as previously on RT France.

 

Interviewed on this last channel by Frédéric Taddeï in September 2020, he notably minimizes the human toll of the Darfur war, which he reduces to 2,500 dead (against 300,000 according to the UN) and denies the responsibility of the Syrian army in the massacres in Homs in 2011 and in the chemical attacks in Ghouta , Khan Sheikhoun and Douma between 2013 and 2018 . 

 

Taking up the official arguments of the Syrian regime of Bashar el-Assad , he also asserts that the photographs taken by the military photographer "  Caesar  " are not those of political opponents who died under torture, but of soldiers of the Syrian army. 

 

Jacques Baud also whitewashes Russia considering that the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal was caused by "food poisoning" and that the poisoning of Alexei Navalny is probably "the work of the mafia"

[Wolverine]

 

[Paul A]

Orwell's "Animal Farm" was a critique of the corruption and downfall of the communist revolution in Russia.

Still resonates.

[Freeforester]

Leaving aside the complex question of the propaganda war, the economic reality looks increasingly likely that the end result of the war is almost certainly the impoverishment of Europe more generally. This may or may not be felt a worthy or worthwhile consequence, both within and/or without Europe, but it is hard to see any clear ‘winner’  emerging either on this side of the Urals, or on this side of the Atlantic. 

A couple of other perspectives:

https://youtu.be/aEpk_yGjn0E

https://youtu.be/XgiZXgYzI84