Any Ukrainian riders?

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3511977-ukraine-receives-from-germany-first-batch-of-panzerhaubitze-artillery-units.html

Wednesday, 22 June 2022

Ukraine receives from Germany first batch of Panzerhaubitze artillery units

Germany has delivered to Ukraine as part of security assistance the first consignment of Panzerhaubitze2000 self-propelled artillery units.

That’s according to Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, who broke the news on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

 “We have reinforcements! The first Panzerhaubitze2000s – German Panzerhaubitze2000s with trained Ukrainian crews have joined the Ukrainian artillery family,” Reznikov wrote.

 

The Minister of Defense thanked the German partners for their support, adding that Ukrainians “continue to count on its increase."

Reznikov also noted the efforts of his counterpart, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht.

_____________________________________

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzerhaubitze_2000

Panzerhaubitze 2000

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 ("armoured howitzer 2000"), abbreviated PzH 2000, is a German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall for the German Army.

 

The PzH 2000 is one of the most powerful conventional artillery systems deployed in modern times.

It is capable of a very high rate of fire; in burst mode it can fire three rounds in nine seconds, ten rounds in 56 seconds, and can—depending on barrel heating—fire between 10 and 13 rounds per minute continuously.^{[2][unreliable source?]}

 

The PzH 2000 has automatic support for up to 5 rounds of Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI).

The replenishment of shells is automated. Two operators can load 60 shells and propelling charges in less than 12 minutes.

 

PzH 2000 has also been selected by the armies of Italy, Netherlands, Greece, Lithuania, Hungary, Qatar and Croatia, mostly replacing older systems such as the M109 howitzer.

In November 2019 a PzH 2000 L52 gun fired a shell to a range of 67 km.^[3]

 

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3512022-ukraine-fighting-war-none-of-us-can-afford-to-lose-danish-pm.html

Wednesday, 22 June 2022

Ukraine fighting war “none of us can afford to lose” - Danish PM

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has assured Ukrainians that her country would further strengthen Russia sanctions, provide Ukraine with the necessary support, and back the nation’s candidacy for EU membership.

The head of government spoke in a video address to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on June 21, according to the Danish government’s press service.

 

“Dear Ukrainians. On behalf of the Danish people: You have our deepest and utmost respect. You are fighting – not only for your own country. But for free nations all over the world. It is a war between freedom and oppression. Between democracy and tyranny. A war none of us can afford to lose.”

 “Denmark – all of Denmark – stand behind you. Along with the rest of the free world. Together, we have imposed historic sanctions on Russia. To weaken the Russian economy. To weaken Putin. And make no mistake: We are not done yet. Denmark is committed to the strongest possible pressure on Putin. To impose more sanctions with our partners in the EU. And other friends. Transatlantic,” Frederiksen said.

 

The head of government has noted the fact that Denmark is supplying weapons, as well as humanitarian and financial assistance, vowing to do everything possible to provide Ukraine with all that is required.

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3512082-amount-of-financial-aid-to-ukraine-since-invasion-stands-at-30b-national-bank.html

Wednesday, 22 June 2022

Amount of financial aid to Ukraine since invasion stands at $30B - National Bank

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine as of June 15, the total amount of assistance declared and provided to the country by international partners is $30 billion.

That’s according to the June 2022 financial stability report by the National Bank of Ukraine, seen by Ukrinform.

 

It is noted that up to a third of the funds provided are non-repayable grants, the rest are low-interest loans and credit guarantees.

This money is the main source of covering the state budget deficit, which arose against the background of Russian military aggression.

 

The National Bank clarified that the financing of defense and social spending, as well as economic support will continue to be critically dependent on international aid and its timely receipt. In particular, $5 billion a month is needed to cover the budget deficit.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister for Finance Christia Freeland and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have earlier reaffirmed their determination to continue supporting Ukraine.

 

[Paul A]

The moment a Russian journalist auctions his Nobel Peace Prize for £84m to aid Ukrainian refugees

6,878 views

Jun 22, 2022

The Telegraph

2.92M subscribers

 

A Russian journalist has auctioned off his Nobel Peace Prize for a record £84 million ($103.5 million) to raise money for children in Ukraine.

Dmitry Muratov, who won the prize in 2021, sold the award to an unknown bidder at the sale in New York.

All proceeds will be given to Unicef's humanitarian response for Ukraine's displaced children, said Heritage Auctions.

Muratov, who is editor-in-chief of Russia’s Novaya Gazeta newspaper, has been fiercely critical of Vladimir Putin since he became Russia’s president in 1999.

 

 

 

[Freeforester]

 

 

 

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3512639-ukrainian-army-liberates-1026-settlements-from-russian-invaders.html

Wednesday, 22 June 2022

Ukrainian army liberates 1,026 settlements from Russian invaders

Ukrainian defense forces have liberated 1,026 settlements from Russian soldiers since the beginning of the all-out Russian invasion.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, said this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"As many as 1,026 settlements have been liberated. The infrastructure in the occupied territories is being restored," he said.

At the same time, Tymoshenko said that work was underway to prepare a plan for the rapid reconstruction of people's homes, schools, kindergartens, and medical facilities that had been destroyed by Russian forces.

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3512459-operation-targeting-snake-island-continues-russian-sam-pantsir-may-be-destroyed.html

Wednesday, 22 June 2022

 

Operation targeting Snake Island continues, Russian SAM Pantsir may be destroyed

Ukraine’s defense forces have delivered strikes on enemy equipment and manpower on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in the Black Sea. The operation continues.

This was announced on the air of the national telethon by the head of the joint coordination center of Ukraine’s South Defense Forces, Natalia Humeniuk, according to Ukrinform.

 

"There indeed been a strike.

In fact, more than just one, but all of this is part of a military operation that requires silence.

Nevertheless, we understand justified concerns of the population, including that in the Odesa region, who have heard the explosions with their own ears.

Our troops are doing their job and if there is no warning of threat, everything is being done just right.

The massive blow was inflicted as various forces were employed.

We aren’t revealing all of them as the enemy’s also listening to and reading us.

Therefore, the strike inflicted some damage.

We see and understand that the enemy cluster of personnel and equipment has been defeated.

We already know that the Pantsir anti-aircraft missile system was very badly damaged, possibly completely destroyed, we know that the radar station was very badly damaged, and there are other enemy losses that we’re verifying to take into account.

The operation is underway and I think we will deliver a follow-up really soon," Humeniuk said.

 

[Paul A]

Ukrainian Kamikaze drone attack sparks fire at Russian oil refinery

12,596 views

Jun 22, 2022

The Telegraph

2.92M subscribers

 

A "kamikaze drone" has struck an oil refinery in Russia, causing a fire to break out.

The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia's Rostov region, bordering Ukraine, has suspended operations after what may have been a drone strike, regional governor Vasily Golubev said on social media.

He said a fire had broken out in the refinery's vacuum plant, and that fragments of two drones had been found on the territory of the refinery.

 

 

 

[Paul A]

Ukrainian soldiers fire tanks as fighting intensifies in Sievierodonetsk

338,503 views

Jun 22, 2022

The Sun

3.06M subscribers

 

 

[Paul A]

Ukrainian military fire 'makeshift' rocket launchers

51,035 views

Jun 23, 2022

The Sun

3.06M subscribers

 

 

[Wolverine]

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3513748-ukraine-is-granted-eu-candidate-status.html

Thursday, 23 June 2022

Ukraine is granted EU candidate status

The Heads of State and Government of the European Union adopted a decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership.

President of the European Council Charles Michel announced the decision on his Twitter page, Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Agreement. EUCO has just decided EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. A historic moment. Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU,” Michel wrote.

He congratulated President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu.

 

Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Matti Maasikas congratulated Ukraine on receiving the EU candidate status.

"I am tremendously happy about this. This is the acknowledgment that Ukraine belongs to the European family. This is the acknowledgment for all the sacrifices that the Ukrainians have been doing since Maidan and doing now, dying on the battlefields, resisting the unjustified and unprovoked aggression of the Russian Federation," he posted on Twitter.

"Now your European path is clear. Work will start tomorrow, with all EU reforms, but today we are celebrating. Glory to Ukraine!" Maasikas added.

 

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3513789-kuleba-and-borrell-ukrainian-people-belong-to-european-family.html

Thursday, 23 June 2022

 

Kuleba and Borrell: Ukrainian people belong to European family

Granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for the European Union membership is a crucial moment for Ukraine and the EU, for peace and democracy on the shared European continent. The European Union will immediately launch preparations for Ukraine's integration.

This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in a joint video address, Ukrinform reports.

 

Kuleba and Borrel stated that Russian aggression would not succeed in depriving people in Europe of their right to live a normal, decent life. Ukraine will win and Europe will prevail.

"Today marks the beginning of a long journey that we will walk together. We will immediately launch the preparation for the integration of Ukraine into European structures and, ultimately, membership in the European Union," they said.

"Ukraine and the EU stand together for peace," Kuleba and Borrell summed up.

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3513776-wellknown-nazi-hunter-eli-rosenbaum-was-in-ukraine-yesterday-venediktova.html

Thursday, 23 June 2022

 

Well-known ‘Nazi hunter’ Eli Rosenbaum was in Ukraine yesterday – Venediktova

Top US "Nazi hunter" Eli Rosenbaum, who will lead the team of the US Department of Justice to identify and prosecute those guilty of war crimes in Ukraine, has already visited our country.

“Rosenbaum arrived yesterday. He has 30 years of prosecutorial experience, and he is called a ‘Nazi hunter’. It is very important when people have not only professional qualities but also a backbone and good motivation," Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova told Ukrainian TV channels in an interview, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Venediktova noted that the United States would set up its own investigative team and they had a lot of opportunities for cooperation.

 

[Paul A]

European Council President grants Ukraine EU candidate status in 'historic moment'

9,703 views

Jun 24, 2022

The Telegraph

2.92M subscribers

 

EU leaders approved Ukraine and Moldova as candidate countries to join the bloc at a historic European Council in Brussels on Thursday, as Kyiv was warned it must have "no illusions" about joining the EU anytime soon.

The 27 heads of state and government gave their approval to Ukraine being considered for EU membership in what was described a a historic show of support for Kyiv.

President of the European Council Charles Michel hailed the move as a "historic moment" and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said it was "a sign of hope in troubled times."

 

 

 

[mrelwood]

3 hours ago, Paul A said:

EUCO has just decided EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

Wow! Nice to see that one of our favourite US distributors has gotten a serious foothold in Europe as well. And what a foothold it is! I guess they were serious about expanding the business... 

Edited June 24, 2022 by mrelwood

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3514470-european-council-approves-eur-9b-in-aid-for-ukraine-morawiecki.html

Friday, 24 June 2022

European Council approves EUR 9B in aid for Ukraine

The European Council at its summit approved macro-financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 9 billion.

This was stated by Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, who spoke at a press conference after the European Council summit on Friday in Brussels, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to the head of the Polish government, the EU approved "further financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 9 billion."

"There is a war in Ukraine, and there is nothing to pay nurses, teachers, police, border guards, or many other public services," Morawiecki explained.

 

He said that the document based on the summit’s outcome also contains provisions on military assistance to Ukraine.

"The advantage (of Russia - ed.) in artillery, according to the allies and our own sources is 1: 8, 1:10. How difficult it is to fight such an overwhelming enemy force. That is why Poland, as well as the United States, Great Britain, and the Baltic States, are doing everything possible to help Ukraine get the weapons,” Morawiecki said.

 

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3514374-g7-foreign-ministers-assure-ukraine-of-military-assistance-for-as-long-as-necessary.html

Friday, 24 June 2022

 

G7 Foreign Ministers assure Ukraine of military assistance for as long as necessary

The Russian armed aggression against Ukraine and Russia’s role in aggravating the global food crisis have been discussed at a meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union in Berlin.

The relevant statement was made by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, which had taken over the G7 Presidency since January 1, 2022, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

 

“G7 Foreign Ministers again underscored their unwavering support for Ukraine, including military and defense assistance, for as long as necessary,” the report states.

 

They pledged humanitarian assistance, support for reconstruction and stabilization for Ukraine, as well as to enhance the resilience of neighboring countries, especially the Republic of Moldova, which is particularly affected by the influx of Ukrainian refugees.

 

Furthermore, G7 Foreign Ministers welcomed the European Council’s decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status and to grant Georgia “EU perspective” status.

G7 Foreign Ministers made clear that Russia’s war against Ukraine is exacerbating food insecurity, including by blocking the Black Sea, bombing grain silos and ports, and damaging Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure.

[Paul A]

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3514347-kremlin-plots-explosions-in-mazyr-to-involve-belarus-in-war-against-ukraine-intelligence.html

Friday, 24 June 2022

Kremlin plots explosions in Mazyr to involve Belarus in war against Ukraine – intelligence

The Russian Federation is plotting to blow up residential houses in the city of Mazyr in order to involve Belarus in the war against Ukraine.

The relevant statement was made by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

 

According to the available data, Russia will attempt to engage Belarus in the military conflict with Ukraine through a number of provocations against infrastructure facilities and civilians.

“For this purpose, sabotage groups have arrived in Mazyr under the guise of civilians. They include the staff workers of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) and the mercenaries of private military companies controlled by Prigozhin and Shoigu,” the report states.

 

These groups are planning to commit a series of terrorist attacks in Belarus. Hence, Russia will repeat a scenario used to unleash a war in Chechnya.

 

“At that time Russian security agencies organized explosions in several houses in the city of Ryazan, accusing some mythical ‘Chechen militants’. Therefore, Russia’s GRU is planning to launch a series of artillery and missile strikes on Mozyr Oil Refinery, civil infrastructure facilities and residential areas. During such attacks, they will additionally blow up residential houses, hospitals and schools,” the intelligence noted.

 

According to the Ukrainian intelligence, the Kremlin curators believe such actions will create a ‘casus belli’ for Lukashenko to get involved in the war.

As Belarusian officers are aware of this, they began to evacuate their families from Mazyr.

_____________________________________

 

 

[Paul A]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/23/russian-navy-ordered-to-lay-mines-at-ukraines-black-sea-ports-says-us

Fri 24 Jun 2022

Russian navy ordered to lay mines at Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, says US

Intelligence claims operation is part of Russia’s blockade of grain exports, which threatens to trigger global famine.

The Russian navy has been given orders to lay mines at the ports of Odesa and Ochakiv, and has already mined the Dnieper River, as part of a blockade of Ukrainian grain exports, according to newly declassified US intelligence.

US officials also released satellite images showing the damage inflicted by Russian missile strikes earlier this month on Ukraine’s second biggest grain terminal at nearby Mykolaiv, at a time when the interruption of grain exports threatens to trigger a global famine. Sunflower oil storage tanks at Mykolaiv came under attack on Wednesday.

 

Russia has denied laying mines around the Black Sea ports, and has turned around the allegations on Kyiv, claiming instead the Ukrainians have mined their own ports.

 

The US says its intelligence points to a concerted Russian strategy to cut off the stretch of the coast still under Ukrainian control. “The United States has information that the Black Sea fleet is under orders to effectively blockade the Ukrainian ports of Odesa and Ochakiv,” a US official said.

“We can confirm that despite Russia’s public claims that it is not mining the north-western Black Sea, Russia actually is deploying mines in the Black Sea near Ochakiv. We also have indication that Russian forces previously mined the Dnieper River.”

“The impact of Russia’s actions, which have caused a cessation of maritime trade in the northern third of the Black Sea and made the region unsafe for navigation, cannot be understated, as Ukraine’s seaborne exports are vital to global food security,” the official said, pointing out that Ukraine supplied a 10th of global wheat exports and about 95% of those exports left the country through the Black Sea ports.

 

US satellite imagery shows damage inflicted by Russian forces on three of the facility’s grain silos, a conveyor, and a storage building. Photograph: US Military

[Paul A]

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/06/24/russia-eyes-full-donbas-control-as-sievierodonetsk-set-to-fall-a78098

By James Beardsworth

3 hours ago

 

Russia Eyes Full Donbas Control as Sievierodonetsk Set to Fall

A two-month Russian assault on the Ukrainian city of Sievierodonetsk entered its final phase Friday after Ukrainian forces were ordered to retreat. 

The capture of the city, where 100,000 people lived prior to Russia’s invasion, represents a small but significant victory for Russian forces that are poised to take control of eastern Ukraine’s entire Luhansk region – widely believed to be a key Kremlin war aim. 

 

The Ukrainian retreat is “perhaps more significant than it’s being made out,” said Sam Cranny Evans, a military analyst at the London-based Royal United Services Institute. “They [the Russian Armed Forces] probably still have the ability to continue this kind of advance and perhaps in the Kremlin they now think they can grind the Ukrainians down.”

After regrouping troops in eastern Ukraine in April after a failed attempt to seize the Ukrainian capital, Russia has used its numerical superiority in soldiers and equipment to make slow, incremental gains. 

 

The bloody battle for the city, which began at the beginning of May, has seen Russia pound Sievierodonetsk with artillery, rockets and air strikes, irretrievably damaging 80% of residential buildings in the city and inflicting heavy losses on the Ukrainian army. 

Little by little, Ukrainian forces were pushed back into a small area around the Azot chemical plant, where hundreds of civilians were taking shelter – a scenario reminiscent of Russia’s bloody siege of the Azovstal steel plant in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol.

 

Ukrainian officials said Friday that troops had finally been ordered to pull out of Sievierodonetsk entirely and cross the Siverskyi Donets river to the west.

__________________________________________

 

 

 

 

[Funky]

On 6/22/2022 at 8:17 AM, Freeforester said:

 

 

 

 

I hope that idiot starts a war with Lithuania.  At least that way he will get canceled the next day.. Whole Russia will get canceled from world.  If you know what i mean.

Isn't that dipshit running thin on "men" power there? Like he could even threaten whit anything.. Makes me laugh.  

Edited June 24, 2022 by Funky

[Robse]

Sit down - take a deep breath and listen to this.   Recorded 1984 - that's 38 years ago, and nothing has changed.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dream_of_the_Blue_Turtles

 

[Paul A]

Russian missile fails and 'boomerangs back at Russian troops'

270,505 views

Jun 25, 2022

The Sun

3.07M subscribers

 

DRAMATIC video captures the moment a Russian surface-to-air missile system fires on itself in a bizarre malfunction.

In the footage, the missile can be seen shooting into the sky - before turning mid-air and slamming back into where it came from in an enormous explosion.

The short clip was reportedly shot in the Ukrainian city of Alchevsk in the Luhansk region, which is under the occupation of pro-Russian separatist forces and is on the front line of the war in Ukraine.

 

 

 

[RagingGrandpa]

On 3/7/2022 at 2:25 PM, RagingGrandpa said:

US taxpayers can give with pre-tax dollars if it's through an established charitable organization...

I like charitynavigator.com as a quick check of a charity's reputation. This Ukraine aid program looks good: https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5751&mfc_pref=T&5751.donation=form1 

I'm a sucker for gift-matching programs, so I'll share:  
https://unicefusa.org/5xmatch
"The first $90,000 received before the deadline of July 15, 2022, qualifies for this 5X Match"