Russia Invades

[Vegas Claret]

I mean.........https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1 ... f8nPou2dXg

really surprised none of you passed comment on this

[NewClaret]

Also I don’t think it is a crime to bake a cake with poison in, it would be a crime to feed someone it deliberately if they choose to steal it we’ll surely that is there own lookout.

I think it’s ingenious and I hope not a one off. Debilitating without killing (in the main). With comms poor, let’s hope word hasn’t got out & they can further weaken their army with this.

[Lowbankclaret]

Think this is a very fair post.

Some of the footage released appears a bit strange to me - not a single face showing (not that I wanted to see any), quite grainy footage, hands tied but strewn randomly - not what I’d naturally expect from an assassination, albeit I’m no expert on war crimes. It could have been staged in some way.

And even if it were real, we can’t be certain they were civilians. I can’t imagine all the Ukrainian army will be wearing uniforms. Not that I would expect them to - they should use whatever tactics they need to overcome this illegal occupation.

Notwithstanding - death on this scale is abhorrent regardless, especially given the cause.

I don’t think it matters if your soldier or a civilian. If your hands are bound and you are unarmed it’s against the Geneva convention to be shot in the head for no reason.
I think the fact you might thing it’s been staged is you cannot believe another human could actually do this and your looking for a reason not to believe it. I honestly think that’s part of our human nature as well. None of us actually want to believe it, unfortunately I believe it’s true.

[Lowbankclaret]

there are some incredibly clear photographs

There are, this is the one of the 4 naked women who they set on fire, again horrific images, no joke don’t click if you don’t want to see it.

https://twitter.com/innasovsun/status/1 ... sHwKsgfhgQ

[Vegas Claret]

There are, this is the one of the 4 naked women who they set on fire, again horrific images, no joke don’t click if you don’t want to see it.

https://twitter.com/innasovsun/status/1 ... sHwKsgfhgQ

can't explain to people the horrific nature of it if I watch it on the BBC. If you (generic) want to understand the realities you need to look at this stuff

[Vegas Claret]

Zelensky said that all civilians would be issued with kalishnicov rifles. If this is so and the barbaric Russians have wind of this, they will have to shoot them. Not very nice but kill or be killed. Nightmare!

I'll repeat what I said earlier, Putin said that if someone attacked Russia then all hell would break loose - well Ukraine attacked Russia and **** all

[Colburn_Claret]

really surprised none of you passed comment on this

I meant to yesterday.
I said when he first reported the plan, that someone should be onto the Azerbaijanis, and pre warn them. If they accept the information as honest, then its 2 more countries the Russians can count against them.

[bfcjg]

Screenshot_20220403-233053_Samsung Internet.jpg (282.15 KiB) Viewed 3645 times

Putin and his army living up to Hitler's description of them. Putin obviously learnt his style of dictatorship from Hitler.

[Gaia]

Fiona Hill on Russian atrocities and Putin's future
https://youtu.be/u-BPEUjkkfI

[Claret]

Fiona Hill on Russian atrocities and Putin's future
https://youtu.be/u-BPEUjkkfI

That seems a good and unbiased analysis of the situation.

[elwaclaret]

Kyiv Independent - President Zelenskiy travels to see the situation in Bucha for himself

https://twitter.com/kyivindependent/sta ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

Few had the stomach to confront Russia at the end of World War Two, but it does seem to have given the green light for all future campaigns, many of the same atrocities have been repeated time and again while the West turned the other cheek. The Iron curtain prevented some hard conversations having to be had; but not any more.

https://twitter.com/fugitiveink/status/ ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[CoolClaret]

Extremely harrowing scenes coming out of Ukraine at the minute and my thoughts are with all those enduring the hardships.

I was thinking - has this (the brutal attacks on civilians) been going on for the entire campaign or has it descended into this?

Then it lead me to think - is this ‘commanded’ by Generals?… Or is it more the result of the culture of that army - the ‘extreme hazing’ that’s rearing it’s ugly head…. Or is that culture deliberately instilled in order to have shocking results like this.

I’m still seeing some Putin apologists on social media, it’s quite disturbing…

Those poor sods

[elwaclaret]

NEXTA: Lithuania closes Russian Embassy and expel the Russian ambassador

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/151 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

Extremely harrowing scenes coming out of Ukraine at the minute and my thoughts are with all those enduring the hardships.

I was thinking - has this (the brutal attacks on civilians) been going on for the entire campaign or has it descended into this?

Then it lead me to think - is this ‘commanded’ by Generals?… Or is it more the result of the culture of that army - the ‘extreme hazing’ that’s rearing it’s ugly head…. Or is that culture deliberately instilled in order to have shocking results like this.

I’m still seeing some Putin apologists on social media, it’s quite disturbing…

Those poor sods

It certainly seems to be a routine ‘tactic’ of the Russian armed forces. Most of what went on at the end of WW2 is known but you’ll need to dig, even now it is not a topic covered openly; but reports from the front at the time was a major reason Churchill wanted the west to push on to secure Germany rather than waiting for Russia to meet at Berlin. Sadly by that time Churchill was no longer seen by Russia or America as a ‘big player’ as the debt incurred by Britain would take 40years to repay… removing Britain from the top table of policing the ‘new world’ order.

[elwaclaret]

Kyiv Independent - Austria (joins Hungary) in resisting embargo’s on Russian Gas supplies.

https://twitter.com/kyivindependent/sta ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[CoolClaret]

It certainly seems to be a routine ‘tactic’ of the Russian armed forces. Most of what went on at the end of WW2 is known but you’ll need to dig, even now it is not a topic covered openly; but reports from the front at the time was a major reason Churchill wanted the west to push on to secure Germany rather than waiting for Russia to meet at Berlin. Sadly by that time Churchill was no longer seen by Russia or America as a ‘big player’ as the debt incurred by Britain would take 40years to repay… removing Britain from the top table of policing the ‘new world’ order.

Yeah I’ve heard a lot about the Elwa; especially Germans running across Berlin dodging gunfire so they’d be captured by the Allies and not the Red Army.

Apparently back during WWII, the populace of modern day Ukraine saw the Nazis as ‘liberators’ especially in comparison with the Soviet rule, when Germany pushed through Ukraine during operation Barbarossa.

[elwaclaret]

OTHER NEWS: Can’t find the tweet now, but: the Courts decision concerning Imran Khans refusal to allow a ‘no-confidence’ vote to take place (by calling an early election) has been delayed until tomorrow in Pakistan. Kahn has bizarrely accused America of trying to destabilise his administration (which itself seems pretty desperate)… worth keeping an eye on.

[elwaclaret]

Yeah I’ve heard a lot about the Elwa; especially Germans running across Berlin dodging gunfire so they’d be captured by the Allies and not the Red Army.

Apparently back during WWII, the populace of modern day Ukraine saw the Nazis as ‘liberators’ especially in comparison with the Soviet rule, when Germany pushed through Ukraine during operation Barbarossa.

France might be worth keeping an eye on too with the elections coming up. It is not much talked about but Communism and Fascism are both likely to rear their ugly heads again after a good few years in the wilderness. This election could have serious repercussions for the Western alliance, going forward.

[tiger76]

France might be worth keeping an eye on too with the elections coming up. It is not much talked about but Communism and Fascism are both likely to rear their ugly heads again after a good few years in the wilderness. This election could have serious repercussions for the Western alliance, going forward.

They might well rear their ugly heads again, but neither will be successful at the polls thankfully.

[Vegas Claret]

Fiona Hill on Russian atrocities and Putin's future
https://youtu.be/u-BPEUjkkfI

Fiona is incredibly bright, super impressive woman

[RicardoMontalban]

Apparently back during WWII, the populace of modern day Ukraine saw the Nazis as ‘liberators’ especially in comparison with the Soviet rule, when Germany pushed through Ukraine during operation Barbarossa.

As is often the case, the reality was much more complex. Like many non-Russian states Ukraine suffered terribly under Soviet rule, through forced collectivisation, horrendous famines and the general brutality that characterised Stalin’s rule. But to suggest the population en masse ushered in the Wehrmacht as some liberating army is also wide of the mark.

Ukraine suffered terribly under the German advance and Kyiv was the site of tremendous conflict and loss. It’s estimated that of the approx 8.6m Red Army dead, 1.4m were ethnic Ukrainians, and the losses of the Ukrainians themselves accounted for nearly 45% of the total losses of the USSR.

Collaboration occurred, as it did in all the occupied territories and can probably attributed to a desire to free themselves of Soviet oppression more than any solidarity with Nazism. Indeed the Nazis were generally pretty poor at exploiting that side and eventually their own brutality in preparing the way for lebensraum turned the population against them.

To put it bluntly, when faced with a choice of sh!t sandwiches, there may have been some going for the one they hadn’t been force fed for the last 20 years. But the view that Ukraine wholeheartedly welcomed the Nazis is a huge overstatement.

[ClaretLoup]

Kyiv Independent - Austria (joins Hungary) in resisting embargo’s on Russian Gas supplies.

https://twitter.com/kyivindependent/sta ... ZpQX0cI5rw

Hungary is 100% dependent on Russia for gas supplies, Putin has them both by the short and curlies.

We need to start thinking and acting on securing our own energy supplies, Globalisation is the enemy of strategic thinking.

[CoolClaret]

As is often the case, the reality was much more complex.

To put it bluntly, when faced with a choice of sh!t sandwiches, there may have been some going for the one they hadn’t been force fed for the last 20 years. But the view that Ukraine wholeheartedly welcomed the Nazis is a huge overstatement.

For sure Ricardo - topics like that can hardly be summarised in short…

I didn’t intend for it to read as the Ukrainians wholeheartedly welcomed the Nazis, more that it was ‘the lesser of two evils’.

Good, informative post though

[Lowbankclaret]

The last confirmed Russian losses, the guy running the site says he has a big backlog of photos and videos to go through, so bear in mind this is significantly lower than actual losses.
2435 total losses, 421 tanks, site owner says it’s now well over 450. So no sign of losses slowing down for the Russians.

https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/a ... t.html?m=1

https://twitter.com/oryxspioenkop/statu ... u3sjXDYkrw

[Colburn_Claret]

Hungary is 100% dependent on Russia for gas supplies, Putin has them both by the short and curlies.

We need to start thinking and acting on securing our own energy supplies, Globalisation is the enemy of strategic thinking.

We also need to appreciate the rock and a hard place, Hungary and Austria are in. We need to work with them to help them find a solution. It isn't for us to point an accusing finger

[elwaclaret]

They might well rear their ugly heads again, but neither will be successful at the polls thankfully.

I wouldn’t be so confident. Part of the problem DeGaul had was the massive support for Communism in France and support continued right through the 70’s. Part of the problem was fed by DeGaul who throughout the war fought Churchill at every turn and constantly warned that the western powers acted in self interest not for France. There is a massive distrust of government, which makes it a breeding ground for conspiracy theorists all too keen to swallow anti-western sentiment.

[elwaclaret]

REUTERS: Germany seem to be clearing the way for expulsions from the Russian embassy, declaring several Russian diplomats ‘undesirables’

https://twitter.com/reuters/status/1511 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

In another development from Germany, they seize Gazprom Germany and Nationalise it ‘temporarily’.

https://twitter.com/javierblas/status/1 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

PETER CADDICK-ADAMS - Confirms 22 Russian Diplomats have been expelled from Germany.

https://twitter.com/militaryhistori/sta ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

BBC WORLD SERVICE: Putin hails Hungary election result.

https://twitter.com/bbcworld/status/151 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

On the backdrop of standing firm against sanctioning Russia, Hungary’s ‘nationalist’ President is far and away the most comfortable result for Putin, compared to the western leaning opposition parties in the member state of both the EU and NATO.

[elwaclaret]

ROB LEE : Footage of Ukraine forces recovering an ‘uncommon’ T80BVM tank.

https://twitter.com/ralee85/status/1511 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

ROB LEE: Russian kit captured around Chernihiv Oblast.

https://twitter.com/ralee85/status/1511 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[Lowbankclaret]

Following the confirmed losses, this is the estimated, on these numbers tank losses have slowed in recent days.

https://twitter.com/kyivindependent/sta ... vvEJpTkzWA

[elwaclaret]

OSINTtechnical - interesting capture, a Russian BTR-MDN

https://twitter.com/osinttechnical/stat ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

NEXTA: Liz Truss calls for Russia’s expulsion from UN Human Rights Council.

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/151 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

I don’t think many would argue, but how they do it given the Russian Veto (as a reward for WW2) is another question.

[Lowbankclaret]

Got to be a starstreak that took this out, speculation I know but hope so.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... -down.html

[JarrowClaret]

Got to be a starstreak that took this out, speculation I know but hope so.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... -down.html

No idea but we need to bare in mind HVM is less affective against fast crossing Aircraft although still capable. It could well be but it could also be any of the other AA missiles that are put there.

[Lowbankclaret]

No idea but we need to bare in mind HVM is less affective against fast crossing Aircraft although still capable. It could well be but it could also be any of the other AA missiles that are put there.

At $30 million a plane, that’s gunna hurt your balance sheet.

[box_of_frogs]

No idea but we need to bare in mind HVM is less affective against fast crossing Aircraft although still capable. It could well be but it could also be any of the other AA missiles that are put there.

Not convinced this would’ve been Starstreak. Given the video appears to show it coming down from height, I think it’s more likely to have been hit by a larger SAM or AA missile. Or even some sort of engine fire / mechanical issue.

[Lowbankclaret]

Not convinced this would’ve been Starstreak. Given the video appears to show it coming down from height, I think it’s more likely to have been hit by a larger SAM or AA missile. Or even some sort of engine fire / mechanical issue.

I have just seen the wreak on the ground, do you have a link for the video??
I did see one that was debunked as a game video, nearly posted it.

[JarrowClaret]

Not convinced this would’ve been Starstreak. Given the video appears to show it coming down from height, I think it’s more likely to have been hit by a larger SAM or AA missile. Or even some sort of engine fire / mechanical issue.

Is it the one that dropped straight down? Which is another oddity you would normally expect an element of gliding it was almost as if it hit a brick wall!

You could be right, around 3000ft is the official figure but if you bare in mind the missile can go out to 7km maybe slightly further if you are lucky I can see some darts going above 3000ft, no idea how effective they would be though.

[elwaclaret]

OSINTtechnical - Russia aims to overwhelm Ukraine in the East, US officials believe

https://twitter.com/osinttechnical/stat ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

NEW YORK TIMES: Satellite images prove Russia is lying about Bucha deaths

https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1511 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

Irpin women risks her personal safety to make sure dogs can be fed in Bucha.

https://twitter.com/lapatina_/status/15 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

It is easy to overlook the importance to civilian moral that cherished pets offer in the most desperate times.

[elwaclaret]

NEXTA: More satellite images disproving Russian claims that ‘mass graves’ happened after their departure (surprise, surprise).

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/151 ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

OSINTtechnical - Bulgaria boosting their air arm, 8 F16’s signed off by US State department.

https://twitter.com/osinttechnical/stat ... ZpQX0cI5rw

[elwaclaret]

NEXTA - Russia complains about information being passed through Wikipedia

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/151 ... NzxT9VO72A

[elwaclaret]

Reuters: Russia answers Bucha charges live in the UN : -

https://twitter.com/reuters/status/1511 ... NzxT9VO72A

More nonsense, no doubt.

[elwaclaret]

Making a mockery of the U.N. - something HAS to be done.