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Ukraine: WAR Huh - What Is It Good For Absorootly Nothing

GTIfan99

Autocross Champion
Not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, dead Al Quaeda leader is a good thing. On the other, every drone strike just creates 100 more durka durkas.

Prior to 9/11, there were an estimated 500 hard-core Islamic terrorist in Al Quaeda, with little support among the broader Islamic population. Now the CIA estimates 500,000 and broad support among Islamic populations.

It's a no win situation.
 

cb1111

Newbie
Ukraine seeks to retake the south, tying down Russian forces (msn.com)

Drone Strike On Black Sea Fleet Headquarters Likely A Sign Of What's To Come (msn.com)

Russia is firing artillery from a captured nuclear power plant, leaving Ukraine reluctant to shoot back (msn.com) Which way is the wind blowing?

Russian rockets strike Ukrainian port city | Watch (msn.com)

WAR IN UKRAINE: Mykolaiv Paratroopers Turn Captured Russian Self-Propelled Artillery Gun Against The Invaders | Watch (msn.com)

Sanctions have huge toll on Russian economy: report (msn.com)

Russian central bank says economic downturn to deepen in Q3 (msn.com)

Russia Destroying U.S. HIMARS Likely 'Wishful Thinking': Finnish Official (msn.com)

U.S. Giving Ukraine HIMARS Ammo After Russia Says It Destroyed 100 Missiles (msn.com)

https://gagadget.com/en/152717-russ...s-they-were-located-on-the-second-floor-of-a/

WAR IN UKRAINE: Ukrainian Intelligence Says Spec Ops Have Blown Up 2 Russian APCs And 3 Trucks With Attack Drones | Watch (msn.com)

Russia faces 'economic oblivion' despite claims of short-term resilience, economists say (msn.com)

In more Griner news The White House slammed Russia for its 'bad faith' counteroffer to the US' Brittney Griner prisoner swap proposal (msn.com)

Inside the Ukrainian city that said no to occupation (msn.com)

Russia says it can't do much to help with Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline repairs after it slashed flows to Europe again (msn.com) They’d love to help, but can’t

Sweden summons Russian ambassador for calling a Swedish citizen killed in Ukraine a «common mercenary» (msn.com)

Mandatory evacuation of more than 200,000 Donetsk residents begins (msn.com)

Putin's rumored girlfriend hit with latest U.S. sanctions (msn.com)

Russia Shells Apartment Buildings in Southern Ukraine (msn.com)

Moscow says it will break off relations with US if Washington declares Russia a state sponsor of terrorism (msn.com) Isn’t that like hitting the “ignore” button here?

Russian state-energy giant Gazprom saw its natural-gas production in July slump to its lowest level since 2008 (msn.com)

Kremlin tells U.S. time running out for new nuclear arms deal (msn.com)

Russian forces 'can't cope' with the 'unpredictability' of Ukrainian troops, top enlisted leader says (msn.com)

Pushing for a ‘negotiated settlement’ in Ukraine guts our deterrence credibility (msn.com)
 

cb1111

Newbie
From the WSJ today's opinion piece:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Africa last week carrying the message that Moscow would like a political settlement to the war in Ukraine, but Kyiv is thwarting the initiative at the behest of the U.S. Russian diplomats echo the message, telling U.S. media and policy makers that Washington is eschewing diplomatic engagement and blocking pursuit of a peaceful resolution.

This is bunk. There are high-level channels for communicating serious messages, and if officials in Moscow want to discuss a political settlement, they know exactly how to use them. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, speak with their Russian counterparts. There is no indication that Vladimir Putin is truly willing to pursue a political settlement.

The message from Moscow has been, and continues to be, contradictory and tactically tailored to the audience. Dangling the prospect of peace talks is intended to weaken support for Ukraine, divide its supporters, and diminish Russia’s international isolation.

For a reliable indicator of Russian intentions, look to what they are doing on the ground. It looks nothing like a prelude to a political settlement. Instead Moscow is preparing for escalation and a land grab. This includes preparation to annex territory currently under its control, gain control of additional territory, conduct attacks on major cities outside the Donbas region, and eradicate the Ukrainian identity wherever possible.

Moscow has appointed its own officials in the Donbas, issued Russian passports to the local citizens, and replaced school texts with books that teach history from the Russian narrative. These steps signal a concerted buildup toward annexation, which may include a “referendum” with a preordained result, as was done in Crimea. Moscow seeks additional territory in the south and recently carried out large-scale attacks on different parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv and Odessa.

Ukrainian leaders are preparing offensive operations across the occupied territories—especially in the south. They understand that conditions for an acceptable settlement aren’t in place. In any such negotiations, military realities are the determining factor. An acceptable peace deal requires the situation on the ground to tilt in their favor, and Ukraine seeks to do so at great cost of life.

For many reasons, including future stability and order in Europe and the vital task of dealing with China, a political settlement of the Ukraine conflict is the most desirable outcome. But getting there will require improving Ukraine’s ability to impose risks on Russia and substantially increasing the international political costs to Russia. This demands the West take three steps.

First, deter Russian escalation and prevent the annexation of its recently conquered Ukrainian territory. Successful deterrence requires the cost of escalation and annexation to exceed the benefit in Russia’s eyes. One step that may force Moscow to recalculate is for senior U.S. officials to clearly convey that Russian escalation will be met by an accompanying escalation of American support for Ukraine. This would include providing armed systems with greater reach (which the U.S. so far hasn’t supplied) that enable Ukraine to threaten disputed and Russian territory, including Crimea and beyond.

Second, improve the chances that Ukraine’s planned offensive operations succeed by ensuring that their plans are realistic and thoroughly evaluating their assets. The recent provision of American arms, especially the Himars (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), with their nearly 50-mile reach, has boosted Ukrainian morale. Timely delivery of additional Himars, as the Biden administration announced last month, will enhance Ukraine’s capability to accurately destroy Russian targets at longer range.

Third, make a better case for other countries to support Ukraine. Mr. Putin’s war carries enormous costs for Russia, Europe and much of the world. Yet Ukraine and the U.S. are losing the information war in Africa and Asia, where Russia is pushing buttons selectively. Mr. Blinken’s announced trip to Africa is a good step, but Ukrainians are the best spokesmen for their own cause. The U.S. should help them make their case—to the receptive West, around the world and inside Russia.

The U.S. should be ready to facilitate and support a peaceful settlement. But the Russians will become serious about negotiations only if they see significant risks, costs and potentially failure ahead. A protracted conflict is acceptable to them, and they are content to seize Ukraine inch by bloody inch. To defeat their cruel logic will require making the conflict hit Russia closer to home.

Mr. Khalilzad served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, 2007-09.


Appeared in the August 3, 2022, print edition as 'The West Needs to Call Russia’s Bluff on Peace in Ukraine'.
 

cb1111

Newbie
Ukraine 'Actively Shaping' War 'For the First Time': ISW Analysis (msn.com)

Ukraine: Head of Amnesty International chapter quits; Russia begins attack on eastern Ukraine cities (msn.com)

Russia Says Forces Have Destroyed Platoon of U.S. HIMARS and Alder Systems (msn.com)

Germany: Commissioner urges more aid for Roma in Ukraine (msn.com)

Ukrainian families navigate green corridor to Russian-occupied territories | Watch (msn.com)

AI Ukraine director resigns in protest over report pointing fingers at country’s forces (msn.com)

Russia denounces new attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Zaporiyia nuclear power plant (msn.com)

Russia's McDonald's replacement struggling to source fries from 'unfriendly nations' (msn.com)

Trading Russian arms dealer for Griner is a ‘tragic mistake’ by US government: Former U.S. intel officer | Watch (msn.com)

UN report points to possible Russian mercenaries responsible for March massacre (msn.com)

Russia reportedly moving weapons to prepare for new siege | Watch (msn.com)

‘An attack on one is an attack on all’: Time for a red-state NATO-like alliance on boycotts (msn.com)

Vladimir Putin: Why is there a statue of him in New York City? (msn.com)

Russia announces nearly 600 Ukrainian fighters killed during shelling in recent hours (msn.com)

Russia's economy is 'riding the sanctions storm' | Watch (msn.com)

Ukraine under pressure in east as NATO chief says Russia must not win | Reuters

Ukraine military aid doesn't always get to the front lines: "Like 30% of it reaches its final destination" - CBS News

Russia Having 'More and More Difficulties Conducting War in Ukraine': Rice (msn.com)

Ukrainian troops repel Russian attacks in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine (msn.com)

Fighting Around Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Heightens Safety Fears (msn.com)

Putin Ally Threatens to Kill German Journalist Reporting From Ukraine (msn.com)

North Macedonia delivers aircraft and tanks to Ukraine (msn.com)
 

cb1111

Newbie
HIMARS May Have Prevented Mariupol 'Tragedy' in Ukraine: Polish Diplomat (msn.com)

War in Ukraine rages on with new fears mounting | Watch (msn.com)

3 Russian generals sacked as military struggles; more grain shipments leave Ukraine ports: Live updates (msn.com)

More Ukraine grain sets sail as new strike hits nuclear site (msn.com)

Ukraine power plant shelled again, Zelenskiy rails at Russian 'nuclear terror' (msn.com)

Pro-Russian officials ‘assassinated’ in Kherson ahead of Ukraine offensive (msn.com)

Who is Sergey Lavrov - the 'voice of Putin'? (msn.com)

1st Ukraine ship under grain deal won't dock in Lebanon on time -embassy (msn.com)

Russia in 'Tremendous' Military Difficulty in Ukraine War: Lange (msn.com)

Ukraine Says Air Force 'Defending Sky' as Russia Struggles to Gain Control (msn.com)

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Ukraine president leads embattled nation in fight against Russia (msn.com)

Russian men, dying in war, leave many families sad, angry and silent (msn.com)

Moscow and Kiev once again reproach each other for new attacks at the Zaporiyia nuclear power plant (msn.com)

Russia Shows Off 'Trophies,' Says Weapons From U.S., U.K. and Poland Seized (msn.com)

Watch: Ukraine Fires HIMARS System After Russia Claimed They Destroyed Them | Watch (msn.com)

Amnesty regrets ‘distress and anger’ caused by Ukraine report (msn.com)

Shift in war's front seen as more ships with grain are cleared to leave Ukraine (msn.com)

Has Russia's carpet bombing of Ukraine been halted? (msn.com)

Russian Aggression Brings High Anxiety to Polish Border Towns (msn.com)

Ukraine probing almost 26,000 suspected war crimes cases - prosecutor (msn.com)
 

cb1111

Newbie
Russians 'No Longer Able To Resist HIMARS': Front-Line Ukrainian Mayor (msn.com)

Export controls could stop Russian weapons - report (msn.com)

Putin ‘culls six generals’ as he plans ‘deadly new assault’ on Ukraine (msn.com)

Ukraine Strikes Key Bridge, Evading Russia HIMARS Defenses (msn.com)

Does Ukraine Now Have AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles? (msn.com)

Russia likely trying to use ‘deeply controversial, indiscriminate’ mines in Ukraine: UK intelligence (msn.com)

Kim Jong-Un Said To Offer 100,000 'Volunteers' To Vladimir Putin To Fight Ukraine (msn.com) good idea. They’ll eat all of the Russian food and then defect.

Russian weapons in Ukraine ‘powered’ by Western parts: RUSI (msn.com)

Europe takes drastic measures to prepare for a winter without Russian gas (msn.com)

Deadlock with Russia over Nord Stream gas turbine is not our fault, Siemens Energy CEO says (msn.com)

Ukraine says Russia is threatening to blow up nuclear plant; embargo eased, first cargo ship arrives in Turkey: Live updates (msn.com)

UN chief criticizes ‘suicidal’ attacks on Ukraine nuclear plant (msn.com)

Russia, Ukraine open to IAEA visit after ‘suicidal’ nuclear plant strike (msn.com)

WAR IN UKRAINE: Moment Ukrainian Paratrooper Drone Drops Bomb On Group Of Russian Soldiers | Watch (msn.com)

Finland removes peace monument donated by the Soviet Union (msn.com)

Ukrainians flee Kramatorsk for Germany | Watch (msn.com)

Beware of Russia's destabilizing Savior complex in the Black Sea (msn.com)

WAR IN UKRAINE: Ukrainian Forces Take Out Over 100 Russians With American HIMARS In Occupied Melitopol | Watch (msn.com)

U.S. Confirms Air-Launched Anti-Radiation Missiles Sent To Ukraine (msn.com)

Lukashenko accuses Poland of trying to annex part of Ukraine and all of Belarus (msn.com)

As Many as 80,000 Russian Forces Killed, Wounded in Ukraine: Pentagon (msn.com)

Russia suspends START Treaty inspections of military facilities (msn.com)

The Ukrainians Are Hitting The Russians Where They Aren’t (msn.com)

Putin Finds Scapegoat in U.S. HIMARS, Builds Case for War With West (msn.com)

Russia Will Fly a New Heavy Bomber in 2024... If Sanctions Don’t Kill It First (msn.com)

Accounting of bodies in Bucha nears completion (msn.com)

A Russian boxing star said he's rooting for Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk in his high-stakes rematch (msn.com)
 

dtfd

Autocross Champion
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cb1111

Newbie
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 168 | Russia-Ukraine war News | Al Jazeera

U.S. Will Spend $89M To Eradicate Russian Landmines In Ukraine - Defense One

Kyiv urges travel ban on Russians as Moscow steps up assault in eastern Ukraine | Reuters

Moscow rails against Zelenskyy’s call for travel ban on Russians (msn.com)

Pentagon confirms anti-radiation missiles sent to Ukraine | The Hill

Whoopsie, I guess it wasn’t an accident Crimea airfield blast was work of Ukrainian special forces, official says (msn.com)

A Ukrainian Raid Destroyed A Lot Of Russian Aircraft—And Could Force Russian Squadrons To Pull Back (msn.com) Accidents will happen, they only hit and run.- bonus points if you identify the song and artist without Google’ing it.

Crimea decrees state of emergency after explosions at a military airfield (msn.com)

Zelensky Pledges ‘Liberation’ For Crimea After Russian Warplanes Are Destroyed (msn.com)

Russia's hidden messages in Alaska air defense zone intrusions (msn.com) Playing with fire here.

Russian surveillance aircraft spotted in Alaska's ADIZ - NORAD (msn.com)

Estonia denounces Russian incursion into its airspace and summons ambassador to Tallinn (msn.com)

Concerns soar over fighting near Ukrainian nuclear plant; Russian journalist faces 10 years in prison: Live updates (msn.com)

Ukraine looks to end 'active' phase of war ahead of winter months (msn.com)

The Other Ukrainian Army (msn.com)

Chechen Army and Lugansk militia seize an industrial plant in the town of Soledar (msn.com)

How the MiG-29 went from the ‘bad guy’ plane to the underdog against Russia (msn.com)

Ukraine prepares to mount major southern counteroffensive | Watch (msn.com)

Russia ‘almost certainly’ has established major new ground force to fight in Ukraine: UK intelligence (msn.com)
 

cb1111

Newbie
Czar Vladimir in Wonderland (msn.com)

Surprise attack on Russian airfield destroyed as many as 13 war planes, satellite photos show (msn.com)

Ukraine Mocks Crying Russian in Crimea With Explosions Video (msn.com)

Reuters | Breaking International News & Views

Ukrainian Marines Say Artillery Pounds Russian Positions (msn.com)

U.S. Air Division Sent to Europe After Kremlin Says Russia, NATO at War (msn.com) this isn't good

Mysterious explosions that rocked a Russian military base suggest Russian positions far behind the front lines are no longer safe, officials and experts say (msn.com) Accidents will happen

Mystery Explosions Rock Russian Base — and Send the Propaganda War Into Overdrive (msn.com)

Ukraine stops short of claiming responsibility for Crimea airbase attack | Watch (msn.com)

Russian reporter put under house arrest over war criticism (msn.com)

Living underground on the spearhead of Russia's offensive (msn.com)

Russia, Belarus military bases rocked by fire, explosions days after Crimea air base sees destructive blasts (msn.com) whoops

Does Ukraine have a chance of reclaiming lost territory? (msn.com)

Risk of Chernobyl-style disaster as fighting intensifies around nuclear plant (msn.com)

Putin Is 'Not Bluffing:' Analyst Warns Germany Faces 'Severe Recession' With Russia Holding Back Gas Supplies (msn.com)

Signs Romania is readying to defend Moldova against Russia (msn.com)

Ukraine Says Marines Resist Russian Push in Kherson Region (msn.com)

Russian tycoon Boris Mints attacks Putin (msn.com)

Russia confirms big Brittney Griner update (msn.com)

New Evidence Of AGM-88 Anti-Radiation Missile Use By Ukraine Emerges (msn.com)
 
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