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You are here: Home / Foreign Affairs / War for Ukraine Day 564: Another Day Another Russian War Crime – Russia Targets Non-combatant Relief Workers in Chasiv Yar

War for Ukraine Day 564: Another Day Another Russian War Crime – Russia Targets Non-combatant Relief Workers in Chasiv Yar

by Adam L Silverman|  September 10, 20237:02 pm| 57 Comments

This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine

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(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Russia attacked vehicles belonging to the aid NGO Road2Relief in Chasiv Yar. They killed the organization’s director, a Spanish citizen, and one of the other three volunteers with her who was a Canadian citizen. The other two volunteers, one German and one Swedish, were wounded.

Today, russian terrorists attacked a vehicle of the international humanitarian organisation Road2Relief in Chasiv Yar, killing two volunteers – the director of Road2Relief, Emma Igual, a Spanish citizen who studied at the University of California at Berkeley, and Anthony Ihnat, a… pic.twitter.com/zGj4mdV2VZ

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 10, 2023

Road to Relief's international volunteer team was targeted in a Russian attack at Chasiv Yar. Spanish aid worker Emma Igual and Canadian Anthony Ihnat were killed. German Ruben Mawick and Swedish Johan Mathias Thyr are in the hospital. Organization evacuated civilians from the… pic.twitter.com/8HjZ1jeopu

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) September 10, 2023

Today, russian terrorists attacked a vehicle of the international humanitarian organisation Road2Relief in Chasiv Yar, killing two volunteers – the director of Road2Relief, Emma Igual, a Spanish citizen who studied at the University of California at Berkeley, and Anthony Ihnat, a Canadian citizen. Two other volunteers, both German citizens, were injured. Road2Relief’s efforts are entirely focused on civilian projects: the evacuation of civilians in war zones, medical evacuation, humanitarian aid distribution to frontline communities, and the provision of mobile clinics that assist local residents who are unable to leave their homes.
They make every effort every day to mitigate the consequences of the systematic terror of civilians by the russian occupiers. A painful, irreparable loss. Emma and Anthony will forever be in our hearts.

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

Front: over the past seven days, we have advanced – address by the President of Ukraine

10 September 2023 – 22:28

Fellow Ukrainians!

At the end of this week, it is important to say a few things. First of all, the frontline.

Over the past seven days, we have advanced.

There is movement in the Tavria directions. There is movement in the Bakhmut direction.

Kupyansk and Lyman directions, Avdiivka and Maryinka – we are holding our ground there.

I am grateful to all the warriors who make this possible! Every week, our warriors continuously keep the initiative in the hands of Ukraine.

It is Ukrainian heroism that determines how this war will end. We must all remember this.

Secondly, I want to thank all our people who have been helping to overcome the consequences of Russian shelling and rescuing people over the past week. Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk region, Donetsk region, cities of Odesa region. Thank you!

Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region. Paramedic Ruslan Hubanov, Police Lieutenant. After the Russian terrorists attacked, he rescued the wounded and pulled people out of the rubble. In total, he saved 82 people during his time on duty. Thank you, Ruslan! Police Lieutenant Oleh Sizov also works as a paramedic. He saved 153 people during his time on duty. Just imagine how many lives are saved by one person. Thank you, Oleh! Police Captain Olena Vasylenko arrives at the sites of the attacks, documents the consequences of the shelling, and helps the wounded. She herself came under artillery fire, was wounded, and returned to duty. Thank you, Olena!

And I thank the guys, the Ukrainian rescuers who were the first to arrive after the Russian attack on Kostiantynivka, on the market: firefighter-rescuer Roman Dychko, Chief Master Sergeant Denys Sukhanov, Captain of the Civil Defense Service Serhiy Chikin.

Brutal shelling of Kryvyi Rih. One person was killed. My condolences to the family… 60 wounded. I thank each and every one of you who helped save people! And I would like to especially mention Vadym Kuchkurda, Yevheniy Huba and Vladyslav Kurasov, employees of our State Emergency Service. The guys rescued three people from under the rubble. Thank you! I would also like to mention police officers Bohdan Kovalenko and Valeriy Velykyi. They were among the first to arrive at the site of the attack and began to get people out of the rubble.

Sumy. Police Senior Lieutenant Yaroslav Kuts arrived at the site of the Russian shelling and quickly extinguished the fire in close proximity to people trapped under the rubble. I thank you for this speed, Yaroslav! I would also like to recognize the employees of the Sumy region’s State Emergency Service: Sergeants of the Civil Defense Service Pavlo Zhuk and Ihor Tokarenko, and Colonel of the Civil Defense Service Serhiy Halat. Thank you guys for saving the lives of our people!

Odesa region, the city of Kiliya. Andriy Nosov, Andriy Mosienko, Andriy Vasylenko – our firefighters. Thank you, guys! The city of Reni. I would like to recognize a police officer, Major Denys Bandarenko. After the Russian attack by “Shaheds”, he saved four people, provided them with medical care and took them to the hospital. I thank you, Denys!

I also thank every Ukrainian doctor, every nurse and all Ukrainian combat medics who save the lives of our people and restore their strength! This is truly a great job.

And one more thing.

Today, near the city of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, Russian terrorists attacked a volunteer vehicle. A direct hit from an anti-tank missile system. As of this time, we know for sure that Anthony Ignat of Canada was killed. Unfortunately, Emma Igual of Spain is also likely to have been killed. My condolences to their families. Two other volunteers were taken to Dnipro hospitals – German citizen Mawick Ruben and Swedish citizen Johan Mathias – and they are being provided with the necessary assistance. This Russian shelling once again confirms how close the war against Ukraine is to everyone in the world who truly values human life and who believes it is the common moral duty of humanity to stop terror and defeat evil.

Glory to all our warriors! Glory to all our people! I thank everyone in the world who helps Ukraine survive and protect lives! We will definitely prevail!

Glory to Ukraine!

Putin is not insane – he's not sticking pencils up his nose and saying "wibble."

He's perhaps "unsane" though – he behaves rationally, even predictably, within his delusional reality, in which Russia is a great power that can demand respect, and that can restore its empire.

— Euan MacDonald (@Euan_MacDonald) September 9, 2023

The rationalizations here should be good…

“This is a climbdown”

The inside story of how the west accepted a compromise G20 declaration on Ukraine to salvage the group's relevance, keep the Global South close and do Narendra Modi a favour they hope he'll rememberhttps://t.co/yELx8hboHR

w @JohnReedwrites & @JamesPoliti

— Henry Foy (@HenryJFoy) September 10, 2023

From The Financial Times: (emphasis mine)

It took until close to midnight on Friday for a handful of leading developing countries to propose their compromise. Accept this, was the pitch, or bear the consequences of a fractured G20.

After five days of gruelling discussions, the western delegates took the deal. When their bosses assembled the next day at the summit in New Delhi, the scale of their concession was made stark.

The US, EU and other western allies had agreed to remove condemnation of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine from the meeting’s communique, in exchange for pledges from all 20 states — including Russia and China — to respect territorial integrity and work towards a “just peace” for Kyiv.

“This is a climbdown,” said Sarang Shidore, director of the Quincy Institute’s Global South programme.

The degree to which the western allies were willing to compromise, despite Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin skipping the summit, highlighted just how keen they were to salvage the credibility of a grouping that had come under severe pressure since Russia invaded Ukraine just over 18 months ago.

“If we would be writing the text ourselves, it would be looking very different,” said a senior EU official. “It’s a process of building a global consensus. So if this means formulating compromises, then this is what . . . needs to be done.”

US officials echoed that argument. The west needed big developing countries onside to have any chance of them pressurising Russia to keep in check with global rules and achieve peace in Ukraine.

“The major economies of the world — including, by the way, Brazil, India, South Africa — are united on the need to uphold international law and for Russia to respect international law,” said Jon Finer, the deputy US national security adviser.

Russia’s lead negotiator praised the statement — which also calls for a return to the Black Sea grain deal to export Ukrainian foodstuffs that Moscow has withdrawn from — as “balanced”. Ukraine, however, condemned the shift in rhetoric as “nothing to be proud of”.

Having accepted that they cannot force Putin to back down alone, the New Delhi declaration represents the most far-reaching effort by Washington, Brussels and other western capitals to forge a shared position with the world’s most powerful developing economies.

It is also a largely unexpected win for Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, who is facing national elections next year. Modi’s decision to parlay his rotating G20 presidency into a year-long platform to promote India’s culture, foreign policy goals, and ambition to serve as a leader of the so-called Global South developing countries has paid off, analysts said.

“Washington clearly has gone the extra mile to ensure that its burgeoning and increasingly close partner India was not embarrassed with what would otherwise have been the first G20 without a joint declaration,” Shidore said.

“There were question marks about the future of the G20. And I think India’s strong leadership has preserved the G20,” the senior EU official said.

Western diplomats argued that their willingness to compromise on dropping the reference to Russian “aggression” had ensured China and others agreed to wording on stopping attacks on infrastructure, restoring the Black Sea grain deal, and upholding territorial integrity.

However, other western delegates claimed this weekend’s compromise will aid their efforts to persuade developing nations to pressure Moscow into ending the war. Their negotiating partners would now go back to their capitals with pledges on preserving Ukraine’s territory and infrastructure in mind.

“It’s not the end of the discussion,” the senior EU official added. “But it’s another stepping stone in the right direction.”

Next year’s G20 is in Brazil. Its president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva courted controversy late on Saturday when he said Putin could travel to Rio de Janeiro without fear of reprisal, despite being the subject of an international arrest warrant.

“What I can tell you is that if I am president of Brazil and he goes to Brazil there is no way he will be arrested,” Lula, who has repeatedly accused the US and EU of “encouraging” the war in Ukraine, told local media in India.

This section:

US officials echoed that argument. The west needed big developing countries onside to have any chance of them pressurising Russia to keep in check with global rules and achieve peace in Ukraine.

And this one:

Next year’s G20 is in Brazil. Its president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva courted controversy late on Saturday when he said Putin could travel to Rio de Janeiro without fear of reprisal, despite being the subject of an international arrest warrant.

“What I can tell you is that if I am president of Brazil and he goes to Brazil there is no way he will be arrested,” Lula, who has repeatedly accused the US and EU of “encouraging” the war in Ukraine, told local media in India.

Are in complete opposition.

This agreement IS ABSOLUTELY FUCKING TERRIBLE!!!! Russia is not going to be constrained by it and neither is the PRC. Brazil’s position before and during the summit regarding how they’re going to deal with Putin and Russia indicates that the document isn’t even overcome by events (OBE) because the events preceded the summit communique’s drafting. This isn’t diplomacy, this is strategic incoherence. The US and our EU allies should be ashamed of themselves. All they’ve done here is given Russia and Putin a win while pumping up Modi who is a Hindu religious extremist that if given a chance will further degrade India into an illiberal democracy. No communique would have been better than this.

Novoprokopivka:

/2. Geolocation.
47.421497, 35.865942https://t.co/MQ222wLvk3 pic.twitter.com/sap7J2pFxM

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) September 10, 2023

2/ I've marked these areas with white circles for reference, and I've included imagery from September 6th to enable independent comparative analysis. Given that the russians deploy additional resources to slow down the offensive, it remains a highly challenging battle. pic.twitter.com/Be7zWcemmh

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) September 10, 2023

Robotyne:

ROBOTYNE /2230 UTC 9 SEPT/ UKR forces in contact three kilometers south of Robotyne on T-04-08 HWY axis. Russian fire missions indicate UKR units maneuvering south and west of Novoprokopivka. [Note: plots of RU defensive lines approximate.] pic.twitter.com/WO02goi4nR

— Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | (@ChuckPfarrer) September 9, 2023

A few insights from POWs of the 76th division: Two regiments suffered losses, necessitating the withdrawal of entire companies for refitting. They criticized incompetent leadership, leading to continuous casualties from artillery and drones. They called it a real hell.

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) September 10, 2023

I'd say that the russian command disproportionately prioritizes internal political gains over operational success.

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) September 10, 2023

That's not how they think, this is your perspective on their thinking. They don't believe they can lose the war to the point where they will be trialed in Hague.

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) September 10, 2023

Avdiivka:

AVDIIVKA AXIS /1845 UTC 10 SEPT/ UKR makes gains in heavy frighting north of Donetsk airport. UKR reported in contact in vicinity of Spartak & Opytne. pic.twitter.com/8gaPvhkpOn

— Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | (@ChuckPfarrer) September 10, 2023

Bakhmut Axis:

BAKHMUT /1750 UTC 10 SEPT/ RU attacks broken up at Berestove, Orikhovo-Vasylivka and Bohdanivka. Heavy fighting continues on Klischiivka axis. pic.twitter.com/bgcK4zqQcI

— Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | (@ChuckPfarrer) September 10, 2023

Kyiv:

Blasts shook Kyiv for nearly two hours. 26 out of 32 drones intercepted. Debris rained down on several central districts. The only thing Russia achieved? More people this morning cursing terrorists

📷 Gleb Garanich pic.twitter.com/cbg7AeILwZ

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) September 10, 2023

For the Russian military equipment goes kablooey enthusiasts:

They spotted the target, determined the best attack strategy, and destroyed it—all in a single system. The russian self-propelled guns were destroyed by the "OCHI" [EYES] project and an FPV drone from the 63rd battalion of the 103rd Brigade of the @TDF_UA. pic.twitter.com/znQ5AfQCKJ

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 10, 2023

Commenter Feathers sent along the following:

Long time reader and commenter (Feathers) first time emailer. Thanks again for all you do on keeping the invasion of Ukrainian and the Russian war on the West front and center in people’s minds.

I just read last night’s post, saw that yesterday was Ukraine’s Sports Day. By happy coincidence, Iryna Pidgaina and Artem Koval, one of Ukraine’s junior ice dance teams (the under-18 division, but taken very seriously) won the Junior Grand Prix competition in Istanbul. The Grand Prix is the top level competition series in each division.

Attempts Larry King voice:

Poughkeepsie hello!

More seriously, here’s what Feathers sent along:

The video of the Ukrainian ice dancers performance:

The playing of the Ukrainian national anthem at the award ceremony:

first gold for ukraine in jgp ice dance since 2011 !!
дякую марія та микита 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/Pr46lYfRMi

— mary (@yuzutenchi) September 9, 2023

The post performance and post awarding of the gold medal interview, which is in English so no subtitles needed:

That’s enough for tonight.

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There’s a new slide show at Patron’s official TikTok. The slideshows don’t embed here, so click across to see it.

Open thread!

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Reader Interactions

57Comments

  1. 1.

    Gin & Tonic

    September 10, 2023 at 7:10 pm

    No communique would have been better than this.

    As I said last night.

    And this morning, since my dear wife likes to have the TV on for background noise, I heard Antony Blinken on Jake Tapper’s show. Made me want to puke. Was waiting for him to say “Peace for our time.”

  2. 2.

    Anonymous At Work

    September 10, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    Modi and Lula and others trying to “court” Putin.  Do they think he’ll reciprocate if they were in danger?  Do they think that NATO and others will “forget” that they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Iran and Russia after this is over?  Or will NATO and others try to paper over the past to be “diplomatic”?

  3. 3.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 7:24 pm

    @Anonymous At Work: In Modi’s case it is cheap petroleum. And Russian grain. I have no idea what Lula’s deal is other than he’s Lula.

  4. 4.

    eversor

    September 10, 2023 at 7:33 pm

    Russia’s support in America came straight out of the churches but we can’t talk about that here.  Christians dragged the GOP and FOX along with them to it.  Ya’ll walking straight into the mass graves while stomping your feet and screaming “conservatism, republicanism, white people, rich people, masculinity, but NOT CHRISTIANITY” when the giant monster staring you down is the cross and the bible and until you get that through your heads we are all fucking doomed and voting and activism is a worthless and laughable joke.

    You’re either anti Christian or you are pro fascist and anti human.  There is no more middle ground and that’s either going to result in dealing with Christians as we do the worst of the worst or a blood bath where who knows what side wins.  But Christianity cannot exist alongside freedom, democracy, or rights.

  5. 5.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 7:35 pm

    @eversor: Actually I’ve written about the Russian-American white Evangelical connection several times here. All those Russian Duma members, siloviki, oligarchs, and Bratva leaders weren’t coming to the national and regional prayer breakfasts because they had the best bacon and pancakes on the planet. They were coming to infiltrate and influence.

  6. 6.

    Gin & Tonic

    September 10, 2023 at 7:37 pm

    @eversor: It does in Ukraine.

  7. 7.

    Omnes Omnibus

    September 10, 2023 at 7:40 pm

    @eversor: A bigot says what?

  8. 8.

    Parfigliano

    September 10, 2023 at 7:59 pm

    @eversor: I too think Christianity is a shit show.  Still, lighten up Francis.

  9. 9.

    Sparkedcat

    September 10, 2023 at 8:05 pm

    Evangelical “Christians ” are a threat to American democracy.

  10. 10.

    Prescott Cactus

    September 10, 2023 at 8:08 pm

    @eversor:

    More hate than a Bears fan after a Packer ass kicking…

    Now to find the best bacon and pancakes.

  11. 11.

    Omnes Omnibus

    September 10, 2023 at 8:12 pm

    @Prescott Cactus: ​
      Could also be a Romanian rugby fan after what the Irish did to them.

  12. 12.

    Alison Rose

    September 10, 2023 at 8:20 pm

    Oh great, the bigot had to show up here, too. Well, at least I get to see lots of pictures of yummy and/or cute things. But could someone at least go to their house and break all their fingers so they can’t type out their disgusting swill anymore.

    ANYWAY.

    I like those tweets from MacDonald. I think “unsane” is a far better way to think about putin than “insane”. It works for a number of GOPers, too. Although if he does ever end up dragged to The Hague, I wonder if he’d fake going full Blackadder-wibble to try to get out of punishment.

    Olena Zelenska’s speech a few days ago at the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen was really lovely (has English subtitles).

    Thank you as always, Adam. Too bad the thread had to be poisoned by someone who thinks even this is a fine place to take a dump.

  13. 13.

    Chetan Murthy

    September 10, 2023 at 8:25 pm

    @Alison Rose: Two quotes came to mind:

    1. “a fanatic is one who can neither change the subject, nor change his mind”
    2. Prince Feisal: With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me, it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.
  14. 14.

    Ksmiami

    September 10, 2023 at 8:40 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Russia needs to be demolished. Sorry not sorry

  15. 15.

    planetjanet

    September 10, 2023 at 8:42 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: That certainly left a mark.

  16. 16.

    Gin & Tonic

    September 10, 2023 at 8:42 pm

    @Ksmiami: Between you and him, this thread is now irredeemable shit. Night, all.

  17. 17.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 8:48 pm

    @eversor: & @Ksmiami: Both of you: dial it back! If you can’t find other ways to express what you want to express in your comments, you’re going to get a time out. Is that clear?

  18. 18.

    Ksmiami

    September 10, 2023 at 8:53 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: I mean the country needs to be defanged and reorganized. It’s a murderous menace.

  19. 19.

    Bill Arnold

    September 10, 2023 at 8:53 pm

    Don’t know how reliable this person is, but maybe (and 100k followers):

    I reached out to a source close to the Ukrainian drone programme about these claims. They confirmed Starlink had been previously enabled in the area in question – which is why Ukraine had used USVs that relied on Starlink for navigation – and that Musk had “turned it off”. https://t.co/144TXjdjyE— Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) September 10, 2023

    This aligns with the original E. Musk interview in the book, and is also consistent with how one conducts actual operations; testing that Starlink works in the areas being involved in the planned attack(s) would have been normal procedure. Whether Ukraine makes hay of it is their choice; Musk is thin-skinned and vindictive, which is a key consideration.

  20. 20.

    oldster

    September 10, 2023 at 8:56 pm

    For a palate cleanser, have a look at the kids ice-dancing.

    It’s not a sport I follow, but it’s nice to see them swooping around.

    Poor young things — I think they get a bit tired towards the end of their program!

    Humans are not always horrible. That’s worth keeping in mind.

  21. 21.

    Rocks

    September 10, 2023 at 9:01 pm

    @Ksmiami: Though you have a florid way of expressing yourself, you raise an important point.  Suppose the Russian government does collapse – what happens to the almost 6,000 nuclear warheads that they possess?  I’m sure President Biden and the DOD are thinking about it and gaming out different scenarios.  I’m equally sure Donal Trump is trying to figure out how to monitize them by selling them to Elon Musk.

  22. 22.

    Tony G

    September 10, 2023 at 9:05 pm

    “Leftists” “Medea” Benjamin and Christ Hedges support this murder.  They should be reminded of that fact every day until they die.

  23. 23.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    @Ksmiami: Then post what you just wrote in reply to me rather than more nebulous and incendiary comments.

  24. 24.

    Tony G

    September 10, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    @Parfigliano: All organized religions are a shit show.

  25. 25.

    Prescott Cactus

    September 10, 2023 at 9:07 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Only Custer lost by more.

    I recently became Irish so this is sweet, though I don’t know a rugby ball from one for soccer.

  26. 26.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 9:08 pm

    @Bill Arnold: Rushton is legit. He’s also quoting Oliver Carroll of The Economist who reported on this back in March. It was Carroll and his reporting that I was referring to last night in regard we had an actual journalist report on this last Spring.

    This is, by the way, exactly what Walter Isaacson originally wrote – both in his biography of Elon Musk, and in an op-ed for the Washington Post, promoting said book.https://t.co/lGbK46wxGH pic.twitter.com/E0ivtHL9CD— Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) September 10, 2023

    See for example https://t.co/SI58rCpN6m— Oliver Carroll (@olliecarroll) September 10, 2023

  27. 27.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 9:11 pm

    @Prescott Cactus: The rugby ball looks like a rounded off at the ends American football.

  28. 28.

    Alison Rose

    September 10, 2023 at 9:12 pm

    @Tony G: Untrue.

  29. 29.

    Prescott Cactus

    September 10, 2023 at 9:16 pm

    @Adam L Silverman:

    Couldn’t afford the laces ?  Geez.

  30. 30.

    Yarrow

    September 10, 2023 at 9:20 pm

    Thank you Adam, as always. The Patron slide show is very cute. Mostly puppy pictures. Awww…. Congrats to the ice dancers.

  31. 31.

    Ksmiami

    September 10, 2023 at 9:21 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: fine. But really the world cannot allow Russia to remain as it is.

  32. 32.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 9:25 pm

    @Ksmiami: That is also a good comment. I get that you’re angry and frustrated. You’re not the only one. All I’m saying is that if our actual Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American commenters can keep it civil so can you.

  33. 33.

    xephyr

    September 10, 2023 at 9:27 pm

    Needless to say, Putin is a vile piece of crap impersonating a human being. A pox on his house and all who support him, domestic and otherwise.

  34. 34.

    Omnes Omnibus

    September 10, 2023 at 9:39 pm

    @Prescott Cactus: Think of it as loafers.

  35. 35.

    Carlo Graziani

    September 10, 2023 at 9:42 pm

    Kofman and Lee are right. I hadn’t noticed it in the various drone-kaboom videos until they pointed it out, but the offensive really is a “war of treelines.” There appear to be large stands of trees by every road shown in those videos, which the Russians use for concealment, covering approaches from roads and open fields, and hiding to the extent possible from drones.

    Another WWII echo, in a limited way, perhaps: Hedgerow Country in the Norman battlefield was another case of extensive vegetation shaping the tactics of the armies locked in a close-quarters infantry struggle.

  36. 36.

    YY_Sima Qian

    September 10, 2023 at 9:43 pm

    I think the West has this backwards. It is absolutely critical to get the Global South countries on side, away from any tilt toward Russia (& at least contest Chinese influence). However, the way to do so is to positive address the issues central to the Global South countries – developmental needs, debt relief, AGW mitigation, investment & tech transfer. Be seen as credible & reliable partners that center the agency & needs of Global South countries (i’.e., their priorities), & the West is more likely to gain support from these countries on the West’s priorities. Global South countries want to be wooed by all of the great powers, rather than putting their eggs in any one basket.

    (Along these lines, the US-EU-KSA-UAE-India deal to construct a railway across the Arabian Peninsula that was announced on the sidelines of the G20 Summit is interesting. However, I am not sure about the larger economic rationale of such a line for India & the EU. & as China, Türkiye, South Korea & Japan are not involved, I am not sure who will build such a line in a timely or cost effective manner.)

    OTOH, to compromise on issues central to the West, the same ones that are largely peripheral to the Global South (except in its 2nd & 3rd order effects), is not effective. & Modi does not strike me as someone who remembers & returns favors. His religio- & ethno-nationalism is evident from using Bharat in place of “India” at official G20 functions. Better not to have included Ukraine in the statement at all, & instead cover only the topics where there is actually some degree of global agreement (or at least performative gestures in that direction).

    The reason the US is bending over backwards to accommodate Modi (& the Vietnamese Communist regime, as Biden is in Hanoi) is obvious – Great Power Competition w/ China. In service of the Great Power Competition, the US is quite prepared to overlook Indian human rights abuses in Kashmir that is reminiscent of Chinese ones in Xinjiang, or that the the current VCP leader (Trong) has consolidated a personalized leadership w/ elevated securitocracy reminiscent of Xi (& in his 3rd term, too). While sensible realpolitik, the U.S. does not have to genuflect quite so much to achieve the needed collaboration from India or Vietnam. Counterbalancing the PRC are in their vital national interests (but not Cold War-like emnity/decoupling, or choosing sides). Or the U.S. can dial back the “democracy vs. autocracy” framing that supposedly guides its “values based” diplomacy.

  37. 37.

    Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom

    September 10, 2023 at 9:51 pm

    Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada fought against the releasing of that statement &, as a Canadian, I’m proud of that. He made it clear he doesn’t like Modi & since I don’t either I’m pretty pleased with that too. You can read about the rest of the shenanigans for yourself, if you’re so inclined.

    I am outraged about the deaths of innocent civilian volunteers!😡 How many fucking Russian war crimes have there been? I hope someone is keeping track! This makes the release of that mealy mouthed statement even worse. Oh, & fuck Lula! I don’t care how much he’s done to protect the Amazon. Just brushing aside international law & war crimes doesn’t make you a statesman. It makes you an entitled arsehole.

    Thank you, Adam for all  you do. Your blunt commentary alone would make these updates worth reading.

  38. 38.

    Villago Delenda Est

    September 10, 2023 at 9:56 pm

    @YY_Sima Qian: It presents quite the conundrum, and of course the usual suspects will whatabout it out the ass and into next week.

  39. 39.

    Betty

    September 10, 2023 at 9:56 pm

    Grateful for the respite provided by the ice dancers. Talented young people representing their country well.

  40. 40.

    YY_Sima Qian

    September 10, 2023 at 10:01 pm

    @Villago Delenda Est: The US did this as a favor to Modi, taking advantage of the fact that Xi had sent Premier Li Qiang to New Delhi instead (which Modi probably interprets as a snub), & if it gets anything in return it will not be wrt Russia, but w/ China.

  41. 41.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 10:05 pm

    @Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom: I read the Indian readout of Trudeau’s meeting with Modi. It is ugly. Other Indian government officials have been on social media rubbing the noses of Ukraine, the US’s, and the other states supporting Ukraine in the fact that India dictated the terms of the statement and that statement didn’t condemn Russia. I’ll include some in tomorrow night’s update.

  42. 42.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 10:08 pm

    @YY_Sima Qian: The US will not get anything in return. Modi’s catspaws are all over social media rubbing the US’s nose in the statement language and taking victory lap that India has managed to get one over on the US.

  43. 43.

    Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom

    September 10, 2023 at 10:26 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: Thank you. Sometimes words truly fail me, & I’m left struggling not to cry. I’m so proud of our prime minister standing up to that horrible man. (Ask Schrodinger’s Cat what she thinks of Modi.) The deaths & injuries to the volunteers, one a Canadian, just darkens the whole awful business even more. Thanks again & take care.🖖

  44. 44.

    NutmegAgain

    September 10, 2023 at 10:27 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Once I learned how much Blinken admires Kissinger* it’s been hard not to interpret his crap diplomacy in that light. Not saying he always does the wrong thing, but this kind of flexing a little realpolitik does have the sulphurous stink of Kissinger.   *(wrote his thesis on Hank the Crank, I believe)

  45. 45.

    Another Scott

    September 10, 2023 at 10:39 pm

    I’m no diplomat, but the New Delhi Declaration (37 page .pdf) seems pretty decent to me. Sure, it should be stronger on Ukraine, but it’s 20 very different countries…

    Concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling the discussion in Bali, we reiterated our national positions and resolutions adopted at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly (A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/6) and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety. In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

    The listed UN resolutions condemn Putin’s invasion and his nuclear threats, and lists lots and lots of reasons why.

    (Continuing in the Declaration:)

    We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical. We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

    Xi’s CCP continuously made a huge deal about sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, etc., in international relations (especially when it comes to their claims about Taiwan) before February 24, 2022. Pressure on China to stand behind that rhetoric elsewhere is a good thing.

    I assume this Declaration will ultimately have as much importance as the 2019 meeting in Osaka did. But getting everyone on board in New Delhi is a decent accomplishment here.

    FWIW.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  46. 46.

    Torrey

    September 10, 2023 at 10:42 pm

    I may be coming in too late for this request, but in last night’s thread, Lyrebird mentioned that Adam had published Tatarigami’s list of ways to help, and specifically mentioned tutoring. I’ve looked back for that information but haven’t found it. Could anyone guide me to it? (Maybe I should hold this request for tomorrow night’s Ukraine thread.)

  47. 47.

    Adam L Silverman

    September 10, 2023 at 10:45 pm

    @Torrey: I’ll put it in tomorrow night’s update for you.

  48. 48.

    Lyrebird

    September 10, 2023 at 11:00 pm

    @Torrey: And my apologies, because I mangled what I said.  Some other commenter had mentioned tutoring – it’s not on Tatarigami’s list, it’s just something I am more likely to be able to do than to donate a truck.  Wish I could do both.

    FWIW ENGin  needs English conversation partners for young adults in Ukraine, and Tutors4Ukraine needs fluent English speakers to lead online classes for small groups of Ukrainian refugees.  There are likely other orgs.  (ETA: both of these offer lesson plans.)

  49. 49.

    YY_Sima Qian

    September 10, 2023 at 11:06 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: In the meantime, VCP propaganda is proclaiming how Biden’s state visit is a sign of respect for Vietnam’s political system. I am pretty sure the CPC regime made similar claims when US presidents visited the PRC in the past. Of course, these comments were made to box the US into not overtly question their legitimacy or undermine their rule, to reassure the domestic populations that relations w/ the US are stable, & warn domestic dissidents that the US will prove an unreliable ally.

  50. 50.

    YY_Sima Qian

    September 10, 2023 at 11:18 pm

    @Another Scott:

    We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy…

    That is a useful nod to matters that actually concern the Global South countries, as far as the invasion of Ukraine is concerned. However, the West needs to match words w/ deeds to have credibility. Russia exiting the Black Sea Grains deal, & attacking Ukraine’s grains export infrastructure, should present a golden opportunity, but I am not sure the US & the EU has really taken advantage. Their policymakers still do not devote nearly enough mind space/share to the Global South.

  51. 51.

    pieceofpeace

    September 10, 2023 at 11:26 pm

    Can’t imagine what or if I’d read about Ukraine and this horrid war, but with you, Adam, here I am, with fair to good knowledge from having this front row seat.  Thank you again.

  52. 52.

    Grumpy Old Railroader

    September 10, 2023 at 11:37 pm

    @Torrey:   I may be coming in too late for this request, but in last night’s thread, Lyrebird mentioned that Adam had published Tatarigami’s list of ways to help,

    https://twitter.com/Tatarigami_UA/status/1699460181808013328

  53. 53.

    Torrey

    September 11, 2023 at 12:09 am

    @Lyrebird: ​
      Thank you for this information! It sounds well worth looking into.
    And, by way of trading information, Lutheran Social Services seems to have a good refugee organization, and they’re glad to have tutors. (Also, you don’t have to be Lutheran, or even religious. As I understand it, they keep those activities separate.)

  54. 54.

    way2blue

    September 11, 2023 at 12:16 am

    I’m missing something.  Why does there even need to be a grain agreement with Russia?  Aren’t the ships transporting the grain flagged to other (non Ukrainian) countries?  So a Russian attack on them would be an attack on, again, a non Ukrainian country.  Why can’t these ships be protected (escorted if need be) by western allies?

    As far at Russia’s stepped up attack on Ukrainian ports & grain storage depots—would love to see greatly enhanced offensive strikes by Ukraine.  (But what else is new…  )

  55. 55.

    Torrey

    September 11, 2023 at 12:33 am

    @Grumpy Old Railroader: ​
      Thank you for this!

  56. 56.

    Geminid

    September 11, 2023 at 7:51 am

    @way2blue: Right now, Turkiye is exercising it’s rights under the Treaty of Montreux and blocking warships from other nations into the Black Sea. But the Turkish Navy is capable of escorting grain ships from Odesa and nearby ports to the Bosphorus (and sweeping for mines).

    There were a couple days last November when it looked like Turkiye might do this, when Russia suspended the deal, but Russia backed down and rejoined.

    But for now, Erdogan is pressing for a diplomatic solution whereby Russia renews the deal. He’s not that concerned about concessions to Russia; after all, his own nation’s trade with Russia last totaled $62 billion.

    Last year though, when Russia suspended the deal,  Erdogan (and his Defense Minister) said continuation of the Grain Initiative was “a vital national interest” of Turkiye’s. That is diplomacy-speak for, “we will fight for this.”

    So now, Erdogan has to either make the deal happen, announce that Turkiye will guarantee security for grain ships, or admit that Turkiye will not maintain its vital interests.

  57. 57.

    Lyrebird

    September 11, 2023 at 10:17 pm

    @Torrey: Thanks, in case you look back at this, I appreciate the info!

    And yeah I have heard of Lutheran Soc. Services doing good work.  I think it’s a bit like the HIAS, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, where you don’t have to have personal ties to Hebrew or Judaism to help or to be helped.

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