Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

No Justins, No Peace

Meanwhile over at truth Social, the former president is busy confessing to crimes.

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

“Jesus paying for the sins of everyone is an insult to those who paid for their own sins.”

Do not shrug your shoulders and accept the normalization of untruths.

We are aware of all internet traditions.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

The new republican ‘Pastor’ of the House is an odious authoritarian little creep.

Republicans seem to think life begins at the candlelight dinner the night before.

Optimism opens the door to great things.

“Joe Biden deserved better than he got from some folks in his own party.”

When someone says they “love freedom”, rest assured they don’t mean yours.

When I decide to be condescending, you won’t have to dream up a fantasy about it.

Historically it was a little unusual for the president to be an incoherent babbling moron.

Republicans don’t want a speaker to lead them; they want a hostage.

They fucked up the fucking up of the fuckup!

Spilling the end game before they can coat it in frankl luntz-approved dogwhistles.

People really shouldn’t expect the government to help after they watched the GOP drown it in a bathtub.

Come on, man.

“Why isn’t this Snickers bar only a nickel?”

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

Nikki Haley, who can’t acknowledge ‘slavery’, is a pathetic shill.

Not all heroes wear capes.

Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege.

You are here: Home / Foreign Affairs / War for Ukraine Day 912: Ukrainian Flag Day

War for Ukraine Day 912: Ukrainian Flag Day

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Screen grab of NEIVANMADE art of a man and a woman, both with blond hair, wrapped in the Ukrainian flag, and sitting on a pile of Russian rockets and skulls with the "Z" on the skulls' foreheads. It is entitled "The Light Shines in the Darkness and the Darkness Has not Overcome It."

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Three quick housekeeping notes. First, Rosie is doing great. She’ll be off through next week before starting the fourth and final round of chemo. Thank you for the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

Second, the new bed frame is assembled, in place, and the bed is all put back together. When I was getting everything out from under the old, taller frame I kept pulling dog hair out. It was like one of those magician’s never ending handkerchiefs. I am wiped though and I’ve been offline most of the day, so I’m going to try to keep this on the briefer side.

Third, the 23 of August is Ukrainian Flag Day. Ukrainian Independence Day is the 24th of August. While it is still the 23rd here in the US and will be for several more hours, it is already tomorrow in Ukraine. Since it’s the 23rd where I’m at, I’m going to leave the Ukrainian Independence Day material for tomorrow’s update.

A number of you have asked about Vice President Harris’s potential foreign, natsec, and defense policy preferences. I’ve been collecting some reporting on that over the past couple of weeks and will begin to work some of that in over the next week or so. From what I saw of the foreign affairs remarks in her speech last night, I think she was very solid. Let’s be honest, no candidate for president in the US is ever going to say they won’t support Israel, so let’s just set that aside. I think her remarks about what is going on in Gaza, what the Palestinians are enduring and suffering, and what needs to be done to rectify and remedy that suffering was very well done. Her remarks on NATO and Ukraine were also excellent. And that’s what I want to focus on a bit here. Nine days ago, Jennifer Rubin called out reporting by Fred Kaplan in her column about VP Harris. Rubin writes:

And in contrast to her opponent Donald Trump’s kowtowing to dictators, invitation to Russia to attack NATO countries that haven’t “paid up” and clear willingness to bargain away Ukraine’s independence, Harris is an unabashed internationalist. Fred Kaplan at Slate writes that she did more than superficial protocol when she “visited 21 countries on 17 foreign trips, met with more than 150 leaders, and led the U.S. delegation at three Munich Security Conferences.” She was an active participant in the president’s daily briefings. He shares this nugget:

In February 2022, when the [President’s Daily Brief] revealed new, highly reliable intelligence that Russian President Vladimir Putin was about to invade Ukraine, officials who were present say that it was Harris who suggested that the intel be shown to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a face-to-face meeting — then made the trip to do so herself. One official recalls, “This was some of the most detailed intelligence sharing, outside of intelligence channels, that I have been party to. And her presentation of it, along with options of what we could do about it, was compelling.” Harris has since met with Zelensky five more times.

If we include tonight’s post, I have now done 912 of these updates. I spend a lot of time reading about what is going on in Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and DC in order to do them. While I knew she received the president’s daily briefings, that’s been standard for vice presidents for a while now, this is the first time I’ve seen it reported that VP Harris proposed providing the intel to President Zelenskyy and that she then went and did the briefing herself. Because if I’d seen this reported, I’d definitely have included it in an update before now. This is a good indicator that she has excellent strategic thinking skills and good natsec instincts. More to follow on this topic.

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

The Occupier Will Not Subjugate Kharkiv, Nor Will It Subjugate All of Our Ukraine – Address by the President

23 August 2024 – 20:21

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today is already a long and productive day for our state. And more of our international activities will follow today. So now – it is just a part of this day’s report. First – Flag Day. I had the honor to congratulate all our people, and especially all our warriors on this holiday. And I am proud of everyone who makes our blue and yellow colors so strong and worthy. I am proud of all our people who defend our state, defend our independence. This is the reflection of exactly such people of ours – the respect of the world for Ukraine and the fact that Ukrainian flags can be seen in all leading capitals of the democratic world.

I would also like to thank Kharkiv today – it is the Day of Kharkiv. A truly heroic city, a city of people and life. Since the beginning of this May, our forces have managed to repel Russia’s attempt to assault Kharkiv, to break this city and the entire Kharkiv region.

I spoke with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, particularly about the fighting in the Kharkiv region. We are pushing out the Russian army. Step by step. The occupier will not subjugate Kharkiv. Nor will it subjugate all of our Ukraine. I thank everyone who protects life in Ukraine, who protects our Kharkiv and all other cities and villages of our state. And we will do everything to restore real security.

Today, Prime Minister of India Modi paid a visit to Ukraine. This is the first such visit in the history of relations between India and independent Ukraine. We had a long conversation. Both about Russia’s war against Ukraine and the need to secure a genuinely just peace. We greatly appreciate that Mr. Modi began his visit by honoring the memory of Ukrainian children whose lives were taken by Russian aggression. I am grateful for the humanitarian support packages that India has been providing during this war. It is also important for us that India remains committed to international law and supports our sovereignty, our territorial integrity – the basic principles. India also participates in our work on the Peace Formula – it was represented at the Peace Summit, and we are working in the relevant groups according to the Peace Formula. All this gives us more optimism, and it is important that as many global entities as possible clearly express their position on the fundamental norms of international law, and that they visit Ukraine – show their support in a real way. Of course, today we also talked about our bilateral agenda with India. Four intergovernmental documents were signed by our representatives. There are also agreements on other areas of cooperation, including military and technical.

We are preparing other important negotiations.

Today I also held several meetings with our international experts. On defense assistance and communication with partners. Timely delivery is the key delivery now. There are packages that have been announced and approved, but they have not been delivered to Ukraine. And the front is fighting with shells and equipment, not with words “tomorrow” or “soon”. We are doing everything to speed up the deliveries. I thank everyone who is helping!

Glory to Ukraine!

🇺🇦
Today, we mark the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine — our symbol of indomitability, heroism and struggle for independence.

Our flag is our strength. It is the source of will and indomitability for every warrior who fights for freedom.
When our soldiers liberate Ukrainian cities and villages, it is the blue-yellow flag that flies over them.

Glory to Ukraine! Salute the flag!

The US:

The US announced its 64th military aid package for Ukraine valued at $125 million to meet Ukraine’s most urgent needs.

The capabilities in this package include:
◾️Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) equipment and munitions
◾️Ammunition for HIMARS
◾️155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition
◾️TOW missiles
◾️Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems
◾️HMMWV ambulances
◾️Small arms ammunition
◾️Medical equipment
◾️Demolitions equipment and munitions
◾️Spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation

Thank you, USA, for your comprehensive support!
The power of unity brings victory closer.
🇺🇦🤝🇺🇸

The United Kingdom:

Obligatory:

Latvia:

Here’s the machine translation of the Latvian:

Prepared for shipment to 🇺🇦 Ukraine, the largest package of Latvian manufacturers – 1400 drones. Thus, the procurement of the Ministry of Defense from Latvian industry for the supply of more than 2,700 drones to Ukraine has been concluded.

Within the framework of the international drone coalition, Latvia has provided a total of 3,000 combat drones of various types and performance to Ukraine.
Together with Latvian companies, we will continue to provide support until the victory of Ukraine.

#DroneCoalition

The Kursk cross border offensive:

We’ve got a preliminary Russian order of battle for the Russian response to Ukraine’s cross border offensive.

Russian units currents engaged in the Kursk incursion as of 22/08/2024.

Changelog;

– 10th Spetsnaz Brigade (Newly Confirmed)
– 360th TMRR, 18th MRD, 11th AC (Newly Confirmed)
– 56th Air Assault Regiment, 7th Air Assault Division (Newly Rumoured)
– 590th AAMR, 41st ADD, 14th AADFA (Newly Rumoured)
– 17th SIB, 488th MRR, 144th MRD, 20th CAA (Removed [C] marking)
– 18th SIB, 488th MRR, 144th MRD, 20th CAA (Removed [C] marking)
– 1032 SLB, 488th MRR, 144th MRD, 20th CAA (Removed [C] marking)
– 88th Engineering Regiment (Updated Insignia)

Information for this graphic has been primarily provided by @geschlittert and @moklasen.

Ukrainian Marine Kriegsforcher thinks that the Russian 49th Tank Battalion, 79th Division should be on the list.

And here’s the Ukrainian order of battle:

An update to the Ukrainian forces participating in the Kursk Incursion Graphic for 23/08/2024.

Changelog;

– 3rd Assault Company, 33rd Assault Battalion (Newly Confirmed)
– Caucasian Legion, 80th Air Assault Brigade(Newly Confirmed)
– 2nd Air Assault Battalion, 95th Air Assault Brigade(Newly Confirmed)

Information for this graphic has been primarily provided by
@UAControlMap, @KofmanMichael, @sirdo_ and Fisken.

Tatarigami and his Frontelligence Insight Team have a new geospatial assessment of Russian defensive positions in Kursk. The first two posts will be from Tatarigami’s twitter feed because there’s a video that won’t load properly from the Thread Reader App.

3/ After completing the initial trench digging within the first few days, Russian forces secured the necessary equipment and materials to reinforce the trenches with logs and wood. Satellite imagery shows multiple excavators in the area.Image
4/ Based on a few indicators that our teams prefer not to disclose publicly, there are clues that Russian forces are also creating defenses within tree lines. Due to the foliage, these defenses are not easily visible on satellite imagery, thus defenses might be more extensiveImage
5/ While fortifications can be a serious obstacle, their effectiveness depends on whether experienced veterans or undertrained conscripts man them. We also don’t know to what extent Russian forces plan to mine their own regionImage
6/ Overall, our team expects these fortifications to expand, as Russian forces have gathered resources, taking advantage of the slowdown of Ukrainian troops. It remains to be seen if they have enough time to complete them and build an organized defense to stop the Ukrainians. 
7/
Consider supporting the Liberty Ukraine Foundation, which raises funds for Ukrainian troops and provides equipment, such as excavators. Unfortunately, Russia still has a serious advantage in assembling resources for defensive construction

8/ Special thanks to @bradyafr for mapping the defenses

If you found these updates helpful, please like and share the start of the thread to improve visibility. Follow us to stay updated.

To support our future work, consider donating here:

“They [Russians] abandoned old people, women, sick children… It’s good that the Ukrainians brought us water and bread. We were without water for a whole week. No electricity, no water, no gas, nothing!”

The Ukrainian Radio Svoboda journalists visited the town of Sudzhaa in Russia’s Kursk region, which is now controlled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The video shows what the remaining locals say about the war and the AFU operation.

📹: Radio Svoboda, CurrentTime

The Kazkav ferry terminal, Krasnodar Krai, Russia:

That’ll buff right out.

The Pokrovsk and Toretsk fronts:

Kurahove:

Sumy Oblast:

Kharkiv Oblast:

Today, on its 370th birthday, Kharkiv endured 6 air raid alerts, totaling over 6 hours.

Yet, we stand. A city of concrete with citizens of iron. Our love for freedom and home is unmatched, and our determination to win unwavering.

Soon, I know, our city will shine again, as it should.

Kozacha Lopan, Kharkiv Oblast:

In Kozacha Lopan, Kharkiv region, rescue crews have completed the removal of debris from the village council building. During the operation, they recovered the bodies of 2 local women who were killed in the attack.

Vyacheslav Zadorenko, the head of the Derhachi Military Administration, reported that Russian forces continued to target the rescue efforts throughout the three-day operation. They used artillery and FPV drones to strike police officers, rescuers, and local residents working at the scene. Three police officers sustained concussions and were taken to a hospital. The Russian attacks also damaged equipment belonging to the Emergency Service and the Derhachi city funeral service.

In a particularly cruel act, Russian drones targeted a funeral vehicle as it was transporting the bodies of the victims, highlighting the brutality of the occupiers. Read that again.

Kupyansk Vuzlovyi, Kharkiv Oblast:

Oleshky, Russian occupied Kherson Oblast:

Voronezh Russia:


The Proletarsk fuel depot in Rostov Oblast Russia is still burning.

Volgograd Oblast:

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

A new video from Patron’s official TikTok!

@patron__dsns

🇺🇦💙💛 #деньпрапора

♬ оригінальний звук – Patron_official

The hashtag translates to flag day.

Open thread!

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  • Adam L Silverman
  • AlaskaReader
  • dr. luba
  • Gin & Tonic
  • Jay
  • KatKapCC
  • Librarian
  • Lyrebird
  • Parfigliano
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    19Comments

    1. 1.

      Gin & Tonic

      May already be common knowledge – if so, apologies – but if not, the national flag symbolizes the countryside: golden field of wheat under a blue sky. If you’ve ever traveled around Ukraine, you’ve seen that view a million times.

      Reply
    5. 5.

      KatKapCC

      This is a good indicator that she has excellent strategic thinking skills and good natsec instincts.

      I’m glad to read all of this, because while I know we have not been doing everything we should or could to support Ukraine (like the long-range missile issue), we have of course been supporting them and I did not want Zelensky or anyone there to worry that if she becomes President, anything might get dialed back. It sounds to me like she would at the very least continue to do everything we have been doing, and possibly do more. Maybe that’s not likely, but it’s possible. Of course…the GOP still exists. Sigh.

      Reply
    6. 6.

      dr. luba

      @Gin & Tonic: That’s one origin explanation.  But, at times (УНР), the colors were reversed.

      That color combination may date back to Kyivan Rus, was used regionally over the years; the current form (bicolor) of the flag appears to date back to 1848.

      Reply
    7. 7.

      Jay

      (((Tendar)))
      @Tendar
      14h
      A visibly aged Putin kissing the Quran and handed over by Kadyrov is one of the latest signs of how much the Russian leader has declined in influence. And I’m not even pointing out that this so-called “crusader of christianity” made knee fall in front of Muslim warlord. That is pure politics. What I mean is that Kadyrov and Putin understand the situation that if one of them falls, the other one follows, instantaneously.

      Putin has virtually no friends in Russia. He has only those he can bribe or strong-arm him to follow. Kadyrov is one of few perhaps even the only one, where he does not need to do that, because Kadyrov himself will find himself 6 feet under or naked upside down from the next pole when Putin falls. This unholy alliance is the last of Putin’s trump card in domestic policy. Not the Russian army, not even the FSB, but a Chechnyan whose father fought against the Russian army and then betrayed his homeland to switch sides to Russia.

      Putin is dying a slow death, which is well-reflected by his physical appearance. One year ago, Prigozhin betrayed him and staged an uprising which was only averted, because Prigozhin was a fool. The next one, who will challenge Putin, won’t be that naive. The list of potential candidates to betray Putin is getting larger day by day and you can see from the Russian regime commentators’ voices which are getting shakier by the day. They can feel that the wind is changing not in their favor. At one point the whole system Putin will capsize.

      This and only this was the reason for Putin to travel to Chechnya. He is putting all his remaining eggs in this last basket. He cannot comment on Kursk because the war is going bad. Nothing what happens in Pokrovsk, Toretsk or anywhere else, where Russian meat waves are slowly but certainly bleeding the Russian army to death, can outbalance this embarrassment, and worst for them is that everyone in Russia can see this.

      https://nitter.poast.org/Tendar/status/1826950906086093117#m

      Reply
    8. 8.

      Lyrebird

      Thank you Adam very much, and thanks also to volunteer educators
      @Gin & Tonic:  @dr. luba: ​
        it might amuse y’all to know my Ukrainian conversation partner was so surprised that I had heard of vyshyvanka, the non-meat Christmas eve recipes, and some other cultural details you have told us about.

      Dr. Luba, I have a head like a sieve. If you read this, might you be up for saying the name of the Ukrainian cooking FB group again?

      Reply
    9. 9.

      Librarian

      Thank you, Adam. What do you think of the visit of Modi to Ukraine? What do you think the result of it will be? If Modi tells Zelensky to talk to the Russians, or offers to mediate, Zelensky should tell him to get bent.

      Reply
    10. 10.

      Jay

      @Librarian:

      Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський
      @ZelenskyyUa
      8h
      Today Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited Ukraine, marking the first such visit since the establishment of relations between India and independent Ukraine. Our discussions were extensive, including Russia’s war against Ukraine and the crucial need for a just peace. We deeply appreciate that the Prime Minister started his visit by honoring the memory of Ukrainian children whose lives were taken by Russian aggression. I am grateful for the humanitarian aid packages India has provided throughout this war.

      It is significant to us that India remains committed to international law and supports our sovereignty and territorial integrity—core principles. India is also involved in our work on the Peace Formula, having been represented at the Peace Summit and participating in relevant groups. All of this gives us optimism, and it is important that as many global actors as possible clearly express their stance on the fundamental norms of international law and visit Ukraine to demonstrate their support in tangible terms.

      We also discussed the bilateral agenda with India. Four intergovernmental documents were signed by our representatives. There are also agreements on other areas of cooperation, including continued military technical cooperation.

      https://nitter.poast.org/ZelenskyyUa/status/1827052311870632204#m

      Reply
    11. 11.

      SiubhanDuinne

      @Gin & Tonic:

      I love that symbolism. Simultaneously, both incredibly simple but also profound beyond expression.

      @Adam, I’m relieved and hopeful to see your early assessment of VP Harris’ natsec chops. Thank you.

      Reply
    14. 14.

      way2blue

      Adam, your mention of the Presidential Daily Briefings had me wondering how much national security information is now shared with Trump owing to him being the official Republican nominee.  Would his flagrant mishandling of national security information as President, not to mention as a civilian (w/o a security clearance after 20 Jan 2021) result in thin generic briefings?  Does that fact that he’s a convicted felon matter?   Really uncomfortable to think he has access to any information…

      Reply
    16. 16.

      Jay

      @way2blue: 34 Felonies Rapist Pedo guy says he’s refusing the PDB’s, claiming that “they” will leak them 2 days after he get’s them, and blame him for the leak.

      President Joe Biden pulled Orangemadius from the traditional briefing on 2021.

      As far as I know, Dolt 45 does not have a Security Clearance.

      Reply
    17. 17.

      wjca

      @way2blue:  how much national security information is now shared with Trump owing to him being the official Republican nominee

      Those briefings are a courtesy, not a right.  I’m doubting Biden is feeling particularly inclined right now.

      Then again, the opportunity for some disinformation might be irresistible.

      Reply
    18. 18.

      pluky

      No evidence for this, but my gut leads me to think the MVP’s background as a prosecutor rather than a diplomat might lead her to a more active position regarding Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression than the current administration.

      Reply
    19. 19.

      Torrey

      Late to the party, as always, but again, I want to thank Adam for continuing to provide us with this important information and echo Lyrebird’s thanks to Gin & Tonic and dr. luba.
      I’m wondering about the comment from the man in the Anton Geraschenko X-thingie/Tweet (what are we calling those now?) that he was probably not pronouncing “palianytsi” right. Isn’t the word for “strawberries” полуниця (polunytsja) one of the ones that Russians famously can’t pronounce correctly in Ukrainian?

      Reply

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