Two quick housekeeping notes. First, Rosie is doing great. We did a 1.2 mile walk this evening at a 23 minute per mile pace. There was no lagging or dragging. Thank you for all the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations to help cover the cost of her chemo.
Second, today was a very long day as I try to tie up some loose threads before the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I’m just going to run through the basics tonight.
Russia’s overnight attack last night included 188 drones and at least 4 Iskander missiles.
Ukraine’s air force reporting what must be a record 188 Russian/Iranian Shahed strike drones being launched against targets in Ukraine overnight: 76 shot down, 96 crashed/location lost, and 5 flew to Belarus. 11 others, plus 4 Iskander missiles, presumably hit their targets.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 2:20 AM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Nearly 200 Russian Drones Against Ukraine in One Day – That Is Nearly 200 Proofs That Russian Ambitions Are Utterly Detached from Any Ideas of Real Peace – Address by the President
26 November 2024 – 18:14
Dear Ukrainians!
The key points for the moment.
Nearly two hundred Russian strike drones in one night. Most of them were either shot down or neutralized by electronic warfare. I am grateful to all mobile fire groups, all air defense and electronic warfare units. This was a major escalation of pressure on Ukraine through such acts of terror. And it is crucial that we succeed in protecting our people and our infrastructure from the majority of these threats. But unfortunately, not one hundred percent. In the Ternopil region, efforts are still underway to address the aftermath of the strike. Nearly two hundred Russian drones against Ukraine in one day – that is nearly two hundred proofs that Russian ambitions are utterly detached from any ideas of real peace.
Currently in Sumy, the rescue operation at the site of the shelling targeting a vehicle service station is still in progress. Tragically, two people have been killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. One person is likely still trapped under the rubble. A house and a nearby kindergarten were also damaged by the strike. Preliminary, it was a multiple rocket launcher attack. And the only effective way to protect ourselves from this is to eliminate Russian weapons and Russian launchers directly on Russian territory. That is why the ability to strike Russian territory is so important to us. This is the only factor that can limit Russian terror and Russia’s capacity to wage war in general. I am grateful to all the partners who understand this and convey it to other partners.
Today, there was a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi. It was in the morning. And there will be another conversation this evening. The priorities – they are clear. The frontline – the Pokrovsk direction, Kurakhove. Also, the Kursk operation. We appreciate that our partners are now implementing the announced support packages. They are implementing them quite timely. And it is important that the scale of what is announced aligns with our agreements and objective needs. We need a new impetus for defense supplies. And in December, we must make it happen.
I want to thank everyone who stands with us, who stands with Ukraine! Thank you!
Glory to Ukraine!
First Lady Zelenska gave the opening remarks at the Mental Health Forum in Kyiv today. The video of that with English subtitles is below.
The US:
⚡️Biden shifts policies to strengthen Ukraine ahead of potential peace talks, WP reports.
Many U.S. officials now acknowledge that Ukraine could be pushed into talks within months and might be forced to cede territory to end the war, the Washington Post (WP) reported on Nov. 26.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) November 26, 2024 at 7:56 PM
Here are the details from The Kyiv Independent:
U.S. President Joe Biden has reversed key policies on providing advanced weapons to Ukraine, including longer-range missiles and antipersonnel land mines, as Kyiv faces mounting pressure on the battlefield and a potential need to negotiate with Russia.
Many U.S. officials now acknowledge that Ukraine could be pushed into talks within months and might be forced to cede territory to end the war, the Washington Post (WP) reported on Nov. 26.
In mid-November, Biden authorized Ukraine to use the ATACMS to strike deeper inside Russia, a decision aiming at strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position. His administration previously resisted supplying such weapons over concerns of escalating tensions with Russia.
The changes come amid significant challenges for Ukraine, including battlefield losses, reports of North Korea sending troops to support Russia, and Donald Trump taking office in January. Trump has vowed to end the war within 24 hours, but officials worry his administration would cut off aid to Ukraine, undermining its ability to resist Russian aggression.
Biden’s aides argue that evolving conditions on the ground have driven his decisions to provide weapons, but critics, including former U.S. ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker, say the delays emboldened Moscow. “It gives Russia a sense of impunity,” Volker told the WP, adding that earlier support could have bolstered Ukraine’s position. “They know they have a sanctuary. They know we don’t want to escalate, and they can go ahead and carry out the war, conduct strikes and do outrageous things.”
European allies, while welcoming the recent weapons transfers, have expressed frustration that the assistance did not come earlier when Ukraine’s position was stronger. Many now believe that peace talks may involve territorial concessions, and discussions have begun on potential security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression, according to the WP.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged NATO allies to increase support for Ukraine ahead of Trump’s return to office, emphasizing the need to reinforce Kyiv before the U.S. political landscape shifts further.
“We will continue to shore up everything we’re doing for Ukraine to ensure it can effectively defend itself,” Blinken said during his one-day emergency visit to Brussels on Nov. 13.
The problem is that weapons cost money but “concern” is free.
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) November 25, 2024 at 8:57 AM
Only reason Ru isn’t committing such sabotage every day is they’re unsure of the reaction: 1) US/Europe decide to abandon Ukr in hopes of avoiding more attacks; 2) US/Europe decide enough is enough and fully back Ukr’s victory. The more US/Europe signal the first response, the more Ru will escalate.
— Maria Popova (@popovaprof.bsky.social) November 25, 2024 at 7:04 PM
From the AP:
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence officials warned American defense companies on Thursday to increase security precautions following several acts of sabotage in Europe that officials have blamed on Russia.
The public bulletin issued by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center advised companies involved in defense work — particularly those providing support to Ukraine in its war against Russia — to step up their defenses in the face of Russia’s escalating aggression toward Ukraine’s allies.
“Russia’s sabotage activities in Europe increase the risk to U.S. companies abroad and potentially at home,” the officials wrote in the warning. “Such sabotage operations can sow fear and doubt, damage important infrastructure, disrupt commerce, or cause injury and death.”
U.S. and European intelligence officials have said Russia perpetrated several recent acts of sabotage targeting European defense companies, logistics facilities, public utilities and military installations. Often, the officials said, Russian intelligence has hired local criminals to carry out the acts, which include arson attacks in the United Kingdom and Poland.
Earlier this month, security officials blamed Russia for a plot to smuggle incendiary devices onto cargo planes headed to North America, including one that caught fire at a courier hub in Germany and another that ignited in a warehouse in England.
The National Counterintelligence and Security Center is an agency within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, focused on protecting national assets from intelligence threats. Thursday’s bulletin was jointly issued by the FBI and several Department of Defense agencies.
The only way to believe that backing down is a move that will somehow avert confrontation with Vladimir Putin is to ignore, quite literally, every single thing we know about Vladimir Putin.
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyalex.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 2:16 PM
This is right. Russia’s willingness to carry out not just targeted assassinations (eg plot against Rheinmetall’s CEO) but terrorist attacks (attempts to plant bombs on DHL aircraft – possibly causing yesterday’s crash in Lithuania) shows that Putin considers that he is at war with the West.
— Ian Bond (@cerianbond.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 2:31 AM
The US in the UK:
⚡️US Air Force notes drone activity over military bases in UK, Reuters reports.
Unidentified drones have flown over three U.S. Air Force bases in the U.K. in the past week, U.S. officials said on Nov. 26.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) November 26, 2024 at 5:29 PM
“A military source also confirmed that the RAF had offered the US a counter-drone system that can electronically take command of an enemy drone and turn it back on itself to try to identify those flying the drones.” www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a…
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 3:56 PM
‘The UK military source…said it could be a “bunch of f***wits” who were responsible, “or it could be more sinister and someone is paying them to do that”.’ www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a…
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 4:02 PM
From The Telegraph:
Dozens of British troops have been deployed to US air force bases across the UK to protect them from drone attacks.
A small number of drones have again been spotted flying near US air force bases after a number were seen over three bases last week amid concerns it could be part of a “sinister” plot.
It is understood involvement by the Russians has not been ruled out.
About 60 UK military personnel have been deployed to provide the US with assistance, a defence source said.
A military source also confirmed that the RAF had offered the US a system that can electronically take command of an enemy drone and turn it back on itself to try to identify those flying the craft.
The US air force (USAF) said it was monitoring the airspace over the East Anglian bases RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell after the drones were seen overnight.
The USAF said the number of sightings “fluctuated and varied between the bases” but they have not been identified as hostile.
In a statement, the US military said the drones ranged in size and configurations.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the drones did not appear to be the work of hobbyists, since they were coordinated.
However the official said it was too early to say who was responsible.
A Pentagon spokesman said there had so far been “no operational impact” or an impact on the safety of US personnel.
The “Ninja” — “negation of improvised non-state joint aerial-threats” — is a counter-drone system able to identify targets up to 7km away. When the hostile drone gets closer, the system overrides the command system and sends new instructions, according to the defence firm Leonardo.
It can either force the drone to another location or back to its home base.
Ninja works with another piece of equipment called the Guardian which is known as an “electronic sniper rifle” because it can jam hostile drones from a distance of 10km. Previously this would see the drone falling from the sky and being destroyed. However, when used with Ninja the drone can be spotted early and then preserved and used for reconnaissance.
The system is known as the Orcus counter-drone system when the two parts come together. It has previously been deployed to RAF bases where US troops are stationed, including RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath.
The new drone sightings come days after the USAF confirmed that a small number of “unmanned aerial systems” were spotted in the vicinity of and over the three bases between Wednesday and Sunday.
The USAF has not identified who is believed to be behind the incidents however a UK military source said the activity could be related to something “sinister” and those behind it may be being paid to fly the drones.
The source said it could be a “bunch of f***wits” who were responsible, “or it could be more sinister and someone is paying them to do that”.
Security services across Europe have been on high alert for acts of arson and sabotage committed by Moscow after a spate of mysterious fires and attacks on infrastructure in the Baltics, Germany and the UK.
In October, the head of MI5, Ken McCallum, warned that Russia’s intelligence agency had been on a mission to generate “sustained mayhem on British and European streets”.
He said GRU agents had carried out “arson, sabotage and more dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness” in Britain after the UK backed Ukraine in its war with Russia.
More at the link.
The UK on the ocean:
“A mystery drone was seen trailing HMS Queen Elizabeth, the British aircraft carrier, as it entered the port of Hamburg, in Germany, on Friday” www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11…
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 4:34 PM
Here are the details from The Telegraph:
A mystery drone was also seen following HMS Queen Elizabeth, the British aircraft carrier, as it entered the port of Hamburg, in Germany, on Friday.
The UK at rest.
I’ve been messing with airplane navigation systems for years and you’ve done nothing. Now we might responsible killing some people in a crash.
Some of your leaders are afraid they’ll now have to do something.
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) November 25, 2024 at 5:37 AM
OTD in 1939 USSR staged the Mainila incident. A false flag to justify invasion, we claimed Finland attacked us just as hundreds of thousands of our soldiers were accidentally massed in attack formation right on their former border.
Imagine such bullshit being tolerated today….
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 3:56 AM
France:
Lot of buzz around Le Monde piece. What it says is “discussions over sending Western troops and private defense companies to Ukraine have been revived” with a focus on French state-owned Défense Conseil International & UK’s Babcock. Should be read with care.
www.lemonde.fr/en/internati…— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) November 25, 2024 at 4:29 PM
Germany:
Germany has announced that it will hand over IRIS-T short- and medium-range air defence systems to Ukraine before the Christmas holidays.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 5:22 AM
I very much recommend this interview with the commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade. Here are some key points he made www.pravda.com.ua/eng/articles…
— konradmuzyka.bsky.social (@konradmuzyka.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 3:46 AM
From Ukrainska Pravda:
In recent months, journalists have not often been able to talk in detail with brigade commanders about the situation and problems at the front.
On the eve of this interview, Andrii Biletskyi, the commander of one of the top combat units in Ukraine, the Third Assault Brigade, was in Kyiv for several days on business. That’s the only reason he agreed to record a conversation with us.
Biletskyi told Ukrainska Pravda about the fighting on various fronts, explained what to expect from the Russians in winter, and assessed the threats posed by the involvement of the North Korean army on Russia’s side.
We also talked about mobilisation, Absence Without Leave, and problems with military training.
Here is a shortened version of the interview. If you are interested in the full version of the conversation, you can watch it in video format.
First, let’s talk about the situation at the front line. Taras Chmut, head of the Come Back Alive Foundation, said that we are currently experiencingthe most difficult situation since the spring of 2022. What is your assessment?
This is indeed the most difficult situation in almost three years of war. To some extent, I would consider it even more difficult than in the spring of 2022.
There are many reasons for this: lack of personnel, insufficient training (pauses).
They keep talking about motivation and so on. Excuse me, but motivation is a matter of professionalism, level of training and trust in all the links that manage a soldier, sergeant, officer.
This is where motivation comes from, not just because a person is patriotic, for example. So the problem is insufficient training, motivation, and, to some extent, insufficient means.
People like to say things like: “We didn’t receive enough material and technical assistance”.
Let’s be honest: the situation is no better for the Russians. All the stories about their ten or seven shells to one of ours are not true.
The Russians have a very problematic situation with weapons and military equipment – weapons, military equipment, armoured vehicles, ammunition, and the quality of ammunition.
However, they have several systemic advantages. One of them is the air component – Russian guided aerial bombs have drastically changed the situation on the ground.
And, of course, human resources play a significant role. The Russians are not advancing because of, let’s say, concentrated artillery fire. And not through the massive use of armoured vehicles. It is due to an infinite amount of literally cannon fodder. I say cannon fodder, because the way they use it, it’s not easy to call them soldiers.
We are entering the winter period. How will winter affect the intensity of the fighting?
It will not affect it radically. The weather primarily affects the mobility of vehicles and armoured vehicles: tracked, wheeled, etc.
Adverse weather conditions reduce the possibilities of operations with the use of equipment.
As for the Russian infantrymen, they will continue to act the same way, working in small groups and showing no pity for their fellow soldiers.
Their tasks are shallow breakthroughs, not marches of 50 kilometres. To get out of their hole and occupy our hole 250 to 300 metres away, okay, a kilometre. He [a Russian soldier – ed.] will walk through snow, rain, mud.
For us, the impact of winter weather can be more negative. Due to the lack of personnel and the quality of training, our main means of destruction are drones.
A reconnaissance drone, a large reconnaissance wing, or an FPV are all very dependent on daylight hours. Yes, there are thermal types [with a thermal imager – UP], but there are clearly fewer of them.
The use of drones depends on the wind and air transparency: fog or no fog, rain or no rain, snow or no snow.
So I’m afraid that expectations that the Russians will slow down because of the winter are unjustified.
On the contrary, our defence may become more difficult because our main weapon will lose its effectiveness. Yes, it is harder for the Russian infantryman to move, but on the other hand, he uses weather conditions as a means of camouflage. So there are disadvantages and advantages for the infantry.
There is a lot of information in the media about the Zaporizhzhia front. Recently, a spokesperson for the Defence Forces of Ukraine’s South told Sky News that Russian troops could launch a ground offensive there. How do you assess the situation?
They have already launched assaults west of Velyka Novosilka.
Velyka Novosilka is a very important defence hub in Ukraine’s south. So far, they [the Russians – ed.] have had limited success, capturing Rivnopil and advancing partly towards Huliaipole.
From what I know from my brigadier friends, it looks like the enemy will try to advance.
The offensive near Velyka Novosilka helps the enemy to complete its primary operation – the occupation of Kurakhove.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast is an extremely dangerous front. The terrain is flat. If you look at the map, there are almost no large settlements.
And our communications, let’s just say, are stretched from west to east. They can be cut. For us, this can be a really significant problem for the whole of Donbas.
As far as I know, over the past few weeks, we have been actively strengthening both the grouping [of forces – ed.] and the fortification efforts there, but this is not enough.
But I don’t know the full composition of the enemy’s group or the enemy’s intentions, just like I don’t know the composition of our group.
It is known that theNorth Korean army is fighting against us in Kursk Oblast. How do you assess the involvement of Koreans in the war? How dangerous is it?
I believe that even if 50,000 of them are involved, it will not radically change the situation on the battlefield.
Let me explain: we are using new high-precision and cheap munitions. An FPV drone can now cost as little as US$300.
The types of field fortifications and tactical techniques have changed, both in defence and offence. All this requires serious practice. Now two countries in the world have such experience – we and Russia.
North Korea is not a technologically advanced country.
For example, computer gaming is not widespread there, and it is unlikely that you can practice flying a drone in civilian life or buy one to fly for pleasure in North Korea.
I don’t think they will be able to fight in today’s realities.
Of course, it’s Terra incognita for all of them, but I don’t think people from the gulag are extremely motivated either.
Is it about money? I don’t believe that salaries can motivate someone to die.
But they want to survive, so they will fight for their lives…
Actually, I think they will not fight so much as survive.
If we talk about North Korea, it seems to me that the influence of the North Korean defence industrial base on our war is of an order of magnitude greater than anything that Korea can put on the battlefield.
What the North Koreans have supplied to the Russians is, give or take, the same amount of artillery ammunition that all NATO countries have given us in almost three years. This is a problem.
Yes, I know it is bad ammunition.
And yes, the Russians immediately identify that the artillery ammunition is Korean – it has a different coefficient. They understand that it is much less likely to hit the target, but it is still possible.
Without it, they would be in a situation of extreme shell famine right now. The ballistic missiles flying at Kyiv, Odesa or Mykolaiv are North Korean.
The Korean defence industrial base is a problem for us. And North Korean troops are unlikely to be a significant problem.
We started by talking about motivation earlier. I understand that most people who joined the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade are volunteer soldiers. But this is the third year of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, how do you maintain the morale of the soldiers?
The moral and psychological state of the army is a set of specific actions.
A simple example: if a person is kicked out of work, has huge problems in the family, health problems, financial problems, or degenerate neighbours who fight on the stairs, just going to a psychologist will not help in such a case.
Because your problems are not caused by depression but by objective reasons: financial, family and health issues.
I talk to people before operations, we often gather infantry together, tank drivers and commanders communicate with us – this is our approach.
But I am far from thinking that words can replace actions.
A soldier needs to see that he has combat commanders, that there is a plan, and that his company commander was not just given a seven-word combat order to occupy a certain point by a certain date and given the coordinates.
A person must understand that for him to complete the task, a battalion or even a brigade also has to think. He sees that everything is being provided, he sees that he has an excellent level of medical care.
During the cold season, vitamins are needed in a person’s diet. Boilers are needed in temporary encampments.
So we get moving, and in the first few days, the entire maintenance battalion is engaged in installing boilers because there are so many requests. It all matters.
And you shouldn’t think that these people are materialistic, Why shouldn’t they be?
This is the patriotism of people who provide material supplies, invest in them, and work as a team.
Of course, you can make the right film, perform properly, and create a structure within the army that will improve morale.
This should also be done. Fair awarding of orders and medals also has a powerful impact. But we need a comprehensive approach.
I want to talk about mobilisation. What is wrong with mobilisation in Ukraine?
I am not very much engaged in mobilisation issues. And we have a small percentage of mobilised personnel [in our brigade].
We do not receive mobilised personnel – we either send people to the enlistment offices who want to mobilise immediately for the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, and this is the majority, or sometimes we are given the opportunity to select them.
We select according to a simple principle – we say: “Men, we have no other vacancies than infantry because this is an Assault Brigade. Those who want to join the assault troops, take a step forward.” There aren’t many of them, but there are such people every time.
But, once again, I am not very actively engaged in the mobilisation process, although we have all seen some videos that are not very pleasant for anyone.
[There are instances of videos posted online which depict Ukrainian military recruitment personnel using harsh and coercive mobilisation tactics – ed.]
You see, I’m bringing everything to the same point – the issue is not the actions of the enlistment offices. Maybe they’re сrossing the line. But the key problem is distrust.
Perhaps some of my colleagues in the military field will be offended by my words, but it’s no secret: we have a million people in the army, and everyone has someone in the army.
Accordingly, if people understand that they will end up in a сombat training centre where they will not be engaged in combat training, where the number of rounds fired is a third, and sometimes less than the Soviet standard for a young soldier’s training, where they understand that then they will get the same incompetent sergeant who was simply pointed at and told he would be a sergeant, and this person will be his master over life and death – then this is not very motivating.
A person is primarily afraid of the unknown. When you realise that you have no experience on the battlefield, that you know nothing about it. Perhaps in two months they will tell you and explain everything, but you still have to go through those two months, and it’s scary.
Everyone is scared – a super professional and every soldier. There are no people who are not afraid. But everyone is scared in different ways.
However, it is one thing when a person understands what will happen and what they need to do to complete the task and survive on the battlefield. And it’s another thing when a person is simply afraid.
If you sent me now to the Institute of Quantum Physics, I would feel insecure and bad, although my life there is not in danger. Because I have nothing to do with it, and I don’t understand it.
How can we change this?
The answer is simple – teach. There is no other way. People become professionals only when they are taught.
Some have talent, while others have less. But anyone can be trained to be a solid enough average, competent enough to perform basic infantry tasks.
The issue of junior officer training needs to be solved urgently, and the approach to basic military training should be changed.
In 2015, I realised that you could not get far with an easy approach. There is initiative, and people have inner pride, physical abilities, and teamwork. But this is not professionalism.
Our unit was trained by Georgian officers who went through the war in Georgia and had held senior positions. And NATO officers, both Americans and Canadians. We created the Colonel Yevhen Konovalets military school. It still exists today.
I was approached at that time by the сommander of the Ground Forces and the commander of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group of Forces, now Commander-in-Chief General Syrskyi, who said: “We must create it.” And we have done everything possible to ensure that the army has this Colonel Yevhen Konovalets military school.
I am convinced that the best soldiers, including those mobilised from training camps throughout the country, graduate from this school now.
Can this be scaled up? Yes, it can. In 6 months, this could be scaled up to a sufficient number of instructors to train 25,000-30,000 mobilised soldiers and another 5,000 sergeants per month.
These are flaws in the system. There are many problems, it’s true. However, the main task is to increase the army’s efficiency. First of all, you need to make a proper tool.
Let’s put it this way: the army is a tool. You can’t have a bad, unsharpened sword. You have to make it rust-free and sharpen it.
When people talk about great commanders, everyone immediately thinks of Napoleon.
At the time, Napoleon had a new type of army, a revolutionary one. He had the best military tool [army] on the planet. This tool enabled him to realise his outstanding qualities as a military leader and commander. With a bad army, he could do nothing.
They had Jean-Baptiste Jourdan and Lazare Carnot, who operated in corps divisional columns, used spread-out tactics, created an artillery and cavalry reserve, a new system of army combat training, and a new recruitment system. In other words, they created a new army.
In other words, it doesn’t matter who the brigadier, commander, chief of the general staff, and so on are, the main thing is what they are managing because even a talented one won’t do anything with a bad army.
Much more at the link!
Here’s the video with the English subtitles turned on:
Pokrovsk:
– Any chance we can see those new defense lines around Pokrovsk?
– Say no more
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 1:22 PM
/1. Awkward. Russian sources today actively spread a video of they were claiming two Ukrainian tanks that were blown up by mines on the Pokrovsk front.
In reality those are two Russian T-90M tanks.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 3:27 PM
/2. Ukrainian soldiers reported those Russian T-90M losses and published photos of those on 23rd of Novermber near Selydove, Pokrovsk front
t.me/BaluHUB777/1…
t.me/officer_alex…— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 3:30 PM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
AASM air strike on Russian positions in Kursk region. t.me/soniah_hub/7…
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 10:26 AM
Remainings of the ATACMS which were used to attack Russian targets in the Kursk region of Russia. Judging by the background those are from the Khalino airfield near Kursk.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 8:28 AM
Nova Kakhovka:
The Russian military shelled a bus stop with civilians in occupied Nova Kakhovka. Local media reports injured and dead. The Russians will later say it was a military facility.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 11:38 AM
Kupyansk:
DeepState reported last night that the defense forces cleared Kupiansk of Russian armed formations.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 3:53 AM
Petrivka, Donetsk Oblast:
WARNING!!! WARNING!!! GRAPHIC CONTENT!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!
Russian forces captured and executed five unarmed Ukrainian soldiers near the village of Petrivka, Donetsk Oblast, the Prosecutor’s Office reported. This brutal act is part of a growing series of systematic violations, not an isolated aberration.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 6:37 AM
ALL CLEAR!!!
Kharkiv:
In Kharkiv, they plan to build an underground hospital. My mom said, “When I see news of underground schools or hospitals, it feels like the war will never end. Like Kharkiv’s only future is underground.” Her words stayed, heavy, like the echo of sirens long after they stopped.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 10:28 AM
Kherson:
#Kherson #HumanSafari
🚨Drone attacks on the rise.
💔5 injured by 12.30
Women, 57, 53, 60
Man, 63, 27Drones attack cars, fall on the road
And an artillery attack now.
— Zarina Zabrisky (@zarinazabrisky.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 6:59 AM
Sumy:
Part of a missile lands on a roadway in Sumy as a column of smoke from a strike rises in the background. Video shot at approx. 50.944145, 34.778153, looking NNW. The town was reportedly hit by a ballistic missile this morning.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 9:12 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron tweets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
Even while defending their country, Ukrainians take the time to rescue their furry friends: 15 cats were evacuated from Snake Island by the armed forces. 😺
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 11:07 AM
— Eugene Kibets (@eugenekibets.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 2:32 PM
Open thread!
2025 Pets of Balloon Juice Calendars
Adam L Silverman
I’m racking out.
Everyone is most welcome!
KatKapCC
I want to scream.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Jay
@KatKapCC:
So far, Ukraine says nope, and “fuck off, if needed, we will do it alone”.
Jay
https://xcancel.com/GlasnostGone/status/1861443386261016653#m
Jay
https://xcancel.com/United24media/status/1861338613591519647#m
Parfigliano
Only a dumbfuck like Blinken and his team would believe any security guarantees Putin gives.
Jay
@Parfigliano:
There was an “Insider” piece, today, I forget where, breaking down the Binden NatSec Admin.
Apparently,
Intel and the Pentagon are the pants shitters,
State says Putin’s “escalation” bullshit is bullshit,
Blinken and Sullivan are in line with State.
Biden is inline with Intel and the Pentagon, and Biden has been the “last word”.
Given the “nopes” and the discrepancy between what the Pentagon has said it has shipped, and what Ukraine says they have received, sounds true.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
YY_Sima Qian
OT: At this rate, a I will be competing w/ Trump on who goes through Defense Ministers/Secretaries, & Xi has had a head start:
Defense Minister is an admin position in the CPC Party-State bureaucracy, & unlike his predecessors Dong was not promoted to the much more important Central Military Commission.
sab
@YY_Sima Qian: Is it really corruption rampant or just a political excuse to clear house?
Baud
@YY_Sima Qian:
I believe in American Exceptionalism when it comes to Trump on this issue.
Jay
@sab:
Corruption.
YY_Sima Qian
@sab: This is definitely corruption. 3 defense ministers in a year, & now beyond the PLA Rocket Force to the PLA Navy (where Dong came from). Well, PLARF & the PLAN have seen massive investment over the past decade, so plenty of opportunities & temptations.
I think Xi is sincere in his crack down on corruption, correctly seeing it as a threat to the CPC regime’s legitimacy, & in this case the PLA’s readiness. He also appears to be serious in setting the goal that the PLA should attain the capability to conquer Taiwan (at least the feasibility, even if at tremendous cost) by its centennial on 2027. It is a milestone on the PLA’s long term modernization program, conveniently coinciding w/ an important anniversary (as the CPC regime likes to do), not a statement of intent.
Of course, given the inadequate internal checks & lack of external checks (in the form of relatively independent judiciary & relatively free media/social media), such anti-corruption efforts will be little more than whack-a-mole. That is not to say such entrenched corruption has rendered the PLA ineffective, any more than entrenched corruption have necessarily hindered the PRC’s economic & technological development, at least on the whole.
Still, mighty embarrassing for Xi, but he is also not allowing the embarrassment to deter him.
Jay
@YY_Sima Qian:
The structure invites corruption.
YY_Sima Qian
@Jay: Absolutely. The question is whether the corruption is of the lubricative kind or the extractive kind. The former is not necessarily prohibitive to development or effectiveness (sometimes even conducive in polities that have weak institutions), the latter is lethal to development & effectiveness.
YY_Sima Qian
More intrigue on the Chinese bulk carrier that is suspected to have cut the Baltic cables:
The vessel is captained by a PRC national, but has a Russian sailor aboard (pilot for guiding the ship out of harbor?). Neither have yet to be questioned. (?!) The bulk carrier had plied PRC waters until Mar. 2024, when it suddenly started to carry goods to & from Russian ports. The PRC owner of the ship is cooperating w/ Danish/Swedish/German authorities. Western law enforcement & intelligence officials do not believe the PRC government is involved, more likely Russian intelligence induced the captain to deliberately drag the anchor to damage the cables, & hoping the vessel being PRC owned/flagged/registered would deter scrutiny by Western authorities.
way2blue
I’d been hoping *someone* would develop a ‘Return to Sender’ hack for hostile drones. Especially if they crashed back at the launch site. Even being able to simply follow them back seems a big deal.
way2blue
@Jay: Charlie Sykes recently posted a 1940 British ‘cartoon’ of a soldier shaking his fist at German bombers (after France had fallen) with the phrase:
‘Very Well, Alone’
https://bsky.app/profile/sykescharlie.bsky.social/post/3lbfggbpvvc2q