A quick housekeeping note: While the congestion eased up and the fever broke yesterday, I may have pushed things a little too much today. I’m not saying I did, but I am definitely feeling munky funky, so I’m just going to run down the basics.
Last night in comments Nukular Biskits and KatKapCC asked about the origins of what is going on in Georgia. The bottom line up front is that Putin using a combination of Little Green Men combined with local native Russian speaking separatists created a pretext to scarf up South Ossetia and Abkhazia in 2008. Four years later, Putin’s local oligarch proxy Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream political party came t power on a pledge to integrate Georgia into the EU. Slowly at first and then faster and faster Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream parliamentarians and ministers actually moved Georgia away from the EU. There were major protests in 2023. Things settled down for a bit until Georgian Dream won what everyone not aligned with Putin asserts is a a rigged election. The election and how Georgian Dream has behaved since the election has now brought a new round of protests. The Georgians protesting want the elections voided, new elections called, and those elections properly run and monitored to ensure they aren’t rigged again by Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream. They also want the Georgian Dream’s bogus “selection” of a new president on Saturday voided too.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcripts after the jump.
There Is Not a Single Reason for North Koreans to Die in This War; the Only Reason Is Putin’s Madness – Address by the President
16 December 2024 – 21:09
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Briefly about today.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi provided a report on the situation at the front, with a particular focus on the Donetsk region and the sectors there. He also provided an update on the situation in the areas of the Kursk operation. The Commander-in-Chief reported on the involvement of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside the Russian army. There are many details about the elimination of these forces as well. Preliminary data suggests that the Russians are trying to conceal the losses of the North Koreans. Ukraine’s Defense Forces and intelligence are working to determine the full extent of the actual losses suffered by Russian units that include North Koreans. Unfortunately, we are forced to defend against them as well, even though there is not a single reason for North Koreans to die in this war. The only reason is Putin’s madness, which has consumed Russia and fuels this war. We will continue to defend our positions.
Today, the European Union introduced its important 15th sanctions package, and I am grateful to our partners for this support in forcing Russia toward peace. Among other measures, the sanctions target the shadow tanker fleet that Russia uses to finance its aggression. This is a significant step, and all Russian tankers, companies, and individuals involved in helping Russia fund its war must ultimately be sanctioned. The pressure on Russia must continue, and they must not be allowed to adapt to the sanctions. The tougher the sanctions on Russia, the sooner they will be forced into genuine diplomacy.
Today, there was also a report from the Prime Minister regarding cooperation with our partners, particularly in financial matters. The Prime Minister reported that $20 billion from frozen Russian assets is now held in a World Bank account. We also discussed collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. There are specific programs in place, and next year we will be able to increase our energy capacity thanks to these EBRD initiatives alone. Additionally, there are extra funds allocated for energy efficiency programs. It is crucial to implement everything as quickly as possible.
And one more thing.
We are gradually finalizing new ambassadorial appointments and replacements within Ukraine’s diplomatic corps with our diplomats. We are preparing to strengthen our team – the team of Ukraine. Next year, our foreign policy efforts will be even more intense than this year and must be robust. The coming year should become a time for establishing peace – a lasting peace. I am grateful to all our partners who are helping us. Strong and coordinated efforts are key.
Glory to Ukraine!
Proving to pro-russians that North Koreans are fighting against Ukraine is pointless. Show them actual footage with Koreans – they’ll say they’re Asian russians. When the Pentagon confirms it, they say it’s a propaganda. No matter the evidence, they’ll simply move the goalposts
— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 3:06 PM
Once Ukraine captures its first Korean POWs, expect the following narratives:
– They’re South Korean actors
– They’re North Korean defectors working for South Korean intelligence
– It’s just a single volunteer
– It’s an AINo matter the evidence, the goalposts will be shifted
— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 4:31 PM
The cost and the reason:
“What We Lost” is a short poetic documentary written and narrated by Ukrainian teenagers who suffered from the war that russia started against Ukraine. The teenagers try to reflect what they had lost and what they had been missing.
(Turn on CC for English subtitles)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6QN…— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 6:16 AM
Here’s the full videos with close captioning turned on:
The US:
The President-elect had some thoughts today about Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s genocidal re-invasion:
Trump speaks briefly about the Russo-Ukrainian war during a press conference at Mara-Lago now. He notes “pictures of fields where bodies are lying on top of bodies.” He says it looks like photos from the US Civil War. “We’ll be talking to President Putin.” And Zelensky, he adds.
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Trump asked by reporter if Ukraine should cede territory to Russia to end the war. “I’ll let you know after I have my first meeting,” he says. He adds: “There’s cities where there’s not a building standing… People can’t go back to those buildings. It’s rubble.”
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Trump compares it to knocking down a building in Manhattan, which of course Russia’s war is nothing like. For one, Russia is bombing residential buildings with the people still inside of them…
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Trump says he did not invite President Zelensky to his inauguration next month. But he says, hesitantly, before trailing off, “If he’d like to come…”
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Trump falsely claims Biden admin’s decisions to allow Ukraine to launch US ATACMS into Russian territory led to North Koreans being deployed to Russia, entering the war. But Pyongyang sent 11,000 troops to Russia a month earlier. In fact, part of Biden’s reasoning was North Korea foray into war.
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 12:25 PM
I’m not saying they’re accurate thoughts, but they’re thoughts…
One note about the sort of, maybe invitation for President Zelenskyy to come to the inauguration. If you recall the pictures of the President-elect with Presidents Zelenskyy and Macron during the trilateral meeting on the sides of the Notre Dame ceremonies a few weeks back, you’ll recall that the President-elect’s body posture and facial expressions towards President Zelenskyy were not those of someone who is or thinks he is dominant. Rather, they were obsequious and fawning. As others have observed over the years, the President-elect has a sweet tooth for strong men, which is usually expressed as both seeking the attention of and then being servile towards authoritarians like Putin, Xi, Orban, and Kim. We all remember the pictures of the President-elect after his bilat with Putin. Putin looked triumphantly gleeful, the President-elect looked like he’d just gotten the worst quarterly review ever. In the case of President Zelenskyy, however, the President-elect isn’t dealing with a strong man as in an authoritarian. Rather, he’s dealing with a person who is strong of character. What you saw in those pictures from France and in this sort of an invitation today is the President-elect’s true nature coming out from behind the tough guy act. In the presence or in relation to someone with more power or with greater strength of character, the President-elect becomes a suck up.
Georgia:
📣 ⭕ Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has been invited to speak at the European Parliament, as announced today, December 16, by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
netgazeti.ge/news/756430/
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 16, 2024 at 3:23 PM
Cinematographers and movie lovers held a protest march today, ending at Rustaveli, now lit up for the New Year.
#GeorgiaProtests against Georgian Dream’s anti-Western decisions and violence continue.
Day 19.
#TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 9:19 AM
Since we used garbage bins as barricades during crackdowns, the petty Mayor Kaladze has apparently refused to put new garbage bins at Rustaveli, leaving the protests without bins. The protesters collect the garbage so as not to litter. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 4:46 PM
Day 19 of night protests. Day 4 of all day long protests. Release the unlawfully detained, schedule new, free and fair elections. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Giorgi Burjanadze— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 2:34 PM
1/ The UK Minister of State for European Affairs, Stephen Doughty, referred to Maka Bochorishvili as a GD representative instead of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 9:09 AM
2/ “Today I reiterated in the clearest terms to Georgian Dream representative Maka Bochorishvili that police violence and arbitrary arrests in #Georgia are unacceptable. The UK will consider all options to ensure those responsible are held accountable”, Doughty wrote on X.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 9:09 AM
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced that the EU has agreed to suspend the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports.
#GeorgiaProtests
netgazeti.ge/news/756405/— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 16, 2024 at 12:52 PM
“Where are we going? To Europe!”, “No to the Russian regime” – Seniors held a protest march against Georgian Dream’s pro-Russian policy.
#GeorgiaProtests
Day 19
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 8:22 AM
“A dignified old age in a European Georgia”. – Grandmothers and grandfathers are protesting against Georgian Dream’s pro-Russian policies.
#GeorgiaProtests
day 19— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 6:35 AM
December 16 – #Tbilisi
Grandparents marched on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding the release of detainees and new elections. One banner read: “Babua (grandpa in Georgian) will never be called Dedushka (grandpa in Russian).”
#GeorgiaProtests
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 16, 2024 at 7:13 AM
The grandparents are alright.
🟥Tension arose near the Constitutional Court in #Batumi on 19th day of #GeorgiaProtests, as police urge protesters to clear the road, sparking further resistance.
🟥 The protest is taking place on Gamsakhurdia Str, which sees very little traffic, especially at this time of day.— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 16, 2024 at 12:23 PM
More than 300 large and small businesses have joined a statement demanding the re-holding of elections and the release of those arrested during protests before the New Year. Signatures on the statement are still being collected.
freebusiness.ge
#GeorgiaProtests
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 5:35 AM
The “Georgian Dream” government reacts to the sanctions imposed by Lithuania and Estonia as follows:
“Unfortunately, despite 33 years of independence, the authorities of Lithuania and Estonia have yet to break free of the soviet mentality”.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 5:28 AM
And we’ve found the little green men:
Alexei Lobarev, Head of the Russian Law Enforcement Trade Unions Association, said he was in Tbilisi “at the invitation of his colleagues.”
“Employees of Georgia’s MIA demonstrated their competence in this extreme situation,” he wrote.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 4:55 AM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
North Korean infantry on the Kursk front.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 6:04 AM
/2. Another North Korean from Kursk front
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 8:53 AM
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces strike North Korean infantry in Kursk region.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 6:46 AM
Kharkiv:
77th Brigade repels Russian attack in the Kharkiv region. t.me/oaembr77/661
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 5:15 AM
At the start of December, Ukraine’s 13th National Guard Brigade, “Khartia,” carried out its first fully robotic operation in the Kharkiv sector, employing an unprecedented number of robotic and unmanned systems.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 4:33 AM
The operation, designed to set conditions for further advancements, utilized ground-based robots (including mining, demining, and kamikaze drones, as well as mobile turrets) and various UAVs (heavy bombers, observation drones, and FPVs).
Full video: t.me/wartranslate…
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 4:33 AM
The Serebryansky Forest:
A new assault in the Serebryansky Forest on the 63rd Brigade’s positions was repelled. A tank-fortification, two IFVs, and over 20 Russian soldiers were involved. The tank was destroyed, one IFV was hit, and the other detonated on two mines.
t.me/c/1605512487…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 2:37 PM
Kupiansk:
A 53-year-old man is dead — killed by russian Uragan MLRS fire in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast. A town battered beyond recognition, struck yet again. Not a battlefield, just a town struggling to survive under relentless terror.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 3:36 PM
Kurakhove:
Ukraine’s General Staff reported that in the past day, Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 32 attacks in the Kurakhove sector. The enemy attempted to advance in the areas of Staryi Terny, Sontsivka, Zorya, Kurakhove, and Uspenivka.
t.me/GeneralStaff…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 6:25 AM
Vovchansk:
Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region is now a wasteland. Russia destroyed it, turning it into dust.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 8:42 AM
Toretsk:
This is how Russians “liberate”. Ukrainian Toretsk.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 5:23 AM
Kherson:
#Kherson #HumanSafari
Cars set on fire by Russian drones today.
— Zarina Zabrisky (@zarinazabrisky.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 6:29 PM
That’s enough for tonight.
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Open thread!
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Dan B
Thank you. Sometimes I have a tough time reading your posts because of the intense dismay at the tepid support from the US. I’m still glad you’re doing these posts.
AlaskaReader
I think you’ve got a typo of sorts,
“…President Zelenskyy has a sweet tooth for strong men…”
I believe you meant to say Trump is the fanboy.
Jay
Edit,
Adam L Silverman
@Dan B: You’re most welcome.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: Fixed.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: Fixed. I’m fading fast. I’m amazed I got all the way through the update.
Jay
As always, thank you Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome.
KatKapCC
Thank you for the Georgia background. It all seems so disturbing from afar, but then I look around this place, and well…perhaps authoritarianism is overtaking laughter as the universal language.
And so, President Zourabichvili is on the good side then, yes? I had what I am pretty sure was a bot of some kind insisting that she was the one trying to usurp power and such, but from what I have read and seen in social media posts, that sounds like BS.
Jay
https://nitter.poast.org/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1868616800675754478#m
Jay
@KatKapCC:
President Zourabichvili was elected by the people.
Georgian Dream used their majority position to change the entire mechanism on how a President is selected. Under Georgian Dream “rules”, the President is “elected” now by a majority of Legislators. So the new “President” is only accepted by Georgian Dream, ruZZia, Orban, Assad, and a few other ruZZian shills and puppets.
Then there is the little issue of the Georgian Dream ramming through “The Russian Law”.
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/05/kremlin-behind-georgias-foreign-agents-law?
Nukular Biskits
Thanks for the Cliff’s Notes version of what’s going on in Georgia, Adam.
Again, so much shit going on in the world, it’s kinda hard to track it all.
Lyrebird
FWIW, I looked and the Odessa shop selling beautiful linen sheets still has an active website. I’m saving up. But they do sell linen napkins if someone wanted to purchase something from them that isn’t too steep.
This probably seems small or barely relevant, but I gotta tip my hat to the many Ukrainians continuing to do life in the face of Mordor’s advance.
Gin & Tonic
@Lyrebird:
They don’t have a choice.
And please note, it’s “Odesa” not “Odessa.” The double-s is russian, not Ukrainian. Same with “Donbas.”
Chacal Charles Calthrop
I try to stay away from a detailed reading of these posts, since my last reaction was improper, but every now again I make myself do this. Thank, Adam, for all you do; I haven’t the strength to deal with it.
On that note, and apologies if anyone has posted anything like this before, here are some Putin jokes I just found on the web:
https://tapwatersommelier.substack.com/p/anekdoty-about-putin-war?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email