The Eagle-S, which is currently in Finnish custody and is alleged to have purposefully cut the undersea electricity cable connecting Finland and Estonia, was loaded to the gills with electronic and signals intelligence (ELINT and SIGINT) and surveillance equipment to collect on all vessels from NATO members.
“They were monitoring all Nato naval ships and aircraft,” Lloyd’s List was told. “They had all details on them. They were just matching their frequencies. “Russians, Turkish, Indian radio officers were operating it.” www.lloydslist.com/LL1151955/Ru…
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 12:16 PM
‘Eagle S also dropped “sensors-type devices” in the English Channel during a transit, they said.’ www.lloydslist.com/LL1151955/Ru…
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 12:17 PM
Lloyd’s List has the details:
RUSSIA-LINKED dark fleet* tanker Eagle S (IMO: 9329760), seized by Finland on December 25 for damaging an undersea cable, had transmitting and receiving devices installed that effectively allowed it to become a “spy ship” for Russia, Lloyd’s List has learnt.
The hi-tech equipment on board was abnormal for a merchant ship and consumed more power from the ship’s generator, leading to repeated blackouts, a source familiar with the vessel who provided commercial maritime services to it as recently as seven months ago.
As well as Eagle S, another related tanker from the same ownership cluster, UK-sanctioned Swiftsea Rider (IMO: 9318539), also had similar equipment installed, Lloyd’s List was told.
Cook Islands-flagged Eagle S and Honduras-flagged Swiftsea Rider are two of 26 elderly Russia-linked tankers with opaque ownership structures connected to three related shipmanagers, including two sanctioned by the UK government 12 months ago for “propping up Putin’s war machine”.
The sanctions-circumventing tankers were bought between 2022 and 2023 and placed under bareboat charter arrangements with Eiger Shipping, the shipping arm of Russia oil trader Litasco.
Eagle S was boarded by Finnish forces investigating sabotage of the Estlink 2 undersea cable that disrupted the supply of electricity to Estonia from Finland.
The tanker slowed and dragged its anchor around the cable around midday, December 25, Finland’s police said. Another three cables were also damaged.
The source, who declined to be identified to protect their safety, supplied at least 60 confidential documents about Eagle S to Lloyd’s List in June, including the vetting report that outlined many safety deficiencies discovered during an inspection undertaken while at anchor in Danish waters that month.
Much more at the link!
We are on the cusp of something with regards seabed warfare. For sure this latest incident has been responded to more quickly and robustly than the others. Maybe this will backfire for the ‘shadow fleet’
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2…
— H I Sutton (@covertshores.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 11:52 AM
It appears that we are inching closer to awareness that there is an actual world war underway.
Secretary-General Mark Rutte announces NATO “will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea” amid suspected Russian sabotage of undersea cables.
— Steve Herman 📡 (@newsguy.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 7:31 AM
Finland as usual showing a masterful & unusual combination of sangfroid and seriousness in response to a national security threat.
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 12:10 PM
I nominate Finland to manage escalation instead of Jake Sullivan
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 2:50 PM
You may not be interested in the world war Putin is waging, but Putin’s world war may be interested in you!
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
The Korean Nation Should Not Lose Its People in The Battles in Europe – Address By The President
27 December 2024 – 21:07
Dear Ukrainians!
Briefly about today.
I have just held a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian business community – our Ukrainian companies, our regions. Different industries: defense, agriculture, pharmaceutics, banks. I am grateful to them all for operating in Ukraine and for Ukraine, and it is very important for us to maintain support for business, normal operation of Ukrainian enterprises, and our jobs in the state. We discussed concrete issues, which we will definitely solve. The economic foundation is the basis of both social life and our defense.
I held a meeting of the Staff today, with a separate report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi regarding the front. The Donetsk areas are the most intense, as well as Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and the Kharkiv region. Details of the Kursk region’s developments – the North Korean military is involved in the fighting. They have many losses. A great deal. And we can see that the Russian military and the North Korean enforcers have no interest in the survival of these Koreans at all. Everything is arranged in a way that makes it impossible for us to capture the Koreans as prisoners – their own people are executing them, there are such cases. And the Russians send them into assaults with minimal protection. Today we received reports on several soldiers from North Korea, our warriors managed to capture them. But they were seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated. This is one of the manifestations of the madness dictatorships are capable of. The Korean nation should not lose its people in the battles in Europe. And this can be influenced, particularly by Korea’s neighbors, especially China. If China is sincere in its statements that the war should not escalate, it must exert appropriate pressure on Pyongyang.
There is an important decision of the United States today regarding our region – sanctions against Ivanishvili in Georgia. We have been calling for this. Ukraine has already applied its sanctions against this de facto ruler of Georgia personally and against his accomplices. We will not tolerate them surrendering Georgia to Russia’s control. And it is crucial to preserve Georgia’s true independence. I thank America for its support. And this should be supported at the level of the entire Europe – every country, all institutions: we need real sanctions and real pressure on this group of comrades in Tbilisi who like Moscow the most. Let them eventually end up in Moscow.
I had a good conversation today with the President of Argentina, Javier Milei. I noted Javier’s results in economic reform – he has successes that others in the world can learn from. A very correct example of economic growth benefits everyone. I thanked Argentina for supporting Ukraine – Javier was at the Peace Summit we organized this year. There were a hundred states and international institutions; all parts of the world were represented. And this is exactly how we must continue to move forward – to involve all partners in putting pressure on Russia and bringing peace closer. We will increase our cooperation with Argentina – economic, political, and security.
And one more thing.
Today we introduced a new format in our work within the country – a meeting of representatives of national communities. This is about both respect and politics. Each community, through its voice and informal diplomacy, can help us all, our entire state, to join the European Union faster, to achieve results in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations sooner. And I am grateful to all those who provide this kind of assistance. This is a Ukrainian goal that we will achieve. For sure we will.
Glory to Ukraine!
The cost and the reason:
8 year old Alisa finally reunited with her mother. War had separated them and for almost three years Alisa hadn’t seen her mom. Under occupation, she faced constant danger. Russian soldiers conducted searches, pointed weapons at her, and forced her to attend a Russian school.
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 11:13 AM
Her grandparents protected her as best they could, concealing her mother’s whereabouts from the occupying forces. They fabricated a story that Tamila was working in Poland and took great care to ensure their granddaughter wouldn’t accidentally reveal the truth.
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 11:15 AM
Despite everything, Alisa longed to be with her mom. She made one simple wish this year, to spend New Year’s with her mom. That wish came true thanks to the combined efforts of Save Ukraine and bring kids back.
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 11:16 AM
Their first embrace after such a long separation became a powerful symbol that even in the darkest times, children’s dreams can come true.
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 11:16 AM
Georgia:
Ivanishvili Inc. is sanctioned. Georgia’s fight for freedom continues.
Day 30 of #GeorgiaProtests
Video by Ezz Gaber
— Katie Shoshiashvili (@kshoshiashvili.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 4:23 PM
December 27 – #Batumi
#GeorgiaProtests persist, demanding new elections and the unconditional release of those detained during pro-European demonstrations.
The daily protests began on November 28, after the Georgian Dream party announced it was halting #Georgia’s EU accession bid.
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 27, 2024 at 9:27 AM
Meanwhile, protests continue in Georgia. This is a march of musicians that will end on Rustaveli Ave.
#GeorgiaProtests Day 30
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 12:16 PM
“European Integration = Protected Rights for People with Disabilities” | A protest march of people with disabilities is underway from Republic Square to the Parliament.
#GeorgiaProtests
Day 30— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 9:53 AM
Acc/to Irakli Shaishmelashvili, the “chasers squad” deployed during rally dispersals is not part of the Special Tasks Dep. He claims the most aggressives are neither from the city police nor the Central Criminal Police Dep, but operate exclusively under the authority of “Khareba.”
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 27, 2024 at 10:10 AM
2/3
Shaishmelashvili made this statement in an interview with Nodar Meladze, set to air on TV Pirveli tomorrow, December 28.Shaishmelashvili resigned from his post on December 3, during the violent crackdown on pro-European protests in #Tbilisi.
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 27, 2024 at 9:39 AM
3/3
On December 26, he announced that he and his family were leaving #Georgia. The interview was conducted before his departure and was announced by Meladze on December 27.In the interview, Shaishmelashvili discusses the threats and dangers he and his family faced.
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 27, 2024 at 9:39 AM
“Leave a book for the regime prisoners.”
“Books speak of freedom in the silent walls of a prison.”
Day 30. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Sofo Gzirishvili— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 5:39 PM
Georgians have been waiting for sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili for years. For us, it’s a solid demonstration of support from our friends.
The American 🇺🇸 anthem was thus played at today’s protest, I think for the first time. Day 30. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Giorgi Kandelaki— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 2:05 PM
📷 Koba Kareli
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 2:51 PM
Families of the unlawfully imprisoned requested to have a church service for their jailed loved ones at the protest, in front of the statue of the Father of the Nation Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli. They lit the candles on the statue. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Koba Kareli— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 2:32 PM
When I was deployed to Iraq, the 13th Shavnabada lived at Combat Outpost (COP) Carver. They built an entire cathedral out of plywood.
🟥 Zurab Japaridze, leader of “Girchi – More Freedom,” was banned from carrying arms for 3 years and fined 2,500 GEL after his arrest on December 2, following a pro-European rally dispersal on Chavchavadze Avenue, #Tbilisi.
#GeorgiaProtests #Georgia
🧷 netgazeti.ge/news/757938/— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 27, 2024 at 6:33 AM
1/ Civil servants who openly criticize Georgian Dream’s anti-Western policies are being dismissed.
#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorinGeorgia— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 9:38 AM
2/ Giga Sopromadze, a coordinator for disability programs at Tbilisi City Hall for 8 years, was fired after criticizing the government’s anti-Western moves.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 9:38 AM
3/ Over 10 social workers have also been dismissed from the Probation Agency, citing expired contracts. However, the workers believe the decision is political, as no other reasons for their dismissal exist.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 9:38 AM
4/ For example, Mariam Siradze says she was assigned new cases just the day before, and Ana Endeladze was the only referral specialist in Kutaisi.
In the photo: Mariam Siradze
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 9:38 AM
5/ Two behavioral therapists were also dismissed from Rustavi City Hall’s psycho-social rehabilitation center under the pretext of expired contracts. Salome Mchedlidze, one of them, says the firing was politically motivated.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 9:38 AM
North Korea:
🇰🇵🇰🇷South Korea’s spy agency confirms Ukraine’s capture of injured North Korean soldier!
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s spy agency on Friday confirmed Ukraine’s capture of a wounded North Korean soldier, the first reported instance of its kind.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 3:39 AM
Russia:
Russians have released a propaganda video in which Russian air defense shoots down Santa Claus over Moscow.
You couldn’t have picked a worse time to release this video on purpose.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 5:36 AM
Oy vey.
Back to Ukraine:
In October 2024, our team at Frontelligence Insight published an analysis showing that the limited number of remaining ATACMS was unlikely to have a significant impact on the battlefield. While we didn’t share exact numbers publicly, they are now available in the NYT article:
— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 3:08 PM
Link to the NYT article:
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/27/w…
Link to our analysis from October:
frontelligence.substack.com/p/the-us-sta…
— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 3:08 PM
Rep for the Ukrainian HUR, Andriy Yusov, reports that Ukrainian drones are hypothetically already capable of flying 2,000 kilometers deep into Russian territory. At the same time, he hints that any objects associated with the financing or support of the occupying army are legitimate targets.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 5:02 PM
Bakhmut:
93rd Brigade of Ukraine repels Russian AFV column attack on the Bakhmut front.
This attack is very notable because in addition to the BMPs, the destruction of 5 Russian T-62 was already visually confirmed.
This month, expect T-62s to account for around 30% of all known Russian tank losses.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 2:18 PM
Zaporizhzhia:
Ukraine’s intelligence, security forces, and military eliminated 3 senior Russian officers during a field meeting in Zaporizhzhia. Using HIMARS and drones, they struck the Russian commanders from the 4th Guards Base.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 4:10 AM
Kharkiv:
My mom and I spent some time on the phone, wondering if we would face another massive russian missile attack on New Year’s night and debating whose home would be safer to gather in.
As we spoke, Russia rained down glide bombs on the Kharkiv region. There’s also a threat of ballistic missiles.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) December 27, 2024 at 9:57 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron.
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is the next episode of his official animated series that I had not yet posted.
Open thread!
Nukular Biskits
Nice and wide-randing round-up of info, Adam.
WRT the Eagle-S, did the Russians seriously think no one would catch them? Or did they simply not care and are willing to sacrifice the crew members of that ship?
KatKapCC
Lordy. As a Jew, I don’t care about Santa but I don’t want him shot. WTF.
I hope this doesn’t sound frivolous because of the situation, but the Georgian alphabet is so lovely to look at.
Adam L Silverman
@Nukular Biskits: They’ll just deny, obfuscate, delay, and deny. Same thing with any attempt to investigate the Azerbaijan Airlines crash. They’ll demand to be part of the investigation, then they’ll slow walk everything for a decade by both challenging each bit of evidence and just delaying all investigative efforts. Then, should things actually come to a conclusion, they’ll walk in protest and loudly assert their innocence because the investigators and the investigative process was biased against Russia because it was done by anti-Russian racists. Even though they were part of the investigation.
Gin & Tonic
@Nukular Biskits: They don’t care, because there are and will be no consequences.
Nukular Biskits
@Adam L Silverman:
Not looking for specifics here (for obvious reasons) but I gather you have a fair amount of experience with Russian tactics and geo-politics.
And no disagreement from me, a layman.
Nukular Biskits
@Gin & Tonic:
As I told Adam, no disagreements.
But that does raise the question as to what the rest of the world (NATO, specifically) could do right now short of actually engaging in armed hostilities.
I mean, right now, Russia is under international sanctions (which are only as good as other nations being willing to enforce them). And I wouldn’t be surprised if we and allied nations are engaged in limited cyber warfare operations.
But, beyond that, short of actually doing something like launching T-hawks against targets on Russian soil or interdicting all shipping to/from Russian ports, I’m not sure what can be done.
Gin & Tonic
@Nukular Biskits: Not belittling Adam’s knowledge and experience, but in this he is just conscientiously observing their prior behavior.
Adam L Silverman
@Nukular Biskits: I started working this problem set in January 2014 when I was the Senior Civilian Advisor/Cultural Advisor to the Commanding General of US Army Europe.
wombat probability cloud
@Nukular Biskits: Maybe provide “escort services” whenever there are Russian or shadow fleet vessels near cables or other critical junctures? And, just to be naive, how about revisiting Copenhagen Convention agreements of 1857 to asset that any ships passing must comply with maritime rules (insurance, clear registration, safeguards re pollution, etc.)?
Nukular Biskits
@wombat probability cloud:
Sounds like a plan to me.
wombat probability cloud
@KatKapCC: I agree with your comment about the fascinating, and apparently complex, Georgian alphabet. My first reaction was that it came from a branch of Tolkein’s elves who lived in Thailand for some generations. Quite beautiful.
wombat probability cloud
@Nukular Biskits: Oops, “assert.” Long day. As I said, probably naive but I think we’re gonna have to revisit some of the standing rules here.
Adam L Silverman
@wombat probability cloud: @Nukular Biskits: That’s what’s going to happen. If you read the statements from Rutte and the Finnish president, NATO warships are already making steam to and in the area of responsibility to patrol. If you recall, way back in January 2022 I recommended we put a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the Black Sea and another in the North Sea and a Carrier Strike Group in the Irish box to deter Russia and assure/reassure US allies and partners. This was not done.
And now, unfortunately, we’re one Wasp class amphibious assault ship too light because of the destruction of the Bonhomme Richard.
Nukular Biskits
@Adam L Silverman:
Interesting you should mention LHD-6. I work in the shipyard where she was built, although I support a different class of warship.
I would think for interdiction and interception of “rogue” vessels, you’d rather have a couple of destroyers than an entire expeditionary force based off an LHD/LHA … unless you’re wanting those additional capabilities as “backup”.
wombat probability cloud
@Adam L Silverman: That’s encouraging. I wondered if deployment of numerous small crafts, like the Finnish vessel that confronted the Eagle S, would be sufficient (at least until we got to the “came to shove” stage). I do remember the odd news of the Bonhomme Richard but didn’t follow the story to its conclusion.
Villago Delenda Est
Adam, I haven’t thanked you in quite a while, so it’s high time I did, for all you do every day putting together these amazing reports of goings on in the old space of the USSR. The info on the Dark Fleet is new to me, but hardly surprising. Vlad’s bloody fingerprints are all over this.
Mr. Bemused Senior
Adam, first, thank you.
Seems to me Finland has shown the way. Can we hope for cooperation in tracing the funding of Russian assets?
[ETA I’m thinking of the Panama Papers for example.]
Adam L Silverman
@Nukular Biskits: Read or reread the linked post. I wanted two full MEUs and a Carrier Strike Group in place for maximum deterrence.
Adam L Silverman
@Villago Delenda Est: You’re most welcome.
Adam L Silverman
@Mr. Bemused Senior: You’re most welcome too.
To answer your question, I don’t know.
Nukular Biskits
@Adam L Silverman:
Apologies. I should have read that (or, more correctly, reread that … after clicking the link, I remember reading it when you originally posted it).
bbleh
I nominate Finland to manage escalation instead of Jake Sullivan.
Trump Appoints Experienced “Special Advisors” On Russia
Rocket J Squirrel And Bullwinkle T Moose Familiar To Americans
“They’ve been winning for years,” he noted. “I’ve seen it on TV.”
Jay
As always, thank you, Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome.
Jay
https://xcancel.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1872564396792189306#m
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
As a Disabled person myself, I’m proud of my fellow Georgian Disabled for being involved in the pro democracy protests. I would like to think I would be so brave, but I’m not going to swear to it. I’m also big mad at all those specialists getting the boot because politics. Politics should not enter into Disability services.😡
Thanks as always, Adam.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Anonymous At Work
Day after comment but the English Channel probing. Chunnel or data collection from a high traffic area?
I ask because Chunnel is a hard target to disrupt but the current is so strong in the Channel that I can’t see probes doing anything but being swept away quickly and hard.
Villago Delenda Est
@bbleh: /highfive