War in Ukraine

Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians!

Today in Kyiv, a new plaque dedicated to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was unveiled on the Walk of the Brave. It was really a great honor and simply a pleasure for me to take part in this unveiling, in the recognition of Mrs. Ursula’s bravery. She is one of the central figures of the European policy towards Ukraine, she is one of those thanks to whom the European space and European values are now really being protected.

Today Mrs. Ursula has visited our country for the third time since February 24. And every time her visits open a new stage in the rapprochement of Ukraine and the European Union. We discussed all the key points in our relations. But now I want to highlight the issue of integration, the movement of our country towards full membership in the EU.

Whatever the circumstances, we will still implement every detail of our arrangements to open the possibility of membership negotiations. Already in November, we are to fulfill the seven recommendations of the European Commission, which we received when we obtained the candidate status. The assessment by the European Commission of our progress in integration should begin as soon as possible. And next year, we should clarify the key issue: when we can start membership negotiations. The Ukrainian side will do everything for this. And as elements of rapprochement, we consider such things as the regime of the EU internal market for Ukraine, as the unification of our institutional work, for example, at customs – in joint customs control between Ukraine and EU countries. We are already working on this.

Today I thanked Mrs. Ursula for the support already provided – macro-financial, sanctions, defense. We also discussed energy cooperation, which is extremely important for Ukraine and for every EU country on the eve of this winter, which Russia will try to use against all of us in Europe.

I told about a new and particularly vile tactic of Russian terrorists – attacks on energy and hydrotechnical infrastructure. Just during the stay of the President of the European Commission in Ukraine, the Russian army launched new missile attacks on Kryvyi Rih, on the Kirovohrad region. In both cases – on hydrotechnical structures. The purpose of these strikes is completely clear. These are attacks on people, on the normality of life in Ukraine. The terrorist state is trying to show that it can allegedly compensate with such strikes for the cowardice and incompetence of its military, for the failure of its efforts to avoid sanctions and economic isolation.

In response, we must show that there will always be a tough and principled reaction to every manifestation of Russian terror. That is why the eighth EU sanctions package is needed – we talked about it with Mrs. Ursula. A principled decision by the United States of America regarding the terrorist state, the legal recognition of this status is also needed, and we discussed this, by the way, recently during the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kyiv. We also discuss this issue during contacts with congressmen.

Progress is needed in providing Ukraine with air defense systems. We already have agreements with certain countries, our diplomats are working with others. I want to emphasize that without providing us with a sufficient number of sufficiently effective air defense systems that will protect the Ukrainian skies, Russia will continue to feel impunity and provoke new local and global crises. Therefore, protecting Ukraine from Russian missiles is truly a basic element of global security.

In general, supporting Ukraine with weapons, ammunition and finances is crucial for peace in Europe. The better support we have, the sooner this war will end. I talked about it with the representatives of the leading think tanks of Poland, Britain, France and the US who arrived in Kyiv. Real protection of freedom and common values of the free world is possible now only as a result of Ukraine’s victory in this war.

I also spoke about further support for Ukraine with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As always, very substantive, specific. We discussed various security issues, including Russian missile strikes, defense assistance, training of our military, prospects for the developments on the battlefield, restoration of critical infrastructure before the winter period. I am grateful to Mr. Prime Minister for the support already provided to us, in particular financial, for the funds for the purchase of gas. And for understanding the steps we need to take to ruin Russia’s terrorist plans.

An important IAEA resolution was adopted today – a resolution demanding that Russia cease all actions against the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant at the plant itself, at any other nuclear facility in Ukraine. Although international organizations are often limited in their ability to respond, we see that the IAEA clearly identifies the source of radiation danger, namely: the Russian military presence at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Russian actions against the nuclear power plant. Therefore, the complete demilitarization of the plant, the immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops from there is the only thing that can ensure the implementation of this IAEA resolution. And this is also a basic element of global security. As long as Russian soldiers remain at the nuclear power plant, the world remains on the brink of a radiation disaster – worse than even Chornobyl. And it is the joint responsibility of everyone in Europe and the world – to remove the Russian presence from the territory of the ZNPP.

Today I want to thank all the representatives of the State Emergency Service, utility services, construction workers, police officers, military personnel, representatives of local authorities, business representatives – everyone who is involved in eliminating the consequences of Russian missile terror, who helps those who suffered from the strikes. In Kryvyi Rih and the Kirovohrad region, in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, in Mykolaiv and the Donetsk region – in all the cities and communities that Russia tortures with its missiles.

The terrorist state has already used more than 3,800 different missiles against us. But no missile will bring Russia closer to its goal. There will be no subjugation of Ukraine. And each missile brings Russia closer to greater international isolation, greater economic degradation and even clearer historical condemnation.

And finally. A mass burial site was found in Izyum, Kharkiv region. The necessary procedural actions have already begun there. There should be more information – clear, verified information – tomorrow. Tomorrow there will be Ukrainian and international journalists in Izyum. We want the world to know what is really happening and what the Russian occupation has led to. Bucha, Mariupol, now, unfortunately, Izyum… Russia leaves death everywhere. And it must be held accountable for that. The world must hold Russia to real account for this war. We will do everything for this.

Eternal memory to all those whose lives were taken away by the occupiers! Eternal glory to everyone who fights for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

Here’s the British MOD’s assessment for today. The mappers appear to still be on leave. Or skiving off the lazy gits…

Here is former NAVDEVGRU Squadron Leader Chuck Pfarrer’s most recent assessment of the situation in Kherson:

CLARIFICATION: @nick_cordoba has reported that the Mayor of Mykloiav indicates that the village of Kiselyvka is still occupied by RU forces. Nee information is always welcomed.

— Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | (@ChuckPfarrer) September 15, 2022

Izium:

Graves of Izium.
Those killed under Russian occupation.
By @den_kazansky pic.twitter.com/vInOLnrYY4

— Illia Ponomarenko (@IAPonomarenko) September 15, 2022

Important context from Ukr missing persons ombudsmen Oleh Kotenko on “2nd Bucha” in Izyum. Yes, he describes mass grave in Izyum w 100s of bodies. 1/4 https://t.co/GvjKaWQE2U https://t.co/ZegIoyLFHd

— Oliver Carroll (@olliecarroll) September 15, 2022

But here is the rub: “When Russians took Izyum they shelled heavily + people died on the streets. Municipal services didn’t know who they were but buried them.” 2/4

This coincides with my own hunch, which I wrote in tweet, that evidence from Izyum not happy days, but did not support “Bucha” conclusion — i.e. mass, systemised war crimes against civilian population. Less so “two Buchas” as govt adviser Heraschenko claimed and some reported 3/4

The ombudsmen is very clear in interview: “I don’t want to call it Bucha. Here people were buried in a more civilised way.” 4/4

Boizhe Moi!

You can’t make this up – some of the Russian units in Ukraine used (probability are still using) “Atlas of the Automobile Roads of the USSR” for directions. This is the second largest army of the world. pic.twitter.com/P9FfuxnOt8

— Ia Meurmishvili (@iameurmishvili) September 15, 2022

Putin met with Xi today. And whether Putin realizes it or not, he is now the junior partner to Xi and Russia is now a vassal state in its relationship to the PRC.

Then talks about Ukraine. "We understand your questions and your concern in this connection." Translation: Uncle Xi has not been happy. pic.twitter.com/47FOep4YPp

— Sergey Radchenko (@DrRadchenko) September 15, 2022

But check out Xi Jinping's comments to his "old and dear friend." Xi: "We are prepared, with the Russian colleagues, to show an example of being a responsible world power and play a leading role so as to take the world onto the trajectory of sustainable and positive development." pic.twitter.com/3ExA8y11JT

— Sergey Radchenko (@DrRadchenko) September 15, 2022

Conclusion. Putin looks desperate. Xi looks like he is calling the shots. The whole relationship is rapidly becoming very, very lop-sided.

— Sergey Radchenko (@DrRadchenko) September 15, 2022

For those looking for it, here’s the video of Prigozhin trying to recruit inmates to work for him as private military contractors (read mercenaries) and go fight for Putin in Ukraine.

For the first time, a video emerges of a recruitment talk for Wagner by Prigozhin in a Russian prison camp. Absolutely bonkers. “Nobody goes back behind bars. If you serve six months, you are free. If you arrive in Ukraine and decide it’s not for you, we execute you.” pic.twitter.com/9rlAbhKaQW

— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) September 14, 2022

This is a very interesting and, I think, on point thread from the head of political philosophy at the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences:

1) radicals – a sizeable but extremely loud minority that actively supports war, is engaged, follows the news and in rare cases even goes to the frontlines (15-25%). This is the audience of the milbloggers, Telegram channels and vampires like Solovyov or Skabeeva 2/25

— Greg Yudin (@YudinGreg) September 14, 2022

2) dissenters – a sizeable minority that categorically opposes the war. It is banned from Russian-based media and generally depressed (20-25%) 3/25

3) laymen – a passive majority that is completely depoliticized and doesn’t want to have anything in common with politics & war (50-65%) 4/25

Laymen are the bulk of yeah-sayers when asked “Do you support the President’s decision to conduct the special military operation or are you a national traitor to be put in prison for 15 years?” 5/25

The laymen are the those carelessly enjoying their lives while people are dying in Ukraine. It is obviously deplorable but the upside of it is that these people are completely unwilling to participate in war actively in any way https://twitter.com/hebelowski/status/156870599919608449… 6/25

Laymen try to shield themselves from any news about war as hard as they can and know very little about the defeat in Kharkiv (many of them wouldn’t even tell where Kharkiv is located). The mainstream radio and TV news are protecting them from this information 7/25

Importantly, as TV started promoting hard war propaganda, the viewership went down. Precisely because laymen want their soap operas, nutritionists, and standup, rather than boring news from the frontlines https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11140879/A-quarter-Russians-stopped-watching-state-TV-BORED-Putins-propaganda.html… 8/25

Conversely, the radicals are seriously affected by Ukrainian counter-offensive. They exploded in finger-pointing and blaming military leadership, each other, and even Putin for this defeat. For the first time, there is a heated discussion between them 9/25

There is a variety of tones in this discussion – from relatively optimistic “we should unite around Putin and take revenge” to completely fatalist “the war is lost, no matter what”. But: all of them demand total mobilization of Russian society and more aggressive war 10/25

They are united by the belief that Russia would have easily conquered Ukraine, but for some reason (treason, incompetence, generosity) it wages the war with one hand tied 11/25

However, this discussion is significant. For the first time people start realizing that Putin is not invincible. Hard to overestimate how important this myth is for Russia. Belief that Putin will prevail no matter what paralyzes all independent action 12/25

The radicals are getting angry at the laymen for continuing with their normal life as troops are dying for the survival of the country under NATO’s assault. The laymen are angry at the radicals for trying to politicize their lives, e.g. introduce war propaganda to schools 13/25

I have seen people taking Boris Nadezhdin’s statements on Russian TV as a sign of a crack in the dominant narrative. https://twitter.com/JuliaDavisNews/status/1569070513909022720… This is not the case 14/25

Nadezhdin is an old liberal from the 90s, a comrade of Boris Nemtsov. Nemtsov decided to mount a real opposition to Putin (with a dismal outcome). Nadezhdin opted for playing along Putin’s rules of fake opposition and joined one of his puppet parties https://spravedlivo.ru/10032415 15/25

The benefit of this strategy is that you are regularly invited to these shitshows as a strawman to be humiliated. This is how you gain national recognition, (helps on the election day!) 16/25

However, Nadezhdin himself was obviously against this war from day one, and he is clearly against Putin, too – this is just something you cannot say openly on Russian TV. There was no change at all in his attitudes because of the recent setbacks 17/25

The brave statements of local MPs calling to impeach Putin are no sign of change either. They belong to dissenters and protested against the war as much as they could. This call is a farewell gesture – last week their term ended, many of them were not even allowed to run 18/25

Still, current situation puts Putin in a precarious position. He is dependent BOTH on the passivity of the laymen and the engagement of the radicals. That’s why he sells two contradictory narratives – one about an existential war and another about things running as usual 19/25

Now, the radicals’ demand for total mobilization is totally unacceptable for the laymen. However, the defeats on the frontlines make Putin’s reluctance to put the country on wartime footing unacceptable for the radicals 20/25

Putin’s strategy has been targeted mobilization – recruiting people among the radicals while leaving the laymen to their own devices. There is some room for him to continue with that strategy, but military defeats will make it increasingly strained 21/25

Putin is unlikely to yield to demands to declare mobilization now. It requires political mobilization first. Now is a bad moment. Even volunteers go to Ukraine to join a winning army and earn some $, not to face a strong opponent. The draftees will be even less enthusiastic 22/25

To sum up, balancing between depoliticizing society in general and mobilizing the radical part of it simultaneously will be increasingly difficult for Putin as the major defeat is looming 23/25

Can Putin sell a defeat as a victory? No. Radicals will not hesitate calling it a defeat, and laymen will not forgive him the distortion of their everyday life 24/25

Putin will not survive the military defeat in a war where he staked the whole country 25/25

That’s enough for tonight.

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— Patron (@PatronDsns) September 15, 2022

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The caption translates as:

And how are your pets resting? 😅 #dogPatron #PatronDSNS #SlavaUkraini

Open thread!

Ukrainians!

I’ve returned from the Kharkiv region – from our Kharkiv region, from the districts that were liberated.

As of today, almost the entire region is de-occupied. It was an unprecedented movement of our warriors – Ukrainians once again managed to do what many considered impossible. On the first day of active operations alone, our troops advanced 19 kilometers. 110 kilometers were covered in five days of fighting. In total, almost 400 settlements were de-occupied. The 150,000 Ukrainians who remained in this territory feel again now what an ordinary, safe, normal life is like.

The Russian army has been in the Kharkiv region for more than five months. And during this time, the occupiers did not even try to do anything for the people. They only destroyed, only deprived, only took away. They left behind devastated villages, and in some of them there is not a single undamaged house. The occupiers left schools turned into garbage dumps, and churches – broken, literally turned into toilets.

Journalists – both Ukrainian and foreign journalists – gained access to the liberated areas. The world must see this destruction, must feel the pain that Russia has brought to Ukrainians. Our law enforcement officers already receive reports of murders, tortures and abductions by the occupiers. What the world saw in Bucha, what we saw in the de-occupied territory of the Chernihiv region, Sumy region, and what we are seeing now in the Kharkiv region are evidence of genocide against Ukrainians. Evidence that Russia cannot bring anything else except for genocide.

And I will speak in Russian to “comrades”.

Your missile attacks today, Russian missiles targeting Kryvyi Rih, the dam of the Karachunivske Reservoir, the objects that have no military value at all, in fact hitting hundreds of thousands of ordinary civilians, is another reason why Russia will lose. And not just this war, but history itself.

History is written by people, never by savages. Who will you remain in history? All those who launch these missiles. Those who came to our land. Weaklings. You are weaklings waging a war against civilians. Scoundrels who, having fled the battlefield, are trying to do harm from somewhere far away. You will remain terrorists whom their own grandchildren will be ashamed of.

Events show that the only way out for Russian soldiers is to surrender to Ukrainian forces. This is the only option that guarantees them life and attitude in accordance with all conventions. Every Russian soldier should have already understood that only in Ukrainian captivity will no one use him as cannon fodder in a war that is obviously losing for Russia.

At the site of the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, everything is being done to eliminate the consequences of this yet another Russian vile act. A vile act, which may please insane Russian propagandists, but will certainly not save the moral and psychological state of Russian soldiers. They understood that the Russian command is incompetent, and that a rout awaits them in Ukraine on all fronts. Russia will not fix this with any terror, as terror only confirms the weakness of the one who resorts to it.

Today in Izyum, I awarded our heroes. It was an honor for me to present state awards on this very land to those who liberated this land. I am grateful to the warriors of the 14th and 92nd separate mechanized brigades, the 25th separate airborne brigade, the 80th separate airborne assault brigade – everyone who in just five days forced the enemy to retreat in panic, abandoning equipment, ammunition, numerous Russian flags. I am grateful to the 107th MLRS brigade, the 40th, 43rd, 44th separate artillery brigades, the 26th artillery brigade. I want to thank the 15th separate artillery reconnaissance brigade – all the warriors who ensured the timely destruction of enemy targets and the advance of our ground units. And, of course, I am grateful to the fighters of the Main Intelligence Directorate, all who skillfully turned the enemy’s panic into real hysteria.

I am grateful to Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrsky and the officers of his staff – everyone who planned and successfully conducted the military operation to liberate the Kharkiv region.

The Ukrainian flag will return to all parts of our country. Just like in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian warriors will be met in Donbas, in the south, and in Crimea. It will happen, it will definitely happen.

I also held a meeting today in Kharkiv regarding the energy situation in the city and the region. We take into account the fact that the terrorist state can resort to any new vile acts. All levels of Ukrainian authorities – both central and local, rescue services, energy companies, transporters – are tasked with preparing for any scenarios. Reserves for energy, heat and water supply are needed – for all possible cases.

We are preparing for tomorrow’s active day. We are waiting for the news from the frontline. There will be diplomatic news from Kyiv – President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is paying a visit. Today was almost a Ukrainian day in Brussels. For the first time in the history of the European Union, a state from outside the EU was actually represented at a special session of the European Parliament during the annual State of the EU Report – this is our state. So far – from outside the EU. We are working for full membership – politically, legally, symbolically.

The First Lady of Ukraine was present during this annual report of the President of the European Commission. We have an important result of this visit – one hundred million euros for the reconstruction of 74 schools in Ukraine in the framework of the Fast Recovery Plan. We will do everything to implement a large-scale social initiative – cancellation of roaming charges for our people in the EU and for Europeans in Ukraine. This will be a strong signal of our rapprochement. And I thank Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen, I thank all our friends in the European Union for their unwavering support.

I am thankful to all our warriors! I am thankful to everyone who participates in the rescue operations after the Russian strikes. We will respond to the terrorists for each of their vile acts, for each missile, for each projectile. We are capable of that.

Glory to Ukraine!

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— Patron (@PatronDsns) September 14, 2022

There is not currently a new video posted on Patron’s official TikTok. So keep good thoughts for Gres Victor!

Open thread!

Ukrainians!

All Europeans!

And everyone in the world who believes that terror should have no place on earth.

Why is the biggest source of terror in the world – Russia – still able to wage this war? And why can it wage the war so cruelly and cynically? There is only one reason – insufficient pressure on Russia. The response to the terror of this state is insufficient.

Just look at what Russia can afford. No other terrorist has ever done this in history – so many things at once.

Radiation terror at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Six power units! The presence of Russian troops at the plant, constant Russian provocations and shelling of the plant’s territory alone put Ukraine and all of Europe on the brink of a radiation disaster.

Energy terror. Residents of many countries around the world are suffering due to the painful increase in prices for energy resources – for electricity, for heat. Russia does it deliberately. It deliberately destabilizes the gas market in Europe. With its strikes it deliberately limits our Ukrainian ability to export electricity to Europe. The export of electricity from Ukraine could alleviate the severity of the energy crisis in Europe in the same way that the export of our food relieves the severity of the food crisis in the world.

Hunger terror is a very cynical and completely deliberate tactic of Russia. And it is directed not just against poor countries, but specifically against those regions of the world from which a new inflow of refugees may come to Europe. Severe migrant crisis in Europe – this is the calculation of the terrorist state.

Fortunately, together with our partners, together with the UN, Turkey, we managed to achieve an export grain initiative. Russia was forced to unblock our ports. But now it is threatening a blockade again.

And how does the world react? There is still no official recognition of Russia as a state – sponsor of terrorism. Citizens of the terrorist state can still travel to Europe for vacation or shopping, they can still get European visas, and no one knows whether there are torturers or murderers among them who have just returned from the occupied territory of Ukraine. Until now, Russian propagandists can still work precisely in those countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, which are threatened with the greatest chaos due to price and energy crises created by Russia. We are still forced to ask for help in protecting our skies from Russian missiles – after 200 days of full-scale war!

Yesterday and today, the Russian army struck the Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians found themselves in the dark – without electricity. Houses, hospitals, schools, communal infrastructure… Russian missiles hit precisely those objects that have absolutely nothing to do with the infrastructure of the Armed Forces of our country.

On the one hand, this is a sign of the desperation of those who invented this war. This is how they react to the defeat of Russian troops in the Kharkiv region. They can’t do anything to our heroes on the battlefield, and that’s why Russia is directing its vile strikes against civilian infrastructure.

On the other hand, Russia is trying to prevent us from directing Ukraine’s capabilities in such a way as to stabilize the situation in Europe. Our electricity export is something that Russia is very afraid of right now. Because we can disrupt Russian plans to empty the pockets of Europeans this winter due to crazy energy prices.

We still need to strengthen our cooperation in order to overcome Russian terror. Russia must be designated a terrorist state. Strengthen sanctions – the eighth EU sanctions package is needed. Increase aid to Ukraine, and above all speed up the provision of air defense systems.

I am grateful to all the rescuers who fought the consequences of Russian missile strikes at energy facilities. Hundreds of settlements in several regions of Ukraine were cut off due to these strikes.

At the request of the Minister of Internal Affairs, today I would like to especially note the contribution to the stabilization of the situation of Major General of the Civil Protection Service Oleksandr Volobuyev, Colonel of the Civil Protection Service Oleksandr Mislavskyi, Senior Lieutenant of the Civil Protection Service Vitaliy Dzyabko, Ensign of the Civil Protection Service Denys Kostenko and fireman, Ensign Oleksandr Gulyi. Thank you. I am grateful to you and your colleagues!

The energy supply of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Poltava region, Sumy region, Kharkiv region and the city of Kharkiv was restored. But today there are new strikes at energy facilities. New blackouts in Kharkiv. And we must be aware that the meanness of Russian terrorists knows no bounds – they will try to make such a form of terror systematic.

On my behalf, the Prime Minister of Ukraine held a meeting today with the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Territories and Communities Development of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance and Naftogaz. A coordinating headquarters will be formed to quickly respond to all such manifestations of Russian terror. Funds will also be allocated for the restoration of damaged objects and for assistance to the de-occupied territories.

From the beginning of September until today, our warriors have already liberated more than 6,000 square kilometers of the territory of Ukraine – in the east and south. The movement of our troops continues.

I am thankful to the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade, which has recovered from heavy fighting in the east and is advancing very bravely, very confidently in the south direction.

I am thankful to the 59th separate motorized infantry brigade for steadily moving forward despite everything – despite the features of the open terrain, despite the artillery of the occupiers.

I am thankful to the fighters of the 128th separate mountain assault brigade for the liberation of several settlements and very effective actions to neutralize the enemy’s activity. Guys, you are true heroes!

Separately, I want to thank our anti-aircraft fighters today. Yesterday, we all saw the consequences of the Russian strikes. But at the same time, most of the terrorists’ missiles were shot down. Nine of the twelve missiles were shot down. Seven missiles were shot down by warriors of the 138th Dnipro anti-aircraft missile brigade of the “East” air command, and two missiles were shot down by the sky defenders of the 96th Kyiv anti-aircraft missile brigade of the “Center” air command. Thank you, our defenders!

Thank you to everyone who fights for Ukraine!

Thank you to everyone who is really ready to fight against Russian terror!

We bring victory closer every day.

Glory to Ukraine!

Here is the British MOD’s assessment for today. Apparently the mappers got a long weekend…

Here is former NAVDEVGRU Squadron Leader Chuck Pfarrer’s most recent assessments on Izium and Kherson:

IZIUM/1430 UT 12 SEP/ Updated reports indicate that disorganized RU units are attempting to regroup around the village of Oskil. The bridge at that place has been interdicted. UKR maneuver elements will likely encircle these RU remnants by seizing the 0-211437 road behind them. pic.twitter.com/HiorFwb4mV

— Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | (@ChuckPfarrer) September 12, 2022

Perhaps the Russian soldiers in Kherson might want to take advantage of this:

Surrender cards are being distributed to 🇷🇺forces:

'Your ticket to a peaceful life. Show this card to a Ukrainian soldier – it will save your life and help you get back home'

On the back: a telegram chat & phone number they can contact 'to receive detailed support'.#Ukraine️ pic.twitter.com/sGFqZTiDyu

— WhereisRussiaToday (@WhereisRussia) September 12, 2022

Here’s the Russian view of their collapse in Kharkiv:

The map seen in the sitrep of the Russian Ministry of Defense shows that they have abandoned the entire territory of the Karkhiv Oblast west of the Oskol River. https://t.co/y2CYsNGAPg pic.twitter.com/5cPo0f4cxt

— Benjamin Pittet (@COUPSURE) September 11, 2022

The Ukrainian Air Force has reestablished significant control over their airspace.

As we reported, on September 11, around 8:30 p.m., 🇷🇺 launched missile strikes on the territory of 🇺🇦.
9 out of 12 missiles of the occupiers were destroyed by 🇺🇦 anti-aircraft missile units.
The video shows the combat operation of 🇺🇦 S-300PT anti-aircraft missile systems. pic.twitter.com/SfS8sHWCAi

— Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) September 12, 2022

There was a very large kaboom in Taganrog in Russia earlier today:

Witnesses in Rostov-on-Don, Azov, Taganrog, Novoshakhtinsk, Shakhty, Novocherkassk, Aksay, and Yeysk all reported hearing a powerful explosion. No comment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Rostov region thus far. https://t.co/diI0L25dUx

— Meduza in English (@meduza_en) September 12, 2022

Explosions in Taganrog, Russia pic.twitter.com/nuE3LZmbLZ

— ТРУХА⚡️English (@TpyxaNews) September 12, 2022

While a number of both trusted sources and pseudonymous accounts are attributing these explosions to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, let’s keep an open mind until better confirmation is reported.

Also, obligatory:

Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has some very strong thoughts about what the NATO allies need to do for Ukraine:

Ukraine’s heroes have exceeded our expectations daily. Thanks to the inspiring leadership of @ZelenskyyUa, @DmytroKuleba, @oleksiireznikov and others the definition of impossible has been rewritten.

— Gabrielius Landsbergis🇱🇹 (@GLandsbergis) September 11, 2022

Ukraine has earnt nothing less than our full support in bringing Putin to justice for each and every crime he has committed. There can be no compromises, excuses or exceptions.

Ukraine has earnt nothing less than our full support in bringing Putin to justice for each and every crime he has committed. There can be no compromises, excuses or exceptions.

If we had armed Ukraine faster, thousands of homes would have remained standing. Thousands of lives would have been saved. Thousands more children would now be safe with their parents. We must recognise the fact that appeasement did nothing to protect them.

The people of Ukraine have done more than enough to earn our respect. We have been humbled by their achievements. Now we must help them end this war swiftly and forever. Here’s how:

1. All stockpiles of western advanced armaments (ATACMS, tanks, fighter jets) must be made available to Ukraine.

2. We must commit to creating and enforcing safe zones around the territories of nuclear power stations, so Putin cannot use them as a weapon.

3. Clear red lines must be drawn and the consequences for crossing them should be made very clear to Putin, so he is deterred from making any desperate last moves.

4. The ICC and others must be quickly sent to liberated territories to investigate the crimes committed there.

5. Fast-track integration of Ukraine into NATO and the EU.

No more westsplaining. No more dithering. No more negotiations with terrorists. Those who doubted Ukraine’s strength should be apologising. Ukraine defended us all, even when some didn’t believe they could succeed. Now is the time for us to show our deep gratitude.

On Saturday, Oleksii Resnikov, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, addressed the Yes Conference:

.@oleksiireznikov vows the offensive will continue: "We can move down on the map in the direction in Luhansk Oblast also, so it can help us to liberate the next territory."

— Nick Schifrin (@nickschifrin) September 10, 2022

“The liberation of all our territories is significant and we are going to liberate all temporarily occupied territories.”

Says the ongoing counteroffensive was designed by the General Staff to be on two fronts, simultaneously: Kherson and Kharkiv. “That is their idea how to do it in the two directions.”

And throws a little shade: “We attack their ammunition, they fuel depots, their commanders, officers, etc., etc., we will cut their logistics. And after that they became weaker and weaker and weaker and, they will [become] run away army.”

On the southern front, @oleksiireznikovsays Ukrainian troops have re-captured about 400 km / 150 sq. mi.

.@oleksiireznikov confirms Kakhovka is one of the primary objectives of the southern counter-offensive, “because it’s a place with a fresh water [source] and we need to control it and we need to arrange the delivering to Ukrainians and not to the occupiers.”

.@oleksiireznikov confirms Ukrainians have not destroyed the bridges out of the city of Kherson in order to allow Russian forces to evacuate, but have fire control over the bridge with HIMARS, MLRS, and 155mm’s.

Reznikov also gave an interview to The Financial Times:

Ukraine needs to secure the vast territory it has recaptured from possible Russian counter-attack, the country’s defence minister has warned, as he said Kyiv’s lightning offensive had gone far “better than expected”.

The attack has routed the Kremlin’s forces, led to the recapture of 3,000 sq km of Ukrainian territory and prompted an unusual admission by Russia’s defence ministry that its troops had to retreat. On Monday morning, Ukraine was also restoring power services after Russian strikes had attacked the country’s infrastructure in retaliation.

“A counter-offensive liberates territory and after that you have to control it and be ready to defend it,” defence minister Oleksii Reznikov told the Financial Times, while cautioning: “Of course, we have to be worried, this war has worried us for years.”

More at the link!

I want to draw everyone’s attention to this specific snippet from an essay written by Phillips O’Brien published in The Atlantic:

To give their forces the best chance to succeed, the Ukrainians also seem to have built up a substantial, fast-moving strike force. Without allowing details of their preparations to leak out—Ukrainian sources have disclosed little if any information valuable to Russia—they seem to have constructed a number of specialized combat brigades with lighter, faster wheeled vehicles. This has allowed them a crucial mobility advantage over their enemy.

I’ve seen this idea bandied about a lot over the past several days. Specifically that while a lot of people – and you know who you are – were wondering in frustration where the Ukrainian military was given the announced operation to retake Kherson, the Ukrainians had managed to build the equivalent of a division or three of light mechanized infantry combined with armor and artillery. Which they are now using in Kharkiv and Kherson. While this certainly seems plausible based on what we’ve seen since the end of last week, we’ll have to wait for more and better reporting to know for sure.

That’s enough for tonight!

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