Reckless.

This is coolbert:

From the Internet web site of the journalist Glenn Greenwald.

"War Propaganda About Ukraine Becoming More Militaristic, Authoritarian, and Reckless"

Feb 27 [2022].

"Every useful or pleasing claim about the war, no matter how unverified or subsequently debunked, rapidly spreads, while dissenters are vilified as traitors or Kremlin agents."

Here with the type of reckless language that serves no one very well. What Mr. Greenwald has in mind.

Congressman Kinzinger [R-IL] has a military background and a record of distinuished service. Has flown into the combat zone in several conflicts and continues with his service.

However, declaring a no-zone over the Ukraine presumably that will enforced by NATO warplanes is risking a confrontation with nuclear-equipped Russia and must be dismissed out-of-hand.  At least I hope so. The RISK is just too great. 

Congressman Kinzinger should be ashamed of his bombastic and poorly thought out language. Comments such as his can only aggravate an already bad situation. I might even think that Putin when briefed of these tweets [if he was] made the decision to place his strategic nuclear forces on a higher state of alert!!

coolbert.

Rasputitsa.

This is coolbert:

Esteban has broached the idea that the Russian rapid mechanized military advance the Ukraine [as hoped for] has been stymied possibly as a result of the famed rasputitsa.

"Rasputitsa . . . is a Russian term for two seasons of the year, spring and autumn, when travel on unpaved roads or across country becomes difficult, owing to muddy conditions from rain or melting snow. 'Rasputitsa' also refers to road conditions during both periods.

"The afternoon high in Kiev all week is going to be above freezing."

WET COLD! BELOW FREEZING DURING THE NIGHT HOURS, ABOVE FREEZING DURING THE DAYTIME. CREATES EXCEEDINGLY MUDDY CONDITIONS UNSUITABLE EVEN FOR THE CROSS-COUNTRY MOVEMENT OF TRACKED VEHICLES!

"Maybe the Russians were counting on General Winter — after all, it’s February in Ukraine — to freeze the fields hard but wound up having to stick to the highways due to Marshal Mud?"

Normal procedure when confronted with the rasputitsa just to HUNKER DOWN and await the condition to pass!

coolbert.

Scorched.

This is coolbert:

“The armed formations of the Ukro-fascists, realizing the hopelessness of their resistance, in their impotent hatred are destroying everything in their path during their retreat. They open fire on residential buildings, mine the area, destroy objects of civilian infrastructure. This criminal regime has showed its true face,” - -  Lugansk People’s Republic [LPR] head Leonid Pasechnik. 

"Lugansk Leader Accuses Ukrainian Forces of Using Scorched Earth Tactics During Retreat"

22 hours ago (Updated: 22 hours ago).

From the Russian controlled [?] media outlet Sputnik the original story [?] RIA Novosti  [РИА Новости]

"Lugansk and Donetsk forces, and the Russian ministry of defence, have repeatedly accused Ukrainian volunteer ultra-nationalist forces [Azov battalion?] of using heavy artillery against urban areas they’ve retreated from."

"Earlier in the day, the Russian defence ministry accused the Azov Detachment – an openly neo-Nazi unit of the Ukrainian National Guard, of using heavy Grad artillery to strike residential areas and a school on the outskirts of the frontline city of Mariupol, killing multiple civilians."

GRAD rocket artillery perhaps of the 122 mm variety. Not conventional tube artillery!

In the ancient and venerable tradition of "scorched earth warfare" a retreating military force destroying anything of value that can be used by the advancing adversary.

Azov battalion personnel supposedly high-value-targets of Russian special purpose units, Chechen and OMON para-military units.

coolbert.

Alexander.

This is coolbert:

Ukrainian girls BEWARE the Alexander!

Spyware and malware!

From the U.S. edition of "The Sun" and thanks to same.

"RUDE ARMY Randy Russian soldiers bombard Ukrainian girls with flirty Tinder requests"

Article by Nick Parker.

16:59 ET, Feb 23 2022Updated: 17:54 ET, Feb 23 2022.

"randy: adjective - - Desirous of sexual activity. Sexually aroused. Ill-mannered."

"RUSSIAN soldiers began bombarding Ukraine yesterday — with Tinder messages looking for love."

"Ukrainian women in second city Kharkiv — just 20 miles from tyrannical Vladimir Putin’s vast invasion force — have been stunned by a salvo of admirers in uniform."

Undoubtedly those images contain some sort of spyware or malware that will infect your smart phone or other device. Can be used to spy on you without your knowledge. Even a machine when you think turned off can be hazardous.

This has been demonstrated to be a common practice on a world-wide basis of many intelligence agencies. Including undoubtedly Russian espionage and intelligence gathering organizations.

Again, Ukrainian girls beware the Alexander. And for that matter Alexei, Ivan, Mikhail, Oleg, Fyodor as well. THEY ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS. Do I EVEN NEED to tell you this?

See a whole host of relevant prior blog entries: [many containing additional links]

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/01/apps.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/05/aga.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/05/barbie.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/03/track.html

coolbert.

Odessa.

This is coolbert:

Once more naval combat action the Black Sea. That Cargill AG merchant vessel not the only shipping foreign-flagged ships under attack by sources the identity of which has not been determined with certainty.

The Ukrainians say the Russians did it. The Russians say the Ukrainians did it. The first casualty of war is the truth?

"Ukraine: Russian Missiles Hit 2 Commercial Ships Near Odessa Port"

Odessa seaport (Dreamstime) Friday, 25 February 2022 11:08 PM.

"Ukraine said Russian warships shelled a Moldovan-flagged chemical tanker and a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship due to load grain near Odessa port in the Black Sea on Friday, one day after Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine."

"A total of three non-military vessels have now been hit since the start of the invasion. On Thursday, the Turkish-owned Yasa Jupiter cargo ship was struck off Odessa."

Consider the world-wide ramification of the port of Odessa made unviable for merchant vessel traffic:

"Ukraine and Russia account for 25% of global trade in wheat and 20% of corn sales. With port and railway closures in Ukraine, Bloomberg Agriculture Spot Index has risen to record highs."

Folks, watch it!

coolbert.

Shameful.

This is coolbert:

Devoted readers to the blog please do not think that my very recent previous blog entries here and here are exceedingly paranoid with regard to the danger Ukrainian negotiators face when meeting Russian officials.

Hardly is this the case. My admonitions not without foundation!    

From the "Weapons and Warfare" Internet web site:

"Budapest 1956 II". The Hungarian Uprising.

Hungarian negotiators invited by the Soviets to Moscow trapped and imprisoned.

"As the fighting raged, representatives of the Nagy cabinet, including Pal Maleter, a Hungarian army colonel serving as minister of defense, were negotiating with the commanders of the Soviet forces in Hungary under a flag of truce. Against all international law, and against every concept of military honor and dignity, the Soviets seized the Hungarian negotiators and cast them into prison, nearly decapitating the revolutionary forces with this one shameful blow."

See also from the wiki entry regarding the arrest and detention of Hungarian negotiators:

"On 3 November, a Hungarian delegation led by Defence Minister Pál Maléter was invited to attend negotiations on Soviet withdrawal at the Soviet Military Command at Tököl, near Budapest. At around midnight that evening, General Ivan Serov, Chief of the Soviet Security Police (KGB) ordered the arrest of the Hungarian delegation, and the next day, the Soviet army again attacked Budapest."

Negotiations YES. But the very persons of negotiators inviolate. As it was NOT in Hungary 1956. GOT IT!

coolbert.

Steaming.

This is coolbet:

From the Internet web site "South Front" we have clarification the "steaming" of the entire "visible" Russian navy in the Mediterranean Sea. A cogent explanation?

"IN VIDEO: RUSSIA CONCLUDES LARGE-SCALE DRILLS IN EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA"

With a lot of images and video. Thanks "South Front".

"On February 25, the Russian Ministry of Defense [MoD] announced that it had concluded drills in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.:

"More than 20 vessels of the Russian Navy took part in the large-scale drills which began around ten days earlier. Tu-22M3 strategic bombers and MiG-31K fighter jets armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles also participated in the drills. The warplanes were deployed in Hmeimim Air Base on the Syrian coast."

""The drills were likely meant as a warning to the NATO ahead of the Russian military operation in Ukraine. Currently, the NATO maintains a total of three carrier strike groups are situation in the Mediterranean Sea; the US Harry Truman carrier strike group integrated with the French carrier Charles de Gaulle’s task force and Italian carrier Cavour strike groups.""

THREE NATO CARRIER STRIKE GROUPS ACTIVE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. FRENCH, ITALIAN, AMERICAN. TWO OF WHICH BELONG TO NUCLEAR POWERS!

coolbert.

Gruz-200.

This is coolbert:

"'Russia deploys mobile crematoriums to follow its troops into battle,' The Telegraph's headline read."

The media was fooled? I was fooled? It seems so.

Russian war dead the Ukraine conflict to be cremated in situ rather than be repatriated for normal burial?

THIS IS ALL FALSE!

"War Propaganda: Video of 'Russian Mobile Crematoriums' Used to 'Hide Evidence' is From 2013 Ad"

From the Internet web site "Information Liberation" the story by Chris Menahan.

Feb. 26, 2022

"The controlled media [?] all ran with a propaganda piece from The Telegraph this week claiming Russia had deployed 'mobile crematoriums' to 'hide evidence of battlefield casualties.'"

CREMATORIA AS DESCRIBED RATHER A SPECIALIZED INCINERATOR USED FOR "THE DISPOSAL OR ORGANIC WASTE OF ANIMAL AND PLANT ORIGIN".

Not for the use of disposing of human remains.

"War Propaganda: Video of 'Russian Mobile Crematoriums' Used to 'Hide Evidence' is From 2013 Ad"

IN-50 not to be used for Gruz-220 mission. Gruz-200 from the wiki:

"Cargo 200 (Russian: Груз 200, Gruz dvésti) is a military code word used in the Soviet Union and the post-Soviet states referring to the transportation of casualties. Officially, the term Cargo 200 is military jargon to refer specifically to the corpses of soldiers contained in zinc-lined coffins for air transportation. Unofficially, Cargo 200 is used to refer to all bodies of the dead being transported away from the battlefield, and has also become a euphemism for irreversible losses of manpower in a conflict."

Everything clear? Surely I can freely and without reservation admit that I went with the story as a post. Makes for lurid copy of an exciting and stimulating type.

See also as was posted some time ago the announced [?] burial plans special measures taken in case of war:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/12/this-is-coolbert-headlines-such-as-this.html

coolbert.

Negotiators II.

This is coolbert:

From BBC LIVE:

"Putin puts nuclear deterrent on 'special alert'"

Posted at 6:056:05

"Ukrainian president says delegations to meet on Belarus border"

"Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has released a statement following his conversation with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko earlier today."

“'We agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet with the Russian delegation without preconditions on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, near the Pripyat River,'" 

“'Alexander Lukashenko [President of Belarus] has taken responsibility for ensuring that all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarusian territory remain on the ground during the Ukrainian delegation's travel, talks and return.'”

"Zelensky had earlier said he would not meet a Russian delegation on Belarusian territory because Russia's invasion was launched in part from Belarus."

See my most recent and relevent blog entry regarding thetopic of negotiations between the warring parties:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/02/negotiators.html

coolbert.

Negotiators.

This is coolbert:

From DEBKAfile from only a short time ago.

 Feb 27, 2022 @ 11:25

"The Ukrainian president refuses to meet Russian officials in Belarus"

"President Volodymyr Zelensky refused Sunday to send negotiators to Minsk to meet a waiting Russian delegation – because, he said,  Belarus had served Moscow to attack his country. The Russia delegation consisted of officials from the foreign ministry and President Vladimir Putin’s bureau. Zelensky said other countries uninvolved in the conflict would be acceptable as a venue for peace talks."

My instantaneous and intuitive reaction is that is all a trap. Ukrainian negotiators would be instantly seized and whisked away in Stalinist fashion to a gruesome fate!!

NEGOTIATE YES BUT IN MINSK!

coolbert.

Malyuta.

This is coolbert:

Additional considerable miscellany the Second Russo-Ukraine war. In no specific order or importance. Thanks to the tips from Freeper.

"miscellany: noun - -  A collection of various items, parts, or ingredients, especially one composed of diverse literary works. A mixture of various kinds; a combination of diverse objects, parts, or elements."

1. "Russians With Attitude".

@RWApodcast

"Russian Neo-Nazi Sergey Korotkikh [Malyuta], who is serving with the Azov Battalion, sends a video message to Chechen troops reportedly entering Ukraine. He says that all worthy Chechens died fighting Putin, he's looking forward to meeting them & promises to play soccer with their heads"

See previous blog entry persons serving with the Ukrainian-aligned Azov battalion wanted men.

2. "Germany to send thousands of weapons to Ukraine in major reversal"

2/26/2022, 10:13:40 AM ·

"Germany will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger missiles to Ukraine, marking a complete reversal in Berlin's restrictive arms export policy"

Kind of late now, isn't it Fritz?? Should have been done months ago.

3. "Anti-War Protests Break Out In Russian Cities As Many Shocked At Scale Of Ukraine Invasion"

2/26/2022, 9:44:44 AM 

"As Russian missiles rained down on Ukraine, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities across Russia to protest their government’s offensive on Thursday, and many were detained by police. According to the Russian rights monitoring group OVD-Info"

As I mentioned before, my fear is that these Russian anti-war demonstrations have actually been organized by Vlad himself. "“The best way to control the opposition is to lead it ourselves.” V. I. Lenin.

4. "Islamist Kadyrov Ready to Unleash Thousands of Chechen Fighters on Ukraine"

2/26/2022, 9:23:10 AM 

"Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Russian Federation’s Muslim-majority Chechen Republic, is prepared to unleash up to 70,000 fighters on Ukraine to support his “commander-in-chief”, Vladimir Putin"

Chechen fighters Ukraine? Wanted persons Ukrainian high-value-targets and personnel having served or are serving in the various Ukrianian militia also in the cross-hairs?

5. "Ukraine asks Red Cross to take away bodies of Russian soldiers --- The minister emphasizes that the Russian Federation needs to know how many such bodies and how many occupants lie on Ukrainian soil today"

2/26/2022, 9:16:23 AM 

"Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk addressed the International Committee of the Red Cross with a request to remove the bodies of Russian soldiers from Ukraine."

See previous blog entries the Russians with some forethought having prepared for the expedited burial of Russian troops killed-in-action:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/12/this-is-coolbert-headlines-such-as-this.html

Normal repatriation of remains only normally done after a cessation of hostilities.

coolbert.

Magomed.

This is coolbert:

Chechen hunter-killer cut-throat elite gone? Wiped out in a battle with the Ukrainians? The tip from Freeper.

"Chechen general Magomed Tushayev, the president’s [Chechen President Kadyrov] right-hand man, killed near Kiev"

2/26/2022, 5:57:40 PM 

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine have assured that shortly after 8:30 p.m. they have 'neutralized' the Chechen general, Magomed Tushayev. Apparently, he could have been killed near Kiev, in the area known as Hostome. Tushayev He was in charge of the 141 motorized regiment of the so-called Kadyrov guard: one of the most elite units in Chechnya and whose contingent would be made up of about 400 men."

Also reported by reedit:

"The Chechen 141st Kadyrov Guards Motorized Regiment got as far as Hostomel airport, where Ukrainian forces destroyed 56 of its tanks & killed its commander, General Magomed Tushayev. Putin is in trouble."

"Знищено Магомеда Тушаєва, керівника 141 моторизованого полку кадировської гвардії. English: Destroyed Magomed Tushayev, the head of the 141 motorized regiment of the Kadyrov guard."

See also this article courtesy yahoo.com that the Chechens are alive and well with their commander not having been killed. So says Kadryov. "Not even one runny nose."

coolbert.

Studies.

This is coolbert:

Go see the embedded video.

WARNING: Video shows a wounded Russian prisoner making broadcast after capture. Will be hard for some to watch.

"Chechen General Magomed Tushayev, commander of the 141st Motorized Regiment of the Chechen National Guard, was killed." 

As per the Facebook page of:  "Euromaidan, War in Ukraine".

[Scroll the screen to the right to see the gist of the translation!]

"He introduces himself, he's from OMON [Russian para-military police]. They were transported by aircrafts to Sofrino on 3 February 'for studies'. From Sofrino, they marched to Smolensk where they met special forces and Kadirov's regiment. A couple of days before the invasion their smartphones were taken and they were told they go to Belarus for the special operation. They arrived in Gomel region 22 February. 23 February in the morning they were told they are gonna go to a new place for studies. But the next morning they started artillery shooting at Ukraine. They were driven to Ukraine through Prypiat and they met Belarusian soldiers there. Their goal was to enter Kyiv and 'give support' to armed forces in occupying Ukraine. Near Kyiv, their convoy was blown up."

This OMON unit will be used for "pacification" purposes in Ukraine. Was part and parcel of the Chechen hunter-killers sent to the region?

Need I say the man is hors-de-combat now and appears to be in a bad way. Video does not appear to be rehearsed or any coercion involved.

coolbert.

WMD Tos-1.

This is coolbert:

More Tos-1 Buration thermobaric weapon stuff. 

As seen at the tabloid "Daily Mail" previous article and unashamedly entire paragraphs copied in entirety with my commentary. [click on images to see an enlarged view.]

CITIZENS OF KIEV BEWARE. TOS-1 ON THE WAY!

"However, in a worrying sign for Ukraine, video from Russia's Western border with Ukraine showed TOS-1 heavy flamethrower tanks moving towards its neighbour. The tanks are capable of firing high-power thermobaric weapons - dubbed the 'father of all bombs'."

Tos-1 on a low-boy being taken to the scene of the action. Twenty-four rockets carrying a thermobaric warhead can be fire more or less simultaneously on a target. Now being sent to Kiev.

"In Russian, 'TOS' stands for 'heavy flame thrower'. However, what the TOS-1 launches is perhaps even more frightening - fuel-air explosives (FAE) that cause a 'wall of napalm'. As the bomb explodes, it scatters dust that ignites when it meets oxygen, causing the very air around it to appear as if it is bursting into flames."

Grozny a modern and large European city entire neighborhoods destroyed from either the First or Second Chechen War. Utter obliteration more than likely the result of a Tos-1 barrage. I can well imagine this is what you would see in the aftermath of an atomic attack. 

"In a worrying sign, video from Russia's Western border with Ukraine showed TOS-1 heavy flamethrower tanks moving towards its neighbour. The tanks are capable of firing high-power thermobaric weapons - dubbed the 'father of all bombs'"

Massive firepower used ruthlessly to break the will of the Ukrainian soldier fighting an urban warfare battle?

coolbert.

Unwinnable?

This is coolbert:

More Ukraine stuff courtesy the English tabloid "Daily Mail".

As I have stated before, "Mail" coverage of the war has been superb. Images, reports, video, etc. Outstanding. Keep up the good work "Mail".

 "Why Putin's '£15BILLION-a-day' invasion ISN'T going to plan: MI6 chief warns war is 'unwinnable' and ex-defence chief says Russia will run out of cash and arms if Kyiv holds out for 10 days as Moscow send in superweapons after Ukraine OBLITERATED convoy"

* "Vladimir Putin’s invasion with Ukraine is not going to plan due to Kremlin ‘overconfidence’ about war aims" * "MI6 [British intelligence] chief [Sir Richard Moore] endorsed an article on Saturday saying Russia's war is 'unwinnable' because of Ukraine's resilience" * "Ukrainian intelligence has claimed that Russia is running out of money, weapons and resources fast" * "If Kyiv can hold off the Russian advance on Kyiv for 10 days, the Kremlin may have to enter negotiations"  * "Dramatic video shows a destroyed Russian convoy with Z-markings near Kherson in southern Ukraine"  * "Two Russian military transport planes ‘carrying paratroopers’, a fighter jet and helicopter were downed"

THE RUSSIAN PLAN WAS TO INVADE, A QUICK CAPTURE OF KIEV, REPLACE THE UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT WITH A COMPLIANT PUPPET COLLABORATOR, THE REMAINS OF THE UKRAINIAN MILITARY WOULD THEN FALL-APART?

Russian plan not working? The plan is the base from which all change is made?

Devoted readers to the blog read the whole article.

coolbert.

Wanted!

This is coolbert: 

Invading cut-throat elite special purpose units Ukraine. BUT NOT RUSSIAN!

"Report: Chechen Kill Squads Ordered Into Ukraine to Take Out Kyiv Officials"

From News Max Internet web site the story by Solange Reyner.

Friday, 25 February 2022 05:51 PM.

THE CHECHEN BOYS!

"Chechen kill squads have been ordered into Ukraine [purportedly] to take out specific members of the country's government, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a Moscow Telegram channel with links to the security establishment."

Additionally:

* "The Chechen soldiers were given decks of cards with photographs of their targets, according to the Daily Mail."

Last time the deck of cards with photos of the wanted used in a combat zone the Iraqi counter-insurgency. 

* "There was speculation that those identified by Moscow as Nazis would also be on the hunted list."

Persons accused by the Russian of being perpetrators of atrocity also wanted. Member of the respective Ukrainian militia to include Azov of  course.

Normally I would have thought that such "hunt", "kill or capture" missions would be strictly the role of Russian special purpose troops, the famed spetsnaz. Not so here? The Chechen President Kadyrov is great obligated to the Russian and is so indebted he feels it necessary to contribute his share to the Russian Ukraine effort.

coolbert.

 

Drone USA.

This is coolbert:

USA enters the fray Ukraine? Drones in action. C^2. Command and control?

From Russian controlled [?] Internet media Sputnik.

"US Drones Were Likely in the Air During Ukrainian Attack on Russian Ships, MoD Says"

26 February 2022.

"Moscow put its military operation in Ukraine on hold Friday afternoon after Kiev declared readiness to negotiate, but resumed it after Ukraine's leaders rejected talks Saturday on the grounds that the conditions weren't right."

"The probability is high that US drones were in the air directing Ukrainian boats which staged an attack on ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Russia's defence ministry has said."

Read the whole article. Abortive and unsuccessful raid on Russian naval vessels the Black Sea.

AMERICAN DRONES IN THE AIR OBSERVING THE COMBAT ACTION AND PROVIDING DATA CRUCIAL TO THE UKRAINIAN ATTACKER? SPUTNIK REPORTS THIS AS BEING VERY POSSIBLE.

To what extent this naval combat action is related to the Cargill vessel vicinity Odessa being hit by a missile is not clear. Related somehow? 

coolbert.

WMD Kiev.

This is coolbert:

The old Russian steamroller in action. Brute force used in a brutish manner.

As seen at DEBKAfile. Pertinent paragraphs extracted with my commentary.

"Russia deploys ultra-heavy Tos-1 Buratino weapon on Day 3 of Ukraine invasion"

Feb 26, 2022 @ 13:48 Kiev

Nothing less than a weapon of mass destruction [WMD] for the blast effect if fired in a volley damage on the scale of what would have been if a tactical atomic weapon used.

"Amid heavy fighting with Ukrainian forces, the Russians brought their version of the MOAB (Mother of All Bombs) to the Ukraine battlefield on Saturday, Feb. 26, the third day of their invasion. The Tos-1 Buratino"

"Western intelligence sources Saturday morning judged that since Russian forces’ advance lagged behind planning and had so far failed to capture Kiev, President Vladimir Putin had decided to escalate the operation with the heaviest weapon deployed by his army, short of a nuclear warhead. The thermobaric Tos-1 Buratino creates a massive blast wave and negative pressure. It was formerly deployed by Moscow in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Iraq, as well as in the operation for the capture of the airfield of the northern Syrian town of Aleppo in 2016.."

Read from the wiki everything you probably don't want to know about the Tos-1. When used in urban warfare the Buratino can take out an entire city block in totality. Combat tested and a proven winner but only as long as you are not on the receiving end.

coolbert.

Strangeness.

This is coolbert:

More strange stuff the Ukraine Conflict a variety of sources with tips from Freeper.

Miscellany in no specific order.

1. "Ukraine Orders General Mobilization"

AS DATED: February 24, 2022.

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a decree ordering a general mobilization of the population after Russia started attacking the country in the early hours of Thursday."

FULL AND GENERAL MOBILIZATION SHOULD HAVE STARTED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO! WHAT WAS THE MAN THINKING?

2. "Russia deploys mobile crematoriums to follow its troops into battle"

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has 'gone full tonto' by ordering his troops into two rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine, Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace believes"

Cremated reamains only to be returned to family members?

"Gone full tonto: taken lunacy to a new level"

3. "How Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine is Impacting the Cruise Industry"

2/25/2022, 11:27:49 AM. 

"With Russia invading Ukraine, the cruise industry is already being impacted by falling cruise stocks, fuel prices and Black Sea itinerary changes."

AS WITH AIR TRAVEL IN/OUT OF THE UKRAINE, WHO IN THEIR  RIGHT MIND WOULD WANT TO TAKE A  BLACK SEA CRUISE AT THIS MOMENT?

4. "Cargill Ship (Agribusiness) Hit In Missile Attack In Ukraine Waters"

"Cargill Ship Hit In Missile Attack In Ukraine Waters"

"Star Tribune reports a vessel chartered by Cargill Inc., a Minnesota-based agribusiness giant, was hit in a missile attack after leaving a deep-sea port on the outskirts of Odessa on Thursday."

Who fired the missile is not clear. The strategic implications of Odessa being occupied by the Russian are massive. Ukraine exports a lot of grain to the entire world. The ability of the Ukraine to NOT use a trans-oceanic route for shipment will be a long-term difficulty and will be a worry for the commodities markets on a global basis.

OH MY!

coolbert.

Exceeded.

This is coolbert:

What did I tell you people? My worst fears are confirmed. A blind man could see if coming and it has.

Radiation the Chernobyl Exclusion being released from the soil into the atmosphere.

As a result of so many military tracked vehicles of all sorts stirring up the ground.

From the Free Beacon.

"Following Invasion, Ukraine Says Chernobyl Radiation Has ‘Exceeded’ Normal Levels"

"Ukraine on Friday said radiation at the abandoned Chernobyl nuclear power plant has 'exceeded' normal levels, the day after Russia invaded the nation and seized the plant, according to the Washington Post."

"'The control levels of gamma radiation dose rate in the Exclusion zone were exceeded,' a statement by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine read, attributing the change to 'disturbance of the top layer of soil from movement of a large number of radio [?] heavy military machinery [tracked vehilces] through the Exclusion zone and increase of air pollution.'" 

Now that the soil has been disturbed big time, continued movement of heavy tracked vehicles will only exacerbate an already bad situation. Turn the top soil to the consistency of sand. In years to come the radioactivity will be much more prone to be blown by the wind to far-off destinations.

Devoted readers to the blog I take no delight in knowing I was right!

coolbert.

Prognosticator.

This is coolbert:

See from one month ago [from 26 January] what our good friend Binkov had to say about a possible invasion of the Ukraine by the Russian. A possible which has become reality.

Video courtesy You Tube.

"What might happen if Russia does attack Ukraine?"

"Binkov analyzes various possibilities if Russia does end up sending its military force to attack Ukraine. How would the military conflict go? Where might Russia stop? What would the economic and political fallout be both for Russia and the rest of the world?"

Comments:

* Binkov seems to have totally missed the possibility of Russian troops using Belorussian soil as an assembly area/staging point for an invasion of the Ukraine.

* Ukrainian reservists should have been mobilized two months ago at least. 

* Sanctions on exports/imports between Russia and the European Union [EU] can "bite" both ways. During the winter however because of energy imports the EU however more vulnerable.

* USA will not commit troops in any way. Too occupied with China.

* Prepare to see a world-wide [?] or at least a severe regional economic downturn as a result of the war.

* Worse case scenario for the Russian a prolonged Ukranian insurgency.

As usual, thank you Binkov. Your appreciations and analysis alway appreciated.

coolbert.

ВМФ.

This is coolbert:

ВМФ = Russian Navy.

Consider this to be odd within the context of the Ukraine Conflict?

Sources to include H.I. Sutton and  Donald Standeford, "Defcon Level Warning System" Internet web site.

"Entire Visible Russian Navy Sails To Syria In Midst Of Ukrainian War"

Last Modified: February 25, 2022 12:20PM UTC

THAT WHOLE RUSSIAN FLEET IN THE MEDITERRANEAN ONLY AND NOT THE ENTIRE RUSSIAN FLEET.

"UKRAINE/SYRIA - It appears 'the whole Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea (that we know of) sailed to Syria this morning while the invasion of Ukraine was unfolding' according to Defense analyst H.I. Sutton, writer for Naval News. Ukraine is also asking Turkey to cut its straits off to Russian vessels which would essentially be declaring economic war on Russia."

"According to Naval News Russia reinforced the presence of its Navy in the Mediterranean a lot more than usual, which, according Naval News could be an outer defense layer for their operations in the Black Sea off of Ukraine. They also said it could be used to deter the involvement of NATO forces. 

Even as we speak, Russian naval contingents conducting amphibious operations the Black Sea? Seize all land bordering the Black Sea and deny the Ukrainian access to an oceanic trade route!

Russian naval shipborne cruise missiles presumably could not fire [range not adequate] at targets in the Ukraine from within Syrian waters?

coolbert.

Scarab.

This is coolbert:

From Telegram the tip as seen at Freeper:

Ukraine fights back! Tochka ground-to-ground missile on target! Scarab = Tochka-U.

"Цензор.НЕТ

​​💪 Це одна з найуспішніших операцій ЗСУ в історії війни. Це поразка, яку Путін не зможе сховати

У відповідь на бомбардування та ракетні обстріли українських міст, 19-та ракетна бригада ЗСУ нанесла удар балістичною ракетою Точка-У по російській авіабазі Міллерово, і знищила як мінімум два новітніх російських винищувача Су-30.

Українські командири, які наказали та які завдали цей блискучий удар у відповідь, відрізали для себе усі компроміси. Маленька Україна робить все для свого захисту. І хай весь світ каже про нашу слабкість, ми використаємо для боротьби за свободу все, що в нас є і все що тільки можна використати для опору.

Так вдало влучити старими ракетами, яким понад 30 років, це справжній подвиг. Слава ЗСУ!

Юрій Бутусов"

The translation as per Google Translate:

Censor.NET 💪 "This is one of the most successful operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the history of the war. This is a defeat that Putin will not be able to hide. In response to the bombing and rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities, the 19th Missile Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck with a Tochka-U ballistic missile on russia's Millerovo air base, and destroyed at least two of Russia's newest Su-30 fighter jets. The Ukrainian commanders who ordered and who struck back this brilliant blow cut off all compromises for themselves. Little Ukraine is doing everything for its protection. And let the whole world talk about our weakness, we will use for the struggle for freedom everything that we have and everything that can be used for resistance. So successfully hit the old missiles, which are more than 30 years old, is a real feat. Glory to the APU! Yuriy Butusov"

Read further of the Tochka-U [Scarab] ground-to-ground missile courtesy the wiki entry.

coolbert.

 

Kinds.

This is coolbert:

"We have our ways".

From the Internet web sit "Zero Hedge" the story by TYLER DURDEN original post by Michael Every of Rabobnak.

"Rabobank is a Dutch multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands."

"Rabobank: Russia Is Showing Us A New Kind Of War In Two Ways"

FEB 25, 2022 - 06:42 AM

"Si vis pacem para fallacia" [If you want peace prepare an illusion].

"US equities initially tumbled yesterday as Russia initiated a full invasion of Ukraine to 'denazify' its government, led by a Jewish president, and to 'demilitarise' its 250,000-strong standing army, its 300,000 reserves, and its millions of armed citizens being urged to defend their country to the last; all while implying strongly that anyone who helped Ukraine fight back would face Russian nuclear attack. It appeared the wolves of Wall Street realized the gravity of an angry Russian bear."

As to the: "New Kind Of War In Two Ways" devoted readers to the blog will just have to read the entire article. 

Some critics have suggested that ZeroHedge is a "far-right-wing" web site. I disagree. Rather an informed web site whose readers are predominantly [?] investors concerned with portfolio.

FOLLOW THE MONEY?

coolbert.

Bridges.

This is coolbert:

Grim! Very grim?

As reported by Freeper.

"Ukrainian Military ‘Blew Up Bridge’ Near Kyiv to Stop Russian Troop Advancement: Reports"

"The Ukrainian military allegedly blew up multiple bridges outside of the capital city of Kyiv to stop Russian troops from advancing from Ivankiv, according to multiple reports."

"Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior Affairs said that Ukrainian armed forces blew up a bridge in Irpin, around 15 miles [about twenty-four kilometers] west of Kyiv, to prevent Russian forces from approaching the capital, NBC reported.

Irpin indicated with the black arrow. Fifteen miles [twenty-four kilometers from downtown Kiev. Close without question.

"The Ukrainian Defense Ministry also confirmed that troops exploded the bridge at Ivankiv, about 30 miles [about forty-eight kilometers] north of Kyiv, to prevent a Russian column of forces from advancing towards the capital according to CNN. The ministry said the Russian advance was stopped, CNN reports."

The demolition of bridges cannot be seen as anything other than a bad sign. Russian armor advancing on Kiev, apparently UNA [Ukrainian National Army] their efforts for naught. Capture of Kiev seen by the Russian as being of significance. Install a puppet regime obligated in a servile manner to Moscow.

coolbert.

Airflight.

This is coolbert:

That anyone in their right mind would even contemplate such a venture?

The GREAT EMPTY QUARTER. Ukrainian airspace.

"FAA Restricts US Airlines From Flying Over Ukraine, Belarus, and Parts of Russia"

February 24, 2022.

"The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it’s restricting U.S. airlines and pilots from flying over Ukraine and nearby Belarus."

"A photo shows a page on the Flightradar24 website that shows flights avoiding Ukraine and nearby countries on Feb. 24, 2022. (Loic Venance/AFP via Getty Images)". NOTAMS at work.

LOOK AT THAT IMAGE! AIR TRAFFIC [INDIVIDUAL PLANES IN YELLOW] IN THE SKIES OVER WESTERN EUROPE. UKRAINE THE "GREAT EMPTY QUARTER". AND WITH GOOD REASON.

Does anyone need to be told to save your "Frequent Flyer" miles and points for later?

coolbert.

Kremlin.

This is coolbert:

We should all consider this to be a surprise? Strange even?

Vlad now desires negotiations and an agreed upon settlement to the current conflict in the Ukraine?

"Russia ready to negotiate with Ukraine – Kremlin"

From the Russian controlled Internet media outlet "Russian Times".

"The Kremlin presents Kiev with two demands"

"Moscow is willing to negotiate terms of surrender with Kiev regarding the ongoing Russian military offensive currently taking place in Ukraine, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

“The president [Putin] formulated his vision of what we would expect from Ukraine in order for the so-called ‘red-line’ problems to be resolved. This is neutral status, and this is a refusal to deploy weapons,” Peskov clarified." [Peskov, Kremlin Press Secretary]

Normally when you are winning a war you do not call for negotiations. NO need for negotiations when you can achieve on the battlefield what you could not achieve at the bargaining table.

PERHAPS THE SUGGESTION OF RENEWED NEGOTIATIONS IS FOR MERELY COSMETIC PURPOSES? VLAD JUST WANTS WORLD OPINION TO SEE HIM AS A REASONABLE MAN WITH GOOD INTENTIONS?

coolbert.

Penn.

This is coolbert:

We are saved by golly! Yes indeed by golly!

The American actor Sean Penn enters the fray in Ukraine.

From the "Daily Mail" and thanks to same. Typical tabloid material. Superficial and sensational material. [Click on image to see an enlarged view]

Sean even got a personal audience with the President of the Ukraine! Damn!

"Hollywood to the rescue! Actor Sean Penn sits in front row of Ukrainian government press briefing after flying to Kyiv to film war documentary for VICE"

* "Sean Penn has been filming a documentary about the escalating tension in Ukraine since November last year" * "On Thursday, he visited the Ukrainian Government's offices and spoke with military leaders" * "The actor sat front row in a press briefing, wearing sunglasses and a beige bomber jacket"  * "He is being lauded by the Ukrainian Government, which said he has the courage 'Western leaders lack'"  * "Putin launched airstrikes at 5am on Thursday local time; thousands are now trying to flee the region Biden has vowed not to send American troops into the conflict" 

I highly commend the "Daily Mail" for their coverage of the war. Without reservation or qualification.

coolbert.

Astrology.

This is coolbert:

From the Internet web site of the esteemed Israeli military author and professor Martin van Creveld his comments and observations the Ukraine Conflict [Second Russo-Ukraine War].

Courtesy the Professior and thanks to same with gratitude the first paragraph copies unashamedly so more or less in entirety.

"War in Ukraine"

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2022

"Asked to predict the future of the war in the Ukraine, I took another look at a book I wrote a couple of years ago. English title, Looking into the Future: A History of Prediction. Working on it taught me two things. First, as everyone knows prediction is extremely difficult and often misses the mark. Not seldom with disastrous consequences; as happened in 1914 when statesmen and soldiers predicted a short and easy war . . . but found themselves involved in the largest, most deadly, armed conflict in history until then. And second, the methods we use today . . . are no better than those that people used thousands of years ago. Such as astrology (Babylon), manipulating yarrow stalks (China), watching birds and consulting oracles (Greece), reading the entrails of sacrificial animals (Rome), interpreting dreams (in all known civilizations), and so on."

Some obvious and very general but probably correct prognostications can be made?

According to the Professor:

* Ukrainians their chances of prevailing very slim. Ukraine hard to defend and Russian military supeiority too great.

* A good chance the conflict will become one of irregular/guerrilla/partisan warfare as waged by the Ukrainian.

* A poor outcome to the conflict from the perspective of the Russian citizenry might mean an end to the Putin regime.

DEVOTED READERS TO THE BLOG READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE. YOU WILL FIND IT INTERESTING. 

coolbert.

Protestors.

This is coolbert:

Demonstrations Russia? Anti-war? The Ukraine fights back?

Thanks to the tip from Ivan!

"Russians take to the streets to protest Putin's war as Ukraine fights back"

"There’s bravery in the streets on the Russian side of the border with Ukraine today"

My instantaneous reaction was that any anti-war demonstrations in Russia might not well be spontaneous gatherings but rather carefully orchestrated government controlled exercises. Maybe I am wrong.

Also some tweets of interest:

* Oliver Carroll

@olliecarroll

"Ukrainians are offering serious resistance to tank advances from belarus and the east. Javelins and Turkish drones offering some success. Southern axis Odessa - Melitopol looking less secure."

* Kevin Rothrock

@KevinRothrock

"Moscow seems to have seriously expected large numbers of Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their weapons and abandon their posts. I don’t know what will happen if and when the occupation expands, but this seems like one of the Russian authorities’ many delusions."

* Stratcom Centre UA

@StratcomCentre

⚡️ "Russian assault force in Hostomel airport fully destroyed.  

The facility is entirely under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — adviser to Head of the Presidential Office Oleksii Arestovych. #StandWithUkraine"

11:00 AM · Feb 24, 2022

With regard to the last tweet vial Stratcom Centre UA my thought was that the airport Hostomel [close to Kiev] when captured by the Russian air assault units would be followed by air-landing troops with light armor. The lighting-fast attack Kiev with the destruction of the Ukrainian command structure the goal.

Situation Ukraine less than catastrophic or dire? Tweets as you can imagine hardly tell you the full story. More like rumors or gossip.

coolbert.

OSINT.

This is coolbert:

OSINT = Open Source Intelligence. Ukraine.

 From the Internet web site "The Aviationist" the article by STEFANO D'URSO.

"Let’s Try To Understand What’s Happening In Ukraine Using OSINT"

EXCELLENT ARTICLE WITH LOTS OF GOOD IMAGES AND VIDEO.

"OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) analysis on social media platforms and flight tracking websites provides insights into the highly dynamic situation with many new details every minute."

"As it is being widely reported, Russia launched full scale military operations on Ukrainian soil early on the morning on Feb. 24, 2022. Minutes after the Russian President Putin announced the order to begin the operations in the Donbass region, missile and air strikes begun to hit key targets all over the country, crippling the Ukrainian military installations. Initial strikes have been reported as catastrophic for the country, with both civilian and military losses."

About one-hundred missiles fired by all services, ground, air, naval. Overwhelming force used in an overwhelming manner. Pity the plight of the Ukrainian.

coolbert.

Azov II.

This is coolbert:

See previous blog entry the role of militia in the Ukranian conflict. Azov battalion friendly to the Ukranian side their behavior deplorable [?]. 

From some tweets of "Russians With Attitude" and thanks to same. Click on image to see an enlarged view.

* "Russians With Attitude

@RWApodcast

Also hearing rumors of Azov fleeing to Poland ahead of the rest of the Ukrainian military, but no confirmation of anything yet"

9:44 PM · Feb 23, 2022·Twitter Web App

* "Russians With Attitude

@RWApodcast

·reminder that azov, even leaving out the political shit, are degenerate psychopaths"

Human rights violations and war crimes most foul! As accused.

Azov beware. You are wanted men. Expect no mercy!

coolbert.

Musings.

This is coolbert:

From Commander Salamander his musings the Ukraine.

"Second Russo-Ukraine War D+0 Quicklook"

"It appears that the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN was correct last night – the Russians have declared war on Ukraine."

 Thursday, February 24, 2022

"As we are still inside the first 12-hrs of the invasion, there is a lot we simply do not know, but things are clear that this will not be a focused invasion simply to secure all the territory of the breakaway parts of eastern Ukraine. No, this is something much larger."

SOMETHING MUCH LARGER AS WHAT VLAD HAS MADE CLEAR. DE-MILITARIZATION AND DE-NAZIFICATION OF THE UKRAINE. OCCUPATION AND THE INSTALLATION OF A PUPPET REGIME BEHOLDEN TO MOSCOW.

Read the entire article. Pay special attention to the SEVEN ITEMS as elaborated on by the Commander.

See additionally from the wiki the First Russo-Ukraine War.

 All thanks to the Commander.

coolbert.

Chernobyl.

This is coolbet:

Danger! Europe! Radioactivity!

From "Newsmax Wires"    |   Thursday, 24 February 2022 10:10 AM.

"Zelenskyy: Russian Troops Trying to Seize Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Site"

"Russian troops from the direction of Belarus entered an area near the former nuclear power plant Chernobyl Thursday, in an attempt to seize the site, says Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy."

See my very recent previous blog entry the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone used by the Ukrainian military as a training area for urban warfare.

Beware! Tracked vehicles are very destructive of the landscape. Massive numbers of tanks for instance just "chews" the soil up very bad. Radioactive elements in the soil Chernobyl relatively dormant are going to be flung into the air and blown a distance depending on weather conditions. Contamination Chernobyl for troops in the area deadly too?

coolbert.

Ukraine II.

This is coolbert:

More Ukraine stuff.

First from the Internet webzine "Coffee or Die" the article by Nolan Peterson | February 24, 2022.

1. "RUSSIA ATTACKS UKRAINE, TARGETS KEY MILITARY SITES AS GROUND FORCES MOVE IN"

"KYIV, Ukraine — Early this morning Russia began a major military offensive against Ukraine. Russian missile attacks targeted key Ukrainian military sites in advance of a full-scale ground invasion from multiple directions, which remains underway."

Further from "The Aviationist":

2. "The Russian Attack On Ukraine Is Underway. And This Is A First Recap Of What Has Happened Thus Far."

"Ukraine Claims Six Aircraft Have Been Shot Down During Opening Stages Of Massive Russian Military Operation."

So far Russia si, Ukraine no. This of course is all a developing story.

coolbert.

Hostilities.

This is coolbert:

It has begun. Russian massive invasion Ukraine.

Massive overwhelming force evidently being used in a massive overwhelming manner. 

As best reported by the British tabloid "Daily Mail". Contributors [stay safe] to include: CHRIS PLEASANCE  and HARRIET ALEXANDER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and NICK CRAVEN IN KIEV and WILL STEWART IN MOSCOW and RACHAEL BUNYAN FOR MAILONLINE. [image courtesy the Daily Mail]

"Assault on Kiev: Russian helicopters swoop above Ukraine's capital as Putin launches all-out invasion from north, south and east, with cruise missiles hitting airports and military bases, tanks rolling in and scores killed"

[click on image to see an enlarged view]

* "Russia has invaded Ukraine in a massive attack coming from south, east and north, both by land and air"  * "Helicopters have reached Kiev where they have seized an air base, and taken a power plant on the Dnieper"  * "Russian tanks broke through lines at Kherson, near Crimea, and were driving freely towards Dnieper River" * "But Ukrainians were putting up a fight around Khakriv, where Russian tanks and armour were destroyed"  * "Volodymyr Zelensky branded Russia 'evil and vowed to fight back, promising a gun to every citizen willing to have one while calling on them to donate blood to treat wounded soldiers" * "Boris Johnson branded Putin a 'dictator' while vowing a 'massive' package of sanctions targeting Russia"

Excellent graphics, images, video. Go see it all. 

coolbert.

Vitaly K.

This is coolbert:

From CNN [Eoin McSweeney and Bear Hutchison], CNN and the Twitter account of Steve Lookner.

"Vitali Klitschko, mayor of Kiev and former heavyweight boxer, says 'we prepare for any case' over tension with Russia"

Story as originally dated January 13, 2022.

"(CNN) Vitali Klitschko, the former heavyweight boxer and now the mayor of Kiev, has sent a strong warning to Russia about the presence of its troops near the Ukraine border saying 'we prepare for any case.'"

Further thanks to the Twitter account of Steve Lookner a retweet from just a few minutes ago:

Natasha Bertrand @NatashaBertrand:

"The mayor of Kyiv, Vitaly Klitschko, has declared an emergency for the Ukranian capital midnight local time, saying an 'operational headquarters has been set up to coordinate the actions of the executive branch, the military command and law enforcement agencies.'"

As it was in the days of Batu Khan now it is for Vitaly and Putin now? Vitaly has the moral high ground for sure. Best to him and all others he serves. In a time of great danger Vitaly is Michael and Michael is Vitaly?

coolbert.

Wiper.

This is coolbert:

Malware Ukraine. Grey-zone warfare? Cyber-attack. This is Wiper.

From just today and only a short time ago:

Thanks to the lead from Steve Lookner and the Wall Street Journal the article by Dustin Volz. 

"Malware Detected in Ukraine as Invasion Threat Looms"

"Wiper malware has been detected targeting Ukraine computer systems for the second time in as many months."

"A new form of destructive malware that can delete or corrupt data on a targeted computer or network has been seen spreading in Ukraine, according to multiple cybersecurity firms."

"Researchers from the cybersecurity firms of ESET and Broadcom Software's Symantec said Wednesday that so-called data wiper malware had been detected, a discovery that came as U.S. officials said Russia's plans to invade its neighbor were imminent. It is the second time in as many months wiper malware has been detected targeting Ukraine computer systems."

Cyber-warfare can have the same results as a KINETIC weapon of great destructiveness. A power plant even if operating is taken off-line from the transmission network, then power plant for all practical purposes as if hit by a bomb!! No electricty to consumers. Across the board with all utilities and I am talking only utilities.

coolbert.

Fevered.

This is coolbert:

"fevered: adjective - - Characterized by intense activity or agitation; feverish. Highly excited."

OSCE =  Organization for Security and Cooperation.

It is only with with great trepidation I present this material. Source the Hal Turner Internet web site. Alarmist and almost hysterical headlines hardly helpful. The credence of Hal Turner always must be suspect?

1. "OSCE Confirms Massive Shelling and Mortar Attacks by UKRAINE Over the Weekend"

22 FEBRUARY 2022.

"The Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) has issued a report showing extensive artillery shelling and mortar fire BY UKRAINE, against Luhansk and Donetsk this past weekend."

2. "***** BULLETIN ***** MOSCOW PUBLISHES MAP OF BOMB SHELTERS TO THEIR CITIZENS"

"The Russian government and the City of Moscow have, this morning, published a map for citizens showing the location of . . . BOMB SHELTERS"

3. "Ukraine UPDATES -- ***FLASH UPDATE 3:29 PM***"

20 FEBRUARY 2022.

"Shelling by Ukrainian Army forces against Luhansk resulted in numerous private homes being destroyed, and numerous civilian fatalities, including the infant shown above, burned to death."

As reported by the Special Monitor Mission [SMM] of the OCSE "violations and explosions as recorded" exchanges of weapons fire and incidents at the Line of Contact [LoC] marked increase undeniable. Never did a full and total state of peace exist along the LoC. Just an escalation many times now of a state of near-war that has existed for seven years now.

The die is cast? The game is afoot? The dogs of war have been unleased? Much bigger things to come and shortly? Worrisome? Sure.

P.S.: Several times in these articles a mention is made of "special services". During the Cold War era called "Dark Forces" by the Soviets. Referring to commands and units engaging in espionage, terrorism, etc. Activities of "dark forces" consisting of sabotage, assassination, etc.

 coolbert.