Russians Infiltrate German Military Discussions
Macron is still sticking to the fact that the allies may have to send troops into Ukraine, while most countries have said ‘no’ mainly because they don’t want to become Russian targets when they aren’t battle ready. We then have the embarrassing incident where a German military discussion was infiltrated as someone dialled in on an insecure line which the Russians managed to intercept. The Germans don’t deny the call, and among the topics discussed was the release of Taurus missiles, a possible attack on the Kerch Bridge, and a UK defensive measure was also discussed. This is hardly ideal when the world is on the brink of a world war for military to be so careless, and why face to face meetings are always preferred.
This also gives Russia ammunition for their propaganda, claiming that the West are targeting Russia. Jack Teixeira, the US airman who leaked top secret documents online in a bid to impress others agreed to a plea deal of 11-16 years and pleaded guilty to 6 counts of wilful retention and transmission of national defence information in a US federal court in Boston. These included taking copies of maps and classified intelligence from the base and taking them home with him. From the investigation, it seems that others were aware of his ‘questionable’ activities but failed to stop him or alert the higher ranks, where 15 members of the Air Force had been disciplined in connection with the case.
Day 739 (3 Mar)
A railway bridge in Samara (Russia) that was over the Chapayevka River was blown up, and had been used to transport military cargo.
Germany has been asked to explain how the Russians managed to intercept a German military meeting where plans to disable the Kerch Bridge had been mentioned and also the support;y of Taurus missiles. It appears it was carelessness as Webex or an insecure line had been used to dial into the meeting and was wiretapped by the Russians. It has been embarrassing to say the least, especially as UK defensive measures had been discussed, thus, this could make Germany and UK targets for the Russians. Careless talk costs lives.
The German ambassador in Russia was summoned to explain the content of the leaked meeting, in reference to the training of Ukrainian troops in Ukraine, and destruction of the Kerch Bridge.
In Latvia, on 1 March, fighter jets were scrambled from Lielvārde air base to intercept Russian aircraft that were flying near Latvian territory.
Russia has formally been expelled from the Danube Commission as they were required to leave by 29 February 2024, but did not and were expelled with a fine for failing to pay contributions.
Day 740 (4 Mar)
NATO has begun Norwegian led ‘Steadfast Defender 24 Nordic Response’ military drills, which includes Finland for the first time. The exercises will involve 20,000 soldiers from 14 countries, and will last until 15 March in Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
Russia has sent more troops to Novomykhailivka in order to capture the village. Also, troops were sent to Synkivka (with the same orders), which would be a gateway to Kupiansk.
De-mining Ukraine is a task in itself with 4,599 mines disabled last week, as Ukraine sets up de-mining teams.
Four Ukrainian soldiers halted a potential Russian attack in Robotyne, even though there were 24 soldiers and 3 armoured fighting vehicles.
Day 741 (5 Mar)
Jack Teixeira, the US airman who leaked top secret documents online, agreed to a plea deal after pleading guilty to 6 counts of retention and transmission of national defence information. The information had been shared online for a number of months before pro-Kremlin bloggers discovered the material and even though some information was altered, it was an embarrassment for the Pentagon, as a young airman had top secret clearance and no one was monitoring his movements.
Ukraine has sunk the Sergei Kotov patrol ship near the Kerch Strait using Magura V5 maritime drones.
Also, Ukraine appears to have shelled the Glushkovo railway station in Kursk too, as the station was used to transport weapons from Russia to Ukraine.
Day 742 (6 Mar)
Russia begins to look through CCTV footage of those who attended Navalny’s funeral in order to arrest them. This isn’t a surprise, but there were thousands who lined up to pay their respects.
NATO is to expand again as Sweden is set to officially become a member on 11 March 2024.
Macron visits the Czech Republic and in a speech states that war is back on European soil, and that courage is needed , and called the allies not to be cowards.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian army commanders ( Russian Long-Range Aviation Commander Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov, the Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander) whom they believe were responsible for missile strikes from October 2022 to March 2023. While this may look good on paper, as Russia doesn’t recognise the ICC, as long as the accused remain in Russia and do not travel to a country that has ratified the Rome Treaty, then it is unlikely they will be arrested or face a trial.
There are reports that Ukraine has attacked the Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant in Kursk. Ukraine’s only defence right now is to use drones to take out Russian infrastructure that aids the military due to the fact that US funding has still not been passed in Congress as the Speaker for the House of Representatives (Mike Johnson) has stalled the vote on the Bill again until he is satisfied that there is funding for domestic borders. This means that Ukraine was been without the essential US support for nearly 3 months in which time towns and cities have fallen and countless lives have been lost in battle.
