Ukraine Has Evidence That Iranian Drones Were Supplied After 24 February 2022
Russia admits to interfering in US elections as Americans vote in the mid-terms today
It’s hard not to get war fatigue, and it’s easy to be blasé when the war doesn’t affect you directly. There are the same stories about blackouts, negotiations, the call for more weapons, and then visits from various representatives of other countries to Ukraine.
People are deliberating as to whether the Russian’s deliberate act to knock out all power in Ukraine during winter is an act of terrorism, genocide, or a war crime. Who gets to decide on the international platform? Will it be measured in how many deaths, how they died, or how many towns or villages were wiped out? As a civilised world (so I am led to believe) are we going to wait and see what happens (as in see how many die and then catalogue how) before it is decided how Russia is punished?
Day 258 (8 November)
Zelenskyy is looking to extend martial law again for another 90 days in Ukraine. Given the dire situation of power cuts across the country it is probably wise to do so.
Russians are allegedly looting houses in Kherson after forcing people to ‘evacuate’ and are occupying them for themselves.
Ukraine is appealing for more drones, air, surface and underwater to help with reconnaissance. Mark Hamill, as a U24 ambassador appeals to countries to help provide the equipment to help Ukraine defend itself
.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister has stated they would block EU funding to Ukraine because the EU has blocked their access to some funds that they want. This is because Hungary was deemed to have breached a number of EU regulations, and this was decided months ago, and is no surprise. Perhaps Hungary didn’t think the EU would restrict the funds, but they have done so until Hungary complies with the EU laws.
Ukraine has temporarily taken control over five companies to help with providing equipment and materials for the war. These included Motor Sich (engine maker) and Ukrnafta (oil producer) This is similar to when the US took control of some companies to help speed up the manufacturing of weapons for the Second World War, where production was round the clock.
There is more talk on Ukraine opening negotiations with Russia, probably under pressure from the US. Ukrainians reiterate that they have always been open to genuine talks, but as we know from Putin’s recent speeches, he doesn’t believe that Ukraine is a sovereign state or that it exists
Intelligence indicates that Iran is to supply Russia with missiles. The Iranians Fateh – 110 and Zolfaghar missiles are to be delivered to Crimea by air, then by sea to Russian ports.
Further intelligence states that Iran supplied drones after 24 February 2022, as parts of the Mohajer-6 drone were not manufactured until February 2022. Therefore, they cannot have been supplied months before the invasion as Iran has claimed
Ukraine has received the first shipment of NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) and Aspide air defence systems. They have come from Norway, the US and Spain. It’s only taken 7 months, and it appears that countries had hoped the war would have been over before having to supply these weapons. This is what Ukraine has been asking for to defend the skies since March 2022.
Zelenskyy will probably attend the G20 in Indonesia by video link. The US will attend, but has rejected an offer by Indonesian officials for Biden to meet with Putin
Ukraine has received 500 power generators from 17 EU countries via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (coordinates rescue and humanitarian aid) to help with the power outages across the country.
Yevgeny Prigozhin (founder of Wagner the private military group), a Russian oligarch and ally of Putin has admitted that Russia interfered with the US elections in the past, and has interfered with the midterms as well.
The US UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield arrived in Kyiv for a visit. Whether this will make any difference to what the UN does is another matter. She can call for resolutions, but the only ones that matter are the ones in the Security Council, and while Russia and China remain permanent members with a veto, then nothing much will be done.
The SBU (Ukrainian secret service) are outing civilian collaborators as a deterrent and to punish them. A farmer has been caught supplying food to the Russian army
.
I watch from time to time the 2 Joes, one Broe and the other Blog. After viewing 'Russian Education System has COLLAPSED as Mobilization Causes Mass Exodus of Teaching Workforce', 9th November, 2022. It examines the 'Brain Drain' and the economic impact on Russia. The fact that is evident to all that from the Russian perspective this will be disastrous and in the long term into the future seeing Russia go backwards economically. Since 24th February, 2 major surges of people leaving the country. 500,00 highly educated in first few weeks. 21st September with mobilization plan and another 300,00 men needed for fighting in the Ukraine. Protestors arrested often forced to enlist. Estimated over 700, 00 left the country. Professor Denis Skopin sacked. He claims, 'Science is dead in Russia and the education system destroyed.' Those seen as anti war who protest which is "clamping down on people's freedom of speech and people's freedom of thought". Putin has a lot to answer for: especially for the damage, destruction to the Ukrainian economy; and dislocation to the lives of Ukraian civilians ; as well as, war crimes he has caused and allowed be committed to the Ukrainians. And now we are told that Putin's 'military operation' is having a devastating, detrimental impact on the Russian education system and the economy. Let's be grateful the US President Joe Biden rejected meeting with Putin.
I am glad that EU is 'calling' Hungary out, and greater glee hearing Hungary is protesting. The stories of looting and Russian military barbarism are 'tactical' ploys expected as their 'normal' military operation. Of interest (although Putin predictable) is the propaganda that he wants to negotiate, but no one will talk to him. I know you have praised Boris Johnson, and after watching an interview can understand why because it is apparent, he is still working hard to encourage support for Ukraine and declaring it a fight for Western Democracy.