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Ukraine’s ATACMS Rockets Are Severing Russian Supply Lines Into Crimea. But The Last Line Is The Toughest.

It’s extremely difficult to interdict a railroad.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/20...-toughest/

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Ukraine’s ATACMS Rockets Are Severing Russian Supply Lines Into Crimea. But the last Line is mot the last, Is The Toughest....As Moscow Restoring Inactive Airfields in Crimea, the new missile strikes, partisans report, due to systematic & successful Ukrainian strikes on Crimean peninsula, Russian army is repairing inactive airfields & transferring its aviation there. 

June 1, 2024. Atesh movement partisan says, the Russian forces on Crimean peninsula are moving Kremlin aircraft to inactive airfields, fearing future strikes by Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU).

A Russia’s 27th Aviation Division reopen the Zavodskoye airport in Simferopol repairs is underway on runways, taxiways, & building structures. Additionally, Russians are transferring military equipment & personnel to the airfield. In
response to success of AFU attacks on peninsula, the Russians are feverishly working to reopen abandoned airfields at Kirovskoye (near Feodosia) & Bagerovo (near Kerch),

Kyiv sources in Ukrainian Special Service (SBU) reported, on night of May 29-30, “Russians lost one Nebo-SVU long-range radar detection system worth about $100 million,” which monitored a 380 kilometer of the front hit by drones developed by SBU military counterintelligence. Radar system near Armyansk lost it ensuring to protect their front targets in Crimea. Additionally, ATACMS targeted ferry crossing in Crimea, which Kremlin forces were using as a logistics facility. reported by Atesh partisans fighters join to do a good deed together!”

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Ukraine Gets Draft Approval for $2.2 Billion IMF Payout. Part of a much-needed $122 billion international support package designed to help Ukraine’s war-torn economy has passed another hurdle in the approval process from the IMF after successfully meeting terms of an existing loan program, Washington-based financial institution said Friday.

The much-needed funds, still subject to approval by International Monetary Fund’s executive board, follow Ukraine’s completion of the fourth review of its existing four-year IMF loan program, worth roughly $15.4 billion.

Ukraine’s economy has recovered somewhat, and is on track to grow 3.2%t this year, inflation has continued to ease, a recent IMF estimate. IMF staff lkagreement comes just over a mth after US Congress passed a stalled foreign aid package included $61 billion meant to help Kyiv’s forces push back against Russia.

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Hours Later, HIMARS Opened Fire.The HIMARS targeted Belgorod, a base for Russian attacks in northern Ukraine.

On Friday, Ukraine Got Permission To Launch American Rockets At Targets Inside Russia. Hours Later, HIMARS Opened Fire. The HIMARS targeted Belgorod, a base for Russian attacks in northern Ukraine.

For more than 2 years after Russia widened its war on Ukraine, U.S. Pres. Joe Biden drew a red line for Ukrainian forces, administration would provide Ukrainians precision munitions including aerial glide bombs, Harpoon cruise missiles, M30/31 rockets for High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems & Army Tactical Missile System rockets.

But recent Russian strikes on Kharkiv, just 25 miles from border northeastern Ukraine, helped change Biden’s mind. Mth indiscriminate strikes has displaced tens of thousands of civilians & killed scores of them. On May 25, the Russians bombed home-improvement store in city@1.4 mil killing 18 including two children.

On Friday, White House erased its red line. Night turn to day, the Ukrainian army aimed some of its wheeled HIMARS launchers at Russian city of Belgorod, 20 miles north Russia-Ukraine border in southern Russia. “A welcome step allowed us now to better protect Ukraine & Ukrainians from Russian terror.” President Zelensky wrote right b4 potentially dozens of 660-pound rockets, ranging as far as 57 miles with 50 pounds of high explosives, rained on Belgorod.

Air-raid sirens fiery launches of air-defense batteries as Ukrainian rockets thundered toward  city of 384,000. State’s unclear how much damage raid inflicted or more to the point, how much damage it inflicted on military targets.

It’s obvious what Ukrainians are trying to accomplish, however. Belgorod surrounding towns are a base of ops for Russian army’s northern grouping of forces, which has been attacking Ukrainian border towns since May 10, possibly aiming to break through Ukrainian lines and drive toward Kharkiv.

Three weeks of hard fighting, this grouping of Russian troops has—at great cost—captured a chain of border villages, turned town Vovchansk, a few miles south of the border, into a rubble-strewn battlefield. Swift action by Ukrainian reinforcements — 36th Marine Brigade, 71st Jager Brigade & elite 82nd Air Assault Brigade, among other has halted the Russian advance.

Belgorod has grown in importance as battle grinds on, many Russian casualties the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies noted. There are signs Russians are regrouping for fresh assault. Troop movements in towns Graivoron, Borisovka and Proletarsky, a few miles west of Belgorod, are “possibly indicating a formation of a Russia  strike in Belgorod Oblast,” according to CDS.

In striking Belgorod & surrounding the Ukrainians erode northern grouping of forces—this purported new strike group—without having to fighting Russians street by street in Vovchansk. To be clear, Ukrainian forces could strike Belgorod before this week, but only using locally-made or European munitions. 

In fact, Belgorod has been attack on April 2022, when Ukrainian used helicopters slipped across border & rocketed an oil facility. But Ukraine’s best most numerous deep-strike munitions are made by U.S.A. Truly sustainable & damaging bombardment of bases in Belgorod. The U.S. supplies HIMARS, ATACMS & U.S. supplied glide bombs that can do a good job.

Ukrainians finally got green light to proceed. “I am grateful for vital support,” Zelensky wrote.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/06/01/on-friday-ukraine-got-permission-to-launch-american-rockets-at-targets-inside-russia-hours-later-ukraines-himars-opened-fire/?sh=3849e5cd1104

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Last month, Russia launched an offensive on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, opening up a new front to the war. Ukrainian officials said, however, that fighting in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine blazed on or intensified following the start of cross-border attacks on Kharkiv.

Ukrainians finally got green light to proceed for U.S. Hours Later on Friday. U.S. supplies HIMARS Opened Fire, targeted Belgorod, attacks on base for Russian targeted Belgorod, a base for Russian attacks in northern Ukraine.

[Tee tiong huat]

Last month, Russia launched an offensive on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, opening up a new front to the war. Ukrainian officials said, however, that fighting in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine blazed on or intensified following the start of cross-border attacks on Kharkiv.

Ukrainians finally got green light to proceed from U.S. Hours Later on Friday. U.S. supplies HIMARS Opened Fire, targeted Belgorod, attacks on base for Russian targeted Belgorod, a base for Russian attacks in northern Ukraine.

Zelenskiy arrives in Singapore for Shangri-La Dialogue.  SINGAPORE, June 1(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy arrived in Singapore for Shangri-La Dialogue conference on Saturday, where he planned to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin & discuss support for his country in an address to delegates.

After arriving at conference venue in a motorcade amid heavy security, Zelenskiy said in a statement on social media platform X that he had come to gather support from Asia-Pacific region for peace summit planned for June 15-16 in Switzerland.

"Global security is impossible when world's largest country disregards recognised borders, international law, & U.N. Charter, resorts to hunger, darkness, nuclear blackmail," the statement said, referring to Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Statement said Zelenskiy planned to hold several meetings, including with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam & PM Lawrence Wong, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, Austin, and Singaporean investors.

A U.S. official said Zelenskiy and Ukrainian Defence Minster Rustem Umerov would meet Austin "to discuss the current battlefield situation in Ukraine & to underscore U.S. commitment to ensuring Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression".

The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), which organises security conference, said Zelenskiy would participate in a discussion session on Sunday entitled "Re-Imagining Solutions for Global Peace and Regional Stability".

Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Russia is trying to disrupt the Switzerland peace summit, which he hopes will generate support for the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine's 1991 borders.

Reuters first reported his planned trip to Singapore on Friday. Its Zelenskiy's 2nd trip to Asia, In May 2023, he attended G7 meetings in Japan. As Ruzz
begun assaults against Ukrainian lines & stepped up missile attacks in recent weeks as troops have made gains in Ukraine's east & south, as Kyiv's allies accelerate shipments of munition & other arms. The Russia has not attended the Shangri-La Dialogue since the invasion.

US approved $61 billion aid to Ukraine, such as Patriot missiles & ATACMS precision ballistic missiles - already arrived. On U.S. President Joe Biden informed Ukraine it can use U.S. weapons to strike targets across the border into Russia that were being used to attack areas around Kharkiv, a city in Ukraine's northeast. Russian Putin has warned NATO members allowing Ukraine to fire their weapons into Russia & once again raised the risk of nuclear war.

Austin, spoke earlier on Saturday @Shangri-La Dialogue, his remarks support for Ukrainian forces pushing back against Russia's invasion for more than two years showed that countries around the world could rally in the face of aggression.

Shangri-La conference, held annually in Singapore by International Institute of Strategic Studies for last 21 years,. Coming soon: Latest news & expert analysis state of the global news with Reuters. Thomson Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/zelenskiy-...024-06-01/

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We have no Plan B if Ukraine falls, says Estonia
Estonian forces have been working closely with Nato since Russian invasion 2years ago. Estonia considers front-line state, a Nato member where its border guards stare across Narva River at the Russian fortress of Ivangorod, tiny Baltic state, once a part of Soviet Union, is convinced that once the fighting stops in Ukraine, Putin will turn his attention to Baltics, looking to bring countries like Estonia back under Moscow’s control.

To help stave off possibility, Estonia’s govt has poured money,weapons into Ukraine’s war effort, donating more than 1% of its GDP to Kyiv. If every Nato country did this," Estonia’s steely PM Kaja Kallas, "Ukraine would win." But Ukraine isn’t winning. Short of artillery, ammunition, air defences & most of all, troops, Ukraine is struggling to hold back the sheer weight of Russian firepower, glide bombs and massed infantry assaults that often border on the suicidal.

What, I asked PM Kallas, is Estonia’s Plan B if Ukraine loses this war & Russia’s invasion ultimately succeeds?. We have no Plan B for a Russian victory," she replies, "b'cos we would stop focussing on Plan A" - helping Ukraine push back the Russian invasion. "We should not give in to pessimism. Victory in Ukraine is not just about territory. If Ukraine joins Nato, even without some territory, then that’s a victory because it will be placed under the Nato umbrella."

Kaja Kallas is controversial. She is not 1st national leader to be more popular outside their country than within. Born a Soviet citizen, her mother & grandmother were forcibly deported to Siberia.
Now 46 & PM since 2021, she is one of the most hawkish leaders in Nato when it comes to blunting Kremlin’s ambitions in Euro. That has spooked some in White House that she risks dragging the West into direct conflict with Moscow.
Existential threat from Russia

Many Estonians are also less happy at taxes being raised to pay for their contribution to Ukraine’s defence. But Kaja Kallas wants the West to wake up to what she sees as an existential threat from a newly aggressive Russia.

"Russia wants to sow fear in our societies," sitting in cabinet office in Estonia’s. "We see different hybrid attacks in many parts of EU.""Hybrid attacks", known as "sub-threshhold" or "grey zone" warfare, hostile suspected of being carried out by an adversary such as Russia federation where shots are necessarily fired or killed & blame is often hard to pin - yet damage can be extensive. Such threats report, "aim to create psychological & emotional tension targeting the most vulnerable threatening safety of children.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c722zxj0kyro

[Tee tiong huat]

Zelenskiy arrives in Singapore for Shangri-La Dialogue.  SINGAPORE, June 1(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy arrived in Singapore for Shangri-La Dialogue conference on Saturday, where he planned to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin & discuss support for his country in an address to delegates.

After arriving at conference venue in a motorcade amid heavy security, Zelenskiy said in a statement on social media platform X that he had come to gather support from Asia-Pacific region for peace summit planned for June 15-16 in Switzerland.

"Global security is impossible when world's largest country disregards recognised borders, international law, & U.N. Charter, resorts to hunger, darkness, nuclear blackmail," the statement said, referring to Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Statement said Zelenskiy planned to hold several meetings, including with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam & PM Lawrence Wong, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, Austin, and Singaporean investors.

A U.S. official said Zelenskiy and Ukrainian Defence Minster Rustem Umerov would meet Austin "to discuss the current battlefield situation in Ukraine & to underscore U.S. commitment to ensuring Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression".

The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), which organises security conference, said Zelenskiy would participate in a discussion session on Sunday entitled "Re-Imagining Solutions for Global Peace and Regional Stability".

Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Russia is trying to disrupt the Switzerland peace summit, which he hopes will generate support for the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine's 1991 borders.

Reuters first reported his planned trip to Singapore on Friday. Its Zelenskiy's 2nd trip to Asia, In May 2023, he attended G7 meetings in Japan. As Ruzz
begun assaults against Ukrainian lines & stepped up missile attacks in recent weeks as troops have made gains in Ukraine's east & south, as Kyiv's allies accelerate shipments of munition & other arms. The Russia has not attended the Shangri-La Dialogue since the invasion.

US approved $61 billion aid to Ukraine, such as Patriot missiles & ATACMS precision ballistic missiles - already arrived. On U.S. President Joe Biden informed Ukraine it can use U.S. weapons to strike targets across the border into Russia that were being used to attack areas around Kharkiv, a city in Ukraine's northeast. Russian Putin has warned NATO members allowing Ukraine to fire their weapons into Russia & once again raised the risk of nuclear war.

Austin, spoke earlier on Saturday @Shangri-La Dialogue, his remarks support for Ukrainian forces pushing back against Russia's invasion for more than two years showed that countries around the world could rally in the face of aggression.

Shangri-La conference, held annually in Singapore by International Institute of Strategic Studies for last 21 years,. Coming soon: Latest news & expert analysis state of the global news with Reuters. Thomson Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/zelenskiy-...024-06-01/

Zelenskiy dominates Asia security conference as China, Taiwan trade barbs. SINGAPORE, June 2 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's unscheduled appearance at Asia's biggest security conference dominated proceedings on Sunday after China's defence chief slammed "separatists" in Taiwan, drawing a sharp response from the govt in Taipei.


Dressed in his trademark olive green T-shirt, Zelenskiy addressed the last day of the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore, asking for support and participation at a summit in Switzerland later this month aimed at bringing peace to his war-ravaged nation.

"We are convinced that our world wants to be united and be capable of acting in complete harmony," he said to a ballroom packed full of delegates in formal business wear and military uniforms.

Reuters was first to report that Zelenskiy would make an unscripted appearance at the conference, his second visit to Asia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Zelenskiy told a news conference that he was not able to meet the Chinese delegation at the conference and was disappointed that Beijing would not attend the summit.

"China, unfortunately... is working for countries not to come to the peace summit," he said.

Earlier, China's defence chief, Dong Jun, warned that prospects of a peaceful "reunification" of Taiwan were being eroded, and promised to ensure the island would never gain independence.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the strong objections of the govt in Taipei, and last month staged war games around the island in anger at the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, who Beijing calls a "separatist".

"Those separatists recently made fanatical statements that show their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors. They will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history," Dong said.

Singapore, June 2, 2024. Ukrainian Presidential 
He added that although China was committed to peaceful reunification with Taiwan, the People's Liberation Army "will remain a strong force for upholding national reunification".

Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said in response that it deeply regretted the "provocative and irrational" comments, and reiterated that the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island.

China has repeatedly threatened force against Taiwan at international venues, and its threats violate the United Nations charter, the council said in a statement.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Dong's speech covered little new ground.

“Every year for three years, a new Chinese defence minister has come to Shangri-La," the official said. "And every year, they’ve given a speech at complete odds with the reality of the PLA’s coercive activity across the region. This year was no different.”

Dong's speech came a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told delegates the Indo-Pacific region remained a key focus for the United States, even as it grappled with security assistance for Ukraine and the war in Gaza.

"Let me be clear: The US can be secure only if Asia is secure," Austin said. "That's why the United States has long maintained our presence in this region."

Dong and Austin met for more than an hour on Friday on the sidelines of the conference, their first face-to-face meet.

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Continue above....story. and news

China's foreign ministry had said that the conference "should have the recognition of Russia & Ukraine" and equal participation. "Otherwise, it is difficult for the conference to play a substantive role in restoring peace," spokeswoman said Friday.

Mr Zelensky also said China's leader Xi Jinping had earlier promised him they would “stand aside in this war and would not support Russia with weapons”.

But, he added, there are now “elements that are part of Russia’s weaponry” that come from China, according to various intelligence agencies. He called for China to maintain a “consistent” position.

The US has said that China is helping Russia make more munitions, armoured vehicles and missiles. It estimates about 70% of the machine tools and 90% of the microelectronics Russia imports come from China.

Earlier on Sunday, Chinese defence minister Dong Jun said they do not supply weapons to either party in this war on Ukraine. This is a conflict.

He also said they have put "strict controls" on the exports of dual-use technology, which are items that can be used for civilian and military purposes.

"We have never done anything to fan the flames. We stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue," he said in his speech.

How is China supporting Russia after it was sanctioned for bullying Ukraine?

Mr Zelensky said he did not meet Mr Dong at the dialogue, but he did meet Mr Austin. The two discussed US’ President Joe decision to let Ukraine use American, U.S. weapons on Russian territory, according to Mr Zelensky. He thank U.S. president for the US61 billion help to Ukraine. Big Grin

But, but...That decision comes with certain restrictions.

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An article appeared last week in the Foreign Affairs journal entitled “A Theory of Victory for Ukraine” which immediately sparked broad interest and comment across the globe.

The authors, Ukraine's former Minister of Defense, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, and Eliot A. Cohen, a well-known American diplomat and political scientist, rightly point out that until recently the US and the West as a whole refrained from using the term “victory” and generally avoided describing its goal in Ukraine as a Russian defeat, at least in public.

Washington has contented itself with the largely meaningless statement that it will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” but the authors suggest that now “The West must explicitly state that its goal is a decisive Ukrainian victory and Russian defeat.”

The authors are completely justified in chastising the West and their demand, especially concerning the US, is quite appropriate.  However, to be fair, a growing number in the West are not only explicitly calling for the defeat of Russia once and for all but are also actively working to establish a “coalition of the willing” that would make that goal a reality.

I am referring first and foremost to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, rendered Putin's continuing nuclear saber-rattling completely ineffective by reminding the Kremlin that “France is also a nuclear power” as well as for renewing the “Entente Cordiale” by saying:

US and Germany Greenlight (Limited) Strikes on supplied by Washington and Berlin against targets in Russia will “significantly boost” Ukraine’s defense, Zelensky’s press secretary said..“Britain and France are both absolutely clear: Ukraine must win this war. If Ukraine loses, we all lose.  But we must do even more to ensure we defeat Russia. The world is watching – and will judge us if we fail.”

Thanks to Michael McCaul's brilliant speech in US Congress in his role as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the red line the traitor [CIA Director} Burns drew in the sand in private conversation with Putin in November 2021 has all but been eliminated.  

The war in Ukraine is not merely a stalemate confrontation along the thousand-kilometer line of contact.  It has, in my opinion, a completely different center of gravity (cf. Clausewitz) - the Crimean Peninsula.  Both sides in this war value the immense political symbolism Crimea represents.

At the same time, it represents the most vulnerable component of the Russian military machine. Ukraine managed to force Russian naval forces out of Crimean ports despite lacking its own aircraft or naval fleet.  And now, having received long-range missiles, Ukraine has been striking airfields in the Crimea on a regular basis.  It turns out Russian air defense systems there aren’t up to the task.

If the skies over Ukraine become dotted with 100, or, even better, 200 state-of-the-art Western aircraft, the country will not only gain supremacy in the air, it will also render Russia's occupation of the Crimea untenable.  It will have to withdraw from the peninsula or be completely destroyed remotely. 

What's preventing world from witnessing such a magnificent finale? absurd, artificial red lines that Ukraine and its allies have imposed themselves, We have been waiting for these pilots for two years.  It's possible we will see a few dozen of them in the next two or three months.  But no way will we get the necessary 100-200.

Ukrainian pilots flying F-16s over the skies of Ukraine, But it's not a path to victory.  A path to victory, a quick and decisive one, at that, would require cohesive combat units from the Air Forces of France, UK, and Sweden deployed from airfields of Romania, Poland, and Finland.

https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/33516

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukraine’s ATACMS Rockets Are Severing Russian Supply Lines Into Crimea. But The Last Line Is The Toughest.

It’s extremely difficult to interdict a railroad.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/20...-toughest/

Looks Almost Fine": S-400 Takes a Hit from Ukrainian HIMARS Rocket (June 3, 2024)
"Looks Almost Fine": S-400 Takes a Hit from 

Ukrainian HIMARS Rocket photos and videos of the S-400 air defense system struck near Belgorod, russia, are a good answer to whether it can or cannot intercept GMLRS rockets deployed by the American mobile artillery system.

Missile strike of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has found its target, the S-400 surface-to-air anti-aircraft system deployed near the Belgorod city of russia, a few dozen kilometers from Ukraine's border. Smart rockets launched by an American M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System 

(HIMARS) hit the russian equipment several days after the United States decided to lift the ban on using its weapons for strikes inside russia.

Footage showing massive fire on the site of S-400 deployment and photos of burned equipment have been published online. Besides confirming the accuracy of the long-range attack, the imagery serves as an illustration of what happens to russian weapons when they encounter GMLRS precision-guided rockets fired from HIMARS.

https://en.defence-ua.com/news/looks_alm...10720.html

[Tee tiong huat]

Continue from...above

Particularly, pay attention to the photo taken from the roof of the 92N6 radar, the component of the S-400 system. Two launchers in the distance destroyed and the support vehicles damaged. One of the latter could well be a command vehicle, the exact identification is difficult by this photo alone.

Landing such a hit on the launchers means a complete destruction since the solid fuel in the loaded anti-aircraft missiles burns them inside out. The real conundrum is the condition of the cornerstone of this system — the 92N6 mobile radar station. Here we should look closely at the radar antenna, just the part within the view was pierced over fifty times (as highlighted in red in the next photo).

Defense Express / Looks Almost Fine: S-400 Takes a Hit from Ukrainian HIMARS Rocket
These holes are the result of the GMLRS warhead filled with tungsten balls blasting everything around with fragmentation. Defense Express earlier explained what happens when a GMLRS rocket explodes and why you cannot hide from it. For a reminder, here's a video:


Getting hit with such a fragmentation blast leads to a guaranteed incapacitation of the radar which S-400 cannot operate without. The station needs to spend a long time in repair, if it's even reasonable to attempt considering the character of damage. After all, the main element of the radar is pierced across its entire working area. That is all while the system may appear unaffected to the eye or to the satellite. A similar case occurred before, when fragmentation of an ATACMS missile fired by an M142 HIMARS left a visually unharmed russian helicopter honeycombed with tungsten.

Based on this evidence, we can expect another S-400 anti-aircraft missile defense system counted out as eliminated. The russian forces are currently using their S-400s to patch up holes in the air defenses leaving them open to a strike at a relatively short distance from the front or the border.

Also, this originally anti-air systems are being used for regular shellings of the Ukrainian cities within their reach by spitting out missiles to fall along a ballistic trajectory.

[Tee tiong huat]

Continue from...above

Particularly, pay attention to the photo taken from the roof of the 92N6 radar, the component of the S-400 system. Two launchers in the distance destroyed and the support vehicles damaged. One of the latter could well be a command vehicle, the exact identification is difficult by this photo alone.

Landing such a hit on the launchers means a complete destruction since the solid fuel in the loaded anti-aircraft missiles burns them inside out. The real conundrum is the condition of the cornerstone of this system — the 92N6 mobile radar station. Here we should look closely at the radar antenna, just the part within the view was pierced over fifty times (as highlighted in red in the next photo).

Defense Express / Looks Almost Fine: S-400 Takes a Hit from Ukrainian HIMARS Rocket
These holes are the result of the GMLRS warhead filled with tungsten balls blasting everything around with fragmentation. Defense Express earlier explained what happens when a GMLRS rocket explodes and why you cannot hide from it. For a reminder, here's a video:


Getting hit with such a fragmentation blast leads to a guaranteed incapacitation of the radar which S-400 cannot operate without. The station needs to spend a long time in repair, if it's even reasonable to attempt considering the character of damage. After all, the main element of the radar is pierced across its entire working area. That is all while the system may appear unaffected to the eye or to the satellite. A similar case occurred before, when fragmentation of an ATACMS missile fired by an M142 HIMARS left a visually unharmed russian helicopter honeycombed with tungsten.

Based on this evidence, we can expect another S-400 anti-aircraft missile defense system counted out as eliminated. The russian forces are currently using their S-400s to patch up holes in the air defenses leaving them open to a strike at a relatively short distance from the front or the border.

Also, this originally anti-air systems are being used for regular shellings of the Ukrainian cities within their reach by spitting out missiles to fall along a ballistic trajectory.

This originally anti-air systems are being used for regular shellings of the Ukrainian cities within their reach by spitting out missiles to fall along a ballistic trajectory.

https://en.defence-ua.com/news/looks_alm...10720.html

[theold]

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240601/nato-1...40855.html

[Tee tiong huat]

Swarms of Ukrainian Kamikaze Drones Stop Russian Offensive in Kharkiv Region.
Ukrainian Kamikaze Drones Stop Russian Offensive in Kharkiv Region. KHARKIV

The Kremlin maintains the line that everything is still going well and forcing Ukrainian forces to retreat, while most other sources tell of a Russian offensive out of steam amid crushing losses.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33768

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukraine’s best numerous deep-strike munitions are made by U.S.A. Truly sustainable & damaging bombardment of bases in Belgorod. U.S. supplies HIMARS, ATACMS & also supplied glide bombs do a good job. Ukrainians finally got green light to proceed. “grateful for vital support,” Zelensky.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron will meet in Paris on June 6, the Elysée confirmed on Tuesday, in a visit that may set stage for a decision about sending French troops to Ukraine

“Amid intensifying Russian attacks on combat zone & on power infrastructure, both presidents will discuss situations on the fronts & Ukraine’s needs,” Macron’s office announced spokespeople described meeting as a “continuation Conference in Support of Ukraine held at Champs Elysees on 26 February,” when Macron first proposed the scenario of sending Western troops to Ukraine.

A day after he & other Western leaders will celebrate 80th anniversary of D-Day on Normandy’s Omaha Beach, Zelensky will be greeted be welcomed by French defense minister, Sebastien Lecornu, & will visit a weapons manufacturer, near Paris.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33782

[Tee tiong huat]

The Russians Rolled the Thermobaric Rocket Launchers Toward Chasiv Yar. It Didn’t Help—The Ukrainians Counterattacked, Anyway. After mths of fighting, Russians still struggling to gain a toehold in Ukraine’s 266th biggest population ctr.

Shortly after finally capturing ruins of Avdiivka following a bloody, 5-mth battle that culminated in Feb, Russian eastern forces took aim at another eastern prize: the industrial town of Chasiv Yar, which had a pre-war population of around 12,000.

Exposed on very edge of line of contact west of Bakhmut, depending on north-south canal—a canal with two easy crossing points—for its defense, Chasiv Yar is vulnerable, easternmost canal district, on far side of the canal from the town center, is even more vulnerable. Chasiv Yar should’ve easy picking for nearly 500,000-strong Russian force. Instead, it—like many other front-line towns—has become an attrition trap for the Russians. They’ve made incremental gains that can be measured with a yardstick, but at the cost of thousands of casualties. Ukrainian casualties are much lighter.

Russian strategy mths-long battle for Chasiv Yar is under intensive close air support, Russian troops from 200th Arctic Motor Rifle Brigade, 299th Air Assault Regiment, 11th Air Assault Brigade & other units attack in order to secure a foothold for a direct assault on ctr of Chasiv Yar—while also attacking the village directly to the north. It’s not going well for Russians, even recent introduction Russian TOS-1 & TOS-2 thermobaric rocket launchers to Chasiv Yar sector hasn’t decisively tilted local balance of power. As of Tuesday, the Ukrainian 41st Mechanized Brigade, 241st Territorial Defense Brigade and Presidential Brigade remain in control of Chasiv Yar, the canal district and Kalinina, Russians managed to briefly push back Ukrainians in Kalinina in recent days, but Ukrainians counterattacked despite heavy shelling from Russian 200th Arctic Brigade and reversed the Russians’ gains.

Ukrainian Ctr for Defense Strategies has been pessimistic about canal district, in particular. “The enemy will soon capture the canal neighborhood in Chasiv Yar.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/20...450afb379d

[watchfirst9]

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issues statement on 'anti-Ukrainian' comments from Georgian PM Kobakhidze
Nate Ostiller, The Kyiv Independent news desk
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry released a statement on May 30 condemning recent "anti-Ukrainian" remarks made by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Tensions between Georgia and the West, as well as with Ukraine, have increased since the ruling Georgian Dream party reintroduced its controversial foreign agents law in April.

The law, which was passed by the parliament earlier in May, requires organizations that receive foreign funding to be labeled as "foreign agents" and is widely thought to lead to a crackdown on civil society and independent media.

Speaking at the opening of a new bridge in Tbilisi on May 30, Kobakhidze said that Georgian Dream would not allow a "Maidan" to happen in Georgia. Kobakhidze was referring to the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine in which more than 100 protesters were killed by security forces and culminated in pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fleeing the country.

Kobakhidze then went on to falsely claim that subsequent Ukrainian governments had been appointed by "the outside." International organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have found that Ukrainian presidential elections in 2014 and 2019 were "competitive and fundamental freedoms were generally respected."

"The statements of the head of Georgia's government regarding our state, (EuroMaidan), heroism, and struggle of the Ukrainian people for freedom and independence are unacceptable and outrageous," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said.

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Ukraine Hits Largest Petroleum Plant in Russia's South and Oil Depot in Belgorod Region. The Novoshakhtinsky petroleum plant, the largest supplier of petroleum products in the south of Russia and the only oil refinery in the Rostov region, was targeted in an overnight attack.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33856

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Kyiv Post sources in Ukraine’s special services confirmed that in the early morning of Thursday, June 6, Ukrainian drones targeted the Novoshakhtinsky petroleum plant in the Rostov region and an oil depot in the Starooskolsky city district of the Belgorod region.

According to the head of the Rostov region, Vasily Golubev, more than 120 rescuers and at least 15 pieces of equipment, including a fire train, were deployed to extinguish the blaze following the strike on the Novoshakhtinsky plant.

Novoshakhtinsky petroleum plant is largest supplier of petroleum products in south of Russia & only oil refinery in Rostov region. In April, Novoshakhtinsk was once also attacked by UAVs.

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Ukraine Voices Frustration Over Slow Pace of F-16 Pilot Training. By end of this year only 20 Ukrainian F-16 pilots are expected to graduate, half of the number needed to man a full squadron of 20 fighter aircraft.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33882

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https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33882

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Ukraine Voices Frustration Over Slow Pace of F-16 Pilot Training. By end of this year only 20 Ukrainian F-16 pilots are expected to graduate, half of the number needed to man a full squadron of 20 fighter aircraft.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33882

June 6, 2024. Ukrainian officials are urging the US and other countries to expedite F-16 pilot training, stating that the current graduation rate is insufficient to produce enough aviators to operate aircraft soon to be donated to Kyiv, on interviews with former & current US, Ukrainian, & European officials & lawmakers, many of whom spoke anonymously about sensitive diplomatic conversations, outlines the situation. Ukraine claims have 30 pilots immediately available to begin training in US. Biden admin informed Kyiv its Arizona-based program can onl accommodate 12 trainees at time, sources familiar with the request. Similar issues with available training spots exist at two other training facilities in Denmark and Romania.

In recent weeks, Ukraine has formally requested that the US train additional pilots at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. On Capitol Hill, including Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) & Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), leaders of House Intelligence Committee, have also pressed the administration to approve additional training. The pair, along with several other lawmakers, sent a letter to Pentagon asking admin to prioritize.
However, as Politico reported, Washington informed Ukrainian military that, in addition to limited space, other countries are also in line for F-16 training at the base & that it cannot break its commitments to those nations.

“We understand they don’t want to break those contracts, but they could move their American pilots to a different base for training,” said Sasha Ustinova, a Ukrainian lawmaker who advocated for training. Outlined by Politico, National Guard plans to train 12 Ukrainian pilots by Sept at its Tucson facility, Air Force spokesperson Laurel Falls, added limited space in Arizona, Denmark's training facility will close in Nov, a 3rd program in Romania, run by contractors not yet operational.

Pentagon spoken, stated “dozens” of pilots from various countries are undergoing basic F-16 flight training in US & Euro, without providing specific numbers. Maj. Erin Hannigan from the Arizona National Guard confirmed space is limited due to commitments to other countries who need students to meet English language requirements. Aside Tucson location, F-16 training is also conducted at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, but these programs have limited spaces for international students, typically, reserved well in advance.

8-Ukrainian pilots are being trained in Denmark, facility will close next year, Denmark transitions to F-35 aircraft, while, Lockheed Martin & its subcontractor Draken are preparing to train pilots in Romania, but program expensive, also has limited capacity. By end year, 20 Ukrainian F-16 pilots are expected to graduate, half of 40 needed for a full squadron of 20. The 8 new pilots will begin training in Romania, & eight more will soon arrive in Tucson. Denmark facility will not accept additional pilots.

Among training facilities, four slots will be open for Ukrainian pilots through remainder of the year, according to familiar issue. Officials involved in program revealed, despite initial limitations, the F-16 aircraft will eventually offer significant advantages to Kyiv. Initially, missions will be limited, focusing on targeting drones and cruise missiles. However, with a full squadron of aircraft and trained pilots, broader operations, including potential engagements across the border into Russia, become feasible due to the F-16's superior capabilities to the Russian opposition.
Nevertheless, it's expected Ukraine won't have a complete squadron of trained pilots until the end of 2025, the report said.

Additionally, obtaining precise air-to-air missiles poses a challenge, many NATO allies are hesitant to part with their stockpiles, fearing strain on their resources. Discussions among alliance members are ongoing to determine potential contributions. The first Ukrainian pilots in US F-16 fighter recently completed initial basic training in Southwestern US, will soon receiving further training in Europe, likely in Romania or Denmark. Maintenance personnel & other ground crew have reportedly also been trained on the F-16s and will arrive in Ukraine to give training to others who did not attend the training outside Ukraine.

Hannigan told Politico the first batch of Ukrainian F-16 pilots has graduated from 162nd Wing at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona and will now move on to advanced training in Europe. Ukrainian Air Force will receive more than 60 F-16s from Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, and Belgium. These countries, along with the US, UK, Romania, France / Bulgaria, have mobilized staff, aircraft, ground facilities to train Ukrainians to fly and maintain the fighters. 

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33882

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Ukraine begins strikes on Russian soil using US weapons. Two attacks in the past week suggest the lifting of restrictions has allowed Ukraine a more effective defence. Ukraine begins strikes on Russian soil using US weapons. 2 attacks in the past week suggest lifting of restrictions has allowed Ukraine a more effective defence.

7 Jun 2024. Ukraine may have realised the first benefits of being allowed to strike Russian territory with Western weapons last week. On May 26 & 27, France & Germany said they allowing Ukraine to use their weapons against targets on Russian soil, following Russia’s new offensive against Kharkiv on May 10.

US sources told media on May 30. US was allowing Ukraine to use its weapons “for counter-fire purposes in Kharkiv”. That suggsition from which incoming fire had originated, but not to use its intelligence to target weapons systems and troop concentrations pre-emptively.

“This US ambiguity misses an opportunity to deter Russian preparations for offensive operations elsewhere across the border into northern Ukraine,” said the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think-tank.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week reported concentrations of troops north of the Ukrainian city of Sumy. Ukraine’s first declared strike on Russian soil with Western weapons last Friday may been based on a misunderstanding.

“Defence Forces of Ukraine attacked Kerch ferry crossing with ATACMS [US Army Tactical] missiles, which was actively used by enemy to secure its grouping of troops in temporarily occupied Crimea.”

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President Joe Biden apologized to Volodymyr Zelensky for aid delays from US on Friday, telling Ukrainian leader "we're not going to walk away from you." Western leaders vouched their support for Zelensky, who compared his country's fight against Russia with Allied forces' resistance to Nazi Germany in World War II.

Politicians & veterans gathered in France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day came as Moscow's forces sweep through northeastern Kharkiv region, with Ukraine firing back into Russia using Western weapons. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an address in St.Petersburg. He is set to present his “vision current situation in the world economy and politics."

June 7, 2024 -- Biden will arrive at Pointe du Hoc to deliver a speech highlighting democracy and freedom. From CNN staff

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to arrive at Pointe du Hoc, in Normandy in minutes, as Western leaders mark anniversary of the largest Allied forces' operation against Nazi Germany in World War II. The U.S leader will draw parallels between more than 150,000 allies troops who fought for liberation of Europe from Adolf Hitler's Nazis on June 6, 1944, & Ukraine's present fight against Russia's raging 27-mth invasion.

https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/rus...index.html

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Responding as millions of people flee war in Ukraine. The intense fighting and shelling have led to 7.8 million people leaving Ukraine becoming refugees across Europe. 

Within Ukraine, over 6.5 million people remain displaced by the war. MSF teams had been working in eastern Ukraine and have now suspended our usual medical activities, including our HIV and tuberculosis programmes.

As war continues across Ukraine and people flee, our teams are responding to a severe humanitarian crisis, both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.

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As cross Ukraine, folks in cities under attack face incredible hardship; as often live without electricity, food or clean water, or medicines. Hospitals are consistently in danger of running out of supplies, especially for those for surgical, trauma, emergency room & intensive care unit. However, other medical items including insulin for diabetes patients, medicines for patients with chronic diseases, asthma, hypertension or HIV.

Oct airstrikes has severely damaged Ukraine’s infrastructure - nearly half of power grid in need of repair, consequences are recurring emergency blackouts, rolling power cuts in some parts of the country, attacks coincide with onset of winter  can impacts Ukraine’s healthcare system ehh.

Some large hospitals have been able to run on generators or back-up power, but ongoing military strikes hitting energy infrastructure make this less & less secure. Areas small health facilities has great challenge work for healthcare staff b4 it increase in difficult, those close to frontline have been left without electricity, gas or heating for mths.

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Responding as millions of people flee war in Ukraine. The intense fighting and shelling have led to 7.8 million people leaving Ukraine becoming refugees across Europe. 

Within Ukraine, over 6.5 million people remain displaced by the war. MSF teams had been working in eastern Ukraine and have now suspended our usual medical activities, including our HIV and tuberculosis programmes.

As war continues across Ukraine, people flee, teams are responding to a severe humanitarian crisis, both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. Where in KYIV &  Surrounds - July 2024, city of Kyiv, we began to provide physiotherapy services in a hospital managed by Ministry of Interior. There are approximately 200 beds entirely dedicated to war-wounded people

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As war continues across Ukraine, people flee, teams are responding to a severe humanitarian crisis, both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. Where in KYIV &  Surrounds - July 2024, city of Kyiv, we began to provide physiotherapy services in a hospital managed by Ministry of Interior. There are approximately 200 beds entirely dedicated to war-wounded people

https://www.msf.org/msf-response-war-ukr...d_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgpCzBhBhEiwAOSQWQeu71tXwccKxYRExSufBEMHQDMbXKOW2snlivyXkYCEFE1jh50_s7xoCyNoQAvD_BwE

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https://www.theguardian.com/world/articl...-at-a-time