[Tee tiong huat]

Russia’s new air defense system drives straight into row of mines.

Video circulating on social media yesterday shows new Russian S-350 surface-to-air missile system is drives straight into row of mines & exploding on the temporarily occupied territory of the Luhansk region in Ukraine. According to Militarnyi news agency, the S-350 system fell victim to its mishap as it navigated an unmarked minefield set up by their own Russian troops to deter a potential Ukrainian assault.

This incident caused severe damage to mobile launcher chassis of the 50P6 surface-to-air missile system component of on S-350. Russians stumbled upon the minefield while moving during nighttime.

Also noted: The damaged launcher remains in place due to concerns over evacuating it amidst the numerous anti-tank mines surrounding the area. The S-350, which reportedly commenced serial production in March 2019 & entered service in February 2020, is designed to engage aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missile targets.

S-350 includes 50K6 command post, multifunctional radars 50N6, and launcher units 50P6 with 12 9M96 missiles each. The deployment time is five minutes, with a crew of three members.
https://defence-blog.com/russias-new-s-3...-explodes/

[Tee tiong huat]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for large-scale production. Minding the threat from Russia
According to Scholz, European partners should combine their orders to ensure the defence industry's supply security for the next several decades.

"We must move from manufacturing to mass production of armaments," German chancellor stated.
Scholz said Russia's aggressive war in Ukraine, as well as President Putin's openly stated imperial ambitions, pose most serious threat to European peace order.

"Those who want peace must be able to successfully deter aggressors," head of German govt concluded. Once completed operational, new Rheinmetall plant in Unterlüs will produce 200,000 artillery rounds per year, including for Ukraine. According to Rheinmetall, the company will invest €300 million in this facility.

Earlier, Marc Theis, retired Belgian Armed Forces General, criticised the state of defence production in Europe, arguing that it would take years to build up capacity to meet the needs of European countries and help Ukraine.
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/12/7441553/

[Tee tiong huat]

Germany starts work on ammo factory. Work set to begin on a new Rheinmetall facility that will increase Germany's ability to produce artillery shells. Boosting military production has been a key policy since Russia's 2020 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

[Tee tiong huat]

Latest update today from Ukraine: Bashkirs rise against Kremlin, another Russia Federation. Huge Crisis in Russia Kremlin find no way out. PUTIN CAN'T Believe.  Bigeyes Sick 0

https://youtu.be/gRpD3e91gG0?si=DmzRVxbkpPIkBPjq

Latest update today from Ukraine: Putin is fighting against another Federation folks by Thousand.

Another Huge Crisis in Russia Kremlin finding no way out. PUTIN CAN'T Believe The folks is fighting back. crying Bigeyes
https://youtu.be/5_uhUKKjYJQ?si=xOE7E6Q1OXOIVyvB

This has become biggest threat to PM Viktor Orban's rule since returned to power in 2010. Hungary has been shaken by the sudden resignations of the two most popular and successful women in an otherwise strongly male-dominated governing party.

The issue has become deeply problematic for govt has made protection of traditional family values the cornerstone of its policies. Worst of all for Mr Orban, his party departures of two women have followed by an avalanche of allegations about he runs country.
And this double resignation, coming amid increasing protests, has deprived Viktor Orban of two very different but essential allies.

For PM (himself) there's been strict silence for now. Without doubt to his biggest challenge in 14 yrs of Fidesz rule, high-profile resignations have dented but not seriously damaged his power. An anti-Orban protest is planned for Friday, but PM will come out fighting on Saturday when he is due to deliver his annual state of the nation address.

Who is Viktor Orban, Hungarian PM 14-yr grip on power?, tough-talking lead governing Fidesz party into battle against "Brussels bureaucrats" European elections in June. 

Two other key figures have come under attack too - Mr Orban's communications chief Antal Rogan, who is in charge of secret services, and Zoltan Balog a personal adviser to the prime minister.

[Tee tiong huat]

This has become biggest threat to PM Viktor Orban's rule since returned to power in 2010. Hungary has been shaken by the sudden resignations of the two most popular and successful women in an otherwise strongly male-dominated governing party.

The issue has become deeply problematic for govt has made protection of traditional family values the cornerstone of its policies. Worst of all for Mr Orban, his party departures of two women have followed by an avalanche of allegations about he runs country.
And this double resignation, coming amid increasing protests, has deprived Viktor Orban of two very different but essential allies.

For PM (himself) there's been strict silence for now. Without doubt to his biggest challenge in 14 yrs of Fidesz rule, high-profile resignations have dented but not seriously damaged his power. An anti-Orban protest is planned for Friday, but PM will come out fighting on Saturday when he is due to deliver his annual state of the nation address.

Who is Viktor Orban, Hungarian PM 14-yr grip on power?, tough-talking lead governing Fidesz party into battle against "Brussels bureaucrats" European elections in June. 

Two other key figures have come under attack too - Mr Orban's communications chief Antal Rogan, who is in charge of secret services, and Zoltan Balog a personal adviser to the prime minister.

Hungary is making live talks making EU very angry on
aid for Ukraine 'more complicated' - senior EU said. Tensions have been running high between in EU and Hungary after Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to block EU budget to give 50 billion euros ($54 bil) aid for Ukraine. EU president has to stay in post amid fears Hungary Vikto getting EU job Michel’s decision where Hungary’s PM is expected to block Ukraine support package. EU leaders are considering triggering a mechanism that would strip Hungary of voting rights. Undecided
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/j...tting-role.

BRUSSELS, Jan 26. European Union (EU) has not been flexible ahead for week's summit on the matter, a senior EU official said on Friday. Hungary govt has a strained relationship with Ukraine as Hungary’s PM, Viktor Orban's rule returned on power assistant  to help Russia Putin.

[Tee tiong huat]

This has become biggest threat to PM Viktor Orban's rule since returned to power in 2010. Hungary has been shaken by the sudden resignations of the two most popular and successful women in an otherwise strongly male-dominated governing party.

The issue has become deeply problematic for govt has made protection of traditional family values the cornerstone of its policies. Worst of all for Mr Orban, his party departures of two women have followed by an avalanche of allegations about he runs country.
And this double resignation, coming amid increasing protests, has deprived Viktor Orban of two very different but essential allies.

For PM (himself) there's been strict silence for now. Without doubt to his biggest challenge in 14 yrs of Fidesz rule, high-profile resignations have dented but not seriously damaged his power. An anti-Orban protest is planned for Friday, but PM will come out fighting on Saturday when he is due to deliver his annual state of the nation address.

Who is Viktor Orban, Hungarian PM 14-yr grip on power?, tough-talking lead governing Fidesz party into battle against "Brussels bureaucrats" European elections in June. 

Two other key figures have come under attack too - Mr Orban's communications chief Antal Rogan, who is in charge of secret services, and Zoltan Balog a personal adviser to the prime minister.

EU leaders grow visibly irritated, has Viktor Orbán overplayed his hand?, after yrs of punching above his weight on international stage, Hungary’s far-right leader may be seeing his limits of his influence.

Viktor Orbán is one of Europe’s most experienced politicians but may be beginning to overplay his hand.
A far-right Hungarian leader – prime minister from 1998 to 2002 and again since 2010 – has sought to punch above his weight in international politics. He has nurtured relationships with autocrats across the globe, funded projects abroad, and repeatedly used Budapest’s power to veto significant EU decisions as a bargaining chip.

At home, he has highlighted the Hungarian government’s battles with Brussels – sometimes appearing to even invent conflicts – and portrayed himself as a leading force on the European stage.

But over the past weeks, Europe’s heavy hitters have become more visibly irritated with the Hungarian leader, who is increasingly isolated. And..Viktor Orban's rule since returned to power. Hungary has been shaken by sudden resignations of two most popular and successful women in an otherwise strongly male-dominated governing party

In December, Orbán hijacked a summit on Ukraine, walking out of the room while leaders signed off on opening EU accession talks with Kyiv. H
e (O he is be side warn by EU boss) still vetoing a much-needed €50bn long-term aid package for Ukraine to support Russia, Putin.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/f...d-his-hand

[Tee tiong huat]

Hungary is making live talks making EU very angry on-aid for Ukraine 'more complicated' - senior EU said. Tensions have been running high between in EU and Hungary after Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to block EU budget to give 50 billion euros ($54 bil) aid for Ukraine. EU president has to stay in post amid fears Hungary Vikto getting EU job Michel’s decision where Hungary’s PM is expected to block Ukraine support package. EU leaders are considering triggering a mechanism that would strip Hungary of voting rights. Undecided
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/j...tting-role.

BRUSSELS, Jan 26. European Union (EU) has not been flexible ahead for week's summit on the matter, a senior EU official said on Friday. Hungary govt has a strained relationship with Ukraine as Hungary’s PM, Viktor Orban's rule returned on power to assistant, to help Russia Putin.

“Viktor definitely wants to be the centre of attention every-time we are here, but he want to be difference between from other, shouldn’t be like this,” said Kaja Kallas, Estonian prime minister. “I can’t understand, I can’t accept this very strange and very egoistic game play by Viktor Orbán,” said Donald Tusk, Poland’s prime minister, decrying “Orbán fatigue”.

There was also concern that Orbán was wasting leaders’ time at a sensitive political moment, as farmers protest over taxes, rising costs and environmental rules in several European countries.

Despite Orbán’s defiant rhetoric, he received only tiny, largely symbolic concessions on the Ukraine aid package. It didn’t stop him claiming victory in his domestic communication.

Officials say this Hungarian leader’s behaviour indicates that he said publicly, he is highly obstructionist, in practice he has now hit a wall.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/f...d-his-hand

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukraine is expecting to use missiles with a range of more than 300 miles on its long-awaited F-16 jets, once they arrive in the country, a senior Ukrainian military commander has said.

"In further packages of military aid, Ukraine expects F-16 aircraft and missiles with a range of 300 to 500 kilometers [186 to 310 miles], which will allow the Defense Forces of Ukraine to achieve even greater success on the battlefield and liberate our territory from the enemy," said Lt. Gen. Serhii Naiev, the commander of Ukraine's joint forces.

Missiles with a range of approximately 190 to 300 miles have been used to dramatic effect within Ukraine, courtesy of Kyiv's Western backers. Ukraine has repeatedly used British-supplied Storm Shadow and French-donated SCALP air-launched missiles to strike Russian targets in and around the Moscow-controlled Crimean peninsula. 

Manufacturer puts the range of missiles, which are currently launched from Ukrainian jets, at more than 155 miles, and experts have said they could reach around 250 miles. Ukraine has also wielded U.S. ATACMS, or the ground-launched Army Tactical Missile System, which can have a range of up to approximately 190 miles. However, the ATACMS Ukraine has received a shorter half this distance.
https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-f16-mis...ia-1866864

Ukraine has rotated in fresh forces to push back a rapid Russian takeover of a key frontline town in the eastern region of Donetsk.

Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade announced this morning that it had been “urgently redeployed to strengthen Ukrainian troops in the Avdiivka area”.

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukraine has rotated in fresh forces to push back a rapid Russian takeover of a key frontline town in the eastern region of Donetsk.

Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade announced this morning that it had been “urgently redeployed to strengthen Ukrainian troops in the Avdiivka area”.

“The situation in the city at the time the brigade was established was extremely critical,” the statement read. “Separate battalions of the 3rd Armored Brigade raided the enemy-occupied areas of Avdiivka. The enemy’s forces in our section are approximately 7 brigades.” Russian forces have pushed into the northeast and south of the city over the past fortnight and look to be accelerating their attack. “Separate battalions of the 3rd Armored Brigade raided the enemy-occupied areas of Avdiivka. The enemy’s forces in our section are approximately 7 brigades.”

Ukraine’s 110th Brigade have been defending from within the city for almost two years but the newly-appointed military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said yesterday that they had made “important decisions aimed at strengthening the combat capabilities” in Avdiivka. The 110th is believed to have now been moved bacK
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world...96511.html

[Tee tiong huat]

As in UK, they acknowledged a sense of “Ukraine fatigue” in the global attention on the conflict. The number of arrivals to UK on Ukraine visa schemes is nearing 200,000, according to the latest figures, with some questions around what might happen when the first visas run out in March next year.

Meanwhile Kyiv sends more troops into fierce battle for key Avdiivka against Putin’s forces, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s army said his objective was to exhaust and slow down Russia’s advance.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world...96511.html

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukraine's Vampire Drones Terrorize Moscow's Forces
February 05, 2024. Reuters. Optimizedl for operations, Vampire drones, nicknamed Baba Yaga by Russian troops, (image) of elusive witch from Slavic folklore due to their terrifying hard-to-detect especially effective at targeting tanks at night capabilities soldiers launch Vampire unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near Zaporizhzhya in search of Russian positions on Feb 2. With thermal imaging capabilities enabling operations to see in day & night, drones known as Baba Yaga by Russian forces, in reference to a mythical Slavic witch -- have been wreaking havoc on Russian positions.

With thermal imaging capabilities enabling operations soldiers of Achilles 92nd Brigade as nearly 2-yrs into full-scale invasion of Ukraine, battlefield along 1,200-k/m front has largely frozen, & resorting to costly long-distance precision artillery, air-launched cruise missiles, and relatively inexpensive drones. As used drones intensifies, Ukraine engaging in electronic warfare to jam other's devices, resulting in notably high loss of drones. U.S. says Ukraine's armed forces are losing an estimated 10,000 drones each month.
https://www.rferl.org/a/vampire-drones-t...05660.html

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 723
As the war enters its 723rd day, these are the main developments.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/15...ts-day-723

1) Ukraine said it critically damaged the Caesar Kunikov, a Russian landing warship, off occupied Crimea, in a drone attack, the latest blow to the Russian navy’s Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine said the ship, one of Russia’s newest vessels, had a crew of 87 and had taken part in wars in Georgia and Syria as well as Ukraine. There was no official comment from Russia on the attack.

2) Newly-appointed Ukrainian armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyii visited troops fighting around the key flashpoint of Avdiivka on the eastern front line, and described the situation as “extremely complex and stressful”. Syrskyii, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, said Russian forces had “a numerical advantage in personnel”.

Newly-appointed Ukrainian armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyii visited troops fighting around the key flashpoint of Avdiivka on the eastern front line, and described the situation as “extremely complex and stressful”. Syrskyii, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, said Russian forces had “a numerical advantage in personnel”.

[Tee tiong huat]

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 723
As the war enters its 723rd day, these are the main developments.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/15...ts-day-723

1) Ukraine said it critically damaged the Caesar Kunikov, a Russian landing warship, off occupied Crimea, in a drone attack, the latest blow to the Russian navy’s Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine said the ship, one of Russia’s newest vessels, had a crew of 87 and had taken part in wars in Georgia and Syria as well as Ukraine. There was no official comment from Russia on the attack.

2) Newly-appointed Ukrainian armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyii visited troops fighting around the key flashpoint of Avdiivka on the eastern front line, and described the situation as “extremely complex and stressful”. Syrskyii, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, said Russian forces had “a numerical advantage in personnel”.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also urged US lawmakers to pass the bill. “This is not charity. This is an investment in our own security,” Stoltenberg said.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also urged members of the US Congress to “do the right thing” and approve a Ukraine aid package.

[Tee tiong huat]

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that the US failure to approve continued military assistance to Ukraine is already having an impact on the battlefield, although he expects Congress will eventually approve an aid package. Republicans in the lower House of Representatives are holding up a $95bn (£75bn) foreign aid package for Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russia has continued attacks on Ukrainian cities. After months of heavy fighting, Russian forces appear close to surrounding the ruins of Avdiivka, where frostbite is taking its toll on Ukrainian troops.

As Russia's invasion edges towards the end of its second year, the mood among Ukraine's defenders is darkening, as exhaustion, frustration at a shortage of weapons, and the knowledge that there will be no quick military victory, all take their toll.

"My best friend was killed this morning," a bearded soldier shouted, along with a hail of swear words and a blast of cold air, as he barged through the back door into the 47th Brigade's well-hidden field hospital.

Moments later, two more wounded men were helped in through another entrance. Vadym, 48, had been hit by shrapnel in his upper arm that morning as his unit was storming a Russian position in Avdiivka.

"It's very hard out there," he said, as the surgeon, a senior lieutenant named Vitalii, came over to look at the wound and two army medics cut away Vadym's filthy uniform.

"We do not have enough of the weapons we need." He
asy is difficult with arm and weapons.. The enemy has a lot of everything, of every type of equipment, while we have almost nothing," said the other wounded man, 24-year-old Andrii, before wincing in pain. A Russian artillery shell had hit his trench overnight and a piece of shrapnel had sliced through his ankle.

The surgeon, Vitalii, worked at a children's hospital before the war. He spoke wearily of his experience amputating limbs last year during Ukraine's failed counter-offensive across Russian minefields, and of the shrapnel wounds that were now filling his days and nights. "I urge the West to be more decisive in assisting Ukraine, because (if they don't) sooner or later their soldiers will (also) have to fight against this evil that has invaded our country," he said.

Further north, two huge Ukrainian tanks roared along a mud-and-snow-smeared country road, then swung away through another heavily destroyed village and on towards the nearest Russian lines, perhaps 2km away. After many months of fighting, the Kremlin's forces appear close to surrounding the ruins of Avdiivka, with some Ukrainian soldiers privately admitting the town, scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the war so far, could fall at any moment.

"We're upset," said a Ukrainian officer, Oleksii, from Ukraine's 110th Mechanised Brigade, standing beside a huge mobile artillery piece as the sound of Russian guns boomed in the distance. The Czech-supplied artillery can hold and fire up to 36 shells at one time, and last year it was routinely shooting 80 shells a day at Russian positions around Avdiivka. But not today.

"Currently we have two shells, but we have no (explosive) charges for them… so we can't fire them. As of now, we have run out of shells," said Oleksii. He suggested that the shortages were widespread and having a dramatic impact on the fighting in Avdiivka.

"We feel a very strong responsibility for our guys fighting right now in the town, armed only with assault rifles." He compared the situation to early in 2022, when ammunition was also in short supply and he'd been wounded. "I'm worried that there will now be the same large number of casualties that I saw in hospital then," said Oleksii.

Back in the field hospital, the two wounded men were now bandaged. The older man, Vadym, stood up, as if to leave, and argued that he was fit enough to return to his comrades in the trenches, but the doctor insisted he needed to wait at least a week.

Our fighters are determined to stand firm," he said.
But the conditions are extreme, and they have to sit in trenches without a stove in -15 or -20C, because any heat will be visible (to Russians) through thermal imaging devices.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68298854

[Tee tiong huat]

‘Dead’ Black Sea Fleet Commander Reportedly Sacked After Latest Naval Loss. Russian milbloggers report Admiral Viktor Sokolov, who was once thought to have died in a September 2023 Storm Shadow attack on his HQ, has been removed from his post.
 
Notorious “Z-channel military correspondents” Rybar & Romanov Light have posted claims on their channels Admiral Viktor Sokolov has been replaced as commander of Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet (BSF) by his Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Sergei Pinchuk.

Sokolov had, it seems wrongly, been reported as having been killed along with 34 other naval officers when then BSF headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea was struck by at least two Anglo-French Storm Shadow cruise missiles on Sept. 25 last year. His death was denied & videos were posted by Russian media two days later apparently showing him attending meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense senior board by video link.

Sokolov had been put into the post in September 2022 when his predecessor, Igor Osipov, was dismissed following the sinking of the BSF’s flagship, the missile cruiser Moskva. It seems that loss of yet another large naval vessel, large landing ship Caesar Kunikov, sunk by Ukrainian MAGURA unmanned surface vessels (USV) on Feb. 14, was one too many.

Under Sokolov’s command things got worse for the BSF as losses began to mount. It was estimated BSF consisted of around 80 warships at the outset of the full-scale invasion, including large warships, landing ships, submarines, patrol boats, and minesweepers.

Since then, Ukraine has carried out at least 27 successful attacks on Russian naval and other vessels, which, according to Ukrainian navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk, has resulted in the destruction of 25 and damage to 15 more. A number of those listed as damaged are unlikely to return to service in the near future.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/28112

[Tee tiong huat]

Situation in Avdiivka more difficult than in Bakhmut – 3rd Assault Brigade combat actions in Avdiivka currently differ from the battles in Bakhmut, where Ukrainian defenders fought against the then Wagner Private Military Company (PMC),. Source: Oleksandr Borodin, press officer of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast

"[In Avdiivka], the enemy has many guided air bombs and equipment. With Wagner PMC [in Bakhmut], they tried to save equipment and primarily relied on manpower. Here [in Avdiivka], there are tank attacks combined with infantry, many armoured personnel carriers and armoured combat vehicles, aircraft and FPV drones.

This was not the case in Bakhmut during Wagner's PMC presence there. It was difficult there, but now [in Avdiivka], it's extremely challenging." The details: Borodin added that defensive operations in some areas are being conducted in a 360-degree area of engagement from Russians. He specified that this does not mean encirclement.

However, the Russians are constantly deploying new forces to the Avdiivka area.
On 15 February, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade confirmed that it had been urgently redeployed to reinforce Ukrainian forces in the area of Avdiivka and reported that two Russian brigades had been critically defeated on the Avdiivka front, although the Ukrainian defenders were facing a "360-degree fight" and the Russians were moving new units to Avdiivka.

Tavriia Operational Strategic Group emphasised that on Avdiivka front, Ukraine's Defence Forces were being confronted by Russian Special Forces and airborne troops, and in recent days, Russia has also deployed more armoured vehicles for the offensive.
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/16/7442135/

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukrainian forces announced withdrawal of its forces from Avdiivka, a town recent became one of most fiercely contested battles on eastern front move followed an intensification of Moscow’s attacks on the area as Russia pummeled with airstrikes, artillery &sent wave after wave of ground assaults armored vehicles & soldiers. While the town’s strategic significance is limited, town marks biggest gain for Moscow since it captured the city of Bakhmut last year & is indication of how war appears to turned in Putin’s favor as Ukraine meanwhile faces renewed pressure across the eastern front, compounded by ammunition and manpower shortages.

At Munich Security Conference Sat, President Zelensky said decision to pull back from Avdiivka was made to “save soldiers’ lives.” to avoid being surrounded, so decided to withdraw to other lines, it does not mean retreated in k/m & let Russia captured more, they did not capture anything, he  added. Avdiivka has been on front lines since Russian-backed fighters seized portions of Donbas including nearby city of Donetsk, in 2014. It has been under fire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in Feb 2022.

Withdrawing from town, to northwest of Donetsk was “only correct solution,” commander of southern forces said on Friday, adding some Ukrainian troops had been captured by Russia during process where enemy advancing on corpses of their own soldiers with a 10-to-1 shell advantage, under constant bombardment, the Russian troops are “numerically superior in personnel, artillery & aviation,” Tarnavskyi added. Russians were “practically erasing city from face of the earth.”

Decision comes days after Ukraine’s new military chief Syrskyi & Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited front lines in Avdiivka, pledging to send reinforcements to “prevent enemy from advancing deeper into our territory, by Thurs, Ukrainian forces hold were describing hellish in conditions, enemy in “coming from all sides”.

They don't spare their Russian,as assault was similar to “meat-grinder” tactics used to capture Bakhmut last yr, NATO estimated every Ukrainian soldier killed defending Bakhmut, Russia lost 5 to 1. Oleh Sentsov, formerly a famous filmmaker, filmed a 5-hr battle on helmet & body cameras in Avdiivka, illustrating cruelty of war & horrors of the trenches. He and his men found themselves fighting from all sides, caught in a pincer movement by Russian troops.

“Our assault group had to hold a trench 150-meters wide. We went in, took 50 meters, and could not push further because there was strong resistance by a lot of enemy infantry there,” Sentsov said in a rare interview with CNN.  Oleh Sentsov, formerly a famous filmmaker, filmed a 5-hour battle on helmet and body cameras in Avdiivka.. Our assault group had to hold a trench 150-meters wide. We went in, took 50 meters & could not push further b'cos there was strong resistance by lot of enemy infantry in  there,” Sentsov said in a rare interview with CNN.

The recent flurry of Russian offensives on Ukraine has also is facing critical shortages of ammunition, essential for its battlefield troops rising concerns US lifeline to help is hanging by a thinning thread.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/16/europ...index.html

[Tee tiong huat]

President Joe Biden has said US House's decision to call a two-week recess without passing fresh aid for Ukraine is "bizarre" and "outrageous".

Biden condemns House taking break without passing fresh Ukraine aid, is a bizarre" & "outrageous" like naked Fox.

A President Joe Biden has said the US House's decision to call a two-week recess without passing fresh aid for Ukraine is "bizarre" and "outrageous".

On Tuesday, Senate approved funding worth $95bn (£75bn) for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan in a bipartisan vote. But this House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, he said 2-week off that the lower chamber would not vote on it without additional funding for border security. 

Mr Biden said failing to pass new aid could undermine America's reputation. "I won't panic, there is a real concern about tU.S. being a reliable ally," Mr Biden said angrily during a news conference at White House.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68322241

[Tee tiong huat]

Two Su-34 & a Su-35 Down At Once: Ukrainian Air Defense Destroys russian Aircraft

The Ukrainian Air Defense Destroys russian Aircraft. It seems "wandering Patriot" once again caught several careless aircraft trying to throw some UMPK bombs on Ukrainian positions. The Aerospace Forces of russia have lost three more combat jets operating in near-frontline areas: two Su-34 tactical bombers and one Su-35 fighter is successful downing by  Patriot eastern operational warzone was reported by Ukrainian Air Force Command.

Defense Express such composition of russian aircraft formation indicates that it was a group on a mission to launch UMPK guided glide bombs. 

Usually, execution tactics are following: two Su-34s drop bombs upon distant targets on ground, while a Su-35 provides air cover, sometimes it launches anti-radar missiles to ensure safety for the grp and increase probability of a successful hit.

There's a high chance this time "wandering Patriot" is accounted for downing of russian jets. Just for a reminder, it is a presumed Ukrainian-developed tactic of utilizing U.S. American anti-aircraft missile system to prepare an ambush, which requires taking risk of deploying system dangerously close to forward line of enemy troops.

The GEM-T interceptor used by Patriot against targets like aircraft and cruise missiles, has maximum range of 150 km, and there no escape zone. (for eg. maximum launch distance allowed for a guaranteed lock onto enemy around 110 km,) according to unofficial data. On the other side, the maximum range of an UMPK is 60–70 km.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/two_su_34...-9549.html

[Tee tiong huat]

President Joe Biden has said US House's decision to call a two-week recess without passing fresh aid for Ukraine is "bizarre" and "outrageous".

Biden condemns House taking break without passing fresh Ukraine aid, is a bizarre" & "outrageous" like naked Fox.

A President Joe Biden has said the US House's decision to call a two-week recess without passing fresh aid for Ukraine is "bizarre" and "outrageous".

On Tuesday, Senate approved funding worth $95bn (£75bn) for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan in a bipartisan vote. But this House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, he said 2-week off that the lower chamber would not vote on it without additional funding for border security. 

Mr Biden said failing to pass new aid could undermine America's reputation. "I won't panic, there is a real concern about tU.S. being a reliable ally," Mr Biden said angrily during a news conference at White House.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68322241

HIMARS and Storm Shadow: Ukraine's Once & Future MVPs for up coming Ukraine Army.
https://youtu.be/xUF9gs4alIw?si=J--ObQdXiQ8_K8oa

[Tee tiong huat]

German Rheinmetall Promises to Make Six-Digit Numbers of Artillery Shells Yearly at the New Factory in Ukraine.. Apart from this statement, there is little known about the new plant that will produce 155mm ammunition for Ukraine

German-based defense company Rheinmetall has announced its plans to open a new ammo production facility in Ukraine, as sealed by an agreement signed between the manufacturer and Ukraine, represented by the Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin and Ukrainian ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev, during the ongoing Munich Security Conference 2024.

The deal provides for the establishment of a joint venture, with 51% of shares belonging to Rheinmetall, and 49% to the Ukrainian partner company. No other details provided, apart from the German company stating the new enterprise will be able to produce a "six-digit number" of 155mm artillery rounds annually.
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/ger...-9558.html

[Tee tiong huat]

HIMARS and Storm Shadow: Ukraine's Once & Future MVPs for up coming Ukraine Army.
https://youtu.be/xUF9gs4alIw?si=J--ObQdXiQ8_K8oa

Moscow's forces have suffered their highest daily losses. Kyiv's latest estimate by Russian bloggers count, personnel battle for Avdiivka. Ukraine's said over previous 24 hrs, Russia had lost 1,240 troops, taking total start of full-scale invasion to 403,720. Monday's figure is highest since December 13, 2023 when Ukraine said Russia had losses of 1,300, not far short of the biggest daily toll of the war recorded on Oct 19 2023, which was 1,380. Russian ministry said on Sunday parts of Russian & Grouping of Forces had completely captured Avdiivka in what is Russia's biggest gain, captured the city of Bakhmut in May 2023. Ukraine said it had withdrawn its soldiers to save them from being fully surrounded.

Ukraine does not release its casualty numbers and its estimate of Russian losses vary from other tallies. Senior U.S. defense officials said on February 16 that about 315,000 Russian troops had either been killed or injured. Newsweek has been unable as yet to verify these figures. Meanwhile, open-source research, independent Russian media outlet Mediazona, along with BBC Russia, confirmed on February 15 the names of 44,654 Russian soldiers who had been killed in the war.

The figures draw on publicly available info such as obituaries, posts by relatives, news in regional media, &eports by local authorities. Outlets say real number is significantly higher. Its latest number was 1,194 more than its last update at the start of February and included an additional 15 military personnel with ranks from lieutenant colonel and higher.

Z-Russians on Telegram are now talking about their losses in the Battle of Avdiivka," posted Ukrainian journalist Ilia Ponomarenko on X, formerly Twitter. "Allegedly, 16,000 men as 'irreplaceable losses' (e.g., all fatalities + all severely wounded will never be back to ranks again). "If that's true...it means that over the 4-months of the Avdiivka campaign between mid-October to mid-February, the Russian fatalities rate surpassed official death toll of the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), which stands at 15,000," Ponomarenko wrote.

Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavsky has said since January 1, Moscow had lost over 20,000 troops, 199 tanks, and 481 armored fighting vehicles. Newsweek has yet to verify figures. Ukraine's Nat Resistance Center reported due to high casualties in town, the Russians are placing too many bodies of their soldiers in abandoned schools.
https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-...ay-1871057

[Tee tiong huat]

Russia's Staggering Avdiivka Losses Laid Bare by Ukraine. 

Russian forces lost more than 47,000 soldiers and 360 tanks in the months-long assault on the key Donetsk city of Avdiivka, Ukraine's military has said, as Kyiv pulls its troops from the devastated settlement.

From October 10, 2023, to February 17, 2024, Moscow's forces lost 47,186 troops, 364 tanks and 748 armored fighting vehicles during its offensive on Avdiivka, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of Ukraine's Tavria grouping of forces covering Avdiivka, said on Sunday.

Russian forces lost 248 artillery systems and five jets in the more than four months of bitter clashes around Avdiivka, Tarnavskyi added. Newsweek is unable to independently verify Ukraine's statistics, and has reached out the Russian Defense Ministry for comment via email.

Syrskyi statement said Ukrainian destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on enemy in manpower and equipment," Fighting around Avdiivka in Ukraine's annexed eastern Donetsk earned city the label "meat grinder," a term used to describe battlegrounds rack up high casualty counts & absorb significant resources such as armored vehicles.
https://www.newsweek.com/russia-losses-e...ne-1870987
READ MORE: 1) NATO ally pledges all its artillery to Ukraine in boost for Kyiv.
2) Ukraine war maps show ground won, lost as Avdiivka falls and...
3) Russia loses fourth fighter jet in less than two days: Kyiv.

[Tee tiong huat]

CNN — A North Korean ballistic missile fired last month by the Russian military in Ukraine contained hundreds of components that trace back to companies in the US and Europe, according to a new report.

[Tee tiong huat]

1st public identification of N.Korea’s reliance on west technology for its missile program underscore persistent problem for Biden administration as it tries to keep cheap, Western-made microelectronics intended for civilian use from winding up into weapons used by N.Korea, Iran and Russia.

UK-based investigative organization Conflict Armament Research, or CAR, directly examined 290 components from remnants of a N.Korean ballistic missile in Jan fm Kharkiv found 75% of  components were designed, sold by companies incorporated in US, according shared msg fm CNN. A further 16% of components found in missile linked to companies incorporated in Euro, researchers found, 9% to companies incorporated in Asia. All components primarily comprised the missile’s navigation system &could be traced to 26 companies HQ in US, China, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and Taiwan, the report says.

Last year, CNN previously reported, CAR determined 82% of components inside Iranian-made attack drones fired by Russia into Ukraine were made by US companies. Along with extensive sanctions and export controls aimed at curbing access to Western-made technology, in late 2022 Biden administration also set up an expansive task force to investigate how US and Western components, including U.S.-made microelectronics ending up in Iranian-made drones Russia has launch by hundreds into Ukraine.

Circumventing 20 years of sanction, latest CAR report does not name specific companies produced the components, b'cos there's no evidence the firms deliberately shipped parts to N.Korea — instead, the components were well diverted somewhere in the vast global supply chain once the companies sold them to various international distributors. CAR therefore prefers to work with companies to try to fix the problem rather than to name & shame them, a CAR spokesperson told CNN.

Research shows N.Korea was able to produce the missile and ship it over to Russia quickly. The components examined by researchers were manufactured between 2021 and 2023. Based on those production dates, researchers say missile “could not have been assembled before March 2023” & was being used by Russia in Ukraine by Jan. Fact- N.Korea’s missile production appears is fueled by parts originating in West, difficult for US & allies to control commercial electronics going, particularly semiconductor components are extremely challenging to track once enter global supply chain.

Findings indicate N.Korea developed robust acquisition (network) capable circumventing, without detection. Sanction is not work for 20-yrs” Russia continues to supplied to NKorea & Iran. U.S. is unable to send new weaponry equipment to Ukrainian b'cos Congress approved required supplemental funding to do so. Biden is zzzZZZzzz for 20-yrs.

More evidence of Russia, N.Korea ties confirmed last month. Russia firing N.Korean missiles at Ukrainian cities. N.Korea did provided Russia with millions of artillery rounds last yr, published last wk. Pentagon’s inspector general. Intelligence in Washington are increasingly serious about growing ties between N.Korea & Russia, CNN reported on long-term implications on new level of strategic partnership between the two nations, examination of N.Korean missile “shows N.Korea has been able to produce advanced weapons, integrating components produced as recently as 2023, in spite of UN Security Council sanctions in place since 2006 prohibit production of ballistic missiles by North Korea.” Russia’s use of N.Korean missiles on battlefield in Ukraine give Pyongyang data it can’t get from a testing program that has seen dozens of the weapons fired over the past few years under leader Kim Jong Un.

Now. N.Korea is seeking military aid and assistance from Russia like “fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, and war materials & others advanced technologies,” 

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said last month.

This has very serious security implications for North Korean Peninsula, Indo-Pacific region, for Iran, and all around this world..

[Tee tiong huat]

CNN — A North Korean ballistic missile fired last month by the Russian military in Ukraine contained hundreds of components that trace back to companies in the US and Europe, according to a new report.

This has something's to do what this...news.

[Tee tiong huat]

Joe Biden’s White House is prepared to send long-range tactical missiles to Ukraine once Congress approves the new funding package, according to a US media report on Monday, citing 2-unnamed officials, NBC News said, admin was willing to send a variant of new missiles known as Atacms (army tactical missile systems) new $60bn aid package approved by the Senate, but held up for now by congressional Republicans, once if becomes law, report came as Ukraine’s president Zelenskiy said Russia was exploiting delays in aid to Ukraine. He's visiting frontline in Kupiansk, according to Reuters, an area recaptured by Ukraine in 2022, but is now under Russian forces. “There is now an extremely difficult situation in several parts of frontline, precisely where Russian troops have concentrated maximum reserves,” Zelenskiy said.
“They R taking advantage of delays in aid to Ukraine, this is a very sensitive matter". 

Artillery is very serious in shortages for frontline air defence (longer-range weapons is needed). US approved only short-range variant missiles in Oct. 

Only after Kyiv offered assurances?  Cannot be used to strike inside Russia it. "So Ukraine’s president, Zelenskiy, later said OK, no U.S. weapons can be used to go into Russia federation it had “they proven themselves to U.S.A. already.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/f...les-atacms
HIMARS and Storm Shadow is out, in is :US long-range missiles to Ukraine. White House prepared to send weapons that could strike inside Crimea if Congress approves $60bn aid package.

https://youtu.be/xUF9gs4alIw?si=ld4f48q5KG7OoHtS

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu revealed a total of 78 CAESAR howitzers are earmarked for Ukraine in the upcoming year allocation includes six units directly purchased by Ukraine, expected to be delivered promptly. In a direct support, France is financing additional 12 units for €50mil 
demonstrating not only financial investment but commitment to Ukraine army resilience.
Announcement by the French Ministry of Defense to further supply Ukraine with 78 CAESAR howitzers in 2024

Furthermore among Ukraine's allies is notably evident, 60 howitzers will be funded by them. This collective effort signifies a robust international backing for Ukraine, aiming to enhance its artillery systems urgently needed amid war conflict.

CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer stands for a remarkable blend of firepower, mobility, versatility. Designed and manufactured in France, it capable of hitting targets upto 40 k/m.

In wake of Russian invasion, France has stepped up it military supporter for Ukraine, previously providing 30 CAESAR 155mm howitzers from its own military stocks has contribution played a pivotal role on the battlefield. CAESAR prove it exceptionally effective in enhancing Ukraine's artillery capabilities. 

Front lines feedback show howitzers significantly bolstered Ukraine's defensive & offensive operations, delivering precise firepower over long distances. 

Their mobility allows for rapid redeployment, a critical factor in the fluid dynamics of modern warfare, making them an invaluable asset in Ukraine's arsenal for Ukrainian army forces.

CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer stands out for remarkable blend of firepower, mobility, and versatility. Designed & manufactured in France, is capable of hitting targets upto 40 k/m, a remarkable accuracy. A 6x6 or 8x8 truck chassis, CAESAR offers combination of tactical mobility & strategic flexibility, allowing forces as one of the most advanced artillery systems in use today.
https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news..._2024.html

[Tee tiong huat]

1st public identification of N.Korea’s reliance on west technology for its missile program underscore persistent problem for Biden administration as it tries to keep cheap, Western-made microelectronics intended for civilian use from winding up into weapons used by N.Korea, Iran and Russia.

UK-based investigative organization Conflict Armament Research, or CAR, directly examined 290 components from remnants of a N.Korean ballistic missile in Jan fm Kharkiv found 75% of  components were designed, sold by companies incorporated in US, according shared msg fm CNN. A further 16% of components found in missile linked to companies incorporated in Euro, researchers found, 9% to companies incorporated in Asia. All components primarily comprised the missile’s navigation system &could be traced to 26 companies HQ in US, China, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and Taiwan, the report says.

Last year, CNN previously reported, CAR determined 82% of components inside Iranian-made attack drones fired by Russia into Ukraine were made by US companies. Along with extensive sanctions and export controls aimed at curbing access to Western-made technology, in late 2022 Biden administration also set up an expansive task force to investigate how US and Western components, including U.S.-made microelectronics ending up in Iranian-made drones Russia has launch by hundreds into Ukraine.

Circumventing 20 years of sanction, latest CAR report does not name specific companies produced the components, b'cos there's no evidence the firms deliberately shipped parts to N.Korea — instead, the components were well diverted somewhere in the vast global supply chain once the companies sold them to various international distributors. CAR therefore prefers to work with companies to try to fix the problem rather than to name & shame them, a CAR spokesperson told CNN.

Research shows N.Korea was able to produce the missile and ship it over to Russia quickly. The components examined by researchers were manufactured between 2021 and 2023. Based on those production dates, researchers say missile “could not have been assembled before March 2023” & was being used by Russia in Ukraine by Jan. Fact- N.Korea’s missile production appears is fueled by parts originating in West, difficult for US & allies to control commercial electronics going, particularly semiconductor components are extremely challenging to track once enter global supply chain.

Findings indicate N.Korea developed robust acquisition (network) capable circumventing, without detection. Sanction is not work for 20-yrs” Russia continues to supplied to NKorea & Iran. U.S. is unable to send new weaponry equipment to Ukrainian b'cos Congress approved required supplemental funding to do so. Biden is zzzZZZzzz for 20-yrs.

More evidence of Russia, N.Korea ties confirmed last month. Russia firing N.Korean missiles at Ukrainian cities. N.Korea did provided Russia with millions of artillery rounds last yr, published last wk. Pentagon’s inspector general. Intelligence in Washington are increasingly serious about growing ties between N.Korea & Russia, CNN reported on long-term implications on new level of strategic partnership between the two nations, examination of N.Korean missile “shows N.Korea has been able to produce advanced weapons, integrating components produced as recently as 2023, in spite of UN Security Council sanctions in place since 2006 prohibit production of ballistic missiles by North Korea.” Russia’s use of N.Korean missiles on battlefield in Ukraine give Pyongyang data it can’t get from a testing program that has seen dozens of the weapons fired over the past few years under leader Kim Jong Un.

Now. N.Korea is seeking military aid and assistance from Russia like “fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, and war materials & others advanced technologies,” 

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said last month.

This has very serious security implications for North Korean Peninsula, Indo-Pacific region, for Iran, and all around this world..

All this is a very serious sensitive matter for Ukraine to work (Turks) on Baykar plant in Ukraine - unwanted for Putin's to have a good international domestic image on eve of their elections.

Ukraine can have their fight against enemy air forces in shorter time's, about 3-5 yrs (by 2029). The 4th level is leveling to advanced to 5th level capabilities will allow, at least, to achieve parity on mad Putin / Russia federation, such a possibility was studied.
This includes newest fighters: F-16V, Rafale, Typhoon, F-15EX, F-35, KF-21, includes Turkish 5th generation fighter KAAN. Defense Express.

The Turkish 5th generation fighter KAAN has made its first flight. Ok... According to latest info, it is expected in early March. Passing tests, concluding a contract, setting up export production will take a bit more time's.

This presumably Ukraine want to & does want to purchase Turkish aircraft, for their Ukraine Air Force, they will receive it, approximately, only in 2028-2030.

Purchase of KAAN does not negate Ukraine’s need for decommissioned Western aircraft, which can be obtained as soon as possible. However...soon. it's interesting that ambassador's comment regarding KAAN s made against the background.

They to have cancellation of Putin's visit to Turkey. This moreover, only recently Nuland (he) voiced a proposal to Turkey to abandon even the Russian S-400 air defense systems. ( Good)

[Tee tiong huat]

Biden has announced new sanctions against Russia two years into Ukraine war. 

US president Joe Biden on Friday (today) announced Washington would issue more than 500 new sanctions targeting Russia as US seeks to increase pressure on Moscow to mark the 2nd anniversary of its war in Ukraine.

He also measures to seek to hold Russia to account over the death of opposition leader, Alexei Navalny. This Friday’s measures will target individuals too that connected to Navalny’s imprisonment as well as Russia’s financial sector, defence industrial base, procurement networks and sanctions evaders across multiple continents, he said. (On individuals)

[Tee tiong huat]

utin remains trying to defeat & Bigeyes dominate poor Ukraine 2-yrs after invasion & caused 500,000 casualties, western has fresh assessment of war.
Putin is very stubborn old man, he lost 1-more AVACS A-50 Airplane to Ukrainian missilies again. Bigeyes see below for video.... 

Using 2-missiles, first 1 miss, but 2nd missiles got to duck.

Russia lost another 1-more AVACS A-50 Airplane to Ukrainian missilies again. Bigeyes see below for video.... Clapping using 2-missiles, first 1 miss, but 2nd missiles got to the duck.
https://youtu.be/fjhmHtpPLLo?si=_lUYu4_ECm6v7c2e

[Tee tiong huat]

Biden has announced new sanctions against Russia two years into Ukraine war. 

US president Joe Biden on Friday (today) announced Washington would issue more than 500 new sanctions targeting Russia as US seeks to increase pressure on Moscow to mark the 2nd anniversary of its war in Ukraine.

He also measures to seek to hold Russia to account over the death of opposition leader, Alexei Navalny. This Friday’s measures will target individuals too that connected to Navalny’s imprisonment as well as Russia’s financial sector, defence industrial base, procurement networks and sanctions evaders across multiple continents, he said. (On individuals)

Commentary: Two years on, where is Russia’s war on Ukraine going?. War in Ukraine has reached its 2nd anniversary on Feb 24, 2022, Russian President Putin sent his army into Ukraine was to last a week or two. Putin anticipated a “blitzkrieg” - rapid victory would present West with a fait accompli. Before the West had time to react, the war would be over, & the West would adjust to new facts on the ground went awry. Russian army bogged down in the outskirts of Ukrainian capital has had to withdraw to east frontal, penetrated along a broad front, but not deeply. It only took about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Importantly, it did not reach Dnipro River, which bisects Ukraine, and therefore could not approach North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) territory.

Later 2022, Ukraine counterattacked, rolling Russia out of about half of its conquests. In 2023, it tried a much larger offensive. This failed badly, resulting in stalemate by the onset of winter. Russian defences were far more sophisticated analysts had expected after its poor defensive showing in 2022. In the last six months, the frontlines have hardly moved.

Last year in CNA commentary, I argued that Russia needed to end the war in 2023. I was sceptical that Russia could win a long war of attrition with Ukraine. West has broadly supported Ukraine, and combined economic weight is vastly greater than Russia’s gross domestic product. China and Global South, I imagined, would keep their distance from Russia, given their great need for Western market access.

Both these conjectures have broken against the Ukrainians. First, Russia proven better at resisting Western sanctions anticipated war is hurting it economically, but not as much as expected.

GDP growth is sluggish, but earlier predictions of contraction have not borne out. China, India and other players in the Global South have continued to trade with Russia.

Much Russian public investment is directed toward military production now, “military Keynesianism” will drag down medium-term growth across the economy, but Mr Putin’s repressive apparatus can contain the consequent public unhappiness.

The war is worsening Russia’s long-term economic problems - its brain drain to the West, trade isolation, severance from Western technologies - but these will not impact it on a timescale early, ienough to help Ukraine win....