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G7 Grapples for Deal on Using Russian Assets for Ukraine. There remain many questions including who would issue the debt and what would happen if the assets were unfrozen in the advent of a peace deal by AFP | June 7, 2024,
 
G7 leaders still hope to reach a deal on using profits from Russian assets for Ukraine at next week's summit in Italy but there is no consensus yet, diplomatic sources said Friday.

US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the other Group of Seven rich democracies – France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Canada and Britain – are gathering at the June 13-15 summit in Puglia.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33957

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French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Paris can give Kyiv an unspecified number of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets alongside with equired training in this jets.

✓✓✓ This is a announcement sets the stage for Ukrainian pilots to potentially deploy these versatile aircraft in striking deep into Russian territory with Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles or defending Ukrainian airspace from Russian drones and missiles.

During the D-Day commemorations in Normandy on June 6," Tomorrow we will launch a new cooperation and announce the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine made by French manufacturer Dassault and train their Ukrainian pilots in France,"

Macron revealed during a live interview.

However, Ukraine may have to exercise patience before these planes take flight. Macron noted, “You need normally between five to six months (for training). So by the end of the year, there will be pilots. The pilots will be trained in France,” refraining from specifying any concrete deadline for the planes’ delivery.

Nonetheless, this commitment signifies an expansion for Ukraine’s air fleet with another Western aircraft system, complementing the U.S.-made F-16s already pledged by the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Denmark.

https://kyivindependent.com/what-are-fra...-use-them/

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French Mirage 2000, is a 4th-generation multirole supersonic jet introduced by French manufacturer Dassault in 1970s. With over 600 aircraft produced across all variants, serves nine countries, available in single & twin-seat variants.

The Mirage 2000-5, introduced in 1999, represents an upgraded version featuring advanced avionics, enhanced firing capabilities for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, and a modern sensor and control system.

“The (Mirage 2000)-5 variant has a high-quality radar, (is) fitted with drop tanks, has a reasonable range, and carries a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons,” Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told the Kyiv Independent.

A significant enhancement of Mirage 2000-5 is the inclusion ofThomson-CSF Radar Doppler Multi-target (RDY), augmenting its capabilities for deep-strike and close-support missions.

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Equipped with a variety of air-to-air missiles and weapons, such as Mica missiles with a range of up to 60 kilometers or older Magic short-range missiles, the Mirage 2000-5 can be configured to meet diverse mission requirements. Its capacity for carrying drop tanks further extends its operational range.

In terms of air-to-ground operations, the Mirage 2000 can deploy various weaponry, including SCALP missiles, previously supplied to Ukraine by France, and guided bombs.

While the French Air Force has around 40 Mirage 2000-5s, only 26 one-seaters are in active service. The French military is reportedly planning to phase them out by the end of the decade, replacing them with the more advanced Dassault Rafale and thereby potentially freeing up the older Mirage 2000 aircraft for transfer to Ukraine.

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How can Ukraine use them?

Mirage jets are versatile and can be used for ground strikes, intercepting missiles, and countering drones.

Viktor Kevliuk, a retired Ukrainian military officer and defense expert, told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine could use the aircraft to target Russian positions with Storm Shadow or SCALP missiles.

To Layton, the Ukrainian Air Force has a dwindling supply of Russia Su-24 aircraft, previously used for SCAP launches.

Mirage 2000-5s can deploy anti-ship Exocet missiles and AS 37 anti-radar projectiles, Kevliuk added. The jets can also conduct strikes using long-range bombs, such as the AASM Hammer, and incorporate advanced precision-guided munitions like JDAM-ER and SDB, which offer increasing targeting accuracy and flexibility.

Ukraine has already used JDAM-ER bombs to strike Russian targets, thanks to U.S. supplies. Washington is also planning to supply Kyiv with seekers, advanced targeting systems integrated into the JDAM-ER munitions, to help destroy Russian electronic warfare systems, which have proven effective against Western weaponry.

https://kyivindependent.com/what-are-fra...-use-them/

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However, to Layton advised caution on Mirage ground attack missions near front lines due to vulnerability to Russian air defenses. The Mirage 2000-5 has only have limited range carrying bombs,” even if fitted with drop tanks, Layton said. 

“He think small fleet of Mirage 2000-5s will be provided would be too important to lose. This means air defense firing long-range stand-off missiles is the best use for them.”

Air defense capabilities are crucial for Ukraine’s defense against ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian areas and critical infrastructure. Considering Macron’s statement permitting strikes on Russian military targets if they pose a threat to Ukraine, Mirage kets theoretically wouldn’t be confined to Ukrainian airspace for their operations.

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What are France’s Mirage 2000-5 jets, and how can Ukraine use them?.

June 7, 2024 -- While French Air Force has around 40 Mirage 2000-5s.

Only 26 one-seaters are in active service. The French military is reportedly planning to phase them end of the decade, potentially freeing up the older Mirage 2000 aircraft for transfer to Ukraine.

Considering Macron’s statement permitting strikes on Russian military targets if they pose a threat to Ukraine, Mirage kets theoretically wouldn’t be confined to Ukrainian airspace for their operations.

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Ukraine's Western air fleet

Talks on the provision of Mirage jets to Ukraine have surfaced before. Kyiv has been exploring options for acquiring advanced Western aircraft from various countries, not limited to just F-16 jets.

Previously, speculations in media about the France supplying Ukraine Mirage 2000D aircraft, specifically designed for long-range precision strikes.

Rumors suggesting shipment older Mirage 2000C interceptor variant already been decommissioned by French military 2022. no official announcement regarding their transfer has been made thus far.

Impending arrival of Mirage 2000-5s will further augment Ukraine’s expanding fleet, poised to include not only Soviet-era planes like MiG-29 or Su-27 also dozens of F-16 jets committed by Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark initial batch of F-16s is anticipated to arrive as early as this summer, with deliveries continuing over the next few years.

F-16s for Ukraine: When will they arrive and what can they do?

Another aircraft model consideration for Ukraine was Sweden's Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson disclosed to the Kyiv Independent in March that talks regarding a possible transfer to Ukraine were underway following Stockholm's NATO accession.

Gripen is a light multi-role aircraft capable of being equipped with modern active radar-guided air-to-air Meteor missiles, tailored for intercepting agile targets like jet aircraft, cruise missiles, or drones.

A surprising development, from Jonson announced in late May that partner nations had requested Sweden to temporarily halt any plans for supplying Gripen jets. This decision came as the fighter jet coalition prioritized the development of Ukraine's F-16 capabilities. Macron's recent announcement regarding the supply of a different fighter jet system has introduced further uncertainties into the equation.

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Western weapons are getting to Ukraine's front lines. Soldiers say it's not enough yet to tip the balance.

Aid from Ukraine's allies is reaching frontline soldiers facing strong Russian attacks.

But Ukrainian soldiers are still massively outgunned by Russian forces.

US aid has resumed to Ukraine, but it takes time to gather, arrive, and be distributed.

https://www.businessinsider.com/western-...sia-2024-6

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Western military aid is reaching Ukrainian soldiers on the front line, but not at a scale that enables Ukraine to challenge Russia's artillery advantage.
As Ukrainian troops in Vovchansk, in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, told The Telegraph that ammunition had started to reach their lines after long US aid hiatus ended, but that they were still being outmatched by Russia.

"If we use 10 shells, they send 50 back," one artillery gunner told The Telegraph.

"Even if we receive the shells, our artillery barrels are old and worn out.""If we use 10 shells, they send 50 back," Even if we receive the shells, our artillery barrels are old and worn out."

Russia particularly is close to the border, which allows Russia to easily resupply and launch attacks report suggests new supplies for Ukraine come from US, where weaponry supplies to Ukraine have restarted only after a six-month hiatus after Republicans stalled further assistance.

This pull the Russia has a larger and has more resources, meaning Ukrainian units have often been at a disadvantage.

https://www.businessinsider.com/western-...sia-2024-6

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Russian Airport Invests in Anti-Drone Defenses – 7,000 Kilometers from Ukraine

Russia’s far east, North Pacific Ocean Sakhalin Island airport plans to buy anti-drone technology, fearing attacks from where - the US, Japan, North Korea, China, or Ukraine?.

SECURITY AVIATION DRONES
The Moscow Times, citing the Russian Vorstka (Layout) Telegram channel, says that the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk International Airport in Russia's far eastern, North Pacific Sakhalin Island has issued a tender to buy a comprehensive defensive package to protect it from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack. The estimated value of which is said to be around 294.6 million rubles ($3.3 million). This prompted Vortska to ask who is the attacker they fear?

The airport was opened with much fanfare in May 2023 boasting it had installed the latest innovative technology including state-of-the-art security equipment such as radiation monitoring tools and video surveillance, using almost 400 cameras situated in every area of the facility, both inside and outside the terminal buildings.

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https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33971

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“We are all tired of the war.” The only ones who have the right to say this are those who are on the battlefields of Ukraine. And those who are living in towns and cities that summon their residents several times a day to take shelter. And those involuntarily scattered throughout Europe and North America waiting for news from or about their loved ones. And those who don’t know whether they can ever resume life where they left off. And even those in the Ukrainian diaspora who are daily glued to their computers hoping to catch some good news while supporting their brethren.

For the forthcoming Peace Summit to have beneficial results, the participants must remember that only one man and one nation are responsible for this war and can end it. The other party is simply defending itself and seeking to recover its territory.

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The Summit from that premise, it will end successfully and reinforce belief (it's only a belief) that the views and opinions of “mankind” do matter for peace.

Suppose the Summit should become (as they often do) merely an exercise in appeasing those who are responsible for the carnage and mayhem we urging the victim to concede to the demands of a genocidal sociopath. In case, the participants should stay on and participate to make it work.

In the meantime, Ukraine must absolutely must – stay the course. Putin’s Russia is more than an invading force intent on grabbing some land to which it has no claim. It is more than simply an “empire builder” that preys – like any ordinary predator – on weaker neighbors. 

It is more than a mere bastard child of history that speaks of “peace” and “rights” while engaged in the elimination of both. All those have had their periods of fame and infamy and (thankfully) hope disappeared into the dumpster of history. Hope peace can be successful.

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The Summit from that premise, it will end successfully and reinforce belief (it's only a belief) that the views and opinions of “mankind” do matter for peace.

Suppose the Summit should become (as they often do) merely an exercise in appeasing those who are responsible for the carnage and mayhem we urging the victim to concede to the demands of a genocidal sociopath. In case, the participants should stay on and participate to make it work.

In the meantime, Ukraine must absolutely must – stay the course. Putin’s Russia is more than an invading force intent on grabbing some land to which it has no claim. It is more than simply an “empire builder” that preys – like any ordinary predator – on weaker neighbors. 

It is more than a mere bastard child of history that speaks of “peace” and “rights” while engaged in the elimination of both. All those have had their periods of fame and infamy and (thankfully) hope disappeared into the dumpster of history. Hope peace can be successful.

In the meantime, Ukraine must absolutely to protect her their nation – stay on the course. 

Putin’s Russia is more than an invading force intent on more grabbing more land to which it has no claim. It's more than simply an “empire builder” that preys on eg: They are not like any ordinary predator – 

Not merely just bully weaker neighbors.

[Tee tiong huat]

In the meantime, Ukraine must absolutely to protect her their nation – stay on the course. 

Putin’s Russia is more than an invading force intent on more grabbing more land to which it has no claim. It's more than simply an “empire builder” that preys on eg: They are not like any ordinary predator – 

Not merely just bully weaker neighbors.

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Latest: - Su-57 generation Russian fighter jet was hit.

KYIV – Ukrainian forces have for the first time hit a latest-generation Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet at an air base inside Russia, Kyiv’s GUR defence intelligence agency said on June 9, showing satellite pictures that it says confirmed the strike, a Telegram post, the GUR did not specify how Su-57 was hit or by which unit of the Ukrainian military.
A popular Russian pro-war military blogger who calls himself Fighterbomber and focuses on aviation said report of the strike on Su-57 was correct that it had been hit by a drone. The GUR said aircraft was parked in the Akhtubinsk airfield, 589km from the frontline. The pictures show on June 7, Su-57 was standing intact on (June 8th) there were craters from explosion, characteristic spots of fire caused by fire damage near it,” the GUR said, with the images posted alongside the message.
Ukraine is fighting a full-scale war. Souce from Russian invasion since Feb 2022. Both sides conduct regular strikes hundreds of kilometres into it territory with missiles, drones & long time,
with more vast arsenal of missiles available to Ukrainian, they has now focused on making long-range drones to strike targets deep inside Russia.
A Russian blogger Fighterbomber said jet fighter was struck by shrapnel & damage was currently being assessed to see if aircraft can be repaired. If plane were to be deemed beyond repair, it would be the first combat loss.
Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti’s military correspondent posted a video & in news did not directly acknowledge strike but decried lack of hangars to protect military aircraft.
Despite being touted as Russian 5th-generation fighter aircraft to rival its US equivalent, the Su-57 was plagued by development delays, a crash in 2019, manufacturer, serial production of the aircraft began in 2022. It is a heavy fighter jet capable of fulfilling a variety of battlefield roles. REUTERS Reported.

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europ...first-time

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Ukrainian Su-25s now armed with French Hammer bombs. Ukraine has successfully adapted its Su-25 attack aircraft to deploy the advanced French AASM HAMMER precision-guided bombs, enhancing their capability to strike Russian forces with greater accuracy and effectiveness.

This development was reported by the defense publication Militarniy, citing a statement from Colonel Serhiy Holubtsov, the head of aviation for the Ukrainian Air Force Command.

“Our Su-25 aircraft have been modernized and can now deploy bombs equipped with rocket engines. These are called HAMMER bombs, and we are using them very successfully,” Colonel Holubtsov stated. He highlighted the importance of these upgrades given the depletion of Ukraine’s stockpile of unguided aerial munitions in the first year of intense combat operations.

Initially, Ukrainian Air Force relied on existing stockpiles of unguided munitions for Su-25 jets. As supplies dwindled, US provided Zuni rockets from its reserves to maintain operational capability of Ukrainian attack aircraft. However, stock of Zuni rockets also ran out, restarting production was impractical due to the Western shift towards precision-guided weapons.

To keep Su-25 jets in service, Ukrainian military adapted them to deploy French AASM HAMMER bombs. This adaptation allows greater precision & extended strike capabilities, making Su-25 jets more effective in their roles.

The AASM HAMMER system transforms free-falling unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions by integrating a guidance section and a rocket booster.

The AASM HAMMER (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, or Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a state-of-the-art French-made weapon system that converts standard unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. The system includes a guidance kit with fins and a rear-mounted rocket booster to extend the range of the bomb.

Ukraine received these munitions as part of the military aid package from France, and they are now actively used in combat operations against Russian occupying forces.

https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-su-25...mer-bombs/

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Russian representative at international organizations in Vienna, has stated. Finland would be the first to suffer if there is any escalation between NATO and Russia.
“We lived peacefully, tranquilly, and unexpectedly found ourselves between Russia and NATO as part of the alliance. But they are our neighbors, and God forbid, if there is any escalation, Finland will suffer first,” said Ulyanov.

https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-su-25...mer-bombs/

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Ulyanov stressed the perilous position Finland could find itself in if any escalations occur between Russia and NATO.

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Russian representative at international organizations in Vienna, has stated. Finland would be the first to suffer if there is any escalation between NATO and Russia.
“We lived peacefully, tranquilly, and unexpectedly found ourselves between Russia and NATO as part of the alliance. But they are our neighbors, and God forbid, if there is any escalation, Finland will suffer first,” said Ulyanov.

https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-su-25...mer-bombs/

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Ulyanov stressed the perilous position Finland could find itself in if any escalations occur between Russia and NATO.

Recent reports have hinted at Russia’s imminent deployment of state-of-the-art howitzers in the Northern Military District, a region bordering Finland and Norway.


Sergei Chemezov, head of Rostec, confirmed the completion of trials for new self-propelled artillery systems, the “Coalition-SV,”& indicated commencement of their mass production. Initial test batch is slated for delivery by end of 2023.

He emphasized the strategic necessity of these howitzers in bolstering artillery capabilities, particularly in outmatching Western artillery models in terms of shooting range.

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Russian representative at international organizations in Vienna, has stated. Finland would be the first to suffer if there is any escalation between NATO and Russia.
“We lived peacefully, tranquilly, and unexpectedly found ourselves between Russia and NATO as part of the alliance. But they are our neighbors, and God forbid, if there is any escalation, Finland will suffer first,” said Ulyanov.

https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-su-25...mer-bombs/

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Ulyanov stressed the perilous position Finland could find itself in if any escalations occur between Russia and NATO.

Recent reports have hinted at Russia’s imminent deployment of state-of-the-art howitzers in the Northern Military District, a region bordering Finland and Norway. Sergei Chemezov, head of Rostec, confirmed the completion of trials for new self-propelled artillery systems, the “Coalition-SV,”& indicated commencement of their mass production. Initial test batch is slated for delivery by end of 2023.

He emphasized the strategic necessity of these howitzers in bolstering artillery capabilities,
 particularly in outmatching Western artillery models in terms of shooting range.

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Initially, Ukrainian Air Force relied on existing stockpiles of unguided munitions for Su-25 jets. As supplies dwindled, US provided Zuni rockets from its reserves to maintain operational capability of Ukrainian attack aircraft. However, stock of Zuni rockets also ran out, restarting production was impractical due to the Western shift towards precision-guided weapons.

To keep Su-25 jets in service, Ukrainian military adapted them to deploy French AASM HAMMER bombs. This adaptation allows greater precision & extended strike capabilities, making Su-25 jets more effective in their roles.

The AASM HAMMER system transforms free-falling unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions by integrating a guidance section and a rocket booster.

The AASM HAMMER (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, or Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a state-of-the-art French-made weapon system that converts standard unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. The system includes a guidance kit with fins and a rear-mounted rocket booster to extend the range of the bomb.

Ukraine received these munitions as part of the military aid package from France, and they are now actively used in combat operations against Russian occupying forces.

https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-su-25...mer-bombs/

Ukrainian Su-25s now armed with French Hammer bombs. 

Ukraine has successfully adapted its Su-25 attack aircraft to deploy the advanced French AASM HAMMER precision-guided bombs, enhancing their capability to strike Russian forces with greater accuracy & effectiveness.


This development was reported by the defense publication Militarniy, citing a statement from Colonel Serhiy Holubtsov, head of aviation for the Ukrainian Air Force Command.

“Our Su-25 aircraft have been modernized and can now deploy bombs equipped with rocket engines. These are called HAMMER bombs, we are using them very successfully,” Colonel Holubtsov stated. He highlighted importance of these upgrades given the depletion of Ukraine’s stockpile of unguided aerial munitions in the first year of intense combat operations.

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukrainian Su-25s now armed with French Hammer bombs. 

Ukraine has successfully adapted its Su-25 attack aircraft to deploy the advanced French AASM HAMMER precision-guided bombs, enhancing their capability to strike Russian forces with greater accuracy & effectiveness.
This development was reported by the defense publication Militarniy, citing a statement from Colonel Serhiy Holubtsov, head of aviation for the Ukrainian Air Force Command.

“Our Su-25 aircraft have been modernized and can now deploy bombs equipped with rocket engines. These are called HAMMER bombs, we are using them very successfully,” Colonel Holubtsov stated. He highlighted importance of these upgrades given the depletion of Ukraine’s stockpile of unguided aerial munitions in the first year of intense combat operations.

Now the AASM HAMMER has transforms free-falling unguided bombs into a precision-guided munitions by Ukraine air forces integrating a guidance section and a rocket booster.

The AASM HAMMER (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, or Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a state-of-the-art French-made weapon system that converts standard unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. The system includes a guidance kit with fins and a rear-mounted rocket booster to extend the range of the bomb.

Ukraine received these munitions is now part of French military aid package to Ukraine airforces.

They are now actively used in combat operations against Russian occupying forces.

https://images.app.goo.gl/pp5CPgcAGTbWw9K17

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Ukrainian Sea Drones Penetrate Russian Navy’s Remaining Sea of Azov Safe Haven. There used to be areas where warships of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet could sail, that the Ukrainians couldn’t hit – but they are getting fewer.

Most of the elements of Russia’s once-mighty Black Sea Fleet (BSF) that are still afloat recently abandoned their blue water operations for the land-locked Sea of Azov. Now Kyiv’s relentless campaign to find and sink Russian warships has already reached those enclosed and once-safe waters.

Kremlin naval officials last week ordered practically all major warships operating in the Black Sea area to congregate in the Sea of Azov, in waters south of the occupied Ukrainian port cities of Mariupol and Berdiansk for “exercises.”

The area is normally difficult for big vessels to operate because of constricting shores nearby, shallow water depths and shifting seabed.

The waters of the northeast Azov Sea are, however, about as far as it is possible for a BSF warship to distance itself from the main weapons used by Kyiv’s forces to attack Russian naval vessels – kamikaze unmanned seaborne vessels (USV) drones and precision-guided anti-ship missiles particularly those sent to Ukraine from Britain and France, the Storm Shadow / SCALP.
According to open source reports, the Kremlin concentrated as many as five amphibious assault ships, twelve surface combatant vessels, and escorts, for its latest fleet maneuvers. Ukrainian partisan groups reported the first Russian warships left the BSF’s now little-used main base of Sevastopol on May 31, and vessels also moved from the ports of Feodosia, Chernomorsk, and Novorossiysk on the Russian mainland.

First It Was Turtle Tanks, Now Russian Buggies and Motorbikes Get Anti-Drone Cages. First It Was Turtle Tanks, Now Russian Buggies and Motorbikes Get Anti-Drone Cages. The ATVs and motorcycles used by Russia to speed up their infantry attacks around Kharkiv and Avdiivka were easy prey for Ukrainian FPV drones, so now they are turning them into “turtles” too.

Russian state media documented Ukrainian attempts to attack BSF vessels operating in the Black Sea. At least one attack was showing the door gunner of a KA-27 helicopter detonating the drone’s warhead in a spectacular explosion.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/34119

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Kyiv’s wonder-weapons are decimating the Russian army. Their list of recent successes - apparently by cutting edge weaponry - turning point in the war may about to be reached. For too long, Ukraine has had to fight the invading Russians with one hand tied behind its back.

While Putin’s forces could strike Ukraine from anywhere even launch its illegal invasion from neighbouring country of Belarus, lest we forget – Kyiv was completely restricted from striking targets in Russia with Western weapons, including on the sites where many of the deadliest strikes were launched from.

From now, with permissions granted from various Western countries – but most crucially the United States – Ukraine can strike targets far deeper into Russia. Whilst it is still obliged to prioritise the Kharkiv front by the nature of the permissions granted.

(Washington is still too afraid to give Kyiv carte blanche to fire anywhere), there is evidence that it has freed up the Ukrainian armed forces to use the other weapons it had in reserve to strike elsewhere.

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Continue from above....
These weapons are quite deadly. Over the weekend, Ukrainian forces achieved several notable milestones. An example of the Kremlin’s most advanced and costly aircraft, a Su-57 stealth fighter jet, was hit at the Akhtubinsk airfield in southern Russia. One of only six which can fire Russia’s own ‘wonder weapon’ – a hypersonic missile – the strike was a powerful sign of Kyiv’s increasing power.

Around the same time, a Ukrainian fighter jet launched a cross-border attack, targeting and reportedly destroying a “command node” in Belgorod and an ammunition dump. We do not know what weaponry was used, but it must have been highly advanced. Without the ability to command and control their troops, Russia’s beleaguered conscripts will be even more of a rabble than they currently are, and without ammunition they aren’t going anywhere.


Simultaneously, advanced Ukrainian drones executed a significant assault on Russian naval vessels docked at the port of Taganrog. This drone attack was also unprecedented, as it represented the first successful strike by Kyiv’s drones on a Russian target in the Sea of Azov since the beginning of the invasion. Throughout the conflict Kyiv has proven itself highly adept at drone warfare. It saved them in 2022. Now, with all their subsequent innovations, it is turning the tide in 2024.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/06...sian-army/

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Continue from above....
These weapons are quite deadly. Over the weekend, Ukrainian forces achieved several notable milestones. An example of the Kremlin’s most advanced and costly aircraft, a Su-57 stealth fighter jet, was hit at the Akhtubinsk airfield in southern Russia. One of only six which can fire Russia’s own ‘wonder weapon’ – a hypersonic missile – the strike was a powerful sign of Kyiv’s increasing power.

Around the same time, a Ukrainian fighter jet launched a cross-border attack, targeting and reportedly destroying a “command node” in Belgorod and an ammunition dump. We do not know what weaponry was used, but it must have been highly advanced. Without the ability to command and control their troops, Russia’s beleaguered conscripts will be even more of a rabble than they currently are, and without ammunition they aren’t going anywhere.

Simultaneously, advanced Ukrainian drones executed a significant assault on Russian naval vessels docked at the port of Taganrog. This drone attack was also unprecedented, as it represented the first successful strike by Kyiv’s drones on a Russian target in the Sea of Azov since the beginning of the invasion. Throughout the conflict Kyiv has proven itself highly adept at drone warfare. It saved them in 2022. Now, with all their subsequent innovations, it is turning the tide in 2024.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/06...sian-army/

The Kremlin has removed all the experienced military commanders, & a few weeks ago there were rumours that Putin was looking for a ceasefire. This war has not escalated despite numerous red lines being crossed, as Russian propaganda would have everyone believe in order to frighten them.


Ukraine has already gained freedom of manoeuvre in the Black Sea by destroying the Russian fleet, and it appears the Ukrainian airforce is gaining parity in the air, which could turn to air superiority even before the Western F16s arrive. 

Many experts predict, myself included, that a small breakthrough could lead to the collapse of the Russian forces, especially on the Crimea front. If Putin loses Crimea he loses the war.

Those vying to lead this country on 5 July must understand that the reason this war started is that we, and other NATO countries took our eyes off the Russian threat and reduced our militaries to such an extent that they were no longer a conventional deterrence. Thank heavens we have Trident (for now). This is not over yet, but we are deep in the second half, and Ukraine has just scored a vital goal to edge them ahead.

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In the meantime, Ukraine must absolutely to protect her their nation – stay on the course. 

Putin’s Russia is more than an invading force intent on more grabbing more land to which it has no claim. It's more than simply an “empire builder” that preys on eg: They are not like any ordinary predator – 

Not merely just bully weaker neighbors.

US weapons ban on Ukraine's Azov brigade is lifts it. Azov brigade is seen as one of Ukraine's most effective fighting Ukrainian army units there has...US has lifted its long-standing ban on weapons supplies and training to Ukraine's Azov brigade, whose origins were mired in controversy over alleged links to far-right groups.

State dept spokesman told BBC vetting process "found no evidence of gross violations of human rights" by brigade the
Azov brigade, now a unit within Ukraine's National Guard, hailed move, saying Russia's "lies, received a devastating blow".

Moscow condemned the decision, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying the US was "even prepared to flirt with neo-Nazis" to suppress Russia.

Russian President Putin repeatedly made false claims about a "neo-Nazi regime" in Kyiv to try to justify it first to annexation of Ukraine's southern Crimea peninsula and backing of pro-Moscow fighters in east in 2014, and then his full-scale invasion launched in 2022.

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He speaking on condition of anonymity, the state department spokesman told the BBC that Washington applied a vetting process to the National Guard of Ukraine's 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade and "found no evidence of gross violations of human rights committed".

"Russian disinformation attempts to conflate Ukraine's National Guard Unit of 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov with a militia formed to defend Ukraine against Russia's invasion in 2014, called the 'Azov Battalion'," the spokesman added.

Under America's "Leahy Law", sponsored in 1997 by then-Senator Patrick Leahy, a finding that a foreign military unit has committed gross violations of human rights means it can be cut off from US military assistance.

The US govt says it considers torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance and rape as such types of violations when implementing the law.

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He speaking on condition of anonymity, the state department spokesman told the BBC that Washington applied a vetting process to the National Guard of Ukraine's 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade and "found no evidence of gross violations of human rights committed".

"Russian disinformation attempts to conflate Ukraine's National Guard Unit of 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov with a militia formed to defend Ukraine against Russia's invasion in 2014, called the 'Azov Battalion'," the spokesman added.

Under America's "Leahy Law", sponsored in 1997 by then-Senator Patrick Leahy, a finding that a foreign military unit has committed gross violations of human rights means it can be cut off from US military assistance.

The US govt says it considers torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance and rape as such types of violations when implementing the law.

Azov fighters are seen by many in Ukraine as national heroes. The Reacting to US decision, Azov brigade said in a statement: "The lies about Azov, which the Kremlin regime have been spreading in the West for years, received a devastating blow today.


"Receiving Western weapons and training from the US will not only increase the combat capability of Azov, but most importantly, will contribute to the preservation of the lives and health of the personnel of the brigade."

A volunteer militia battalion called Azov was originally set up in May 2014 to fight Russian-backed forces in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Later that year it was briefly incorporated as a separate regiment in Ukraine's interior ministry b4 being transferred to National Guard.

Some members of original battalion reported to have had links to far-right and ultra-nationalist groups at the time - but a number of them, including first commander, later left the unit.

US banned the regiment from receiving US weapons for the alleged links to far right. In 2016, a UN report accused  Azov regiment of "looting of civilian property, leading to displacement" in eastern Ukraine.

Current leadership of Azov brigade says its members have no ties to far-right organisations or any other extremist groups - a claim that has not been independently verified. Azov fighters are seen by many in Ukraine as national heroes for defending for months the southern city of Mariupol from a brutal Russian assault.

The port on the Sea of Azov was eventually taken by Moscow in May 2022.

Many Azov soldiers are still being held by Russia as prisoners of war, amid accusations that the Ukrainians have been subjected to torture in captivity.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1vv6p9k1z1o