Russia: The “Special Military Operation” came home to Belgorod oblast…

“We are now completing a house-to-house inspection of the border villages and Hraivoron itself. Most of the population has left the area. We are helping those who are unable to do so with our vehicles, and those who are able to do so are leaving by personal vehicles” – Governor of Belgorod Vyacheslav Gladkov (22.05.2023)

“The situation in Russia’s Belgorod region intensifies. Governor Gladkov confirms a sabotage group has crossed from Ukraine into Russian territory, with most residents now evacuated. He claims that the current casualties stand at eight. In response, Belgorod has launched a “counter-terrorist operation.” Strict security measures are in place, including enhanced document verification and control of telecommunications. Amid tensions in Belgorod, Russia acts swiftly evacuating a strategic nuclear munitions depot, Belgorod-22. This pivotal move underscores the gravity of the situation on the ground” (Artur Rehi, 22.05.2023)

“The Free Russia Legion, made up of Russians fighting on the side of the Ukrainian Army, has crossed into Russia in the Belgorod region and has taken control of three settlements Kozinka, Glotove, Gora-Podil Heavy fighting is taking place for control of Greyvoron” (Visegrad 24, 22.05.2023).

The art of war isn’t an easy one and when you have started it… you never know how it will finish. Especially long after the moment of surprise and sudden attacks are over. The strategic enterprise of war becomes more important. The war in Ukraine that was supposed to last for three days are now over a year and few more months. The Russian Army was supposed to conquer Kyiv in three days and it never happened.

Now, after all this time… the Russians are getting a taste of their own medicine. It isn’t happening within Ukraine or that the defensive war is taking it’s toll. No, the war is now inside of Belgorod Oblast. Russian insurgency and militia are now targeting areas there.

The Free Russia Legion and Russian Volunteer Corps are the ones behind it. They are certainly seen as not only rebels, but terrorist. The Russians are calling them “Ukrainian” but these are Russians themselves. Meaning this is a new issue for Kremlin to solve. As they already stretched military in Ukraine. While they also have to fight and attack on its own soil now against their own.

We are now seeing two different militias fighting together for the same cause. A cause that is against the warfare of the Russian Federation. It is causing internal issues and the Kremlin must be shocked by this. However, when you start a war and the ramifications of that comes home. There are possibilities of rebellion and mutiny. That’s what is possibly happening here, but this could also be used to intensify and give more excuses for more harsh laws or forced subscriptions to the Russian Army.

This is how a war comes home. We have no idea how this will be played out, but it is striking. The strategic placement of the rebels and their plans are said out loud and clear. The Kremlin wasn’t prepared for this, because they counted on endless Z Patriots to stand guard. However, there are changes and the winds are turning in every direction.

Belgorod oblast will be in the spotlight for a long time. The rebel, militia or as the Russians say the “terrorist” will cause a stir and controversy in the hinterlands of the Federation. Nevertheless, it begs to question if others will follow their acts or if this will be a lonely crusade. Because if they are alone and not vastly supported. The fight will die down quickly. However, if more takes to arms and prolongs the agony. Then you have a new stalemate that will weaken the Russian army substantial and doing so from within. That will be very beneficial for Kyiv and the Defensive warfare of Ukraine.

When the smoke clears and the verdict is out. We will know more. The coin is yet to be tossed. What is certain is that the Russian leaders and Belgorod oblast wasn’t prepared for this. It is already talk of panic, fleeing and leaving the areas too. That shows what sort of ammo the rebels has and what they are capable of. It must hurt the pride of the mighty nation to see that…

Well, Putin didn’t see this one coming and his strategies in Ukraine haven’t worked. Now it is coming home. I wonder if he will use the same annihilation tactics at home, as he has done on every other battlefield under his reign. Peace.

Opinion: Medvedev is explaining Russian imperialism…

“A geopolitical loss?

It was back in 2022 that NATO was lazily shooing us away when the matter concerned the security guarantees. Like, leave us alone, no time for you. And now, all of the NATO member states go to bed at night, and wake up in the morning thinking of Russia. Moreover, some of the especially cowardly and suffering from phantom pains, like temporarily occupied Poland and our Baltic provinces, have well soiled themselves.

So, if there has indeed been a loss, it is that of the primitive NATO politics, with its underlying ambition to play the exceptional role in the 21st century” (Dmitry Medvedev, 16.05.2023).

If you thought Kremlin had forgotten about their former territories and stopped considering invading or annex former Soviet Republics. Certainly, there is high ranking officials like Dmitry Medvedev spelling it out.

We know he has already said Russians could access Berlin or even capture Poland. That has been said during the “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. The prolonged “three days” enterprise that is lasting over 400 days now. The Russian war-machine isn’t as cracking as the rulers of Russia wants it too to be.

It is really striking how Medvedev speaks of both Poland and the Baltic Nations. That just shows the arrogance and the imperial thinking, which is lingering in the chambers of power in Kremlin.

They are really dreaming of a new USSR and saying that it’s only “temporary”. If you thought Ukraine was a “one-off”. It is apparently very wrong as certain ones are aiming for unification with all former USSR republics and even saying “NATO” and “EU” only occupied it for the time being. This means some has the ambition and wants to takeover them again.

It is a reason why Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia has been such allies of Ukraine in this war. They know what is coming and they have been worried for years. They are smaller and easier nation to attack. Only the strength of NATO can worry Russia. If they were alone without an alliance. They might as well be under the same fate as Kyiv today. Where the Russian forces are sending missiles and trying to annex their regions. That’s what Kremlin is busy doing and it shows.

If Medvedev thought this sentiment was wise to release… he must be stupid. Because his only showing what we all feared, but his verifying for the world to see. The Russians are dreaming of a new Soviet and wants to take back what is lost. They don’t value the independence of the former USSR republics. No, they want them under their spell again and be the overlords, yet again. Peace.

Russia: The Kremlin Drone Attack smells like a false-flag operation…

“Russian state-controlled media claims Kremlin attacked by Ukrainian drones. Russian state-controlled media RIA Novosti claimed on May 3 that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin residence was targeted by Ukrainian drones. RIA Novosti alleged that the drones were disabled “as a result of timely actions taken by the (Russian) military and special services with the use of radar control systems.”” (Kyiv Independent, 03.05.2023).

“As for the drones over the Kremlin. It’s all predictable… Russia is clearly preparing a large-scale terrorist attack. That’s why it first detains a large allegedly subversive group in Crimea. And then it demonstrates “drones over the Kremlin”. First of all, Ukraine wages an exclusively defensive war and does not attack targets on the territory of the Russian Federation” (Adviser to the Head of the Office of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Podolyak, 03.05.2023).

On the 18^th February 2022 there was a car-bomb in Donbass. That was mere days ahead of the invasion of Ukraine. When I saw the video and the released information about yesterday’s drone attack on Kremlin. It reminded me of the car that was split in pieces and done so to strike fear.

The sudden drone attack in the heart of Moscow only seems like a false-flag and an operation to galvanize troops. This is done to spike up the nationalism and the eager to continue the war in Ukraine. There is nothing else to benefit from it.

The defence and the armies of Ukraine wouldn’t earn a coin on this attack. Neither would this do Kyiv any favours. They would only weaken their own defence strategies. That’s why an attack on Kremlin seems far fetched and out of reach.

The drone attack seems not only like a false flag, but an Mission Impossible. It is a clandestine operation, which needs to travers Russian hinterland with drones. There need to be able to use spies and connections to bring the equipment into the capital. Secondly, the need to penetrate the air-defence and jam the defence systems in the heart of Moscow. That seems like a Hollywood movie and not real life.

I have a hard time believing a spy and a operational team of drone experts would be able to get in to Russia. Secondly, be able to travel the long road from the border of Russia to the capital with the equipment without being intercepted. Especially, when the Russian Army is attacking and operating in several oblasts of Ukraine. Therefore, it seems like a pipe-dream.

It is the perfect nightmare. Then after being able to reach to the Capital. The drones are able to skirt the jammers and the other military equipment to target the Kremlin. That just luck and lucky charms that gave them way.

This is why I don’t believe it and cannot understand the abilities of the Ukrainian supermen who brought the drones to Moscow. Because, if they were they had some supreme abilities and wisdom to bring it that far. Not only operate it and target such a guarded place. But they could transport, set-up shop and do it. If the Ukrainian Defence, did it now… why now? And not earlier in the war? Just to prove a point… alas, that is not case, and this is done to get more support and get sympathy for the cause.

That how I see this, and I feel about the same as when I saw the perfectly bombed vehicle in February last year. It is just too perfect and doesn’t seem legit. Because, of that I question it and think it serves another purpose. If they wanted to assassinate Putin. I doubt that they would do it this way but be more devious than this. Peace.

Ukraine: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Costs to rebuild Ukraine increase sharply (24.03.2023)

Opinion: Medvedev better chill…

“Russian ex-president threatens missile strike against Hague court after Putin arrest warrant. “It’s quite possible to envision a scenario where a Russian ship… could strategically strike the Hague courthouse with a hypersonic Onyx missile,” Dmitry Medvedev said. Medvedev also used foul language to criticize the International Criminal Court, calling it “shitty.” The International Criminal Court (ICC), which is located in the Hague, issued an arrest warrant for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on March 17” (The Kyiv Independent, 20.03.2023).

The former President and now close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr. Dmitry Medvedev have uttered a few words again on Telegram. Which has been intercepted by the press. These words has been written in retaliation of the criminal charges and the investigation made by the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant on Russian President Putin. That has hurt the pride of Medvedev, which has resorted in the recent outburst.

Medvedev isn’t a man of subtlety or restraint. No, his man of bravado and a braggadocios demeanour. That’s just who he is, except for being a token loyalist and a fellow crony of the Kremlin elite surrounding the President. He just have to show it and play it off too.

Not like the man has wisdom or any sort of common sense. He is just a high ranking official who comes with empty threats and tries to spread fear. That’s all he does. If it is invading Poland or using nukes in Ukraine. This man has said it and stated it in writing. He just sounds so supreme and ready for war. Like Russia has an army and combat force to take Europe all by it’s own self. That’s the sort of talk that Medvedev is known for at this point.

So, in this regard, that he comes with threats towards the ICC. No one, no one should be shocked or in awe. It is just what he does… and he just create headlines. He scores some brownie points among the Kremlin elites. It maybe gives him credit in the book of Putin. However, he looks like and sounds like a fool. A warmongering fool… and a twisted one at that.

If the Russians was all innocent and had nothing to hide. They wouldn’t mock the ICC or try to downplay the investigation or the arrest warrant. No, they could have fought the case and answered for their actions. Alas, we know that isn’t the case and would never happen. Putin and Medvedev rather bomb and annihilate the court, than answer to it. They rather act above it and say they should be worried. That’s what they are doing.

Yes, Russia isn’t a member of the ICC or have ratified the Rome Statute in their laws. Which means the jurisdiction and the possible ramifications of the arrest warrant is mute. The ICC cannot push or have any incentive to get Putin deported to the Hague. However, other nations might and the signatories of the Rome Statute is supposed to follow through. Though by history and acknowledge of similar cases, former Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir was able to circumvent it and get away. Therefore, Putin would easily access the same leeway in his travels.

Alas, Medvedev is just smoke and mirrors. His a pot of hot-air with additional nonsense. Trying to spread fear and humiliate the West. Not that it’s working. Just like the Russian propaganda isn’t working outside of the Russian hemisphere either. Except for loonies who believes the Z-Apostles of our time. Peace.

A brief look into President Putin’s speech yesterday

“We are not at war with the people of Ukraine. I have made that clear many times. The people of Ukraine have become hostages of the Kiev regime and its Western handlers, who have in fact occupied that country in the political, military and economic sense and have been destroying Ukrainian industry for decades now as they plundered its natural resources. This led to social degradation and an immeasurable increase in poverty and inequality. Recruiting resources for military operations in these circumstances was easy. Nobody was thinking about people, who were conditioned for slaughter and eventually became expendables. It is a sad and dreadful thing to say, but it is a fact” – President Vladimir Putin (21.02.2023)

Yesterday speech by the Russian President isn’t an insignificant one, but is in a row of shady tricks and ploys to legitimize an illegal invasion of a sovereign. He is trying to use words and mechanisms to devoid himself from the issue at hand. The President knows well he instigated and has issued the war on Ukraine.

President Putin has planned, escalated and ensured the war on Ukraine. That is all in his making and with his armies. He has supported “resistance” and “armed militias” within Ukrainian territories since the Maidan revolution. Putin has also with his might and power annexed Ukrainian territory of Crimea. Therefore, he knows perfectly well the gamble and the will to undermine Kyiv. That’s his busy doing and he does on the basis of military strength.

“Responsibility for inciting and escalating the Ukraine conflict as well as the sheer number of casualties lies entirely with the Western elites and, of course, today’s Kiev regime, for which the Ukrainian people are, in fact, not its own people. The current Ukrainian regime is serving not national interests, but the interests of third countries” (Putin, 21.02.2023).

Putin himself wants his own puppets and musketeers like he has in Minsk. That’s what is aiming for so he can control Ukraine by proxy. This is his mission and that’s why he uses this sort of rhetoric. Because he knows perfectly well that the government is elected and popular in Ukraine. A government, which by default just happens to Eurocentric and not Moscow bound. He wants a fella who loves Kremlin and wants to be associated with him. That’s all that matters and he can destroy his own armies to get there.

One last piece of his speech: “In early February, the North Atlantic alliance made a statement with actual demand to Russia, as they put it, to return to the implementation of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, including admission of inspections to our nuclear defence facilities. I don’t even know what to call this. It is a kind of a theatre of the absurd. We know that the West is directly involved in the Kiev regime’s attempts to strike at our strategic aviation bases. The drones used for this purpose were equipped and updated with the assistance of NATO specialists. And now they also want to inspect our defence facilities? In the current conditions of confrontation, it simply sounds insane” (Putin, 21.02.2023).

He clearly see the world as a one-sided one and secondly also directly accepts that he can issue threats, but others has to silently look by. He is stressing the NATO and US is supporting Ukraine in its self-defence. Though the NATO and European allies are not on the ground or directly involved in the combats. Neither are the specialists or anyone else close to the battlefields. No, there is more Belarussian involvement in the war then what is happening from NATO. The Russians has used more of their allies and their connections to boost their war. While NATO and European allies has been cautious with their movements. Russians has used Iranian drones and others technical warfare to missile strike the Republic of Ukraine. Therefore, this sort of speech only shows how he favours himself and doesn’t take to account his invading forces and the war-crimes committed by itself.

We know Ukraine wants to defend itself and get rid of the threats of Russian air-forces. Who can blame them? When Russian armed forces are bombing and missile striking the nation. That just shows the tyranny and the entitlement of Putin. He can bomb nations asunder, but the defending nation cannot use force to defend itself. That’s bad and not in good fate. Seriously, how jaded is the man?

This speech isn’t a great one. Neither is it unique. It is a year of this nonsense, but the quotes have to saved. Because they are saying something. Peace.

Romania: Ministry of National Defense – MApN specifications (10.02.2023)

Ukraine: Two Russian missiles fell on Poland… [and we can only speculate what happens after this]

“Russia now promotes a conspiracy theory that it was allegedly a missile of Ukrainian air defense that fell on the Polish theory. Which is not true. No one should buy Russian propaganda or amplify its messages. This lesson should have been long learnt since the downing of #MH17” (Dmytro Kuleba, 15.11.2022).

“Rockets fell on Poland. Two people are dead – the journalist of Radio ZET Mariusz Gierszewski found out unofficially. Two stray rockets fell in the town of Przewodów in the Lublin Voivodeship near the border with Ukraine – Unofficially radio ZET learned. They hit the grain dryer. Two people were killed. There are police, prosecutor’s office and army on the spot” (…) “We have to wait for a thorough explanation of this situation. I assume that this is an incident, a mistake, resulting from the fact that Russia is using older and older types of missiles that are less precise – said the former head of the BBN Stanisław Koziej on TVN24” (RadioZet – ‘Rockets fell on Poland. There are fatalities’ 15.11.2022).

This war is just becoming a hot mess. The Russian Federation are striking now NATO nation Poland and does so with old missiles intended somewhere within Ukraine. Some might call it: “stray missiles”. However, this is the Russian war-machine and it’s greatness in action.

This is what you call an escalation. It is actually a crisis, because this is involving a NATO country and it’s integrity has been violated. Innocent civilians has been targeted and hit by the missiles. While Russian Forces maybe intended it to hit targets within Ukraine. The missiles went to Poland. It is practically waging war and saying Poland should “join”.

If anyone wondered what Russia is willing to do. Here we have it. They don’t mind hitting former Soviet Republic’s with missiles. Even when they are not waging war against them. Kremlin and such haven’t done other things than calling it “propaganda” and claiming it was “Ukrainian” made. However, Poland has radars that can establish where it came from and the source, which means they have the intelligence to know what happened. So, there is more trust in the victim, than the one firing the weapon.

With this in mind… one key ally and demagogue of Kremlin, Dmitry Medvedev wrote about Poland back in March 2022. Parts of this text is very interesting now in hindsight. Because, Medvedev promised more than he delivered the Polish people.

Just read it here:

“Now the interests of Polish citizens have been sacrificed to the Russophobia of these talentless politicians and their puppeteers from across the ocean with obvious signs of senile senility. The decision to refuse to buy Russian gas, oil and coal, opposition to Nord Stream-2 has already caused serious damage to the economy of this country. Now it will only worsen. The same applies to many other steps that are based not on the economy, but on politicking under the guise of “derusification. But now it is much more important for the vassal Polish elites to swear allegiance to their suzerain, America, than to help their own citizens, so they will keep up the fire of hatred against the enemy in Russia. What will the citizens gain from this? Absolutely nothing. But sooner or later, they will realize that hatred of Russia does nothing to strengthen society or promote prosperity and tranquility” (Dmitry Medvedev – “About Poland” (21.03.2022).

When a high ranking official like Medvedev could write this and say these things. It just shows the underlying sentiments out there in Russia. His not alone feeling this or saying these words. Medvedev is just the guy stating the silent things out loud. That’s why it’s fine today to reflect on the text he published in March. Especially, since the Russian Armed Forces attacked their soil and is downplaying it or trying to propagandize it.

We should all reflect on it await things with caution. Poland is within their rights to react and want an answer for all it. They are the party that has been hurt and viciously so. NATO Member States has to respond to its request and follow accordingly. We will surely know the impact in the next few days. The Polish Army is already put on “high alert” and we can anticipate more in the coming days.

NATO has to support Ukraine further and with better weapons. Because, now the Russian Armed Forces are able to hit their soil and kill civilians there. That is unacceptable….

Kremlin, Putin and the Duma should come with proper statements. Not just dismiss it. They would have cried havoc or been all out crazy bonanza, if the missiles had hit Russian soil from a NATO allied nation. That we know and that’s why Russia should act within reason too. They are maybe able to trick their population to believe their lies. However, Europeans knows the truth here and see the impact of the war in Ukraine. Therefore, we know how the Russians are carpet-bombing and hitting civilian infrastructure.

So, it is now time for action and resolve. It is time to further expand the help of the Ukrainian war-effort and ensure their path to victory. Because, that is the only way to end this. Since, Russians are willing to defy rules of war and also create further escalations. Which could actually invoke Article 5 of the NATO pact. That’s what the Russians are up too and the Article 4 is only to begin with. Those decisions are now up to Poland and we all should recognize that. They are the party that is threaten and is hit. Peace.

Ukraine: Zelensky’s demands for a peace talks are reasonable

“The main thing for us is to inform the world about the ongoing Russian aggression, about the destabilizing influence that Russia exerts. When the world is focused on combating war, energy and food crises, the destruction of customary international relations, the climate agenda is clearly suffering. And the destruction of the climate cannot somehow be put on hold… Therefore, anyone who is serious about the climate agenda should also be serious about the need to immediately stop Russian aggression, restore our territorial integrity, and force Russia into genuine peace negotiations. Into such negotiations, which we have repeatedly proposed, and to which we always received insane Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail. Once again – restoration of territorial integrity, respect for the UN Charter, compensation for all damages caused by the war, punishment of every war criminal and guarantees that this will not happen again. These are completely understandable conditions” – President Volodymyr Zelensky (07.11.2022).

Today is the 258 days since the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine on the 24^th February 2022. Again the Ukrainian President is pleading to the world. As the war is raving and the missiles of Russia is hitting critical infrastructure in Ukraine. There are so many vicious acts done by the invader. Still the leadership of Kyiv is keeping their heads cool and collected.

The Russian Federation and it’s armies are still on Ukrainian soil. The Russian armies have been retreating and the Ukrainian forces have been defended their territories. They are able with time to not only hold the front-lines, but get further into the territories the Russians invaded since February. They have also been able to take back territories, which the Russian had taken with the usage of “separatists” in Donbass.

We know this war already has massive consequences not only on the battlefields, as the Russian armies has been destroyed and stopped in their tracks. The Ukrainian defensive forces has also been hit. There are thousands of in-action personnel that has died. However, there is others who has been hit by this.

OHCHR has reported this: “From 24 February to 6 November 2022, OHCHR recorded 16,462 civilian casualties in Ukraine: 6,490 killed and 9,972 injured” (OHCHR – Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24:00 6 November 2022, 07.11.2022). That’s the just the civilians they have reported. Most likely much worse and higher numbers, as the shelling, the air-raids and the missiles has created more casualties than this. It isn’t like the Russian air-force or drones for that matter has tried only to hit military installations. No, the Russian air-force has hit everything and everyone in their path.

That’s why Zelensky’s words are reasonable… not that Kremlin or Moscow will accept it. They wanted Kyiv to surrender and get annexed. The regime in Moscow didn’t want a strong or a viable neighbour. They wanted a puppet and a bunch of “yes-men” running business in Kyiv. That’s why they have vilified the leadership of Kyiv and claimed obnoxious things about the people of Ukraine.

We know that Putin will not accept this, because for him and his allies. The war and the “Special Operation” is all justified. The war was issued with the interests of great Russia. They were returning old territories to Russia. However, Ukraine isn’t accepting that and the sovereign state is defending itself. The reasons for attacking Ukraine has changed from Russia. Nevertheless, the key has always been about superiority and resurrecting the Russian Empire. Putin couldn’t do that without Ukraine. Ukraine was just supposed to die, so he could live in glory. That’s all that mattered to Kremlin and the rulers of Russia.

That’s why the words of Zelensky won’t go anywhere in Russia. Putin will not listen or even care. The words of Zelensky is just hot-air to him. This is why these words are sort of futile, but shows the difference between Kyiv and Moscow at the moment. There are reasonable requests from Kyiv, while we know Moscow will act like a victim and want more. They will not accept to give anything or such.

No, they only wants Kyiv to give way and buy peace. The mighty Russia isn’t supposed to bow down to anyone. Especially, not the likes of Ukraine. However, on the battlefields right now. The Russians are losing and Ukraine is slowly winning. That must hurt the pride of Kremlin. They are not superior, but losing at their own game.

Time will tell. Zelensky is smart, but will Putin listen? I would say no… there is no suggestion that he will. He will only talk when he has the upper-hand and that’s not now. Peace.

Estonia: Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu) – Statement of Riigikogu – On condemning the annexation of the territory of Ukraine and declaring Russian regime a terrorist regime (18.10.2022)