Kremlin Reveals How Russia Would Respond To An Attack On Belarus
FILE PHOTO. © Sputnik / Gavriil Grigorov
RT: Russia reveals how it would respond to an attack on Belarus
Moscow will use any weaponry in its possession to retaliate for a potential attack on its main ally, Russia’s envoy says
Russia will treat any attack on Belarus as an aggression on itself, using all of its military capabilities to retaliate, Moscow’s envoy to the country, Boris Gryzlov, has warned.
Speaking to the Belarusian STV broadcaster, the diplomat, who had previously served as Russian interior minister, warned any third parties against attacking the country’s main ally.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Russian ambassador in Belarus is saying the same thing that Russia President Putin said a few weeks ago .... Putin warns Poland an attack on Belarus would be an attack on Russia (Politico).
Tweets On The Russia - Ukraine War
LATEST: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says Denmark will donate 19 F-16 jets to Ukraine. Frederiksen said six of the planes could "hopefully" be delivered around New Year, eight more in 2024, and the remaining five in 2025.
— DW News (@dwnews) August 20, 2023
https://t.co/sVsQlMwgKE
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 20 August 2023
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) August 20, 2023
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Pnge1gcdia
🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/eTamNeHwks
Ukrainian forces advanced near Robotyne in western Zaporizhia Obl.
— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) August 20, 2023
Ukrainian strikes against Russian deep rear areas are generating discontent in the Russian info space & sparking criticism of the RU military command, as Ukraine likely intends.
Latest: https://t.co/kK7aykDazA pic.twitter.com/okCC6CZVNO
New on MoA:
— Moon of Alabama (@MoonofA) August 19, 2023
Ukraine SitRep: Chernihiv Done Exhibition - Russian Offensivehttps://t.co/nIcRT1XmH8 pic.twitter.com/IztkOEkbpP
A missile strike on Ukraine's historic Chernihiv city killed seven people and wounded 148, the regional governor said. Survivors said they only had a few minutes to seek shelter after the sirens sounded. pic.twitter.com/dYhiuzOu4N
— DW News (@dwnews) August 20, 2023
#BREAKING Ukraine's Zelensky lands at Danish air force base: AFP journalists pic.twitter.com/wtGD6hgZ7r
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 20, 2023
🇧🇾 Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov said that an attack by a third country on Belarus will be considered by Moscow as an attack on Russia with the same consequences. pic.twitter.com/RsQ0ab2ewj
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 20, 2023
Russia's first moon mission in 47 years has failed. The unmanned Luna-25 spacecraft spun out of control and crashed into the moon after a problem preparing for pre-landing orbit https://t.co/3noTG8kzSS pic.twitter.com/MiwPvmvod0
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 20, 2023
Tweets Of The Day
Mutinous soldiers in Niger are under pressure from sanctions as they refuse to reinstate the country's president while fearing attacks from France, an official said after Saturday’s meeting between the new regime and regional bloc ECOWAS. By @sammednick https://t.co/qCqwg1kTRA
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 20, 2023
Voting in Guatemala got underway on Sunday morning in the country's presidential run-off election which is being seen as a test for democracy. Recent polls have anti-graft campaigner Bernardo Arevalo ahead of former first lady, Sandra Torres.https://t.co/qHWtk6bWBS
— DW News (@dwnews) August 20, 2023
Security took center stage as Ecuadoreans voted in an election marred by violence https://t.co/KzDcy7W0Ni pic.twitter.com/4PMBKz6cc7
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 21, 2023
Former President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he will skip Wednesday’s first Republican presidential primary debate — and others as well. https://t.co/e2KP4V1Zsj
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 20, 2023
The U.S., Japan and Australia are planning a joint navy drill in the South China Sea off the western Philippines this week to underscore their commitment to the rule of law after a show of Chinese aggression in the disputed waters, security officials said. https://t.co/1IWaQZoZoq
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 20, 2023
Police in South Korea said that it suspects North Korean hackers attempted to breach a major joint military exercise between the US and South Korea.https://t.co/kyw679FSgY
— DW News (@dwnews) August 21, 2023
‼️ 200 cargo ships are stuck waiting to cross the Panama Canal
— What the media hides. (@narrative_hole) August 20, 2023
Water shortages caused by the worst drought in 100 years have forced the canal operators to reduce the flow of traffic and it could have serious consequences for the global supply chain pic.twitter.com/ch6DHJhuEb
Spain beats England to win the Women's World Cup https://t.co/WHhT6yl6pq #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/vxwGoDuWyo
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 20, 2023
Russia - Ukraine War: Military Summary And Analysis For 8.20.2023 (Videos)
WNU Editor: A lot of updates today.
Denmark And Netherlands Agree To Send 61 F-16 Fighter Jets To Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky smiles alongside Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of The Netherlands. Ukraine will receive 42 coveted fourth generation F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands, Zelensky said on Sunday. © Ukrainian Defense Ministry/ X
Newsweek: Smiling Zelensky Reveals Ukraine's F-16 Fighter-Jet Deal
Ukraine will receive 42 coveted fourth-generation F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands and Denmark, the Dutch and Ukrainian leaders said on Sunday, marking the first time fighter jets made in the West have been guaranteed to the war-torn country.
"Mark Rutte and I agreed on the number of F-16s that will be provided to Ukraine after training our pilots and engineers is completed. 42 planes," Zelensky said in a statement posted to social media, referring to the prime minister of the Netherlands along with a picture of the two leaders smiling together. "And this is just the beginning," he added.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: F-16s are equipped to carry nuclear tactical weapons. The Kremlin has already warned that every-time a F-16 is in the air over Ukraine, the Russian military will look upon these air operations as a possible nuclear attack.
Update: Oh oh. Ukraine may not be getting F-16s after-all (see tweet below).
Zelensky in the Netherlands lied to the whole world
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) August 20, 2023
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte denied Zelensky's words about the supply of 42 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine .
According to Reuters, Rutte said that the country now has only 42 F-16 aircraft and the Netherlands cannot yet… pic.twitter.com/G76XCpIXB5
Ukraine updates: Netherlands, Denmark to send F-16s to Kyiv -- DW
F-16s from Dutch, Danes will 'deliver new results for Ukraine,' Zelenskyy says: Live updates -- USA Today
Ukraine war latest: Kyiv to receive 42 F-16 fighter jets, with first aircraft set to arrive in 2023 -- Kyiv Independent
Denmark and Netherlands pledge to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as Zelenskyy visits -- AP
Netherlands, Denmark commit to delivering F-16s to Ukraine -- Reuters
Zelensky hails ‘historic’ supply of F-16s as Ukraine seeks to counter Russian air supremacy -- CNN
Netherlands and Denmark to send dozens of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine -- The Telegraph
Dozens Of F-16s Were Just Officially Pledged To Ukraine -- Warzone/The Drive
Ukraine Orders Mass Evacuations In The Kharkiv Region
Reuters: Ukrainians Torn by Evacuation Calls as Russian Shells Fall in Northeast
(Reuters) - Ukrainians living in the northeastern Kupiansk district close to Russia's border on Sunday found themselves torn between the will to stay and protect what they have built and the desire to flee from Russian artillery fire.
"If you said the evacuation is going well," Dmytro Lozhenko, who runs a volunteer group that helps civilians flee the fighting, said on television, "It would sound like a bit of sarcasm."
Regional authorities announced a mandatory evacuation of civilians from near the Kupiansk front earlier this month due to daily Russian shelling.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Russian military abandoned this region last year because they lacked the manpower and the logistics to support their operations in this region. It now looks like the Ukraine Army is facing the same problems, and may be forced to do the same thing that the Russian Army had to do last year.
Ukraine Launches Multiple Drone Attacks On Targets In Russia
Zero Hedge: Major Ukraine Drone Attack Targets 4 Regions Of Russia
Russia's defense ministry (MoD) has described a fresh Sunday major drone attack from Ukraine on four separate regions, as Kiev has continued to step up attacks on Russian territory even as its counteroffensive is a widely acknowledged failure.
The MoD identified that attacks targeted Russia’s Kursk, Rostov and Belgorod regions, all of which border Ukraine, and which caused commercial flights be temporarily halted at the Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Ukraine does not have the capacity to launch enough drones to make a difference .... Ukraine lacks the drone capacity to strike enough targets in Russia to erode its 'will to fight,' retired US colonel says (Business Insider).
Ukraine Launches Multiple Drone Attacks On Targets In Russia
Ukraine strikes Russian railway station in wave of drone attacks -- The Telegraph
Russia says Ukrainian drones attack four regions -- Reuters
Russia 'Thwarts' Ukraine Drone Attack on Moscow Region -- Moscow Times/AFP
Drone crashes into Russian railway station, leaving 5 injured -- CNN
Russia’s air defense chiefs under pressure amid continued Ukrainian drone attacks: UK -- Al Arabiya
Ukrainian Drone Strike Destroys Russian Nuclear Bomber 650 Kilometers Nnorth Of Ukraine
⚡️Russian Tu-22M3 bomber burning at the Soltsy airfield in the Novgorod region, which was attacked by a Ukrainian drone yesterday. pic.twitter.com/piHVdHLTdV
— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) August 20, 2023
The Barents Observer: Russia relocates Tu-22M3 bombers to Kola Peninsula after drone attack
During Saturday, at least six Tu-22M3 aircraft have been relocated from the Soltsy-2 air base in Novgorod region to the Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula.
The Olenya Air Base south of Murmansk is again seen as a safe location for bombers from airports hit by Ukrainian drones. Soltsy-2 was in the early morning hit by a drone. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirms the attack and says one aircraft was damaged due to a fire, Interfax reports.
A Ukrainian war blogger reports on Telegram about two Tu-22M3 being damaged. Soltsy-2 air base is located some 650 kilometers north of Ukraine and is home to the 840th Heavy Bomber Regiment. Russia has frequently used Tu-22M3 bombers to launch attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine.
Read more ....
Update #1: Tu-22 Backfire Destroyed In Drone Strike Deep Inside Russia -- The Drive
Update #2: Russian Tu-22m3 strategic bomber damaged in fiery drone attack on Russian air base — viral photos -- New Voice Of Ukraine
WNU Editor: There are some reports that two of these bombers were destroyed.
U.S. Report Says Russia Is Aiding North Korea's Missile Program
Business Insider: North Korea's new ICBM looks and works an awful lot like a Russian ICBM, experts say
* North Korea tested its new Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile last month.
* The new IBCM uses "solid-fueled" technology, elevating the threat posed by North Korea.
* Experts say that Russia likely provided the technology to make it happen.
North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile is its most threatening yet, and it likely has Russia to thank, experts say.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, DC-based international affairs thinktank, said in a recent report that North Korea's July 12 Hwasong-18 ICBM test launch was "likely the result of technical cooperation sourced to Russia."
North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un hosted Russian and Chinese officials in July, showing them its arsenal of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The North Korean Hwasong-18 ICBM was among them. It is a nuclear-capable missile that the country developed in defiance of the UN's attempt to regulate North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
Read more ....
U.S. Report Says Russia Is Aiding North Korea's Missile Program
N.Korea's ICBM likely the result of Russian technical cooperation, CSIS reports -- NHK
Latest North Korean missile sparks debate over possible Russian links -- Reuters
US ‘concerned’ over reports of Russia-North Korea nuclear cooperation -- The Guardian
North Korea's ICBM launch success likely due to Russia help: U.S. expert -- Kyodo News
U.S. taking hard look at North Korea-Russia missile cooperation-Sullivan -- Reuters
ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Agree On An Undisclosed ‘D-Day’ Date For Niger Military Intervention
RFI: West African bloc says undisclosed 'D-Day' set for possible Niger intervention
West Africa's main regional bloc on Friday said it had agreed an undisclosed "D-Day" for a possible military intervention to restore democracy in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail, stressing that it would not hold endless dialogue with the defiant junta.
The comments came at the end of a two-day meeting of West African army chiefs in Ghana's capital Accra, where they have been hashing out the logistics and strategy for a possible use of force in Niger.
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has said such action would be a last resort. "We are ready to go anytime the order is given," Ecowas Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah said during the closing ceremony.
"The D-Day is also decided, which we are not going to disclose." He said a peaceful resolution remained the bloc's preferred option.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The junta in Niger is preparing itself for such an intervention .... Thousands of Niger junta supporters overwhelm call for civilian volunteers (Reuters). More here .... War unnecessary, but we’re ready to defend ourselves, Niger junta tells ECOWAS (PUNCH).
ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Agree On An Undisclosed ‘D-Day’ Date For Niger Military Intervention
ECOWAS says 'D-Day' set for possible Niger intervention -- Reuters
ECOWAS sets ‘D-Day’ for possible military intervention in Niger -- CNN
ECOWAS defence chiefs agree ‘D-day’ for Niger military intervention -- Al Jazeera
Pentagon Preparing For Possible Evacuation Of Niger Drone Bases
Task & Purpose: U.S. military preparing for possible evacuation of Niger drone bases
Roughly 1,100 U.S. troops are deployed to Niger.
The U.S. military is making plans to evacuate its drone bases in Niger, but no such order is imminent, said Air Force Gen. James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces Europe/Africa.
“We are doing a lot of prudent planning, but right now we’re not going anywhere, and we don’t plan to go anywhere until we’re told to go anywhere,” Hecker told reporters on Friday. “And right now, there’s not a need to go anywhere, so our civilian leadership is just saying, ‘Hey, hang tight, and continue planning in case something happens.’ And we’ll be ready if something happens, but hopefully this thing gets done politically, diplomatically with no bloodshed.”
Read more ....
Update: US readying plans to evacuate drone bases if necessary under Niger’s new junta, commander says (AP)
WNU Editor: I would be surprised if the U.S. abandons Niger right now. They have invested too much in Niger to just walk away. There is also enormous pressure on Washington from France and American allies in Africa to get more actively involved in reversing the coup in Niger.
Bottom line.
A quick US departure right now would not only galvanize those who support the coup in Niger, but stop any plan by ECOWAS to intervene with military forces and reinstate the previous government.
Is Ukraine Running Out Of Options To Retake Significant Territory This Year?
Ukraine running out of options to retake significant territory
Washington Post: Ukraine running out of options to retake significant territory
Ukraine appears to be running out of options in a counteroffensive that officials originally framed as Kyiv’s crucial operation to retake significant territory from occupying Russian forces this year.
More than two months into the fight, the counteroffensive shows signs of stalling. Kyiv’s advances remain isolated to a handful of villages, Russian troops are pushing forward in the north and a plan to train Ukrainian pilots on U.S.-made F-16s is delayed.
Ukraine’s inability to demonstrate decisive success on the battlefield is stoking fears that the conflict is becoming a stalemate and international support could erode. A new, classified U.S. intelligence report has predicted that the counteroffensive will fail to reach the key southeastern city of Melitopol this year.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The official Ukrainian message/narrative is that everything is going as planned .... Ukrainian Commanders Confident About Offensive Despite Problems (New York Times). Outside of Ukraine the view is different .... As Ukraine counteroffensive gets bogged down, it’s back to the drawing board (Politico).
As to what is my take.
In the past week Ukraine has thrown the last of its reserves into its counteroffensive and the outcome continues to be the same ... they are still fighting over the same territory that they have been fighting for since June that has cost 50,000 soldiers and thousands of pieces of equipment. This is not what I call a successful counteroffensive. I am now even starting to read and hear reports that Ukraine has made the decision to prepare another army to launch a new counteroffensive in the spring of 2024!?!?!?
Ukraine has run out of options to retake significant territory this year, and if I was advising the Kyiv government, I would tell them to be ready for a new Russian counteroffensive once Ukraine's counteroffensive ends which I will predict will happen in the coming weeks.
Russia - Ukraine War News Morning News Updates -- August 20, 2023 (Videos)
WNU Editor: A lot of updates this morning.
Guatemalans Go To The Polls To Elect A New President
France 24: Guatemala votes in tense runoff, with fears of meddling
Guatemalans streamed to the polls Sunday in a presidential runoff marked by the harassment of a surprise frontrunner, who has fired up voters with his promises to end the rot of corruption.
Voting stations opened at 7:00 am local (1300 GMT) as Guatemalans picked between reformist outsider Bernardo Arevalo and former first lady Sandra Torres, with recent polls showing Arevalo with a strong lead.
Both candidates are social democrats, meaning Guatemala will have its first leftist leader in over a decade.
The Central American nation is dogged by poverty, violence and graft, with thousands of its citizens heading abroad every year in search of a better life, many to the United States.
Read more ....
Guatemalans Go To The Polls To Elect A New President
Guatemalans head to the polls, hoping their new leader will bring real change -- AP
Guatemalans vote for president as many hope for renewal of democracy -- Reuters
Progressive Arevalo leads in poll ahead of Guatemala presidential election -- Al Jazeera
Guatemalan presidential candidate Sandra Torres leans on conservative values, opposing gay marriage -- AP
Guatemala elections to serve as crucial test for democracy in Central America -- The Guardian
Guatemala’s Election Could Be a Watershed Moment. Here’s What to Know. -- DNYUZ/New York Times
Ecuadorians Votes In Presidential Election Weeks After Presidential Candidate Assassinated
RTE: Ecuador votes in presidential election dominated by security woes
Ecuadorans head to the polls today in a presidential election tarnished by the murder of a top candidate, which cast a spotlight on the violence ravaging a once-peaceful nation caught up in the global drug trade.
The eight presidential candidates have prioritised promises to crack down on organised crime, all while campaigning in bulletproof vests. Voting started at 1pm Irish time and will continue until 11pm.
The small South American country has in recent years become a playground for foreign drug mafia seeking to export cocaine, stirring up a brutal war between local gangs.
Read more ....
Ecuadorians Votes In Presidential Election Weeks After Presidential Candidate Assassinated
Ecuadorians head to the polls just weeks after presidential candidate assassinated -- AP
Ecuadoreans vote for new president in election marred by candidate's murder -- Reuters
Ecuadorians choosing a new president amid increasing violence that may intimidate voters -- France 24
Assassinations cast a grim shadow as Ecuador selects a new president -- CNN
Ecuadoreans head to the polls in election marred by candidate’s killing -- Al Jazeera
New shooting mars election campaign in Ecuador -- BBC
Factbox: Top five candidates vying for presidency of Ecuador -- Reuters
U.S. Intelligence Agencies Warn Space Companies They Are Being Targeted By China And Russia
New York Times/DNYUZ: Intelligence Agencies Warn Foreign Spies Are Targeting U.S. Space Companies
Chinese and Russian intelligence agencies are targeting American private space companies, attempting to steal critical technologies and preparing cyberattacks aimed at degrading U.S. satellite capabilities during a conflict or emergency, according to a new warning by American intelligence agencies.
The National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the F.B.I. and the Air Force issued a new advisory to American companies Friday morning. The broad warning to industry said that foreign intelligence services could be targeting space firms, their employees and the contractors that serve those companies.
Read more ....
U.S. Intelligence Agencies Warn Space Companies They Are Being Targeted By China And Russia
US warns space companies about foreign spying -- Reuters
Amid Space Race With China And Russia, A Warning From US Intelligence -- Bloomberg
China, Russia Taking Aim at US Space Firms -- VOA
Foreign countries targeting tech from US space companies, intel agencies warn -- The Hill
U.S. Space Companies Becoming Prime Targets for Foreign Malware, Federal Agencies Warn -- Gizmodo
Russian President Putin Meets Top Commanders In Charge Of Russia's War Operations In Ukraine
Vladimir Putin met with top general Valery Gerasimov and other top brass to discuss the war in Ukraine (Picture: East2West)
Reuters: Putin Meets Top Generals in Charge of Russia's War Efforts in Ukraine
(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin visited the commander of Russia's operation in Ukraine and other top military brass, the Kremlin said on Saturday, a meeting that came after Ukraine claimed counteroffensive gains on the southeastern front.
"Vladimir Putin held a meeting at the headquarters of the special military operation group in Rostov-on-Don," the Kremlin said in a statement. Russia, which launched its invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, calls its actions a special military operation.
Read more ....
Russian President Putin Meets Top Commanders In Charge Of Russia's War Operations In Ukraine
Russian president visits command post of special military operation in Rostov-on-Don -- TASS
Putin Meets With Top General at Southern Military HQ -- Moscow Times
Putin Visits Rostov-on-Don For First Time Since Wagner Mutiny -- New York Times/DNYUZ
Putin travels south to meet generals waging Ukraine offensive -- AFP
Putin visits commander of Russia's operation in Ukraine and other top military brass -- Republic World
Russia - Ukraine War: Military Summary And Analysis For 8.19.2023 (Videos)
WNU Editor: Another day of updates on the Russia - Ukraine war.
The New American Protest Anthem?
WNU editor: I do not post music on this blog. But WOW! The passion, lyrics, and message .... it is all there in this American protest song.
A taste on what to expect ....
“I wish politicians would look out for miners And not just minors on an island somewhere”
Wow that’s a powerful lyric!
Update: You know an artist is genuine when he/she believes it is all about the music, and not the image/money/and fame .... 'Rich Men North of Richmond' Artist Turns Down $8 Million From Stunned Music Execs, Says "Nothing Special About Me" (Zero Hedge).
Editor's Note
U.S. And French Officials Differ On How To Reverse The Coup In Niger
Politico: France, U.S. relations grow tense over Niger coup
French officials are frustrated that their American counterparts have been willing to engage with the junta that overthrew Niger’s president.
The coup in Niger is injecting fresh tension into the France-U.S. alliance.
The two countries are at odds over how to respond to the ouster of the West African country’s president in July. France is refusing to diplomatically engage with the junta and strongly supports a regional body that has threatened military intervention. The U.S. has dispatched an envoy to meet with the junta leadership and held back from officially declaring the takeover a coup — insisting there’s still a negotiated way to restore democracy.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: It appears that the majority of ECOWAS governments are onboard to launch a military intervention against Niger (see video above). The French are also onboard. But to succeed everyone will need to rely on US logistics and transport, and if the above Politico article is accurate, the US is looking for an alternative solution.
ABC News: Some Ukrainian Units Are Taking Casualty Rates Up To 80%
Military medics evacuate a wounded Ukrainian serviceman near the front line in Donetsk Region, Russia, June 5, 2023 © AFP / Anatoly Stepanov
ABC News: Ukraine taking heavy casualties 10 weeks into its counteroffensive
The Ukrainian counteroffensive on the eastern front began in June.
There is mounting evidence that Ukraine has been taking heavy casualties in its counteroffensive, which began roughly ten weeks ago.
ABC News spoke with two former U.S. soldiers who are contracted in a special forces division of the Ukrainian military and who were both injured during an operation in eastern Ukraine two weeks ago.
Both soldiers are currently in a hospital in Kyiv but said they hope to be transferred to Germany for surgery this week in order to remove shrapnel from their bodies.
Read more ....
Update: Foreign mercenaries reveal shocking casualty rates in Ukraine – media (RT)
WNU Editor: After the above ABC News report was posted, US officials leaked this to the New York Times .... Troop Deaths and Injuries in Ukraine War Near 500,000, U.S. Officials Say (DNYUZ/New York Times). The problem with the New York Times report is that it is quoting US officials that heavily rely on Kyiv to provide Russian and Ukrainian casualty numbers.
U.S. Approves Sending F-16s To Ukraine From Denmark And Netherlands
The Telegraph: US approves sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark, Netherlands
Washington has approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands, it has been reported.
The White House has given the two European nations official assurances that it will expedite approval of transfer requests for the F-16s as soon as Ukrainian pilots have completed training programmes for the aircraft, an unnamed US official told Reuters.
“The United States is in active discussions with our European partners about how we can support the efforts to provide Ukraine with F-16 pilot training as quickly as possible,” Politico quoted a State Department spokesperson as saying.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: This is quite a reversal from what Washington said a few days ago .... No F-16s For Ukraine This Year (August 17, 2023). More here .... U.S. Now Promising To Fast-Track F-16 Fighters For Ukraine: Report (Warzone/The Drive).
Update: I guess we should get ready for World War 3 (see tweet below)
Biden sends F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine despite saying this would lead to World War 3 https://t.co/tVYkB5zvlA
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) August 18, 2023
U.S. Approves Sending F-16s To Ukraine From Denmark And Netherlands
Ukraine updates: US approves Dutch, Danish F-16 deliveries -- DW
U.S. Approves Sending F-16s To Ukraine From Denmark, Netherlands -- Reuters
U.S. gives final approval allowing F-16 training for Ukraine to begin -- Politico
US approves sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands -- Euractiv
Allies to Be Allowed to Send F-16s to Ukraine, U.S. Official Says -- New York Times Denmark & Netherlands Receive Formal US Approval To Send F-16s To Ukraine -- Zero Hedge
Belarusian President Lukashenko Says Putin Has Already Achieved His Main Objectives In Ukraine
Belta: Lukashenko: Goals of Russia's SMO met; future Ukraine will not dance to the tune of U.S.
MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – The goals of the Russian special military operation have already been fulfilled and the future Ukraine will not dance to the tune of the United States, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko, BelTA has learned.
The head of state was asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin told him under what circumstances he would consider the goals of Russia's SMO fulfilled.
Read more ....
Update #1: Lukashenko claims Putin has achieved his goals in war against Ukraine (Ukrainska Pravda)
Update #2: Putin Has Already Achieved Main Objectives In Ukraine, Lukashenko Says (Zero Hedge)
WNU Editor: It is hard to believe anything that Lukashenko says. On the one hand he is saying Russia has acheived its goals, and on the other hand he is issuing nuclear war threats .... Belarus would use nuclear weapons in the event of 'aggression,' Lukashenko says (CNN).
Chinese And Russian Warships Conduct Exercises Near Japan
Reuters: Japan scrambles jets amid Russian and Chinese naval patrol in Pacific
TOKYO, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Japan said on Friday it scrambled fighter jets after two Russian IL-38 information-gathering aircraft were spotted flying between the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea where Russia is holding a joint naval patrol and exercise with China.
Russian and Chinese navy ships have been jointly patrolling the Pacific Ocean and holding naval exercises in the East China Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
"In the East China Sea, an exercise was conducted to replenish ships with water and fuel supplies from support vessels," the ministry said.
"A detachment of ships of the Russian Navy and the PLA Navy is currently operating in the waters of the East China Sea and has covered more than 6,400 nautical miles since the beginning of the patrol."
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Japanese are also responding to Russia patrol aircraft .... Japan Scrambles Jets After Russian Planes Spotted Off Coasts (AFP).
Update: China is telling Japan to stop interfering in their joint maritime patrols with Russia .... China urges Japan to stop interfering in China-Russia joint maritime patrol (CGTN).
Chinese And Russian Warships Conduct Exercises Near Japan
Russian and Chinese warships sail close to Japanese islands on eve of Biden's trilateral summit -- CNN
Russian, Chinese Warships in East China Sea After Sailing Near Alaska -- USNI News
Russia, China hold joint naval war games -- AFP
China, Russia send naval flotilla through Miyako Strait near Okinawa -- Stars and Stripes
Chinese, Russian navy ships jointly sail between Okinawa islands -- NHK WORLD
Japan says China, Russia deployed 11 ships near its southern islands -- Anadolu Agency
Chinese and Russian Warships Step up Activity in Straits Around Japan -- The Diplomat
Chinese Money Is Fleeing From The West To Emerging Markets In Asia, The Middle East, South America, And Africa
Wall Street Journal: Chinese Money Flees the Western World
Just a few years ago, Chinese money was rippling across the rich world. Chinese investors were making blockbuster deals and snapping up trophy assets, from luxury homes and five-star hotels in New York to a Swiss chemical company and a German robotics giant.
That era is over.
Chinese investment is retreating from the West as hostility to Chinese capital has grown. Increasingly, Chinese companies are instead spending money on factories in Southeast Asia and mining and energy projects in Asia, the Middle East and South America, as Beijing seeks to cement alliances in those places and secure access to critical resources.
The biggest recipient of Chinese investment so far this year is nickel-rich Indonesia, according to a preliminary estimate of Chinese investments compiled by the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, and viewed by The Wall Street Journal. Nickel is a key component in many of the batteries used to power electric vehicles.
Read more ....
Update: Chinese money pivoting away from West – WSJ (RT)
WNU Editor: Besides investing in emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Africa. A lot of Chinese money is being invested in Russia.
China Sending Military-Capable Hardware To Russia
According to customs records obtained by POLITICO, Russian buyers have declared orders for hundreds of thousands of bulletproof vests and helmets made by Shanghai H Win
Politico: China secretly sends enough gear to Russia to equip an army
Shipments of military-capable hardware expose a China-sized loophole in Western sanctions.
The pictures posted on the Chinese company’s website show a tall, Caucasian man with a crew cut and flattened nose inspecting body armor at its factory.
“This spring, one of our customers came to our company to confirm the style and quantity of bulletproof vests, and carefully tested the quality of our vests,” Shanghai H Win, a manufacturer of military-grade protective gear, proudly reported on its website in March. The customer “immediately directly confirmed the order quantity of bulletproof vests and subsequent purchase intention.”
The identity of the smiling customer isn’t clear, but there’s a fair chance he was Russian: According to customs records obtained by POLITICO, Russian buyers have declared orders for hundreds of thousands of bulletproof vests and helmets made by Shanghai H Win — the items listed in the documents match those in the company’s online catalog.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Cross Russia - China border trade is massive. And Ukraine's allies are not happy with what China is shipping .... China Supplying Equipment to Russia It Should Not, French Diplomat Says (Reuters).
Russia's FSB Says Traces Of Explosives Found On Foreign Grain Ship Traveling From Turkey To Rostov-on-Don in Russia
Reuters: Russia's FSB says traces of explosives found on foreign grain ship
(Reuters) - Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday that it had found traces of explosives on a ship travelling from Turkey to the port of Rostov-on-Don in Russia to pick up grain.
The FSB said the ship had been docked in the Ukrainian port of Kiliia in May, and that it may have been used to deliver explosives to Ukraine.
It said the ship had changed its name while in the Turkish port of Tuzla earlier this month and replaced its crew, which had consisted of 12 Ukrainian nationals.
Read more ....
Russia's FSB Says Traces Of Explosives Found On Foreign Grain Ship Traveling From Turkey To Rostov-on-Don in Russia
Russia claims explosives were on a cargo ship collecting grain from Ukraine -- The Telegraph
Russia Blocks Cargo Ship Over 'Explosives Traces' -- Moscow Times
Traces of explosives found on foreign grain ship, says Russia -- MINT
Explosive traces found on foreign grain ship to Ukraine, claims Russia's security service -- Asianet News
Goldman Sachs Sees Oil Prices Rising On Record Demand
CNBC: Goldman Sachs expects ‘all time high’ oil demand to spur large deficits, boosting prices
* Goldman Sachs forecasts “all-time high” demand in oil markets leading to a “sizeable deficit.”
* The investment bank projects Brent crude to rise from just above $80 per barrel now to $86 per barrel by year end.
Goldman Sachs expects record demand in oil markets to drive crude prices higher in the near term.
“We expect pretty sizable deficits in the second half with deficits of almost 2 million barrels per day in the third quarter as demand reaches an all-time high,” Goldman’s head of oil research Daan Struyven told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Monday.
He added that the bank forecasts Brent crude to rise from just above $80 per barrel now to $86 per barrel by year-end.
Read more ....
Update: Goldman Sachs Sees Oil Prices Rising On Record Demand (Global Times)
WNU Editor: China and India are the driving forces for increased oil demand and cost.
North Korea In Talks With U.N. Command Over U.S. Soldier Travis King
CNN: ‘Conversation has commenced’ with North Korea over US solider, United Nations Command says
A “conversation has commenced” with North Korea over US Army Pvt. Travis King, who crossed the border between North and South Korea last week in the demilitarized zone separating the two nations, the deputy commander of the United Nations Command (UNC) said Monday.
King, believed to be the first US soldier to cross into North Korea since 1982, had a history of assault, was facing disciplinary action over his conduct and was meant to go back to the US the day before the incident.
Read more ....
North Korea In Talks With U.N. Command Over U.S. Soldier Travis King
UN Command Says It's Communicating With North About Detained US Soldier -- AP
UN Command talking to North Korea about U.S. soldier Travis King -- Reuters
Talks initiated with North Korea over US soldier who ran across border -- The Guardian
UN in communication with North Korea over detained US soldier -- Al Jazeera
'Metal Detectors Are No Use' In Demining Ukraine
Soldiers tell Sky News how they have discovered mines and booby traps hidden in doors and in the magazines of automatic weapons - and even attached to dead bodies.
For the members of the demining unit in Ukraine's 35th marine brigade, every step is fraught with peril - every action is beset with risk - during a period that has been particularly dangerous.
As the Ukrainians press ahead with their summer offensive, the Russians have countered with Soviet-era tactics.
They have laid millions and millions of landmines. Territory and communities along the 1,000km (621 mile) frontier have been saturated with anti-personnel mines, anti-vehicle and anti-tank mines, and remotely-detonated mines.
Read more ....
WNU editor: This is troubling .... 'Metal detectors are no use': Challenge of removing landmines slows Ukraine counteroffensive (France 24).
Sudan's Civil War Now 100 Days Old
Reuters: Sudan war enters 100th day as mediation attempts fail
(Reuters) -Clashes flared in parts of Sudan on the 100th day of the war on Sunday as mediation attempts by regional and international powers failed to find a path out of an increasingly intractable conflict.
The fighting broke out on April 15 as the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) vied for power.
Since then, more than 3 million people have been uprooted, including more than 700,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries. Some 1,136 people have been killed, according to the health ministry, though officials believe the number is higher.
Neither the army nor the RSF has been able to claim victory, with the RSF's domination on the ground in the capital Khartoum up against the army's air and artillery firepower.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: I concur with this analysis on what will happen to Sudan if this war continues .... Sudan is heading towards complete state collapse (Al Jazeera).
Sudan's Civil War Now 100 Days Old
Sudan war enters 100th day with catastrophic toll on civilians and displacement -- The New Arab
After 100 Days of Heavy Fighting, Sudan's Children Hardest Hit -- Unicef
One Child Killed Or Wounded Every Hour In Sudan's 100-day-old War: UN -- AFP
100 days of fighting in Sudan and no peace in sight: What to know -- Al Jazeera
100 days of conflict in Sudan: A timeline -- Al Jazeera
Russia Says Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow And Crimea
Politico: Russia blames Ukraine for drone attacks in Moscow, Crimea
No casualties were reported, Russian officials said.
Several drone attacks struck Crimea and Moscow overnight, causing the evacuation of several villages in the Russian-occupied peninsula and damaging buildings in the vicinity of the defense ministry in the Russian capital, Russian officials said Monday.
“Drone strikes on two non-residential buildings were recorded at around four o’clock this morning,” Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in the early hours of Monday, adding there had been “no serious damage or casualties.”
“Two Ukrainian UAVs were suppressed by means of electronic warfare and crashed” over Moscow, the Russian defense ministry said in a statement, accusing Kyiv of being responsible for the attack.
Read more ....
Russia Says Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow And Crimea
Russia says Moscow and Crimea hit by Ukrainian drones while Russian forces bombard Ukraine’s south -- AP
Russia accuses Ukraine of drone attack in Moscow -- DW
Ukraine launched drone strike near Moscow's Defense HQ, Russia claims -- FOX News
Ukraine carried out drone attack on Moscow, officials say -- CNN
Two drones downed over Moscow, says Russian defence ministry -- The Guardian
Moscow Hit By Drones As Russia Strikes Key Ukrainian Export Route On Danube Near Romania -- RFE
Ukrainian drones hit Moscow and Crimea, Russia says -- The Hill
Ammo depot in Crimea targeted by Ukrainian drones -- RT
Russian ammunition depot hit during Ukrainian drone attack in Crimea - official -- Reuters
What is known about Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea -- TASS
Russia warns of "tough retaliatory measures" after Ukraine claims attack on Moscow -- AFP
Russian air defenses destroy 35 Ukrainian drones over past day — top brass -- TASS
Russia - Ukraine War News Morning News Updates -- July 24, 2023 (Video)
Israeli Government Passes Law To Limit The Power Of The Supreme Court
Axios: Israeli Knesset passes judicial overhaul bill despite mass protests, U.S. pressure
Israel's parliament on Monday passed the Netanyahu coalition's controversial bill that will significantly limit the Supreme Court's ability to review government decisions, despite mass protests and pressure from the Biden administration to not rush the vote.
Why it matters: It's the first piece of legislation that is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul — a plan that has destabilized Israel's economy, military and foreign relations.
* Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition have for months faced mass anti-government protests over the plan. Thousands of Israeli reservists, including fighter pilots and members of the intelligence, cyber and special operations units in the IDF, warned in recent days they will not report to duty if the bill passed.
Read more ....
Israeli Government Passes Law To Limit The Power Of The Supreme Court
Israeli parliament approves key part of judicial overhaul that has exposed deep fissures in society -- AP
Israel passes contested curbs on some Supreme Court powers as protest rage -- Reuters
Israeli parliament approves measure limiting Supreme Court's curbs on government -- France 24
Israel judicial reform: Key bill becomes law amid mass protests -- BBC
Israeli parliament votes in Netanyahu’s controversial supreme court changes -- The Guardian
Israeli government passes law to limit Supreme Court power, defying mass protests -- CNN
Israeli lawmakers approve key part of judicial overhaul amid massive protests -- The Hill
Israeli parliament passes divisive law weakening Supreme Court -- Al Jazeera
Picture Of The Day
Twitter's new logo is seen projected on the corporate headquarters building in downtown San Francisco, California, U.S. July 23. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
WNU Editor: The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... Top Photos of the Day (Reuters).
U.S. Struggles To Track Military Aid To Ukraine
Illustrative photo. 155mm artillery rounds. USA. Photo credits: US Department of Defense
Axios: Pentagon watchdog: U.S. struggled to track military aid to Ukraine
Dozens of rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition and other military equipment donated to Ukraine in the early months of Russia's invasion were stolen last year, according to a Pentagon report.
Why it matters: The thefts by crime groups and volunteer fighters were ultimately disrupted by Ukraine's security service and the military hardware was recovered, the Defense Department initially struggled to track and monitor all the equipment it donated to Ukraine, as required by law.
The inspector general's report does not specify whether the stolen weapons were donated to Ukraine by the U.S.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Pentagon has trouble tracking its own stuff, let alone the stuff that they are sending to Ukraine.
German Company Rheinmetall Says It Will Protect Its Tank Plant In Ukraine With Its Own Air Defense System
Germany will protect its plant in Ukraine with its own air defense system
— Spriter Team (@SpriterTeam) July 22, 2023
For the safety of the complex under construction of the German company Rheinmetall, the Bundeswehr will provide Skynex systems.
According to the company's CEO Armin Papperger, a military plant in western… pic.twitter.com/R3jq6hPdYR
Ukrinform: Rheinmetall not to abandon plans to build tank plant in Ukraine despite Russian threats
Moscow's threats to intensify the bombing of Ukraine will not affect the plans of the German arms company Rheinmetall to build a tank plant in Ukraine.
Head of the concern Armin Papperger said this to Bild, Ukrinform reports.
"We will not abandon our assistance to the country... [Ukraine has] effective options to defend against attacks on sensitive targets," Papperger said.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: This tank plant will be operational in 3 months .... Rheinmetall to Open Tank Factory in Ukraine Within Three Months (Defense Post). Here is an easy prediction.
This German built tank plant will be blown-up before the first tank is ever completed or repaired.
It Could Take 757 Years To Demine Ukraine
The leader of a clearance team explains the operation as the Ukrainian army's 35th Marine Brigade members conduct mine clearance work at a field in Donetsk, Ukraine on July 11, 2023. Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency
* Ukrainian troops face a perilous challenge in their continued fight against Russia — land mines.
* The mines have blighted an area of Ukraine roughly the size of Florida, per The Washington Post.
* Humanitarian clearance work, which is intricate and expensive, can take a long time to complete.
More than a year and half after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, land mines have become one of the most daunting issues for the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
With Russian forces having laid down mines across broad areas of Ukraine, it is now the most mined country in the world, and the mines — in addition to unexploded bombs and artillery shells — are now prevalent in an area of Ukraine roughly the size of Florida, according to The Washington Post.
The drastic changes to the Ukrainian heartland not only threaten the country long-term, but they continue to present enormous challenges for troops seeking strategic advantages against Moscow, having had earlier successes against Russian forces before the mines began to slow down Ukraine's counteroffensive.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: My mother's home town is Vyazma/Wyazma 80km west of Moscow. The family still owns the home and land that my mother grew up in. During the Second World War the Germans heavily mined the region to stop the advancing Soviet armies. Even though everything is now suppose to be "clean", when I visit I am always nervous on what may still lurk in the ground in the open fields. Bombs and mines are always being discovered in and around the city.
That is why I am distressed to see what is happening in Ukraine. The destruction is terrible, but I know personally what the legacy of mines can do to a region and its people. And in the case of Ukraine, these fields are going to be dangerous for a very very long time. I give it 150 years, not 757 years.
Ukraine Defense Minister Predicts Victory By Next Summer And NATO Membership To Quickly Follow (Video)
WNU Editor: I do not see any pathway for Ukraine to win this war. Ukraine's only hope is NATO becoming directly involved in a war against Russia.
Belarusian President Lukashenko Complains To Putin About Wagner’s Wish To March On Warsaw -- ‘They Stress Me Out’
Newsweek: Wagner Group Wants to March on Poland, Putin Ally Warns
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warned on Sunday that the Wagner Group wants to march on Poland during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin exiled the Wagner Group, a paramilitary unit that previously fought alongside his troops in Ukraine, to Belarus following an attempted mutiny by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin against Moscow's military leadership last month. The transfer fueled concerns about stability across Eastern Europe, including Poland, which shares a strategically critical northeastern border with Belarus. The Polish military has transferred troops near its Belarusian border amid threats that the Wagner Group could attempt to seize the Suwalki Gap and cut off the Baltic states from the rest of Europe.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: They (Putin and Lukashenko) are trolling the West. Wagner is not going to invade Poland. But Wagner's presence in Poland is to send a message to the West, and to Ukraine.
Belarusian President Lukashenko Complains To Putin About Wagner’s Wish To March On Warsaw
Belarusian president claims that Wagner fighters want to invade Poland -- Euronews
Lukashenko 'struggling to keep Wagner troops from attacking Poland' -- The Telegraph
Lukashenko & Putin meet for first time since Wagner revolt; discuss group's ambitions -- Republic World
Lukashenko threatens Poland with Wagnerites: They want to go to West -- Ukrainska Pravda
‘They stress me out’ – Lukashenko complains to Putin about Wagner’s wishes to march on Warsaw -- New Voice of Ukraine
Putin hosts Lukashenko, calls Ukraine counter-offensive a failure -- Reuters
Russia - Ukraine War: Military Summary And Analysis For 7.22.2023 (Video)
WNU Editor: A lot of updates on the Russia - Ukraine war from the Military Summary channel (see above). Alexander Mercouris gives his updates and analysis on the war below.
Bottom line. Today was a bad day for the Ukraine Army.
Tweets On The Russia - Ukraine War
A missile attack by Moscow in Ukraine killed at least one person and damaged a controversial cathedral in Odesa. Poland opened the much-awaited battle tank repair center. Here's the latest: https://t.co/5scYFOlVKf
— DW News (@dwnews) July 23, 2023
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 23 July 2023.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) July 23, 2023
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Sjb1ItX9C4
🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/Pqy5hxC8Sx
Here are today's control-of-terrain maps of #Russia's invasion of #Ukraine from @TheStudyofWar and @criticalthreats.
— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) July 23, 2023
Interactive map, updated daily: https://t.co/hwgxTnU2Tr
Archive of time-lapse maps, updated monthly: https://t.co/IT6FiqwgGO pic.twitter.com/HEEZNLhfSa
⚡️Russian troops are trying to advance to the Oskol River in the Kharkiv region — Ukrainian Defence Officials pic.twitter.com/DxCsuW2BZ6
— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) July 23, 2023
Lukashenko tells Putin that the #Wagner troops have begun to 'bother' him, reason being they want to advance towards Warsaw.
— Russian Market (@runews) July 23, 2023
'I'm telling you, why head west? Well, take a tour to Warsaw, to Rzeszów,' Lukashenko shared during the meeting with Putin.
According to him, the mood… pic.twitter.com/PzidUWp2Jq
A Russian air attack on Odesa killed at least one person and badly damaged its largest church, Ukrainian officials said https://t.co/mkXTDuEhJ9 pic.twitter.com/iutQ2QtShY
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 23, 2023
if the Cathedral in Odessa was hit by "a Russian missile" we would see pictures like the left one - and no Cathedral.
— -- GEROMAN -- time will tell - 👀 -- (@GeromanAT) July 23, 2023
Just saying. pic.twitter.com/hTSMT7aP03
Canadian pro-ukraine fighter becomes Putin propagandist. He confirms that Russia has been going soft on Ukraine. All the infrastructure has been left intact, trains run freely to and from Kiev. "I'm very grateful that we're fighting Russia and not America"https://t.co/urSF0Rz2VL pic.twitter.com/ZdJvv66BdP
— 🆃🅷🅴🅾 🅵🅻🅴🆃🅲🅷🅴🆁 (@TheoFletcher01) July 21, 2023
Tweets Of The Day
Update: Conservatives win the most seats in the Spanish election but fail to reach an overall majority even with the far-right.https://t.co/cbgEt8qt0M
— DW News (@dwnews) July 23, 2023
#UPDATE Spain's right & far-right 'were beaten' in Sunday's election, Socialist PM Pedro Sanchez said with nearly all votes counted. But conservative Popular Party's Alberto Nunez Feijoo's formation won the most seats and he said he seeks to form a working majority in parliament pic.twitter.com/Y6t9Z5jUYG
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 23, 2023
Clashes have flared in parts of Sudan on the 100th day of the war. So far, mediation attempts by regional and international powers have failed to end the conflict. pic.twitter.com/e7DixdnFom
— DW News (@dwnews) July 23, 2023
Thousands of Israelis hold rival rallies ahead of a key judicial reform vote in parliament that has brought nationwide protests to a boil and stirred calls for compromise https://t.co/5iPpGpYEw3 pic.twitter.com/mOhuIyQP0A
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 23, 2023
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was in excellent health after a pacemaker implant and planned to be in parliament on Monday for a judicial reform vote https://t.co/fkzmEQFJ96 pic.twitter.com/yA47XxH02W
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 23, 2023
In power for almost 40 years, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is Asia's longest-serving leader. He is expected to maintain a dynasty by allowing his son to take over after Sunday's election.https://t.co/ti6GXIhgnN
— DW News (@dwnews) July 23, 2023
Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters gathered in Thailand to show support for Pita Limjaroenrat, whose latest attempt to become prime minister was thwarted last week.https://t.co/h3lnAJ5LMH
— DW News (@dwnews) July 23, 2023
The future has come... pic.twitter.com/BVngVj63e3
— Spriter Team (@SpriterTeam) July 23, 2023
No Clear Victor In Spanish Election
Politico: Spanish elections: Sánchez holds off right surge
The center-right Popular Party won the most votes but does not appear to have a path to form a government.
MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is poised to remain prime minister as a result of Sunday’s inconclusive national elections in which the center-right Popular Party won the most votes but was left with no clear path to form a government.
As expected, none of Spain’s major parties secured a governing majority.
With 99 percent of the votes tallied, the Popular Party had 136 seats, the Socialists 122, the far-right Vox 33, and the left-wing Sumar 31.
Prior to the vote, conservative leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo indicated that he would be willing to form a coalition government with Vox, but both parties fell short of the 176 seats needed to control the Spanish parliament.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Expect weeks of negotiations to form a coalition government.
No Clear Victor In Spanish Election
Spain election 2023: live results -- The Guardian
Spain's conservatives miss out on all-out victory as left celebrates -- BBC
Spain at risk of political gridlock after conservative win falls short of toppling PM Sánchez -- AP
Spanish election's nail-biting finish makes hung parliament likely -- Reuters
Spain elections: No party wins the needed majority to form government -- France 24
Spain election: Conservatives win but fall short of majority -- DW
Spain’s rightwing parties fail to gain expected poll lead in election -- The Guardian
Spain elections: no party wins enough seats to establish government -- UPI
No clear victor in Spanish election as results defy predictions -- CNN
The New York Times Wants More NATO Defense Spending!
Antiwar.com: Higher Military Spending Will Save Democracy
So says the "liberal" New York Times
Three days ago, I got a story in my New York Times email feed on “A Turning Point in Military Spending.” The article celebrated the greater willingness of NATO members as well as countries like Japan to spend more on military weaponry, which, according to the “liberal” NYT, will help to preserve democracy. Interestingly, even as NATO members have started to spend more, the Pentagon is still demanding yet higher budgets, abetted by Congress. I thought if NATO spent more, the USA could finally spend less?
No matter. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as the hyping of what used to be called the “Yellow Peril,” today read “China,” is ensuring record military spending in the USA as yearly Pentagon budgets approach $900 billion. That figure does not include the roughly $120 billion or more in aid already provided to Ukraine in its war with Russia. And since the Biden administration’s commitment to Ukraine remains open-ended, you can add scores of billion more to that sum if the war persists into the fall and winter.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: It was only 5 years ago that the New York Times condemned former President Trump's push to get NATO to spend more money on defense .... Trump Warns NATO Allies to Spend More on Defense, or Else (New York Times).
Are Russia And NATO Positioning Themselves For A Clash In The Black Sea?
M.K. Bhadrakumar, Zero Hedge/RPI/Indian Punchline: Russia, NATO Positioned For Clash Over Black Sea Amid Putin's 'Blockade' On Ukraine
The NATO Summit in Vilnius (July 11-12) signaled that there is absolutely no possibility of talks to settle the Ukraine war in a foreseeable future. The war will only intensify, as the US and its allies still hope to inflict a military defeat on Russia although that is clearly beyond their capability.
On July 14, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of US joint chiefs of staff said that Ukraine’s counteroffensive is “far from a failure” but the fight ahead will be “long” and “bloody”. Milley has a reputation for speaking what the White House wants to hear, no matter his professional judgment.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: A Black Sea confrontation against Russia is a fight that NATO cannot win.
One Third Of Ukraine’s Bradley Vehicles Taken Out (Update)
© Military Media - Armia Z / Telegram
Modern Diplomacy: U.S. report: One third of Ukraine’s Bradley vehicles taken out
Following the delivery of American M2 Bradley fighting vehicles to Ukraine in April, multiple Western sources have reported at least one third of the vehicles have been visually confirmed as having been abandoned, damaged or destroyed, ‘Military Watch Magazine’ informs.
This was supported by prior reports, including one from the New York Times, highlighting that Ukraine’s Western-trained 47th Mechanised Brigade had lost 30 percent of its Bradleys within just two weeks.
The first images of the vehicles taking heavy losses in combat, alongside German supplied Leopard 2A6 tanks, emerged in early June. Although Washington has pledged to continue to supply new Bradleys to Ukraine, and to eventually supplement them with M1A2 Abrams tanks, it has also repeatedly been made clear by officials and lawmakers in the United States that the future of arms supplies to the Eastern European country will depend heavily on the success of its new offensives.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: As of today there there been no official confirmation from Ukraine or its allies on what are Ukraine's exact armor losses. But when you have Russian President Putin bragging that Ukraine lost 15 Leopards and 20 Bradleys in one day, even if Putin is exaggerating the losses must be very high .... 15 Leopards, 20 Bradleys destroyed in one day, Putin confirms (RT).
Western Military Officials Knew Ukraine Wasn't Ready To Launch A Counteroffensive
Ukraine's Lack of Weaponry and Training Risks Stalemate in Fight With Russia © Oleg Petrasyuk/Zuma Press
Wall Street Journal: Ukraine's Lack of Weaponry and Training Risks Stalemate in Fight With Russia
BRUSSELS—When Ukraine launched its big counteroffensive this spring, Western military officials knew Kyiv didn’t have all the training or weapons—from shells to warplanes—that it needed to dislodge Russian forces. But they hoped Ukrainian courage and resourcefulness would carry the day.
They haven’t. Deep and deadly minefields, extensive fortifications and Russian air power have combined to largely block significant advances by Ukrainian troops. Instead, the campaign risks descending into a stalemate with the potential to burn through lives and equipment without a major shift in momentum.
As the likelihood of any large-scale breakthrough by the Ukrainians this year dims, it raises the unsettling prospect for Washington and its allies of a longer war—one that would require a huge new infusion of sophisticated armaments and more training to give Kyiv a chance at victory.
Read more ....
Update: West knew Ukraine wasn't ready for counteroffensive – WSJ (RT)
WNU Editor: The West has always underestimated Russia, with this counteroffensive being just another example of the West underestimating Russia.
Sighhh ....
The hope in the West that Ukrainian courage and resourcefulness would carry the day reminds me of something that Hillary Clinton said a decade ago. Hope is not a strategy. But apparently for the West and Ukraine's political leaders hope was the strategy.
President Biden Elevates CIA Director Burns To Become A Member Of The Cabinet
U.S. President Joe Biden looks at the Memorial Wall as he is introduced to speak by Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, U.S., July 8, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
New York Times: Biden Elevates C.I.A. Director to Become a Member of the Cabinet
President Biden on Friday elevated William J. Burns, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to become a member of his cabinet, citing the agency’s work in providing “good intelligence, delivered with honesty and integrity” on China, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and emerging technologies.
“Bill has always given me clear, straightforward analysis that prioritizes the safety and security of the American people, reflecting the integral role the C.I.A. plays in our national security decision-making at this critical time,” Mr. Biden said in a statement.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Are we seeing the emergence of a US war cabinet? Is the elevation of CIA Director Burns to the cabinet the first of many from the US military/intelligence community to be installed as a member of the US cabinet?
President Biden Elevates CIA Director Burns To Become A Member Of The Cabinet
Biden names CIA Director William Burns to his Cabinet -- AP
Biden elevates CIA director Burns to Cabinet member -- Washington Post
Biden Names CIA Director William Burns to His Cabinet -- Reuters
CIA Director Bill Burns becomes newest member of president's Cabinet -- UPI
Biden Elevates CIA Director to Cabinet Amid Russia, China Tumult -- Bloomberg
Biden elevates CIA director to Cabinet, a symbolic nod to central role -- CNN
Taiwan To Conduct ‘Doomsday Drills’ Giving A Glimpse On What War With China Will Look Like
People taking part in an air raid drill in Taipei City. Taipei City Government
Daily Beast: Taiwan’s ‘Doomsday Drills’: A Chilling Glimpse of War With China
The drill simulating a Chinese attack will include shelter orders and traffic stops, bringing cities to a near standstill in hopes of giving civilians the best shot at survival.
From Monday through Thursday this week, Taiwan will be running a defense exercise simulating a Chinese air attack, preparing civilians for what to do if China invades. And from Monday through Friday, Taiwan will be running a live-fire exercise to test Taiwan’s combat readiness to respond to a Chinese invasion, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
Civilians will be required to shelter in place when the defense drill is underway, according to CNA. In some locales, drivers out on the streets will be asked to stop their cars and evacuate them, as will passengers on public transportation, bringing cities to a near standstill, according to Taipei’s Department of Transportation.
The entire drill is aimed at reducing casualties in the case of an attack from China, which has been growing increasingly aggressive towards Taiwan. Over the last few weeks, China has sent a record number of warships to waters surrounding Taiwan. According to American officials, the current U.S. government assessment is that Chinese President Xi Jinping is working to be prepared for conflict in either 2025 or 2027.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: It appears that this exercise is more about preparing the people of Taiwan on what they must do in the event of a Chinese invasion.
Chinese Spy Ship Off Coast of Australia Monitoring U.S. - Australia Military Exercise
USNI News: Chinese Spy Ship Off Coast of Australia as Talisman Sabre Exercise Begins
A Chinese surveillance ship is now off the east coast of Australia and expected to move further south to monitor the U.S.–Australian-led multinational exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, an Australian senior military officer announced Friday.
Chinese ships have sailed off the coast of Australia before, and the vessel’s movement is not considered concerning, Lt. Gen Greg Bilton, chief of Joint Operations, Australian Defence Force (ADF), said during the opening ceremony of Talisman Sabre.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Warnings have been issued .... Warning sent to Chinese surveillance vessel off Australia’s east coast (SKY News).
Update: The Chinese are not impressed with this exercise .... Largest ever Australia-US joint military exercise a ‘paper tiger,’ experts say (Global Times).
Chinese Spy Ship Off Coast of Australia Monitoring U.S. - Australia Military Exercise
Chinese Warship Blatantly Snoops On ‘Largest-Ever’ Talisman Saber Military Drills Involving US & Australia -- EurAsian Times
Chinese ship shadows ‘biggest ever’ Australia-US joint military exercise -- SCMP
Chinese spy ship sighted at Coral Sea: Deputy prime minister Richard Marles insists he isn't worried about vessel -- Daily Mail
Chinese 'spy ships' expected to sit off Darwin and Central Queensland during Talisman Sabre military exercises -- ABC News Australia
Talisman Sabre: Chinese spy ships moving into position to monitor war game exercise -- SKY News
China Sends Dozens Of Warplanes Toward Taiwan
Taiwan News: China sends 37 military aircraft, 7 naval vessels around Taiwan
Guizhou WZ-7 Soaring Dragon reconnaissance UAV took longest flight from southwest to east ADIZ and back T
AIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 37 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around the country between 6 a.m. on Friday (July 21) and 6 a.m. on Saturday (July 22).
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, the MND said that 37 People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) military aircraft and seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels had been tracked around Taiwan. Of the detected aircraft, 22 crossed the median line or entered the southwest, south, southeast, and east sections of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Read more ....
China Sends Dozens Of Warplanes Toward Taiwan
China sends dozens of fighter jets, bombers toward Taiwan -- AP
China sends dozens of warplanes towards Taiwan -- DW
China sends 37 warplanes to Taiwan ahead of major military drills -- The Independent
China sends 37 military aircraft toward Taiwan ahead of defensive drills -- UPI
China Sends Dozens Of Warplanes Toward The Island, Taiwan Prepares For Anti-invasion -- Republic World
Russia - Ukraine War News Morning News Updates -- July 23, 2023 (Video)
WNU Editor: Two days ago WNU post reports from some military bloggers that Russia had started a massive offensive in the northeast part of the country. More details are now emerging (see Weeb Union and Defense Politics Asia videos above).
The big news according to reports from both Russian and Ukrainian sources is that sections of the Ukraine front-lines have collapsed in this region. If true, I predict this will change the focus of the war away from the southern part of the region to this new Russian offensive in the northeast.
Major Ukraine Bridge Under Attack By Russian Underwater Drones
WNU Editor: Major Ukraine bridges have been largely ignored by the Russian military .... until now. Last week's attack on the Crimea Bridge and Ukraine President Zelensky's remarks yesterday at the Aspen Security Forum declaring the Crimea Bridge must be destroyed (link here) has resulted in the the Kremlin responding with its own message. Destroy our bridges will mean the destruction of yours.Not only that, it will greatly also impede the Sea-Land route to world markets, and intra-European riverine transport through friendly ports in Romania/Danube.
— Matias Heiro 🕊️ (@332118HM) July 22, 2023
Finally. I can't believe 16 months and the weapons flow has continued unimpeded.
Honestly, just calculate a tonnage… pic.twitter.com/iLpdMi7zWp
Tweets On The Russia - Ukraine War
A massive explosion rocked an ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, reportedly forcing the evacuation of nearby homes.
— DW News (@dwnews) July 22, 2023
Ukraine's military took credit for the attack.https://t.co/xxXS3BEJvN
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 22 July 2023.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) July 22, 2023
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/UEr0cM4SPH
🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/zTtQmrrvoK
Here are today's control-of-terrain maps of #Russia's invasion of #Ukraine from @TheStudyofWar and @criticalthreats.
— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) July 23, 2023
Interactive map, updated daily: https://t.co/hwgxTnU2Tr
Archive of time-lapse maps, updated monthly: https://t.co/IT6FiqwgGO pic.twitter.com/mGunY4nl8d
Putin said that it is up to Ukraine whether or not to give its western regions to Poland, Hungary and Romania. "We will not interfere in this." As for western Belarus, this is the Union State and we will respond to the aggression against Belarus with all the means at our… pic.twitter.com/ncnGJGC9wD
— Victor vicktop55 (@vicktop55) July 21, 2023
A Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea Saturday blew up an ammunition depot, sparking evacuations on the Moscow-annexed peninsula and halting rail traffic, just five days after drones damaged Russia's symbolic bridge across the Kerch Strait.https://t.co/XnnUOvLoTr
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 22, 2023
A major shipping group says there is still interest from ship owners in carrying Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea if they can mitigate the risk amid Russia's repeated missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian ports. https://t.co/elLTccJLCV
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 22, 2023
🔴 Russia outlines 7 conditions for return to #GrainDeal:
— Patrick Henningsen (@21WIRE) July 22, 2023
At a meeting of the UN Security Council, the first deputy representative of Russia, Dmitry Polyansky, announced on his Telegram channel - 7 conditions under which Moscow will return to the grain deal….
(1/6) pic.twitter.com/trpdvSOHX5
🚨BREAKING:
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) July 22, 2023
German mercenary tells the story of how Russian POWs are murdered and everything gets stolen in the Ukrainian army. pic.twitter.com/nE80TtfNpx
Putin Warns Poland That Any Aggression Against Belarus Will Be Seen As An Attack On Russia
The Guardian: Putin warns Poland against ‘unleashing aggression’ against Belarus
Russian president reacts angrily after Polish defence minister sends troops to guard eastern border
Vladimir Putin has said Russia will use “all means at its disposal” to defend Belarus after Poland and other EU countries voiced concerns about the deployment of Russian paramilitaries near their borders.
Putin delivered a series of aggressive remarks during a meeting of his security council, where he claimed without evidence that Poland was seeking to invade Belarus, a Russian ally, and that their elites were “dreaming of Belarusian lands”.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Putin also warns that Poland has eyes on Ukrainian territory .... Putin is again warning that Ukraine could be invaded and occupied by Poland (Insider). More here .... Poland Wouldn't Hesitate To Occupy Parts Of Western Ukraine, Putin Claims (Zero Hedge).
Putin Warns Poland That Any Aggression Against Belarus Will Be Seen As An Attack On Russia
Putin Tells Poland Any Aggression Against Belarus Is Attack on Russia -- Reuters
Putin warns Poland an attack on Belarus would be an attack on Russia -- Politico
Any Polish aggression on Belarus is attack on Russia, Putin says -- Al Jazeera
Tensions Heat Up Between Russia and Poland -- Newsweek
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