Ukraine: Russo-Ukr War (June-December 2015)

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia is disparate to get back “to business as usual”………

Russian Embassy, USA @RusEmbUSA
RUSSIA – NORTH AMERICA: NEW CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS COOPERATION http://goo.gl/JQ2bmw pic.twitter.com/WnI3nVxM5z

[OUTLAW 09]

More evidence of Russian military aggression against Ukraine appeared online.

http://en.censor.net.ua/p339559

This is reported by investigative blogger Anton Pavlushko in his new publication for InformNapalm, Censor.NET informs.

In one of the previous OSINT investigations, in the article about the presence of the air defense forces of the Russian Federation in the Donbas (Russian anti-aircraft gunners from 205th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade responsible for downing of Ukrainian aircrafts in the Donbas), there was a photo of the former self-proclaimed "people's governor of the Donbas", leader of Novorossia, terrorist Pavel Gubarev with an Utes machine gun.
Continued……………

Terrorist Gubarev exposes Russian servicemen from the 18th Guards Separate Motor Rifle Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Donbas region of Ukraine. PHOTOS

[OUTLAW 09]

Facebook’s block policy accused of facilitating pro-Kremlin trolls | World news | The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...attacks-russia …

It is just not only Facebook—Twitter as well has been played very effectively by Russian trolls and runs then from the problems when it has been pointed out--BUT they had a Russian oligarch invest over 700M USDs so maybe that is the reason.

Yep! @twitter blocks tweets with link to pravyy sektor website @Support pic.twitter.com/FR3hQ3TsIW

Censorship of #Ukraine web resources in Twitter detected. RT!
@twitter @Support pic.twitter.com/1ef34JAyru

Seems the US social media companies worry about the USD not about US "values".

Dear Facebook: pls take time—along w/the rest of us—to unlearn what you think you know about Ukraine. This is Russia: pic.twitter.com/ZeCo7qoPBP

[OUTLAW 09]

Mercenaries from Siberia in Shyrokine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zKC...ature=youtu.be …

Can't believe I missed this. Russian special forces lay down moves on the dancefloor at military theme park opening https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKkr...ature=youtu.be …

If Kremlin was serious about Minsk, it would stop Russian mercenaries like these crossing the border into Ukraine. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3zKCCI...ature=youtu.be …

Ukrainian side informed OSCE about night attack on Marinka - militants do not stop attempts to revenge. PHOTOS http://en.censor.net.ua/n340459

Rus forces fired on Troitske with Mortars and portable "Grad-P". In the afternoon fired 40 GRAD rockets on Stepne - ATO

RAF Typhoons in Estonia scrambled 3 times in 24 hours to intercept Russian jets in Baltic https://www.gov.uk/government/news/d...tic-nato-visit … pic.twitter.com/SLmP7nfWxP

Other hotspots today - Mariinka, Novotoshkivs'ke, Orikhove, Starohnativka, Hranitne & Zolote – ATO

Feisty Ukraine governor holds war-torn east together http://usat.ly/1ML2atL via @usatoday

EU will extend the sanctions against Russia until Jan, 2016. The Kremlin has failed, Europe stands http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/18/wo...s&emc=rss&_r=0 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Relatively quiet day on the shellings and ground attacks front or they have not been reported yet--let's see if this holds until the evening which is the traditional shelling and ground attack time.

Or they are awaiting the 30th Russian "humanitarian aid" convoy which is usually a munitions and fuel resupply.

Traditionally after each "aid convoy" the shellings get intense.

[OUTLAW 09]

Intensive evening shellings have started as usual.

Donetsk 11:33PM
Kalinovka - artillery working, heavy https://twitter.com/Serzzze/status/611270351494979584 …

BREAKING: Heavy shelling of Mariinka from Petrovsky district http://liveuamap.com/en/2015/17-june...from-petrovsky …

11:14PM
#Krasnohorivka now quiet.
#Marinka battle. https://twitter.com/BylByleva/status/611265772552343552 …

11:13PM
"Can hear artillery working towards #Pisky" https://twitter.com/arthurnkua/statu...65376752635904 …

Extensive social media open source analysis of this base—excellent work
Meet The Russian Fighters Building A Base Between Mariupol And Donetsk
http://www.interpretermag.com/meet-t...l-and-donetsk/

Long expected arrest of Russian state property abroad to compensate confiscated Yukos has started in Belgium. https://meduza.io/news/2015/06/17/v-...po-isku-yukosa …

This is going to cost Russia eventually 150B USDs --they basically refused to accept the court decision which will be costly for them. Their attitude was we are above the law and it is a Russian business issue not an European issue to decide.

[OUTLAW 09]

Critical if in fact true ---dated today 17/6
Russia|n military intelligence #GRU, filmed by a Kremlin propaganda outlet nr #Kharkiv today
https://youtu.be/Udx88cbm5mY?t=3m44s … pic.twitter.com/izwycrBCwk

VIDEO This is how you quickly park/hide a BMP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGufYktT6mo …

Interesting bits of Russian kit moving down the M4 Don Highway 17 Jun pic.twitter.com/bQYxpizA09 via @el_roosevelt

4h ago ago: Russian army column going down south on M4 https://instagram.com/p/4CYo17hjaG/ https://instagram.com/p/4CVdKKgLSr/ pic.twitter.com/zHieptyLoU

[OUTLAW 09]

Reference the shot down of MH17------

Very interesting article on MH17-----
A year after MH17, is Kremlin’s choice finally made?https://cgrozev.wordpress.com/2015/0...-finally-made/

German private detective hired to investigate MH17 says informant has come forward http://tgr.ph/1BjI9Kw pic.twitter.com/TcsJ455dLw

@novaya_gazeta : Rebels controlled Zaroshchenke, where RU accuses Ukraine of placing Buks. http://www.novayagazeta.ru/inquests/68846.html …

[OUTLAW 09]

MASSIVE GROUND ASSUALT UNDERWAY USING RUSSIAN TROOPS AND SPETSNAZ AS THE LEAD ATTACK FORCES.


The Ukrainian army's 20th, 28th and 93rd Brigades are trying to fight off the RF's infantry ground assault at the moment.
Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 24m24 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS

"ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION" are attacking #Marinka right now.
- Advisor to the Ukr. Int.Min. Zoryan Shkiryak

Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 27m27 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS
Invasion troops launch ANOTHER attack on #Marinka right now!
"#Chechens and #GRU special forces" use T-72, 2S1 and much more!

[OUTLAW 09]

MASSIVE GROUND ASSUALT UNDERWAY USING RUSSIAN TROOPS AND SPETSNAZ AS THE LEAD ATTACK FORCES.


The Ukrainian army's 20th, 28th and 93rd Brigades are trying to fight off the RF's infantry ground assault at the moment.
Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 24m24 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS

"ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION" are attacking #Marinka right now.
- Advisor to the Ukr. Int.Min. Zoryan Shkiryak

Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 27m27 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS
Invasion troops launch ANOTHER attack on #Marinka right now!
"#Chechens and #GRU special forces" use T-72, 2S1 and much more!

If this is verified then in fact Russian forces have massively crossed the Minsk 2 contact line and are now in full and complete violation of Minsk 2.

Minsk 2 is now in effect DEAD as a door nail---

AND what will be the Obama, Hollande and Merkel response be tomorrow moring--silence as usual??????

[OUTLAW 09]

This is the perfect explanation of the failure of US "soft power" being pushed by Obama.

This is just so brilliant I have to post it again.

pic.twitter.com/fsEYWxUtzt

[OUTLAW 09]

MASSIVE GROUND ASSUALT UNDERWAY USING RUSSIAN TROOPS AND SPETSNAZ AS THE LEAD ATTACK FORCES.


The Ukrainian army's 20th, 28th and 93rd Brigades are trying to fight off the RF's infantry ground assault at the moment.
Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 24m24 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS

"ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION" are attacking #Marinka right now.
- Advisor to the Ukr. Int.Min. Zoryan Shkiryak

Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 27m27 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS
Invasion troops launch ANOTHER attack on #Marinka right now!
"#Chechens and #GRU special forces" use T-72, 2S1 and much more!

Near-separatist social media already confirming rebels have mounted new Marinka offensive pic.twitter.com/YKAoG9zIl7

[OUTLAW 09]

VIDEO Aftermath of Russian attacks on #Marinka today: destruction, destruction & destruction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY1l7xYQ4zM …

VIDEO Ouch! (At least) 16 unknown soldiers buried at Dnepropetrovsk. Their families will never know...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dffzlA3zUwk …

VIDEO of 'DPR' T-72 tank batallion near Torez. But crew is (still) wearing Russian insignia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyfd1e_mi1I … pic.twitter.com/MqYuuvjqM0

#Russia|n military intelligence #GRU, filmed by a Kremlin propaganda outlet nr #Kharkiv today
https://youtu.be/Udx88cbm5mY?t=3m44s … pic.twitter.com/izwycrBCwk

.@Wikipedia says Ukraine used White Phosphorus, but all the quotes come from Russian media.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_phosphorus … pic.twitter.com/iAbTvumUvP

VIDEO - Pisky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-uh4nNOCVY&sns=tw … pic.twitter.com/nKKNSEy9ze

[Blissful]

Hi outlaw09

My first post!

I usually just lurk, but the sheer number of your posts, and updates, heck you even quote yourself, has me super curious.

And (can I begin a sentence with a conjunction?) so I have to ask. What's the deal here?

I'm a vet. I live in the US. I want the US to be successful in its foreign policy and global economic endeavors, obviously. Hopefully more so than I feel we have been lately.

But I have to say, I can't blame Russia for getting involved in the Ukraine. I mean, don't they have to? I think Russia would have no choice but to get up to "something" whatever form that something may take. You seem surprised and offended by that. Why?

I won't be offended if you choose not to answer, or want to take this to a private conversation, and I hope I haven't offended you by asking a question you might feel has an obvious answer.

My take? We (the US, I include myself although I don't make policy) got involved in something, and now we are going to shift focus, and pretty much screw over any Ukrainian hopes that we would really take some serious steps there. And Russia will keep sending war materiel and probably human assets on the sly, as much as possible without just sending a blatant invasion force over the border.

[OUTLAW 09]

Hi outlaw09

My first post!

I usually just lurk, but the sheer number of your posts, and updates, heck you even quote yourself, has me super curious.

And (can I begin a sentence with a conjunction?) so I have to ask. What's the deal here?

I'm a vet. I live in the US. I want the US to be successful in its foreign policy and global economic endeavors, obviously. Hopefully more so than I feel we have been lately.

But I have to say, I can't blame Russia for getting involved in the Ukraine. I mean, don't they have to? I think Russia would have no choice but to get up to "something" whatever form that something may take. You seem surprised and offended by that. Why?

I won't be offended if you choose not to answer, or want to take this to a private conversation, and I hope I haven't offended you by asking a question you might feel has an obvious answer.

My take? We (the US, I include myself although I don't make policy) got involved in something, and now we are going to shift focus, and pretty much screw over any Ukrainian hopes that we would really take some serious steps there. And Russia will keep sending war materiel and probably human assets on the sly, as much as possible without just sending a blatant invasion force over the border.

Blissful--I do not mind your questions --by the way the "self quote" is a posting thing--meaning if I find something that supports and or amplifies a previous posting then I "quote it" and it appears than I am quoting myself.

Here is my personal opinion--I spent over 20 odd years in Berlin from the late 66 to 86 period ie the middle and height of the Cold War and the last 13years of that was spent as a strategic debriefer when we did not even have a term for it- working with all refugees arriving in Berlin-literally from all of the former East Bloc and the Soviet Union working in at least six different languages. I had probably with that job one of the best seats in the house for watching daily events in the former East Bloc and my studies then allowed me to truly enjoy my work--it became so to speak a hobby not work.

During that time I completed a German Diplom in Political Science in one of Germany's redest of red Political Science Depts here in Berlin on top of my MA from Boston U and had countless student friends in the various left "movements" that literally forced me as an American to "debate" and defend that "debate". And friends in the Berlin Riot Police who often "met in the streets of Berlin and engaged in water cannon "debates" with my left friends.

At the same time I was often in East Berlin where on occasions I was strip searched by the GDR Border Guards ie their MfS.

So I know the former East Bloc and all of it's imperfections.

I was then back in Berlin two days before the Wall came down and experienced that event.

But back to the Ukraine---all and I mean all former East Bloc countries have all inherently suffered from what I call the"Soviet disease" --systemic corruption in all of it's various forms.

In order to survive the Communist days corruption big and little became a systemic way of life--coupled with a economic barter system.

Even today in all of those countries who are by the way either members of the EU and or NATO or both--it still survives just hidden beneath the surface.

THEN along comes the Ukraine--which houses some of the best black hackers, a strong Ukrainian mafia and MASSIVE corruption.

Then along comes something the West and the US was not prepared for--the Ukrainian civil society on it's own and regardless of the Russian propaganda--was not supported by the US or the EU--decided they had had enough of the corruption and a total lack of the rule of law and stood up in the Maidan.

Somewhat close to our own development in the 1700s with England but with different reasons.

They as a civil society had decided corruption and the lack of a transparent government and the lack of the rule of law was to no longer to exist in the Ukraine and literally fought for it in the Maidan somewhat akin to our Lexington Green and the Minute Men--and they paid heavily in killed civilians.

BTW--I blame tourism as the core cause of the Maidan--why because a lot of Ukrainians had been traveling since the Wall came down to the EU and had seen the massive differences and many were and are still working in the EU--so they understood there was a big difference and that difference was in the openness of the political system in Europe and a lack of systemic corruption due to the rule of law that is enforced. There was for years an old saying--"travelling educates" and educated they were by Europe and they had come to want the same thing--it is that simple really.

Really just good old human nature at work.

From that moment going forward--they have used the Maidan as the symbol for change--and here is what is not being understood in the US.

They are literally fighting a three front war--1) with Russia physically taking the Crimea and now having well over 10K troops in easterm Ukraine, 2) holding one of the fairest elections in their history since 1991 and now attempting to reform literally an entire society and 3) attempting to stem the systemic corruption/their own oligarchs. AND trying to figure out how to take back all those state enterprises robbed by their own oligarchs in 1990-1994 at the same time.

Here is the kicker--if Russia really wanted a neutral Ukraine--all they had to do was to financially assist them and help with a major aid package--that is simply all they had to do--- building on their deep cultural, historical, religious and language ties. Just assist in their development and stay out of the internal decisions being made by the Ukrainians.

Simply assist that was all Putin had to do---and it would have worked as the majority of the Ukrainians were not all so hep in joining the EU and especially NATO in 2013/2014. In fact it has been the direct actions of Putin that has both motivated and driven the Ukraine to the West simply for safety/security reasons.

BUT that is not how it played out--the core and key question then is WHY not?

Answer is simple--he could not afford to have a similar "Maidan" occur in the streets of Moscow--Russia has an identical set of problems as did the Ukraine led by massive systemic corruption and a large and aggressive Russian mafia and a really large oligarch group who "owns" virtually all of the major companies in Russia.

Right after the Crimea annexation Putin called together his Security Council and they together proposed a sweeping set of law changes to deny any chance for a "Maidan" to occur and all of those changes has been passed and Putin has now converted Russia into an "authoritarian state" with a single leader much like his idol Stalin just with a smile.

Then he unleased his non linear war on the Ukraine with early successes as the Ukrainian Army was virtually just a shell nothing more--but after a year of fighting and taking initially heavy loses the Ukrainian Army has shown a remarkable self confidence and a massive resilience totally surprising even the Russian Army and are holding somewhat now to an edge over the Russians--but are in deep need for anti tank missiles while they are facing well over 700 Russian tanks, night vision, counter battery and ground surveillance radars and drones.

That is all they need militarily--the fighting they will and have stated a number of times--no US boots on the ground--just give us the means to defend ourselves.

This is the short version---

Your question is interesting in that many Americans due to a lack of mainstream media coverage are totally in the dark when it comes to Russia and eastern/central Europe and have been since the Wall came down--but that is another topic for discussion--ie why is that?

The US has to provide whatever assistance the Ukraine can use at this moment ie financial, advice, international political support, training ie military and civil in order that the reforms which the Ukrainians themselves want --be able to succeed---but here is the catch we the US must be also hands off--meaning let the Ukrainians flow wherever their civil society wants to go and just be supportive of that flow--only when the entire civil society is involved in it's own development will that civil society take responsibility for their own creations.

Is that not what we really want these days--then we the US will not have the temptation to become "directly involved" and dictate the outcome that we the US "perceive is the right solution for them"???

We have to realize that other civil societies must find their own way forward--and actually if one looks at all of the Arab and European "Springs" they are driven by the wants of a transparent government and the rule of law, good governance, and an inherent drive to provide security for their families and some form of economic development that benefits everyone--not just a few oligarchs.

It is in the end all about---the "values thing".

[OUTLAW 09]

MASSIVE GROUND ASSUALT UNDERWAY USING RUSSIAN TROOPS AND SPETSNAZ AS THE LEAD ATTACK FORCES.


The Ukrainian army's 20th, 28th and 93rd Brigades are trying to fight off the RF's infantry ground assault at the moment.
Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 24m24 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS

"ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION" are attacking #Marinka right now.
- Advisor to the Ukr. Int.Min. Zoryan Shkiryak

Julian Rpcke ‏@JulianRoepcke 27m27 minutes ago
#BREAKINGNEWS
Invasion troops launch ANOTHER attack on #Marinka right now!
"#Chechens and #GRU special forces" use T-72, 2S1 and much more!

Update
The assault was repelled.
After significant losses and some hours of calm, shelling resumed in the morning.
-Ukr army spox E. Silkin

[OUTLAW 09]

#BreakingNews
Russian forces conducted 79 attacks over the #Minsk demarcation line yday, using 120mm mortars,122&152mm arty and MLRS "Grad".

#News
The Ukrainian front near #Stepne was hit by a 40 #Grad missile attack yesterday afternoon.

Another Russian #Grad-P attack happened near #Troitske in the #Luhansk region.

A Russian priest blessed a base of strategic bombers w/the icon of Joseph Stalin. Good morning
http://rusjev.net/2015/06/16/svyashh...-stalina-foto/ … pic.twitter.com/5TkVtLBxTL

Interesting comment about war journalists:
actually he wrote that: there is a hybrid war; journos are soldiers of this war on information front; DNR/LNR are lawless

Reference Chechnya--
Officers in Kadyrov’s Troops Declared Wanted in Nemtsov Case | The Interpreter http://www.interpretermag.com/russia...-17-2015/#8844 …

Yesterday RU forces attacked positions in Sector "M" 10 times. 7am this morning shelled Shyrokyne - Sector M spox
http://www.mariupol.tv/news/war/mari...shirokino.html …

Ukrainian police detained suspected in murder of journalist Oles Buzina http://liveuamap.com/en/2015/18-june...d-in-murder-of … via @flashnord

[OUTLAW 09]

News
#Shyrokyne is under Russian attack since 7am.
Mortars, machine guns, grenade launchers and other small arms used.
- Yaroslav Chepurnoy

Brave UA photographer @gor6777 took pics of Russian armor at Razdolnoye, put on @google maps http://www.interpretermag.com/meet-t...l-and-donetsk/ … pic.twitter.com/Ctw65yYpId

VIDEO 2 of now exact geolocated crater Donetsk: building exploded!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyaa6kwUQFc …
https://www.google.com/maps/@48.0382.../data=!3m1!1e3 … pic.twitter.com/faWYxSmrsl

Stakhanov 10:51AM
Artillery working again, frequent (volleys) https://twitter.com/samotniyvovk/sta...41049559564288 …

Belgian court orders arrest of all Russian property at request of Yukos
http://www.unian.info/world/1090777-...-of-yukos.html … pic.twitter.com/MzAsDv0Teh

Regardless of sanctions US companies still want “business as usual”---how many killed and wounded Ukrainians is the Russia business worth to them—and they talk about “company ethnics and values”.

US firms at St. Pete Forum: "The quiet advice is, ‘If you have to go, go, but keep it low key. No photo ops, please." http://www.wsj.com/articles/russias-...rum-1434580810 …

Obama Is Sending Careless Signals to Putin http://www.themoscowtimes.com/articl...ed/523341.html …

[OUTLAW 09]

Militants try to break through front line at Maryinka three times overnight
http://www.unian.info/war/1090794-mi...overnight.html … pic.twitter.com/wdHEkGP2TB

Ukr checkpoint 29 was hit with a full load of GRADs outgoing from #Stakhanov at 5:15AM

Around Staromar'ivka (next to Hranytne) about 400 pers, 25-30 armored vehicles and artillery https://twitter.com/felixsteal/statu...50437565288448

[OUTLAW 09]

http://tass.ru/en/russia/801601

Claims to Russia’s property in Belgium came as no surprise — minister

Russia
June 18, 11:36 UTC+3

"This is a predicted measure and we have seen such risks earlier," Russian Economic Development Minister said Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev

ST.PETERSBURG, June 18. /TASS/. Russia was not surprised by the claims to the country’s property in Belgium and will challenge them, Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said in an interview with the RBC TV channel on Thursday.

"This is a predicted measure and we have seen such risks earlier. The decision of the Stockholm arbitration court gives grounds to countries for taking these actions," Ulyukayev said.

The minister said he has no information on the particular assets concerned.

"Of course, we will assert our position and will seek to cancel these measures," Ulyukayev said.