THREAD: tragic attack ukraine mourns as russian

EUROPEAN Allies RALLY to Defend Ukraine as Trump Era Looms

12 November 2024 — London, Paris, and Warsaw are forming a core group to support Ukraine against Russia, anticipating changes in U.S. policy under a possible Trump presidency. Donald Trump hasn’t detailed his plans for ending the conflict but has mentioned options like land swaps or demilitarized zones. These strategies clash with Ukraine’s goal of total victory over Russia.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss defense matters and support for Ukraine. They want outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against Russia before any Trump policy shift. The U.S., however, worries this could escalate tensions with Moscow significantly.

A UK government source stressed the urgency of maximizing efforts before Trump’s potential presidency begins on January 20th. Starmer and Macron aim to strengthen Ukraine’s position as winter nears and after Trump’s re-election announcement days ago, despite financial challenges faced by both the UK and France amid budgetary issues.

Poland, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusks, is also increasing its role in this emerging anti-Trump alliance within Europe. Meetings between Polish leaders and European counterparts are planned to involve NATO members from Scandinavia as well.

UKRAINE FACES NEW Threat: North Korean Troops Join Russia

06 November 2024 — Ukraine is now facing North Korean troops supporting Russia, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this during his nightly address, warning of Russia’s plan to escalate the war. Ukrainian forces reportedly fired artillery at North Korean soldiers near Russia’s Kursk border region.

Zelenskyy stressed the global impact of this alliance between Russia and North Korea, noting that unchecked terror can spread like a virus. He called for strong action to prevent further instability and thanked Ukraine’s allies for their support. “Together with the world, we must do everything so that this Russian step to expand the war with real escalation fails,” he stated.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry confirmed over 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia, many positioned in frontline areas like Kursk. This movement raises concerns about increased military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang, potentially destabilizing regional security further. Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight the urgent need for international vigilance against this growing threat.

UKRAINE FACES OFF Against North Korean Troops: A NEW Global Threat?

06 November 2024 — Ukraine has faced North Korean troops in combat for the first time, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In his nightly address, Zelenskyy warned that Russia aims to escalate the ongoing conflict. An official from Kyiv stated that Ukrainian forces fired artillery at North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region.

Zelenskyy stressed the global implications of this new development, warning that terror can spread like a virus without strong counteraction. He called for robust international support to counteract this escalation by Russia and North Korea. “The first battles with North Korean soldiers have opened a new chapter of instability in the world,” he said, urging allies to act decisively.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry reported over 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia, with many near frontline areas like Kursk. This deployment raises concerns about further destabilization not only in Europe but potentially across Asia as well. Zelenskyy highlighted China’s silence on the matter as particularly troubling amid these developments.

RUSSIA’S Dangerous Plot: Planes to US and Canada at Risk

06 November 2024 — Western security officials suspect Russia is plotting to plant EXPLOSIVES on planes bound for the United States and Canada. Two incendiary devices ignited at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and England, triggering a multinational investigation. Intelligence agencies found electric massagers with flammable substances were used as a “test run” for Russian sabotage efforts.

Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office arrested four suspects linked to the DHL hub fires, charging them with “sabotage or terrorist operations.” The suspects allegedly tested parcel transfer channels intended for North America. Authorities have not disclosed their identities or nationalities.

Pawel Szota, head of Poland’s foreign-intelligence agency, attributed the plot to Russian spies. He warned that any attack would mark a “major escalation” of Russia’s sabotage against Western nations. This revelation underscores rising tensions between Russia and Western powers amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

NORTH KOREAN Troops Join Russia: A Shocking Turn in Ukraine WAR

01 November 2024 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that 8,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia are preparing to fight against Ukrainian forces in Kursk. This deployment comes after Russia trained 10,000 North Korean troops, with most now stationed in the Kursk region. Ukraine’s recent advances have pushed Russia to defend its territory, raising tensions further.

In a joint press conference with South Korean officials, Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that these North Korean troops were trained in artillery and UAV operations. Austin pointed out that Russia providing uniforms and equipment shows their plan to use these forces on the front lines against Ukraine. This highlights Moscow’s determination to strengthen its military efforts amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The Pentagon has cautioned that if North Korea supports Russia’s war efforts, there will be no restrictions on weapons support for Ukraine. The situation remains tense as both sides gear up for possible escalations in the conflict zone. The international community is watching closely as developments unfold in this volatile region.

RUSSIA’S Military Losses Soar Amid Ukraine Conflict

10 October 2024 — Britain’s Ministry of Defence reports a sharp rise in Russian military casualties, averaging 1,271 per day in September. This marks the highest daily losses since the conflict began. The increase is linked to Ukraine’s counter-invasion efforts and Russia’s aggressive tactics.

The analysis shows Russia’s casualty rate has more than doubled compared to last year’s peaks. Despite harsh winter conditions, there’s no sign of reduced conflict intensity. Over 648,000 Russian casualties are estimated since the war started, based on Ukrainian figures.

Ukraine claims it inflicted over 38,000 casualties on Russian forces in September alone and destroyed thousands of vehicles like tanks and armored units. However, Western sources often highlight Russian losses without comprehensive data on Ukrainian casualties due to limited transparency from Kyiv.

While Ukraine’s reported figures for Russian losses exceed those from Britain’s Ministry of Defence, accurate assessments are tough due to wartime secrecy. President Zelensky dismissed Kremlin claims about Ukrainian casualties as exaggerated lies earlier this year but didn’t disclose specific numbers for his own forces’ losses.

UKRAINE BEGS for Long-Range Missiles Amid Russian Threat

11 September 2024 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday. Ukraine is urging the West to allow it to use long-range missiles against Russia. The diplomats traveled by train from Poland following a U.S. presidential debate where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump discussed the war in Ukraine.

Blinken accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling it a “dramatic escalation” of the conflict. For months, Ukraine has been requesting approval to use long-range weapons from the United States and Western allies to strike targets in Russia. Given Russia’s latest reported weapons acquisition, Ukraine is expected to press harder for these capabilities.

“We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told Lammy during their meeting in Kyiv. Shmyhal described the meeting as “intense” but provided no further details on his Telegram channel.

At a news conference, he emphasized that destroying military targets or weapons prepared by Russia would enhance safety for Ukrainian civilians and children.

RUSSIAN MISSILE Strike Kills 17 In Ukraine: Zelenskyy Calls For Action

08 July 2024 — A Russian missile barrage targeted five Ukrainian cities, hitting apartment buildings and public infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported the attack on social media, noting that Kryvyi Rih, his birthplace, saw 10 people killed and 47 injured. Kyiv authorities confirmed seven deaths in the capital.

The world should not be silent about it now," Zelenskyy urged on social media. Western leaders are gathering for a three-day NATO summit in Washington to discuss continued support for Ukraine amid Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.

In Kyiv, rescuers searched for survivors at Okhmatdyt children’s hospital after a missile caused part of the building to collapse. Sixteen people were injured, including seven children. The hospital was forced to shut down and evacuate as volunteers and emergency crews worked tirelessly amid rising smoke and debris.

UKRAINE DEFENDS Against Russian Onslaught in Kharkiv

11 May 2024 — Ukrainian troops fought off a Russian military attack in Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conflict as intense, with Russia using missiles, drones, and artillery. The White House stands firmly behind Ukraine’s ability to endure these attacks.

Russian military sources said they aimed at Ukrainian ammo depots and troops. Yet, Kharkiv’s regional leader, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed that his forces kept control of all territory. He noted that Russian scouts tried to enter Ukraine but were pushed back successfully.

The European Union is thinking about using money from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine during this tough time. This plan would strengthen Ukrainian defenses and aid their recovery as the situation worsens in the area.

This move by the EU could provide crucial support for Ukraine while also putting additional pressure on Russia by targeting its financial resources.

RUSSIA’S Nuclear Warning: UK Military Sites in Crosshairs Amid Escalating Tensions

07 May 2024 — Russia has heightened tensions by threatening to target UK military bases. This aggressive stance follows Britain’s decision to supply weapons to Ukraine, which Russia alleges have been used against its territory. This threat emerges as Russia prepares for President Vladimir Putin’s fifth term inauguration and the national Victory Day celebrations.

In a bold response to what it describes as Western provocations, Russia is set to conduct military drills that simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons. These exercises are unique because they focus on battlefield nuclear capabilities, unlike typical maneuvers involving strategic nuclear forces. Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for localized impact, minimizing broader destruction.

The global community has expressed deep concern over these developments. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric voiced worries about the increasing talk of nuclear arms usage, describing the current risks as “alarmingly high.” He emphasized the need for nations to refrain from actions that might lead to misjudgments or catastrophic consequences.

These events underscore a critical moment in international relations, highlighting the delicate balance between national defense and global security threats. The situation calls for careful diplomatic engagement and a reassessment of military strategies by all involved nations to prevent further escalation of tensions.

RUSSIA’S Unprecedented Attack: Ukraine’s Energy Sector Devastated, Widespread Outages Ensue

22 March 2024 — In a shocking move, Russia launched a colossal strike on Ukraine’s electrical power infrastructure, targeting the country’s most significant hydroelectric plant among others. This assault led to sweeping power outages and claimed at least three lives, as confirmed by officials this Friday.

The Dnipro Hydroelectric Station was among those hit during the attacks. This station supplies electricity to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant — the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The main 750-kilovolt line connecting these two vital installations was cut off during the assault, according to International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi. However, a lower-power backup line is currently functioning.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is under Russian control and has been an ongoing concern due to potential nuclear accidents amid continuous conflict. Despite this alarming situation, Ukraine’s hydroelectric authority assures that there is no immediate threat of dam breach at the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station.

A breach could not only disrupt supplies to the nuclear plant but also potentially trigger severe flooding similar to last year’s incident when a major dam at Kakhovka collapsed. Ivan Fedorov, Zaporizhzhia regional governor reported one death and at least eight injuries resulting from Russia’s aggressive actions.

UKRAINE’S Downfall: The Shocking Inside Story of the Most Devastating Ukrainian Defeat in a Year

11 March 2024 — SLOVIANSK, Ukraine — Ukrainian soldiers found themselves in an unrelenting battle, defending the same industrial block for months with no relief. In Avdiivka, troops had been stationed for nearly two years of the war without any sign of replacements.

As ammunition dwindled and Russian airstrikes intensified, even fortified positions were not safe from advanced “glide bombs”.

The Russian forces employed a strategic onslaught. They first sent lightly armed soldiers to exhaust Ukraine’s ammunition reserves before deploying their well-trained troops. Special forces and saboteurs staged ambushes from tunnels, adding to the chaos. During this turmoil, a battalion commander mysteriously vanished according to law enforcement documents seen by The Associated Press.

In less than a week, Ukraine lost Avdiivka — a city that had been defended long before Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Outnumbered and nearly surrounded, they chose withdrawal over facing another deadly siege like Mariupol where thousands of troops were either captured or killed. Ten Ukrainian soldiers interviewed by The Associated Press painted a grim picture of how dwindling supplies, overwhelming Russian force numbers and military mismanagement led to this catastrophic defeat.

Viktor Biliak is an infantryman with the 110th Brigade who has been stationed since March 2022 said that

PUTIN’S Dark Turn: From Authoritarian to Totalitarian — The Shocking Evolution of Russia

06 March 2024 — In the wake of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov’s assassination in February 2015, shock and anger rippled through over 50,000 Muscovites. Yet, when well-known opposition figure Alexei Navalny died behind bars in February 2024, those mourning his loss faced riot police and arrests. This change signals a chilling transformation in Vladimir Putin’s Russia — from merely tolerating dissent to brutally crushing it.

Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, arrests, trials and long prison sentences have become the norm. The Kremlin now targets not just political rivals but also human rights organizations, independent media outlets, civil society groups and LGBTQ+ activists. Oleg Orlov, co-chair of Memorial — a Russian human rights organization — has branded Russia as a “totalitarian state”.

Orlov himself was arrested and sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for criticizing the military’s actions in Ukraine just one month after his damning statement. According to Memorial’s estimates, there are nearly 680 political prisoners currently held captive in Russia.

Another organization called OVD-Info reported that as of November there were over a thousand

UKRAINIAN FAMILY’S Heartwarming Reunion After Two-Year Russian Captivity Nightmare

21 February 2024 — Kateryna Dmytryk and her toddler son, Timur, experienced a joyous reunion with Artem Dmytryk after nearly two years of separation. Artem had been held captive in Russia for the majority of this time and was finally able to meet his family outside a military hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The war initiated by Russia has dramatically altered the lives of countless Ukrainians like the Dmytryks. The nation now divides its history into two periods: before and after February 24, 2022. During this time, thousands have grieved for lost loved ones while millions have been compelled to leave their homes behind.

With over a quarter of Ukraine’s land under Russian control, the country is immersed in a grueling war. Even if peace is eventually achieved, the consequences of this conflict will disrupt life for future generations.

Kateryna recognizes that recovering from these traumas will take considerable time but allows herself a brief moment of happiness during this reunion. Despite enduring severe hardships, the Ukrainian spirit remains resilient.

US Troops UNDER ATTACK: Iran-Backed Militias Blamed for Deadly Drone Strike

31 January 2024 — A devastating drone attack in Jordan, which tragically claimed the lives of three U.S. service members, has been attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an organization supported by Iran. The assault also resulted in injuries for at least 40 troops stationed at Tower 22, a covert base vital to American operations in Syria. This alarming incident unfolds as President Joe Biden weighs his retaliatory options.

In a stern warning, Iran vowed to “respond decisively” if the U.S. takes action against Tehran for the attack. John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed that this premeditated strike was orchestrated by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and included involvement from militant group Kataib Hezbollah.

Kirby dismissed an announcement from Kataib Hezbollah about halting military operations against occupation forces as untrustworthy. He stressed that they are not alone in launching attacks on U.S forces. Amid this escalating situation, President Biden is set to attend a solemn ceremony honoring fallen troops at Dover Air Force Base this Friday.

Additional American strikes could potentially intensify tensions within an already unstable region struggling with Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza since

UKRAINIAN Drone Attacks SPARK Terror in Russia Ahead of Presidential Election

19 January 2024 — The city of Klintsy, located near the Ukrainian border, became the latest victim of Ukraine’s escalated drone strikes. Four oil reservoirs were set ablaze following an attack by a Ukrainian drone. This incident marks an intensification in Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russian normalcy ahead of its March 17 presidential election.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to increase strikes on Russian targets this year. With Russia’s air defenses primarily focused on occupied regions within Ukraine, remote Russian locations are becoming more susceptible to long-range Ukrainian drones.

The fear induced by these drone attacks forced the Russian city of Belgorod to call off its Orthodox Epiphany celebrations — marking a first for major public events in Russia. Concurrently, there are reports that a gunpowder mill in Tambov was targeted by Ukrainian drones. However, local officials refute any claims of operational disruptions.

In another development aligning with this trend, the Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting a Ukrainian drone near St. Petersburg Oil Terminal last Thursday. These escalating attacks underline the mounting tension between Ukraine and Russia.

UKRAINE WAR Survivor: Rare Black Bear’s Miraculous Journey to Safety in Scotland

12 January 2024 — In a surprising twist, Yampil, a rare black bear who survived the war in Ukraine, has found a new home in Scotland. Ukrainian troops discovered Yampil amidst the wreckage of a private zoo in Donetsk. The 12-year-old bear was among the few survivors when the zoo was bombed and abandoned.

Yampil’s journey to safety is nothing short of an epic odyssey. Soldiers found him during the Kharkiv counteroffensive in 2022. He was then moved to Kyiv for veterinary care and rehabilitation. His journey continued through Poland and Belgium before he finally arrived at his new Scottish home.

Yampil’s survival is deemed miraculous as he suffered from concussion due to nearby shelling while most other animals at the zoo perished from hunger, thirst or were hit by bullets or shrapnel. Yegor Yakovlev from Save Wild said that their fighters initially didn’t know how to help him but started seeking rescue options.

Yakovlev also leads White Rock Bear Shelter where Yampil recuperated before embarking on his European trek. The refugee bear arrived on January 12th, marking an end to his dangerous journey and providing hope amidst ongoing conflict.

UKRAINE’S Crushing Blow: Russian Warship Decimated by Air-Launched Missile Attack

27 December 2023 — On Christmas Day, Ukraine demonstrated its formidable military might. The country claimed a significant victory, saying it had annihilated another Russian warship, the Ropucha-class Novocherkassk, using an air-launched cruise missile. Russia confirmed the assault on their landing ship from the 1980s, which is comparable in size to the U.S.-made Freedom-class warship. They reported one casualty from this attack.

Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk of the Ukrainian Air Force praised his pilots’ exceptional performance. He observed that Russia’s naval fleet continues to dwindle in size.

Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian armed forces, disclosed further details about this strike. He revealed that fighter jets unleashed a volley of Anglo-French Storm Shadow / SCALP cruise missiles at their target. Their goal was for at least one missile to bypass Russian air defenses successfully. The magnitude of the resulting explosion indicated that onboard ammunition likely detonated.

Ukrainian state media circulated footage allegedly showing a massive explosion and towering fire column following the initial hit — evidence suggesting onboard ammunition

US-Israeli Citizen’s TRAGIC Death: BIDEN’S Heartfelt Response to Hamas Attack

22 December 2023 — On Friday, President Joe Biden extended his condolences following the death of Gad Haggai, a dual US-Israeli citizen. It is believed that Haggai fell victim to Hamas during their initial terrorist attack on October 7.

Biden expressed deep sadness over the incident, stating, “Jill and I are heartbroken... We continue to pray for the well-being and safe return of his wife, Judy.” He further revealed that the couple’s daughter was part of a recent conference call with families of hostages.

Referring to their experiences as a “harrowing ordeal”, Biden reassured these families and other loved ones. He pledged that efforts to rescue those still held hostage would persist. This story is still unfolding.

PUTIN’S POWER Play: Announces Candidacy Amidst Turmoil, Aiming to Cement His Iron Grip on Russia

08 December 2023 — Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to run in the upcoming presidential election in March. This move is seen as an attempt to prolong his authoritarian rule over Russia. Despite instigating a costly war in Ukraine and enduring internal conflicts, including an attack on the Kremlin itself, Putin’s support remains unshaken after nearly 24 years at the helm.

In June, a rebellion led by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin stirred up rumors of Putin’s control waning. However, Prigozhin’s death in a suspicious plane crash two months later only served to reinforce the image of Putin’s absolute authority.

Putin made his decision public following a Kremlin award ceremony where war veterans and others encouraged him to seek reelection. Tatiana Stanovaya from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center pointed out that this understated announcement is likely part of the Kremlin’s strategy to emphasize Putin’s humility and commitment rather than making loud campaign declarations.