Putin's "Day of Reunification" is doomed to be short lived.

In 1938,

"The military occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany began with the German annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938, continued with the creation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, and by the end of 1944 extended to all parts of Czechoslovakia." (Wikipedia)

Hitler Archive on YouTube and  Microsoft Start (CNN) : 30 September 2023

Fast forward to 2022 and, as reported by Aljazeera,

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has proclaimed the annexation of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions at a signing ceremony in the Kremlin.
...
At the ceremony on Friday, Putin said Russia has “four new regions”, calling the residents of Ukraine’s occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions “our citizens forever”." (Aljazeera : 30 September 2022) (my emphasis)

 Recently,  Ryan Fahey (left) reported that,

"While promising that "nothing and no-one" will stop him, he addressed the Russian people to mark his newly declared Day of Reunification and remember the day last year when he illegally incorporated the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics into Russia. Parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions were also seized in a move he today hailed as “a defining and truly historic event”. All are legally part of a Ukraine's sovereign territory under international law." (Mirror : 30 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Mirror : Ryan Fahey : 30 September 2023

Putin's warmongering mood against Ukraine in his recent TV address has now been given  unexpected and direct political support by,

 "The populist party of former Prime Minister Robert Fico (left) that wants to stop military aid to Ukraine and is critical of the European Union and NATO has won Slovakia’s election, results showed on Sunday.
...
The 59-year-old Fico has promised that Slovakia, one of Europe’s biggest donors to Ukraine as a share of its gross domestic product (GDP), will not send “a single round of ammunition” to Ukraine and has called for better relations with Russia." (Aljazeera : 1 October 2023) (my emphasis)

As also reported by Tim McNulty (right),

"Slovakia's election has sent shockwaves through the Western alliance as the victory of pro-Russian former Prime Minister Robert Fico's populist SMER party threatens the crack Europe's united front in support of Ukraine.
...
Moscow is likely looking at the results with glee though despite the results of the election whether SMER can cobble together the coalition to enter government is yet to be confirmed." (Express : 2 October 2023) (my emphasis)

Furthermore, as reported by Jeff Mason,

"U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday pressed congressional Republicans to back a bill to provide more aid to Ukraine, saying he was “sick and tired” of the political brinkmanship that nearly led to a government shutdown."

Reuters :1 October 2023

" .... The bill, which lasts through Nov. 17, did not include aid for Kyiv.
...
“We cannot under any circumstances allow America’s support for Ukraine to be interrupted. I fully expect the speaker to keep his commitment to secure the passage and support needed to help Ukraine as they defend themselves against aggression and brutality,” he told reporters at the White House." (Reuters :1 October 2023) (my emphasis) 

Fred Pleitgen : CNN report : 2 October 2023

Putin's gleeful euphoria over the election of Slovakia’s Robert Fico, and the US delay in aid for Ukraine, thanks to the Republican Party in Congress, will be rather short-lived.

As reported by Aurora Bosotti (left),

"Russia's gas production has suffered yet another collapse this year, reaching numbers not seen since before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Gazprom announced.
...
The drop comes as European nations continue on their path to find alternatives to Russian supplies following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and amid a swathe of sanctions seeking to cripple Moscow's finances.
...
Russian-language news outlet Agentstvo said the state energy company "has never had such a low production rate in its entire history", noting that "the last time there was a similar figure was in the Soviet Union in 1978." "(Express : 30 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Amplifying the panic at Gazprom, Aurora Bosotti further reports that

"Concerns about gas appear to be at the forefront of the Kremlin's mind, as a key ally of Putin earlier in the week appeared to suggest Moscow is prepared to target refineries in The Netherlands to cut off European supplies.

Appearing on state TV, Russian Parliament member Andrey Gurulyov said he was "surprised" to learn that "almost 50 percent of oil refining is in the Netherlands," and that the distribution of the refineries is "very dense and very close to each other. Very dense."

His assessment prompted propagandist Vladimir Solovyov to point out that the Netherlands would be "a perfect target for a cluster munition." (ibid Aurora Bosotti)

Like Putin's glove puppet Dmitry Medvedev, Andrey Gurulyov and Vladimir Solovyov are also reduced to threatening 'armageddon' against the UK, NATO, the EU, and the US. 

However, soon to be headed for Ukraine, as reported by Norman Hermant (right),

"A replica cannon mounted on the back of a pick-up truck tracks its target, part of a weapons system that launches "hard kill" strikes to blow drones out of the sky.

It is called Slinger and it is designed to counter drones at a cost that countries like Ukraine can afford." (ABC News Australia : 2 October 2023) (my emphasis)

ABC News Australia : 2 October 2023

 And as CNN's Radina Gigova (left) reports,

"Ukraine is ready to offer special conditions to companies that are willing to develop weapons production jointly with Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday.

He made the comments as he met with representatives from defense companies from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Turkey, Sweden and the Czech Republic." (CNN : 2 October 2023) (my emphasis)

Like a drowning man clutching at straws, Putin declaration that his occupation of parts of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions signifies a "Day of Reunification" is a rather hollow celebration.

Notwithstanding that he now has Robert Fico of Slovakia to add to Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán as his stalwart supporters in the EU, the fact remains that the inexorable march of Zelensky's army towards to Sea of Azov continues apace.

Putin's "Day of Reunification", it seems, is doomed to be short-lived.

 

 

 

(to be continued)

Putin's political survival now hangs in the balance

There is an urgency for Ukraine to achieve its most important counter-offensive military aims as autumn inexorably marches towards winter.

As reported by Vasco Cotovio, Frederik Pleitgen, Daniel Hodge and Kostyantyn Gak,

"Two Ukrainian soldiers huddle around a drone controller in darkness, their faces illuminated only by its screen.

“Oh, something is burning,” one says. They’ve just dropped a bomb on a Russian target.
...
As the drone attack picks up pace, other units join the battlefield: powerful artillery makes itself heard, showering the moonlit Russian positions with US-donated cluster munitions at a fast pace.
...
It’s a comprehensive assault and, at their headquarters, Code 9.2 commander call sign ‘Flint’ says this operation has been weeks in the making." (CNN : 27 September 2023) (my emphasis)  

CNN : 27 September 2023

As also reported by Max Channon (left),

"Ukraine is said to be unleashing "hell" on Russia's defences as its counteroffensive continues to make territorial gains. It comes as Vladimir Putin's elite fighting forces and military top brass continue to suffer "extreme attrition", according to the UK's Ministry olf Defence (MoD).

In the east of Ukraine, the battle for Bakhmut - which was captured by Russia in May - continues to rage on, with fierce fighting continuing after Kyiv's troops liberated a key village. And Ukrainian armed forces say the heavy artillery, supplied by the United States and its NATO allies, are a making a big difference in the war." (Express : 23 September 2023) (my emphasis) 

Further supporting Ukraine's counter-offensive military aims, Aurora Bosotti (right) reports that,

"Russia could be set for a new series of setbacks from next week as Ukraine is now expected to receive new "game-changing" munitions from Washington, a former US Army officer forecast.
...
[Dan] Rice (a former US Army officer) suggested Washington could green-light the delivery of longer-range cluster munition rockets to Ukraine as early as "next week" – putting a considerable obstacle on Vladimir Putin's path to victory." (Express : 25 September 2023) (my emphasis) 

 Compounding the growing panic of Putin and his forces, Matthew Dooley also reports that,

"Russian leadership in Crimea is panicking following Ukraine’s precision strike on Moscow’s Black Sea headquarters, a former Ukrainian parliamentary advisor told Daily Express US.

Mykola Volkivskyi claimed that the strike - which Ukraine says killed 34 Russian officers - had sent shockwaves through Russia-backed leadership in Crimea" (Express : 26 September 2023) (my emphasis)

It is therefore no wonder that, as reported by Tuqa Khalid (left),

"Russia is trying to create new assault units to build up its armed forces in the face of Ukraine’s counter-offensive; however, “endemic mobilization issues” persist, Russian media and the Washington-based think tank Institute of Study of War (ISW) reported.

Russian outlet Izvestia, citing sources in the Russian military, reported that “a decision has been made to create separate reconnaissance and assault brigades. The recruitment of new units has already begun. The new formations will be part of the combined arms armies, as well as newly formed army corps.” (Alarabiya News : 27 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Nor is it any wonder that, yet again, Putin's 'glove-puppet' Dmitry Medvedev is once again shaking his puny 'nuclear' fists against the West.

As reported by Matthew Dooley,

"Vladimir Putin’s right-hand man has issued a chilling threat to NATO as the alliance continues to support Ukraine.

Dmitri Medvedev (right) - Russia’s former president and Putin’s staunch ally - took to Telegram to threaten NATO following the delivery of US Abrams tanks to Ukraine

He said: “It seems that Russia is being left with less and less choice other than a direct conflict with NATO on the ground.” (Express : 26 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Could this 'empty' threat of Medvedev have anything to do with the fact that,

"A new poll that is being conducted in Russia hints that the public is preparing for life after Vladimir Putin, according to a former speechwriter for the Russian president.

Abbas Gallyamov, who held that role from 2008 to 2010, said on Monday that the oldest polling institution in post-Soviet Russia is asking the public what life would look like after Putin is no longer Russian president, and who could replace him as leader." (Isabel van Brugen : Newsweek : 26 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Newsweek : 26 September 2023

And against the backdrop of Ukraine's ongoing and successful counter-offensive against Putin's forces, Edith M. Lederer reports that,

"The foreign minister of Belarus, which has a strategic partnership with Russia, says he cannot envision a situation where his country would enter the war in Ukraine alongside Russian forces.

Sergei Aleinik (right) said in an interview with The Associated Press that he also can’t imagine a situation where Russia would order his country to use the tactical nuclear weapons it recently deployed in Belarus.

“I don’t see such an option because it is an instrument of defense primarily,” he said of the missiles." (AP News : 26 September 2023) (my emphasis) 

It would seem, however, that Putin's 'glove puppet', Dmitry Medvedev, has other ideas about the use of Putin's A-bombs in Belarus, notwithstanding the 'political imagination' of Sergei Aleinik.

Underscoring Putin's fear of his political downfall, Charles R. Davis reports that,

"The Kremlin-backed head of a separatist region in eastern Ukraine is imposing a regime of military censorship — and a ban on going outside during the night — as fierce fighting continues in the self-proclaimed "republic" of Donetsk.

In a decree published Sunday, Denis Pushilin (right), head of the Donetsk People's Republic, "imposed military censorship on mail, Internet communications and phone conversations," Russian state media reported.

The decree also prohibits public gatherings that have not received prior approval from military authorities, according to Reuters. Civilians are likewise banned from going outside on weekdays between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.; workers are also barred from going on strike, per Ukrainska Pravda." (Yahoo News (Business Insider article) ; 24 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Putin is now critically aware that his political survival now hangs in the balance.

 

 

 

(to be continued)

The looming danger of Putin lashing out

In an impassioned speech at the 2023 meeting of the UN General Assembly, US President Biden stated that,

"Certain principles of our international system are sancrosanct. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights. These are the core tenets of the UN Charter, the pillars of peaceful relations amongst nations.
...
For the second year in a row this gathering, dedicated to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, is darkened by the shadow of war. An illegal war of conquest, brough about
by Russia against its neighbour, Ukraine. Like every nation in the world the United States wants this war to end. .... Russia alone bears responsibility for this war.... No nation wants this war to end more than Ukraine.
 ...
If we allow Ukraine to be carved up is the independence of any nation secure? I respectfully suggest the answer is, "No!". We have to stand up to this naked aggression today and deter other would be agressors tomorrow." (CBS News : 20 September 2023) (my emphasis)

CBS News : 20 September 2023 : YouTube

And in France, as reported by the Mirror,

"King Charles was given a standing ovation yesterday (20 Sept 2023) when he addressed the French parliament.
...
In his speech, Charles deplored Russia’s “horrifying” invasion of Ukraine and urged the world to stay steadfast in its support for Kyiv. His message could not have been more timely. There are fears that if Donald Trump wins the presidential election next year he will pull the plug on US military support." (Mirror : 21 September 2023) (my emphasis)

The Mirror goes on to report that,

"Cracks are also beginning to appear in Europe’s united front, with Poland announcing it was halting arms shipments to Ukraine. Kyiv’s forces have regained yet more territory from the Russian occupiers during their summer offensive. There can be no let-up in our resolve if we want Ukraine to triumph." (ibid the Mirror) (my emphasis)

 These cracks all stem from Putin's refusal to extend a United Nations-brokered deal to safely ship Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea.

As reported by Aljazeera,

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his stance on reinstating a United Nations-brokered deal to safely ship Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea only after the West meets Moscow’s demands on its agricultural exports.

The Russian president’s remarks on Monday came after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Black Sea city of Sochi in the hope of reviving the agreement seen as vital for global food supplies, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
...
The United States and the European Union have dismissed Moscow’s complaints as without merit, saying their sanctions do not target Russian grain and fertilisers." (Aljazeera : 4 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Aljazeera : 4 September 2023)

Let us recall, as reported by Nigel Hunt (left),

"The European Commission has announced restrictions on the imports of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria until June 5.

The move led to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria lifting unilateral import bans they had imposed citing the need to protect their farmers. Romania had not banned imports."
...
Farmers in eastern Europe initially benefitted financially from the Ukraine conflict as prices for their crops rose sharply in line with global grain markets.

They have, however, faced increased competition in local markets from Ukrainian grain and oilseeds. The farmers have also found it more difficult and more expensive to transport their crops as many of the trucks and railwagons they would typically use are carrying large volumes of supplies from Ukraine instead." (Reuters : 9 May 2023) (my emphasis)

Recently, however, as reported by Jorge Liboreiro (right),

"The European Commission has lifted the temporary bans on Ukrainian grain after Kyiv agreed to tighten control over its agricultural exports.

But the measure failed to satisfy Poland and Hungary, which swiftly announced they would impose their own nationwide prohibitions on a unilateral basis, the very chaotic scenario that Brussels wanted to avoid at all costs." (EuroNews : 15 September 2023) (my emphasis)  (cf also: Andy Bounds et al: Financial Times :15 September 2023)

This standoff between Poland and the EU over the lifting of a ban against Ukrainian grain has now led to, as reported by Alexander Butler (left),

"Poland has said it will stop exporting weapons to Ukraine as a week of escalating tensions between the two countries reached boiling point over a ban on grain imports.

Microsoft Start (Independent article) : 22 Septrember 2023

 ...
The row between the neighbouring countries began last week when Poland imposed an import ban on Ukrainian grain, including wheat and maize, after an EU-brokered deal expired. " (Microsoft Start (Independent article) : 22 Septrember 2023) (my emphasis)

Putin's euphoria at this current spat between Poland and Ukraine has, however been rather short lived.

As reported by The Guardian (Associated Press),

"Zelenskiy secures $325m in new US aid even as Republican support wanes.
...
The administration did announce another $325m Thursday in what’s known as presidential drawdown assistance for Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the package would include additional air defense, artillery ammunition, cluster munitions and other arms."  (The Guardian (Associated Press) : 22 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Furthermore, as reported by Matthew Dooley (left),

"Ukrainian armoured vehicles have smashed through a gap in Russian defences on the Zaporizhzhia front, it has been reported.

Eight-wheeled Stryker and tracked Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles were seen behind Russian tank traps and dragon’s teeth near Verbove - suggesting a potential Ukrainian tactical breakthrough in the area.

Russia analyst for The Institute for the Study of War, George Barros, said the news could mean Kyiv was preparing for another big push." (Express : 21 September 2023) (my emphasis) 

As also reported by Nicholas Cecil (right),

"Ukrainian armoured vehicles are operating beyond the final ‘formidable” line of the Russian three-layered defences in the south of the country, military experts said on Friday.
...
In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said: “Over the last four days, both Russia and Ukraine have experienced unusually intense attacks deep behind their lines. There have been reports of explosions at Russian logistics sites, air bases and command posts in Crimea, the Krasnodar region, and near Moscow." (Evening Standard : 22 September 2023) (my emphasis) 

Having been :-

• excoriated at the recent UN General Assembly meeting,
  
• and with Ukraine's forces successfully moving towards the Sea of Azov,
  
• together with Ukraine securing $325m in new US aid,

Putin is now drinking in the "last chance saloon".

And this is the looming danger of him lashing out. 

UPDATE 1: 22 September 2023 : 14.07

BBC News has just reported that,

"A missile has hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea navy in Crimea, Russia says.
...
Videos on social media show smoke billowing from the building - we are working to verify images as they emerge
...
One serviceman is missing, Russia's defence ministry says, updating an earlier report that said he had been killed
...
The Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol has warned residents to stay away from the city centre. (BBC News : 22 September 2023) (my emphasis)

BBC News : 22 September 2023

CNN : Fri, September 22, 2023 at 2:01 PM GMT+1 

 

UPDATE 2 : 23 September 2023: 04.16 BST :

 

Jaroslav Lukiv has just reported that,

"US President Joe Biden plans to give Ukraine advanced long-range missiles to help Kyiv with its ongoing counter-offensive, US media report.

They quote US officials familiar with the issue as saying Ukraine will get some ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 190 miles (300km).

This would enable Kyiv to hit Russian targets deep behind the front line.

At least one Ukrainian missile hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet in annexed Crimea on Friday.

A Ukrainian military source told the BBC the attack in the port of Sevastopol was carried out using Storm Shadow missiles, which are supplied by Britain and France, highlighting the importance of Western weaponry to Kyiv.

Such missiles have a range of just over 150 miles." (BBC News : 23 September 2023) (my emphasis)

 

 

BBC News : 23 September 2023 

 

In 2014, Putin's "little green men" invaded and illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimea. This was the fuse that Putin lit in 2014 that has led to his current war with Ukraine.

 

The people of Russia rejoiced at this landgrab of Putin, and held him aloft as a near 'messianic' figure that was raising them from the rubble of the fall of the old USSR.

 

Now Putin and the people of Russia are reaping the Ukrainian whirlwind of that ill-fated land grab of Putin in 2014. 

 

 

 

(to be continued)

Putin's paranoid desperation.

As Putin continues to flail in his attempts to gain international support for his invasion of Ukraine by embracing North Korea's Kim Jon Un, the Ukrainian counter-offensive gathers momentum.

Aljazeera has just reported that,

"Ukraine said its forces attacked two Russian patrol ships operating in the Black Sea and destroyed a sophisticated “Triumf” surface-to-air missile defence system in Russian-occupied Crimea, with military analysts describing the loss of such equipment as “tactical failures” by Russia.

The attacks reported on Thursday followed a day after Kyiv said it had carried out a missile strike that badly damaged a Russian submarine and a naval landing ship that were undergoing repairs in a shipyard in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet." (Aljazeera : 15 September 2023) (my emphasis) 

As also reported by Tom Balmforth (left) and Yuliia Dysa (right),

"Ukraine said on Thursday it attacked two Russian patrol ships and destroyed a sophisticated air defence system in the west of occupied Crimea, ramping up its strikes to challenge Moscow's dominance in the Black Sea region.

The attacks come a day after Kyiv said it seriously damaged a Russian submarine and landing ship undergoing repairs in a missile strike on a shipyard in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

The Ukrainian military, in a post on Telegram messenger, said it hit two Russian patrol boats in the southwest of the Black Sea, causing "certain damage" in a morning attack." (Microsoft Start (Reuters article) : 15 September 2023) (my emphasis) (cf also: Tom Watling, Maia Snow, and Alessandra Scotto di Santolo : Express: 14 September2023)

Euro News Video : Microsoft Start (Reuters article) : 15 September 2023 

Compounding Putin's current woes, Alessandra Scotto di Santolo (left) reports that,

"In a recent conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin made desperate attempts to reassure his country during the sharp decline of the national currency - the ruble.

But his reassurances seemed to lack any substantial backing from German Gref, the head of Russia's largest lender, Sberbank.

While Putin expressed support for the central bank's actions in response to the currency's plunge, his statements appeared more like a scramble to maintain a sense of control rather than a well-founded strategy.
...
In contrast to Putin's attempts to downplay the severity of the ruble's decline, Gref openly criticised the authorities for their inadequate efforts to stabilise the currency. (Express : 13 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Express : 13 September 2023

Added to which, as reported by YeniSafak,

"The US State and Treasury departments announced further sanctions Thursday on more than 150 individuals and entities in connection with Russia’s war in Ukraine.​​​​​​​

"As part of today’s action, the U.S. government is targeting individuals and entities engaged in sanctions evasion and circumvention, those complicit in furthering Russia’s ability to wage its war against Ukraine, and those responsible for bolstering Russia’s future energy production," Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right) said in a statement." (YeniSafak : 15 September 2023) (my emphasis)

As the Ruble continues its precipitous fall in value, and the noose begins to tighten around the necks of those trying to evade and circumvent international economic sanctions against Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Stephen Groves, Lisa Mascaro and Matthew Lee report that,

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected at the White House and on Capitol Hill next week as he visits the U.S. during the United Nations General Assembly.

Zelenskyy’s trip comes as Congress is debating President Joe Biden’s request to provide as much as $24 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion.

An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive visit, said Zelenskyy will meet with Biden at the White House next Thursday. The trip to the Capitol was confirmed by two congressional aides granted anonymity to discuss the plans." (Associated Press : 15 September 2023) (my emphasis)

 

WGN-TV Chicago Video : Microsoft Start (AP article) :15 September 2023

Significantly,  as reported by CBS News,

"The Biden administration has tapped former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to lead an effort to rebuild Ukraine's economy.

President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the appointment on Thursday, just moments after the Treasury imposed a raft of new sanctions on Russia and Russian operatives for their role in the war on Ukraine.

Pritzker, a Chicago native, will be tasked with coordinating public and private investments in Ukraine, and working to open markets and businesses shut down by the Russian invasion." (CBS News : 14 September 2023) (my emphasis)

CBS Chicago : 14 September 2023 : YouTube

The Korea Bizwire also reports that,

"South Korea has clinched an agreement with Ukraine to offer low-interest loans to the war-torn nation to help its reconstruction projects, the finance ministry said Friday.

Kim Hyung-tae, South Korea’s ambassador to Ukraine, and Ukrainian First Vice Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko signed the agreement in Kyiv earlier this week to provide loans via the Economic Development Co-operation Fund (EDCF), according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance." (Korea Bizwire : 15 September 2023) (my emphasis)

All of which is adding to Putin's paranoia.

As reported by Dagens Nyheter, a Swedish daily newspaper,

"Conversations with Russian soldiers about what it's like to work for Vladimir Putin have often been seen, read, or heard.

Now, Vitaliy Bryzhatiy, a former employee of the Federal Protective Service, who guarded Putin's dacha in annexed Crimea, has spoken out.

In an interview with independent television channel Dozhd, he revealed that the Kremlin leader trusts no one, not even his bodyguards. Bryzhatiy fled the country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine." (Dagens : 11 September 2023) (my emphasis)

And let us recall that, "Russian President Vladimir Putin has (recently) hailed tech billionaire Elon Musk as an “outstanding person” and businessman whose SpaceX company has become a key player in the space transportation industry." (Aljazeera : 13 September 2023)

It now transpires that,

"U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall does not shy away from commenting on controversy — even as it relates to the world's richest person and a key Department of Defense contractor.

Kendall weighed in Tuesday after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk acknowledged withholding Starlink satellite service to Ukraine as it planned a surprise attack on Russian forces last year. The disclosure sparked criticism of Musk, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., called for a probe into SpaceX.
...
The public frenzy, triggered by a revelation in Walter Isaacson's new "Elon Musk" biography, added fuel to an already simmering debate about whether the U.S. government and allies are too reliant on SpaceX —and particularly its founder and chief executive — for national security matters." (Morgan Brennan : Microsoft Start (CNBC article) : 14 September 2023) (my emphasis)

 Sky News : 14 September 2023 : YouTube

 Jill Lepore (left) recently wrote a penetrating article about Musk that mentions the Fascist "apartheid" background of Musk's upbringing, and that Musk's biographer, Walter Isaacson,

"...in his account of Elon Musk’s childhood, barely mentions apartheid himself." (The New Yorker : 11 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Lepore also enlightens us with the fact that his grandfather, " ... wrote a tract entitled, “The International Conspiracy to Establish a World Dictatorship & the Menace to South Africa,” that blamed the two World Wars on the machinations of Jewish financiers." (ibid Lepore)

She also informs us that Musk's father,

" ..... Recently, he warned Elon, in an e-mail, that “with no Whites here [in South Africa], the Blacks will go back to the trees.” (ibid Lepore)

In Greek mythology, the myth of Icarus has become synonymous with excessive pride and foolhardiness. (History Cooperative)

And like Icarus, the "boy who flew too high", Musk is now having his 'wings' singed by his excessive pride and foolhardiness as regards Putin's war with Ukraine.

Like Putin's embrace of North Korea's Kim Jon Un, his effusive embrace of "PARSA" Musk, who prevented the armed forces of Ukraine from attacking Putin's invading army in Crimea, is yet another signal of Putin's paranoid desperation.

UPDATE 1 : 18 September 2023

James Gordon (right) (03.32 am 18 Sept 2023) has reported that,

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he believes World War Three could become a reality if the U.S. does not continue to support Ukraine having already contributed roughly $70 billion towards the effort.

Speaking on 60 Minutes Sunday night, Zelensky compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.

'The whole world [has to] decide whether we want to stop Putin, or whether we want to start the beginning of a world war. We can't change Putin. Russian society has [lost] the respect of the world,' Zelensky said.

'They elected him and re-elected him and raised a second Hitler. They did this. We cannot go back in time. But we can stop it here.'" (Mail Online : 18 September 2023) (my emphasis)

And as Zelensky sounds alarm bells about Putin's paranoid behaviours, Mike Corder (right) reports that,

"Ukraine's legal battle against Russia over allegations of genocide used by Moscow to justify its 2022 invasion resumes Monday at the United Nations' highest court, as Russia seeks to have the case tossed out.

Hearings at the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, will see Ukraine supported by a record 32 other nations in a major show of support." (Yahoo News (AP Article) : 07.02 BST 18 September 2023) (my emphasis)

As I stated in my previous blog post (13 September 2023), "Is Putin preparing to step into the abyss?".

 

 

 

(to be continued)

Is Putin preparing to step into the abyss?

The meeting between Putin and North Korea's Kim Jon Un in Vladivostock underscores Putin's desperation in obtaining ammunition to feed his soldiers in Ukraine.

As reported by  Nicolle Wallace (left),

"These two leaders are expected to met for discussions where, reportedly, an arms deal .... North Korea will receive food aid and military support from Russia, while Russia would get ammunition and artillery in its brutal war against Ukraine" (MSNBC : 12 September 2023) (my emphasis)

MSNBC : 12 September 2023

 Fox News : 13 September 2023 : YouTube

As CBS News also reports,

"North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that his country offers its "full and unconditional support" for Russia's "sacred fight" to defend its security interests, in an apparent reference to the war in Ukraine. Kim said North Korea would always stand with Russia on the "anti-imperialist" front.
...
Kim called North Korea's relations with Russia his nation's "first priority."
...
Asked whether Russia would help North Korea build and launch satellites, Putin was quoted by Russian state media as saying "that's why we have come here." (CBS News : 13 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Just prior to Putin's and Kim Jon Un's meeting, Tom Watling reports that,

"Vladimir Putin has issued a chilling warning to the UK over claims British special forces are disrupting Russian nuclear power plants.

The Russian president said the UK could face "serious consequences" over claims they are teaching Ukrainian troops how to disrupt the power lines.

He provided no evidence for his comments, made during a morning session at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, far eastern Russia."  (Express : 12 September 2023) (my emphasis)

As also reported by Jessica Baker, Will Stewart, and Ellie Doughty,

"[Putin] accused the UK's elite forces of training Ukrainian troops to damage atomic power lines on his territory and warned there would be "serious consequences".
[...]

He further alleged the group had been trained under the supervision of British instructors, asking: "Do [the British] understand what they are playing with, or not?

“Are they provoking our response at Ukrainian nuclear sites, nuclear stations, or what?

“Does the British leadership, or the Prime Minister [of the United Kingdom] know what their special services are engaged with in Ukraine?

“Or do they have no clue at all? I assume this is possible, too." (The Sun : 12 September 2023) (my emphasis) 

This threat from Putin against the UK, that served as the backdrop to his meeting with Kim Jon Un, follows on from a report of Ben Ashton that,

"Ukraine staged a devastating attack on a key Russian naval base just hours before Vladimir Putin shook hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

At least 24 people have been injured and two warships were reportedly damaged as a barrage of missiles rained down on Sevastopol port on Wednesday morning.

Blistering strikes sparked as many as seven massive explosions and a shipyard went up in flames after the port in annexed Crimea was bombarded.

Terrifying footage filmed from residents nearby showed multiple blasts and huge flashes of light over the city, which is the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

The Russian defence ministry said ten cruise missiles hit the port – also known by the name Ordzhonikidze – and claimed that seven had been shot down. (Microsoft Start (Metro Article) : 13 September 2023) (my emphasis)

It is this type of attack on Putin's forces in occupied Ukraine's Crimea that Putin now praises 'PARSA' Musk for preventing a surprise attack on Russian forces in Crimea last September.

As reported by Aljazeera,

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed tech billionaire Elon Musk as an “outstanding person” and businessman whose SpaceX company has become a key player in the space transportation industry.

Putin’s public praise of Musk on Tuesday comes days after the South African-born and United States-based entrepreneur said he refused a Ukrainian request last year to activate his Starlink satellite communication network in the Russian-annexed Crimean port city of Sevastopol to aid an attack on Russia’s Black Sea fleet, saying he feared complicity in a “major” act of war. (Aljazeera : 13 September 2023) (my emphasis)

As Rachel Maddow (left) quotes from Ronan Farrow's recent article in The New Yorker, "Elon Musk's Shadow Rule",

"Mr Musk has had direct conversations with Russian officials ..."

She goes on to explain that,

"We have seen Mr. Musk post very obviously pro-Russian propaganda after these conversations ... You [Ronan Farrow] connect that communication ...[ .... ] in time to Mr. Musk's decision to cut off this crucial communications asset for the Ukrainian military ..." (MSNBC : 12 September 2023) (my emphasis)

MSNBC : 12 September 2023

It is therefore no coincidence given that :-

• Asked whether Russia would help North Korea build and launch satellites, Putin was quoted by Russian state media as saying "that's why we have come here." (ibid CBS News : 13 September 2023)
•  Ukraine staged a devastating attack on a key Russian naval base just hours before Vladimir Putin shook hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (ibid Ben Ashton)
•  Vladimir Putin has issued a chilling warning to the UK over claims British special forces are disrupting Russian nuclear power plants. (ibid Tom Watling)
•  Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed tech billionaire Elon Musk as an “outstanding person" (ibid Aljazeera),

as reported by Alessandra Scotto di Santolo (left),

"Officials in Ukraine fear desperate Putin is plotting a barrage of missile strikes in the bitter war within weeks.

Nataliya Humeniuk, the head of the Joint Coordination Press Centre of the Defence Forces of Southern Ukraine issued the stark warning as she warned of threats from Russia.
...
The potential for missile strikes is concerning during the bitterly cold autumn and winter months.

Recent military activity in the Black Sea from Russian troops has fuelled the speculation and fears within Ukraine. " (Express : 12 September 2023) (my emphasis)

Is Putin preparing to step into the abyss?

 

 

 

(to be continued)