TheOldGuy @TheOldGuy@qoto.org

TOP NEWS TODAY 🔝

⚡️ Aleksey Navalny died/killed in a Russian prison.

🇩🇪 Germany and Ukraine signed an agreement on security cooperation.

❗3rd OShBr: Avdiivka - the real number of losses is estimated at 4,200 dead and wounded of the enemy.

🇵🇱 Poland and Ukraine are holding final negotiations on the export of agricultural products from Ukraine, - Wprost

🇩🇪 Germany is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine worth €1.1 billion, — Scholz.

🇺🇦 Rebuilding Ukraine will cost almost €453 billion, - European Commission

💔 The situation in the Avdiivka area is critical. The ratio of forces is one to seven, - Borodin

🚫 France, Greece and Cyprus blocked the decision to purchase ammunition for Ukraine outside the EU, — Politico

🤬 The Kremlin is going to mobilize 400,000 people in 2024, — FT

🇺🇸 For more than ten years, the Russian government, Putin, persecuted, poisoned and imprisoned Alexei Navalny, — Blinken

🤡 Head of Russian State Duma, Volodin, blames NATO, USA, Scholz, Sunak and Zelensky for Navalny's death.

🥴 Simonian threatens NATO with "new space weapons"

Their snitch turned out to be a lying snitch. He was just making things up to keep it interesting.

https://www.palmerreport.com/analysis/the-hunter-biden-probe-has-officially-blown-up-in-republicans-faces/54554/

👀 Watch Live - US President Biden makes a statement on the death of Navalny

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvqMXRooFCo

Biden blames Putin for the death of Navalny and states:

"History is watching the House of Representatives. A failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten. It will go down in the pages of history. The clock is ticking. This has to happen. We have to help now. We have to realise who we are dealing with in Putin".

On ammunition for Ukraine, the President was asked if there was anything that he could do now to provide ammunition to Ukraine without a decision by congress.

Biden replied "No. But it is about time that they stepped up instead of going on a two week vacation. Two weeks! Walking away. Two weeks! What are they thinking? This is bizarre."

Russia has already used at least 24 ballistic missiles produced by North Korea, possibly "KN-23/24", during missile attacks on the territory of Ukraine, — the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

He stated that this is the data for the period from December 30, 2023, to February 7, 2024. The missiles attacked Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Kharkiv, cities and villages in Kirovohrad, Poltava, Donetsk, and Dnipro regions. In total, they killed 14 civilians and injured more than 70 others.

According to preliminary data, the strikes were carried out from the territory of the Voronezh region of Russia, Andriy Kostin added.

"The analysis showed that they have high explosive warheads with a capacity of 50-1,000 kg. The maximum range of the missiles is up to 650 km. Their accuracy is
questionable. Out of 24 missiles launched, we know of two relatively accurate hits: Kremenchuk Oil Refinery and the technical territory of the Kanatove airfield. The rest of the missiles hit at a considerable distance from each other — up to several kilometers or more — either exploded in the air or hit residential areas in Kharkiv," said the Prosecutor General.

📸:KCNA

I. Scope

1. This Agreement is intended to further the Joint Declaration launched by Germany and other members of the G7 in Vilnius on 12 July 2023 and subsequently joined to date by a further 25 states.

2. With this Agreement Germany and Ukraine have decided to affirm, deepen and expand their cooperation and partnership, which are based on their common interests in the defence of international law and order, peace, and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

3. Germany intends to provide unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes in order to help Ukraine defend itself, restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, secure its free and democratic future, enable Ukraine to continue providing services to its people and to uphold a functioning Ukrainian economy, and deter future Russian aggression.

4. Germany recalls that national budgetary provisions apply and require explicit authorisation from the German Bundestag.

https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/ugoda-pro-spivrobitnictvo-u-sferi-bezpeki-ta-dovgostrokovu-p-88985

Agreement on security cooperation and long-term support between the Federal Republic of Germany and Ukraine
16 February 2024 - 14:16

The Federal Republic of Germany (“Germany”) and Ukraine, hereinafter “the Participants”, condemn in the strongest possible terms the unjustified, unprovoked, illegal and brutal war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, by which Russia seriously violates international law, including the UN Charter.

Germany is unwavering in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within borders, which have been internationally recognised since 1991, including the territorial sea and free economic (maritime) zone.

The Participants acknowledge the sustainable, decisive support provided by Germany as well as European, G7 and international partners to strengthen, equip and train Ukraine’s security and defence forces as well as the comprehensive non-military assistance provided to the people of Ukraine to mitigate the humanitarian, social, economic and fiscal consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Together they will continue to strive for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as well as for peace, security and stability on the European continent.

The Participants recall that Ukraine will continue to implement an ambitious reform programme and that Germany is dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s reform efforts. These are essential for its European and NATO aspirations.

The Participants underline their willingness to further strengthen their bilateral relations across all fields, including economic cooperation, strengthening resilience, supporting recovery, reconstruction and sustainable development as well as cultural exchange and cooperation, including fostering understanding and cooperation between the people of Ukraine and Germany.

They express grave concern in light of the mine contamination comprising up to 170.000 square kilometres of the territory of Ukraine.

Based on this, the Participants have jointly determined to strengthen their security cooperation through bilateral security arrangements and long-term support measures as set out in this Agreement:

‼️💥Breaking news, in Russia, a powerful explosion occurred at a defense plant

Residents of the Siberian city of Biysk reported on social networks about a loud explosion, a shock wave and a column of smoke over the city.

A powerful explosion occurred in the area where the "Altai" enterprise is located, which produces, in particular, explosive materials.

The mayor of the city announced that the works are being carried out "according to the technological process".

🇺🇦@ukraine_report🇺🇦🔱Liz

Russia began preparing military airfields for massive attacks by Ukraine and NATO.

The Russian Ministry of Defense tested military airfields for resistance to massive strikes. During the exercises, special forces of the Russian army practiced the restoration of runways and aircraft parking areas, sources in the department told Izvestia. According to them, the exercises took place in several regions at once, including in the western and southern strategic directions. They brought in engineering and sapper units, who sealed craters and rebuilt caponiers to protect aircraft from shrapnel.

The airfield service has units that must quickly restore the runway and, in the event
of a fire, remove aircraft, says military expert Alexey Leonkov. “Such exercises should be conducted on a regular basis.

According to him, after the start of the war against Ukraine, Kyiv regularly attacks Russian airfields with drones, and in the future Russia may collide with NATO.
Moscow Times.

🇺🇦@ukraine_report🇺🇦🔱Liz

🔱 Operational information as of 18.00 on 15.02.2024 regarding the Russian invasion

❗️ The main summary:

➡️ During the day, 51 combat clashes took place. In total, the enemy carried out 30 missile and 56 air strikes, carried out 70 attacks from rocket salvo systems on the positions of our troops and populated areas.

➡️ In the Kupyansk direction, our defenders repelled an attack in the area of Ivanivka, Kharkiv region.

➡️ In the Lyman direction, our soldiers repelled 5 attacks near Terni, Yampolivka, and Vesely, Donetsk region.

➡️ In the direction of Bakhmut, the Defense Forces repelled 9 attacks in the areas of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka settlements of the Donetsk region.

➡️ In the Avdiivka direction, our defenders repelled 14 attacks in the Avdiivka area and 1 more attack near Pervomaisky, Donetsk region.

➡️ In the Mariinsky direction, the Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy near Krasnohorivka, Georgiivka, Pobieda and Novomykhailivka, Donetsk region. Here, the invaders, with the support of aviation, tried 17 times to break through the defense of our troops.

➡️ In the Novopavlovsk direction, our defenders repelled 3 enemy attacks south of Prechistivka and near Staromayorsky, Donetsk region.

➡️ The enemy did not conduct offensive (assault) actions in the Zaporozhye direction.

➡️ In the area of responsibility of the "Odesa" anti-aircraft missile defense system in the Kherson direction, the enemy does not give up its intention to knock out our units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnieper. Yes, during the day, 1 attempt to storm the positions of our troops was made.

🔥 During the day, the aviation of the Defense Forces struck 12 areas where enemy personnel were concentrated.

🔥 Units of the missile forces struck 2 personnel concentration areas, 1 artillery piece, 1 ammunition depot, and 1 enemy radar station.

Support the Armed Forces! Let's win together!✊
Glory to Ukraine!🇺🇦
AFU

🇺🇦@ukraine_report🇺🇦🔱

🕯 Another loss in the sports family — Ukrainian judoka Stanislav Hulenkov was killed at the front

Defending our country from the russian invaders, 22-year-old master of sports of Ukraine in judo, winner of the European Junior Cup, multiple winner of national championships among cadets and youth, Stanislav Hulenkov from Lutsk, gave his life.

Stanislav Hulenkov was killed on 20 April 2023 while performing a combat mission to protect the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine near Novokalynove, Donetsk region.

The body of the soldier has been identified only now.

Our sincere condolences to Stanislav's family!

Eternal memory to the Hero...🇺🇦

The Youth and Sports Committee

Source: Judo Federation of Ukraine

French Aid to Ukraine

ℹ️ 15 French TRF1 howitzers were purchased by the French company S2M-Equipment. It was from them that Ukraine received 15 installations.

ℹ️ The main activity of S2M-Equipment is the restoration and modernization of equipment previously used by the French Armed Forces and its sale on the used arms market.

ℹ️ In December 2023, the French Ministry of Defense announced that it would continue to provide the necessary training for the use of transferred equipment such as the TRF1. In December, Macron announced negotiations to return equipment from the Persian Gulf countries, where 28 TRF1 howitzers are in operation.

ℹ️ Ukraine can receive military equipment from companies that buy, replace, modernize and resell it on the international market. However, in order to comply with the overall strategy of the French Ministry of Defense, the manufacturers who transfer the equipment must guarantee its quality.

ℹ️ Support in working condition is an important aspect that S2M-Equipment rightly counts on. As Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized at the hearing: "There is no interest in getting a carcass that will only work for a few days."

ℹ️ Ukraine is satisfied with the type and high quality of the provided French equipment and the sequence of its arrival. Maintenance and training, as well as convincing Ukrainians that this approach is better than the "use and throw away" practice.
@ukrainejournal

⚡️ 13 ROCKETS OF DIFFERENT TYPES WERE DESTROYED
----------------------------------------------------------
On the night to February 15, 2024, the Russian invaders attacked Ukraine with Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 air-based cruise missiles, Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles, Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles , guided by Kh-59 air missiles.

A total of 26 rocket launches of various types were recorded:
❗️ 12 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles from T-95ms strategic aircraft (Engels);
❗️ 6 "Iskander-M"/ KN-23 ballistic missiles (Voronezh);
❗️ 2 Kalibr cruise missiles (Novorossiysk - Russian Federation);
❗️ 4 Kh-59 guided air missiles (ToT Zaporizhzhya region, Kursk region - Russian Federation);
❗️ 2 S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles (Belgorod region - Russian Federation).

💥 The forces and means of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine destroyed 13 missiles of various types:

❗️ 8 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles;
❗️ 1 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile;
❗️ 2 Kalibr cruise missiles;
❗️ 2 Kh-59 guided air missiles.

✊ Let's keep the sky!
🇺🇦 Together we will win!
@ukrainejournal

From "The Analyst":

UPDATES 14-15 FEBRUARY

Obviously the sinking of the Ropucha-III Class Landing Ship Cesare Kunikov was big news. These ships - most of which were sailed from the Baltic to the Black Sea in late 2021 and January 2022, were originally intended as sort of the force that would land troops at Odesa. That never happened and they’ve mostly been used as ferries for men and material ever since.
The Ukrainian forces used five of their latest Magura naval drones.
The result was a a rapid explosion and the vessel sank south of Crimea.
Russian forces intercepted messages clearly had them saying all they could see was a ‘large patch of oil’.
Ukraine used its ‘Wolf Pack’ tactics, where one drone acts as a decoy and the others - in this case four of them
according to the released video, attacked the opposite side. It’s another erosion of Russian abilities to supply Crimea - but even more shocking to me is that they know these are targets and they seem to do little or nothing to protect or escort them.  They had plenty of warning the ship was a target - three waves of aerial drones crossed Crimea - so many in fact the Russian air force tried to intercept them with fighters to little success. The missile defences are so badly degraded from prior attacks on command sites and radars they’re next to useless.

AVDIVKA
Things are bad, it’s very very tense.
Russian forces pushed towards the road and came within meters of cutting it before being repulsed by the 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade, using Bradley’s. These regained some 150m of ground and added to Russian losses - so far averaging 645 men per day in Avdivka area alone.
In the south they continue to press the area of the Zenit defences.
The Ukrainians seem to be letting the Russians pour in every last bit of their manpower in the hope that sooner or later it runs out and then they’ll strike back harder.
Meanwhile Russian aviation lobbed 60 FAB bombs into the area - several of them clearly hitting their own forces - but they don’t seem to care about it and it doesn’t stop them.
Russia continues to press hard in the Kupiansk area too, along with two other areas on the eastern front. Holding back the Russian advance on Chasiv Yar has also becoming challenging.
The use of meat waves in the Kupiansk region continues to be the problem of the moment. Endless numbers of troops sent to their deaths for small gains in territory is a price Russian commanders are willing to pay. Their soviet era blocking troops force men forward and there is no way out. I wonder often how the Russian men and women back home would truly react if they knew how these  battles were being conducted. This isn’t a defence war, it’s a war of conquest and prideful violence.
Wherever we look things are tense. Politics in America cannot be divorced from what is happening on the frontlines. Donald Trump is sacrificing Ukraine for his own ends - he controls what the Republicans do. American aid is crucial and he is stopping it.
Yet there has been good news. Allied nations are doing their utmost to push ammunition supplies higher and ramp up production but building the facilities takes time and money. Germany is doing its best, Finland is building new factories to build shells for Ukraine.
But it’s America that has the extraordinary industrial and military reserves that make the difference. 41% of global defence spending is American. Without America the tide of this war cannot be fully turned. But it doesn’t mean Russia wins. Ukraine will grind them down and make them pay for every meter of territory they take.

Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦!
@ukrainejournal

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We will take America without firing a shot. We do not have to invade the US. We will destroy you from within.”

Nikita Kruschev, Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, 18 January 1956.
It is something the Russians always have believed. Eventually America will swallow itself from within. Donald Trump is the epitome of how it sees that happening even now.
The Analyst
@ukrainejournal

According to the DPA agency, Germany has informed NATO about its allocation of a record sum for defense.

For the first time in three decades, Germany has announced a planned defense budget equivalent to 2% of GDP. The government has disclosed a transfer of $73.4 billion to military needs, marking a record amount for Germany, the report notes.

Archived NATO documents reveal that Germany last allocated 2% of GDP to defense in 1992. During the Cold War, Germany's military spending quota exceeded 3% of GDP.

NATO defense ministers are expected to discuss the situation regarding military spending at a meeting in Brussels on February 15. It is anticipated that by 2024, approximately 20 out of the 31 NATO states will meet the norm of military spending at the level of 2% of GDP.

@ukrainejournal

AVDIVKA: CLOSE TO THE END?

The Zenit fortress has fallen, the Russians have broken through deeply from the north and the pocket is now within days, maybe even hours of closing. Ukraine is outnumbered 7:1 and despite that inflicting heavy losses on the Russians, not that they care.
There is little to say - which is why I have said so little. The air strikes have been devastating and played a critical part in breaking the defence of the city. The need for F-16’s and their long range anti-air missiles has never been greater. They cannot come soon enough.
Whatever plan Ukraine has for getting out of the city it must already be underway.
This is not a symbolic moment as much as a significant strategic gain for Russia. The loss of Avdivka will unquestionably make it incredibly hard to regain the occupied territories later. The future of the war in this area will be very different. I hope to god if he exists that the Ukrainians get out.  Live to fight another day.

The Analyst
@ukrainejournal

The US House of Representatives went on recess without voting for a bill to help Ukraine

House GOP leadership canceled votes for Friday, and the House will return to Washington on Feb. 28.

The White House on Thursday bashed Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for starting the House recess without bringing the Senate-passed Ukraine aid package to the floor for a vote.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates argued in a memo, first obtained by The Hill, that Johnson is cutting and running early to go on recess “instead of ending the harm he’s doing to our national security.” 

“Every day that Speaker Johnson causes our national security to deteriorate, America loses. And every day that he puts off a clean vote, congressional Republicans’ standing with the American people plunges,” Bates said.

"Running away for an early vacation only worsens both problems.”

“The American people are outraged at the damage Speaker Johnson is causing to America’s national security in the name of politics, as voters in New York proved Tuesday,” Bates said.  

“But instead of ending his politicization of the country’s safety, Speaker Johnson is cutting and running, sending the House on an early, undeserved vacation as he continues to strengthen Russia’s murderous war effort and the Iranian regime at the expense of American national security, U.S. manufacturing jobs, and our closest alliances,” he added.

Good morning Resisters.

People are thrown to the "basement" and beaten for speaking Ukrainian in the temporarily occupied territories.

Recently, a civilian couple managed to leave the temporarily occupied Kherson region. They spent almost two years in the occupied territory and suffered cruel treatment by the occupiers. The woman was twice taken to the "basement" and severely beaten because she spoke Ukrainian," informed Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.

The man and woman tried three times to get to the Ukrainian-controlled territory: the first time, an evacuation vehicle was shot at in front of them, and the second time, the Ukrainians were beaten. Only the third attempt was successful.

With the assistance of the Ombudsman's Office, an evacuation route was developed, and psychological support was provided to the couple. As a result, today Ukrainians are in relative safety. The woman says that when she found herself on the territory controlled by Ukraine, she knelt down and kissed the ground.