Russia invades Ukraine

[Annetts key]

Deep State has recently updated their map https://deepstatemap.live/en#9.5/49.6392/37.2878

 

[najaB]

Cracks are starting to show in Putin's ironclad hold over Russian politics:

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- Seven lawmakers in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, have been summoned by the police after they demanded parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, charge President Vladimir Putin with high treason over his decision to launch the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The seven lawmakers from St. Petersburg's Smolny municipal district received subpoenas via SMS late on September 8 ordering them to come to the police station the next day to fill out protocols on a charge of discrediting Russia's armed forces.

On September 7, the group sent an official letter to the State Duma demanding federal lawmakers initiate the ouster of Putin because, according to them, the ongoing war has damaged Russia's security.

Russian Lawmakers Who Demanded Putin Be Charged With Treason Summoned By Police

Seven lawmakers in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, have been summoned by the police after they demanded parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, charge President Vladimir Putin with high treason over his decision to launch the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

www.rferl.org

Admittedly, they're facing consequences for their actions, but I can't imagine that they would even have made the demand six months ago. They weren't the only ones making the demand, it was repeated by officials from Moscow as well.

 

[Annetts key]

Russian occupation administration evacuating from Vovchansk to Belgorod

From here
Which implies that the Russians think the Ukrainians are not very far away.

I’m amazed at how fast the Russian military has completely collapsed in this area.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Sep 2022 ==

Izyum and Lyman unofficially reported as liberated, Ukrainians also at or in outskirts of Lysychansk and maybe Severodonetsk. How far will the Russians retreat? And if they try to set up a line of defence, how far can the Ukrainian military push them. The speed of this is unbelievable.

 

[Cloud Strife]

It appears that Izyum is not liberated just yet, but that it's likely that a substantial Russian force is holed up inside. If they try and escape (or receive reinforcements), then they will be pounded on the way in/out as they're easily within reach of Ukrainian artillery. It's actually not a terrible situation for Ukraine, because it's likely that the Russian forces will be subject to serious levels of sabotage by people within Izyum.

 

[najaB]

I’m amazed at how fast the Russian military has completely collapsed in this area.

Izyum and Lysychansk liberated, Ukrainians also at or in outskirts of Severodonetsk. How far will the Russians retreat?

Was bound to happen:

 

[brad465]

This article is now the BBC's most read, which maybe the first time since the Queen's passing that something not-royal has become most read, and suggests news from Ukraine is now getting through to the UK population:

Ukraine counter-offensive: Russian forces retreat as Ukraine takes key towns

The Ukrainian advances - if held - would be the most significant since Russia withdrew from near Kyiv in April.

www.bbc.co.uk

Russian forces have withdrawn from key eastern towns, as a rapid Ukrainian counter-attack makes further gains.
Ukrainian officials said troops entered Kupiansk, a vital eastern supply hub for Russian forces, on Saturday.
Russia's defence ministry then said its troops have retreated from nearby Izyum to allow them "to regroup".
The ministry also confirmed the withdrawal of troops from a third key town, Balaklyia, in order to "bolster efforts" on the Donetsk front.
The Ukrainian advances - if held - would be the most significant since Russia withdrew from areas around Kyiv in April.
Izyum was a major military hub for the Russians, and was subject to intense fighting in the early stages of the invasion.
"A three-day operation was carried out on the drawdown and organised transfer of the Izyum-Balakliya group of troops to the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic," the Russian statement said.
"In order to prevent damage to the Russian troops, a powerful fire defeat was inflicted on the enemy."
Shortly afterwards, the chief administrator of Russian-controlled parts of the Kharkiv region recommended that its residents evacuate to Russia "to save lives", according to the Russian state-run TASS news agency.
And the governor of the neighbouring Belgorod region, in Russia, said mobile catering, heating, and medical assistance would be available to people queuing to cross the border.
The advances will be used as a sign that Ukraine's army can take back Russian-occupied territory, while the country continues to ask for military support from the West.
For Russia, the Ukrainian gains - if secured - would mark a humiliating setback, as its forces invaded captured the area in the first week of the war.

Earlier, UK defence officials said Ukraine had advanced 50km (31 miles) into previously Russian-held territory.
"Russian forces were likely taken by surprise," the UK Ministry of Defence said. "The sector was only lightly held and Ukrainian units have captured or surrounded several towns."
Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in the east earlier this week, while international attention was focused on an anticipated advance near the southern city of Kherson.
Analysts believe Russia redirected some of its most seasoned troops to defend the city.
But as well as gaining ground in the east, Ukraine is also making gains in the south, an official said.
Nataliya Gumenyuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian army's southern command, said they had advanced "between two and several dozens of kilometres" along that front.
But Russian forces fighting on the southern front are said to have dug into defensive positions, and Ukraine's troops have faced heavy resistance since the offensive began.
And in Kharkiv itself, one person was killed and several homes damaged on Saturday as Russian rocket fire hit the city, according to local officials.

 

[Pete_uk]

Such good news in these days of darkness!

 

[Cdd89]

Yes, incredibly good news. I will (somewhat sheepishly) confess that my support for continued conflict, as opposed to pushing for an unattractive peace settlement, is contingent on Ukraine making progress (otherwise what’s the endgame). Hard to argue with the last few days.

 

[Yew]

It appears that Izyum is not liberated just yet, but that it's likely that a substantial Russian force is holed up inside. If they try and escape (or receive reinforcements), then they will be pounded on the way in/out as they're easily within reach of Ukrainian artillery. It's actually not a terrible situation for Ukraine, because it's likely that the Russian forces will be subject to serious levels of sabotage by people within Izyum.

I wonder how many could be convinced to surrender, particularly if say a holiday resort on the coast near Odessa was converted to a POW camp.

 

[najaB]

I wonder how many could be convinced to surrender, particularly if say a holiday resort on the coast near Odessa was converted to a POW camp.

Oh, I'm pretty sure they aren't going to want to fight too hard if the reports that their generals abandoned them turn out to be true.

On the rumour font, Ukrainian forces are said to be securing Donetsk Airport.

 

[Cloud Strife]

According to one pro-Russian Telegram channel, Ukrainian forces crossed into Belgorod Oblast (Russia), stole equipment and then returned back to Ukraine! It's probably nonsense, but it shows just how worried Russia must be.

What does seem to be true is that there's panic within the occupied territories. A lot of gossip is flying around that Ukraine is planning an imminent attack on Donetsk, which means that the morale within the so-called "LDPR" must be rock bottom. There are also videos flying around showing lines of cars heading from occupied territories into the "LDPR"/into Russia, and even TASS is reporting that they've been told to flee.

edit: the claims online are that Denis Pushilin, leader of the "DPR" has fled from Donetsk City. Some Ukrainian journalists with good reputations are also strongly hinting that something big is about to happen, and even at least one MP in the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada is saying that they're moving in on Donetsk Airport.

If (and I don't believe anything about Donetsk right now) this is true, then my jaw will probably need to be surgically reattached after it hits the floor!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Sep 2022 ==

double edit: Denis Pushilin has run and officially resigned as the leader of the "DPR". What on earth is going on?

 

[najaB]

Denis Pushilin has run and officially resigned as the leader of the "DPR". What on earth is going on?

Apparently it's all part of the Russian's plan. This story is from the Daily Mail so no need to click through, the key portion is:

Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Saturday that troops would be regrouped from the Balakliya and Izyum areas to Ukraine's occupied Donetsk region.

Izyim was a major base for Russian forces in the Kharkiv region and earlier this week social media videos showed residents of Balakliya joyfully cheering as Ukrainian troops moved in.

Konashenkov said the Russian move is being made 'in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas,' one of the eastern Ukraine regions that Russia has declared sovereign.

Russia is RETREATING and Ukrainian offensive make stunning gains

The offensive south of Kharkiv took the thinl defended Russian lines by surprise, leading to reports of mass retreats that the Russian MoD has dressed up as a 're-grouping.'

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Trackman]

I can see Putin announcing soon 'The military operation in Ukraine was a complete success' and withdrawing troops.

Apparently it's all part of the Russian's plan. This story is from the Daily Mail so no need to click through, the key portion is:

The only thing I believe in the Daily Mail or any newspaper is the date on the front page.
I use reliable news channels, no pop at your post or yourself.

 

[najaB]

The only thing I believe in the Daily Mail or any newspaper is the date on the front page.
I use reliable news channels, no pop at your post or yourself.

Oh, for most things I agree, but they can be trusted to get a quote from a Russian general.

 

[yorksrob]

I hope they do re-group back to Russia.

Russian lads deserve more than to be expended on a pointless war of invasion.

Absolutely wonderful work by the Ukranian army. A nation that has proved itself fully deserving of Western support.

 

[Bluejays]

I'd hope and imagine that there is a blank cheque for weapons for Ukraine over the next month or 2. They seem to have the Russians on the run and have the chance to give them a kicking they won't recover from for a very long time.

I wonder if we might start seeing chunks of Russian border cities blown to pieces by their own weapons that were left behind. Ukrainian armed forces could deny any involvement and say it must have just been local farmers/civillians who found the abandoned kit and decided to pay the Russians back.

 

[najaB]

I'd hope and imagine that there is a blank cheque for weapons for Ukraine over the next month or 2. They seem to have the Russians on the run and have the chance to give them a kicking they won't recover from for a very long time.

There pretty much has been these last few days - Russia has donated untold millions of roubles worth of equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces.

 

[Cloud Strife]

I'd hope and imagine that there is a blank cheque for weapons for Ukraine over the next month or 2. They seem to have the Russians on the run and have the chance to give them a kicking they won't recover from for a very long time.

It will be very interesting over the next few days to see exactly what happened. The collapse of the Russian defences is truly extraordinary, and although the talk of Donetsk was likely just another psyop to terrorise the Russians, it's clear that the Russian morale must be at rock bottom. I absolutely agree that the Ukrainians have proven capable of using what they've been given, and they seem to have been very, very patient with their use of Western weaponry.

Apparently Russia is denying entry to Russia to citizens of the "LDPR", even if they're using a Russian passport. If this is true, then I can imagine that the panic is only going to get worse in those areas.

 

[Falcon1200]

Better embarrassed than dead.

Russian leaders historically have not been greatly concerned about the numbers of their dead (it wasn't them dying of course); Although that might be different now in the time of mass instant communication. But well done Ukraine, long may their success continue.

 

[Bluejays]

It will be very interesting over the next few days to see exactly what happened. The collapse of the Russian defences is truly extraordinary, and although the talk of Donetsk was likely just another psyop to terrorise the Russians, it's clear that the Russian morale must be at rock bottom. I absolutely agree that the Ukrainians have proven capable of using what they've been given, and they seem to have been very, very patient with their use of Western weaponry.

Apparently Russia is denying entry to Russia to citizens of the "LDPR", even if they're using a Russian passport. If this is true, then I can imagine that the panic is only going to get worse in those areas.

Very interesting, I think panic is the right word. I'd imagine there will be a lot within russia and it's territories who are dreading repercussions, both from within and from the Ukrainians.

Just need to get this gas price cap agreed by the Europeans soon and put the pressure on them from all angles.

 

[Cloud Strife]

Very interesting, I think panic is the right word. I'd imagine there will be a lot within russia and it's territories who are dreading repercussions, both from within and from the Ukrainians.

Just need to get this gas price cap agreed by the Europeans soon and put the pressure on them from all angles.

Yes, the Ukrainian intelligence operations are second to none, and it wouldn't surprise me if they already had lists of exactly who they're interested in.

 

[Bluejays]

Yes, the Ukrainian intelligence operations are second to none, and it wouldn't surprise me if they already had lists of exactly who they're interested in.

Reckon there might be a hell of a lot of infighting on the Russian side aswell, all the way to the top. Lots of jostling to be on the accusing side rather than the accused. Could be very bloody

 

[TheEdge]

February 2022 - Russia invades Ukraine, everyone expects Operation Desertski Stormski to be over in a few days

September 2022 - Russian grounds forces seemingly in full scale retreat if not a rout.

We live in a strange timeline...

 

[GS250]

February 2022 - Russia invades Ukraine, everyone expects Operation Desertski Stormski to be over in a few days

September 2022 - Russian grounds forces seemingly in full scale retreat if not a rout.

We live in a strange timeline...

I believe there was a lot of ignorance shown by many regarding the nature of an invasion. Especially when the only actual advantage Russia have is numbers.

To successfully succeed you need a lot more than numbers.

 

[Gloster]

The trouble seems to be now that everybody except Ukraine is saying that Putin is finished and are starting to sit back. Putin won’t be finished until they have driven a stake though his heart: given the slightest opportunity he will pull everything down first.

 

[Loppylugs]

The trouble seems to be now that everybody except Ukraine is saying that Putin is finished and are starting to sit back. Putin won’t be finished until they have driven a stake though his heart: given the slightest opportunity he will pull everything down first.

Putin's got a heart ????

 

[Falcon1200]

Putin won’t be finished until they have driven a stake though his heart:

Might take more than a stake; Remember Ra-Ra-Rasputin? (Interesting surname similarity too......)

 

[Bluejays]

The trouble seems to be now that everybody except Ukraine is saying that Putin is finished and are starting to sit back. Putin won’t be finished until they have driven a stake though his heart: given the slightest opportunity he will pull everything down first.

I think it might be his own side that end up doing him in. There seem to be plenty trying to hold him responsible for this shambles. I'm sure he's also trying to project blame onto others. Could be all sorts of infighting going on.

Really wouldn't be surprised to see it kickoff in Chechnya soon aswell. Russia looks weak, the Chechen strongman president will have lost a lot of men in Ukraine aswell. The Chechen independence campaign may well smell an opportunity. I'd imagine that many in the west would be more inclined to turn a blind eye to any support they may get from the Arab world than they would have before the invasion.

Could be a hard few years for the Russian elite, I think the worst is just beginning for them

 

[brad465]

John Sweeney is reporting rumours of a mutiny in the Russian army:

https://twitter.com/johnsweeneyroar/status/1568964367235907585

There are rumours about a mutiny in the Russian army. Things are not going well for the master of the Kremlin.

There are also other reports of Chechen soldiers being sent in, not to attack Ukrainian troops, but to, shall we say, conduct fragging.

 

[najaB]

John Sweeney is reporting rumours of a mutiny in the Russian army

Given the scale of the rout and the fact that the generals apparently fled leaving their troops behind I can believe it. But it sounds too good so will hold off any celebration until the reports are confirmed.