Ukrainian news

[2tallbill]

Ukraine says one soldier killed in clashes in separatist east

Kiev (AFP) - Ukraine on Saturday reported the death of one soldier as clashes
with pro-Russian separatists continue in the country's war-torn east despite a
shaky truce.

Military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said a further nine servicemen had been
wounded in the past 24 hours of fighting.

Ukrainian officials said three civilians were also injured in overnight shelling
in Dzerzhynsk, a government-controlled town some 50 kilometres (30 miles)
from the rebels' de facto capital, Donetsk.

read more here
http://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-says-one-soldier-killed-clashes-separatist-east-162958060.html


Similar story
One Ukrainian soldier killed, nine wounded in Donbas in last day

read all about it here
http://uatoday.tv/news/one-ukrainian-soldier-killed-nine-wounded-in-donbas-in-last-day-471421.html

[2tallbill]

Eastern Ukraine - No man’s land

Ukrainian volunteer battalions believe Kyiv’s decision to withdraw is connected
with the adoption of a demilitarized zone declared last month by the Donetsk
Peoples’ Republic pro-Russian separatists’ leadership.

read about it and see photos here
http://www.dw.com/en/eastern-ukraine-no-mans-land/g-18628924

[2tallbill]

Ukrainian finance minister plans talks with creditors in California on Aug 12

Finance Minister of Ukraine Natalie Jaresko will go to the United States for talks
with private creditors scheduled for August 12, the ministry's press service has
told Interfax-Ukraine.

The meeting will be held in San Mateo ( California), where the head office of the
largest holder of Ukrainian eurobonds, Franklin Templeton, is located.

The restructuring is part of the international assistance to Ukraine, however
the negotiations with the creditors were unsuccessful between March and late
June. Kyiv threatened to impose a moratorium on debt service payments if the
holders of around $20 billion of its bonds do not agree to begin negotiations,
during which the Ministry of Finance offered to write off 40% of the debt principal,
permit execution by installments, and reduce interest payments.

read all about it here
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/282709.html

[2tallbill]

Ukrainian uranium: ‘Nightmare’ situation brewing

A nightmare scenario is that a dirty bomb could end up in the Middle East in the
hands of terrorists, because great powers are not in control of nuclear weapons
anymore, historian and political analyst Martin McCauley told RT.

According to Ukraine's security forces, they have seized nuclear material from a
criminal gang that was trying to sell it. The substance is said to be Uranium-238,
which can be used to create a so-called 'dirty bomb'

RT:There's little information about this seizure of uranium - no details have been
revealed about those who tried to sell it, or their client. Do you have any thoughts
on who could be behind it?

Martin McCauley: Well, there are various possibilities, because there are those in
Ukraine who don’t accept President [Petro] Poroshenko as president, they don’t
see him as legitimate - they would like to remove him. If one of those militias had
a dirty bomb, it would be a very powerful weapon, and they could in fact blackmail
a president.

That’s one option. The other option is that there might be a terrorist organization.
One can name a lot of terrorist organizations starting with IS, which would like a
dirty bomb. If they could get their hands on it, they can do a lot of damage. So in
the present very dangerous environment in Ukraine, there is risk that this in fact
could happen, because uranium can, as you say, be enriched so it becomes
plutonium. Plutonium goes into a nuclear bomb.

RT: Uranium can be used to make a dirty bomb - a threat increasingly discussed
by officials in the UK, where you are. What does the fact that it's being sold on the
black market in Ukraine tell us about the security situation in the country?

MM: It tells that the security is very insecure, that it’s very fragile, because plutonium
should be locked up or anything which could in fact make a dirty bomb should be
under lock and key and guarded by the military. It should be a state-controlled
operation. It appears now, if this is accurate, that somebody has entered one of
these garrisons and obtained this very dangerous element so that he can make
money out of it.

Perhaps he did have a person on the inside and therefore, you have to look then
at a very dangerous and fragile security environment in Ukraine, where one can
say that the military is not really in control of the country.

There's more read all about it here
http://www.rt.com/op-edge/311869-uranium-ukraine-nuclear-poroshenko/

[jone]

Ukrainian uranium: ‘Nightmare’ situation brewing

A nightmare scenario is that a dirty bomb could end up in the Middle East in the
hands of terrorists, because great powers are not in control of nuclear weapons
anymore, historian and political analyst Martin McCauley told RT.

According to Ukraine's security forces, they have seized nuclear material from a
criminal gang that was trying to sell it. The substance is said to be Uranium-238,
which can be used to create a so-called 'dirty bomb'

RT:There's little information about this seizure of uranium - no details have been
revealed about those who tried to sell it, or their client. Do you have any thoughts
on who could be behind it?

Martin McCauley: Well, there are various possibilities, because there are those in
Ukraine who don’t accept President [Petro] Poroshenko as president, they don’t
see him as legitimate - they would like to remove him. If one of those militias had
a dirty bomb, it would be a very powerful weapon, and they could in fact blackmail
a president.

That’s one option. The other option is that there might be a terrorist organization.
One can name a lot of terrorist organizations starting with IS, which would like a
dirty bomb. If they could get their hands on it, they can do a lot of damage. So in
the present very dangerous environment in Ukraine, there is risk that this in fact
could happen, because uranium can, as you say, be enriched so it becomes
plutonium. Plutonium goes into a nuclear bomb.

RT: Uranium can be used to make a dirty bomb - a threat increasingly discussed
by officials in the UK, where you are. What does the fact that it's being sold on the
black market in Ukraine tell us about the security situation in the country?

MM: It tells that the security is very insecure, that it’s very fragile, because plutonium
should be locked up or anything which could in fact make a dirty bomb should be
under lock and key and guarded by the military. It should be a state-controlled
operation. It appears now, if this is accurate, that somebody has entered one of
these garrisons and obtained this very dangerous element so that he can make
money out of it.

Perhaps he did have a person on the inside and therefore, you have to look then
at a very dangerous and fragile security environment in Ukraine, where one can
say that the military is not really in control of the country.

There's more read all about it here
http://www.rt.com/op-edge/311869-uranium-ukraine-nuclear-poroshenko/

Long on Propaganda, Little on Factual Evidence.  Drinking the Kool-Aid today, Bill?

[2tallbill]

Long on Propaganda, Little on Factual Evidence.  Drinking the Kool-Aid today, Bill?

I've posted over a dozen news articles today. I just wanted to cover a broad spectrum.

[JayH]

I've posted over a dozen news articles today. I just wanted to cover a broad spectrum.

Bill--posting nothing but a link & part of the story is against forum rules. Rules require some comment relevent to the article.

Not so long ago (before you started making so many posts) others were moderated and posts frequently removed--  and many of them were far closer to complying with current rules than your posts.

The basis of the rule is that it is a discussion forum--and while I personally  see many stories that I think need to be read for the education of many--  simply posting link after link as you have been doing dilutes forum relevance and readership( currents stats back that point up)

In particular-! take exception at your thread that  attempts to lump all matters Ukrainian into one thread.Ukraine is in crisis-- a humanitarian crisis amongst many other problems.Not the least being attacked by Russia in an undeclared war.
Each and every part of that needs attention drawn to it--not lumped in a generalised thread  amongst a 1000 other topics. I presume you are unwittingly doing this--it is in fact carrying out the work of Putins troll army in it's attempt to smother all other news sources.
As an example of that--- search google on MH17 -- and it most of early listed stories are Kremlin inspired disinformation stories that contradict the obvious conclusions.The intent of that strategy is clear enough.

Many of the links you are posting already have threads virtually on topic--or where discussion is or has been talking place--with the same or similar story already posted-- and a repetition only serves to kill threads-- and discussion.

If you have something relevant to say to a news article--by all means throw it up for discussion--but please cease drowning the forum in posts that never get comment.

[jone]

The forum readership is seasonal.  We are currently in a downtrend as people are in Eastern Europe or on vacation.  I do not see Bill's posting habits as a reason for declining readership. 

Moreover, Bill is not starting threads, but adding to existing threads.  The threads Bill starts are on target and well read.

We do have a policy that just posting links without adding some pertinent comment is not acceptable.  However, I think we all have violated the policy now and then.  But Bill has maintained posting only a salient paragraph, also part of the policy.

I, for one, support Bill's posting policy and see nothing that is hurting the forum.  Instead, as many people are not here, Bill has provided a wonderful trip report and ongoing contributions to many threads.  Without Bill's contributions and posters reactions to them, the forum would have a significantly smaller readership. 

[BillyB]

I do not see Bill's posting habits as a reason for declining readership. 

When too many people comment on politics and drown out what this forum is designed for, there will be decline of readership. It's not any one person's fault but collectively as a group, we that are passionate about the problems between Ukraine and Russia, tend to talk to much about it. A while back I called on those who make a post on politics to make a post pertaining to what this forum is designed for. 1 for 1.


Most people here are lurkers, not prolific posters. They come here for advice and tips pertaining to the endeavor of finding and marrying and FSU  woman. When the last 25 posts are on politics and most threads are on politics, they will not easily find what they want and go elsewhere. Pro or against guns, pro or against the Iranian nuke agreement, pro or against Putin, let's not forget the real purpose on this forum or the newbies that need help. There are actually better places out there to discuss politics.

[JayH]

1////The forum readership is seasonal.  We are currently in a downtrend as people are in Eastern Europe or on vacation.  I do not see Bill's posting habits as a reason for declining readership. 

2////Moreover, Bill is not starting threads, but adding to existing threads.  The threads Bill starts are on target and well read.

3////We do have a policy that just posting links without adding some pertinent comment is not acceptable.  However, I think we all have violated the policy now and then.  But Bill has maintained posting only a salient paragraph, also part of the policy.

4///I, for one, support Bill's posting policy and see nothing that is hurting the forum.  Instead, as many people are not here, Bill has provided a wonderful trip report and ongoing contributions to many threads.  Without Bill's contributions and posters reactions to them, the forum would have a significantly smaller readership.

Jon--I have previously made these points privately --you are answering them--\

1///
The facts are that the growth previously being shown has gone into reverse-- now declining noticeably  -more than 20% down.In fact--the growth shown previously and decline in other places-- was best illustrated by the other place topping RWD in the last week-- the first time in months.  I predicted exactly this months ago--if the trend I was criticising continued-and it has been allowed to.

2////
Your comments are obviously wrong- eg new thread started today .My point was that the material being posted should be in existing threads- The fact is the posts and links have often enough already existed and comments made

3////

Nothing to do with what happens occassionally--my comments are aimed squarely at many times repeated breach of rules by one poster

4////

My comments are not aimed at Bill's trip report-- that should have been clear.Nor at it aimed at Bills right to post-- but at the way he is posting-- and choosing to ignore existing threads and posts.
The stats say something is affecting readership and posting!!

FWIW--I have made these points directly to Bill both privately and in threads--Bill thinks it is ok-- i don't -- so I posted in a less suble way to make my point.

[2tallbill]

Bill--posting nothing but a link & part of the story is against forum rules. Rules require some comment relevent to the article.

Not so long ago (before you started making so many posts) others were moderated and posts frequently removed--  and many of them were far closer to complying with current rules than your posts.

The basis of the rule is that it is a discussion forum--and while I personally  see many stories that I think need to be read for the education of many--  simply posting link after link as you have been doing dilutes forum relevance and readership( currents stats back that point up)

Jay, 

Kak dela,

My teachers frequently wrote a note on my report card to my parents saying
"Bill won't follow directions"  My parents didn't find this as a huge surprise
since they knew this already having known me all my life. 

I don't have time to read every thread and especially I don't have time to
follow every argument. I come here when I get a few spare minutes. I have
a 6 month old baby and I find him vastly more interesting than the forum 

If you see a news article that warrants additional discussion or you think is
worthy of having it's own thread by all means quote the pertinent part and
start a new thread. I post articles that I think others would find interesting
or would give a different perspective.

I give my opinion on plenty of things, some even consider me too opinionated 

I hope all is well with you,

Udachi!


Bill

[Noch1]

For what its worth, I don't read much along the lines of politics.
But I will read many of bills threads as they tend to be insightful and
if nothing else, often with humour.
Posters who tend to write 25 paragraphs, because  it is the only way they can win
is to wear people out, I tend to tune out
My 2 kopeks.

[jone]

The above appears to be a failed attack by Russian forces in which two APCs were put out of action and at least one soldier was wounded.

I say 'appears' as I cannot verify that they are Russian forces. 

Here is a picture from the same setting:



With all of the fighting this summer, I cannot discern any movement of the battle lines.

[mendeleyev]

Jone, it is a mixed group from appearances. The rebels proudly label their equipment, whether captured or acquired, whereas the standard Russian policy is to strip all markings before it crosses the border into Ukraine. The Russian equipment generally remains unmarked, a way to keep track of inventory as opposed to the crude painted labels used by rebel forces. Most of this stuff is painted ЛНР (LNR).

Camouflage is another giveaway: Russian forces use a newer design which is closer to and copied from NATO patterns. The Russians have flooded Eastern Ukraine with older Russian Army "hand me down" camouflage which is worn by the rebels. Once you hang around both groups it becomes easy to distinguish who is who.

Some of these guys are wearing a combination of military issue, and standard clothing. Look at some of the shirts. Another giveaway is shoes--not all rebels have combat footwear, but Russian soldiers always wear modern military issue. The rebels don't have enough helmets to go around so watch for who has professional issue helmets, and for who is wearing either nothing or caps, etc.



The Saint George ribbon (orange and black stripes), commonly used in Victory Day celebrations, has morphed into a symbol of support for the rebels. Several of these guys were wearing these. It does not tell who is Russian and who is a rebel, but it most certainly tells someone caught unexpectedly near the battlefront who the fighters support.

Battlefield professionalism is another giveaway. Guys who were coal miners last month and soldiers this month (rebels) carry rifles carelessly and in general do not carry themselves as professionally trained soldiers. When the fighters are pulling out the wounded, there are two guys (7:15 and forward), one to the right and the other to the left, both in uniforms, who are obviously battlefield trained. They are providing cover for the unorganized guys tending to the wounded. We can only see them from behind, but I'd guess from the way that they carry themselves under fire that they were not coal miners last month.

[jone]

Damn.  Amazing what you can see when you know what to look for.

[Miquel Westano]

When too many people comment on politics and drown out what this forum is designed for, there will be decline of readership. It's not any one person's fault but collectively as a group, we that are passionate about the problems between Ukraine and Russia, tend to talk to much about it. A while back I called on those who make a post on politics to make a post pertaining to what this forum is designed for. 1 for 1.


Most people here are lurkers, not prolific posters. They come here for advice and tips pertaining to the endeavor of finding and marrying and FSU  woman. When the last 25 posts are on politics and most threads are on politics, they will not easily find what they want and go elsewhere. Pro or against guns, pro or against the Iranian nuke agreement, pro or against Putin, let's not forget the real purpose on this forum or the newbies that need help. There are actually better places out there to discuss politics.

I seem to be one of those in the political posting forefront since I came aboard.  I am the one who stirred the recent round of gun debates.  I understand what you are saying about the possibility of running off lurkers, although I am not sure I agree.  But I must admit I have watched the gun control thread grow to an almost unimaginable amount of views.

I agree with you that the attraction that brought me here was stories and information about FSUW and the pursuit of happiness abroad.  So I agree this is likely why most newbies are here.   

In all seriousness and sincerity I do not intentionally ruffle feathers.  If I start another thread on politics I will make sure it ties to the spirit of the forum.  I really don't think the political stuff is costing the forum viewers.  But, I don't want to be a source of any possible decline.  So I will limit myself to only responding to politics rather than starting new political threads.  I also want to enjoy the forum and as a newer member that means I want to be courteous to those who were here long before me.

[mendeleyev]

This video is a tribute to the brave Ukrainian medical personnel who rush in while under fire to tend to the wounded.

Sad fact confirmed on the video: those with the most severe wounds are tended to last when under fire, or when resources are limited.

Another sad fact confirmed on the video: Medics and Media are considered to be prime targets.

[Nightwish]

Interview with a Swede  fighting for Ukraine..really quite open with his story. I "know" of him since before he went to Ukraine..

How a Swedish Sniper Found Redemption in the Ukraine War
http://dailysignal.com/2015/08/10/meet-the-former-neo-nazi-spokesman-who-now-fights-for-freedom-in-ukraine/

[Muzh]

That was a good read. 

[2tallbill]

Ukraine fears 'big war' as Russia sends in more troops
ADAM NATHAN  The Independent  Sunday 16 August 2015

Military authorities in Ukraine believe the number of Russian troops within and close to its borders has risen to more than 50,000, raising fears of a substantial escalation in the conflict raging in Ukraine's eastern regions.

Photo is of a Grad Rocket which has been being increasingly
used by the Russian embedded separatists

There is a lot more read all about it here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-fears-big-war-as-russia-sends-in-more-troops-10457571.html

[alex330]

Operation Sea Breeze 2015 is now taking place in Odessa, one step closer to the Russians and Crimea than last years exercise. The US Navy now plans on maintaining a regular presence in the area. Compromised of 15 ships they are training the Ukrainian Navy and helping to rebuild it's hobbled fleet.

http://www.ibtimes.com/amid-russian-hostility-black-sea-us-navy-sustain-military-presence-region-2081301

http://www.defenseone.com/news/2015/09/ukraine-aims-rebuild-navy/120173/

[LAman]

Operation Sea Breeze 2015 is now taking place in Odessa, one step closer to the Russians and Crimea than last years exercise. The US Navy now plans on maintaining a regular presence in the area. Compromised of 15 ships they are training the Ukrainian Navy and helping to rebuild it's hobbled fleet.

http://www.ibtimes.com/amid-russian-hostility-black-sea-us-navy-sustain-military-presence-region-2081301

http://www.defenseone.com/news/2015/09/ukraine-aims-rebuild-navy/120173/

Funny, I don't see anything in port, maybe they are out to sea???

[alex330]

Funny, I don't see anything in port, maybe they are out to sea???

They should be there for several weeks, but yes, they may be offshore. Here in Ft Lauderdale they usually remain a few miles offshore while training. Or they could be in neighboring Illichivsk?

[LAman]

They should be there for several weeks, but yes, they may be offshore. Here in Ft Lauderdale they usually remain a few miles offshore while training. Or they could be in neighboring Illichivsk?

No not there, too small. I'll keep my eye out though.
If they dock in Odesa, you will surely see them in centre.

[JayH]

No not there, too small. I'll keep my eye out though.
If they dock in Odesa, you will surely see them in centre.

Not if you are in downtown Odessa!!!  At least not without an elevated position and a telescope!!
Sasha had it right upthread.