May 31, 2023 - 5:00pm
While Russia has spent weeks bracing itself for Ukraine’s counteroffensive to be unleashed on the front line, it is now facing an escalation of violence on its own territory.
This morning, drone attacks on oil refineries sparked fires in Russia’s Krasnodar region. Meanwhile, the governor of Belgorod reported that four people had been injured in a “massive strike” on the town of Shebekino, with several buildings also damaged. In recent days, he has repeatedly complained of Ukrainian shelling of the town.
These are merely the latest assaults on Russia’s border regions. On 22nd May, two anti-Kremlin and pro-Ukraine partisan groups, the Liberty of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps, launched a daring cross-border raid from Ukraine into Belgorod. While Russia claimed to have killed over 70 insurgents in quelling the assault, the leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, Denis Kapustin, promised more attacks. Aside from bringing the war to Russia and causing disquiet among its domestic population, such incursions work in Ukraine’s favour by forcing the Kremlin to enhance its military presence in these areas, diverting men and resources away from the front line just before the crucial Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Along with incursions on the border, in recent days there has been an intensification of violence deeper in the heart of Russia. Drone strikes in the capital are now increasing in terms of both the scale of the attacks and the boldness of the targets.
Following a hit on the Kremlin on 3rd May, Russia claimed that at least eight drones caused minor damage and injured two people in residential areas of Moscow on Tuesday, the first time the city has been targeted by multiple drones since the start of the war. Three were downed over the prestigious Rublyovka suburb, home to numerous members of the political elite and even a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For its part, Ukraine’s leadership has distanced itself from the attacks but done nothing to deny that this trend may develop further. Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said that, while his country “has nothing directly to do” with the drone assault on Moscow, it was “pleased to observe and predicts an increase in the number of attacks”.
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SubscribeHmm.. Putin asserts, “the perpetrators are “provoking us into responding in kind”. It seems to me that the drone attacks on Moscow are a response in kind to the nearly perpetual Russian rocket and drone attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv (and Ukraine in general).
Oh, dear.
Hook,line and sinker.
Oh, dear.
Hook,line and sinker.
Hmm.. Putin asserts, “the perpetrators are “provoking us into responding in kind”. It seems to me that the drone attacks on Moscow are a response in kind to the nearly perpetual Russian rocket and drone attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv (and Ukraine in general).
The war in Ukraine is terrible. It’s a failure of diplomacy. Whether the West or the East was more to blame, hardly matters now. What is most important now, is to stop the escalation.
The escalation will stop when Ukraine reaches Crimea, and forces a mass evacuation to Russia.
Very soon after Russia collapses.
Fantasy.
The view of the window from the armchair is always rosy
Fantasy.
The view of the window from the armchair is always rosy
The escalation will stop when Ukraine reaches Crimea, and forces a mass evacuation to Russia.
Very soon after Russia collapses.
The war in Ukraine is terrible. It’s a failure of diplomacy. Whether the West or the East was more to blame, hardly matters now. What is most important now, is to stop the escalation.
Don’t count on the Russia people to crack. Their acceptance of the suffering needed to defeat the Geman army in WW2 staggers the imagination. Compared to the battle for Stalingrad, the invasion of Normandy and the fighting on the Western Front that followed was no more than a skirmish.
Don’t count on the Russia people to crack. Their acceptance of the suffering needed to defeat the Geman army in WW2 staggers the imagination. Compared to the battle for Stalingrad, the invasion of Normandy and the fighting on the Western Front that followed was no more than a skirmish.
No way this can go sideways. I’m sure Moscow will pull out of Ukraine any minute now.
”Aside from bringing the war to Russia and causing disquiet among its domestic population, such incursions work in Ukraine’s favour by forcing the Kremlin to enhance its military presence in these areas, diverting men and resources away from the front line just before the crucial Ukrainian counteroffensive.”
Who is this genius Military Analyst?
Glad she did not waste readers time with ‘False Flags’ or ‘CIA’ ‘Dark Opps’, or stuff like:
”bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipelines last September was carried out by a team of divers operating from a 15-metre chartered yacht called the Andromed’‘ crewed by Russians… or silly stuff – like USA did it using Norwegian divers….
Because this war taught us, ‘If it seems likely to be true, and is reported as true, it is Likely True’, and so no need to look deeper – Like Sanctions – they work Great, and Closing SWIFT – that really hurt the Ruble…..
And the Ukraine Military may lose 7 to each Russian lost, but they are winning and soon will be retaking Crimea. And no matter what we do in this Proxy War, like giving a couple hundred Billion $$$ of weapons and aid, and live Intel – it is nothing to do with us.
Great coverage, can’t wait for the next installment.
I reckon that’s not immediate JV but quite possible we see evacuation of Crimea some point this summer. In part why Ukrainian Special Forces left the Kerch Bridge intact – give people an ‘out’.
”Aside from bringing the war to Russia and causing disquiet among its domestic population, such incursions work in Ukraine’s favour by forcing the Kremlin to enhance its military presence in these areas, diverting men and resources away from the front line just before the crucial Ukrainian counteroffensive.”
Who is this genius Military Analyst?
Glad she did not waste readers time with ‘False Flags’ or ‘CIA’ ‘Dark Opps’, or stuff like:
”bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipelines last September was carried out by a team of divers operating from a 15-metre chartered yacht called the Andromed’‘ crewed by Russians… or silly stuff – like USA did it using Norwegian divers….
Because this war taught us, ‘If it seems likely to be true, and is reported as true, it is Likely True’, and so no need to look deeper – Like Sanctions – they work Great, and Closing SWIFT – that really hurt the Ruble…..
And the Ukraine Military may lose 7 to each Russian lost, but they are winning and soon will be retaking Crimea. And no matter what we do in this Proxy War, like giving a couple hundred Billion $$$ of weapons and aid, and live Intel – it is nothing to do with us.
Great coverage, can’t wait for the next installment.
I reckon that’s not immediate JV but quite possible we see evacuation of Crimea some point this summer. In part why Ukrainian Special Forces left the Kerch Bridge intact – give people an ‘out’.
No way this can go sideways. I’m sure Moscow will pull out of Ukraine any minute now.
Could transpire to be v clever signal from Ukraine. Just enough but not too much. Who’s rattled?
Ukraine’s patience in not hitting outside their own borders more often has been almost miraculous given what they’ve endured. But that patience shows a cold bloodied focus on their strategy. That is what is needed.
Could transpire to be v clever signal from Ukraine. Just enough but not too much. Who’s rattled?
Ukraine’s patience in not hitting outside their own borders more often has been almost miraculous given what they’ve endured. But that patience shows a cold bloodied focus on their strategy. That is what is needed.
The war is coming for russian middle classes. Popov “ne fera pas le voyage pour rien” as french rugby players say when the referee handles them a warly colored card.
If nato wants total war versus Russia, it will get it. As a frog, I wouldn’t mind France to offer asylum to Kurdish freedom fighters and get booted out of NATO by request of the re-elected sultan, ideally before the nukes start raining.
You don’t get my friend…the reality is that Putin would like to have total war using nukes against NATO…but the problem is the Russian forces are so clumsy and incompetent that he wonders what would be the benefit of attacking NATO, when the Russian forces cannot even make it in Ukraine…
Don’t be bamboozled by the usual Russian threats. They always do that–until you simply face them down and they slink away.
Sadly, much of Moscow’s aging nuke deterrent is already ineffective against US and NATO defences.
Recall the Kinzhal?
If fear gives you un certain frisson in your own private world, no problem.
But things are much different in Real World.
You don’t get my friend…the reality is that Putin would like to have total war using nukes against NATO…but the problem is the Russian forces are so clumsy and incompetent that he wonders what would be the benefit of attacking NATO, when the Russian forces cannot even make it in Ukraine…
Don’t be bamboozled by the usual Russian threats. They always do that–until you simply face them down and they slink away.
Sadly, much of Moscow’s aging nuke deterrent is already ineffective against US and NATO defences.
Recall the Kinzhal?
If fear gives you un certain frisson in your own private world, no problem.
But things are much different in Real World.
The war is coming for russian middle classes. Popov “ne fera pas le voyage pour rien” as french rugby players say when the referee handles them a warly colored card.
If nato wants total war versus Russia, it will get it. As a frog, I wouldn’t mind France to offer asylum to Kurdish freedom fighters and get booted out of NATO by request of the re-elected sultan, ideally before the nukes start raining.
Perhaps if a few drones started focusing minds and reality in and around London, Washington, Paris, Berlin etc as well, a solution to this war might be found in a very short space of time..
Paris, London, Washington and Berlin have been very clear about how peace can be obtained. It’s for Russia to call off it’s invasion. Nobody is going to invade Moscow if the Russians retreat so the blame for the ongoing bloodshed lies firmly with the Kremlin, nobody else
What a silly view.
Wars – one side good, one side bad. One side peace-loving good guys, the other bloodlusting Monsters.
There is NO History, No outsiders, no abuses – except from the BAD side.
Got it. Same as every war, same as WWI and WWII, and same as Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The Bad guys must lose, and the good guys must win because there is NO nuance, there is the ‘All Bad’ – who must lose, and the ‘All Good’, who must Win.
Got it….
Biden and Boris are on the same page as you. Of course they are criminal monsters, but I guess stopped clocks are right sometimes.
Certainly a silly comment. Completely incoherent ranting. Doesn’t belong on UnHerd.
He’s right.
He’s right.
Really liked this comment. I would argue there were actual bad guys in WWII.
Certainly a silly comment. Completely incoherent ranting. Doesn’t belong on UnHerd.
Really liked this comment. I would argue there were actual bad guys in WWII.
What a silly view.
Wars – one side good, one side bad. One side peace-loving good guys, the other bloodlusting Monsters.
There is NO History, No outsiders, no abuses – except from the BAD side.
Got it. Same as every war, same as WWI and WWII, and same as Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The Bad guys must lose, and the good guys must win because there is NO nuance, there is the ‘All Bad’ – who must lose, and the ‘All Good’, who must Win.
Got it….
Biden and Boris are on the same page as you. Of course they are criminal monsters, but I guess stopped clocks are right sometimes.
Then NATO would provide Kyiv with missiles capable of reaching Moscow.
Not a very smart trade for Putin, wouldn’t you agree?
Paris, London, Washington and Berlin have been very clear about how peace can be obtained. It’s for Russia to call off it’s invasion. Nobody is going to invade Moscow if the Russians retreat so the blame for the ongoing bloodshed lies firmly with the Kremlin, nobody else
Then NATO would provide Kyiv with missiles capable of reaching Moscow.
Not a very smart trade for Putin, wouldn’t you agree?
Perhaps if a few drones started focusing minds and reality in and around London, Washington, Paris, Berlin etc as well, a solution to this war might be found in a very short space of time..
As one comment noted, the view out the window from the armchair is often rosy. All the scenarios captured in the comments are potentially possible. And accidents can and do happen that blindside everyone, pundits particularly. The next few weeks and months will be interesting for us observers and continue to be devastating for the participants.
As one comment noted, the view out the window from the armchair is often rosy. All the scenarios captured in the comments are potentially possible. And accidents can and do happen that blindside everyone, pundits particularly. The next few weeks and months will be interesting for us observers and continue to be devastating for the participants.
Putin: “Just because we attacked a sovereign nation and blew up their cities and raped and murdered civilians doesn’t give them the right to do it to us. Ukrainians are so mean! . .goddamnit, where are my nukes?” AND .. [screamed the welfare mom at a recent AOC town hall]: “why you spending all that money on Ukraine instead of us?” Yeah. Quit wasting bllions on the lost cause that is Ukraine. Because we have plenty of other lost causes to waste it on right here in America. These two compelling arguments, taken together, prove why Ukraine should fail.
Putin: “Just because we attacked a sovereign nation and blew up their cities and raped and murdered civilians doesn’t give them the right to do it to us. Ukrainians are so mean! . .goddamnit, where are my nukes?” AND .. [screamed the welfare mom at a recent AOC town hall]: “why you spending all that money on Ukraine instead of us?” Yeah. Quit wasting bllions on the lost cause that is Ukraine. Because we have plenty of other lost causes to waste it on right here in America. These two compelling arguments, taken together, prove why Ukraine should fail.
You don’t get it my friend…the reality is that Putin would like to have total war using nukes against NATO…but the problem is that Russian forces are so clumsy and incompetent that he wonders what would be the benefit of attacking NATO, when the Russian forces cannot even make it in Ukraine…
Why would Putin, or his Praetorian Guard, want a nuclear war that results in their own destruction and of all their family, friends and accumulated wealth? He and they no more want a Nuclear confrontation than Khrushchev did in 62. Sabre rattling.
That said a major incident related to further damage at Zaporishzhia remains possible. If deliberate would not be surprised to find a Russian plant hit by saboteurs too in a form of retaliation. A dangerous escalation, but not the launch of Nukes.
The benefit of attacking NATO would be that Russia would be completely smashed and forced to face up to what it has become. It actually needs a catastrophic defeat like Germany and Japan in WWII if it is ever to get rid of its rotten culture of patronage, corruption, censorship and secret police. It spreads the same rotten disease everywhere it interferes – Syria, Ukraine, Africa, … .
Anyone still under any illusions about what Russia is at this point needs professional help.
Major BS.
Why would Putin, or his Praetorian Guard, want a nuclear war that results in their own destruction and of all their family, friends and accumulated wealth? He and they no more want a Nuclear confrontation than Khrushchev did in 62. Sabre rattling.
That said a major incident related to further damage at Zaporishzhia remains possible. If deliberate would not be surprised to find a Russian plant hit by saboteurs too in a form of retaliation. A dangerous escalation, but not the launch of Nukes.
The benefit of attacking NATO would be that Russia would be completely smashed and forced to face up to what it has become. It actually needs a catastrophic defeat like Germany and Japan in WWII if it is ever to get rid of its rotten culture of patronage, corruption, censorship and secret police. It spreads the same rotten disease everywhere it interferes – Syria, Ukraine, Africa, … .
Anyone still under any illusions about what Russia is at this point needs professional help.
Major BS.
You don’t get it my friend…the reality is that Putin would like to have total war using nukes against NATO…but the problem is that Russian forces are so clumsy and incompetent that he wonders what would be the benefit of attacking NATO, when the Russian forces cannot even make it in Ukraine…