Il-76 shootdown provoked by NATO to ‘burn bridges’ of communication between Russia and Ukraine
“I believe [the PoW-carrying Il-76 shootdown] was an operation prepared ahead of time. Because the Ukrainian air defense system fired without turning on its radar, that is, fired using external target designation means. Such means are possessed by the Americans and the British, who are now factually managing the conflict in Ukraine,” veteran Russian military analyst Alexei Leonkov told Sputnik.
The Il-76 shootdown has cast doubt on the possibility of continued Russian-Ukrainian prisoner exchanges – which until this point served as one of the last major channels of communication and cooperation between Moscow and Kiev. It was also the latest in a long chain of provocations by London, Leonkov emphasized, recalling former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s central role in breaking off peace talks in the spring of 2022, and newly tapped Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s recent remarks about the UK being “prepared to support” Ukraine through the year 2026.
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“I believe [the PoW-carrying Il-76 shootdown] was an operation prepared ahead of time. Because the Ukrainian air defense system fired without turning on its radar, that is, fired using external target designation means. Such means are possessed by the Americans and the British, who are now factually managing the conflict in Ukraine,” veteran Russian military analyst Alexei Leonkov told Sputnik.
The Il-76 shootdown has cast doubt on the possibility of continued Russian-Ukrainian prisoner exchanges – which until this point served as one of the last major channels of communication and cooperation between Moscow and Kiev. It was also the latest in a long chain of provocations by London, Leonkov emphasized, recalling former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s central role in breaking off peace talks in the spring of 2022, and newly tapped Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s recent remarks about the UK being “prepared to support” Ukraine through the year 2026.
“The British are burning all the bridges so that Ukraine has no chance of conducting any negotiations,” the observer stressed.
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“Suicide mission”: Ukrainian troops reveal their dire situation on the battlefield
Ukraine’s troops are running out of ammunition at breakneck speed, with shells being rationed, a Ukrainian soldier has admitted to a journalist from Le Figaro.
With less and less ammunition at hand, any attempt to attack Russian positions is like “suicide,” a senior sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the name of Mikhail said.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces, which have sustained tremendous casualties and hardware losses since the failed summer counteroffensive, have “nothing to fight back with” as Russia continues a probing offensive in the Kupyansk area, per the French outlet.
“We no longer have ammunition. We are allowed to fire only three shells a day,” the Ukrainian soldier told journalists.
The article also quoted the Ukrainian troops as saying they are “suffering colossal losses in manpower."
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Ukraine’s troops are running out of ammunition at breakneck speed, with shells being rationed, a Ukrainian soldier has admitted to a journalist from Le Figaro.
With less and less ammunition at hand, any attempt to attack Russian positions is like “suicide,” a senior sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the name of Mikhail said.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces, which have sustained tremendous casualties and hardware losses since the failed summer counteroffensive, have “nothing to fight back with” as Russia continues a probing offensive in the Kupyansk area, per the French outlet.
“We no longer have ammunition. We are allowed to fire only three shells a day,” the Ukrainian soldier told journalists.
“We're running low on ammunition… We have at our disposal only 40% of the number of shells that we need. If the Russians launch a serious offensive here, we won't last long,” another Ukrainian soldier, senior sergeant Sergey, added.
The article also quoted the Ukrainian troops as saying they are “suffering colossal losses in manpower."
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US military racks up $1.6B tab for Middle East buildup since October 7
The Pentagon estimates the cost of the military surge in the Middle East since October 7, 2023, to be $1.6 billion. This tab includes warships, jets, and deploying equipment. It is important to note that this estimate does not cover the expenses associated with missile usage in Yemen or threats in the Red Sea. This financial estimate comes at a time of budgetary gridlock.
The Pentagon's operations in the Red Sea now lack funding due to the absence of a finalized Defense Department spending bill. Lawmakers are contemplating how to address this cost, considering options such as integrating it into the annual spending bill, the emergency supplemental for Ukraine and Israel, or a standalone war cost supplemental.
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“It is a bill that will be due and we will have to pay for it within a limited amount of resources,” a Defense Department official said.
The Pentagon estimates the cost of the military surge in the Middle East since October 7, 2023, to be $1.6 billion. This tab includes warships, jets, and deploying equipment. It is important to note that this estimate does not cover the expenses associated with missile usage in Yemen or threats in the Red Sea. This financial estimate comes at a time of budgetary gridlock.
The Pentagon's operations in the Red Sea now lack funding due to the absence of a finalized Defense Department spending bill. Lawmakers are contemplating how to address this cost, considering options such as integrating it into the annual spending bill, the emergency supplemental for Ukraine and Israel, or a standalone war cost supplemental.
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❗️The Pentagon chief confirmed that the United States will begin negotiations in the coming days on replacing the coalition military presence in Iraq with bilateral cooperation.
Back in 2020, the Iraqi parliament voted for the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country.
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Back in 2020, the Iraqi parliament voted for the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country.
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‘Both were planned special operations’: how Il-76 provocation resembles MH17 catastrophe
“Both then and now, these were planned special operations,” Alexei Leonkov, editor of Russia’s Arsenal Otechestva military affairs magazine, told Sputnik, when asked whether there were any parallels between Wednesday’s shootdown of a Russian Il-76 full of Ukrainian PoWs by Ukraine and the 2014 destruction of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over the Donbass.
“But back then, the Ukrainian side was aware of the events that took place, and therefore, Russia could reliably reconstruct events as they took place. This time, I believe the British deliberately deceived the Ukrainian side,” Leonkov said, pointing to the UK’s role in instigating Wednesday’s provocation.
“This is absolutely unprofitable for Zelensky,” who has “made a whole show out of” PoWs’ return, the observer noted. “Here the situation is not in Ukraine’s favor.”
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 went down in the eastern Donetsk People’s Republic on July 17, 2014, with the crash killing all 298 people onboard. Kiev and its Western partners immediately accused Russia of shooting the liner down. Russia conducted its own forensic investigation, showing that the plane was downed by a Ukrainian Buk missile system.
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“Both then and now, these were planned special operations,” Alexei Leonkov, editor of Russia’s Arsenal Otechestva military affairs magazine, told Sputnik, when asked whether there were any parallels between Wednesday’s shootdown of a Russian Il-76 full of Ukrainian PoWs by Ukraine and the 2014 destruction of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over the Donbass.
“But back then, the Ukrainian side was aware of the events that took place, and therefore, Russia could reliably reconstruct events as they took place. This time, I believe the British deliberately deceived the Ukrainian side,” Leonkov said, pointing to the UK’s role in instigating Wednesday’s provocation.
“This is absolutely unprofitable for Zelensky,” who has “made a whole show out of” PoWs’ return, the observer noted. “Here the situation is not in Ukraine’s favor.”
“On the other hand, this suggests that the British, unlike the Americans, will not allow Ukraine to take any steps to the left or to the right, and will hold onto them tightly. Now, if you look at the kinds of statements being made by Britain’s defense ministry and other officials, they are saying clearly that Europe must be ‘prepared for war with Russia’. That is, the British have taken the lead in NATO’s European front against Russia, and are leading Europe to the slaughter,” Leonkov fears.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 went down in the eastern Donetsk People’s Republic on July 17, 2014, with the crash killing all 298 people onboard. Kiev and its Western partners immediately accused Russia of shooting the liner down. Russia conducted its own forensic investigation, showing that the plane was downed by a Ukrainian Buk missile system.
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Which NATO members are beefing up army personnel in response to "prospect of war with Russia”?
🇬🇧UK: General Patrick Sanders, the head of the British army, has warned that Britons should be prepared to serve in the military in the event of a war with Russia. He plans to increase the number of UK Armed Forces personnel to 120,000 within the next three years. Currently, there are 75,980 active military personnel.
🇩🇪Germany: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that a Russian attack on the NATO military alliance could be possible within the next five to eight years. In November 2023, Pistorius called for "fundamental changes" to the Bundeswehr and aims to increase the number of Bundeswehr soldiers from the current 183,000 to 203,000 by 2031.
🇳🇱The Netherlands: Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, a top NATO official, has previously stated that the military bloc is facing "the most dangerous world in decades" and has called for a "warfighting transformation of NATO." In 2022, the Netherlands had approximately 41,600 military personnel. The Dutch Ministry of Defense plans to recruit 3,000 to 4,000 service year recruits, in addition to the regular intake of 4,500 professional staff, by 2028.
🇵🇱Poland: Ex-Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in 2023 stated that the Polish army must have “the most powerful land forces in Europe.” The East European country wants to recruit about 150,000 troops in the next decade, which will bring its army from the current 128,000 active personnel to 300,000 soldiers by 2035.
🇬🇧UK: General Patrick Sanders, the head of the British army, has warned that Britons should be prepared to serve in the military in the event of a war with Russia. He plans to increase the number of UK Armed Forces personnel to 120,000 within the next three years. Currently, there are 75,980 active military personnel.
🇩🇪Germany: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that a Russian attack on the NATO military alliance could be possible within the next five to eight years. In November 2023, Pistorius called for "fundamental changes" to the Bundeswehr and aims to increase the number of Bundeswehr soldiers from the current 183,000 to 203,000 by 2031.
🇳🇱The Netherlands: Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, a top NATO official, has previously stated that the military bloc is facing "the most dangerous world in decades" and has called for a "warfighting transformation of NATO." In 2022, the Netherlands had approximately 41,600 military personnel. The Dutch Ministry of Defense plans to recruit 3,000 to 4,000 service year recruits, in addition to the regular intake of 4,500 professional staff, by 2028.
🇵🇱Poland: Ex-Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in 2023 stated that the Polish army must have “the most powerful land forces in Europe.” The East European country wants to recruit about 150,000 troops in the next decade, which will bring its army from the current 128,000 active personnel to 300,000 soldiers by 2035.
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Sputnik International
Which NATO members are beefing up army personnel in response to "prospect of war with Russia”? 🇬🇧UK: General Patrick Sanders, the head of the British army, has warned that Britons should be prepared to serve in the military in the event of a war with Russia.…
🇫🇷 France: French land forces chief, Lt. Gen. Bertrand Toujouse, stated in May 2023 that France's army is undergoing transformation for the modern era. However, the military program for 2024-2030 will maintain land forces troops at around 77,000 soldiers.
🇱🇻Latvia: In 2023, Latvian Minister of Defense Ināra Mūrniece reported significant enhancements to the Baltic country's military capabilities. Latvia aims to increase its military personnel to 31,000 "in a very short time." Currently, there are more than 7,250 soldiers and 10,000 national guard members. According to Leonīds Kalniņš, Commander of the Latvian army, this increase has been made possible "thanks to the public, our citizens, responding to the occurred threat."
🇱🇹Lithuania: In May 2023, Lithuania’s Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Valdemaras Rupšys announced plans to establish a division – the country's largest military unit to date – in response to the so-called threat from Russia. The division is expected to consist of around 17,500 troops. Lithuania currently has approximately 11,000 soldiers in full-time service.
🇪🇪Estonia: Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense of Estonia, has put forward a proposal on beefing up its wartime structure from 26,700 to 43,700 personnel. Estonia will also build hundreds of bunkers on its border with Russia "under new plans to create a Baltic defense line".
🇱🇻Latvia: In 2023, Latvian Minister of Defense Ināra Mūrniece reported significant enhancements to the Baltic country's military capabilities. Latvia aims to increase its military personnel to 31,000 "in a very short time." Currently, there are more than 7,250 soldiers and 10,000 national guard members. According to Leonīds Kalniņš, Commander of the Latvian army, this increase has been made possible "thanks to the public, our citizens, responding to the occurred threat."
🇱🇹Lithuania: In May 2023, Lithuania’s Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Valdemaras Rupšys announced plans to establish a division – the country's largest military unit to date – in response to the so-called threat from Russia. The division is expected to consist of around 17,500 troops. Lithuania currently has approximately 11,000 soldiers in full-time service.
🇪🇪Estonia: Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense of Estonia, has put forward a proposal on beefing up its wartime structure from 26,700 to 43,700 personnel. Estonia will also build hundreds of bunkers on its border with Russia "under new plans to create a Baltic defense line".
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How Russia transformed a T-80 into a powerful new MLRS
▪️Footage of RBU-6000 (Smerch-2) naval rocket launchers attached to ground-based vehicles began appearing online last fall, with the latest video showing one fitted to a T-80B tank chassis.
▪️At sea, the RBU-6000 is used to attack subs, drones, enemy torpedoes and other undersea targets at ranges up to 6 km, and at depths up to 500 meters (increased to 1,000 meters in a modernized variant known as the RPK-8). The system was introduced into service in the early 1960s.
▪️The RBU-6000 has 12 individual launchers, with its 113.5 kg apiece rockets fitted with 23 kg of high explosives.
▪️The T-80 main battle tank was created in the mid-1970s, and upgraded several times over its nearly 50-year lifespan. The tank chassis is fitted with a powerful 1,100 horsepower gas turbine engine, giving the vehicle plenty of pep, plus armored protection, to maneuver in dangerous battlefield areas.
▪️Mating an RBU-6000 to a tank’s armored tracked chassis is typical practice for Russian military engineers, who have previously used the latter to create armored engineering vehicles, mobile howitzers, heavy flamethrowers and even laser combat platforms.
▪️Footage of RBU-6000 (Smerch-2) naval rocket launchers attached to ground-based vehicles began appearing online last fall, with the latest video showing one fitted to a T-80B tank chassis.
▪️At sea, the RBU-6000 is used to attack subs, drones, enemy torpedoes and other undersea targets at ranges up to 6 km, and at depths up to 500 meters (increased to 1,000 meters in a modernized variant known as the RPK-8). The system was introduced into service in the early 1960s.
▪️The RBU-6000 has 12 individual launchers, with its 113.5 kg apiece rockets fitted with 23 kg of high explosives.
▪️The T-80 main battle tank was created in the mid-1970s, and upgraded several times over its nearly 50-year lifespan. The tank chassis is fitted with a powerful 1,100 horsepower gas turbine engine, giving the vehicle plenty of pep, plus armored protection, to maneuver in dangerous battlefield areas.
▪️Mating an RBU-6000 to a tank’s armored tracked chassis is typical practice for Russian military engineers, who have previously used the latter to create armored engineering vehicles, mobile howitzers, heavy flamethrowers and even laser combat platforms.
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❗️The Russian Federation Investigative Committee opened a criminal case about a terrorist attack after the crash of the Il-76 in the Belgorod region.
The initial results of investigative actions, including preliminary data from the inspection of the scene of the incident, allow us to conclude that the aircraft was attacked by an anti-aircraft missile from the territory of Ukraine, the department notes.
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The initial results of investigative actions, including preliminary data from the inspection of the scene of the incident, allow us to conclude that the aircraft was attacked by an anti-aircraft missile from the territory of Ukraine, the department notes.
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A fire broke out at the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran. A representative of the Tehran fire department said that the fire currently engulfed mainly the faсade of the building, and there were no reports of injuries or deaths yet.
The Deputy Minister of Health said that 80 patients were evacuated from Gandhi Hospital.
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The Deputy Minister of Health said that 80 patients were evacuated from Gandhi Hospital.
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Over 30 hours have passed since the downing of the Il-76 carrying Ukrainian PoWs: the West and Kiev’s silence raises questions – experts
“The case in particular puts Zelensky in difficulty. This case could be an element that internal opponents could manage against the current leadership,” Tiberio Graziani, Chairman at Vision & Global Trends, told Sputnik.
An evident intelligence crisis looms over Kiev, hinting at a potential shake-up within the armed forces hierarchy.
His comments were echoed by Dr. Marco Marsili, associate fellow at the Centre for Strategic Research and Analysis.
The Russian Il-76 plane, carrying 65 Ukrainian PoWs for exchange, along with six Russian crewmembers and three escorting soldiers, crashed in the Belgorod region after a deliberate attack by Ukraine, labeled a "terrorist act" by the Russia's Foreign Ministry.
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“The case in particular puts Zelensky in difficulty. This case could be an element that internal opponents could manage against the current leadership,” Tiberio Graziani, Chairman at Vision & Global Trends, told Sputnik.
An evident intelligence crisis looms over Kiev, hinting at a potential shake-up within the armed forces hierarchy.
“The problem is very delicate. Evidently there is an intelligence problem that Kiev is unable to fill. It is foreseeable that heads will probably roll in the armed forces entourage,” said Graziani.
His comments were echoed by Dr. Marco Marsili, associate fellow at the Centre for Strategic Research and Analysis.
“If Kiev is lying about the dawning of the Russian aircraft, it means that the Ukrainian leadership fears to face the public opinion, tired of this conflict, that could start protesting in the streets,” Marsili told Sputnik.
The Russian Il-76 plane, carrying 65 Ukrainian PoWs for exchange, along with six Russian crewmembers and three escorting soldiers, crashed in the Belgorod region after a deliberate attack by Ukraine, labeled a "terrorist act" by the Russia's Foreign Ministry.
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A fighter from the Southern Group of Forces with the call sign “Babai” described how he managed to dodge an FPV drone of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that was flying at his feet.
“We went to the positions, drones began to fly up. This means that they realized that the Russian comrades had come to fight. You can hear it (the drone), of course,” said Babai.
The fighter says that he had to dodge the fourth FPV drone, which tried to attack a group of the Russian Armed Forces during the assault on militant positions; the fighter managed to shoot and shoot down three other drones with his machine gun.
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“We went to the positions, drones began to fly up. This means that they realized that the Russian comrades had come to fight. You can hear it (the drone), of course,” said Babai.
The fighter says that he had to dodge the fourth FPV drone, which tried to attack a group of the Russian Armed Forces during the assault on militant positions; the fighter managed to shoot and shoot down three other drones with his machine gun.
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Sputnik International
What was purpose of Slovak PM Fico's 'symbolic' visit to Ukraine's Uzhgorod?
Uzhgorod was selected for Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s “symbolic” meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmygal for several specific reasons, Milan Uhrik, Member of European Parliament from Slovak republic and Leader of the Political Movement REPUBLIKA, told Sputnik.
He singled out “security” and “geographical proximity” to the next venue on Fico’s schedule – Germany. Uzhgorod is situated on the Slovak border and near the frontier with Hungary.
Weighing in on Fico’s recent statements that Slovakia would veto Ukraine’s NATO membership bid as it would be the "foundation of World War 3,” Uhrik stressed the possibility of “two lines of communication about the decision of not sending weapons [to Ukraine].”
It is worth considering whether the Slovak PM’s visit and statements are just “maneuvering” and “a balancing act," said Uhrik.
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Uzhgorod was selected for Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s “symbolic” meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmygal for several specific reasons, Milan Uhrik, Member of European Parliament from Slovak republic and Leader of the Political Movement REPUBLIKA, told Sputnik.
He singled out “security” and “geographical proximity” to the next venue on Fico’s schedule – Germany. Uzhgorod is situated on the Slovak border and near the frontier with Hungary.
Weighing in on Fico’s recent statements that Slovakia would veto Ukraine’s NATO membership bid as it would be the "foundation of World War 3,” Uhrik stressed the possibility of “two lines of communication about the decision of not sending weapons [to Ukraine].”
“To the domestic audience, cancelling arms supplies is presented as a ‘sovereign political decision’. In relation to foreign partners and their diplomatic representation, communication can be different, in the style that ‘there is nothing left to send’ due to the excessive activity of the previous government.”
It is worth considering whether the Slovak PM’s visit and statements are just “maneuvering” and “a balancing act," said Uhrik.
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⚠️SENSITIVE CONTENT⚠️
The Russian Investigative Committee publishes a video of the work of investigators, criminologists and department experts at the site of the Il-76 crash in the Belgorod region
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The Russian Investigative Committee publishes a video of the work of investigators, criminologists and department experts at the site of the Il-76 crash in the Belgorod region
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Pepe Escobar: Five variables defining our future
In his latest analysis for Sputnik, veteran geopolitical analyst Pepe Escobar outlines factors he says will drive the future of the planet in the coming years as it accelerates toward a multipolar, Eurasia-driven world order. These include:
▪️A “new, obsessive US Narrative on Ukraine – on steroids” to try to prevent NATO’s humiliation in the failed proxy war against Russia, including new provocations, efforts to reorganize the Ukrainian military’s leadership and ramp up attacks on Russian cities amid failures at the front.
▪️BRICS+ serving as “particle accelerator towards multipolarity,” underpinned by the further strengthening of the Russia-China strategic partnership.
▪️The West’s continued loss of the hearts and minds of the nations and peoples of the Global South, culminating in the bankruptcy of the US and Europe’s “soft power” tools.
▪️Continued de-dollarization by Global South countries after witnessing Western attempts to confiscate $300 billion in Russian foreign reserve assets, based on the realization that if the West can just “steal” from Russia, “a top nuclear/military power – they can do it to anyone, and they will.”
▪️The intensification of the racist and imperialist ‘garden and jungle’ metaphor in the minds of Western elites, but now no longer backed by an “imperial free lunch” thanks to the immense technological rise of Eurasia.
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In his latest analysis for Sputnik, veteran geopolitical analyst Pepe Escobar outlines factors he says will drive the future of the planet in the coming years as it accelerates toward a multipolar, Eurasia-driven world order. These include:
▪️A “new, obsessive US Narrative on Ukraine – on steroids” to try to prevent NATO’s humiliation in the failed proxy war against Russia, including new provocations, efforts to reorganize the Ukrainian military’s leadership and ramp up attacks on Russian cities amid failures at the front.
▪️BRICS+ serving as “particle accelerator towards multipolarity,” underpinned by the further strengthening of the Russia-China strategic partnership.
▪️The West’s continued loss of the hearts and minds of the nations and peoples of the Global South, culminating in the bankruptcy of the US and Europe’s “soft power” tools.
▪️Continued de-dollarization by Global South countries after witnessing Western attempts to confiscate $300 billion in Russian foreign reserve assets, based on the realization that if the West can just “steal” from Russia, “a top nuclear/military power – they can do it to anyone, and they will.”
▪️The intensification of the racist and imperialist ‘garden and jungle’ metaphor in the minds of Western elites, but now no longer backed by an “imperial free lunch” thanks to the immense technological rise of Eurasia.
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A unified theory of presidential folly by Sy Hersh
Amid simultaneous US involvement in Ukraine, Gaza and the Red Sea crisis, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh recalls a historical pattern of US presidents overreaching in the face of perceived threats.
▪️Truman (1945-1953)
• Manipulated on foreign policy
• Approved nuclear bombs on Japanese cities
• Feckless decisions in early postwar years
▪️Eisenhower (1953-1961)
• Supported losing war in Vietnam
• CIA plot to assassinate Patrice Lumumba
• Warm support for anti-communist leaders
▪️Kennedy (1961-1963)
• Continued anti-communist crusade
• Bay of Pigs failure and intense bombing in Vietnam
• Shocked by Khrushchev's superior knowledge
▪️Johnson (1963-1969)
• Continued JFK's war in South Vietnam
• Refused peace offers, escalated bombing
• Resulted in millions of deaths, marked by folly
▪️Nixon (1969-1974)
• Continued Vietnam war, initiated Cambodia bombing
• Used force to extract troops from Vietnam
• Engaged Russia and China for support
▪️Ford (1974-1977)
• Accepted US defeat in Vietnam
Amid simultaneous US involvement in Ukraine, Gaza and the Red Sea crisis, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh recalls a historical pattern of US presidents overreaching in the face of perceived threats.
▪️Truman (1945-1953)
• Manipulated on foreign policy
• Approved nuclear bombs on Japanese cities
• Feckless decisions in early postwar years
▪️Eisenhower (1953-1961)
• Supported losing war in Vietnam
• CIA plot to assassinate Patrice Lumumba
• Warm support for anti-communist leaders
▪️Kennedy (1961-1963)
• Continued anti-communist crusade
• Bay of Pigs failure and intense bombing in Vietnam
• Shocked by Khrushchev's superior knowledge
▪️Johnson (1963-1969)
• Continued JFK's war in South Vietnam
• Refused peace offers, escalated bombing
• Resulted in millions of deaths, marked by folly
▪️Nixon (1969-1974)
• Continued Vietnam war, initiated Cambodia bombing
• Used force to extract troops from Vietnam
• Engaged Russia and China for support
▪️Ford (1974-1977)
• Accepted US defeat in Vietnam
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Sputnik International
A unified theory of presidential folly by Sy Hersh Amid simultaneous US involvement in Ukraine, Gaza and the Red Sea crisis, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh recalls a historical pattern of US presidents overreaching in the face of perceived threats.…
▪️Carter (1977-1981)
• Hid Israel's nuclear arms program
• Overlooked intelligence in supporting South Africa
▪️Reagan (1981-1989)
• Lowered tensions with USSR but led anti-communist crusade
• Balanced charm and Cold War commitment
• Haunted by Iran-Contra scandal
▪️Bush Sr. (1989-1993)
• Defeated Iraqi forces in 1991 Gulf War
• Supported questionable elements in Central America
▪️Clinton (1993-2001)
• Broke promise with Russia, expanded NATO
• Betrayal seen as wellspring of the current war in Ukraine
▪️Bush Jr. (2001-2009)
• Cheney's influential role in wars
• Continuation of policies with Iraq focus
▪️Obama (2009-2017)
• Played it safe, chaos in Libya
• Disappointed voters by failing to close Guantanamo
• Relied on military action, broke promises
▪️Trump (2017-2021)
• Continued policies towards Russia and Israel
• Lost to Biden in 2020 election
▪️Biden (2021-present)
• Characterized by political panic
• Support for Ukraine, Israel, naval war on Yemen
• Growing respect for Putin and Xi outside the West
• Hid Israel's nuclear arms program
• Overlooked intelligence in supporting South Africa
▪️Reagan (1981-1989)
• Lowered tensions with USSR but led anti-communist crusade
• Balanced charm and Cold War commitment
• Haunted by Iran-Contra scandal
▪️Bush Sr. (1989-1993)
• Defeated Iraqi forces in 1991 Gulf War
• Supported questionable elements in Central America
▪️Clinton (1993-2001)
• Broke promise with Russia, expanded NATO
• Betrayal seen as wellspring of the current war in Ukraine
▪️Bush Jr. (2001-2009)
• Cheney's influential role in wars
• Continuation of policies with Iraq focus
▪️Obama (2009-2017)
• Played it safe, chaos in Libya
• Disappointed voters by failing to close Guantanamo
• Relied on military action, broke promises
▪️Trump (2017-2021)
• Continued policies towards Russia and Israel
• Lost to Biden in 2020 election
▪️Biden (2021-present)
• Characterized by political panic
• Support for Ukraine, Israel, naval war on Yemen
• Growing respect for Putin and Xi outside the West
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❗️The Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the Belgorod village of Lozovaya Rudka, dropping an explosive device from a quadcopter, killing a civilian, Governor Gladkov said
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Top stories that we covered for you today:
Experts: the West and Kiev’s silence over 30 hours after the downing of the Il-76 carrying Ukrainian PoWs raises questions
What was purpose of Slovak PM Fico's 'symbolic' visit to Ukraine's Uzhgorod?
EXCLUSIVE: Pepe Escobar outlines factors he says will drive the future of the planet in the coming years
How Russia transformed a T-80 into a powerful new MLRS?
Which NATO members are beefing up army personnel in response to "prospect of war with Russia”?
Ukrainian troops reveal their dire situation on the battlefield
Is Il-76 shootdown provoked by NATO to ‘burn bridges’ of communication between Russia and Ukraine?
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Ukrainian troops reveal their dire situation on the battlefield
Is Il-76 shootdown provoked by NATO to ‘burn bridges’ of communication between Russia and Ukraine?
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