Brothers and sisters!
Нere’s the Summary for August 4, 2014
The bad news:
1. Over the past 24 hours, the intensity of terrorist attacks on the positions of the ATO [anti-terrorism operation] forces increased sharply–there were more than 40 attacks recorded. We do not know what operational plans have emerged for Girkin and his accomplices, but they represent an escalation of activity. The Russian army is helping them intensively, firing at Ukrainian security forces from its territory. Obviously, in the next two days the plans of the insurgents will become apparent.
The headquarters of the ATO have been developing the possible options for terrorist counterattacks. Hopefully, any attempts by the cornered terrorists (or more precisely–tri-cornered) to take revenge in any area will meet with a worthy rebuff.
2. Part of the servicemen of the 72nd mechanized brigade, who were covering the area of the border in the Chervonopartyzansk Raion [district], as well as some of our border control guards, were forced to retreat to Russian territory.
Hysterics immediately arose in the Russian media, as in: Look–400 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered to Russia all at once! They are seeking asylum! Hurry and see this!
The behind-the-scenes question remains–how does one “surrender” to Russia, if it is not at war (according to Putin)? Russian propaganda is not responding to such questions.
In fact, as we know, our guys–311 people–unwillingly entered onto Russian territory. Three-and-a-half hours of nonstop shelling from tanks, artillery, mortars and “Grads” (including the Russian army) forced a part of the brigade to break through to their fellow [Ukrainian soldiers] and others could only go in the direction of Russia. Which was immediately used in Putin’s propaganda.
3. The State Fiscal Service announced today that Ukraine “has not yet formed” a list of Russian companies and facilities on whom sanctions may be imposed. However, “the relevant question is being discussed”–which, of course, immediately comforted [everyone].
I am thrilled with our officials. There should have been five consecutive months in which to shake the West by it throat, knocking the imposition of sanctions against Putin out of it, without even getting scratched themselves–at least for the sake of form. It looks like a bad anecdote from Ukrainian bureaucracy.
The good news:
1. ATO forces entered the settlement of Yasinovataya, thereby covering Donetsk from the north. Active operations are underway in a [Donetsk] city district, as well as Horlivka, Luhansk and other settlements. The ring (more precisely, the rings) around the insurgents are shrinking.
The main problem remains–the civilian population. Humanitarian corridors from Donetsk, Luhansk, and Horlivka are [currently] open for the townspeople. But it is clear that not all will [be able to] leave. Meanwhile, the ATO forces promise not to use scorched earth tactics under any circumstances.
2. The SBU asked the Internet Association of Ukraine to block sites that distribute information that “promote war, national hatred, violent overthrow of the constitutional order or the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
[This is] long overdue. In Russia, the mass media resources that praise separatism, terrorism and “federalization” in our country, would not even last two hours.The evidence for this is the recent story about Moscow’s total clean-up of online resources that mentioned the organization of a March for the Federalization of Siberia on August 17th. According to the Kremlin’s version, “federalization” is for Ukraine, and Putin’s Federation is in fear of federalization. An empire of lies, hypocrisy and cynicism.
3. Russia has already started to shovel the results of European sanctions. What pleases is the blow to Putin goes through economic and military lines.
Yes, a joint European project with Russia to build an S-1000 submarine has been suspended. Germany terminated the contract to supply equipment for the training center with a simulator of hostilities in Mulino ([Nizhny Novgorod Oblast of], the Russian Federation).
But Russia responded adequately. The Russian Consumer Oversight Agency banned the American bourbon Kentucky Gentleman, finding in it (apologies for the long quote, but it is touching) “additives that can cause functional and eventually organic changes in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the endocrine system, as well as cause cancer and problems with infertility in men and women.”
Well, then it’s clear as day–the CIA mixes everything imaginable into this bourbon so as to prevent the Russians from breeding. Windex and moonshine are so much tastier and healthier. Although, speaking of Windex, its formula is still imported, God dammit…
