The news of Russians actively using chemical weapons against the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not surprising, but it is deeply troubling. The International Security Institute has reported that the Russians are employing a combination of tear gas and a small molecule that causes extreme nausea and vomiting, slipping through less sophisticated gas mask filters. This intentional use of chemical weapons is a blatant violation of international treaties on war crimes.
The Russians seem to be testing the limits and boundaries of what they can get away with. They are not using more extreme chemical weapons like mustard gas, probably to avoid severe consequences.… Continue reading
The revelation that North Korea is supplying half of all Russian artillery shells used in Ukraine is a disturbing development, to say the least. It prompts questions about the extent of North Korean stockpiles and the impact of this on their own military capabilities. It’s ironic that while Ukraine faces consequences for using bombs from the US on Russia, Russia is sourcing artillery shells from a country as notorious as North Korea.
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un raises eyebrows, especially with the insensitive nickname “King Kong” being used, equating Kim Jong Un to an ape.… Continue reading
Well, the next best time to plant a tree is today. Give them more weapons now Should’ve, Would’ve Could’ve, doesn’t help them now! “We should have provided Ukraine with much more military support much earlier,” Jens Stoltenberg told the Financial Times. “I think we all have to admit, we should have given them more weapons pre-invasion.” While I agree wholeheartedly, this is 20/20 hindsight. The USA had just armed Afghanistan and saw their entire national army collapse in days, and they probably worried Ukraine would collapse the first few days of the war. I can understand why the USA didn’t want weapons immediately falling into the hands of Russia if Ukraine surrendered early.… Continue reading
Putin’s recent order for the conscription of 133,000 servicemen in Russia’s autumn draft brings a grim reality to light. The call for young men to join the military is not a new concept in Russia; it is a recurring event that happens every spring and autumn. However, the timing of this draft, amidst a brutal war in Ukraine, raises eyebrows and concerns about the fate of these young conscripts.
As I delve into the details, I can’t help but feel a sense of despair for the Russian youth who are being thrust into a situation where their lives are at risk for someone else’s political agenda.… Continue reading
It is truly shocking and disheartening to hear that Russia has lost over 650,000 troops in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. The sheer scale of this loss is incomprehensible, especially when compared to historical wars such as the Chechen conflicts. One cannot help but wonder how much bloodshed Putin is willing to subject his people to in his relentless pursuit of dominance over Ukraine. The pain and suffering inflicted on both sides of the conflict are immeasurable, and it is a tragedy of epic proportions.
The Russian military’s inability to adapt and modernize, in contrast to the professionalism seen in the US armed forces, is evident in the staggering number of casualties.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the recent statement by Putin regarding Russia’s goals in Ukraine, I can’t help but feel a sense of dismay and disbelief. The claim that all goals set will be accomplished seems almost delusional given the current state of affairs in the region. The initial promise to push back the Kursk incursion by October 1 has yet to materialize, and it begs the question of what these supposed goals truly entail.
It appears that one of Putin’s objectives may have been to alienate Russia from the international community, and in that aspect, he has certainly made strides.… Continue reading
As I sit here contemplating the recent report from the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, stating that Russia has lost a staggering 651,810 troops in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, my heart sinks. The sheer magnitude of this number is difficult to comprehend – over half a million lives lost in just a few short months. These numbers are not just statistics; behind each figure is a person, someone’s son, brother, husband, or father. And for what? For a war that should never have happened in the first place.
It is harrowing to think about the devastation and loss that so many families in Russia are facing because of this conflict.… Continue reading
China supplying weapons to Russia for the war against Ukraine clearly showcases the intricate dance of global politics and the murky waters that countries navigate in pursuit of their interests. The revelation of a Chinese company providing purpose-built military drones to Russia is not entirely surprising given the complex web of international relations. However, it does raise significant questions about the extent of China’s involvement in the conflict and its implications for the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
The implicit support of China for Russia in this conflict is a testament to the shifting alliances and power dynamics in the world today.… Continue reading
I find it quite concerning that the first Russian drone equipped with Starlink was downed in Ukraine. It raises questions about Russia tapping into Starlink without authorization and the potential implications of such actions. The fact that the USA and SpaceX are working to cut them off indicates a growing tension in the international arena when it comes to access to satellite communication systems.
The idea of an Iranian-designed drone, based on a captured American drone, outfitted with a guidance system owned by an American and used by Russia against Ukrainian forces is quite alarming. It reflects a narrative of technological warfare and the complex network of alliances and rivalries in the global landscape.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the staggering number of Russian war dead surpassing 70,000, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of sadness and disbelief. The comparison to the U.S. casualties in the Vietnam War puts the gravity of the situation into perspective. The fact that this number is believed to be considerably higher due to unreported deaths is truly heart-wrenching.
The sheer scale of the loss is difficult to comprehend. With estimates suggesting that the true number could be over 100,000, it’s clear that this conflict has taken a devastating toll on Russian families. The thought of so many lives lost in such a short period is nothing short of tragic.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker