Ukraine protests: Thousands march through capital
- over 100,000 by some counts
Ukrainian protesters besiege government building
Clashes amid huge Ukraine protest against U-turn on EU
Over 300,000 defy protest ban in Ukraine- "Fierce clashes erupt after protesters take to streets again, chanting "revolution" as anger against government grows."
What started as a protest against the decision not to sign an agreement with the EU seems to have escalated into a "Color Revolution" or "Arab Spring" style movement to force the government to resign. By some reports, the police are using violent tactics to suppress the street protests.
The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country. The current regime of President Viktor Yanukovich is part of that camp. The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society.
EDIT (2/24/2022)
This thread was originally opened in 2013 during the beginning of the revolt in Ukraine that eventually over-threw the dictatorship of the Yanukovyich regime and instituted democratic elections soon afterward. As of this writing, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion that began on 2/23, it is not clear whether or for how long Ukraine will continue to exist as an independent country.
Statements made nine years ago still seem relevant: "The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country... The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society." Some people have expressed the view that the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, beginning in 2014, never really ended.
The invasion is also a result of certain grievances proclaimed by Vladimir Putin, the current President of Russia, and used by him as justification for armed attack and occupation. Western governments, and others around the world, have joined together in condemnation of this attack.
While we do not know what the ultimate outcome of these events will be, this thread will continue to be made available as a place to record news, ask questions and express opinions about the "Crisis in Ukraine."
This map will help track the latest developments.
Do not post anything about the Ukrainian military movement and strategy. This could actually result in casualties.
No discussion regarding nuclear war. As nuclear weapons are not being used by either side, nuclear war is off-topic.
When posting social media links, please (1) state the source [e.g. Reuters reporter? State-sponsored Facebook account? Civilian Twitter?] (2) clarify if it is fact or opinion and (3) summarize the information being presented.
Edited by Tabs on Mar 20th 2022 at 4:26:26 AM
Oh, bother.
I'm again reminded of the stark contrast between the image Russia presented of its armed forces and the reality. When you need to rely on North Korean military aid to help fight an invasion you started...
Disgusted, but not surprised
North Korea has the largest military in the world…
![[up]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/smiles/arrow_up.png "[up]"){kind=icon}
No they do not. Not even if you mean number of people [1].
Oh, bother.
Which means jack and shit unless they are actually sending cannon fodder to help Russia.
Edited by M84 on Mar 12th 2024 at 8:10:38 PM
Disgusted, but not surprised
Baby dango
Being able to throw the most bodies into the meat grinder isn't impressive a boast.
Seemingly they have not only bodies, but artillery shells and missiles also.
Freedom of Russia Legion and Siberian Battalion claim new incursions into some towns in Belgorod. Moscow says no way.
Oh, bother.
So the incursions definitely happened.
Disgusted, but not surprised
Yep, and one of them allegedly used a T-72 with Polish modernization.
Saw a blue flag on that MBT.
EU flag, yes.
Couldn't see it clearly from that vid.
Also parts of Kursk near the Ukrainian border are also being raided by the SB, FRL and the Russian Volunteer Corp.
https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1767471550528180607
Map of where the incursions are happening.
Edited by Ominae on Mar 12th 2024 at 9:39:59 AM
Honestly? If they hope to make a dent into Russian war machine, or at least force them to divert some of their forces back to their country, they need to infiltrate Russian territory and attack weapon factories and oil refineries. With especially the latter under fire, Russian war machine would come to a screeching halt (no oil for military or civilian use would prevent use of tanks and slow down significantly arrival of new troops to the front) and threaten their most important source of income. But, as always, easier said than done 
https://twitter.com/ItsTheEnforcer/status/1767623426582167832
Short vid map recap of the incursions the FRL, SB and the RVC are doing.
Compilation of vid taken Kursk and Belgorod. Mostly of civs videoing empty streets after warning sirens were heard after sounds of gunfire heard from a distance.
Edited by Ominae on Mar 12th 2024 at 7:37:13 AM
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 12, 2024
- US announced emergency aid for Ukraine. Funds come from cost saving on Pentagon contracts.
- French and Lithuanian officials are expected to meet in Paris to discuss accelerating aid.
- Kremlin made personal changes in military.
- Armenia may leave CSTO unless certain expectations are met.
- Russia made limited gains.
- Russia may raise taxes to fund the war.
Edited by Risa123 on Mar 13th 2024 at 11:31:27 AM
Statement made by the Freedom of Russia Legion after the incursions into Kursk/Belgorod/Bryansk started.
The Wanderer
Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 13th 2024 at 11:05:31 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
SB/FRL/RVC issued warnings via Telegram for civilians living in the towns to get away since there's fighting.
UPDATE on the current anti-Russian forces (made up of Russians) so far participating:
- Freedom of Russia Legion
- Russian Volunteer Corps
- Siberian Battalion (led by a Yakut, Vladislav Ammosov, who's ex-GRU. His boiling points were Crimea being occupied and being discriminated by Russians who are not from ethnic minorities, especially those in the police. His service records saved him from being harassed).
- Free Cossack Detachment (made of pro-Cossackia separatists)
- Karelian National Battalion (Rumors at first, but I'm seeing suggestions that they're involved)
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 13, 2024
- Russia advance has slowed down.
- Ukrainian defences may be more fragile than the slow Russian advance would indicate.
- Ukraine conducted drone strikes on military and energy related targets in Russia.
- Russia made limited gains.
- Russia continues to censor protests of wives and mothers of mobilized soldiers.
Getting word that FRL/RVC/SB forces could be in Chernyanka.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 14, 2024
- Medvedev rants about destroying Ukraine under "peace" formula again.
- Russia jammed a plane with the British Defence secretary on board.
- Russia may respond to border raids.
- Russia made limited gains.
- Russia regional governments are reportedly incentivizing people to join the military with economic benefits.
From digging around, looks like War Gonzo raised the alarm after he posted video showing pickup trucks being used by FRL soldiers crossing the land border.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 15, 2024
- Russia has shown some capacity to adapt and learn.
- Medvedv went on rant against sovereignty of Latvia.
- Macron said that the current situation does not require presence of French troops in Ukraine, but does not rule it out. According to him, there cannot be lasting peace without respecting Ukraine's sovereignty.
- Some Russians have made limited attempts to disrupt the elections.
- Ukraine attacked Russians oil refineries.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 11, 2024