1/6 Italy is supplying Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. Great news but do not expect many. Update by @joni_askola
2/6 Italy, like many other European countries, is not always vocal about its military aid to Ukraine. While Italy may be perceived as not doing enough, it likely contributes more than what is commonly known or indicated by the statistics from the Kiel Institute.
3/6 Italy possesses Storm Shadow missiles, and UK sec def Grant Shapps mentioned that it is one of the countries providing some to Ukraine. Unfortunately, Italy has fewer than 200 of these missiles, so the quantity they can offer to Ukraine is probably in the low double digits.
4/6 Recently, there has been speculation about whether the UK will restart Storm Shadow production. Meanwhile, France continues to produce them, albeit in limited quantities.
5/6 This is important as Ukraine requires a significant quantity of missiles and will never have a sufficient amount. Hopefully, the UK will resume production, Germany will decide to provide Taurus missiles, and the US will agree to donate or sell JASSM missiles for F16 jets.
1/6 The homicide rate among russian soldiers returning from Ukraine has seen a dramatic surge. Putin is playing with fire and witnessing the consequences. Update by @joni_askola
2/6 In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of russian soldiers convicted of murder after returning from the frontline. In 2023, 113 active servicemen were convicted, representing an almost 900% rise from the 13 convictions in 2022.
3/6 The surge in convictions among russian soldiers returning from the frontline is attributed by the UK MoD to chronic mental health issues related to war and the release of thousands of ex-convicts who were pardoned for their involvement in the conflict.
Putin ordered that Russia should create its own analogue of X-Box or PlayStation with a cloud game server. We all know how this will end. Several more millions of funds will be stolen, a console will be brought from China, on which a Russian logo will be pasted.
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Back in December, Putin ordered a market study and instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to consider the issue of organizing Russian production of games and consoles by June 15. After this, the head of the Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, said that the
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department began to study the issue of localizing servers for video games on Russian territory. Thus, the Russians want to create a service of ideologically correct games. Most likely, the latest development - "Hell's Best" - will immediately be included there. A shooter on
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1/5 Germany's reluctance to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine is increasingly untenable. Quick take by @joni_askola
2/5 Rumors suggest that both the US government and Republican circles are lacking understanding for Germany's ongoing reluctance to supply Taurus missiles. If accurate, this would imply that the US is not the primary factor behind Germany's decision not to send the missiles.
3/5 Germany has cited various reasons for not sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, including the claim that the US won't permit it. Another prevalent rumor is that Germany refrains from sending Taurus missiles due to their critical importance to German national security.
1/8 Anticipate a substantial escalation from russia in both the eastern front and through disinformation tactics in the days ahead. It is probable that russia's main offensive is already in progress in the eastern region. Take by @joni_askola
2/8 Speculations suggest that Putin aims to occupy Chasiv Yar by 'Victory Day', which is less than 2 weeks away. While this scenario is feasible, it is believed to be part of russia's strategy to make significant advancements before Ukraine's future mobilization brings results.
3/8 According to Deputy Chairman of the Sumy District Council, Volodymyr Bitsak, there are reports indicating that four battalions of Chechens, brought in from the russian Federation, have appeared at a distance of 150-200 kilometers from the border with the Sumy region.
1/9 The acquisition of 81 outdated and inoperable Soviet jets by the US from Kazakhstan raises questions. Will these aircraft be directed to Ukraine? We shouldn't expect too much from this. Update by @joni_askola
2/9 According to the report by the Kyiv Post, the US has purchased 81 outdated Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan at a price of less than $20,000 per unit.
3/9 Kazakhstan has been in the process of systematically replacing its aging fleet of Soviet-manufactured combat aircraft with modern alternatives.
1/7 Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi has issued an update, stating that the situation has deteriorated, providing specific details. The situation is challenging but not dramatic. Update by @joni_askola
2/7 In a telegram post, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported on the deterioration of the situation in the east. Defense forces have relocated to new positions west of Berdychiv, Semenivka, and Novomykhailivka. russia has achieved some tactical success.
3/7 He also mentioned that russia has experienced minor tactical victories in the Kupiansk area, where they have deployed a substantial number of troops. The 12th Azov Brigade of the NG is one of the units involved in the northeast, southeast from Kupiansk near Kreminna.