Russia is losing its allies one by one. The few countries that have so far taken a neutral position or that were considered to support Russia are increasingly supporting Ukraine. After two and a half years of war, those who sought benefits from friendship with Russia
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are beginning to understand that these relations are toxic and will lead nowhere. Putin believed that if politicians were bought, they would be loyal to the end. But these politicians initially and until the last moment pursued the goal of personal gain, and understanding
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that supporting Russia would lead to their isolation, they are not always openly, but increasingly leaning towards Ukraine. Thus, Serbia, remaining "neutral", sells weapons to the West, after which they are sent to Ukraine. Serbia knows perfectly well that the weapons are
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going to Ukraine, but it is not going to stop. It has increased the production and repair of equipment threefold. It became known that during the war, Serbia sent weapons worth 800 million euros. And this despite the fact that Russia considers Serbia a "brother" country,
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calling the Serbs "bratushki". Also, Russia's reliance on the right-wing forces that it supported and sponsored often does not come true. Thus, Russia's bet on Robert Fico in Slovakia did not prevent this country from ultimately joining the Czech initiative to send shells
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to Ukraine. The ammunition collected within the framework of this initiative will be prepared and repaired at factories in Slovakia. Also, despite Fico's statements that Slovakia would stop sending weapons to Ukraine, they were also not confirmed in the end and the country
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continued its support. Juraj Blanar, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, said that contracts for the supply of weapons are a private matter for the companies involved. Another country that is turning away from Russia is Armenia. It has declared
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its desire to leave the CSTO, expressed support for Ukraine and strengthened ties with France and America. Politicians express a desire to hold a referendum on joining the European Union. Russia did not come to the aid of Armenia within the framework of the CSTO in the war
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with Azerbaijan and this makes the country doubt the necessity of this union. Russia has nothing to offer its allies. The only exception is North Korea, which agrees to send its engineers to Ukraine in exchange for technology, being a much more backward country in this
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regard. But this is a very fragile union and as soon as the benefit seems dubious or threatens the regime of Kim Jong-un, Putin will lose this ally too. Iran is also increasingly busy with the conflict with Israel, supporting Hezbollah and Hamas and is less and less
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concerned about Russia's problems. China also refuses to trade with Russia and more Chinese banks refuse to do transactions with it, fearing secondary sanctions. Putin is driving Russia into isolation. Russia can offer neither technology, nor production, nor anything that
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the West can offer. No one wants to be friends with a loser. This is forcing more and more leaders of other countries, previously neutral or loyal, to reconsider their position.
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Why do Ukrainian prisoners look so terrible? This week, 100 people returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among them, 10 civilians. This is the 53rd prisoner exchange with Russia. Some were in captivity since 2017-2018. Among them are Nariman Dzhelyal, the first deputy
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chairman of the Mejlis (representative-executive organ) of the Crimean Tatar people, monks Ivan Levytskyi and Bohdan Geleta. Also a researcher at the Horlivka Art Museum Olena Pekh. She spent 6 years in captivity. Holding civilians captive is another war crime by Russia.
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There is probably not a single war crime listed in the laws that has not been committed by Russia. Once again, we see in what a terrible state the prisoners returned. The body of Oleksandr Hrytsiuk, who died in captivity, was also returned. He was held for 2 years and
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1/7 The United States is set to unveil a new military aid package on Monday! Update by @joni_askola
2/7 On Friday, two U.S. officials announced that the Biden administration plans to supply Ukraine with $150 million in weapons and ammunition, which will include HAWK air defense interceptors and 155 millimeter artillery munitions.
3/7 The officials, who chose to remain anonymous as the package had not yet been made public, indicated that the unveiling of the weapons aid package is anticipated for Monday.
1/7 Even russian resources are limited: russia is facing an increasingly challenging manpower issue as the cost of recruiting new meat continues to rise. Update by @joni_askola
2/7 In light of all the propaganda touting russia's abundant manpower resources and the notion that it can continuously feed its people into the Ukrainian conflict, the steep rise in the cost of new recruits may come as a surprise. Image by @slantchev
3/7 The truth is that russia is facing a significant and escalating manpower challenge. Unable to sustain rising wages, the country may be forced to implement more severe measures, such as new open mobilization, a step that Putin has aimed to steer clear of.
1/8 Mark Rutte is, in fact, the most suitable candidate for the role of Secretary General of NATO. Take by @joni_askola
2/8 In October, Mark Rutte is scheduled to take on the role of Secretary General. His appointment stirred controversy due to the belief that appointing an Eastern European Secretary General would have been more symbolic and fair.
3/8 Kaja Kallas was considered a strong candidate for Secretary General of NATO, but some critics of Rutte's appointment hold a misconception about the role of the NATO Secretary General.
1/9 The United States warned hezbollah that it cannot restrain Israel if the escalation persists. Update by @joni_askola
2/9 Last week, while visiting Beirut, President Biden's representative Amos Hochstein informed Lebanese officials that hezbollah is mistaken in believing that the U.S. could prevent Israel from invading Lebanon if the militia persists in its attacks.
3/9 The Biden administration is deeply concerned that Israel and hezbollah may be making strategic errors as they escalate their verbal and on-the-ground conflict, all the while believing that they can prevent an all-out war.
1/4 The Biden administration is moving closer to permitting American military contractors to deploy to Ukraine. Update by @joni_askola
2/4 The Biden administration is moving closer to lifting a de facto ban on American military contractors deploying to Ukraine, as reported by CNN. This potential change is aimed at assisting the country's military in maintaining and repairing US-provided weapons systems.
3/4 The timing of this decision is rather expected, especially with the impending arrival of F16 jets in the coming weeks. This development is undoubtedly positive news for Ukraine.