Joni Askola Profile picture
Aug 15, 2024 9 tweets 4 min read Read on X
1/9 Lessons learned: On day 10 of the Kursk operation, russia is still struggling to stabilize the front, while Ukraine continues to advance. It is clear that Ukraine has incorporated many lessons from its previous counteroffensives and incursions. Image
2/9 Ukraine has evidently learned from its past counteroffensives and incursions. Being able to analyze mistakes and rectify them is crucial, and this serves as a prime example of that. Image
3/9 The Kursk operation is in several ways reminiscent of the Kharkiv counteroffensive. The atmosphere is similar, as both were unexpected and rapid offensives that took the russians by surprise when they were not anticipating an attack. Image
4/9 In comparison to the Kharkiv counteroffensive, which was quite successful but executed with limited equipment and manpower, the momentum faded quickly. It will be intriguing to observe whether a similar outcome occurs in Kursk. Image
5/9 In contrast to the 2023 counteroffensive, this one was much less anticipated, featured significantly better operational security, was more surprising, and took place in more favorable terrain. Overall, it simply makes much more sense. Image
6/9 Electronic warfare has greatly aided Ukraine in countering russian FPV drones in this instance, unlike during the summer offensive in 2023. Image
7/9 This was also evident in Krynky, where russia claimed it was unable to deploy drones due to Ukrainian electronic warfare when the Ukrainians crossed the river. The experiences from Krynky and the rapid incursions into russia are also benefiting Ukraine now. Image
8/9 Ukraine has assessed what was effective and what was not in the past, applying those insights to initiate the operation in Kursk. The initial phases have been highly successful. Let's hope that the current and upcoming phases continue to perform equally well. Image

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More from @joni_askola

Sep 12
1/6 Political violence is a threat to democracy.

It exists on both sides — and it should never be accepted. But let’s be honest: calling it a “leftist problem” is dishonest.

The data shows it’s overwhelmingly a right-wing issue.

Let’s look at the facts👇 Image
2/6 Between 1990 and 2024:

🔹 Right-wing extremists responsible for ~85% of ideological killings (523 deaths)
🔹 Left-wing: ~15% (78 deaths)
🔹 From 2022–2024: 100% of extremist murders were committed by right-wing actors

Sources: CSIS, ADL, ECDB, Reuters

Ask Grok! Image
3/6 Real cases of violence against Democrats:
• Hortman murdered by man with a hit list of Democrats
• Pelosi’s husband attacked
• Trump supporter attempted to assassinate Gov. Shapiro
• Men convicted for trying to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
• Trump’s shooter? Registered Republican Image
Read 6 tweets
Sep 11
1/7 Since returning to the White House, Trump has been buying time for russia in Ukraine.

He keeps stalling while pretending to act. It’s clear he won’t pressure russia.

But that extra time will end up hurting russia more than helping it Image
2/7 This delay is a gift to Putin.

Trump isn’t just doing nothing, he’s actively helping russia by refusing to act.

But time is not on russia’s side. The longer the war lasts, the more expensive it becomes Image
3/7 russia is overpaying soldiers to keep recruitment up and compensating families of the dead.

The numbers keep rising.

The longer the war drags on, the heavier the financial and human cost Image
Read 7 tweets
Sep 11
1/5 No matter what you think of Charlie Kirk—political violence is never acceptable.

His assassination is a tragedy that will make the world worse.

It will deepen polarization, empower authoritarians like Trump, and fuel a dangerous cycle of retaliation Image
2/5 Trump, MAGA influencers, and even Elon Musk are already exploiting Kirk’s murder for political gain.

They’re using it to justify crackdowns, demonize opponents, and push the US further down an authoritarian path.

They are horrible people—just like Kirk was too Image
3/5 Kirk built his career on division, disinformation, and incitement. He called dissenters enemies, glorified guns, justified gun violence, and supported russia’s annexation of Ukraine. He spread lies to defend Putin and attack Ukraine.

I never agreed with him—and still don’t Image
Read 5 tweets
Sep 10
1/6 Everything Trump does starts to make sense—if you assume he’s a russian asset working to sabotage the US and its allies from within.

From foreign policy to domestic chaos, the pattern is hard to ignore Image
2/6 He’s isolating the US globally:

– Attacked South Korea over defense costs
– Undermined NATO
– Started trade wars with allies
– Blocked cooperation on disinformation with Europe
– Made foreign investment in the US riskier Image
3/6 He cozies up to adversaries:

– Praised Putin repeatedly
– Sided with russia over US intelligence in Helsinki
– Downplayed russian war crimes in Ukraine
– Cut funding for investigations into child kidnappings by russia Image
Read 6 tweets
Sep 9
1/5 We are no longer in the muzzle velocity stage of Trump’s presidency — the phase where chaos masked intent.

That phase is over.

We are now in the openly authoritarian, fascist stage.

The signs are clear. The time for euphemisms is over Image
2/5 @ezraklein recently noted: the muzzle velocity phase is behind us.

Trump is no longer accelerating toward authoritarianism — he’s arrived.

His platform is built on revenge, purges, loyalty tests, and dismantling democratic institutions Image
3/5 Trump has called for mass deportations, promised to use the military against civilians, and vowed to prosecute political opponents.

He’s praised dictators, threatened judges, and promised to purge the federal government of dissenters.

This is not drift. It’s design Image
Read 5 tweets
Sep 7
1/7 Trump is attacking US allies and helping russia — again.

By cutting security assistance to European countries bordering russia, he’s handing Putin another gift.

The message is clear: loyalty to the US means nothing under Trump Image
2/7 The Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania — are among America’s most loyal allies.

They spend more on defense (% of GDP) than most NATO countries.

They buy US weapons.

They support Ukraine more than almost anyone.

Now Trump is punishing them Image
3/7 These countries received modest but vital US security aid — hundreds of millions over years.

They used it wisely: strengthening defenses, buying American equipment, deterring russia.

Now Trump wants to cut it — to “save money.”

It’s strategic sabotage Image
Read 7 tweets

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