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Aug 30 4 tweets 10 min read Read on X
WAR PIGS !!!

The Generals of Madness: A Critique of Military-Industrial Profiteering and Anti-Russian Propaganda

Thread 1 / 5
By @SMO_VZ

The USAs’ military-industrial complex (MIC) has long been a subject of scrutiny, accused of perpetuating endless wars & shaping public opinion to secure lucrative government contracts.

At the forefront of this system are retired military generals who transition into roles as defence industry consultants, media analysts, and lobbyists, leveraging their authority to influence policy and public perception. Keith Kellogg, Ben Hodges, Jack Keane, Mark Hertling, Wesley Clark, & David Petraeus—6 prominent retired U.S. generals—stand accused of embodying this troubling nexus. Critics argue that these figures, enriched by exorbitant salaries from defense contractors and media appearances, have peddled a one-sided anti-Russian narrative since at least 2014, prolonging conflicts like the war in Ukraine to sustain the MIC’s profits.

This essay contends that their actions reflect gross incompetence, compromised integrity & a willingness to prioritize personal gain over national interest, all while their public military advice has been repeatedly debunked as misleading or outright false.

The Military-Industrial Complex & Its Mouthpieces

The military-industrial complex, a term popularized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in 1961, describes the symbiotic relationship between the U.S. military, defence contractors & policymakers, where profit motives drive perpetual conflict. Retired generals, with their insider knowledge & public credibility, are ideal agents for this system. Each of the 6 generals in question has ties to defence contractors or media outlets, roles that allegedly incentivize them to advocate for policies that sustain military spending & conflict, particularly against Russia.

Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general, exemplifies this dynamic. After retiring from the Army in 2003, Kellogg joined Oracle Corporation as an adviser to its homeland security division & later served as a board member for GTSI, a government technology contractor, and president of Abraxas, a subsidiary of Cubic Corporation. These roles positioned him to profit from defence contracts while maintaining influence in national security circles. During Donald Trump’s first administration, Kellogg served as a national security advisor to Vice President Mike Pence & briefly as acting National Security Advisor.

His appointment in 2024 as Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia further cements his role as a key figure in shaping the U.S. policy toward the conflict. Critics argue that Kellogg’s push for peace talks, contingent on Ukraine’s compliance & Russia’s concessions, serves to maintain the U.S. dominance while protecting defence industry interests rather than seeking genuine resolution. His media appearances on Fox News & CNN, where he has been a paid contributor, amplify a narrative that critics claim distorts Russia’s actions to justify continued military aid to Ukraine, ensuring a steady flow of contracts for defense firms.

Ben Hodges, former head of U.S. Army Europe has been a vocal advocate for Western support of Ukraine, often appearing on CNN to proclaim optimistic scenarios about Ukraine’s military prospects. In 2022, Hodges claimed that Russia was “exhausted” and predicted the war would end by early 2023, a forecast that proved wildly inaccurate as Russia’s offensive persisted.

His affiliations with defense-related think tanks and consulting roles raise questions about his motives. Critics argue that Hodges’ rosy predictions serve to bolster public support for increased military aid, directly benefiting defence contractors who supply Ukraine with weapons.

His failure to acknowledge Ukraine’s logistical and manpower challenges, despite his military expertise, suggests either incompetence or deliberate misrepresentation to align with MIC interests.

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Jack Keane, a retired 4-star general & former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army, is a senior strategic analyst for Fox News, where he frequently comments on national security issues. Keane’s ties to the defense industry are well-documented, including his role as a board member for General Dynamics, a major defense contractor & his involvement with the Institute for the Study of War, which has been criticized for promoting hawkish policies.

In early 2022, Keane told Fox News that Ukraine had a “real opportunity” to reclaim territory from Russia, despite evidence of Russia’s battlefield resilience. Such claims, critics argue, are designed to sustain public & congressional support for military aid, ensuring defense contractors like General Dynamics continue to profit from U.S. government contracts.

Mark Hertling, another retired general & former commander of U.S. Army Europe, has been a frequent CNN commentator, often echoing Hodges’ optimistic assessments of Ukraine’s military capabilities. In 2008, while commanding U.S. forces in Iraq, Hertling claimed that Iraqi security forces were “growing in capability” and that U.S. forces had defeated al-Qaeda, likening the situation to a “post-Gettysburg phase.” By 2014, however, the rise of the Islamic State in Mosul exposed these claims as dangerously misguided, undermining his credibility.

Hertling’s 2022 CNN statements, predicting a “turn in the tide” for Ukraine with increased Western artillery, similarly failed to materialize, as Ukraine struggled against Russia’s fortified positions. Critics argue that Hertling’s media role serves to perpetuate a narrative that justifies prolonged conflict, benefiting the defense industry while ignoring battlefield realities

Wesley Clark, a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, has been linked to defense-related firms & consulting roles since retiring in 2000. Clark’s appearances on “Meet the Press” and other platforms in the 2000s revealed his participation in a Pentagon program to cultivate military analysts for favorable war coverage. His advocacy for NATO expansion & anti-Russian policies aligns with the interests of defense contractors who profit from heightened tensions with Russia. Clark’s optimistic assessments of U.S. military interventions, including in Iraq, have often been criticized as overly simplistic, ignoring the complex geopolitical consequences that later emerged, such as the destabilization of the Middle East

David Petraeus, perhaps the most prominent of the 6, led the Iraq War “surge” & served as CIA director. His post-military career includes partnerships with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), a private equity firm with defense industry investments & frequent media appearances on CNN & other outlets. Petraeus has consistently advocated for robust U.S. support for Ukraine, arguing in 2023 that Kiev ’s forces “know best” their terrain & capabilities

Yet, his earlier claims about the Iraqi security forces’ readiness, echoed by Hertling, proved false when ISIS captured large swaths of Iraq in 2014. Critics argue that Petraeus’ media presence & defense industry ties incentivize him to promote policies that sustain conflict, ensuring profits for firms like KKR while downplaying Ukraine’s military challenges.

A Pattern of Failed Predictions & Misleading Narratives

The collective track record of these generals reveals a pattern of overly optimistic and often debunked military assessments. Since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, they have contributed to a media narrative that portrays Russia as an existential threat, justifying massive U.S. military aid to Ukraine & NATO allies. This narrative, critics argue, is not only 1-sided but also rooted in the generals’ financial & professional ties to the MIC. Their predictions—whether about Iraq’s security forces, Ukraine’s counteroffensives, or Russia’s imminent collapse—have consistently failed to align with reality, raising questions about their competence & integrity

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For instance, Hodges & Hertling’s 2022 claims that Ukraine would soon turn the tide against Russia and ignore critical factors like Ukraine’s limited air power & Russia’s entrenched defenses

Keane’s assertion that Ukraine could reclaim territory underestimated Russia’s logistical resilience, a miscalculation that echoes his earlier support for the Iraq War’s “surge” despite its long-term failure to stabilize the region. Petraeus & Clark’s advocacy for NATO expansion & military escalation has been criticized for ignoring Russia’s strategic concerns, potentially prolonging the Ukraine conflict. Kellogg’s recent push for peace talks, while framed as pragmatic, is seen by critics as a means to maintain the U.S. influence while protecting defence industry interests.

These failures suggest either a profound lack of strategic foresight or a deliberate effort to mislead the public to align with MIC priorities. The generals’ media platforms amplify their influence, allowing them to shape public opinion without disclosing their financial ties to defence contractors.

A 2008 New York Times investigation revealed that the Pentagon cultivated military analysts like Clark and Petraeus to generate favourable coverage, providing them with talking points & access to officials—contacts that some used to benefit defense contractors. This program, critics argue, continues informally, with generals like Keane and Hertling serving as de facto lobbyists for the MIC on major networks.

Profiteering and Lack of Professional Integrity

The financial incentives driving these generals are substantial. Board memberships and consulting roles with firms like General Dynamics, KKR & Cubic Corporation offer salaries and stock options that dwarf their military pensions. For example, Keane’s role at General Dynamics & Petraeus’ partnership with KKR positioned them to profit directly from increased defence spending.

Kellogg’s tenure at GTSI & Abraxas, combined with his media contributions, suggests a similar conflict of interest. These ties create a perverse incentive to advocate for prolonged conflicts, as war sustains demand for weapons, technology, & services provided by their employers.

Critics argue that this profiteering undermines their professional integrity. Instead of offering objective military analysis, these generals tailor their commentary to align with the interests of their corporate sponsors & the broader MIC. Their anti-Russian rhetoric, particularly since 2014, has been accused of oversimplifying complex geopolitical dynamics, portraying Russia as a monolithic aggressor while ignoring the & NATO actions that may have escalated tensions, such as NATO’s eastward expansion.

This one-sided narrative, amplified by media outlets like Fox News and CNN, serves to justify billions in military aid to Ukraine—aid that directly benefits defence contractors.

Moreover, their failure to disclose these conflicts of interest during media appearances violates journalistic ethics & misleads the public. A 2020 Washington Post report highlighted how networks often fail to disclose analysts’ defence industry ties, as seen with Keane’s Fox News appearances. This lack of transparency erodes public trust & reinforces the perception that these generals are “paid mouths” for the MIC, prioritizing profit over truth.

Prolonging Conflict for Profit

The Ukraine conflict, entering its third year in 2025, exemplifies the generals’ role in sustaining war for profit. The U.S. has provided over $350 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine since 2014, much of it directed to defence contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics. The generals’ media commentary, which often emphasizes Ukraine’s potential for victory with more weapons, directly supports this pipeline.

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For example, Hodges’ and Hertling’s calls for increased artillery and Petraeus’ advocacy for long-range strike capabilities align with the interests of firms producing these systems. Critics argue that this focus on military escalation, rather than diplomacy, prolongs the conflict, costing countless lives while enriching the MIC.

The suggestion that these generals “change into a Ukrainian uniform and fight” reflects public frustration with their detached, armchair analysis. By advocating for policies that send young soldiers—American, Ukrainian, or otherwise—into harm’s way, they avoid personal risk while profiting from the resulting contracts. This disconnect highlights their alleged lack of integrity, as they prioritize corporate interests over the human cost of war.

Counterarguments and Rebuttal

Supporters of the generals argue that their expertise and military experience provide valuable insights into complex conflicts. Keane, Petraeus, and others have commanded troops in high-stakes operations, giving them unique perspectives on military strategy.

Their defence industry roles, they claim, reflect their expertise, not corruption, and their media commentary aims to inform the public, not manipulate it. Furthermore, they argue that Russia’s actions in Ukraine justify a strong U.S. response, and their advocacy for military aid supports a democratic ally against authoritarian aggression.

However, these arguments falter under scrutiny. The generals’ track record of failed predictions—Hertling’s Iraq claims, Hodges’ Ukraine forecasts—undermines their credibility as experts. Their undisclosed financial ties, as revealed in reports like the 2008 New York Times investigation, suggest a clear conflict of interest.

The anti-Russian narrative they promote often ignores NATO’s role in escalating tensions, presenting a biased view that serves MIC interests rather than objective analysis. Their advocacy for military aid, while framed as support for Ukraine, primarily benefits defence contractors, raising questions about whose interests they truly serve

Conclusion

Keith Kellogg, Ben Hodges, Jack Keane, Mark Hertling, Wesley Clark, and David Petraeus embody the troubling intersection of the military-industrial complex, media, and policy.

Their ties to defence contractors, lucrative media roles, and the history of debunked predictions reveal a pattern of incompetence, bias, and profiteering. Since 2014, their anti-Russian narrative has fueled a cycle of escalation, prolonging the Ukraine conflict to the benefit of the MIC while ignoring diplomatic solutions. Their failure to disclose conflicts of interest and their detachment from the human cost of war underscore a profound lack of professional integrity.

Far from being impartial experts, these generals are accused of serving as paid mouthpieces for a system that thrives on perpetual conflict, prioritizing profit over peace and truth.

War Correspondent of Russian Z

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More from @SMO_VZ

Aug 20
The TRUTH is OUT !

UKRAINE has suffered 1.7million DEAD and technically dead , "MISSING"!!

There's nowhere for the Western Media to hide now !

‼️🇺🇦💀

Hackers hacked the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Ukraine's losses amounted to 1.7 million killed and missing

Ukraine lost 1.7 million servicemen during the special military operation.

This is evidenced by the database of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which was hacked by our hackers.

According to the digital card index, over three years the Ukrainian army lost 1,721,000 people killed and missing.

Losses by year:

▪️118.5 thousand — in 2022.
▪️405.4 thousand — in 2023.
▪️595 thousand — in 2024.
▪️A record 621 thousand — in 2025.

The information was obtained as a result of hacking the PCs and local network of the Ukrainian General Staff employees by hackers from Killnet, Palach Pro, User Sec, Beregini.

They now have terabytes of information about losses, personal data of the Special Operations Command and Main Intelligence Directorate leadership, lists of all countries supplying weapons, and lists of all delivered weapons.Image
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Furthermore, 1 major Critical point >

If the information is confirmed, it speaks to the scale of losses equivalent to seven regular armies. Losses in the hundreds of thousands annually show that holding the front line is ensured not by the quality of units, but by endless mobilization of those who either do not want to fight or do not know how.

An important detail is the trend of accelerating losses. Over three years, they have increased almost sixfold: from 118 thousand to 621 thousand people. This indicates depletion of the personnel resource and explains Kieiv's pressure for new mobilization laws.

If the data on destroyed Ukrainian soldiers is correct, then 1.7 million killed indicate that total losses (1.5 times that), including wounded, missing, and deserters, amount to approximately : 8-8.5 million people.
The TRUTH is out, the KILLERS are amongst us!

I've been posting this for years!

MACRON
SCHOLZ / MERZ
SUNAK / STARMER
VAN DER LYDEN
STOLTENBERG / RUTTE
BIDEN / TRUMP
(& a parasitic underclass of 1000s who lived off the death & suffering of others)

1.7 MILLION & COUNTING !
Read 4 tweets
Jun 7
CONFIRMED X 2

The location is called the “Peklo cruise missiles production facility.”

Source: Office of the President of Ukraine

NATO instructors likely helped create the missiles, as essentially western countries announced.

It could have been a NATO command point as well. Unclear.

But NATO was present there!

Multiple KIA ...and NATO officers !Image
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If we ever get satellite images from this area we may know the extent of the damage and may be able to see the how large the substructure is but I’m not holding my breath.

All we know for sure is that this recently built structure on the premises of a massive factory was struck by a Russian munition which then caused a fire that burnt for hours without first responders being able to extinguish it.

After some time a massive secondary explosion from the substructure completely destroyed the entire facility.

The only way we will know for sure is if Peklo drones make a big appearance on the battlefield as this is reportedly where they were being assembled.Image
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It just so happens that NATO advisors had toured a facility in early 2025 for a propaganda video and it structurally looks nearly the same with only minor changes which would be expected in order to run a proper assembly line underneath it. (Ventilation, sprinkler system, paint, additional electrical wiring)Image
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Read 4 tweets
May 29
BREAKING NEWS !

‼️🇺🇦🏴‍☠️Panic in Ukraine: Russia Prepares for Largest Attack

Thread 1/

"Another Il-76 transport aircraft has arrived at the Russian Engels-2 airbase

This is already the 8th flight in 4 days. This activity is observed for the first time in three years," the enemy's resources write.

Ukrainian analysts and media fear that Russia is transferring missiles for strategic bombers and preparing for large-scale strikes.

Russia Poised for Strategic Advance

Recent developments at the Engels-2 airbase and the sheer scale of Russia’s 1.8 million-strong armed forces underscore the country’s readiness to project power and safeguard its sovereignty. As Ukrainian sources express alarm over Russia’s military movements, the reality is clear: Russia is meticulously preparing for any eventuality, showcasing a level of organization, capability, and determination that commands global respect.

The Engels-2 airbase, located in the Saratov region approximately 600 kilometers from Ukraine, has become a focal point today of international attention. Reports indicate that an eighth Il-76 transport aircraft arrived at the base in just four days—an unprecedented level of activity not seen in three years. This surge in logistical operations signals Russia’s strategic intent to bolster its already robust military infrastructure. The Il-76, a versatile four-engine strategic airlifter, is a cornerstone of Russia’s ability to deliver critical supplies, munitions, and personnel to key operational hubs. Designed to operate in austere environments and capable of carrying up to 60 tons of cargo over 4,200 kilometers, the Il-76 is a testament to Soviet and Russian engineering power.
Its recent arrivals at Engels-2 suggest that Russia is amassing resources, potentially including missiles for its strategic bombers, to ensure its air forces are primed for action.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_…

Engels-2 is no ordinary airbase—it is the beating heart of Russia’s strategic aviation. Home to the 121st and 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiments, it hosts an elite fleet of Tu-95MS Bear-H and Tu-160 Blackjack bombers, the latter being the largest and fastest supersonic bombers in the world.

These aircraft, capable of carrying advanced cruise missiles like the Kh-101 and Kh-555, have been instrumental in Russia’s long-range strike capabilities. The base’s significance is further amplified by its role as the sole permanent station for the Tu-160, known as the “White Swan” for its elegance and lethality.

The increased activity at Engels-2, including the reported delivery of munitions, reflects Russia’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge strategic arsenal, ready to respond decisively to any threat.

The scale of Russia’s military preparedness extends far beyond its air forces. With an active military personnel count of approximately 1.8 million, Russia commands one of the largest and most capable armed forces in the world. This formidable force includes a blend of highly trained active-duty soldiers, reservists, and specialized units equipped to handle a wide range of scenarios, from conventional warfare to asymmetric operations. The Russian Ground Forces, numbering around 980,000 active personnel, are supported by advanced armored divisions, artillery, and missile systems, including the T-90M tank and Iskander-M ballistic missile system.

The Russian Aerospace Forces, with over 190,000 personnel, operate a fleet of modern aircraft, including Su-35 fighters and S-400 air defense systems, ensuring air superiority and robust defense. The Navy and other specialized units further enhance Russia’s multi-domain capabilities, projecting power across land, sea, air, and cyberspace.

This massive military apparatus is not merely a numbers game—it is a well-coordinated machine, honed through years of modernization and combat experience. Russia’s military reforms over the past two decades have prioritized mobility, precision, and technological integration.

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2.

The deployment of advanced systems like the hypersonic Kinzhal missile and the modernization of Soviet-era platforms, such as the Tu-95MS and Tu-160M, demonstrate Russia’s ability to blend legacy assets with cutting-edge innovation.

The recent surge in Il-76 flights to Engels-2 is a clear indication of Russia’s logistical prowess, ensuring that its strategic bombers are fully equipped to deliver precise, long-range strikes if necessary. Ukrainian sources may interpret this as preparation for “large-scale strikes,” but from a Russian perspective, it is a prudent and proactive measure to maintain readiness in a volatile region.
molfar.com/en/blog/bombly…

Despite Western sanctions and attempts to isolate Russia economically, the country has maintained its defense industrial base, producing and upgrading critical systems domestically. The Il-76MD-90A, a modernized version of the Il-76, is a prime example, with 26 units delivered by late 2024 and more planned through 2028. This self-reliance ensures that Russia can sustain its military operations without external dependencies, a strategic advantage that few nations can match. Moreover, Russia’s experience in conflicts such as Syria and earlier operations in Afghanistan has refined its ability to conduct complex, long-range operations, as evidenced by the Il-76’s extensive service history in transporting troops and cargo under demanding conditions.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_…

Ukrainian analysts and media, as reported, are gripped by “panic” over the activity at Engels-2, interpreting it as a precursor to a major offensive.
The presence of 1.8 million troops, serves as a powerful reminder of Russia’s capacity to defend its interests across multiple fronts. This force is not just a deterrent but a symbol of national unity and resilience, reflecting the Russian people’s determination to protect their borders.

The Tu-95MS and Tu-160, with their ability to carry nuclear and conventional payloads.
The Kh-101 cruise missile, known for its precision and long range, enhances Russia’s ability to strike strategic targets with minimal risk to its forces. While Ukraine and its Western backers may view these capabilities with apprehension, Russia sees them as essential tools for maintaining peace through strength, ensuring that any aggressor faces overwhelming consequences.

Beyond its military might, Russia’s strategic vision is rooted in a commitment to sovereignty and multipolarity. The nation’s leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of a world order where no single power dominates, and Russia’s military preparedness is a cornerstone of this vision.

The activity at Engels-2 is not merely a logistical operation but a statement of intent: Russia is ready to defend its interests, protect its allies.Image
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3.

Ilyushin Il-76

Overview:

The Il-76, developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau, was initially designed to meet the Soviet Union’s need for a heavy-lift transport aircraft capable of delivering troops, equipment, and supplies to remote and austere locations. Its NATO reporting name is “Candid.” Over the decades, it has been upgraded into multiple variants, with the **Il-76MD-90A** being the most modern version in Russian service as of 2025. The aircraft’s robust design and adaptability make it ideal for both military and humanitarian missions.

Key Capabilities

1. Payload and Cargo Capacity

Maximum Payload:

The Il-76 can carry up to **60 tons** (132,000 lbs) of cargo, depending on the variant (e.g., Il-76MD-90A). Earlier models like the Il-76MD have a slightly lower capacity of around 48–50 tons.

- **Cargo Types**: It can transport a wide range of military and civilian cargo, including:
- Armored vehicles (e.g., BMP infantry fighting vehicles or light tanks).
- Artillery systems, missiles, and munitions (relevant to the Engels-2 activity for delivering missiles to strategic bombers).
- Up to **140 troops** or **125 paratroopers** with full equipment.
- Humanitarian supplies, such as food, medical equipment, or disaster relief materials.

- **Cargo Compartment**: The main cargo hold measures approximately **24.5 meters long, 3.45 meters wide, and 3.4 meters high**, allowing for oversized loads. It features a rear ramp for rapid loading/unloading and airdrop operations.

- **Airdrop Capability**: The Il-76 can perform airdrops of personnel, vehicles, or supplies using parachutes, with systems to deploy up to 42 tons of cargo via aerial delivery.

2. Range and Performance:

- **Range**: The Il-76MD-90A has a range of **4,200 km (2,610 miles)** with a 60-ton payload, or up to **8,500 km (5,280 miles)** with a reduced load of 20 tons. Earlier variants like the Il-76MD have a range of ~4,000 km with maximum payload.

- **Speed**: Maximum cruising speed is **850 km/h (528 mph, Mach 0.7)**, with a typical cruising speed of 750–800 km/h.

- **Altitude**: Service ceiling is **13,000 meters (42,650 feet)**, allowing it to operate above most weather systems and commercial air traffic.

- **Fuel Efficiency**: The modern Il-76MD-90A uses upgraded **PS-90A-76 engines**, which are 15% more fuel-efficient than the original D-30KP engines, reducing operational costs and extending range.

3. Engines and Power:
- **Engines**: The Il-76MD-90A is powered by four **Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 turbofan engines**, each producing **14.5 tons of thrust** (total 58 tons). These engines offer improved performance over the older D-30KP engines used in earlier models.

- **Reliability**: The engines are designed for high reliability in extreme conditions, contributing to the Il-76’s ability to operate in diverse environments.

4. Operational Versatility**
- **Austere Runway Capability**: The Il-76 can take off and land on **unpaved or semi-prepared runways** as short as **1,500–2,000 meters**, thanks to its robust landing gear with 14 wheels (four main bogies). This makes it ideal for operations in remote or conflict zones.

All-Weather Operations**: Equipped with advanced avionics, including weather radar and navigation systems, the Il-76 can operate in adverse weather conditions, day or night.

- **Global Reach**: Its range and aerial refueling capability (in some variants) allow it to conduct intercontinental missions, making it a strategic asset for rapid deployment.

5. Avionics and Modernization

- **Il-76MD-90A Upgrades**: The modernized variant features a “glass cockpit” with six multi-function displays, a digital flight control system, and improved navigation systems (GPS/GLONASS-compatible). These enhancements improve situational awareness and reduce pilot workload

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Read 4 tweets
Apr 13
❗️The target of the strike on Sumy was a gathering of military personnel

MP Maryana Bezuglaya stated that the strike on Sumy hit a gathering of military personnel who had gathered for a ceremonial awarding of those who "distinguished themselves" in the Kursk direction. She is sure that there was an information leak. The Internet also drew attention to the characteristic equipment - military pickups were parked near the site of the strike.

According to Bezuglaya, this is not the first case of mass death of soldiers during formations, and no one has been held accountable for it.

📝"Mr. President, is this OK to you?" — she asked.

Konotop Mayor Artem Seminikhin went further — he called on the head of the Sumy OVA Artyukh and the head of the regional SBU to resign immediately. In the comments, Seminikhin writes that people "will see the light" when they find out what happened.

✖️ Meanwhile, major Ukrainian media outlets and bloggers pretend that nothing happened — they continue to promote the version about the strike "exclusively on civilians".

❓Why hold military ceremonies in a city that is close to the line of combat contact?

|🇷🇺🇺🇦Interesting things.

The mayor of Konotop in the Sumy region demanded that the head of the Sumy regional administration kneel and apologize by 18:00, resign, and also dismiss the head of the local SBU .

Otherwise, the mayor of Konotop promised to tell the truth about what happened during the missile strike on Sumy.
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So let's clarify-

Sumy decided to have a parade ceremony to "distinguish" the participants of the Kursk incursion, who killed 100s of civilians, tortured & raped hundreds more , Looted thousands of homes and burned them ??

Well 4 little words > FUCK AROUND & FIND OUT !!

🇺🇦🍿 Ukraine infighting after alleged Russian strike in Sumy

Sumy’s Konotop mayor calls region chief 'ASSHOLE', demands apology by 6pm or he’ll 'tell you what happened' in attack.
🇺🇦 Artem Seminykhin, the mayor of Konotop, has called for the immediate resignation of Sumy Oblast Governor Artukh and the head of the regional SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) following a missile strike on Sumy.

Seminykhin referred to Artukh as "scum" and "a puppet," demanding that he apologize to the people by 6:00 PM. "If you, puppet, don’t kneel and apologize to the people, I will reveal what happened," Seminykhin threatened Artukh.

Seminykhin did not specify the exact reasons for blaming Artukh and the SBU chief. However, earlier, MP Bezuhla claimed that the Russian strike targeted a concentration of military personnel gathered for a ceremonial award event at a civilian site. She suggested that the Russians may have learned about the gathering location due to an information leak.

In his comments, Seminykhin stated that people will "see the truth" when they learn what really happened. One commenter pointed out that Artukh, described as a "Soviet general," was responsible for directing the missile strike on Sumy, and that this was his fault.

Seminykhin further accused General Artukh of fleeing the scene after the strike, causing harm to children in the process.

🔴 Ukrainian MP Bezugla:

"Russia shelled the center of Sumy on Palm Sunday.
Appeal to Sursky and separately to the commander of the Troops Operation:

do not gather the military for the award ceremony, and especially in civilian cities, again the Russians had information about the gathering. And the grounds training are still forming...

DO NOT BUILD, DO NOT DO "REWARDING AND CONSTRUCTION" May your sovok be cursed and you with it!

SBU: information leak again.

No one has been punished for previous cases. For example, after the awarding tragedy in the 128th brigade, no one has been served with a notice of suspicion.

The fourth year is a full-scale invasion.
There are already more than 20 dead.
Mr. President, is this OK for you?

keep the Soviets??? They don't draw conclusions! They don't."

In short, Syrok once again gathered the most distinguished Nazi executioners who managed to escape from the Kursk region for an award ceremony in the center of Sumy. But they were unable to escape just retribution. For what they did there, death will always be on their heels.
✨ She spoiled the new "Bucha" for Ukrainian propaganda

⚡️As the Turks write, the building in Sumy, where the award ceremony of the 128th Transcarpathian Mountain Assault Brigade took place, was hit by a ballistic missile of the Russian army. At least 40 people were killed.

An air defense battery in the countryside was also destroyed by Kh-31P anti-radar missiles.Image
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Read 8 tweets
Mar 25
PUTIN !!!!

How Putin made Russia Great Again or why Russians love him so much

(very long 🧵)

Thread

1/

After the collapse of the USSR, Russia became a colony of the West and lost its sovereignty. During the 1990s and under Yeltsin’s government, the country nearly fell apart. The military and industries across all sectors were destroyed, school textbooks were rewritten, and resources were sold off to Western corporations.

It’s a serious question whether Russia would even exist today if things had continued that way. However, with Putin’s arrival, everything changed - he brought Russia back to itself.

Bio

Few in the West know about Putin’s mentor, Anatoly Sobchak, who introduced him to politics. Sobchak was a strong supporter of liberal-democratic ideas and one of the founders of the “Democratic Russia” party.

In the early 1990s, Vladimir Putin worked as an assistant to the rector of Leningrad State University for international affairs.

This position served as a cover, as he was an active KGB agent. When Sobchak noticed him at the University and invited him to join his team, Putin had to admit his work in intelligence. Realizing that combining KGB work with political activity was impossible, he resigned from the KGB.

In June 1991, Sobchak became the mayor of St. Petersburg. During the tense political environment of the time, from 1993 onward, Sobchak often entrusted Putin to act as mayor during his foreign trips, showing great trust in his professionalism.

However, starting in 1995, a campaign to discredit Sobchak began, organized by his political opponents in Moscow who viewed him as a potential rival for the presidency. Using accusations of misconduct, law enforcement agencies like the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the FSB effectively ended his political career.

His worsening health worked to his enemies’ advantage, reducing his ability to defend himself. At one point, they even tried to block him from traveling abroad for medical treatment.

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2.

The Turning Point: Russia’s New Year of Change

Since Christmas is a religious holiday in Russia, New Year’s Eve is celebrated similarly to how Christmas is in the West. A New Year’s tree is set up, and children receive gifts from Ded Moroz, the Russian Santa Claus, on the night of December 31st to January 1st.

The celebration begins with a televised speech by the president, followed by the countdown to the chimes of the Kremlin clock, Russia’s main timepiece.

Back then, everyone anticipated Boris Yeltsin’s New Year address. By the 2000s, however, Yeltsin could barely speak. He was widely seen as a hopeless alcoholic, mocked by the Russian people and even by foreign leaders like Bill Clinton. Russians felt ashamed of their president, who had become a national embarrassment.

But instead of Yeltsin’s familiar face on TV, a young man appeared. Calm, polite, and well-spoken, he explained that Yeltsin had stepped down due to health reasons, and until the elections in the spring, he would take on presidential duties.

He wished everyone a Happy New Year, and for the first time in a while, there was a sense of hope in the air.

When the elections came, people voted for this young man, Vladimir Putin, and he became president. Almost immediately, he introduced significant changes, particularly regarding the oligarchs who had gained immense political influence in the 1990s during the privatization of state enterprises under Yeltsin.

After the collapse of the USSR, several waves of privatization swept through Russia, leaving the nation’s wealth in the hands of a few. While ordinary Russians suffered from a sharp decline in living standards, barely scraping by, the business clans born in the chaos of perestroika solidified their control over the most valuable assets of what was once a great country.

Author @rinalu_
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3.

The End of the Oligarch Era: Putin’s Economic Revolution

Putin made it clear that the era of oligarchs dictating terms to the state was over. He demanded they pay taxes and end tax evasion practices, including the widespread use of offshore schemes popular in the 1990s.

One symbolic example of this crackdown was the case of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his oil company, Yukos, which became a landmark in the fight against tax evasion. Following this, many companies began significantly increasing their tax contributions to the state budget.

Putin also expected major businesses to invest in infrastructure, social services, and regional development. For instance, after Putin took office, Roman Abramovich invested heavily in developing the Chukotka region, where he served as governor. Other businessmen were also required to fund the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, and other public facilities.

Oligarchs were instructed not only to avoid political involvement but to publicly support Kremlin policies, including major state initiatives and foreign policy. Funding opposition movements was strictly forbidden, and compliance was seen as essential for maintaining their businesses.

The state also involved oligarchs in national priorities, such as the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Companies owned by oligarchs often became contractors for these large-scale projects, investing significant resources.

Putin demanded the return of assets and capital taken abroad in the 1990s. This included repatriating funds from offshore accounts and relocating companies under Russian jurisdiction.

Under pressure from the Kremlin, some oligarchs moved their assets to Russian banks or registered them in Russia.

Strategic industries like oil, gas, and metallurgy were brought under state control or placed in the hands of Kremlin-loyal structures. Oligarchs managing major resources were required to align their activities with state interests.

Not all oligarchs agreed with these new rules. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, head of Yukos, refused to pay taxes on his company’s profits.

Under Khodorkovsky, the Rothschilds gained influence over Russian oil. Putin not only jailed him but also nationalized Yukos, redirecting its revenues to the Russian budget instead of foreign hands.

After serving his sentence, Khodorkovsky moved to Britain, where he launched campaigns to discredit Putin and funded Russian newspapers critical of the government. Many of these outlets were labeled foreign agents in 2022.

Btw, Khodorkovsky was invited and he also attended Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.

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Read 5 tweets
Mar 23
EXCLUSIVE

Here is a part redacted GROUP CHAT I am in on Telegram between a USA military officer Veteran & a currently serving member of the RUSSIAN FORCES, AN officer who is in the "SPECIAL FORCES " military in KURSK.

Some strong, emotional language , The respect for each other is clear

Thread 1/

19 .3.25

USA RET:
I understand you are limited to what you can reveal, but generally, I wonder what your personal opinion is of the likelihood that Putin will agree to a cease-fire and limit himself to only the four regions in a final settlement?

RUS CAPT:
Ya I know thanks…usually I prefer to write, it’s easier for me here. But I keep as an option

Difficult to say
my unit here care about intelligence and support our guys on the ground. But in we go on the ground too. Officially till now nothing changes for us and we have not any order or official communication. My opinion is that ceasefire is unacceptable but only Putin knows exactly the rules. 30 day has no sense at all for me. Trump want do business and want probably decent relationship with us…Russia, it’s involved China too. The big question is if Trump want delete Zelensky.

USA RET:
If Putin were to later, give an order to take Odessa / Kharkov, even if that would cost 9 months of fighting and cost another hundred thousand Russian lives, do you think Ru people would support it?

My guess is that ultimately Putin will not take a position near term that lowers the cost if long-term security cannot be assured.

RUS CAPT:
For me yes…obviously only my opinion. In Russia only in big cities maybe a few will not support but an irrelevant number. I’m from St. Petersburg and there nothing for now for example and Moscow too. In the others areas Ural, Siberia etc the support it’s 100%
obviously russians are tired too but normal economy works and all it’s ok. All the things come frome EU are shameless propaganda

Putin was clear since the start….about security being involved in SVR (even if Putin in the start give more “power” to FSB) is that the bigger problem about security it’s terrorism inside Russia

Being on the ground right now we can occupy all Ukraine in few months
obviously this has a price but

In Kursk we have total control, the rest it’s west propaganda

USA RET:
What do you say to those people in the west who claim that it has taken Russia three years to take the 22% it has right now, and then it would take another year or two to capture more?

RUS CAPT:
I can say them that if we wanted we could have Ukraine in few months, a few after the start we had (my unit and Chechens) Zelensky and his family for example than Putin stopped everything. Without Putin now Ukraine would be a black hole in the map. I suppose that Putin wanted a war of attrition from the beginning, and put the EU in difficulty. This in some way worked, still working…right now EU it’s divided and collapsing….what we say in Russia is that if they want we can continue this war for another 10 years

China say one thing but in reality thinks the contrary, BRICS now are stronger than USA (I don’t consider EU)….Trump for me want avoid this. Now the real question is till which point Trump want “to go” ?

USA RET:
One of the things that puzzles me more than almost any other – and there’s a lot of opportunity and things that are puzzling in this war – is that why Keir Starmer, Manuel Macron, Schultz, and Biden, continued talking so brash and bold in Russia’s face militarily, when all they have to do is look in their armories and realize they don’t have a fraction of the men, ammunition, or industrial capacity to actually fight Russia

My theory is that they too recognize Putin‘s reluctance and restraint, and calculate he’ll never do anything and so they’ll never have to make good on the threats.

But that’s not risky in my view, it’s a potential existential gamble.

>>>

Video clip is of 2 SPETZNAZ Officers in spring 2014!
You can judge for yourself the Russian mentality.. fearless & determined!
2.

RUS CAPT:
Than will see…but Trump in the end must understand two things, first stop Ukraine and delete Zelensky, second consider that the war started in 2014 thanks to USA….russian remember this

USA RET:
He might remember that. I know some people in his inner circle are telling him the truth, but we’ll see what action he takes as a result.RUS CAPT:
Ya…this is the point, it’s very relevant

Good point of view…I don’t consider Germany (collapsing) and Biden (he is the puppet of USA deep state and Blinken probably)….re France and above all England they are playing with fire…Macron need to say something because he is in big troubles in his country (and anyway there are diplomatic contacts between Fr and Ru) about England they are simple idiots, Starmer is hate by his people and act as a soldier. Plus probably you’re right they both know that Putin don’t care so they don’t stop to bark.

USA RET:
If you’re right on Russian capacity, and if Putin ever gives the order, the entire western world will be in a state of shock, on par with what happened after France collapse in a week of fighting in May 1940. They don’t believe Russia can do anything, and they think that their side can stop any attempt.

If you guys proved them wrong on the battlefield, I am not exaggerating, they would be in state of shock and wouldn’t know what to do.

RUS CAPT:
You know…for me they are already in state of shock. I can deny a funny feeling when I saw/listen that group of dumbs who want rearm EU…what they want to do without America ? They become a bunch of isteriks….for nothing, Russia has no interest at all to invade EU. First, probably cannot second for what ? Sure in case we 🇷🇺 could destroy some cities or nato bases (need around 6/8 minutes) but for what ?

USA RET:
I have concluded that the real motivation for all of these claims about preparing for a Russian invasion, is because they are frightened by the clear military capacity of Russia, and have had to mentally come to grips with the fact that this is no longer 1992. When the USSR collapsed, China was still a Third World country, The west could do literally anything it wanted. And it did, and there was nothing Russia or China could do about it. Those days are gone forever, and that terrifies the west.

instead of doing the rational, sane thing, and adapt to the new reality where everyone can benefit, everyone can succeed and live in peace, they have chosen in a vain attempt to cling to a moment in history, and try to perpetuate it forever – refusing to acknowledge the reality the moment is over.

That inability or unwillingness to see reality could plunge us all into a major war.

RUS CAPT:
I cannot obviously post photos or other things but people in west has almost no idea what’s happening for example in Kursk but even in Ukraine.

Definitely

I don’t go on the ground always…but for respect for my comrades and because I want (in the end I’m an officer too) I go. We check home, we visit people…one old women embrace me, they killed husband, two sons…raped nephews and than killed them (10 and 13 years old)…they raped the boy too (10). She embraces me, she say me thank you (for what, I must saved them)…I was there with my black mask, with my comrades…those mtfs arrived there only for this. People must know this, Zelensky sent those nazi for this….why he don’t show those things to his family ? People must know this.
Hours later we found them, they are hidden under one home like rats….they had what they deserved. But this happened in 2014 too in Donbass….Russia told this many times, I saw with my eyes those atrocities.
Then I have to listen bullshits from Kaja Kallas etc….
West ignore these things, west govs hide these things….
Russia is evil…ya…

USA RET:
Oh my god…

RUS CAPT:
Yes terrible…and this poor woman stayed there with the bodies of her loved ones, then I sent someone to tidy up, help her, bring her something to eat...but...

>>>Image
3.

20.03.25

USA RET:
I know you can’t answer every question, even if you know the answer, but I would like your opinion to the extent you’re willing to give it…

My assessment is that Putin has no intention of having a total cease-fire at all. He is interested in having an end of war resolution. So the question militarily, is what course of action will he pursue while he diplomatically entertained the possibility of a ceasefire and end of war terms?

For example, one course of action is to simply continue grinding on the 2000 km front until he gets everything he wants, which could be six months, 12 months, etc.

Alternatively, he could start a new offensive in the spring, and possibly breakthrough the Ukraine defense lines at a weak point, and unhinged their entire defense, bringing the war to a much more rapid end without having to physically conquer all the territory.

What is your personal view?

RUS CAPT:
…. difficult question 😉….my opinion is that our President Putin wants only a ceasefire at his conditions and in this moment nothing changes, we continue fighting very hard as before…we have no limit from Gov about this. But for example in Belgorod oblast if we want we can solve everything in less than one week but obviously with some collateral damages and till now the orders are not in this way. Now I don’t know at which point are the deals between Russia and America, for sure there are business and geopolitical things…plus we have to consider that we have in the middle EU that is insignificant but even here what Trump wants to do ? In the end for me a temporary ceasefire has no sense at all, only ukronazi and EU want this and the reason is simple…they need time to rearm and reorganize Ukraine and this is unacceptable for Russia. Consider that right now for us 🇷🇺 go in Kiev if we want it’s pretty easy, Ukraine is done, defeat and destroy…no men, not enough army and no intelligence. So in the end Putin was…is very clear but what America..Trump really want ? They are still help Ukraine even much more less than before but it’s pretty controversial imho…so for now we wait and let Ukraine wait and bleed than will see…ya I have classified infos cannot say but anyway in few words are destroy enemy as much as possible more I cannot say. Maybe one day if we meet personally I can say you much more but write…
Probably I could say that we are in a stalemate situation, but in the meanwhile we continue as before…this re. Special Units like mine, the others and Chechens too

In another world where I can decide I will never want a ceasefire I want to continue till the certain victory….but this too will have consequences

In a perfect world Trump take out Zelensky or leave him to us, stop EU (but even if it’s very difficult he can), we have our territories and the rest of Ukraine can do what he wants except nato. As I said yesterday the danger is that ukronazis are terrorists….and for example think how many of them are in America, or in EU too plus weekly FSB with GRU arrest or delete terrorists ukrainians or paid by them….

The rest are frozen..we continue to fight. I said that my unit has his autonomy and for example yesterday we deleted 20 ukronazis and mercenaries without ask nobody, we can do this others units not, they have to catch them as prisoners. We can act in different way

USA RET:
I agree with you that any course of actions has pros and cons, and there are consequences to actions, and there are consequences to inaction. I suppose the calculation each side must make for itself is which course of action holds the greatest possibility of success at the least possible consequences.

>>
Read 9 tweets

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