comment: >
  
  There is ICC but some nations in the west undermine it because it doesn’t fit their interests. In my view if the USA and the likes were signatories of the International Criminal Court such issues would be better handled but alas.
context: Added to the Live Thread
  P.S. Used some of our community coins to give you the highest award we have (and premium for 3 months) due to your sustained efforts to update these threads. It's but a small token of the appreciation and thanks I can personally offer on behalf of the r/WorldNews mod team and the community. >
  
  Well deserved! >
  
  I wish we could throw a little Live Thread party for everyone.
  Out of hardship and loss, suffering and sacrifices, we carved out a community and found within these threads kindred spirits united by common cause! >
  
  Good morning from Donetsk.  Just after 6 am here and sunrise won't be for about  another 2 hours.  Totally quiet out.  I haven't heard any explosions since leaving Dnipro yesterday. >
  
  Wait are you talking Donetsk Oblast or city? Going from Dnipro to Donetsk would require going through an active war zone. >
  
  The Oblast.  I'm currently located safely behind the lines not too far from Kramatorsk.  Passed through a lot of checkpoints but no active combat zones. >
  
  All the best to you! Stay safe! >
  
  One more thing on the war crimes bingo >
  
  It’s not the first time or last. They did this early on idk exact date, June/July maybe? 
  Anyways, by doing this they technically forfeit any pow/prisoner status they might be able to receive. Straight to jail/trial etc, and are no longer considered “pows”, not on the exchange list. 
  There is a specific name for this that eludes me atm. >
  
  Summary Execution?
  From Wikipedia:
  Soldiers who are wearing uniforms of the opposing army after the start of combat may be considered illegal combatants and subject to summary execution. Many armies have performed that kind of false flag ruse in the past, including both German and US special forces during World War II. However, if soldiers remove their disguises and put on proper insignia before the start of combat in such an operation, they are considered legal combatants and must be treated as prisoners-of-war if captured. That distinction was settled by a military tribunal in the postwar trial of Otto Skorzeny, who led Operation Greif, an infiltration mission in which German commandos wore US uniforms to infiltrate US lines during the Battle of the Bulge. >
  
  Good news!
  That is why psychological warfare and sanctions are so important. People get desperate, they slowly lose their minds. The more Russians turn on Russians, the sooner this war will be over. >
  
  Previous post
  Day 325-326 of my updates from Kharkiv.
  These past 2 days were just horrible, as they usually are after a new missile strike happens. Here in Kharkiv the situation is stable right now. Yesterday we lost electricity around 3:40pm, but it was restored pretty fast, some places already had it back up after a couple of hours, for us specifically it took until 11pm, which is still very fast. By this morning the electricity was already restored everywhere in Kharkiv oblast, but there is still a big energy generation deficit in the system because Russians managed to hit 2 of our thermal power plants, so some cities will have longer blackouts for some time until those are fixed/rerouted.
  While the electricity problems do suck, the missile strikes on civilians yesterday are much worse, and they hurt much more than sitting without electricity for a couple of hours. It’s not something that would ever break our spirit or make us surrender, but seeing innocent civilians killed by the fucking Russian terrorists is just enraging. 
  And Russians were extremely happy when the news about apartment block in Dnipro being hit were released, they want more of it. It disgusts me that so many people defend Russians, saying they are “innocent”, while those “innocent Russians” gloat about our civilians being killed by missiles every single time it happens. How the fuck can you be happy about our civilians being killed and innocent at the same time? I’ll never be able to understand that. >
  
  It's embarrasing and sad how the Russian population is not rebelling. They've been beaten down, hopeless, defeated. Their only joy is when others are suffering as well. The world will be a better place when that culture vanishes from the earth. >
  
  Being meek and spineless is almost understandable in Putin's Russia, but cheering on civilian deaths removes any of that previous understanding. >
  
  I just want to point out that since February 24,  it is not even a year. We went from being afraid to supply anything more than infantry based AA and AT weapons. To towed and self-propelled artillery systems, drones, advanced anti-air system complexes and batteries, long range MLRS systems, IFVs and AFVs, mortar systems, radar system including country battery capabilities, HMMWVs, ambulances, Soviet based tanks and helicopters, parts for Soviet and Russian based jet systems, maintenance and repair stations for all of the above in friendly NATO countries. 
  Now we get to check off Western main battle tanks as well.
  Outside of increased volumes of all the aforementioned things. Conventionally all the lines left to cross are Western helicopters, jets, and long range armaments.
  Meanwhile Russia continues to use up all is equipment and supplies and struggles to get their supply chain up to speed. Europe is completely or almost completely off of Russian gas, it's oil is forced to sell at heavy discount to India and China, it's super toned down the nuclear rhetoric, and lost 40% of all the territory it initially took. Men have fled in the hundreds of thousands from the Russian mobilization and conscription, and along with them many educated people. They've almost certainly experienced 100,000+ casualties, dwarfing the Soviet Afghanistan war estimates. 
  I do not see how Russia can afford to carry this conflict on at this intensity or more for all it's cost them and the little gain they've gotten. I will be surprised if 2024 hits and there's not peace talks being seriously considered by the Russians. >
  
  The other side of the story is Putin seems willing to send the whole russian population to their deaths before he stops the war. All the while it seems his grip over russia is still stable. >
  
  Pure terrorism >
  
  500+ a day being normal is surreal. >
  
  But at least it means that Ukraine is tearing through the Russian troops. Every KIA is another body Russia can't throw against Ukraine anymore. >
  
  Yeah, but Russia's disregard for life can sustain 500 a day for too long. 
  They could go through 500 prisoners a day for a year and still have 250,000 still sat in cells. >
  
  New mobilization waves also trigger new waves of emigration fleeing the country. Millions fled at the last mobilization, once posh Moscow residents start receiving draft notices they will flee en masse.
  The Russian economy can only survive for so long. >
  
  I just wanted to make a comment about one continuous aspect of Russia’s propaganda.
  After 326 days, Russia still seems to be chasing that “one defining win” that will somehow break the back of Ukraine’s military.
  On the same note, the Russian media is still searching for a cleaver change of tactics that will create a path forward for Russia to win.
  This kind of propaganda is very engaging and exciting, but it has a time limit. Eventually people become skeptical.
  For example, with every change of top Russian generals there were discussions on both sides about how this will effect the progress of the war. The latest shuffling of the deckchairs with putting Gerisamov in charge, has made barely a ripple.
  As time goes on, it’s becoming apparent Russia does not have any answers, other than hoping that somehow the west will lose interest and walk away. >
  
  Yes, very good point. At some point war fatigue is going to kick in among the Russian population (happened in America too during Vietnam War). Especially as the burden of sanctions and war expenditure becomes heavier and heavier. Russia can't afford this in the long run. The Soviet Union insisting on doing something it couldn't afford is what led to its break-up. >
  
  Yeah, I know the Russians are used to the “Firehose of falsehood”, but after this long it’s all starting to look a bit the same. Soon, this won’t be enough to distract Russians from their country going down the toilet.
  I know Russians are apathetic about Ukraine’s plight, but I doubt they will feel the same when the pinch really starts happening at home. >
  
  Most mentally stable vatnik >
  
  Hey, at least he has his life target clearly described /s >
  
  Just for the Russian bots who count the numbers of reactions when something horrible happens in Ukraine due to the Mafia boss Putin and his Russian goons.                                
  Let me remind you that I completely despise these terrorist attacks.             
  They don't change our resolve to support democratic governments and defend Ukraine !!!                 
  Get the F... out of Ukraine and let us live in peace !!! >
  
  Give Ukraine cruise missiles to destroy the sources of these attacks. Russia cannot escalate any more than they are. They are doing all they can to kill civilians. >
  
  But escalation. Need wait few years and then give it Ukraine >
  
  Too real >
  
  "We didn't know it was there despite us being there for almost an entire year"
  Militant disabled children are legitimate targets obviously >
  
  well, thats were they would put military objects >
  
  Ukrainians training on Bradleys >
  
  Bradley with 25MM chaingun and TOW might be the answer to breaking the trench warfare that seems to be developing. >
  
  He'll be dead in 2 minutes. Obviously a right nutjob, so can't imagine he'd do well on a front line. >
  
  This is the second incident in Belgorod, right?
  Cost them three+ soldiers plus ammunition. 
  As well as mutual trust. 
  Pretty good. >
  
  The count keeps going up. Last I saw was 3 dead, 16 wounded, and 8 missing.
  Apparently, once again, the ammo dump was right there, the explosion caused a fire, the fire spread to the ammo . . . 
  Was Belgorod where the Islamic soldier opened fire and killed a bunch of people? >
  
  Jagga jagga >
  
  They take pride in suffering. Which is dumb.
  After the suffering of WW2 Western Europe set about rebuilding and healing from it. Russia went about making suffering a national aspect to be proud of. >
  
  The less wealth you give to the population, the more they suffer and the more they suffer, the more willing they are to join the army. 
  Net gain = more soldiers and more wealth for you and your cronies. >
  
  I am not shocked.. they daid they would send the E version which is one of the more modern ones.
  Realistically sending F16s or similar aircraft would have a bigger effect and be safter thrn sending the apaches.
  Generally apaches are good as a combined warfare arm but lets be honest here they would be a juicy target and the maintenance alone is heavy.
  F16s would have a far bigger impact with a lot less risk of life >
  
  That is the inside of a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle for sure. Must be training on them already, which is great news. >
  
  For most of the major weapon systems that have been given to Ukraine you can assume that they started training months before the announcement and the decision to give it to them was made even before that. The only exceptions were the M777 which was given very early in the war and Germany because they announce some things well ahead of time, and even they were training Ukranian troops on the Pzh 2000 self propelled artillery way before they announced they would be giving it to them.
  The best example of this is HIMARS where it was admitted that they were operational two weeks before they were announced they were delivered at the end of June. And they only announced they were giving them to Ukraine at all on June 1st. So did they train Ukrainian soldiers on use and basic repairs, move spare parts and the launchers and ammo to Ukraine all in two weeks? No, they decided to do it months before anything was announced and that's when they started training.
  People seem to forget NATO is playing the information war game too. They boil the frog with a constant stream of will we/won't we waffling over new weapon systems to undercut Russia's ability to claim escalation. When you've seen a dozen stories on whether they'll give something or not it doesn't make as much news when they actually announce it. Plus with systems that have new capabilities you don't want to let your enemy get ready for it.
  The decision to give Bradley's was made months ago. The training of Ukranian soldiers and the pre placement spare parts started months ago. They were probably already in Ukraine when they made the announcement they were giving them. Any press conference is an exercise in PR, that's what they're for, they don't necessarily have anything to do with what is actually being done. Some time years from now we might start hearing about when they actually decided on some of these things, it's already very obvious they don't announce everything when it actually happens, and why would they. >
  
  Estimated Russian losses from 24.02.2022 to 15.01.2023 (Day 326):
  |Category              |Change*|Total     |
  |:---|:---|:---|
  |Personnel             |+630      |115290    |
  |Tanks                 |+2      |3106      |
  |APVs                  |+10      |6183      |
  |Artillery             |+4      |2094      |
  |MLRS                  |-      |437       |
  |Anti-aircraft Systems |-      |219       |
  |Aircraft              |-      |286       |
  |Helicopters           |-      |276       |
  |UAVs                  |+5      |1872      |
  |Missiles              |+26      |749       |
  |Warships / Boats      |-      |17        |
  |Other Vehicles        |-      |4846      |
  |Special Equipment     |+1      |187       |
  *Change since the previous day.
  Source: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine >
  
  Ah a fancy table, thanks and take my upvotes! >
  
  Mobliks will not do well against them. >
  
  I doubt the Russians care too much. Their entire national identity seems to be formed by PTSD & domestic violence. >
  
  And Fetal Alcohol Syndrome >
  
  Yes that too. >
  
  Lunatics…absolute lunatics.  Lobbing a massive ballistic misfile at a civilian building.  Unfortunately this missile killed my nieces classmate.  We heard just now.  
  Fuck Putin. >
  
  Fuck russians as a whole. I'm sure there are a few who are anti-war, but as long as majority are anti-Putin and pro-war, or pro-imperialist culture, they can all fuck off.  
  Putin isn't alone in that worldview, their whole society must change. >
  
  Putin positive about 'military operation' progress in Ukraine
  Russian President Vladimir Putin is positive about the progress of what he calls the "special military operation" in Ukraine. "Everything is going according to plan."
  Russia claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities on Sunday, which killed 28 people, according to Ukrainian media. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 with the aim of quickly eliminating the government and seizing parts of the country. The war has been going on for much longer than Russia had previously thought and it is also costing more money, weapons and people.
  “We see a positive dynamic,” Putin said. "I hope that our troops will satisfy us even more and get more results soon." >
  
  Them Baghdad Bob vibes have me bobbin’ >
  
  I love it when he's mad. UK should give UA the Apaches now. >
  
  And finally next year knife missiles and the co ordinates of Putin's location. >
  
  Might not be in Ukraine, might be training elsewhere. I hope it's in Ukraine though. The sooner the better. >
  
  Correct, the Bradley’s are not in Ukraine yet. They’re training with them in Germany as we speak. They should be ready to roll a couple platoons out with the Bradley IFV’s in the coming weeks. I’m sure they will fast track their training, otherwise it could be a couple months. >
  
  /u/dieyoufool3 
  The debunked apache story is still on top of the live thread >
  
  Just woke up - removed it and added a correction >
  
  In all honestly I am surprised the parents hadn't already decided it was in their and their childs interest to leave by that point. If I'm in a place that is getting shelled I'm getting my family the fuck out at first chance. In any case good that they are safe now. >
  
  Does anyone know the current status of the Crimean bridge?  I know the roadway was supposed to be repaired, but what about the rail tracks? >
  
  General Staff:
  
  "According to the available information, as of January 12, only 10 units of T-80BV tanks remain in serviceable condition in one of the tank battalions of the 26th tank regiment of the occupiers, participating in hostilities in the Kupyansk direction. The rest were either destroyed or are out of order and withdrawn.
  Of the personnel in the battalion, only about 30 invaders remain." >
  
  For anyone else not familiar with the arcane details on Russian formation sizes.. I tried to Google it and found inconclusive results between 30 and 80 tanks in a battalion.
  Wish they'd just say the numbers, or agree a common description vocab. >
  
  Battle Order gave a pretty comprehensive breakdown on whats in a tank battalion. Take note that its pre-war so the current situation might be different. >
  
  "You cannot pay teachers in armoured personnel carriers. And even if you could I would recommend against it,  unless you want the next teacher strike to be that much more interesting"
  ~Perun. >
  
  Perun didn't choose war. War chose Perun. >
  
  There's a painting still hanging on the wall in the flat below. Maybe someone was sitting there enjoying their coffee when the missile struck and finished them. Fuck everything about this. >
  
  Rebuilt for wartime use?  What use were they built for, then? >
  
  The stocks he's talking about have been decommissioned by the Bundeswehr and then bought back by Rheinmetall. Mainly for disposal or spare parts. They were never intended to get into active service again. >
  
  Ukraine has access to good quality equipment from supply lines that cannot be cut! 
  Meanwhile, most of Russia's stock has not been properly maintained. They are also under heavy sanctions so many of their equipment losses are basically irreplacable. 
  The real problem is Putin. He will keep the war going as much as he can. >
  
  This doesn't really make sense, 29543 of 38244 is 77%. The 29543 number is killed, wounded, missing, or captured. Then it says the death rate is 77%. Unless the wounded, missing, and captured number is 0, then the death rate isn't 77%, the casualty from all causes is 77%. >
  
  You are correct. It's a mistranslation. It's "loses" as in people that were taken out of service for above mentioned reasons. Only 106 people got their contract fulfilled and got their amnesty. >
  
  
  Bilohorivka
  
  The site of that great summer Special Tank Crossing Pontoon Operation >
  
  Trying to forcibly remove equipment sold to someone else would be quite the political shit show. If Qatar doesn't agree what would Germany do? >
  
  It's being implied in that tweet that they haven't been delivered yet. >
  
  The Gepards are already stationed in Quatar and were used during the soccer worldcup... >
  
  Tanks are awfully slow and heavy for football. >
  
  Makes for some spectacular goals though. >
  
  Goal keeper is one-time use only though >
  
  The strike on the resedential building in Dnipro shows one thing: Russia is in full total war mode. They are basically like Nazi Germany in 1944. The nazis launched their rockets against Britain against civilian targets.
  But in 1944 the war was already lost. >
  
  War already lost for putin too >
  
  Multiple analysts and Ukrainian leadership are saying whether Russia has lost will be clear after spring offensive. >
  
  Even if the spring offensive fails, I doubt the Ukrainians and western Allies will just throw the towel in and sue for peace. They will simply prepare more aid and send another in the summer/autumn. >
  
  Yeah, but let's not upset him too much :) >
  
  To clarify, Armenians, not the government. So far they haven't asked russia to pack up >
  
  It's a thorny situation: Russia is the only possible partner in the region that can protect them from their genocidal neighbors: Turkey who commited the first mass extermination of the XXth century against Armenians and still won't admit it, and Azerbaidjan, which is openly undertaking ethnic cleansing of Nagorni-Karabakh. >
  
  It shouldn't have been up in the first place. >
  
  I can only think it was some automated process that included it, as anyone with half a mind shouldn't have believed it, or at least should have waited for better sources than a tabloid that usually discusses fake tits and drunk football players.
  And it being up this long as the main item is also a whole issue. >
  
  Not automated.
  The Live Thread is updated more or less by just me these days and I was out all of yesterday with the boys.
  So the issue with the update and time it was up falls squarely on me. >
  
  I appreciate you. :) Thank you for what you're doing.
  I guess you touch more people's lives than you can imagine. >
  
  Your comment made my day. Thank you for the kind words. :-)
  I'm just doing what I can from where I am to help and support Ukraine through this, until the end. >
  
  I find it funny that the loss of Soledar, something that has little chance of influencing the war is being highly hyped, but the fact that Ukraine now has a toe-hold in Kreminna, a city which if it falls could cause a domino chain of Ukrainian victory is being ignored. >
  
  Ukraine should not undersell the loss. Never waste a crisis. If the loss of an insignificant town can convince Ukrain’s backers they need more material and support, play up the loss as catastrophic. >
  
  I expect they're using their ballistic missiles before the Patriot system(s) arrive. >
  
  That would be my guess, also. >
  
  Mobilisation never ended in the first place. Putin never cancelled the decree >
  
  This 100%. Idk why people are overlooking this fact