If you look, there was an editing battle plus a full discussion about whether Igor should be included.
There was debate over if a photo on Twitter was a sufficient source and whether the unknown condition of the TOR (i.e. if it doesn’t work, does he count as an operator)
I notice that the page has been locked to prevent vandalism.
The cracks are opening up.
It would seem that the 5th Directorate of the FSB (the department that probably provided the “Yeah, Ukraine is good for a special military operation” analysis) has been raided by the FSO & FPS…
Inter-departmental battles / rivalry / arrests at a crucial stage of a war is not clever - probably directed by Putin - even more potential enemies against him.
That’s actually a plot straight out of Homeland.
Wow.
Regardless of the internal bitching Putin cannot back down, which leaves virtually the rest of the world with a dilemma, because unless something happens to get him out of office, who’s next on his list after Ukraine? Annexation seems to be his general MO, on the flimsy basis that few want to be Russian and the world makes some noises, but effectively just turns a blind eye, because it’s easy and they have their own things to deal with.
A bloke at work said he’d seen that someone wrote “can we just skip to the bit where he (Putin) shoots himself in the bunker”.
Yeah. Good.
Just a slight issue…
How do you actually get the aircraft.
Think about it…
Yes yes fly in. Woops sorry we shot you down. But we saw a russian aircraft.
Alternatively…
Yes yes i surrender… meanwhile drops instant sunshine on kiev.
Tricky one.
Whilst the Ukrainians obviously won’t publish their ORBAT, I’d be pretty sure that Russian pilots are aware of active / suitable airports to fly to - western areas seem less hit by combat. Reports that they aren’t even flying over Ukraine - releasing missiles whilst still in Russian airspace.
Same for a non-hostile flight profile (such as slow speed / gear down for a jet - normally inhibits wpn systems) - low threat - track with SAM / MANPADs - any change to non-hostile profile - splash one Russian.
There is also command / control versus trust… If this offer becomes well publicised, then it will probably generate significant mistrust - gotta be lots of Russian aviation regts / sqns with pilots missing in action.
So apparently Russia has asked China for military equipment for use in Ukraine.
Recruiting from the Middle East too apparently plus Wagner Group and other militia/mercenary involvement - WG allegedly under contract (in addition to other purposes) to find and eliminate Zelensky.
The façade of a mighty power has well and truly dropped. This is their Vietnam, Korea, or perhaps Russians in Afghanistan 2.0. Billy Joel really needs to catch up with a rewrite.
Nukes and Fossil Fuels, that’s clearly all Russia now is on the world stage and they’ve massively reduced their fuel consumer base.
Given they are reported to be reluctant to provide even parts for aircraft I would hope the Chinese tell the Russians to go take a jump
Abstaining in the UN was a neutral move, I’d be surprised if they took a side now especially with what they’ve seen unfold.
It would be bold to support Putin in that way, but with their own political leanings, territorial desires and, er, treatment of various groups it doesn’t suit them to oppose.
The question is whether it is in China’s interest to intervene.
On one hand a weaken Russia means that China is considered to be the next biggest rival to the US but as there is not NATO equivalent for the pacific l, China is less vulnerable than Russia.
If China intervenes, its likly tonne pulled down the Russian rabbit hole & again start another War.
What China could do is propose & lead a UN peacekeeper team in Ukraine. Gives Russia the buffer, brings the conflict to a pause - projects its power on the world stage as fell as footfall in Europe and access to 10%of the worlds wheat.
Both Russia & NATO get to call it a win.
I was going to say I’m not sure we really want to compromise with a new 38th parallel right in Europe…
Then I realised a Checkpoint Charlie reference would be even more apt.
China whilst large is very much a Regional power and I don’t see what they stand to gain by overtly siding with Russia.
Remaining neutral and being one of the few places that the worlds pariah can deal with, has its advantages, but anything which brings you down to their level isn’t a smart decision.
If you look at China’s Trade imbalance, they have a positive trade imbalance of around $400Billion per year with the US and the EU. I can’t see them risking that for Russia, a country from whom they have a balance going the other way.
If anyone fancies a computer web game to play, I can recommend what I’m calling “Ukraine Simulator” 
So the Russian Cosmonauts have turned upto the ISS wearing Ukrainian coloured suits. Bet that will go down like a lead balloon with Putin!
50p he just abandons them
They are definitely rolling the dice on him still being in power upon their scheduled return - fair play to them though
An interesting read that I find it hard to disagree with.
