Update On The Situation In Ukraine

Putin Intends to Reshape the Global Order

Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The clear objective is to seize control of the entire nation. Whether that presages a complete absorption of Ukraine or its transformation into a vassal state remains to be seen. What is clear is that Putin has judged, correctly it appears, that the time is ripe to fundamentally transform the balance of power in Europe to his advantage.

Afghanka @fghanka

10 hours ago from Belgorod region #OSINT #Ukraine

Sources in Western Europe and the U.S. government indicate that Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is likely to fall within hours. Ukrainian air defenses appear to have been largely neutralized. Russian airborne and airmobile forces have seized key targets across a broad swath of Ukrainian territory.

One of the targets seized was a key Ukrainian airbase on the very doorstep of Kyiv. The Ukrainians have vowed to regain control of the base, but it appears securely in Russian hands as of right now. From this airfield, additional Russian forces can now flow in to assault Kyiv itself. A large number of Russian transport aircraft have been reported on their way to this airfield presumably carrying reinforcements for the troops on the ground.

KyivPost @KyivPost

“Ukrainian government sources told me that 18 IL-76 transport planes took off from Pskov towards Kyiv and will arrive in the capital in an hour”. “The only explanation is the Russians intend to capture and conquer Kyiv so as to establish a puppet government today.” @christogrozev

The city of Sumy in Ukraine has fallen to the Russians. Images online show burned-out Ukrainian vehicles in the streets.

OSINT UKRAINE @OSINT_Ukraine

🇷🇺🇺🇦⚡️Knocked-out Ukrainian vehicles including a 2S1 artillery piece in Sumy as the city fell under Russian control.

The Chernobyl power plant has been seized by Russian forces. A spent fuel storage facility has reportedly been destroyed. It is unclear if there has been a significant release of radioactivity.

Ruff Gem 💧 @RuffGem1

Still in my hotel room #Russian forces entered #Chernobyl. Fighting has erupted here. During the fighting, a nuclear waste storage facility was destroyed. #RussiaUkraine #russianinvasion #NATO

The city of Kharkiv in Ukraine is under attack. As in many parts of Ukraine, massive cyberattacks have also been reported. Ukrainian forces have blown up a bridge to prevent Russian forces from crossing it.

Niels Groeneveld @nigroeneveld

Impact of the Russian invasion on internet connectivity in the Ukrainian city Kharkiv today. The city is under attack, since Russian troops from Belgorod reached the area this morning. #osint #ukraine @IntelCrab @sentdefender

Master of the Information Age ☪︎ @TruthsUnchained

CC footage of Ukraine forces blowing up a bridge over river Oskol in the town of Senkovo, to prevent Russia from putting the full encirclement of Kharkiv in place.

The RAGE X @theragex

Surroundings of Kharkiv, where today there were heavy battles between the Ukrainian and Russian military. #Ukraine

In Kyiv, people are taking shelter in underground subway stations. Many apparently plan to spend the night there to escape Russian attacks.

Osint Ukraine @ukraine_osint

Kiev's metro. People are going to spend night there. #Putin is #WarCriminal #StopRussianInvasion

AND Magazine will provide periodic updates on the Russian invasion as information is acquired. What is clear already is that what we are seeing is fundamentally different from Russian actions against Ukraine over the last few years. Putin has assessed, correctly, that the presence of Joe Biden in the White House provides him a unique opportunity to take steps he would never have contemplated with Donald Trump in the White House. The reshaping of the world order that began with the fall of Afghanistan is well underway.