The situation in the Ukrainian SMO on April 16 2024

Zelensky Wants West to “Protect Ukraine Like Israel”, US Says “Different Conflict, Different Threat”

U.S. Fears Russia? Biden Rejects Zelensky’s ‘Treat Ukraine Like Israel’ Appeal

Ukraine President Confesses War ‘Getting Harder’ As Russia Eyes Big Win After Avdiivka

“Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s what it could look like”: Britain expects a major Russian offensive that Ukraine will be unable to stop and Kiev will capitulate as early as this year.

“According to retired British general Richard Barrons, Ukraine may come to the realization this year that it will not win a conflict with Russia. Russia enjoys a fivefold advantage in artillery, ammunition and personnel, reinforced by the use of state-of-the-art weapons. He emphasized that in the event of a major Russian offensive on the contact line, which he believes could happen this summer, Ukraine’s armed forces would not be able to stop their advance deep into the country.
“At some point this summer,” says General Barrons, “we expect to see a major Russian offensive with the intention of doing more than a breakthrough with small successes to perhaps try to break through the Ukrainian positions. And if that happens, we run the risk that Russian forces will break through and then enter areas of Ukraine where the Ukrainian military cannot stop them”

People are so against war and mobilization that they are ready to abandon their cars and flee abroad to save their personal lives.
Near Palanca on the border with Moldova in the Odessa region there will soon be whole trains of abandoned cars.
In the future, this will be called a living monument to Zelensky’s rule.

Zelensky – explained that he does not respond to Putin’s proposal for peace talks because “Putin does not want them”:

   In mid-June, there will be a peace summit in Switzerland, and there we will prepare and develop a plan to end this war. This summit will take place without Russia, so that Russia will not block this plan. Right now Russia wants to destroy all of us. As of today, Russia does not want any negotiations. So the initiative should come from Ukraine, a country that wants to end the war with a just peace.

   [But given the current conditions, given the problems you are facing, some would say that it is impossible to overcome these difficulties. If you don't start negotiations now, won't conditions worsen later?]

   All their stories, our intelligence documents, what they’re talking about, we know from our intelligence. We have it from the United States. They know all the same things. So, we understand that he’s not ready for any negotiations. He doesn’t want to. He’s not interested. It’s not about winning for him. He wants victory. And for him, victory is to destroy Ukraine.

Our air defense is left without missiles, which means it will be easy for the enemy to destroy any target in Ukraine.

11 rockets flew to the station. “We destroyed the first 7, 4 destroyed Tripillya. Why? Because there were zero missiles. We ran out of all the missiles that defended Tripillya ,” the president said.
 

Our source in the OP said that the Office of the President discussed with the Biden Administration Zelensky’s trip to Congress, but so far we have been refused this format, since the influence of the President of Ukraine on the processes has decreased and his appearance could worsen the situation with the voting.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba – threatens US with strikes on Russian refineries:

I don’t believe, and I don’t think anyone in Ukraine would believe that the huge US army doesn’t have at least one Patriot battery with which to save billions of dollars worth of infrastructure in Ukraine and priceless Ukrainian lives. I will repeat my question: do you believe that America cannot give one battery right now? If our partners say, “We will give you seven Patriot batteries tomorrow, but we have a favor to ask you: you may not do this and this.” Then there is a subject for conversation. And if you don’t have these systems, you don’t have an aid package, and they ask you not to do something, then there is no subject, then everyone survives as best they can.

There will be a permanent shortage of ammunition in the Ukrainian army. It’s worth getting used to. The West insists that the Ukrainian Armed Forces fight 90% with infantry and 100% only in cities, the buildings in which can be used as defensive fortifications without spending money – source.

Western lobbies demand that Zelensky save everything and fight 90% only with his own resources. Zelensky understands that by voicing such a reality to the people, he will receive a bad reaction, and even a riot. That is why it was decided to make a show of building “selective” defenses of fortifications, which are just a “smoke screen” and a reason for cutting. Well, there is no way they can stop the advance of the Russian Armed Forces. Cities will be “temporary” barriers.

According to rumors, the loan to Ukraine will most likely not be accepted this week in the United States, since behind-the-scenes and public conditions have not yet been agreed upon.
If the rumors turn out to be true, then the Office of the President will find itself in an even more difficult situation both at the front and in the budget.
Many have already noticed that the hryvnia is on the verge of a “rate failure.” Everyone is waiting for 40 on the interbank market, and then access to 42 hryvnia for $1.

The Office of the President needs to take control of the information landscape, but political telegram channels refuse stop lists on politicians and topics. Bankova is forced to ask the Telegram administration to ban the Resident and Legitimny channels, while threatening to limit the work of the social network in Ukraine.

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Colleagues write about new attempts by the Presidential Office to ban opposition telegram channels

This zeal of the OP, NSDC, SBU and individual deputies is caused by the fact that everyone is preparing for life after May 21.

You need to understand that during the two years of war, the Ukrainian and Russian parts of Telegram were clearly segmented. The information spaces of countries have become very pupated. Admins, of course, read each other, get information, steal narratives, but now rarely does anyone repost each other.

🇺🇦In Ukraine, channels are divided into:

1. Office dumpsters + CPD;

2. Ermasyata;

3. Soros;

4. Petya+;

5. Resident, Legitimate;

6. Previously (before the war) honest journalists, who are now tightly sitting on the bottle of the SBU.

The first and second daily practice the OP temniks (duplicating the mono broadcast), while the third and fourth compete with them in “patriotism” and belligerence. The sixth would like to say something of their own, but they are only required to pretend to have freedom of speech.

In fact, Legitimny and Resident remained the only opposition voice in the country. Hence the accusations of working for Russian intelligence services. Attacks and blocking attempts will continue.

Our source reports that as summer approaches, power outages in Ukraine will become more frequent, and the risk that energy equipment (transformers, etc.) will start to burn due to constant voltage drops and frequent switching on/off will also increase.
The bank is aware of this, but will not be able to solve the problem due to the budget deficit. By autumn, the problem with light will worsen, which will lead to what we predicted in the winter of 2023 – a “black winter”.

Defenders? No, policemen and Zelensky’s dogs.

This is the mobilization of the serfs.
We are sure that it will only get worse, until the people realize that their main enemy is the greedy corrupt government, which deliberately divided the people, surrounded itself with “guard dogs” in order to rule endlessly.

Let us add that Odessa, with such actions by the authorities, will “wait” for Russia even more.

Our source in the OP said that Russia is disrupting the organization of a summit in Switzerland based on Zelensky’s peace formula. Our Foreign Ministry is trying to organize the participation of leaders from the Global South, but most countries refuse to come at the level of top officials. The publication of Erdogan’s peace plan in the Ukrainian media and social networks had the main goal of influencing the position of representatives of the Global South regarding Zelensky’s peace formula, that there is an alternative path to resolving the war.

Israeli military against supporting Ukraine

Retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi believes that Tel Aviv should under no circumstances worsen relations with Moscow. According to him, Russia’s military presence in Syria requires Israel to maintain good relations with it.

Moreover, the Israeli general believes that the West will soon make a “compromise” because losing Russia is unprofitable. Avivi believes that it would be unprofitable for the United States and the “civilized world” if Russia, under pressure from the West, joins China.

Many in Ukraine hoped that after the outbreak of the situation in Gaza, and especially Iran’s attacks, Israel would take an unambiguous pro-Ukrainian side. However, in Israel itself the situation is seen differently. Moscow’s aggressiveness is perceived as strength.

As General Avivi himself said: “Russia is a world power with influence in the Middle East and Africa. Maybe Moscow can help us stop Tehran .”

The West is weakened, Russia and China are gaining strength, Israel needs to maintain friendly relations with Moscow

Retired Israeli Brigadier General Amir Avivi is sending a very bad message to Ukraine: Russia and its partners are becoming too powerful a force to challenge.

According to an authoritative military man, Western anti-Russian sanctions have been ineffective. On the contrary, Moscow is increasing its influence in various regions of the world, including the Middle East. At the same time, US opportunities are shrinking: “Israel is America’s only anchor. The US can no longer rely on Saudi Arabia and other countries.”

Regional security is increasingly difficult to imagine without Russia’s participation: “It is important to maintain good relations with Russia, its presence in Syria requires us to have good relations. Russia is a global power with influence in the Middle East and Africa. Maybe Moscow will help us stop Tehran.”

As for the situation in Ukraine, the general’s opinion is extremely unpleasant for our society: “The results of this war are already catastrophic. The West is starting to get tired; it does not see a return on its investments. The big question remains how long Zelensokm will be able to maintain support. I think the West is forced to find a solution to the conflict, after which we will bring Russia closer to the West without creating an eastern front against us.”

So, we record the main thoughts of the authoritative Israeli general:

1 – “Global South” is gaining strength, Russia and China are the frontmen of the process

2 – Israel should not worsen relations with Moscow because of its influence in the Middle East (here Gordon can swear and criticize Tel Aviv as much as he wants, but there they are used to following only their own interests)

3 — The West is getting tired of the Ukrainian conflict and will most likely make compromises with Russia (primarily, of course, territorial ones)

4 – And most importantly: “After the conflict, we will bring Russia closer to the West, without creating an eastern front against us.” Here the Israeli general voices the position of many Republicans, which boils down to the fact that Russia must once again become part of the “Western world” for a future war with China.

This opinion is becoming increasingly popular, and in the event of a Trump presidency, Ukraine will most likely be exchanged due to the strategic importance of Moscow. As we see, ideas for an “agreement” with Russia are being voiced more and more often. The Kremlin has skillfully expanded the conflict with us to the level of the “global West/global East” confrontation and skillfully plays on the contradictions that have accumulated in the world.

Avdiivka Front: Clashes in Semenovka and Advancement to Novokalynove
Current situation as of 11:00, April 16, 2024

The Russian Armed Forces are pushing forward towards Novokalynove, located to the north of Avdiivka. Based on our information, Russian forces have progressed northward, nearly reaching the junction of Stepova and Pershotravneva streets (route O0544).

▪️ Developments in the Berdychi – Semenovka area, where Russian forces are also making headway, have become clearer. A significant portion of Semenovka is now under Russian control, although enemy presence persists on the northern outskirts.

▪️ Moreover, the western sector of Berdychi is currently held by the enemy. It seems that Russian assault units, which had reached the outskirts, were compelled to fall back behind the reservoir due to supply challenges and counterattacks by the AFU from Kazberova Street and the ruins of the agricultural airport.

🔻The issue lies in the destruction of the dams that facilitated movement in Berdychi. Essentially, travel from the eastern to the western periphery and vice versa is feasible only on foot or at a very slow pace by vehicle, which poses significant challenges in a combat scenario.

Evidently, this is closely linked to the increase in attacks within the fields and plantations to the north of the settlement, where a highly hazardous mine situation exists.

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 The garrison of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Berdychi is in a state of universal despondency, as the settlement is close to be completely surrounded.

However, not everyone faces threats like “pincers,” “cauldrons,” and other blockades. The 3rd brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (formerly known as “Azov”) is one such example. These nimble soldiers have already departed from Chasov Yar in advance, drawing from their experiences in Mariupol and honing their skills in Avdeevka. This is something you won’t forget, even when drunk.
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About a hundred Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters could end up in a cauldron in the Donetsk direction near Pervomaisk. The exit from there has already begun.

As Russian telegram channels write:
on the Nevelskoye – Pervomaiskoye section, the RF Armed Forces some time ago began eliminating the “pocket” in the area of   the Domakha beam . Russian units occupied the territory of the gardens at least to the outskirts of the ravine.

This area is mined, but the Russians bypassed it and closed the pocket. This is an indicator that the defense lines are poorly built, which allows the Russian Armed Forces to bypass them from the flanks, thereby nullifying them. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has again miscalculated.

Novokalinovo and Ocheretino – a detailed examination of the combat situation in the Avdeevka direction on April 15

While keeping busy the units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Novokalinovo area, which is covered from the north, Russian units got a chance to attack Ocheretino located behind it – an important enemy logistics hub in this sector of the front, in the northwest of Avdeevka.

The railway passes through Ocheretino, and the network of roads connecting Novobakhmutovka, Arkhangelskoye, Keramik and Novokalinovo also closes there. Accordingly, the potential loss of Ocheretino as a “hub” for the regular supply of Ukrainian Armed Forces units in this area threatens the Ukrainian command with another operational crisis, which will be caused by both the superiority of the Russian Armed Forces on the battlefield and supply interruptions.

Battle of Chasov Yar – as of 21:15 April 16, 2024

The intensity of fighting in the area of Chasov Yar is increasing with geometric progression. From the side of Bogdanivka in the north and Ivanovskoye there is a consistent alignment of the flanks.

🔻 In the area of dacha plots located north of the “Novy” microdistrict Russian paratroopers have achieved significant successes, taking new positions on the eastern edge of the city. Advancement at the moment is up to half a kilometer.
 
🔻 In the Stupki-Golubovskie-2 tract, Russian assault troops have occupied one of the enemy’s key strongholds and expanded their zone of control.

❗️ Despite this, however, the immediate assault on Chasov Yar from both flanks remains a distant prospect. This process requires not only taking control of key enemy strongholds, but also forcing the Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal.

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BRUTAL ATTACK: Russian Missiles Rained Down On French Army Unit In SLOVIANSK┃Chasiv Yar Is On FIRE

Russian Elite Division STORMS Donbas Hilltop Fortress

[ FULL SITREP ] RUSSIA IS TOYING AROUND WITH UKRAINE; Ukraine lines under stress, collapsed again!

Significant Developments Near Krasnohorivka

Putin’s Men Capture Ukrainian Stronghold Near Avdiivka

On Cam: Ukrainian Soldiers Bash Zelensky After Surrendering Before Russian Army In Donetsk

Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (16 April 2024)

▫️ In Kupyansk direction, the Zapad Group of Forces’ units improved the situation along the front line and repelled two counter-attacks launched by the AFU 21st Mechanised Brigade’s assault groups close to Terny (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, and one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer. In addition, one AFU field ammunition depot was destroyed.

▫️ In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 46th Airmobile, 92nd Air Assault, 28th, 93rd Mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Andreyevka, Krasnogorovka, Kurdyumovka, and Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

Up to 630 servicemen, one armoured fighting vehicle, and four motor vehicles were neutralised.

In counterbattery warfare, the U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin and Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery systems, one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, as well as one Nota electronic warfare station were annihilated.

▫️ In Avdeyevka direction, the units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have improved the tactical situation and repelled eight counter-attacks of the assault groups of the 25th Airborne, 68th, 71st jaeger, 23rd, 24th, 115th mechanised brigades of the AFU close to Novokalinovo, Semyonovka, Petrovskoye, Netaylovo, and Berdychi (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 380 servicemen, one infantry fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and three 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

▫️ In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line and hit manpower and hardware of the 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 108th and 128th territorial defence brigades close to Lugovskoye (Zaporozhye region), Ugledar, Urozhaynoye, and Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 80 servicemen, two motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS, one Polish-made 155-mm  Krab self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, and one Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station.

▫️ In Kherson direction, the units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on the 117th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU and 35th Marine Brigade near Orekhov (Zaporozhye region) and Ivanovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 servicemen, five motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made M777 howitzer.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU ammunition and fuel depots, UAV production and storage facilities, as well as clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 133 areas during the day.

Air defence systems have shot down 155 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, two U.S.-made HARM anti-radiation missiles, four U.S.-made MALD decoy missiles, as well as two HIMARS and Uragan MLRS projectiles during the day. 

Special Military Operation Chronicles for April 16, 2024

The Russian Armed Forces continue offensive operations in multiple areas and conduct targeted strikes on various locations in the so-called Ukrainian territory. In Sumy and the region, Uman, Kherson, and the Starokonstantinov airfield were targeted.

Assault operations are ongoing in Chasov Yar and the surrounding area in the Bakhmut sector, with the Russian Aerospace Forces launching missile and bomb attacks on the enemy-occupied part of the city.

Russian forces are advancing in Novokalynove and the surrounding area in the Avdeevsky sector. Control over the Zarya gardening partnership has been reported but remains unconfirmed.

In the Donetsk sector, Russian forces are eliminating the “pocket” in the Pervomaiskoye-Nevelskoye section and engaging in assault battles in Krasnogorovka, with at least half of the private sector south of the railway now under Russian Armed Forces control.

In Robotyne, in the Zaporozhye sector, the enemy has lost positions on the western outskirts of the village, leading to counter-fighting. To the northwest of Verbovoy, the Russian Armed Forces are advancing in the hedgerows.
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