UKRAINE: Here’s the Summary for September 4, 2014. [Better Translation]

1. Russian occupiers clearly set Mariupol as their next target. Today, a battle took place under Shyrokyno. But it was – regular combat reconnaissance.

We don’t yet know how much blood will be spilled to defend Mariupol. According to our data, the Ukrainian command is also gathering a formidable force around the city – in fact, rather than just in word. The residents of Mariupol are also ready to stand and defend their city with their lives. This gives us hope that the tricolor plague will not pass [through].

At the same time, there is a threat of an active offense of Russian terrorist troops, even in the nearest hours. The enemy may try to capture as much territory as possible before any peace talks take place – that will be the area that Putin will try to turn into a “new Transnistria” in Donbas.

2. While the Kremlin is going on about its “plan for peace,” and fighting continues in Donbas, the Russians are busy deploying ever more new units to Ukraine. A substantial reserve force is on standby.

Today, the National Security and Defense Council [RNBO of Ukraine] reported 14 battalion task forces and nearly 1,000 pieces of military equipment in the borderland areas of Russia adjacent to Ukraine.

According to our own data, the number of battalion task forces is higher; plus, there are reports of company task forces as well as sabotage reconnaissance groups. We do not wish to argue with the RNBO, but one thing is clear – Moscow certainly does not look in the mood for peace talks.

3. The unsavory resonance continues around the commander of the Prykarpattya territorial defense battalion, arrested for unauthorized departure from the ATO area. It becomes one of the many reasons [for soldiers] to express strong disapproval towards the military command, and to declare battlefield deserters to be heroes.

Personally, I am in no hurry to lock horns with anyone about this situation, and other similar ones. Let us remember that everyone has their own version of the truth (and by the way, because of the abandonment by some units of their positions, our troops recently ended up in the “boiler” entrapments, which resulted in significant loss). To establish the true picture – is the task of the investigation. If someone is then in disagreement with its conclusions – then we can argue.

At the same time, justice cannot be selective – especially in wartime. If the battalion commander sits behind bars, there is a place there as well for those gentlemen in the ranks and positions higher who also abandoned their forces and ran, as well as those whose mistakes or inaction result in the deaths of our guys.

For example, today, the Azov Battalion informed [us] that the rashists destroyed the battalion’s fortified area and the border guards, because of “generals who spent two hours promising accurate artillery fire – but then did nothing.” Should the names of these generals be communicated to the Military Prosecutor’s office, and the situation examined under close public scrutiny? One general punished today can mean hundreds, if not thousands of lives saved tomorrow.

1. President Petro Poroshenko, together with the leaders of the USA, Germany, France, the UK, and Italy, agreed to the draft of a peace plan that should be adopted on the level of the “trilateral contact group,” with the participation of the representatives of terrorist organizations.

Personally, I have little faith in the possibility of peaceful dialogue without damage to our interests. There is hope here, in the side note made by Poroshenko – if the negotiations fail, another option is on the table, one he described as “decisive action.”

Let us await further developments – hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

2. NATO does not promise [Ukraine] military aid, but will offer no objections if separate Alliance Member countries help Ukraine. This was said today by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

This is a position meant to please both sides – neither exactly refusing help to Kyiv, nor provoking Moscow’s anger. But we can recall that very recently, European countries balked at the mere discussion of military aid, even defensive arms. With that in mind, this is definite progress.

Plus, NATO speaks of creating four trust funds for Ukraine. It is known that such trust funds are filled at the request of separate member-countries of the Alliance. This means that our diplomatic corps must work hard in order for these “piggy banks” to work. I hope they will succeed.

3. The leaders of prominent Western countries gathered at the current NATO summit in Wales were in general approval of the idea to strengthen sanctions against Russia. The decision to that effect should be taken tomorrow.

Further comments here are superfluous. And now, at the wakes of their soldiers who died in Donbas, Russian folks have to eat homegrown turnips instead of parmesan. If further sanctions hit Russia – it will only be a plus.

At the same time as they are regrouping their forces, Ukrainian troops strike at clusters of manpower and materiel.

Clashes occurred in the areas of the settlements of Donetsk, Gorlivka, Stukalova Balka, Starobesheve, Amvrosiivka. Activity of the Russian-terrorist troops celebrated in Stanitsa-Luhansk raion [district] in Luhansk Oblast [region].

During the night, at least 100 Russian soldiers and terrorists were killed as a result of the actions of Ukrainian troops.

A reduction in the activity of shelling by occupational grouping of Russian-terrorist forces, but increased the number of fire blows dealt to the territory of Russia.

Mortar and MLRS [multiple launch rocket system] BM-21 Grad were fired on the positions of Ukrainian troops near Debaltseve, Nikopol, Faschivka, Krasna Talivka, Nova Hreblya.

From the territory of the Russian Federation, the positions of Ukrainian troops were struck in the districts of Vesela Hora, Dmitrivka, Peremoha, Valuiske. The shelling was carried out with the use of MLRS BM-30 Smerch. In the area of the settlement of Pobeda MLRS “Smerch” position of Ukrainian troops fired three times.

I care for more reasons than I have time to mention but some highlights: I care because: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King, Jr. I care because this invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a David & Goliath story I care because Ukraine has been our ally. I care that Ukraine as been the slave of Russia with Putin infiltrating all levels of government & military while manipulating their elections. I care that Ukraine is the largest independent country in Europe and is being invaded by Russian Federation. I care because thee quest for freedom parallels the early history of our nation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8HqRH5cHPo&feature=player_detailpage I care because Ukraine had the 3rd largest nuclear stockpile in the world UNTIL 2004 WHEN CLINTON signed the [see below] 2004 BUDAPEST MEMORANDUM 1. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, to RESPECT THE INDEPENDENCE AND SOVEREIGNTY .... AND EXISTING BORDERS OF UKRAINE. 2. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America REAFFIRM THEIR OBLIGATION TO REFRAIN FROM THE THREAT OR USE OF FORCE AGAINST THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OR POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE, AND NONE OF THEIR WEAPONS WILL EVER BE USED AGAINST UKRAINE, EXCEPT IN SELF-DEFENSE OR OTHERWISE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS. 3. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, to REFRAIN FROM ECONOMIC COERCION DESIGNED TO SUBORDINATE refrain from economic coercion designed to subordinate to their own interest the exercise by Ukraine of the rights inherent in its sovereignty and thus to secure advantages of any kind; 4. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm their commitment to seek immediate United Nations Security Council action to PROVIDE ASISTANCE TO UKRAINE, as a non-nuclear-weapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, IF UKRAINE SHOULD BECOME A VICTIM an ACT OF AGGRESSION or an OBJECT OF THREAT of aggression in which nuclear weapons are used; 5.The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm, in the case of Ukraine, their commitment not to use nuclear weapons against any non-nuclearweapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, except in the case of an attack on themselves, their territories or dependent territories, their armed forces, OR THEIR ALLIES, by such a State in association or alliance with a nuclear-weapon State; 6.Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America will consult in the event a situation arises that raises a question concerning these commitments But, the REAL question is why NOT care?

The REAL question is why NOT care?

Caring for the hopeless and helpless is useless because there isn't much that YOU personally can to do for them.

Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us. HE would know. All the charities, shrinks, parents and prayers in the world don't PREVENT the ravages of sin; all they can do is somewhat ameliorate the effects.

Caring for things you CAN change in and around your life is far more efficacious. You can keep an eye on those around you and step in/pray/whatever when you see the need.

There's NOTHING I can do about the starving children, civil wars, crime and despots in the world...except PRAY, donate and live my life the best I can...and staying close to Jesus is the key to MY inner peace.

Can YOU think of anything else?
Abraham Lincoln once said that human behavior can be modified to some extent but human nature cannot be changed. He would know.

G'night, UMCRevMom, time for me to fold up my tent and get ready to hit the hay.

Your statement is informed and eloquent, and it's a shame that it puts people off when it's a solid paragraph.

I hope this helps.

I care for more reasons than I have time to mention but some highlights:

I care because: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," Martin Luther King, Jr.
I care because this invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a David & Goliath story.
I care because Ukraine has been our ally.
I care that Ukraine as been the slave of Russia with Putin infiltrating all levels of government & military while manipulating their elections.
I care that Ukraine is the largest independent country in Europe and is being invaded by Russian Federation.
I care because their quest for freedom parallels the early history of our nation.

LINK (link does not work)

I care because Ukraine had the 3rd largest nuclear stockpile in the world UNTIL 2004 WHEN CLINTON signed the [see below] 2004

BUDAPEST MEMORANDUM 1. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, to RESPECT THE INDEPENDENCE AND SOVEREIGNTY .... AND EXISTING BORDERS OF UKRAINE

2. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America REAFFIRM THEIR OBLIGATION TO REFRAIN FROM THE THREAT OR USE OF FORCE AGAINST THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OR POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE, AND NONE OF THEIR WEAPONS WILL EVER BE USED AGAINST UKRAINE, EXCEPT IN SELF-DEFENSE OR OTHERWISE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS.

3. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, to REFRAIN FROM ECONOMIC COERCION DESIGNED TO SUBORDINATE refrain from economic coercion designed to subordinate to their own interest the exercise by Ukraine of the rights inherent in its sovereignty and thus to secure advantages of any kind;

4. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm their commitment to seek immediate United Nations Security Council action to PROVIDE ASISTANCE TO UKRAINE, as a non-nuclear-weapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, IF UKRAINE SHOULD BECOME A VICTIM an ACT OF AGGRESSION or an OBJECT OF THREAT of aggression in which nuclear weapons are used;

5.The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America reaffirm, in the case of Ukraine, their commitment not to use nuclear weapons against any non-nuclearweapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, except in the case of an attack on themselves, their territories or dependent territories, their armed forces, OR THEIR ALLIES, by such a State in association or alliance with a nuclear-weapon State;

6.Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America will consult in the event a situation arises that raises a question concerning these commitments.

But, the REAL question is why NOT care?

If for no other reason, I believe, than to get an accurate picture of contemporary history before the "victor" rewrites it.
The random, arbitrary and brutal murders of thousands in Iraq is also "not our concern." Should we as human beings simply avert our eyes, wring our hands and utter the facile homilies of non-involvement?

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In a word the fix to sin is: Jesus.

~~Caring~~ FRETTING for the hopeless and helpless is useless because there isn't much that YOU personally can to do for them.

Caring for things you CAN change in and around your life is far more efficacious. You can keep an eye on those around you and step in/pray/whatever when you see the need.

There's NOTHING I can do about the starving children, civil wars, Putin, the Russian Army, crime and despots in the world...except PRAY, donate and live my life the best I can...and staying close to Jesus is the key to MY inner peace.

The media WHIP us up hours upon hours DAILY because that is WHAT THEY DO. We are EXTREMELY limited in what we can do. Venting on FR isn't much of a solution.
Wars have been, are and ALWAYS will be a part of the human experience and taking sides on FR isn't of much use...well, not to me. When did we EVER have "world peace"?? Never. Wars will end when our good Lord ends our world...and not a NANOSECOND sooner.
Can YOU think of anything else?
Are YOU willing to lay down your life to kill a few of ISIS? Are you willing to subsidize yet another middle east conflict?

Abraham Lincoln once said that human behavior can be modified to some extent but human nature cannot be changed. He would know.

Thanks for you input, publius911. Time for me to log off.

FRETTING for the hopeless and helpless is useless because there isn't much that YOU personally can to do for them.

Ukraine would be far from hopeless or helpless if the West would simply supply either modern weapons or means for Ukraine to obtain them, and perhaps some training in their use, in exact balance to the arms Russia is sending in. Ukraine can supply the manpower. The economies of the EU and the US dwarf those of Russia: With even semi-competent strategy and leadership (think "Reagan" or even "Bush") -- Russia would "fold" in short order.

As for what anyone can personally do, by showing public support for effective aid to Ukraine, politicians CAN still be pushed to act. If it appears most of public opinion is comprised of "don't care", not to mention out and out support for Putin, then politicians will act in their own interest. But if the public can be swayed to the side of providing assistance for the Ukraine to fight effectively, then Ukraine still has "hope".

There is another side to all this: US weakness and lack of honor (in this instance, to keep our side of the Ukraine disarmament "bargain" -- and it was a GREAT bargain for us, given the alternatives) is THE surest way to guarantee disaster for us. Without the US to lead, when international order breaks down, as it is beginning to, a medium scale nuclear war is almost certain to eventually occur. It likely won't even include us directly, but millions in the US may die, and almost certainly the world economy will crash in a manner so as to make the Great Depression look like a picnic.

Plus, yet another consideration exists, as paraphrased in a great line from Babylon 5: "We MUST give comfort, because very soon we will require it ourselves." The time WILL come when the US needs aid, from God and Man. (It can be argued that time is already here, but I am thinking "much worse". Say, the next Carrington Event, New Madrid Earthquake, or when Yellowstone blows big time.) If we have deserted our fellow Man, will Man or God aid us?

Jesus said that the poor will be with us always, but he also said that "inasmuch as you do this (help) the least of these, you do it to me."

My family recently learned that a friend has stage 4 cancer. There is only a little we can do to help, and seemingly not much hope. But, we do what we can. Should we stop?

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