German Polls and Mobilization

BILD journalists have disclosed communications between UN Secretary Antonio Gutierrez and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. In these discussions, Gutierrez proposed methods to circumvent US sanctions by establishing a fictitious bank for international currency trade. The integrity of the UN is severely compromised. Russia's claim to its UN Security Council seat is legally questionable, and it has contravened numerous international laws. Yet, the UN remains inactive, possibly due to the troubling notion that Russians are often viewed through a lens of prejudice.

Public Sentiment in Germany

Recent polling indicates that 74% of Germans are against Chancellor Scholtz seeking re-election. The reasons for this sentiment, especially in relation to Ukraine, remain uncertain. Are there any insights from those well-versed in German politics?

Environmental Concerns

Reports emerged in mid-August indicating that Russia has contaminated the Seym River in the Kursk region, with toxins flowing downstream into Ukraine via the Desna River. So far, 18 tons of dead fish have been collected, and scientists believe the pollutant is organic rather than chemical. It depletes oxygen in the water, resulting in fish mortality and a subsequent chain reaction of decomposition.

Recruitment Challenges

A new recruitment poster from Russia invites men to enlist for a short service, which ominously hints at possible death. Interestingly, the poster first appeared in the Kursk region, coinciding with Ukrainian advances. Moreover, the image featured a Ukrainian soldier.

This isn’t the first time Russia has utilized misleading imagery; a previous poster celebrating Navy Day depicted a US aircraft carrier, despite Russia possessing only one carrier, the Kuznetsov.

Reports indicate that injured soldiers have been dispatched to the front lines directly from hospitals. This raises questions about the supposed unlimited manpower of Russia.

Mobilization Developments

Several short narratives have surfaced from Russian soldiers in Ukraine expressing their experiences from August 1 to 8, 2024. One soldier from Yakutia recorded a video detailing how he was the sole survivor of a 15-man assault team, sustaining severe arm injuries. Upon returning to his dugout, he found it destroyed by a Baba Yaga drone and was left without medical assistance, needing to find help independently.

Another soldier lamented the lack of supplies and the neglect of their pleas for assistance. There are distressing accounts of a commander physically abusing a soldier, purportedly for being intoxicated, with threats to shoot him if he didn’t comply.

A wounded serviceman, Zaverin Aleksandr Sergeevich, shared his frustrations about the Defense Ministry's corruption and lack of payment for injuries sustained in combat. He was compelled to reach out to the Minister of Defense after being ignored repeatedly.

Zaverin expressed his discontent with the military's disregard for its soldiers, stating that many are in similar situations, grappling with unpaid compensation and injuries.

Another soldier, Igor Novikov, outlined the challenges he faced after being wounded in combat, including a lack of financial support to return to his unit.

Numerous servicemen have reported similar grievances, with many feeling abandoned and unacknowledged for their sacrifices.

Other News

Lithuania is preparing a comprehensive evacuation plan in the event of an attack from Russia or Belarus.

Ukraine's thermite “dragon” drones are now operational at various points along the front, stretching from Kursk to Zaporizhzhia.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, “There can be no question of a Russian victory. A defeat in Ukraine would constitute a life-threatening defeat for our democracy and our entire European way of life.”

Drone Incursions

Russian drones recently entered Latvian and Romanian airspace. Romania deployed F16s to escort the drones without engaging. This incident, particularly notable as Latvia does not border Ukraine, is being downplayed by NATO, who argue it wasn't a targeted act of aggression. However, this incursion raises serious concerns about future Russian provocations, especially as past responses have suggested a hesitance to confront Moscow.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading!

Dylan Combellick is an analyst focusing on geopolitics and warfare. He is a retired intelligence expert and avid traveler.

Check out this article by my Ukrainian wife about the significance of speaking Ukrainian.