This week in Ukraine.
AUG 30, 2025
Azerbaijani assets in Odessa were hit by Russian missiles last week. The intention was to intimidate Baku to stop providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The Azerbaijani government was already resisting Russian pressure by forcing Russian ‘advisers; to leave their country and by making a treaty with neighbouring Armenia. Putin felt a show of force would place Azerbaijan back under his control. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
Baku responded by sending artillery ammunition directly to Ukraine. Ukraine still holds large numbers of Soviet era guns but was running short of 122mm and 152 mm ammunition. Azerbaijan can produce and supply 3000 shells per day and intends to up its manufacturing capacity. Western nations continue to supply NATO standard ammunition and guns of a higher calibre.
This response from the Caucasus states is revealing. It proves fear of Russian power has diminished considerably. Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia know Russia is too weak to threaten them with military force. Russia has burned most of its strength in Ukraine without success and is incapable of forming another front. The resistance from Baku will be watched closely and supported by Turkey who have a large well-equipped army and are NATO members.
The Caucasus is Russia’s land link to Iran; they sit between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. If they allow NATO or Turkey to permanently place military assets on their territory this will be another serious threat to Russian geopolitical influence following their withdrawal from Syria.
Ukraine seriously damaged a Russian Corvette missile launcher in the sea of Azov with airborne drones, extending their reach even further to the east. Ukraine already controls most of the Black Sea; reducing Russian control in the Sea of Azov will affect the land links to Crimea. Kerch Bridge to Crimea is only partially open and cannot fully supply the Russian army in Crimea; these communications routes by train and road are vital. As Ukraine’s ability to fight grows Russia’s diminishes. Putin placed great hope in Trump to bring Ukraine to heel but in the face of strong European and Canadian pressure Trump had to back off (for now). His envoy Steve Witcoff is still cruising around Moscow hoping to get a Nobel Peace Prize for his sick King.
What is more vital to the Russian military is fuel and food. The public are already being denied petrol. There are accurate reports of five-mile queues for petrol. This shortage will inevitably reach the military and grind Russia’s ability to maintain war to a halt. Without transport food cannot get to stores. Money will have no value if there is nothing to buy. Putin is demanding food from Belarus, a nation that he has already robbed. If Russia cannot bring in its harvest for want of fuel it will be begging China and even the USA for grain. Lord knows, the USA needs a new grain market after Trump tried to bully China, Canada, and Mexico.
Western corporate media still appear to be in the thrall of Russian propaganda and insist on portraying an image of Russia advancing, but apart from a few expensive but minimal tactical gains measured by a field or ruined village, Russia has achieved nothing this summer.
There are also continued media references to ‘peace negotiations’ that simply do not exist. There are no ‘peace negotiations,’ There is only a conspiracy to extend the war and hope for a crack in the resolve of the ‘Coalition of the willing.’
Putin will only indulge in serious negotiations when he accepts there is no hope of victory and his only chance of retaining power in Russia is to withdraw from Ukraine (whilst claiming victory).
It is fortunate President Zelensky, and the East European states understand the Russian mind so well. The only way to deal with Putin is to crush him economically and defeat him militarily. Fists move mountains, not tears. Only when all is lost will the FSB or the Military remove Putin and call for genuine talks. Until then the war continues towards another winter. Ukraine continues to give its blood while we give our treasure.
Slava Ukraini!
Who Dares Shares
Robin Horsfall
“It is fortunate President Zelensky, and the East European states understand the Russian mind so well.” …ex Poland, Hungary and Slovenia
Slovakia.
Slovenia is mildly supportive of Ukraine.
Thank you for the correction
“The only way to deal with Putin is to crush him economically and defeat him militarily.”
Ukraine is doing both, while the rest of the West act like the Keystone Kops, and America is trying to become a banana republic.