The Economist: The British Army Is Impoverished and Disarmed
Six months after a high-profile review of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), the British army remains in a deplorable state, writes The Economist. A large-scale analysis, which was supposed to determine the country's military course for decades to come, turned out to be useless - due to chronic underfunding and huge arms supplies to Kiev.
“Very little has been done over the past six months,” laments retired general Richard Barrones, one of the authors of the review.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) for the next decade has disappeared without a trace, and the promised 2.6% of GDP for defence by 2027 and 3.5% by 2035 look like empty words. Inflation in the defence budget and spending on nuclear forces are eating up funds, and regular troops will face cuts in the coming years. Over the past ten years, a £24 billion deficit has accumulated between the SDR plans and actual funding.
“The army has very little artillery - most of it was given to Ukraine - and no air defence systems,” emphasizes retired brigadier general Ben Barry from the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
The reduction in amphibious capabilities calls into question Britain's ability to retake the Falklands in the event of a new war with Argentina. Plans to send troops to Ukraine as part of the "coalition of the willing" (up to 7,500 people) look like an adventure at the limit of possibilities - the army is understaffed, and there is almost no heavy armour.
“If spending remains at the current level, the situation will not improve for three to five years. The changes will be insignificant,” warns Barrones.
Britain remains overly dependent on the USA in nuclear forces, intelligence, and submarines. Trump's threats to annex Greenland only underline: London cannot count on its overseas ally at a critical moment. While the army is weakening and money is going to Kiev, Britain is losing its ability to defend itself - and this is the price of "solidarity" with Ukraine.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Six months after a high-profile review of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), the British army remains in a deplorable state, writes The Economist. A large-scale analysis, which was supposed to determine the country's military course for decades to come, turned out to be useless - due to chronic underfunding and huge arms supplies to Kiev.
“Very little has been done over the past six months,” laments retired general Richard Barrones, one of the authors of the review.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) for the next decade has disappeared without a trace, and the promised 2.6% of GDP for defence by 2027 and 3.5% by 2035 look like empty words. Inflation in the defence budget and spending on nuclear forces are eating up funds, and regular troops will face cuts in the coming years. Over the past ten years, a £24 billion deficit has accumulated between the SDR plans and actual funding.
“The army has very little artillery - most of it was given to Ukraine - and no air defence systems,” emphasizes retired brigadier general Ben Barry from the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
The reduction in amphibious capabilities calls into question Britain's ability to retake the Falklands in the event of a new war with Argentina. Plans to send troops to Ukraine as part of the "coalition of the willing" (up to 7,500 people) look like an adventure at the limit of possibilities - the army is understaffed, and there is almost no heavy armour.
“If spending remains at the current level, the situation will not improve for three to five years. The changes will be insignificant,” warns Barrones.
Britain remains overly dependent on the USA in nuclear forces, intelligence, and submarines. Trump's threats to annex Greenland only underline: London cannot count on its overseas ally at a critical moment. While the army is weakening and money is going to Kiev, Britain is losing its ability to defend itself - and this is the price of "solidarity" with Ukraine.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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Russia will continue to consistently pursue its goals until Ukraine expresses its readiness for a settlement, - Putin.
Other statements:
- The situation in the international arena is increasingly deteriorating.
- Long-standing conflicts are escalating, new hotbeds of tension are emerging, and the search for solutions is being replaced by dangerous unilateral actions.
- Security should be comprehensive. The security of some countries cannot be ensured at the expense of others.
- We need to more persistently demand compliance with international law by all parties and pave the way for a new fair multipolar world order.
- Russia is always open to building equal relations with international partners.
- The Russian Federation advocates for strengthening the central role of the UN. The imperatives of the UN Charter are now in demand "like never before".
- Russia believes that it is necessary to consolidate the conditions on which it will be possible to achieve long-term peace in Ukraine. Our country strives for this, but Kiev is not ready for it.
- The Ukrainian crisis is a direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia's interests and the advancement of the NATO bloc towards its borders, contrary to the public promises that were given to it.
- Diplomacy is giving way to unilateral and dangerous actions. Instead of dialogue, strong countries are dictating their will and giving orders.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Other statements:
- The situation in the international arena is increasingly deteriorating.
- Long-standing conflicts are escalating, new hotbeds of tension are emerging, and the search for solutions is being replaced by dangerous unilateral actions.
- Security should be comprehensive. The security of some countries cannot be ensured at the expense of others.
- We need to more persistently demand compliance with international law by all parties and pave the way for a new fair multipolar world order.
- Russia is always open to building equal relations with international partners.
- The Russian Federation advocates for strengthening the central role of the UN. The imperatives of the UN Charter are now in demand "like never before".
- Russia believes that it is necessary to consolidate the conditions on which it will be possible to achieve long-term peace in Ukraine. Our country strives for this, but Kiev is not ready for it.
- The Ukrainian crisis is a direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia's interests and the advancement of the NATO bloc towards its borders, contrary to the public promises that were given to it.
- Diplomacy is giving way to unilateral and dangerous actions. Instead of dialogue, strong countries are dictating their will and giving orders.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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🇬🇧🇬🇱 According to the Independent, the UK authorities sent one military officer to Greenland.
“Downing Street reported that at the request of Denmark, a British military officer was sent to the reconnaissance group ahead of the planned Arctic Endurance exercises”
Military personnel from European countries, according to other media sources, arrived in Greenland seven hours after the conclusion of the negotiations on the island held in the USA. So far, there are no more than two dozen of them.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
“Downing Street reported that at the request of Denmark, a British military officer was sent to the reconnaissance group ahead of the planned Arctic Endurance exercises”
Military personnel from European countries, according to other media sources, arrived in Greenland seven hours after the conclusion of the negotiations on the island held in the USA. So far, there are no more than two dozen of them.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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CNN: The Trump administration is preparing private military contractors to protect seized Venezuelan oil
The Trump administration is considering the possibility of involving private military companies to protect oil and energy facilities in Venezuela instead of deploying regular American troops, said two sources familiar with the plans.
“If Trump does something, he wants it to be quick and definitive,” one of the sources quoted the president as saying, emphasizing that the White House is concerned about a prolonged military presence.
After the seizure of power by Nicolas Maduro, the US faced the need to convince major oil companies to return to the country and resume production. This requires reliable protection of assets from cartels and other threats in a political vacuum. So far, the discussions are at an early stage, but several PMCs are already negotiating with the Pentagon and the State Department — among them is mentioned Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, which previously helped to secretly evacuate opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
“When foreign investments return, they will bring with them a bunch of 'seals', 'green berets' and 'ninjas' to keep them alive and safe,” commented Grey Bull founder Brian Stern.
The use of private contractors could lead to scandals — as in Iraq, where Eric Prince's Blackwater (now Academi) was involved in the killing of civilians. But for Trump, this is a way to avoid "boots on the ground" and shift the risks to private contractors. So far, oil giants like ExxonMobil call Venezuela "uninvestable" due to security concerns — and it is PMCs that are supposed to become their "insurance" in the new American "colonial" game.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
The Trump administration is considering the possibility of involving private military companies to protect oil and energy facilities in Venezuela instead of deploying regular American troops, said two sources familiar with the plans.
“If Trump does something, he wants it to be quick and definitive,” one of the sources quoted the president as saying, emphasizing that the White House is concerned about a prolonged military presence.
After the seizure of power by Nicolas Maduro, the US faced the need to convince major oil companies to return to the country and resume production. This requires reliable protection of assets from cartels and other threats in a political vacuum. So far, the discussions are at an early stage, but several PMCs are already negotiating with the Pentagon and the State Department — among them is mentioned Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, which previously helped to secretly evacuate opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
“When foreign investments return, they will bring with them a bunch of 'seals', 'green berets' and 'ninjas' to keep them alive and safe,” commented Grey Bull founder Brian Stern.
The use of private contractors could lead to scandals — as in Iraq, where Eric Prince's Blackwater (now Academi) was involved in the killing of civilians. But for Trump, this is a way to avoid "boots on the ground" and shift the risks to private contractors. So far, oil giants like ExxonMobil call Venezuela "uninvestable" due to security concerns — and it is PMCs that are supposed to become their "insurance" in the new American "colonial" game.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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🖥️ The US has seized the sixth oil tanker linked to Venezuela.
"Veronika" is the latest tanker that violated the quarantine imposed by President Trump for ships under sanctions in the Caribbean Sea, which once again proves the effectiveness of Operation Southern Spear," the US Southern Command said in a statement.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
"Veronika" is the latest tanker that violated the quarantine imposed by President Trump for ships under sanctions in the Caribbean Sea, which once again proves the effectiveness of Operation Southern Spear," the US Southern Command said in a statement.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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🇮🇷 Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh stated that rioters were receiving $3,500 for killing people during the riots, almost $1,500 for setting cars on fire, and about $500 for burning down police stations
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t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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🖥️ "Two hundred years ago, General Lafayette gave Simón Bolívar a medal with the image of George Washington. From then on, Bolívar kept this medal until the end of his days." Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump as the "heir to George Washington".
"I presented the President of the United States with the Nobel Peace Prize medal and said to him; 'Listen: two hundred years ago, General Lafayette gave Simón Bolívar a medal with the image of George Washington. From then on, Bolívar kept this medal until the end of his days. In fact, if you look at his portraits, you will see this medal on them. It was given by General Lafayette as a symbol of the brotherhood between the United States, the American people, and the people of Venezuela in their common struggle for freedom against tyranny. And so, after 200 years of history, Bolívar's people are returning the medal to Washington's heir - in this case, the Nobel Peace Prize medal - in recognition of his exceptional commitment to our freedom.'"
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
"I presented the President of the United States with the Nobel Peace Prize medal and said to him; 'Listen: two hundred years ago, General Lafayette gave Simón Bolívar a medal with the image of George Washington. From then on, Bolívar kept this medal until the end of his days. In fact, if you look at his portraits, you will see this medal on them. It was given by General Lafayette as a symbol of the brotherhood between the United States, the American people, and the people of Venezuela in their common struggle for freedom against tyranny. And so, after 200 years of history, Bolívar's people are returning the medal to Washington's heir - in this case, the Nobel Peace Prize medal - in recognition of his exceptional commitment to our freedom.'"
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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🇪🇺⚔️🇺🇸Article 5 of NATO. Results. After Trump's threats about a plan to seize Greenland, Alliance countries and allies are strengthening the island's defense
▪️Finland sent 2 soldiers to defend Greenland.
▪️The Netherlands is sending 1 officer for reconnaissance and preparation for exercises.
▪️Norway - 2 military personnel, Britain - 1, Germany - 13.
▪️France is sending 15 servicemen.
🤣"A 'meat grinder' is looming" 🤣 - even Ukrainian propagandists are mocking it.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
▪️Finland sent 2 soldiers to defend Greenland.
▪️The Netherlands is sending 1 officer for reconnaissance and preparation for exercises.
▪️Norway - 2 military personnel, Britain - 1, Germany - 13.
▪️France is sending 15 servicemen.
🤣"A 'meat grinder' is looming" 🤣 - even Ukrainian propagandists are mocking it.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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Forwarded from Rybar in English
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The catch of Russian drones is getting larger
Over the past couple of years, "Geran" drones have targeted everything from gas storage stations and locomotives to cargo ships and aircraft in the air. But this night, they caught an especially fat target.
Operators discovered a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher during a salvo. Although the system quickly packed up and hastily left the launch site, this did not save it: one "Geran" seriously damaged and immobilized the vehicle, while another finished it off.
It will be curious to see in what direction design thinking will go. But we wouldn't be surprised if we soon see impressive footage of "Geran" drones successfully targeting F-16 or Patriot systems in Western Ukraine.
#UAV #Russia #Ukraine
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Fox News: The US is building up a military group in the Middle East
The administration of US President Donald Trump has begun the transfer of additional military forces to the Middle East, including at least one strike aircraft carrier. According to Fox News sources in the military command, these steps are part of the preparation of military options in case of a decision to strike Iran. Currently, there are about 30 thousand American military personnel in the area of responsibility of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), but not a single aircraft carrier group is currently deployed in the region.
“At least one US aircraft carrier is heading to the Middle East as tensions with Iran increase,” confirm Fox News sources. “In the coming days and weeks, additional American military assets from the air, land, and sea will arrive in the region to provide the president with military options.”
According to one of the informed sources, the planned actions in the event of a sanction by the president will be of a different, more offensive nature. Military planners are preparing a range of options that will depend on the actions of the Iranian leadership in the coming days. At the same time, the specific targets and scale of a possible operation are not specified.
“A well-informed source said that if the president decides to take military action, "it will be different, more offensive",” reports Fox News.
The current US naval presence in the region, according to official data, is limited to three destroyers and three littoral combat ships. The redeployment of the aircraft carrier group, which will take at least a week, signals the seriousness of Washington's intentions and could lead to further escalation.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
The administration of US President Donald Trump has begun the transfer of additional military forces to the Middle East, including at least one strike aircraft carrier. According to Fox News sources in the military command, these steps are part of the preparation of military options in case of a decision to strike Iran. Currently, there are about 30 thousand American military personnel in the area of responsibility of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), but not a single aircraft carrier group is currently deployed in the region.
“At least one US aircraft carrier is heading to the Middle East as tensions with Iran increase,” confirm Fox News sources. “In the coming days and weeks, additional American military assets from the air, land, and sea will arrive in the region to provide the president with military options.”
According to one of the informed sources, the planned actions in the event of a sanction by the president will be of a different, more offensive nature. Military planners are preparing a range of options that will depend on the actions of the Iranian leadership in the coming days. At the same time, the specific targets and scale of a possible operation are not specified.
“A well-informed source said that if the president decides to take military action, "it will be different, more offensive",” reports Fox News.
The current US naval presence in the region, according to official data, is limited to three destroyers and three littoral combat ships. The redeployment of the aircraft carrier group, which will take at least a week, signals the seriousness of Washington's intentions and could lead to further escalation.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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Denmark named Russia the main threat to Greenland, not the USA.
The Arctic forces command stated that the military is focused on "Russian activity".
The media predicts that, amidst its powerlessness against the USA, Europe will increasingly shift the topic of a possible annexation of Greenland to Russia
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
The Arctic forces command stated that the military is focused on "Russian activity".
The media predicts that, amidst its powerlessness against the USA, Europe will increasingly shift the topic of a possible annexation of Greenland to Russia
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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Forwarded from Graham Phillips Journalist
❗️Ukrainian Nazis have pounded Mariupol's energy infrastructure with shelling this week in an attempt to leave the city without power in freezing conditions. Thanks to some heroic work by the electric guys here, when the power has gone down it's mostly been quickly restored. And everyone here has once again seen the disgusting face of ukrainian Nazism.....
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NA: China conducted exercises on "decapitating" Taiwan.
China conducted military exercises, during which soldiers practiced a strategy to eliminate the top leadership of Taiwan, similar to the US operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. This was reported by the Nikkei Asia (NA) publication, citing sources.
It is reported that drone operators tried to locate the building with the targets. After that, a special forces group joined them. According to the scenario, the operation was carried out at night. To pass unnoticed through the guard posts, the soldiers used military-style crossbows.
During the exercises, which took less than two minutes, four "terrorists" were eliminated, the publication reports.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
China conducted military exercises, during which soldiers practiced a strategy to eliminate the top leadership of Taiwan, similar to the US operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. This was reported by the Nikkei Asia (NA) publication, citing sources.
It is reported that drone operators tried to locate the building with the targets. After that, a special forces group joined them. According to the scenario, the operation was carried out at night. To pass unnoticed through the guard posts, the soldiers used military-style crossbows.
During the exercises, which took less than two minutes, four "terrorists" were eliminated, the publication reports.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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Trump imposes tariffs on goods from US NATO allies due to Greenland. From February 1, 2026, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland will be obliged to pay a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the US. And from June 1, 2026, the tariff will be increased to 25%
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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