NOS News
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Yesterday, 8:21 PM
Orbán is not yet convinced, but does not rule out Rutte as NATO chief either

Hungary still has great difficulty with Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO, but is not ruling him out either. Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán says in an interview with the French magazine Le Point that he is not yet convinced of Rutte.

Rutte is almost all NATO member states' favorite to become NATO's new leader. Three countries still have reservations: Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. In addition to Rutte, there is one other candidate, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.

'Problematic positions'
Orbán says Rutte has expressed "problematic" views in the past. "On the one hand he said that Hungary should leave the European Union and on the other hand that we should be forced to our knees. That is not the best way to get our support," Orbán said in the interview.

While Orbán says today that he is not yet convinced, the Hungarian Foreign Minister was more certain yesterday. He indicated that the Hungarian government does not support Rutte's candidacy and would prefer to see the Romanian president as the new Secretary General of NATO.

An informal two-day NATO summit starts tomorrow in Prague. The American ambassador to NATO said today that there will certainly be discussions in Prague about the succession of current NATO chief Stoltenberg. "Not every member state is ready yet to support Mark Rutte. I think we have made progress. Our goal is to have this arranged before the NATO summit in Washington in July."

NOS News
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Today, 2:30 PM
Dutch war volunteer killed in Ukraine

Another Dutch war volunteer has died in Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms reports on social media about this, but does not want to say anything further at the request of the man's relatives.

According to AD, the man fought in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion and was killed on May 20 near Chasiv Yar, a town in the north of the Donetsk region. His body has reportedly since been repatriated.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on May 24 that Russia had come within 1.5 kilometers of Chasiv Yar, but that the Ukrainians were firmly entrenched there.

Third Dutchman
As far as we know, this is the third Dutch war volunteer to die in Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not know how many Dutch people were fighting there and how many were killed.

At the start of the war, dozens of Dutch volunteers had signed up, according to the honorary consul of Ukraine in the Netherlands.

Ukraine very commendable keeping the mighty and powerful Russia at bay for more than two years Extraordinary indeed

Ukraine now reportedly been granted permission by America and Germany for use of their weapons inside Russia

Fear of Dutch F-16s
Russian MP threatens nuclear attack on the Netherlands: 'After that everything in Europe will be completely dead'
OUR EDITORIAL STAFF ABROAD

Updated: Today, 1:20 PMToday, 12:36abroad?
AMSTERDAM - A Russian parliamentarian has advocated on Russian state television to paralyze the European continent in one go by dropping an atomic bomb on the Netherlands. Commitments by Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren that Dutch F-16s may be used in Russian airspace are the reason for the threats, according to the former lieutenant general.


Retired Russian general Andrei Gurulev often makes absurd statements.

The chilling threat was made on Russian state television by Lieutenant General Andrei Gurulev – a member of parliament from the United Russia party – in a conversation with propagandist Vladimir Soloviev.

ALSO LOOK AT:

War rhetoric on Russian state TV: 'Throwing atomic bomb on London''

According to Gurulev, a nuclear attack would cause the dikes and dams to break, flooding the country with water. “The dams there will collapse at once, everything. The whole of the Netherlands will be flooded,” the MP claims. “One hundred percent sure that everything in Europe will be completely dead after that.”

Russian nuclear weapon
“Somewhere between 50 and 60 percent of the European fuel supply is in the Netherlands,” Gurulev claimed in the television interview. “The army calls this a big target.” Furthermore, Gurulev claims that the attack can be carried out in one day with minimal use of Russian nuclear weapons.

The MP's nuclear saber-rattling comes days after the Netherlands said it would allow the Ukrainian air force to use its 24 F-16 fighter jets to carry out attacks in Russia.

Gurulev said that two normal nuclear weapons would destroy the Netherlands. “One can be taken down, the second will reach the target. That will be enough.” He made it clear that such an attack on the Netherlands belonged to the 'target catalogue' of the Russian military machine.

It's not just Gurulev who has been saying this. They are itching to make an example out of any country who is willing to assist the Ukrainians. People think guys like Gurulev are being facetious, but that's not exactly the case

Very true, many hardliners in Russia, but I do believe Putin is not a fool he is playing with European and American voters’ minds.

Putin, at Economic Forum, Again Talks About Nuclear War
The Russian leader’s chatter about nuclear weapons has picked up since the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use its conventional weapons against military targets in Russia.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/07/us/putin-forum-nuclear-war.html

This is Called Fear Mongering...

“Putin is not going to stop at Ukraine,” President Biden said in a meeting with Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, pledging support for the Ukrainian cause.

“All of Europe will be threatened, we are not going to let that happen,” Biden told journalists during his state visit to France.

“The United States is standing strong with Ukraine."

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/...ance-s-macron-in-pomp-filled-state-visit

Dutchman Mark Rutte, longtime Putin critic, set to lead NATO alliance

Rutte will step aside formally as prime minister when the recently forged right-wing Dutch government replaces his centre-right coalition.
Rutte, who is unmarried, has lived all his life in The Hague and had hinted he might enjoy teaching after politics, but he cited the war in Ukraine as the reason for seeking an international post as he set his sights on the NATO leadership.
He is a strong backer of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whom he recalled meeting in Kyiv five years ago.
"It was clear even then: this is a man with a mission... I am convinced that Ukraine's success largely depends on the mentality he conveyed from the very beginning," Rutte told Reuters in April.
By contrast, even while warning of the threat posed by Putin, he has suggested the Russian leader is not as strong as he seems.
"Don't mentally overestimate Putin. I've talked to the man a lot. He's not a strong man, he's not a strong guy," Rutte said in a debate with parliament in April.
Rutte cemented his bid to become NATO's new chief last year while co-leading an international coalition that will deliver F-16 fighters to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots.
In his last months in office, he also signed a 10-year security pact with Ukraine, guaranteeing support from the Netherlands despite criticism by far-right leader and election-winner Geert Wilders.
Rutte has forged good relationships with various British and U.S. leaders and is widely seen as having been one of the most successful in the EU at dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is standing for re-election.
This could prove valuable experience, as Trump's possible return has unnerved NATO leaders since the former president called into question U.S. willingness to support other members of the defence alliance if they were attacked.
At the annual Munich Security Conference last year, Rutte said leaders should stop "moaning and whining about Trump", and spend more on defence and ammunitions production, regardless of who wins the U.S. election.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...ritic-set-lead-nato-alliance-2024-06-18/

Trump praised the good relationship with Rutte. “Over the years we became friends,” he said when he was President.
Trump said that many Americans have work thanks to investments made by the Netherlands. In turn, Rutte said he hopes that more Americans will come to the Netherlands for work.

The trade relationship and military cooperation between USA and the Netherlands has always been very strong.

Major Ukraine summit ends with fresh plea for peace but key powers spurn final agreement
By CNN June 17, 2024

• Summit on Peace in Ukraine, in Obbürgen, Switzerland, Sunday, June 16, 2024

Extracts:
"refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders".

India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, all of whom have important trading relationships with Russia as members of the BRICS economic group, attended the weekend meeting but did not agree to sign the joint statement.

Despite the strong showing among Western democracies, there had been questions ahead of the event as to just how much could be accomplished given that neither Russia nor China, whose increasingly close trading relationship with Moscow has helped the Kremlin survive Western sanctions, were attending.

Exclusive: Trump handed plan to halt US military aid to Kyiv unless it talks peace with Moscow

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/tr...ess-it-negotiates-peace-with-2024-06-25/

Ukraine Will Receive Cutting-Edge German ‘Frankenstein’ Tank
By: Alyssa Miller |
Last updated: Jul 01, 2024
Ukraine announces that it will receive a new “Frankenstein” air defense tank to aid in its efforts against Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian War. This new tank is designed to shoot down Russian drones and missiles.

Rheinmetall, the leading German arms firm, will supply the “Frankenstein” tanks to Ukraine, helping to bolster its defenses.

https://www.pastchronicle.com/ukraine-will-receive-cutting-edge-german-frankenstein-tank/

Another Russian war crime attacking sick kids !

NOS News
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Today, 11:14

At least 29 dead in Russian attack on Ukraine, children's hospital in Kyiv hit

At least 29 people have been killed in Russian missile attacks on several cities in Ukraine, according to authorities. More than 100 people have also been reported injured. In the capital Kyiv, a children's hospital and an apartment building were hit in the attack, which was exceptionally carried out during the day.

In the capital, according to local authorities, at least fourteen people were killed and another 37 injured. Ten people were killed in an initial attack, and two hours later four more were killed by debris from a downed rocket.

In the industrial cities of Kryvyi Rih and Dnipro, in the south, at least twelve people are reported dead and almost sixty injured. In Pokrovsk, in the east, three people are said to have died.

Kyiv Mayor Klitschko says on Telegram that at least sixteen people have been injured at the children's hospital, including seven children. He speaks to Reuters news agency about one of the worst attacks on the city in two years of war. Images show that an annex building of the children's hospital has collapsed. All the windows of the main building next door have been shattered.

'Everyone was screaming'
"We were eating in the kitchen when it suddenly went dark. There was a terrible explosion and everyone started running," said a mother whose child was being treated in hospital. "It was dark, there were a lot of children and everyone was screaming. We ran away because it was so scary."

Footage shows young patients being taken out of the hospital by medical staff. They are transferred to another hospital. Staff and rescuers search for victims under the rubble.

President Zelensky is visiting Warsaw and made himself heard on X. "The world cannot remain silent about what is happening here. Everyone must see what Russia is and does," he wrote . He also said that Ukraine will convene the UN Security Council.

An adviser to the president speaks of "crazy Russian terrorists", because the attacks took place at a time when many citizens were on the streets. Debris from downed rockets is said to have landed in various places in Kyiv. An apartment building was also hit.

According to mayor Klitschko, voices are still heard under the rubble. The mayor warns residents to stay in their shelters. Clouds of smoke can be seen in several places above Kyiv.

According to President Zelensky, Russia struck at least five places in Ukraine with more than forty missiles of various types. According to the Ukrainian air force, hypersonic missiles, which are difficult to shoot down , were also used .

Russia says military targets were chosen, such as weapons factories and airports. The Ministry of Defense speaks of a successful attack. The impact at the children's hospital was not mentioned.

President Zelensky's adviser Yermak sees a connection between the major attack and this week's NATO meeting in Washington. "They are trying to intimidate the world before the summit. By hitting our children, Putin is trying to scare everyone and force a surrender."

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Ukraine is active more than we know. Also in Russia, even in the Kremlin.

Also problems for Putin in Africa Tuareg are fierce desert warriors.

NOS News
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today, 19:15
'Dozens of mercenaries killed in Mali'

Tuareg rebels say they have killed or captured dozens of mercenaries from Russia's Africa Corps , formerly the Wagner group, in northern Mali .

The mercenaries are said to have wanted to capture a border town together with Malian soldiers. The Tuaregs are also said to have captured armoured vehicles and trucks and tankers.

Social media channels are circulating photos and images of a battle in the desert and a battlefield with burned-out military vehicles. Dead and wounded soldiers with white skin can also be seen. They are forced to say "Allahu akbar". The battle is said to have lasted several days.

Bloggers
Russian military bloggers who have contacts with the mercenaries also report the defeat. The death toll on the Russian side varies in their reports from twenty to more than eighty. More than fifteen Russians are said to have been captured.

The Tuaregs say that seven fighters have been killed and twelve wounded on their side. Some of the Malian soldiers have fled, according to the Tuaregs. The Mali army acknowledges that its soldiers have withdrawn, but says that they are continuing the fight.

NOS
Russian mercenaries have been fighting with the Malian army against Islamic terrorists and Tuaregs seeking independence since 2021. Former Wagner mercenaries are also active in other countries in West Africa. According to the German news agency DPA, this is the biggest defeat for the mercenaries in West Africa so far.

The Tuareg are a nomadic people whose habitat extends over several countries in North Africa. In Mali, they strive for their own independent state in the northeast of the country.

Russia's "Afrika Korps"?? Sounds like they need Rommel.

Hehe..Russia wants to recruit 20 thousand mercenaries to the Wagner Group/African Corps to expand its influence on the continent, including Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, the Central African Republic and Niger.
This is a setback, but won't be a big deal they have thousands of members.

Ukraine has been on the offensive in Kursk and other places inside Russia Moscow sends more reservists to the area.

Advance into Russia continues, says Ukraine

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj627x96gxxo.amp

Germany is right very bad for the European support of Ukraine also not to become clean sooner with your partners.

Did Zelensky have a role in Nord Stream sabotage? 'This cannot remain without consequences'

The Wall Street Journal's revelation that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky knew about the plan to blow up the Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany is causing tension among allies Kyiv and Berlin. Germany is the second largest supplier of financial and military aid to Ukraine after the US. Aid that is much debated in Germany.

After the sabotage of the pipeline - a German-Russian billion-dollar project - at the end of September 2022, Germany and other European countries were plunged into an energy crisis: the gas supply stopped, with major economic, political and financial consequences. The fact that the man - who the German government considers its greatest friend - was possibly behind it, is grist to the mill of pro-Russian parties in Germany.

That is what Otto Fricke, member of parliament for the ruling Free Democratic Party (FDP), says. "They will say that we have to stop supporting Ukraine." He is therefore concerned about the support for support for Ukraine, support that has always been controversial in Germany. "There are elections coming up in three important East German states where, according to polls, the coalition will only get 13 percent of the votes. The most popular parties there are pro-Russian."

After the sabotage, Germany wanted to get to the bottom of things, and now it has. The consequences are hard to estimate, says Fricke. "This cannot remain without consequences, of course, but the biggest mistake we can make is to react too quickly. Parliament will want to know: who knew what at what time?" And that will change opinions, Fricke expects. As the Süddeutsche Zeitung wrote earlier : "Can you continue to support a country that has blown up a significant part of your own energy infrastructure with millions of euros for defense?"

Alcohol
The story is embarrassing for several governments. For example, the Dutch intelligence service MIVD also plays an important role in the whole story of the sabotage. That service heard about the plan and informed the American CIA, as was revealed last summer by research by the NOS, Nieuwsuur and German media. But if the MIVD was the first to know about the plans, did they also know that Zelensky agreed first?

PVV leader Geert Wilders, who criticizes the financial and military support for Ukraine, and NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt want all the details on the table. According to Wilders, it "cannot remain without consequences" if Ukraine was indeed behind it. It is now up to the Schoof cabinet to come up with text and explanation.

The American newspaper The Wall Street Journal today released even more details in an extensive reconstruction. For example, the Ukrainian commander Valery Zaluzhny is said to have pushed through the plan against Zelensky's wishes.

The newspaper writes that the plan was hatched at a party attended by several high-ranking Ukrainian military and businessmen. An evening where alcohol flowed freely. "This happened in the early phase of the war. In the phase when both the military command and the civilian command had incredibly busy days," says Bojan Pancevski, the journalist behind the revelation.

"They thought: we can stop Vladimir Putin's income with the sabotage. So that he can't use the money from the gas trade for his war machine. And of course they said: okay, let's do it, it sounds good. That's exactly what happened."

Sailboat
Pancevski bases his claim on an officer who was directly involved in the attack. In addition, the newspaper cites three other sources who were aware of the operation. "One of them was directly involved, a military officer. The other is a military security officer. The third is a high-ranking civilian government official. All three are high-ranking Ukrainian officers," the journalist told Nieuwsuur .

That the perpetrators come from Ukraine was also previously shown by the investigation by Nieuwsuur and NOS , among others . That reconstruction showed how a group of six visited various ports around the Baltic Sea using a rented sailboat. The sailboat was rented using a Ukrainian e-mail address in the name of a 28-year-old man from Mariupol.

Zaluzhny was dismissed earlier this year on the grounds that Zelensky wanted to revive the Ukrainian armed forces. Zaluzhny has since been appointed ambassador to London. He denies any involvement.

This is awesome watching Ukraine take chunks of Russian land now

They blew up another crucial bridge !

How America Makes Ukraine’s Most Important Weapons | Business Insider Marathon

That is too damn funny. Russia claims to be a super power yet they can't even stop Ukraine (who they're actively bombing and invaded) from crossing their border and taking over Russian land. If they truly started a world war we would wipe their ass off the face of the Earth and it wouldn't even be close. Putin has exposed himself and only showing just how weak they are. He might as well drop nukes at this point.

If he uses nuclear, chemical, biological weapons he will lose support of China and the USA has warned Russia from the beginning don't cross that line !

Ukraine is getting to the front new again biggest drone attack on Moscow and 3000 Russian troops cut off in Kursk face 'mass surrender'