Here's a surprise, and a pretty strong diplomatic statement by Japan.

"Kishida will offer solidarity and unwavering support to Ukraine during his visit, Japan's foreign ministry said."

I would imagine that this will have impact among educated Russians.
And IMO that's where this war will be won or lost - in the minds of educated Russians.

Sad news - it looks like the Kiwi mentioned in Nutty's post below has been killed in combat.

Twitter

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Tass announced today that they had sent two nuclear capable bombers over the Sea of Japan for a 'routine' seven-hour patrol, accompanied by two fighters. Funny that they had to mention it first. As if there was a danger no-one else might.
'Routine', ok, so just a coincidence then, or are they imitating US pronouncements?

Two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers perform scheduled patrol over Sea of Japan - Military & Defense - TASS

Dammit, another Stormer hit :(

The two soldiers standing 2-3m from the explosion weren't even knocked over, so the damage might not be too severe. Probably better not to be stationary in the middle of an open field

Nutty, FDR et al
as a lurker a most sincere thank you for your postings and keep up with your good work as it is more then appreciated!

Drone operators having a bit of fun (turn the sound on if you can):

Given all the outrageous lies told to conscripts/enlisted troops ( training, food, equipment, signing-on bonuses ) does anyone really believe these payments will actually be made ? There is one comment towards the end of the report that "On at least some occasions, they have complained of being tricked into fortification work and of being underpaid or not paid at all."

Lying and being lied to are part of the Russian condition, unfortunately.

As Solzhenitsyn put it, “We know they are lying, they know they are lying, they know we know they are lying, we know they know we know they are lying, but they are still lying.”

What you mean like? Comrades, pick up your tools from over there, saw qty 1 check, hammer qty 1 check, helmet qty 1 check, vest empty for the protection off qty 1 check, rifle qty 1 check, magazine and 5 rounds qty 1 check, form enlistment filled out qty 1 check............

Which is exactly my point. Do they believe that , given this, they will get any workers ? What would prevent the Defence Ministry just kidnapping them as conscripts and making them construct the trenches for a handful of beans sometime later.

I think the point Solzhenitsyn was making was that it doesn't matter 'they' lie. Everyone knows 'they' are lying, but everyone carries on regardless.

Nutty et al bravo shout
 

We 3 retired part time penquins rely absolutely on Nutty's and his mates insights as the main news channels seem hell bent on under-reporting this most vicious of conflicts. Keep up the good works. Ignore the odd buggerlugs your labours are not in vain

Attack on Dzhankoi
 

Reports that this attack may have been carried out by Russian Shahed drones, captured/intercepted by the Ukrainians and re-programmed. This suspicion is based upon identifying similarities of drone remnants, and also recognition of the very characteristic engine noise ( audible on earlier videos ) of the drones, which has led to the Ukrainians nick-naming them as moped-drones.Obviously it may also be the case that the Ukrainians have copied the Shahed

https://www.focus.de/politik/ausland...188937598.html

The report also says the the destroyed missiles were Kalibr -KN which are submarine-launched.

They have shown parts of the drones though.


possible feint?


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....5d3a5a7f34.png

Drone recognition not one of my skills. What do the photos tell you ? As for being a feint, well it doesn't matter does it ? There was apparently a significant number of missiles destroyed. I say that because I can't imagine they would just ship one or two.

We pretend to work and they pretend to pay us

or

There is no news in Izvestia and no truth in Pravda

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....80de82cba.jpeg


The UAV wreckage fin looks like a Chinese UAV see link, no expert either :)

https://www.muginuav.com/product/mug...-uav-platform/

Viewing the limited "bang" videos and seeing where on the map, what is the effect on the infrastructure?.
Assume that the train track is damaged, meaning that the north supply route is now unavailable, at least for a while?.

Wouldn't think so. Dzhankoi is a very important rail-hub, so there will be lots of ways to re-route trains around a single siding/piece of track.