As Russian progress in Ukraine slows to a crawl, frustration is mounting among warbloggers about why Russia isn't yet 'fighting for real'.
(They seem to have no idea how weak their country really is now).
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova.
Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner.
Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
As Russian progress in Ukraine slows to a crawl, frustration is mounting among warbloggers about why Russia isn't yet 'fighting for real'.
(They seem to have no idea how weak their country really is now).
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Unroll.
Cristian Cantar cover recent Russian propaganda antics in Moldova. With particular focus on their attempts to reinstall dependence on Russian energy.
Not like they have any to export in the first place.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Unroll.
Russia doubles personal income tax.
Another great thread from @chriso-wiki.bsky.social
Covering important news that never seems to reach the mainstream outlets. And you can trust it.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Fuel shortages are crippling Russian troops, particularly the many, many who have provided their own vehicles.
Civilians are gouging soldiers by selling them fuel for personal vehicles, generators, chainsaws, and other equipment at five to six times the usual price.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Unroll.
Dodgy Russian officers use AI to fake "flag sticking" and claim false advances and territorial gains. As usual, it's often easy to spot the fakery.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
The role of TikTok in European electoral corruption.
Also X.
And they are blocking access to the data that would let democracies defend against these attacks.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
he energy situation in Crimea is steadily worsening as Ukrainian drones systematically destroy power facilities across the peninsula.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Russian war bloggers call for a Stalin style purge of the army, mainly for reporting success while doing nothing of substance.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
They seek him here!
They seek him there!
Those MAGA's seek him everywhere!
Is he in Heaven? Is he in Hell?
That damned elusive McConnell!
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
A new newsletter from David Smith who brings you Moldova Matters.
https://moldovaresilience.substack.com/p/introducing-the-resilience-brief
The Resilience Brief covers people and organisations that work to defend democracy but rarely make the news.
Highly recommended.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Unroll.
https://skyview.social/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbsky.app%2Fprofile%2Fcristiancantir.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3mrczg2cmdk2b&viewtype=unroll
How does Transnistrian propaganda portray Ukrainians in the region? Separatist authorities have released a video about the history of Ukrainians, full of Soviet / Kremlin mythology on World War II. There is absolutely nothing about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQwFWLLwjG8
Steve Rosenberg of the BBC, reports from Moscow.
As usual a concise, insightful report.
Russian newspapers assess the impact of Wildberries strikes, VERY high inflation is expected, mainly driven by fuel prices.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Wildberries is often called the Russian Amazon. Here's a search I did for drones there. Cost is thousands of Euros, examples here can carry 10 kg. This stuff is supplied by "charities", and sent to the front line.
Loads of other military equipment there too.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Unroll.
https://skyview.social/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbsky.app%2Fprofile%2Fchriso-wiki.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3mrakuur3d42k&viewtype=unroll
The sight of more burning warehouses has prompted angry denunciations from Russian warbloggers of the "bureaucratic pimples" who are allegedly sabotaging air defences. Anti-drone mobile fire teams, in particular, are said to be in disarray.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian drones deliver robots directly into battle by sea and air
Ukraine’s battlefield surge of robots now features airdrops and beach assaults.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Unroll.
Handy thread on citizenship shenanigans in Moldova.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Corrupt Russian officers are one of the things that weaken the Russian army, and enable Ukrainian victory.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
https://polandwatch.substack.com/p/europe-wants-ukraine-close-but-fears
Europe wants Ukraine’s army, drone technology, defense manufacturing capacity and strategic depth against Russia. It does not want unresolved territorial conflict, permanent confrontation with Moscow, massive reconstruction costs.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Russians in Ukraine complain that they are outnumbered.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Seems about right...
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Also Putin has found a clever way to improve his poll numbers!
Apparently his goons, sorry, pollsters, turn up at your door, with pen and paper , and ask if you support Putin.
This results in significantly more approval.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
https://www.moldpres.md/eng/politics/moldovan-president-celebrates-birthday-1
President Maia Sandu is celebrating her birthday on May 24. The head of state turns 54.
Maia Sandu is the first female president of Moldova and is serving her 2nd term, she's the first to serve 2 consecutive terms.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
A tired, senile old fool, rotting from the inside out.
An embodiment of physical, mental decay and corruption.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Unroll.
Russian war bloggers are not impressed with Putin's claims.
"Our officers from the Special Military Operation are telling me completely different information. Can you imagine, Vladimir Vladimirovich?"
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Ouch.
Beijing wants to pay domestic Russian prices for Russian gas. This is x5 times lower than what Beijing currently pays for Russian gas ($258 old price, they want $50)
Xi has Putin over a barrel.
https://www.saratoga-foundation.org/p/kitaizatsiya-china-in-russia-newsletter-3d8
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
**** me.
Many Russians would like to be governed by Trump.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
So, How well did Putin do in China?
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Embroidery Shirt Day in Chisinau; Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova: “A symbol of our identity that not even Russian aggression can destroy”
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
https://www.moldovamatters.md/p/drone-flies-the-length-of-moldova
Great round-up of recent events in Moldova.
Drone incursions, CEO level resignations over Eurovision, Putin's noisy meddling in Transnistria, and more.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
The always insightful Paul Warburg.
The Russian banking crisis has arrived.
Bad loans are 11%, (10 is considered the threshold).
I loved his reference to a Putin "Special Financial Operation!"
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Russian papers report that their banks have a liquidity crisis, now.
And that inflation experienced by ordinary Russian is about 3 times the official figure.
As usual, Steve Rosenberg is essential viewing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vXOxWuY35c
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Seems about right...
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
I know it's a long shot, but we are looking for a good home for Marta, a rescue dog here in Moldova. She is fully vaccinated, and has a "pet passport" good for the EU.
An absolutely delightful character, who really enjoys playing with children!
Video in the replies
She will bring joy to any home lucky enough to have her.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Link has translation included.
Former President of Moldova, Vladimir Plahotniuc, found guilty of multiple instances of fraud. 19 years in prison.
American friends please take note...
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Time for a musical break!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twTI-rNACWo
What shall we do with the drunken Hegseth?
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Rehabilitation of the Cantemir–Falciu railway between Moldova and Romania nearing completion after successful infrastructure testing
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
So...
Trump clearly needs the Gulf States onside.
What does he say to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ?
'He didn't think he'd be kissing my ass'
Stumpy fingered vulgarian indeed.
Bone spurs, meet Bone Saws.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
https://anneapplebaum.substack.com/p/trump-doesnt-remember-what-hes-done
European leaders remember how Donald Trump insulted them. They remember his tariffs, his boorish treatment of the Ukrainian president, his insults to their soldiers.
Everyone remembers these things & has drawn conclusions, except, apparently, Donald Trump.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Seems about right.
Londoner who has moved to Chisinau in Moldova. Currently a graphic artist by trade. Previously IT Capacity Planner. Mainly commenting on Moldova Matters, and the war in Ukraine.
Viva Moldova!