Chris Lange, FISM News
Aerial combat over the Ukraine-Russian border has ratcheted up significantly over the past several days, according to a new British intelligence report.
Four Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) aircraft, including two cutting-edge combat jets and two helicopters, were likely shot down over the Bryansk region of Russia on May 13, per the assessment. Britain also confirmed that Ukraine succeeded in shooting down at least six KILLJOY air-launched ballistic missiles for the first time on May 3.
Moscow is reportedly scrambling to try to find ways to neutralize Kyiv’s air defense systems that have been augmented by the arrival of weapons shipments from the West. The U.K. surmised that Russia has “likely lost several more KILLJOY” in the process.
“The apparent vulnerability of KILLJOY is likely a surprise and an embarrassment for Russia,” the report stated. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously touted the system as “undefeatable.”
The Kremlin stated that three scientists who worked on the missile technology are facing “very serious” treason accusations. Colleagues of the scientists have protested the allegations saying that they will undermine advancements of Russian science.
RUSSIAN PROPAGANDIST: ‘IF WE LOSE, WE ARE TAKING THE WORLD WITH US’
Moscow increasingly shows signs of alarm over Kyiv’s highly anticipated spring counteroffensive and its acquisition of advanced weapons as Russian forces struggle to advance on the frontline. Moscow has underestimated not only Ukraine’s fierce resistance to the invasion but also its unflagging support from the West.
A prominent Kremlin propagandist evinced this growing unease with an admission that Russia could be defeated. However, what was most alarming about his statement was that he proposed that Russia unleash nuclear Armageddon if that were to happen.
Russian state TV host Vladimir Solovyov questioned whether Russian citizens fully grasped “the gravity of the threat” posed by the outcome of the conflict, according to a Newsweek report.
He made the remark during a discussion with a guest who suggested that the 15-month invasion has shifted to “a question of our destruction.”
“If we lose, we are taking the whole world with us,” Solovyov declared, saying that it is time for Russia to disregard restrictions against nuclear weapons testing and “convincingly demonstrate what we have.” Solovyov has, on multiple occasions, said that Russia should unleash its nuclear weapons capability on countries that support Ukraine’s defense.
MOSCOW DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL BATTALIONS TO BAKHMUT
The Kremlin-installed head of the Donetsk People’s Republic said on Tuesday that Russia had sent in reinforcements to Bakhmut’s flanks to prevent Ukrainian breakthroughs, according to the Institute for the Study of War. A Russian military blogger claimed that four battalions had been dispatched to the town that has been the site of a 10-month battle marked by staggering troop losses.
The ISW noted that the reports coming out of Russia are in line with Monday’s statement from Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar that Moscow had sent additional airborne units to Bakhmut, likely pulling them from other frontline areas.
RUSSIA AND IRAN ENTER RAIL DEAL AS PART OF MAJOR GLOBAL TRADE CORRIDOR
Reuters reports that Putin and Iranian leader Ebrahim Raisi entered into an agreement to finance and build a 100-mile railway along the Caspian Sea. Putin touted the Rasht-Astara railway as a rival to the Suez Canal.
The railway is integral to the international North-South Transport Corridor intended to establish a global trade route between Russia, Iran, India, and other countries by land and sea.
“The unique North-South transport artery, of which the Rasht-Astara railway will become a part, will help to significantly diversify global traffic flows,” Putin said, adding that the railway will connect Russia’s Black Sea Ports and Iranian ports in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf.
“Without a doubt, this agreement is an important and strategic step in the direction of cooperation between Tehran and Moscow,” Raisi said.
Moscow and Tehran have sought to bolster their economic and political ties to counter economic sanctions imposed by Western nations.