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Today’s highlights: Ukraine unveils rocket drones; Lukashenko’s U-turn?! Putin recalls troops in Ukraine; PLA Army Commander in Moscow for secret talks, Chinese “volunteer army” deployed?! Chinese mercenaries on the battlefield as “cannon fodder” for a day.
On August 24th, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, marking the 33rd anniversary of its separation from the Soviet Union. For present-day Ukraine, this day is not just a historical commemoration but a day of bloody battles to reclaim national sovereignty and independence.
It’s hard to imagine a country with a population of only 40 million facing the world’s largest country with a population of 140 million and its army, like a small boxer taking on a giant three times its size. After over two years of fierce fighting, Ukraine not only hasn’t been knocked down but is now launching counterattacks, pushing the opponent back.
On August 24th, Zelensky released a unique video on Ukraine’s Independence Day, filmed at the Russia-Ukraine border in the Sumy region, where Ukrainian troops are advancing towards the Russian Kursk Oblast.
Following Zelensky’s speech, a video was shown comparing pre-war Ukraine with the invaded Ukraine, providing a powerful visual impact on the audience about the effects of war on Ukrainians.
Although Zelensky’s official video was well-produced, I found a more touching video online, possibly made by an unknown person, portraying a young and tender-looking Zelensky shedding tears while a Ukrainian girl runs and presents flowers, carrying a deep and meaningful message.
As the Ukraine-Russia war enters a crucial stage of a major counterattack, various countries have expressed their support. The President of the European Commission, Von der Leyen, sent wishes, stating that Europe will always support Ukraine as it is Europe. The President of neighboring Poland personally visited Kyiv, showcasing the special relationship between the two countries.
The US Embassy in China issued a brief statement: “Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991, and in 2024, Ukraine is fighting to maintain its freedom.”
Unexpectedly, former UK PM Johnson made a sudden unannounced visit to Kyiv on the same day, walking through the streets with Zelensky, surrounded by heavily armed soldiers, a unique scene for Independence Day.
Surprisingly, Lukashenko, who supported Russia’s attack on Kyiv, congratulated Ukraine on its Independence Day but with seemingly apologetic tones, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendly relations between the two countries and wishing Ukraine peace and strength to rebuild their lives.
It seems Lukashenko might have visited the Great Wall of China, as no one with a thin skin could offer such heartfelt congratulations, almost directly implying, “Let’s build a ‘harmonious society’ together.” Since Lukashenko has announced his resignation, perhaps he should consider a career as China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson and compete with Hua Chunying.
Returning to Zelensky’s Independence Day speech, apart from boosting morale, his statement that Ukraine will be able to strike any part of Russia caught the attention of military enthusiasts. At the time of his remark, a new weapon referred to was already deployed and had successfully carried out its first strike – Ukraine’s latest rocket drone, “Palyanytsia.”
This groundbreaking drone has caused a stir by targeting a Russian ammunition depot in Volyn Oblast. Russian authorities downplayed the incident, claiming to have shot down all drones, with only a few fragments causing minimal damage. Let’s take a look at the “limited damage” caused by the Ukrainian rocket drone in the footage captured by local residents.
Since Ukraine’s incursion into Russian territory, which has been ongoing for 19 days, Ukrainian forces have entered three Russian regions. It has been reported that over 20 Ukrainian military units, including 11 fully-equipped combat brigades, several reconnaissance battalions, and even five special forces units, totaling over 30,000 troops, are involved in the campaign.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Zelensky awarded the Four-Star General rank to Serhii, the commander leading the invasion into Russia. He became the only Four-Star General in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Significant changes have occurred on the Russian side, with troops retreating from various fronts in response to Ukraine’s advances. Russian forces stationed in Kharkiv have been redirected back to Kursk Oblast. It appears that Putin has realized the potential disastrous consequences of further Ukrainian advances into Russia and has begun reinforcing defense fortifications near Kursk.
On August 23rd, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Chief of Staff, Li Qiaoming, visited Moscow for talks with the Russian Army Commander. After the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance military cooperation. Interestingly, at a time when Ukrainian troops are advancing on Russian soil, discussions on military cooperation were held between the two armies.
This led to speculation among netizens that both sides were running out of strategies and were now preparing for escalation. Coincidentally, a video surfaced online, possibly shot in Russia, showing groups of Chinese soldiers standing in formation, demonstrating exceptional discipline. Could this be the return of the “volunteer army”?
Recent reports from Chinese media confirmed two Chinese men, Liu Jie and Liu Hongwei, arrived in Russia in early June to join mercenaries, underwent basic military training for over a month, and were then sent to the Ukrainian war zone. Unaware of their mission until reaching the front line, both lost their lives within a day, earning the nickname “cannon fodder” from the media.
Another Chinese mercenary revealed on social media that four members from their unit in the Moscow Pioneer Corps had already fallen. He lamented that it may soon be his turn.
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