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In many cultures, the military is seen as a normal rite of passage for making boys into men. However, in Russia, and many prior Soviet countries, conscription can be brutal. Dedovshchina can include cruel beatings, torture, and rape. Sometimes, boys never make it out alive from their compulsory service. YOU ARE WORTHLESS Dedovshchina is often translated as the "reign of grandfathers", and it's the process of hazing of junior conscripts by senior conscripts, officers and non-commissioned officers. It was widespread in the Soviet Union, and still prevails in the Russian army. It is practiced to a lesser extent in the other branches of the Russian security ecosphere like in FSB, Border Guards and National Guards.  Younger draftees often have to do chores for their superiors, like shining boots (source: unknown) This barbaric practice is often cited as a rite of passage for everyone that goes to conscription service in the army. It involves everything from doing chor

On March 22, the Ukrainian Defence Forces captured parts of the Krasukha-4 system. It is a Russian mobile, ground-based electronical warfare (EW) complex. This is significant because this is one of the most capable EW systems that Russia possesses, so it will be a game-changer now that the West has a model to study.  KRASUKHA-4 SYSTEM The Krasukha-4 is two-part structure that has the radio jamming equipment and a command post module. They are mounted on two KAMAZ-6350 trucks. It is believed that they work in conjunction with another EW system called Moskva-1, or 1L267, that is equipped with electronical intelligence equipment that provides the targeting data for the Krasukha-4.  It is manufactured by the company KRET (Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies), that is a subsidiary of Rostec group. This is a Russian state-owned firm that specializes in radio-electronic, aviation and state identification equipment, amongst other things. In 2014, the US' Obama administration imposed sa

We are now four weeks into the Russia-Ukraine war. Four weeks into civilians getting killed. Children dying. Millions of refugees spread around Europe. And many more affected by this devastating war. A war caused by Vladimir Putin. A war he thought would last three days. Beautiful Mauripol destroyed by Russian shelling  The motivation to fight is very high for the Ukrainian people. Men and women have gathered to defend their land, with many refusing to leave. Over 320,000 Ukrainians have returned to their homeland to take part in the fight. Nearly 20,000 international people have volunteered to fight for the Ukrainian side from other countries. However, as the conflict drags on and reaches a stalemate, the general mood of the population will also stagnate. One thing that we must consider is that this war will last as long as one of the fighting sides have energy to fight. ROCK BOTTOM ENEMY MORALE Captured Russian soldiers Russian soldiers’ morale is extremely low, and

During the past few weeks, one voice has united the brave, fighting Ukrainians alongside Europe and other allies to bring awareness to what is going on in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That voice has been none other than Ukrainian President, Mr Volodymyr Zelensky. Rising from a TV show comedian to a strong, inspirational hero. His famous quote, ''I need ammunition, not a ride." has become the beacon of hope for many Ukrainians. Their president, brave as ever, decided to stay in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, to fight and lead his people. Even in the face of fear. Even in the face of the threat of assassination. Even in the threat of an ambush by the Russian army. He stayed, alongside his team. Volodymyr Zelensky at the podium where he films his daily social media updates But who is the man behind this hero image? What motivated him to become president? And where did he find the courage to be so brave in the face of immense danger? BIOGRAPHY The comic turned pres

As we are entering the third week of the of the Russia-Ukraine war.....Ukraine is still standing! Sure, bombs are flying, and missiles are hitting every residential building, school and hospital, but Ukrainians are still fighting against the Russian invaders. And, make no mistake, they are invaders, unwelcomed visitors on Ukrainian land. How various cities in Ukraine looks like now, after constant shelling On 7th March, there was the third round of negotiations between the two countries. Russia came up with a list of demands for ceasefire that Ukraine must comply with, for this war to end: Ukraine to stop military action Enshrine neutrality as part of its constitution Allow the absorption of Crimea into Russian territory Recognise Luhansk and Donetsk as independent territories, as per the Kremlin vote in middle of February. No surprise that the peace talks failed. Russia really wants to push Ukraine in a corner, to get it to play ball to their insane demands. But Ukraine will

As we get into the second week of the Ukraine - Russia conflict, concerns are rising that the aggressors will deploy harmful thermobaric weapons, or so called ''vacuum bombs''. If these are used, the human cost and environmental damage will be insurmountable. Fears are that the Kremlin is getting increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of the conflict and will escalate offences to make Ukraine fall. In this post we will have a look at these awful explosives, which have been dubbed the ''poor man's nuclear weapon''. WHAT ARE THERMOBARIC WEAPONS? Also known as aerosol bombs or fuel air explosives, thermobaric weapons are two-staged munitions designed to use the oxygen in the air to explode. Fuel air explosives are the worst type of thermobaric weapons. A Russia thermobaric MRLS system Unlike typical explosives, that have a mixture of fuel and oxidizing agent that would cause them to ignite, these vacuum bombs are just filled with fuel and r