Idk who this Artyom guy is or if its his real name, but he deserves all the kudos in the world.
Russian investigators have questioned the drivers of the trucks from which drones were launched during a large-scale attack on military targets. From Russian media:
“One of the drivers, a 55-year-old man from Chelyabinsk named Alexander Z., said that the truck belonged to a 37-year-old man named Artyom. Some time ago, Artyom had received an order from a businessman based in the Murmansk region, who requested the transportation of four prefabricated houses from Chelyabinsk to the Kola District of Murmansk.
The two men agreed on a price, and Alexander loaded the "cargo" into the truck and set off. According to him, while en route, an unknown individual contacted him by phone and gave specific instructions on when and where to stop. The final stop was near a Rosneft gas station close to a military airfield in Murmansk. It was from that location that the drones were launched.
A similar story was shared by another truck driver, 61-year-old Andrey M., who said he also worked for Artyom. His task was to transport prefabricated houses to the Irkutsk region. However, when he parked near the "Teremok" café in Usolye-Sibirskoye, drones began to take off from the back of his truck.
Other truck drivers involved in incidents in the Ryazan and Ivanovo regions reported similar experiences. One of them, a 46-year-old man named Sergey, told investigators he was transporting a modular house from Chelyabinsk. While driving through Ryazan, the roof of his Scania truck suddenly tore off, and drones flew out.
The fourth truck, involved in the drone launch targeting the Ivanovo airfield the day before, was also loaded in Chelyabinsk. According to the driver, this truck also belonged to Artyom.
A criminal case has been opened under terrorism-related charges. Investigators are currently searching for Artyom, who is reportedly a native of Ukraine.”
Thank you, Artyom!❤️
I just wish I saw the truck drivers' faces when their trucks (supposedly delivering modular houses) suddenly turned into high-tech drone motherships😂 Like, imagine: you are drinking a cup of coffee at a gas station when the roof of your truck suddenly slides open and drones start pouring out of it😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😂😂 Before today, I would say this scene is only possible in movies.
The BBC's Paul Adams reflects on the impact of Ukraine's major drone attack on Russian bombers.
When I first glanced at the headline about Ukraine's drone attack on Russian military planes I thought it was similar to times in the past when they took out two or three planes at Russian bases. But when I saw all the details, it was more like: "HOLY FUCK!"
Ukraine not only took out a bunch of Russia's most expensive military aircraft, but they did it in an ingenious and painstaking way. Planning for this apparently began in late 2023.
It's hard to exaggerate the sheer audacity - or ingenuity - that went into Ukraine's countrywide assault on Russia's air force.
We cannot possibly verify Ukrainian claims that the attacks resulted in $7bn (£5.2bn) of damage, but it's clear that "Operation Spider's Web" was, at the very least, a spectacular propaganda coup.
Ukrainians are already comparing it with other notable military successes since Russia's full-scale invasion, including the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, the Moskva, and the bombing of the Kerch Bridge, both in 2022, as well as a missile attack on Sevastopol harbour the following year.
Judging by details leaked to the media by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the latest operation is the most elaborate achievement so far.
In an operation said to have taken 18 months to prepare, scores of small drones were smuggled into Russia, stored in special compartments aboard freight trucks, driven to at least four separate locations, thousands of miles apart, and launched remotely towards nearby airbases.
The drones were launched inside Russia from modified cargo containers on trucks. The destroyed aircraft included those used to launch missiles against Ukrainian civilians.
"These strategic bombers are capable of launching long-range strikes against us," he said. "There are only 120 of them and we struck 40. That's an incredible figure."
It is hard to assess the damage, but Ukrainian military blogger Oleksandr Kovalenko says that even if the bombers, and command and control aircraft were not destroyed, the impact is enormous.
"The extent of the damage is such that the Russian military-industrial complex, in its current state, is unlikely to be able to restore them in the near future," he wrote on his Telegram channel.
The strategic missile-carrying bombers in question, the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 are, he said, no longer in production. Repairing them will be difficult, replacing them impossible.
Russia likes to think it is invincible. These successful attacks, as far north as the Kola Peninsula and as far east as south central Siberia, are a psychological blow as well as a military one to Russians.
This is the best overall description of Operation Spiderweb. The narrator is author and retired US Navy Seal Chuck Pfarrer.
Back to the BBC article...
Ukrainian defence journalist Illia Ponomarenko, posting on X, puts it another way, with a pointed reference to President Volodymyr Zelensky's infamous Oval office encounter with Donald Trump.
"This is what happens when a proud nation under attack doesn't listen to all those: 'Ukraine has only six months left'. 'You have no cards'. 'Just surrender for peace, Russia cannot lose'."
Even more pithy was a tweet from the quarterly Business Ukraine journal, which proudly proclaimed "It turns out Ukraine does have some cards after all. Today Zelensky played the King of Drones."
That comment from Business Ukraine sparked this meme...
Ukraine has plenty of cards, and it ain't bluffing.
REMINDER: Putin's "3-day special operation" in Ukraine began 1,195 days ago. Putin's continued pointless aggression suggests that he's not playing with a full deck.
summary: how you and bradley first met. or who knew bradley would find his soulmate sweaty in a parking lot?
warnings: none, but this is a 18+ blog in general.
word count: 1.3k.
something ‘bout you masterlist.
Bradley felt ridiculous. He was supposed to be on his way home—ten minutes ago.
Instead, he’s ducking behind his Ford Bronco in the supermarket parking lot–drowning in his own sweat from the sweltering afternoon heat, as he eavesdrops on an exchange between two strangers. Bradley imagined that by now, he would’ve been kicking back in his armchair–with a fan blowing in his face and a spoonful of ice cream hanging out his mouth–if only his curiosity didn't get the best of him.
Maybe this was a sign to stop spending all his free time with Hangman and Coyote. The duo is starting to rub off on him in the worst way possible–Bradley could’ve swore he wasn’t this nosy prior to hanging out with them.
“Look buddy,” you sigh, shifting the paper bags into one arm. “Actually–hold this real quick,” you carelessly demand the stranger–with pursed lips, thrusting your bags of groceries into his chest.
The man stumbles back, groaning at your peculiar strength. Yet you pay him no mind, pulling your aviators up into your hair–already facing your car again.
Bradley laughs under his breath, watching you use the man as a mule–popping open your trunk, unbothered by the fact that he’s still trying to regain his balance. If he was going to plant himself next to you, why not make use of him?
When Bradley first came walking out with a tub of rocky road in hand–he didn’t look twice at the scene, strolling right past you two with a clear objective in mind–get home–put on a movie–and rip open the frozen treat, that he’ll pay the price for later.
But, that was until his ears tuned into the man’s pathetic efforts towards getting your phone number–stopping Bradley right in his tracks. This would make a good topic of conversation for the locker rooms tomorrow.
You flap your fingers into your palm–still not looking at the man, signaling him to pass your stuff back with the off-handed gesture.
Bradley smirks behind the hood of his truck, catching sight of the guy’s twitching eye–not believing the way you’re easily commanding him.
The curious pilot wonders how often you had to deal with sleazebags like him—because you’re doing a hell of a job at kicking him down.
Seeing that he’s taking too long to pass back tonight’s dinner ingredients–you start to casually pluck each bag out of his hands, transferring it into your trunk, unconcerned by his offense.
“So, can I get your number now?” He asks tightly, annoyance leaking into his voice.
You pause at the question, taking the time to scan the man up and down with raised brows. “If you’re hitting on someone wearing essentially the same outfit as you,” your voice is sweet, despite the harsh punchline you’re beginning to deliver. “Maybe it’s time for some deep reflection,” your lips stretch into a sarcastic smile, causing the man to fully display his irritation with you.
Technically you weren’t wrong—you both had on a identical white tank top and shorts.
“I’m all for self love,” you raise your hands up in defense. “Maybe, you should try looking in the mirror next time you–” you shamelessly look down at his crotch. “..take care of yourself– it might be eye opening for you.” His mouth parts at the way the explicit suggestion leaves your mouth.
It takes all of Bradley’s self control to stifle his laughter, not wanting to give himself away from where he’s crouched.
“You’re fucking weird—holy shit. I’m done,” he scoffs, harshly throwing the last bag into your trunk.
You feign ignorance, watching him walk backwards–distancing himself from you. “Don’t want my number anymore?” you ask with a pout, pulling out your phone–waving it in the air.
“Fuck No. You’re crazy,” he huffs, jaw stretching in disbelief.
Your face completely falls–and horror is written all over the man’s face as your flat expression is slowly replaced with a menacing smile.
Just to watch him flinch, you lift your arm–pretending to chuck the device at him.
The guy immediately breaks into a sprint, startled by your warning–causing Bradley to finally break into laughter.
Realizing he broke his silence—Bradley stills, putting a pause to his amusement—hoping you didn’t hear him.
“You think he’s ever gonna talk to another woman again?” you ask–back turned to the new stranger, knowing the cute guy you clocked from earlier was currently tucked behind his truck.
Bradley sheepishly smiles, awkwardly standing up at your question—you knew he was there the whole time. “Nope–you got him real good. How does it feel knowing you’re keeping the ladies of the town safe?” he asks amusingly, stuffing a sweaty hand into the front pocket of his shorts.
In one swift movement, you shut your trunk and turn to face him–sweeping Bradley right off his feet once you make eye contact with him.
You start to laugh at his joke, bringing a hand over your mouth—shyly covering your smile.
Holy shit. No wonder that guy was on your case about getting your number–you’re stunning.
Bradley realizes he barely put an ounce of his attention onto your face this whole time, too distracted by the way you were tearing down the previous guy. He swallows, not sure if he can keep his composure now that you’re looking right at him. You’re probably the prettiest girl Bradley has ever encountered in his life. It makes him sweat harder at the thought.
“Feels good actually,” you nod, pleased with yourself. “Oh–hey nice shorts,” you call out, pointing a finger at his pants.
Bradley blinks at you, not able to get a single word out.
“Where’d you get those bad boys?” You follow up with another smile.
Bradley forces himself to snap out of it, looking down at his Levis and then back up at you. You have on the same pair of shorts as him.
They’re slung loose on your hips and stretch down to your knees. The frayed hems just slightly sway at the rare summer breeze passing through the parking lot.
He lets out a breath–that he wasn’t even aware that he was holding in the first place, before finally answering you. “Oh–they’re from a thrift shop down by the main road.”
“You gotta take me there then–maybe we can find another pair of matching shorts?” You offer, heart thumping at your own bravery.
“Sure can,” he nods, kicking the gravel under his feet nervously. “Promise not to throw that phone at me if I come over and ask for your number?” He jokes, hoping he didn’t look too ridiculous from how hard he’s smiling to himself.
“Not unless you share some of that ice cream with me, pretty stranger,” you wave him over, pulling down your sunglasses. “Hey, mind teaching me how you grew that stache? Been trying to get me one of those things,” you tease, brushing two fingers over your upper lip.
Bradley lightly laughs, walking around the front of his truck. “You’ll look like my dad if you do,” he replies, stopping right in front of you. Bradley braces himself, waiting for the gut-wrenching feeling to quickly brush through his heart at the mention of his father, but to his surprise—it never comes.
“I like your dad already,” you softly answer, handing your phone over to him.
He would definitely like you too, Bradley thinks.
thank you for reading, and as always-reblogs are greatly appreciated!
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53 INBOXES🥹 Y’ALL THANKU SM FOR ALL THE LOVE AND ASKS😭😭 i’ve only just gotten back from bangkok and was back to work in less than 24 hours so please do give me some time to get back to every single one of you🫶🏻🫶🏻 a lot of you were asking about chapter 13, it will be slightly delayed IM SORRY😩😩 i’m also recovering physically (BC IF YOU HAVENT SEEN THE RAIN IT WAS CRAZYYYYY AND THE HEAT ON DAY 2 WAS 🥵🥵🥵) from the weekend of tds4 (AM GOING THROUGH MAJOR PCD FRRRR I BAWLED MY EYES OUT ON THE STREETS OF BANGKOK BC IT WAS SO GOOD AND IM GONNA MISS THEM SM BUT IM SO EXCITED TO WORK WITH THEM SOON😭😭) will start slowly replying to asks tonight and in the meantime, will be dropping a small exclusive (was literally typing away after soundcheck with dreamies😩) for you guys while waiting for chapter 13~ I LOVE YOU GUYS SM🩵🩵🩵 this author humbly thank each and every one of you for your patience and love🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️
During the night of December 5-6, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted a drone strike targeting Russian equipment in Kerch Bay.
The operation involved a fleet of "Sea Baby" marine drones equipped with large-caliber auto-targeting machine guns, which engaged Russian helicopters, aircraft, and Raptor patrol boats in combat.
Intercepted radio communications revealed casualties and injuries among the helicopter crews, with the aircraft themselves sustaining damage.
Additionally, the drones struck a barge loaded with military equipment and materials intended for repairing the Crimean Bridge.
new oc!! his name is Rowan and i love him hes also my baby. gonna draw his mother soon, watch out
Rowan is the son of a powerful witch! he was made using a complex potion, but as he grows older the components of the magic begin to revert back to their base ingredients. Unable to save her son, she elects to turn him into her familiar.
feel free to send me an ask about any of my ocs! i looooveee yapping
