The Stan R. Mitchell report for 2/22/22.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!
We’ll start with Ukraine today, for obvious reasons.
Russian troops have entered the two break-away areas held by Russian-backed separatists, but this is likely just the start. Almost certainly, more advances are going to happen. In fact, NATO says Russia is still planning a ‘full-scale’ attack on Ukraine.
The responses to this aggression have already begun.
Germany has already said it will halt the authorization of Nord Stream 2 pipeline. This in itself is huge news and will prove economically devastating for Russia.
Britain has also already begun dropping sanctions, placing them on five Russian banks and three Russian billionaires.
Things are already dicey, and they’re probably going to get dicier. My view is the conflict has just started and it’s going to get a whole lot worse.
As just one piece of evidence, take a look at this example of Russia continuing to escalate things:
max seddon @maxseddonPutin speaking now: he says Russia has recognized the separatist's claim to the whole Donbas. This is as close as you can get to declaring war. 
February 22nd 2022
577 Retweets962 LikesWhat that tweet is saying (in shorthand for insiders) is that Russia is actually considering territory that Ukraine has already taken back from the separatists as territory that shouldn’t be Ukraine’s.
It’s important to note that on this very land that Putin is now claiming, Ukraine has plenty of troops dug in and defending it. So, this claim might be the basis Putin uses for declaring an all-out invasion, since it doesn't exactly mesh with the Minsk agreements.
Initially, the Biden Administration didn’t call the Russian moves an invasion. But that has since changed. (See below.)
Howard Altman @haltmanThe White House decided to begin referring to Russia’s actions as an “invasion” because of the situation on the ground, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
‘An invasion is an invasion’ White House now says of Russian troops in UkraineAfter heavy criticism, the Biden administration is now calling Putin’s movement of troops into Ukraine an invasion.militarytimes.comFebruary 22nd 2022
3 Retweets2 LikesPartly from fears of an all-out war, U.S. trainers have departed, as confirmed below.
Alexander Marquardt @MarquardtAThe US special forces that had been advising Ukrainian counterparts in western Ukraine have now left, EUCOM spokesman Capt. Bill Speaks tells me. Another source familiar with their movements said they helped escort the US embassy personnel from Lviv to Poland.February 22nd 2022
28 Retweets48 LikesSo, what happens next?
Glad you asked.
This video below is an absolutely must-watch video, which covers many of the weapon systems, some of the military strategies that might occur, and even talks about the concept of a Russian “land bridge” to Crimea.
cnn.it/3h4BGLx ","username":"CNN","name":"CNN","date":"Tue Feb 22 16:40:48 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...
CNN @CNNCNN's Tom Foreman uses a map to break down some of the potential military strategies Russia may use to invade Ukraine cnn.it/3h4BGLx February 22nd 2022
51 Retweets145 LikesNow some are saying in the U.S., why should we care? And what would a war mean for most of us?
Just so happens we have that answer below, as well.
@ianbremmer says Putin has already factored sanctions from the U.S. and other NATO countries into his plans regarding a Ukrainian invasion — but that won’t stop the White House from imposing more. ","username":"CBSMornings","name":"CBS Mornings","date":"Tue Feb 22 12:39:03 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...
CBS Mornings @CBSMornings“We’re entering a new Cold War with the Russians”: @ianbremmer says Putin has already factored sanctions from the U.S. and other NATO countries into his plans regarding a Ukrainian invasion — but that won’t stop the White House from imposing more. February 22nd 2022
40 Retweets74 LikesIf an invasion happens, it’s going to be horrific. And it’s going to be mostly one-sided. Certainly at first.
But two potential counter points.
First, this, by General Hertling, about the lack of discipline by Russian soldiers.
Mark Hertling @MarkHertlingThis description of Russian soldiers encamped in Belarus is EXACTLY my experience seeing them in short (exercise/training) and long (Balkan deployments) environment. An army of conscripts w/ no professional NCOs and corrupt officers are usually undisciplined. Katsiaryna Shmatsina @kshmatsina
This article describes some of the effects of having Russian military in large numbers in Belarus. TLDR: It's not pretty, for the locals, the soldiers, the Russian army or Putin. 1/9https://t.co/Y0hkQGGz5cFebruary 20th 2022
315 Retweets910 LikesSecondly, there was this incredible article below. (Hat tip, Louise Mensch.)
@IAPonomarenko - every word is true. Putin faces only disaster, death and ruin in Ukraine. ","username":"LouiseMensch","name":"Louise Mensch 🇺🇸🇺🇦","date":"Sun Feb 20 03:17:29 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":52,"like_count":142,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://kyivindependent.com/opinion/i... Ponomarenko: Even if Russia attacks, Ukraine’s fall is not predestined","description":"Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors. It’s important not to lose the battle before it even begins. Right now, the Russia-instigated security crisis in Ukraine is threatening to become an all-out war of occupation. Against all the voices of reason, Russ…","domain":"kyivindependent.com"},"video_url":null}">
Louise Mensch 🇺🇸🇺🇦 @LouiseMenschIllia Ponomarenko: Even if Russia attacks, Ukraine’s fall is not predestined - MUST READ by @IAPonomarenko - every word is true. Putin faces only disaster, death and ruin in Ukraine. 
Illia Ponomarenko: Even if Russia attacks, Ukraine’s fall is not predestinedEditor’s Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors. It’s important not to lose the battle before it even begins. Right now, the Russia-instigated security crisis in Ukraine is threatening to become an all-out war of occupation. Against all the voices of reason, Russ…kyivindependent.comFebruary 20th 2022
52 Retweets142 LikesThis article is certainly a must-read, as well. And we all know that troops (and citizens) fighting for their homeland almost always outperform those of invaders, who are mostly hoping to survive and return to their families.
To counter this disadvantage, Putin is likely planning absolute brutality and vengeance.
foreignaffairs.com/articles/ukrai… https://t.co/Vb8Zbb1Rv2","u... S. Vindman","date":"Mon Feb 21 13:34:24 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{"full_text":"National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tells NBC this am that Russia is planning an “extremely violent” invasion of Ukraine. US has “intelligence to suggest that there will be an even greater form of brutality” against Ukrainians, “to repress them, to crush them, to harm them.”","username":"NatashaBertrand","name":"Natasha Bertrand"},"retweet_count":805,"like_count":1791,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">
Alexander S. Vindman @AVindmanPutin will seek to crush Ukraine’s will to resist. He‘ll strike “morale” targets (revolution square, schools, hospitals, groups of protesters, key cultural sights, etc.) to punish any resistance. Putin intends to break Ukraine.I wrote about this here: foreignaffairs.com/articles/ukrai… https://t.co/Vb8Zbb1Rv2Natasha Bertrand @NatashaBertrand
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tells NBC this am that Russia is planning an “extremely violent” invasion of Ukraine. US has “intelligence to suggest that there will be an even greater form of brutality” against Ukrainians, “to repress them, to crush them, to harm them.”February 21st 2022
805 Retweets1,791 LikesThink of how indiscriminate the bombings done by Russians in Syria were; there’s even strong evidence they purposefully targeted hospitals, schools, and aid workers. But I doubt I need to cite much evidence of that. I think most of my readers recognize the brutality of Putin and those he commands.
One final Ukraine note, I had mentioned above the two separatist areas. Here’s a great map of the land currently being discussed.
#UPDATE In a report covering attacks on Friday, OSCE observers recorded 591 breaches in Donetsk and 975 violations in neighboring Lugansk, two regions partly held by Russian-backed separatists ","username":"AFP","name":"AFP News Agency","date":"Sat Feb 19 22:04:00 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FL_c6b...
AFP News Agency @AFP#UPDATE In a report covering attacks on Friday, OSCE observers recorded 591 breaches in Donetsk and 975 violations in neighboring Lugansk, two regions partly held by Russian-backed separatists 
February 19th 2022
96 Retweets158 LikesMoving along, in tech news, there were a few cool articles worth noting.
First this:
@Sikorsky and @DARPA flew a #BlackHawk helicopter for 30 minutes with no one inside through the ALIAS program. ","username":"defense_news","name":"Defense News","date":"Mon Feb 21 15:00:06 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":9,"like_count":27,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022... the first time, Black Hawk helicopter flies without anyone aboard","description":"Sikorsky and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency flew a Black Hawk helicopter for 30 minutes with no one inside through the ALIAS program.","domain":"defensenews.com"},"video_url":null}">
Defense News @defense_news.@Sikorsky and @DARPA flew a #BlackHawk helicopter for 30 minutes with no one inside through the ALIAS program. 
For the first time, Black Hawk helicopter flies without anyone aboardSikorsky and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency flew a Black Hawk helicopter for 30 minutes with no one inside through the ALIAS program.defensenews.comFebruary 21st 2022
9 Retweets27 LikesAnd also this:
Defense One @DefenseOneRobot tanks and drones swarming the battlefield represent only a small fraction of the ways the military might put autonomy to use in the years ahead. 
The Near Future of Military Autonomy Isn’t Robotanks, But ‘Microservices’Instead of commanding killer robots, most troops will get helping hands from things like driving assistance software.buff.lyFebruary 11th 2022
8 Retweets14 LikesAnd finally this:
Evan Kohlmann @IntelTweetReuters: "U.S. eyes 100-strong Mideast sea drone fleet with security partners" 
U.S. eyes 100-strong Mideast sea drone fleet with security partnersThe United States Navy and security partners will patrol Middle East waters with 100 unmanned vessels next year to improve deterrence against attacks, like those presented by Iran, the U.S. Fifth Fleet commander said on Monday.reuters.comFebruary 21st 2022
2 Retweets2 LikesFor those who have missed my earlier newsletters (welcome, new subscribers!), the U.S. Navy has already accomplished a lot with unmanned ships. They’ve completed long “autonomous transits” of nearly 5,000 miles. Yes, 5,000 miles!
And the U.S. Navy made history by having an unmanned ship cross the Panama Canal – the first time any unmanned ship had crossed the locks of the canal.
All right, that was a lot in today’s edition. Hope you enjoyed it. Let’s wrap up with some motivation and wisdom.
#Inspirational","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Sun Feb 20 15:00:10 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":104,"like_count":242,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">
Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosKeep evolving & recreating yourself. Read. Explore. Discover. Learning new things & expanding your mind will add versatility into your life. You shouldn’t be who you were last week. Create new habits & consistently upgrade yourself in all ways & on all levels.#InspirationalFebruary 20th 2022
104 Retweets242 Likes
#Inspiration","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Sat Feb 19 15:00:10 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":75,"like_count":170,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosYou are doing all that you can. Balancing life & everything else in between. Give yourself credit for all that you do. You are resilient & strong. You are dedicated & determined. Even those days that seem like a setback are only a step up from where you used to be.#InspirationFebruary 19th 2022
75 Retweets170 Likes
That’s it for this edition. As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
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Semper Fidelis,
Stan R. Mitchell
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I’ve written a CIA/Marine sniper series, a detective series, a private investigator series, an action-packed Western, a leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan.
About me: I am a proud vet and moderate, who wants to unite this country. I’m also a proud independent author, who used to own a small weekly newspaper for nine years that was probably (in hindsight) too generous on pricing to my advertisers and too lenient on my collection terms (I’m honestly just almost too nice). I also sought to downplay controversy, understate headlines, and never create panic, all of which is a terrible way to sell newspapers (but a responsible way for a media outlet to act). Looking back, it’s clear I had (and have) a big heart and that I wasn’t made to be some kind of cut-throat business executive. It’s this same streak in me that prevents me from signing any book deals, even big ones. I just don’t trust ruthless business executives at the big publishers. And even if I did, that very same company that I trusted could be bought and purchased overnight. Sorry, but I’ll pass on that. The truth is that while I’ve relented and signed some distribution deals, such as the one I did with Audible for my Nick Woods series, I’m just not willing to be owned by any of the big publishing houses. If I want to speak out on China? I will. If I want to send free books to military members? I will. (And I have.) I don’t ever plan to be owned by some New York publishing house. (The only person I answer to on this earth is my wife and I plan to keep it that way.) My success to this point has been made by doing it the right way: gaining one new reader or one new subscriber at a time. So join me on my journey. Let’s build a community of like-minded Americans, who believe in this country and in our fellow citizens (even those on the other side of the aisle). People who believe in small businesses and independent dreamers on their own journey, whether it’s owning a small farm or staying autonomous in their creative fields. And when it comes to politics? No name calling. No screaming. Just honest discussion and a genuine search for the truth. In the end, we truly all want the same: good government, unity throughout our land, and ethical leadership.
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More about Stan R. Mitchell:BACKGROUND
— Prior infantry Marine, who earned the rank of Sergeant and a Combat Action Ribbon in 1997.
— 10+ plus years in print journalism, 20+ years of creative writing.
— Super picky reader, who hates slow-moving books. Also super ambitious, with his sights set on the very top of the fiction world. (See this article: Writers are crazy, and I’m crazier than most.)
ACCLAIM“Mitchell’s writing style is sharp, snappy, cinematic, and impacts with the trauma of a hollowpoint to the head.” — Author Mark Allen
SUCCESSMitchell tackles his writing with skill that will blow you away. He’s sold 70,000-plus copies and had thousands of reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Plus, all of his books average 4+ stars on Amazon.
