US Embassy Tells Americans Be Prepared To 'Take Cover' As Kiev Braces For 'Shock & Awe' Attack

   Maybe this post should be called: "The complexity of life!"

  Trump is in a quandary: "The nuclear agreement between the US and Russia stipulates that nuclear bombers should be "visible" at all times. On the other hand, a desperate government in Kiev, supported by the Europeans will do anything to stay relevant and the sitting duck strategic bombers were an easy low hanging fruit for this purpose. 

  Is this terrorism? Not really, these bombers are by definition military targets. But by doing this, Europe (and indirectly the people in the US who did know in advance about the attack) are showing their hand: The goal of the war in Ukraine is clearly to weaken Russia in the long run, not really to win a war who anyone with half a brain knows is not winnable. 

  So now, Russia and Putin must respond and Trump can do very little but acknowledge this fact. This is the definition of a quandary where neither he nor Putin can change the direction of the conflict. In other words, things are slowly getting out of their hands with an internal dynamic against which no one can do much. 

  This is probably where the strategies which got us to this point should be examined more closely. What Russia is doing is understandable militarily. They are the stronger party and they are therefore slowly squeezing the Ukrainians out of their will and ability to fight with limited costs to the Russian society. This is what "Special Military Operation" means practically. 

  The Ukrainians are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand the Russians advancing relentlessly. On the other hand, the Europeans (NATO technically although with Trump is it now mostly Europe) who will cross any red lines (although a red line has very little meaning when you are already in a state of war) to weaken Russia knowing that they have already invested so much money in the operation that pulling out is now impossible. 

  What gives? I don't know and I don't think anybody does. The real war is between Europe and Russia with Ukraine stuck in-between. Both Russia and Europe, at this stage, can afford to up the ante on the other party. The main question left being how long can Ukraine survive before it is completely squeezed and both Russia and Europe end up confronting each other directly? 

  I am not a military analyst but it looks like after 3 years of relentless war, the Ukrainian army is getting destroyed on the front-line. If they cannot negotiate, albeit from a very weak position, then the war will have to end militarily. So my best guess is that as before, the answer of the Russian to the latest "provocation" will be mostly symbolic although maybe painful. The real answer will be an increase of the pressure on the front until Ukraine is finally defeated. This could happen as early as this Summer. But then what? A direct confrontation between East and West? And we're back to the beginning; Neither Putin nor Trump want such a confrontation, but will they have a choice? We are indeed playing with fire.

US Embassy Tells Americans Be Prepared To 'Take Cover' As Kiev Braces For 'Shock & Awe' Attack

 

The US Embassy in Kyiv has issued a new Wednesday heightened security alert due to "continued risk of significant air attacks" by Russia on Ukraine.

The Kremlin, including President Vladimir Putin himself, has said that major retaliation is coming, after the Sunday massive cross-border Ukrainian operation which destroyed many of Russia's premier military aircraft, including long-range strategic bombers.

President Trump has said of an over one-hour phone call he held with Putin Wednesday, that "We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides." Trump went on to call it a good conversation, however "not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace."

The below official embassy alert, marked June 4, relays the following information for American citizens remaining in the Ukrainian capital [emphasis ZH]:

Event:  Russia has increased the intensity of its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine in recent weeks, and there is currently a continued risk of significant air attacks. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv urges U.S. citizens to exercise appropriate caution.  As always, we recommend you be prepared to shelter immediately in the event an air alert is announced. 

Actions to Take: 

• Identify shelter locations in advance of any air alert.
• Download a reliable air alert app to your mobile phone, such as Air Raid Siren or Alarm Map.
• Immediately take shelter away from windows in the most hardened location you can move to if an air alert is announced.
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Keep reserves of water, food, and medication.
• Follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency.
• Review what the Department of State Can and Cannot Do in a Crisis. 

Of note in Trump's phone call with Putin is that nothing was stated from Trump in the way of a US demand that Putin not retaliate against Ukraine (or at least which was not disclosed in his Truth Social post).

The absence of a preemptive condemnation for any major retaliation suggests that major aerial retaliation is indeed imminent, and that Washington 'understands' the tit-for-tat nature of what is likely about to happen.

Geopolitical observer and podcaster Alex Christoforou has written the following in reaction to the big Wednesday phone call, after the White House has remained relatively silent on the latest developments, which included a Ukrainian attack on the Kerch Strait bridge as well as three bridges in southern Russia, which left at least seven dead:

Trump speaks with Putin. Another long call. Who initiated the call, Trump or Putin?

Much different tone than "playing with fire" Truth post. Two leaders discussed Ukraine drone strikes and "various other attacks...by both sides." Trump accepted that Putin will retaliate, and it will be big. Trump admits "immediate peace" not coming.

Maxar has meanwhile confirmed that several high value strategic bombers were destroyed in Sunday's Ukrainian attack deep inside Russian territory:

But Russia has appeared patient in calculating the response, which could mean 'shock and awe' on Kiev at any moment, hence the US Embassy's strong new warning.

Medvedev had also warned of what's coming in a Tuesday statement: "Our Army is pushing forward and will continue to advance. Everything that needs to be blown up will be blown up, and those who must be eliminated will be."

Some ominous threats and signs...

And we don't know what's going with this unusual post from RT, but it can't be good... Doomsday Radio?