January 01, 2023

A Different Kind of UFO


A Different Kind of UFO
The "unidentified object" being intercepted by air defense systems near Engels air base, Russia. Telekanal ICTV, Youtube

Air defenses in the city of Engels, located on the Volga River, deep inside Russia, shot down an "unidentified object" that allegedly originated in Ukraine, Meduza reported on December 29. Belgorod and Bryansk oblasts' air defense systems were also activated earlier that day. 

Engels is over 680 miles from Kyiv, yet Ukrainian drones attacked the city twice in December. Strategic long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which have seen extensive use in attacks on Ukraine, are based in Engels.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said it has intercepted two previous drone attacks on the city. No casualties were reported in the most recent incident, though reportedly six persons died in prior attacks.

On the same day, the commander in chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said his army had destroyed 54 of 69 missiles launched by Russia against Ukraine.  

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The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.
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