Putin general, 57, ‘has arm and leg amputated' as he fights for life after Ukrainian strike on Russian column in Kursk
Lt-Gen Esedulla Abachev, 57, was hit on the Rylsk–Khomutovka highway in the Kursk region early on Saturday, according to Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).
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Russian Lt-Gen Esedulla Abachev was severely injured in a Ukrainian strike in Kursk
Credit: East2West
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The 57-year-old general reportedly had an arm and a leg amputated
Credit: East2West
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He was airlifted to a Moscow hospital and is fighting for his life
Credit: East2West
The decorated officer – deputy commander of Russia's North Group of Forces – was urgently airlifted to the Vishnevsky Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow where surgeons amputated an arm and a leg, the Kyiv Post reported.
A pro-Moscow source admitted: 'He is alive, but in serious condition [after] traumatic amputation of the arm and part of the leg.'
Ukrainian forces also blew up an ammo depot in occupied Melitopol a day earlier, killing marines and fighters from Ramzan Kadyrov's notorious 'Akhmat-Vostok' Chechen unit.
HUR gloated: 'There will be just retribution for every war crime against the Ukrainian people.'
Bloody track record
Abachev has been at the heart of nearly every Kremlin war in recent decades.
He graduated from the Kharkiv Higher Tank Command School in 1989 before fighting in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, the Second Chechen War, Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia, and the terror campaign in Syria.
'For each of these 'bloody feats,' Abachev was personally awarded the Order of Courage by Putin,' reported evocation.info.
Since 2022, Abachev has played a major role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, commanding the 2nd Army Corps of the so-called 'Luhansk People's Republic.'
Ukraine cut Putin's two-pronged frontline breach in HALF in wake of Trump summit
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Ukrainian sources accuse him of war crimes against civilians in Lysychansk.
Putin himself previously decorated Abachev with the Hero of Russia – Gold Star for 'courage and heroism.'
He also received an award from occupied Luhansk for his role in the bloody takeover.
In August last year, amid surging Ukrainian cross-border operations, he was appointed commander of Russia's border-cover group in the Kursk direction – where he was now taken out.
Humiliating blows
The strike on Abachev is just the latest in a string of humiliating Ukrainian hits on Putin's top brass.
Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov – Russia's Deputy Navy Chief and another Hero of Russia – was killed in July during a suspected HIMARS strike on a command post in Kursk.
In April, Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik was eliminated near Moscow.
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This attack is part of Ukraine's strategy to target senior Russian commanders, aiming to weaken their military
Credit: East2West
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Abachev (left) commanded Russian forces in Ukraine and was accused of war crimes
Credit: East2West
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Abachev was previously decorated a Hero of Russia – with a Gold Star for 'courage and heroism.'
Credit: East2West
Ukrainian Telegram channels have already circulated footage allegedly showing the burning wrecks of the Russian convoy in Kursk after Abachev's column was smashed.
The attack comes as Kremlin forces in Kursk push to seize territory across the border – with Zelensky facing mounting pressure to concede ground to Putin to secure a peace deal.
Analysts say Kyiv is intensifying strikes on senior commanders to weaken Moscow's chain of command and sap morale on the frontline.
Each successful hit is seen as both a psychological and tactical blow for Putin's faltering war machine.
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The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
'The British state is on edge': Kneecap's second day in court sees police action and legal wrangling
Rónán Duffy Reports from Westminster Magistrates' Court IF MO CHARA'S last appearance before a British court was marked by a party-like atmosphere today's was a more serious affair, if still just as loud. This vibe shift was clear both inside and outside the courtroom with Met Police confirming that a man was arrested outside on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action. Protests outside ahead of Mo Chara's court appearance. Rónán Duffy / The Journal Rónán Duffy / The Journal / The Journal The newly proscribed organisation has become a lightning rod for the debate around pro-Palestine activism in the UK, with hundreds arrested since it became listed as a terror organisation on 5 July, putting it on a par with organisations like Islamic State and al-Qaeda. Police had signalled that a tougher approach was being used for this court appearance last night when they said that Public Order Act conditions were being put in place. In reality that meant that protesters were confined to a particular section of the thoroughfare, and operationally it meant that there were many more police present. Numerous Kneecap balaclavas were on display among the protesters. Rónán Duffy / The Journal Rónán Duffy / The Journal / The Journal It didn't stop hundreds turning out to chant 'Free Mo Chara', blare music, hold placards and hand out flyers for the next protest. Unlike the last time though, police were quicker to intervene to direct people where to go and the entire event wound down more quickly once Mo Chara had finished in court. Mo Chara spoke when he left the court building, as did bandmate Móglaí Bap, but their speeches were shorter and contained none of the bombast heard in June about Glastonbury gigs to come. Mo Chara speaks to the crowd outside Westminster Magistrates' Court. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Instead there was almost a sense of frustration that the same slogans were being repeated when the situation in Gaza has become so much worse. 'Obviously it's great to see the support out here. Obviously we know that the story is more than just about me, more than about Kneecap,' Mo Chara told the crowd. This is a story about Palestine and us as a distraction from the real story. We know unfortunately this story will end up in the media today while Israel commits genocide at the same time. 'So everybody continue to speak about Palestine, Free Palestine, thank you for coming and tiocfaidh ár lá.' Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was speaking after a three-hour court hearing that was heavy with legal argument that will determine if he has to face a full trial for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. There was no ruling today but Judge Paul Goldspring has set 26 September as the date on which he'll deliver his ruling on that question. Brenda Campbell KC, for Ó hAnnaidh, and prosecutor Michael Bisgrove both made their cases citing case law about when exactly a charge against a person is legally recognised for the purposes of determining if it is inside or outside the time limit. The dense legalese caused some in the packed public gallery to leave before it was finished but Ó hAnnaidh was engaged throughout and was frequently seen looking through documentation with the Irish language interpreter he was provided with. The other members of Kneecap and their manager Daniel Lambert were also seated in court. Unlike the previous occasion when they giggled in the public gallery about whether Kneecap's DJ Provaí could be an interpreter, there were no light-hearted moments here. Advertisement If there was any such merriment in advance, it was quickly dampened by the legal arguments anyway. Time limit The date of the alleged offence is 21 November 2024 and the six-month limit for prosecuting therefore runs until 21 May 2025. Campbell told the court the Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought against the defendant when police informed him he was to face a terror charge on May 21. She said consent was given the following day, but that meant the charge falls outside of the six-month time frame in which criminal charges against a defendant can be brought. Ó hAnnaidh was not arrested before being charged and was instead charged by way of a postal requisition. This method means that an individual is informed of a charge they face by post and Campbell argued that the timing of the requisition has a bearing on when proceedings are instituted. Police closed off Marylebone Road for a period today due to the scale of the protest. Rónán Duffy / TheJournal Rónán Duffy / TheJournal / TheJournal Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove argued in court that the charge was issued by police on the day of the deadline, 21 May. He said permission was not required until the defendant's first court appearance and that permission did not need to be sought in order to bring a criminal charge. The judge asked various questions of both lawyers during their submissions but more questions were asked of Campbell. Ending today's proceedings, the judge noted that everyone was keen on a 'speedy resolution' to the legal questions but he asked that people grant him some time to make a decision. He therefore set 26 September as the date on which he would issue a ruling, stressing in case anyone was confused that this was his decision on the time-limit question alone and not on the merits of the case. Cat handing out UK communist newspaper Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! The Journal The Journal Back outside, the protesters waited for Mo Chara's appearance. Among them were some of the same faces present back in June. London student Sarah Cotte ,who is originally from France, is herself facing two charges similar to Mo Chara for allegedly of expressing support for Hamas in a speech at a London university. Speaking on stage to the crowd she said that terror legislation in the UK is primarily used against immigrant communities. Speaking afterwards to The Journal , Cotte said that terror label is so politically charged that it restricts debate. 'The reality is that it's people's rights of free speech, people's right to protest which are being restricted, which are being infringed upon,' she said. And if we can't get past the terrorism label, then I'm not sure what else, you know, there is for us to do. The reality is that that label is so politically charged and so racially charged as well. 'Terrorism legislation has always been used, since its first inception, to terrorise communities fighting back against British imperialism, whether that be the Irish, whether that be immigrant communities, whether that be people standing up for Palestinian liberation. So it's never been about keeping us safe. It's always been about keeping those in power safe.' Cotte's case is back in court for a hearing in the Old Bailey on 24 October and she urged supporters to join a protest on that date. Related Reads Police corral hundreds of protesters as Kneecap's Mo Chara returns to court to face UK terror charge Opinion: The British political class has it in for Kneecap - they just don't get it Kneecap: What's the terror charge 'Mo Chara' is facing, what's the defence and the sentence? Others who made a return trip to London today to support Mo Chara included Northern Ireland-based Irish-language coalition An Dream Dearg. Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin of the group pointed to the 'hypocrisy' of Mo Chara facing charges as people openly support proscribed organisations in Northern Ireland. 'There's stark hypocrisy in terms of how that's being conducted, because we're from a part of this jurisdiction, if you like, within the UK, where people regularly wear t-shirts, wave flags, carry the emblems or prescribed organisations, many times this is facilitated by this by the State in the form of marches, through certain areas,' he told The Journal . Mac Giolla Bhéin also referred to the arrest that took place today of the protester for allegedly supporting Palestine Action. 'It's authoritarianism and it's important for everyone, whether or not you agree with the stance on Palestine Action, that anyone who believes in living in a free and democratic society, must challenge it and to call it out.' Another protester who commented on the increased police presence was Cat from Communist newspaper Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism!. 'I think the clear popularity of what Kneecap is saying and linking really strongly to the historic struggle in Ireland against British colonisation and the occupation in Palestine has put the British state on edge,' she said. 'They're able to speak the truth very clearly about this continued pattern of Britain supporting occupation, repression and genocide. And I think it puts a British state on edge and I expect that's why there are more police now. Cat added that she felt there is now a 'groundswell of support against British collusion with genocide' and what she said is the use of the Terrorism Act against non-violent organisations. Connolly's book store in Dublin Gráinne Ferris and Rache Gerrard at the protest in Dublin today, Andrew Walsh / TheJournal Andrew Walsh / TheJournal / TheJournal In Dublin, around 200 people also gathered at Connolly Books in Temple Bar this afternoon for a 'Solidarity Seisiún' for Mo Chara, with musicians including Irish-Palestinian singer Róisín El Cherif performing. Outside, protesters voiced their support for Mo Chara in his ongoing court case. Protestors Gráinne Ferris and Rachel Gerrard spoke highly of Kneecap, as well as other Irish acts that have been vocally supportive of Palestine. 'At the moment, [Mo Chara] is speaking loud and clear, supporting Palestine, as well as the likes of Hozier and Christie Moore,' Ferris said. It's vital, because they have huge international fan bases, and hopefully they'll continue to do so in the face of a genocide. Outside the bookshop, Scotland native Angela Doyle handed out mock postcards in support of Palestine Action. She likened Ó hAnnaidh's case to the ongoing crackdown on UK protests in support of Palestine Action . 'We know that laws like this spread – we just wanted to do something small to make a difference,' Doyle said. - With reporting by Andrew Walsh in Dublin Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Fake name Vladimir Putin gave to hidden sons with gymnast revealed' as tyrant's boys seen in footage for first time
VLADIMIR Putin is said to have given fake names to his alleged secret children with his hidden Olympic gymnast lover, according to an investigation. New footage appears to show Putin's alleged youngest sons for the first time. 6 Vladimir Spiridonov, now six, Vladimir Putin's son with partner Alina Kabaeva Credit: East2West 6 Vladimir Spiridonov, now six, Vladimir Putin's son with partner Alina Kabaeva Credit: East2West 6 Ivan Spiridonov, now ten, second from the right, Vladimir Putin's son with partner Alina Kabaeva Credit: East2West 6 Since 2008, Putin and his presumed young mistress have been romantically linked Credit: East2West Putin hides his two youngest children under a fake surname, according to a new book by two Russian investigative journalists. The dictator, 72, is said to have a secret family with Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, 42, with sons aged ten and six. However, their alleged 15-year relationship has never been publicly acknowledged - and the Russian state media has banned any mention of links between the two. The book, called The Tsar in Person: How Vladimir Putin Fooled Us All, reveals that the family name given to the boys by ex-spy Putin is Spiridonov. Putin's alleged secret sons sons Ivan, ten, and Vladimir junior, six - both keen young gymnasts - are known by this surname rather than their real name. A clip believed to be the first footage of Putin's younger son appears to show him at his elite gymnastics academy, proudly showing off new somersault moves. The video also reportedly shows 10-year-old Evan being interviewed and speaking about 'just cool' new gymnastics moves he learned with Olympic coach Alexei Nemov. Russian investigative journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin claim in their book that both the boys live with Kabaeva on the estate of Putin's secret palace at Valdai, between Moscow and St Petersburg. The place is known to be a forested fortress guarded by a dozen or more Pantsir air defence systems. Neither the children nor the palace has ever been officially declared by Putin to ordinary Russians. Intelligence chief says Putin 'getting more sickly by the day' as tyrant wains in power A passage from the book reads: "Information about the gymnast and her children is erased from state databases, the boys were given a cover surname — Spiridonov, and all the territory around the Valdai dwelling of the tsar's family is strictly guarded. 'However sometimes Ivan and Vladimir all the same have appeared in public, thanks to which their photographs are at our disposal.' Spiridonov appears to be a family name linked to the first name of Putin's colourful paternal grandfather, Spiridon Putin, who lived from 1879 to 1965. He was the personal chef for Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet Union, before preparing meals for tyrant Josef Stalin in the Kremlin. Co-author Badanin defended the decision to disclose the names and photographs of the Putin children 'because he is the president of the country'. Inside mysterious & glam life of Putin's gymnast lover By Iona Cleave and Will Stewart RUSASIA'S so-called "First Mistress", Alina Kabaeva, 40, lives a continuous life of glamour and mystery but has allegedly spent recent months holed up inside Putin's secret forest palace. Since 2008, the brunette bombshell has been the target of sustained speculation that she is Putin's secret lover and the mother of his youngest kids. The gymnast-turned-politician is now rumoured to be missing in the wake of last month's bizarre reports Putin had croaked. Public appearances by the despot's young mistress halted in the last week of October - the same day the rumours broke that Putin had suffered a heart attack. The woman that has never shied from the spotlight appears to have gone to ground. Alina, who is 31 years younger than Putin, shot to fame as "Russia's most flexible woman" after picking up hoards of international medals for gymnastics in her teens. She went on to win Gold at the 2004 Athens Games and Bronze at the 2000 in Sydney. The now 40-year-old is one of most decorated gymnasts in history, with 2 Olympic medals, 14 World Championship medals, and 21 European Championship medals. She would later lose six of her World Championship medals for doping. Her celebrity status was fully secured after she posed naked for a men's magazine in 2004. In heavy makeup and partially draped in fur, the nude sporting star smiled provocatively at the camera. Photographer Mikhail Korolov commented: 'I didn't even need to persuade her. She behaved very naturally. She's full of sex.' After retiring from gymnastics, Alina threw herself into a quickly-developed career in politics. She became a member of the Russian Parliament between 2007 and 2014, representing the United Russia party and voting for various controversial anti-LGBT laws. It was quite the career move for a woman who had dabbled in modelling and singing. The Olympic legend was later appointed chair of Moscow's most important pro-Kremlin TV and newspaper empire, National Media Group — despite having no experience. Throughout the years, it appears that Putin's presumed lover has somewhat relished her role as "the uncrowned queen of Russia" - or at least enjoyed the gossip behind it. Speaking on a YouTube show Popular Politics, he said: 'In any other situation, if he were a private individual, if he were a lower-level official, we probably wouldn't have done it. 'But it's simple - his life should be in plain sight. He signed up for it in 1999 once he accepted power.' Co-author Mikhail said: 'It's part of a politician's job to be public and show his family. 'Why are children a secret then? What is shameful about children…?' Putin's three daughters, who are no more a secret, also use family names which mask their identities. Maria, 40, is known by the name Vorontsova, and Katerina, 38, uses Tikhonova. Putin's love child, Luiza, 22, uses the surname Rosova, but is also known as Elizaveta Krivonogikh, her mother Svetlana's family name. Luiza also has a passport under the name Rudnova, the family name of a now-dead close Putin friend. 6 A young woman named Elizaveta Krivonogikh has reportedly been identified as Vladimir Putin's third daughter Credit: East2West
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'Over the top' police precautions as protestors gather to support Kneecap's Liam Óg
A feeling that British authorities are policing pro-Palestine protests more strictly than others had been fomenting amongst some Irish in London before Wednesday's protest in support of Kneecap. Hundreds gathered to support Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara with rap trio Kneecap, as he entered Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on terrorism charges. Prosecutors allege the 27-year-old displayed a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a gig in London. His case was adjourned until September 26. The Metropolitan Police imposed restrictions on where the demonstration outside the court could take place to 'prevent serious disruption'. Kneecap criticised the police restrictions as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome'. Filmmaker Sonya O'Donoghue, originally from Clare but living in London, said restrictions on Kneecap's supporters seemed particularly restrictive. The police had cordoned off an area for people supporting Kneecap to protest today at his court appearance. And it felt a bit over the top, as if it was going to be very aggressive. 'But from what I've seen there was a lot of singing, it was very pro-Palestinian freedom, there were a lot of Irish flags, but I haven't seen aggression." Ms O'Donoghue commended the bravery of people such as Kneecap in speaking out against the war in Gaza. 'They're articulate young men and they have a lot to lose by speaking out. They've had gigs cancelled, they're being targeted, but they're putting their neck out.' Ms O'Donoghue attends the monthly protests in London for Palestine. The British government's proscribing of protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in June, with the same status as ISIS or al-Quaeda, has shocked not just regular protestors, but many across Britain, she said. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made the announcement after Palestine Action activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire, spraying planes with red paint and damaging them with crowbars, allegedly causing some £7m in damage. Hundreds of people have been arrested since for showing support for the group. Author Sally Rooney has recently pledged to support Palestine Action. The Mayo-born author of novels including Normal People wrote in the Irish Times that she now intends to use proceeds from her work to support Palestine Action. One of the 532 people arrested at a Palestine rally in London this month was arrested for wearing a t-shirt saying 'Plasticine Action' with a similar logo to the 'Palestine Action' group's. Engineer Miles Pickering told The Guardian that it was designed to be an easy mistake to make, appearing to look like the logo of Palestine Action. But text underneath the logo reads: 'We oppose AI-generated animation". Inside the letter 'o' was an image of the stop-motion character Morph giving two thumbs up. Sales of the t-shirt have rocketed since. Mr Pickering added: It's like we are just going to mock you for your ridiculous decision to proscribe a protest group. It's just so important that our rights to protest do not get diminished. The mass arrests at the August protest in London has prompted a sea change in public opinion across Britain, Ms O'Donoghue said. 'That was incredibly over-the-top. So many people arrested for peaceful protest. I think the mass arrests have touched everybody. 'There's a feeling that police are being extra-tough on any pro-Palestinian protests here. It feels very autocratic." Carla McGlynn, an Irish actor living in London, said that she would have been at today's protest in support of Mo Chara but she is currently home in Ireland. UK authorities have been 'really restrictive' in where people can protest for Palestine, Ms McGlynn said. 'Police really monitor any groups with signs or wearing Keffiyehs [Palestinian scarves]. 'I know someone whose friend was arrested. She was kept overnight but was then released without charge. 'All of this is making people more determined to have their voices heard, more determined not to be silenced.'
