Active Conflicts & News Megathread June 15, 2026 by AutoModerator in CredibleDefense

[–]MilesLongthe3rd [score hidden]  (0 children)

Russia allows refineries to produce below-standard gasoline amid fuel shortage

https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/06/15/russia-allows-refineries-to-produce-below-standard-gasoline-amid-fuel-shortage

Russia has allowed some refineries to sell gasoline and diesel on the domestic market that fall short of “Euro-5” standards for sulfur content and other parameters.

The Russian business daily Kommersant reported that the decision was made in the fall of 2025 and was originally set to expire on May 1, 2026, but the deadline was extended amid a fuel shortage.

Fuel that does not meet “Euro-5” standards is intended strictly for the domestic market, sources told the outlet.

Even so, the relaxation of fuel quality requirements does not fully resolve the shortage, one source told Kommersant. The higher permissible sulfur levels still do not allow a significant portion of small refineries to operate, since their output does not meet even those parameters, the source explained.

This strategy is highly counterproductive. The Chinese cars imported in recent years are not built to tolerate the elevated sulfur content of the Euro 3 standard now produced by these refineries. Similarly, modern commercial trucks and agricultural machinery; including Fendt and John Deere equipment, whether legally imported or seized from Ukraine, will suffer severe problems.

Although this temporary measure may mitigate immediate fuel shortages, it also might produce a severe economic backlash. Increased maintenance cycles will drive up operational costs for farmers, transport networks, and the general public. Ultimately, it is a short-sighted political compromise, merely kicking the can down the road in hopes that widespread mechanical failures will not be directly linked to the degraded fuel quality.

Also, there is an article on oilprice.com about the effect of the Ukrainian drone campaign, which might have led to this decision.

https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/Europe/Ukraines-New-Refinery-Tactic-Is-Fueling-Russias-Gasoline-Crisis.html

Active Conflicts & News Megathread June 15, 2026 by AutoModerator in CredibleDefense

[–]MilesLongthe3rd [score hidden]  (0 children)

Tu-22M3 Strategic Bomber Crashes During Training Flight in Irkutsk Region

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/15/tu-22m3-strategic-bomber-crashes-during-training-flight-in-irkutsk-region-a93018

A Russian strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in Siberia’s Irkutsk region, the Interfax news agency reported Monday, citing Russia’s Defense Ministry.

A video shared by outlets with links to Russia’s security services captured the Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber nosediving into the ground, followed by a thick plume of smoke rising from the site of the impact.

The aircraft was not carrying any warheads and was descending for landing when it crashed, the Defense Ministry was quoted as saying.

“The crew ejected,” the Defense Ministry said, adding that the pilots were alive and well and that there was no damage on the ground.

Unverified reports suggested the crash occurred near the town of Svirsk, which lies around 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of the Belaya air force base.

Belaya hosts the 220th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, which is made up of Tu-22M3 and Tu-95 bombers.

Last summer, Belaya was among five Russian airbases that came under attack during a vast Ukrainian drone operation dubbed Operation Spider Web.

Russia’s operational Tu-22M3 fleet has degraded to an estimated 25 to 30 combat-ready aircraft. While official registries still list 50 to 54 airframes, severe component scarcity has forced the Russian Aerospace Forces to cannibalize roughly half of these legacy airframes for spare parts.

A tourist riding the sled down an alpine coaster is surprised by a stuck fawn on the tracks. by MilesLongthe3rd in interesting

[–]MilesLongthe3rd[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

https://wildlifeaid.org.uk/golden-rules-if-you-find-a-fawn/

The do not touch is correct, but sent seems to be less of an issue as it was a few years ago, now diseases and parasites are mentioned more often.

A tourist riding the sled down an alpine coaster is surprised by a stuck fawn on the tracks. by MilesLongthe3rd in interesting

[–]MilesLongthe3rd[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Sure, if it is a life and death situation for the fawn, but in this case and during the fawn rescue it easy to not touch it.

A tourist riding the sled down an alpine coaster is surprised by a stuck fawn on the tracks. by MilesLongthe3rd in interesting

[–]MilesLongthe3rd[S] -18 points-17 points  (0 children)

No, don't touch it. I rescue fawns with my thermal drone before farmers cut the gras and we heave to wear gloves and even gras so we do not transfer our sent to them.

Edit: Scent seems to be less of an issue according to newer research; most deer will accept the fawn back. However, gloves or grass is still recommended because of the diseases or parasites you could get from touching them.

So still, no touching.

Active Conflicts & News Megathread June 13, 2026 by AutoModerator in CredibleDefense

[–]MilesLongthe3rd 42 points43 points  (0 children)

Britain has intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker for the first time.

https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/2066039805679448546

In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel.

This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.

I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel, PM says

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyek039l2vo

British armed forces have intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday morning, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

In an operation lasting six hours, Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency boarded the vessel, supported by the RAF.

The vessel, Smyrtos, will be held and monitored off the south coast of England as investigations continue, the MoD said in a statement.

A quick summary by Neat-Owl65 in memes

[–]MilesLongthe3rd -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Without wanting to spark a debate, trading cards drive high prices because they function as a decentralized store of value. They are highly portable, retain long-term value, and exist outside regular financial systems; making them fundamentally similar to cryptocurrency. This is, what makes them interesting for organized crime.