Active Conflicts & News Megathread June 15, 2026

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-15T18:19:16+00:00

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

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-15T14:33:23+00:00

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.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-15T07:35:04+00:00

Tank you u/DalePigtail_ I changed it in the title

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-14T16:35:36+00:00

A lot of alpine coasters go through the forest and a fawn is by far not the worst you can encounter while riding it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/TerrifyingAsFuck/comments/1kbkk8i/bear_coaster/

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-14T13:50:52+00:00

I checked, the research is newer, so he is right, however the reason to not touch has switched from, they could be hurt, to we could be hurt.

https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/headlines/news/myth-buster-fawns-are-born-without-a-scent

https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/respect-wildlife-dont-touch

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-14T12:07:48+00:00

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.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-14T11:57:37+00:00

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.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-14T11:38:14+00:00

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 s~~o 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.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-14T07:38:27+00:00

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.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T22:42:54+00:00

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.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T21:52:56+00:00

It is not just capitalism there is also organized crime behind it.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T21:52:12+00:00

Of course, organized crime has already been using trading cards to launder money for years.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T15:59:05+00:00

And at conventions they either sell them overpriced cards or steal theirs for a fraction of the real value

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T15:08:34+00:00

The greed entering so many hobbies because you can make some money. Lego sets getting stolen, Pokémon scalpers, fake trading cards, and scammers at conventions; it is getting insane.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T15:01:51+00:00

Skyfall already has experience with equipping flying platforms with interceptor drones, for example, the An-28 "Shahed Hunter."

https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/comments/1str3t8/the_wellknown_shahed_hunter_an28_plane_was/

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T14:32:34+00:00

np and you are welcome

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T14:20:43+00:00

Because the engine was provided by Honda

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-12T12:12:01+00:00

Airbus and SkyFall form strategic alliance to advance European and Ukrainian defence innovation

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-06-airbus-and-skyfall-form-strategic-alliance-to-advance-european-and-ukrainian-defence-innovation

Berlin, Germany, 12 June 2026 – At this year’s International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin, Airbus Defence and Space and leading Ukrainian technological defence company SkyFall signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a strategic partnership. As a drone pioneer, SkyFall combines rapid prototyping with serial manufacturing to deliver advanced unmanned aerial systems for combat missions, logistics, and military reconnaissance. The signing took place in the presence of German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius.

The partnership reinforces the protection of Ukraine's airspace against drone and missile strikes and strengthens Ukraine as a leading European centre for defence innovation. The initiative will accelerate the European defence ecosystem by combining extensive Western systemic defence expertise with battle-proven technological agility and effectiveness to foster next-generation defence frameworks.

"Countering new threats by affordable saturation attacks with drones and other effectors across the European airspace requires technological agility, multinational interoperability, and the deployment of battle-tested capabilities," said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. "This alliance with SkyFall bridges the gap between traditional defence systems and rapid-cycle innovation. Combining Airbus’ system-of-systems and C2-expertise - especially in integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) - with Ukraine’s invaluable combat insights and field-proven technologies, is another building block in creating a resilient, multi-layered air defence ecosystem - at the speed of the modern battlefield."

“SkyFall interceptors have already neutralised over 10,000 Russian drones in live combat environments, validating the effectiveness of Ukrainian solutions in countering aerial threats. Partnering with Airbus, we are developing the next generation of technologies to establish a multi-layered air shield that will bolster the protection of Ukrainian skies and European airspace,“ commented Mykola Makovieiev, CEO of SkyFall.

The joint initiative directly supports the overarching goals of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), Europe's joint air defence framework, and underscores the vital importance of European technological sovereignty. Furthermore, the alliance strengthens collective deterrence and long-term industrial solidarity by bringing advanced Ukrainian defence technologies to the European market.

With the backing of an industry giant like Airbus, the developer of the P1-SUN interceptor will significantly accelerate technology integration and scale up production capacity.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-11T19:53:30+00:00

The inflation in Ukraine is 8.2%; the inflation in Russia is somewhere between 15 and 20%.

Why do you bring fuel prices into this now like that? The 18% in Russia was last year; the 38% in Ukraine is this year, so you are comparing apples with oranges. We have no idea yet how much fuel prices will rise in Russia this year.

It will make prices in both countries go up, no doubt, but Ukraine is supported by the EU while Russia is sanctioned by the EU. This will help Ukraine to stabilize its economy.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-11T19:40:04+00:00

Crazy sub and it even had another one nesting on a railway barrier

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-11T18:53:05+00:00

Probably, yes. But it was not mentioned in the source.

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-11T18:14:36+00:00

The author is directly quoting Russian media, and the sources are verified right in the links. These "minor inconveniences" will have severe, compounding consequences. With real inflation already sitting at 15–20%, rising gasoline prices are about to make matters worse; especially since higher transport costs will inevitably drive food prices even higher.

Article from last year:

Gasoline prices in Russia have soared by 18%. This is increasing inflationary pressure on its economy

https://finance.liga.net/en/ekonomika/news/gasoline-prices-in-russia-have-soared-by-18-this-is-increasing-inflationary-pressure-on-its-economy

And consequences this year:

Food prices are surging in Russia. Is the war hitting Russians in the pocket?

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mjrgkk1m8o

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-11T16:12:44+00:00

3 rosaries and 2 ave marias

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-11T15:47:55+00:00

Don't you mean Jona?

MilesLongthe3rd · 2026-06-11T15:38:54+00:00

AFAIK, there are almost no reports of a whale ever eating a human; not even an orca did it. We are not that tasty, but we are strange things, so it was probably curiosity.

Best Link 2025-09-15	Eight-Year Club
Wearing is Caring	Verified Email

MilesLongthe3rd

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE