Russia unleashed one of the largest nationwide aerial attacks of the war on Ukraine  15 of Ukraine's 24 oblasts targeted, including Kiev, with drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons  Three...

Welcome to News Discussion's Private Community

- Russia unleashed one of the largest nationwide aerial attacks of the war on Ukraine
- 15 of Ukraine's 24 oblasts targeted, including Kiev, with drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons
- Three civilian deaths reported, significant damage to energy sector across the country
- Ukraine's PM calls for long-range weapons to counter Russian missile launch sites
- Zelensky urges Western allies to bolster air defenses, essentially asking NATO to join the conflict 

 Source: [ZeroHedge](https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russia-unleashes-one-largest-nationwide-aerial-attacks-war)

Russia Launches Massive Aerial Assault on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Journalist

Russia Launches Massive Aerial Assault on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure- Grapevine

- Ukraine has initiated the war's largest drone attack on Russian airfields, targeting regions including Voronezh, Kursk, Savasleyka, and Borisoglebsk.
- Russia's defense ministry reported that Kyiv fired 117 drones and missiles, but did not confirm if air bases were hit.
- Ukrainian forces have captured over 100 Russian servicemen and are advancing slowly in the Kursk region.
- Russia has declared an 'anti-terrorist' operation in border regions and increased civilian evacuations.
- Ukrainian officials state the operation aims to pressure Russia and pre-empt further attacks on Ukrainian territory. 

 Source: [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/0c98c8b1-0f1e-49f6-8152-7aed007e3166)

Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Russian Airfields

- Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles against Poltava on Sep. 3, killing at least 41 and injuring over 180 people, President Zelensky reported.
- An educational institution and a neighboring medical facility were hit, partially destroying the Military Institute of Communications.
- The short time interval between the alarm and missile arrival caught people during an evacuation to the bomb shelter, the Defense Ministry said.
- Many remain trapped under rubble, with rescuers and medics working at the scene; 25 people have been rescued so far.
- Zelensky has ordered an operational investigation into the attack's circumstances. 

 Source: [The Kyiv Independent](https://kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-poltava-with-ballistic-missiles-killing-41-injuring-over-180/)

Russia's Deadly Missile Strike on Poltava: 41 Dead, Over 180 Injured

If this happens & escalates then it is certainly a WWIII, stock market will crash by 3-5K points on day1 or 2, more layoffs, there will be chaos everywhere. 

This will be full fledged war between two countries, backed by two different axis. Please pray it doesn’t happen at all.

Iran vs Israel war

Engineering Manager

- Ukraine's military launched a daring incursion into Russia's Kursk region, committing limited resources to a high-risk operation against a nuclear-armed adversary.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted daily advances, with officials claiming control over 1,000 square kilometers of enemy territory and capturing hundreds of Russian prisoners.
- The operation has exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's defenses but also stretched Ukraine's front line, raising questions about the long-term strategy.
- Analysts are divided on the operation's strategic value, but it has politically reset the conflict, showing Ukraine's determination and potentially strengthening its position in future negotiations. 

 Source: [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-incursion-gamble-battlefield-e862afd58c65d6d2d5b7b3747423ca4d)

Ukraine's Bold Incursion into Russia's Kursk Region Shifts Battlefield Dynamics

Just an open ended question on why are layoffs happening on such a scale. I personally feel the skill to salary ratio has fucked up so much lately that the companies are having to fire people who are essentially useless to them. More of liabilities than just assets! What do you think?

Layoffs - who do you blame?

Absolutely agreed. Hiring in hordes because money was easily available earlier and founders/companies thought that they will be able to build more and hence get more value / valuation sooner was the core reason why the skill to salary ratio got f’ed up. And it’s good that it’s being reset now. 
  
 Coming to who to blame for layoffs - no one. It’s pure capitalism - there was money, hence there were jobs. For whatever time people got paid a lot more than they deserved - they should be rather thankful. If they built their life around the assumption that this much money was the new normal, it was their naïveté. Companies got to survive, and they have to do whatever has to be done… as long as it’s ethical. Firing is fine. Not paying salaries / dues is not.

Founding Engineer

Software Lead

- US to send troops and advanced anti-missile system, THAAD, to Israel following Iran's missile attacks.
- President Biden's move aims to defend Israel and deter a broader Middle East war.
- Pentagon describes deployment as part of broader adjustments to support Israel and protect US personnel.
- Iran's Foreign Minister warns US is risking its troops' lives.
- Deployment of US forces to Israel could influence Iran's future actions.

Source: [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/us-send-anti-missile-system-israel-says-pentagon-2024-10-13/)

US Bolsters Israel's Defense with Troops and Anti-Missile System

- Ukraine's military reports first F-16 loss since receiving the US-made jets
- Pilot Oleksiy 'Moonfish' Mes died while approaching a Russian target
- F-16s downed four Russian cruise missiles before the crash
- US defense official suggests crash not due to Russian fire
- Analysts say small number of F-16s unlikely to be a turning point in the conflict 

 Source: [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-f-16-jet-destroyed-crash-monday-wsj-reports-2024-08-29/)

Ukrainian F-16 Crashes During Russian Attack, Pilot Dies

- Russia has failed to push back Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region despite sending reinforcements as the incursion enters its sixth day, according to Ukrainian soldiers.
- Verified videos and photographs show Ukrainian troops and equipment have advanced 30km inside Russia, occupying the town of Sudzha near the border.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged the incursion for the first time, stating that Ukraine is proving its ability to restore justice and apply pressure on the aggressor.
- Russia's foreign ministry vowed a tough response, while the defence ministry claimed to have repelled Ukrainian forces and struck several settlements.
- The ultimate aim of Ukraine's incursion remains unclear, but it has demonstrated the weakness of Russia's border defenses and provided a morale boost for Kyiv. 

 Source: [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/7dcb3009-ec9a-417a-b2e1-01c26c9349a0)

Russian Reinforcements Fail to Push Back Ukrainian Incursion

- Russia denied a report that Ukraine's attack on the Kursk region derailed indirect talks on halting strikes on energy targets.
- The Washington Post reported that delegations from Ukraine and Russia were set to negotiate a ceasefire in Qatar.
- Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated there were no such talks with Kyiv.
- Ukraine's government did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the matter.
- Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of targeting civilian infrastructure, while denying such actions. 

 Source: [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-denies-media-report-about-indirect-talks-with-ukraine-2024-08-18/)

Russia Denies Report of Indirect Talks with Ukraine

A recent terrorist attack in Moscow today lead to more than 60 people dead. Even tho ISIS has taken the responsibility I feel other agencies to be included in this apart from ISIS. What’s your take on this ? How do you feel Russia would revolt back considering it’s after around 20 years such big attack happened in Moscow. I know it’s a sensitive event and I pray for the peace of those who got killed or affected but this might be the start of a bigger event.

Moscow Attack

Software Engineer

- US officials and allies have dismantled an AI-powered Russian bot farm with nearly 1,000 fake accounts on X, spreading disinformation and pro-Russian sentiments.
- The Justice Department revealed the bot farm was created by RT's digital media department, led by RT's deputy editor-in-chief and funded by Russia's Federal Security Service.
- The FBI, along with Dutch and Canadian authorities, identified the tool 'Meliorator' used to create authentic-looking social media personas and spread disinformation.
- Authorities seized two domains used to create email addresses for the bot accounts, which violated US laws including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and federal money laundering laws.
- The bot farm, which impersonated Americans and posted pro-Russian content, planned to expand to other platforms, highlighting the growing use of AI in foreign disinformation campaigns.

US Officials Announce Takedown of AI-Powered Russian Bot Farm

1. So why is Putin doing this ?

When the conflict started, the entire West imposed sanctions on Russia. These sanctions are more extensive than those on Iran, North Korea, and Iraq combined. The West even sanctioned countries doing business with Russia, aiming to isolate Russia geopolitically. Despite this, Russia's GDP data is higher than that of the US and almost all European countries. With Modi, Russia is trying to showcase to the West that they are not alone.

2. Why did Modi receive a grander welcome than Xi?

Russia's biggest trading partner is China, and the West claims that Russia has become China's puppet, suggesting that without China, Russia's economy would collapse. Recently leaked Chinese military documents show that China still claims the disputed area between Russia and China belongs to China. Russia wants to send a message to China that they are not fully dependent on them and that China shouldn't push the limits, even in their dreams

Why is Modi getting more respect in Russia than Xi?

Consultant

- Indian PM Narendra Modi visited Kyiv, offering to work 'as a friend' to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Modi emphasized Ukraine's 'sovereignty and territorial integrity' and stressed that the war can only end through 'dialogue and diplomacy'.
- Zelenskiy welcomed Modi's support, calling it 'critical' and highlighting the visit's timing before Ukraine's independence day.
- Discussions included Zelenskiy's 10-point peace plan, which calls for Russian troop withdrawal and war crime tribunals.
- Modi's visit comes amid ongoing military actions, with Ukraine making gains in Russia and facing continued Russian advances in Donetsk. 

 Source: [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/23/modi-to-visit-ukraine-amid-controversy-over-hug-for-putin)

Modi Offers Friendship to Zelenskiy for Peace Deal in Historic Kyiv Visit

Being an investor in equity markets, i was aware of the fact that US market will crash as the free money by fed draws back. I obviously was not able to link this up with the funding dry-ness.

I still expect a founder to be aware of these economic events. I am curious how could the management decide to go for hiring employees only to lay them off a year later. 

If you are a founder, would be happy to know the other side of the story.

What triggered layoffs ?

Let me explain in detail. 
 There are two parts to it and can be broken down basis PnL 
 1. Revenues : Sudden jump in tech( social media, e-commerce, ad tech, fintech, etc) plus supporting industries (chipmakers, laptop / device manufacturer) and the general economy with QE money  
 This impacted forecasts as most firms forecast AOPs basis historically trend (which clearly was an abberation) - this lead to higher HC estimates and rampant and quick hiring  
 Variable costs: CAC, customer support, sales incentive all spiked up as 1. Everyone was putting money (inc bidding price for key words) and 2. Huge customer inflow due to covid (edtech, e-commerce) that required support  
 Fixed costs: While office space / rents remained steady or dropped as % of revenue. This was offseted by fixed tech (software, hardware, people) costs and other costs like (legal, HR, Business, Marketing, supply chain, etc.) the talent was expensive to source plus their need was instant as you already had customer to be served  
 All of this lead to rampant hiring, inflated CTC, rosy forecasts, etc.  
 everyone had turned a blind eye to inflation implications (as for the past 30 Y no one saw a shooting inflation - hence the key decisions makers had now experience & idea about it) - till Dec’21 even FED said inflation is transatory. 
 It was the Ukraine invasion that opened people eyes. Oil went up, food prices went up, UK Europe saw an energy crisis etc 
 This made all the rosy forecast mentioned above duller as 1. Demand was expected to reduce due to higher cost of living 2. Capital became scarce as funding drired 3. Cost of capital (WACC) became expensive as hurdle rate climbed (which is rate of return for bond)  
 Management and investor panicked as they have limited partners (LP) to answer and quess who are these (big pension funds) so people’s pension money had come into startups which were not showing signs of exit for investors. 
 All in all - it is a pain we all have to bare for being exuberant in 2021-2022:

Growth Manager

Putin planned to take over Hostomel Airport, land thousands of troops on its runway and from there enter Kyiv, capture or kill the Ukrainian government and take over the country. The invasion was supposed to take days. Here is every manoeuvre that saved Ukraine from immediate Russian control.

Why Russia's Invasion into Ukraine Failed on Arrival

2 years ago, the Russki's bloodied their nose at Kyiv...

Data Scientist

Welcome to Personal Finance's Private Community

Everything seems to indicate that this is the beginning of an extended bullrun till the elections. What is the game plan? Personally, I am all in. First time since 2020, that I have a net zero cash position.

Russia Launches Massive Aerial Assault on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Discover More

News Discussion on

by Coy Nadeen

Grapevine

Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Russian Airfields

News Discussion on

by Jordon Lee

Grapevine

Russia's Deadly Missile Strike on Poltava: 41 Dead, Over 180 Injured

Misc on

by Kalan Lee

Google

Iran vs Israel war

News Discussion on

by Blair Lee

Grapevine

Ukraine's Bold Incursion into Russia's Kursk Region Shifts Battlefield Dynamics

News Discussion on

by Jordon Olive

OnePlus

Layoffs - who do you blame?

News Discussion on

by Coy Vernon

Grapevine

US Bolsters Israel's Defense with Troops and Anti-Missile System

News Discussion on

by Jordon Carmden

Grapevine

Ukrainian F-16 Crashes During Russian Attack, Pilot Dies

News Discussion on

by Kalan Gabriel

Grapevine

Russian Reinforcements Fail to Push Back Ukrainian Incursion

News Discussion on

by Isaiah Gabriel

Grapevine

Russia Denies Report of Indirect Talks with Ukraine

News Discussion on

by Kalan Carmden

Razorpay

Moscow Attack

News Discussion on

by Kendall Carmden

Grapevine

US Officials Announce Takedown of AI-Powered Russian Bot Farm

News Discussion on

by Jordon Lee

Stealth

Why is Modi getting more respect in Russia than Xi?

News Discussion on

by Isaiah Lee

Grapevine

Modi Offers Friendship to Zelenskiy for Peace Deal in Historic Kyiv Visit

Layoffs on

by Kendall Lee

Laid off

What triggered layoffs ?

Nostalgia on

by Blair Lee

Deloitte

2 years ago, the Russki's bloodied their nose at Kyiv...

Personal Finance on

by Jordon Olive

Gojek

We ready for another bullrun, my fellow Grapeviners? 🚀