ballpoint

"Ukraine claims to have made a significant breakthrough in its counteroffensive, saying its forces have 'decisively breached' Russia’s first defensive line near Zaporizhzhia, a key region in the south." This advance has been confirmed, with the Ukrainians already reclaiming the major town of Robotyne, and if they can bolster their positions, and continue their momentum, it represents a huge swing in their favour. There are two further Russian defensive lines, but this first one was, in theory, the toughest to breach, protected by a 1km long minefield, with no paths through it, which the Ukrainians have successfully negotiated. However, the minefields between the first and second, and second and third, lines are far less intimidating, with numerous supply paths through them which the Ukrainians would have been watching and mapping using drones. It's been reported that the Russians are taking soldiers from elsewhere along the line to support this area, and not using reserve troops, which would have been the logical thing to do - if they actually have any reserve troops left. If true, let's hope the Ukrainians have further troops poised to take advantage of the resulting thinner defensive lines.

From the OP: I don't think he was importing bananas.

Another memory from my childhood, ruined. Or, another memory from my ruined childhood?

And look out for kittens too... (An oldie, but a goody).

The country itself is living beyond its means. Something's got to give.