Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #11

[SouthAussie]

"The internet is awash with false claims that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has banned Truth Social, the social media platform owned by US President Donald Trump.

But .... Truth Social was never available in Ukraine, a statement which has been backed by the Ukrainian government itself.

Various posts sharing the false claims have already been community-noted, linking to articles from other fact-checkers who have also debunked the allegations."

Fact check: Zelenskyy hasn't banned Trump's Truth Social platform

Some have falsely claimed that the Ukrainian president did so in retaliation against Trump's recent tirade against him. #EuroVerify

www.euronews.com

 

[PommyMommy]

FEB 27, 2025

Institute for the Study of War

Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials continue to reject US negotiating terms and demand that Ukraine surrender territory that Russia does not occupy. Putin stated in his February 27 address to the Federal Security Service (FSB)

www.understandingwar.org

Key Takeaways:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials continue to reject US negotiating terms and demand that Ukraine surrender territory that Russia does not occupy.
• Kremlin guidelines to Russian state media about coverage of recent US–Russian meetings indicate Russian President Vladimir Putin's determination to manipulate US President Donald Trump and divide the West.
• US and Russian delegations met in Istanbul, Turkey on February 27 to continue to discuss US–Russian bilateral diplomatic relations.
• The Kremlin is reportedly continuing to push the United States to accept economic benefits that are unrelated to the war in Ukraine in return for Ukrainian and Western concessions that are related to the war.
• North Korea reportedly recently deployed additional troops to Kursk Oblast as North Korea continues to expand its military capabilities through cooperation with Russia.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Pokrovsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka.

 

[PommyMommy]

Institute for the Study of War

www.understandingwar.org

Ukraine Fact Sheets​

This page collects our Ukraine-related fact sheets. It is arranged in reverse chronological order.

• NEW: Fact Sheet: Istanbul Protocol Draft Document of April 15, 2022 (February 24, 2025)
• NEW:Fact Sheet: Ukraine (February 21, 2025)
• Fact Sheet: The Kremlin's Occupation Playbook: Coerced Russification and Ethnic Cleansing in Occupied Ukraine (February 20, 2024)
• Fact Sheet: US Assistance to Ukraine (February 8, 2024)

Papers and Special Reports (since 2024)​

This page collects our papers and special reports since 2024. It is arranged in reverse chronological order.

• NEW: Russia Has Failed to Break Ukraine (February 24, 2025)
• NEW: Putin is Unlikely to Demobilize in the Event of a Ceasefire Because He is Afraid of His Veterans (February 23, 2025)
• (LONG LIST CONTINUED AT THE LINK)

Interactive Map Portfolio​

Russian Control-of-Terrain in Ukraine complements the static control-of-terrain maps that ISW daily produces with high fidelity and, where possible, street-level assessments of the war in Ukraine. Updated Daily.

Timelapse of Russian Control-of-Terrian in Ukraine encompasses Russian control-of-terrain in Ukraine from February 24. 2022, to present day. Timelapses for specific months are available as well. Updated Monthly.

(MORE MAPS AT THE LINK)

 

[branmuffin]

They call us de facto NATO members.
We have signed partnership agreements with NATO.


Australia is even referred to as a "de facto member of NATO". Australia is referred to by NATO as one of their "partners across the globe", agreeing to work on crisis and conflict management, post-conflict situations, reconstruction and facilitating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

NATO and Australia signed a joint political declaration in June 2012 followed by a signature of an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme in February of the next year.

In 2001, NATO and New Zealand signalled their commitment to strengthen cooperation with the joint signature of an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme in June 2012.

New Zealand has made valuable contributions to NATO-led efforts in Afghanistan, as part of the International Security Assistance Force and Resolute Support missions to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions. New Zealand attended the NATO Summit for first time in 2022.

Global NATO

Absolutely, and there are other nations that have a 'de facto' membership, too, like South Korea and Japan. India sees the value of cooperation with NATO, too.

 

[SouthAussie]

• The Kremlin is reportedly continuing to push the United States to accept economic benefits that are unrelated to the war in Ukraine in return for Ukrainian and Western concessions that are related to the war.

This ^^^ is really important to note, in terms of any US-led agreement between Ukraine & Russia. imo

(from your link)
Bloomberg, citing a source familiar with the topic, reported on February 27 that CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and newly appointed Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmitriev — who was part of the Russian delegation during the February 18 US–Russian talks in Saudi Arabia — convinced Putin to seek negotiations with the United States through business opportunities.[21] The Kremlin reportedly viewed US President Donald Trump's interest in a mineral deal with Ukraine as a chance to initiate economic cooperation discussions between the United States and Russia, giving Dmitriev an opportunity to take the lead on such initiatives.


The Bloomberg link (ref 21) speaks of the 'business opportunities':

• a joint US-Russia mission to Mars, involving Musk also
• Putin offering to work with the US to mine Russian rare earth metals
• to sell 2 million tons of aluminium to the US if the US lifts sanctions
• Russia and the US forming a joint venture for aluminium production in Siberia

It says that Russia is looking for ways to exploit Trump's pragmatism. Putin’s strategy toward Trump reflects his training as a Soviet KGB agent in the Soviet KGB - which uses similar “mirroring” techniques to gain the trust of recruitment targets.

Putin Envoy Targets Trump and Musk to Lure US Into Ukraine Deal

Russia’s newest envoy has made his opening gambit: offer up the prospect of lucrative business deals to Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

www.bloomberg.com

 

[Bibbers]

The "first" end game is minerals; Its an ongoing game to the international chessboard powerplay.

Unfortunately, I don't trust that Elon Musk and Trump aren't eyeing these minerals to fund their massive AI and crypto computer banks on massive parcels of land in the US. That seems to be the endgame of everything they have been doing. MOO.

 

[Bibbers]

I agree. I don’t think minerals are that important at all! - because, consider this, Russia has exactly the same minerals and then some. I think minerals may represent a certain type of mentality according to which, material benefits have to be the by-product of any deal. But in the long run, the minerals are of great value to Ukraine and not so much, to the US.

Give or take, there are two major wars going on in the world and peace is very unsafe, and we all want them to stop.

But politically, other potential areas of future military concern have to be factored in.

I just looked at NATO expenditures and contributions before President Trump’s tenure. My support never went to the party that Donald Trump represents but I have to say, he was absolutely right about disproportionate contribution of US versus other NATO countries. Look at where the world is now.

But reshuffling international chessboard is a risky and unpredictable process so it is easy to see why everything is dragging.

I think minerals are fundamentally to Trump, Elon Musk, Peter Theil, and the other tech oligarchy members. Google "Yarvin" to read what their ultimate goals are. They are pushing to have the world divided into corporate states run by AI and crypto. Both AI and crypto require massive banks of computers and enormous resources including land, minerals, and energy. So, yeah, rare minerals are a necessary part of their vision and they have stated as much.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I think minerals are fundamentally to Trump, Elon Musk, Peter Theil, and the other tech oligarchy members. Google "Yarvin" to read what their ultimate goals are. They are pushing to have the world divided into corporate states run by AI and crypto. Both AI and crypto require massive banks of computers and enormous resources including land, minerals, and energy. So, yeah, rare minerals are a necessary part of their vision and they have stated as much.

Spot on.

 

[Simply Southern]

Unfortunately, I don't trust that Elon Musk and Trump aren't eyeing these minerals to fund their massive AI and crypto computer banks on massive parcels of land in the US. That seems to be the endgame of everything they have been doing. MOO.

Absolutely, Trump spoke of the need for rare minerals to induce Tech manufacturing in the US, at the Oval Office press conference with the UK PM. Trump has recently spoke why we need rare minerals. Our Tech companies are having to deal with China, further increasing China's net worth. Apple just announced a 500 billion dollar investment in TX. We need good paying jobs, with good benefits.
It's no secret STEM, AI is the future.
The deal can be a win-win for up the US and Ukraine. I'm sure European countries will have an opportunity to benefit, purchase material. France has been in negotiation since October with Ukraine, for mineral opportunities.
I don't think Ukraine has actually mined the "rare" minerals, as yet.
Moo

 

[branmuffin]

Absolutely, Trump spoke of the need for rare minerals to induce Tech manufacturing in the US, at the Oval Office press conference with the UK PM. Trump has recently spoke why we need rare minerals. Our Tech companies are having to deal with China, further increasing China's net worth. Apple just announced a 500 billion dollar investment in TX. We need good paying jobs, with good benefits.
It's no secret STEM, AI is the future.
The deal can be a win-win for up the US and Ukraine. I'm sure European countries will have an opportunity to benefit, purchase material. France has been in negotiation since October with Ukraine, for mineral opportunities.
I don't think Ukraine has actually mined the "rare" minerals, as yet.
Moo

If you drill down to the micro level of the process you just platformed how would you feel if a neighbor and his buddy decided your property with several hundred acres of fully mature trees was just the place they needed to harvest wood for their building business and you basically had to go along with because of threats issued against your well being? That's not negotiating, that's strong arming. Even if your neighbor agreed to give you a cut of the profits doesn't justify the request, especially one made under duress. Just because you hadn't thought about the value of your forest doesn't mean someone who has, is entitled to it. I don't believe eminent domain extends beyond a country's border.

 

[PommyMommy]

Don't 'give Russia what they want' — Kallas decries taking NATO membership off the table for Ukraine.EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas decried ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine in an interview with AFP published on Feb. 27.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895347179604320370

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Feb. 28, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895348126300676165

63-year-old Russian film critic Ekaterina Barabash has been placed under house arrest by a Moscow court for speaking the truth about Russia's crimes in Ukraine. She could face up to 10 years in prison. My latest for
@KyivIndependent

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895204060837658756

 

[PommyMommy]

US-Ukraine natural resources deal ready for signing, treasury secretary says."President Zelensky is coming to sign the deal tomorrow," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with Fox Business on Feb. 27.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895365913677046192

UK ready 'to put boots on the ground, planes in the air' to back Ukraine peace deal, Starmer says.

"I'm working closely with other European leaders on this, and I'm clear that the U.K. is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal, working together with our allies, because that is the only way that peace will last," U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895370922002878900

Ireland open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, PM says.

Ireland is open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin told President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Irish Examiner newspaper reported on Feb. 27.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895401080814698733

 

[PommyMommy]

Europe cannot be vassal of US, Macron says amid Trump's foreign policy shifts.

Speaking during his two-day visit to Portugal, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe must be "more united and stronger than ever" and take decisive steps in "technological, industrial, (and) defense matters."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895412034730364948

Starmer invites Zelensky, other leaders to summit on Ukraine, security on March 2.Among those invited to the summit are leaders from all over Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, as well as Turkey, NATO, and the European Union.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895421445653794966

Ukrainian forces destroy Russian thermobaric munitions depot in Donetsk Oblast, General Staff reports.A video of the strike shows an initial explosion is followed by a spectacular series of much larger subsequent explosions.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895451628326780982

 

[PommyMommy]

North Korea tests strategic cruise missiles as Kim orders nuclear readiness, state media reports.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who oversaw the launch, ordered the country's military to be in full nuclear strike readiness, calling it "the most perfect deterrence."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895466098675564672

Update: Ukraine repelled Russian attempt to cross into Sumy Oblast on Feb. 25; fighting continues, military says.

Russian forces attempted to cross the Russia-Ukraine border in Sumy Oblast near the village of Novenke on Feb. 25 but were repelled, Dmytro Lyhkovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's General Staff, told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Feb. 28.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895472342522102216

Russia proposes resuming direct flights with US during talks in Turkey, Reuters reports. Russia suggested resuming direct air travel with the United States during diplomatic talks in Istanbul, Reuters reported, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895486351510044801

 

[PommyMommy]

Washington approves new Russian ambassador to US, Russian Foreign Ministry says.Russia has received Washington's approval to appoint Alexander Darchiev as its new ambassador to the U.S., the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Feb. 28.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895487701379645514

Russia interested in lifting US sanctions against oligarchs, energy exports, Zelensky's adviser says.

"Our understanding is that they are most concerned about two things. The first thing is those oligarchs who are under U.S., EU, and U.K. sanctions, because this is a real problem for them. And the second thing is what prevents Russia from making money — energy (sanctions)," said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the president’s commissioner for sanctions.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895493207158387084

Orban opposes Ukraine's EU accession, claiming it would 'destroy' Hungary.Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated his opposition to Ukraine's EU accession, claiming it would "destroy" Hungary, Hungarian public broadcaster Hirado reported.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895494509649367391

 

[Simply Southern]

If you drill down to the micro level of the process you just platformed how would you feel if a neighbor and his buddy decided your property with several hundred acres of fully mature trees was just the place they needed to harvest wood for their building business and you basically had to go along with because of threats issued against your well being? That's not negotiating, that's strong arming. Even if your neighbor agreed to give you a cut of the profits doesn't justify the request, especially one made under duress. Just because you hadn't thought about the value of your forest doesn't mean someone who has, is entitled to it. I don't believe eminent domain extends beyond a country's border.

Keep in mind, this deal, was trouted by Zelensky in Europe in OCT. He visited Trump after the election in November with the deal. Zelensky wants combat and troops/not peacekeepers. So far no one has offered, to put troops on the ground in Ukraine. I don't think he's going to get combat troops in any deal. Peacekeepers, yes, but that's a whole different job description.

The fund is used for reconstruction, not pay off the US. The benefit and repayment to the US is going to be indirect.

50% of NEW business the US brings to the table will be put into the FUND. The fund will pay for reconstruction cost .... Things like restoring the power grid, rebuilding roads, housing, etc. The US won't be receiving any return on investment for years. The deal will bring in many US companies hopefully, providing jobs and security for the people of Ukraine to rebuild their lives.

The US will receive financial benefits, INDIRECTLY...
Provide rare minerals to US companies will provide jobs, tax revenue local/state/federal, well paying jobs.

Tech Industry bringing manufacturing to the US
Help restore jobs for auto industry
Promote/ increase pharmaceutical production within the US
Less dependent on China - our largest threat

European countries will have an opportunity to purchase product.

The US has given generously. Ukraine does not have to take the deal. So far the US is the only one that's made in offer.

Moo

 

[branmuffin]

Don't 'give Russia what they want' — Kallas decries taking NATO membership off the table for Ukraine.EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas decried ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine in an interview with AFP published on Feb. 27.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895347179604320370

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Feb. 28, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895348126300676165

63-year-old Russian film critic Ekaterina Barabash has been placed under house arrest by a Moscow court for speaking the truth about Russia's crimes in Ukraine. She could face up to 10 years in prison. My latest for
@KyivIndependent

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895204060837658756

I see defenestration in her future.

 

[sds71]

A reporter from Russian state media agency TASS snuck into today's Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,


“TASS was not on the approved list of media for today’s pool. As soon as it came to the attention of press office staff that he was in the Oval, he was escorted out by the Press Secretary,”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895521036558573899

 

[sds71]

A heated back and forth between @ZelenskyyUa, @POTUS, and @VP now in the Oval

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895526183858798972

 

[chimpface]

The rare mineral deal as far as I can tell is an agreement to come to some sort of deal in the future and is not binding, Zelenskyy has got to throw Trump a bone in the hope the US will continue supplying weapons and support.

We're yet to hear about anything security related, but in the meantime if the US stops weapon delivery the EU and UK need to up our game. The Ukrainians will fight on, they aren't going to sell their country out after so much bloodshed.