Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #11

[Charlot123]

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

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.

 

[Dotta]

"How much are deposits in Ukraine actually worth?​

An expert from Geological Institute, emphasizes that
the development of Ukrainian deposits extraction by the US
would allow for breaking the dominance of China
in the global market of critical raw materials.

The geostrategic importance of Ukraine,
as well as its vast natural resources,
have long attracted the interest of economic powers.

Ukrainian soil holds some of the largest deposits of critical raw materials in Europe,
such as tantalum, niobium and graphite.
As The country has one third of Europe's lithium reserves
and is one of the world's ten largest owners of documented titanium deposits.

'The use of these raw materials by humanity means a huge leap in civilizational development,
which can be compared to the transition from the Stone Age to the Iron Age'
says the expert.

He added that countries that have access to these raw materials will not only be able to develop much faster,
but will also decide where these valuable minerals will go.

This means — he explained — that the pace of development of individual regions of the world will depend on them.
When asked about the properties of critical raw materials,
he gave the example of neodymium,
a small amount of which can change the properties of metal alloys.

'For example,
neodymium magnet disks are practically impossible to break,
while those without neodymium enrichment can be separated even by a child'
he explained.

Currently,
as he said, 68 percent of the global rare earth metals market is controlled by China,
which owns, among other things,
the world's largest rare earth mine in Bayan Obo in Inner Mongolia.

In addition,
in recent years, thanks to the support of its government,
Chinese companies have come into possession of valuable deposits in Africa.

This is where, for example, a significant portion of lithium, cobalt, titanium and other raw materials necessary for the production of batteries, wind turbines, medical devices, smartphones, computer disks, lasers and electric and hybrid vehicles come from.

'The specificity of Ukrainian deposits of critical raw materials
— as an expert explains —
is that they are located in Europe,
in favorable geological conditions
(shallowly below the surface or on the surface,
also in the form of fragmental deposits),
climatic conditions
and are practically unexploited.

Some of them were discovered in the times of the USSR,
but because they are located in crystalline rocks,
their extraction has not begun due to the high costs of exploitation.

Today, however,
extraction technologies are more perfect, and the prices of raw materials are so high that these deposits appear as a huge treasury',
explained the geologist."

Much more in the link

Ile faktycznie warte są złoża w Ukrainie? Ekspert wyjaśnia

Stany Zjednoczone i Ukraina szykują się do podpisania przełomowej umowy dotyczącej eksploatacji metali ziem rzadkich w Ukrainie. Jak wskazują eksperci, posiadane przez ten kraj zasoby krytycznych s...

businessinsider.com.pl

 

[SouthAussie]

Denmark, Germany, France, Poland lighting up to support Ukraine this week.

MSN

 

[Simply Southern]

The UN is a peace keeping organization. NATO is a fighting force if it becomes necessary. The philosophy is 'and armed attack against one member, is an armed attack against all members'.

Agreed. I posted the UN peacekeeper responsibilities as an example of what would be expected for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine. Ukraine is a member of the United Nations. I wonder if they could seek, peacekeepers from the UN? I'm not as familiar with UN policies and procedures as I am with NATO. I'll try to read up and see if this would be an option for them.
Yes, NATO is an action, members only organization. I think that is why so many NATO Nations will have a difficult time providing peacekeeping services. Ukraine is not a member and not entitled to direct combat involvement. They are only going to put combat boots on the ground for members.

ukraineun.org - ukraineun Resources and Information.

ukraineun.org is your first and best source for all of the information you’re looking for. From general topics to more of what you would expect to find here, ukraineun.org has it all. We hope you find what you are searching for!

ukraineun.org

The electoral activity of our state in the UN is intensive. In addition to the UN Security Council and various posts in the General Assembly, Ukraine was elected seven times as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and three times as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (also nominated for 2021-2023). In 2011, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine served as the Vice-Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission during our membership in the PBC in 2011-2012. In 2020, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine elected as the Vice-President of the ECOSOC for the term 2020-2021.

Today Ukraine is a member of such UN bodies as the Economic and Social Council (2019-2021), the Human Rights Council (2018-2020, re-elected for 2021-2023), the Commission on Social Development (2020-2023), the Commission on Population and Development (2021-2024), the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (2016-2021), the Committee on Conferences (2019-2021), the Bureau of the Committee on Information (2019-2021), the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (2020-2023), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL, 2019-2025), the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS (2019-2021), the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (2019-2020), the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (2011-2020).

 

[Simply Southern]

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.

The agreement for "The FUND", does not transfer ownership or mineral rights to the United States. Ukraine maintains 100% ownership. It's a reconstruction fund, to ensure long-term rebuilding and financial security. It does not affect any current revenues, mineral leasing, on current revenue generating sources.

It will be years before The FUND generates revenue and only applies to NEW business that the United States assist in exploring, developing, marketing and NEW mining company, investors, the US brings to the table. The US will match 2.00 for every dollar The FUND generates.

50% of business generated by "The FUND" will be placed in a jointly managed account to be used for reconstruction. Ukraine will keep the other 50% to use as they see fit. Ukraine also retains 100% ownership of all existing revenues received.

Ukraine has been unable, even prior to the war with Russia to bring in new investors due to years of an unstable government. Having the United States involved in new business, will give assurance and protection to new investors.

Ukraine has lots of minerals, it is unknown the cost to explore and excavate. Without private businesses investing in exploration, the minerals are producing no money. Ukraine does not have the financial resources Ford explorer and extract on their own.
Moo...

 

[SouthAussie]

"North Korea appears to have sent more troops to Russia, South Korea’s spy agency has warned – bolstering the roughly 10,000-strong force it deployed last autumn, which is believed to have suffered heavy casualties in the Kursk region partly occupied by Ukraine.

South Korea, the US and their partners worry that Russia could reward North Korea by transferring high-tech weapons technologies that can sharply enhance its nuclear weapons programme. North Korea is expected to receive economic and other assistance from Russia as well."

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Starmer warns Putin could reinvade Ukraine

UK prime minister prepares to meet Donald Trump for crunch talks on US support for Ukraine

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Simply Southern]

Conversely, I don't think he has lost control. He is doing what a good government does. He is letting his negotiators do what they think is right for Ukraine, according to their internal discussions. Get the framework together.

Unlike the US, many (most?) countries vote for a government, not a person (President). It is that government's job to rule based on that mandate.

In my own country, we can see the govt leader (Prime Minister) change throughout a govt's term in office. Because we have voted for the govt, not for the Prime Minister of our choice. It is up to the govt of our choice to choose their own leader throughout.
.

The US does operate under a party basis. The President is elected. The President chooses his Cabinet (known a minister in many countries). The political party of the President is controlled through out Senior Management. The president is elected for a 4-year term. Each state elects representatives to Congress to... overseas/awards spending to operate the government, aid to foreign countries, an at times vote on new laws. The United States Constitution insures representation by US citizens down to a district level in each state.
The president does not have the power to declare war. Only the United States Congress has full power to declare war.
The Constitution tries to create a check and balance system of power.
Moo

I'm not sure how Ukraine ministers are elected or appointed.

 

[PommyMommy]

EU's Costa, von der Leyen arrive in Kyiv.European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 24 on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

"We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe," von der Leyen said on X."In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893906874786885880

Ukraine’s partners arrive in Kyiv on 3rd anniversary of full-scale war.Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 24 on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893918086907978087

Australia, New Zealand impose new sanctions against Russia.Australia has introduced the most extensive package of sanctions since the beginning of the all-out war, while New Zealand imposed restrictions on over 50 individuals and entities.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893929715582246961

 

[PommyMommy]

EU officially adopts 16th package of sanctions against Russia.The new measures, announced on the third anniversary of the all-out war, target Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, banks, aluminum imports, and other sectors.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893937490492375390

Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russian refinery in Ryazan Oblast for 3rd time in 2025.The Ryazan Oil Refining Company's facility was previously struck overnight on Jan. 24 and Jan. 26.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893946842892652649

All-for-all prisoner exchange could be step toward peace, Zelensky says."Ukraine is ready for an all-for-all exchange, it is a fair option," President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the Support Ukraine summit on Feb. 24.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893968408602873915

 

[PommyMommy]

EU to provide Ukraine with $3.7 billion tranche in March."Europe is here to strengthen Ukraine in this critical moment," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893974095626137764

Canada disbursing 1st tranche of its G7 loan contribution for Ukraine.

Canada's PM Justin Trudeau also pledged new military assistance, including 25 LAV III infantry fighting vehicles, two combat support vehicles, and four F-16 flight simulators, provided "on top of million rounds of ammunition, components for drone cameras, and first aid kits."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893979491178778696

Starmer announces UK's largest package of sanctions against Russia, confirms readiness to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine in case of ceasefire.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893996741281648681

 

[PommyMommy]

Nordic countries to provide Ukraine with additional humanitarian, military, energy aid.The Nordic governments' statements coincided with their leaders' visits to Kyiv on the anniversary of the beginning of the all-out war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893998979081245043

Spain to provide Ukraine with military aid package worth over $1 billion in 2025."We are ready to continue to provide military assistance and equipment with even more determination than we have in the past," Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894012886206279924

When your ' is burning, you start to move faster' — Lithuanian minister urges Europe to step up defense.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene urged European countries on Feb. 24 to "move faster" in strengthening their security in the light of recent geopolitical shifts.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894023754952351847

 

[PommyMommy]

Russia has launched over 30 mass strikes on Ukraine's energy system in 3 years, ministry says.Losses from Russian attacks amount to "billions of dollars," according to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894031189406531977

Lithuania's Nauseda proposes 2030 as Ukraine's EU accession date.Speaking at the Support Ukraine summit in Kyiv, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for decisive leadership to accelerate Ukraine's integration.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894055854317408348

Peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine,' Macron says following Trump visit. French President Emmanuel Macron on Feb. 24 called for a long-lasting peace in Ukraine that would not mean a "surrender of Ukraine."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894189686584738048

 

[PommyMommy]

France could send nuclear-armed jets to Germany, Telegraph reports.The proposal comes as the U.S. shifts away from Europe and Ukraine, sending clear signals that the continent won’t be able to rely on Washington for its security in the future.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894388491343004135

UK to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, Starmer says.It is the largest sustained increase in British defense spending since the end of the Cold War.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894394850327355656

Poland pledges $210 million in new military aid for Ukraine."This is the forty-sixth contribution, and we will continue to help," Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Feb. 25, according to the Polish media outlet Interia.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894420422088601766

 

[PommyMommy]

Ukraine approves Vidmak drone system to target Russian vehicles."These high-speed FPV drones are capable of chasing down any wheeled vehicles of the invaders," the Defense Ministry said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894451951431000380

Poland to transfer 5,000 more Starlink terminals to Ukraine.Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski confirmed on Feb. 25 that Poland has ordered 5,000 Starlink terminals for Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894608449209610597

Poland to adapt all civilian airports for dual-military use.Every airport must be adapted and in some way adapted to the possibility of cooperating and working with the military," Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Feb. 25.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894645787730010609

 

[PommyMommy]

Ukrainian forces liberate Kotlyne village near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.Kotlyne and Pokrovsk are connected by the T 0406 highway, which also leads to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894719835143078296

'More than 40 explosions' — HUR confirms Ukrainian drone strike on Russia's Tuapse oil refinery.Earlier on Feb. 26, Russia's Defense Ministry said 128 Ukrainian drones had been downed over the country, 83 of them in Krasnodar Krai.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894729228928655825

Ukraine's agriculture industry has lost $80 billion due to Russian invasion, minister says.

This figure includes not only direct damage but also indirect damage caused by disrupted logistics, increased fertilizer and fuel costs, expenses for land reclamation and demining, and occupied territories, Agriculture Minister Vitalii Koval said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894744643138445330

 

[PommyMommy]

Ukraine hits key Russian military sites in Crimea, Krasnodar Krai, General Staff says. The joint operation targeted the Saky and Kacha military airfields in occupied Crimea and Russia's Tuapse oil refinery, the Ukrainian military claimed on Feb. 26.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894842846856831066

Romania approves shooting down drones that violate its airspace. The move comes after multiple incidents in which Russian drones crashed onto Romanian territory during attacks against neighboring Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894892894298759649

Finland to provide Ukraine with $691 in military equipment.Finland announced on Feb. 26 that it would provide 660 million euros ($691 million) in military equipment for Ukraine, supplying the embattled country with domestically-produced military products.

"The products will be delivered to Ukraine as part of future material aid packages," the news release from Finland's Defense Ministry noted, without specifying a timeline.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894966706809766373

 

[PommyMommy]

Australian philanthropists donate $3.15 million to Ukraine, urge governments to step up support.

Minderoo Foundation on Feb. 27 donated 5 million Australian dollars ($3.15 million) to support Ukrainian communities impacted by Russian aggression and affirm Ukraine's territorial integrity.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895004699558117843

Ukraine to receive $730 million for demining equipment from partners by 2034.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895030189169561722

EU in talks on mobilizing 'hundreds of billions' for defense after Trump's foreign policy shift, Bloomberg reports.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895064679514329199

 

[PommyMommy]

President Volodymyr Zelensky has been invited to a special EU summit on March 6 that will be dedicated to "European defense and Ukraine," European Council President Antonio Costa said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895068700031476178

Today marks the anniversary of the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, one of Vladimir Putin's staunchest critics who was shot by the Kremlin on Feb. 27, 2015.Since he came to power in 1999, more than 20 Putin critics have been killed or died mysteriously.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895099068772221266

France has led talks on Ukraine's minerals since October 2024, French minister says.

France and Ukraine have been discussing the use of Ukrainian minerals for the purposes of the French defense industry since October 2024, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, as France Info reported on Feb. 27.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1895101065600594018

 

[Simply Southern]

Thank you @PommyMommy for the updates.

It seems many are stepping up to assist with military, humanitarian and reconstruction aid. Additional sanctions, uptick in aid, certainly provides a much needed edge Ukraine needs. Renewed hope for Ukraine.

 

[Niner]

Yes - Thank you @PommyMommy for all those articles! Much appreciated. Glad to see everyone stepping up to help Ukraine!