Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #12

[Vern]

Pretty sure he wants his country to not have parts of it taken away by Russia. He does want peace, but peace doesn't mean "lets give Putin everything he wants even though he has defied the terms of peace agreements in the past". Maybe that's what peace means to some people.

Need to reitterate the fact once again that Zelinskyy already signed a deal with Russia to end this in 2019.

Russia then broke that deal by expanding and invading past the Crimea in 2022.

If Russia wanted peace, it wouldn't have invaded Crimea in 2014. If Russia wanted peace after that, it wouldn't have further invaded Ukraine in breach of 2019's peace deal in 2022.

Clearly, Russia does not want a peace deal. Clearly Russia wants a piece of Ukraine.

Russia. Not Ukraine.

 

[PommyMommy]

On March 6, an extraordinary EU Summit is scheduled, focusing on Ukraine and European security; The annual “two sessions meetings” of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the National People’s Congress takes place on March 5.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896480148079448479

Trump to discuss potential suspension, cancellation of military aid for Ukraine on March 3.An unnamed administration official told NYT that Trump will meet on March 3 with his top national security aides, including Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896489200113062154

'A tragedy' — Russia strikes Ukrainian military training ground during exercises, Drapatyi says.A day earlier, news of a Russian attack with an Iskander-M missile on a training ground in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast began circulating on social media.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896519067814785103

 

[JennieM]

UN Human Rights chief 'deeply worried' by 'shift' in US direction​

IMAGE SOURCE, EPA

The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner says he is "deeply worried" by the "fundamental shift" in the US' direction "both domestically and internationally".

Without mentioning Trump, Volker Türk adds that "disinformation" and "intimidation" against journalists and public officials risk "undermining the work of institutions."

His comments come a few weeks after the US stunned its allies by reopening peace talks with Russia - with no one else invited to the table.

"Any discussions about ending the war must include Ukrainians and fully respect their human rights," Türk says, according to Reuters news agency.

The news agency adds that Türk says he is "stunned" by the casting aside of international institutions, calling budget cuts "a massive setback for human rights protection".

Zelensky ready to work under Trump's 'strong leadership' after 'regrettable' showdown

The Ukrainian president says last week's fiery Oval Office meeting "did not go the way it was supposed to", adding Kyiv is ready to sign a minerals deal.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[PommyMommy]

Trump-Putin summit now being 'fast-tracked,' CNN reports.Donald Trump's spat with Volodymyr Zelensky was an additional incentive for the next round of talks on restoring relations between the U.S. and Russia to take place in the coming weeks.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896519750269939823

Trump says US should spend' less time worrying about Putin.'Donald Trump's comments are the latest instalment of a widening gulf between the U.S., and Ukraine and its European allies.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896553142902468842

Russia plans to launch 500 kamikaze drones per day at Ukraine, HUR says.Russia currently uses 150 to 200 drones per attack against Ukraine, but Russian forces plan to increase their capabilities to 500, Vadym Skibitskyi said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896559903201976641

 

[PommyMommy]

Backroom deals? Trump team quietly exploring Nord Stream-2 restart.

While the world watches Ukraine, Trump’s inner circle is holding secret talks on reviving Nord Stream-2—Russia’s controversial gas pipeline to Germany.

Richard Grenell, Trump’s Special Envoy, reportedly led informal negotiations in Switzerland. According to Bild & FT, the plan would let U.S. investors act as middlemen for Russian gas.

Why? Some in Trump’s camp see Nord Stream-2 as a bargaining chip in future peace talks.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896461646932975645

Russia plans to launch 500 Shahed and other UAVs across Ukraine at a time - GUR

Deputy head of the Defense Ministry GUR, Major General Vadim Skibitsky in an interview with “RBC-Ukraine” said that the Russians have significantly increased the production of drones of various types.

“If before, in 2023 - early 2024 we knew only one Shahed, then “Geran-1”, “Geran-2” and that's it. Today the range of these drones is so large that it is not even always possible to count on the fingers of one hand: 'Geran-1', 'Geran-2', 'Harpy', 'Gerbera', 'Parody' and others,” the general said.

According to him, the types of drones now in use include combat strike, reconnaissance, decoys, which are drones but without combat payloads, there are imitation targets.“Their plans are to increase the number of launch pads from where they will launch drones on our territory. According to the Russian command's calculations, if the plans for the first half of the year are fulfilled, they will be able to launch about 500 drones at a time” he said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896503129484513691

94 ‘thank yous’ and still ‘not enough’?

As Trump & VP JD Vance push the narrative that Zelensky is “not grateful enough”, journalists fact-checked the claim—and the numbers speak for themselves.

At least 94 public expressions of gratitude from Zelensky to the U.S. since 2022, according to UNITED24. That’s 3x more than the 33 cases previously reported by CNN.

Yet, Trump’s team keeps using this argument to question aid to Ukraine. Is this about gratitude—or just an excuse to cut support?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896509606924525569

 

[CaMan60]

The truth is that most people are actually Centrists/Moderates. They agree with some policies and disagree with others.

Gotta Agree with you
I learned in the warehouse workplace there are two types of people. Both men and women, Some like to take things apart and and then wonder what to do.
Others take things and put them back into the right places
or boxes and send them off.
But its really up to the foreman to see to it that The ones who like taking things apart are best working in the receiving department not the other way around.

 

[JennieM]

1m ago01.35 AEDT

Future German chancellor Merz says Trump-Zelenskyy clash was 'manufactured escalation'​

CDU leader and top candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz reacts as he addresses a press conference after a CDU leadership meeting at the Konrad Adenauer Haus, headquarters of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union, in Berlin. Photograph: Ralf Hirschberger/AFP/Getty Images

Earlier today, the presumed next German chancellor Friedrich Merz offered an update on coalition talks with the SPD, saying that the two parties had “a common understanding of the enormous pressure” on budgets as the talks continued.

He also said that any discussions on an emergency fund for defence and infrastructure spend remained in early stages, but insisted there was “great urgency” to progress these talks as soon as possible.

Merz also offered his comments on the EU-US relations under Donald Trump, saying that recent signals from Washington highlighted the need to “act independently in Europe.”

In remarks likely to raise tensions with the US, he appeared to suggest Trump and vice-president JD Vance’s angry reaction to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s comments in the Oval Office led to “a manufactured escalation.”

He also highlighted “a certain continuity” in interventions by senior US administration officials, including Vance’s speech at the Munich conference, which was highly critical of European allies.

He said he was not planning a trip to the US until the new government is confirmed.

Merz was also asked about first reports from Mannheim, but declined to comment saying he had only seen the headline and needed to learn more about what happened.

German citizen, 40, identified as Mannheim suspect after two killed as car driven into crowd – as it happened

Police say no evidence that more suspects were involved in incident which left several people badly injured

www.theguardian.com

 

[PommyMommy]

Ukraine is fighting for the normal and safe life it deserves, for a just and reliable peace. We want this war to end. But Russia does not, and continues its aerial terror: over the past week, more than 1,050 attack drones, nearly 1,300 aerial bombs, and more than 20 missiles have been launched at Ukraine to destroy cities and kill people.

Those who seek negotiations do not deliberately strike civilians with ballistic missiles. To force Russia to stop its attacks, we need greater collective strength from the world.

Strengthening our air defense, supporting our army, and ensuring effective security guarantees that will make the return of Russian aggression impossible—this is what we must focus on. Justice must prevail. We believe in the power of unity, and we will certainly restore lasting peace.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896506031686980022

Ireland rethinks its neutrality—big shift in defense policy?

Dublin is moving to ease defense rules to boost support for Ukraine, potentially ditching the "triple lock" system that requires UN, government & parliament approval for troop deployments (Bloomberg).

Why does it matter? Ireland has long kept its neutral stance, but rising security threats could push it closer to NATO-style cooperation.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896513381810819176

Trump believes the US should worry less about Putin and more about dangerous migrants.Earlier, he claimed Putin would keep his word in a peace deal with Ukraine while also suggesting Zelenskyy was not ready for peace after their tense meeting at the White House.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896483451764867261

 

[UK Girl]

Trump is on Putin's side in this war - it's clear by his comments and attacks on Zelenskyy. Ironically the US used to call supporters of Russia 'pinkos' and 'commies'. I hope the UK rethinks its connections with such a fascist administration. Jmo, moo.

Tbh I think there will be progress on an European army now. Europe is making plans ie we we are putting bases in Germany and they are here. Some countries are talking about putting others under an Nuclear umbrella. At this point I am wary of him being giving information regarding Europe putting it simply.

 

[PommyMommy]

Zelenskyy holds firm on not giving up territory occupied by Russia, while Trump’s advisor Waltz pushes territorial concessions for Ukraine and concessions on security guarantees for Russia to end the war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896506632743371192

Russian drone killed animals in the petting zoo area near Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine.

"There is the destruction of enclosures and dead animals, goats that were in the petting area," said the park's spokesperson.

Russia deliberately targets civilian areas in Ukraine to disrupt daily life and undermine morale.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused environmental damages exceeding €72.9 billion, with over 7,000 ecological crimes documented.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896525203427201479

Frontline report: Ukrainian forces exploited shock tactics to reclaim vital supply route near Pokrovsk.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896532685234880913

 

[PommyMommy]

Trump will discuss on Monday the possible suspension or complete cancellation of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons previously paid for by the Biden administration — The New York Times

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896474394274492590

Hungary has just blocked the EU’s draft document on security guarantees for Ukraine and new military aid — Politico

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896505241232928952

A Russian missile hit a Ukrainian military training base, reportedly KILLING 150 Ukrainian soldiers and 30 Foreign instructors.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896535892577358097

 

[UK Girl]

Zelenskyy's choice of attire has apparently long been a talking point among right wing media circles. Goodness knows why. Pointless criticisms. Focusing on entirely the wrong thing. imo

Instead of "we cannot let Russia take over another country's land (and kill its people)" it is "ooh look what Zelenskyy is wearing to this important meeting". imo


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Zelensky has eschewed suits, button-down shirts and ties - even during important meetings with world leaders and an address to the US Congress - since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of his country began in 2022.

The Ukrainian leader has said his choice of clothing is a show of solidarity with soldiers fighting the Russian army on the war's frontlines.

But it has long been an irritant for some critics of US aid to Ukraine, and after years as a talking point in right-wing media circles ....

How criticism of Zelensky's clothing made it to the Oval Office

The Ukrainian president's military-style attire was questioned by a Maga media star before he was upbraided by President Trump and JD Vance.

www.bbc.com

Just as a suit is their "uniform" what he wore Friday is HIS "uniform".

 

[UK Girl]

Zelensky's constant eye rolling and face making throughout the entire press conference did not make it appear that he was grateful to be there. His statement that Ukraine has been doing it all alone is completely untrue and shows a lack of recognition for the tremendous amount of aid not only the US has given but all his other allies. He was called out for that particular remark in the UK and in Poland.

His arguing that diplomacy wouldn't work over and over...well why was he there in the first place? Why come if he is not interested in negotiations and diplomacy? JD eventually intervened rightly reminding him that he was in DC to get help to end the war. And those efforts include diplomacy. It was a ridiculous performance by Zelensky. Even ardent DC ally Lindsey Graham said afterward he did not see how we could move forward with Zelensky after the rift he created.

He was rolling his eyes at the crap that was being said. Why should he have just sat and took it all when they were being vile?

 

[UK Girl]

IMO, there is no path to peace here without Putin’s death. Before the Nazis began their bombing campaign over Great Britain, Neville Chamberlain also thought there could be a path to peace with Hitler. Winston Churchill knew better. He knew that the only way through was with troops on the ground and to fight aggression with aggression, and to take the head off the snake. History is on his side with this.

Trump has been compared to Chamberlain a lot the last few weeks.

 

[UK Girl]

Trump-Putin summit now being 'fast-tracked,' CNN reports.Donald Trump's spat with Volodymyr Zelensky was an additional incentive for the next round of talks on restoring relations between the U.S. and Russia to take place in the coming weeks.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896519750269939823

Trump says US should spend' less time worrying about Putin.'Donald Trump's comments are the latest instalment of a widening gulf between the U.S., and Ukraine and its European allies.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896553142902468842

Russia plans to launch 500 kamikaze drones per day at Ukraine, HUR says.Russia currently uses 150 to 200 drones per attack against Ukraine, but Russian forces plan to increase their capabilities to 500, Vadym Skibitskyi said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896559903201976641

Why not? they know they can do no wrong in the eyes of Trump

 

[UK Girl]

Trump will discuss on Monday the possible suspension or complete cancellation of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons previously paid for by the Biden administration — The New York Times

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896474394274492590

Hungary has just blocked the EU’s draft document on security guarantees for Ukraine and new military aid — Politico

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896505241232928952

A Russian missile hit a Ukrainian military training base, reportedly KILLING 150 Ukrainian soldiers and 30 Foreign instructors.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1896535892577358097

Hungary has always been pro Putin.

 

[CaMan60]

.Earlier, he claimed Putin would keep his word in a peace deal with Ukraine while also suggesting Zelenskyy was not ready for peace after their tense meeting at the White House.

A peace deal with Ukraine and Russia is possible.
I still think Vice president Vance was right to speck up. Because they were there for the chance to talk about having peace going forward and for Zelenskyy to be thankful for this 45 minute long meeting to put Things Back Together in the right place.
But than Zelenskyy starts by saying Can I ask you something? And he goes back to taking the history of the conflict and implying its no good we can,t do this.
So Zelenskyy keeps taking things apart While the US is trying to put it together.

Back in 2022 Russia wrote out 4 items to get to Peace and that is Not impossible.
Probably Putin can be the type to use what he has and needs and not keep taking things apart. And we need The UN or The EU to oversee this and make sure peace is maintained.

 

[Elliot_Alderson]

Biden is to blame for Russia going into Ukraine? Did he push them over the line or something? Btw your last paragraph sounds like something blasted from Trump/Vance. Btw tell me is it true only certain media is allowed in for briefings? and most of us do not pay 1% either come to that.

Don't you know, they blame everything on Biden. Somehow J6 was probably Biden's fault.

 

[JennieM]

A peace deal with Ukraine and Russia is possible.
I still think Vice president Vance was right to speck up. Because they were there for the chance to talk about having peace going forward and for Zelenskyy to be thankful for this 45 minute long meeting to put Things Back Together in the right place.
But than Zelenskyy starts by saying Can I ask you something? And he goes back to taking the history of the conflict and implying its no good we can,t do this.
So Zelenskyy keeps taking things apart While the US is trying to put it together.

Back in 2022 Russia wrote out 4 items to get to Peace and that is Not impossible.
Probably Putin can be the type to use what he has and needs and not keep taking things apart. And we need The UN or The EU to oversee this and make sure peace is maintained.

He asked for a security guarantee.

They flipped because they couldn’t give him one.

 

[Elliot_Alderson]

My thing is -- Ukraine is a US ally and Russia isn't. Correct? So in what world should we be telling allies to give away their land to forces that invaded them? Then we invite them to the White House so we can try and disrespect and dunk on Zelenskyy in front of the media, then hurry up and run home to try and further insult/clown him with a Twitter post. These are the people running the country and you see how they treat an ally. It's disgusting. MOO