Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #13

[Stella123]

Watch: Russian strike on Odesa sets homes on fire

Trump's latest message on his Truth Social platform talks about "the absolute 'pounding' Ukraine" is getting, and follows Russia's overnight attacks which hit residential areas and key energy infrastructure.

In the southern port city of Odesa, the regional administration says several fires broke out, bringing firefighters to the scene. Here's a clip from footage shared by the state emergency service: [video at link]

Wave of Russian strikes kill at least 20 and injures dozens, officials say

Ukraine's President Zelensky urges more sanctions against Russia as he says the strikes show the Kremlin's goals "are unchanged".

www.bbc.co.uk

It also says Trump is considering sanctions and tariffs on Russia for their attacks before a peace process has been resolved. Do you think he gets it now? Putin doesn't want peace, he wants to win and Trump is enabling him by making Ukraine weaker. Maybe Trump genuinely thinks he can negotiate peace, but I think he's out of his depth in this situation and his tinkering has made things worse. JMO MOO

 

[PommyMommy]

It would take me days to post the number of times Zelensky has visited the front lines. It is absurd to say that he hasn't. There are links in post 1 to the four media threads for anyone interested. Unfortunately, I have to go to work. Here's what I found in about 1 minute.

JUN 6, 2022

Zelensky visits frontline Kharkiv region as Russia claims advances in Donetsk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday visited special forces in the Kharkiv region, where the military said it had repelled six Russian attacks over the past day. Zelensky’s visit comes as…

www.france24.com

MAR 23, 2023

Ukraine president visits front-line areas as new phase nears

Ukraine’s president has made his third visit in two days to areas that have felt the brunt of Russia’s invasion.

apnews.com

APR 18, 2023

Zelensky and Putin Make Dueling Trips to Front Line in Ukraine (Published 2023)

The visits by the Ukrainian and Russian leaders came as both sought to display strength and confidence ahead of an anticipated Kyiv counteroffensive.

www.nytimes.com

JUN 27, 2023

FEB 4, 2024

Zelensky on front line in show of strength after showdown with top general

Dangerous mission to liberated village now under heavy attack again

www.telegraph.co.uk

FEB 17, 2024

Zelensky Says Ready to Take Trump to Ukraine Frontline

Zelensky told the Munich Security Conference he had invited Trump to Ukraine because policy makers should see what real war entailed.

www.kyivpost.com

FEB 24, 2024

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-visits-front-line-amid-speculation-about-fate-top-general-2024-02-04/

JUN 26, 2024

Ukraine's Zelenskyy visits front-line troops under pressure from Russia's onslaught in eastern areas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi have visited troops in the eastern Donetsk region who have weathered fierce Russian ground and air assaults in recent months.

apnews.com

JUL 29, 2024

Zelensky visits frontline Kharkiv region as Russia claims advances in Donetsk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday visited special forces in the Kharkiv region, where the military said it had repelled six Russian attacks over the past day. Zelensky’s visit comes as…

www.france24.com

NOV 18, 2024

Zelensky visits key front-line town of Pokrovsk

"A tense sector. It is only thanks to the strength of the soldiers that the east (of Ukraine) is not completely occupied by Russia. The enemy receives an answer every day," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

kyivindependent.com

 

[Elliot_Alderson]

Sorry, but "a manly man"? What is his record with attitudes and actions towards women? To me he is a petulant child full of hate and revenge for all those who helped impeach him. You could say Hitler was strong and protecting his country too ................ What it comes down to is morals and doing the right thing by others. Not just doing what you want for personal glorification. JMO MOO

He's a manly man I guess because he was found liable in court for sexual harassment. Definitely something a manly man would do.

 

[LoveyG]

Trump is going to Saudi Arabia - doesn't know if he'll meet Zelensky.​

​

"Trump: 'Ukraine wants to make a deal'published at 21:24 6 March​

21:24 6 March​

Image source, Getty Images
Donald Trump has shared his thoughts on talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

"I think Ukraine wants to make a deal because they don’t have a choice," he tells reporters in the Oval Office.

"I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way - a different way that only I know - they have no choice either."

As we reported earlier, a US delegation is currently planning to meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.

And, the US president was asked whether he would also be visiting the country to meet with Vladimir Putin.

"I don’t know, I can’t tell you," he responds, before adding: "I’m going to Saudi Arabia."

Same link as above post

This picture of him put in mind a child play acting. That's what it's like. He has no idea of the reality of what he is doing. Just a child playing and trying to look smart.

 

[LovesPeace2]

It doesnt feel like America is becoming a great nation to be honest.

So true!! Alot of Canadians are feeling that way right now. I know we will never become the 51st state jmvho . Our friendship with the USA is broken . Considering Canada is a peaceful friendly country we Are Not feeling that way to the country south of us. Jmvho

 

[Stella123]

The Poles have long memories and they know what’s coming if Russia isn’t stopped.

As do France.

 

[Stella123]

I agree. We experienced the same thing with our previous administration. It was very hard watching his decline in health. Now we have a strong leader, yeah he's got a fierce bark and bites deep. A manly man, won't see him crying over words from another, but one that stands his ground for his people. He's going to protect our nation. Moo ...

"A manly man". Clearly he has some physical appeal to some women but being powerful isn't necessarily manly (or right). Also, do you not see Zelensky as a "manly man"? Protecting his country.

"Even before he became president, Mr Trump had a history of controversial comments about women. His comments in a 2005 Access Hollywood tape about grabbing women "by the pussy" are perhaps the most notorious, and made headlines in 2016.

Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutger's University, says these latest remarks are part of a pattern.

"The kind of things that he said about Hillary Clinton, Carly Fiorina, Elizabeth Warren, Heidi Cruz - the list goes on - he talks about women, any prominent, powerful woman, in the most demeaning of ways, trivialising them."

How Trump talks about women - and does it matter?

Donald Trump has a history of controversial comments about women, but are his attacks really gendered?

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[jepop]

He's a manly man I guess because he was found liable in court for sexual harassment. Definitely something a manly man would do.

Yep, the epitome of manly manliness lol. Great track record with women and misogyny, just what everyone looks for in the manly man! Jmo

 

[Simply Southern]

Withholding military aid and intelligence have harmed the Ukraine and helped Russia, which was Trump’s intention. It also helps Russia knowing they have an ally in the US.

The European countries have given military aid in the Billions and support, this week. They've offered him billions. He doesn't have a money problem. He has full support of the European countries. The UK is even offered to send in combat troops. France reminds everyone they have nuclear weapons.

Zelensky thanks many European countries daily for overwhelming support. He rarely mentioned the United States contribution. The message is clear, European countries have given far more than the United States. Our contribution is clearly insignificant. He doesn't need our weapons, F-16, military support or money. He's made it clear, he doesn't need the US financial support, he's got Europe's.

He should be utilizing the money that Europe has given him to purchase weapons, figure out a way to restore the mapping system. He's in great financial shape, the coffers are once again full. France is stepping up with their nuclear weapons in a show of full support. That's way more than the US was willing to do. We were never ever willing to threaten Russia with nuclear weapons.

Moo...

 

[Vern]

Russia targets energy infrastructure in overnight strikes, minister says​

​

Ukraine says Russia has launched a fresh wave of attacks on several regions overnight.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko says Russian forces targeted Ukraine's energy and gas infrastructure in "massive missile and drone" attack.

Officials say the port city of Odesa in the south and Kharkiv in the east were subjected to waves of attacks that left energy infrastructure damaged and private homes on fire.

Galushchenko warns that power supplies could be affected and urges people to stay in shelters "as long as the danger continues".

An explosion was heard in Kharkiv at around 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT), according to Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne.

'This is the 17th combined attack on Naftogaz infrastructure'​

​

Ukraine's energy company Naftogaz has confirmed an overnight attack on its gas infrastructure – the 17th of its kind, according to the head of the company.

Roman Chumak says there are no reported casualties, but teams are still assessing the damage.

"We are doing and will do everything possible to ensure that the country has gas," Chumak says, praising staff for "their work in extremely difficult conditions".

Wave of Russian strikes kill at least 20 and injures dozens, officials say

Ukraine's President Zelensky urges more sanctions against Russia as he says the strikes show the Kremlin's goals "are unchanged".

www.bbc.co.uk

Sure it targets infrastructure, unabated now.

That has a lot to do with this coming out today:

However, sources indicate that the decision follows a broader U.S. government ban on providing Ukraine with satellite reconnaissance data.

1) Trump tells 'allies' they can longer share their intelligence with Ukraine;
2) Trump tells 'allies' they can no longer send equipment and arms into Ukraine;
now
3) Trump tells civilian imagery companies (some non-US owned or operated) that they can no longer provide satellite imagery or GPS data to Ukraine.

Did they threatend to 'sanction' them? Economicly obliterate them? Musk threaten them to no longer assist with their satellite launches?

Without this, the risk increases because Ukraine is not simply going to "stop defending itself" and surrender to the Russian aggressors. They are still going to fire their weapons to defend themselves. They will just become "less accurate" with their ability to target specific ---- Expect more civilian casualties.

The above three items also prevent Ukraine from tracking and countering launches and attacks coming from Russian forces towards them, their territories, their cities, their citizens - allowing the Russians to increase and attack undeterred ---- Expect more civilian casualties and deeper Russian advances.


The above three things now remove Ukraine's ability to actually defend itself.
The above three things directly support Russia.

The above three things culminate in a message of "you'd better give up your right to sovereignty and surrender now Ukraine".

Way to go!!!! "Leaders of the Free World and Protectors of Democracy" SMH. IMO.

 

[LoveyG]

Once the US stops providing financial support worldwide, removes foreign military bases, leaves Nato, stops feeding the hungry, ends support to developing nations, we lose our global leverage. Some of us want to continue doing those things because it's the right thing to do, but, bottom line is it gives us power and leverage. Without it, what makes US a world leader? Our nukes? Is that our new superpower? We get cooperation through threats of violence because we gave up our diplomatic leverage?

 

[Simply Southern]

Poland to train all adult men for warfare - PM​

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said work is under way to make all adult men in the country undergo military training.

“We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, so that this reserve is comparable and adequate to the potential threats,” Tusk says in a speech to the lower house of the Polish parliament.

He also says he supports Poland withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention that bans the use of anti-personnel landmines, and also possibly from the Dublin Convention that bans the use of cluster munitions. He says he will ask the defence minister for his opinion on the matters.

Tusk adds that he thinks Poland should spend 5% of its GDP on defence. This year, the government plans to spend 4.7% of GDP on defence - the highest in Nato.

Earlier, President Duda proposed amending the constitution to make defence spending at a level of 4% of GDP compulsory.

Wave of Russian strikes kill at least 20 and injures dozens, officials say

Ukraine's President Zelensky urges more sanctions against Russia as he says the strikes show the Kremlin's goals "are unchanged".

www.bbc.co.uk

I remember back in the 1950s thru 1980s many HS graduates immediately entered the military. It was a rite of passage in my family. It built character, strength, determination, discipline and a sense of self-worth. It helped build Future Leaders. It also provided a pathway for a 4-year college education and financial success.

I'm just in AWW of this leader. He is definitely developed a plan for success and future security for his country.
Moo

 

[Vern]

The European countries have given military aid in the Billions and support, this week. They've offered him billions. He doesn't have a money problem. He has full support of the European countries. The UK is even offered to send in combat troops. France reminds everyone they have nuclear weapons.

Zelensky thanks many European countries daily for overwhelming support. He rarely mentioned the United States contribution. The message is clear, European countries have given far more than the United States. Our contribution is clearly insignificant. He doesn't need our weapons, F-16, military support or money. He's made it clear, he doesn't need the US financial support, he's got Europe's.

He should be utilizing the money that Europe has given him to purchase weapons, figure out a way to restore the mapping system. He's in great financial shape, the coffers are once again full. France is stepping up with their nuclear weapons in a show of full support. That's way more than the US was willing to do. We were never ever willing to threaten Russia with nuclear weapons.

Moo...

"Combat troops" are not the same as the "Peacekeeping Troops" which Trump called for .... they are all soldiers, but what they do as a task is at the opposite end of the spectrum.

"Peacekeeping Troops" which I'd quickly point out that VP Vance quickly undermined by stating that sending in 20 000 of them who haven't "fought a war in 20-30 years [that's a lie]" were worth nothing compared to "signing the mineral deal NOW!!"

I wonder when this very diplomatic President Trump is going to tell his VP to shut up already and stop undermining him in public??

 

[Elliot_Alderson]

Yep, the epitome of manly manliness lol. Great track record with women and misogyny, just what everyone looks for in the manly man! Jmo

Well remember what he said on the Access Hollywood bus. You gotta grab em by the _____. What a MAN!

 

[LovesPeace2]

It also says Trump is considering sanctions and tariffs on Russia for their attacks before a peace process has been resolved. Do you think he gets it now? Putin doesn't want peace, he wants to win and Trump is enabling him by making Ukraine weaker. Maybe Trump genuinely thinks he can negotiate peace, but I think he's out of his depth in this situation and his tinkering has made things worse. JMO MOO

I don't think trump gets it. He's just seeing every other free country turn to stand by Ukraine to help with peace including China . His ego has to be taking a beating because even Canada's not allowing him to walk all over us . Jmvho

 

[RichardKimble]

John Donne, “No man is an island” and UK is part of Europe and NATO. Putin and other hostile countries are everyone’s problem.

What of Switzerland's stance, what of Austria, Malta, Eire? I believe at least two gave to a non lethal fund, has their stance altered?

 

[nhmemorymaker]

So, who is it that doesn’t want peace?

I did some reading on the ISW link posted by @PommyMommy. One article in particular caught my eye, which I am linking.

Institute for the Study of War

Some peace deals lead to peace, others to more war. The Minsk II deal aimed to end Russia’s limited invasion of Ukraine in 2015 but instead laid the groundwork for the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The United States must learn from the Minsk deal o

understandingwar.org

It’s written by their Russia expert and discusses the problems with the Minsk II deal and how to avoid them in the next deal. Read it and weep.

“Some peace deals lead to peace, others to more war. The Minsk II deal aimed to end Russia’s limited invasion of Ukraine in 2015 but instead laid the groundwork for the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The United States must learn from the Minsk deal or risk a direct Russia-NATO conflict that puts American lives at risk.”

“Another weak deal today would validate Putin’s 2022 full-scale invasion and give Putin hope to gain more over time. Hope for Putin means more war. More war means a larger war: An absolved Russia that bears little or no cost for its invasion will want more and will rebuild its capability to do more. A larger war would mean a higher cost for the United States, risk to American lives, and risk of a catastrophic escalation.

The Trump Administration has a historic opportunity to break Russia’s cycle of overt war and war through “peace” in Ukraine. To do so, the United States must learn the lessons from the Minsk deal:

1. Russia will seek to transfer the responsibility and cost for its war onto someone else’s balance sheet.
2. Putin’s demands are stand-ins for his goals – controlling Ukraine and making the United States bend to Putin’s demands to create a world order that favors Russia.
3. Putin will fight as long as he believes he can outlast the West and Ukraine. Ending the war requires stripping Putin of hope that he can destroy Ukraine as a state in his lifetime — militarily or through a “peace deal.”
4. Russia can accept failure.”

This is a very long and detailed article, but I would encourage anyone who really wants to understand Russia’s intentions to read it. I am saving this article to refer to as the “peace process” plays out.

thanks greatly @Lilibet .... this is a must read.

This article dated early in 2024 is also very good, and outlines the disasters in the Minsk agreement.

Ukraine, Russia, and the Minsk agreements: A post-mortem

Western policymakers should study the lessons of the Minsk agreements – and drop any illusions about the ways in which Russia supposedly acts.

ecfr.eu

The World was a different place in the early 20teens... however, France, Germany, the US( Obama, Biden and John Kerry) should be feeling some real grief over what was happening in 2015. It was the ultimate set-up for Putin to build up his invasion of 2022.

 

[Simply Southern]

Read it and weep.
For some US officials, the decision to limit intelligence sharing with Ukraine not only helps Russia — it is tantamount to a betrayal of Ukraine.

So many wanting to take credit for Trump's decision. Americans know Trump, they know nobody tells Trump what to do. Trump is his own man, makes his own decisions, smart enough to seek council from wise Americans. He's a successful, wealthy businessman, he's established World ride relationships through business ventures. He surrounds himself with successful, intelligent people. He brings much strength to the table. Yes he's a convicted felon. And we still elected him as president. CBS poll showed 79% approval rating after his speech to Congress, and we all know CBS has not been kind to Trump. I was gobsmacked when I saw they released the results. I thought they would have buried this in a deep, deep hole somewhere.

Nope, no one influenced Trump.
Moo...

 

[branmuffin]

Another post I'll bookmark so we can compare in four years.

Yes, it was quite eye-opening going through some of the earlier posts in this thread that's been around for three years. It wasn't gradual, either.

 

[Stella123]

I remember back in the 1950s thru 1980s many HS graduates immediately entered the military. It was a rite of passage in my family. It built character, strength, determination, discipline and a sense of self-worth. It helped build Future Leaders. It also provided a pathway for a 4-year college education and financial success.

I'm just in AWW of this leader. He is definitely developed a plan for success and future security for his country.
Moo

"graduates immediately entered the military. It was a rite of passage in my family. It built character, strength, determination, discipline and a sense of self-worth. It helped build Future Leaders"

Trump didn't do military service, so that explains a lot!

"He was the only president who neither served in the military nor held any government office prior to becoming president"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump