Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #14

[RichardKimble]

" There was an audible gasp in the room at the Council on Foreign Relations as Keith Kellogg, the White House’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, characterised the US decision to cut off intelligence sharing and military aid to Kyiv as like beating a farm animal with a piece of wood.

“Very candidly, they brought it on themselves, the Ukrainians,” Kellogg said as the veteran diplomats, academics, and journalists in the room recoiled in surprise. Several held their hands in their faces. “I think the best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose,” he continued. “You got their attention, and it’s very significant, obviously, because of the support that we give.” "

‘They brought it on themselves’: a new low in US-Ukraine relations

Diplomats gasp as Keith Kellogg claims Zelenskyy to blame for soured relations with America

www.theguardian.com

I guess it could be argued Trumps actions have focused minds.

 

[SouthAussie]

"Moscow has rejected both the temporary ceasefire for a month and the temporary cessation of air and naval hostilities proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Although Trump claims that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants peace, Moscow has not budged from its absurd demands and shows no sign of stopping the war it has started."

Putin wants no respite: Russia ignores calls for ceasefire - Baltic News Network

Russia on Thursday rejected a temporary ceasefire in its war against Ukraine, demanding “firm agreements on a final solution”. Moscow has rejected both the temporary ceasefire for a month and the temporary cessation of air and naval hostilities proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy...

bnn-news.com

 

[SouthAussie]

"The bottom line in all this is that the Kremlin has not given up on its maximalist aims for Ukraine which is to eventually bring the whole country back into Moscow's orbit, replacing Zelensky with a pliant, pro-Russian puppet.

At the bare minimum, it is unlikely to budge on its core demand that Ukraine permanently cede not only those territories Russia already occupies - in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions - but also gives up the adjacent cities of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, forcing hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian residents to either flee or become Russian."

What hurdles does Europe's peace plan for Ukraine face?

Whatever words are used to frame the plan, enormous challenges lie ahead, the BBC's Frank Gardner writes.

www.yahoo.com

 

[Mo Thuairim]

MSN

Data shows Trump's criticisms are increasing trust in Zelenskyy​

I don't know what Trump expected. Of course Ukrainians are backing Zelenskyy more than ever after watching him getting berated in the White House by the US president and his sidekick. They also believe Trump is gullibly playing into the hands of Putin, someone Ukrainians understand much better than Trump does. Here's a snippet of a longer piece by a Ukrainian journalist.

Ukrainians on Zelenskyy at the White House​

[...]

The tragedy of the current situation is that Putin couldn’t care less about Trump. He disregards him, whether Trump continues military aid to Ukraine or cuts it off entirely. And if Donald Trump wants to maintain even a remotely strong position in relation to the Russian dictator, he needs to come to terms with this reality.

Nevertheless, Trump remains under the illusion that he can “pull” Russia away from China by acting in a flattering and complimentary manner — just as foreign leaders and members of his own administration behave towards him.

It is worth noting the particular style in which Donald Trump and JD Vance exerted pressure on Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Interruptions, lecturing, and raised voices — all of this reflects the deep-seated disrespect Trump and Vance have for their counterpart. Having more resources and a larger territory does not give US politicians the right to humiliate smaller allies. This narcissistic “right of the strong”— and the disregard for those perceived as weaker — is precisely what underpins Donald Trump’s personal affinity for Vladimir Putin.

Trump and Vance treated Zelenskyy as if they were scolding a child. At times, it seemed as though they were moments away from putting him in the corner — which, in a political sense, they eventually did by effectively pushing the Ukrainian president out of the US administration. No money? Then you have no right to your own opinion. Or to dignity, for that matter. This is the world of greed, power, and flattery that Donald Trump is building alongside Vladimir Putin.

[...]

Ukrainians on Zelenskyy at the White House: 'We now rely on the support of Europe'

Ukrainian journalist Polina Bashkina, living in Ireland, shares the reactions of her countrymen to Friday’s Oval Office debacle.

www.thejournal.ie

 

[LibraStarr]

" There was an audible gasp in the room at the Council on Foreign Relations as Keith Kellogg, the White House’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, characterised the US decision to cut off intelligence sharing and military aid to Kyiv as like beating a farm animal with a piece of wood.

“Very candidly, they brought it on themselves, the Ukrainians,” Kellogg said as the veteran diplomats, academics, and journalists in the room recoiled in surprise. Several held their hands in their faces. “I think the best way I can describe it is sort of like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose,” he continued. “You got their attention, and it’s very significant, obviously, because of the support that we give.” "

‘They brought it on themselves’: a new low in US-Ukraine relations

Diplomats gasp as Keith Kellogg claims Zelenskyy to blame for soured relations with America

www.theguardian.com

I am appalled. Dehumanizing an entire country as a mule that needs to be beaten into submission? And then openly admitting that the U.S. intentionally cut off aid to “teach them a lesson”?

It’s beyond cruel; it’s authoritarian logic. This isn’t normal, it isn’t diplomacy, and it sure isn’t leadership.

IMO

 

[Betty P]

I guess it could be argued Trumps actions have focused minds.

They’re absolutely out of their minds. Cruel, sick sociopaths. JMO
War criminals, committing these crimes for personal profit, I assume. No other reason makes sense.

 

[Betty P]

I am appalled. Dehumanizing an entire country as a mule that needs to be beaten into submission? And then openly admitting that the U.S. intentionally cut off aid to “teach them a lesson”?

It’s beyond cruel; it’s authoritarian logic. This isn’t normal, it isn’t diplomacy, and it sure isn’t leadership.

IMO

It sure doesn’t represent the values and beliefs of the United States.

Every day brings new depraved acts and the next phase for them seems to be pointing fingers at each other when things go badly.

ETA: The mind set and behavior of these politicians is no different than the sociopathic criminals we discuss and analyze here. They thrive on harming others just to enjoy the feeling of controlling through inflicting pain and death. They revel in horrifying the public, in seeing their names in the news for the brutal acts they’ve committed. No different from a BTK.

 

[LibraStarr]

MSN

Data shows Trump's criticisms are increasing trust in Zelenskyy​

From the article:

Mariia Zolkina is the head of regional security and conflict studies at the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, an independent Kyiv-based think tank.

"There's a paradox to the pressure that Trump is putting on Zelenskyy, and that's the more he follows Russian propaganda that Ukraine's president is illegitimate, the reaction domestically is completely the opposite," she said.

"On the ground, Zelenskyy has been gaining more trust and getting more popular.

"Whenever Ukrainians consider something unfair, or that they're feeling pressured to do something, the reaction throughout history has been to resist, and you're seeing that now."

 

[RichardKimble]

They’re absolutely out of their minds. Cruel, sick sociopaths. JMO
War criminals, committing these crimes for personal profit, I assume. No other reason makes sense.

Some one is making money, armaments don't make themselves.

 

[statt#1]

Some one is making money, armaments don't make themselves.

Big money in war.

 

[sds71]

WASHINGTON — As U.S. and Ukrainian officials prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia this week, President Donald Trump has privately made clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv won’t be enough to restart aid and intelligence sharing with the war-torn country, according an administration official and another U.S. official.

Trump wants the deal, which would give the U.S. a stake in Ukraine’s mineral resources, signed. But he also wants to see a change in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attitude toward peace talks, the officials said, including a willingness to make concessions such as giving up territory to Russia. Trump also wants Zelenskyy to make some movement toward elections in Ukraine and possibly toward stepping down as his country’s leader, the officials said.

Trump wants to see more than just a minerals deal to restart aid and intel to Ukraine

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia this week, with Trump focused on Zelenskyy’s willingness to make concessions in negotiations.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Stella123]

WASHINGTON — As U.S. and Ukrainian officials prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia this week, President Donald Trump has privately made clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv won’t be enough to restart aid and intelligence sharing with the war-torn country, according an administration official and another U.S. official.

Trump wants the deal, which would give the U.S. a stake in Ukraine’s mineral resources, signed. But he also wants to see a change in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attitude toward peace talks, the officials said, including a willingness to make concessions such as giving up territory to Russia. Trump also wants Zelenskyy to make some movement toward elections in Ukraine and possibly toward stepping down as his country’s leader, the officials said.

Trump wants to see more than just a minerals deal to restart aid and intel to Ukraine

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia this week, with Trump focused on Zelenskyy’s willingness to make concessions in negotiations.

www.nbcnews.com

So this isn't a real deal again then. It's a way of putting Zelensky in a position where he can't make a one-sided deal again IMO. That is very unfair. So Zelensky is expected to sign over mineral rights, and agree to give up territory to Russia, and Russia isn't going to agree to anything?!! JMO

 

[Stella123]

Ukrainian partisans sabotage railway line in occupied Crimea, group claims.

The Atesh partisan group sabotaged a railway line linking parts of occupied Crimea with the front line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, disrupting Russian supply lines, the group claimed via Telegram on March 9.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-partisans-sabotage-railway-line-in-occupied-crimea-group-claims/

https://twitter.com/x/status/1898607644199538964

Who are these partisans? I don't understand. Does it mean Ukrainian people who aren't in the army? Or does it mean people from other countries or organisations who are trying to help Ukraine (eg mercenaries?). JMO

 

[Stella123]

This "new deal" is blackmail IMO. If Zelensky doesn't sign to everything Trump wants, he won't re-start the intelligence. He probably has no intention of re-starting it. And what about sanctions for Russia? Nada? JMO

 

[Stella123]

"
Russian troops have crept miles through a major gas pipeline to launch a surprise attack on Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, according to pro-Russian war bloggers.

As part of a major offensive to eject Ukrainian soldiers from the western Russian region, some of the Russian special forces had spent several days in the pipe before attempting the surprise near the town of Sudzha, said Yuri Podolyaka, a Ukrainian-born, pro-Russian military blogger.


Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers seized about 1,300 square km of Russia's Kursk region in August last year in what Kyiv said was an attempt to gain a bargaining chip in future negotiations and to force Russia to shift forces from eastern Ukraine."

If that is according to "pro-Russian war bloggers" why are they reporting it as news?! JMO

Ukraine-Russia latest: Putin’s troops ‘use gas pipeline for surprise attack’ in Kursk

Comes as Zelensky says Ukraine is 'fully committed' to peace ahead of meeting with US in Saudi Arabia

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Stella123]

"However, on Saturday Kyiv denied any major breakthrough, saying its forces were destroying small groups of Russian troops trying to cross the border."

Ukraine war latest: Russia captures village in move to encircle troops in Kursk

Russia said it had captured a village near Kursk on Sunday, closing in further on a key exit route for 10,000 Ukraine troops fighting in Russia.

www.telegraph.co.uk

 

[Stella123]

"Washington, DC:
Days after calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "evil" for pushing what he called a "forever war" with Russia, American billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday warned that the entire frontline of Kyiv's defence system will collapse if he "turned off" his Starlink satellite internet system, which has been vital in maintaining the military communications.

Taking to X, Musk said he is "sickened by" the years of "slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will inevitably lose.""

Grr. Musk again JMO

"Entire Ukraine Frontline Would Collapse If...": Elon Musk's Latest Warning

Elon Musk on Sunday warned that the entire front line of Kyiv's defence system will collapse if he "turned off" his Starlink satellite internet system, which has been vital in maintaining the military communications.

www.ndtv.com

 

[sapphire blue]

"Washington, DC:
Days after calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "evil" for pushing what he called a "forever war" with Russia, American billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday warned that the entire frontline of Kyiv's defence system will collapse if he "turned off" his Starlink satellite internet system, which has been vital in maintaining the military communications.

Taking to X, Musk said he is "sickened by" the years of "slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will inevitably lose.""

Grr. Musk again JMO

"Entire Ukraine Frontline Would Collapse If...": Elon Musk's Latest Warning

Elon Musk on Sunday warned that the entire front line of Kyiv's defence system will collapse if he "turned off" his Starlink satellite internet system, which has been vital in maintaining the military communications.

www.ndtv.com

Musk and trump are bullies and are taking it out on the wrong person/country. What has Putin got on them for them to be so intent on serving putins wishes?

They need to be reminded that it is Russia who invaded, it is Russia who keeps fighting (Ukraine are defending themselves and their country), it is Russia who won’t get out of Ukraine.

Ukraine has the right to defend their country!

What musk and trump fail to understand (or they understand but are psychopaths enjoying the chaos and harm they are causing for Ukraine) is that giving into bullies doesn’t stop them from bullying you, it makes the bullying worse.

 

[Stella123]

"
Sir Keir's handling of the Ukraine crisis was yesterday praised by former Tory defence secretary Ben Wallace, who said: 'I've seen good leadership from both Keir Starmer and [French] president Macron on this and they should both be congratulated.'

Sir Ben said that Mr Trump's decision to suspend US intelligence sharing with Kyiv was 'suffocating' Ukrainian hope of holding out against Russian aggression, and the Prime Minister should be 'working out what the Americans have switched off, and finding European sources, or even further afield, to replace it'.

He added: 'Hope is the most important thing in this type of conflict and, at the moment, Donald Trump is suffocating the hope that Putin can be either fought to a standstill or indeed brought to the table.

'Hope is always the key for both morale and a military campaign. When this started three years ago, I remember gathering the military officials in my then department, and saying on day one, we have to give the Ukrainians hope. If a Russian truck has a puncture, we need to let people know. If the Russians have a small defeat, we need to let the Ukrainian people know.'

What Trump said in 'strop' when he saw photo of King with Zelensky

Pictures of the King with Ukranian leader Volodymyr Zelensky made President Trump feel 'less special' about the monarch's invitation for a state visit to Britain, handed to him by Sir Keir Starmer last week.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Stella123]

Musk and trump are bullies and are taking it out on the wrong person/country. What has Putin got on them for them to be so intent on serving putins wishes?

They need to be reminded that it is Russia who invaded, it is Russia who keeps fighting (Ukraine are defending themselves and their country), it is Russia who won’t get out of Ukraine.

Ukraine has the right to defend their country!

What musk and trump fail to understand (or they understand but are psychopaths enjoying the chaos and harm they are causing for Ukraine) is that giving into bullies doesn’t stop them from bullying you, it makes the bullying worse.

I think they don't care. They probably just don't like "foreigners" JMO - unless they happen to be a world power like Russia. JMO