Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #14

[branmuffin]

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

There's a lot of what Trump wants Zelenskyy to do in that article. But nothing about what he wants Putin to do? When a 'team' is negotiating a peace treaty, both sides are to make concessions. Where are the concessions that Putin is being asked to do? Does the Trump administration have such short memories in regards to the numerous times Putin has reneged on an agreement? Maybe as many times as Trump stiffed his contractors? Is anyone counting?

Trump should read the book called "Getting to Yes" it's the art of negotiating.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1990/12/09/getting-to-yes-with-saddam-how-words-can-win/7bb7e736-7d4a-42d9-a77b-27ad27d2ffdc/

And this is what happened when the aggressor won't agree to concessions.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/1991/1991-2-1.htm

The only aberration here if Trump's methodology takes hold is that unlike the Kuwait/Iraq war where the aggressor ended up with nothing, Russia ends up with everything.

 

[branmuffin]

PM Modi's "India Not Neutral" Message To Russia, Ukraine; Trump By His Side

India is not neutral, was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong message on the Russia-Ukraine war during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House today.

www.ndtv.com

No he's not. He is groveling since he just signed a $250 million deal with Russia to buy engines for old Russian tanks they are still using.

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-signs-248-million-deal-with-russia-advanced-battle-tank-engines-2025-03-07/

 

[Stella123]

"Some U.S. allies are considering scaling back the intelligence they share with Washington in response to the Trump administration’s conciliatory approach to Russia, five sources with direct knowledge of the discussions told NBC News.

The allies are weighing the move because of concerns about safeguarding foreign assets whose identities could inadvertently be revealed, said the sources, who included two foreign officials."

"Every intelligence agency treats its commitments to foreign agents as sacrosanct, pledging to keep agents safe and shield their identities. Anything that jeopardized that obligation would violate that trust, former officials said, and that could lead some spy services to hold back on some information sharing with Washington."

"“There are serious discussions going on about what information can be shared with the United States. The Five Eyes have always worked on the premise that we don’t spy on each other,” the Western official said. “I don’t think that’s reliable anymore.”

As Trump pivots to Russia, allies weigh sharing less intel with U.S.

Members of the so-called Five Eyes spy alliance, as well as Israeli and Saudi officials, fear the identities of foreign assets could inadvertently be shared with Moscow.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 9, 2025

Romanian CA-95 Integrated into Ukrainian Air Defense

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have integrated the Romanian CA-95 short-range anti-aircraft missile system into their service

mil.in.ua

The anti-aircraft missile system can be guided autonomously using an optical system or can receive external target designations from radars.

Despite its physical and technological obsolescence, the CA-95 is still suitable for countering drones and cruise missiles, though it struggles to effectively engage aircraft and helicopters.

The exact number of CA-95 systems transferred to Ukraine is not disclosed. According to the Military Balance website, as of 2025, Romania has 48 CA-95M systems in service.

France to Transfer AMX-10RC to Ukraine Using Frozen Russian Assets

France has prepared a new military aid package for Ukraine, funded by proceeds from frozen Russian assets, which includes various military vehicles and equipment

mil.in.ua

According to Le Figaro, citing French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu in an interview with Le Tribune, the package, valued at €195 million, will include AMX-10RC combat reconnaissance vehicles and VAB armored personnel carriers.

It’s also important to note that the package will feature 155-mm artillery shells, precision bombs with an AASM kit, and other weapons.

A month ago, French Defense Minister Lecornu announced that the first French Mirage 2000-5F multi-role fighter jets had been delivered to Ukraine to address the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Air Force.

Ukraine, Nordic, and Baltic Nations Launch Joint Military Training for New Brigade

The Baltic and Scandinavian nations have launched joint training for a Ukrainian brigade as part of the “Nordic-Baltic Brigade” project

mil.in.ua

The Baltic and Scandinavian nations have launched joint training for a Ukrainian brigade as part of the “Nordic-Baltic Brigade” project.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov announced this following the NB8 meeting, which gathered the defense ministers of Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

“Norway is allocating €7.8 billion in 2025 — one of the largest aid budgets to Ukraine. These funds will be used to enhance maritime and air defense capabilities. Norway also supports military training under the ‘Nordic-Baltic Brigade’ and is investing in Ukraine’s defense industry,” Umierov stated.

 

[Stella123]

So really they need to break up Five Eyes so the US isn't involved, and then the other four eyes can share intel with Ukraine! IMO. But it's probably not that easy to change an existing intel organisation that has existed since WW2. MOO

Apologies to Americans - I know you need Intel as well!

 

[Arkay]

If that happened, then what if in a year's time Putin invades the rest of Ukraine? If he's got away with it once. Is Trump relying on Putin's word that he won't possibly?

Stella, I think it’s so sweetly optimistic of you to believe Putin would wait an entire year before pouncing!

 

[branmuffin]

I think my post was unclear. I meant just since the Trump Tariff threats, Canada has been talking about sending their oil to EU instead of USA. You know, along with taking Bourbon off the shelves and turning off the lights. Nothing to do with Putin.

Google tells me that Canada is the top supplier of crude oil to the US.

Canada sells crude to the US because the majority of US refineries were specifically built to refine our heavy crude. So in reality it's a bit of a stalemate: Canada has few capabilities to refine their oil due to infrastructure issues and the US has few refineries that have the capabilities to refine sweeter crude.

Explainer: Why Canadian oil is so important to the United States

Complementary production in Canada and the U.S. boosts energy security

www.canadianenergycentre.ca

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 9, 2025

U.S. Soldiers Accused of Selling HIMARS Secrets to China

Two U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier were arrested on Thursday, charged with selling military secrets to buyers in China

mil.in.ua

Tian and Duan were both charged with “conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.” Zhao faces the same charge and is also indicted for obtaining and transmitting “national defense information” to an “unnamed individual not authorized to receive it.”

According to the indictment, Zhao is accused of selling nearly two dozen classified hard drives marked “Secret” or “Top Secret,” as well as sensitive U.S. military documents and information pertaining to HIMARS rocket systems to buyers in China.

The sergeant also allegedly obtained and sold information related to the U.S.’s military readiness in the event of a conflict with China.

Poland Warns of Alternatives if Starlink Cuts Service in Ukraine

If Starlink services are disconnected, Poland would be forced to find another satellite communication provider for Ukraine

mil.in.ua

“Starlinks for Ukraine are paid for by the Polish Digitization Ministry at the cost of about $50 million per year. The ethics of threatening the victim of aggression apart, if SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider we will be forced to look for other suppliers,” the statement says.

Musk did not stop there and, in his response to the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, referred to him as a “small man” and stated that “there is no substitute for Starlink.”

Ukrainian Presidential Brigade Tests Shotgun-Equipped Drones Against Russian Drones

A Presidential Brigade has begun using FPV drones equipped with a double-barreled shotgun to intercept Russian Mavic drones

mil.in.ua

A Presidential Brigade has begun using FPV drones equipped with a double-barreled shotgun to intercept Russian Mavic drones.

The commander of the 4th Mechanized Battalion’s UAV platoon, call sign “Compass,” stated that this tool is crucial, as the biggest threat to infantry on the front line is not FPV drones, but quadcopters carrying munitions.

(See YouTube video in the last article.)

 

[branmuffin]

Talking about it isn't doing it. The Conservative Party in Canada (Pierre Poilievre) is proposing it but the Liberal Party has been opposing it, maybe that will change.

So far, problem not solved, no action is being taken. It could have happened years ago and then Putin wouldn't have had oil and gas money to fund the war.

That is not true at all. Canada exports its heavy crude to the US because they don't have the infrastructure to do so. Having refineries is fine but shipping the oil to the areas that use most of it is a geographical and ecological reason. It would take years for Canada to build the infrastructure to transport withing their own country just as it will take years for the US to build more refineries to process sweet crude.

Explained: Why Canadian oil is so important to the United States

Complementary production in Canada and the U.S. boosts energy security

www.canadianenergycentre.ca

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

So really they need to break up Five Eyes so the US isn't involved, and then the other four eyes can share intel with Ukraine! IMO. But it's probably not that easy to change an existing intel organisation that has existed since WW2. MOO

Apologies to Americans - I know you need Intel as well!

We can do without the Five Eyes intelligence sharing. That’s what helped create the Russian hoax. moo

 

[Stunned]

I think you're optimistic since Trump has clearly sided with Russia. I haven't heard him demand that Russia withdraw or stop the 'war'. Instead he demands that Ukraine stop the war. He blames the victim.
And, if USA is siding with their Russian buddies, well that's a pretty tough war to win.

Other countries still have Ukraine's back, but the supposed ally, i.e. traitor, is the USA. JMO.

ETA: corrected typo.

It's pretty bad when you se our own country as the world's co-enemy in major war. IMO

 

[Stunned]

Yup - which is why I said "with the right backup". Something has to change - or get Trump to change. JMO I hope there are more and more pro Ukraine demonstrations in the US and more pressure on Trump. MOO

I just hope the US is ready for the MAGA counter attacks, because they are coming and they will be ugly. IMO

 

[LovesPeace2]

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...lternative-musks-starlink-ukraine-2025-03-09/.
WARSAW, March 9 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Poland's foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski of "making things up" and suggested on Sunday he was ungrateful, in a strong rebuke after Sikorski said Ukraine may need an alternative to the Starlink satellite service.

 

[LovesPeace2]

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...lternative-musks-starlink-ukraine-2025-03-09/.
WARSAW, March 9 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Poland's foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski of "making things up" and suggested on Sunday he was ungrateful, in a strong rebuke after Sikorski said Ukraine may need an alternative to the Starlink satellite service.

Also in same link

Shares in Franco-British satellite operator Eutelsat (ETL.PA), opens new tab soared as much as 650% during the week ending March 7, due to speculation the company could replace Starlink in providing internet access to Ukraine. The shares pulled back on Friday to end the week up around 380%.

 

[SouthAussie]

That first post with the shot of the gas tunnel - is that a satellite pic? Just wondering if it's a hint that Ukraine is now getting satellite support from elsehwere? MOO

I have seen a lot of drone footage that looks similar.

But it was also stated in an article that Ukraine has available to it the satellite imagery that it pays for. I will look for the link, I just read it yesterday.

imo

 

[Stunned]

" 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

That's our diplomacy in a nutshell. IMO

 

[SouthAussie]

"“There are serious discussions going on about what information can be shared with the United States. The Five Eyes have always worked on the premise that we don’t spy on each other,” the Western official said. “I don’t think that’s reliable anymore.”

As Trump pivots to Russia, allies weigh sharing less intel with U.S.

Members of the so-called Five Eyes spy alliance, as well as Israeli and Saudi officials, fear the identities of foreign assets could inadvertently be shared with Moscow.

www.nbcnews.com

I think that is a given to happen, and may already be happening at some discreet level. The US Govt is clearly showing itself to be untrustworthy.

imo

 

[Stunned]

I am speechless about the crud coming out of his mouth. Really why are they meeting Ukrainians in Saudi . It's a useless meeting

I'm with you! How on earth are the Saudis now involved? They're about as trustworthy as #47 and putin! IMO!

 

[SouthAussie]

We can do without the Five Eyes intelligence sharing.

Five Eyes are better than one set of eyes. You may not understand the intelligence that other countries have been sharing with the US. Even though I have spoken of Jindalee here (as one example, there are many) several times, and linked it.

imo

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

I think our former presidents should all speak out against Trump. JMO. All of the living former presidents have dealt with the extraordinary threats posed by Russia. In this, regardless of party affiliation, I think they agree. I would like to see President Bush speak out, along with Biden, Obama and Clinton. Also, former Joint Chiefs of Staff should speak out. All of them know that if Ukraine falls, Eastern Europe and the rest of Europe face a grave threat. All of them realize the importance of the alliances that Trump is threatening. JMO

I’d like to hear what they have to say. Don’t do what we did? Keep funding the war with weapons that we wouldn’t give? Don’t cave in to surrendering land? imo

04/05/2023

Bill Clinton admits regret for having Ukraine give up nuclear weapons

Former President Bill Clinton has expressed remorse over his role in negotiating a 1994 deal that resulted in Ukraine giving up its nuclear arsenal, suggesting that Russia never would have invaded …

nypost.com

Former President Bill Clinton has expressed remorse over his role in negotiating a 1994 deal that resulted in Ukraine giving up its nuclear arsenal, suggesting that Russia never would have invaded its smaller neighbor if it still had nukes.

06/23/2023

Ukraine slams Obama for making ‘excuses’ over his Russia policy

The West ‘held the line’ when reacting to the annexation of Crimea, the former US president says.

www.politico.eu

Former U.S. President Barack Obama should start admitting critical mistakes in his administration’s Russia policy, including Moscow’s illegal 2014 annexation of Crimea, a senior Ukrainian official said Friday.
(…)
Obama, who famously launched a “Russia reset” after taking office in 2009, sought to restore relations between Washington and Moscow during his two terms.