Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[SouthAussie]

Russia's energy giant Gazprom will lay off 1,500 employees at the Lakhta Center — 40% of its workforce there.

The cuts are due to the loss of the European market. The company also plans to sell the Gazprom Export building in St. Petersburg, where only a few dozen employees remain out of 600. In 2023, Gazprom recorded a net loss of of 629 billion rubles ($6.9 billion)1 billion — the first in 25 years.

It is good that the sanctions are working. It, of course, isn't good for the Russian individuals who are affected - but the Russian invasion of Ukraine isn't good for the Ukraine individuals either.


Management misjudged how resolute European capitals would be, according to one of the executives, who said the thinking inside the company was that Europe would quickly be back "begging" for Russian gas supplies to resume.

Despite the economic pain of higher energy costs, the EU has not rolled back sanctions.
"We proved to be wrong," the executive said.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/gazproms-grandeur-fades-europe-abandons-russian-gas-2025-03-13/

 

[SouthAussie]

"A court in Finland's capital, Helsinki, has convicted a Russian citizen on four charges of war crimes committed in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Voislav Torden, a 38-year-old Russian ultranationalist earlier known as Yan Petrovsky, was given a life sentence.

Torden was linked to the deaths of 22 Ukrainian soldiers and the injury of four others."

Russian Accused Of Ukraine War Crimes Found Guilty In Finland

A Finnish district court has convicted a Russian man of war crimes in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and 2015 and sentenced him to life in prison.

www.rferl.org

 

[SouthAussie]

.
WHO, UNICEF and the Government in Ukraine are working together in cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure drinking water safety for the Ukrainian people

The ongoing war has a devastating impact on water infrastructure. The country is facing severe damage to water supply networks and wastewater treatment plants.

Many people in Ukraine are struggling to access clean water, compromising hygiene practices and sanitary conditions, altogether raising the risk of infectious diseases.

In Mykolaiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, the situation is particularly critical, and health risks are especially high. A number of humanitarian organizations and emergency programs are working tirelessly to address these urgent needs.

 

[Niner]

snipped...

Why are the kidnapped children not being addressed at all? Does Russia get to keep them?

I heard Rubio in one of the interviews after the Ukraine talks say - they were talking about the kidnapped children. They are discussing this.

 

[sds71]

(Reuters)- Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent Donald Trump a message about his proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine via Trump's special envoy, the Kremlin said on Friday, adding that it saw grounds for "cautious optimism" that a deal could be reached

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900528197621440517

 

[PommyMommy]

I have just signed a decree honoring our warriors with state awards. 301 service members from various brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Five Heroes of Ukraine. Nearly every day, such decrees are issued, and this is a well-deserved expression of gratitude and respect from our nation to our men and women who have stood up to defend Ukraine’s statehood and independence.

More than three years of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Over 11 years of Russia’s attempts to destroy our statehood. Yet Ukraine remains free, and we are doing everything to ensure lasting security and a just peace for Ukraine. This is possible only because of our people – all those Ukrainians who have dedicated their lives to defending our country, who fight for the Ukrainian nation and our independent state.

We thank all Ukrainian warriors. We thank Ukrainian volunteers. We thank all Ukrainian heroes of different generations who have fought for Ukraine’s existence.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900498507263291477

 

[PommyMommy]

Enough is enough' — Greenland PM criticizes Trump's annexation efforts.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. could annex Greenland in a Facebook post on March 13.

“The U.S. president has once again aired the thought of annexing us,” Egede wrote. “Don’t keep treating us with disrespect. Enough is enough.”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900386018408251578

Ukrainian drones strike Russian gas facilities, air defense missile depot, source claims.

SBU drones struck a warehouse storing missiles for Russia's S-300/S-400 air defense systems, a security source told the Kyiv Independent.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900469526480716208

Chinese state oil firms cut Russian crude purchases over sanctions fears, Reuters reports.

"They are taking a break for now while contemplating if there are ways to work around," a source told Reuters.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900539771153256726

 

[PommyMommy]

Majority of Americans believe Trump 'too closely aligned' with Russia, poll finds.

Some 56% of Americans believe that U.S. President Donald Trump is "too closely aligned" with Russia amid shifting U.S. foreign policy, a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on March 13 found.https://kyivindependent.com/majority-of-americans-believe-trump-too-closely-aligned-with-russia-poll-finds/

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900405030873632960

Putin sent 'additional signals' to Trump on ceasefire proposal, Kremlin says.

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin late in the evening on March 13, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900501363177451788

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded extensive concessions in exchange for a ceasefire deal in Ukraine. Attention turns back to U.S. President Donald Trump to determine whether he will appease or double down and force Russia to accept a deal.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900502354568306691

 

[PommyMommy]

Ukrainian marine Vladyslav Zadorin, recently freed from Russian captivity, has named four prison guards involved in the torture of Ukrainian prisoners. http://Slidstvo.info investigators were able to identify them.

A veteran of the 35th Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy, Zadorin was captured during the Battle of Snake Island, where the now-iconic phrase “Russian warship, go yourself!” was first heard. After 679 days in detention, he was released on 3 January 2024 in a prisoner exchange.

Since his release, he has dedicated himself to exposing war crimes and fighting disinformation through the #BreakTheFake project.

On 17 March 2025, Zadorin will speak in Toulouse, France, providing firsthand testimony on war crimes in Ukraine. The event is organized by Ukraine Libre in partnership with the NGO Communities Army of Ukraine and the Ligue des droits de l'Homme.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900512461180023049

Swedish government approves $300 million artillery package for Ukraine

Sweden will donate 18 additional Archer artillery systems, five Arthur radar systems, and fund Ukrainian weapons production in its 18th aid package.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900489081236132147

Finland announces new €200 million military aid package for Ukraine

Finnish Defense Minister Häkkänen met with his Ukrainian counterpart in Helsinki, signing a memorandum to strengthen defense cooperation and capabilities.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900481533502243044

 

[PommyMommy]

The European Union has unanimously agreed to renew sanctions against over 2,400 Russian individuals and entities until September 15, 2025. This decision comes despite Hungary's push to delist Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman, which threatened to stall the sanctions' extension.

EU's Firm Stance on Russia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the bloc's unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, "We extend our sanctions on nearly 2,400 individuals & entities over Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine."

Hungary's Controversial Move
Hungary's attempt to remove Fridman from the sanctions list highlights internal EU divisions. While Hungary, supported by Luxembourg, advocated for Fridman's delisting, other member states, particularly the Baltic nations, opposed any easing of sanctions against Moscow.

EU's Unified Message
Despite internal debates, the EU's decision to maintain comprehensive sanctions sends a clear message of solidarity with Ukraine and a firm stance against Russia's actions.

"Hungary: We must protect this oligarch!
EU: Sorry, sanctions just got an extension. Try again in six months."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900498851116552603

G7 to Russia: Ceasefire or More Sanctions Incoming!

The G7 nations issued a final warning to Moscow:

• Match Ukraine’s ceasefire offer or face new, tougher sanctions.
• "Security arrangements" are being discussed to ensure a lasting peace.
• The message is clear: no peace, no relief for the Kremlin.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900529452938883238

 

[sds71]

I spoke with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. I wished Pope Francis a speedy recovery and thanked him for his prayers and moral support for our people, as well as for his efforts in facilitating the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia.
The Holy See has received a list of Ukrainians being held in Russian prisons and camps. We are counting on the support for their release.The exchange of prisoners and an unconditional 30-day full interim ceasefire are the first quick steps that could significantly bring us closer to a just and lasting peace. Ukraine is ready to take these steps because the Ukrainian people want peace more than anyone. Meanwhile, the world sees how Russia is deliberately setting conditions that only complicate and drag out the process, as Russia is the only party that wants the war to continue and diplomacy to break down.The voice of the Holy See is very important on the path to peace. I am grateful for the readiness to make efforts towards our shared goal.Thank you for your prayers for Ukraine and for peace.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900550025354043426

 

[Boxer]

I haven't been able to keep up with both the Ukraine thread and the tariff thread, but it seems to me that they intersect.

Apparently Trump hates just about every country (except the axis of evil) and he seems jealous. He is jealous of Europe and Canada and Australia. And jealous that Europe and Canada and Australia are standing strong with Ukraine. This excerpt shows that he's pretty much lost his wig and is blaming pretty much every country for 'taking advantage of the US'. The US is the largest economy in the world. They have NOT been taken advantage of. And this is evidenced by Trump's own words back when he signed the USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada, where he described it as the fairest, best deal ever and it would benefit the USA. So this tells us that it's not really about trade. Just as the Ukraine war is not about trade, but rather what the USA can TAKE from other allies.

This clip is just the latest one that has influenced my view that it is all about making the USA seem like the victim. JMO

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com%2Fpost%2F3lk732e5yui2r

The trade strategy and the Ukraine strategy are related. All part of Trump's plan to bully others and cast USA as the victim. Just so he can take their resources. all MOO.

ETA: I'm a bit worried about Trump's mental health here in this video. He seems a bit confused at points and his sentences don't make sense. I hope I'm mistaken.

President Vance.
The billionaires personal pick, no troubling actual populist following.

 

[sunshineray]

I heard Rubio in one of the interviews after the Ukraine talks say - they were talking about the kidnapped children. They are discussing this.

Well thank God they're part of the discussions. After a ceasefire, the return of those children should be an nonnegotiable second step. Thanks for that info Niner

 

[sunshineray]

So at 9:30 this morning Trump posts that
"We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end - BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOOS ARE COMPLETELY SURRONDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION. I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!"

Is he serious!? Does he really think he's helping matters by posting this obvious, to me, insincere public plea for mercy to a murdering dictator and it will make any bit of difference in the matter? Or is it just a bombastic private joke between two good ole boy buddies to puff eachother's image up? One will be absurdly depicted as a merciful man and the other as greatest negotiator...in the history of negotiations...ever...look what we did?

My prayers are with all Ukrainian troops and civilians fighting against this devestating horror that invaded their country.

 

[Stunned]

Can you blame us? Our closest friend stabbed us in the back and is supporting our mutual enemy, Russia. Canada and UK and EU want to support democracy, and our democratic friends in Ukraine, who are fighting an invading bully.

We stand with Ukraine! We stand with truly democratic nations who care about other democratic nations.

This is all so sad!

 

[SouthAussie]

So at 9:30 this morning Trump posts that
"We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end - BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOOS ARE COMPLETELY SURRONDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION. I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!"

Is he serious!? Does he really think he's helping matters by posting this obvious, to me, insincere public plea for mercy to a murdering dictator and it will make any bit of difference in the matter? Or is it just a bombastic private joke between two good ole boy buddies to puff eachother's image up? One will be absurdly depicted as a merciful man and the other as greatest negotiator...in the history of negotiations...ever...look what we did?

My prayers are with all Ukrainian troops and civilians fighting against this devestating horror that invaded their country.

This is Putin's response ....

"We are sympathetic to President Trump's call," Putin said in remarks broadcast on Russian television.
"If they lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and dignified treatment," Putin said.

Putin tells Ukraine troops in Russian region to 'surrender'

President Vladimir Putin called on Friday for beleaguered Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk to "surrender" as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian leader of seeking…

www.france24.com

 

[Stunned]

This is Putin's response ....

"We are sympathetic to President Trump's call," Putin said in remarks broadcast on Russian television.
"If they lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and dignified treatment," Putin said.

Putin tells Ukraine troops in Russian region to 'surrender'

President Vladimir Putin called on Friday for beleaguered Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk to "surrender" as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian leader of seeking…

www.france24.com

Psychopath. IMO

 

[Snoopster]

Hmmm....it sounds almost as if the US lost a war to Russia. Why all of the concessions? Why waving a white flag?

https://bsky.app/profile/thetnholler.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3lke5zhkdcs2b

 

[SouthAussie]

Hmmm....it sounds almost as if the US lost a war to Russia. Why all of the concessions? Why waving a white flag?

https://bsky.app/profile/thetnholler.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3lke5zhkdcs2b

Maybe Trump needs to get OUT of the negotiations. He is showing himself to be a very weak negotiator of peace. imo

 

[PommyMommy]

I had a productive and substantive conversation with President of France @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed many important issues, different scenarios for the development of events, and our next steps.

I shared the results of the meeting between the Ukrainian and American teams in Saudi Arabia. It was a very constructive discussion, during which Ukraine supported the U.S. proposal for an unconditional 30-day full interim ceasefire.

Now we see how Russia is trying to set conditions for an unconditional ceasefire and wants to make the process shaky. Putin cannot be trusted. His reaction already shows that Moscow does not want peace or an end to the war.

Emmanuel also informed me about the results of the meeting between the chiefs of general staffs. They discussed some very important matters, both for strengthening Ukraine now and for the future.

We also discussed in detail the steps and contacts for the near future. Our teams continue to work on clear security guarantees, and they will be ready soon.

Thank you, Emmanuel, for all your advice and efforts in achieving a just and lasting peace. I am grateful for your support.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900607133881618501

I met with Austrian Foreign Minister @BMeinl and Portuguese Foreign Minister @PauloRangel_pt. We are grateful for the assistance to our people in the fight for freedom, consistent support of Ukraine's path to the EU, and for the warm attitude toward our people who have found refuge from the war in these countries.

I spoke about the meeting between the Ukrainian and American teams in Jeddah and the efforts to bring a just and lasting peace closer. Ukraine is ready to take the first quick steps to achieve peace and is doing everything possible for this.

We discussed defense support for our state, as well as Austria's and Portugal's assistance in the reconstruction of schools, creation of school shelters, restoration of energy infrastructure, and the humanitarian initiative "Food from Ukraine."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900609456343519251