Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[Mo Thuairim]

'We all eagerly await the Russian response' - Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States will have contact with Russia today about the agreement reached with Ukraine on a 30-day ceasefire and steps toward ending the war there.

"We all eagerly await the Russian response and urge them strongly to consider ending all hostilities," Mr Rubio said from Shannon Airport after US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia.

"If they say no, then obviously we'll have to examine everything and sort of figure out where we stand in the world and what their true intentions are. I think it'll be if they say no, it'll tell us a lot about what their goals are and what their mindset is."

As it happened: Trump praises 'friendship' with Ireland

Donald Trump welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin for the traditional shamrock ceremony for the St Patrick's Day festivities in the US.

www.rte.ie

 

[Mo Thuairim]

Rubio says minerals deal will give US 'vested interest' in Ukraine security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that an expected minerals deal would give the United States a "vested interest" in Ukraine's security, although he stopped short again of promising formal guarantees.

"I wouldn't couch it as a security guarantee, but certainly, if the United States has a vested economic interest that's generating revenue for our people as well as for the people of Ukraine, we'd have a vested interest in protecting it," Mr Rubio told reporters in Shannon.

"Certainly one of the things that provides for Ukraine's long-term prosperity and security is vibrant economic growth and development," he said.

Mr Rubio has delivered extensive remarks during a stopover this morning in Shannon after arriving from a high stakes meeting with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.

G7 meeting is not about 'how we're going to take over Canada' - Rubio

Marco Rubio spoke at length during a stopover at Shannon Airport this morning.

While his main focus was on Ukraine, having come from talks in Saudi Arabia, he also discussed issues pertaining to Canada.

Mr Rubio said he would not raise Canada's sovereignty, following taunts by President Donald Trump, when he visits Quebec later for G7 talks.

"We're going to be focused in the G7 and all of those things," he said, mentioning the war in Ukraine.

"That's what the meeting is about. This isn't a meeting about how we're going to take over Canada."

As it happened: Trump praises 'friendship' with Ireland

Donald Trump welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin for the traditional shamrock ceremony for the St Patrick's Day festivities in the US.

www.rte.ie

 

[Fabled Automatic]

Shouldn't it be yellow???

I think red is more fitting for Trump.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 12, 2025

30-day ceasefire 'not a frozen conflict,' Ukraine's FM says

A 30-day ceasefire plan agreed upon between the U.S. and Ukraine "is not a frozen conflict" but the "beginning of the path toward a just peace," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on March 11.

kyivindependent.com

In the past, Russia has also ruled out a temporary ceasefire that would freeze the conflict along the current front lines. Russian nationalist voices and pro-war bloggers have already spoken out against the U.S.-backed proposal.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington would seek to engage Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to discuss the plan.

"It takes two for tango, as I have already said, so I hope he (Putin) will also agree as well, and I really think that would be 75% of the way, the rest is getting it documented," Trump said on March 11. "We will have a big meeting with Russia tomorrow."

MAR 12, 2025

Updated: 14 killed, 33 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 14 civilians and injured at least 33 over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 12. The casualties included children and Syrian crew members of a merchant vessel in Odesa.

kyivindependent.com

A series of explosions were reported in Kryvyi Rih after Russia launched a missile strike against the city early on March 12. ...

Russia also attacked the regional center, Dnipro, overnight, injuring a 42-year-old man, damaging 10 houses, a kindergarten, a school, and other buildings, and starting fires across the city.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed seven people and injured 13 over the past day...

In Kherson Oblast, two people were killed and seven injured, including two children, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, the regional governor. ...

Overnight, Russia struck a port in Odesa with a ballistic missile, damaging infrastructure and the Barbados-flagged merchant vessel MJ Pina, which was loading wheat for export to Algeria, Governor Oleh Kiper said.

 

[PommyMommy]

Maxar reportedly restores Ukraine's access to high-resolution satellite imagery.According to Militarnyi's sources, Maxar's GEGD service resumption means Ukraine can again access critical satellite intelligence for defense operations.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1899740886612742191

Ukraine's military 'preserving maximum of lives of our soldiers' in Kursk Oblast, Zelensky says.

Ukrainian troops operating in Russia’s Kursk Oblast continue in their tasks despite intense Russian pressure, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

“The military command is doing what it should do, preserving the maximum of lives of our soldiers,” Zelensky said, urging a "sober" assessment of the battlefield situation rather than reacting to Russian information warfare.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1899821840240898366

MAR 12, 2025

Ukraine's military 'preserving maximum of lives of our soldiers' in Kursk Oblast, Zelensky says

“The military command is doing what it should do, preserving the maximum lives of our soldiers,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said, urging a “sober” assessment of the battlefield situation.

kyivindependent.com

Roman Kostenko, secretary of the parliamentary defense committee, acknowledged that the situation in Kursk Oblast is "complicated" but said Ukrainian forces are working to stabilize the front line.

"I talked to the soldiers in the morning; they do not confirm our complete withdrawal from Sudzha... I have no information that our troops have completely left Sudzha as of two hours ago," Kostenko said at a press briefing.

 

[LovesPeace2]

The majority of Ukrainians do not find it completely unacceptable to give up territory and nato membership in exchange for ending the war? Isn't this democracy?

Ya we do find it unacceptable why should we give up our to and people.do you think Russia would be happy taking those 4 territorys he wants all of Ukraine. He doesn't want Ukraine to exist he would rather us all dead. Hearing this from people that Ukraini should just give up we won't win. It doesn't matter Putin will still win . Ukrainians will keep fighting jmvho

 

[Stella123]

Marco Rubio has landed in Shannon Airport en route back to the US

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been delivering remarks from Shannon Airport en route to the US after arriving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this morning.

He said the US is expecting to have contact with Russia today adding that the Russian reaction to the ceasefire proposal is unknown.

Mr Rubio urged Russia to end all hostilities and said that there is no military solution to the conflict.

Rubio says territorial concessions discussed with Ukraine

Speaking from Shannon Airport, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said conversations were held with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia regarding territorial concessions.

He said the bulk of the conversation surrounded what a negotiation process would look like.

Mr Rubio said he feels any ceasefire can be monitored.

"If Russia says no, it will tell us a lot," he added.

Rubio says Europeans will have to be involved in Ukraine ceasefire

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that European allies will need to be involved in any eventual deal on Ukraine, which backed a US proposal for a 30-day truce with Russia.

"I think that they have to be necessarily involved," Mr Rubio told reporters on a refuelling stop at Shannon Airport, noting that Russia would seek removal of European sanctions imposed on it since the start of the war.

(Live blog)

As it happened: Trump praises 'friendship' with Ireland

Donald Trump welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin for the traditional shamrock ceremony for the St Patrick's Day festivities in the US.

www.rte.ie

Oh so we're European allies now are we?! As opposed to a "random country" and being anti Nato! JMO

 

[Stella123]

"
44m ago16.00 GMT

'We have people going to Russia right now,' Trump says​

We are getting first lines emerging from Donald Trump’s meeting with Irish prime minister Micheál Martin.

The US president are reporting that Trump said that the US “have people going to Russia right now,” and adding “it is up to Russia now.”

But he insisted that “we have gotten some positive messages on ceasefire.”

We will bring you more soon."

‘We have people going to Russia right now,’ says Trump as Zelenskyy hopes for ‘strong steps’ if Russia rejects ceasefire – Europe live

Ukraine president says Kyiv will not ‘recognise any territory occupied by Russians’

www.theguardian.com

 

[Stella123]

2h ago15.03 GMT

E5 defence ministers meet in Paris​

European defence ministers meet in Paris. From second left: Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, French Minister Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and British Defence Secretary John Healey walk after posing for a photo prior to an E5 defence ministers’ meeting on Ukraine, at the Val de Grace in Paris. Photograph: Thibaud Moritz/AFP/Getty Images
Meanwhile in Paris, the defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Britain are meeting to discuss support for Ukraine amid Russia military invasion and European defence.

According to their schedule for the day, they are currently talking to their Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, before another session among themselves, with Nato and the EU, later.

We should hear from them later today as there are plans for a press conference at the end of their day.

‘We have people going to Russia right now,’ says Trump as Zelenskyy hopes for ‘strong steps’ if Russia rejects ceasefire – Europe live

Ukraine president says Kyiv will not ‘recognise any territory occupied by Russians’

www.theguardian.com

 

[Stella123]

So despite negative Russian statements about the ceasefire, it seems it comes down to Putin and Trump seems confident about Putin..... Hope he doesn't trust him JMO

"The Kremlin has declined to commit to an immediate 30-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, stating that Vladimir Putin must first be briefed by the US before deciding whether the proposal would be acceptable to Russia."

‘We have people going to Russia right now,’ says Trump as Zelenskyy hopes for ‘strong steps’ if Russia rejects ceasefire – Europe live

Ukraine president says Kyiv will not ‘recognise any territory occupied by Russians’

www.theguardian.com

 

[Stella123]

"By Wednesday it was clear that despite Rubio’s optimism, Putin intended to secure maximum advantage from talks over a ceasefire, even a preliminary and brief one.

“It is difficult for Putin to agree to this in its current form,” a senior Kremlin source said, adding: “Putin has a strong position because Russia is advancing.

“So yes, we are in favour of a truce with both hands, but we need at least framework guarantees and at least from the United States,” the source said.

The reality is that despite Russia’s heavy combat losses, damage to its economy, and diplomatic isolation, it believes it is winning the war.

It sees a ceasefire as benefiting Ukraine,..."

What leverage does Trump have over Putin in Ukraine negotiations?

The Russian president remains unwavering in his demands, making wider sanctions and tariffs ineffective

www.theguardian.com

 

[Stella123]

"
Speaking to reporters inside the Oval Office, Trump says that penalties for Russia could be "devastating" if they opt to continue the war.

"There are things you can do that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense. I can do things financially," Trump says.

"It would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that, because I want to get peace."

Those "financial things" could be "devastating" for Moscow, he adds.

"We're getting close to maybe getting something [on Ukraine] done," Trump tells reporters, noting that he believes the once "difficult" Ukrainian side has changed their mindset.

"I had somebody [Zelensky] that didn't seem to want peace. Now he's agreed to peace," Trump goes. "So we'll see."

The president declines to assess the potential for a deal, but says he believes "it makes sense for Russia and adds "we've also discussed land"."

Putin 'makes first visit to Kursk since Ukraine incursion' ahead of US-Russia talks

Kyiv has called on Moscow to respond to the proposed ceasefire - the Kremlin says it is waiting to be briefed by the US.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Stella123]

What "financial things" is Trump talking about? Are there really any strong sanctions he could make against Russia that would make any difference? JMO

 

[Rolypolyoly]

"
Speaking to reporters inside the Oval Office, Trump says that penalties for Russia could be "devastating" if they opt to continue the war.

"There are things you can do that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense. I can do things financially," Trump says.

"It would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that, because I want to get peace."

Those "financial things" could be "devastating" for Moscow, he adds.

"We're getting close to maybe getting something [on Ukraine] done," Trump tells reporters, noting that he believes the once "difficult" Ukrainian side has changed their mindset.

"I had somebody [Zelensky] that didn't seem to want peace. Now he's agreed to peace," Trump goes. "So we'll see."

The president declines to assess the potential for a deal, but says he believes "it makes sense for Russia and adds "we've also discussed land"."

Putin 'makes first visit to Kursk since Ukraine incursion' ahead of US-Russia talks

Kyiv has called on Moscow to respond to the proposed ceasefire - the Kremlin says it is waiting to be briefed by the US.

www.bbc.co.uk

"I had somebody that didn't seem to want peace"

Yeah, Putin!

 

[Stella123]

Arrested captain of ship involved in North Sea crash is Russian national​

2h•
3 min read

View attachment 570387

MSN

From your link also

"It has also emerged that the Solong failed steering-related safety checks last year.

Port state control (PSC) inspection documents from July last year show how officials warned that the ship's "emergency steering position communications/compass reading" was "not readable".


It was among 10 issues highlighted during an inspection by Irish officials of the Portuguese-flagged ship.

Other issues included the alarms being "inadequate", survival craft not being properly maintained and fire doors "not as required".

Another inspection, this time in Scotland in October 2024, found two issues with the Solong.

One of these was related to lifebuoys, warning they were "not properly marked".
BBC article also says it's common for merchant ships to be crewed by Russians and Filipinos

"
Whitehall sources have told the BBC there were Russians and Filipinos among the crew of the Solong.

It is quite common for the global shipping industry to use crews from these two countries.

So it could just be a badly maintained vessel with safety issues and alcohol. Drunken Russian sailors are quite common in Hull! Assume they will be testing them for drugs and alcohol. JMO

On the other hand, the Stena was a US ship carrying aircraft fuel .... and I saw it reported that Radio 4 said a member of the crew had died some time before the crash and been buried at sea - but I can't find a link for that. So if that is true, it does perhaps look a bit suspicious. JMO

 

[Sundog]

What "financial things" is Trump talking about? Are there really any strong sanctions he could make against Russia that would make any difference? JMO

Perhaps we'll soon see as negotiations continue.

 

[JennieM]

A Trump-Putin pact is emerging – and Europe is its target​

Rafael Behr

US betrayal of Ukraine is the rehearsal for a grander bargain with Moscow and an assault on continental solidarity

Wed 12 Mar 2025 06.00 GMT

“He’s doing excellent things,” says a firebrand politician on the panel, before listing White House actions that have belittled Volodymyr Zelenskyy and weakened his battlefield position – military aid suspended; satellite communications obstructed; intelligence withheld. “Do we support this?” It is a rhetorical question.

“We support it all. Absolutely,” the celebrity host responds. “We are thrilled by everything Trump is doing.”

Such approval might not be out of place on polemical rightwing channels in the US, but these exchanges weren’t broadcast to American audiences. The show’s anchor is Olga Skabeyeva, one of Vladimir Putin’s most dependable propagandists. To hear the highest pitch of praise for Trump’s bullying of Ukraine you need to watch Russia’s state-controlled Channel One.

[…]

The proposed model, unnamed but also unhidden, is partition. Washington gets access to Ukrainian mineral resources. Moscow gets a fat slice of Ukraine. Russia and America reset diplomatic relations and renew commercial ties without any of the old fuss around rule of law and human rights – an oligarch entente.

[…]

This is the subtext of negotiations to end the war that Putin started and that Trump wants to end without regard for justice. They are rehearsing a shared agenda through the proxy of partitioning Ukraine, exploring the scope of a partnership that has a deeper foundation than America’s former allies want to admit. It might not come to fruition. Trump is easily distracted, but also easily bought and Russia has put a predatory joint venture on the table. Europe is the prey.

A Trump-Putin pact is emerging – and Europe is its target | Rafael Behr

US betrayal of Ukraine is the rehearsal for a grander bargain with Moscow and an assault on continental solidarity, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr

www.theguardian.com

 

[JennieM]

Russia continues to push towards Sumy region - Ukraine official
​

IMAGE SOURCE, STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE OF UKRAINE
Image caption,
Ukrainian authorities released images of a drone strike in Sumy earlier this week

We've had an update about ongoing attempts by Russian forces to cross into Ukraine's north-eastern Sumy region.

Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for Ukraine's State Border Service, says some 20 Russian servicemen have been killed in the area.

"Trying to push the Ukrainian defence forces out of Kursk Region, the Russians are waging dozens of assaults at Ukrainian positions," Demchenko told Ukrainian media.

"They are trying to encircle our forces in Kursk Region or cut logistics routes.

"Now we are registering attempts to cross the border by small enemy assault groups, two or three, sometimes five servicemen, whose task is to penetrate our territory as deep as possible, build up their presence, dig in and expand an area of military actions there."

Putin 'makes first visit to Kursk since Ukraine incursion' ahead of US-Russia talks

Kyiv has called on Moscow to respond to the proposed ceasefire - the Kremlin says it is waiting to be briefed by the US.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[JennieM]

Giving up territories would be 'unacceptable', says Ukrainian military leader
​

A UAV squad team leader in the Ukrainian army has told the BBC the ceasefire plan is "a good idea," but he is worried about the deal's conditions.

Speaking to the BBC World Service's Outside Source programme Anton, who is currently fighting in the Donbas region, says "it seems like we are being forced to give up on our territories, which is unacceptable to me".

"We will never trust Russia to respect a ceasefire," he says.

"To put it as a boxing analogy, this is the tenth round. Both of the boxers are worn out, but we still have the 11th and 12th round in front of us. Everybody is so tired, but we know that we have to carry on just to get to the finish."

Putin 'makes first visit to Kursk since Ukraine incursion' ahead of US-Russia talks

Kyiv has called on Moscow to respond to the proposed ceasefire - the Kremlin says it is waiting to be briefed by the US.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[JennieM]

UK expels Russian diplomat as embassy tensions deepen​

IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS

The UK has expelled a Russian diplomat and a Russian diplomatic spouse from the country in retaliation to a similar move by Moscow.

The Foreign Office said it had summoned Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin and told him "the UK will not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families".

Earlier, the UK condemned the expulsion of a British diplomat and a diplomatic spouse, saying: "The accusations made against these individuals are entirely false, fabricated in order to justify their increasing harassment of UK diplomats.

"It is clear that the Russian state is actively seeking to drive the British Embassy in Moscow towards closure and has no regard for the dangerous escalatory impact of this."

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) had accused the diplomat and diplomatic spouse of "intelligence and subversive work" and ordered them to leave Russia within two weeks.

Last month, the UK expelled a Russian diplomat - an action taken in response to Moscow's expulsion of a British diplomat in November 2024.

Putin 'makes first visit to Kursk since Ukraine incursion' ahead of US-Russia talks

Kyiv has called on Moscow to respond to the proposed ceasefire - the Kremlin says it is waiting to be briefed by the US.

www.bbc.co.uk