Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15
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"that’s what Putin did for the whole of his professional career, he sought to subvert people, turn them to his will.
“If he wanted to do that now, what more could he possibly ask of Trump than what Trump is doing?”
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - msn
Ukraine is apparently 2.5 times bigger than the Uk, about the same size as France, about 1.2 times bigger than Spain and almost the size of Texas. MOO
How big is Ukraine compared to the US, UK and Texas | Echo
Ukraine, the second-largest country in Europe after Russia, has long been recognized for its vibrant history, lush landscapes, and diverse culture.
echoglobal.tech
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Letters of credence were presented by the new ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Guatemala, who have begun their missions in Ukraine.
We discussed important bilateral matters, and we look forward to strengthening cooperation between our countries and taking joint steps toward bringing peace closer for Ukraine.
Today, we held meetings focused on diplomatic efforts. I spoke with Rustem Umerov. Yesterday there was a meeting with the U.S. team. Today, U.S. representatives spoke with the war team—that is, with representatives of Russia. After that, another meeting took place between the Ukrainian and American teams. I’m expecting a new report soon.
What we need is movement toward real peace—toward guaranteed security. And this is something we all need—in Ukraine, in Europe, in America, and across the world—everyone who wants stability in international relations.
Russia remains the only actor dragging this war out, jeering at both our people and the global community. To push Russia toward peace, we need strong moves and strong actions.
We are ready to support every strong initiative that can make diplomacy more effective—and that means applying pressure to force Russia to want to end this war. That means sanctions. That means support for Ukraine. That means international coordination.
This week, we’re also preparing substantive work with our European partners on concrete steps on security—joint steps. A significant part of Europe is ready for concrete security work — and that’s a good thing.
I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine.
We discussed important bilateral matters, and we look forward to strengthening cooperation between our countries and taking joint steps toward bringing peace closer for Ukraine.
Today, we held meetings focused on diplomatic efforts. I spoke with Rustem Umerov. Yesterday there was a meeting with the U.S. team. Today, U.S. representatives spoke with the war team—that is, with representatives of Russia. After that, another meeting took place between the Ukrainian and American teams. I’m expecting a new report soon.
What we need is movement toward real peace—toward guaranteed security. And this is something we all need—in Ukraine, in Europe, in America, and across the world—everyone who wants stability in international relations.
Russia remains the only actor dragging this war out, jeering at both our people and the global community. To push Russia toward peace, we need strong moves and strong actions.
We are ready to support every strong initiative that can make diplomacy more effective—and that means applying pressure to force Russia to want to end this war. That means sanctions. That means support for Ukraine. That means international coordination.
This week, we’re also preparing substantive work with our European partners on concrete steps on security—joint steps. A significant part of Europe is ready for concrete security work — and that’s a good thing.
I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine.
Parts of Russia are on the European continent, parts of it are in Asia. But Russia isn't generally seen as "European" politically or otherwise.
Is Russia In Europe Or Asia?
Explore Russia's geographic and cultural identity across Europe and Asia by examining historical background and geographical boundaries.
www.worldatlas.com
Russia ceased to be European in 1237 after the Mongol invasion apparently. JMO
Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus' - Wikipedia
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strategically, why does the US need more than an air force base?
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MAR 24, 2025
www.understandingwar.org
Key Takeaways:
Russia continues to persecute religious minorities, especially Evangelical Christian communities in occupied Kherson Oblast as part of a wider campaign in occupied Ukraine aimed at destroying independent Ukrainian national and religious identities. The Ukrainian Resistance Center reported on March 23 that Russian occupation officials are forcibly converting and reconsecrating Ukrainian churches into the Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (ROC MP) in occupied Kherson Oblast.[25] The Ukrainian Resistance Center reported that ROC MP priests watch Russian occupation officials torture Ukrainian Protestant Christian believers and force Ukrainian children to pray for the "Russkiy Mir" (Russian World) — a Kremlin-promoted geopolitical concept with amorphous parameters that broadly encompasses Russian language, culture, Orthodoxy, and media. ISW has previously reported on Russia's religious oppression in occupied Ukraine, including arbitrary detention and assassinations of Ukrainian clergy or religious leaders and the looting, desecration, and deliberate destruction of places of worship.[26] ISW has also reported at length on Russia's systematic repression of Ukrainian Orthodox communities and other religious minorities, particularly Ukrainian Protestants and Baptists who have faced Russian brutality and other repressions throughout southern Ukraine.[27]
Institute for the Study of War
US and Russian delegations met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 24 following US–Ukrainian talks on March 23 about the details of temporary ceasefires on long-range strikes and in the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on March 23 t
- US and Russian delegations met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 24 following US–Ukrainian talks on March 23 about the details of temporary ceasefires on long-range strikes and in the Black Sea.
- Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Demidovka along the international border in northwestern Belgorod Oblast amid ongoing Ukrainian attacks in the area.
- The Kremlin is recirculating existing narratives aimed at undermining support for Ukraine amid the negotiations in Riyadh and likely remains uninterested in conducting meaningful negotiations to end the war.
- Russia continues to persecute religious minorities, especially Evangelical Christian communities in occupied Kherson Oblast as part of a wider campaign in occupied Ukraine aimed at destroying independent Ukrainian national and religious identities.
- Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Belgorod Oblast and near Toretsk and Pokrovsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.
- Russian forces are reportedly failing to adequately provision first person view (FPV) drone units amid ongoing efforts to centralize Russian drone operations under the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD).
Russia continues to persecute religious minorities, especially Evangelical Christian communities in occupied Kherson Oblast as part of a wider campaign in occupied Ukraine aimed at destroying independent Ukrainian national and religious identities. The Ukrainian Resistance Center reported on March 23 that Russian occupation officials are forcibly converting and reconsecrating Ukrainian churches into the Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (ROC MP) in occupied Kherson Oblast.[25] The Ukrainian Resistance Center reported that ROC MP priests watch Russian occupation officials torture Ukrainian Protestant Christian believers and force Ukrainian children to pray for the "Russkiy Mir" (Russian World) — a Kremlin-promoted geopolitical concept with amorphous parameters that broadly encompasses Russian language, culture, Orthodoxy, and media. ISW has previously reported on Russia's religious oppression in occupied Ukraine, including arbitrary detention and assassinations of Ukrainian clergy or religious leaders and the looting, desecration, and deliberate destruction of places of worship.[26] ISW has also reported at length on Russia's systematic repression of Ukrainian Orthodox communities and other religious minorities, particularly Ukrainian Protestants and Baptists who have faced Russian brutality and other repressions throughout southern Ukraine.[27]
I wanted to see Lake Baikal but supposedly it is polluted and the tourist possibilities in Russia do not seem to be existent now or at any time in the near future. Read lots of Russian literature as a student- when the Russian royals admired France.... Also looked at a lot of pictures of Ukrainian architecture and parks before they were bombed... they looked very nice.
This is one of the Russian negotiators.
"Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov described Beseda as “a very problematic person for Ukraine.”
"Beseda has been a career intelligence officer for most of his life, beginning his work in the FSB predecessor — Soviet KGB.
He led the 5th Service for 15 years, taking office in 2009 and being ousted in 2024.
Beseda’s name made headlines in 2014. He was present in Kyiv from Feb. 20 to 21, during the bloodiest days of the EuroMaidan Revolution. Between Feb. 18 and 20, around 100 protestors were gunned down, and hundreds were injured by law enforcement loyal to pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych."
kyivindependent.com
"Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov described Beseda as “a very problematic person for Ukraine.”
"Beseda has been a career intelligence officer for most of his life, beginning his work in the FSB predecessor — Soviet KGB.
He led the 5th Service for 15 years, taking office in 2009 and being ousted in 2024.
Beseda’s name made headlines in 2014. He was present in Kyiv from Feb. 20 to 21, during the bloodiest days of the EuroMaidan Revolution. Between Feb. 18 and 20, around 100 protestors were gunned down, and hundreds were injured by law enforcement loyal to pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych."
Who is Sergey Beseda, Russian spy handler leading talks with US?
Sergey Beseda, former head of the 5th Service of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), was an unconventional choice to represent his country in the talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia on March 24. Seventy-year-old General Beseda, however, has been deeply involved in Russia’s all-out war against
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A home for the Golden Dome?
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MAR 24, 2025
kyivindependent.com
The Russian and U.S. delegations concluded talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 24. The parties talked for 12 hours with three breaks.
"The matter of the Black Sea Initiative and everything related to the initiative's renewal are on the agenda today," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Moscow unilaterally withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2023, but Ukraine has managed to reopen its shipping corridor through sustained missile and drone strikes against Russian naval forces.
kyivindependent.com
"We're talking about territory right now. We're talking about lines of demarcation, talking about power, power plant ownership. Some people are saying the United States should own the power plant...because we have the expertise," Trump said.
Trump did not specify which power plant he was talking about.
During the March 19 phone call, Trump suggested to Zelensky that the U.S. could be "very helpful in running the plants with its electricity and utility expertise" and that "American ownership of those plants would be the best protection," the White House said, without naming specific facilities.
kyivindependent.com
Over the years, observers have argued that Ukraine, under pressure from its international partners and a deteriorating situation on the battlefield, was forced to sign an unfavorable deal in 2014 and an even worse one in 2015.
Needing financial support from the West and time to build up its military, Ukraine felt it had no choice but to sign the agreements. The thinking at the time was, according to then-Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, “If we don’t sign (the agreements), then what are we going to do?”
With fresh memories of this failed peace process, President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated Ukraine would not accept a negotiated end to the invasion that does not contain firm security guarantees from partners.
Russia, US finish 12-hour-long negotiations in Saudi Arabia
The meeting, which came a day after talks between the U.S. and Ukraine, was expected to focus on Washington's push for a possible ceasefire in the Black Sea and a potential overall halt on military activity.
"The matter of the Black Sea Initiative and everything related to the initiative's renewal are on the agenda today," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Moscow unilaterally withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2023, but Ukraine has managed to reopen its shipping corridor through sustained missile and drone strikes against Russian naval forces.
Demarcation lines, ownership of Ukraine's power plant discussed in Saudi Arabia, Trump says
"Some people are saying the United States should own the power plant...because we have the expertise," Donald Trump said.
Trump did not specify which power plant he was talking about.
During the March 19 phone call, Trump suggested to Zelensky that the U.S. could be "very helpful in running the plants with its electricity and utility expertise" and that "American ownership of those plants would be the best protection," the White House said, without naming specific facilities.
What were the Minsk Agreements and why did they fail to bring peace in Ukraine?
Ten years after Kyiv and Moscow first negotiated a ceasefire to end the fighting in Ukraine’s east, the two sides may once again find themselves around the negotiating table to reach a truce on the battlefield. This time around, Kyiv insists that any ceasefire alone will not be enough
Needing financial support from the West and time to build up its military, Ukraine felt it had no choice but to sign the agreements. The thinking at the time was, according to then-Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, “If we don’t sign (the agreements), then what are we going to do?”
With fresh memories of this failed peace process, President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated Ukraine would not accept a negotiated end to the invasion that does not contain firm security guarantees from partners.
Perfect analogy that “certain leaders” in the U.S. are too deliberately or actually dumb to comprehend.
The pictures of the guardsman before and after are absolutely horrific. Even the most loyal Trump supporters must see that Russia is committing war crimes?!
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Morning opening: New group, who this?
Jakub Krupa
Look, we have all been there. Now and then, you get added to the wrong group on a messaging app (usually some spam), check your suspicions, leave it, and forget it.
It’s not quite the same, however, if you get added to a top-secret operational group by the US national security adviser alongside some of the most senior US administration officials, up to the level of the actual US vice-president, where they discuss strikes on another country on a commercial chat app.
Europe wakes up with astonishment to reports in the Atlantic – and the authenticity of the group confirmed by the White House – that “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans” on strikes against the Huthis in Yemen.
www.theguardian.com
There is a lot to be said about the foreign policy, intelligence implications of this highly-sensitive security leak, and we have key US reactions for you here.
www.theguardian.com
However, one other thing that stands out in the texts revealed by the Atlantic is genuine and visceral resentment against Europe among top US officials.
JD Vance, of the Munich speech fame, says how much he hates “bailing Europe again,” arguing that the strike and the unblocking of routes would benefit Europe most.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth joins in along similar lines: “I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC.”
Other officials discuss how they could claim the costs of the strike back from Europe, with “further economic gain extracted in return.”
The leak raises major questions about the safety of sharing intelligence with the US, how it’s handled, and who has access to sensitive information.
Allies will also no doubt take note of the fact that the group appears to have been created just as US envoy Steve Witkoff may have been, erm, literally at the Kremlin holding talks with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine. This prompts further concerns. I’m sure the Kremlin wifi has strong privacy protections, right?
The breach comes at a particularly sensitive time as Europe waits to learn what has come out of US talks with Russia in Riyadh, so we are unlikely to hear many public reactions to these comments from seething Europeans. (But, by all means, add me to your secret groups and let me know what you think, European diplomats!).
But first reactions from some of former leaders and diplomats give you an idea of what they may think.
Former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt noted that “in the amazing story of the Signal group coordinating Yemen air strikes, Vice President JD Vance once again comes out as driven by deep anti-European resentment.”
Former Polish ambassador to the US Marek Magierowski described the report simply as “chilling.” On Witkoff, he added: “Le Carré, Forsyth and Clancy together would not have come up with such an absurd scenario.”
It’s a long day ahead for us as we await update on US-Russia talks, and with the first sitting of the new German parliament, so let’s get going.
It’s Tuesday, 25 March 2025, and this is Europe live. It’s Jakub Krupa here.
Good morning.
www.theguardian.com
Jakub Krupa
Look, we have all been there. Now and then, you get added to the wrong group on a messaging app (usually some spam), check your suspicions, leave it, and forget it.
It’s not quite the same, however, if you get added to a top-secret operational group by the US national security adviser alongside some of the most senior US administration officials, up to the level of the actual US vice-president, where they discuss strikes on another country on a commercial chat app.
Europe wakes up with astonishment to reports in the Atlantic – and the authenticity of the group confirmed by the White House – that “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans” on strikes against the Huthis in Yemen.
White House inadvertently texted top-secret Yemen war plans to journalist
In extraordinary blunder top Trump cabinet members added Atlantic editor to chat discussing strikes on Houthis
There is a lot to be said about the foreign policy, intelligence implications of this highly-sensitive security leak, and we have key US reactions for you here.
Outrage after White House accidentally texts journalist war plans: ‘Huge screw-up’
Security leak triggers bipartisan anger after Atlantic reveals officials inadvertently broadcast highly sensitive military plans
JD Vance, of the Munich speech fame, says how much he hates “bailing Europe again,” arguing that the strike and the unblocking of routes would benefit Europe most.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth joins in along similar lines: “I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC.”
Other officials discuss how they could claim the costs of the strike back from Europe, with “further economic gain extracted in return.”
The leak raises major questions about the safety of sharing intelligence with the US, how it’s handled, and who has access to sensitive information.
Allies will also no doubt take note of the fact that the group appears to have been created just as US envoy Steve Witkoff may have been, erm, literally at the Kremlin holding talks with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine. This prompts further concerns. I’m sure the Kremlin wifi has strong privacy protections, right?
The breach comes at a particularly sensitive time as Europe waits to learn what has come out of US talks with Russia in Riyadh, so we are unlikely to hear many public reactions to these comments from seething Europeans. (But, by all means, add me to your secret groups and let me know what you think, European diplomats!).
But first reactions from some of former leaders and diplomats give you an idea of what they may think.
Former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt noted that “in the amazing story of the Signal group coordinating Yemen air strikes, Vice President JD Vance once again comes out as driven by deep anti-European resentment.”
Former Polish ambassador to the US Marek Magierowski described the report simply as “chilling.” On Witkoff, he added: “Le Carré, Forsyth and Clancy together would not have come up with such an absurd scenario.”
It’s a long day ahead for us as we await update on US-Russia talks, and with the first sitting of the new German parliament, so let’s get going.
It’s Tuesday, 25 March 2025, and this is Europe live. It’s Jakub Krupa here.
Good morning.
US putting ‘unacceptable’ pressure on Greenland with planned trip by Trump officials, Danish PM says – Europe live
Mette Frederiksen says trip by Usha Vance, Mike Waltz and Chris Wright is ‘clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs or wants’
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BBM The pot calling the kettle black. imo
Which "some people" would be saying that?
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If you are wondering where we are with US-led “shuttle diplomacy” on Ukraine, the latest update this morning said that Ukrainian and US officials were holding another round of talks this morning.
“We are still working with the Americans,” a member of the Ukrainian delegation told a small group of media including AFP.
This comes, as AFP noted, a day after 12 hours of talks between the US and Russian delegations on a partial ceasefire in Ukraine.
Russian media reported that a draft joint US-Russian statement had been sent to Moscow and Washington for approval, with the parties aiming to release it on Tuesday.
He has just said that Russia and the US are analysing the outcome of the talks before considering next steps as delegations reported back to their capitals, but – contrary to expectations – said the content of the discussions would not be published, Reuters reported.
Peskov added there were currently no plans for a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
“The talks are over. All details will be announced later,” the source told a small group of media, including AFP.
www.theguardian.com
“We are still working with the Americans,” a member of the Ukrainian delegation told a small group of media including AFP.
This comes, as AFP noted, a day after 12 hours of talks between the US and Russian delegations on a partial ceasefire in Ukraine.
Russian media reported that a draft joint US-Russian statement had been sent to Moscow and Washington for approval, with the parties aiming to release it on Tuesday.
Content of US-Russia talks not to be made public, Kremlin says
We are now hearing more from the Kremlin, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov offering an update on the talks.He has just said that Russia and the US are analysing the outcome of the talks before considering next steps as delegations reported back to their capitals, but – contrary to expectations – said the content of the discussions would not be published, Reuters reported.
Peskov added there were currently no plans for a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia have ended, source says
In the meantime, let’s get an update on the US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, with a source in Kyiv’s delegation telling reporters that they have now ended.“The talks are over. All details will be announced later,” the source told a small group of media, including AFP.
US putting ‘unacceptable’ pressure on Greenland with planned trip by Trump officials, Danish PM says – Europe live
Mette Frederiksen says trip by Usha Vance, Mike Waltz and Chris Wright is ‘clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs or wants’
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Well. A joint US-Russian statement.
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Aren't they forgetting someone?
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Russia demanded more Ukrainian territory during 12-hour peace talks with the US that appeared to end with no agreements on the table.
Russia does not fully control any of the regions, yet the government sources said the Kremlin hopes Washington will pressure Kyiv to withdraw all its troops from the partially-occupied territories.
Russia does not fully control any of the regions, yet the government sources said the Kremlin hopes Washington will pressure Kyiv to withdraw all its troops from the partially-occupied territories.
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