Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[LovesPeace2]

Oh God - I truly HOPE NOT!!! Should I get prepared to leave??

I think either way most of the country's around will be screwed either way. If Russia takes Ukraine Polands next and if NATO steps they are next.thanks to USA/ trump they made things so much worse when Trump started sticking his nose into it. I'm sorry niner I wish I could be more positive about this whole thing . I keep hoping someone would get rid of Putin for years but hasn't happened yet but there's always hope jmvho

 

[Arkay]

I will definitely do this "go Bag"! Thank you for that suggestion!

Where would I go - probably to Sweden - if they are not involved. My sister & her husband live there - plus that is where my parents escaped to in 1944 when the Russian Soviet invaded back then. But they took a small fishing boat - hoping for a plane.

I have dual citizenship - U.S. & Latvian. I could always go to the U.S. Embassy here also - and "see" what they have planned for U.S. citizens if Russia invades. No real "attachments" here. Well, my bro lives here too - but I don't think he would leave - maybe for awhile - but who knows - I shall have to ask him - what he plans on doing IF that happens!

Unfortunately I live in the capital of Latvia - in Riga - and you know they will bomb this first! If not the borders on the East.

And thanks for that HUG! Much needed!



Thanks for that HUG! And yes - hoping everything will settle down - and "someone" stops this war in Ukraine!! It probably won't be trump....

Dear @Niner,

You are probably asleep, as it’s a bit after 11 PM here in NYC, and Google tells me it’s therefore a bit past 6 AM in Riga.

IMO you are a very valued member here at WS, and I think we all see the effort you put into the copious reports you’ve provided on so many forums.

My neighborhood has been filled with Russians, Ukranians, Georgians and many others who’ve fled either the U.S.S.R. or the Russia under Putin. (My grandparents fled Czar Nicholas II, which is how my parents and then I were born in NYC).

It is painful to think that you are so geographically near to this monstrous, vile autocrat that you literally need to plan an escape, if necessary.

Obviously you have reasons to not want to leave your home, but I can say that everyone I know from that area who's fled to the U.S. is very happy to be in America.

It’s wonderful that you’re a U.S. citizen and fluent in English. If you did come to America that would all be much easier for you.

Again I just feel for you, how authentic and substantial a threat there is for you living so near to Russia.

Wishing you peace and safety... (a potential choice)!

 

[PommyMommy]

I had a good and honest conversation with the President of Finland @AlexStubb.

We discussed many issues, including preparations for our next joint steps and our response to possible Russian provocations in the near future.

I informed about the battlefield situation and our need for air defense systems. We will achieve a just and sustainable peace when Ukraine receives strong support packages, and Russia faces strong sanctions in response to further dragging this war on.

We also focused on our relations with the United States and the American proposal for an unconditional ceasefire — a proposal to which Russia has been saying “no” for 36 days. Only principled actions can turn such disregard for diplomacy into a path toward peace.

Thank you, Alexander, for your support, your advice, and your readiness to do everything possible to achieve a dignified peace.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912528938355523794

Today, we had in-depth discussions with our diplomats about the weeks ahead — possible meetings here, in Europe, our work with the U.S., and our relations with other countries — with all countries which are strong enough to truly influence diplomacy.

In every part of the world, it must be equally clear that the cause of this war lies solely with Russia. The root of it sits there — in Moscow, in the Kremlin. That is why there is still no ceasefire — let alone anything more.

It is now 36 days since the United States proposed a full and unconditional halt to strikes — in the air, at sea, and on land. Ukraine accepted the proposal immediately — over a month ago. Russia continues to ignore it — and still feels no consequences. That is the key problem.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912588053689868770

 

[Niner]

snipped...
Obviously you have reasons to not want to leave your home, but I can say that everyone I know from that area who's fled to the U.S. is very happy to be in America.

It’s wonderful that you’re a U.S. citizen and fluent in English. If you did come to America that would all be much easier for you.

Yes - I was asleep at 6am!

And thank you for your post.

Just so you know - I lived in the U.S. for almost 65 years - but in 2016 my husband died & I couldn't afford California any more. My parents had an apt. building here in Riga - and it was a lot cheaper than California - so I moved here - been here 9 years come November. I have plans to go to Sweden where my sister & her husband live - IF there is a war here. Putting together my "go bag"!

and @LovesPeace2 - thank you for your post too! Yeah - I thought they would get rid of Putin a while back too....

 

[nhmemorymaker]

APR 15, 2025

Bloomberg: Putin signals he will continue killing Ukrainians until he gets what he wants despite Trump's peace efforts - Euromaidan Press

The envoy's suggestion that Ukraine must accept territorial concessions and abandon NATO aspirations after the meeting with the Russian ruler.

euromaidanpress.com

A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed 34 people, including two children and injured over 100, has underscored how little progress US President Donald Trump is making in ending the war he claimed he could quickly resolve, according to Bloomberg.

Just two days prior to the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg—their third meeting since February.

While European leaders swiftly condemned the assault, Trump’s response was muted. He called the strike “horrible,” and added, “I was told they made a mistake,” while not blaming Russia for this unprecendent attack.

Russia’s Z graffiti is marking the West for Putin's next war

From NATO sites to Holocaust memorials, Russia’s war symbols stain 15 countries — probing where its missiles might strike next.

euromaidanpress.com

By targeting Holocaust memorials, Ukrainian monuments, and national messaging, the Kremlin not only seeks to provoke outrage but to blur the lines between victim and aggressor, liberator and occupier — a classic disinformation tactic used to fracture collective memory and political clarity.

One of the most disturbing patterns in Russia’s visual propaganda campaign abroad is the systematic defacement of Holocaust memorials — weaponizing World War II memory, which is central to Russia’s propaganda framing of its invasion as “de-Nazification.” This way, Moscow twists history to justify aggression, blur moral boundaries, and recast itself as a liberator rather than the perpetrator of a new war.

WP: Trump administration proposes ending NATO funding - Euromaidan Press

The proposed elimination of U.S. support for NATO comes as the alliance faces unprecedented challenges from Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine and threats to European stability.

euromaidanpress.com

The US President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed halting funding for NATO, The Washington Post reports, citing an internal document obtained by the outlet.

The US’s funding of NATO is crucial in the face of Russia’s threats to Ukraine, the EU, and other global security challenges. Its support helps deter Russian aggression by ensuring NATO remains a credible and unified military alliance, capable of responding to any hostile actions. This funding is also vital for supporting Ukraine, as NATO has pledged billions in security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself and maintain regional stability.

The document recommends that the State Department further reduce expenditures, including funding for the UN and other international organizations.

North Korean artillery now dominates Russia's ammunition supply in war against Ukraine, investigation says

The majority of artillery shells used by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2024 were manufactured in North Korea, according to a joint investigation by Reuters and the Open Source Center (OPS), published on April 15.

kyivindependent.com

North Korea has become a key military ally of Russia, supplying artillery shells, missiles, and reportedly even soldiers in exchange for oil products and advanced rocket technology.

Internal technical reports from Russia’s Defense Ministry, obtained by investigators, indicate that in some Russian military units, between 75% and 100% of artillery shells are North Korean-made. Overall, North Korea is providing roughly half of all artillery shells used by Russian troops, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), as cited by Reuters.

There are so many excellent points here, but I just want to bring one paragraph to the forefront...

One of the most disturbing patterns in Russia’s visual propaganda campaign abroad is the systematic defacement of Holocaust memorials — weaponizing World War II memory, which is central to Russia’s propaganda framing of its invasion as “de-Nazification.” This way, Moscow twists history to justify aggression, blur moral boundaries, and recast itself as a liberator rather than the perpetrator of a new war.

This is just such a major premise of the fascism playbook.... Erase History.
Some bits are subtle and some are not... But this is EXACTLY what tRump is working on. He has gotten away with rewriting the past and his Base is all in with this premise.
Who is going to remember impeachments and felony charges in the future? So so much depends on getting his out.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Yes - I was asleep at 6am!

And thank you for your post.

Just so you know - I lived in the U.S. for almost 65 years - but in 2016 my husband died & I couldn't afford California any more. My parents had an apt. building here in Riga - and it was a lot cheaper than California - so I moved here - been here 9 years come November. I have plans to go to Sweden where my sister & her husband live - IF there is a war here. Putting together my "go bag"!

and @LovesPeace2 - thank you for your post too! Yeah - I thought they would get rid of Putin a while back too....

Have you heard anything from neighbors and acquaintances. Is the tension increasing? I just wondered what others ae thinking, and if they have any "to go" options.
I just cannot imagine living SOOO close to the Russian borders..

 

[Lilibet]

This particular article posted by @PommyMommy gave me chills. It shows that there people who are pro-Russia doing these “Z” graffiti in a number of lands. It mentioned Riga several times @Niner. Have you seen these?

Russia’s Z graffiti is marking the West for Putin's next war

From NATO sites to Holocaust memorials, Russia’s war symbols stain 15 countries — probing where its missiles might strike next.

euromaidanpress.com

 

[Niner]

This particular article posted by @PommyMommy gave me chills. It shows that there people who are pro-Russia doing these “Z” graffiti in a number of lands. It mentioned Riga several times @Niner. Have you seen these?

Russia’s Z graffiti is marking the West for Putin's next war

From NATO sites to Holocaust memorials, Russia’s war symbols stain 15 countries — probing where its missiles might strike next.

euromaidanpress.com

Mostly they all seem nonchalant about the war coming close. In fact I was at a bar last night playing Bingo - and the crowd I would say was in their 20s to mid 30s. Everyone having a good time. But I think the "older" generation that lived in the Soviet times are a bit nervous. Some friends that live near the Baltic Sea are "prepared" for what ever happens.

I heard about this one (on Latvian news channel) - sometimes they talk too fast for me to keep up! LOL!
from your article:
In Riga, Latvia, vandals repeatedly spray-painted the pro-war “Z” and “Russia” on the Biķernieki memorial, a mass grave for Jews murdered by the Nazis.

 

[LovesPeace2]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912799787293827418

Odesa was also struck by drones. Three people were wounded. Residential buildings, a pharmacy, and a church were damaged. The Sumy region came under aerial bomb attacks, while Kharkiv and Donetsk regions were hit by Russian ballistic missiles.

 

[LovesPeace2]

 

[LovesPeace2]

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Already the third winter of the full-scale war we all managed to pass without blackout, all together. It was difficult, there were many threats, blackouts, losses. But Ukraine has preserved its energy system - a united, working one. And this is an extremely important achievement of our people, the people. Many of the people who protect power plants, restore them after strikes, repair – and even under shelling – build what is needed to protect, keep power plants running, the grids – of all our energy. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have tried so that Ukraine does not lose energy.

Sure, that doesn't mean the threat is gone. We know what Russia is preparing for. There is data from our intelligence services, from intelligence. Now - and on the eve of Easter, and after that - possible new strikes of Russia. We will continue to protect our country, our energy. But this protection is not only in PPO rockets, not only military provides it. Everyone who works honestly and efficiently in every community, in every of our region, - all of us are grateful for Ukraine with light, Ukraine is restored.

Thanked today for this to our energy workers and celebrated with state awards.

——

It is already the third winter of the full-scale war that we have endured—without blackouts, all of us, together. It has been difficult; there have been many threats, outages, and losses. But Ukraine has preserved its energy system—unified and functioning. And this is an extremely important achievement of our people—of the people themselves.

Many individuals who defend energy facilities, restore them after strikes, carry out repairs, and even under fire, build what is needed for protection, and ensure the functioning of power plants and grids—our entire energy sector. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians did their best to prevent Ukraine from losing its energy supply.

Of course, this does not mean that the threat is gone. We know what Russia is preparing for. We have data from our special services, from our intelligence. Now — both ahead of Easter and after it — new Russian strikes are possible. We will continue defending our country, our energy sector. But this defense is not only about air defense missiles; it is not ensured by the military alone. All those who work conscientiously and diligently in every community, in every region of our state, we are grateful to all of you for ensuring that Ukraine has light and Ukraine is recovering.

Today, I thanked our energy workers for this and presented them with state awards.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

@LovesPeace2

At first I didn't think I could understand it.
But it has english subtitles so thank you so much for posting it.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 17, 2025

Putin praises Musk as visionary, likens him to Soviet-era space icon Korolov

"You know, there is such a person, he lives in the States, (Elon) Musk, who, you could say, raves about Mars," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

kyivindependent.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 16 lauded U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk as a trailblazing visionary, comparing him to legendary Ukraine-born Soviet rocket scientist Serhii Korolov during a speech at Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

The Kremlin has been intensifying its outreach to Musk. In March, Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund and a key Kremlin envoy in talks with the U.S., proposed that Moscow supply nuclear power technology for Musk's Mars missions.

Trump's DC attorney pick made over 150 appearances on Kremlin propaganda outlets

U.S. President Donald Trump's candidate for U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, frequently offered views on RT and Sputnik that aligned with Kremlin narratives, including echoing Moscow's grievances about NATO and the war against Ukraine.

kyivindependent.com

U.S. President Donald Trump's candidate for the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, appeared more than 150 times on Russian state-run propaganda outlets RT and Sputnik between 2016 and 2024, the Washington Post reported on April 16.

Martin frequently offered views on RT and Sputnik that aligned with Kremlin narratives, including echoing Moscow's grievances about NATO and the war against Ukraine. His media presence included appearances as recently as 2024.

In early 2022, nine days before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Martin told RT's global network there was "no evidence" of a troop buildup on Ukraine's border and accused U.S. officials of ignoring Russia's security concerns.

Kremlin to reportedly use seized US food company to supply Russian military

Glavproduct, a canned food producer originally founded by Los Angeles-based businessman Leonid Smirnov, is the only U.S. company to fall under Russian state control since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

kyivindependent.com

The Kremlin plans to use the American-owned food company Glavproduct, which it seized in October 2024, to supply canned goods to Russia's military, Reuters reported on April 17, citing internal documents.

Glavproduct, a canned food producer originally founded by Los Angeles-based businessman Leonid Smirnov, is the only U.S. company to fall under Russian state control since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

Finland investigating attempt to smuggle sensitive nuclear documents to Russia

"The preliminary investigation has focused on a significant number of archive documents that were attempted to be taken to Russia," the Finnish Customs Economic Crime Investigation Unit said in a statement.

kyivindependent.com

Finnish Customs is investigating a suspected attempt to violate EU sanctions after discovering nearly 30 boxes of sensitive documents related to nuclear power plant construction that were allegedly bound for Russia, Finnish authorities said on April 17.

Authorities declined to disclose further details but confirmed that the suspect is the managing director of a Finnish construction company linked to the project.

 

[Arkay]

Yes - I was asleep at 6am!

And thank you for your post.

Just so you know - I lived in the U.S. for almost 65 years - but in 2016 my husband died & I couldn't afford California any more. My parents had an apt. building here in Riga - and it was a lot cheaper than California - so I moved here - been here 9 years come November. I have plans to go to Sweden where my sister & her husband live - IF there is a war here. Putting together my "go bag"!

and @LovesPeace2 - thank you for your post too! Yeah - I thought they would get rid of Putin a while back too....

Aha! I didn’t know this, clearly!

My maternal grandmother was a Litvak Jew, which I know means she has ancestry from Latvia, so I’ve always had a fondness for the country. Although she was actually born in Czarist Russia in what would now be Belarus. And her husband whom she met in NYC was from Odessa, so that’s part of me, as well.

Putin is another in a long line of various menaces ruling Russia. Of course being a nuclear country, he has more power to destroy the world than many of his predecessors, especially before it was the U.S.S.R.

I think all the Baltics must be so tense right now.

JMO

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 17, 2025

Putin failed to seize Ukraine. Then Russian fakes hit the White House

Putin failed to conquer Ukraine, so he targeted U.S. minds — using cheap, viral fakes to sway Trump allies and weaken Western resolve.

euromaidanpress.com

“Ukraine has started the war.” “Russia lost 60 million soldiers in WWII.” “Zelensky has 4% of support.” These aren’t random internet conspiracies — they’re carefully crafted falsehoods recently echoed from the White House itself, the culmination of Moscow’s billion-dollar disinformation bet.

While tanks roll through Ukraine, Russia’s most devastating weapon — “reflexive control” — has penetrated America’s highest office. Crafting perceptions to steer decisions in Moscow’s favor, this strategic manipulation now haunts Western capitals, potentially determining whether democracies stand or fall.

Russian ruble becomes top-performing currency amid Trump trade war, peace hopes

According to Bloomberg's calculations, the ruble has appreciated by 38% against the dollar in the over-the-counter market since the start of the year, outpacing gold's 23% rise.

kyivindependent.com

The Russian ruble has posted the world's strongest gains against the U.S. dollar in 2025, surpassing traditional safe-haven assets like gold, Bloomberg reported on April 15.

According to Bloomberg's calculations, the ruble has appreciated by 38% against the dollar in the over-the-counter market since the start of the year, outpacing gold's 23% rise.

The surge comes amid a combination of domestic policy measures, a weakening dollar driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's new trade war, and renewed speculation about a potential peace deal in Ukraine.

Russia violates Trump's "energy ceasefire" more than 30 times - Euromaidan Press

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says three recent Russian attacks damaged power infrastructure in Mykolaiv and Kherson. Russia has also breached a separate maritime truce in the Black Sea.

euromaidanpress.com

Russian forces have systematically violated the “energy ceasefire” pushed for by the US with more than thirty documented incidents, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for Kyiv-Moscow peace talks, allegedly to end the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. A partial energy ceasefire, reportedly in place since 25 March, followed a 30-day pause on energy strikes agreed to by Vladimir Putin during an 18 March call with Trump and included a maritime truce in the Black Sea. The Trump administration announced a deal, but Russia later demanded sanctions relief, and did not officially confirm the ceasefire.

US to hold talks on Ukraine with Kyiv's European allies - Euromaidan Press

Trump's Witkoff and Rubio are meeting European officials in Paris reportedly to discuss Russia-Ukraine war resolution strategies on 17 April.

euromaidanpress.com

Ukraine’s foreign and defense ministers have already arrived in the French capital to participate in the discussions, which represents the highest level of transatlantic engagement about the war since February, according to BBC.

European diplomats told BBC they plan to urge the United States to apply greater pressure on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

“We want the US to use a bit more stick,” one official said.

 

[Niner]

had to look that up @Arkay

Are Latvian Jews Litvaks?
Within the empire and afterward, Lithuanian Jews remained a distinct group known as Litvaks. The vast territory where they lived included areas of northeastern Poland and areas of Belarus, Latvia, and Prussia.

My parents escaped the Soviet army in 1944 in small fishing boat cross the Baltic Sea & landed on Gotland Island.

 

[Arkay]

had to look that up @Arkay

Are Latvian Jews Litvaks?
Within the empire and afterward, Lithuanian Jews remained a distinct group known as Litvaks. The vast territory where they lived included areas of northeastern Poland and areas of Belarus, Latvia, and Prussia.

My parents escaped the Soviet army in 1944 in small fishing boat cross the Baltic Sea & landed on Gotland Island.

I’m wrong about a lot of things today! Here I’ve thought all along I’m Latvian

 

[LovesPeace2]

I posted this on the tariff side but I should of posted this here.but ummmmm hell no. Ovechkin needs to stay in his lane or go back to Russia. Trump is probably gunna cry to betman for this

https://viral.cafex.biz/posts/russian-superstar-alexander-ovechkin-shocked-world-submitting-request-international-ice-hockey-federation-iihf-allow-russia-participate-five-nations-tournament-tying-legendary-wayne-record-duong123?fbclid=IwY2xjawJt6xVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHj9wsg-mleNqv1X59JW5dAAckFg_uxaBJLuo8X0WTQlnYBqTflYNEFEiyLAz_aem_Iddnr3d90EUOWzlCu4RM3Q

As Ovechkin celebrated this achievement, marking yet another moment in his already illustrious career, he shocked the world by submitting a formal request to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), asking for permission for Russia to participate in the prestigious 2026 Five Nations Tournament

 

[tarabull]

In defense of Ukraine Anonymous has exposed 10TB of data from Russia...fwiw

 

[LovesPeace2]

BREAKING: China provides weapons to Russia, Zelensky says

"Today we have general information from the Security Service (of Ukraine), from intelligence about gunpowder, artillery," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

kyivindependent.com

China is supplying weapons to Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 17, days after Ukrainian soldiers captured Chinese nationals fighting for Russia's army.