Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[sds71]

Pete Hegseth shared detailed information about forthcoming strikes in Yemen on March 15 in a private Signal group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer.The info included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets targeting the Houthis in Yemen. https://nytimes.com/2025/04/20/us/politics/hegseth-yemen-attack-second-signal-chat.html

 

[PommyMommy]

A report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi as of 8:00 p.m. on Easter Day.

As of this hour, since the beginning of the day, the Russian army has violated Putin’s ceasefire more than two thousand times. There have already been 67 Russian assaults against our positions across various directions, with the highest number in the Pokrovsk direction. There were a total of 1,355 cases of Russian shelling, 713 of which involved heavy weaponry. The Russians also used FPVs 673 times.

In practice, across all main frontline directions, Russia has failed to uphold its own promise of ceasefire. And almost an entire day wasn’t enough for Russia to respond to our Ukrainian proposal for a full ceasefire – starting now, from Easter, and lasting 30 days.

However, there were no air raid alerts today. Hence, this is a format of ceasefire that has been achieved and that is the easiest to extend. Ukraine proposes to cease any strikes using long-range drones and missiles on civilian infrastructure for a period of at least 30 days, with the possibility of extension. If Russia does not agree to such a step, it will be proof that it intends to continue doing only those things which destroy human lives and prolong the war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914022645160399147

Putin does not plan to extend Easter 'ceasefire,' Kremlin says. Russian President Vladimir Putin has given no orders to extend the so-called Easter truce beyond midnight on April 21, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the state news agency TASS.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1913990622345572812

In a post earlier on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald J. Trump states that he hopes Russia and Ukraine will “MAKE A DEAL THIS WEEK” before claiming that both will then start to do “BIG BUSINESS” with the United States.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914060248538632629

 

[Dotta]

From my country's MSM

"Consequences of Russia's attacks:​

Ukraine's gas reserves at 'historical low'.​

Ukrainians may be forced to import gas next winter due to record-low reserves,
said Serhiy Makohon, former head of the independent Operator HTS of Ukraine.

This is the result of Russian missile attacks
that damaged production facilities in the east of the country.

Ukraine faces a serious challenge of needing to import gas for the upcoming 2025-26 winter season.

The country may need to import as much as 6.3 billion cubic meters of gas
due to the 'lowest in history' reserves of this raw material.

It should be added
that after the talks that the United States held separately with the delegations of Ukraine and Russia on March 23-25 in Saudi Arabia,
it was announced that Kiev and Moscow had agreed to a complete ban
on carrying out attacks on each other's energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile,
the Ukrainian concern Naftogaz predicts the need to import a smaller amount,
amounting to 4.6 billion cubic meters.

Even this amount could cost Ukraine up to $3 billion
while current funds allow for the purchase of only 0.4 billion cubic meters of gas."

More in the link
Click Translate

Skutki ataków Rosji. Zapasy gazu Ukrainy na "najniższym w historii" poziomie

Ukraińcy mogą być zmuszeni do importu gazu na przyszłą zimę z powodu rekordowo niskich zapasów – poinformował Serhij Makohon, były szef niezależnego Operatora HTS Ukrainy. To efekt rosyjskich ataków rakietowych, które uszkodziły obiekty produkcyjne na wschodzie kraju.

www.money.pl

 

[keek]

Hegseth shared Yemen strike plans in second Signal chat that included family, OH this is RICH. It came about early on the clearly ridiculous appointment by t. Fast and furious and dangerous.

 

[PommyMommy]

A report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi as of 12:00 a.m., following the end of Easter.

The total number of violations by the Russian army of Russia’s own ceasefire promise throughout the day reached 2,935. The highest number of shellings and assaults occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. Russia’s promise of a full ceasefire also did not apply to the Kursk direction. Overall, across the frontline, there were 96 Russian assaults, 1,882 instances of shelling on our positions, including 812 involving heavy weaponry, and over 950 instances of FPV drone use by Russian forces.

This day was not enough for Moscow to respond either to the proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire after Easter, or to the proposal to at least extend the ceasefire in the sky, refraining from missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure. The nature of Ukraine’s actions will remain symmetrical: ceasefire will be met with ceasefire, and Russian strikes will be met with our own in defense. Actions always speak louder than words.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914075588945432899

Mariupol ex-policewoman sentenced to 18 years for opposing Russia’s war against Ukraine

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914093757906985297

Poland-Belarus border crossings to remain closed, Polish official says.There is no "possibility" that Poland will reopen its border checkpoints with Belarus, Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said on April 19.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914128579207590368

 

[PommyMommy]

Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.

He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914260515355820439

Kremlin 'satisfied' with US opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership."We have heard from Washington at various levels that Ukraine's membership in NATO is out of the question," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

"Of course, this is something that satisfies us and aligns with our position that Ukraine should not be a NATO member," the spokesperson added.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914282328508997634

The US presented a peace plan to Ukraine outlining proposals to resolve the war with Russia - WSJ.

The plan reportedly includes:

• recognizing Crimea as Russian
• ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine
• creating a neutral zone around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

The plan reportedly doesn’t support Russia's demands for Ukraine:

• recognize Russia’s claim to four eastern oblasts (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson)
• limit Ukraine’s military or Western support
• block European troop deployments to Ukraine

Kyiv’s response is expected at talks in London this week. If they agree, the plan may be shared with Russia.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914260131715367109

 

[LovesPeace2]

Breaking News: British Typhoon fighter jets intercept Russian Il-20M spy aircraft near NATO airspace in Baltic

Breaking News: British Typhoon fighter jets intercept Russian Il-20M spy aircraft near NATO airspace in Baltic

armyrecognition.com

The incidents began on April 15, 2025, when RAF Typhoons were scrambled twice. The first response was to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M—NATO reporting name "Coot-A"—departing from Kaliningrad airspace. Later that same day, RAF aircraft were deployed again to intercept two Russian Su-30MKI "Flanker-H" fighter jets also exiting Kaliningrad. On April 17, a third scramble was initiated to shadow another Il-20M aircraft approaching NATO-controlled airspace over the Baltic Sea. In all cases, the Russian aircraft were not in contact with civilian air traffic control, triggering a NATO air policing response to ensure flight safety and prevent airspace violations.

 

[PommyMommy]

Ever been jailed for praying at home? This is reality in Russian-occupied territories, where being a Protestant can get you labeled an "extremist."

Despite being just 4% of Ukraine’s population, Evangelicals became Russia’s second-most hunted religious group — and Ukraine’s secret diplomatic weapon in rooms where Zelenskyy is powerless.

Just three days after Baptist Serhii Gadarzhi, who lost his wife and baby son to a Russian strike, met Speaker Johnson in Washington, the blocked $61 billion aid finally passed.

Yet the shocking paradox remains: American Evangelicals who rallied for religious freedom worldwide have no idea their fellow believers are being hunted in Ukraine. Once Republican voters discover this persecution, their support skyrockets.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914356750741832165

After a brief ceasefire, Russian forces resumed attacks on civilians in Kherson Oblast

In Bilozerka, a Russian drone struck residents walking down the street, killing a 72-year-old woman and injuring two men

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914365546088321518

Ukraine waiting for answer from Russia on civilian infrastructure ceasefire.

"Ukraine maintains its offer not to strike at least at civilian infrastructure. And we expect a clear answer from Moscow," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 21.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914420867922378972

 

[PommyMommy]

US recognizing Crimea as Russian would be 'much worse than Munich in 1938,' Ukrainian lawmaker says.

The chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee compared the potential decision to Western appeasement of Hitler that led to World War II.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914347144951013547

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov accused the EU of promoting “neo-Nazi ideology” after EU officials recommended boycotting Russia’s WWII Victory Day Parade on 9 May.

The Kremlin uses Soviet victory over Nazi Germany to justify current invasion of Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914420297052139862

Representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States will meet in London on April 23 to continue talks on a potential ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 21.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914404747626602685

 

[PommyMommy]

I spoke with UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer — a good and detailed conversation.

Already this Wednesday, our representatives will be working in London. Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States — we are ready to move forward as constructively as possible, just as we have done before, to achieve an unconditional ceasefire, followed by the establishment of a real and lasting peace.

I thank all our partners who are helping. An unconditional ceasefire must be the first step toward peace, and this Easter made it clear that it is Russia’s actions that are prolonging the war.

I also discussed with Keir our joint work within European security formats. Thank you, Britain!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914348650857218086

Now, after Easter, the whole world can clearly see the real issue — the real reason why the hostilities continue. Russia is the source of this war. It is from Moscow that a real order must come for the Russian army to cease fire. And if there is no such firm Russian order for ceasefire – then there is no ceasefire.

Indeed, there were no air raid alerts on Easter, and some sectors of the frontline remained quiet. This proves it is possible — it’s possible when Russia chooses to reduce the killing.

Nevertheless, Ukraine stands by its offer — at the very least, not to strike civilian infrastructure. And we expect a clear answer from Moscow. We are ready for any conversation on how to ensure this.

There is an obvious, simplest, and most reliable way: stop missile and long-range drone attacks. That alone would automatically ensure the safety of all civilian infrastructure. A ceasefire — real and lasting — must be the first step toward a secure and enduring peace.

Ukrainian representatives — both at the meetings held in Paris and at the meetings scheduled this week in London — will have a primary task regarding an unconditional ceasefire. That must be the starting point. Peace begins in silence.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914402951084322862

https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1914348650857218086/photo/1

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 22, 2025

Putin admits deliberate attacks on Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, pushing back on Trump’s version - Euromaidan Press

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had characterized Russia's Kryvyi Rih missile strike as accidental.

euromaidanpress.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that Moscow’s deadly missile strikes on Sumy and Kryvyi Rih earlier this month were intentional, directly contradicting US President Donald Trump’s assumption Russia struck Kryvyi Rih accidentally.

The Russian Defense Ministry had claimed the strike in Kryvyi Rih hit a restaurant hosting a meeting between Ukrainian commanders and Western instructors, allegedly killing up to 85 personnel and destroying 20 vehicles.

However, CCTV footage later confirmed that the restaurant was nearly empty, as a beauty industry event had concluded shortly before the missile hit.

Ukraine demands apology from Fox News for labeling Kyiv as Russian - Euromaidan Press

During Orthodox Easter service broadcast on 20 April, Fox News incorrectly labeled Kyiv as a Russian city for 20 minutes before correcting the error.

euromaidanpress.com

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded an apology from American TV channel Fox News after it incorrectly labeled Kyiv as a Russian city during its Easter broadcast on 20 April 2025.

After correcting the error, Fox News continued broadcasting approximately 30 minutes of Easter service from Moscow featuring Patriarch Kirill next to the stream from Kyiv. Kirill is the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, who blessed Russian troops for the war in March 2022 and has consistently supported the invasion of Ukraine.

Forbes: US drone manufacturers rely heavily on Chinese parts, struggle under tariffs and sanctions - Euromaidan Press

US military ambitions to deploy thousands of drones for potential Pacific conflicts face a significant obstacle: American drone manufacturers remain heavily dependent on Chinese components.

euromaidanpress.com

Pentagon officials acknowledge that this dependency poses a threat to US national security.

“China could shut [the drone industry] down globally for a year,” warned Trent Emeneker, who leads the Defense Innovation Unit team that approves drones for military use. “It’s a national security issue, not just for the United States, but for the global West.”

ISW: Putin turns down ceasefire offer from Zelenskyy, insists on continuing missile strikes on Ukrainian cities - Euromaidan Press

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said Moscow is not ready to discuss any timeframe for ending the war.

euromaidanpress.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 20 April proposal for a moratorium on long-range strikes, refused to extend his own 30-hour Easter truce, and reaffirmed his rejection of the full ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and the United States., according to a 21 April report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Zelenskyy has earlier proposed to extend Putin’s claimed 30-hour Easter truce.

This comes as US President Trump pushes for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, allegedly to end the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 22, 2025

As tensions mount in US embassy in Kyiv, former official breaks silence

As U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing rapprochement with Russia, the country's embassy in Kyiv is facing internal strain. Following the change in administration, Bridget Brink, who had been the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine since 2022, was put in the hot seat. Brink attempted to align with the

kyivindependent.com

Following the change in administration, Bridget Brink, who had been the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine since 2022, was put in the hot seat.

According to Western diplomats stationed in Kyiv, Brink resigned over "policy disagreements" with Washington.

Foreign Service Officer Kraig Cook, a member of the embassy's press service, resigned in February, shortly before the Trump-Zelensky Oval Office meeting.

In his resignation letter, seen by the Kyiv Independent, Cook criticized the Trump administration for "parroting Kremlin talking points" and called the U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals deal "predatory."

Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 5, injure 16 over past day

Russian forces launched 54 drones from the Russian cities of Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, and Primorsk-Akhtarsk, as well as from Cape Chauda in occupied Crimea against Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

kyivindependent.com

In Kharkiv Oblast, Russia attacked the village of Petropavlivka with guided aerial bombs, killing a 54-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

A 24-year-old man was killed by a Russian FPV (first-person-view) drone while he was driving on a scooter in the village of Ivashky.

In the town of Kupiansk, a 58-year-old woman suffered a concussion as a result of a drone attack. Another 48-year-old woman was injured in a strike with glide bombs against the village of Horokhovatka.

Most Americans say US losing global credibility under Trump, poll shows

Concerns about the U.S. global credibility under Trump are shared by roughly one-third of Republicans.

kyivindependent.com

Some 59% of Americans think that U.S. President Donald Trump is costing their country its credibility on the global stage, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on April 21.

Concerns about the U.S. global credibility under Trump are shared by roughly one-third of Republicans.

The survey revealed growing dissatisfaction with Trump's policies on multiple issues. His overall approval rating stands at 42%, the lowest since he returned to the White House in January.

Russia launches drones at Kherson, Kharkiv; casualties reported

The attack on the southern city took place shortly before massive drone attacks against Kharkiv, which have so far injured four people.

kyivindependent.com

A Russian drone attack on a funeral procession in the Kherson city center around noon injured six people and damaged a hospital, local authorities said.

The hospital building and service vehicles were damaged.

Russian forces also launched an airstrike against Zaporizhzhia, reportedly killing one person and injuring 23, including four children.

In the front-line Kharkiv Oblast town of Kupiansk, a Russian airstrike injured seven people, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. Fifty-five houses were damaged.

Zelensky plans to attend Pope Francis's funeral

President Volodymyr Zelensky might attend Pope Francis's funeral in the Vatican, as the preparations for the ceremony are underway, European Pravda reported on April 22, citing its source.

kyivindependent.com

President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to attend Pope Francis's funeral in the Vatican, presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn told journalists on April 22, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have confirmed their attendance at the ceremony, marking their first international trip during Trump's second term. French President Emmanuel Macron also said he would arrive for the funeral.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 22, 2025

Kremlin weighed offering Moscow skyscraper to Trump, media reports

Russian officials discussed the possibility of reviving plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow to entice U.S. President Donald Trump to reset relations, the Moscow Times reported on April 21.

kyivindependent.com

Russian officials discussed the possibility of reviving plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow to entice U.S. President Donald Trump to reset relations, the Moscow Times reported on April 21.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Kremlin officials considered proposing the idea of a "big deal," which reportedly includes a 150-story skyscraper and would involve Trump himself attending the groundbreaking ceremony in Moscow.

Ukraine receives IT equipment worth $2.3 million from Luxembourg, Iceland

The shipment included 3,288 access points, 500 routers, 460 charging stations with solar panels, and 872 phones – with a total value of about 2 million euros ($2.3 million).

kyivindependent.com

Ukraine received a shipment of equipment from the IT Coalition financed by Luxembourg and Iceland, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced on April 21.

The shipment included 3,288 access points, 500 routers, 460 charging stations with solar panels, and 872 phones – with a total value of about 2 million euros ($2.3 million).

"With this equipment, we will increase the capacity for high-quality and reliable communication in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is crucial in the combat zone," Chernohorenko said.

Japan to provide Ukraine with geospatial intelligence, media reports

Japan's Kyushu University Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) has agreed to provide Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, Intelligence Online magazine reported on April 21.

kyivindependent.com

Japan's Kyushu University Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) has agreed to provide Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, Intelligence Online magazine reported on April 21.

SAR technology, which can recreate two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of landscapes or objects, has broad military applications. It can help track enemy movement and installations regardless of weather conditions.

Ukraine receives intelligence support from other partners, including France and the U.K.. Nevertheless, the U.S.-imposed pause underscored its critical role in military planning, namely in launching long-range strikes and intercepting Russian aerial attacks.

Russia's Easter truce was a stunt to appease Trump, French minister says

"The Easter truce that Putin announced, somewhat unexpectedly, was more of a PR move — a charm offensive intended to prevent President Trump from becoming impatient or upset," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.

kyivindependent.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin's so-called Easter truce was a "charm offensive" aimed at appeasing U.S. President Donald Trump, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told FranceInfo on April 22.

"The Easter truce that Putin announced, somewhat unexpectedly, was more of a PR move — a charm offensive intended to prevent President Trump from becoming impatient or upset," Barrot told the broadcaster.

Sean Penn makes his 4th visit to Ukraine during full-scale war, meets special forces

American actor and film director Sean Penn met with the soldiers of the 3rd Regiment of the Special Operations Forces stationed in Kropyvnytskyi.

kyivindependent.com

The actor visited Ukraine for the fourth time during Russia's full-scale invasion.

"Despite a lot of what the politicians are doing, I believe in all of you, and I'm grateful to all of you for being the very best of what we all aspire to be," Penn said.

"You're not only defending your country, you're truly defending the world, and that will be known, you see, and I know you'll prevail, and God bless all of you and your families. Thank you," he added.

Russia intensifying hybrid attacks against Europe, Dutch intelligence says

"We see that the Russian threat against Europe is increasing, including after a possible end of the war against Ukraine," MIVD director Peter Reesink said in the agency's annual report.

kyivindependent.com

Russia is stepping up its hybrid attacks aimed at the Netherlands and its European allies, the Dutch military intelligence agency MIVD said on April 22.

"We see that the Russian threat against Europe is increasing, including after a possible end of the war against Ukraine," MIVD director Peter Reesink said in the agency's annual report.

Dutch authorities described Russian interference as a combination of traditional acts of espionage, cyberattacks, and other attempts to influence society.

The Dutch government also reiterated warnings about espionage by Russian entities mapping infrastructure in the North Sea and acts of sabotage aimed at Internet cables, water, and energy supplies.

 

[Lilibet]

The plot thickens. A fearless investigative reporter from the U..S. who has been in Ukraine since the war began has just posted about Steve Witkoff (who meets with Putin and is part of the “peace” negotiations) having financial ties to Russia. Hmmmmm…conflict of interest much?…no wonder he parrots Putin.

Scoop: Trump envoy’s conflict of interest: a Russia-linked business partner

Steve Witkoff, Trump's Special Envoy, has a serious and unreported conflict of interest in Russia-Ukraine negotiations: his relationship with Ukraine-sanctioned businessman Len Blavatnik.

www.counteroffensive.news

After a meeting with Putin, he [Witkoff] told Trump that the fastest way to a ceasefire would be to give four Ukrainian territories to Russia – views that drew direct condemnation from Ukraine’s president this week.

"I think Mr. Witkoff has chosen to follow the strategy of the Russian side. I see this as extremely dangerous because he — whether consciously or unconsciously, I don’t know — is spreading Russian narratives. In any case, this does not help,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday.

But what has gone under the radar is that Witkoff has personal stakes at play, as he has business ties to Leonard (‘Len’) Blavatnik, an influential businessman with significant relationships in Kremlin circles – and who was sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023.

Blavatnik, who became a U.S. citizen in 1984 and later also held U.K. citizenship, built his fortune during Russia’s large-scale privatization period, shortly after the USSR collapsed.

Witkoff’s connections to Blavatnik raises an important question: can someone genuinely serve as a fair-minded peace negotiator when a business partner has ties to Russian oligarchs?

[Ya think?!!! Says Lilibet]
——————-
Here is an earlier article about Blavatnik…

A Soviet-born billionaire is buying influence at US institutions. Anti-corruption activists are worried.

The Council on Foreign Relations is under fire for accepting Len Blavatnik's gifts thanks to his tie to oligarchs and Russian corruption.

www.motherjones.com

“It is our considered view that Blavatnik uses his ‘philanthropy’—funds obtained by and with the consent of the Kremlin, at the expense of the state budget and the Russian people—at leading western academic and cultural institutions to advance his access to political circles,” 55 international relations scholars and Russia experts wrote in a September 18 letter to the organization’s board and CFR’s president, Richard Haass. “Such ‘philanthropic’ capital enables the infiltration of the US and UK political and economic establishments at the highest levels. It is also a means by which Blavatnik exports Russian kleptocratic practices to the West.”
—————————

A little bit about the writer, Tim Mak’s credentials…

About - The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak

A war correspondent's open notebook, reporting live from Kyiv. Human stories that illustrate what’s happening during the war in Ukraine, and elsewhere on the frontlines for democracy. Issues 3x a week! Click to read The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak, a Substack publication with hundreds of...

www.counteroffensive.news

I used to be an investigative correspondent for NPR, and I am also a former U.S. Army combat medic.

My writing has been featured in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, Politico Magazine, and the L.A. Times. And you may have heard me regularly on NPR's Morning Edition or All Things Considered. I'm also the author of a book about the inner workings of the NRA, titled 'Misfire.'

On February 23rd, 2022, I landed in Kyiv for an assignment to cover a possible war – and, by chance, the Russian invasion of Ukraine began that same night….

All MOO

 

[SouthAussie]

The US presented a peace plan to Ukraine outlining proposals to resolve the war with Russia - WSJ.

The plan reportedly includes:

• recognizing Crimea as Russian
• ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine
• creating a neutral zone around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

The plan reportedly doesn’t support Russia's demands for Ukraine:

• recognize Russia’s claim to four eastern oblasts (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson)
• limit Ukraine’s military or Western support
• block European troop deployments to Ukraine

Kyiv’s response is expected at talks in London this week. If they agree, the plan may be shared with Russia.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914260131715367109

I don't know that the plan is being reported entirely correctly. Read below about de facto recognition of the other occupied territories ....


The plan, which will be discussed in London on Wednesday, leaves Ukraine devoid of a clear US security guarantee.

The proposal involves the US offering formal recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea.

It also implies de facto recognition of other occupied territories.

The proposal would mean freezing the existing front line - enabling Putin to keep 'almost all' the land Russia has gained, reports The Telegraph.

However, in Ukraine's favour, Russia would relinquish two small areas that it is currently occupying.

Ukraine would recover unobstructed access to the mouth of the Dnieper River.

Meanwhile, Russia would withdraw from a second area of Kherson province.

Trump to let Putin keep hold of territory seized from Ukraine under terms of a proposed peace deal

Under the terms of a proposed peace deal, Donald Trump is to let Vladimir Putin keep almost all the land he has seized from Ukraine.

www.lbc.co.uk

 

[PommyMommy]

Rescue operations are currently underway in Kharkiv following a Russian drone strike. A cynical strike. Fires broke out in several districts of the city.

Earlier today Zaporizhzhia was also brutally struck with aerial bombs. Ordinary residential buildings were damaged. Tragically, a civilian woman was killed. My condolences go to the family and loved ones. More than twenty people were wounded in this attack alone, including four children.

Overnight, Russian drones struck Odesa. Throughout the day, there were also strikes on Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and our southern regions. All of this is deliberate Russian terror that can be stopped with a single order, an order in Russia and for the Russian army. Easter proved that when there were no air raid alerts in Ukraine.

Ukraine proposed to extend the ceasefire after Easter and make it comprehensive. Our proposal to halt strikes on civilian infrastructure remains on the table as well. What’s needed is genuine readiness from Russia to engage in this conversation. There are and will be no impasses on the Ukrainian side.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914667918882750841

Rubio, Witkoff decline to attend Ukraine peace talks in London.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were originally expected to attend, but have since pulled out, U.S. and European officials told the Financial Times.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914784618634412056

Zelensky rules out recognizing Crimea as Russian, warns against playing into Putin's 'game.'

"There is nothing to talk about. This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," President Zelensky said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914740568216793203

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 22, 2025

Ukraine “willing to give up 20% of its land,” senior US official claimed talking to NYP - Euromaidan Press

The US expects Russia and Ukraine to respond to a peace deal within days.

euromaidanpress.com

President Donald Trump said on 21 April that he will present the details of a proposed Ukraine peace deal within three days, as reported by the New York Post.

The New York Post also quoted a senior official claiming that during meetings in Paris last week, Ukraine appeared “willing to give up 20% of its land” so long as it was considered a “de facto” recognition of the territory and not “de jure,”, including areas currently under Russian occupation, as long as the recognition was not made de jure.

“‘De facto’ means we recognize the Russians occupy this land, but we don’t say [Ukraine is] going to give it up forever,” the official said.

The official also stated that Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov said Ukraine was about “90%” aligned with the US-proposed peace deal. However, Umierov publicly denied this characterization in a statement to Sky News.

Frontline report: Russian insane 150-motorcycle assault near Pokrovsk decimated as Ukraine destroys 96 bikes and 21 IFVs - Euromaidan Press

Today, there are a lot of interesting updates from the Pokrovsk direction. Here, in one of the most…

euromaidanpress.com

Here, in one of the most bizarre offensives of the war so far, Russia just launched a massive mechanized assault near Pokrovsk, led by 150 motorcycles. After Ukrainian drones caught them mid-preparation, the operation unraveled fast, leaving the fields littered with burning bikes, wrecked armor, and stranded troops.

Russian ammo depot, reportedly holding 264,000 tons of munitions, obliterated near Moscow - Euromaidan Press

One of Russia's largest munitions stockpiles erupted in catastrophic secondary explosions that continued for hours.

euromaidanpress.com

A major Russian ammunition depot—the 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU)—was obliterated in a massive explosion near Kirzhach, Vladimir Oblast, just 60 kilometers from Moscow, according to Defense Express.

The 3.5-square-kilometer arsenal was one of Russia’s largest, with a designed capacity of 264,000 tons of munitions, including artillery shells, anti-tank missiles, and ballistic rockets.

Explosions reportedly continued for hours, and authorities evacuated nearby settlements. Initial reports indicate that the site, previously protected by one of Russia’s densest air defense networks, suffered catastrophic damage.

Forbes: Dirt-cheap Ukrainian FPV drone just crushed a rare $ 7M Russian war toy - Euromaidan Press

As Ukraine refines its drone strategy, cost is no longer a barrier to dominance in contested skies.

euromaidanpress.com

A small Ukrainian First-Person-View (FPV) interceptor drone has successfully struck a Russian Forpost-R reconnaissance aircraft, according to footage released by Ukraine’s Birds of Magyar unit.

The interception, which took place at approximately 13,000 feet (3,960 meters), represents a notable achievement in the evolving landscape of aerial combat, Forbes reports. The $2,000 Ukrainian interceptor damaged or potentially destroyed a Russian drone valued at around $7 million. The incident occurred over Easter weekend, when Russian operators reportedly decided to carry out a strike using the Forpost armed with two KAB-20 laser-guided bombs weighing 45 pounds (20 kg) each, despite a supposed ceasefire.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 22, 2025

"No one has right to decide Crimea's fate": Crimean Tatar leader denounces US peace proposal that would recognize Russian control of peninsula - Euromaidan Press

Refat Chubarov emphasizes that only Ukraine and the indigenous Crimean Tatar people have legitimacy to determine the peninsula's status, rejecting reported US proposals that would acknowledge Russian control as part of peace negotiations.

euromaidanpress.com

Mejlis Chairman Refat Chubarov says the Crimean Tatar Mejlis will not recognize Russia’s control over Crimea or any international acknowledgment of the peninsula as Russian.

“The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people categorically rejects both the recognition of Russia’s de facto control over Crimea and, even more so, any international recognition of Crimea as Russian territory,” Chubarov claims.

He stressed that the Mejlis’s position is grounded in international law and fully aligned with Ukrainian national legislation.

EU will never recognize Crimea as Russian, Kallas says

"Crimea is Ukraine. It means a lot for the ones who are occupied that others don't recognize this as Russian."

kyivindependent.com

The European Union will never recognize the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula as legally Russian, the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on April 22.

Kallas' comments come in response to reports that the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory is being considered as part of a U.S.-backed proposal to end the war in Ukraine.

Kallas said Washington should instead look to mount pressure on Moscow, rather than ceding to Kremlin demands.

"They have tools in their hands to use, actually, to pressure Russia. They haven't used those tools," she said.

"Russia is a criminal": Zelenskyy dismisses refusal to join NATO demands as security guarantees aren't still at table - Euromaidan Press

The Ukrainian president challenges the foundation of reported US peace proposals by questioning what Russia would sacrifice in return for Ukraine's NATO renunciation, noting the absence of credible protection mechanisms in existing negotiation frameworks.

euromaidanpress.com

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia must be asked what it is willing to give up if it demands Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions, according to UNIAN.

Zelenskyy notes that while the US has not actively supported Ukraine’s NATO membership, no country has legally denied Ukraine the right to join. He stressed that Russia, not being a NATO member, cannot veto Ukraine’s accession.

“Russia is a criminal and aggressor. It cannot speak about security guarantees for Ukraine — it has already violated them,” Zelenskyy said, adding he believes the US and Russia are in dialogue on Ukraine’s NATO path.

This Ukrainian mining company is losing hope in Trump's minerals deal

Standing beside a sleepy village in Ukraine’s central Kirovohrad Oblast, the Zavalivskiy mine lies beneath layers of brown and pink earth, holding some 7.5 million metric tons of graphite ore — the second largest flake graphite mine in Europe. Like many mining companies in Ukraine, Zavalivskiy...

kyivindependent.com

Graphite is used in military tech, metallurgy, and the nuclear industry, and is one of the critical minerals covered by Washington’s resources deal. While Zavalivskiy is the only active producer in the country, Ukraine has around 19 million tons of proven graphite ore reserves across six fields, making it one of the most graphite-rich countries in the world.

Back in February, Kostyuk feared that the U.S. wouldn’t actively invest in the sector but rather extract the resources and sell them to other countries. The last leaked draft validated his concerns — Washington would not have to make a single investment, but Ukraine would have to allocate 50% of its profits from natural resource and infrastructure projects into a fund as a payback to the U.S. for its $128 billion in total aid provided to Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Russia should be the one paying, Kostyuk said, but he’s losing hope that Washington will put pressure on Moscow to compensate Ukraine. The minerals deal saga has left him feeling that Ukraine is on the verge of being “scammed” and will end up on its own, indebted to its allies.

 

[Dotta]

"London Summit Cancelled. ​

Talks 'To Continue'.​

The British Foreign Office said that
'today's meeting of Foreign Secretary's on the Ukraine peace talks has been postponed.
Official talks will continue but will be closed to the media'.

On Wednesday,
the heads of diplomacy of the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany were to meet with representatives of Ukraine in London.

After US Secretary of State Marco Rubio withdrew from the summit and the head of British diplomacy withdrew from participation, the meeting was canceled.

However,
according to a statement from the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
talks with representatives of Ukraine will be held today,
but at a lower level and will be closed to the media.

The meeting with the participation of the foreign ministers is to be held on a different date.

The discussion was downgraded after leaks appeared suggesting
that Russia was willing to give up its territorial claims to three regions of Ukraine, which it only partially occupies,
in exchange for recognition of the annexation of Crimea."

Nagły zwrot w Londynie. Środowy szczyt ws. Ukrainy nie odbędzie się

Brytyjskie Ministerstwo Spraw Zagranicznych stwierdziło, że "dzisiejsze spotkanie ministrów spraw zagranicznych w spraw…

wiadomosci.wp.pl

"Ukraine says 'No'​

What is the reason for this?
According to Sky News, it happened
because of Kiev's refusal to recognize Crimea as Russian."

Spotkanie ws. Ukrainy w Londynie. Rubio się nie pojawi

Sekretarz stanu USA Marco Rubio nie weźmie udziału w rozmowach w Londynie, których celem jest zakończenie wojny na Ukra…

wiadomosci.wp.pl

 

[tarabull]

Would you say NO?