Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[Dotta]

"Trump's 'final offer': ​

Ukraine to respond today.​

The US expects Ukraine to respond to a peace proposal
that assumes recognition of Crimea as Russian and de facto acceptance of the current front lines.

Trump's plan is described as a 'final offer'.

Kiev sees it as clearly pro-Russian.

Trump's plan would require far-reaching concessions from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who
has repeatedly said he will not accept Russia's occupation of Crimea
and parts of four regions in eastern Ukraine.

The one-page document, which the U.S. gave Ukrainian officials in Paris last week,
is being described as President Donald Trump’s 'final offer'.

The White House has said that if the sides fail to reach an agreement soon,
the U.S. is prepared to withdraw from the negotiations.

What Russia gains under Trump's proposal:
What does Ukraine gain:
In the link:
(Click Translate)

"Ostateczna oferta" Trumpa. Ukraina ma dziś odpowiedzieć

USA oczekują od Ukrainy odpowiedzi na propozycję pokojową, która zakłada uznanie Krymu za rosyjski i faktyczną akceptację obecnych linii frontu - podaje Axios. Plan Trumpa określany jest jako "ostateczna...

wiadomosci.wp.pl

"JD Vance's Firm Announcement.​

Is Donald Trump's administration losing patience with the prolonged negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?

This seems so
according to the words of US Vice President JD Vance.

The politician announced the end of American mediation
if Washington's proposals are not met with a positive response.

Donald Trump announced that he would quickly end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

So far,
he has not initiated negotiations at the presidential level.

It is already known that,
among other things,
the summit of foreign ministers on peace talks in Ukraine will not take place.

This has been postponed to an unspecified date."

Stanowcza zapowiedź J.D. Vance'a. Mówi o Rosji i Ukrainie

Administracja Donalda Trumpa traci cierpliwość w sprawie przedłużających się negocjacji między Rosją i Ukrainą? Tak wynika ze słów wiceprezydenta USA J.D. Vance'a. Polityk zapowiedział zakończenie amerykańskich...

www.o2.pl

 

[Lilibet]

Russia building up military equipment in Crimea.

Russia moving equipment "en masse" to Crimea, photos suggest

Moscow has been in control of the peninsula for more than 11 years after it annexed the territory from Kyiv in 2014.

www.newsweek.com

Atesh, a pro-Ukrainian partisan group active in Crimea and other parts of Russian-controlled Ukrainian territory, said on Monday that Moscow's forces had started to move air defense systems and other military equipment "en masse" throughout the peninsula.

The network, which funnels intelligence on Russian operations to Ukrainian authorities and organizes resistance efforts, said in a post to messaging app Telegram the transport of equipment was "often uncoordinated and chaotic."

 

[Lilibet]

Article detailing Ukraine’s position on Crimea and other issues.

MSN

The U.S. proposal to recognize Crimea had put Zelensky in a difficult position: The Ukrainian public remains solidly opposed to territorial concession, and the Ukrainian constitution clearly prohibits it. But if he rejected the idea too directly, he risked losing U.S. aid again.
————————

An article about Putin’s intentions:

Why did Putin’s Russia invade Ukraine and does he want to get rid of Zelensky?

Russia hoped to overthrow Ukraine's pro-Western government in days, but it failed.

www.bbc.com

 

[Lilibet]

Olga Lautman details Russia’s payoff to Trump for betraying Ukraine. She also mentions Witkoff buddy Blavatnik whom I posted about yesterday.

The Kremlin’s Payoff? Russia Prepares 'Hooks' to Buy Off Trump

And a Trump Tower in Moscow: Here We Go Again...

olgalautman.substack.com

According to a report from The Moscow Times, Russian state-owned companies have been ordered to prepare a suite of economic incentives designed to lock in a “grand deal” with Trump:

• Joint rare earth and aluminum mining ventures
• A $15 billion energy-metallurgy complex in Eastern Siberia
• Access for U.S. oil firms to return to Russian energy projects
• And most symbolically, the resurrection of Trump Tower Moscow

In exchange, Trump is expected to scale back U.S. support for Ukraine, pressure Kyiv into a territorial surrender, and recognize Russia’s genocidal land grabs as legitimate—all while branding it a “peace deal.”

The cost? The betrayal of Ukraine—and the endangerment of both European and American national security.
<snip>

I’ll repeat it again and again: Witkoff isn’t there to broker compromise—he’s there to help Russia force Ukraine to surrender. While Russia sends senior FSB officers to the table, the U.S. is represented by a real estate developer chasing influence, profit, and Putin’s approval.

And it’s no coincidence that Witkoff’s business partner is Len Blavatnik—Putin’s longtime money man, with deep ties to Russian security services, who has been laundering the Kremlin’s agenda into elite Western institutions—one donation at a time.

JMO

 

[PommyMommy]

Doctors in the Dnipro region are currently providing all necessary assistance to those injured this morning in a Russian FPV drone strike.

It was an egregiously brutal attack – and an absolutely deliberate war crime. In the city of Marhanets the Russians struck a bus which was transporting workers of a mining and processing plant. An ordinary bus. Clearly a civilian object, a civilian target. More than 40 people were injured, most of them women, and some received very severe wounds. Tragically, 9 people were killed. My condolences go out to their families and loved ones.

Such Russian FPV drone strikes on civilians, sadly, are commonplace. Civilians in Kherson and the region, in Kupyansk, Pokrovsk, and communities in the Dnipro region – Nikopol and Marhanets – suffer the most from this kind of terror. These attacks happen practically on a daily basis. The Russians even showboat about them, posting footage of strikes on civilians online. The whole world should take this seriously – if the Russians are using this form of terror, other terrorists may adopt it too. That’s one of the reasons continued Russian aggression is a global threat. War evolves over time, and the longer it lasts, the more, unfortunately, the methods of killing and cruelty can be modernized.

In Ukraine, we insist on an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire. That was the proposal put forward by the United States on March 11 of this year — and it was absolutely reasonable. This is absolutely possible – but only if Russia agrees and stops the killing. On Easter, we succeeded in reducing the intensity of hostilities, and there were no air raid alerts. Ukraine proposed extending this state of silence for at least 30 days and making the ceasefire comprehensive. We are also ready for an immediate ceasefire at least for civilian targets, and we have repeatedly announced this. Preserving lives must be a shared top priority for all partners.

There was a meeting with partners in Paris. Today, discussions continue in London – Ukraine’s delegation has already begun its meetings. Ukraine has repeatedly said that it does not rule out any format that can lead to a ceasefire and, ultimately, real peace. Stopping the killing is task number one. I am grateful to everyone who is focused on this goal and helps us move toward ending the war.

Peace can come in silence, and the first sign of silence is the absence of terror.

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**WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT**

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 23, 2025

Trump dismisses group that dealt with Russian war crimes against Ukraine - Washington Post reports - Euromaidan Press

The White House has dismantled multiple programs designed to hold Russia accountable for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

euromaidanpress.com

The Trump administration disbanded a key position coordinating intelligence on Russian atrocities in Ukraine, the Washington Post reported on 23 April.

This move is part of a broader effort to roll back initiatives holding Russia accountable for alleged war crimes.

According to the Post, the administration vacated a coordinator position at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that was mandated by law to gather intelligence on Russian atrocities in Ukraine.

“The atrocities coordinator position is… tasked with holding Putin responsible for the crimes he’s committed against the Ukrainian people,” said Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colorado) in a statement to the Post. “This position was created by Congress on a bipartisan basis, and the administration must empower whoever serves in this position to carry out their duties as required by law.”

London talks on Ukraine falter as top officials bow out - Euromaidan Press

US Secretary Rubio’s last-minute withdrawal signaled a potential retreat from Trump’s promised peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv.

euromaidanpress.com

Multiple reports indicate Washington’s plan includes conditions that Kyiv and European allies find unacceptable, particularly formal recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and lifting sanctions.

The Telegraph emphasizes that the proposal lacks clear security guarantees for Kyiv and makes no mention of American support for a “coalition of the willing”—European countries prepared to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in a separate diplomatic track, the Kremlin confirmed that Witkoff is expected to visit Russia later this week, suggesting the US may be pursuing parallel discussions with Moscow.

Ukraine's statehood, not just territory, at stake as London peace talks collapse over Crimea's recognition as Russian - Euromaidan Press

Ukraine forcefully rejected the Trump administration's proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, leading US Secretary of State Rubio to withdraw from scheduled London negotiations and triggering similar cancellations from European ministers, underscoring the existential nature of a...

euromaidanpress.com

At the same time, Andrii Klymenko, Head of the Institute for Strategic Black Sea Studies, has emphasized that a “Russian” Crimea would mean full Russian dominance over the Black Sea and the surrounding region.

“This will never happen after the disgraceful defeat of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet by Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

In fact, the optimal use of the Crimean Peninsula in the new European security architecture would be: the establishment of a comprehensive European military base on the peninsula (including naval, missile defense, and counter-sabotage components) to serve as a stronghold for deterring Russian aggression from the southeast,” he adds.

London talks suspended over 'lack of consensus on some issues,' Kremlin claims

Russia continues to engage with the U.S. on a possible settlement of the war in Ukraine, but not with Kyiv and Europe, the Kremlin said. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is still expected to visit Russia despite the breakdown of the London summit.

kyivindependent.com

In light of the controversy over the U.S. peace initiative, the meeting in London is being held at a lower level. A Ukrainian delegation has already arrived, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meeting their U.K. counterparts, David Lammy and John Healey.

The U.S. delegation at the meeting will be led by Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg. Germany will be represented by National Security Advisor Jens Plotner, and France by presidential advisor Emmanuel Bonne and senior diplomat Frederic Mondoloni.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 23, 2025

Vance expects territorial concessions from Russia, Ukraine in potential peace deal

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on April 23 that the U.S. presented a "very explicit proposal" to Russia and Ukraine on a peace deal, repeating warnings Washington might drop its peace effort if the belligerent sides refuse.

kyivindependent.com

Talking to journalists during a visit to India, Vance said that it is time for Kyiv and Moscow "to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process."

President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the possibility of recognizing Russian hold over Crimea.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said his country will abandon the ceasefire effort in the coming days unless progress is made. Top European, Ukrainian, and U.S. diplomats were set to discuss Trump's peace plan in London on April 23, but the meeting was downgraded after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not attend.

The 2014 annexation of Crimea — How Russia stole Ukraine's peninsula

Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in February 2014 amid the deadliest days of the EuroMaidan Revolution that eventually ousted Ukraine's then-President Viktor Yanukovych. While Yanukovych's pro-Russian regime was killing protesters in central Kyiv, around 30,000 Russian troops crossed...

kyivindependent.com

Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in February 2014 amid the deadliest days of the EuroMaidan Revolution that eventually ousted Ukraine's then-President Viktor Yanukovych.

This event effectively began Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The Russian military has continued to occupy Crimea ever since.

In March 2014, 100 member states in the United Nations General Assembly voted on a resolution stating that the annexation of Crimea was illegal and any staged voting on the peninsula conducted by Russia was null and void.

'This is a very dangerous moment' — Zelensky warns against US withdrawal from peace effort

Ukraine would not want the U.S. to withdraw from peace talks on ending Russia's full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 22 during a press conference.

kyivindependent.com

"This is a very dangerous moment. I don't think it sends a very good signal if the U.S. pulls out. We really hope that President (Donald) Trump will support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia," Zelensky said.

Zelensky also stressed that Ukraine is an ally of the U.S., while Russia is an enemy.

Trump admin fires coordinator responsible for collecting data on Russia's war crimes in Ukraine, WP reports

The White House also disbanded the Justice Department's War Crimes Accountability Team and dismantled a program to seize assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs, the WP reported.

kyivindependent.com

The Trump administration fired a coordinator responsible for collecting data on war crimes committed by Russia during its full-scale war against Ukraine, the Washington Post (WP) reported on April 22, citing its undisclosed sources.

The White House also disbanded the Justice Department's War Crimes Accountability Team, headed by a coordinator, and dismantled a program to seize assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs, the WP reported.

Democratic Congressman Jason Crow, another co-author, told the Washington Post that if Trump and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard "want to achieve lasting peace, they must be willing to hold (Russian President Vladimir) Putin accountable for the crimes he's committed in Ukraine."

'Ukraine ready to negotiate, but not surrender,' Deputy PM says amid strained peace efforts

Ukraine will not accept a peace agreement that would give Russia a chance to regroup for further attacks and sees a full ceasefire as "the necessary first step," Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 23.

kyivindependent.com

Ukraine will not accept a peace agreement that would give Russia a chance to regroup for further attacks, and sees a full ceasefire as "the necessary first step," Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 23.

"As Ukraine’s delegation meets with partners in London today, we reaffirm a principled position: Ukraine is ready to negotiate — but not to surrender," Svyrydenko said.

"Our people will not accept a frozen conflict disguised as peace. We will never recognize the occupation of Crimea," Svyrydenko said.

"And if NATO membership is not granted, Ukraine will require binding security guarantees—ones strong enough to deter future aggression, and clear enough to ensure lasting peace."

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 25, 2025

Ukraine insists on 'immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire,' Zelensky says

Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 23 amid strained peace efforts and intensifying Russian attacks.

kyivindependent.com

Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 23 amid strained peace efforts and intensifying Russian attacks.

"That was the proposal put forward by the United States on March 11 of this year — and it was absolutely reasonable," Zelensky said, referring to a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Kyiv signed off on during talks with the U.S. in Jeddah.

"This is absolutely possible – but only if Russia agrees and stops the killing."

"Stopping the killing is task number one. I am grateful to everyone who is focused on this goal and helps us move toward ending the war."

'Groundless accusations, political manipulations' — China reacts to Ukraine summoning its envoy

A day earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun was invited to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to meet with Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis.

kyivindependent.com

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 17 that China is supplying weapons to Russia, marking Kyiv's first confirmation that Beijing supports Russia's war effort by direct military aid. Iran and North Korea are two other allies of Moscow that supply Russia with arms.

Though Beijing has long denied supplying arms, multiple reports have suggested otherwise. In summer 2024, Zelensky said China had assured Ukraine it would not deliver weapons to Russia.

While officially claiming neutrality, Beijing has deepened economic ties with Moscow, supported Russia against Western sanctions, and emerged as a top supplier of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense sector.

Institute for the Study of War

www.understandingwar.org

The Moscow Times reported that the Kremlin is attempting to use economic incentives to sway US-Russian talks about the war in Ukraine, as the Kremlin is not sincerely interested in US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war. ISW cannot independently verify Kremlin sources' statements, but recent Kremlin behavior is consistent with the Moscow Times' insider reporting. Independent Russian outlet the Moscow Times reported on April 21 that five current Russian government officials, including two diplomats and three sources close to the Kremlin who are employees of three major state-owned companies, stated that the Kremlin is looking for incentives to "hold...Trump's attention."[10] One current Russian government official stated that Russian authorities are working "in full swing" to prepare proposals for Trump across "key economic sectors." One source who has participated in the Kremlin discussions on the matter stated that Russia "needs to milk Trump as much as possible, dangling the possibility of a ceasefire like a carrot before him." A Russian diplomat stated that the Kremlin's priority is to "recalibrate" relations with the United States while keeping dialogue about the war in Ukraine "alive." The Moscow Times reported that the official Russian sources see two main scenarios that could unfold: either Russia agrees to a Trump-brokered ceasefire in exchange for concessions, such as limitations on US weapons supplies to Ukraine, or Russia will blame Ukraine should talks collapse.[11]

 

[sds71]

Trump accuses Zelensky of sabotaging U.S. peace plan for Ukraine:

Trump called Zelensky's statement "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia," in a lengthy Truth Social post, arguing that Ukraine was not actually fighting for Crimea and that it was "lost years ago."

• "It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country," Trump continued.
• "I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever."
• "The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the "killing field," and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with "no cards to play" should now, finally, GET IT DONE."
• Vice President Vance said earlier Wednesday that the U.S. proposal would "freeze" the conflict along the current front lines and called on both parties to "either say yes or for the U.S. to walk away."

Reality check: There's no sign a deal is actually close, particularly since Ukraine has rejected Trump's plan and top U.S. officials skipped talks in London on Wednesday in which they had been expected to discuss Trump's proposal with the Ukrainians.

Between the lines: A source close to the Ukrainian government told Axios that Kyiv sees Trump's proposal as heavily biased toward Russia, with Moscow getting clear-cut wins and Kyiv only vague promises.

https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/trump-attack-zelensky-response-ukraine-peace-plan?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_medium=social

 

[Dotta]

From my country's MSM

"The End of the War According to Trump;​

'Zelensky's Personal Catastrophe'​

- Ukraine loses Crimea,
- accepts that Russia rules in four other occupied regions,
- will not join NATO,
- will hand over the nuclear power plant to the US.

In return,
it will receive
'a reliable guarantee of security'.

These are the unofficial details of the American plan for the end of the war.
The first attempt to discuss the plan in London ended in failure.

According to our experts,
the chances for a breakthrough in the war seem slim.

'I don't think that Ukraine would agree to such far-reaching territorial concessions at the moment.

Agreeing to give up Crimea would mean giving up the rest of the occupied territories in a few years.

This solution would lead to a personal disaster for President Zelensky' -
comments a former Polish ambassador to Kiev.

In his opinion,
Ukraine feels political support from EU countries and Turkey,
and does not have to agree to the imposed conditions.

According to another expert from the Center for Research on the Contemporary Security:

'Media reports on specific provisions of such a proposed agreement should be approached with caution.
Perhaps leaks to the media in this form are one of the tricks of the Russian side.

It is unlikely that the Ukrainian side would be ready to accept such conditions.

Such an outcome would mean
the capitulation of Kiev.

It is also worth emphasizing
that it is doubtful that there will be a politician in Ukraine
who, by accepting the proposal to lose territories,
would in fact commit political suicide'."

Much more in the link:
Click Translate

Finał wojny według Trumpa. "Osobista katastrofa Zełeńskiego"

Ukraina traci Krym, akceptuje, że Rosja rządzi w czterech innych okupowanych obwodach, nie wstąpi do NATO, odda elektrownię jądrową w zarządzanie USA. W zamian dostanie "niezawodną gwarancję bezpieczeństwa". To...

wiadomosci.wp.pl

 

[Dotta]

From my country's MSM

"Brussels critical of Trump's plan. ​

Tough declaration on Crimea.​

• The European Commission firmly emphasises that Crimea belongs to Ukraine.
• The US was to propose recognizing the Russian annexation of Crimea and blocking Ukraine's path to NATO.
• 'We are increasing military support for Ukraine' - the EC spokesman announced at the same time. He added that 'the stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield, the stronger it will be at the negotiation table'.

Mercier added that
the European Commission is working on a new package of sanctions against Russia,
aimed at limiting its ability to finance war."

More in the link:

Bruksela krytycznie o planie Trumpa. Padła twarda deklaracja ws. Krymu

- Krym jest częścią Ukrainy - podkreślił rzecznik Komisji Europejskiej Guillaume Mercier, odpowiadając w środę na pytania o stanowisko UE wobec doniesień dotyczących propozycji oddania Krymu Rosji w ramach...

wiadomosci.wp.pl

 

[Betty P]

"Trump's 'final offer': ​

Ukraine to respond today.​

View attachment 581080

The US expects Ukraine to respond to a peace proposal
that assumes recognition of Crimea as Russian and de facto acceptance of the current front lines.

Trump's plan is described as a 'final offer'.

Kiev sees it as clearly pro-Russian.

Trump's plan would require far-reaching concessions from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who
has repeatedly said he will not accept Russia's occupation of Crimea
and parts of four regions in eastern Ukraine.

The one-page document, which the U.S. gave Ukrainian officials in Paris last week,
is being described as President Donald Trump’s 'final offer'.

The White House has said that if the sides fail to reach an agreement soon,
the U.S. is prepared to withdraw from the negotiations.

What Russia gains under Trump's proposal:
What does Ukraine gain:
In the link:
(Click Translate)

"Ostateczna oferta" Trumpa. Ukraina ma dziś odpowiedzieć

USA oczekują od Ukrainy odpowiedzi na propozycję pokojową, która zakłada uznanie Krymu za rosyjski i faktyczną akceptację obecnych linii frontu - podaje Axios. Plan Trumpa określany jest jako "ostateczna...

wiadomosci.wp.pl

"JD Vance's Firm Announcement.​

View attachment 581082

Is Donald Trump's administration losing patience with the prolonged negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?

This seems so
according to the words of US Vice President JD Vance.

The politician announced the end of American mediation
if Washington's proposals are not met with a positive response.

Donald Trump announced that he would quickly end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

So far,
he has not initiated negotiations at the presidential level.

It is already known that,
among other things,
the summit of foreign ministers on peace talks in Ukraine will not take place.

This has been postponed to an unspecified date."

Stanowcza zapowiedź J.D. Vance'a. Mówi o Rosji i Ukrainie

Administracja Donalda Trumpa traci cierpliwość w sprawie przedłużających się negocjacji między Rosją i Ukrainą? Tak wynika ze słów wiceprezydenta USA J.D. Vance'a. Polityk zapowiedział zakończenie amerykańskich...

www.o2.pl

Meh. We know what Trump/Putin want. I'm more interested in what the US allies in Europe, Canada, etc. think.

 

[sds71]

A round of explosions occurred in Kyiv around 1:00 a.m. local time on April 24, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.

Air defenses are in operation, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a post to Telegram.

Fallen debris has been found, Kyiv’s military head Tymur Tkachenko reported.

'Russian peace in all its glory' — Mass Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv kills 12, injures 87

A series of explosions rocked the capital around 1:00 a.m. local time on April 24, Kyiv Independent journalists on the ground reported. Additional explosions were later heard around 4 a.m. local time.

kyivindependent.com

 

[CaMan60]

Meh. We know what Trump/Putin want. I'm more interested in what the US allies in Europe, Canada, etc. think.

It has taken a long time to get peace talks to take place. Many thousands of Ukrainian,s are living in the US and allied countries where the cost of renting has gone up and waiting lists are everywhere. The Peace proposal on the table now calls for People to stop bringing up the past
and seeing where we are today. A ceasefire will bring a end to Apartment Buildings getting Blown Up causing the displacement of People into our own backyards.
And all of the Financial funds being sent to the Conflict would be better spent here on Natural Disasters of which we have many, and not Man-made Disasters.
JMHO.

 

[PommyMommy]

2 HOURS AGO:

All of Ukraine is under a combined missile and drone attack

Multiple groups of Kaliber missiles are in Ukrainian airspace, changing direction often

Several huge explosions in Kyiv, likely ballistic missiles

Groups of Kalibrs still in the air, as well as Shahed kamikaze drones coming in at ultra-low elevations

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More Russian ballistic missiles attacking Kyiv, more loud explosions.

Reports of wreckage falling, ambulances called to 4 districts of the Ukrainian capital.

Drones still swarming airspace above multiple oblasts

Explosions reported in KharkivBallistic missile at Pavlohrad

More Russian bombers in the air, launches expected at 3:40-4 AM if they are above Engels airfield, 5:30-6 if above Caspian Sea, according to Insider TG channel

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Update: 1 killed, 50 injured in Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv.

One person has been killed in Russia's mass missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported, noting that the number of victims injured has grown to 50.

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[PommyMommy]

APR 23, 2025

"Europe at a crossroads": Open letter calls for 180,000 European troops to defend Ukraine - Euromaidan Press

500 European intellectuals implore Europe to send boots on the ground ahead of another possible Russian invasion

euromaidanpress.com

500 prominent European figures, including Nobel laureate Harvey J. Alter, have signed an open letter urging European governments to deploy 180,000 troops to defend Ukraine’s borders against Russian aggression. The appeal comes as a “Coalition of the Willing” – now encompassing 30 countries led by the UK and France – has been formed to create a “reassurance force” for Ukraine. While only France and the UK have officially committed troops so far, the coalition is working on the details of deploying forces to strategic locations like cities, ports, and power plants across Ukraine, though not along front lines. Concerns continue to grow about Belarus’s Zapad-2025 military exercises potentially serving as a prelude to a new invasion of Ukraine.

Russia claims readinness to end war if Kyiv cedes four "disputed" oblasts - Euromaidan Press

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is prepared to end the war in Ukraine if Ukrainian forces withdraw from four "disputed" regions, parts of which Russia occupied and illegally annexed.

euromaidanpress.com

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is prepared to end the war in Ukraine if Ukrainian forces withdraw from four “disputed” regions, parts of which Russia occupied and illegally annexed.

This comes as the US presented Ukraine with a seven-point peace plan, which includes US de jure recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and de facto acknowledgment of Russian control over occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

President Zelenskyy rejected these conditions, insisting on a full, unconditional ceasefire before any negotiations on territorial or political terms could take place.

Trump: 'I think we have a deal with both,' Russia, Ukraine

"I think we have a deal with both, I hope they do it," U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

kyivindependent.com

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 23 he believes a deal between Russia and Ukraine to end Russia's war has been reached.

"I think we have a deal with both, I hope they do it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Trump said the U.S. has reached a deal with Russia and must reach a deal with Ukraine, despite in the same address claiming he thinks the U.S. has a "deal with both."

"I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelensky," Trump said.

'It's time to move forward,' Kellogg says following London peace talks

"It's time to move forward on (U.S.) President (Donald) Trump's (Ukraine-Russia) war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace, and put America First," U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg said.

kyivindependent.com

Earlier on April 23, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that the U.S. presented a "very explicit proposal" to Ukraine and Russia on a peace deal.

Vance repeated warnings that the U.S. might drop its peace efforts if both sides refuse to settle a peace deal.

The U.S. is reportedly considering recognizing Moscow's illegal occupation of Crimea as part of a peace deal, despite Russia's annexation violating international law.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 23, 2025

Ukrainians react to US proposal of recognizing Crimea as Russian​

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If Trump recognizes Crimea, the biggest losers are Ukraine — and the US, experts say

Formally recognizing Crimea as Russian would breach international law and potentially open the door to further global conflicts, experts warn.

kyivindependent.com

“This isn't negotiation, this is surrender,” said Aaron Gasch Burnett, security expert and senior fellow at Democratic Strategy Initiative.

Formally recognizing Russia’s illegal annexation now “would be a clear violation of international law,” said Stefan Wolff, professor of international security at the University of Birmingham.

“The idea that you would have both recognition of Crimea and no NATO for Ukraine on the table is ridiculous,” Burnett said.

“The U.S. is not asking Russia to give up anything.”

'Dangerous and cruel' — Trump's reported Crimea proposal sparks horror among Ukraine's lawmakers

Reports that the U.S. could formally give de jure recognition to Russia's control over Crimea have landed like a bombshell in Kyiv.

kyivindependent.com

"(The potential recognition of Crimea's annexation) sets a very dangerous precedent that could plunge the world into numerous wars," Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker with the European Solidarity Party, told the Kyiv Independent.

"Any peace agreement that includes such a provision would risk sparking unrest within the country. That’s why no Ukrainian leadership would ever agree to it.

"Recognizing territory seized by military means — this would be the first such recognition since World War II — sets a dangerous precedent that could reignite wars in the future, which could potentially reach the scale of World War III," he said.

"This is extremely dangerous and cruel."

 

[PommyMommy]

Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France and Germany. The sides expressed their views and respectfully received each other’s positions. It’s important that each side was not just a participant but contributed meaningfully. The American side shared its vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their inputs. And we hope that it is exactly such joint work that will lead to lasting peace. We are grateful to partners. Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions.

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July 25, 2018

Crimea Declaration - United States Department of State​

Press Statement
Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Washington, DC

As we did in the Welles Declaration in 1940, the United States reaffirms as policy its refusal to recognize the Kremlin’s claims of sovereignty over territory seized by force in contravention of international law. In concert with allies, partners, and the international community, the United States rejects Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored.

******************************​

We are preparing for important meetings in South Africa with President @CyrilRamaphosa and representatives of political, civil, and student communities of African countries.

It is crucial to bring a just peace closer. We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts.

We count on South Africa’s meaningful participation in the International Coalition for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We will also certainly strengthen our cultural and educational ties.

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[SouthAussie]

"True to form, Donald Trump has again launched into victim-shaming Ukraine’s president and taking Vladimir Putin’s side after Volodymyr Zelensky repeated that Crimea can never be given to Russia.

Zelensky “will not legally recognise the [Russian] occupation of Crimea”, not because he’s intransigent, but because constitutionally he cannot do so.

But that nuance has escaped Trump .... "

The real truth behind Trump’s latest attack on Zelensky over potential US peace deal

Donald Trump’s best option now is to walk away from his so-called peace talks, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Lilibet]

But that nuance has escaped Trump .... "

That’s because Trump thinks HE can do anything he wants. The constitution isn’t going to stop HIM.

JMO