Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[PommyMommy]

Right now, we have all heard from Russia Putin’s highly predictable and manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire on the front lines—at this moment he is, in fact, preparing to reject it.

Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians. That’s why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions that it either fails or gets dragged out for as long as possible. Putin does this often—he doesn’t say ‘no’ outright, but he drags things out and makes reasonable solutions impossible. We see this as yet another round of Russian manipulation.

There was a U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire—in the air, at sea, and on the front lines. We in Ukraine accepted this proposal. We have heard from the American side that there is readiness to organize monitoring and verification. And this is absolutely feasible—with American and European capabilities.

And during the ceasefire, to prepare answers to all questions about long-term security and a real, lasting peace, and to put a plan to end the war on the table. Ukraine is ready to work as quickly and constructively as possible. We have discussed this with U.S. representatives, and our European partners, as well as all our allies worldwide, are aware of it.

We are not setting conditions that complicate the process—Russia is. As we have always said, the only one stalling, the only one being unconstructive, is Russia. They need this war. Putin has stolen years of peace and continues this war day after day.

Now is the time to increase pressure on him. Sanctions must be applied—ones that will work. We will continue working with our American and European partners and with everyone in the world who wants peace—to force Russia to end this war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900287013557002393

 

[PommyMommy]

I had a meaningful meeting with representatives of the Turkish government and business sector, following up on our agreements with President Erdoğan in Ankara. It is important that Turkish businesses are already present in Ukraine. Our country appreciates this, as well as Türkiye’s support and assistance, particularly the supply of Bayraktar drones.

Today, we discussed efforts to bring a just and lasting peace closer, the development of bilateral relations, opportunities for cooperation in the production of various types of drones, and the participation of Turkish companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Ukraine considers Türkiye one of its strategic partners, as well as a partner in terms of security guarantees, and is ready to ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Türkiye during President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900197830024634460

I met with Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy and a member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands.

We discussed steps toward achieving a just and lasting peace. Our European partners, all those who have stood with us since the beginning of the invasion, must be involved in future peace initiatives. In this context, I shared the outcomes of the meeting between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Saudi Arabia. Our state has supported the U.S. proposal for a 30-day full interim ceasefire. Now, Russia must demonstrate its willingness to end the war.

We also talked about the supply of F-16 fighter jets, drones, and ammunition, as well as investments in the development of Ukraine’s defense industry.

We appreciate the support from the Dutch government, parliament, and people. I am grateful for strengthening our defense capabilities.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900216286984155557

We continue our new tradition in Ukraine – the tradition of iftar. It is a tradition of our respect and gratitude to the Ukrainian Muslim community, to all our people observing Ramadan.

This year, our diplomatic efforts, the efforts of our partners to bring peace closer have coincided with Ramadan. A highly successful meeting took place between Ukrainian and American diplomatic representatives – and, notably, in a Muslim country that provided the platform for discussions.

And it could turn out – if the pressure from the United States on Russia is sufficient – that during Ramadan, a real opportunity will emerge to begin taking strong diplomatic steps toward peace, to start developing a plan for truly ending the war and guaranteeing security.

We in Ukraine hope that these international efforts will succeed, and that silence in the skies, at sea, and on the frontlines will help bring peace closer. We are grateful to all our partners who support us.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900258971467837660

 

[PommyMommy]

Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant part of peace talks, Trump says.

"We have been discussing with Ukraine land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost and all of the other elements of a final agreement," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900244391198888068

US toughens sanctions on Russian energy payments.The Trump administration has toughened sanction on Russia's oil and gas industry on March 13 by not renewing an exemption that allows Russian banks to access U.S. payment systems to conduct energy transactions.https://kyivindependent.com/us-toughens-sanctions-on-russian-energy-payments/

The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 7 that he is considering imposing sweeping banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until there is a ceasefire and peace agreement.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900310332326793387

 

[PommyMommy]

US to resume shipping long-range bombs to Ukraine, Reuters reports.

The U.S. is preparing to resume shipping long-range Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine, Reuters reported on March 13, citing sources familiar with the weapon.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900324190991114600

NBC News: Russia did not want Kellogg at peace talks

“Kellogg is a former American general, too close to Ukraine. Not our kind of person, not of the caliber we are looking for,” a Kremlin official said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900271178016608705

The Telegraph: Vladimir Putin had three options: accept the ceasefire proposal, but surrender momentum on the battlefield; reject it, but risk antagonising Donald Trump; or try to drag things out so he can continue fighting as long as possible.

He has chosen option three.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900227328921288734

 

[Stella123]

Putin has stepped up and said they agree with the principles of a ceasefire plan.
It is a logical step to ask who is going to oversee the ceasefire going forward. At one
time the U.N. was doing great things around the world. Also agencies like the Red Cross
should be allowed to do what they can to help the injured.

Erm - you need to read/listen between the obfuscations and the terms (which have not yet been announced). Putin was also clear that he considered Ukraine was at fault for causing the war and various other things. JMO

 

[Stella123]

Obvious which side Belarus is on, and spoiler, it's not the side of democracy.

moo

It's such a shame - I remember when it was Independent.

 

[Snoopster]

I haven't been able to keep up with both the Ukraine thread and the tariff thread, but it seems to me that they intersect.

Apparently Trump hates just about every country (except the axis of evil) and he seems jealous. He is jealous of Europe and Canada and Australia. And jealous that Europe and Canada and Australia are standing strong with Ukraine. This excerpt shows that he's pretty much lost his wig and is blaming pretty much every country for 'taking advantage of the US'. The US is the largest economy in the world. They have NOT been taken advantage of. And this is evidenced by Trump's own words back when he signed the USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada, where he described it as the fairest, best deal ever and it would benefit the USA. So this tells us that it's not really about trade. Just as the Ukraine war is not about trade, but rather what the USA can TAKE from other allies.

This clip is just the latest one that has influenced my view that it is all about making the USA seem like the victim. JMO

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com%2Fpost%2F3lk732e5yui2r

The trade strategy and the Ukraine strategy are related. All part of Trump's plan to bully others and cast USA as the victim. Just so he can take their resources. all MOO.

ETA: I'm a bit worried about Trump's mental health here in this video. He seems a bit confused at points and his sentences don't make sense. I hope I'm mistaken.

 

[UK Girl]

I haven't been able to keep up with both the Ukraine thread and the tariff thread, but it seems to me that they intersect.

Apparently Trump hates just about every country (except the axis of evil) and he seems jealous. He is jealous of Europe and Canada and Australia. And jealous that Europe and Canada and Australia are standing strong with Ukraine. This excerpt shows that he's pretty much lost his wig and is blaming pretty much every country for 'taking advantage of the US'. The US is the largest economy in the world. They have NOT been taken advantage of. And this is evidenced by Trump's own words back when he signed the USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada, where he described it as the fairest, best deal ever and it would benefit the USA. So this tells us that it's not really about trade. Just as the Ukraine war is not about trade, but rather what the USA can TAKE from other allies.

This clip is just the latest one that has influenced my view that it is all about making the USA seem like the victim. JMO

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com%2Fpost%2F3lk732e5yui2r

The trade strategy and the Ukraine strategy are related. All part of Trump's plan to bully others and cast USA as the victim. Just so he can take their resources. all MOO.

Even Canada wants to join the Eu now Canadians want to join the EU in wake of Donald Trump's bid

 

[UK Girl]

MSN

More like Russia would not like it IMO

 

[Snoopster]

Even Canada wants to join the Eu now Canadians want to join the EU in wake of Donald Trump's bid

Can you blame us? Our closest friend stabbed us in the back and is supporting our mutual enemy, Russia. Canada and UK and EU want to support democracy, and our democratic friends in Ukraine, who are fighting an invading bully.

We stand with Ukraine! We stand with truly democratic nations who care about other democratic nations.

 

[Stella123]

I haven't been able to keep up with both the Ukraine thread and the tariff thread, but it seems to me that they intersect.

Apparently Trump hates just about every country (except the axis of evil) and he seems jealous. He is jealous of Europe and Canada and Australia. And jealous that Europe and Canada and Australia are standing strong with Ukraine. This excerpt shows that he's pretty much lost his wig and is blaming pretty much every country for 'taking advantage of the US'. The US is the largest economy in the world. They have NOT been taken advantage of. And this is evidenced by Trump's own words back when he signed the USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada, where he described it as the fairest, best deal ever and it would benefit the USA. So this tells us that it's not really about trade. Just as the Ukraine war is not about trade, but rather what the USA can TAKE from other allies.

This clip is just the latest one that has influenced my view that it is all about making the USA seem like the victim. JMO

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com%2Fpost%2F3lk732e5yui2r

The trade strategy and the Ukraine strategy are related. All part of Trump's plan to bully others and cast USA as the victim. Just so he can take their resources. all MOO.

ETA: I'm a bit worried about Trump's mental health here in this video. He seems a bit confused at points and his sentences don't make sense. I hope I'm mistaken.

Goodness the things he is saying!

"The EU was set up in order to take advantage of the United States"

Press: Including Ireland? Is Ireland taking advantage ......?

Trump: Of course they are. I have great respect for Ireland and what they did. And they should have done just what they did (????)

What I see there is Trump having a hissy fit because the EU threatened to withold medicines as sanctions JMO

 

[PommyMommy]

Russia's energy giant Gazprom will lay off 1,500 employees at the Lakhta Center — 40% of its workforce there.

The cuts are due to the loss of the European market. The company also plans to sell the Gazprom Export building in St. Petersburg, where only a few dozen employees remain out of 600. In 2023, Gazprom recorded a net loss of of 629 billion rubles ($6.9 billion)1 billion — the first in 25 years.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900296880103239862

Trump's Ukraine envoy sidelined by Kremlin amid peace talks, NBC reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, was excluded from peace talks between Russia and the United States after the Kremlin said it did not want him present, NBC News reported on March 13, citing U.S. and Russian officials.
https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-ukraine-envoy-sidelined-by-kremlin-nbc-reports/

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900352497849356398

German Defense Minister calls for unified European approach toward defense procurement.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called for a unified European approach toward defense procurement in order to avoid bureaucratic delays, Reuters reported on March 12.
https://kyivindependent.com/german-defense-minister-calls-for-unified-european-approach-toward-defense-procurement/

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900372641338339621

 

[Snoopster]

Goodness the things he is saying!

"The EU was set up in order to take advantage of the United States"

Press: Including Ireland? Is Ireland taking advantage ......?

Trump: Of course they are. I have great respect for Ireland and what they did. And they should have done just what they did (????)

What I see there is Trump having a hissy fit because the EU threatened to withold medicines as sanctions JMO

Exactly this.

It shows how skewed his thinking is. And he is casting Ukraine as 'the problem' rather than Russia.
And now Russia has declined the so-called "deal", naturally.

 

[sunshineray]

So Putin says he supports the ceasefire but won't agree to it. Something lost in the translation maybe?

He's wants to call Trump first, to ask some questions, I guess? He says he needs to make sure there's going to be a lasting peace with none of the old problems happening again. Ummm like a sovereign country defending itself against an aggressor taking their land by military force? Or the uproar about the abduction of thousands of children?

Why are the kidnapped children not being addressed at all? Does Russia get to keep them?

 

[sunshineray]

Can you blame us? Our closest friend stabbed us in the back and is supporting our mutual enemy, Russia. Canada and UK and EU want to support democracy, and our democratic friends in Ukraine, who are fighting an invading bully.

We stand with Ukraine! We stand with truly democratic nations who care about other democratic nations.

As an American I say, Amen and please know, not all of us voted for this wannabe dictator calling himself "President" and we're horrified at what's being done worldwide and at home. Please, please remember that ❤ I feel like a hostage in my own country. AJMO

 

[Vern]

Even Canada wants to join the Eu now Canadians want to join the EU in wake of Donald Trump's bid

Canada stands with Ukraine and it's important to note that Canada is also home to the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the world.

As for joinging the EU; why not? It's totally doable and internationally recognizeable given that we actually share a direct land border with EU-member Denmark via Greenland (Hans Island) and a Martime Border with EU-member France via Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Bring it on.

 

[Amika69]

Putin loves war.

 

[sunshineray]

I haven't been able to keep up with both the Ukraine thread and the tariff thread, but it seems to me that they intersect.

Apparently Trump hates just about every country (except the axis of evil) and he seems jealous. He is jealous of Europe and Canada and Australia. And jealous that Europe and Canada and Australia are standing strong with Ukraine. This excerpt shows that he's pretty much lost his wig and is blaming pretty much every country for 'taking advantage of the US'. The US is the largest economy in the world. They have NOT been taken advantage of. And this is evidenced by Trump's own words back when he signed the USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada, where he described it as the fairest, best deal ever and it would benefit the USA. So this tells us that it's not really about trade. Just as the Ukraine war is not about trade, but rather what the USA can TAKE from other allies.

This clip is just the latest one that has influenced my view that it is all about making the USA seem like the victim. JMO

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com%2Fpost%2F3lk732e5yui2r

The trade strategy and the Ukraine strategy are related. All part of Trump's plan to bully others and cast USA as the victim. Just so he can take their resources. all MOO.

ETA: I'm a bit worried about Trump's mental health here in this video. He seems a bit confused at points and his sentences don't make sense. I hope I'm mistaken.

Everything Trump does he considers and says is the best thing ever...in the history of the thing he's doing. He bloviates about anything and everything as never in the history of the world has anyone else ever, done "it" better than him.

You're not mistaken, he doesn't make sense, there's no logic but it's always, the best thing ever. I wish someone would put together a clip with all his "never before"s and "never been done"s in history (or since Lincoln or Jefferson) and just play it online 24/7 on CSPAN. The man's a pompous pontificator. AJMO

 

[Vern]

I was just reading this and wondered how Russia interprets International Humanitarian Law.

The status and protection of third-country nationals in international armed conflict - Humanitarian Law & Policy Blog

What do the Geneva Conventions and other sources of IHL say about fighters who are not nationals of the belligerent States?

blogs.icrc.org

Best answer: Incorrectly

 

[Lilibet]

Just following up on the discussion about who would become VP if Vance became President. It would not be the Speaker of the House automatically. Vance would nominate someone to be VP subject to approval of the House and the Senate. The only time the Speaker of the House steps in is if both the President and Vice President are unable to serve. S/he would then become President.

https://www.factcheck.org/2008/04/replacing-the-vice-president/

When the position of vice president becomes vacant, the 25th Amendment states:

25th Amendment: Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.