Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[PommyMommy]

I addressed the European Council and emphasized that if we say Europe should be stronger in global competition, we must also discuss making European decision-making faster, more flexible, more effective – whether in politics, defense, economics, industry, or any other area.

Last night, Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine—171 strike drones, mostly Shaheds. Their target was our infrastructure. And in the city of Kropyvnytskyi, in central Ukraine, residential buildings, a church, and a school were damaged. Among the wounded—four children.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723502764855768

Yesterday evening, another Russian strike hit our energy infrastructure. We in Ukraine face this every day and night. And despite Putin’s words about being “ready to stop attacks”—nothing has changed.

It’s crucial that our partners’ support for Ukraine doesn’t decrease but instead continues and grows. Air defense, military aid, our overall resilience—all are crucial. We need funds for artillery shells and would really appreciate Europe’s support with at least five billion euros as soon as possible.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723507835863095

Investments in weapons production are needed both in Ukraine and in Europe. Europe must ensure its technological independence, including in weapons manufacturing. Everything necessary to defend the continent should be produced in Europe.

The ReArm Europe program should start operating as soon as possible. Ukraine has effective and modern tech, especially in drones and electronic warfare, which can benefit all of Europe and our global partners. Further development, and increased efficiency – along with European investments in Ukraine’s production and co-production – are key to Europe’s new security foundation.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723513351278624

 

[PommyMommy]

Sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it starts withdrawing from our land and fully compensates for the damage caused by its aggression. Keep fighting against sanction evasion schemes and Russia’s attempts to finance its war effort.

Ongoing diplomatic efforts do not mean Russia should face less pressure. That’s crucial to reducing the chances of a Russian hoax. We all know how easily Moscow disregards its promises – one moment they give their word, and a few hours later it means absolutely nothing. That’s why we must keep pushing Russia toward peace.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723518736838999

Yesterday, I had a productive conversation with President Trump. Ukraine has always advocated for an end to attacks on energy and infrastructure and a ceasefire at sea. Our teams will also work towards achieving an unconditional, full ceasefire on land.

Putin must stop making unnecessary demands that only prolong the war and must start fulfilling what he promises the world. By now, there could have been over a week without killings, without strikes, without fire – if Putin were not the only one keeping this war going. The proposals made in Jeddah on March 11 are still on the table. We must keep pressuring Russia to make them a reality.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723524776583443

Unfortunately, some pressure is also needed within Europe itself to ensure that anything promised – actually happens, particularly Ukraine’s EU accession talks and resolving some fundamental issues for European unity.

It is simply anti-European when one person blocks decisions important for the entire continent or that have already been agreed upon. Ukraine fulfilled the requirements, but right now, there are serious difficulties in opening Ukraine’s first and other negotiation clusters for EU accession.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723529528725759

 

[PommyMommy]

European efforts that should be bringing more security and peace are also constantly being obstructed. This is wrong. Europe must have a way to prevent individual actors from blocking what’s necessary for all.

Europe needs speed in making decisions and clear tools to protect itself from unnecessary blockages. Ukraine is part of Europe, and Europe is one of the players in global peace efforts. We did our best for Europe to be equal with others in these efforts and peace negotiations. Together we achieved it.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723535090430059

Europe must always be at the table in discussions about its own security. We must work in unity on all European matters. We talked about this in Jeddah, and we always discuss it with all our partners – Europe is a participant in diplomacy.

I am grateful to those working with us on future security guarantees for Ukraine—and, in turn, for the entire eastern flank of Europe and the continent as a whole. For those who haven’t joined yet—I invite you to do so. All of us must be as efficient as possible in this work on security guarantees – and as quick as possible.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902723539947360680

I had a very warm, meaningful, and productive meeting with Norway’s Prime Minister @jonasgahrstore. Throughout all three years of this war, Norway has stood firmly by our side – the side of protecting life – and all Ukrainians deeply appreciate it.

Today, the Prime Minister and I discussed our joint efforts to achieve a dignified and durable peace for Ukraine, backed by robust security guarantees. We also talked about our joint diplomatic work and concrete steps to strengthen our defense capabilities – air defense, ammunition, investments in Ukraine’s defense industry, and mutually beneficial joint production projects that we can launch and develop. All of this will truly enhance security for our nations and for all of Europe.

We are deeply grateful to the people, parliament, and government of Norway for the support provided – especially for the decision to nearly triple the volume of assistance to Ukraine, bringing it to nearly $8 billion. These funds will be directed toward the procurement and production of drones, shells, and artillery – everything that significantly helps our warriors and will ultimately force Russia to shift toward a diplomatic path to ending the war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902762621905817689

 

[PommyMommy]

I met with @MasudGh, President of the Storting, and the leaders of political parties represented in the Norwegian Parliament. We deeply appreciate that all parties are united in their support for Ukraine.

We discussed the consolidation of international support at the parliamentary level and the areas of our future cooperation. I informed the MPs on the diplomatic efforts to achieve peace, the vision for a future security architecture of Ukraine and Europe, and humanitarian efforts to bring our children home.

I am grateful to the people of Norway for their assistance to Ukraine and to the Storting for its decision to allocate nearly $8 billion this year. This is truly a significant contribution to strengthening our nation.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902780744751022510

I am grateful to Crown Prince Regent Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway for the audience.

We discussed strengthening cultural ties between our countries and further support for the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative.

All of us in Ukraine deeply appreciate Norway’s defense and humanitarian support, as well as its efforts in developing a European plan for achieving a just peace and reliable security guarantees.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1902788036573659474

 

[LoveyG]

Mitch McConnell talks about the Russia/Ukraine war and Trumps tariffs.
Full disclosure, I cannot stand Mitch McConnell and blame him for the mess we are in now, but I have to recognize that he is one smart SOB.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 20, 2025

Institute for the Study of War

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike against Engels Airbase in Saratov Oblast on the night of March 19 to 20. The Ukrainian General Staff reported on March 20 that elements of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), Unmanned Systems Forces, Special

www.understandingwar.org

The Kremlin is intensifying efforts to change the demographic makeup of occupied Ukraine in order to legitimize Putin's claim over occupied areas. Putin signed a decree on March 20 mandating that Ukrainian civilians who are "illegally" living in Russia and occupied Ukraine must "regulate their legal status" or leave Russia and occupied Ukraine by September 10, 2025.[27] The Kremlin has conducted a thorough passportization campaign to coerce Ukrainians living under occupation into obtaining Russian citizenship in efforts to legitimize Russia's territorial claims over occupied areas and tighten control over local populaces.[28] The Kremlin has also conducted Russian repopulation campaigns to artificially decrease the number of Ukrainians living in occupied Ukraine and inflate the number of Russians in these areas.[29] Putin's March 20 decree also obliges "foreigners," presumably including those with Ukrainian citizenship, and stateless persons entering occupied Ukraine to take Russian medical exams and blood tests.[30] The Kremlin has historically used these tests to obtain personal data to later exert pressure on Ukrainians to comply with occupation authorities and serve in the Russian military, as well as to forcibly deport Ukrainian children to Russia.[31]

The Kremlin also continues Russifying Ukrainian children in occupied areas to further the destruction of Ukrainian national and cultural identity and to portray Russia as the humane governor of occupied Ukraine. Kremlin Children's Rights Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova met with Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) Head Denis Pushilin on March 20 and claimed that occupation authorities sent 127 ill Ukrainian children to medical treatment in unspecified locations, likely including in Russia, and that 1,346 Ukrainian children participated in the "Day After Tomorrow" social adaptation project for youths.[32] Lvova-Belova stated that occupation officials opened two youth centers in occupied Makiivka and Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, and that these centers often host social events for youths, including Ukrainian minors under Russian guardianship.[33] The Kremlin has frequently used forced deportations of Ukrainian children and youth social organizations to indoctrinate Ukrainian children into Russian military-patriotic education and eradicate their Ukrainian identities.[34] Lvova-Belova also proposed that Pushilin create a social system to place 500 Ukrainian children who are currently in state custody in occupied Donetsk Oblast with Russian families and noted that many of these children have relatives who can take in the children.[35] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that Ukraine will not compromise on the return of Ukrainian children to unoccupied Ukraine, and the US-Ukrainian joint statement agreeing on a 30-day ceasefire similarly emphasized the importance of returning forcibly deported Ukrainian children.[36] The Kremlin's continued efforts to forcibly deport and indoctrinate Ukrainian children — instead of working with Ukrainian authorities to return these children to Ukraine — underscores how committed the Kremlin remains to eradicating Ukrainian identity and strengthening its claim over occupied Ukraine.

 

[Tricia]

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Tricia

 

[Betty P]

Never in my lifetime did I expect to see a president of the US force our country to abandon our allies and take up with our enemies, threatening our lives and that of the rest of the world.

I don’t believe the Supreme Court or Congress will allow Trump to become a dictator for life by running for reelection. No will they allow him to appoint his children to succeed him.

He and Musk are both dangerously mentally ill.

I also think our Social Security benefits and Medicare are next to be messed up. I’m starting to read of some of the ways they plan to stop these payments by arbitrarily labeling beneficiaries as fraudulent. They’re going to make millions of people show up in person at their Social Security office with full documentation to prove who they are. That means birth certificates, marriage licenses, proof of residence, etc. Even then, benefits may not be restored.

JMO

 

[SouthAussie]

In other US defence related news ....
Trump denies it, but officials have acknowledged it. Musk is set to be briefed on Friday about US top-secret plans for any potential war with China.



A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the briefing for Musk would be attended by senior U.S. military officials in the Pentagon and would be an overview on a number of different topics, including China.

According to the New York Times report, the briefing would include 20 to 30 slides that lay out how the United States would fight in a conflict with China. The newspaper cited two U.S. officials it did not identify.

Access to the closely guarded military plan would mark a sharp expansion of Musk's role as a Trump adviser who has spearheaded efforts to cut U.S. government spending.
Trump denies Musk to be briefed on top-secret plan for potential war with China


It is probably important to note that Musk does NOT have a highest level security clearance.

The SpaceX head has been advised to not seek the same over his drug use and contacts with foreign nationals
Elon Musk will not receive highest-level government security clearance

 

[TootsieFootsie]

If Trump denies it then it must be true...

 

[SouthAussie]

Putin shares Trump conversation details with Lukashenko​

(Notice the last line in this quoted text)

The topics included details of Putin's conversation with Trump.
Lukashenko expressed concerns about the US-Ukraine deal on rare earth metal extraction. Putin assured him that Russia is open to cooperation with the US on this matter.

 

[Lilibet]

Never in my lifetime did I expect to see a president of the US force our country to abandon our allies and take up with our enemies, threatening our lives and that of the rest of the world.

I don’t believe the Supreme Court or Congress will allow Trump to become a dictator for life by running for reelection. No will they allow him to appoint his children to succeed him.

He and Musk are both dangerously mentally ill.

I also think our Social Security benefits and Medicare are next to be messed up. I’m starting to read of some of the ways they plan to stop these payments by arbitrarily labeling beneficiaries as fraudulent. They’re going to make millions of people show up in person at their Social Security office with full documentation to prove who they are. That means birth certificates, marriage licenses, proof of residence, etc. Even then, benefits may not be restored.

JMO

Thank you for posting this @Betty P. I agree with you 100%. Especially that Trump and Musk are dangerously mentally ill. We are living in extremely perilous times. At the moment Ukraine is the most obvious victim of Trump/Musk and Putin. But we all will be eventually, whether it’s Social Security, Medicare, employment, free speech, freedom of religion, and more.

Personally, I believe that Trump will do what he wants regarding another term (if he lives that long), no matter what the Supreme Court or Congress say. He is already showing that he will ignore court rulings (re: flights to El Salvador). The courts and Congress have no way to enforce their opinions. The Attorney General will do nothing.

I continue to encourage following Timothy Snyder and reading his book “On Tyranny—Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.”
PDF— https://ia601505.us.archive.org/11/...eth Century by Timothy Snyder (z-lib.org).pdf

JMO

 

[SouthAussie]

So, next week's negotiations in Riyadh are going to be in meetings where the negotiators go back and forth between opposing parties sitting in different rooms.


Next week’s exercise in shuttle diplomacy in Riyadh may prove a moment when Trump can no longer paper over the cracks.

“There are going to be proximity discussions meaning one group’s going to be in this room, one group in this room and they’ll sit and talk go back and forth sort of like shuttle diplomacy in a hotel,” said General Keith Kellogg, the Trump envoy to Ukraine. “And and that’s how it’s going to work and then we’ll find out where everybody stands.”

There is a degree of gullibility to the US approach as their business-facing dealmakers begin to encounter veteran Russian diplomats.

When Sergei Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov met with US negotiators in Riyadh, they brought decades of experience and pointed to draft agreements to help shape the discussions. The US negotiators appeared outflanked.

One question as Witkoff, Waltz, and Rubio prepare to travel to Riyadh for the high-stakes meetings on Monday is whether they can summon the expertise to wrangle the details of an 11-year-old conflict with some of Russia’s most experienced negotiators sitting across the table.

The discrepancies between how the US and others are interpreting Trump’s calls are adding up

 

[JennieM]

Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police deployed in ‘routine’ investigation into substation fire​

11m ago12.06 GMT

Met's Counter Terrorism Command leads the investigation, police says, but 'no indication of foul play'​

The Metropolitan police has now confirmed that the counter-terrorism command is leading enquiries as to the source of fire at the substation in Hayes, while stressing there is “currently no indication of foul play.”

A spokesperson for the Met said:

“We are working with the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire which remains under investigation. While there is currently no indication of foul play we retain an open mind at this time.

Given the location of the sub-station and the impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading enquiries.

This is due to the specialist resources and capabilities within that command that can assist in progressing this investigation at pace to minimise disruption and identify the cause.”

Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police deployed in ‘routine’ investigation into substation fire - live

Investigators believe fire was not result of deliberate act but say authorities are monitoring fire that led to power outage at airport

www.theguardian.com

Currently no indication of foul play, but the Daily Fail claims maybe it is Russia sabotage.

 

[JennieM]

Counter-terrorism police part of fire investigation as 'precautionary measure'​

Daniel Sandford
Home Affairs correspondent

The BBC understands that counter-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police will be involved in the investigation into a fire at a electricity substation near Heathrow.

This is not because of any direct evidence of sabotage, but because of their skills and the need to quickly rule out foul play.

Their involvement was described by a source as "belt and braces" and a "precautionary measure".

Why counter-terrorism police are investigating the fire​

Daniel Sandford
Home Affairs correspondent

The impact of the electricity substation fire near Heathrow has had a devastating impact on a key part of our national infrastructure - the kind of impact that terrorist groups and hostile states would like to have.

At the moment it looks like a fault, but what if it was deliberately started? That question needs to be ruled out urgently.

That is why counter-terrorism detectives are leading the investigation into the cause of the fire. They have specialist forensic skills and can look for any evidence of an explosion or other deliberate act.

Also if at any stage foul play is suspected counter-terrorism detectives will want to have been involved from the start.

If foul play remains ruled out, there is another urgent question: How many other key parts of our national infrastructure do not have a backup electricity supply?

Urgent investigation ordered into power outage that closed Heathrow, energy secretary says

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband says there are "lessons to be learned" after a substation fire brought the major airport to a standstill on Friday.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[JennieM]

45m ago12.36 GMT

National Grid 'not in a position to rule anything in or out' on fire causes​

Jillian Ambrose

The head of National Grid’s electricity transmission business has refused to rule out that an act of sabotage may be behind the substation fire which cut power supplier to Heathrow airport.

“We’re not in a position to rule anything in or out,” Alice Delahunty, the president of National Grid’s transmission business, told the Guardian. “Our focus has been getting homes and businesses back on supply safely. There will be a time for a full and thorough investigation, but the focus has been on restoring power.”

Delahunty said that the “very significant and serious incident” was “extraordinarily rare” across National Grid’s network.

The team is collecting “rigorous documentation” relating to the incident but it was not yet possible to verify any “rumours and speculation” over its cause, she added.

Delahunty confirmed that the fire damaged the substation’s primary transformer, while the backup transformer sustained heat damage during the blaze.

The team is currently focused on bringing a third transformer online as soon as possible, and is working with the owner of the local power distribution network to reconfigure the flow of electricity to reach homes and the Heathrow airport, she said.

She declined to give a timeline for the ongoing work.

Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police leading substation fire investigation - live

Investigators caution that ‘currently no indication of foul play’ as hundreds of flights disrupted

www.theguardian.com

 

[RichardKimble]

The mail are going with Russia involved in the fire, quell surprise.Mind what ever the cause it shows a vulnerability to not have a back up, maybe a diesel ?

Debate | Daily Mail Online

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[dotr]

Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police deployed in ‘routine’ investigation into substation fire​

11m ago12.06 GMT

Met's Counter Terrorism Command leads the investigation, police says, but 'no indication of foul play'​

The Metropolitan police has now confirmed that the counter-terrorism command is leading enquiries as to the source of fire at the substation in Hayes, while stressing there is “currently no indication of foul play.”

Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police deployed in ‘routine’ investigation into substation fire - live

Investigators believe fire was not result of deliberate act but say authorities are monitoring fire that led to power outage at airport

www.theguardian.com

Currently no indication of foul play, but the Daily Fail claims maybe it is Russia sabotage.

D

Post in thread 'UK- Heathrow Airport shutdown due to electrical substation fire, causes flight chaos, thousands stranded, 21 March '25*Counter-terror investigation*'

Mar 21, 2025

Is Russia behind Heathrow Airport closure?

Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of staging dozens of attacks and other incidents across Europe since the invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

www.dailymail.co.uk

''Counter terrorism police are now leading the probe into an electrical substation fire that has shut London Heathrow Airport for the whole of today amid claims it could be a Russian sabotage attack linked to Vladimir Putin's campaign of disruption.

More than 1,300 flights to and from the UK's busiest airport will be impacted today due to its closure following a blaze at the nearby North Hyde electrical substation.

Thousands of homes were left without...

• dotr

• 

 

[PommyMommy]

On the evening of 20 March, Russia attacked civilians in Odesa with drones.The attack injured three people, including minors, and damaged civilian infrastructure, such as a residential building and shopping center. The strike also triggered power outages across multiple districts.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903004748850053320

Aftermath of the Russian drone attack on Odesa on 20 March. The strike resulted in at least three civilian injuries and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/03/21/we-were-investing-for-17-years-everything-burned-down-russian-attack-on-ukraine-causes-extreme-damage-to-civilians/

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903004525742407946

Russia assaults even the dead. The Russian strike on Odesa damaged 50 and wholly destroyed 30 graves at the Novomiske (Tairovske) cemetery on 20 March.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903034235809632336

 

[PommyMommy]

Czech President came to Odesa for an official visit on 20 March, on the day when Russia launched a massive drone attack on the city.

Petr Pavel announced that Czechia is sending critical support to Ukraine's southern oblasts, including combat vehicles, drones, and medical equipment.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903017817294639422

In North Korea, Russian Security Council Secretary laid a wreath at the memorial of Soviet soldiers. Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang on 21 March for high-level talks with Kim Jong-un to strengthen ties with North Korea, which provides weapons and soldiers to aid Russia's war against Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903079162413535273

North Korea has tested its newest surface-to-air missile system. State media released footage showing the missile hitting an aerial target over the sea. The regime has already announced the start of mass production. Dictator Kim Jong-un personally attended the launch.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903005211880202338