Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[Fabled Automatic]

President Trump said “contracts” are being negotiated to divide up land as part of a final deal ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and reiterated that a ceasefire could come “pretty soon.”

Trump says ‘contract’ being drafted on ‘dividing up’ land in Ukraine war

 

[Sillybilly]

There are a couple of Ukraine stories in this list on “Trump Tyranny Tracker—Day 60.” This helpful list is posted every day and provides “key news from the day alongside ongoing developments as Trump and his regime move swiftly to consolidate power, undermine democracy, and dismantle civil rights and freedoms.” Definitely worth reading daily IMO.

Trump Tyranny Tracker: Day 60

March 20, 2025

trumptyrannytracker.substack.com

ADMIN NOTE:

Based on the above linked list being compiled by Olga Lautman, Expert, Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), the source is approved based on it being a scholarly article by an expert.

 

[Kudzuu]

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.

I've watched Mitch since 1984. He knows how to manipulate the media and keep his mouth shut. For him to say we are headed to authoritarianism and democrats need to step up is extraordinary. Unprecedented.

I think he realizes what he has done. He doesn't want his legacy to be stacking the courts and refusing to hold DJT a accountable. In fact, he allowed a mentally ill president to remain in office and run for office as a convicted criminal.

Thanks Mitch. One statement or a hundred after 40 years disparaging the opposition will not change your legacy.

Why didn't he vote against authoritarianism? He doesn't want that one little headline to hit the news. McConnell calls Trump and authoritarian.

Put your vote where your mouth is.

 

[SouthAussie]

After stepping down last year as Republican leader, McConnell became chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, which wields heavy influence on military spending.

McConnell said Tuesday that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has produced jobs in 38 U.S. states and there’s been no loss of American military personnel.

“We’re just helping a friend fight back against an invasion," the Louisville Republican said. "What we want to avoid in the end is a headline that says, 'Russia wins and America loses.'"

https://www.lpm.org/news/2025-03-19/mcconnell-makes-the-case-for-continued-u-s-aid-for-ukraine

 

[SouthAussie]

This must be a result of the leaks about non-security-cleared Musk viewing secret plans about China. imo



US Defence Department personnel could face polygraph or lie detector tests as the Trump administration moves to crack down on what it says are leaks of national security information.

A memo late Friday from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff referred to “recent unauthorised disclosures” of such information but provided no details about alleged leaks.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump rejected reports that adviser Elon Musk would be briefed on how the United States would fight a hypothetical war with China.

War declared on Pentagon leaks after Musk visit

US Defence Department personnel could face polygraph or lie detector tests in aTrump administration alleged leaks crackdown.

www.thenewdaily.com.au

 

[keek]

This must be a result of the leaks about non-security-cleared Musk viewing secret plans about China. imo



US Defence Department personnel could face polygraph or lie detector tests as the Trump administration moves to crack down on what it says are leaks of national security information.

A memo late Friday from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff referred to “recent unauthorised disclosures” of such information but provided no details about alleged leaks.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump rejected reports that adviser Elon Musk would be briefed on how the United States would fight a hypothetical war with China.

War declared on Pentagon leaks after Musk visit

US Defence Department personnel could face polygraph or lie detector tests in aTrump administration alleged leaks crackdown.

www.thenewdaily.com.au

I want to make a laugh face for some reason.

 

[SouthAussie]

I want to make a laugh face for some reason.

I would personally like to see Trump be the first one to sit a lie detector test. With the (honest) results being published for the world to see.

imo

 

[Lilibet]

ADMIN NOTE:

Based on the above linked list being compiled by Olga Lautman, Expert, Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), the source is approved based on it being a scholarly article by an expert.

Thank you, Sillybilly. I just ran across this Substack by Olga Lautman that is more specific to Ukraine and Russia.

Unmasking Russia | Olga Lautman | Substack

Newsletter covering Russia, Ukraine, Eastern, and Central Europe with a focus on Russia's intelligence operations to destabilize global democracies. Click to read Unmasking Russia, by Olga Lautman, a Substack publication with tens of thousands of subscribers.

olgalautman.substack.com

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 22, 2025

Russia struggles to amass troops underground in Vovchansk as Ukraine detects every move - Euromaidan Press

Russian forces’ attempts to use underground communications for movement in Vovchansk have been thwarted by Ukraine's aerial and ground reconnaissance, preventing any significant advance.

euromaidanpress.com

Russian forces are trying to use underground communications to amass forces for assaults on Ukraine’s Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast. However, their attempts have not been successful, says Oleksandr Danilenko, the head of communications for the Hart brigade of the State Border Guard Service, according to UNIAN.

Russia continues its deliberate daily air attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure. Since October 2022, it has systematically targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with extensive missile and drone assaults, aiming to disrupt civilian life, particularly during the winter months.

Slovakian cities erupt in anti-Fico protests again - Euromaidan Press

Thousands of Slovakians continue biweekly protests against Prime Minister Fico's pro-Russian stance.

euromaidanpress.com

Since Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2022, Slovakia emerged as a key ally, providing military aid, expelling Russian diplomats, and condemning Moscow’s aggression. However, the rise of pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico in October 2023 signaled a shift, which ended military support, limited assistance to humanitarian efforts, and opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership.

“Large crowds again took to the streets across Slovakia on Friday to voice their opposition to Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies,” the report says.

US-Russia ceasefire talks focus on permanent truce while Moscow continues to bombard Ukrainian cities - Euromaidan Press

Russia agrees to halt energy infrastructure attacks and reinstate Black Sea maritime strike moratorium while simultaneously continuing ground operations in Ukraine, revealing the complex diplomatic game as Trump promises a full ceasefire "very soon."

euromaidanpress.com

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin appears to employ a calculated strategy of flattery toward Donald Trump, praising his efforts in restoring contacts between the US and Russia, likely aiming to influence the American president. In the same conversation, Witkoff said that Putin went to a church, met with his priest, and prayed for the US president after an assassination attempt in 2024. However, this rhetoric starkly contrasts with Russia’s actions on the ground as it continues its devastating war in Ukraine, despite an agreement to begin a 30-day energy attacks ceasefire.

 

[SouthAussie]

Another wonderful thing that Hope for Ukraine are doing. Providing motorised scooters to wounded Ukraine soldiers to give them mobility in civilian life.



Hope for Ukraine - entirely funded by private donations

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 23, 2025

UK intel: Putin’s decree pressures Ukrainians to accept Russian passports or leave occupied areas - Euromaidan Press

This move is part of ongoing Russian efforts to enforce Russification policies in these areas, aiming to eliminate Ukrainian culture, identity, and statehood.

euromaidanpress.com

According to the Ministry, this Russian action is part of a broader strategy by Putin and the Russian leadership to enforce Russification, undermining Ukrainian culture, identity, and statehood.

The British Defense Ministry wrote:

• On 20 March 2025 Russian President Putin signed a decree that mandated Ukrainian nationals living in Russia, or in sovereign Ukrainian territory illegally occupied by Russia, to ‘settle their legal status’ by 10 September 2025, or leave the territory.

'No high expectations' — Ukrainian officials skeptical about upcoming Riyadh talks

U.S. negotiators are set to separately meet Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Riyadh on March 24, and contours of a potential partial ceasefire proposal are beginning to form. The upcoming discussions are meant to flesh out technical details on what this ceasefire, either limited to strikes...

kyivindependent.com

U.S. President Donald Trump has strived to broker a swift peace deal in Ukraine, pressuring Kyiv to the negotiating table by temporarily halting military and intelligence aid while doing little to pressure Moscow apart from verbal threats of sanctions.

So far, Trump's efforts have only secured a promise from Russia for the 30-day pause on energy strikes—an idea backed also by Kyiv.

The Kremlin's promise had been broken immediately, with Russian drones attacking cities and villages all over Ukraine.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 23, 2025

Welt: China considers joining potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine - Euromaidan Press

Chinese diplomats approached EU officials about joining Ukraine peacekeeping forces, potentially increasing Russian acceptance of an international mission.

euromaidanpress.com

Brussels diplomatic circles told the publication:

“Involving China in a ‘coalition of the willing’ could potentially increase Russia’s acceptance of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.”

However, sources described the matter as “delicate.”

 

[SouthAussie]

The US seriously has to get out of the negotiations. Have a read of this article about the Russian propaganda that "envoy" Steve Witkoff has been parroting on Tucker Carlson's show.

'They are Russian-speaking, and there have been referendums,' — Witkoff parrots Russian propaganda, legitimizing Putin's claims in Ukraine

U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who recently emerged as a leading figure in negotiations regarding Russia and Ukraine, revealed insights into ongoing ceasefire talks between Moscow and Washington. In an interview on March 21 with American far-right political commentator...

kyivindependent.com

 

[Mo Thuairim]

The US seriously has to get out of the negotiations. Have a read of this article about the Russian propaganda that "envoy" Steve Witkoff has been parroting on Tucker Carlson's show.

'They are Russian-speaking, and there have been referendums,' — Witkoff parrots Russian propaganda, legitimizing Putin's claims in Ukraine

U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who recently emerged as a leading figure in negotiations regarding Russia and Ukraine, revealed insights into ongoing ceasefire talks between Moscow and Washington. In an interview on March 21 with American far-right political commentator...

kyivindependent.com

Witkoff is a gullible fool. The level of ignorance about Ukraine that he displays is embarrassing. So much so that it's hard to believe it is genuine and he is not being disingenuous here. Either way, he is very bad for Ukraine.

 

[Mo Thuairim]

Also the image of Putin down on his knees praying for his 'friend' Trump after the ear grazing lives rent-free in my head. The Russians were laying it on thick with Witkoff.

 

[SouthAussie]

Witkoff is a gullible fool. The level of ignorance about Ukraine that he displays is embarrassing. So much so that it's hard to believe it is genuine and he is not being disingenuous here. Either way, he is very bad for Ukraine.

It made me think of this .. that I posted further back. Gullible US negotiators VS Russia's most experienced negotiators.


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.

How Trump’s diplomacy resembles a game of broken telephone

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

www.theguardian.com

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Also the image of Putin down on his knees praying for his 'friend' Trump

A likely story...



Cambridge English Dictionary: Meanings & Definitions

said when you do not believe something:

 

[PommyMommy]

Last night, Russia attacked Ukraine using nearly 150 strike drones. As of now, ten people are reported injured, including a child. In Kyiv, the attack claimed three lives, among them a father and his five-year-old daughter. Yesterday in Zaporizhzhia, three people were killed—a family: father, mother, and their 17-year-old daughter. My condolences to the families and loved ones.

These attacks are a daily reality. This week alone, over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles of various types were used against our people. All of this weaponry contains at least 102,000 foreign components. That’s why sanctions against Russian terrorists must be more effective. Every loophole that allows them to bypass the sanctions regime must be eliminated.

New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war.

We must strengthen Ukraine and our army – with more air defense systems and real support. I thank all partners who understand this and continue to support Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903740311689363767

Defence Blog: Russia tests new drone swarm tactic against Ukrainian cities

Russia started to employ Shahed-136 drones in concentrated attacks on residential neighborhoods of Ukrainian cities, killing more civilians.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903810968901005555

Russia lost some 1,470 soldiers yesterday, according to estimations by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903818527536271363

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 23, 2025

Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade liberates village of Nadiya in Luhansk Oblast, releases video of operation

Several dead Russian soldiers are shown in the video, although the Brigade did not confirm the number of fatalities and casualties.

kyivindependent.com

Ukrainian forces liberated the village of Nadiya in Luhansk Oblast, reclaiming three square kilometers from Russian occupation, the Third Assault Brigade reported on March 23.

“The capture of Nadiya cost the enemy two months of effort and two wiped out mechanized regiments - the 752nd and 254th 20th Russian Army,” said Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps.

The village lies on the Western edge of Luhansk Oblast, around three kilometers from the border of Kharkiv Oblast. It was captured by Russia in March 2022, then liberated in Oct. 2022 before being occupied a second time.

Ukraine liberates Nadiia village in Luhansk Oblast (video) - Euromaidan Press

In 30 hours, the Brigade reclaimed three square kilometers of territory that had earlier taken Russian forces two months to capture. "Nadiia" translates to "Hope."

euromaidanpress.com

The village’s name, Nadiia, is Ukrainian for “Hope.”

EU bypasses Orbán’s veto to reaffirm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty - Euromaidan Press

Hungary's veto power remains a significant obstacle for future EU decisions on Ukraine, requiring unanimous agreement in upcoming showdowns.

euromaidanpress.com

While the EU generally aims for unanimity, it has increasingly found ways to proceed without Hungary’s agreement. As part of its ongoing support for Ukraine, the European Council emphasized continued financial and military assistance, along with the potential to provide security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. These measures, however, are not directly tied to Hungary’s approval, and the EU has made it clear that such decisions can move forward even without Budapest’s consent.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Ex-US Attorney Jessica Aber investigated Russia, CIA leak...

Aber resigned as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia after President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office.

www.newsweek.com

Ex-US Attorney Jessica Aber Investigated Russia, CIA Leaker Before Death​

Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Jessica Aber, who was found dead at the age of 43 by Virginia authorities on Saturday, was at the helm of high-profile investigations into intelligence leaks, allegations of war crimes against Russian-linked individuals and people suspected of providing sensitive U.S. technology to Moscow before she stepped down at the start of the year.

WS Thread
Fmr US attorney for East Dist of VA Jessica Aber found dead at 43