Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #15

[LovesPeace2]

APR 11, 2025

Institute for the Study of War

Ukraine's European partners announced new military aid during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on April 11.

www.understandingwar.org

Russian forces recently executed Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in western Zaporizhia Oblast amid continued reports of systematic executions of Ukrainian POWs across the theater of war. The Associated Press (AP) reported on April 10 that it obtained a video from Ukrainian and Russian drones showing Russian soldiers executing Ukrainian POWs surrendering in Pyatykhatky (northwest of Robotyne).[23] Ukrainian officials reacted to the footage confirming the executions and reiterated that Russian executions of Ukrainian POWs are "systematic."[24] ISW observed a sharp increase in credible reports and footage of Russian forces executing Ukrainian POWs throughout 2024 and 2025 and continues to assess that Russian military commanders are either complicit in or directly enabling subordinates to execute Ukrainian POWs in violation of international law.[25]

Key Takeaways:

• Ukraine's European partners announced new military aid during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein format) meeting on April 11.
• US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev in St. Petersburg on April 11 to discuss the war in Ukraine.
• Kremlin officials continue to demonstrate Russia's unwillingness to make territorial compromises in Ukraine in a future peace settlement.
• Russian authorities continue efforts to extract concessions from the United States as part of ongoing bilateral US-Russian negotiations while delaying progress towards peace in Ukraine.
• Ukrainian sources continue to speculate about which directions Russian forces will prioritize in Spring and Summer 2024. ISW is updating the axis sections in its Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment to reflect shifting Russian operational efforts along the frontline.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to emphasize Russia's large-scale and long-term investments in Russia's navy and naval strategic nuclear forces.
• Russian forces recently executed Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in western Zaporizhia Oblast amid continued reports of systematic executions of Ukrainian POWs across the theater of war.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Siversk, Novopavlivka, and Velyka Novosilka.
• Russian opposition media provided additional details regarding Russia's efforts to recruit Chinese citizens to serve in Ukraine following Ukrainian reports about Chinese nationals fighting in Ukraine.

One day Putin will pay with his blood .

 

[LovesPeace2]

WHY are these demands coming.

That Cheetos has no business in this war . He needs to but out and let Ukraine the UK Britain France Canada and every civilized country deal with this

 

[Puzzles8]

Chinese military officers behind Russian lines with Beijing's approval.

Reuters: Chinese military officers have been present behind Russian lines with Beijing’s approval

More than 100 Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine are acting as mercenaries and do not appear to have direct ties to Beijing, according to two U.S. officials cited by Reuters. However, a former intelligence official told Reuters that Chinese military officers were...

kyivindependent.com

 

[SouthAussie]

It is no surprise that China is involved. Even in April 2024 we were told about the things that China was supplying to Russia.


China is helping Russia ramp up its defense industrial base at such a large scale that Moscow is now undertaking its most ambitious expansion in military manufacturing since the Soviet era

The support China is providing includes significant quantities of machine tools, drone and turbojet engines and technology for cruise missiles, microelectronics, and nitrocellulose, which Russia uses to make propellant for weapons

Chinese and Russian entitles have also been working jointly to produce drones inside of Russia

The support from China is having a significant impact on Russia’s ability to continue its assault on Ukraine

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/12/politics/china-russia-support-weapons-manufacturing/index.html

 

[sds71]

Russian strike hits the Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing at least 21 people as crowds gathered for Sunday church services

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911347999696957445

 

[PommyMommy]

Today is Palm Sunday,aka Willow Sunday in Ukraine.

Putin starts the Holy Easter week by launching two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles on the center of Sumy.

To date, 32 dead, including 2 children.84 injured, including 10 children.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911385437442015547

**WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT**

The ballistic missiles Russia used in its strike on Sumy today were packed with cluster munitions -- designed for maximum damage -- according to chief of Zelenskyy's Office Andriy Yermak. Russia killed 32 civilians, including two children, as per the latest death toll, in this strike. A trolleybus full with people was in its epicenter. It was Palm Sunday, many people were going to church.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911410541274275974

**WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT**

Olena Kohut performed on stage just days before Russia killed her.

She was a solo organist and pianist at the Sumy National Theater. Olena also taught at the Professional College of Arts and Culture.

On 13 April, a Russian missile strike on the city center of Sumy claimed 32 lives."

For many students, Olena became not just a teacher, but a true mentor, wise advisor, and sincere support. Her love for music was endless, her faith in her students – boundless. She revealed the potential in everyone, ignited sparks of creativity, and helped them believe in their own abilities. Her lessons were not only the transmission of knowledge, but also lessons in humanity, kindness, and optimism," wrote the college where she taught.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911415901842190820

 

[LR1]

Not surprising but from what I've seen, there wasn't a single mention of this latest atrocity on any of the Sunday morning news shows in the US.

 

[LovesPeace2]

This is so damn sad ,Russia has gotten worse since trump got into office. So many deaths . I hope between the EU Britain Australia Canada support Ukraine can get threw this. The orange Cheetos and USA needs to stay out of it. To demand minerals and the pipeline while Russians are attacking more the hell with that . I'm frustrated seeing how that Cheetos is enabling Putin . My honest opinion is that Cheetos has a lot of blood on his hands the last couple months he may not of fired a gun or a weapon but he's supporting Putin and helping behind the scenes.just my opinion as a proud Ukrainian.

 

[PommyMommy]

In Sumy, efforts are ongoing to eliminate the consequences of the Russian ballistic missile strike. All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation.

68 people injured in the attack are currently in medical facilities, 8 of who are in serious condition. Doctors are doing everything possible to save lives and preserve the health of the wounded.

In addition to the university, the strike damaged five apartment buildings, cafes, shops, and the district court. In total, the Russian attack damaged 20 buildings.

I thank everyone involved in helping people at the site of the strike: emergency medical teams, the State Emergency Service, the National Police, municipal services, and volunteers. Those affected know where to turn for help, and thanks to you, this help is being provided properly and as needed.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911489401416266056

**WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT**

 

[LovesPeace2]

In Sumy, efforts are ongoing to eliminate the consequences of the Russian ballistic missile strike. All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation.

68 people injured in the attack are currently in medical facilities, 8 of who are in serious condition. Doctors are doing everything possible to save lives and preserve the health of the wounded.

In addition to the university, the strike damaged five apartment buildings, cafes, shops, and the district court. In total, the Russian attack damaged 20 buildings.

I thank everyone involved in helping people at the site of the strike: emergency medical teams, the State Emergency Service, the National Police, municipal services, and volunteers. Those affected know where to turn for help, and thanks to you, this help is being provided properly and as needed.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911489401416266056

**WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT**

Every damn day it gets worse. My heart breaks for the families and people living this 24 hrs a day ,while I watch from Canada it breaks my heart talking to family hearing their pain. One day those involved will pay, somehow I don't even think God will have mercy on their souls if they even have a soul jmvho

 

[LovesPeace2]

Video

Warning this is very graphic,from President Zelenskyy FB.

 

[sds71]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: The 2025 60 Minutes Interview transcript

As Russia's war with Ukraine continues, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sits down with Scott Pelley to discuss U.S. support for Ukraine, the war, the Oval Office meeting, and the latest attacks on civilians.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[LovesPeace2]

A mistake unreal it wasn't a damn mistake

Trump reacts to Russian strike on Sumy: It was terrible, they made a mistake

US President Donald Trump has said that he has been told that Russia “made a mistake” when it struck the city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people.

www.pravda.com.ua

Quote from Trump aboard Air Force One: "I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing."

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 11, 2025

Frontline report: Russia weaponizes drones against its own retreating soldiers in desperate push toward Lyman - Euromaidan Press

Ukrainian intelligence has uncovered Russia's modern version of barrier troops - using drones to execute their own retreating soldiers near Torske, as commanders sacrifice waves of poorly-trained conscripts in an increasingly desperate bid to capture northern Donetsk Oblast.

euromaidanpress.com

... Drones have recorded wave after wave of Russian infantry being wiped out by Ukrainian FPV strikes, and the bodies of soldiers are piling up near the crossings.

... Ukraine’s 63rd Brigade recently intercepted communications between Russian units near Lyman that revealed a disturbing new layer to these tactics. The recordings proved that Russian commanders are using barrier troops to keep soldiers from retreating. The intercepted message stated that if Russian assault troops, consisting mainly of newly mobilized soldiers without experience, retreat or hesitate during an assault, their comrades will target them with drones from behind. The Russians in the recording also stated that the order comes straight from the Russian high command.

This is a brutal evolution of the traditional barrier troop concept. Rather than having soldiers posted in the rear to shoot deserters, the modern Russian army has now weaponized drones against its own men.

APR 14, 2025

Zelenskyy calls on Trump to come to Ukraine before making decisions on talks - Euromaidan Press

Speaking a week after a Russian missile killed 19 people including nine children near a playground, President Zelenskyy asked the US president to visit war-torn areas of Ukraine to understand "with whom you have a deal."

euromaidanpress.com

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited US President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine before making decisions about ceasefire negotiations with Russia, CBS News reported on 13 April.

“We respect your position,” Zelenskyy said in English during his interview with 60 Minutes, “but, please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of plans for negotiations, come to see the people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead.”
Zelenskyy expressed concern about Russian narratives gaining traction in the United States. “I believe, sadly, (that) Russian narratives are prevailing in the US,” he said. “How is it possible to witness our losses and our suffering, to understand what the Russians are doing, and to still believe that they are not the aggressors?”

Russian officials confirm deadly Sumy attack, justify it as targeting "military meeting" - Euromaidan Press

The mayor of Konotop said military personnel from the 117th Territorial Defense Brigade were receiving awards in Sumy during the strike. He said that they escaped harm by reaching shelter in time.

euromaidanpress.com

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed that its military forces struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy with two Iskander-M missiles on 13 April, according to several Russian media outlets.

Russian defence officials reported the target was a meeting location of the command staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Seversk operational-tactical group. The ministry claimed that the strike killed more than 60 Ukrainian military personnel.

Kyiv invites EU leaders on May 9 to counter Putin’s victory parade

Ukraine has invited top European Union officials to visit Kyiv on May 9 in a symbolic move to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, Politico reported on April 14, citing Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

kyivindependent.com

Ukraine has invited top European Union officials to visit Kyiv on May 9 in a symbolic move to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, Politico reported on April 14, citing Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Sybiha extended the invitation during a meeting with EU counterparts in Luxembourg, calling upon them to "show our unity and resolve in the face of the biggest aggression in Europe since the Second World War."

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 14, 2025

Ukraine submits proposals to US on minerals agreement, Deputy PM says

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna declined to disclose specific details, noting that negotiations are ongoing and "this is not the final round."

kyivindependent.com

Ukraine submitted a set of proposals to the U.S. during technical consultations on a key minerals agreement held in Washington on April 11, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna confirmed on April 14.

Stefanishyna declined to disclose specific details, noting that negotiations are ongoing and "I expect that after these consultations, negotiations will continue until we reach an agreement."

Talks over the deal have become increasingly fraught. On April 11, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the Trump administration has advanced a "maximalist" proposal to give Washington extensive control over Ukrainian natural resources.

'Extremely useful' — Kremlin praises Putin-Witkoff meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were "extremely useful," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 14, according to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS.

kyivindependent.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were "extremely useful," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 14, according to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS.

The talks come as Moscow continues to reject Trump’s calls for a full ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, a proposal Kyiv supported. Despite a partial truce on strikes against energy facilities and in the Black Sea agreed upon on March 25, Russia has continued attacking Ukrainian cities and has repeatedly violated the ceasefire.

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has adopted a more amicable stance toward Russia, resuming direct diplomatic contact with Moscow while signaling reduced commitment to Ukraine's security.

Russia 'mocking' US ceasefire efforts by attacks on Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, Polish FM says

"Ukraine unconditionally agreed to a ceasefire over a month ago. The heinous attacks on Kryvyi Rih and Sumy are Russia's mocking answer," Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said.

kyivindependent.com

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on April 14 condemned Russia’s recent deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities, accusing Moscow of mocking U.S.-led ceasefire efforts and escalating violence despite Ukraine’s commitment to peace.

"I just want to say how appalled I am by the latest spate of Russian attacks on Ukraine," the minister said upon arrival at a European Union foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.

"Ukraine unconditionally agreed to a ceasefire over a month ago. The heinous attacks on Kryvyi Rih and Sumy are Russia's mocking answer."

Putin may provoke world war by seizing NATO territory if not stopped in Ukraine, Zelensky warns

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-term objective is to restore a Russian empire that would include parts of NATO member states.

kyivindependent.com

Zelensky previously raised alarm at the Munich Security Conference in February, saying Russian troop buildup in Belarus could be aimed not only at Ukraine but also at Poland or the Baltic states.

According to Ukrainian estimates, Russia is preparing to field 15 divisions — up to 150,000 troops — in the region.

NATO leaders have echoed the warnings. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Feb. 12 that any Russian attack on NATO would be met with a "devastating" response.

 

[LovesPeace2]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911733752419483903

. Another 7 people were injured overnight in Odesa during a “Shahed” drone attack. Last night, the Russians also struck Slovyansk, Uman, Kharkiv, Beryslav, and other cities and villages. All the damaged sites are civilian: apartment buildings, stores, a car service station.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 14, 2025

Ukrainian official urges FBI to probe Trump advisors for Russian propaganda after Sumy strike "mistake" comment - Euromaidan Press

A senior Ukrainian lawmaker called for an FBI investigation into President Donald Trump's inner circle after Trump characterized a deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy as a "mistake," according to The Times.

euromaidanpress.com

A senior Ukrainian lawmaker, Oleksandr Merezhko, called for an FBI investigation into President Donald Trump’s inner circle after Trump characterized a deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy as a “mistake,” according to The Times.

Oleksandr Merezhko, who chairs Ukraine’s parliamentary committee on foreign policy, told The Times that Trump’s comments were deeply troubling and warranted investigation to identify potential sources of Russian propaganda within the president’s team.

“It’s like saying that 9/11 was just a ‘mistake’ by Al-Qaeda,” Merezhko told The Times. “This is a very alarming statement from Trump, which simultaneously encourages Putin to continue atrocities and demonstrates that someone in Trump’s circle is promoting Russian narratives.”

Ukraine reports increased Russian use of chemical weapons via drone delivery - Euromaidan Press

The area near Shcherbaky in Zaporizhzhia Oblast has become a focal point for Russian chemical attacks, where drones drop poisonous gas grenades on Ukrainian defensive positions.

euromaidanpress.com

Intelligence officials note that cases of using ammunition with poisonous gas are increasingly being recorded along the line of combat contact. Such incidents have been observed near the settlement of Shcherbaky in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

According to HUR, the Russian forces predominantly use RG-Vo grenades (Russian abbreviation for “hand grenade – poisonous substance”), which they drop from unmanned aerial vehicles onto Ukrainian positions.

This gas reprotedly affects the mucous membrane and respiratory tract. “Being in the affected area without protective equipment can lead to death, and there are already casualties among Ukrainian defenders due to this weaponry,” the intelligence directorate reported.

Day after Russia kills civilians in Sumy, Kremlin claims deliveries of Taurus missiles will lead to escalation

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov's statement comes as Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, suggested on April 13 that long-range Taurus missiles could be used to target strategic Russian military infrastructure.

kyivindependent.com

The supply of long-range German Taurus missiles to Ukraine will lead to an "inevitable escalation," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 14, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.

Peskov's statement comes as Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, suggested on April 13 that long-range Taurus missiles could be used to target strategic Russian military infrastructure.

Merz added the Taurus missiles may be shipped to Ukraine if European partners support this move.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 14, 2025

Institute for the Study of War

Russia is using occupied Ukraine to support its domestic drone development and production industry. The Ukrainian Eastern Human Rights Group (EHRG) and Institute for Strategic Research and Security (ISRS) released a report on April 3 detailing how Russia

www.understandingwar.org

Russia is using occupied Ukraine to support its domestic drone development and production industry. The Ukrainian Eastern Human Rights Group (EHRG) and Institute for Strategic Research and Security (ISRS) released a report on April 3 detailing how Russia is using land, infrastructure, and people in occupied Ukraine to expand drone development, production, and operator training.[1] EHRG and ISRS reported that Russian state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec has seized the Luhansk Aircraft Repair Plant (occupied Luhansk City, Luhansk Oblast) and the Snizhne Machine-Building Plant (occupied Snizhne, Donetsk Oblast) and is producing drones at both enterprises.[2] The report noted that Russia is also using the Donbas Development Corporation, Vladimir Zhoga Republican Center for Unmanned Systems, LLC 3D-Techno, LLC NPO Front, LLC NPO Utesov, GC Almaz, and IP Grigoriadiadis (all in occupied Donetsk City) and the JSC Pervomaiske Mechanical Plant (occupied Pervomaiske, Luhansk Oblast) to produce components and assemble drone models for the Russian army. Russia is also using occupied Ukrainian land to build new drone training grounds, start technological preparatory courses in schools and colleges to train drone operators, and create new research and development centers. The Kremlin has routinely signaled its commitment to increasing Russian drone production capabilities and improving drone operations on the battlefield in Ukraine and appears to have plans to integrate Ukrainian infrastructure and production capabilities into its wider drone production campaign.[3]

Russia is also integrating Ukrainian children into its wider drone operator training and drone production ecosystem. The EHRG and ISRS report emphasized that Russia has instituted drone training curricula for over 10,000 teenagers in secondary schools throughout occupied Ukraine.[4] Primary school-aged children are also subjected to drone training in schools and extracurricular programs.[5] Russia incentivizes children’s participation in drone training in part by “gamifying” the process and holding drone racing competitions throughout occupied Ukraine. The Kherson Oblast occupation Sports Ministry, for example, hosted its first drone racing tournament for children aged eight to 14 in occupied Skadovsk in May 2024.[6] The Ukrainian Resistance Center also previously reported that Russian officials began a “special engineering class” in occupied Mariupol’s School 47 to teach students how to design and manufacture drones for the Russian army.[7] Russian efforts to integrate Ukrainian children into drone production and operator training programs serve three main purposes: first to militarize Ukrainian children by exposing them to hyper-militarized ideals from a young age; second, to prepare Ukrainian children for potential future service in the Russian armed forces; and third, to support Russia’s domestic defense industrial base (DIB) output.

 

[PommyMommy]

US House Democrats introduce Ukraine support bill amid Trump's Russia stance

The bill includes aid for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, challenging Trump's conciliatory approach toward Moscow

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912062988544078204

Zelenskyy accuses Vance of siding with Putin, Vance rejects claim

The Ukrainian President accused the US VP of “justifying Putin’s actions,” Vance claims it's “absurd,” since the US allegedly keeps supporting Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912100622511358351

Frontline report: Ukraine tightens grip on tiny Shevchenko near Pokrovsk as drones shred 1,100 Russians in the mud

Perched on high ground, Shevchenko secures Ukraine’s line around Pokrovsk, disrupting Russian supply and advancing routes to the west.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912130850612715723

 

[PommyMommy]

US blocking G7 statement denouncing Russia's Sumy strike, Bloomberg reports.

The U.S. has told the other G7 members it would not support a joint statement condemning Russia's deadly attack on Sumy last week so as not to disrupt peace efforts, Bloomberg reported on April 15, citing undisclosed sources.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912129624936427627

In first such ruling, Russian soldier reportedly jailed for 15 years for surrendering to Ukraine.

A Russian court has sentenced Roman Ivanishin, a soldier from Sakhalin, to 15 years in a maximum security prison for surrendering to Ukrainian forces, Russian pro-state media outlet Kommersant reported on April 15, citing an undisclosed source.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912073322294034663

Witkoff says '5 territories' key to proposed Russia-Ukraine deal after meeting Putin."This peace deal is about these so-called five territories," U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The comments come as some officials raise alarm over the direction of the Trump administration's diplomacy.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg are urging President Donald Trump to resist territorial concessions to Moscow.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1912052571465789735