Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #7

[GRT]

Soft power: Czech designer makes 'Zelensky pillows' to help Ukraine


https://m.jpost.com/international/article-701681

A Czech designer has come up with a novel way to raise money for Ukrainians suffering from the war in their country - making pillows bearing the portrait of their president, Volodymyr Zelensky, who he says has become a sex symbol for some.

…

I want one.

Oh my gosh! If it helps, do it.

I think he's highly charismatic, but I don't see him as a sex symbol. LOL

 

[GRT]

MAR 18, 2022
Russian soldiers shoot dead mother of two as she drives family to safety (kyivindependent.com)

In the early morning of March 1, Svitlana Zhulina was driving her family away from war-torn Kyiv Oblast. Her husband, Andriy Vilson, was sitting next to her, their two sons of eight and 10 in the back seat.

They were driving along Zhytomyr Highway, a westbound road very familiar to Kyivans. In peacetime, people would use it to get to the Ukrainian “western capital” of Lviv. Now, it was the road to safety.

Suddenly, Andriy heard a loud explosion and his wife’s head fell against him. A sniper’s bullet had hit her.

He stopped the car and rushed to save the rest of his family.

“It was a horror for the kids. The bullet hit the windshield and their mother who was there just a moment ago is gone,” Andriy said.

The doors were blocked, so he got out through the window and started taking his kids out of the car.

“I took Artem first,” Andriy said of his older son, “and they shot me in the right leg. I hid Artem behind the car hood so they could not reach him.”

[...]

That's just heartbreaking...I can't even imagine.

 

[PommyMommy]

Russia-Ukraine war latest: more than 1,000 still in bombed Mariupol theatre, says official; fears for Ukraine food supplies – live | World news | The Guardian

2h ago 07:51
More than 1,000 people remain in Mariupol theatre, says official
Ukraine’s human rights ombudswoman, Lyudmyla Denisova, said 130 people had been rescued so far from the rubble of a theatre in the devastated city of Mariupol that was hit by a Russian airstrike on Wednesday.

[...]

According to a translation by NBC News, Denisova said 1,300 people are still in the basement of the Regional Drama Theatre in Mariupol.

I emphasised that 130 people have already been evacuated from the drama theater in Mariupol destroyed by the occupiers, but 1,300 people are still in the basements.

[...]

2m ago 13:41
Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers were killed when a Russian missile strike targeted a military base in Mykolaiv this morning, according to reports.

Niclas Hammarström on Twitter
Rescue operation still ongoing at the military base in Mykolaiv. This soldier alive but in pain. At least 45 dead. On assignment for @expressen in Ukraine


Bulgaria Expels 10 Russian Diplomats, Baltics Follow Suit With Another 10 Expulsions (rferl.org)
Bulgaria is expelling 10 Russian diplomats saying they were carrying out activities deemed incompatible with their diplomatic status, a move followed up quickly by the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on March 18 that it had given the 10 diplomats 72 hours to leave.

[...]

Soon afterward, Latvia and Estonia said they were both expelling three Russian diplomats, while Lithuania said it had told four Russians that they must leave the country.

[...]

"Russian special services are actively involved in organizing these crimes against the peaceful population of Ukraine, so we do not want the representatives of these structures to walk on our land and pose a threat to Lithuania's national security."

[...]

 

[AliceInPain]

This is not a war, why do media keep calling it that. It's mass murder.
They are deliberately targeting civilians and have been from the start.

 

[Bit of hope]

Some news from Belgium. Liveblog - Volgende week G7-top in Brussel, Poetin: "Kiev rekt gesprekken, eisen onrealistisch"

1,500 Russian containers blocked in Zeebrugge and Antwerp
At the moment 1,500 containers on their way to Russia or Belarus are blocked in the ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp. Due to sanctions, certain goods can no longer be exported to Russia, and therefore all containers bound for Russia must be strictly controlled.

In the coming weeks, they expect 10,000 containers at customs for those extra checks. Normal work is being jeopardized as a result, emphasizes Kristian Vanderwaeren, the top man of Customs and Excise: "The entire capacity in Antwerp is deployed, with the exception of drug controls, other areas are being phased out."

 

[GRT]

So sad, all the way around...

Russian troops reportedly shooting themselves in the legs to avoid fighting

 

[Bit of hope]

Liveblog - Volgende week G7-top in Brussel, Poetin: "Kiev rekt gesprekken, eisen onrealistisch"

President Putin hangs out with Chancellor Scholz for hours
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of "prolonging" the negotiations. He made that statement in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Moreover, according to Putin, Kiev has "unrealistic" demands.

"We have noted that the Kiev regime is trying by all means to prolong the negotiation process, by making new unrealistic proposals," the Kremlin said in a statement summarizing Vladimir Putin's comments to Olaf Scholz.

In the nearly hour-long phone call, Scholz called for a ceasefire and an improvement in the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as soon as possible.

 

[Bit of hope]

Liveblog - Volgende week G7-top in Brussel, Poetin: "Kiev rekt gesprekken, eisen onrealistisch"

Norway to strengthen military presence near border with Russia
Norway is set to release more than €300 million this year to bolster its military presence in the far north near the border with Russia. The government has announced that.

"Although a Russian attack on Norway is unlikely, we must realize that to the east we have a neighbor that has become more dangerous and unpredictable," Norwegian Defense Minister Odd Roger Enoksen said at a news conference.

The pack will be used to increase the naval presence in the north, increase training for the active army and reserve, increase supplies of ammunition, fuel and other essential equipment, facilities for receiving Allied forces and strengthen cyber defense and intelligence services.

As guardian of NATO's northern borders in Europe, Norway shares 196 kilometers of land border with Russia in the Arctic and a huge sea border in the Barents Sea.

"We need to increase our presence in the far north," Enoksen said. "Russia has significant security interests in our area and the far north is also of great economic importance to Russia," he said.

Norway is currently undergoing major naval, air and land maneuvers involving some 30,000 soldiers from 27 countries, both NATO members and alliance partners (Sweden and Finland).

Exercise "Cold Response 2022" aims to test Norway's ability to receive Allied reinforcements in the event of outside aggression, in accordance with Article 5 of the Alliance's Charter, which requires all members to use one of their own in the event of an attack. to come to the rescue.

It also allows allied forces to train for cold weather combat.

 

[Bit of hope]

This hurts....

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 3 hrs ago (posted bij PommyMommy)
Strollers have been put in central Lviv on March 18, representing the number of children killed in Russia's war against Ukraine. According to Prosecutor General’s Office, Russian forces have killed 109 children and injured more than 130 since Feb. 24. PHOTO CREDIT: Asami Terajima

More pictures at link
109 lege kinderwagens in Lviv symboliseren slachtoffers • Overleg Biden en Xi begonnen

109 empty prams symbolize dead children
109 empty prams have been placed on a square in front of the town hall of the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. The wagons symbolize the babies and children who died in the war in Ukraine.

According to the Ukrainian authorities, 109 children have been killed in the war so far and 130 children have been injured.

 

[Bit of hope]

Mean while in the Netherlands. I have to know all about this....I suppose housing in a reception center and food is free?

109 lege kinderwagens in Lviv symboliseren slachtoffers • Xi: oorlog in niemands belang

AN HOUR AGO

Ukrainians in shelter receive 60 euros living allowance per week

Ukrainian refugees staying in reception centers receive 60 euros per person per week living allowance. That is what the cabinet has decided. The amounts are in line with the IDP scheme for homeless people who are in shelters, says Minister Schouten for Poverty Policy. Ukrainians living with a host family receive 135 euros. This amount decreases with multiple residents from the same family.

"We link the money to the Ukrainians themselves," says Schouten. "If they go live with a host family, they can contribute to the costs with the money." Schouten warns that it will take some time for municipalities to properly organize the benefits.

There is no maximum amount to this arrangement, which will apply for a few months in any case. The government will then review the situation.

AN HOUR AGO

Ukrainian refugees can work from today
The cabinet has submitted an emergency regulation to the Council of State with retroactive effect. This makes it possible for Ukrainian refugees to start work immediately. The condition is that the employer applies for a work permit.

After April 1, this will no longer be necessary, it was previously announced: a Ukrainian passport is then sufficient. Employers are asked to register Ukrainian employees, because the cabinet wants to know who works where.

 

[Bit of hope]

I sure want all the European countries to make a policy right now to prevent that the so called volunteers, joining the Russian army to kill more Ukrainian people, will ever get the opportunity to settle in Europe. Imagine.....people who fled the horrendous war in Syria to share space in reception centers with this scum. Rapists and murderers.

 

[Arkay]

Vladimir Putin holds a huge rally in front of thousands of 'Z' flag-waving Russians | Daily Mail Online

Much as I wish reports that Putin is unwell were true, it appears that he is fine, energized for his slaughter campaign, and most Russians believe what he says. Of course they've heard propaganda all their lives.

The Z thing is freaking me out. There is no Z in the Cyrillic alphabet, and we've all heard theories of what it might mean as the new Russian symbol. I've heard it stands for Zelenskyy as a target, but Zelenskyy is not spelled with a Z, either, in Cyrillic. However, a graphic symbol appearing everywhere is getting too close to a swastika, IMO.

 

[Bit of hope]

Vladimir Putin holds a huge rally in front of thousands of 'Z' flag-waving Russians | Daily Mail Online

Much as I wish reports that Putin is unwell were true, it appears that he is fine, energized for his slaughter campaign, and most Russians believe what he says. Of course they've heard propaganda all their lives.

The Z thing is freaking me out. There is no Z in the Cyrillic alphabet, and we've all heard theories of what it might mean as the new Russian symbol. I've heard it stands for Zelenskyy as a target, but Zelenskyy is not spelled with a Z, either, in Cyrillic. However, a graphic symbol appearing everywhere is getting too close to a swastika, IMO.

What about the Z of Zyclon B? Google it if you don't know what it is. You never know with this scary man.

 

[Bit of hope]

Vladimir Putin holds a huge rally in front of thousands of 'Z' flag-waving Russians | Daily Mail Online

Much as I wish reports that Putin is unwell were true, it appears that he is fine, energized for his slaughter campaign, and most Russians believe what he says. Of course they've heard propaganda all their lives.

The Z thing is freaking me out. There is no Z in the Cyrillic alphabet, and we've all heard theories of what it might mean as the new Russian symbol. I've heard it stands for Zelenskyy as a target, but Zelenskyy is not spelled with a Z, either, in Cyrillic. However, a graphic symbol appearing everywhere is getting too close to a swastika, IMO.

Here we are.....is there something about the content of the rally, did he say something? Found it...it was jumping away on the Daily Mail site.....

 

[Bit of hope]

I think it is the Z of Za Potsno (Putin?), seen on flags. Pro Putin? I don't speak Russian or any related language. I'm sure others on here can help us out.

 

[Arkay]

What about the Z of Zyclon B? Google it if you don't know what it is.

Here we are.....is there something about the content of the rally, did he say something? Found it...it was jumping away on the Daily Mail site.....

I know what Zyklon B is, but at the moment Putin is not tricking people into going to the gas chambers. I have no doubt he would use chemical weapons against Ukraine, but something much more 21st century and that didn't disperse outdoors.

Yes, he spoke for 5 minutes, in his $13,000 jacket, to an adoring crowd. There was an English translation, but I turned it off after about a minute. Of course it was about how this "special operation" was to "save" Ukraine, and I'd had enough.

I'm sure Putin is extremely safeguarded, but I certainly wished a drone had dropped him from above. A girl can dream.

 

[Bit of hope]

I know what Zyklon B is, but at the moment Putin is not tricking people into going to the gas chambers. I have no doubt he would use chemical weapons against Ukraine, but something much more 21st century and that didn't disperse outdoors.

Yes, he spoke for 5 minutes, in his $13,000 jacket, to an adoring crowd. There was an English translation, but I turned it off after about a minute. Of course it was about how this "special operation" was to "save" Ukraine, and I'd had enough.

I'm sure Putin is extremely safeguarded, but I certainly wished a drone had dropped him from above. A girl can dream.

Of course this was a cynical comment.....but in the gut...feeling...this is maybe not going to end well.

 

[Sundog]

Myth Debunked: What does the Z symbol mean on Russian tanks?

Lots of theories, but makes sense that they would need markings on their tanks to distinguish them from Ukranian tanks that are the same. Also, same markings were used during the Crimean invasion. I read an article that says that the U.S. used the "chevron" symbolism on military equipment in wars overseas for the same reason, so this may be commonplace in warfare.

Sounds like it has become popular for various groups in Russia to use as a symbol of their support of the war. I'm sure different individuals give it different meaning, but I think the original context is for military purposes/demarcation.

 

[Bit of hope]

109 lege kinderwagens in Lviv symboliseren slachtoffers • Xi: oorlog in niemands belang

• Video embedded....text on the video in Dutch...you can have a better understanding of this if you put your sound on.
• 3 HOURS AGO
• Just a technical problem with Putin's speech on Russian TV
  A speech by Russian President Putin at a stadium in Moscow, which was broadcast on TV, has suddenly been cut short for reasons that are unclear. Instead, equally patriotic songs were broadcast. Initially it seemed that Putin was no longer in the picture, but Russian TV has since said that there were technical problems and the channel has shown the rest of the Russian president's speech.
  
  The meeting at Luzhniki Stadium was intended to commemorate the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Tens of thousands of attendees waved flags bearing the letter Z, symbolizing pro-Russian nationalism since the invasion of Ukraine. About 200,000 people gathered for the event, both inside and outside the stadium, according to police.
  
  In his speech, Putin called the deployment of the Russian army "heroic".
  
  The moment when Putin's speech is suddenly cut short:
  
  Putin's speech in stadium suddenly cut short

 

[Bit of hope]

109 lege kinderwagens in Lviv symboliseren slachtoffers • Xi: oorlog in niemands belang

• Video embedded....text on the video in Dutch...you can have a better understanding of this if you put your sound on.
• 3 HOURS AGO
• Just a technical problem with Putin's speech on Russian TV
  A speech by Russian President Putin at a stadium in Moscow, which was broadcast on TV, has suddenly been cut short for reasons that are unclear. Instead, equally patriotic songs were broadcast. Initially it seemed that Putin was no longer in the picture, but Russian TV has since said that there were technical problems and the channel has shown the rest of the Russian president's speech.
  
  The meeting at Luzhniki Stadium was intended to commemorate the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Tens of thousands of attendees waved flags bearing the letter Z, symbolizing pro-Russian nationalism since the invasion of Ukraine. About 200,000 people gathered for the event, both inside and outside the stadium, according to police.
  
  In his speech, Putin called the deployment of the Russian army "heroic".
  
  The moment when Putin's speech is suddenly cut short:
  
  Sorry for messing things up.