Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #8

[Bit of hope]

OVSE-waarnemers gevangengenomen • Poetin woont paasdienst bij in Moskou

OSCE observers imprisoned Putin attends Easter service in Moscow


13 MINUTES AGO
Swiss block German arms supplies to Ukraine
Germany is not allowed to supply weapons from Switzerland to Ukraine. In the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung, the Swiss Ministry of Economy confirms that Bern has sold 'no' to an application from Berlin, referring to Swiss neutrality and the strict rules for 're-exporting' to conflict zones.

This would include ammunition that Switzerland has sold to Germany for Marder armored vehicles. The blockade would prevent Germany from supplying Marders to Ukraine.

In Germany, Chancellor Scholz is under fire for the government's reluctance to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons such as tanks or howitzers. Earlier, Scholz also said that the German army itself does not have enough of such equipment.

2 HOURS AGO
Condolences for dead mother with baby in Odessa
Social media is commemorating the victims of yesterday's rocket attack on Odessa. Photos of a deceased mother and her three-month-old baby are widely shared:

Hanna Liubakova
@HannaLiubakova

#Ukraine Journalist Valeria Glodan and her 3-month-old daughter died in Odesa after Russians attacked the city. Valeria's mother also died. This is so painful. And what, Putin will go to a church tomorrow to celebrate Easter?
7 hours ago

At least eight people were killed and eighteen injured in the attack, Ukrainian authorities said. The missiles were allegedly fired by a bomber over the Caspian Sea. That is a distance of about 1500 kilometers.

10 HOURS AGO
OSCE observers detained in eastern Ukraine
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says members of its monitoring mission in eastern Ukraine have been detained. "We are using all possible channels to secure their release."

The statement does not contain more information. A British diplomat in Austria said on Friday that pro-Russian separatists had captured the observers.

The OSCE has been monitoring compliance with the ceasefire between the separatists and the Ukrainian military in eastern Ukraine since 2014. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, several countries withdrew their OSCE observers, including the Netherlands. The nationality of the captured observers is unknown.

 

[Niner]

New Ukrainian stamp.

 

[PommyMommy]

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 8 hrs ago
General Staff: Russia places Iskander missile systems 60 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. According to the latest update from Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Russia has parked the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile systems 60 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
The Russian military is also shelling the positions of the Ukrainian military in Donetsk direction using mortars, cannon artillery and multiple rocket launchers along the entire frontline.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 7 hrs ago
UK Ministry of Defense: Ukraine repels ‘numerous Russian assaults’ in Donbas, despite some territorial gains by Russia. In an update on April 24, the ministry reported that Ukraine’s resistance “has been strong across all axes and inflicted significant cost on Russian forces.”

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 6 hrs ago
Russia hits Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with missiles. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Valentyn Reznichenko said on April 24 that missiles struck train tracks & industrial infrastructure. One man was killed, the governor reported, adding that eight buildings were destroyed.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Austria’s Foreign Minister opposes Ukraine’s EU membership. Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said that Ukraine should not receive candidate status in June, calling instead for a “different way,” according to Heute news agency.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 5 hrs ago
WSJ: ‘Russia blocks economic data, hiding effect of Western sanctions.’ Russian authorities have reportedly stopped publishing data on government debt, trade statistics, and oil production.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 4 hrs ago
Podolyak says Russia continues to shell Mariupol, calls for ceasefire. Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Ukrainian presidential administration, said that “Russia is constantly attacking Mariupol’s Azovstal.”

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 3 hrs ago
West Virginia to send armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. Governor Jim Justice announced that the state will provide Ukraine with an undisclosed number of M-113 APCs.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Russia forcibly deports almost one million Ukrainians. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that since the start of a full-scale invasion, 951,000 Ukrainians had been forcibly deported to Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories. This number includes 174,689 children.

 

[dotr]

<modsnip>

Apr 22, 2022
(13) 'Just be here with me': Son recalls final moments with dad shot dead by Russian troops | ITV News - YouTube

Apr 24, 2022
(13) Mariupol besieged: New attempt to evacuate civilians has failed • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube

 

[PommyMommy]

NEXTA on Twitter
People who were able to escape from besieged #Mariupol.

Euromaidan Press on Twitter - 3 hrs ago
Ukrainian soldiers evacuated two children from Rubizhne who stayed under fire for a week on their own Mykhaylo and Jason's mother went to town saying the boys to stay at home, and never returned. The brothers were evacuated to their relatives in Poltava. https://suspilne.media/232044-ukrainski-bijci-vratuvali-u-rubiznomu-dvoh-ditej-aki-tizden-sami-zili-pid-obstrilami/

Euromaidan Press on Twitter
Capt. Svyatoslav Palamar, Dep. Commander of the Azov Regiment from besieged Maripol: "At this time, when you are sharing Easter pictures and enjoying the truce, the enemy drops bombs on the heads of innocent children in Mariupol."
Telegram: Contact @polkazov

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 2 hrs ago
WSJ: Belgium blocks export of 8,000 luxury cars to Russia. The cars, which include some of the latest models of Lexus, Cadillac, and Mercedes, were stopped in Bruges due to an EU-sanctioned ban on the export of cars to Russia worth over $54,000.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Red Cross calls for ‘immediate’ evacuation corridor from Mariupol. The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed “deep concern” for civilians in Mariupol, noting that “unhindered humanitarian access is urgently needed,” including from Mariupol’s Azovstal steel plant.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Ministry of Defense: Over 80% of wounded Ukrainian soldiers return to service. “We’re talking about the (high) level of military medicine, the quality of treatment and rehabilitation,” Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on April 24.

Kharkiv residents under fire: ‘I hear some shelling every hour’ (kyivindependent.com)
[...]

Zuiev sprinted to the ninth floor of his family’s apartment, where his wife and their one-year-old were at the moment of the attack.

“I’m bleeding!” he heard his wife shouting as he ran up the stairs.

He could barely see anything with all the dust from the explosion but spotted his wife holding their son, her face covered with blood. Miraculously, the child didn’t have a scratch despite sitting next to the window.

His wife had to get a total of 25 stitches on her face and her arms. The stitches have now been removed but left permanent scars.

[...]

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 1 hr ago
Ombudsman: Russian shells rain down on Ukrainian cities on eve of Orthodox Easter. Ombudsman Lyudmyla Denisova said that Russian strikes had killed eight people in Luhansk Oblast, four people in Donetsk Oblast, three people in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and two in Kharkiv Oblast.

 

[Sundog]

(From @PommyMommy's earlier post)

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 7 hrs ago
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to visit Moscow on April 26. Guterres will meet Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss “urgent steps to bring peace to Ukraine.”

Maybe UN Secretary-General Gutierres should negotiate for the civilians trapped at the steel mill in Mariupol to be released, something concrete that is critical right now to save civilian lives. This would be a significant step, if the goal of a peace treaty/negotiation is unlikely. Maybe a 24-hour ceasefire to let trapped Mariupol civilians out and maybe a non-Western country can monitor it, like Turkey or Israel or China? Just a thought.

 

[CSIDreamer]

(From @PommyMommy's earlier post)

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter - 7 hrs ago
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to visit Moscow on April 26. Guterres will meet Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss “urgent steps to bring peace to Ukraine.”

Maybe UN Secretary-General Gutierres should negotiate for the civilians trapped at the steel mill in Mariupol to be released, something concrete that is critical right now to save civilian lives. This would be a significant step, if the goal of a peace treaty/negotiation is unlikely. Maybe a 24-hour ceasefire to let trapped Mariupol civilians out and maybe a non-Western country can monitor it, like Turkey or Israel or China? Just a thought.

Really good idea. JMO

 

[Sundog]

Russia investigates media report on presence of British SAS special forces in Ukraine

Russia investigates report of British SAS forces in Ukraine

Putin hunts SAS in Ukraine: Russia probes 'British forces in Lviv'

 

[CSIDreamer]

Russia investigates media report on presence of British SAS special forces in Ukraine

Russia investigates report of British SAS forces in Ukraine

Putin hunts SAS in Ukraine: Russia probes 'British forces in Lviv'

Be really nice if people would stop blabbing everything they know. JMO

 

[Sundog]

Austria announces opposition to EU membership for Ukraine weeks after Putin meeting

Below is an interesting article on what is involved regarding a country’s request to join the EU, and a list of countries that have been working on their application for years, such as Turkey. Wonder if they will be able to fast-track Ukraine’s application, given the long and comprehensive process in place with the EU, and the fact that all members, ultimately, need to ratify the decision and get approval within their own parliaments.

Ukraine is pushing for EU membership. But what are the real chances?

In fact, the so-called accession process is a complex, arduous and expensive undertaking that drags out over several years, even decades, and requires an exceptional commitment from the candidate country, which is asked to implement a lengthy catalogue of reforms to comply with EU norms.

Most importantly, the whole process rests on the political will of the 27 member states. Even if the Commission is the one leading the negotiations and conducting the groundwork, it is up to the capitals to green light each and every step of the road – by unanimity.

The need for consensus has proved to be a recurrent obstacle for enlargement. Bulgaria is currently blocking accession talks with North Macedonia – and, by extension, with Albania – due to a longstanding dispute involving historical and linguistic grievances.

The procedure is split into four main steps: application, candidacy, negotiations, and accession.

The first one, application, has already taken place after Zelenskyy's signature. The Commission is expected to examine the request and publish a recommendation, either supporting or rejecting the bid.

The Council can then approve Ukraine's application by unanimity, while the Parliament will have to give its consent with a simple majority.

If all the votes are in favour, Ukraine will be officially considered a candidate to join the EU.

After that, the Commission will come up with a framework for negotiations, which also has to be unanimously endorsed by the 27. Ukraine will likely be asked to begin reforms before discussions take place.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 24, 2022
Dozens of Bucha civilians were killed by metal darts from Russian artillery | Ukraine | The Guardian

A small metal dart, called fléchette, found embedded in the body of man killed in Bucha. Photograph: Alessio Mamo

Dozens of civilians who died during the Russian occupation of the Ukrainian city of Bucha were killed by tiny metal arrows from shells of a type fired by Russian artillery, forensic doctors have said.

Pathologists and coroners who are carrying out postmortems on bodies found in mass graves in the region north of Kyiv, where occupying Russian forces have been accused of atrocities, said they had found small metal darts, called fléchettes, embedded in people’s heads and chests.

[...]

According to a number of witnesses in Bucha, fléchette rounds were fired by Russian artillery a few days before forces withdrew from the area at the end of March.

[...]

Fléchettes have been used as ballistic weapons since the first world war. Dropped by the then-novel airplanes to attack infantry, the lethal metal darts were able to pierce helmets. They were not widely used during the second world war, but re-emerged in the Vietnam war, when the US employed a version of fléchette loads, packed into plastic cups.

“Fléchettes are an anti-personnel weapon designed to penetrate dense vegetation and to strike a large number of enemy soldiers,” according to Amnesty International. “They should never be used in built-up civilian areas.”

“You don’t have to be an arms expert to understand that Russia ignored the rules of war in Bucha,” Bucha’s mayor, Anatoliy Fedoruk, said. “Bucha was turned into a Chechen safari, where they used landmines against civilians.”

[...]

 

[worldwatcher]

Austria announces opposition to EU membership for Ukraine weeks after Putin meeting

Below is an interesting article on what is involved regarding a country’s request to join the EU, and a list of countries that have been working on their application for years, such as Turkey. Wonder if they will be able to fast-track Ukraine’s application, given the long and comprehensive process in place with the EU, and the fact that all members, ultimately, need to ratify the decision and get approval within their own parliaments.

Ukraine is pushing for EU membership. But what are the real chances?

In fact, the so-called accession process is a complex, arduous and expensive undertaking that drags out over several years, even decades, and requires an exceptional commitment from the candidate country, which is asked to implement a lengthy catalogue of reforms to comply with EU norms.

Most importantly, the whole process rests on the political will of the 27 member states. Even if the Commission is the one leading the negotiations and conducting the groundwork, it is up to the capitals to green light each and every step of the road – by unanimity.

The need for consensus has proved to be a recurrent obstacle for enlargement. Bulgaria is currently blocking accession talks with North Macedonia – and, by extension, with Albania – due to a longstanding dispute involving historical and linguistic grievances.

The procedure is split into four main steps: application, candidacy, negotiations, and accession.

The first one, application, has already taken place after Zelenskyy's signature. The Commission is expected to examine the request and publish a recommendation, either supporting or rejecting the bid.

The Council can then approve Ukraine's application by unanimity, while the Parliament will have to give its consent with a simple majority.

If all the votes are in favour, Ukraine will be officially considered a candidate to join the EU.

After that, the Commission will come up with a framework for negotiations, which also has to be unanimously endorsed by the 27. Ukraine will likely be asked to begin reforms before discussions take place.

The last thing I heard and understood is that our Minister Pr is against for an Ukraine membership.
Rutte: It doesn't makes sense to talk about Ukraine joining EU right now

Netherlands’ tight fist now chokes Ukraine’s EU bid

ETA :
I am a little relieved about France Live: Emmanuel Macron re-elected French president

 

[PommyMommy]

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Ukraine’s military: Russian tanks shell Kherson, Mykolaiv oblast under Ukrainian flags. The Ukrainian Operational Command "South" reported that Russian troops in the occupied areas of Kherson and Mykolayiv oblasts shell civilians to "discredit Ukraine with fake attacks."

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Ukraine: About two dozen Russian ships, submarines remain in Black Sea. Ukrainian Operational Command "South" reported the number, adding that there is still a threat of missile strikes from the sea.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
10 people remain hospitalized after deadly Russian airstrike in Odesa. Two will have to undergo surgeries, according to Mykola Turchyn, chief physician of a local hospital. "Everyone is in stable condition. There are severe and medium injuries," he added.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
General Staff: Russian forces fail to advance in Kharkiv Oblast. According to the latest update from Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Russian troops intensified their offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, trying to advance, but suffered losses and was forced to retreat to occupied territories.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
The central Vokzalna Street in Bucha is seen right after the town was liberated from the Russian forces (left), and today (right). Photo:
@IAPonomarenko/ The Kyiv Independent.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Investigation: Russian Orthodox Church helps resettle illegally deported Ukrainians. According to http://Slidstvo.info, the church accommodates Ukrainians in its churches and monasteries. About 600,000 civilians were deported to Russia, the investigative project reported.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
FT: Putin shifts to land-grab strategy in Ukraine. Citing an undisclosed source, the Financial Times reported that Putin, who considered a peace deal with Ukraine last month, had lost interest in diplomatic efforts to end the war. “He wants to win big,” the source said.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Update: 9 Russian missiles hit infrastructure in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast. Governor Dmytro Lunin previously reported five missiles launched at Poltava Oblast on the evening of April 24, the day when many Ukrainians celebrate Orthodox Easter.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Official: Russians prepare to attack Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky's home town. Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the Kryvyi Rih’s military administration, said that the offensive is expected in the coming days, but the city is “fully prepared.”

NEXTA (@nexta_tv) / Twitter
Air raid alert almost on the entire territory of #Ukraine.

NEXTA on Twitter
Russia is attempting to retrieve anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles that cruiser was equipped with, as well as secret documents and military equipment from the sunken cruiser "Moskva". According to Bild, a rescue ship Kommuna is now working at the site where cruiser sank.

Euromaidan Press on Twitter
No humanitarian corridors from Mariupol worked on Easter Sunday, as Russia didn't guarantee ceasefire regime - Reintegration Minister Vereshchuk on air of nat'l telethon She demands the UN open such a corridor, that UN Sec-Gen Antonio Gutteres raise this question in Moscow 26Apr

NEXTA on Twitter
“#Russia has lost 90% of its best paratroopers,” Bellingcat journalist Christo Grozev.

NEXTA on Twitter
#US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in #Kyiv. Oleksiy Arestovich, Advisor to the Head of Office of the President of #Ukraine, announced this. “Right now they are talking to the President [Volodymir Zelenskyy],” Arestovich said.

Euromaidan Press on Twitter
On the outskirts of Hrozove village in the occupied Kherson Obl, Russian tanks with Ukrainian flags moved in direction of Molodetsky & fired on houses of civilians, creating a fake picture of Ukrainian attacks on civilians for locals - Operational Command South https://facebook.com/528312067340051/posts/2040296039474972/

 

[sunshineray]

It was here on the news too, I feel so sad,truly heartbreaking - tbh I don’t think they ever see daylight again.
I hate VP
MOO

I cried watching those kids...thinking the same as you and praying that's not what will happen.

 

[sunshineray]

OVSE-waarnemers gevangengenomen • Poetin woont paasdienst bij in Moskou

OSCE observers imprisoned Putin attends Easter service in Moscow


13 MINUTES AGO
Swiss block German arms supplies to Ukraine
Germany is not allowed to supply weapons from Switzerland to Ukraine. In the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung, the Swiss Ministry of Economy confirms that Bern has sold 'no' to an application from Berlin, referring to Swiss neutrality and the strict rules for 're-exporting' to conflict zones.

This would include ammunition that Switzerland has sold to Germany for Marder armored vehicles. The blockade would prevent Germany from supplying Marders to Ukraine.

In Germany, Chancellor Scholz is under fire for the government's reluctance to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons such as tanks or howitzers. Earlier, Scholz also said that the German army itself does not have enough of such equipment.

2 HOURS AGO
Condolences for dead mother with baby in Odessa
Social media is commemorating the victims of yesterday's rocket attack on Odessa. Photos of a deceased mother and her three-month-old baby are widely shared:

Hanna Liubakova
@HannaLiubakova

#Ukraine Journalist Valeria Glodan and her 3-month-old daughter died in Odesa after Russians attacked the city. Valeria's mother also died. This is so painful. And what, Putin will go to a church tomorrow to celebrate Easter?
7 hours ago

At least eight people were killed and eighteen injured in the attack, Ukrainian authorities said. The missiles were allegedly fired by a bomber over the Caspian Sea. That is a distance of about 1500 kilometers.

10 HOURS AGO
OSCE observers detained in eastern Ukraine
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says members of its monitoring mission in eastern Ukraine have been detained. "We are using all possible channels to secure their release."

The statement does not contain more information. A British diplomat in Austria said on Friday that pro-Russian separatists had captured the observers.

The OSCE has been monitoring compliance with the ceasefire between the separatists and the Ukrainian military in eastern Ukraine since 2014. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, several countries withdrew their OSCE observers, including the Netherlands. The nationality of the captured observers is unknown.

So let me see if I've got this straight. Switzerland made ammunition, Switzerland sold ammunition to Germany. Now after that fact, Switzerland is telling Germany what it can or can't do with the ammunition it's already brought and paid for?

 

[sds71]

Giant inferno at Russian oil storage amid suspicion of strike by Ukraine | Daily Mail Online

 

[Bit of hope]

So let me see if I've got this straight. Switzerland made ammunition, Switzerland sold ammunition to Germany. Now after that fact, Switzerland is telling Germany what it can or can't do with the ammunition it's already brought and paid for?

Yes, interesting isn't it? For me it feels the German negotiators had one glass to many when they agreed to this deal.

Switzerland refuses permission to re-export arms to Ukraine <source = Swissradio in English>

Switzerland has refused a request by Germany to allow it to re-export Swiss bought ammunition to Ukraine.

Germany would like to send infantry vehicles to Ukraine, but they use ammunition made in Switzerland.

Under Swiss arms laws, it cannot export – or allow the reexport – of weapons to conflict zones.

The Marder vehicle is made in Germany, but it’s designed to use Swiss made ammunition.

Under neutrality laws – countries that buy Swiss weaponry must agree it will not be re-sold or donated to another country without Swiss consent.

 

[Bit of hope]

Giant inferno at Russian oil storage amid suspicion of strike by Ukraine | Daily Mail Online

Great pics!

 

[sds71]

@JenGriffinFNC

NEW details of meeting with Blinken, Austin and Zelensky in Kiev: Blinken informed Ukraine officials that US Embassy officials would begin returning to Ukraine this week with the hope of reestablishing US Embassy in Kiev “as soon as possible.” Biden to announce new US Ambassador.

Sec Austin on visit to Kiev: training 50 Ukrainian artillerymen complete. 6 day course for next 50 begins soon. 18 Howitzers already in Ukraine. 7 more being prepped now. 72 more soon. $322 million foreign military assistance to buy whatever Ukraine needs, including exSoviet amm

Austin and Blinken met with Zelensky and their Ukrainian counterparts for 3 hours in Kiev for “detailed discussions.” Senior defense official had told us the meeting was slated for 90 minutes.

Timing of these explosions 70 km inside Russia targeting oil depots as Blinken and Austin met Zelensky is notable.


@kaitlancollins
Following Blinken and Austin’s trip to Ukraine, officials confirm U.S. diplomats will return to Ukraine as early as this week, starting with day trips into Lviv, then potentially other parts of the country and, ultimately, Kyiv.

The United States will re-open its embassy in Kyiv, and Pres. Biden is expected to nominate Bridget Brink as ambassador

@james_levinson

Zelenskyy photo meeting with US counterparts for three hours. Sec Blinken and Sec Austin

 

[CSIDreamer]

Giant inferno at Russian oil storage amid suspicion of strike by Ukraine | Daily Mail Online

Wouldn't surprise me if Russia did this. JMO