Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 **Media Thread** NO DISCUSSION

[PommyMommy]

AN-225: World's largest plane reportedly destroyed in Ukraine

The world's largest aircraft, the Antonov AN-225, has been destroyed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials, generating alarm and sadness among the aviation world in which it occupies almost cult status.

The enormous aircraft, named "Mriya," or "dream" in Ukrainian, was parked at an airfield near Kyiv when it was attacked by "Russian occupants," Ukrainian authorities said, adding that they would rebuild the plane.

"Russia may have destroyed our 'Mriya'. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail!" wrote Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter.

[...]

Ukrainian state defense company Ukroboronprom, which manages Antonov, on Sunday issued a statement saying the aircraft had been destroyed but would be rebuilt at Russia's expense -- a cost it put at $3 billion.

"The restoration is estimated to take over 3 bln USD and over 5 years," the statement said. "Our task is to ensure that these costs are covered by the Russian Federation, which has caused intentional damage to Ukraine's aviation and the air cargo sector.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

For displaced Ukrainians, a long, wrenching wait at the Polish border (washingtonpost.com)
February 27, 2022 | 3:51 PM PST

At the busiest border post between Ukraine and Poland, the line of cars stretches for over 20 miles with families fleeing war, even if their hearts are still at home. More than 400,000 people have fled in the four days since the start of the Russian invasion, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

 

[PommyMommy]

@4:00
What is Putin’s Endgame? Garry Kasparov on Russia’s Attack on Ukraine | Amanpour and Company - YouTube

Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov lists moves to checkmate Putin (theprint.in)
''Continuing his condemnation of Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine, grandmaster Garry Kasparov said, “Every dollar in trade with Russia since he invaded Ukraine in 2014, every Euro of corrupt deals with his cronies, helped Putin build the war machine he is using to slaughter civilians in Europe today.”

 

[PommyMommy]

Belarus holds constitutional vote as crisis in Ukraine rages
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has edged even closer to Russia amid crippling Western sanctions over his crackdown on domestic protests, said he was confident that Belarusians will support a set of constitutional amendments that would allow him to stay in power until 2035.

The revised main law also sheds Belarus’ neutral status, opening the way for stronger military cooperation with Russia, which deployed forces to Belarusian territory under the pretext of military drills and then sent them rolling into Ukraine as part of the invasion that began Thursday.

Vladimir Putin passes law that may keep him in office until 2036
(April 2021)
Vladimir Putin has signed a law that will allow him to run for the presidency twice more in his lifetime, potentially keeping him in office until 2036.

The Russian president signed the legislation on Monday, ending a year-long process to “reset” his presidential terms by rewriting the constitution through a referendum-like process that his critics have called a crude power grab.

 

[PommyMommy]

Planes

The Netherlands sends eight fighter planes to Eastern Europe | Heart of the Netherlands (hartvannederland.nl)
The deployment has to do with the large-scale Russian military incursion into Ukraine. It is the first time that the Dutch F-35s are officially deployed. Agreements had previously been made with NATO about this extra capacity. The aircraft are also under NATO command.

The fighter planes can stay in the air for a long time with the help of refueling aircraft. Where exactly they will be deployed, the ministry does not disclose. After their daily deployment, the aircraft return to their base in the Netherlands.

There is a pool of eight Dutch fighter planes ready 24/7 for this task in Eastern Europe. It concerns four F-35s that are stationed in Leeuwarden and four F-16s from Volkel Air Base. The aircraft are always used in pairs.

The Russian Threat Is Behind Poland's F-35 Purchase | The National Interest
Poland shares a large border with Ukraine, so it only makes sense that the country wants to shore up its own forces in light of Russia’s military buildup on the Ukrainian border.

Poland borders the Baltic states and could even form an F-35 “web” with Finland now that it has ordered its own F-35s. ...

As its borders are within striking distance of Russia’s 5th-generation Su-57s and medium-range ballistic missiles, Poland likely seeks F-35s for defensive purposes as well. Depending on the range and resolution of the targeting sensors built into the Russian Su-57, Polish F-35s might be positioned to identify and destroy approaching Russian aircraft before they are detected by Russian pilots. That possibility is a key reason why the F-35 is so powerful. With its superior computing and targeting technology, a single F-35 could likely destroy a large number of enemy fighters.

Russia 'shoots down own aircraft' in friendly fire, claims Ukraine military | ITV News
“In the water zone of the Black Sea the ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet using ‘friendly fire’ destroyed its own military aircraft,” the Ukrainian military said in a statement.

“The soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured several Russian tanks near Chernhiv. Now they will serve for the welfare of Ukraine.”

 

[PommyMommy]

Russia-Ukraine war latest news: US condemns Putin’s nuclear deterrence order; Russian tank column heading towards Kyiv – live updates

Canada has announced that it will ship non-lethal protective military equipment such as helmets and body armour to Ukraine’s army, but ruled out sending troops in against Russian forces.

Ukrainian troops need bulletproof vests, helmets, gas masks and night vision equipment, Canadian foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly said at a press conference on Sunday.

The contributions will amount to 25m Canadian dollars (17.6m euros), said Joly, stressing that she had received the request “directly” from Ukraine’s deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna.

 

[PommyMommy]

US company tracking power outages in Ukraine in first-of-its-kind war zone effort

Unveiled in 2016, PowerOutage.com has grown into an exclusive, one-stop shop for experts to see which areas have been hit the hardest during significant weather events.

Bluefire Studios LLC, the company behind the website, says its systems constantly collect, record and display publicly available power outage data that makes it easy for consumers to read.

 

[PommyMommy]

1h ago 18:47

Russia-Ukraine war latest news: US condemns Putin’s nuclear deterrence order; Russian tank column heading towards Kyiv – live updates | The Guardian

As Russian troops draw closer to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv’s mayor has confirmed that nine civilians in the city have been killed so far, including one child, in an interview with the Associated Press.

Vitali Klitschko ordered a curfew began about sundown on Saturday and is to extend until at least 8am Monday. His order pointedly stated that any unauthorised person outside during this time could be considered a saboteur.

“We are hunting these people, and it will be much easier if nobody is on the street,” Klitschko explained, saying that six Russian saboteurs were killed Saturday night.

Russian troops’ advance on the city has been slower than many military experts had expected but the overall Russian military advantage is well-known to all.

“I just talked to the president (Zelenskiy). Everybody is not feeling so well,” Klitschko said, adding that city government employees were in shock but not depressed. “We show our character, our knowledge, our values.”

 

[PommyMommy]

Ukraine invasion: Putin has raised the abhorrent spectre of a nuclear option - could it be a sign of desperation? | World News | Sky News

Russia's decision to raise the spectre of a nuclear option in the Ukraine war is a significant escalation, but also perhaps a sign of desperation.

[...]

Unlike for example UK nuclear weapons policy, Russia's nuclear doctrine allows for smaller, tactical nuclear warheads to be threatened in a conventional conflict - including against a non-nuclear-armed country such as Ukraine - in the hope that the other side capitulates in fear.

It is referred to as "escalate to de-escalate".

If the enemy does not back down, then Russia could in theory launch a limited - in relative terms - nuclear strike to inflict such punishing damage as to force a victory.

[...]

But President Vladimir Putin's invasion is not going to plan. Four days in, his forces, despite their superior firepower, have failed to capture and hold any major cities.

[...]

As the invading force, they will know they only have finite supplies, from weapons to rations, so they will need to meet their objectives or face the prospect of retreat.

[...]

In the biggest gamble of his extended time in power, Mr Putin chose to send his troops and missiles into Ukraine last Thursday in defiance of Western warnings to hold back.

It means he cannot afford to fail or else he knows his time in power will almost certainly be over, leaving a legacy of humiliation and defeat.

 

[PommyMommy]

Russia-Ukraine war latest news: US condemns Putin’s nuclear deterrence order; rouble crashes as markets open – live updates

Rouble crashes 30% as market opens

The rouble plunged nearly 30% to an all-time low versus the US dollar on Monday as markets openbed for trading on the first day after western nations announced punishing economic sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The rouble dropped to as low as 119 per dollar, and was last down 28.77% at 118 from its closing price 83.64 on Friday.

The sanctions include blocking some Russian banks from the Swift international payments system, leading investors to anticipate a run on the Russian currency as people try to change their money for dollars and other denominations.

“The escalating crisis in Ukraine will force markets to price in a substantially higher geopolitical risk premium,” strategists at the Australian bank Westpac said on Monday. “The Ukrainian situation is volatile.”

 

[PommyMommy]

Sources: Belarus to join Russia’s war on Ukraine within hours (kyivindependent.com)
As Russia fails to inflict quick defeat upon Ukraine after four days of fierce hostilities, Vladimir Putin is about to pull his Belarusian ally, dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko into his war of occupation.

Amid many speculations, multiple sources in Belarus say the decision has been made — and as soon as on Feb. 28 at 5 a.m. local time, the first Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft is very likely to take off carrying Belarusian paratroopers to be deployed against Ukraine.

It’s not clear whether the local time the messages refer to is Belarusian or Ukrainian; 5 a.m. in Minsk is 4 a.m. in Kyiv.

[...]

On Feb. 27, Lukashenko said that Belarusians started facing violence in Ukraine and that Kyiv threatens Belarus with terror activities. It echoed the pretext that Putin gave for launching the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Amid concerns, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call with Lukashenko on Feb. 27, following which the Ukrainian leader said Lukashenko reassured him of his non-involvement in Russia’s war.

However, according to former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk, in reality, the Belarusian dictator, whose existence highly depends on Putin, has no choice other than to join.

[...]

“If god forbid, Lukashenko gives an order to go in, I hope many would refuse to shoot at Ukrainians,” he said. “Otherwise, this will be a historic tragedy between the two peoples.”

 

[PommyMommy]

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
Multiple sources say the decision has been made — and as soon as on Feb. 28 at 5 a.m. local time, the first Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft is very likely to take off carrying Belarusian paratroopers to be deployed against Ukraine.

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
️President Volodymyr Zelensky told British PM Boris Johnson this evening that he believed the next 24 hours was a crucial period for Ukraine.

 

[PommyMommy]

Russia-Ukraine war latest news: US condemns Putin’s nuclear deterrence order; Russian tank column heading towards Kyiv – live updates | The Guardian

24m ago 01:27

Ukraine’s state special communications service has said fighters from Belarus are en route towards Ukraine.

“Fighters from Belarus are now flying towards Ukraine,” the agency said in a statement on its Telegram account about 2am local time (12am GMT).

A video accompanying the statement purports to show aircraft in the night sky from Zhlobino in the Gomel region of Belarus.

The nationality of the forces remains unclear.

 

[PommyMommy]

[URL='https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/27/russia-ukraine-latest-news-missile-strikes-on-oil-facilities-reported-as-some-russian-banks-cut-off-from-swift-system-live']Russia-Ukraine war latest news: US condemns Putin’s nuclear deterrence order; Russian tank column heading towards Kyiv – live updates | The Guardian[/URL]

17m ago 01:37

Alphabet Inc’s Google has temporarily disabled some Google Maps tools in Ukraine which provide live information about traffic conditions and how busy different places are, the company confirmed on Sunday.

The tech giant said it had taken the action for the safety of local communities in the country, after consulting with sources including regional authorities, Reuters reports.

 

[Snoopster]

While it's heartening to see all of the support for Ukraine, we shouldn't feel overly confident that that means a positive outcome.
I have loved hearing about acts of defiance though, particularly from the Ukranians themselves.
And here's a story from Mallorca that made me smile:
"I don't regret a thing" - Ukrainian unrepentant for attempting to sink yacht

D. Taras O., the 55-year-old Ukrainian who attempted to sink the luxury yacht that belongs to Alexander Mijeev, stated in court on Sunday: "I don't regret anything I've done and I would do it again."

Arrested for partially sinking the luxury yacht in Port Adriano, he fully accepted the facts of the case and assumed total responsibility for what had happened. When the Guardia Civil arrived in Port Adriano on Saturday, he turned himself in and told officers: "My boss is a criminal who sells weapons that kill the Ukrainian people." Alexander Mijeev is the CEO of Rosoboronexport, a Russian military weapons company.

 

[PommyMommy]

Velina Tchakarova on Twitter
Velina Tchakarova@vtchakarova·8m The Ukrainian military has claimed its forces made successful attacks against Russian forces through the use of drones. The chief of Ukraine’s air force, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, called Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drones “life-giving”.

 

[PommyMommy]

While it's heartening to see all of the support for Ukraine, we shouldn't feel overly confident that that means a positive outcome.
I have loved hearing about acts of defiance though, particularly from the Ukranians themselves.
And here's a story from Mallorca that made me smile:
"I don't regret a thing" - Ukrainian unrepentant for attempting to sink yacht

Hi Snoopster! This is the media thread but please join us here for discussion:

Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #2 | Page 24 (websleuths.com)

 

[PommyMommy]

Ukraine live updates: Next 24 hours are 'crucial' says President Zelensky - BBC News

Over 90% of Ukrainians surveyed in a poll this weekend said they support President Zelensky - a threefold increase from December last year.
According to the poll, conducted by the respected Rating Sociological group, 91% backed him, only 6% do not support him and 3% were undecided.

Two thousands respondents from across Ukraine were questioned, though residents in the Crimea and the rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine were excluded.

When asked about the chances of Ukraine being able to repel the Russian assault, 70% said they believed it was possible.

Support for the Ukrainian armed forces has also increased considerably since just before the start of the invasion.

 

[PommyMommy]

Texas couple narrowly escapes Ukraine with their adopted son ahead of Russian invasion - The Washington Post
A couple was in Ukraine to adopt a child. As troops closed in and flights got scarce, they narrowly escaped.

 

[PommyMommy]

The Kyiv Independent on Twitter
️Air raid alert in Chernihiv.
Residents are asked to head to the nearest shelter.

34m ago 21:22 Russia-Ukraine war latest news: US condemns Putin’s nuclear deterrence order; Russian tank column heading towards Kyiv – live updates | World news | The Guardian

Blasts were heard in Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the major city of Kharkiv on Monday morning, Ukraine’s State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection has said.

Kyiv had been quiet for a few hours prior to that, it said in a brief statement on the Telegram messaging app.

“Explosions are heard again in Kyiv and Kharkiv. Before that, it was calm in the Ukrainian capital for several hours,” the agency said.