Paul A Posted December 10, 2022 Posted December 10, 2022 Sweden joining NATO would crush Russian power Caspian Report 1.24M subscribers Dec 10, 2022 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 12, 2022 Posted December 12, 2022 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/12/japan-tomahawk-missiles-ukraine-war/ December 12, 2022 Japan moves to shed pacifist ways with major defense buildup TOKYO — Alarmed by increasing security threats and the risk of war in the Indo-Pacific, Japan will seek to purchase hundreds of U.S.-built Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of a major defense buildup unprecedented in the postwar period, Japanese and U.S. officials said. Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine was “absolutely” a pivotal factor in creating the political climate that allowed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to push a strong national security agenda over anti-militarist public sentiment, a second Japanese official said. For the Japanese, the war in Ukraine has made a Chinese invasion of Taiwan appear much more possible, deepening the public’s concern over Japan’s military readiness in the event of a regional conflict. The missile acquisition and the growing defense budget have the support of the Biden administration, which views Japan as a pivotal partner in the western Pacific. Officials see a deepening alliance with Japan as part of a broader strategy of regional cooperation to enhance security, including a deal involving the United States and Britain helping Australia develop nuclear-powered submarines, and the United States lifting limits on South Korea building ballistic missiles. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 21, 2022 Posted December 21, 2022 https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/20/zelensky-congress-washington/ December 20, 2022 The Washington Post Zelensky slated to appear in Congress on Wednesday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday plans to appear in Washington on Capitol Hill, according to two congressional aides with knowledge of the plan — a trip that will mark Zelensky’s first public international appearance since Russia invaded Ukraine. Zelensky plans to meet with congressional leaders to thank lawmakers for including funding for Ukraine in a spending package they are looking to pass this week, according to one of the aides. He is expected to address members of Congress, and lawmakers are rescheduling plans to be in Washington according to a second congressional aide. The aides spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 21, 2022 Posted December 21, 2022 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/12/21/patriot-missile-system-ukraine-russia/ December 21, 2022 Biden administration to send Patriot missile system to Ukraine The Biden administration will send to Ukraine the most advanced air defense weapon in its arsenal, the Patriot missile system, a senior administration official said late Tuesday, marking the most significant addition to American military support for the government in Kyiv in months. The Patriot is to be included in a new $2 billion package of weapons that President Biden plans to unveil Wednesday, marking the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington, said the official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity in advance of a formal announcement. The visit, during which Zelensky will visit Biden at the White House and address a joint session of Congress, comes as Russia carries out a relentless campaign of airstrikes on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and electrical grid, which has plunged much of the country into darkness. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 21, 2022 Posted December 21, 2022 https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122122 December 21, 2022 Press Release Pelosi Invites President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to Address Joint Meeting of Congress Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent the following letter on behalf of the bipartisan Congressional leadership to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine inviting him to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. The invitation comes as Ukraine continues to fight back against Russia's illegal, unprovoked invasion. ______________________________________________ December 20, 2022 His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 01220, Kyiv, 11 Bankova Str. Dear Mr. President: It is with immense respect and admiration for your extraordinary leadership that I extend on behalf of bipartisan Congressional leadership an invitation to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. America and the world are in awe of the heroism of the Ukrainian people. In the face of Putin's horrific atrocities, Ukrainian freedom fighters have inspired the world with an iron will and an unbreakable spirit — fighting back against Russia's brutal, unjustified invasion. During this dark moment, your courageous, patriotic, indefatigable leadership has rallied not only your people, but the world, to join the frontlines of the fight for freedom. America and our allies have proudly answered your call: imposing devastating sanctions on Putin and ensuring Ukraine has the resources it needs to win this war. And it was a privilege to hear from you and from Speaker Stefanchuk at the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform about how the importance of the free world’s unshakable solidarity with Ukraine. The fight for Ukraine is the fight for democracy itself. We look forward to hearing your inspiring message of unity, resilience and determination. Thank you for your leadership and consideration of this request. best regards, NANCY PELOSI Speaker of the House 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 21, 2022 Posted December 21, 2022 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/21/russia-ukraine-war-news-live-updates-zelensky-congress/#link-NA3WFQPQ3BCEPOQHGN7OV5RE5M Zelensky thanks Biden, Americans for their support President Biden and first lady Jill Biden greeted Zelensky at the White House shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday. Zelensky stepped out of a black vehicle wearing an olive green sweater and pants. “Welcome back, Mr. President,” Biden told him. Biden placed his right arm around Zelensky’s shoulder, and the three walked into the White House shortly afterward. President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky entered the Oval Office around 2:15 p.m., according to a White House pool report. “I’m delighted you could make the trip,” Biden told Zelensky. Zelensky told Biden he had wanted to visit the United States earlier and expressed “all my appreciations from my heart and from the heart of all Ukrainians” to Biden, the U.S. Congress and “ordinary people” in the United States for their support. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 23, 2022 Posted December 23, 2022 What Has Russia Gained Or Lost From Its War On Ukraine? Muscovites Weigh In. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Dec 1, 2022 993,744 views 731K subscribers People in Moscow were asked about the impact of Russia's "special military operation" on Ukraine -- the Kremlin's wording for the invasion of its western neighbor. When questioned about what was gained or lost, some saw the attack as a "win," while others expressed unhappiness about the results. _______________________________________ https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/radio-free-europe-radio-liberty/ Overall, we rate RFE/RL Least Biased based on neutral language and balance of coverage. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting versus High due to infrequently publishing pro-USA Government propaganda. Detailed Report Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL Country: USA Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE Media Type: Website Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 25, 2022 Posted December 25, 2022 Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov burns away as Putin’s men bomb Ukraine | Details Hindustan Times 5.04M subscribers Dec 23, 2022 Russia's flagship aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, caught fire again. The fire broke out when the ship was docked at the Zvyozdochka shipyard in Murmansk for repair. The Russia-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation, which is overseeing a major refit, said that the blaze was quickly extinguished and caused no casualties. Admiral Kuznetsov is Russia’s only aircraft carrier and has been out of service and in dry dock for repairs since 2018. Delays and accidents have marred Admiral Kuznetsov's ongoing overhaul. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 25, 2022 Posted December 25, 2022 Ukrainian soldiers receive gas burners and warm clothing over Christmas The Sun 3.63M subscribers Dec 26, 2022 UKRAINIAN soldiers receive gas burners and warm clothing over Christmas from volunteers. Ukrainian servicemen fighting on the eastern frontline were happy to receive gas burners, warm clothing, and sweets on Saturday (December 10), brought to them by Oleksii, a volunteer. "First of all, gas burners and gas tanks that they needed direly. Socks, winter gloves and something sweet to bolster the morale, so to say,” said Oleksii, unloading the van. ‘Gas tanks, burners – this is golden!’ said the serviceman receiving boxes. Despite having no problems with food, there is always some room for sweets in Ukrainian soldiers’ backpacks and pockets. “When you’re on positions for a long time and eat canned meat and macaroni, the sweets help for sure,” Said Stanislav, surrounded by boxes of warm clothes, food and various equipment in their base in Kramatorsk. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 25, 2022 Posted December 25, 2022 Czech Rep donate six wagons of heaters and generators to Ukraine this Christmas The Sun 3.63M subscribers Dec 26, 2022 The Czech Republic has donated six wagons full of heaters and generators to Ukrainian homes this Christmas in a heartwarming gesture that could save lives this winter. Six hundred and twenty six diesel heaters and 18 generators will be shipped to Kyiv and Mikolaiv. Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib told reporters. "Kyiv is our partner town, partner of Prague. Mikolaiv town faced bombing from the Russian army, the infrastructure there was destroyed and that’s why we are sending this aid to Ukraine,” Hrib said. Since October, Russia has been targeting Ukraine's civil power and heating systems with long-range missiles and drones. Moscow says the aim is to reduce Kyiv's ability to fight and push it to negotiate. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted December 26, 2022 Posted December 26, 2022 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/blasts-reported-russias-engels-air-base-online-media-2022-12-26/ December 26, 2022 Reuters Russia says it shot down Ukrainian drone near bomber air base, three killed Dec 26 (Reuters) - Russia said on Monday it had shot down a Ukrainian drone close to one of its air bases for long-range bombers deep inside its own territory and that three Russian air force personnel had been killed in the incident. The drone was allegedly flying near Russia's Engels air base where long-range strategic bombers that may have been used to target Ukrainian cities and infrastructure are based. No planes were damaged in the incident, the defence ministry said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. Unverified Russian and Ukrainian social media accounts reported that a number of planes had been destroyed however. Reuters was not able to independently verify those reports. The air base, one of two strategic bomber bases housing Russia's air-delivered nuclear capability, is located near the city of Saratov, about 730 km (450 miles) southeast of Moscow and hundreds of kilometres from the frontlines in Ukraine. The earlier Dec. 5 strike on the same base, along with another attack the same day on another base, raised questions about the effectiveness of Russian air defences and shocked Russian commentators. If Ukraine could strike that far inside Russia, it may also be capable of hitting Moscow, they said on social media. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 2, 2023 Posted January 2, 2023 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/02/ukraine-russia-war-donetsk-strike/ January 2, 2023 Washington Post Dozens of Russian soldiers killed in massive Donetsk missile strike Dozens of Russian soldiers were killed in a massive missile strike early on New Year’s Day in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Moscow said, marking what could be one of the deadliest attacks on Russian forces since the start of the invasion. Without claiming responsibility for the attack, Kyiv’s military command said that at least 400 soldiers were killed in the attack in Makiivka, a city in eastern Ukraine under Russian occupation, and that at least 300 soldiers were injured. Russia’s Defense Ministry put the death toll at 63. The Washington Post could not independently confirm an accurate toll. Daniil Bezsonov, a senior Moscow-backed official for the region, wrote on Telegram that just after midnight on New Year’s Day, a Ukrainian missile had struck a vocational school in Makiivka that housed soldiers. Pro-Kremlin war correspondent Alexander Sladkov reported that recently mobilized Russian conscripts had been staying in the building. Igor Girkin, an ultranationalist figure who led Moscow-backed separatists during the conflict in Donbas in 2014 and regularly criticizes Russia’s military decisions, said that the building had been “almost completely destroyed” and alleged that ammunition stored in the building had compounded the damage. “Almost all of the military equipment was also destroyed, which stood right next to the building without any disguise whatsoever,” Girkin wrote on Telegram, saying that “many hundreds” had been killed and wounded and that many were still missing under the rubble. Russian state media reported that the recruits had been using their cellphones, which reporters speculated had revealed their location. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 2, 2023 Posted January 2, 2023 Deadly Ukrainian Himars attack flattens Russian barracks with hundreds of men inside The Telegraph 3.34M subscribers Jan 3, 2023 A Ukrainian Himars attack on a town in Russia-held eastern Ukraine flattened completely destroyed a vast building holding several hundred Russian mobilised men inside. Early estimates from Kyiv and from pro-Russian sources suggest the New Year’s Eve attack on the barracks in Makiivka could be Russia’s single biggest loss of life since the start of the invasion last February. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 2, 2023 Posted January 2, 2023 https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/how-the-mysterious-deaths-of-23-elite-russians-sparked-a-global-murder-mystery-20221230-p5c9gb.html January 3, 2023 How the mysterious deaths of 23 elite Russians sparked a global murder mystery How can so many billionaires with bodyguards and the best healthcare just drop dead? Many people are suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin is involved. A member of the Russian elite dies in a freak accident? Happenstance. Then another dies in similar circumstances? Could be written off as a coincidence. But a spiralling body count of 23 deaths in less than a year has sparked fears of “enemy action”, as Auric Goldfinger famously put it to James Bond in the classic 1964 spy film. Since late January 2022, Russia’s accident-prone business tycoons are rapidly in danger of becoming an endangered species. The string of mysterious deaths has attracted global attention, with growing fears sinister forces are at play, even though the deaths have mostly been attributed to misadventure and mental health issues. The trail of bloodshed, which started shortly before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, has spanned time zones and continents. The manner of death has varied from the seemingly straightforward (strokes and suicides) to freak accidents (falling down stairs or from a speeding boat) to the downright bizarre (poisoning from a shaman’s toad venom). The youngest of the fatalities was 37 years old and the oldest 73. They have included feared military leaders, billionaire oil and gas oligarchs, top business executives, high-ranking public servants and, the latest, a “sausage tycoon”. Professor Jeffrey Winters, a political scientist and oligarch expert from Northwestern University in Illinois, pointed out many of the dead were billionaires with bodyguards and access to the best healthcare money could buy. “They have access to the best healthcare. They fly to top hospitals like the Mayo Clinic and receive concierge check-ups and treatments, paying full costs with no insurance,” he said. “Being a wealthy oligarch means you have many layers of protection around you,” he said. “If not bodyguards, then at least private drivers and personal assistants who manage everything for them. When they stay at hotels, they are usually on floors that require extra security access or have staff posted at elevators. These are not people who randomly fall off roofs or out of windows.” 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 5, 2023 Posted January 5, 2023 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/01/04/ukraine-bradley-fighting-vehicle/ January 4, 2023 Washington Post U.S. edges closer to sending armored weaponry to Ukraine President Biden acknowledges that Bradley fighting vehicles are under consideration for delivery to Kyiv, as France pledges light tanks After months of resisting Kyiv’s pleas for tanks to face increasingly dug-in Russian forces along the lengthy southern and eastern fronts, the United States and its allies are now poised to deliver a variety of armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine. Asked Wednesday if U.S.-produced Bradley Fighting Vehicles were under consideration for transfer to Ukraine, President Biden replied in the affirmative. A senior administration official said that Bradleys could be included in a package of weapons to be announced as soon as this week. Earlier Wednesday, France said it would provide Ukraine with an unspecified number of light tanks. The first supply of Western mobile armor is another major milestone in the escalating provision of advanced weaponry to Ukrainian forces, including heavy artillery and long-range precision rocket launchers. It comes just weeks after the Biden administration announced that it would supply Kyiv with a Patriot missile battery, the most sophisticated air defense weapon in the U.S. arsenal, to defend against waves of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure far from the front line. Bradley Fighting Vehicles 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 6, 2023 Posted January 6, 2023 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/06/russia-ukraine-war-latest-updates-putin-ceasefire/ January 6, 2023 Washington Post Ukraine live briefing: Russia’s Orthodox Christmas cease-fire offer questioned by Ukraine, U.S., Germany Ukraine, Germany and the United States dismissed President Vladimir Putin’s unilateral cease-fire declaration as a way for Russia to regroup and possibly move more troops and equipment on the battlefield. Putin this week ordered his forces to observe a 36-hour truce for Orthodox Christmas starting Jan. 6, the Kremlin said. President Biden said in a White House briefing that he thinks Putin is “trying to find some oxygen” after 10 months of war and tens of thousands of casualties on the Russian side. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in a tweet that the so-called cease-fire would not bring freedom or security to Ukrainians. In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a real cease-fire would come when Russian troops withdraw from the country. “Now they want to use Christmas as a cover to … stop the advance of our guys in Donbas and bring equipment, ammunition and mobilized men closer to our positions,” he said, referring to a region in eastern Ukraine. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 6, 2023 Posted January 6, 2023 https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/06/world/russia-ukraine-news Jan. 6, 2023 New York Times Russia-Ukraine War U.S. and Germany Heighten Military Support for Ukraine The United States and Germany said on Thursday that they would each send armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine and would also join together to supply Kyiv with a second Patriot missile battery. The announcement is the first pledge of Western-made infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, and it came after a phone call between President Biden and Chancellor Olof Scholz of Germany. A day earlier, France had said it would send its AMX-10 RC armored reconnaissance vehicles to Ukraine, which had increased pressure on both countries to supply Ukraine with battle tanks. Though Germany isn’t sending its Leopard 2 battle tank, the decision to provide the Marder infantry fighting vehicle is still a shift for Berlin, which resisted months of calls to send tanks or fighting vehicles. Germany has already provided Ukraine with armored personnel carriers and its mobile antiaircraft gun, the Gepard, as well as the IRIS-T air defense missile system. Marder (infantry fighting vehicle) IRIS-T air defense systems 1 Quote
Wolverine Posted January 14, 2023 Posted January 14, 2023 (edited) UK to send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine:https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64274755 Edited January 14, 2023 by Wolverine 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 25, 2023 Posted January 25, 2023 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/01/24/abrams-leopard-tanks-ukraine/?itid=hp-top-table-main_p001_f002 Jan 24, 2023 U.S. to give Ukraine advanced M1 tanks The American-made Abrams tanks, probably numbering at least 30, are not likely to arrive in time for an expected spring offensive, however. The Biden administration has decided to provide M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, overriding previous concerns that the heavy battle tanks, the world’s most powerful, are too logistically burdensome for Kyiv’s forces, according to U.S. officials. The decision, due to be announced Wednesday, comes after a rare dispute last week among Western allies over the provision of tanks made in Germany, which has been reluctant to allow its Leopard 2 main battle tanks to be transferred to Ukraine unless the United States first provides Abrams. The U.S. vehicles, probably numbering at least 30, are unlikely to arrive by spring, when Russian forces are expected to begin a new offensive and Ukraine plans to launch its own counteroffensive to take back Russian-occupied territory. Instead, the Abrams are “probably not for the near fight,” one U.S. official said, and are not likely to arrive for many months, if not years. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 25, 2023 Posted January 25, 2023 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/25/germany-leopard-tanks-abrams-ukraine/ Jan 25, 2023 Germany approves Leopards for Ukraine, as U.S. promises M1 tanks. BERLIN — The German government announced plans to deliver 14 of the country’s Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow other countries to send theirs on Wednesday, ending months of debate among Western allies and potentially helping to shift the balance on the battlefield. “The goal is to quickly assemble two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine. As a first step, Germany will provide a company with 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from Bundeswehr stocks. Other European partners will also hand over Leopard-2 tanks,” said the statement from Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Ukrainian officials are counting on the Leopard 2 tanks — which are fast, relatively easy to operate and plentiful in Europe — to help their forces gain an advantage on the battlefield. It is unclear when the German tanks could be delivered, along with others from a consortium of European countries that are preparing to send their own. Berlin had long resisted calls to send tanks without acting in tandem with allies, saying that it did not want to be seen as a direct participant in the war, inviting retaliation potential from Russia. In recent weeks, German officials had been more explicit in linking any decision to send tanks to a similar move by the United States. As manufacturer of the Leopard 2, one of the most widely used tanks in Europe, Germany holds the key to the entire package the tanks being prepared for delivery to Ukraine because Berlin’s approval is required for reexport. Poland and a number of other European members of NATO had indicated they are prepared to send Leopard 2s. Finland, Greece, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey all own at least 100 of them. 1 Quote
Paul A Posted January 25, 2023 Posted January 25, 2023 President Biden confirms US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine The Telegraph January 25, 2023 1 Quote
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