Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Ukraine Invasion: Part 53

1000 replies

MagicFox · 05/12/2024 18:14

Welcome to 53 and, as always, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

OP posts:
Thread gallery
293
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/02/2025 10:32

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Representatives of Ukraine, the US, and Russia will meet next week in Saudi Arabia — Trump

Trump’s special envoy on Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President Costa, and NATO Secretary General Rutte, have already arrived at the Munich Security Conference.

The Zelensky-Vance meeting at the Munich Security Conference on February 14 has been postponed as Ukraine finalizes a key partnership memorandum for the US side.

The Russian city of Lipetsk was part of a large-scale drone attack where it is likely that key infrastructure in the city was damaged after reports of 12 explosions, while Russian air defenses claimed to have downed 83 UAVs.
www.kyivpost.com/post/47078

Kremlin propaganda has not succeeded in Finland — Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho
Relations with Russia remain strained, and border closures are expected to continue.
www.kyivpost.com/post/47009

Overnight [yesterday, so 2 nights ago] Ukrainian drones hit Russia’s Andreapol oil pumping station in Tver region—a key part of the Baltic Pipeline System-2, sources told Kyiv Post.
This is the second attack on the facility this year. A fire is raging near the switchgear and boiler equipment storage. Oil pumping temporarily halted.

Trump’s Surrender to Putin Betrays Ukraine—and the West
Munich must remember: appeasement fuels war. Trump’s capitulation endangers not just Ukraine, but the entire free world.
www.kyivpost.com/opinion/47115

Youtube Awards Kyiv Post a Silver Button!
We’re thrilled to announce that our YouTube channel has officially surpassed 100,000 subscribers—and we’re already closing in on 150,000. Even more symbolic, we received this award yesterday, on the same day YouTube celebrated its 20th anniversary.

A gaping hole in the Chornobyl sarcophagus. Next to it — a scorched Shahed engine.
“At this moment, there is no indication of a breach in the [New Safe Confinement] NSC’s inner containment. Radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. No casualties reported. IAEA continues monitoring the situation,” IAEA’s X update says.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 53
Ukraine Invasion: Part 53
Ukraine Invasion: Part 53
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/02/2025 10:42

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The number of combat clashes on the frontline has been decreasing recently: 739 last week compared to 1000+ in previous weeks
Experts explain this by the cold weather and the lack of equipment on the Russian side.

🇳🇴 Norway to purchase (www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/norge-bidrar-med-luftvern-til-ukraina-til-en-verdi-pa-om-lag-12-milliarder-kroner/id3087500/) air defense systems for Ukraine from the U.S. for $78 million.
This funding is part of the $1.663 billion Norway plans to allocate for Ukraine’s support in 2025 under the Nansen program.

❗️ Trump: Ukraine will have a seat at the table in any peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, AFP reports. (https://x.com/AFP/status/1890119708688662731)

🇺🇸 U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance: Washington considers sending troops to Ukraine if Russia refuses peace.
Vance stated that the U.S. will impose sanctions on Moscow and may deploy troops to Ukraine if Putin does not sign an agreement guaranteeing Kyiv’s long-term security.
Just days ago, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the possibility of Washington sending troops to Ukraine.

🇺🇸 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggests Ukraine war settlement could happen in stages, starting with a ceasefire.

Zelensky did not sign (edition.cnn.com/2025/02/13/europe/analysis-trump-putin-ukraine-zelensky-intl-latam/index.html) the financial agreement proposed by the U.S. Treasury Secretary in Kyiv — CNN
The Ukrainian president wanted to discuss his vision for peace face-to-face with Donald Trump, but instead, Treasury official Scott Bessent arrived in Kyiv, bringing a financial agreement that was not approved.
While the U.S. Treasury Secretary was in the Ukrainian capital, news broke about Trump’s call with Putin. CNN reports that the American and Russian leaders “set the tone” for discussions, while Zelensky received only a “brief summary” of their conversation.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Trump’s call with Zelensky lasted longer than with Putin, Axios reports. (www.axios.com/2025/02/13/zelensky-trump-call-putin-afraid-peace-deal)
According to sources, Axios highlighted the following details of the U.S.-Ukraine presidential conversation:
🔵Zelensky conveyed to Trump that he has “leverage over Putin.”
🔵Trump supported the idea of deploying European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, suggesting it could serve as a security guarantee.
🔵Trump informed Zelensky about the U.S. negotiating team, stating that CIA Director John Ratcliffe and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff would be involved. He asked Zelensky to assemble a Ukrainian delegation for the talks.
🔵Trump acknowledged Zelensky’s concerns about his conversation with Putin but emphasized that he must engage with Putin to “save Ukraine.”
🔵Zelensky warned Trump that Putin only says what Trump wants to hear. Trump responded that this might be true, but he got the impression that Putin is serious.

🇺🇸🇷🇺U.S. Air Force plane lands in Moscow.
A Gulfstream C-37B aircraft with tail number 09-0525 landed at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow on the evening of February 13, around 22:50 Moscow time, according to Flightradar24 data. The flight was first reported by “Agentstvo”.
Around 12:00 Moscow time, the plane departed from a U.S. military airbase in Maryland, then stopped in Rotterdam before heading to Moscow.
The identity of the passengers remains unknown. However, OSINT analyst MenchOsint speculated that the aircraft may have been carrying a high-ranking U.S. administration official.

Rutte: NATO never promised Ukraine membership as a result of “peace negotiations.”
He recalled that at the Washington Summit, NATO committed to Ukraine’s future membership.
“But there was never an agreement that whenever peace negotiations begin, they would always, in any case, end with NATO membership,” he added. [knowing how Rutte works a little bit, I suspect that was simple statement of fact]

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) imposes lifetime sanctions on several Ukrainian businessmen and politicians — Zelensky signs decree
The sanctions target former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi, Putin’s ally and oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, as well as oligarchs Kostiantyn Zhevago and Hennadiy Boholiubov.

🇬🇧 UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage unexpectedly supports (www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-brit-ally-nigel-farage-ukraine-should-join-nato/) Ukraine’s NATO membership amid Trump-Putin talks.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 53
blueshoes · 14/02/2025 12:23

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-13-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukraine's European partners announced new military assistance to Ukraine amid the February 12 Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein format) meeting.
  • Russia reportedly lost just over 5,000 tanks and armored vehicles during 2024 compared with 3,000 in 2023.
  • IISS noted that Russia has adapted some of its tactics to address ongoing equipment shortages and is increasingly relying on infantry-led assaults to advance along the frontline.
  • It remains unclear if Russia can repair and newly-produce a sufficient number of tanks and armored vehicles to replace losses in Ukraine and equip new Russian units.
  • Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service (EFIS) assessed that Russia is attempting to build its capabilities not only to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine but also to prepare for a potential future war with NATO, which is consistent with ISW's assessments about ongoing Russian efforts to prepare its military and society for a future conflict with NATO in the medium to long-term.
  • Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian energy and military infrastructure as part of an ongoing strike campaign against Russian defense industrial enterprises.
  • The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced on February 13 the termination of the Moldovan-Russian Intergovernmental Agreement on the establishment and functioning of Russian cultural centers in Moldova in response to ongoing reports of Russian drones violating Moldovan airspace.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Borova and Siversk.
  • Russian officials continue efforts to increase recruitment for the "BARS-Bryansk" volunteer territorial defense detachment.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 53
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 14/02/2025 12:43

🇺🇸 U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance: Washington considers sending troops to Ukraine if Russia refuses peace.
Vance stated that the U.S. will impose sanctions on Moscow and may deploy troops to Ukraine if Putin does not sign an agreement guaranteeing Kyiv’s long-term security.
Just days ago, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the possibility of Washington sending troops to Ukraine.

Finally a bit of proper negotiating rather than giving all the cards away before they even start!

blueshoes · 14/02/2025 14:01

@DesdamonasHandkerchief more from JD Vance from wsj

Vance Wields Threat of Sanctions, Military Action to Push Putin Into Ukraine Deal
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the vice president says Ukraine must have ‘sovereign independence’

https://archive.ph/M48gh

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/02/2025 14:04

Phillips P. OBrien

Btw, the media isnt reporting it, because it prefers endless stories of cracking Ukrainian morale and Russian steamroller assaults, but the Russian military has really struggled lately and their assaults are hardly advancing.

x.com

https://x.com/PhillipsPOBrien

Igotjelly · 14/02/2025 14:06

blueshoes · 14/02/2025 14:01

@DesdamonasHandkerchief more from JD Vance from wsj

Vance Wields Threat of Sanctions, Military Action to Push Putin Into Ukraine Deal
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the vice president says Ukraine must have ‘sovereign independence’

https://archive.ph/M48gh

When I first read this I thought “oh good JD has grown some balls” then I thought about it and that would be true if it was a peace deal worth having but with the US giving away the family silver why would Putin not take this “peace” deal, even temporarily.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/02/2025 14:08

Given the flip-flopping between one senior leader and another in the govt, and Trump's notorious unreliability, I'm not taking it seriously yet.

Llttledrummergirl · 14/02/2025 14:34

Zelensky did not sign (edition.cnn.com/2025/02/13/europe/analysis-trump-putin-ukraine-zelensky-intl-latam/index.html) the financial agreement proposed by the U.S. Treasury Secretary in Kyiv — CNN
The Ukrainian president wanted to discuss his vision for peace face-to-face with Donald Trump, but instead, Treasury official Scott Bessent arrived in Kyiv, bringing a financial agreement that was not approved

Good. I hope he stays strong. Zelensky has his countries future at stake and needs all the support we can give I'm to stand up to Trump and Putin. I really hope Europe is shoulder to shoulder.

MagicFox · 14/02/2025 16:19

Timothy Snyder on what Ukraine had done for the world via his substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/appeasement-at-munich?r=3cvp0r&utmcampaign=post&utmm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

"A Russian victory, especially one enabled by American diplomacy, opens the world not just to further Russian aggression in Europe, but to wars of aggression everywhere. It also almost certainly means nuclear proliferation, since future aggressors and those who fear them will both learn the lesson that nuclear weapons are necessary.
The Russo-Ukrainian War is horrible, and should be brought to an end. But appeasement is an apparent shortcut that leads to longer and bloodier conflict. It would not be that difficult, at least in normal conditionss_, to apply American power to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. The logic is simple: make things harder for Russia, and make things easier for Ukraine."

OP posts:
Igotjelly · 14/02/2025 19:45

Wonder if the negotiating teams will end up poisoned again….

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/02/2025 10:34

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️'Peace deal can't be signed in Munich' — Zelensky sets out (kyivindependent.com/peace-deal-cant-be-signed-in-munich-zelensky-sets-out-condition-for-talks-with-putin/) condition for talks with Putin.
Zelensky said he was ready to meet with the Russian president only after there is a joint plan with Trump and the EU.

⚡️Saudi Arabia ready to host (kyivindependent.com/saudi-arabia-says-its-ready-to-host-trump-putin-summit/) proposed Trump-Putin summit.

⚡️Ukraine's survival hinges on US military support (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-survival-hinges-on-us-military-support-zelensky-tells-nbc-news/), Zelensky tells NBC News.

⚡️'We're ready to move to real and guaranteed peace as quickly as possible' — Zelensky on meeting (kyivindependent.com/were-ready-to-move-to-real-and-guaranteed-peace-as-quickly-as-possible-zelensky-on-meeting-with-vance/) with Vance.
A Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the U.S. government, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14.

⚡️ 'Crazy' Putin (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-of-russian-military-buildup-potential-nato-threat-in-2026/) could attack NATO in 2026, Russia building up troops in Belarus, Zelensky says.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia plans to deploy 15 divisions, totaling 100,000 to 150,000 troops, primarily in Belarus.

JD Vance's Munich speech met with shock (kyivindependent.com/jd-vances-munich-speech-met-with-shock-bewilderment-and-almost-no-applause/), bewilderment, and 'almost no applause'
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stunned those watching on Feb. 14 when his speech at the Munich Security Conference turned into a searing attack on Europe's ideals and a call to embrace far-right political parties.

⚡️'It doesn't advance American interests' — JD Vance walks back (kyivindependent.com/it-doesnt-advance-american-interests-jd-vance-walks-back-wsj-comments-on-us-troops-in-ukraine/) WSJ comments on US troops in Ukraine.

⚡️Zelensky, Macron discuss Europe's role (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-macron-discuss-europes-role-in-ukraines-security-guarantees/) in Ukraine's security guarantees.

⚡️ 4,000 North Korean casualties in Kursk Oblast, 2/3 killed (kyivindependent.com/4-000-north-korean-casualties-in-kursk-oblast-2-3-killed-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky said the morale of Pyongyang's troops had been "broken" by the losses.

⚡️'We need a 1.5 million army (kyivindependent.com/we-need-a-1-5-million-army-if-we-are-not-going-to-be-in-nato-zelensky-on-ukraines-membership-in-alliance/) if we are not going to be in NATO' — Zelensky on Ukraine's membership in alliance.

⚡️Zelensky calls for creation of 'army of Europe' (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-calls-for-creation-of-army-of-europe-amid-us-support-uncertainty/)amid US support uncertainty.

⚡️Drones hit apartment building, target oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/drones-hit-apartment-building-target-oil-refinery-in-volgograd-russian-media-says/) in Volgograd, Russian media says.

⚡️Drone strike causes blaze at Russian industrial site (kyivindependent.com/drone-strike-causes-blaze-at-russian-industrial-site-in-kaluga-oblast-governor-claims/) in Kaluga Oblast, governor claims.

⚡️Senior Republican senator calls Hegseth’s Ukraine remarks 'rookie mistake (kyivindependent.com/senior-republican-senator-calls-hegseths-ukraine-remarks-rookie-mistake-politico-reports/),' Politico reports.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism from Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker after suggesting that Ukraine’s return to its pre-war borders was unrealistic.

⚡️Russia abandons (kyivindependent.com/russian-government-allows-companies-not-to-modernize-power-plants-due-to-lack-of-money-equipment-media-reports/) modernization of power plants due to lack of money, equipment, media reports.
The Russian government has allowed several companies to abandon the modernization of over a dozen power plants across the country, the Russian news agency Interfax reported.

⚡️ Sudan to allow Russia to build its first naval base in Africa (kyivindependent.com/sudan-to-allow-russia-to-build-its-first-naval-base-in-africa/).
The naval base — which has been under discussion since 2017 — would give Moscow access to the Red Sea, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

⚡️Over 6,000 cases of Russian use of chemicals recorded (kyivindependent.com/over-6-000-cases-of-russias-use-of-chemical-weapons-have-been-recorded-in-2-years-ukraine-says/) over 2 years, Ukraine says.
Two laboratories of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed that Russian munitions contained riot control agent known as CS.

⚡️Over 150 Ukrainian war prisoners may be held (kyivindependent.com/over-150-ukrainian-war-prisoners-may-be-in-chechnya-ukraine-says/) in Chechnya, Kyiv says.

⚡️ Orban sees Russia's 'reintegration (kyivindependent.com/russia-to-rejoin-global-economy-europes-energy-system-after-russia-ukraine-peace-deal-orban-says/)' into world economy, Europe's energy after Ukraine deal.

⚡️Director of popular Ukrainian online casino detained (https://kyivindependent.com/director-of-popular-ukrainian-online-casino-detained-over-company-ties-to-russia/) over company ties to Russia.

10 Ukrainian drone makers (kyivindependent.com/10-ukrainian-drone-makers-to-watch/) to watch

⚡️Russia arrests US citizen at Moscow airport over alleged cannabis-laced sweets (kyivindependent.com/russia-arrests-us-citizen-at-moscow-airport-over-alleged-cannabis-laced-sweets/).

Ukraine secures return (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-return-of-8-children-from-russian-occupied-territories/) of 8 children from Russian-occupied territories.

⚡️Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 3, injure 12 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-3-injure-12-over-past-day/) over past day.

Due to the problems again last night, images have been disabled

Losses:
1180 troops
127 vehicles
11 tanks
59 artillery
117 UAVs
2 special equipment

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/02/2025 10:39

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, said he had his first meeting with Trump’s special representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, and shared details of their discussion.

Zelenskyy said he is ready to meet with only one Russian—Putin—to discuss ending the war.

Polish media report that Hungary has blocked the opening of the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership, titled “Fundamentals,” which focuses on the rule of law.
According to the report, the text of the letter had broad support from EU countries, except for one delegation. Since unanimity is required, the process was stalled.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

“We had a conversation with Putin about a complete ceasefire and prisoner exchange, but he did not exchange prisoners. He is a liar,” Zelenskyy said at the Munich Conference.

Zelenskyy met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Munich to discuss weapons for Ukraine, the fight against the “shadow fleet,” and sanctions against Russia.
"We expect the 16th EU sanctions package to target Russian oil and the entire shadow fleet, including captains and crew members."

There is a possibility of radiation leakage at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant following the Russian attack, but the situation remains under control.
No increase in radiation levels has been recorded so far. Specialists will develop a plan to restore the structure, but according to Tytarchuk, this will take more than a month.

Zelenskyy speaks on the second day of the Munich Security Conference. Key points:
• Russia plans to deploy troops to Belarus this summer under the pretext of “training.”
• The “Shahed” drone that hit the Chornobyl nuclear power plant carried at least 50 kg of explosives.
• Last year, Ukraine produced 1.5 million drones of various types and is now a world leader in drone warfare.
• Russia is creating 15 new divisions, potentially adding 150,000 troops—more than the national armies of most European countries.
• Putin has enlisted fighters from Syria, Africa, the Caucasus, and even parts of Moldova for the war against Ukraine.
• Ukraine is preparing a project to expand the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant with American business involvement, particularly Westinghouse, to enhance energy security for Ukraine and Europe.
• Work is underway to arrange meetings with partners in Kyiv and online on February 24, marking the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion.

❗️Zelenskyy said the Russian drone that struck the shelter above the 4th power unit of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant was flying at an altitude invisible to radar, indicating a targeted strike on the sarcophagus.

US Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking in Munich, said that the greatest threat to Europe is not Russia, China, or any external factor but the internal retreat from key values shared with the United States.
Vance specifically criticized the annulment of the first round of Romania’s presidential election, where pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu won.
He also remarked: “If American democracy could survive ten years of Greta Thunberg attacks, then you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk.”

China supports Europe’s participation in Ukraine peace talks, according to the Financial Times.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, said that China supports any efforts toward peace, especially if the US and Russia reach an understanding. He emphasized that, since the war is taking place on European soil, Europe should play an important role in resolving the conflict.

❗️”We want the war to end, but we want to achieve lasting peace, not a conflict in Europe in a few years,” — Vance after meeting with Zelenskyy.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/02/2025 10:44

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

A "sham peace" in Ukraine would lead to further aggression and would weaken the US — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told US Vice President JD Vance

In stark contrast to Washington’s nomination of mostly novice mediators for forthcoming peace talks, the Kremlin is reportedly putting together a team of seasoned high-level negotiators.
https://www.kyivpost.com/analysis/47166

Munich Security Conference – Day 1
Tensions rise in Munich: A growing trans-Atlantic divide.
www.kyivpost.com/analysis/47171

Ukraine has received Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France – but how will they impact the war?
These aircraft bring new air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, forcing Russia to rethink its strategy.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/47157

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/02/2025 10:49

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

💥 Russia temporarily shuts down seven airports due to UAV attack.
At around 06:00, flight restrictions were imposed at airports in Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Grozny, Kaluga, Saratov, and Ulyanovsk, according to Rosaviatsia representative Artem Korenyako. Operations have since resumed.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claims its air defense systems allegedly shot down 40 Ukrainian drones overnight on February 15.

Bloomberg reveals Russia’s negotiators for peace talks on Ukraine
According to Bloomberg sources, the Russian negotiating team includes:
▪️Yury Ushakov – Presidential aide on foreign policy, former OSCE envoy and Russian ambassador to the U.S.
▪️Sergey Naryshkin – Director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and a long-time associate of Putin.
▪️Kirill Dmitriev – Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, who previously took part in negotiations to release jailed American Max Fogel. He is also married to a friend of Putin’s younger daughter.
The negotiators have extensive diplomatic experience, having participated in Russia’s 2022 peace talks. Bloomberg reports that other members of the 2022 negotiating team may later join the new discussions, primarily to engage with Ukrainian representatives.

Zelensky: Putin wants (www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/zelenskyy-difficult-ukraine-survive-us-military-support-rcna192196) negotiations not to end the war, but to secure a ceasefire deal.

In an interview with NBC News, the Ukrainian president warned that such agreements would ease international sanctions on Moscow and allow the Russian army to regroup.

🇺🇸🇪🇺 U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance delivers sharp criticism of the EU’s approach to countering propaganda at the Munich Security Conference.
“For years, we were told that we were helping you for the sake of shared values,” Vance reminded, before arguing that European values are no longer relevant to the new U.S. administration. He claimed that Europe’s anti-propaganda measures restrict freedom of speech.
As an example, he cited the cancellation of Romania’s presidential elections due to Russian interference.
He further doubted the possibility of security cooperation with the EU, stating:
“There can be no security if you are fighting against thoughts, against the beliefs of your own people. If you fear the voices within your own country, America will not help you, and you will offer nothing to America,” he emphasized.

🇮🇹 Italian PM Meloni backs President Mattarella’s comparison of Russia to Nazi Germany, sparking Moscow’s anger.

🇩🇪 German Defense Minister Pistorius calls J.D. Vance’s comparison of European democracy to authoritarian regimes unacceptable.

❗️❗️Explosion near a public dining establishment in Mykolaiv.
Two people were killed, and eight others were injured.
Investigators, forensic experts, bomb disposal teams, SBU officers, emergency responders, and medical personnel [were] on the scene.

❗️Air defense forces shot down 33 enemy drones, while over 30 failed to reach their targets
Russia launched 70 Shahed drones and various decoy UAVs from Oryol, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), and Cape Chauda (Crimea).
Drones were intercepted over Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk oblasts. An additional 37 UAVs were lost on location without causing damage.

blueshoes · 15/02/2025 19:19

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-14-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on February 14.
  • The Kremlin reportedly ordered Russian government-linked media to reduce reporting about US President Donald Trump and portray Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong and decisive leader after the February 12 Trump-Putin phone call.
  • Russian officials and information space actors have notably not amplified the Russian information operation aimed at portraying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the illegitimate leader of Ukraine since the February 12 Trump-Putin call.
  • A Russian Shahed drone struck the protective structure of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) on February 14.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia may be preparing to launch intensified offensive operations into northern Ukraine or attack NATO's eastern flank in 2026.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Kurakhove, and Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Vovchansk, Lyman, Kurakhove, and Pokrovsk.
  • Russia is reportedly intensifying efforts to coerce Russian mobilized and conscripted personnel into signing contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD).
minsmum · 15/02/2025 19:36

https://x.com/NFX360/status/1890114118016987534 The Ukrainians will resist and we will support them

PerkingFaintly · 15/02/2025 20:28

Russian officials and information space actors have notably not amplified the Russian information operation aimed at portraying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the illegitimate leader of Ukraine since the February 12 Trump-Putin call.

Ooh, yeah, I can see how that's tricky for the Russians.

How can Ukraine surrender to Russia if the Ukrainian signing the paper is not the legitimate leader of Ukraine? Whoops!

PerkingFaintly · 15/02/2025 20:42

And actually that's not dissimilar to Vance's speech, which boils down to:

"We, the USA, will tell you which thoughts and beliefs of which people in your country matter. And we've decided it's this minority set, not the majority expressed in your democratic elections."

('Cos somehow I don't think he's complaining that a UK government of any stripe fears my voice within my own country. Even though UK governments are often fighting against my thoughts and beliefs, and I can and do help bring about changes of government.)

Igotjelly · 15/02/2025 20:59

https://news.sky.com/story/us-officials-heading-to-saudi-arabia-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-13310358

looks like US reps are heading to Saudi for talks. As expected no Ukrainian or European reps at the table.

Igotjelly · 15/02/2025 21:04

BBC are reporting that Lavrov and Rubio have spoken this evening.

PiggyPigalle · 15/02/2025 21:19

Starmer will try and get to Paris. I can't imagine what could be more important at present.
Macron calls crisis summit amid concern over Trump’s plan for Ukraine | Ukraine | The Guardian

WinterMorn · 15/02/2025 21:40

Well, with these talks, what we all hoped wouldn’t happen is happening. I cant quite believe it. It’s not even a stab in the back, it’s a stab right to the front with a false smile and an expectation of gratitude as well. Just appalling.

PerkingFaintly · 15/02/2025 21:57

PiggyPigalle · 15/02/2025 21:19

Starmer will try and get to Paris. I can't imagine what could be more important at present.
Macron calls crisis summit amid concern over Trump’s plan for Ukraine | Ukraine | The Guardian

Starmer is confirmed to attend, according to that link.

One European diplomat said that “it appears Europe is going to be asked to police a deal that it had no direct hand in negotiating. In the meantime, Donald Trump is seeking to take 50% control of Ukraine’s rare minerals”.

PerkingFaintly · 15/02/2025 22:02

The brass neck of it.

Kellogg tells European leaders that Europe must come up with the ideas and money.

And at the same time, tells them it's "not realistic" for Europe’s leaders to be involved in the US and Russia's discussions about what Europe will do.

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.