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Ukraine Invasion: Part 54

1000 replies

MagicFox · 16/02/2025 18:23

We're on 54. Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦
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
69
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 10:15

I think we're all adjusting to the new situation and there's a fair bit of mostly - restrained heat in the thread from many of us.

The situation atm is incredibly sad. But 4/5 Ukraine is still free.

dibly · 19/02/2025 10:17

Hand wringing conferences? The US are dictating the terms, without Zelensky and without Europe. What should European leaders do, nothing? Just wait to be told that their troops will be peace keeping?

Sounding very much like a Trump apologist there.

on a side note, is there a way to block people on mumsnet?

Igotjelly · 19/02/2025 10:31

Surprising how many people showed up to Navalny’s grave on the first anniversary of his murder, just shows there are still Russians who are brave enough to stand up and be counted. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/16/alexei-navalny-supporters-visit-grave-on-first-anniversary-of-his-death

DuncinToffee · 19/02/2025 10:31

From the BBC

EU ambassadors have agreed a new round of sanctions on Russia, the bloc's diplomats say.

The 16th package of sanctions includes a ban on Russian primary aluminium import, and listing of 73 new shadow fleet vessels, the Reuters news agency reports.

The sanctions will be formally approved by EU ministers on Monday - on the third anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

prettybird · 19/02/2025 10:41

Kaja Kallas, former Prime Minister of Estonia - one of the countries in Russia's firing line - has the measure of Russian negotiating tactics. The US is playing right into Russia's hands and giving them something they didn't have before - and I would add, have no right to Angry

https://youtube.com/shorts/u1cTRn5tBs8?si=0NaGCrZdK0BWCs8k

It's no wonder that Russia has an arrest warrant out for her (technically for disrespecting Soviet era memorials) Hmm

wholettheturnipsburn · 19/02/2025 10:49

dibly · 19/02/2025 10:17

Hand wringing conferences? The US are dictating the terms, without Zelensky and without Europe. What should European leaders do, nothing? Just wait to be told that their troops will be peace keeping?

Sounding very much like a Trump apologist there.

on a side note, is there a way to block people on mumsnet?

That's a feature that would be most welcome. Then we wouldn't see the same posts over and over, saying the same thing
I just skip past when I see the names as I know they've got nothing to add.

MissConductUS · 19/02/2025 10:56

Natsku · 19/02/2025 02:54

No one in the US thinks that more defense spending by Europe will mean less defense spending or more social spending in the US

Lots of Americans do believe that though, its a line I've seen countless times, increasingly so in the last couple of years.

There have always been people in the US who think that all or almost all defense spending should be eliminated and the money spent on social programs. They don't think we need a military at all.

That's quite different from the idea that reducing our defense expenditures in Europe will enable massive new social spending programs in the US.

WinterMorn · 19/02/2025 10:58

@1dayatatime I think it’s best you and I don’t converse anymore.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:05

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️ Trump's envoy Kellogg arrives in Kyiv. (kyivindependent.com/trumps-envoy-kellogg-arrives-in-kyiv/)

⚑️ Russia's Lavrov denies 3-point peace plan, warns against Western peacekeepers in (kyivindependent.com/russias-lavrov-denies-knowledge-of-three-point-peace-plan-warns-against-western-troops-in-ukraine/) Ukraine.

⚑️'We agreed to consider each other's interests (kyivindependent.com/we-agreed-to-consider-each-others-interests-russian-negotiator-ushakov-on-talks-in-saudi-arabia/)' β€” Russian negotiator Ushakov on talks in Saudi Arabia.

⚑️Trump 'much more confident (kyivindependent.com/trump-much-more-confident-in-peace-deal-after-very-good-us-russia-talks/)' in peace deal after 'very good' US-Russia talks.

⚑️Trump to 'probably' meet (kyivindependent.com/trump-to-probably-meet-putin-before-end-of-february/) Putin before end of February.

⚑️ EU ambassadors reportedly agree on 16th package (kyivindependent.com/eu-ambassadors-reportedly-agree-on-16th-package-of-russia-sanctions/) of Russia sanctions.

Why Putin will be β€˜very happy’ with today's US-Russia talks on Ukraine peace (kyivindependent.com/us-russia-talks-on-ukraine-peace-why-putin-will-be-very-happy/)

⚑️'Russia will try to divide (kyivindependent.com/russia-will-try-to-divide-us-kallas-on-us-russia-talks-in-saudi-arabia/) us' β€” Kallas on US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.

⚑️ EU plans $6.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/eu-plans-6-2-billion-military-ukraine-aid-package-ahead-of-us-russia-talks-politico-reports/) ahead of US-Russia talks, Politico reports.
The European Union is discussing a military aid package for Ukraine worth at least 6 billion euros ($6.2 billion) to bolster Kyiv's strategic position ahead of U.S.-led talks with Russia, Politico reported on Feb. 18, citing sources familiar with the matter.

⚑️ Zelensky postpones Saudi Arabia visit (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-postpones-saudi-arabia-visit-amid-russia-us-talks/) amid Russia-US talks.
"We were not invited to this Russian-American meeting in Saudi Arabia. It was a surprise for us. I don't want any coincidences, so I'm not going to Saudi Arabia," Zelensky said during a briefing following a meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan.

⚑️ Zelensky's trust rating increases to 57% (kyivindependent.com/ukrainians-trust-in-zelensky-increases-to-57-survey-shows/), survey shows, contradicting Trump's claims
The poll, carried out between Feb. 4 and 9, was published shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Zelensky holds a "4% approval rating" without providing a source to back his claim.

⚑️ Russian disinformation behind Trump's claim of 4% approval rating (kyivindependent.com/russian-disinformation-behind-trumps-claim-of-4-approval-rating-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
"We saw this disinformation. We understand it comes from Russia. We understand, and we have evidence that those figures have been discussed between the U.S. and Russia," Zelensky said.

⚑️ Turkey 'ideal host' for peace talks on Russia-Ukraine war, (https://kyivindependent.com/turkey-ideal-host-for-peace-talks-on-russia-ukraine-war-erdogan-tells-zelensky/) Erdogan says.

⚑️ France to host second summit on Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/france-to-host-another-summit-on-ukraine-european-security-reuters-reports/), European security, Reuters reports.

Ukraine summit in Paris exposes divisions, lack of coherent plan, experts say (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-summit-in-paris-exposes-divisions-lack-of-coherent-plan-experts-say/)
The emergency Ukraine summit held in Paris by European leaders on Feb. 17 exposed divisions between European countries, highlighting how they have so far failed to agree on a coherent plan for supporting Kyiv, analysts have told the Kyiv Independent.

⚑️Smaller Western force could guarantee (kyivindependent.com/smaller-western-force-could-guarantee-security-in-ukraine-guardian-reports/) security in Ukraine, Guardian reports.
A relatively small contingent of Western troops could successfully provide security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, U.K. defense sources told the Guardian on Feb. 18.

⚑️Canada wants to participate (kyivindependent.com/canada-is-interested-in-being-part-of-protecting-ukraine-official-says/) in talks on Ukraine's security guarantees, official says.

⚑️ Putin ready for talks with Zelensky, Kremlin says, repeats false 'legitimacy' claims (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-ready-for-talks-with-zelensky-but-his-legitimacy-to-be-considered-kremlin-says/).

⚑️Macron rules out sending (kyivindependent.com/macron-rules-out-sending-french-troops-to-ukraines-frontlines/) French combat troops to Ukraine's front line.

⚑️Saudi Arabia wanted Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/saudi-arabia-wanted-ukraine-represented-at-us-russia-talks-bloomberg-reports/) represented at US-Russia talks, Bloomberg reports.

⚑️'Massive demolition site' β€” Trump claims Ukraine in ruins while pressing Zelensky to hold elections.
(kyivindependent.com/massive-demolition-site-trump-claims-ukraine-in-ruins-while-pressing-zelensky-to-hold-elections/)
Trump alleged without evidence that Zelensky holds a "4% approval rating" in Ukraine and blamed his leadership for "allow(ing) the war to go on."

⚑️Russian Shahed drones more dangerous after modifications, (kyivindependent.com/russian-shahed-drones-more-dangerous-after-modifications-military-intelligence-reports/) military intelligence reports.
Numerous modifications have been observed in the Shahed-136 drones that Russia mass produces, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reported on Feb. 18.
The upgraded Shahed-136 now carries a 90-kilogram warhead, nearly double the explosive capacity of the previous 50-kilogram version.

⚑️North Korea gaining military experience in Ukraine, improving (kyivindependent.com/north-korea-gaining-military-experience-in-ukraine-improving-its-missiles-accuracy-budanov-says/) its missiles' accuracy, Budanov says.
"Only three countries β€” Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea β€” are gaining direct experience in full-scale 21st-century warfare," Kyrylo Budanov said.

A ceasefire in Ukraine could end martial law β€” what would lifting restrictions mean?
https://kyivindependent.com/a-ceasefire-in-ukraine-could-bring-an-end-to-martial-law-what-restrictions-have-been-in-place-and-what-would-their-end-mean/

⚑️Europe at 'kids' table' (kyivindependent.com/europe-has-found-itself-at-separate-table-for-kids-in-talks-on-ukraine-rheinmetall-chief-says/) in talks on Ukraine, Rheinmetall chief says.
"If you don't invest, if you're not strong, they handle you like kids," Armin Papperger said.

⚑️Ukraine and Moldova sign (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-moldova-sign-cooperation-memorandum-on-eu-accession/) cooperation memorandum on EU accession.

⚑️ Explosions recorded on Russian shadow fleet (kyivindependent.com/explosions-hit-russian-linked-oil-tanker-in-italy-raising-sabotage-suspicions/) oil tanker in Italy.
Two explosions took place on the oil tanker Seajewel, moored in the Italian city of Savona on Feb. 18, with the vessel allegedly transporting Russian oil to Europe, Italian publication IVG reported.

⚑️ Russian strike on Odesa injures 4 (kyivindependent.com/russian-strike-on-odesa/), causes massive power outages.

⚑️Reported drone strike against Russian oil refinery in Samara Oblast causes (kyivindependent.com/drones-attack-at-syzran-oil-refinery-in-russias-samara-oblast-causes-fire/) fire.

⚑️ New video shows Australian POW Oscar Jenkins alive but injured (kyivindependent.com/new-video-shows-australian-pow-oscar-jenkins-alive-but-injured-in-russian-captivity/) in Russian captivity.
In the video, Oscar Jenkins says he feels "weak" and has "lost a lot of weight," and has a broken arm.

⚑️Russian attacks across Ukraine kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-2-injure-26-over-past-day/) 2, injure 26 [17-18 Feb].

⚑️ 1 killed, 14 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/attacks-127/) across Ukraine over past day. [18 - 19 Feb]

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson - FEB 19, 2025
β–  Casualties & engagements up between days
β–  Record equipment losses (6th highest for landbased); record 7-day drone losses β–  Biggest tank & air defence system losses of 2025 so far
β–  Strike ratio stays in the single-digits

Ukraine Invasion: Part 54
1dayatatime · 19/02/2025 11:05

@dibly

"Sounding very much like a Trump apologist "

Well I guess it makes a change from being called a Putin apologist. But your comment simply reinforces my point that there are many posters on this thread that are more interested in having one more thing to blame on Trump than they are about the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians being killed and the Ukrainian territories being stolen.

"Hand wringing conferences? The US are dictating the terms, without Zelensky and without Europe. What should European leaders do, nothing? Just wait to be told that their troops will be peace keeping?"

What should European leaders do? The answer is to publicly state that they will continue to support the Ukrainian war effort with military aid and make up any shortfall in military aid from the US in the event that the "peace deal" announced is unacceptable (as I think it will be) to the Ukrainian people. This will at least then give Zelensky a Plan B

Apologies for the frustration but it seems to me that there are a lot of posters who are more interested in bashing Trump than they are about preserving Ukrainian territorial integrity and Ukrainian lives.

SunnyDayInFeb · 19/02/2025 11:09

wholettheturnipsburn · 19/02/2025 10:49

That's a feature that would be most welcome. Then we wouldn't see the same posts over and over, saying the same thing
I just skip past when I see the names as I know they've got nothing to add.

I think on balance it would be a bad thing.

I have to admit that I am concerned by auto generated / AI / bot content.

However one of the advantages mumsnet has over other platforms is the ability to be confronted by different view points.

Some of these might be factually incorrect or nasty, they usually get called out. Others are more thought provoking. At least it gives an insight into what other people are thinking or being told.

SunnyDayInFeb · 19/02/2025 11:11

1dayatatime · 19/02/2025 11:05

@dibly

"Sounding very much like a Trump apologist "

Well I guess it makes a change from being called a Putin apologist. But your comment simply reinforces my point that there are many posters on this thread that are more interested in having one more thing to blame on Trump than they are about the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians being killed and the Ukrainian territories being stolen.

"Hand wringing conferences? The US are dictating the terms, without Zelensky and without Europe. What should European leaders do, nothing? Just wait to be told that their troops will be peace keeping?"

What should European leaders do? The answer is to publicly state that they will continue to support the Ukrainian war effort with military aid and make up any shortfall in military aid from the US in the event that the "peace deal" announced is unacceptable (as I think it will be) to the Ukrainian people. This will at least then give Zelensky a Plan B

Apologies for the frustration but it seems to me that there are a lot of posters who are more interested in bashing Trump than they are about preserving Ukrainian territorial integrity and Ukrainian lives.

I agree but I think it is possible to do both.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:27

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine fairly and prevent it from resuming in 2–3 years, Rubio said. He also noted that the EU should eventually be at the negotiating table, as it imposed sanctions against Russia.
Moreover, he stated that the West will have to lift sanctions against Russia if the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Trump stated that Russia is capable of β€œvery quickly” destroying Ukrainian cities by 100%, including Kyiv, but does not want to do so.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova 'stamped her foot' and declared that "denying Ukraine accession to NATO is no longer enough," as "Russia also demands that the decision of the 2008 Bucharest summit be annulled."

❗️Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine, the EU, the UK, and TΓΌrkiye should be involved in negotiations to end the war and develop security guarantees.

❗️TΓΌrkiye supports the full territorial integrity of Ukraine, said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

As the United States and Russia begin talks to end the war in Ukraine, intelligence from the U.S. and its close allies suggests that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is faking the negotiations while still planning to take control of all of Ukraine, NBC News reports, citing four Western intelligence officials and two members of Congress. [...] β€œHe thinks he’s winning,” said one Western intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that Russian losses on the battlefield have not deterred Putin from continuing the fight.
Intelligence officials say Putin has no plans to withdraw his troops and equipment from Ukraine or its border region.
All sources agree that Putin has been encouraged by recent comments from Trump administration officials suggesting that the talks could eliminate Ukraine’s chance of joining NATO.
β€œHis goals remain maximalist,” said one Western intelligence official.
U.S. officials have described American intelligence assessments of Putin’s thinking as β€œvery limited.” However, intelligence from other countries over time has consistently indicated that Putin maintains broad ambitions for Ukraine.
Congressional representatives and a former senior administration official say Putin’s goals have remained unchanged since the Biden presidency and throughout the month since Donald Trump took office.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her commitment to working with the United States for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. She highlighted Europe’s significant contributions to Ukraine, with 135 billion euros allocated, including 52 billion in military aid, and stated that Europe is determined to continue supporting Ukraine. Von der Leyen emphasized that any peace agreement must uphold Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, with strong security guarantees. Additionally, the EU will not lift sanctions on Russia and will introduce its 16th sanctions package if the US decides to ease its own.

Russia is establishing production of an analogue of the Shahed-238 UAVβ€”the Geran-3, equipped with a small-sized turbojet Tolou-10/13 double-circuit engine. This engine provides a flight speed of up to 550-600 km/h and a range of 2,500 km, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense has authorized the use of Ukrainian-made U13 and U15 unmanned aerial systems. These drones are designed to target and destroy protected firing positions, armored vehicles, and enemy personnel. They feature powerful electric motors, making them resistant to enemy electronic warfare (EW) systems, and can operate effectively in various weather conditions.

MGCS Tank Project, a Case Study in How Europe Is Stuck in Bureaucracy at a Time When Speed Wins Wars (united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/mgcs-tank-project-a-case-study-in-how-europe-is-stuck-in-bureaucracy-at-a-time-when-speed-wins-wars-5997)
Europe’s next-generation tank project, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), took eight years just to approve. Now, the platform for tanks, artillery, and infantry vehicles won’t hit serial production until at least 2045β€”already a decade behind schedule. A clear example of where Europe could and should move faster.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has hinted at the possibility of Denmark participating in an allied contingent in Ukraine. She stated she is "open to discussing many things," including such involvement, but emphasized that there are many aspects to clarify first, particularly concerning the safety of Danish personnel.

US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has rejected claims that the United States is talking to Russia behind the backs of Ukraine and the European Union.

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Defense Ministry's HUR, told The Chosun that Russia has upgraded North Korea's KN-23 ballistic missiles, which significantly improved their accuracy. Originally, the missile's error margin was between 500 and 1,500 meters, making it relatively inaccurate. However, after technical modifications by Russian missile specialists, the KN-23 is now much more precise and poses a greater threat. Budanov emphasized that these technological advancements could have serious implications for the security of South Korea and Japan, both of which are within the missile's range.

For the first time, the Ukrainian military has hit a North Korean β€œKoksan” howitzer.
Soldiers of the 412th Regiment of Nemesis unmanned systems carried out the strike. This self-propelled artillery installation has a firing range of up to 43 km with a high-explosive fragmentation projectile and 54-60 km with an active-reactive projectile.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has conducted 75 repatriations, bringing home 7,017 bodies of fallen defenders. Additionally, the Coordination Headquarters reported that 4,131 prisoners of war, both military and civilian, had been returned home.

πŸ€¦β€β™‚οΈ Russian bank cards will work worldwide if the war in Ukraine ends: we agreed on this with the US, β€” Lavrov

The Russian State Duma has stated that Google must pay a fine of 2.8 duodecillion rubles in order for Russians to stop slowing down YouTube in Russia.

❗️Russia has never endangered Ukraine's energy supply system, β€” Lavrov claimed

β€œI wonder where the feeling comes from that Ukraine will agree to ultimatums now if, at the most difficult time, we did not agree to ultimatums from Russia?” β€” Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists in Ankara.

❗️"We are witnessing an unthinkable alliance between Putin and Trump," French Prime Minister Bayrou said.
"For the first time since 1945, war could come to European soil, surrounding us," Bayrou added.
According to him, "we are in the context of the 1930s, when icebergs are approaching us, and the Paris meeting at the Elysee Palace could not stop them."
"We are witnessing an unthinkable alliance between Putin and Trump, which is marginalizing Europe on its own soil," the French Prime Minister concluded.

Zelenskyy:
▫️On the amount of aid:
"The war has cost Ukraine 320 billion dollars, of which 120 billion were paid by Ukrainians, and another 200 billion by the US and Europe. All these are packages of weapons."
▫️On softening policy:
"The Trump administration is β€œsoftening its policy” toward Russia by referring to the war as a β€œviolation of territorial integrity and a conflict.” Ukraine seeks clarityβ€”the war should be called a war."

A Russian strike on Odesa left four people injured, including a child.
A polyclinic building, a 24-story residential building, a kindergarten, and several cars were damaged. Fires that broke out after the shelling have been extinguished.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 54
1dayatatime · 19/02/2025 11:27

@SunnyDayInFeb

"I agree but I think it is possible to do both."

Fair point- but my frustration is that time is fast running out for Ukraine.

There simply isn't time to be distracted by what Trump does or does not want. Bashing Trump might make people feel better but it is not going to preserve Ukrainian territorial integrity. Besides there is no shortage of other topics to criticise Trump.

Very very soon Trump and Putin will reach a deal on Ukraine (which my guess is will be favourable to Russia). Zelensky needs a Plan B (and fast) in the form of European military aid to replace that of the US so that if the Ukrainian people say no deal then at least he doesn't have to capitulate.

What I really fear is that there will be no Plan B from Europe, that the Europeans (and the majority of posters here) will put the blame all on Trump and the US, the Europeans fail to learn their lesson and meanwhile Ukraine just gets sacrificed.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:35

What I really fear is that there will be no Plan B from Europe, that the Europeans (and the majority of posters here) will put the blame all on Trump and the US, the Europeans fail to learn their lesson and meanwhile Ukraine just gets sacrificed.

A LOT of people on this thread have acknowledged that the EU has royally fucked up. We know, @1dayatatime

And again, the US gave solid guarentees to ensure Ukrainian independence. Biden did not really fulfil those guarentees; now Trump is betraying them. At this point I think a certain amount of disillusion and sense of betrayal in Europe is justified, never mind in Ukraine.

blueshoes · 19/02/2025 11:36

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-18-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Russian and American officials met in Saudi Arabia for bilateral talks about the war in Ukraine on February 18, but Russia continues to display no indications that it is prepared to make any meaningful concessions on Ukraine as assessed by Western intelligence and US officials in line with ISW's longstanding assessment.
  • Many recent Russian statements show that the Kremlin remains uninterested in engaging in good faith negotiations and retains his objective of destroying the Ukrainian state while the Kremlin has offered no public indication that it would materially compromise.
  • Russian officials at the bilateral meeting continued to signal the Kremlin's unwillingness to negotiate on the war in Ukraine and determination to achieve its maximalist objectives in Ukraine.
  • Zelensky, in contrast to Kremlin officials, continues to demonstrate Ukraine's willingness to compromise to bring about an enduring end to the war.
  • Russian officials in Saudi Arabia began what will likely be an ongoing effort to push the United States into accepting Russian offers of economic and investment measures in lieu of any actual Russian concessions on Ukraine.
  • Dmitriev attempted to frame Russian-offered economic incentives as more beneficial for the US than for Russia, but in reality Russia needs economic relief as soon as possible to stave off looming crises in 2025 and 2026.
  • US officials continue to meet with European leaders about support for Ukraine.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Borova, Toretsk, and Velyka Novosilka.
  • A Russian milblogger and former Storm-Z instructor continued to complain that the Russian military command's lack of response to systemic issues is limiting Russian advances near Pokrovsk.
  • Russian opposition outlet SOTA reported on February 18 that Republic of Mordovia Head Artyom Zdunov announced that regional authorities are raising one-time payments for recruits who sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) from 400,000 rubles ($4,369) to 1.1 million rubles ($12,015).
  • Russian forces continue to deploy wounded and medically unfit soldiers to the frontline in an effort to address personnel shortages.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 54
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:40

@1dayatatime give people a bit of time to adjust to the new normal. Most of what you say I can agree with and the EU has royally fucked up, but it's horrible when you see your worst fears come to pass.

How Ukrainians are feeling I cannot bear to think.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:44

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Moscow has ruled out any role in future Ukraine peace talks unless Europe halts arms supplies to Kyiv and accuses the EU of seeking Russia’s strategic defeat.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/47364 [well yes, we are seeing Russia's strategic defeat. That's what happens when you go to war with us]

β€œI have started negotiations with European leaders, and I believe they will be ready to finance Ukraine’s Armed Forces if the US does not” β€” Zelensky

A critical moment for Europe β€” will it stay β€œrelevant” on the world stage, or will it sink further into division and passivity?
www.kyivpost.com/opinion/47372

The US and Russia have agreed to restore the staffing levels of their embassies in Washington and Moscow, β€” US Secretary of State Rubio
According to him, the two countries also agreed to consider the possibility of closer cooperation, including economic ties.

Betrayal or the harsh reality of geopolitics?
Very soon, the world will see whether Ukraine is truly a sovereign partner β€” or just another pawn, or even a potential colony, in a larger geopolitical chess game.
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/47336

Ukraine could have ended the war years ago without such territorial losses if it had agreed to negotiations β€” Trump [facepalm]

Russia’s Khmeimim Airbase in northern Syria was reportedly struck by drones in the early hours of Tuesday, February 18.
www.kyivpost.com/post/47339

Bohdan Nahaylo, chief editor at the Kyiv Post, told CBC News that Ukrainians feel betrayed by American negotiators holding peace talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia without Ukrainian involvement.
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/47356

Former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army, Zaluzhny, on whether he will run for president:
β€œIf the conditions arise, I will be ready to answer such questions For now, our task is to endure and preserve our state. Only after that will we think about other things.”

The Russian market clearly loved the results of the Moscow-Washington talks β€” by crashing.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 54
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:49

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Russia and the U.S. propose a three-step peace plan, which includes a ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and the signing of a final agreement.
This was reported by Fox News journalist Jackie Heinrich, citing sources.
According to media sources, both the U.S. and Russia see new elections in Ukraine as a key condition for the success of the settlement process.
Fox News reports that Putin sees a high chance of electing a β€œpuppet” president in Ukraine, believing that any candidate other than Zelensky would be more flexible in negotiations and concessions. Trump is reportedly willing to accept any election outcome in Ukraine, including the possibility of a pro-Russian candidate being elected.

β€œWe couldn’t have imagined a better outcome,” said Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, commenting on the U.S.-Russia negotiations.

Russian intelligence services may use suicide bombers for terrorist attacks in Europe β€” Robert Lansing Institute
European intelligence agencies are preparing for potential suicide attacks modeled after jihadist operations.
EU intelligence services believe that Russian intelligence is beginning to use this tactic in Ukraine, signaling a shift in their approach to covert warfare.
There are growing concerns that Russia could deploy suicide bombers in Europe to incite instability.
Security experts do not rule out that Moscow is planning a series of attacks targeting military, energy, and government infrastructure across Europe.
Among the most vulnerable countries identified are Germany, France, the UK, Austria, and Poland.

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ The United Kingdom is considering sending Typhoon fighter jets to Ukraine for an air patrol mission, according to The Times. @notimagain
The report suggests that dozens of Typhoons could theoretically be on standby to counter any Russian attacks, while small peacekeeping forces from the UK and other European countries would provide ground security.
Discussions are still in the early stages, but a source stated: β€œWe are ready to do whatever we are asked to do.”

Russian forces received a batch of FPV goggles with explosives.
Occupiers report around 80 sets of FPV goggles were delivered to the military via volunteer organizations. Inside, they found C-4 explosives, a detonator, and a battery. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/29002

1dayatatime · 19/02/2025 11:53

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress

@1dayatatime give people a bit of time to adjust to the new normal. Most of what you say I can agree with and the EU has royally fucked up, but it's horrible when you see your worst fears come to pass.

How Ukrainians are feeling I cannot bear to think.

Thank you for understanding my position and incredible frustration !

I guess my shock at the "new normal" was 12 months ago when Trump et al announced it, so it has been no surprise that he has followed through on his threats.

My fear is that there simply isn't time to adjust- very soon Trump and Putin will present their "peace deal " and Zelensky needs to have a Plan B in hand now in order for the Ukrainian people to say no.

Lastly whilst I disagree with Trump on the need for a new election in Ukraine, I can see the merit on any "peace deal " being put to a referendum.

Igotjelly · 19/02/2025 11:55

Sorry to derail but anyone else getting a bunch of random PMs from posters with no posting history this morning? This is the only thread I’ve been on today so wondering if it’s linked to this?

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:57

Not me ... are they Ukraine related? pro, neutral or anti-Ukraine? Were you on one of hte other Ukraine threads yesterday at all?

Igotjelly · 19/02/2025 11:58

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 19/02/2025 11:57

Not me ... are they Ukraine related? pro, neutral or anti-Ukraine? Were you on one of hte other Ukraine threads yesterday at all?

No not related to anything at all, just sort of β€œHi how are you doing, what are you up to” type messages which is making me quite nervous given all the recent spam etc there’s been. Ah well I’ve put a thread in Site Stuff to see if there’s anything going on. Just weird how it’s all posters with no history.

Apologies again for derailing, as you were 😊

DuncinToffee · 19/02/2025 12:00

No, not received any PM's, how unsettling Igotjelly

dibly · 19/02/2025 12:02

I have @Igotjelly - sounds like the same message, name then numbers?

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