Ukraine Invasion: Part 54

[MagicFox]

We're on 54. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦
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"SkyOfficer
As if that man said not wearing a suit was disrespectful, whilst having a rapist sat there in the office..."

I would be interested to know what news network asked that question because it wasn't a simple innocent but dumb question and the White House press staff will screen the reporters and questions before hand. I mean no reporter has asked that question of say the Saudi Crown Prince or even of Musk himself.

What that question did do was set the tone for what I believe was a pre planned confrontational meeting for the cameras.

Now imo JD Vance was the instigator and spoiling for a confrontation (even if just in the tone and volume of what he said). Vance is not stupid and the question is what is his objective? Was this prearranged with Trump and if it was then was Trump smart enough/ stable enough to play along ? Or did Vance stir things up to play Trump as well?

It really looks like planned theatre but the question is why? I really am puzzling on this - it cannot be simply dismissed as Vance being a dick because he is way too calculating for that.

Of course the European allies have all come out with strong words of support for Ukraine but as ever the real question is what will Europe provide in terms of practical support.

It was Marjorie Taylor Green’s boyfriend that asked the question, he hosts Real America’s Voice which I think is a far right cable channel.

Trump commented on his outfit as he greeted him outside the Whitehouse, he said to the press pointing at him, he's all dressed up today.

Rubio walked him out apprently, rubio obviously 100 on putin.

The suit stuff could be straight out of good fellas

"It was Marjorie Taylor Green’s boyfriend that asked the question, he hosts Real America’s Voice which I think is a far right cable channel."

Brian Glenn. A MAGA favourite. I think he's conducted the most Trump interviews. Trump always goes to him for soft questions.

@1dayatatime

All guesswork but to my mind the most feasible explanation at the moment is that Trump can't achieve the peace deal because the Russians won't play ball, they still want their maximalist aims (ISW and others have said that) and so he bullied the (sorry) one he could get away with blaming.

Putin owns Trump, I'm certain of that. Too many straws all pointing in the same direction.

@MissConductUS will all US military aid stop immediately, or is there some already in the pipeline that will keep on arriving?

I don't think anyone who voted for him did so on the basis that it would make for good television.
This administration has a different opinion than the the last with regards to Ukraine. Leaving that aside, I've never seen any world leader, let alone the leader of the president of the United States betray the dignity of their position like that. Absolutely mind blowing.

On the rest is politics emergency pod Rory Stewart suggests that if trump stops Europeans buying American systems for ukraine etc Putin will advance fast and all the way to Moldova.

I like Rory but I’ve always got the impression he doesn’t massively understand warfare or the Ukraine war. He’s said things before that have made me raise an eyebrow.

Palestine?

You have a whole board to talk about Palestine.

I’m even more enraged today, it’s like when you replay an argument al over again. Vince talking about Zelenskyy’s ‘propaganda tours’, saying he hasn’t said thank you once - absolutely not true, but even so, what ‘thank you for the gift of military support which you’ve since reneged on and are now making me pay for’? And this is to a guest, where they criticise his clothing, talk fondly of the instigator of war and thrown him out after belittling him.

Didn’t Macron and Starmer get lunch?

I would so love for the European leaders meeting to be held at Buck Palace with the full red carpet treatment for Zelenskyy.

Somewhere last night, Vance was described as sucking up to the boss, which it does look like. "Have you thanked the President (little boy)?

Why I wonder was the meeting off, until President Macron intervened? Has the minerals deal hit the buffers, so not available to sign yesterday. If Putin has stalled on the deal, Trump wouldn't want to admit it, so pick a fight instead.
It was already sour when Zelensky alighted from the car, no smile for Trump.

If Putin has stalled on the deal, Trump wouldn't want to admit it, so pick a fight instead.

Yeah.

I wonder if Zelenskyy knew that somethign bad was coming for a while. In the last weeks since Trump got in he looked honestly defeated in a way he hasn't before, not even in the worst of times.

Not that he will give up.

Sorry I didn't read previous posts before writing mine. Surprisingly similar in thought though.

I think a lot of us are reaching that sort of conclusion at the same time ...

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress

"All guesswork but to my mind the most feasible explanation at the moment is that Trump can't achieve the peace deal because the Russians won't play ball, they still want their maximalist aims (ISW and others have said that) and so he bullied the (sorry) one he could get away with blaming."

That makes sense and ties in with the Russians upping the ante on what they want from the peace deal. Thats the problem with conceding to the Russians from the outset on what they want is that they will then come back and ask for more, which will be even more unacceptable to Zelensky.

Trump then has a choice - the peace negotiations break down and try to blame the Russians which will make Trump's claim to have a peace deal in a day look more ridiculous. Or pick a deliberate pre planned fight with Zelensky in front of the press and claim "well it's all the fault of Zelensky being unreasonable.".

I think this is spot on.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump may halt (kyivindependent.com/trump-may-halt-all-military-aid-to-ukraine-following-oval-office-clash-wp-reports/) all military aid to Ukraine following Oval Office clash, WP reports.

⚡️ BREAKING: Zelensky 'not ready for peace,' Trump says after heated Oval Office clash (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-not-ready-for-peace-trump-says-after-heated-oval-office-clash/).

⚡️ Zelensky leaves White House early (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-leaves-white-house-early-following-following-heated-exchange-with-trump-minerals-deal-left-unsigned/) without signing minerals deal.

⚡️ Starmer invites (https://kyivindependent.com/starmer-invites-over-dozen-european-leaders-to-summit-on-ukraine-security-on-march-2-in-london/) Zelensky, other leaders to summit on Ukraine, security on March 2. 

⚡️President Zelensky is flying to London ahead of European summit (https://kyivindependent.com/president-zelenskys-plane-left-the-us-to-london/). 

⚡️Zelensky, Trump get into heated argument (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-trump-get-into-heated-argument-during-live-conference/) while speaking with journalists in Oval Office.

⚡️ 'You're not winning this,' Trump tells Zelensky during White House (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-trump-get-into-heated-argument-during-live-conference/) clash.

⚡️ Zelensky thanks US for support (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-thanks-us-after-tense-meeting-with-trump/) after tense meeting with Trump.

⚡️ Trump says he's 'for both Ukraine and Russia' (kyivindependent.com/trump-says-hes-for-both-ukraine-and-russia-during-meeting-with-zelensky/)during meeting with Zelensky.

⚡️European leaders reaffirm support (kyivindependent.com/european-leaders-reaffirm-support-for-ukraine-after-zelensky-trump-clash/) for Ukraine after Zelensky-Trump clash.

⚡️Italy calls for 'immediate' summit (kyivindependent.com/italy-calls-for-immediate-summit-between-us-europe-following-zelensky-trump-clash/) between US, Europe following Zelensky-Trump clash.

⚡️NBC: US terminated support (kyivindependent.com/nbc-us-terminated-support-of-ukraine-energy-grid-restoration/)for Ukraine's energy grid restoration.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was instructed by the State Department to terminate initiatives set to help restore Ukraine's energy grid, NBC News reported, citing two USAID officials working on the matter.

⚡️Varying reactions (kyivindependent.com/mixed-reaction-from-u-s-officials-emerges-following-oval-office-clash-between-trump-zelensky/) from U.S. officials, lawmakers emerge following Zelensky-Trump clash.

⚡️'He should apologize (kyivindependent.com/he-should-apologize-rubio-slams-zelenskya-after-tense-white-house-meeting/)' — Rubio slams Zelensky after tense White House meeting.

⚡️ Europe cannot be vassal of US, Macron says (kyivindependent.com/europe-cannot-be-vassal-of-us-macron-says/) amid Trump's foreign policy shifts.

⚡️Russia interested (kyivindependent.com/russi-most-interested-in-lifting-us-sanctions-on-oligarchs-energy-sources-zelenskys-adviser-says/) in lifting US sanctions against oligarchs, energy exports, Zelensky's adviser says.

Russia has received Washington's approval to appoint Alexander Darchiev as its new ambassador to the U.S., the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Feb. 28. https://kyivindependent.com/us-approves-russias-new-ambassador-to-washington-as-talks-resume/

⚡️ Russia reportedly attacking (kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-attacking-sumy-oblast-border-military-hasnt-confirmed/) Sumy Oblast border; military hasn't confirmed.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine repelled Russian attempt to cross into Sumy Oblast on Feb. 25; fighting continues, military says. (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-attacking-sumy-oblast-border-military-hasnt-confirmed/)

How Ukrainians fund their own fight against Russia ()
While Ukraine heavily relies on foreign aid, the country’s war effort is also funded by its own people. In 2024 alone, individual volunteers and fundraisers have raised nearly $1 billion to buy critical weapons and equipment for the Ukrainian military.

⚡️ North Korea tests (kyivindependent.com/north-korea-tests-missile-to-showcase-nuclear-readiness/) strategic cruise missiles as Kim orders nuclear readiness, state media reports.

⚡️ Ukrainian forces destroy Russian thermobaric munitions depot (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-destroy-munitions-depot-in-russian-occupied-territory-of-donetsk-oblast-hit-oil-depot-in-russia/) in Donetsk Oblast, General Staff reports.

⚡️ Russia proposes resuming direct flights with US (kyivindependent.com/russia-proposes-resuming-us-air-links-during-talks-in-turkey-reuters-reports/) during talks in Turkey, Reuters reports.

⚡️ Weapons, cash seized as Romania targets far-right politician (kyivindependent.com/weapons-cash-seized-as-romania-targets-far-right-leader-georgescus-network-reuters-reports/) Georgescu's network, Reuters reports.
Romanian prosecutors requested the temporary arrest of 21 individuals linked to far-right politician Calin Georgescu on Feb. 28, days after his detention, Reuters reported.

⚡️ Police raid (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-national-police-conduct-searches-at-3-countrys-largest-pharmaceutical-plants-media-reports/) Ukraine's 3 country's largest pharmaceutical plants, media reports.

⚡️Klitschko announces (kyivindependent.com/klitschko-announces-several-dismissals-in-kyiv-city-administration-due-to-corruption-accusations/) dismissals of top Kyiv administration officials over corruption accusations.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Feb. 28 that Petro Olenych, the deputy head of the Kyiv City Administration, and several other officials embroiled in a corruption probe would be dismissed.

Kyiv Independent’s film about military medics will be screened in 6 more European cities
“Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics” will be shown in Brussels, London, Strasbourg, Paris, Amsterdam and The Hague.

We asked Americans about Trump’s Ukraine policy. Here’s what they said (kyivindependent.com/we-asked-americans-about-trumps-ukraine-policy-heres-what-they-said/)
The Kyiv Independent invited its American readers to share their thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy on Ukraine and Russia on Feb. 24, the third-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

⚡️7 injured in Russian drone attack (kyivindependent.com/7-injured-in-russian-drone-attack-on-kharkiv-medical-facility/) on Kharkiv medical facility.
Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that all the strikes targeted Kharkiv’s central districts, with emergency crews responding at multiple locations.

⚡️5 killed, 25 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/5-killed-20-injured-in-russian-attacks-against-ukraine-over-past-day/) over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE - MAR 1, 2025
■ Engagements down, casualties stay below average
■ Landbased equipment losses slightly above average; Artillery, APVs & Tanks well above
■ February record month in terms of equipment losses
■ Improved strike ratio

Hollande writing in Le Monde yesterday before the bullying session, with Macron's visit in mind:

Zelensky's interview with Fox straight after the incident. Trump and Vance could learn a lot about what it looks like to be a statesman: x.com/olegkostour/status/1895618865457213500?s=46&t=ZRiOqYBPJdwGCarjKNzCeQ

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

European Council President Antonio Costa held a telephone conversation with Zelenskyy, according to The Financial Times.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has called for the creation of a European defense union similar to NATO but without the participation of the United States.

“Relations with Trump may improve despite today’s dispute because it is more than just relations between two presidents,” said Zelenskyy.

❗️Trump currently not interested in renewing Ukrainian minerals deal, says senior White House official

❗️The head of the Pentagon ordered the US Cyber Command to stop all activities against Russia, including offensive cyber operations, — specialized publication Record said the previous week

The Ukrainian Air Force successfully struck an FSB border post in the settlement of Bila Berezka, Bryansk region of the Russian Federation.
The General Staff claims that this significantly reduced the enemy's ability to control forces and assets in the region.

Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace plans to produce missiles for NASAMS air defense systems in Ukraine, the company’s president, Eirik Lee, told Euractiv.
“We are currently establishing a company in Ukraine. We are in close talks with representatives of Ukrainian industry about creating a joint venture. The first priority is to increase missile production for our air defense system in Ukraine using Ukrainian technology,” Lee said.

A Russian reporter was escorted out of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting.
The TASS propagandist managed to enter the Oval Office, where the briefing between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents was taking place, despite not being on the approved list of media outlets.
Once the White House press service became aware of this, the reporter was escorted out of the room.

Former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Borrell on X.
“Russia is an aggressor, and we must respect those who are fighting from the very beginning,” Macron said after Trump’s conversation with Zelenskyy.
🫂 Europe will not betray Ukraine, — deputy leader of the CDU (party of future German Chancellor Merz).
"Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone," — Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
🇲🇩 Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed support for Ukraine
“I confirm my full support for Ukraine, no matter what the cost and for as long as necessary,” said Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp in a conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed support for Ukraine amid the scandal at the White House.
The leaders of Croatia, Estonia, Ireland, and Latvia also spoke in support of Ukraine.
🇬🇧 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains steadfast in his support for Ukraine amid the White House row.
[...]Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his support following Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States.

Democratic members of Congress have come to Zelenskyy’s defense after Trump and Vice President Vance publicly berated the Ukrainian leader in an Oval Office meeting.

A drone attack in Odesa region killed one person, while in Kharkiv, 12 were injured, including two children.
Earlier, the Air Force reported that the enemy launched 154 attack UAVs that night, 103 of which were shot down, while another 52 were lost.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Europe is on track to launch the most extensive and expensive arms and security increases seen on the continent since WWII.
www.kyivpost.com/post/48021

Meaghan Mobbs, daughter of Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, heads a charity that supports Ukraine.
In an exclusive interview, she talks to Kyiv Post about the US moral obligation to help.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/47985

Trump and Vance have declared themselves to be on Russia's side in the Russo-Ukraine war — Former Trump advisor John Bolton

“NEVER has an American president lectured the leader of an ally in public like this, much less the leader of a country that is fighting off invader” — New York Times correspondent, Peter Baker

Pro-Russian Hungarian PM Orban is currently the ONLY European leader who did not support Zelensky after his meeting with Trump.

Yes, the evidence supports that. Lindsay Graham seems to have known in advance it would happen, but was trying to keep the train just about on the rails:

“I told him this morning, 'Don't take the bait. Don't let the media or anyone else get you into an argument with President Trump. What he's doing today is resetting the relationship.’”

(Now that the wheels have come off in public, Graham has had to pick a side and has gone all in for Trump.)

As I said (maybe on another thread), Trump's statement sounds a lot less gobbledygookish if you replace the word "peace" with "capitulation".

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇸 The Trump administration is considering halting all military aid to Ukraine, The Washington Post reports, citing a senior White House official.
If approved, the decision would affect billions of dollars worth of military aid—including radars, vehicles, ammunition, and missiles—that are already awaiting shipment. This aid package was previously authorized under the Biden administration.

🇺🇸 The U.S. may suspend all military support to Ukraine, including intelligence sharing and training for Ukrainian forces, according to The New York Times.
The continuation of the command center for coordinating international aid to Ukraine, currently based at a U.S. military base in Germany, is also in question. All previously approved assistance from the Biden administration could be revoked in the near future.

🇵🇱 Polish presidential candidate from the anti-Ukrainian party “Confederation,” Sławomir Mentzen, has risen to second place in voter popularity for the first time—SW Research.
In the latest poll, the leading candidate remains Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw and representative of the ruling Civic Coalition, with 33.6% support.
Mentzen has gained almost 6% in popularity over the past month, now holding nearly 19% support.

The manufacturer of NASAMS ammunition plans to establish a facility in Ukraine.
This was announced by the president of the company, Eirik Lie. According to him, the primary goal is to increase the production of missiles for NASAMS systems using Ukrainian technology.

❗️Russians crossed the border into Sumy region near the village of Novenke — Ukrainian forces pushed them back into Russian territory. Fighting in the area continues, according to General Staff spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy.
Ukraine’s defense forces are taking measures to prevent Russian troops from cutting off Ukrainian logistics.
🪖 The Ukrainian analytical project DeepState marked Novenke as a gray zone. Russian troops allegedly crossed the border in the Kursk region, a claim made by Russian leader Putin on February 19. However, Ukraine’s Border Guard Service did not confirm this.
▪️Advancing in this direction could threaten the main supply artery of Ukraine’s grouping in the Kursk region—the road from Yunakivka (Ukraine) to Sudzha (Russia).

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have arrested a teenager who was preparing a terrorist attack at one of the busiest locations in Zhytomyr—the “Alley of Glory to the Heroes.”
According to law enforcement, a few days ago, the suspect was contacted via Telegram and offered a reward for carrying out certain actions. Following instructions, the teenager purchased components and chemical substances from local stores and assembled an explosive device. His next step was to place it in a crowded area.
Among the seized components were shrapnel elements and mobile phones intended for remote detonation and video surveillance. Authorities believe the teenager himself was likely meant to become a victim of the explosion.

Journalist: Can Ukraine win this war without U.S. support?
Zelensky: Without your support, it will be difficult. But we cannot lose our people. We cannot lose our freedom. They [Russians] have killed so many… Just forget everything and say that Putin is a great guy?

Meanwhile, American podcaster Lex Fridman has announced a trip to Moscow.
Previously, he interviewed Volodymyr Zelensky and expressed his desire to visit Russia and speak with Putin.

Countries whose leaders have publicly supported Ukraine after Trump and Vance's verbal attack on Zelensky.