Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

The (free) world has gone mad. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Any chance of European-funded supplies from US factories, as those are up and running and would presumably not object to some export orders?

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-22-2025

Key Takeaways:

• The Financial Times (FT) reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to end the war in Ukraine on the current frontlines. Kremlin officials, including Putin, have repeatedly and explicitly emphasized that Russia maintains its territorial demands over all of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson oblasts, however, while also publicly signaling that Russia has greater territorial ambitions in Ukraine beyond these four oblasts.
• The Moscow Times reported that the Kremlin is attempting to use economic incentives to sway US-Russian talks about the war in Ukraine as the Kremlin is not sincerely interested in US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war. ISW cannot independently verify Kremlin sources' statements, but recent Kremlin behavior is consistent with the Moscow Times' insider reporting.
• Any potential future Russian agreement to freeze the front short of Russia's full control of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson oblasts does not preclude future Russian aggression to achieve Russia's more extensive territorial demands, especially if the agreement stipulates a moratorium on Ukraine receiving Western military aid.
• Kremlin officials continued efforts on April 22 to blame Ukraine for the lack of progress towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposed temporary ceasefire on strikes against civilian infrastructure.
• The Kremlin continues to reject Trump's stated goal of achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine before a full peace settlement to end the war – in contrast to Ukraine's continued support for a general ceasefire.
• Russian forces continue to innovate their long-range drone strike tactics in order to offset the effectiveness of Ukrainian mobile defense units.
• Russia is reportedly recruiting North Korean citizens to compensate for labor shortages in Russia, indicating that Russian-North Korean cooperation continues to deepen.
• Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Toretsk.

Rubio decided not to join Ukrainian peace discussions hosted in London. Leaks seemingly from the US and Russia derail these and promote the idea that the only "significant" negotiations take place directly between the US and the Kremlin.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/apr/23/russia-ukraine-war-live-london-peace-talks-macron-starmer-zelenskyy-putin-latest-news-updates

@MissConductUS would know best, I think.

Trump does like the feeling that he's achieved a deal, but Zelenskyy offered to buy 5 Patriots from the US and he said no, so I think that under Trump there's an agenda to not support Ukraine.

😡 - sorry an angry face is about all the US can muster out of me currently.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ US offers 'explicit proposal' for Russia-Ukraine peace deal, will 'walk away' if rejected, Vance says. (kyivindependent.com/vance-repeats-us-may-walk-away-from-ukraine-peace-effort-calls-for-territorial-concessions/)
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on April 23 that the U.S. presented a "very explicit proposal" to Russia and Ukraine on a peace deal, repeating warnings Washington might drop its peace effort if the belligerent sides refuse.

⚡️'This is a very dangerous moment' — Zelensky warns (kyivindependent.com/this-is-a-very-dangerous-moment-zelensky-on-potential-us-withdrawal-from-peace-talks/) against US withdrawal from peace effort.

⚡️ Trump's reported 'final' ceasefire offer includes major concessions (kyivindependent.com/final-draft-of-trumps-peace-plan-requires-ukraine-to-accept-russian-occupation-axios-reports/) to Russia, few benefits for Ukraine.
The Trump administration's final proposal for ending the Russia-Ukraine war included U.S. de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories, Axios reported on April 23, citing sources.

⚡️ US not pushing for Ukraine's demilitarization as part of peace deal, Reuters reports. (https://kyivindependent.com/us-not-pushing-for-ukraines-demilitarization-as-part-of-peace-deal-reuters-reports/)

⚡️Putin offers US to freeze Ukraine war along current front line (kyivindependent.com/putin-reportedly-offers-us-to-freeze-war-along-current-front-line/) , FT reports.
This could be the first formal indication from Russian President Vladimir Putin since the full-scale war began in 2022 that Russia may consider scaling back its territorial demands.

⚡️Russia intensifying (kyivindependent.com/russia-intensifying-hybrid-attacks-against-europe-dutch-intelligence-says/) hybrid attacks against Europe, Dutch intelligence says.
"We see that the Russian threat against Europe is increasing, including after a possible end of the war against Ukraine," MIVD director Peter Reesink said in the agency's annual report.

⚡️Russia used Easter truce to regroup in Lyman sector (kyivindependent.com/russia-used-easter-truce-to-regroup-in-lyman-sector-launched-offensive-after-military-says/), launched offensive after, military says.
"This so-called truce did more damage to us," Anastasiia Blyshchyk, spokesperson for Ukraine's 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade, said.

⚡️US envoy Witkoff expected to visit Moscow (kyivindependent.com/us-envoy-witkoff-expected-to-visit-moscow-this-week-putin-aide-says/) this week, Putin aide says.

⚡️ European foreign ministers, Sybiha to reportedly (kyivindependent.com/european-foreign-diplomats-to-reportedly-also-skip-london-talks-on-ukraine/) also skip London talks on Ukraine.

⚡️ Ukraine's, UK's defense and foreign ministers meet in London. (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-uk-defense-and-foreign-ministers-meet-in-london/)

⚡️Trump admin fires (kyivindependent.com/trump-administration-fires-coordinator-responsible-for-collecting-data-on-russias-war-crimes-in-ukraine-wp-reports/) coordinator responsible for collecting data on Russia's war crimes in Ukraine, WP reports.
The White House also disbanded the Justice Department's War Crimes Accountability Team and dismantled a program to seize assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs, the WP reported.

⚡️Russia, Ukraine continued (kyivindependent.com/both-ukraine-russia-continue-to-fight-during-easter-ceasefire-un-says/) in hostilities despite Easter truce, UN says.

⚡️Explosions rock what could be one of Russia's largest weapons arsenals (https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-russian-military-base-in-vladimir-oblast-evacuations-ordered/) in Vladimir Oblast.
According to Ukrainian defense media outlet Militarnyi, the facility in question is Russia's 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate.

⚡️Crimean Tatar Mejlis rejects any international recognition of Crimea as Russian (kyivindependent.com/crimean-tatar-mejlis-rejects-any-international-recognition-of-crimea-as-russian-chairman-says/) , chairman says.

⚡️ Zelensky reportedly plans to attend Pope Francis's funeral. (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reportedly-plans-to-attend-pope-franciss-funeral/)

⚡️Ukraine shares evidence (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-shares-evidence-of-chinese-citizens-companies-involved-in-war/) of Chinese citizens, companies involved in Russia's war.
During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun, Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgen Perebyinis shared evidence that companies are producing military equipment for Russia.

⚡️ Australia reacts to Russia’s ‘you have no cards (kyivindependent.com/australia-reacts-to-russias-you-have-no-cards-warning-regarding-rumored-military-base-in-indonesia/) ’ warning regarding rumored military base in Indonesia.
"I have no wish to help promote Russia’s propaganda messages." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

⚡️ India's Russian oil purchases nearing 2-year record. (kyivindependent.com/indias-russian-oil-purchases-nearing-2-year-record/)
India's imports of Russian crude are likely to hit 2.15 million barrels per day in April, the highest volumes since May 2023, Bloomberg reported on April 22, citing Kpler data.

Chechen scholar: ‘Both in Chechnya and Ukraine, there’s a similar sense of Russian desperation’ (https://kyivindependent.com/chechen-scholar-ukraine-might-bring-an-end-to-russias-imperial-mindset/)
The Kyiv Independent spoke with Chechen political scientist Marat Iliyasov about the lead-up to the Chechen wars, their consequences for Chechnya’s cultural identity, and what lessons the world can take from this dark period as Ukraine’s future remains far from certain amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.

⚡️US judge orders Trump administration to restore Voice of America.

• (kyivindependent.com/us-judge-orders-trump-administration-to-restore-voice-of-america/)* U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered the reinstatement of all employees and the restoration of VoA programming so that it can "serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news."

⚡️ Most Americans say US losing global credibility under Trump, poll shows (kyivindependent.com/most-americans-say-us-losing-global-credibility-under-trump-poll-shows/) .
Some 59% of Americans think that U.S. President Donald Trump is costing their country its credibility on the global stage, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on April 21.
Concerns about the U.S. global credibility under Trump are shared by roughly one-third of Republicans.

⚡️Russia sentences (kyivindependent.com/russia-sentences-2-women-from-zaporizhzhia-oblast-to-14-years-in-penal-colony-citing-small-donations-to-ukrainian-army/) 2 women from Zaporizhzhia Oblast to 14 years in penal colony, citing small donations to Ukrainian army.

This Ukrainian mining company is losing hope in Trump's minerals deal
(kyivindependent.com/this-ukrainian-mining-company-is-losing-hope-in-trumps-minerals-deal/)
As the lifeline of the village of Zavallia where the mine is located, Zavalivskiy Graphite’s decline and potential closing would have serious implications for the local economy. The fate of the mine’s graphite specialists would also be uncertain as there is no other active graphite producer in Ukraine.
The CEO, Ostap Kostyuk, had hoped Washington’s natural resource deal could be its saving grace.

⚡️Switzerland joins EU sanctions (kyivindependent.com/switzerland-joins-eu-sanctions-against-russian-state-media/) against Russian state media

'Not all Hungarians are Orban,' say Ukrainians living in EU's most pro-Russian country
(kyivindependent.com/not-all-hungarians-are-orban-say-ukrainians-living-in-eus-most-pro-russian-country/)
"There are Hungarians who are incredibly supportive of Ukrainians," Daryna Koryagina, a 33-year-old refugee, said, adding: "Some have a sort of interna

⚡️Irpin mayor involved (kyivindependent.com/iprin-mayor-smuggling-case-investigation/) in smuggling cars under guise of humanitarian aid, investigation claims.
None of the vehicles were delivered to Ukraine's defense forces, the investigation claims.

⚡️SBU charges 14 Russian Orthodox Church leaders (kyivindependent.com/sbu-charges-14-russian-orthodox-church-leaders-for-role-in-seizing-churches-in-occupied-ukraine/) for role in seizing churches in occupied Ukraine.

⚡️ Update: 1 killed, 38 injured in Russian airstrike (kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-attack-zaporizhzhia/) on Zaporizhzhia.

⚡️ 9 killed, 42 injured after Russian drone hits bus (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast/) in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

⚡️ 4 killed, 88 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/attacks-146/) on Ukraine over past day.

⚡️ Russian drone strike on Kherson during funeral injures 4 (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-on-kherson-during-funeral-injures-4-damages-hospital/) , damages hospital.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬

⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA - APR 23, 2025
■ Engagements & casualties above average
■ Drone & artillery losses well above average
■ Visually confirmed: 98 🇷🇺 45 🇺🇦 (2.2x) - 30-day ratio 1.5x ⬆
■ Increased strikes on both sides, ratio improves slightly again

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🪖Ukraine now produces 85% of the components for the Bohdana howitzer domestically.

The EU will never recognize Crimea as Russian. Crimea is Ukraine.
Recognizing the peninsula as “Russian territory” as part of any “deal” would be a mistake, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in an interview with AFP.

The Russians have destroyed the power plant that supplied electricity to Kherson, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Regional Military Administration.
“Once again, the Russians have cynically violated agreements, launching massive attacks on one of our key energy facilities for over a day.
They relentlessly targeted the power plant with artillery and drones. UAV attacks are still ongoing.
Our military fought through the night to repel the strikes, but by morning, the Russians succeeded in destroying the facility.
Power engineers are working tirelessly to stabilize the city’s energy supply.
I urge everyone to use electricity sparingly. Emergency outages may occur soon,” Prokudin said.

Four children were injured in a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia.
According to Ivan Fedorov, the boys — aged 16, 14, 4, and 3 — are currently in the hospital. Doctors assess their condition as moderate.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

US Secretary of State Rubio has canceled his trip to London for Ukraine peace talks — after President Zelensky rejected key parts of the proposed deal, including recognition of Crimea as Russian, CNN reports.
Zelensky made it clear: Ukraine is open to negotiations, but will never accept a deal that legitimizes Moscow’s occupation of Crimea.

Following Rubio’s decision, the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany have also postponed their planned meeting in London — Sky News

In an exclusive interview, Moldova’s former intelligence chief, Iurii Briceag warns that should Russian troops break into Transnistria, they could quickly pick up resources to reach Chișinău.
www.kyivpost.com/post/51173

“Pressure to Ukraine, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/51216) flowers to Russia?’ – Veteran US diplomat blasts Trump team for “unilateral concessions.”

Passenger traffic (www.kyivpost.com/post/51249) for those leaving Ukraine at the Shehyni Polish-Ukrainian checkpoint will be affected starting Tuesday, April 22, due to repair work that is expected to last until May 10.

CNN has published a photo of the portrait Putin gifted to Trump in March.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the US President was was “clearly touched by it.”

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Putin is reportedly ready to drop his earlier demand for full control over four Ukrainian regions, according to the Financial Times, citing sources.
These regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia — have long been claimed by the Kremlin as part of Russia. However, earlier this month, Putin allegedly told Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, that he is open to halting hostilities along the current front lines, without capturing the remaining unoccupied parts of those regions.
In exchange, Moscow wants broader geopolitical concessions from the United States — such as formal recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and a ban on Ukrainian NATO membership.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant cannot operate without Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated.
He emphasized that Ukrainian technical personnel are essential to running the facility and added: “With all due respect, the United States alone won’t be enough.” Zelensky also highlighted the safety concerns for civilians living in Enerhodar, the city where the plant is located.
At the same time, Ukraine is open to working with the U.S. on restoring the plant, but only if Russian forces withdraw, Zelensky concluded.

Russian forces attacked a hospital in Kherson with drones, injuring six people.
According to the Kherson Regional Military Administration, six individuals were wounded as a result of the drone strike: four employees of a funeral service and two hospital staff members. All victims sustained blast injuries and shrapnel wounds.

Ukrainian activist, volunteer, and defender Anastasiia Yefimova has been killed on the front line.
After her husband was killed in the war, Anastasiia joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to take revenge on the Russians for her beloved. She was also raising two children on her own, who are now left orphaned.

❤️ 11-year-old Jens from Denmark, who sold blue-and-yellow Easter chicks, raised over $8,000 for Ukraine.
With the proceeds, the boy plans to buy school backpacks for Ukrainian children who have lost their homes.

Yes, I wondered if there was more to this than just "we're not paying any more". I sense Agent Krasnov.

I seem to remember Trump said this a while back, before the dreadful Oval Office meeting.

His message, doubtless dropped in his shell-like by his whispering pal Vlad, was that anyone sending arms to Ukraine or helping it defend itself was prolonging the war and preventing peace.

If you live in a world where it's unimaginable that Russia could withdraw from Ukraine, then that makes sense.

Of course if you live in a world where Russia is the invader (indeed has stated maximalist aims) and Ukraine is defending itself, then it all looks a little different.

Most Trump's maunderings on Ukraine make sense if you replace the word "peace" with "capitulation".

Some of that may be down to the fact that Raytheon has a five year backlog of orders for the Patriot, which the Ukrainians are certainly aware of.

And there are no “spare” Patriot batteries in the US military inventory to sell them. We’re down to the bare minimum to meet our own needs globally.

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lnil2hp4os2t

And there it is. Trump comes out in favor of codifying Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and blames Zelenskyy for Putin’s aggression.

Wanker. Sorry that’s as articulate as I can manage.

Evil git. This is only a surprise if you have not been paying attention.

I hope Ukraine has a Plan B quietly happening in the background for when the talks collapse.

I also think it's inevitable that the US will withdraw from NATO.

This whole Trump situation is worse than I could have ever imagined. He is a total disgrace and a woefully deficient human being. I cannot believe that anyone with even basic functioning fell for his BS MAGA ruse. The guy is a total con merchant and needs locking up.

Another administration might have made sure that any weapons which did come out of the factory were prioritised for Ukraine. Just as Reagan's Defense Secretary quietly pushed the UK to the head of the queue for new Sidewinders during the Falklands War.

And we were very grateful for the quiet US assistance during the Falklands War.

I have it from a reliable source that the Royal Navy task force that sailed to the Falklands was also escorted by two American Los Angeles class fast attack submarines.

That's as articulate as he deserves.

Nice.

I am so grateful for the times where it was understood that US help will be quietly and graciously proffered and doubly sad for the loss.

I am cautiously optimistic that we will return to those times in the post Trump era.

Unfortunately I don’t share that optimism. Whilst I hope the will on the US side will be there I fear the trust is so irreparably broken that it can never return to how it was.

I also fear those who take up his mantle, having discovered that it can be done and a majority of American voters will support it.