Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

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

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

1000 replies

MagicFox · 23/03/2025 11:54

The (free) world has gone mad. 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
339
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 13/05/2025 11:07

PerkingFaintly · 13/05/2025 09:43

That has been horrific to read, @DucklingSwimmingInstructress .

It's been rumoured for a long time, but utterly shocking to see confirmed. And shameful. Deeply shameful.

There will be such a long fall-out from this.

There will.

DuncinToffee · 13/05/2025 11:34

This is terrifying, Russia militarising young children

https://bsky.app/profile/francescaebel.bsky.social/post/3loqsd3octs2p

MissConductUS · 13/05/2025 13:59

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 13/05/2025 09:32

The UK Special Forces in Afghanistan were 'psychotic'. Killing sprees.

www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3j5gxgz0do

This is both horrific and tragic. It's ultimately a failure of leadership and oversight. Let's hope they hold the entire chain of command responsible.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 13/05/2025 14:27

I am unsure how horrific behaviour by people who were part of a different army in a different country is entirely relevant to Putin's invasion of Ukraine?

notimagain · 13/05/2025 15:36

MissConductUS · 13/05/2025 13:59

This is both horrific and tragic. It's ultimately a failure of leadership and oversight. Let's hope they hold the entire chain of command responsible.

At this stage I'd caution taking everything the BBC puts out in that report at face value..

I'm not for one minute suggesting UKSF are blameless but it suits some, both in the UK and elswhere, to exagerate the scale of any wrong doing.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 13/05/2025 16:24

I would think that the person it particularly suits, just now, might be Putin. Hence my question!

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 13/05/2025 16:30

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 13/05/2025 14:27

I am unsure how horrific behaviour by people who were part of a different army in a different country is entirely relevant to Putin's invasion of Ukraine?

There have been times that this thread has talked about other things than the direct Ukraine war. There have also been times that we on this thread talk about the Western forces and their actions.

From the beginning we have acknowledged the flaws of Ukraine, in a lesser way than those of Russia, but we have acknowledged them. I believe that we also have to face our own flaws. Our training in the West of Ukrainian troops has, apparently, not always been suited to the conditions on the ground there. This is important to know and to acknowledge, to my mind.

And I think that if we are highly critical of Russian forces and their actions, we also have to look long and hard at ourselves.

MissConductUS · 13/05/2025 16:33

notimagain · 13/05/2025 15:36

At this stage I'd caution taking everything the BBC puts out in that report at face value..

I'm not for one minute suggesting UKSF are blameless but it suits some, both in the UK and elswhere, to exagerate the scale of any wrong doing.

I assume that a formal board of inquiry will be formed and that the BA's legal arm (here it's call the Judge Advocate General's office) is gathering evidence. If nothing else, these would be violations of field service regulations.

I agree though, you have to assume that the first reports on almost anything like this are likely to be incomplete, factually wrong or misinterpreted.

notimagain · 13/05/2025 17:14

MissConductUS · 13/05/2025 16:33

I assume that a formal board of inquiry will be formed and that the BA's legal arm (here it's call the Judge Advocate General's office) is gathering evidence. If nothing else, these would be violations of field service regulations.

I agree though, you have to assume that the first reports on almost anything like this are likely to be incomplete, factually wrong or misinterpreted.

Hi, agreed, I don't want to get into whataboutery and I certainly don't want to head the thread off in an inappropriate direction so l'll just offer this as an example of why some are wary of trial by MSM / public opinion:

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Shiner

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 13/05/2025 17:21

My problem is that this gives Putin the excuse/opportunity to get into whataboutery, however much I may personally want criminals called to account whether they are in the armed forces or not. (I doubt that members of the armed forces don't want the truth about this, too. But the truth after enquiry and due process is usually preferable to trial by media.)

"Bucha? Yes, but what about the SAS ten/twenty years earlier," says Vlad the Poo.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 13/05/2025 17:55

They went in for whataboutery for years and years anyway. I don't think we can hide evidence of very considerable wrongdoing just because the Russians will capitalize on it (and the Chinese, but the Chinese govt are past masters of blaming others and not acknowledging their own faults anyway).

Mb76 · 13/05/2025 21:37

DuncinToffee · 13/05/2025 11:34

This is terrifying, Russia militarising young children

https://bsky.app/profile/francescaebel.bsky.social/post/3loqsd3octs2p

they have always done this.
this was my childhood in the USSR
they are doing this to the stolen Ukrainian children.

blueshoes · 14/05/2025 01:06

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

Key Takeaways:

  • The Russian military is reportedly generating enough forces to replace losses and is reinforcing the size of the Russian force grouping in Ukraine despite experiencing an increased casualty rate per square kilometer gained. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be embracing significant losses in exchange for diminishing returns to make battlefield gains and manage perceptions about Russia’s military capabilities to pressure Ukraine in negotiations.
  • The Russian military may also be prioritizing recruitment as part of longer-term efforts to build out a post-war strategic reserve for a potential future conflict with NATO.
  • Ukrainian officials recently clarified that a September 2022 presidential decree does not preclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
  • The Russian military command appears to be establishing a tactical doctrine and force structure for motorcycle and civilian vehicles units in frontal assaults, underscoring the Russian military's efforts to offset Ukraine’s drone advantages and achieve maneuver in modern ground warfare.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Lyman, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/05/2025 09:50

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Russia likely preparing (kyivindependent.com/russia-preparing-major-offensive-despite-peace-efforts-ft-reports/) major offensive in Ukraine despite peace efforts, FT reports.
Russia seems to be preparing a significant offensive in Ukraine as it is moving troops toward key positions on the front, the Financial Times reported on May 13, citing undisclosed Ukrainian intelligence officials.

⚡️ Zelensky to meet (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-only-putin-can-guarantee-ceasefire-ahead-of-possible-istanbul-talks/) Erdogan in Turkey where both will wait for Putin ahead of peace talks.

⚡️Kremlin confirms delegation will attend Istanbul peace talks (kyivindependent.com/kremlin-confirms-delegation-to-attend-peace-talks-in-istanbul-lavrov-ushakov-will-likely-represent-russia/) — Lavrov, Ushakov will likely represent Russia.

⚡️ US envoys Witkoff, Rubio, Kellogg (kyivindependent.com/us-envoys-witkoff-kellogg-to-travel-to-istanbul-for-potential-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-reuters-reports/) to join potential Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, Reuters reports.

⚡️ Russia intensifies (kyivindependent.com/russia-intensifies-assaults-near-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-border-ukraines-military-says/) assaults near Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border, Ukraine's military says.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a major industrial and logistical hub, remains untouched by ground incursions but is under growing threat.

⚡️ EU agrees on 17th package (kyivindependent.com/eu-agrees-on-17th-package-of-russia-sanctions-source-says/) of Russia sanctions, source says.
The measures target almost 200 ships of Russia's "shadow fleet," 30 companies involved in sanctions evasion, 75 sanctions on entities and individuals linked to the Russian military-industrial complex, and more.

⚡️EU prepares (kyivindependent.com/eu-prepares-to-impose-capital-controls-tariffs-on-russia-if-hungary-blocks-extension-of-sanctions-against-moscow-ft-reports/) capital controls, tariffs on Russia in case Hungary blocks sanctions, FT reports.
The sanctions will expire at the end of July unless all 27 EU member states agree to extend them.

⚡️Russia threatens to 'neutralize (kyivindependent.com/russia-threatens-to-neutralize-all-nato-efforts-against-moscow-amid-alliances-exercises-in-lithuania/)' all NATO efforts against Moscow amid alliance drills in Lithuania.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko's statement came as Strong Shield 5 exercises involving military personnel from other NATO countries began in Lithuania.

⚡️Ukraine, US sign additional agreements for minerals deal (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-signs-additional-agreements-for-minerals-deal-economy-ministry-says/), Economy Ministry says.
The move follows Ukraine's ratification of the minerals agreement, deepening U.S.-Ukraine economic ties and signaling expanded U.S. involvement in Ukraine's long-term recovery.

⚡️ EBRD sees Ukraine's GDP growth slow down (kyivindependent.com/ebrd-sees-ukraines-gdp-growth-slow-down-to-3-3-in-2025/) to 3.3% in 2025.
The revision was connected to global trade upheavals, which only aggravate Ukraine's economic challenges stemming from Russia's full-scale invasion.

⚡️Despite growth claims, Russia’s war economy (kyivindependent.com/despite-growth-claims-russias-war-economy-shows-deep-risks-reuters-reports/) shows deep risks, Reuters reports.
"Contrary to Kremlin narratives, time is not on Russia’s side," reads a new report from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE).

⚡️ Germany's Merz threatens 'significant tightening (kyivindependent.com/eu-threatens-tougher-russia-sanctions-ahead-of-possible-istanbul-peace-talks/)' of Russia sanctions ahead of Ukraine peace talks.

⚡️Polish protesters end blockade (kyivindependent.com/polish-protesters-end-blockade-at-ukraines-border-after-court-ruling/) at Ukraine's border after court ruling.
The blockade ended at 10:30 p.m. local time. Truck traffic in both directions is now moving as usual, according to Ukraine's State Border Guard's statement.

⚡️ EU to hike tariffs (kyivindependent.com/eu-to-hike-tariffs-on-ukrainian-imports-amid-polands-push-ft-reports/) on Ukrainian imports amid Poland's push, FT reports.
The EU plans to significantly increase tariffs on Ukrainian goods after the current duty-free deal lapses on June 6, the Financial Times reported on May 14, citing undisclosed diplomatic sources.
The move follows Poland's call for the European bloc to adopt measures to protect European farmers, according to the news outlet.

⚡️Ukraine reports (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-destroys-russian-anti-aircraft-missile-system-multiple-launch-rocket-system/) destroying Russian Buk air defense system, Uragan rocket launcher.

⚡️ Wildfires spread in Russia's Far East; Buryatia declares (kyivindependent.com/massive-forest-fires-break-out-in-russias-far-east-buryatia-declares-regional-emergency/) regional emergency.
Buryatia Republic authorities said that 22 fires have been recorded in the region, covering an area of 53,000 hectares.

⚡️Ukraine captures (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-troops-capture-uzbek-citizen-in-lyman-sector-of-front-line-military-says/) Uzbek citizen fighting for Russia in Donetsk Oblast.

⚡️ Former nuclear power plant employee arrested (kyivindependent.com/former-nuclear-power-plant-employee-arrested-for-allegedly-helping-russias-gru-target-drone-strikes/) for allegedly helping Russia's GRU target drone strikes.

⚡️Russian attacks across Ukraine kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-4-injure-26-over-past-day-2/) 4, injure 26 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA – MAY 14, 2025
■ Combat engagements, casualties, and equipment losses near the 7-day average
■ Three air defense systems struck
■ First 🇷🇺 missile strike in five days; air & artillery strike ratio edges upward

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/05/2025 09:57

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

U.S. Bill May Require Geolocation Tracking in Processors to Enforce Sanctions on Russia and Others
According to U.S. media reports, a new bill introduced in Congress would require major chip manufacturers—including Nvidia, Intel, and AMD—to integrate geolocation technology into advanced processors and graphics cards.
The proposed legislation aims to prevent high-tech components from being used in countries under U.S. sanctions, such as Russia and China. Under the bill, if a device is detected in a prohibited country, it would be required to automatically shut down.
Manufacturers would also be obligated to monitor the end users of their products and report any attempts to bypass restrictions. The bill specifically targets dual-use items, including powerful GPUs like the RTX 4090, and calls for the development of additional hardware-based safeguards.
If enacted, the law could significantly tighten export controls on advanced computing technologies and increase pressure on supply chains in restricted markets.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to journalists before his trip to Türkiye, where a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin may take place. Below are the key points from his remarks:
▪️ Chinese Support for Ceasefire: Ukraine has received a signal from the Chinese side expressing support for a 30-day ceasefire.
▪️ Security During May 8–10 Events: There were requests from China and other countries to ensure security in the region during May 8–10, when several world leaders—including Chinese officials—were present. Ukraine respected those signals, and no attacks occurred during the Victory Day parade.
▪️ Upcoming Meeting with Erdoğan: Zelenskyy will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on May 15. “We will wait for a meeting with Putin. If he is not ready to come to Ankara, President Erdoğan and I will fly to Istanbul. We will do everything to make this meeting happen,” Zelenskyy said.
▪️ Invitation to Trump: Ukraine invited U.S. President Donald Trump to join the talks in Istanbul. “I do not yet know his decision. If he confirms his participation, it would serve as an additional impetus for Putin to attend.”
▪️ On Putin’s Absence: “If Putin does not show up—if this is another game—it will clearly demonstrate that Russia is not ready to end the war. In that case, all the promises from the U.S., Europe, and other global leaders must be fulfilled. A strong sanctions package should follow.”
▪️ Negotiation Authority: “This narrative—that I cannot speak with Putin—is a Russian invention. According to the Constitution and the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, I am the one responsible for these negotiations. No one else is authorized to speak on matters of Ukraine’s sovereignty. I have not restricted myself in any way.”
▪️ Readiness to Meet: “I am ready for a meeting. We must take the first step for the sake of our people. We want to begin the process of ending the war.”
▪️ On the Ceasefire: Zelenskyy emphasized that the proposed 30-day ceasefire is intended to create an opening for dialogue. “This period is not enough for either side to fully restore military strength. It is about creating space for negotiations.”

U.S. Envoy Keith Kellogg: Deployment of Foreign Troops West of Dnipro Under Discussion in Ukraine Peace Talks
U.S. presidential envoy Keith Kellogg stated that ongoing discussions around a potential settlement of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine include the possible deployment of foreign forces west of the Dnipro River.
“We’re also talking about a ‘resilience force,’” Kellogg said. “That includes the British, the French, the Germans, and now the Poles—who would deploy west of the Dnipro, meaning they would remain out of Russia’s range.”
He added that a separate “peacekeeping force” could be stationed east of the Dnipro, potentially involving a third country, “to effectively monitor the ceasefire.”

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark strategic partnership agreement valued at $600 billion. The deal includes what is being described as the largest military supply agreement in history, with Saudi Arabia set to purchase $142 billion worth of advanced weaponry from U.S. defense contractors.
Key components of the agreement include:
▫️ Military Development: Support for strengthening the Saudi armed forces, including enhancements to military academies and medical services;
▫️Strategic Investment Funds: Establishment of sector-specific funds—$5 billion in energy, $5 billion in aerospace and defense, and a $4 billion global sports asset fund;
▫️Innovation and Job Creation: Initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and generating high-quality employment opportunities across the United States;
▫️Export Agreements: U.S. exports to Saudi Arabia will include $14.2 billion in gas turbines and energy technologies, as well as $4.8 billion in Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

❗️French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France is prepared to deploy aircraft equipped with nuclear weapons to allied European nations if necessary.

🇪🇺 EU to Begin Work on 18th Sanctions Package Against Russia — Dombrovskis
European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the European Commission will maintain pressure on Russia. Following the adoption of the 17th sanctions package, preparations will begin for the 18th round of EU sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on Brazil to help persuade Vladimir Putin to take part in direct negotiations with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

🇧🇷 Lula da Silva Wants to Persuade Putin to Join Talks with Zelenskyy in Türkiye
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed his intention to encourage Vladimir Putin to attend negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul.

New Pope Considers First Foreign Trips to Ukraine, Türkiye, and Peru — La Repubblica
According to La Repubblica, Pope Leo XIV—elected just five days ago—is already considering his first international visits. Ukraine, Türkiye, and Peru are reportedly among the potential destinations.

UK: Man Arrested After Molotov Attack on Former Home of Prime Minister Starmer — The Telegraph
A 21-year-old man has been arrested in the UK after throwing a Molotov cocktail at the former residence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, The Telegraph reports. He has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody. The case is now being handled by the London Metropolitan Police’s Counter-Terrorism Command.
...
This marks the third such incident in a week. On May 8, unidentified individuals attempted to set fire to the Prime Minister’s car and current family residence in Tufnell Park. Investigators are now probing possible links between the three attacks.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/05/2025 10:03

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The Russian delegation will be in Istanbul on May 15 and will wait there for the Ukrainian side — Putin’s spokesman Peskov

The US backs (www.kyivpost.com/post/52583) NATO’s broader 5% GDP defense spending plan, supporting Rutte’s proposal to include military and security-related costs beyond weapons.

Poland denies (www.kyivpost.com/post/52596) US special envoy claim of Polish troop deployment to Ukraine.

Putin’s surprise call for peace talks with Ukraine is likely a strategic move, not genuine diplomacy, amid rising Western pressure and shifting global dynamics – and Zelensky knows it.
This Kyiv Post analysis dives into what’s really behind Putin’s sudden outreach.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/52567

Massive explosions rocked Odesa, while air raid sirens sounded across all of Ukraine.

Ukrainian group Ziferblat has reached the Eurovision 2025 final with their song Bird of Pray.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 14/05/2025 10:06

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇫🇷 Macron vows new sanctions against Russia if it refuses unconditional ceasefire
“Our intention is to impose new sanctions against Russia in the coming days,” said the French President, adding that this will happen if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire.

❗️Zelensky on Ukraine–Russia talks: If Putin comes, the meeting must lead to a format for ending the war
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that while it may not be possible to reach agreement on all issues at once, the talks must deliver a “political victory” such as a ceasefire, a “all-for-all” prisoner exchange, or something similar.

President Zelensky stated that a meeting with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV is “likely” to take place on May 18.

In 2024, the death rate in Ukraine nearly tripled the birth rate, Slovo i Dilo reports (www.slovoidilo.ua/2025/05/13/infografika/suspilstvo/skilky-lyudej-narodzhuyetsya-pomyraye-ukrayini)
Over the course of the year, 495,100 people died, while only 176,100 were born.
Slovo i Dilo, an analytical portal, offers an infographic illustrating how the demographic situation in Ukraine has changed since independence.

The Cannes Film Festival will open with a “Day of Ukraine.”
On the first day, May 13, a special screening of three films dedicated to the Russia–Ukraine war is scheduled.
These include:
◾️Zelensky, a film about the life of the Ukrainian president;
◾️Notre Guerre, focusing on the lives of civilians in frontline areas;
◾️2000 Meters to Avdiivka, a documentary by Mstyslav Chernov about Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.
According to the organizers, this opening is “a reminder of the determination of artists, filmmakers, and journalists to tell the story of a conflict at the heart of Europe — one that has affected the Ukrainian people and the world for three years.”

Hungarian PM Orbán again accuses Ukraine of interfering in Hungary’s internal affairs and cooperating with opposition party TISZA
“Ukraine has launched a coordinated smear campaign against Hungary to undermine our initiative to hold a referendum on Ukraine’s EU membership,” Orbán claimed.
Despite this, he promised that Hungary will complete its public consultation, declaring: “Neither Brussels nor Kyiv can decide for the Hungarian people.”

Russian troops have been marking their UAVs with the phrase “Перемирие не будет” (“There will be no ceasefire”) as a form of psychological warfare amid ongoing attacks

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
PerkingFaintly · 14/05/2025 12:50

U.S. Bill May Require Geolocation Tracking in Processors to Enforce Sanctions on Russia and Others
According to U.S. media reports, a new bill introduced in Congress would require major chip manufacturers—including Nvidia, Intel, and AMD—to integrate geolocation technology into advanced processors and graphics cards.

Wouldn't that have the massive unintended consequences of making every device ever with a chip in it geolocatable forever?

(I assume that consequence is unintended. Given it's coming from a country whose current government is embracing facism by means of data control and manipulation, can't be sure.)

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 14/05/2025 14:25

There are very few accidents when it comes to data collection without the consent of the people whose data is collected.

PiggyPigalle · 14/05/2025 20:50

minsmum · 14/05/2025 20:45

Don't like it.

MissConductUS · 14/05/2025 21:03

Putin's got a real problem here. Meeting Zelensky legitimizes him. Not meeting him and Trump will seriously piss off Trump.

Poor Vlad.

DuncinToffee · 14/05/2025 22:44

The Guardian is reporting that Putin will not travel to Turkey

Igotjelly · 15/05/2025 06:11

DuncinToffee · 14/05/2025 22:44

The Guardian is reporting that Putin will not travel to Turkey

Looking at the list it’s a bunch of deputy ministers making up their delegation.

Igotjelly · 15/05/2025 06:13

Sky’s analysis is that the delegation is junior intentionally and at least partly to humiliate Zelenskyy.

Please create an account

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

This thread is not accepting new messages.