Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

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

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Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

A new assessment from Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the German Armed Forces indicates that Russia views itself as being in a systemic conflict with the West and is preparing for a large-scale war with NATO — BILD
The evaluation suggests that Putin will not be satisfied with just Ukraine. By the end of the decade, Russia is likely to create all the necessary conditions to be able to wage a “large-scale conventional war.”
Putin is allegedly planning to test how seriously NATO countries take their commitments under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which mandates assistance in case of emergencies.

The Kremlin is preparing for a multi-directional offensive along a thousand-kilometer front line – AP
Zelensky, citing intelligence data, stated that Russia is preparing new attacks in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The publication notes that in the north, Russian and North Korean soldiers have almost deprived Kyiv of an important bargaining chip in negotiations by reclaiming most of the Kursk region. Fighting has also intensified on the eastern front in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Military analyst Oleksiy Hetman, who has ties to the military general staff, told the publication that Russia is preparing offensive actions on the front that are expected to last from six to nine months, covering almost all of 2025.

Following the “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris, only France and the United Kingdom are actively advocating for the deployment of their own troops to Ukraine, according to The New York Times
Italy has expressed willingness to send forces only if they are part of a UN mission, while Poland has completely ruled out the possibility.

💥 Ukrainian partisans have destroyed a Russian electronic warfare system in the Kherson region.
On the night of March 29, the Resistance Movement destroyed a Russian army truck equipped with the “Lorandit” electronic warfare complex.
The Russians use “Lorandit” to jam radio communications and conduct electronic intelligence. The loss of such a system is a significant blow to the Russian army, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

The European army could be 2.5 times bigger than the Russian army in terms of the number of soldiers.
It will also be several times superior to the Russian army in all types of weapons.
Europe has a quantitative advantage over both China (except for the navy) and the United States (except for aviation).
Although the idea of creating a united European army is still purely theoretical, it could become practical if it becomes clear that the United States will definitely not defend Europe in the case of war.

Prominent scholars Timothy Snyder, Marci Shore, and Jason Stanley are resigning from Yale University, leaving the United States, and will begin teaching in Canada
The decision comes in response to the increasingly tense political situation in the U.S. Philosopher Jason Stanley cited the political climate as a major factor in his choice to leave, specifically referencing former President Trump’s pressure on Columbia University, which led the institution to reassess its policies.
Marci Shore and Timothy Snyder decided to accept offers to move after the 2024 elections. Snyder’s spokesperson mentioned that his decision was driven by personal reasons, predating the U.S. presidential election.
Shore believes that many of her colleagues are considering similar moves due to the current political climate, which she views as America’s “descent into fascism.”

Five more children have been rescued from occupation.
The children, who were returned from temporarily occupied Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, are between the ages of 11 and 16.
Among them is a girl whose father is still held captive by Russia. Qatar played a role in facilitating the return of these Ukrainian children.

American officials were enraged when Ukraine successfully struck the Russian cruiser “Moskva.”
This is according to a New York Times investigation into the role of Americans in Ukrainian operations against Russia.
The report states that this attack angered some American politicians because “the Ukrainians did not inform them about it.” They were also surprised that Ukraine possessed missiles capable of carrying out such an attack.
At the same time, the strike on the “Moskva” cruiser caused panic, as the administration of then-President Joe Biden had no intention of allowing Ukraine to attack “such a powerful symbol of Russian might.”

In response to a statement by Russian officials, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed the introduction of a temporary UN administration in Russia, beginning with Vorkuta.
“It seems that the local population would greatly benefit from any government other than Putin’s, which spends billions of dollars on its criminal war against Ukraine,” wrote the MFA spokesperson.
This comes after Putin suggested introducing a temporary UN administration in Ukraine to facilitate elections.

Thanks to all for the updates. Saw this last night, but doesn’t seem to have had much coverage https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/167643/moment-limo-putins-fleet-fire/amp

Trump is peeved at Putin because he's stalling on the cease fire. Perhaps he'll realize that the only things Putin responds to is strength and pressure.

Trump says he’s ‘very angry’ and ‘pissed off’ at Putin during an NBC News interview - Trump said in an early-morning phone call that if he believes Russia is at fault for a ceasefire not being reached with Ukraine, he may impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil.

Europe has a quantitative advantage over both China (except for the navy) and the United States (except for aviation).

Say what?

I'm just reporting what Live: Ukraine said

ducks

I know, I googled the quote and found the source. It just doesn't seem accurate to me.

However, I've googled the numbers and it appears that Europe, including the UK, has roughly 1.47 million active duty service personnel and the U.S. has 1.32 million. That's across all service branches. It also ignores the fragmented nature of Europe's forces.

Update on this - all weekend were ongoing operations to remove silt, mud, and water, building better "roads" in the wilderness so that more equipment can be moved / trucks can pass each other instead of one road etc.

https://nitter.poast.org/USArmyEURAF

New press release from the US army:
https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/ArticleViewPressRelease/Article/4139209/press-release-recovery-operations-in-lithuania-march-30-update/

both links above have many photos, to see why this is so complicated.
In Lithuanian news on LRT, the US commander said that in 25 years of experience, he has never seen a situation like this.

What I was worried about, apart from about the missing soldiers, is, as you also hint at, which consequences this will have for the US troops in Europe and whether this is a) a Russian / Belarussian trap (as the area is next to the border with Belarus) and there was sabotage on their GPS or other systems b) it could be a trigger for a US reaction.

However, all the communications from the US Army sound extremely grateful for the support by the Lithuanian and also Polish army (who sent reinforcements); this morning was a mass held in a Vilnius church, attended by US army, Lithuanian army, Germany army (German troops also in Lithuania as part of NATO), Lithuanian Defense Minister and everyone doubling down on the words: cooperation, thankfulness, working together to find the solution, Lithuanian government saying it's important that those who are stationed there and train there know that Lithuania has their back, etc..

So far no-one kicking off, and, most important, no-one blaming Lithuania (I wouldn't know why, from the information so far, but we know the US does not need a reason).
The support for the US army came from Navy divers stationed in Spain, and today more equipment was shipped from the US army in Germany.
If they did not had all the people and equipment stationed here, the times until reinforcement arrives would be much longer.

Unfortunately so far no-one has found any people on foot in the area, either.

Latest article I could find:

https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/2524628/proverzis-pabradeje-aklinoje-tamsoje-narai-sekmingai-uzkabino-pirmaji-lyna

Have to say, from an environmental standpoint it's pretty much a disaster, but there isn't much to be done about it now; maybe they can restore some of it later.
After all, you can only have training areas in remote places with few population..

The visit by the Finnish president could be useful, as Finland has much experience with Russia as a neighbour, and navigating this situation.

I would certainly not draw the conclusion that they are trying to become best friends with Trump, even if the photo looks like it. It's a diplomatic move, not much else. Maybe they hope that the US will at least listen to their experience with Russia.
Last week or so, Zelenskyy was visiting Finland, too.

Above it was posted that Poland reintroduced conscription; I found information on that all men, thus of all ages, will undergo military training:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy83r93l208o

In some Baltic states, they also started training for older schoolkids, not military training directly if I understood it correctly, but so that they know what to do.

On one hand, it's frightening that kids need to be prepared, but on the other hand, I find this a very rational move and it's much better than panicked reactions.

I wish those countries who don't have it yet would get a move on reintroducing conscription and fixing up shelters. When conscription was ended in Germany for example, they seem to have dissembled or repurposed the barracks for these people, too, and there are no systems in place for teaching and training now, not to that extend.

I totally get that people won't exactly be happy about it, but ducking heads into the sand is not going to have a better outcome. There are also plenty of roles in other areas of civil protection for those who can't /won't fight.

Finland never trusted Russia and has never given up on their conscription system and preparedness when the Soviet Union broke up. Switzerland has a law that every house must have an equipped shelter (ideally in the basement).

The ideal case is that all the preparedness everywhere makes Russia think twice, as it was during the Cold War. That is the goal, to avoid more war.
I don't want any more fights but I suppose holding up peace signs is not going to deter countries like Russia.

@ForestAtTheSea thanks for the details on the operation to recover the 4 US personnel in Lithuania. It sounds horrendously complex. Those poor servicemen never stood a chance.

Shevchenko time.

Or another version.

d

At first glance the friendly visit is jarring but there's a good explanation on Yle News ""Good personal relations with the leadership of an unpredictable superpower have been a tried and tested tool in Finnish foreign policy for decades. President Urho Kekkonen frequently went on hunting trips with Soviet leaders. Critics saw this part of Finlandisation, and Stubb has already received such criticism about his trip on social media," Ortamo added in a news analysis piece."
https://yle.fi/a/74-20152664

Stubb is treating Trump like Kekkonen treated the Soviet leaders, something that was uncomfortable to see and widely criticised but really helped politically. As the old adage goes "Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer"

More on Stubb's meeting with Trump https://yle.fi/a/74-20152689
"[Trump] is quite impatient with Russia's actions, this kind of scheming and delaying regarding the ceasefire. I tried to explain that this is completely normal Russian behaviour. First we negotiate something – and then the conditions are changed once again."
Having to explain to Trump that yes this is what Putin does, you cannot expect him to stick to an agreement.

Yes, the Finns had to play complex balancing acts through the Cold War. it will be interesting to see whether trump listens. He might as he wants to come out of this with his 'Deal' or feeling justified in what he subsequently does if he feels slighted.

With Trump in mind, here's a tangential link to his number two boy (number one boy sells aluminium and glue vehicles).

d

Nate Vance is top right in the video and seems to be pulled over to talk while traffic goes past. Some of the things I will remember include his discussion of rotating troops at the front, how his lack of Ukrainian language made him most useful providing machine gun support and why he returned.

Nate is number two boy's cousin. This has been reported elsewhere but it was interesting to hear what he actually had to say. The video is long and plods at times and I had it on while tidying up a document. Not sure I could have made it to the end otherwise.

https://kyivindependent.com/didnt-want-to-endanger-his-life-jd-vance-on-criticism-from-his-cousin-former-volunteer-fighter-in-ukraine/

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-30-2025

Key Takeaways:

• US President Donald Trump expressed willingness to introduce additional sanctions targeting Russian oil and secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian oil if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not make progress towards a general ceasefire, including a ceasefire for land warfare in the near future.
• A Russian diplomat provided additional details following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent thinly veiled demand for regime change in Ukraine by having external parties establish a “temporary international administration” in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations (UN).
• Russian forces struck a military hospital and civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv City on the night of March 29 to 30.
• The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on March 30 that it will establish a Space Policy Department.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Pokrovsk.

Sorry not directly Ukraine related but thought you’d be interested. What do we think? https://news.sky.com/story/french-national-rally-leader-marine-le-pen-found-guilty-in-embezzlement-case-13339142

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Finnish president pushes for April 20 ceasefire date (kyivindependent.com/finnish-president-pushes-for-april-20-ceasefire-date-in-talks-with-trump/) in talks with Trump.

⚡️Trump says he's 'pissed off' (kyivindependent.com/trump-pissed-off-and-angry-at-putin-in-phone-call-to-nbc-news/) and 'very angry' at Putin in phone interview with NBC News. [dear me, he thought he'd be an exception to Putin's habit of manipulating, delaying, bullying?]
In a call with NBC News journalist Kristen Welker, Trump said Putin's latest demand for a transitional government that would replace Zelensky suggests that peace talks are “not going in the right location."

⚡️ US, Russia begin talks (kyivindependent.com/us-russia-begin-talks-on-rare-earth-minerals-projects-moscow-claims/) on rare earth minerals projects, Moscow claims.
"Rare earth metals are an important area for cooperation, and, of course, we have begun discussions about various rare earth metals and projects in Russia," said Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund.

⚡️ There's 'psychological deadline' for Putin to agree to Ukraine ceasefire, Trump says. (https://kyivindependent.com/theres-psychological-deadline-for-putin-to-agree-to-ukraine-ceasefire-trump-says/)

⚡️ Germany's incoming government wants EU to get tough on Hungary (kyivindependent.com/germanys-merz-pushing-for-harsher-stance-from-eu-on-hungary/), Politico reports.
The incoming German government wants the EU to adopt harsher measures to punish countries violating the bloc's core principles, an apparent reference to Hungary, Politico reported on March 31, citing an obtained coalition agreement.
Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU alliance, which won the February Bundestag elections, and its likely coalition partners from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) want the EU to freeze funds and suspend voting rights of members who violate the union's key tenets, such as the rule of law, the news outlet wrote.

⚡️CNN gives airtime (kyivindependent.com/cnn-gives-airtime-to-putins-ideologue-who-called-for-genocide-in-ukraine/) to Russian ultranationalist ideologue who called for genocide in Ukraine.
In an interview with CNN, ultra-nationalist Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin praised U.S. President Donald Trump, saying he represented an ideology that "changes the balance in the world."

⚡️ Ukraine receives $400 million (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-receives-400-million-tranche-from-imf/) tranche from IMF.
The funds represent the latest tranche of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, which will provide Kyiv with $15.6 billion in budget support over four years.

⚡️Starmer, Trump agree to keep up 'collective pressure (kyivindependent.com/starmer-trump-agree-to-keep-up-collective-pressure-on-putin/)' on Putin.

⚡️Sweden pledges (kyivindependent.com/sweden-pledges-7-6-million-towards-ukrainian-drone-and-demining-coalitions/) $7.6 million towards Ukrainian drone and demining coalitions.

⚡️Trump claims Zelensky wants to back out (kyivindependent.com/trump-claims-zelensky-wants-to-back-out-of-minerals-deal/) of minerals deal.
"He's trying to back out of the rare earth deal and if he does that he's got some problems, big, big problems," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on March 29.

⚡️ Marine Le Pen barred (kyivindependent.com/french-court-finds-far-right-leader-le-pen-guilty-of-embezzling-european-parliament-funds/) from running for public office after embezzlement verdict.
Le Pen, eight RN members of the European Parliament, and 12 assistants were found guilty of misusing European Parliament money to pay staff working for the RN between 2004 and 2016, France24 reported.

⚡️NYT: 2023 southern counteroffensive (https://kyivindependent.com/nyt-potential-melitopol-offensive-was-sidelined-by-syrskyis-desire-to-take-back-bakhmut/) was undermined by Syrskyi's desire to take back Bakhmut.
The initial plan of focusing on the main effort to push towards Melitopol was objected to by Syrksyi, with whom President Volodymyr Zelensky ultimately sided with, according to the New York Times' extensive investigation into U.S.-Ukraine strategic planning throughout the full-scale war.

Ukraine's tainted judges get a helping hand from law enforcement to stay in office (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-tainted-judges-get-a-lending-hand-from-law-enforcement-to-stay-in-office/)
As Ukraine struggles to reform its tainted judiciary, investigators and top officials are allegedly helping controversial judges to keep their seats.
As part of the judicial reform, the High Qualification Commission was scheduled to vet 41 judges, including those from Ukraine's two most dubious courts — the Pechersk Court and the now defunct Kyiv District Administrative Court, on March 17.
The judges who were supposed to be vetted, however, did not show up for the March 17 screening, while the State Investigation Bureau intensified criminal proceedings against members of the High Qualification Commission in an alleged attempt to derail the vetting.

⚡️Doctors resume operating on patients (kyivindependent.com/doctors-resume-operating-on-patients-at-military-hospital-hit-by-russian-strike/) at military hospital hit by Russian strike.

⚡️Mstyslav Chernov's film '2,000 Meters to Andriivka' wins (kyivindependent.com/mstyslav-chernovs-film-2000-meters-to-andriivka-wins-award-at-documentary-film-festival-in-denmark/) award at documentary film festival in Denmark.

Lithuania says vehicle carrying 4 US soldiers pulled (kyivindependent.com/vehicle-carrying-4-us-soldiers-pulled-from-swamp-in-lithuania/) from swamp; no news on the troops.

⚡️Zelensky publishes declaration (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-publishes-declaration-of-2024-family-income/) of 2024 family income.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and his family members declared $368,556 in income last year, an increase from the 2023 total.

⚡️Trump's spiritual adviser visits (kyivindependent.com/trumps-spiritual-adviser-visits-bucha-irpin/) Bucha, meets Ukraine's religious leaders. [don't envy that man that job, though I suspect he almost never sees Trump]

⚡️ Shooter opens fire (kyivindependent.com/shooter-opens-fire-on-police-in-russias-murmansk-no-casualties-reported/) on police in Russia's Murmansk.

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill-2-injure-17-over-past-day/) against Ukraine kill 2, injure 17 over past day.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
·
2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA - MAR 31, 2025
■ Engagements, casualties & equipment losses below the 7-day average
■ Officers: +57 weekly batch; 4.7 per day for last four batches ⬆
■ 🇷🇺 air strikes up but MLRS ones down, 🇺🇦 strikes up between days

@Igotjelly

Sorry not directly Ukraine related but thought you’d be interested. What do we think?

Well the Le Pen decision will suit many but one thing I’ve NB’d in my time in France is that unlike some countries the French don’t faff around with politicians who have been caught naughty with public funds or been caught being slightly corrupt (and I know not all get caught…)…some other countries might consider following the example rather than letting people off with slapped wrists.

More than one mayor has ended up in clink having played fast and loose with their budget/planning permissions etc, one ex-PM has been convicted for fraud (Fillion) and then of course there’s the Sarkozy case…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FrançoisFillon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NicolasSarkozycorruptiontrial#:~:text=The%20trial%20concluded%20on%2010,years%20in%20jail%20for%20corruption.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, following a seven-hour meeting with US President Donald Trump, stated that the US is preparing sanctions against Russia if it refuses to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine or violates it.

The Wall Street Journal reports that a potential peace deal could severely impact Russia’s economy, which has become heavily reliant on military production. Since the start of the war, 40% of Russia’s economic growth in 2024 has been driven by military-related industries, with many civilian enterprises repurposed for defense needs and significant government spending on war-related programs. Payments to the families of fallen soldiers have also contributed to economic stability.
The publication notes that if peace is achieved, any reduction in military spending would create a financial gap that the Kremlin may struggle to fill.

European military groups will arrive in Ukraine in the coming weeks to assess the number and locations of potential peacekeepers, according to WP.
The EU is exploring the deployment of air and naval forces, given the limitations on stationing large ground troops.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have mastered and continue to expand the repair of American M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. This includes work on engines, components, assemblies, electrical equipment, and weapons. In the first two months of 2025, 20 Bradleys were restored, compared to 60 in all of 2024 and 12 in 2023.

Last night, Russian forces launched another attack on Kharkiv using Shahed drones, striking the Kyiv district in two waves and recording five hits, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

In Italy, Russia is suspected of launching drones over a European Commission facility, Deutsche Welle reports.
The alleged target was the Joint Research Center (JRC) in Ispra, northern Italy. According to Italian media, a suspected Russian drone flew over the facility five times in March. The Milan prosecutor’s office is conducting a preliminary investigation, with an official espionage probe set to begin on March 31.
The JRC in Ispra has been operating for 65 years. Initially focused on nuclear research, it has since expanded its scope. One of its current projects involves UAV detection, which reportedly helped spot the suspicious drone.
Nearby, the facilities of the Italian defense company Leonardo are also located.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Putin’s forces have captured a village just seven kilometres from the border of Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/49861

The European Commission is considering a full shutdown of the EU market to American goods — El País

Deadly Russian drones struck Kharkiv overnight, causing casualties, multiple fires, and damage to residential buildings and a kindergarten.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/49878

“Makes me sick” — former NATO chief Claes frets over Trump.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/49883

Meanwhile, the Moscow Metro website was hacked — when you try to access it, you’re redirected to the Ukrainian Railways Ukrzaliznytsia homepage.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪 The Baltic States fear a possible ceasefire in Ukraine — it would increase the threat from Russia for them, reports the Financial Times.
According to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, of the 600,000 Russian soldiers currently stationed in Ukraine, 300,000 are likely to be redeployed to the borders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. His concern is shared by Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Šakaliene.
The Baltic states are particularly concerned about the large-scale Russian-Belarusian military exercises “Zapad,” which are held every four years. The next exercises are scheduled for this fall.

Ukraine’s Kursk Operation was seen as a serious breach of trust by the United States, according to a New York Times investigation.
Ukraine did not inform Washington about the offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. It began in August 2024 during a rotation of American command in Wiesbaden, while the head of the CIA’s Kyiv office was returning to headquarters.
The U.S. was shocked by Ukraine’s actions—in a negative sense. Moreover, Ukraine used Western equipment, which violated previous agreements. One senior Pentagon official called it blackmail.
Washington could have halted its support but understood that doing so would put Ukrainian troops in grave danger—they would have been left without HIMARS cover and U.S. intelligence support. Therefore, the U.S. chose not to cut off aid.
There were even jokes in the White House that they knew more about Russia’s plans through espionage than about their partner’s—Ukraine’s—intentions.

Foreign Minister Sybiha stated that Ukraine insists on strong and long-term security guarantees and will not accept any conditions that leave it weak and defenseless.

Throughout the week, Russia attacked Ukraine with 1,310 guided aerial bombs, over 1,000 attack drones, and 9 missiles of various types, including ballistic ones

📡 In March, Air Defense Forces destroyed over 4,000 missiles and drones.
Among them were a ballistic Iskander-M/KN-23, 25 Kh-101/Kh-55SM cruise missiles, 8 Kalibr missiles, one Iskander-K, and a guided Kh-59/69 aviation missile. Additionally, they shot down 2,328 Shahed attack drones, 805 reconnaissance drones, and 874 UAVs of other types.

According to the British publication The Economist, elections in Ukraine could be held as early as this summer, and Zelensky intends to run for a second term.
Sources in the Ukrainian government told the publication that Zelensky convened a meeting last week to instruct his team to organize voting after a complete ceasefire, which Americans believe could be implemented by the end of April. The Economist mentions Easter, April 20, as a possible date.
The Economist suggests that both Trump and Putin “were frustrated by Zelensky’s stubbornness” and “were pushing him to hold elections in the midst of the war, confident that Ukrainian voters would do them a favor by removing him from office.”

Lovely to see a country issue consequences to politicians that break the law. The US might learn from this, as well as many other countries (mine own included where it seems the worst consequence is your party disowning you)

@Natsku
Agree, I also see this in line with Finland doing a balancing act.
Also they manage to look a lot less taken in than when Angela Merkel, former German chancellor, did all these visits with Putin and managed to spread the narrative that their good relations meant Germany is safe - probably afterwards Putin clapped himself on the back for that convincing show.
Finland also tries to always have good speaking relations with Russia, but they look more functional and they don't always need to agree.

Press release from the US Army:
https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/ArticleViewPressRelease/Article/4139490/press-release-three-us-soldiers-found-deceased-after-m88a2-hercules-recovered/

LRT new article in English:
https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2525052/lithuania-recovers-us-army-vehicle-from-swamp-live-updates

Lithuanian defence minister says all news will come from the US army first, so anyone interested look at their pages.

I'm sorry for the soldiers.

Hopefully finding the tank also means that they can now look at the possible reasons for what went wrong.

Still it was encouraging to see that US Armed Forces in Europe and their professionals have a completely different tone compared to their political bosses in Washington. They will know that the situation is a bit more complex than frat boy chat.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/31/europe/marine-le-pen-embezzlement-trial-verdict-france-intl/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc

"Shortly after Le Pen’s sentencing began, the Kremlin said that her conviction showed Europe was “trampling on democratic norms.” "

😂😂😂

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress
"The European Commission is considering a full shutdown of the EU market to American goods — El País"

I didn't find any other source, and on the page of El Pais I probably don't know the right Spanish keywords to find it - but in googling I only saw an account on "Threads" that had this headline.
It does seem strange that they would do that but not do it for Russian goods, which are only blocked partially. Could be a bit early for the full force at the moment. Not sure they are really doing this.