Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

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

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Thank you, not quite sure what the plans are atm, will know closer to the time

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress and @DesdamonasHandkerchief also let me know if I can help. I am around in May except for 1 May.

US missing soldiers in Lithuania update:
https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/PressReleases/Tag/300248/armylithuaniaeffort/

Fourth soldier was found, unfortunately deceased, too, in the swamp near the location of where the tank was found.
Rescue efforts were supported by additional search dogs from Estonia.

https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2526612/fourth-us-soldier-found-at-pabrade-training-ground-identities-of-other-3-released

"Several hundred people gathered on Tuesday afternoon outside the US Embassy in Vilnius on Tuesday to pay respects to the American soldiers who drowned during the training exercise at Pabradė.
US Ambassador Kara McDonald told the crowd that such actions are an expression of the NATO alliance.
“I look around, I see this crowd and I am literally stunned. Thank you very, very much for coming tonight to express solidarity. [...] We are very grateful,” she said."

A timeline of how events happened through the past week summarized here:
https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2527172/how-search-for-missing-us-troops-in-lithuania-unfolded-timeline

Tomorrow will be held a memorial in Vilnius:
https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2527237/vilnius-to-hold-farewell-ceremony-for-deceased-us-soldiers

In one of the news on LRT (in Lithuanian) that I read with google translate, there was an early insight into an explanation; that at the time of the accident, the exercise was almost over (4 in the morning) and the unit on this tank might have been called to help others who were stuck in the muddy ground, and could have tried to be fast or use a shortcut. However, this is only a snippet of the whole piece.

Hegseth's tweet about it was remarkably appropriate; maybe someone else wrote it for him.

PS: The US ambassador in Lithuania was appointed by Biden in 2024. As it's not a "fancy" location for wannabe diplomats (president's friends and family), she could probably stay on. According to wikipedia, she has a lot of experience in difficult countries and also worked in other Eastern European countries before.

This is so sad but I’m glad that their loved ones will have some sort of closure and will be able to bury them.

"Several hundred people gathered on Tuesday afternoon outside the US Embassy in Vilnius on Tuesday to pay respects to the American soldiers who drowned during the training exercise at Pabradė.
US Ambassador Kara McDonald told the crowd that such actions are an expression of the NATO alliance.
“I look around, I see this crowd and I am literally stunned. Thank you very, very much for coming tonight to express solidarity. [...] We are very grateful,” she said."

Not to hijack their families' grief, but so many NATO hearts must be broken at such a tragedy. I am not surprised by the reaction which the US ambassador witnessed. The American soldiers were going to assist others in another country but lost their lives in such a horrendous accident. May their brave souls rest in peace.

Reports that Elon Musk has stepped down from DOGE. I am waiting for confirmation from Wall St Journal.

TESLA shares rise.

That displays touching faith that him taking charge of Tesla will improve matters. That worked so well for Twitter!

I wouldn't put it past Musk to emigrate to Russia or a similar highly authoritarian country and ensconce himself there in the long run.

Authoritarian countries really only suit people who are top dogs in them; anyone else, there is too much risk of an open window in their future.

US Democrat Cory Booker just shattered a Senate record — speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes straight to protest Trump’s policies.
He took the floor Monday night and vowed not to leave until his body gave out. [what does this actually achieve, ?)

It gets Cory Booker on the television news programs for a day or two. Nothing else.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-2-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian officials are continuing to exploit the temporary energy infrastructure ceasefire's vague or unfinalized terms.
• US officials reportedly continue to acknowledge Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to commit to a general ceasefire in Ukraine.
• CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev will reportedly meet with US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff in Washington, D.C. on April 2.
• The Russian military command reportedly began reorganizing the motorized rifle brigades of the 51st and 3rd combined arms armies (CAAs) such that each army would have three rifle divisions or motorized rifle divisions, likely in an effort to improve the CAAs' administrative structure, especially over larger numbers of unmechanized riflemen.
• The Ukrainian General Staff reported on April 1 that Russian forces in Ukraine are continuing to use ammunition equipped with chemical agents prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.
• Russian authorities continued efforts to solidify their control over the Russian information space and discourage critique of the Russian military's conduct of the war in Ukraine.

Trump has slapped tariffs on Ukraine, the evil, sick fucker.

Following.💛💙

Wtf?! He is such a bastard.

Trump did -what-?

I don't believe it. I do believe it.

Did he stick tariffs on Russia?

Did he fuck. Russia didn’t make it onto his tariff board…

Nope, the only country he didn’t tariff. I did think maybe because of the sanction, but it turns out the US has been trading with Russia, only about £3bn but when you think that trump sanctioned an island where only penguins live…

https://www.axios.com/2025/04/02/trump-tariffs-russia-ukraine-ceasefire

President Trump unveiled tariffs of at least 10% Wednesday on virtually the entire world, with one notable exception: Russia.

The intrigue: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios Wednesday that Russia was left off because U.S. sanctions already "preclude any meaningful trade." However, the U.S. still trades more with Russia than with countries like Mauritius or Brunei that did make Trump's tariffs list.

Anyone who thinks that Trump isn't a Russian asset by now, witting or unwitting, hasn't been paying attention.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ NATO reportedly halts discussions (kyivindependent.com/nato-reportedly-halts-discussions-on-russia-strategy-as-us-pushes-for-ukraine-ceasefire/) on Russia strategy as US pushes for Ukraine ceasefire.
NATO officials have suspended talks about recalibrating their strategy on Russia as the U.S. pushes for a peace settlement in Ukraine, Euractiv reported on April 2, citing undisclosed diplomatic sources. [A decision led by Trump, one suspects]

⚡️Russian negotiator (kyivindependent.com/russias-negotiator-dmitriev-may-reportedly-visit-white-house-on-april-2/) to meet Trump envoy in US on April 2, media report. https://kyivindependent.com/russias-negotiator-dmitriev-may-reportedly-visit-white-house-on-april-2/

⚡️Upcoming Ramstein summit to take place (kyivindependent.com/upcoming-ramstein-summit-to-take-place-on-april-11-in-brussels/) 11 in Brussels.
The Ramstein summit will occur on the next day after the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

⚡️ US defense secretary to skip Ramstein summit (kyivindependent.com/us-defense-secretary-to-skip-ramstein-format-meeting-for-the-first-time/) for the first time, media reports.

It's a trap' — Trump’s US minerals deal threatens Ukraine’s EU membership (https://kyivindependent.com/its-a-trap-washingtons-minerals-deal-threatens-ukraines-eu-membership/)
The ongoing saga of the U.S.-Ukraine natural resources deal has already caused seismic ruptures between Kyiv and Washington, temporarily costing Ukraine American military support and crucial intelligence sharing.

⚡️Ukrainian delegation may visit (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegation-may-arrive-in-us-this-week-to-discuss-minerals-deal-official-says/) US in coming days to discuss minerals deal, treasury secretary says.

Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision (kyivindependent.com/putin-issued-a-decree-now-millions-of-ukrainians-face-an-impossible-decision/)
As the U.S. tries to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree that appears to present Ukrainians living in occupied territories with a choice — submit to Russian law by Sept. 10 or face punishment.

⚡️Half of Russians back temporary ceasefire (kyivindependent.com/50-of-russians-back-a-temporary-ceasefire-in-ukraine-poll-shows/) in Ukraine, poll shows.
Around 50% of Russians support a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, according to a poll by the independent Russian pollster Levada Center published on April 1.
The survey found that 26% of respondents strongly support a truce, while 24% "somewhat support" it. Meanwhile, 41% oppose the idea, including 25% who strongly reject it.

⚡️Russia's State Duma moves to expand state repression (kyivindependent.com/russias-state-duma-moves-to-expand-state-repression-with-new-legislation/) with new legislation.
The proposed laws broaden the definition of "foreign agents," allow trials in absentia for anti-war offenses, and introduce harsher penalties for "discrediting" the military.

⚡️Trump announces 'Liberation Day' tariffs, Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/trump-announces-liberation-day-tariffs-ukraine-hit-with-10-baseline-rate/) hit with 10% baseline rate.
The European Union is set to receive a 20% tariff, while goods from China will be hit with an additional 34%. Ukraine is also included on the list, subject to a 10% tariff.

⚡️ Russia, Belarus excluded (kyivindependent.com/russia-missing-from-trumps-sweeping-tariffs-list-as-its-already-sanctioned-white-house-confirms/) from Trump's sweeping tariffs due to existing sanctions, White House says.

⚡️Ukraine facing $10 billion deficit (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-facing-10-billion-deficit-for-reconstruction-in-2025/) for reconstruction in 2025.

⚡️Ukraine to receive (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-receive-432-million-from-world-bank-towards-transport-infrastructure-restoration/) $432 million from World Bank towards transport infrastructure restoration.

⚡️UK proposes plan to establish joint European fund for rearmament (kyivindependent.com/uk-considering-plan-to-establish-joint-european-fund-for-rearmament-ft-reports/), FT reports.
The U.K. has begun floating plans to European allies to establish a joint European military fund for the purchase of military equipment and weaponry as a means to rearm Europe, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 2.

⚡️ ‘Two big leaders were speaking secretly (kyivindependent.com/two-big-leaders-were-speaking-secretly-with-putin-serbias-vucic-claims/) with Putin,’ Serbia's Vucic claims.
"I know at least two big leaders that were speaking secretly to (Putin) because of course I still have my friends in the Kremlin," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said.

⚡️ More than fifth of Russian intelligence's recruits in Ukraine are minors, SBU says. (kyivindependent.com/over-20-of-people-recruited-by-russian-intelligence-services-in-ukraine-are-minors-sbu-says/)
"According to our statistics, 22% of the detected criminals are minors, 55% are unemployed, and 7% of the perpetrators have previously been convicted of various crimes," an SBU spokesperson said.

The Unmanned Systems Forces have begun recruiting members for its new Harpies unit with exclusively female drone operators, the branch announced on April
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-launching-womens-unit/

⚡️US sanctions (kyivindependent.com/us-imposes-sanctions-on-russian-companies-lifts-sanctions-on-billionaire-rotenbergs-wife/) Russian firms but lifts sanctions on Putin ally's wife.
The U.S. has expanded its sanctions on Russian companies while simultaneously removing restrictions on the wife of Boris Rotenberg, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control reported on April 2.

⚡️US sanctions (https://kyivindependent.com/us-sanctions-network-aiding-houthis-with-ukrainian-stolen-grain-russian-weapons/)  a network of individuals and entities facilitating Russian arms purchases for the Houthis, a pro-Iranian Shia rebel group in Yemen. 

⚡️Russia spends (kyivindependent.com/moscow-spends-nearly-220-million-to-rig-votes-at-presidential-election-eu-referendum-in-moldova-in-2024/) nearly $220 million to rig Moldova's election, EU referendum in 2024, Chisinau says.
Earlier, the U.K. imposed sanctions on the pro-Russian NGO "Eurasia," which is allegedly responsible for attempts to rig the referendum in Moldova.

⚡️Russian bomber crashes (kyivindependent.com/russian-tu-22m3-bomber-crashes-in-irkutsk-oblast-pilot-killed-russian-defense-ministry-says/) in Irkutsk Oblast, pilot killed.

⚡️Ukrainian bakery Lviv Croissants to enter (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-bakery-lviv-croissants-to-open-first-location-in-south-korea/) South Korean market.

⚡️Defense Ministry hails progress (kyivindependent.com/mmc-reforms-umerov/) in medical commissions reform after corruption scandals.

⚡️ Anti-graft agencies shed light on military food procurement scandal, press charges. (https://kyivindependent.com/anti-graft-agencies-press-charges-in-military-food-procurement-case/)
A former department head at the Defense Ministry, an owner of supplier companies, two heads of supplier companies, and one more individual were charged with embezzling Hr 733 million ($17.7 million) and attempting to embezzle Hr 788 million ($19 million).

⚡️ Russia declares (kyivindependent.com/russia-elton-john-aids-foundation/) Elton John AIDS Foundation 'undesirable.'

⚡️Ukraine secures return (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-return-of-11-children-from-russian-occupied-territories/) of 11 children from Russia, Russian-occupied territories.

⚡️ 5 killed, 40 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/attacks-139/) on Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 28 of the 39 strike and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬

⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA - APR 3, 2025
■ Engagements up but casualties & equipment losses stay below average
■ Strikes on both sides below average as well, improved ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

NATO continues to consistently support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Since the beginning of this year alone, Allies have provided Ukraine with security assistance worth more than €20 billion, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court
Hungary will begin the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed Gergely Gulyás, chief of staff to the Hungarian Prime Minister.

Intelligence: Russia has intensified its information operation against Ukraine
The operation aims to dismantle Ukrainian statehood “not on the battlefield, but in people’s minds” by delegitimizing the government, undermining democratic institutions, and imposing an externally controlled political scenario resembling a managed surrender.
According to intelligence, the core of this hostile effort is to push certain narratives under the guise of “peacemaking initiatives” and “analytical discourse,” including:
▪️ Allegations that the Ukrainian government has lost legitimacy due to the absence of elections under martial law.
▪️ Calls for an “interim administration” under the UN, the US, the EU, or even a “four-party format” involving Russia.
▪️ Claims that Russia cannot sign a peace agreement with the Ukrainian government, which, according to the enemy’s plan, should serve as a pretext for changing Ukraine’s political course.

The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications has published statistics showing that about 1,197 cultural heritage sites in frontline areas have been damaged or destroyed by the Russians since the start of the full-scale invasion.
In particular, these include the following regions: Chernihiv – 65, Sumy – 37, Kharkiv – 329, Donetsk – 169, Kherson – 279, Zaporizhzhia – 63, Dnipropetrovsk – 49, Mykolaiv – 47, and Odesa – 159 sites.

Ukraine may receive decommissioned British Puma helicopters, Defense Express reports.
The UK has retired its Puma HC.Mk transport helicopters, with up to 16 units available. The specialized publication notes that there is a possibility of their transfer to Ukraine. In particular, the French media Avions Legendaires mentions the possible delivery of 8–10 units. @notimagain

Military confrontation with Iran could become inevitable, French Foreign Minister warns.
Jean-Noël Barrot stated that only a few months remain before the Iran nuclear deal expires. In his view, if no new agreement is reached, “a military confrontation would seem almost inevitable.”

Sweden is preparing nuclear bunkers for 7 million citizens amid growing fears of World War III, Daily Mail reports.
A total of 64,000 bunkers have been put on “defense readiness,” and 5 million households have received instructions on how to prepare for a possible attack. The shelters are designed to protect against explosions, radiation, and chemical weapons.
Additionally, Sweden plans to increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, marking the country’s largest defense boost since the Cold War.

Russian opera singer and supporter of Vladimir Putin and the so-called "L/DPR" Anna Netrebko is set to return to London's Royal Opera House after a six-year hiatus. She will open the season in a new production of Puccini's Tosca, which will also mark the debut of Jakub Hrůša as music director.

The Russians launched a ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. At this moment, four people are confirmed killed, rescue operation continues.

11 children have been returned from the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, — Dmytro Lubinets, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Putin has NO plans (www.kyivpost.com/post/50052) to visit Saudi Arabia, where Trump is expected in the coming weeks — shutting down speculation of a possible meeting between the two.

US National Security Advisor (www.kyivpost.com/post/50063) Michael Waltz reportedly used his personal Gmail account to communicate sensitive information, raising concerns over potential security breaches.

Pro-Kremlin outlets (www.kyivpost.com/post/50061) are now criticizing Trump’s “administrative chaos” and immaturity, signaling growing tension – despite earlier support for his stance on Russia.

Millions of Ukrainian children have lost their homes, families, and sense of safety to Russia’s war. In this exclusive report, they speak in their own words about the trauma they’ve endured, the loved ones they’ve lost, and the lives they’re trying to rebuild — even as the world begins to look away.
Read the full story on our website. (www.kyivpost.com/post/50063)

Starting April 1, individuals (www.kyivpost.com/post/50071) in Ukraine can again send more than $3,700 monthly to each other’s bank cards after the country’s central bank scrapped the restrictions.

Zelensky visited a hospital in Dnipro where Ukrainian defenders are recovering from injuries. He spoke with the soldiers and presented them with state awards.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇳NATO Halts Discussions on Redefining Relations with Russia Amid U.S. Peace Talks — Euractiv
NATO has paused deliberations about redefining its relationship with Russia while the U.S. continues negotiations aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine.
All NATO members agree that the NATO-Russia Founding Act of 1997, which outlines relations between NATO and Russia, is no longer relevant, along with the five principles regarding engagement with Russia.
There is disagreement over whether the Alliance should unilaterally declare them null and void or wait to see if a bilateral agreement can be reached later.
For now, NATO members have agreed that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to the security of the Alliance’s members.

▪️Today, April 2, Netanyahu is expected to visit Hungary despite the [ICC] arrest warrant. Budapest has no intention of enforcing it.

The White House has published a full list of tariffs for countries.

🇪🇺 The EU is preparing a response to Trump’s new tariffs but urges negotiations instead of confrontation.
The European Union is finalizing the first package of countermeasures in response to U.S. steel tariffs and preparing additional packages to protect European interests and businesses if negotiations fail.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is calling on Washington to remove trade barriers rather than create new ones.
▪️Trump has imposed an additional 20% tariff on goods from the EU.

🇵🇱 Poland Will Not Send Its Troops to Ukraine to Avoid Playing into Russian Propaganda
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Poland will not deploy its soldiers to Ukraine, as this could be exploited by Russian propaganda.
According to Sikorski, such a move would supposedly play into the narrative promoted by Russia that Warsaw allegedly intends to invade Ukraine.

Three years ago, Ukraine’s Defense Forces liberated Bucha, revealing to the world the horrific scale of Russian atrocities.
The occupation lasted 33 days—Feb 27 to Mar 31, 2022. In that time, 561 civilians were killed, including 12 children.
These photos capture the first moments of a freed Bucha.

The Daily Mail is lying about Sweden preparing nuclear shelters. Straight up lying.

The preparedness information is being misrepresented. It's issued regularly and always has been (used to be in the phone book)

www.msb.se/sv/amnesomraden/krisberedskap--civilt-forsvar/befolkningsskydd/skyddsrum/fragor-och-svar-for-fastighetsagare/