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Ukraine Invasion: Part 60

1000 replies

MagicFox · 14/01/2026 12:28

We have got to thread 60. So many thanks as always to regular contributors and to those providing updates. For the 60th time, Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

**
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

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ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/02/2026 10:29

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🀑 Dmitry Peskov said a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin is β€œin question,” and that trilateral talks at the leaders’ level are possible only to β€œfinalize agreements.”

Norway is one of the most active investors in the PURL program, President Zelenskyy said.
This initiative allows Ukraine to purchase American weapons, mainly air defense missiles. So far, $970 million has already been allocated under PURL, the president reported.
[...]
In total, Norway’s support for Ukraine in 2026 amounts to about $8 billion.

Russia has launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine. Here is what is known so far:
▫️ In Kharkiv, 14 people were injured, including a child. A high-rise building and a private house were hit, a gas pipeline was damaged, and Central Park sustained damage.
▫️ In Zaporizhzhia, a private house, a high-rise building, and two shopping centers were damaged. Seven people were injured.
▫️ In Kyiv, fires broke out in three districts. Private houses and a nine-story building were damaged.
▫️ In Kryvyi Rih, a five-story building was damaged, and one person was injured.

❗️Most of the missiles were shot down today because partners delivered additional air defense missiles agreed upon at Ramstein, said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
However, there were also strikes. β€œThis means we must work even harder. The cold has not fully receded, and air defense missiles are needed every day while Russia continues trying to destroy our energy sector,” the president noted.

Russia is increasingly forced to cut prices on Asian oil markets. Moscow is raising discounts to retain Chinese buyers amid competition from Iran and supply issues with India, Bloomberg reports.
The discount on Russian Urals crude has widened. Oil is being sold cheaper to maintain market share, which is further reducing Russia’s oil revenues already under pressure from sanctions and price caps.
According to traders, Urals is now trading at about $12 below Brent, compared to roughly $10 a month ago. Iranian light crude is offered at discounts of up to $11, versus around $8 in December.
The decline in export revenues directly affects Russia’s budget, which relies heavily on oil and gas income. This increases pressure on the financial system amid continued military spending.
Given the high share of oil and gas revenues in Russia’s budget structure, deeper discounts further limit its ability to finance military and social obligations.

The Kremlin has organized at least 151 hybrid attacks across Europe during the four years of the full-scale war against Ukraine, according to a joint analysis by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism and the GLOBSEC project.
The incidents included attempted assassinations of opposition figures in exile, assaults, kidnappings, arson, bombings, sabotage, vandalism, and public disorder.
The highest number of attacks β€” 64 β€” was recorded in 2024. In the second half of 2025 and early 2026, 12 hybrid attacks were documented.
Researchers found that only one attack was directly organized by Russian special services. In nine other cases, perpetrators linked to them were involved.
Poland recorded the largest number of sabotage cases β€” 31. France saw five incidents since mid-2025 and 20 over the broader reporting period. Lithuania and Germany each recorded 15 incidents over four years, the UK 12, and Estonia 11.
Of the 172 identified perpetrators, 95% had no formal prior ties to Russian intelligence. Only 58% knew who was coordinating them.
Financial motives were the main driver. Many perpetrators faced money problems and agreed to carry out sabotage for a few hundred euros.
According to the report, the most frequent perpetrators were Ukrainians, Russians with European citizenship, and emigrants from Belarus, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Serbia.
Some suspects were under 18, the youngest aged 16. Some had fled Ukraine without adult supervision and were considered vulnerable.
At least 12 perpetrators had links to far-right groups, and 44 had previous criminal records.
Recruitment often took place in prisons and on job search websites. Researchers note that subversive activity intensified after more than 600 Russian agents were expelled from Europe since 2018. After losing intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover, the Kremlin shifted to recruiting civilian agents inside Europe.

πŸ’ͺ Ukraine’s Air Defense Forces neutralized 406 missiles and drones launched by Russia against Ukraine.
According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defenders shot down or suppressed with electronic warfare:
β–ͺ️ two Zircon missiles;
β–ͺ️ four Iskander-M / S-400 ballistic missiles;
β–ͺ️ 24 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
β–ͺ️ two Kh-69 guided air-to-surface missiles;
β–ͺ️ 374 Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas drones, and others.
Information on several enemy missiles is being clarified, the Air Force said.

According to the findings of the latest Vox Ukraine research, the war in Ukraine has now significantly surpassed in its length all the other wars of the 20th century. Today, Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine, each day prolonging the terror and destruction.

Numbers this large can feel abstract, but every digit represents a life, a home, or a childhood stolen. As of 2026, the documentation of over 212 947 war crimes serves as a blueprint for future justice.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/02/2026 10:36

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Kyiv and Washington are launching a new round of high-stakes talks in Geneva (www.kyivpost.com/post/70810) β€” even as Russia pounds Ukraine with fresh overnight strikes.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov is set to meet Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
A full trilateral session with Russia is expected in early March.

With doubts growing over the reliability of US guarantees, Emmanuel Macron is set to clarify France’s nuclear doctrine (www.kyivpost.com/post/70820) β€” reaffirming that Paris keeps sole control of its arsenal while outlining what role it could play in safeguarding Europe.

In an exclusive interview with Kyiv Post, Lithuania’s President Gitanas NausΔ—da warns that Russia has no real interest in peace β€” only in buying time.
Read the full interview here:
https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/34941

Slovakia is prepared to take additional measures against Ukraine over Kyiv’s refusal to allow Russian oil to transit to the country via the Druzhba pipeline, Prime Minister Robert Fico said.
Fico stated that his government is ready to consider further retaliatory steps if it believes Ukraine’s president is unwilling to supply what Slovakia considers its rightful and legally purchased deliveries.

Zelensky had received reports from high-ranking officials (www.kyivpost.com/post/70792) on the progress of an anti-corruption probe within Ukraine’s State Security Service (SBU).

Putin’s war death toll tops 200,000 (www.kyivpost.com/post/70759) as new figures reveal staggering losses in Ukraine.
More than 200,000 Russian soldiers, officers, sailors and airmen have now been confirmed killed in Ukraine, according to independent research group Mediazona.

Zelensky said that ALL Ukrainian-made β€œFlamingo” missiles launched at a Russian missile manufacturing plant on Feb. 21 reached their target, calling (www.kyivpost.com/post/70772) the strike a success for Ukraine’s defense industry.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa held talks with President Zelensky in Kyiv (www.kyivpost.com/post/70784) on Wednesday as he seeks the release of two Ghanaian nationals captured in Ukraine.

Kyiv Post

EXCLUSIVE: β€˜Putin Is Playing for Time’ In an exclusive interview with Kyiv Post, Lithuania’s President Gitanas NausΔ—da warns that Russia has no real interest in peace β€” only in buying time. Read the full interview here: https://www.kyivpost.com/inter...

https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/34941

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/02/2026 10:38

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The Telegraph: Russia is sending migrants through underground tunnels from Belarus to Europe as part of a hybrid war against the West.
Polish officials note that Belarus involved specialists from the Middle East with a "high level of expertise" to design the tunnels. Employees of Poland's Podlaskie Border Guard Unit discovered a total of four tunnels under the border with Belarus in 2025.
One of the largest is located near the village of Narewka β€” it was used by 180 migrants, primarily from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Most of these individuals were arrested after emerging on the other side. The tunnel extended approximately 50 meters on the Belarusian side of the border and 10 meters on the Polish side.
The Telegraph's interlocutors say that "the only known Middle Eastern groups capable of building such tunnels are Hamas, Hezbollah, certain groups in Kurdistan, and possibly the Islamic State."

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­Switzerland will ban the purchase of Russian gas and strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation and Belarus.
From April 25, new contracts for Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) are prohibited. For existing long-term agreements, a transition period will apply until the end of 2026.
The country has also expanded sanctions against Russia. All cryptocurrency services for Russian citizens and companies are now prohibited.
The list of banned goods for trade has been supplemented with metals used in the production of weaponry, as well as products for fuel manufacturing that could strengthen the Russian military.
For Belarus, the ban on certain services has been extended, trade restrictions have been tightened, and additional measures in the cryptocurrency sector have been introduced.

"Azov" commander Denys Prokopenko is now a brigadier general β€” this rank was conferred upon him by the President.

The Commander of Logistics of the Air Force and the Head of the SBU in the Zhytomyr region have been detained. They are suspected of corruption during the construction of aircraft shelters.
According to the investigation, 1.4 billion UAH was allocated for the construction of shelters in May 2025. An audit revealed violations: the projects did not meet safety requirements, the structures did not provide adequate protection, and prices were inflated. Despite this, advance payments began to be transferred to contractors.
To halt the audits and hide the embezzlement, the Commander of Logistics approached the head of the regional SBU with a request to help bribe the leadership of military counterintelligence. The suspects attempted to transfer a bribe of approximately 13 million UAH β€” representing 1% of the total contract value.
On February 25, they were detained during the money transfer. Law enforcement seized $320,000.

PerkingFaintly · 26/02/2026 18:50

Russia and Ukraine exchange more than 1,000 soldiers' bodies
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7ed4rp7x5o\

Zelensky recently admitted 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed on the battlefield - a figure Western observers describe as an underestimate as it does not include those missing.

And from public sources, the BBC has confirmed the names of almost 186,000 people killed fighting on Russia's side in Ukraine. The true death toll is generally accepted to be much higher, as many deaths on the battlefield are not recorded.

Officials in white overalls that cover their heads and wearing face mask carry a white stretcher presumably containing a body being unloaded from what looks like a truck

Russia says it has handed over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies

Russia's announcement comes as Ukraine's top negotiator met US peace envoys in Geneva.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7ed4rp7x5o

LlttledrummergirI · 26/02/2026 23:22

Hungary deploys soldiers to protect energy (kyivindependent.com/hungary-deploys-soldiers-to-protect-energy-infrastructure/) infrastructure citing Ukrainian threat.
"I see that Ukraine is preparing further actions aimed at disrupting the operation of Hungary's energy system," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed
.

Either he's drunk the coolaid, or he genuinely thinks Ukraine is doing so well at taking back their country from the invaders, that they can spare troops to go to war with Hungary.

🀑

blueshoes · 27/02/2026 01:39

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-26-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Russia launched another massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine on the night of February 25 to 26, primarily targeting energy infrastructure.
  2. The US and Ukraine continue bilateral engagements as part of ongoing peace negotiations.
  3. Ukraine’s and SpaceX’s efforts to shut off Russian forces’ access to Starlink terminals continues to disrupt Russian drone operations across the frontline.
  4. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) remains a critical enabler of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  5. A Russian fiber-optic first-person view (FPV) drone reached the outskirts of Kharkiv City for the first time on February 25.
  6. Russia is reportedly deploying elements of at least one newly re-formed military unit to the Kupyansk direction.
  7. The PRC reportedly issued a warning to Chinese citizens in Russia about a law compelling service in the Russian military.
  8. The PRC consulate’s warning is an indicator that the PRC may be concerned that Russia will coerce its citizens living in Russia into military service through this law.
  9. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, near Pokrovsk, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/02/2026 10:15

I looked that up further, @blueshoes

Russia coercing Chinese citizens into the army will be an interesting development. (their bolding)

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) reportedly issued a warning to Chinese citizens in Russia about a law compelling service in the Russian military. Hong Kong-based media outlet South China Morning Post reported on February 26 that the PRC Consulate in Russia called on Chinese citizens living in Russia to β€œtake note of” a new Russian law requiring male permanent residents under the age of 65 to serve at least one year with the Russian military.[35] The South China Morning Post referenced a Russian November 2025 law that requires foreign citizens and stateless men aged 18 to 65 who are β€œlegally capable” to serve in the Russian military for at least one year to apply for Russian citizenship or a residency permit.[36] The November 2025 Russian law grants exceptions to Belarusian citizens, men who provide proof that they have already fulfilled the service requirement in the Russian military, and men who provide documentation from Russian military enlistment and recruitment centers that they are unfit for military service. Russian state media notably did not publicize these aspects of the decree at the time.[37] The PRC consulate reportedly did not directly warn PRC citizens against serving in the Russian military but called on PRC citizens in Russia to β€œmake prudent decisions” to β€œensure lawful residency status in Russia.”[38] The PRC consulate’s warning is an indicator that the PRC may be concerned that Russia will coerce its citizens living in Russia into military service through this law. Russia has conducted raids against migrants with expired permits or who are undocumented and coerced them into military service under threat of criminal charges or deportation.[39] Forcing foreigners to serve in the Russian military as a condition for a residency permit or citizenship is a significant escalation in its recruitment mechanisms. ISW has recently observed indicators that the Kremlin is preparing for rolling call-ups of its involuntary reserve to mitigate manpower shortages from Russia’s slowing recruitment rates.[40] The PRC consulate’s statement may be a supporting indicator that Russia is ready to conduct involuntary reserve call-ups and other coercive force generation mechanisms that could affect its citizens living in Russia.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/02/2026 12:38

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Canadian AI software could flip (kyivindependent.com/canadian-ai-software-could-flip-russias-disinformation-war-on-europe/) Russia's disinformation war on Europe
A new artificial intelligence (AI) agent could equip Europe to better defend itself against the barrage of Russian disinformation attacks.
Cipher is Canadian-developed AI software that has proven to accurately and quickly detect Russian disinformation targeting Canadian networks, on both the far right and the far left of the political spectrum. [in the light of this article, this seems essential: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2r7grrdwzo ]

⚑️More than 90,000 Ukrainians (kyivindependent.com/more-than-90-000-ukrainians-officially-missing-due-to-russias-war-commissioner-says/) officially missing due to Russia's war, commissioner says.
Most missing persons are members of Ukraine's security and defense sector.

⚑️Ukraine secures $8.1 billion IMF lifeline (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-8-1-billion-imf-lifeline-as-funding-gaps-loomukraine-secures-8-1-billion-imf-lifeline-as-funding-gaps-loom/) as funding gaps loom.
The International Monetary Fund gave the final seal of approval for an $8.1 billion loan to Ukraine, with more lenient terms for the war-torn country than initially planned.

⚑️ Russia, Ukraine, agree to 'local truce (kyivindependent.com/russia-ukraine-agree-to-local-truce-at-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-to-repair-key-power-line/)' at occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to repair key backup power line.
"Demining activities are ongoing to ensure safe access for the repair teams," said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

⚑️ Update: Next round of peace talks likely to take place in Abu Dhabi in early March (kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-hold-talks-in-geneva-amid-peace-efforts/), Zelensky says.

⚑️ Sweden intercepts (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-intercepted-en-route-to-french-aircraft-carrier-sweden-says/)suspected Russian drone approaching French aircraft carrier.
Sweden's military jammed a suspected Russian drone that was flying toward the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which was docked in the port of Malmo.

⚑️ 'Digital officers,' After Action Review (kyivindependent.com/digital-officers-after-action-review-and-starlink-fedorov-on-first-month-as-new-defense-minister/), and Starlink: Fedorov on first month as Ukraine's new Defense Minister.
The first month of the ministry's renewed team was focused on improving Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

⚑️ US, Ukraine hold talks in Geneva (kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-hold-talks-in-geneva-amid-peace-efforts/) to discuss recovery, next round of Russia negotiations.

⚑️Ukraine brings back (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-brings-back-bodies-of-1-000-fallen-soldiers/) bodies of 1,000 fallen soldiers.
Putin's adviser, Vladimir Medinsky, said that Russia, in turn, received the bodies of 35 fallen Russian soldiers, Russian state-run media outlet RIA Novosti reported.

⚑️Russian FPV drone on fiber optic cable reaches Kharkiv (kyivindependent.com/russian-fpv-drone-on-fiber-optic-cable-reaches-kharkiv-for-1st-time-since-start-of-full-scale-invasion-prosecutors-office-says/) for 1st time since start of full-scale invasion, prosecutor's office says.
The drone hit a tree around 3 p.m. local time in Kyivskyi district on Feb. 25. No casualties were reported, the regional prosecutor's office said.

⚑️Russian authorities claim Ukrainian missile attack on Belgorod Oblast leaves outages, occupied Luhansk (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-missile-strike-on-russias-belgorod-oblast-leaves-outages-officials-claim/) oil depot reportedly struck.

⚑️Ukraine uncovers (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-uncovers-1-million-embezzlement-in-major-kyiv-power-plant-restoration-sbu-says/) $1 million embezzlement in major Kyiv power plant restoration, SBU says.
The Trypillia Thermal Power Plant, the main power supplier to Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Cherkasy oblasts, was destroyed in a Russian strike in the spring of 2024.

⚑️Prosecutors, police, SBU suspected (kyivindependent.com/prosecutors-police-sbu-accused-of-monitoring-ukraines-biggest-graft-case-as-part-of-suspected-sabotage/) of illegal surveillance to obstruct Ukraine's biggest graft case.
Prosecutors, the police, and employees of the Security Service (SBU) have conducted surveillance of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau's (NABU) actions in the Midas operation, NABU Chief Semen Kryvonos said on Feb. 26.
At the same time, similar information on the NABU's activities has been leaked to suspects in the Midas operation β€” the biggest corruption case during Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency.

Fact-check: No, Ukraine’s attack on Russian oil pumping station is not an β€˜attack on NATO’ (kyivindependent.com/fact-check-ukraines-strike-on-russian-oil-is-not-attack-on-nato/)
Ukraine did not just attack a NATO member this week β€” despite efforts by some to frame its strike on a Russian oil hub that way.
Overnight on Feb. 23, Ukrainian drones struck the Kaleykino oil pumping station in Russia’s Tatarstan, a major hub for deliveries to Russian oil refineries and part of the Druzhba pipeline, a key route for crude flowing to Central Europe.

Russian workers turn occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant into β€˜resort’ (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-workers-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-resort/)
Photos posted on Jan. 20 by Actual Energodar, a Telegram channel that publishes updates about Enerhodar and the occupied plant based in the city, show Rosatom workers using a plant room as a living space, with a kitchen setup and a festive table.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ β€ͺ@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
Β· 5h
⚑️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE β€” FEB 27, 2026 (1/2)
β–  Engagements and casualties remain high; hardly any πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί net gains in the last 30 days
β–  Equipment losses up from the previous day but still below the 7-day average
β–  Overnight πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί attacks: 187 drones; 88% intercepted, 14 locations affected
β–  πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί strikes, drones, and shelling close to average; five πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ strikes reported

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/02/2026 12:45

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🀬 In February, Russia doubled the number of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, said Yuriy Ignat.
Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted all cruise and aircraft missiles during the latest attack, with fighter jets β€” including F-16s β€” and air defense systems involved.
Ignat noted that such intensive attacks require a constant replenishment of ammunition for aviation and air defense systems.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor OrbΓ‘n has launched a full-scale attack on European Union initiatives to support Ukraine, as his approval ratings plunge.
According to Bloomberg, he is using an alleged β€œoil blockade” as a pretext to block €90 billion in aid, kicking off an anti-Ukraine campaign less than seven weeks before elections and stalling new EU packages aimed at helping Kyiv and pressuring Moscow.

China has raised fiber optic cable prices for Russia by 2.5 to 4 times at the start of the year, according to the Russian newspaper Vedomosti.
Experts link the increase to the global artificial intelligence boom, which has led to a growing shortage of fiber optic cable.
Large AI models are trained on thousands of servers simultaneously in data centers connected by fiber optic lines.
However, Russia needs fiber optic cable not for AI development, but for its war against Ukraine.
Russia can no longer produce it domestically. After repeated Ukrainian drone strikes, the only plant β€” JSC Optic Fiber Systems in Saransk β€” stopped operating in May 2025.
Supplies from the EU and the United States are blocked by sanctions. As a result, Russia is now fully dependent on deliveries from China.

πŸ‡­πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡° Viktor OrbΓ‘n held a phone call with Robert Fico and announced that Hungary and Slovakia will establish a joint investigative commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline.

Ukrainian veterans have begun competing at the Marine Corps and Air Force Trials in the USA.
These competitions are an important part of the qualifying stages for the Warrior Games, domestic contests for U.S. war veterans.
Although Ukraine is not part of the selection process, its team was invited to promote international cooperation and exchange experience.

Ukraine will field a record number of athletes at the 2026 Paralympics.
This year’s delegation is the largest in the country’s history, with 35 participants β€” 25 Paralympians and 10 guides.

πŸ‡«πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has ΠΊΠ°Ρ‚Π΅Π³ΠΎΡ€ically rejected Russia’s accusations that it is helping create a β€œdirty bomb” for Ukraine.
The baseless claim, made by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, was amplified by Russian propaganda outlets on X and by several foreign news agencies. Paris says Moscow regularly uses disinformation to undermine trust in France and its partners supporting Ukraine.

The vast majority of surveyed Russian prisoners of war believe the war against Ukraine was justified. Slightly less than half said they do not consider Ukrainians to be human, according to a study by the anti-propaganda organization LingvaLexa titled β€œWords That Kill.”
Among prisoners who believed Russian propaganda, about 88% said the war was justified and necessary. Among those who did not believe the propaganda, 51% said the same.
Around 13% of those who trusted the propaganda described the war as absolutely justified and necessary, compared with only 2% among skeptics.
β€œThis means that soldiers who fully believed the propaganda were six times more likely to see the war as completely legitimate β€” a difference that is psychologically significant,” the researchers noted.
Respondents were also shown a pictographic β€œhuman ascension” scale, which suggested that people may differ in their level of humanity, with some portrayed as more developed and others as closer to animals.
They were asked to indicate, using percentages, how developed they considered the average Ukrainian to be. More than 40% said they did not view Ukrainians as full-fledged human beings.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/02/2026 12:52

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia has NO timeline for ending the war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
His remarks come as a new round of negotiations takes place in Geneva today.

Russia is expanding its air and missile defense systems at pace, with analysts warning they could be capable of intercepting British and French nuclear warheads (www.kyivpost.com/post/70864) within the next 10 years.

Ukraine cut Russian drone connectivity elevenfold (www.kyivpost.com/post/70878) and overhauled air defense assessments in the first month of the renewed defense ministry’s work, says Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov.

Zelensky promoted six veteran field commanders to the rank of brigadier (www.kyivpost.com/post/70837) or major general in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, deepening a leadership reshuffle that favors younger, frontline-tested officers.

Russia launched another large-scale drone assault (www.kyivpost.com/post/70873) in the early hours of Friday, striking civilian and port facilities in Odesa, hitting central Sumy, and targeting communities across the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions.

Torture. Mock executions. Nearly two years without sunlight: Ukrainian POW Oleksii told Kyiv Post he survived Russian captivity (www.kyivpost.com/post/70628) for one reason β€” his newborn daughter.

Ukraine was unprepared for Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, (www.kyivpost.com/post/70832) a senior commander has admitted, saying the lack of readiness allowed Moscow to seize vast areas of territory in the opening days of the war.

Europe or Russia β€” who will become the β€œthird pillar” of the new global order?
Poland’s Foreign Minister RadosΕ‚aw Sikorski says the answer will be decided on the battlefields of Ukraine, (www.kyivpost.com/post/70838) as the war enters its fifth year.

The Russian military has sustained a "mortal wound" in 2026. From 250k casualties at Pokrovsk to a $52B railway collapse and donkey-led resupply lines, the front is crumbling.
Time is not just running out on Russia's invasion - but on the Putin Regime.
Get the full battlefield intelligence report here:

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/02/2026 12:56

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡°President Zelenskyy has invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to Ukraine to "discuss all existing issues."
The President's Office reported that Zelenskyy is currently speaking with Fico by phone. This invitation comes amid heightened tensions regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline and Slovakia's recent threats to halt emergency electricity aid to Ukraine.

The General Staff of the AFU has confirmed new strikes on Russian targets. The Ukrainian military attacked:
πŸ”΄Dzhankoi (occupied Crimea): Radar stations and systems (P-18 "Terek" and RSP-6M2) were hit last night.
πŸ”΄Occupied Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions: Yesterday, a warehouse, a drone control point (near Poltavka), and a concentration of Russian troops (near Rodynske) were targeted.
πŸ”΄Bryansk region (RF): Russian command and observation posts were attacked.
Additionally, the General Staff confirmed the results of previous strikes:
πŸ”΄Neftegorsk Gas Processing Plant (Samara region): Following the February 21 strike, equipment was damaged, including an electric desalting unit and two gas condensate stabilization units. Two vertical tanks were also damaged, resulting in an oil leak.
πŸ”΄Votkinsk Missile Plant (Udmurtia): The destruction of production workshop No. 22 has been confirmed following the February 20 strike with "Flamingo" missiles. This plant produces ballistic missiles, including the "Oreshnik," "Iskander," and "Kinzhal."

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈThe US has postponed sanctions against Lukoil's international assets for the fourth time, moving the deadline from February 28 to April 1, Reuters reports, citing four sources and a document reviewed by journalists.
The delay is attributed to the need for more time to finalize sales agreements. According to one source, the proceeds from any deal with Lukoil must be deposited into a frozen US account.

πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄Norway is proposing to stop granting collective protection to men from Ukraine aged 18 to 60.
The country's government plans to adopt an initiative by Easter under which Ukrainian men will no longer receive temporary collective protection. Instead, they will be able to apply for asylum under standard procedures.
These restrictions will apply only to new applicants and will not affect those who already hold temporary protection in Norway.
Men who are documented as exempt from service, those who entered the country via the medical evacuation program, or those who are the sole caregivers for children who arrived with them will still be eligible to receive it.

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§The UK has refused asylum to a Ukrainian family with a child suffering from war-induced panic attacks, advising them to wear headphones instead, Sky News reports.
In the refusal letter, the family was advised to move to "safer regions of Ukraine," such as Chernivtsi, Ternopil, or Rivne.
Another family from Mariupol with an autistic son was also denied. The Home Office acknowledged they could face persecution but stated there is "no real risk" in Kyiv or western Ukraine.
The son's autism was not considered a "special humanitarian reason," despite his mother’s account that he stopped speaking after their home was bombed.
β–ͺ️ Since February 2022, Britain has accepted nearly 310,000 Ukrainians under special visa schemes. However, most asylum applications are now being rejected, a sharp shift from the period leading up to April 2025, when nearly all Ukrainian claims were approved.

blueshoes · 27/02/2026 13:33

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/02/2026 10:15

I looked that up further, @blueshoes

Russia coercing Chinese citizens into the army will be an interesting development. (their bolding)

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) reportedly issued a warning to Chinese citizens in Russia about a law compelling service in the Russian military. Hong Kong-based media outlet South China Morning Post reported on February 26 that the PRC Consulate in Russia called on Chinese citizens living in Russia to β€œtake note of” a new Russian law requiring male permanent residents under the age of 65 to serve at least one year with the Russian military.[35] The South China Morning Post referenced a Russian November 2025 law that requires foreign citizens and stateless men aged 18 to 65 who are β€œlegally capable” to serve in the Russian military for at least one year to apply for Russian citizenship or a residency permit.[36] The November 2025 Russian law grants exceptions to Belarusian citizens, men who provide proof that they have already fulfilled the service requirement in the Russian military, and men who provide documentation from Russian military enlistment and recruitment centers that they are unfit for military service. Russian state media notably did not publicize these aspects of the decree at the time.[37] The PRC consulate reportedly did not directly warn PRC citizens against serving in the Russian military but called on PRC citizens in Russia to β€œmake prudent decisions” to β€œensure lawful residency status in Russia.”[38] The PRC consulate’s warning is an indicator that the PRC may be concerned that Russia will coerce its citizens living in Russia into military service through this law. Russia has conducted raids against migrants with expired permits or who are undocumented and coerced them into military service under threat of criminal charges or deportation.[39] Forcing foreigners to serve in the Russian military as a condition for a residency permit or citizenship is a significant escalation in its recruitment mechanisms. ISW has recently observed indicators that the Kremlin is preparing for rolling call-ups of its involuntary reserve to mitigate manpower shortages from Russia’s slowing recruitment rates.[40] The PRC consulate’s statement may be a supporting indicator that Russia is ready to conduct involuntary reserve call-ups and other coercive force generation mechanisms that could affect its citizens living in Russia.

@ReleaseTheDucksOfWar Interesting. Thanks for spotting and flagging. Seems a bit of an own goal for Russia to call up Chinese citizens in Russia to serve in the war considering how China has been enabling the war machine by sending materials and tech to Russia. I presume 'making prudent decisions' must be code to Chinese citizens to get the hell out of there.

If this affects all foreigners, Assad will be getting a call up soon.

The PRC consulate’s statement may be a supporting indicator that Russia is ready to conduct involuntary reserve call-ups and other coercive force generation mechanisms that could affect its citizens living in Russia.

The recent blocking of Telegram and Whatsapp by Russia, even to the extent of negatively affecting the battlefield, seems to point to Russia moving towards doing something to its citizenry that the regime does not want widely and freely disseminated.

PerkingFaintly · 27/02/2026 13:40

Thanks @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar , that's interesting about the shortages of fibre optic cable Russia is experiencing – and China raising the price to Russia.

I have been wondering about fibre optic supplies as a weak point for Russia, particularly after Ukraine very smartly took out the Russian manufacturer.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/02/2026 15:41

@blueshoes If this affects all foreigners, Assad will be getting a call up soon.* *πŸ˜€

MissConductUS · 27/02/2026 17:13

Russia is expanding its air and missile defense systems at pace, with analysts warning they could be capable of intercepting British and French nuclear warheads (www.kyivpost.com/post/70864) within the next 10 years.

The European nuclear deterrent is headed for the same problem that the European conventional force now faces. It's too small to rely on confidently. Russian antimissile defenses can be saturated to the point that at least some weapons reach the target, but that requires a numerically larger force.

The US is in the process of fielding a next-generation ICBM designed to be more accurate and more survivable. It's been a very expensive project.

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/number-of-nuclear-warheads-new-sentinel-icbms-will-carry-now-an-open-question

Moscow’s Expanding Air Defenses May Undermine Europe’s Nuclear Arsenal

A new RUSI report warns Russia’s expanding missile defenses could intercept British and French nuclear strikes within 10 years, raising concerns over Europe’s deterrent.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70864)

Mb76 · 27/02/2026 18:17

The vast majority of surveyed Russian prisoners of war believe the war against Ukraine was justified. Slightly less than half said they do not consider Ukrainians to be human, according to a study by the anti-propaganda organization LingvaLexa titled β€œWords That Kill.”

Isn’t this how nazis viewed Jewish people to justify their genocide?

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 27/02/2026 19:32

Are we supposed to think that Putin's monsters are not Nazis under another name?

blueshoes · 28/02/2026 04:11

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-27-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Russian forces have likely begun artillery and drone preparation of the battlefield for the anticipated Russian Spring-Summer 2026 offensive against Ukraine’s Fortress Belt in Donetsk Oblast.
  2. Russia is reportedly expanding recruitment efforts in higher educational institutions to staff the Russian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF).
  3. The Kremlin is continuing to crack down on pro-war information space figures that it cannot fully co-opt or subordinate to state control as part of wider efforts to consolidate the information space under the Kremlin’s control.
  4. Russian drone approached the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Swedish port of Malmo on February 25.
  5. Russian forces likely used white phosphorus in Kostyantynivka and may have indiscriminately affected civilian areas in violation of international law.
  6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area and near Oleksandrivka. Russian forces recently advanced near Hulyaipole.
Mb76 · 28/02/2026 09:13

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 27/02/2026 19:32

Are we supposed to think that Putin's monsters are not Nazis under another name?

Well the irony of Putin calling Ukrainians nazis …

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 28/02/2026 09:55

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️BREAKING: US, Israel launch β€˜major combat operations’ in Iran (kyivindependent.com/breaking-israel-launches-pre-emptive-attack-on-iran-us-reportedly-jointly-involved/), Trump says, explosions in Tehran.
"We're going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally obliterated. We're going to annihilate their navy," Trump said, calling it a "noble mission."

⚑️Ukraine's Flamingo manufacturer unveils new FP-7 ballistic (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-flamingo-manufacturer-unveils-new-fp-7-ballistic-missile-in-launch-test-video/) missile in launch test video.
The FP-7 tactical ballistic missile has a range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) and carries a combat load of 150 kilograms (about 330 pounds), according to the Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point.

⚑️ Slovakia, Hungary want to inspect Druzhba pipeline (kyivindependent.com/slovakia-hungary-want-to-inspect-druzhba-pipeline-as-zelensky-invites-fico-to-ukraine/) as Zelensky invites Fico to Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Ukraine in a phone call on Feb. 27, amid a row between Kyiv, Budapest, and Bratislava over a key oil pipeline.
The call was reported shortly after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged Ukraine to grant Slovak and Hungarian inspectors access to the Ukrainian section of Druzhba.

⚑️Drone attack sparks fire at oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/drone-attack-sparks-fire-at-oil-refinery-in-southern-russia-officials-say-2/) in southern Russia, officials say.
Flames engulfed one of the tanks at the Albashneft oil refinery in Novominskaya and burned an adjacent area of about 150 square meters, the Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters said.

⚑️Flamingo threat triggers unprecedented missile alert (kyivindependent.com/flamingo-threat-triggers-unprecedented-missile-alert-across-russia-1-claimed-shot-down/) across Russia, 1 claimed shot down
Russia has claimed to shoot down a Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingo missile, amid an unprecedentedly large alert announced across Russia, Russian media and officials reported on Feb. 27.

⚑️ Ahead of possible US strikes, Zelensky backs action (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-backs-action-against-irans-regime-not-against-the-people/) against Iran's regime, 'not against the people.'

Philip Morris suffered $16 million (kyivindependent.com/philip-morris-suffered-16-million-in-damages-after-russian-strike-on-kharkiv-factory/) in damages after Russian strike on Kharkiv factory
Tobacco giant Philip Morris calculated at least $16 million in damages after a Russian strike last month tore apart a warehouse in Kharkiv and damaged a raw materials warehouse, Serhii Kalnoochenko, the CFO of the company’s Ukrainian branch, told Forbes Ukraine on Feb. 27.

⚑️US lifts sanctions on Malian officials (kyivindependent.com/us-lifts-sanctions-malian-officials-linked-wagner/) linked to Russian Wagner Group.
The United States has lifted sanctions on three senior Malian officials who were previously designated for their ties to Russia's Wagner Group, the Treasury Department announced Feb. 27.

Explainer: Who is the main suspect (kyivindependent.com/suspect-in-murder-of-former-yanukovych-ally-linked-to-both-ukraine-and-russia-investigation-shows/) in murder of ex-top official Portnov, and what was the motive?
Andriy Portnov, a former Ukrainian top official, was gunned down in Madrid on May 21, 2025.

Despite wartime reforms, Ukraine’s state-owned company clean-up still misses (kyivindependent.com/despite-wartime-reforms-ukraines-state-owned-company-clean-up-still-misses-the-mark/) the mark
Ukraine’s reset of its state-owned companies has won back some of the trust from Western partners after the country’s worst wartime corruption scandal, but critics warn it doesn’t do enough to address the main issue β€” government interference.
State-owned companies, which in Ukraine dominate the energy, banking, and infrastructure sectors, have often become battlegrounds for control of their resources. The country's reformers and international partners favor independent supervisory boards to mitigate the risk of corruption, upsetting the various state and non-state actors who want influence over the companies for their own gain.#

⚑️At least 4 killed, 25 injured (kyivindependent.com/at-least-4-killed-25-injured-in-russian-attacks-against-ukraine-over-past-day/) in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day.
Russian troops launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 105 drones of various types, including about 60 Shahed drones, the Air Force said on Feb. 28. It reported downing 96 drones in the north, south, and east of the country.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ β€ͺ@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
Β· 1h
⚑️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE β€” FEB 28, 2026
β–  3rd-highest drone activity, 5th-highest drone losses; increased land-based equipment losses
β–  Engagements and casualties below average; no confirmed territorial change
β–  Overnight πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί attacks: 106 drones; 91% intercepted (!), 13 locations affected β–  Strikes on both sides above average; 30-day strike ratio improves

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 28/02/2026 11:01

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has become President Zelenskyy’s economic recovery advisor.
He will hold an unpaid position as an advisor to Zelenskyy’s International Advisory Council on Ukraine’s Economic Recovery.

Croatia is negotiating with Slovakia, Hungary, and the European Commission on alternative oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković told Reuters.
According to Plenković, the pipeline can transport up to 15 million tonnes of oil per year. This volume is enough to fully meet the needs of Hungary and Slovakia.
Slovakia and Hungary have already begun receiving non-Russian oil through the pipeline, delivered by tankers to the OmiΕ‘alj terminal.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡° Fico said he had agreed to meet with President Zelenskyy but wants the meeting to take place in one of the EU countries.

❗️Ukraine has destroyed a modern communications system that Russian drones used to enter the country from Belarus, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.
β€œWe managed to eliminate the Mesh network that these drones were using in the north, which improved the defense capabilities of Kyiv and central Ukraine,” he said during a conversation with reporters.
Advisor to the Minister and radio technology expert Serhii Beskrestnov (β€œFlash”) told the Ukrainian Press that the Mesh network works so that all its participants act as relays for each other:
β€œBut this network, in which many drones operate simultaneously, must be connected to the control centerβ€”the Russian operators who control the process. Such control points exist on Russian territory and were also on Belarusian territory.
These are ordinary mobile operator towers, or similar structures, 70–80 meters high, with powerful antennas aimed toward Ukraine. These nodes relay information from the drones to the control center.”

British and French paratroopers are making final preparations for a possible mission in Ukraine, The Telegraph reports.
More than 600 soldiers from Britain’s 16th Air Assault Brigade have taken part in airborne exercises with troops from France’s 11th Parachute Brigade in Brittany.
The drills marked the final stage of preparations for potential deployment anywhere in the world. They took place on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and just weeks after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the UK and France would lead a military contingent in Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached.
Although the specific units that could take part in the mission have not been officially confirmed, soldiers from the 16th Brigade are part of the UK’s high-readiness forces and can be deployed at short notice alongside other NATO troops.
β€œThese troops are the tip of the spear of the conventional army. They are the most ready to go and do anything,” a Ministry of Defence source said.

Swedish Defense Minister Poul Jonsson has confirmed that the drone shot down by the Swedish military near the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle off MalmΓΆ was Russian.
β€œThe Swedish Armed Forces can now confirm, based on technical data, that the unauthorized drone was launched from the Russian signals intelligence vessel Zhigulevsk,” he wrote on social media platform X.

A week before the opening of the Paralympic Games in Verona, more countries are planning to boycott the ceremony in protest against the admission of Russian athletes under their own flags, Reuters reports.[..]
β€œFinland has confirmed that it will also not participate after Ukraine announced its boycott of the ceremony last week,” said Craig Spence, IPC Director of Brand and Communications.
The Czech Republic informed the IPC in December that it would not attend due to the competition schedule, but later changed its position and said it now intends to boycott the event.
Latvia, Poland, and the Netherlands have also announced their boycott through the media.
β€œCanada and Great Britain will not participate in the ceremony as their athletes will compete in alpine skiing the following day in Cortina, a ski resort about 250 km from Verona.

Italy will transfer SIDAM-25 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine, Italian military correspondent A-129 Mangusta (NichoConcu) reports.
According to his research, the manufacturer OTO Melara produced 275 SIDAM-25 systems for the Italian Army. After the system was withdrawn from service, 207 units were sold to Belgium, while the rest remained in Italy. Thus, at least 68 units are likely still in storage.
The SIDAM-25 is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun developed in the 1980s for short-range air defense. The vehicle is built on the M113A2 armored personnel carrier chassis and is equipped with four 25 mm Oerlikon KBA automatic cannons. Its effective range against air targets is about 2,500 meters.
Unlike many similar systems, the SIDAM-25 does not have its own radar. Targeting is carried out using an optoelectronic system that includes a television camera, a laser rangefinder, and a thermal imager.

Russia’s war economy is under growing pressure from sanctions and falling revenues, Bloomberg reports.
The effects are already being felt in regions that previously benefited from increased military spending.
Regional governments, many of which traditionally relied on federal subsidies, are now taking out high-interest loans to cover budget shortfalls.
Meanwhile, businesses are gradually exhausting the reserves that allowed them to keep operating. As a result, many will be forced to cut production and staff or declare bankruptcy.
This will make it harder for Putin to continue the war against Ukraine and weaken the Kremlin’s position at the negotiating table.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ’ŒπŸ‡»πŸ‡¦ The Vatican has issued a new postage stamp dedicated to Ukrainian Catholics.
The stamp commemorates the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the Kyiv Catholic Diocese and the 12th anniversary of the cathedral’s construction.
It features the Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv, shown darkened due to a power outage.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 28/02/2026 11:07

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Ukrainians have launched (www.kyivpost.com/post/70905) more than 120,000 businesses in Poland.
Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski said economic activity among adult Ukrainian immigrants now exceeds that of Polish citizens.

Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday, (www.kyivpost.com/post/70936) pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West.

An evacuation was reported at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa β€” the tallest building in the world β€” following fears linked to an Iranian attack.
Authorities have not yet released full details, but people were seen leaving the skyscraper as a precaution.

Over $1.16 million earmarked for rebuilding Ukraine’s (www.kyivpost.com/post/70887) Trypillya thermal power plant β€” obliterated in a hypersonic Russian missile strike in early 2024 β€” was siphoned off in a criminal scheme, authorities said.

Inside a Frontline Kitchen Just Miles From Combat: (www.kyivpost.com/videos/70914) Kyiv Post goes inside a frontline military kitchen where Ukrainian soldiers cook, share meals, and use drone deliveries to sustain positions just kilometers from active combat.

A message blazoned on the wall of a ruined building in the Donetsk region quickly went viral on Ukrainian social media: β€œMr. Trump! I am from Donbas – why should I surrender my home and my region to Russia? Donbas is Ukraine.”
In the photo, on the right, stands Vitaliy Ovcharenko, a sergeant in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who painted this message on a destroyed building in the Donetsk combat zone.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
MissConductUS · 28/02/2026 11:24

Somewhat off topic, but the balloon has gone up in the ME:

https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-is-under-attack

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-strikes-2026?mod=WSJ_home_supertoppertop_pos_1

It's too early to draw any conclusions about possible effects elsewhere, other than that fewer air defense missiles will be available elsewhere. As one defense analyst I follow put it, CENTCOM (U.S. Central Command, responsible for US military actions in the ME) is taking your munitions to Vegas.

U.S. And Israel At War With Iran (Updated)

The U.S. and Israel have begun a major military operation that is aimed directly at the regime, its nuclear ambitions and its ability to wage war in the future.

https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-is-under-attack

DrBlackbird · 28/02/2026 11:29

Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday, (www.kyivpost.com/post/70936) pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West.

This will take up Trump’s attention now surely and away from Ukraine. I cannot see Trump wanting to cede military intervention there until there is regime change. Although elsewhere on MN someone posted 30,000 (?!) were killed in the clashes of three weeks ago. In terms of Ukraine, Iran used to supply Russia with drones but will this make any difference if Russia is able to manufacture their own now?

Israel Launches β€˜Pre-Emptive’ Strike Against Iran

Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack on Iran.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70936)

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