===Russia===
Trump administration rejects Putin's proposal that the U.N. should govern Ukraine
The White House on Thursday dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion that peace talks in Ukraine should depend on the country being governed by the United Nations while new elections are held. Speaking to reporters during a visit to a Russian nuclear submarine in Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, Putin reiterated his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's mandate is illegitimate. With the United Nations, the United States and European nations, "we could discuss the possibility of introduction of temporary governance in Ukraine,” Putin said, while Ukraine holds “democratic elections, to bring to power a capable government that enjoys the trust of the people.”
(NBC 3/28/25) READMORE>>>>>
The White House on Thursday dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion that peace talks in Ukraine should depend on the country being governed by the United Nations while new elections are held. Speaking to reporters during a visit to a Russian nuclear submarine in Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, Putin reiterated his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's mandate is illegitimate. With the United Nations, the United States and European nations, "we could discuss the possibility of introduction of temporary governance in Ukraine,” Putin said, while Ukraine holds “democratic elections, to bring to power a capable government that enjoys the trust of the people.”
(NBC 3/28/25) READMORE>>>>>
Russia-Ukraine war live: Trump to discuss ‘land, power plants’ with Putin
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will speak to his United States counterpart, Donald Trump, on Tuesday. Trump, who has upended longstanding US policy by moving closer to Russia, says the discussions on ending the war in Ukraine will include “land and power plants”. (Aljazeera 3/17/25) READMORE>>>>>
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will speak to his United States counterpart, Donald Trump, on Tuesday. Trump, who has upended longstanding US policy by moving closer to Russia, says the discussions on ending the war in Ukraine will include “land and power plants”. (Aljazeera 3/17/25) READMORE>>>>>
The Guardian view on Trump’s diplomacy: when the US knows the price and ignores values
The Trump administration did not take red lines on Ukraine to its talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday: it cares about the bottom line. The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, underscored that when he said the two sides would create a team, not only to support Ukraine peace talks but also to explore the “incredible opportunities” to partner with Moscow geopolitically “and, frankly, economically” that might result. Kyiv and other European capitals are still reeling at the full extent of Donald Trump’s cynicism when it comes to world affairs, and callous disregard for the people caught up in them. But it should be no surprise that business dealings were high on the agenda. Vladimir Putin would dearly love to end his country’s economic isolation. Russia is making the case that American energy firms and others could profit handsomely by doing business with it again.
(The Guardian 2/18/25) READMORE>>>>>
The Trump administration did not take red lines on Ukraine to its talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday: it cares about the bottom line. The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, underscored that when he said the two sides would create a team, not only to support Ukraine peace talks but also to explore the “incredible opportunities” to partner with Moscow geopolitically “and, frankly, economically” that might result. Kyiv and other European capitals are still reeling at the full extent of Donald Trump’s cynicism when it comes to world affairs, and callous disregard for the people caught up in them. But it should be no surprise that business dealings were high on the agenda. Vladimir Putin would dearly love to end his country’s economic isolation. Russia is making the case that American energy firms and others could profit handsomely by doing business with it again.
(The Guardian 2/18/25) READMORE>>>>>
Biden administration disturbed by Modi-Putin visit during NATO summit
Senior Biden administration officials are frustrated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as President Biden was kicking off a major NATO summit in Washington this week, underscoring the challenges the United States faces in a relationship it considers one of its most consequential. The Moscow meeting came despite concerns conveyed to New Delhi by several senior administration officials earlier this month that the timing would complicate the “optics” for Washington, according to several U.S. officials familiar with the matter. (Washington Post 7/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Senior Biden administration officials are frustrated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as President Biden was kicking off a major NATO summit in Washington this week, underscoring the challenges the United States faces in a relationship it considers one of its most consequential. The Moscow meeting came despite concerns conveyed to New Delhi by several senior administration officials earlier this month that the timing would complicate the “optics” for Washington, according to several U.S. officials familiar with the matter. (Washington Post 7/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Russian State TV Gushes Over Marjorie Taylor Greene: 'A Beauty'
A top Kremlin propagandist gushed over Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on state TV, calling her a "beauty." Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the Russian state-controlled media organization RT, made the remarks while speaking on TV channel Russia-1 alongside host Vladimir Solovyov, one of the most prominent figures in Kremlin-backed media. The Daily Beast's Julia Davis shared an excerpt of the broadcast on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday. Newsweek
reached out to Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment via email.
(Newsweek 4/22/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A top Kremlin propagandist gushed over Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on state TV, calling her a "beauty." Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the Russian state-controlled media organization RT, made the remarks while speaking on TV channel Russia-1 alongside host Vladimir Solovyov, one of the most prominent figures in Kremlin-backed media. The Daily Beast's Julia Davis shared an excerpt of the broadcast on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday. Newsweek
reached out to Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment via email.
(Newsweek 4/22/24) READ MORE>>>>>
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NY Post rubs Ukraine aid in ‘Moscow’ Marjorie’s face with mocking front page
No. It didn’t work. That was the front-page message from the NY Post for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Republicans who opposed the latest round of aid for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia. And to drive the point further, the Post tossed in a little Russian: “Nyet, Moscow Marjorie” the headline reads. The House has approved $61 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine as Democrats and Republicans banded together after months of hard-right resistance over renewed American support for repelling Russia’s invasion. Greene helped lead the charge and was dubbed “Moscow Marjorie” by former Republican Rep. Ken Buck. (NJ.com 4/22/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
April 23, 2023:
Russia's air force accidentally bombs own city of Belgorod.
Russia's military acknowledged that a bomb accidentally dropped by one of its warplanes caused a powerful blast in a Russian city not far from Ukraine's border, injuring two and scaring local residents.
Russia's air force accidentally bombs own city of Belgorod.
Russia's military acknowledged that a bomb accidentally dropped by one of its warplanes caused a powerful blast in a Russian city not far from Ukraine's border, injuring two and scaring local residents.
The Fatal Blast in Poland Shows the Heightened Risk of Escalation
The intense reaction Tuesday night to the likely false alarm about a Russian missile striking a NATO ally, Poland, was a sobering reminder — if one were needed — of the risks that an already brutal conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a wider war that brings Russia and NATO into military confrontation. There are essentially two concerns. One is that a long, bitter war with forces battling on the ground, and missiles and shells flying through the air, will create accidents and incidents that can become something bigger — for instance, if it were clear that Russia had hit a NATO country, even if by accident, as was the initial fear Tuesday night. 11.16.22
The intense reaction Tuesday night to the likely false alarm about a Russian missile striking a NATO ally, Poland, was a sobering reminder — if one were needed — of the risks that an already brutal conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a wider war that brings Russia and NATO into military confrontation. There are essentially two concerns. One is that a long, bitter war with forces battling on the ground, and missiles and shells flying through the air, will create accidents and incidents that can become something bigger — for instance, if it were clear that Russia had hit a NATO country, even if by accident, as was the initial fear Tuesday night. 11.16.22
Euro-Weekly: BREAKING: German embassy in Kyiv hit by Russian strikes
REPORTS coming out of Germany on Monday, October 10 suggest that the visa office of the German embassy was hit during the heavy Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. 10.10.22
REPORTS coming out of Germany on Monday, October 10 suggest that the visa office of the German embassy was hit during the heavy Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. 10.10.22
The Conversation: Why it’s such a big deal that Alla Pugacheva, ‘the tsarina of Russian pop,’ came out against the war in Ukraine 9.29.22
As Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, Brussels proposed Thursday to extend four European transport corridors to Ukraine and Moldova, including the ports of Mariupol and Odessa.
Russia's war has in particular highlighted the EU's vulnerability to unforeseen events beyond the Union's borders, and has had major impact on global markets such as global food security. EU Business: Brussels to extend transport corridors to Ukraine, Moldova -July 28. 2022
Russia's war has in particular highlighted the EU's vulnerability to unforeseen events beyond the Union's borders, and has had major impact on global markets such as global food security. EU Business: Brussels to extend transport corridors to Ukraine, Moldova -July 28. 2022
"There is no doubt that significant gaps remain in sanctions policy across the US and EU, which need to be closed urgently to further choke the inflow of revenue from commodity exports into the Kremlin's coffers," the Yale report said.
But the capital flight alone meant six months of war had undone three decades of growth, it added.
The corporate retreat was compounded by rich Russians, who had moved at least $70bn out of the country.
At the same time, Russia had lost EU export markets and Russian industry was struggling to maintain production due to lack of Western parts and technology, the Yale survey added. --EU Observer: US and EU sanctions 'crippling' Russia, Yale study finds - July 19,2022
But the capital flight alone meant six months of war had undone three decades of growth, it added.
The corporate retreat was compounded by rich Russians, who had moved at least $70bn out of the country.
At the same time, Russia had lost EU export markets and Russian industry was struggling to maintain production due to lack of Western parts and technology, the Yale survey added. --EU Observer: US and EU sanctions 'crippling' Russia, Yale study finds - July 19,2022
Mar 16, 2022: Business Insider: Putin says Russia must undergo a 'self-cleansing of society' to purge 'bastards and traitors' as thousands flee the country
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday Russia must undergo a "self-cleansing of society."
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday Russia must undergo a "self-cleansing of society."
March 7, 2022: Raw Story: Russian military communications intercepted after they destroyed 4G towers needed for secure calls
On Monday, following reports of the combat death of Russian General-major Vitaly Gerasimov near Kharkiv, Ukraine, Christo Grozev, the executive director of investigative journalism and intelligence group Bellingcat, reported that Russian forces relaying the news back to their superiors were forced to use an insecure phone line with a local sim card — that was promptly intercepted.
On Monday, following reports of the combat death of Russian General-major Vitaly Gerasimov near Kharkiv, Ukraine, Christo Grozev, the executive director of investigative journalism and intelligence group Bellingcat, reported that Russian forces relaying the news back to their superiors were forced to use an insecure phone line with a local sim card — that was promptly intercepted.
Mar 6, 2022: MSNBC: TikTok suspends livestreams, uploads from Russia
Video sharing app TikTok will limit operations in Russia. In a statement, TikTok said, “In light of Russia’s new ‘fake news’ law, we have no choice but to suspend livestreaming and new content to our video service.”
Video sharing app TikTok will limit operations in Russia. In a statement, TikTok said, “In light of Russia’s new ‘fake news’ law, we have no choice but to suspend livestreaming and new content to our video service.”
Feb 28, 2022: Sight Magazine: Hong Kong facilities for storing dead bodies stretched as COVID deaths climb
Facilities for storing dead bodies at hospitals and public mortuaries in Hong Kong are struggling to keep pace with a record number of COVID-19 infections and deaths, eclipsing authorities attempts to control a deepening outbreak.
Facilities for storing dead bodies at hospitals and public mortuaries in Hong Kong are struggling to keep pace with a record number of COVID-19 infections and deaths, eclipsing authorities attempts to control a deepening outbreak.
Feb 28, 2022: Seattle Times: Ukraine seeks to join EU as round of talks with Russia ends
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted photos of himself signing the EU application, a largely symbolic move for now that could take years to become reality and is unlikely to sit well with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long accused the West of trying to pull Ukraine into its orbit.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted photos of himself signing the EU application, a largely symbolic move for now that could take years to become reality and is unlikely to sit well with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long accused the West of trying to pull Ukraine into its orbit.
Feb 27, 2022: New York Times: In Foreign Policy U-turn, Germany Ups Military Spending, Arms Ukraine
It took an invasion of a sovereign country nearby, threats of nuclear attack, images of civilians facing off against Russian tanks and a spate of shaming from allies for Germany to shake its decades-long faith in a military-averse foreign policy that was born of the crimes of the Third Reich.
It took an invasion of a sovereign country nearby, threats of nuclear attack, images of civilians facing off against Russian tanks and a spate of shaming from allies for Germany to shake its decades-long faith in a military-averse foreign policy that was born of the crimes of the Third Reich.
Feb 26, 2022: Fox 5: Pro-Ukraine rallies held across NYC
Hundreds of people protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin marched and protested all across New York City again on Saturday.
One of the largest rallies so far was held in Times Square, where protesters marched and drove through the streets in protest of the attack on Ukraine.
Hundreds of people protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin marched and protested all across New York City again on Saturday.
One of the largest rallies so far was held in Times Square, where protesters marched and drove through the streets in protest of the attack on Ukraine.
Feb 24, 2022: People: Wrenching Scenes from the Start of War as Russia Invades Ukraine
The first explosions were reportedly heard early on Feb. 24 as Russia began its long feared invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale attack — which he continues to insist is for "peacekeeping," as the international community condemns him — has forced Ukrainian residents to prepare bags with necessities and flee their homes as airstrikes and threats continue to evolve
The first explosions were reportedly heard early on Feb. 24 as Russia began its long feared invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale attack — which he continues to insist is for "peacekeeping," as the international community condemns him — has forced Ukrainian residents to prepare bags with necessities and flee their homes as airstrikes and threats continue to evolve
Feb 24, 2022: Paul Craig Roberts: Breaking News : Russia Demilitarizes Ukraine
In a televised address President Putin announced this morning a military operation to “demilitarize and denazify Ukraine.”
In a televised address President Putin announced this morning a military operation to “demilitarize and denazify Ukraine.”
Feb 24, 2022: Phillipines Star: Russia-Ukraine tensions
South Korea will join international economic sanctions against Russia over its "armed invasion" of Ukraine, President Moon Jae-in says.
The sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine must be guaran
South Korea will join international economic sanctions against Russia over its "armed invasion" of Ukraine, President Moon Jae-in says.
The sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine must be guaran
Feb 24, 2022: Politico: Republicans' responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine fall into 3 broad categories. Let us break them down for you.
There's the establishment camp, the anti-Biden but also anti-Putin one — and then there's the MAGA one.
There's the establishment camp, the anti-Biden but also anti-Putin one — and then there's the MAGA one.
Feb 22, 2022: Washington Post: U.S. calls Russia’s actions an ‘invasion,’ readies new sanctions; Biden to speak
The White House on Tuesday called Russia’s deployment of troops into two pro-Russian separatist regions of Ukraine “the beginning of an invasion” as it prepared to announce new sanctions on Russia and President Biden planned remarks in the early afternoon.
The White House on Tuesday called Russia’s deployment of troops into two pro-Russian separatist regions of Ukraine “the beginning of an invasion” as it prepared to announce new sanctions on Russia and President Biden planned remarks in the early afternoon.
John McCain
“Nothing provokes Vladimir Putin more than weakness. You have to understand that Putin’s ambitions are the restoration of the old Russian empire. He cannot afford to see a free, democratic, prosperous Ukraine because the Russian people would then like to be like Ukraine.” --John McCain (2015)
“Nothing provokes Vladimir Putin more than weakness. You have to understand that Putin’s ambitions are the restoration of the old Russian empire. He cannot afford to see a free, democratic, prosperous Ukraine because the Russian people would then like to be like Ukraine.” --John McCain (2015)
