Russian Invasion of Ukraine | A War in Europe After Hours

[Dylan]

 https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1901705377764261959

Colour me shocked. No one could've seen that coming….other than millions who didn't vote for him that is.

I'm telling you: "no one has been tougher on Putin than me".

The US recognising a territory Russia already control as a bid to end the conflict seems overly optimistic. Three years of war, thousands dead and they get the US and others recognising Crimea as Russian and maybe some bits of Ukraine which have been disputed over since 2014?

Nothing sort of dismantling Ukraine as a viable independent state is satisfying Putin. Offering Putin what he already has and leaving Ukraine free to join the EU and prosper as Poland and others have done and with a European peace keeping force on Russia's borders is not going to fly unless I'm missing something here.

 

[Franco Pinion]

Putin tells Trump he wants hard stop to foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine

Here's the Kremlin's readout of the call between Trump and Putin

It's come in the form of bullet points...

• The leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his desire to help achieve the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.
• Having confirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Russian President declared his readiness to thoroughly work out possible ways of settlement together with his American partners, which should be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. And, of course, take into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, Russia's legitimate interests in the field of security.
• In the context of the US President's initiative to introduce a 30-day truce, the Russian side outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine and rearm the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Serious risks associated with the inability to negotiate of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region.
• It was emphasised that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.
• In connection with Donald Trump's recent appeal to save the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region, Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian side is ready to be guided by humanitarian considerations and, in the event of surrender, guarantees the lives of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers and decent treatment in accordance with Russian laws and international law.
• During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from striking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order.
• The Russian President also responded constructively to Donald Trump's idea of implementing a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed to begin negotiations to further elaborate on the specific details of such an agreement.
• Vladimir Putin informed that on 19 March, a prisoner exchange would be carried out between the Russian and Ukrainian sides - 175 for 175 people. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are undergoing treatment in Russian medical institutions will be transferred.
• The leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement in a bilateral mode, including taking into account the above-mentioned proposals of the US President. For this purpose, Russian and American expert groups are being created.
• Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also touched upon other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilise the situation in crisis areas, establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, will contribute to improving the overall atmosphere of Russian-American relations. One positive example is the joint vote in the UN on the resolution on the Ukrainian conflict.
• Mutual interest in normalising bilateral relations was expressed in light of the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for ensuring security and stability in the world. In this context, a wide range of areas in which our countries could establish cooperation was considered. A number of ideas were discussed that go towards developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the economy and energy sector in the long term.
• Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin's idea to organise hockey matches in the US and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL.
• The presidents agreed to stay in touch on all issues raised.

Totally bullshit. Hopefully, Ukraine and Europe say no.

 

[Tom]

Putin tells Trump he wants hard stop to foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine

Here's the Kremlin's readout of the call between Trump and Putin

It's come in the form of bullet points...

• The leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his desire to help achieve the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.
• Having confirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Russian President declared his readiness to thoroughly work out possible ways of settlement together with his American partners, which should be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. And, of course, take into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, Russia's legitimate interests in the field of security.
• In the context of the US President's initiative to introduce a 30-day truce, the Russian side outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine and rearm the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Serious risks associated with the inability to negotiate of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region.
• It was emphasised that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.
• In connection with Donald Trump's recent appeal to save the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region, Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian side is ready to be guided by humanitarian considerations and, in the event of surrender, guarantees the lives of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers and decent treatment in accordance with Russian laws and international law.
• During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from striking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order.
• The Russian President also responded constructively to Donald Trump's idea of implementing a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed to begin negotiations to further elaborate on the specific details of such an agreement.
• Vladimir Putin informed that on 19 March, a prisoner exchange would be carried out between the Russian and Ukrainian sides - 175 for 175 people. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are undergoing treatment in Russian medical institutions will be transferred.
• The leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement in a bilateral mode, including taking into account the above-mentioned proposals of the US President. For this purpose, Russian and American expert groups are being created.
• Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also touched upon other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilise the situation in crisis areas, establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, will contribute to improving the overall atmosphere of Russian-American relations. One positive example is the joint vote in the UN on the resolution on the Ukrainian conflict.
• Mutual interest in normalising bilateral relations was expressed in light of the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for ensuring security and stability in the world. In this context, a wide range of areas in which our countries could establish cooperation was considered. A number of ideas were discussed that go towards developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the economy and energy sector in the long term.
• Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin's idea to organise hockey matches in the US and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL.
• The presidents agreed to stay in touch on all issues raised.

Totally bullshit. Hopefully, Ukraine and Europe say no.

So the ground war can continue because Russia feels it has the upper hand. And, for 30 days they expect the cessation of military and intelligence aid for Ukraine. Seriously, this is not a ceasefire it's the beginning of the surrender of Ukraine.

It will be interesting to see the response from Ukraine and Europe.

 

[David76]

Putin tells Trump he wants hard stop to foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine

Here's the Kremlin's readout of the call between Trump and Putin

It's come in the form of bullet points...

• The leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his desire to help achieve the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.
• Having confirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Russian President declared his readiness to thoroughly work out possible ways of settlement together with his American partners, which should be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. And, of course, take into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, Russia's legitimate interests in the field of security.
• In the context of the US President's initiative to introduce a 30-day truce, the Russian side outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine and rearm the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Serious risks associated with the inability to negotiate of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region.
• It was emphasised that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.
• In connection with Donald Trump's recent appeal to save the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region, Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian side is ready to be guided by humanitarian considerations and, in the event of surrender, guarantees the lives of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers and decent treatment in accordance with Russian laws and international law.
• During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from striking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order.
• The Russian President also responded constructively to Donald Trump's idea of implementing a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed to begin negotiations to further elaborate on the specific details of such an agreement.
• Vladimir Putin informed that on 19 March, a prisoner exchange would be carried out between the Russian and Ukrainian sides - 175 for 175 people. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are undergoing treatment in Russian medical institutions will be transferred.
• The leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement in a bilateral mode, including taking into account the above-mentioned proposals of the US President. For this purpose, Russian and American expert groups are being created.
• Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also touched upon other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilise the situation in crisis areas, establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, will contribute to improving the overall atmosphere of Russian-American relations. One positive example is the joint vote in the UN on the resolution on the Ukrainian conflict.
• Mutual interest in normalising bilateral relations was expressed in light of the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for ensuring security and stability in the world. In this context, a wide range of areas in which our countries could establish cooperation was considered. A number of ideas were discussed that go towards developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the economy and energy sector in the long term.
• Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin's idea to organise hockey matches in the US and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL.
• The presidents agreed to stay in touch on all issues raised.

Totally bullshit. Hopefully, Ukraine and Europe say no.

The only one being set back by such a freeze is Ukraine. In the meantime, Russia can continue to re-arm itself and continue its ground assault. There is no victory for Ukraine in that arrangement.

Europe won't stop re-arming Ukraine. Trump may go along with ceasing all aid to Ukraine though to pressure Ukraine on a general ceasefire deal (even though Ukraine have said all along they want to complete ceasefire).

 

[Gemma]

Putin tells Trump he wants hard stop to foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine

Here's the Kremlin's readout of the call between Trump and Putin

It's come in the form of bullet points...

• The leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his desire to help achieve the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.
• Having confirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Russian President declared his readiness to thoroughly work out possible ways of settlement together with his American partners, which should be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. And, of course, take into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, Russia's legitimate interests in the field of security.
• In the context of the US President's initiative to introduce a 30-day truce, the Russian side outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine and rearm the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Serious risks associated with the inability to negotiate of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region.
• It was emphasised that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.
• In connection with Donald Trump's recent appeal to save the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region, Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian side is ready to be guided by humanitarian considerations and, in the event of surrender, guarantees the lives of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers and decent treatment in accordance with Russian laws and international law.
• During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from striking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order.
• The Russian President also responded constructively to Donald Trump's idea of implementing a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed to begin negotiations to further elaborate on the specific details of such an agreement.
• Vladimir Putin informed that on 19 March, a prisoner exchange would be carried out between the Russian and Ukrainian sides - 175 for 175 people. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are undergoing treatment in Russian medical institutions will be transferred.
• The leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement in a bilateral mode, including taking into account the above-mentioned proposals of the US President. For this purpose, Russian and American expert groups are being created.
• Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also touched upon other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilise the situation in crisis areas, establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, will contribute to improving the overall atmosphere of Russian-American relations. One positive example is the joint vote in the UN on the resolution on the Ukrainian conflict.
• Mutual interest in normalising bilateral relations was expressed in light of the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for ensuring security and stability in the world. In this context, a wide range of areas in which our countries could establish cooperation was considered. A number of ideas were discussed that go towards developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the economy and energy sector in the long term.
• Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin's idea to organise hockey matches in the US and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL.
• The presidents agreed to stay in touch on all issues raised.

Totally bullshit. Hopefully, Ukraine and Europe say no.

Ultimately, all this call resulted in is a decision to continue negotiations in Saudi. The decision to pause attacks in energy and infrastructure targets has already been violated by Putin later in the day, so it's doubtful how long any of this lasts.

 

[Mouth]

This is an excellent read "A Ceasefire of Shame"

https://viktorkravchuk.substack.com/p/a-ceasefire-of-shame

 

[Bad Gizmo]

 https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1902390036718371165

Witkoff believes Putin is acting in good faith

So, who is bombing the hospitals and infrastructure in Ukraine?

 

[Bad Gizmo]

This is more positive

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has just read out a US statement on today's call between presidents Trump and Zelenskyy - which described the call as "fantastic" and "productive".

It "significantly helped" in efforts to end the war, it said.

 

[Franco Pinion]

Zelensky has invited Trump to Ukraine. I'd be surprised if he accepted the invitation but if he did he would go up in my estimation.

 

[Son Of Jack]

European leaders no longer consider Hungary's stance on Ukraine and do not expect its approval. The EU has found a loophole to bypass Budapest's veto.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently opposed any attempts to strengthen military aid to Ukraine or advance the country's application for European Union membership.

The usual rules requiring all 27 EU countries to agree on a joint statement for it to be published on behalf of the European Council were broken. Instead, a text agreed upon by 26 nations was attached to other unanimously approved resolutions. Although Hungary opposed it, the statement was still issued as an official conclusion by the European Council.

"The statement on Ukraine today will be issued as an annex on behalf of the 26. his is the new normal. And it is useful when it comes to political intent. Maybe down the line, though, we will encounter other problems," an EU senior diplomat told the agency, confirming journalists' claims that "that tactic seems to be working."

Meanwhile, a high-ranking EU official added, "Hungary's objections are being priced in — and quickly ignored."

"After March 6, no one has any doubts that there is divergence with one member state. The objective should always be to have conclusions at 27 — if it's not possible, if the strategic division is maintained, and we have all the indications that it is maintained, that we would move forward at 26," the official said.

About time! The UN needs to adopt a similar approach, the current "can't censure unless all agree" when the censure is about one of the voters is obviously absurd and unworkable.