Here we go again-Ukraine once again pt2

[Jimbuna]

[Dargo]

The Music Didn't Last Long: Putin Backs Out of Truce Deal with Trump Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced that Russia is ready to resume strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid — as if they ever stopped.

The trigger? A classic “Reichstag fire” move:
Russia allegedly bombed its own gas facility in Sudzha yesterday to blame Ukraine for the incident. https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1903443092742799635

[Jimbuna]

Putin is not risking anything in negotiations. Russia’s position in world is personal for him - CNN

U.S. President Donald Trump says that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants peace. Ukraine and its European allies are skeptical of this statement, as the Kremlin has repeatedly assured of its readiness for peace, but has refused to sign the relevant agreements each time.

According to Censor.NET, CNN writes about this.

The publication notes that Putin's plans are much more ambitious. He openly states that Ukraine has no right to exist as an independent state. Putin also wants to return to the NATO borders that existed during the Cold War. However, his main goal is to create a new world order in which Russia will play a key role.

Russia does not want to be just one of the players on the world stage
After the chaos of the 1990s, when the Russian economy was in decline and dependent on Western financial aid, Putin came to power. Thanks to rising oil prices, Russia has become richer and its voice has become more powerful. It was even admitted to the G8 club of the world's largest economies. However, this was not enough.

"Putin was happy to throw all that away for the sake of his citizens for higher geopolitical goals," Christine Berzina, managing director of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, told CNN.

Russia has been expelled from the G8, sanctioned and isolated on the international stage for its aggression against Ukraine. Berzina added:

"It has never been enough for Russia to be eighth in the G7. This is not in line with Russia's perception of its exceptionalism. It is the largest country in the world, rich in resources, so how can it be just one of the players?"

Trump wants the war to end quickly, even if it means Ukraine losing part of its territory. At the same time, Putin is taking no chances in the negotiations. Trump claimed that "Russia holds all the cards" in the war with Ukraine, although the fighting has been stalemated for the past two years. Russia has made some territorial gains, but the price is huge losses.

"Putin invaded Ukraine thinking it would be an easy, quick operation. Three years later, he controls 20% of Ukraine, but at a terrible cost... The Russians are essentially losing. But Ukrainians are losing faster," said Russian analyst Mark Galeotti.

In his opinion, for Putin, the ceasefire is an opportunity to gain short-term benefits without giving up his strategic goals.

Strategic goals of the Russian dictator
Putin and his entourage openly state that despite talk of peace, their goals remain the same. This includes eliminating Ukraine' s sovereignty, changing its government, and limiting NATO's influence in Eastern Europe.

The reason for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was Putin's desire to establish a pro-Russian regime in Kyiv and prevent Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO. Despite his failures on the battlefield, he has not given up on this goal.

"The easiest way for Russia to achieve what it wants in another country is not through military means, but through interference and the electoral process," Berzina said.

That's why the Kremlin doubts Zelenskyy's legitimacy and insists on elections, trying to use the process for its own purposes.

Putin also wants Ukraine to remain a "neutral" state and not join NATO. However, his promises of peace are not credible among Ukraine's European allies.

This is not a war with Ukraine, it is a war with the West
By agreeing to the talks, the Kremlin hopes to "get something out" of Trump, but does not expect a global change in relations with the West, says Russian journalist and security expert Andrey Soldatov. He adds that the Russian leadership sees this war not only as a conflict with Ukraine, but as a confrontation with the West in general.

"For the Kremlin, it's not a war with Ukraine, it's a war with the West, and many people in Moscow don't believe that a lasting agreement with the United States is possible," Soldatov told CNN.

The Kremlin continues to believe that the West seeks to destroy and conquer Russia. This is not just propaganda - it is a belief ingrained in the minds of Putin and his entourage.

In addition, Putin tries to justify his actions by using historical myths, such as that Ukraine is not a separate state but part of "historical Russia."

The religious aspect also plays an important role. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, openly supports the war, and Putin is seeking to revive the idea of "Orthodox unity" under Moscow's leadership.

Russia wants to be at all important negotiating tables
Putin seeks to restore Russia's status as a great power and weaken the influence of the United States in the world. To do this, he is creating a coalition with the West's adversaries - China, Iran and other countries.

"Russia wants to be at all the important tables... It wants to play a major role in a bloc that is defined by its willingness to destabilize," said Monica White, associate professor at the University of Nottingham.

According to CNN, Putin is convinced that Russia should participate in determining the world order. And perhaps he has a like-minded person in Washington. Trump believes that the most powerful countries in the world have the right to act at their own discretion, even if it means redistributing territories.

"From Trump's point of view, Ukraine is a vassal state that must accept the agreement between the US and Russia," Galeotti concludes. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3542642

[Jimbuna]

Zakharova accused Ukraine of allegedly shelling Russian energy facilities: Moscow reserves right to respond

The Russian side has accused Ukraine of allegedly "complete non-negotiability and lack of desire for peace" and assured that the Ukrainian military is allegedly striking at Russian energy.

This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Censor.NET reports citing Russian media.

"Moscow reserves the right to respond, including a symmetrical response, if Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities continue," Zakharova said.

As a reminder, since the evening of March 20, Russians have attacked Ukraine with more than 200 attack drones. A massive strike was carried out in Odesa. Civilian infrastructure and commercial facilities came under enemy fire, and three teenagers were wounded.

Also at night, the enemy attacked Zaporizhzhia district with anti-aircraft guns. Six people were injured in the attack, including a 4-year-old boy.

As reported, in the evening of March 21, Russian invaders attacked Zaporizhzhia. An entire family was killed in the attack. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3542639

Europe is working on strategy in case of US withdrawal from NATO - Financial Times

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Nordic countries are developing a strategy to gradually take on more responsibility for European defense instead of the United States.

The Financial Times was reported by four informed European officials, Censor.NET reports with reference to Yevropeiska Pravda.

The newspaper writes that it is also about the proposal of the administration of US President Donald Trump to transfer these responsibilities to European states over the next five to ten years.

The discussions are an attempt to avoid chaos in the event of a unilateral US withdrawal from NATO, which has become a subject of concern due to Trump's repeated threats to weaken or withdraw from the transatlantic alliance that has protected Europe for almost eight decades, the newspaper noted.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Nordic countries are among the states involved in these informal but structured discussions, according to the four people briefed on the matter.

Their goal is to develop a plan to transfer the financial and military burden to European capitals and present it to the United States before the annual NATO leaders' summit in The Hague in June.

It is noted that the proposal will include firm commitments to increase European defense spending and military capabilities in order to convince Trump to agree to a gradual transfer of power, which would allow the United States to focus more on Asia.

In addition to its nuclear deterrent, which protects Europe with several European air forces armed with U.S. nuclear weapons, the United States provides military capabilities not available to continental allies, operates air, naval, and military bases, and maintains 80,000 troops in Europe.

Officials estimate that it would take five to 10 years of increased spending to reach a level that would replace most U.S. military capabilities (with the exception of nuclear deterrence).

"Increased spending is the only possible strategy: sharing the burden and reducing dependence on the United States. We have begun these negotiations, but the task is so large that many feel overwhelmed," said one official.

Although U.S. diplomats have assured their European counterparts that Trump remains committed to NATO membership and its fifth article on collective defense, many European capitals fear that the White House could quickly reduce troop or equipment deployments or reduce participation in joint NATO tasks.

"You have to negotiate with the Americans, and it's not clear that they will be willing to do that. Can you even trust them to stick to it?" said another official.

The interlocutors also pointed to the ongoing and regular discussions between France and the United Kingdom on the creation of a "coalition of the resolute" as an indicator of the direction of travel.

When asked what a European backbone in NATO means and whether it is possible, one of the officials replied: "We see it happening. We see it happening right now: The UK and France are taking the lead [on reassurance forces for Ukraine] without the Americans." Source: https://censor.net/en/n3542638

[Skybird]

[Der Tagesspiegel] In the recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, the two also discussed Ukraine's nuclear power plants. Trump had advocated for the US to take over these facilities, but Zelensky later stated that they had only discussed one of four: Zaporizhia.

The White House had argued regarding the takeover as follows: "American ownership of these facilities would be the best protection for this infrastructure and support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure." This was because, they argued, Russia would not attack a country in which America has economic interests. But what could really be behind the US president's idea? The New York Times investigated the matter.

The newspaper reports that the US nuclear company Westinghouse had signed a contract with the Ukrainian state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom shortly before the war in Ukraine. This contract involved the construction of five reactors. After the war began, the number was increased to nine, and the companies agreed to further cooperate on the construction of smaller plants in Ukraine.

Nuclear power plants are so important to Ukraine because they largely secure the energy supply in times of war. Russia has repeatedly attacked the energy infrastructure, but not the nuclear power plants.

The New York Times further writes that Westinghouse has a particular interest in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – the one that Trump and Zelenskyy reportedly discussed. Because before the war, the nuclear power plant used fuel and technology from the US company.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is now occupied by Russia, and there are apparently concerns that Western technology or the knowledge behind it could fall into Russian hands. Olga Kosharna, a Ukrainian nuclear security expert, told the newspaper.

Whether Trump's proposal would even be feasible is questionable. Ukrainian law prohibits the privatization of nuclear power plants. Changing these laws, writes the New York Times, would be politically sensitive.

[Jimbuna]

Netherlands to contribute EUR 65 million to Energy Support Fund for Ukraine

The Netherlands will make a contribution to the Energy Support Fund of Ukraine in the amount of 65 million euros, which will be used for the repair campaign.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to the Ministry of Energy.

As noted, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Roman Andarak discussed with the Special Representative of the Government of the Netherlands, Erika Scholten, the issue of further support for the Ukrainian energy sector. During the online meeting, he thanked the Netherlands for the recent decision to make a contribution to the Energy Support Fund of Ukraine in the amount of 65 million euros.

"This is a significant support for us, and it will be an important contribution to the repair campaign that is already underway in preparation for the next heating season. With these funds, we will be able to partially cover our immediate needs. Stable energy supply is a prerequisite for the functioning of the economy, critical infrastructure, social and other spheres of life in Ukraine. We are sincerely grateful for this assistance," the Deputy Minister said.

In turn, Scholten emphasized that energy will remain one of the main priorities for her country in providing further support to Ukraine.

It is noted that the interlocutors also discussed the needs of the Ukrainian fuel and energy sector for equipment, in particular for the gas production industry, which has recently been subject to regular Russian attacks. The parties agreed to explore further the possibilities of cooperation in this area.

The Ministry of Energy also reminded that since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine has received 211 shipments of energy equipment from the Netherlands weighing almost 3,000 tons, including transformers, generators, a mobile gas power plant, cable, overhead line fittings and other equipment necessary for repair and restoration work. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3542664

Rubio calls CNN gossip tabloid over story about his disappointment with Witkoff

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticized a CNN article that said he was "disappointed" with the role of U.S. Special Counsel Steve Witkoff in the Trump administration.

This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to Rubio's post on the social network X.

He called the publication "an anti-Trump gossip tabloid that uses unreliable stories to generate clicks and tries to stir up trouble."

"Witkoff is one of the people I work closest with on our team. These people are pathetic," Rubio added. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3542653

[Jimbuna]

Putin knows flattery works on Trump and uses impressive arsenal, - former Swedish PM Bildt

Carl Bildt, Co-Chairman of the European Council on Foreign Relations and former Prime Minister of Sweden, responded to an interview with Tucker Carlson, Special Envoy of US President Steve Witkoff.

This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to Mr. Bildt.

The former Swedish Prime Minister emphasized that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin uses flattery in his communication with US President Donald Trump.

"Putin knows that flattery works, especially on someone like Donald Trump. And he uses an impressive arsenal," he said.

The co-chairman of the European Council attached to the post a fragment of an interview in which Vitkoff says that Putin commissioned a portrait of Trump from a leading Russian artist and asked him to give it to the US president. In addition, Putin claims that after the assassination attempt on Trump during the election campaign, he went to church and his priest and prayed for Trump as his friend. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3542634

US, Ukraine to meet in Riyadh day before talks with Russia - media

The next round of talks between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia will take place tomorrow, while a meeting of the teams from Washington and Moscow is scheduled for Monday, March 24.

According to Censor.NET, citing ZN.ua, CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs reported this on social media platform X.

It is noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Volz will not participate in this series of talks.

"If progress is made with the Russian team in Riyadh, the U.S. technical team may meet again with the Ukrainian team later on Monday as the Trump administration continues its shuttle diplomacy," Jacobs said. Source: https://censor.net/en/n3542633

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by Skybird

[Der Tagesspiegel] In the recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, the two also discussed Ukraine's nuclear power plants. Trump had advocated for the US to take over these facilities, but Zelensky later stated that they had only discussed one of four: Zaporizhia.

The White House had argued regarding the takeover as follows: "American ownership of these facilities would be the best protection for this infrastructure and support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure." This was because, they argued, Russia would not attack a country in which America has economic interests. But what could really be behind the US president's idea? The New York Times investigated the matter.

The newspaper reports that the US nuclear company Westinghouse had signed a contract with the Ukrainian state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom shortly before the war in Ukraine. This contract involved the construction of five reactors. After the war began, the number was increased to nine, and the companies agreed to further cooperate on the construction of smaller plants in Ukraine.

Nuclear power plants are so important to Ukraine because they largely secure the energy supply in times of war. Russia has repeatedly attacked the energy infrastructure, but not the nuclear power plants.

The New York Times further writes that Westinghouse has a particular interest in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – the one that Trump and Zelenskyy reportedly discussed. Because before the war, the nuclear power plant used fuel and technology from the US company.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is now occupied by Russia, and there are apparently concerns that Western technology or the knowledge behind it could fall into Russian hands. Olga Kosharna, a Ukrainian nuclear security expert, told the newspaper.

Whether Trump's proposal would even be feasible is questionable. Ukrainian law prohibits the privatization of nuclear power plants. Changing these laws, writes the New York Times, would be politically sensitive.

There are already American investments in Odesa, including in the port doesn't seem to have protected anything.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

As I said since long. Even after the war maybe have ended on day, Ukraine is facing devastating problems. Its survivability is in question due to demographic reasons that already existed before the war. The heavier weight of Russia both in production and in population size will decide this.



No way to get around the numbers.

[mapuc]

So it looks like Russia have a much better chance to overcome the war than Ukraine.

Or do they-All the factories are making weapons and ammo to the Russian army an adjustment back to producing civilian products isn't that easy or is it ?

Ukraine, Well the Danish government have promised Zelenskyy that Denmark would pay for the rebuild of certain city near the black sea(Can't remember the name of this town)

Markus

[Catfish]

Has Donald Trump been outfoxed by Putin and Zelensky?

"Time and time again, the recent approach to mediation from Trump’s team has favoured Russia.

Trump and his team have, in public statements, appeared to have echoed numerous Kremlin talking points and made concession after concession, including ruling out Ukraine’s membership of Nato or its hope of regaining territory occupied by Russian troops.

It even – bizarrely – prompted the US to recently vote against its closest friends and allies in the United Nations general assembly, choosing instead to vote alongside Russia, North Korea and Belarus against a resolution condemning Moscow’s invasion and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity."

https://theconversation.com/has-dona...elensky-252767

[mapuc]

Markus

[Skybird]

I think the Trumponian policy on Ukraine is a late neurological symptom from long Covid. Where typically a human brain functions on basis of neuotransmitters, Trumps brain gets processed by spike proteins eating it up.

[Skybird]

There can be no doubt anymore that the Kremlin not only wages war in Ukraine but also has triumphantly conquered Washington and the White House.

Europe must face the reality that it has an enemy not only to its East, but also to its West. If witkoff cnsa babble this drivel about Ukraine, he or useful idiots like him can also talk such drivel about Europe. And it has consequences.

Also, useful communication with such a regime of clueless retards is practically useless. Whatever noise leaves their mouths - it means nothing, and is not trustworthy. I think its time to start cutting back diplomatic "relations".

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62zm4eqvp7o

I also think its time to start getting out American troops on European soils, including Germany. In case of a war with Russia I do not rule out that these troops would be used not in defence of Europe, but in supressing national reactions inside their hosting nations, sevricing Russian war goals, like American diplomacy already does in Ukraine. In other words: I have started to see them as a threat and a potential enemy. They gotta go home. The sooner, the better. We already are weak at our front with the Russians. We cant have the Americans threatening our rear and inside centre, serving as a fifth column for Moscow.

--------------

Independent media start to report that Germany too moves to cancel its F-35 contracts. So far I find it hard to judge whether this is just rumour, manipulation, or truth. I'm all for cancelling it swince the conceot of "nukleare Teilhabe" in my eyes is no more a reliable basis, thus we do not need aircraft licensed to carry US nuclear bombs . This was th eonyl argument I acceoted years ago when deicding for the F-35 oiver a European new design, since then time was running out for Germany to replace its aging carriers.

[Reece]

It really is a sad situation that has gone out of control, I never thought I'd see the day the US sides with Russia, so sad!