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Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Nord Stream Pipeline: Ukraine denies the involvement in sabotage

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Nord Stream Pipeline
  • A pro-Ukrainian group may have been behind last year’s operation against Russia’s gas exports to Europe.
  • The operation was carried out by a group loyal to Ukraine.
  • The pro-Ukrainian individuals were motivated to damage the pipelines.

Ukraine has denied involvement in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipelines following a media story stating new evidence indicating a “pro-Ukrainian group” may have been behind last year’s operation against Russia’s gas exports to Europe.

The firing of a senior Ukrainian official on Tuesday was in response to a New York Times report that claimed new intelligence examined by US authorities.

“Although I enjoy collecting amusing conspiracy theories about (the Ukrainian) government, I have to say: (Ukraine) has nothing to do with the Baltic Sea mishap and has no information about ‘pro-(Ukraine) sabotage groups,'” Mykhailo Podolyak, top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, wrote on Twitter.

According to American sources, the operation was carried out by a group loyal to Ukraine but acting independently of the government in Kyiv.

Who was responsible for the brazen sabotage last September that destroyed two pipelines bringing Russian gas into the European Union and targeted a critical source of revenue for Moscow has remained unknown. Both channels were blocked at the time of the incident, which came months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Yet to identify

According to a source familiar with US intelligence, the assessment was not made with high confidence and is not the overwhelming view of the intelligence community. The US has yet to identify a perpetrator for the act.

Others in the US intelligence community believe that pro-Ukrainian individuals were motivated to damage the pipelines because Moscow was weaponizing them against Ukraine and Europe.

According to the source, the intelligence community has no evidence that Ukrainian elites, including Zelenskyy, were aware of or involved in the pipeline sabotage.

The episode, in which underwater explosions happened before the pipes ruptured in numerous locations, is still a major source of disagreement between Russia and the West.

The pipelines that connect Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea to transport Russian gas to the European Union were controversial long before the Kremlin declared war on Ukraine, owing to concerns over Europe’s reliance on Russian energy.

Their destruction added another wrinkle to the energy confrontation that arose following the invasion as Europe sought to wean itself off Russian fuel.

Several investigations are being conducted by European authorities.

An act of sabotage

After discovering evidence of explosives at the sites, Swedish prosecutors concluded the pipeline bursts were an act of sabotage in November, but their preliminary inquiry has yet to establish any charges.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday, US National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby referred queries to investigating European authorities and said he was “not going to get ahead of that investigative work.”

“Several of our European partners – in fact, three of them in Germany, Sweden and Denmark – have already opened investigations into what happened with the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and those investigations are not closed. They’re still hard at work on that,” Kirby said.

Sightings of Russian vessels operating in the area where the leaks occurred raised concerns about Russia’s potential involvement, which at the time drew attention from both European and US officials as the only actor in the region believed to have both the capability and motivation to intentionally damage the pipelines.

Moscow has publicly denied attacking the pipelines and has blamed the explosions on the West. A spokeswoman for Russia termed the claims “predictably foolish and ludicrous” in September.

Earlier this month, during a G20 conference in New Delhi, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged on the need for a “fair and prompt investigation” into the blasts.

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Ukraine war: US sends more ammo to Kyiv amid fears that supplies are running low

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Ukraine war
  • Antony Blinken stated this includes high-precision Himars artillery rockets and howitzers.
  • The US is providing tactical bridges ahead of Ukraine’s planned invasion.
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that artillery and shells were needed to “stop Russia.”

The United States is increasing military aid to Ukraine by $400 million (£333 million) to replenish ammunition inventories destroyed during the country’s ongoing high-intensity conflict with Russia.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated this includes high-precision Himars artillery rockets and howitzers “which Ukraine is using so effectively”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had stated that artillery and shells were needed to “stop Russia”.

In addition, the US is providing tactical bridges ahead of Ukraine’s planned invasion.

The supply of such equipment, which allows armored vehicles to traverse rivers and ditches, comes as several Ukrainian military officials and analysts have predicted that the operation could begin in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Moscow maintained its months-long assault on Bakhmut on Friday, saying that Russian mercenaries have “practically ringed” the city in the eastern Donetsk region.

Repelled

According to the latest news bulletin from Ukraine’s military, Russian troops are still attempting to encircle the city, although “several attempts have been repelled” in the last 24 hours.

Elsewhere, a partial evacuation was planned on Thursday in Kupiansk, Kharkiv area, which was liberated from Russian occupation last September.

The regional authorities said families with children and people “with limited mobility” should leave due to “constant” shelling by Russian forces.

In a statement on Friday, Mr. Blinken said: “This military assistance package includes more ammunition for US-provided Himars and howitzers, which Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself”.

He added that Washington would also be sending “ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridges, demolitions munitions and equipment, and other maintenance, training and support”.

Himars were very effective during Ukraine’s major counter-offensive late last year, which took the whole Kharkiv region back under Kyiv’s control.

These victories, along with the freeing of Kherson in the south, were the most important front-line adjustments since Russia’s withdrawal from territories near Kyiv in April.

But, President Zelenskyy on Thursday remarked that “artillery is number one that we need”.

He said that Kyiv would also need “a large number of shells” and warplanes to “evict” Russian forces from Ukrainian land.

Military support to Ukraine was likely to be the main topic of discussion when US President Joe Biden met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington on Friday.

Mr. Biden hailed the German Chancellor for his country’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine.

Mr. Scholz said it was crucial to emphasise that this will continue “as long as it takes and as long as is necessary”.

A number of Ukraine’s Western partners have committed to providing tanks and artillery, but Kyiv insists that this must happen far faster to discourage any Russian invasion.

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Ukraine orders some people to leave Kupiansk

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Kupiansk

Ukraine has ordered some people to leave Kupiansk. Due to Russian shelling, which has forced families. With children and people with limited mobility to leave. In order to prevent Russia from retaking the city it abandoned last year, Ukraine has ordered some people to leave Kupiansk. According to Kharkiv’s regional officials, Russian forces’ “continuous” shelling … Read more

At Bakhmut, Ukrainian forces destroy a railway bridge

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Bakhmut

Ukrainian forces have destroyed the last portion of a railroad bridge in Bakhmut. But the bridge was already useless, according to Ukraine’s 46th Brigade. The bridge has now been further bombed up after being destroyed. Ukrainian forces have destroyed the last portion of a railroad bridge inside the city of Bakhmut. The bridge has now … Read more

Putin blames Ukraine of border ‘terrorist act’ in Russian village

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Ukraine

Ukrainian sabotage squad infiltrated Russian border territory and opened fire on civilians. Killing one person and injuring a child. Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said steps are being taken to destroy them. In a “terrorist act,” according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, a Ukrainian sabotage squad infiltrated a Russian border territory on Thursday and started shooting … Read more

Ukrainian war: Zelenskyy claims the situation in Bakhmut is deteriorating

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Ukrainian war
  • President Zelenskyy stated that gaining a footing in Bakhmut and assuring its defense was being severely jeopardized by Russia.
  • US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen advised China against arming Russia.
  • Some of the worst combat since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago has taken place in Bakhmut.

The situation in Bakhmut, on Ukraine’s eastern frontline, is growing “more and more difficult,” according to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russian forces have been attempting to capture the city for nearly six months.

“The enemy is constantly destroying everything which can be used to protect our positions,” said Mr. Zelenskyy.

On a visit to Kyiv on Monday, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen advised China against arming Russia.

Some of the worst combat since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago has taken place in Bakhmut, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, which Moscow and its separatist supporters control.

Russian forces’ efforts to seize the industrial city have recently increased, with their troops gaining momentum.

Practically all roads

The separatist leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, said “practically all roads” into the city were “under [Russian] fire control”.

In his nighttime address, President Zelenskyy stated that gaining a footing in Bakhmut and assuring its defense was being severely jeopardized by Russia’s renewed offensive.

He was “grateful to each and every person who is heroically holding” the area.

President Zelenskyy also again appealed for sophisticated combat planes to be supplied so that “the entire territory of our country” might be defended from “Russian terror”.

Janet Yellen announced the latest transfer on Monday during a surprise visit to Kyiv.

Janet Yellen announced the latest transfer of $1.25 billion (£1 billion) in economic and budget aid to Ukraine during a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday.

Ms. Yellen reaffirmed US President Joe Biden’s statement, delivered on his own visit to Kyiv last week, that Washington would stick behind Ukraine until the war was won.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy fires a top Ukrainian military commander for no apparent reason

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  • Zelenskyy announced the removal of Eduard Moskalyov as commander of the joint forces.
  • Moskalyov has been in charge since March 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
  • The dismissal was not mentioned on the joint forces’ Facebook or Twitter profiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday fired a senior military commander helping lead the struggle against Russian forces in the country’s troubled east but gave no rationale for the move.

In a one-line decree, Zelenskyy announced the removal of Eduard Moskalyov as commander of the joint forces of Ukraine, which are involved in hostilities in the Donbas region.

In a daily address on Friday, Zelenskyy included Moskalyov among the military officers he had spoken with. Moskalyov has been in charge since March 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

The dismissal was not mentioned on the joint forces’ Facebook or Twitter profiles.

Russian forces are making aggressive efforts to conquer the two eastern regions that comprise the Donbas, and Zelenskyy has described the military situation in the east as challenging and terrible in recent weeks.

Pro-Moscow forces are concentrating their efforts in Bakhmut, launching repeated assaults despite high casualties, according to Ukrainian and Western sources.

The Ukrainian armed forces’ general staff stated on Facebook that Russian troops carried out numerous unsuccessful attacks in the Bakhmut area on Sunday.

The Ukrainian armed forces’ general staff stated on Facebook that Russian troops carried out numerous unsuccessful attacks in the Bakhmut area on Sunday.

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Ukraine criticizes China for “betting on an aggressor”

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Ukraine

China has expressed its desire for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine crisis. But has not declared an invasion or supported Russia militarily. China published a memorandum detailing its stance on Ukraine on Friday. Beijing reiterated its desire for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine crisis, Mykhailo Podolyak, A Ukrainian lawmaker who advises President Volodymyr … Read more

Ukraine sees some validity in China’s peace plan

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Ukraine
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is willing to examine aspects of Beijing’s 12-point peace plan.
  • According to china, nuclear weapons must be avoided.
  • President Xi was expected to deliver a “peace speech” on Friday, but this did not happen.

On Friday, China called for a full cease-fire in Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated he was willing to examine aspects of Beijing’s 12-point peace plan.

On the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s ally China urged all parties to commit to a gradual de-escalation, warned against the use of nuclear weapons, and stated that war benefits no one.

The plan, outlined in a foreign ministry statement, was basically a reiteration of China’s position since Russia commenced its “special military operation” on February 24 of last year.

China has refrained from denouncing its partner Russia or referring to Moscow’s intervention in its neighbor as an “invasion”. It has also condemned Western sanctions on Russia.

“All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiraling out of control,” the ministry said in its paper.

Kyiv’s immediate reply was contemptuous, with a senior adviser to President Zelenskyy stating that any plan to end the war must include the departure of Russian soldiers to the lines that existed when the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991.

In a news conference marking the first anniversary of the conflict, Zelenskyy, on the other hand, struck a more receptive tone.

Russia expressed appreciation for China’s initiative and stated that it was willing to achieve its objectives through political and diplomatic measures.

The plans, however, were met with skepticism by NATO.

“China doesn’t have much credibility because they have not been able to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Tallinn.

NO NUCLEAR WAR

After severe battlefield defeats in the last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled his intention to escalate the confrontation, raising the specter of nuclear weapons.

Nuclear weapons, according to China, must be avoided.

“Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought,” the foreign ministry said. “We oppose the development, and use of biological and chemical weapons by any country under any circumstances.”

Since the war began just weeks after Beijing and Russia pledged a “no limits” collaboration, President Xi Jinping has spoken with Putin on a regular basis but only once with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelenskyy. This week, China’s senior diplomat, Wang Yi, visited Moscow for discussions.

“It is urgent that a group of countries not involved in the conflict assume the responsibility of leading negotiations to reestablish peace,” Lula said on Twitter.

President Xi was expected to deliver a “peace speech” on Friday, but this did not happen.

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Russia warns the West against threatening its troops in breakaway Moldovan province

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Russia
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine dismissed Moscow’s claim that Ukraine wanted to take over the region.
  • Russia warned the West, any measures threatening Russian peacekeepers in Moldova would be considered an attack on itself.
  • The warning comes amid growing fears of a Russian threat in Moldova.

Russia warned the West on Friday that any measures threatening Russian peacekeepers in Moldova’s breakaway Transdniestria region would be considered an attack on itself, only one day after accusing Ukraine of planning an invasion.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine dismissed Moscow’s claim that Ukraine wanted to take over the region, while Moldova repeated that the charges were false.

The warning comes amid growing fears of a Russian threat in Moldova, a small ex-Soviet republic bordering Ukraine. Its pro-European President Maia Sandu accused Moscow of staging a coup earlier this month.

Russia accused Kyiv on Thursday of plotting an invasion of Transdniestria, which borders Ukraine. The primarily Russian-speaking territory seceded from Moldova in 1990, a year before the Soviet Union collapsed.

“We warn the United States, NATO member states, and their Ukrainian wards against taking yet another reckless step,” Russia’s foreign ministry.

“Any action that threatens their security will be considered under international law as an attack on the Russian Federation.”

There are approximately 1,700 Russian troops in Transdniestria, which has a population of approximately 440,000 people.

Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu said Russia’s “provocative” remarks regarding a potential Ukrainian strike were false.

“The Moldovan authorities have rejected these statements as unfounded, made to manipulate public opinion. The security situation in the region is stable,” he wrote on the Telegram messaging app on Friday.

Russia, Zelenskyy said at a press conference, was constantly provocative.

“They clearly understand that we respect the territorial integrity of Moldova and we believe the territory of Transdniestria is the territory of the independent state of Moldova,” he said.

Last week, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was not the only country on Moscow’s radar and that the Kremlin was considering measures to “strangle” Moldova.

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Zelenskyy seeks a meeting with Xi Jinping in response to China’s peace plan

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  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss Beijing’s recommendations.
  • The Chinese authorities have not publicly responded to Mr. Zelenskyy’s request for a meeting with Mr. Xi.
  • China was considering sending drones and artillery munitions to Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he intends to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss Beijing’s recommendations for ending the conflict in Ukraine.

On the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he said the suggestion showed China was engaging in the peace process.

“I really want to believe that China will not supply weapons to Russia,” he said.

Peace negotiations and respect for national sovereignty are part of China’s goal.

However, the 12-point document does not specifically say that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, and it also condemns the usage of “unilateral sanctions”, in what is seen as a veiled criticism of Ukraine’s allies in the West.

So far, the Chinese authorities have not publicly responded to Mr. Zelenskyy’s request for a meeting with Mr. Xi Jinping.

Likewise, Russia has praised China’s peace proposals. “We share Beijing’s viewpoints,” Moscow’s foreign ministry stated in a statement.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Beijing was considering sending weapons and ammunition to Moscow, which Beijing categorically denied. On Friday, US news outlets reported that China was considering sending drones and artillery munitions to Moscow.

Asked about the Chinese plan, US President Joe Biden told on Friday: “[Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s cheering it, so how could it be any good?

“I’ve seen nothing in the plan that would indicate that there is something that would be beneficial to anyone other than Russia,” he added.

The Chinese recommendations come after the country’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, visited Moscow on Wednesday and spoke with President Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

After the talks, Mr. Wang was quoted by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency as saying that Beijing was willing to “deepen political trust” and “strengthen strategic coordination” with Moscow.

Western officials reacted coolly to the latest ideas. Nato leader Jens Stoltenberg said Beijing “doesn’t have much credibility” since it had “not been able to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine”.

On February 24, 2022, President Putin began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Russian troops made substantial advances in Ukraine’s north, east, and south during the first few days.

However, the onslaught on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was quickly rebuffed, and the Ukrainian military was later able to recapture major territories.

The struggle, Europe’s largest since World War II, has since devolved into a grueling war of attrition.

Mr. Zelensky also stated that triumph “will definitely await us” provided friends “follow their pledges and timelines” during a lengthy news conference in Kyiv on Friday.

Poland stated that it had already delivered four Leopard II tanks to Ukraine and was prepared to deliver more. Germany has pledged 14 Leopard tanks, with Spain and Canada also contributing.

The United States, by far the largest donor of military aid to Ukraine, has vowed to deploy 31 M1 Abrams tanks, while the United Kingdom will provide 14 Challenger 2 tanks.

The Ukrainian president went on to say that his country had failed to engage properly with countries in Africa and Latin America after numerous African and Latin American states abstained during a UN General Assembly voting on a resolution denouncing Russia’s invasion.

“We didn’t work well for many years, we didn’t pay attention, I think it’s a big mistake,” he said.

When asked to choose his worst event of the war thus far, Mr. Zelensky named Bucha, a village outside Kyiv where Russian troops are suspected of killing civilians in the early stages of the conflict. The small town had been under Russian control until last April, when Ukrainian troops pushed back to recover it.

“What I saw. It was horrible,” Mr. Zelenskyy said, visibly moved.

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Ukraine has ‘suffered unimaginably’, says King Charles

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King Charles

King Charles praised the “remarkable courage and resilience” of the Ukrainian people. After thousands have been killed and injured in the conflict. And praised the UK and its friends for their support. King Charles says “the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably” in a message marking the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion. He also praised … Read more

Japan to announce new sanctions against Russia at G7 summit

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Russia

The G7 will discuss sanctions against Russia. During a virtual meeting with Fumio Kishida and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kishida reiterated the need for restoring world peace. The notion of implementing fresh sanctions against Russia will be discussed during a virtual meeting with the G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, according to Japanese Prime … Read more

Ukraine can end the war this year, says Volodymyr Zelenskyy

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukraine is capable of ending the Russian invasion this year. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Germany and allies for their support. Ukraine has the power to win “in unity, resolutely and steadfastly,” he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is capable of ending the Russian invasion this year. He stated this in a video … Read more

Spain’s Prime Minister arrives in Kyiv ahead of the Zelenskyy meeting

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Zelenskyy
  • “We will stand with Ukraine and its people until peace returns to Europe,” Pedro Sanchez says.
  • The Spanish government committed yesterday to provide six German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks.
  • US Vice President Joseph Biden also visited Ukraine on Monday.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has had plenty of world leaders pay him a visit in the last week or two.

He hosted US Vice President Joseph Biden on Monday, and today he is preparing to visit Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Posting on Twitter in Spanish and in Ukrainian Sanchez says: “Returning to Kyiv today, one year after the start of the war.

“We will stand with Ukraine and its people until peace returns to Europe.”

The Spanish government committed yesterday to provide six German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine to aid in their war effort.

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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has vowed to maintain pressure on Moscow

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Ukrainian president
  • The Ukrainian president has repeated his intention to secure wide-ranging foreign backing.
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned the recent round of conversations.
  • Zelenskyy also emphasized the continued efforts to keep grain shipments from Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president has repeated his intention to secure wide-ranging foreign backing for his country through a “diplomatic marathon”.

Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned the recent round of conversations he’d had with countries like Pakistan, Uganda, and the United Kingdom in his latest evening address.

Speaking of his latest discussion with Rishi Sunak he said: “It would be great if all our partners, like the UK, understood how the speed of defense supplies affects concrete successes on the battlefield.”

Zelensky also emphasized the continued efforts to keep grain shipments from Ukraine flowing and accused Russia of damaging global food security.

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Biden praises the ‘rock solid’ as Putin blames NATO for Russia’s war

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Biden
  • Joe Biden ailed Western democracy for standing up to open Russian aggression.
  • Mr. Putin said that the West had aided Nazi Germany and had transformed Ukraine into an “anti-Russian” neo-Nazi regime.
  • Mr. Putin has repeatedly blamed the West and Nato.

Vladimir Putin’s antipathy for the West has grown as President Joseph Biden, fresh from a visit to Kyiv, hailed Western democracy for standing up to open Russian aggression.

Mr. Putin spoke first in a week packed with activities leading up to the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday.

He stated that the West had aided Nazi Germany and had transformed Ukraine into an “anti-Russian” neo-Nazi regime.

Mr. Biden later stated that autocrats understood only one word: “No, no, no!”

“Putin thought the world would roll over, he was wrong,” he said, vowing that Nato was more united than ever. Kyiv stood strong, proud, tall, and free and Western support for Ukraine would not fail, he added.

While welcoming him to Warsaw’s royal castle, Polish President Andrzej Duda stated that by traveling to Kyiv, Mr. Biden demonstrated that the free world is fearless. Nato’s job was to defend and support the free world, and Ukraine “must win this battle,” according to the organization.

No indication

Mr. Putin’s speech scarcely touched on Russia’s military accomplishments in Ukraine, and there was no indication of how the war may finish. The primary military news came from Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, who accused the chief of staff and defense minister of attempting to destroy his outfit and deprive it of weaponry.

Russia’s president did, however, declare the suspension of the New Start nuclear arms control accord struck with the United States in 2010. The agreement limits the number of nuclear warheads, and Nato and UK leaders have pushed Trump to reconsider.

He also stated that he had deployed new ground-based combat systems. Last year, he promised to use “all means at our disposal” to safeguard Russia and the territory it had acquired in Ukraine.

The reality was among the first casualties of Mr. Putin’s lengthy address at an exhibition center near the Kremlin.

“They were the ones who started the war… we’re using force to stop it,” President Putin asserted in his address to both houses of Russia’s parliament.

Although there have been no Western troops on the ground in Ukraine, Russia’s foreign ministry appeared to back up this allegation when it summoned US Ambassador Lynne Tracy on Tuesday, stating that Washington should take steps to evacuate “US-NATO military and equipment” from the country.

Putin repeatedly blamed the West and Nato

Mr. Putin has repeatedly blamed the West and Nato, and he repeated many of his accusations from his Broadcast address on the day of the invasion a year ago. He brought up the Iraq war and the bombing of Belgrade but avoided discussing Russia’s protracted and destructive role in the Syrian civil war, its invasion of neighboring Georgia, or its territorial grab in Crimea.

There was a terrible reminder of the human cost of Europe’s most lethal invasion since World War II as he spoke.

Six people were killed and several more were injured when Russian munitions hit Kherson, which was liberated from Russian soldiers in November. In the city center, a bus stop, a drugstore, and residential areas were targeted, and local media reported that a kindergarten was among the structures targeted.

In his nightly address on Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia’s attacks “did not and could not have any military purpose”, and were instead intended to sow “terror”.

He noted that despite intense pressure, Ukrainian forces remained on the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where the majority of the present fighting is taking place.

What is the New Start treaty?

The New Start deal, signed in 2010 by two then-presidents, Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, was intended to prevent nuclear war. It restricts the amount of strategic nuclear warheads that each country can deploy and gives each country the authority to inspect the other.

The agreement went into effect in 2011 and was extended ten years later, despite the fact that weapons inspections were hampered by the Covid epidemic.

Each side has a limit of 1,550 long-range nuclear warheads, which is lower than the prior Start agreement.

The two former Cold War adversaries control nearly all of the world’s nuclear weapons. Notwithstanding aggressive rhetoric on both sides during the Ukraine war, Moscow has previously stated that it wished to preserve the treaty in force.

In a highly complicated security operation, President Biden visited Warsaw a day after visiting Kyiv to see President Zelensky.

The visit, according to the Polish president, conveyed “an enormously important political signal, mainly for Ukraine,” but it was also a sign that the free world and the US president were with them and did not forget.

Mr. Biden lavished admiration on Mr. Zelensky and the Ukrainians who had recaptured the area captured in the early days of the war.

He did, however, express support for Moldova’s pro-EU president, Maia Sandu, in the face of suspicions that Russia was conspiring to destabilize the existing government.

President Putin inflamed tensions in Moldova on Tuesday by canceling a 2012 directive that supported Moldova’s sovereignty in determining the future of Transnistria, a breakaway territory of Moldova where Russian forces are stationed.

An attack against one is an attack against all

President Biden is scheduled to meet with leaders of nine nations on Nato’s eastern flank on Wednesday, and he went out of his way to reiterate the United States support for one of the alliance’s key objectives.

Nato members agree to support any other member who is attacked under Article 5. Mr. Biden stated that the US was “rock solid” in its commitment to both the alliance and Article 5.

“Every member of Nato knows it and Russia knows it as well – an attack against one is an attack against all.”

Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, followed up Mr. Biden’s visit to Kyiv on Tuesday with her first trip to Ukraine. Visiting the towns of Bucha and Irpin, where Russian troops murdered hundreds of civilians, she said Ukrainians could count on Italy: “We have been with you since the start and we will be until the end.”

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Biden will depict the Ukraine conflict as a fight for democracy

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ukraine
  • Joe Biden will deliver his speech in Warsaw, Poland, as part of a three-day visit to the country.
  • It will come just hours after Russia’s president blamed the West for the war.
  • Mr. Biden paid a surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday.

At a speech later on Monday, US President Joe Biden is set to lay out his perspective on the Ukraine conflict as a battle for democracy.

He will deliver his speech in Warsaw, Poland, as part of a three-day visit to the country.

It will come just hours after Russia’s president blamed the West for the war.

Mr. Biden paid a surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday to reinforce America’s support for Kyiv.

Both leaders’ statements come only days before the year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In Warsaw, the US president is expected to emphasize the critical role the US has played in rallying Western support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

But he will also be looking to shore up support for his policy at home, where some politicians are expressing doubts about the scale of US involvement.

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his annual state of the nation speech – accusing the West of hypocrisy and of withdrawing from “fundamental agreements”.

“I want to repeat: it is them who are culpable for the war, and we are using force to stop it,” he said to great applause.

Mr. Putin also reiterated his unfounded claim that Moscow had been facing a Nazi threat from Ukraine, which he used as justification to launch his “special military operation”.

Before to his speech, US Vice President Joe Biden will meet with Poland’s President Andrzej Duda and other central European allies to discuss bilateral cooperation and strengthening Nato’s defenses against aggression.

That’s after the president met his Ukrainian colleague, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv on Monday – assuring a news conference that the US will assist Ukraine for “as long as it takes”.

“We have every confidence you’re going to continue to prevail,” he said.

The two also went to a memorial for troops who perished in the nine years since Russia annexed Crimea and its proxy forces took control of sections of the eastern Donbas region.

Following the visit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new $450 million (£373 million) package of security support for Ukraine, as well as an additional $10 million in emergency aid to preserve Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

A new round of sanctions targeting individuals and firms “seeking to escape or backfill Russia’s war machine” will be unveiled later this week.

The United States is one of Ukraine’s most important allies, having already provided billions of dollars in military aid.

Mr. Biden recently declared that the United States would supply 31 combat tanks and longer-range missiles, but has so far declined to send F-16 fighter fighters, despite repeated requests from Ukraine.

However, Mr. Zelensky on Monday said that he had discussed with Joe Biden the possibility of the US sending other weapons.

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Putin ‘dead wrong’ on Ukraine war says Biden

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Biden
  • President Joe Biden meets with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
  • The visit is considered a show of unity.
  • Biden said that there would be a discussion about further extending US support to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is “dead wrong” to believe Ukraine is weak and the West is divided, said US Vice President Joe Biden after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

“When Putin launched his invasion about a year ago, he believed Ukraine was weak and the West was split. He believed he could outlast us. But he was completely wrong,” Biden remarked.

Biden made an unannounced visit to Ukraine today to meet with Zelenskyy to “reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy”.

The visit is also considered a show of unity only days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“As the world prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, I am in Kyiv today to meet with President Zelenskyy and reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” the US President said.

America stands with Ukraine

“America stands with Ukraine. Ukraine stands, Kyiv stands, democracy stands,” the president said, adding, “Putin’s war conquest is failing. The Russian economy is struggling.”

Biden also said that there would be a discussion about further extending US support to Ukraine. “Today, in Kyiv, I am meeting with President Zelenskyy and his team for an extended discussion on our support for Ukraine,” he said.

“I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments. And I will share that later this week, we will announce additional sanctions against elites and companies that are trying to evade or backfill Russia’s war machine,” Biden added.

This is President Biden’s first trip to a conflict zone. His recent predecessors, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, all paid surprise visits to Afghanistan and Iraq during their respective presidencies to meet with US troops and the leaders of the respective countries.

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President Joe Biden departs Kyiv after unforgettable trip

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Joe Biden

Biden’s visit has brought Ukraine closer to victory. With Zelenskyy praising the focus, attention, and attitude of the US and Abrams tanks “I thank you for this level of US-Ukraine cooperation,” Zelenskyy  said. President Joe Biden has just left the nation’s capital, capping a historic trip, According to the reporters accompanying him, He met with … Read more

US President Joe Biden makes surprise first visit to Ukraine

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Joe Biden makes surprise first visit to Ukraine

Joe Biden, the vice president of the United States, paid a surprise visit to Ukraine. His first visit since Russia’s invasion started almost a year ago. He was invited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Joe Biden, the vice president of the United States, paid a surprise visit to Ukraine early on Monday. This was his … Read more

UK defense spending is top priority, says Penny Mordaunt

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Penny Mordaunt

The UK government has vowed to “double down” on its assistance for Ukraine. While protecting defense funding. The UK has been one of the main weaponry suppliers to Ukraine. Defense funding is a high priority for the UK government, which has vowed to “double down” on its assistance for Ukraine, according to Penny Mordaunt. The … Read more

Russia must be defeated but not ‘crushed’, says Macron

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Russia
  • Emmanuel Macron does not want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine.
  • He criticize those who he claimed intended to extend the conflict to Russia.
  • He also downplayed the idea of regime change in Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that he does not want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine.

Mr. Macron told French media that he was prepared for a long war and asked Western nations to strengthen military backing for Kyiv.

“I want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine, and I want Ukraine to be able to defend its position,” he said.

But he hit out against those who he said wanted to extend the war to Russia itself in a bid to “crush” the nation.

He did, however, criticize those who he claimed intended to extend the conflict to Russia itself in order to “crush” the country.

The remarks came as international leaders convened in Munich for the Munich Security Conference when vows were made to speed up the delivery of arms to Kyiv and to slap tighter penalties on Russia.

“I do not think, as some people do, that we must aim for a total defeat of Russia, attacking Russia on its own soil,” Mr. Macron told the paper Le Journal du Dimanche.

“Those observers want to, above all else, crush Russia. That has never been the position of France and it will never be our position.”

Mr Macron told a conference in Munich on Friday that now was not the time for engagement with Moscow.

But, he did not shy away from citing peace discussions as a long-term aim.

According to the president, the only way to “bring Russia back to the table and achieve a permanent peace” is for Ukraine’s military actions to be supported by friends.

He also downplayed the idea of regime change in Russia, calling such efforts around the world a “total failure”.

Notwithstanding Mr. Macron’s remarks, Ukraine’s officials see dialogue as a long way off.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba praised the decision not to invite Moscow to the Munich meeting on Friday.

‘Should not be invited’

Russian leaders should not be invited to the table as long as the “terrorist state kills, as long as it uses bombs, missiles, and tanks as an argument for international politics”, he said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out quick discussions with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, citing a lack of “trust” between the two countries. In an interview with the BBC earlier this week, he also opposed the idea of ceding land in order to reach an agreement with Moscow.

Other Nato countries have previously chastised Mr. Macron for sending conflicting messages about Ukraine.

Last June, he was chastised by Mr. Kuleba for saying it was crucial that Russia was not “humiliated over its invasion”.

Mr. Kuleba commented at the time that Russia, which was “humiliating itself,” ought to be put in its place.

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Russia launches missiles from Black Sea, says Kyiv

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Russia

Russia has fired four cruise missiles at Ukraine from the Black Sea. Causing civilian buildings, educational facilities, windows. And eleven cars to be damaged. Russia had fired four cruise missiles at Ukraine from the Black Sea, Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Air Force Command said on Telegram on Saturday. “On February 18 Russian occupation forces launched four … Read more

First Leopard tanks to be deployed to Kyiv very soon

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Leopard tanks

Olaf Scholz urged allies to prepare for a protracted war. And Emmanuel Macron urged allies to intensify support for Ukraine. Officials from Russia have not been invited. Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, stated that Germany would soon be able to send its first Leopard tanks to Ukraine. Just a few days before the first … Read more

World leaders gathers to support Ukraine in Germany

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Ukraine

The Munich Security Conference will discuss the conflict in Ukraine. And reaffirm the commitment to a global order governed by the rule of law. US Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to attend. During the Munich Security Conference in Germany, where the conflict in Ukraine will be a major topic of discussion. US Vice President … Read more

Zelenskyy pays homage to quake’s victims

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Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered condolences to those affected by the earthquake. And the State Emergency Service of Ukraine is assisting with debris removal. The president of Ukraine placed flowers on the grounds of the embassy. Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid homage to those who lost their lives as a result of the tragic earthquake. “Please accept my sincere … Read more

Ukraine lauds European powers for sending ‘good signals’ regarding arms

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Ukraine
  • President Joe Biden prepares to visit Poland from February 20-22.
  • Ukraine obtained vital understandings and “good signals.”
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated t more work was required to obtain the weaponry his country need.

Russian missiles target power plants across Ukraine as US Vice President Joe Biden prepares to visit Poland from February 20-22 to demonstrate support for Kyiv ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s offensive, which is currently in its 353rd day.

We still have to work to get the arms we need — Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that while touring European capitals, Ukraine obtained vital understandings and “good signals,” but that more work was required to obtain the weaponry his country need.

“London, Paris, and Brussels have all heard me speak about how to enhance our military in recent days. There are major understandings, and we have gotten positive indications “Zelenskyy stated in a new video address.

“This relates to long-range missiles and tanks, as well as the next stage of our collaboration — fighter planes. However, we must continue to work on this.”

It was up to Ukrainians to “translate everything that was discussed and agreed into concrete supplies, concrete paperwork, and concrete new avenues of collaboration,” he said.

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