Russia's Invasion of Ukraine - Consolidated Thread

[schwartzie]

Will this result in the "hook in the jaws" of the Gog/Magog war?

[shalom]

You beat me to it, Schwartzie!  Here's more info from Amir Tsarfati:

[shalom]

Russia now has enough forces for Ukraine invasion, says White House

Sullivan said US intelligence believes Russian President Vladimir Putin could order an invasion before the end of the Winter Olympics in Beijing on February 20.

By REUTERS Published: FEBRUARY 11, 2022 21:33

Updated: FEBRUARY 11, 2022 22:00

Russia now has enough forces to conduct a major military operation against Ukraine and an assault aimed at seizing large parts of that country could begin "any day now," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday.



Sullivan, speaking at a White House briefing without listing specific evidence, said any American still in Ukraine should leave in the next 24-48 hours. He said a Russian invasion could start with an air assault that would make departures difficult.



Sullivan said US intelligence believes Russian President Vladimir Putin could order an invasion before the end of the Winter Olympics in Beijing on February 20 and that a rapid assault on the Ukraine capital Kyiv is a possibility.



Sullivan spoke after President Joe Biden held a secure video call with transatlantic leaders from the White House Situation Room and sought allied unity in the face of a worsening situation.



It remains unclear, Sullivan said, whether Putin has definitively given an order to start an invasion. He said he expects Biden to seek out a phone call with Putin soon on the crisis.


But with 100,000 troops massed on Ukraine's border, Sullivan said a Russian invasion could involve seizure of large sections of Ukraine as well as major cities including Kyiv.

Continued at link

[J.J.Gibbs]

Biden tells Americans to leave Ukraine immediately; won’t send troops in to help



FEBRUARY 11, 2022 RYAN MORGAN


In an interview Thursday with NBC’s Lester Holt, President Joe Biden said there’s no scenario where he would send U.S. troops into Ukraine to help Americans fleeing the country. Biden said sending U.S. troops in would risk starting a “world war” with Russia and U.S. civilians should instead leave on their own.



Rather than sending U.S. troops to the rescue, Biden advised “American citizens should leave, should leave now,” a call he and his administration have made repeatedly in recent weeks.



“What scenarios would you put American troops to rescue and get Americans out?” Holt asked in the interview.



“There’s not,” Biden responded. “That’s a world war. When Americans and Russians start shooting at one another, we’re in a very different world than we’ve ever been in.”



Continued at link

[bloodbought]

Russia's troops are all in position and ready to invade Ukraine as soon as Putin makes the call, Norway's military intelligence chief warns

Russia has 'more than 150,000 combat troops, according to the vice admiral

With those forces, Russia could carry out a small or full-scale invasion, he said

He said it was now up to President Vladimir Putin to decide his next move

Despite the build-up, Russia continues to deny that it is planning an invasion

By CHRIS JEWERS FOR MAILONLINE and AFP



PUBLISHED: 13:14 EST, 11 February 2022 | UPDATED: 13:21 EST, 11 February 2022


Russia's forces are in position and ready to invade Ukraine, and the Kremlin just needs to make the call, the head of Norway's military intelligence service said Friday.



The Russians 'have all they need to carry everything out, from a minor invasion in the east to minor attacks here and there in Ukraine, or a complete invasion, with, possibly, an occupation of all or parts of Ukraine', vice admiral Nils Andreas Stensones said.



'Now, it is up to President Putin to choose if he wants to proceed or not', he added.


Stensones made his remarks at the presentation of the Norwegian intelligence services' annual threat assessment report.



According to him, Russia has 'more than 150,000 combat troops' massed at the Ukraine border, along with the country's 'most advanced weapons' and all the necessary logistics.



'It's very difficult to say if (an offensive) is likely or unlikely, because it is solely up to the Russian president to make the decision', he said.

Full story at link

[bloodbought]

Yeah, I'm sure the talk with Puddingbrain Poopypants will be helpful... 🙄


Putin 'to invade Ukraine on WEDNESDAY': The CIA and the Pentagon have briefed Biden and NATO allies on imminent Russian military action, claims new report. Biden and Putin will talk 11am on Saturday


Russia is to launch an attack on Ukraine next Wednesday, February 16 according to Der Speigel


Information received by the Secret Service, CIA and other intelligence services has uncovered detailed plans

The info stipulated the routes the will likely be taken by individual Russian units and the roles they might play

The White House has publicly underscored that the U.S. does not know with certainty whether Putin is committed to an invasion
However, U.S. officials said anew that Russia's buildup of offensive air, land and sea firepower near Ukraine has reached the point where it could invade on short notice.

The White House on Friday ordered Americans to leave Ukraine immediately as officials stepping up warnings

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Russia was positioned to launch an invasion 'any day now'

Such would be the 'onslaught' that there was 'no prospect' of U.S. evacuation for anyone who stayed

Minutes later President Biden left the White House for a weekend at the Camp David presidential retreat

He ignored reporters' questions and instead posed with staff for photographs before boarding Marine One

A White House official said he would stay in touch with officials and will speak to Vladimir Putin on Saturday

Earlier Biden briefed partners and allies on the latest developments

Diplomatic sources said he told them that Putin had made up his mind to attack

It marked an increase in the level of warnings sounding from Washington and sent oil prices higher on the day

By ROB CRILLY, SENIOR U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and MORGAN PHILLIPS, POLITICS REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and JACK NEWMAN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM



PUBLISHED: 13:44 EST, 11 February 2022 | UPDATED: 23:19 EST, 11 February 2022




Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine as early as next Wednesday, February 16 according to respected German publication, Der Spiegel.



American intelligence services briefed NATO allies of a possible impending Russian invasion against its western neighbor in a series of secret briefings.



The Secret Service, CIA and the Pentagon are said to have received credible information that was passed along to the federal government, reports the German newspaper.





The data was said to be exceptionally detailed with information stating specific routes that might be taken by individual Russian units and what roles they might play in any conflict.



Despite the detail contained in the plans, it is impossible to know for sure whether an attack is indeed imminent.



Der Speigel suggests that one possible U.S. tactic to scupper Russian plans is to make them public, including the invasion date.



The White House has publicly underscored that the U.S. does not know with certainty whether Putin is committed to an invasion.



However, U.S. officials said anew that Russia's buildup of offensive air, land and sea firepower near Ukraine has reached the point where it could invade on short notice.

Full story at link

[Midnight]

UKRAINE NOW UNDER CODE BLACK

[schwartzie]

NEWS BITES
February 12, 2022 | European Command News

Biden Reportedly Told Allies On Phone Call Putin Could Launch Attack On February 16th - Biden reportedly told the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, Poland, Romania and France as well as NATO Secretary General and President of the European Commission that Putin may launch an attack on Ukraine on Wednesday, February 16th according to a POLITICO Report but many seem to have different views on the intel. (Does anyone seriously think that Putin would signal Ukraine as to when they're going to attack and that he would tell Puddingbrain the truth?)  



Pentagon Orders U.S. Troops In Ukraine To Leave And Reposition In Europe - The Pentagon has reportedly ordered U.S. troops to leave Ukraine and reposition in Europe. U.S. Military troops currently in Ukraine include 160 personnel stationed at the embassy in Kyiv and trainers in western Ukraine. According to reporter Christopher Miller, they were training Ukrainians on using bunker busters last week.



Powerful Blast In Suburbs Of Donetsk Reported By Russian News - There have been reports on Russian news of a 'powerful blast' in the suburbs of Donetsk (Russian occupied portion of Ukraine), 'capital of DNR' according to Russian news BFM.ru. The Russian news site says that the explosion was heard 'all over the city' with some reports saying it took place on Ukraine-controlled territory. Always take Russian sources with a grain of salt, especially with all of the disinformation going around.



*UPDATE* The Ukrainian Armed Forces put out a statement regarding the reports of the alleged blasts saying (translation): "Due to the fact that some information resources contain information about explosions in the uncontrolled territory, we report that the Armed Forces adhere to the ceasefire, did not plan and did not carry out any shelling, including in the direction of Donetsk".



U.S. State Department Orders Evacuation Of Most Staff In Ukraine Embassy - The U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of 'most' of the embassy staff in Ukraine, reducing the staff to a 'bare minimum' according to a state department official.



Ukrainian President Asks US To Share Why They Are Certain Of An Impending Invasion - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated in a live broadcast on the intel from Washington that there is an impending invasion from Russia: “If you have additional, 100 percent-certain information about a Russian invasion of Ukraine, please share it with us. I cannot agree or disagree with what hasn’t happened yet. Right now there is no full-scale invasion of Ukraine." (Does he actually think that Puddingbrain & Co. would actually know?) 



Here Is A List Of All Countries Currently Asking Their Citizens To Evacuate Ukraine - *UPDATED* Countries that have asked their citizens to evacuate #Ukraine: United States, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Iraq, Montenegro, Norway, Latvia, Great Britain, Estonia, North Macedonia, Finland, Canada, New Zealand, Kuwait, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Sweden, Spain, KSA, Lithuania, UAE, New Zealand, Australia, Czech Republic



Netherlands Asks All Of Its Citizens To Leave Ukraine - The Netherlands have also asked all of its citizens currently located in Ukraine to leave the country due to the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and the possibility of a Russian invasion on the country.



Iraq Asks All Of Its Citizens To Leave Ukraine - Iraq has now reportedly asked all of its citizens currently located in Ukraine to leave the country due to the 'exceptional circumstances' and has issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to Ukraine until further notice for their safety.


7,000 Americans Registered With US Embassy In Ukraine, 25,000 Dual Citizens - There are reportedly 7,000 American citizens currently in Ukraine with another 25,000 dual citizens with U.S. citizenship, all of which will have no help from the U.S. government to evacuate from the country if Russia carries out an invasion of Ukraine. (No surprise there!) 


German Foreign Ministry Asks All Germans To Evacuate Ukraine - The German Foreign Ministry has reportedly asked all Germans to leave Ukraine saying that a military conflict cannot be ruled out. The Consulate in the eastern part of Ukraine will be closed as soon as possible.



U.S. To Send 3,000 More Troops To Poland For A Total Of 14,500 Either On Standby, - The Polish Defense Minister stated on Friday that the United States is sending 3,000 more troops to Poland. Adding up the total for all troops that are reported to be either on standby alert, or set to be deployed the number of troops comes to around 14,500.



Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak stated "The U.S. administration will send additional 3,000 troops to Poland due to the tense situation in Ukraine. I spoke today about this issue with (U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd) Austin. We are ready at any time to welcome U.S. soldiers to Poland".



Officials who reportedly spoke to Reuters told them that the deployment will be coming from the 82nd Airborne Division which is based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and not from forces within Europe and are due to be in Poland by next week.



The 3,000 soldiers are in addition to the 8,500 U.S. troops that are already on standby alert for deployment to Europe as well as the around 3,000 troops that Washington said that it would deploy to Poland and Romania earlier this month.



Adding up the total for all troops that are reported to be either on standby alert, or set to be deployed the number of troops comes to around 14,500 now.



U.S. Says Russia Looking To Attack On A Wednesday - Russia is looking to attack on Wednesday as a target date a U.S. official reportedly told AP. Why Wednesday? We don't know. The mainstream media has been in a state of confusion, and it only seems to be getting worse the closer the world gets to a possible war. Read more



Russia: We Condemn Policy Of The US And Allies To Relocate Their Military To Eastern Europe Which May Provoke A Crisis - The Russian Mission To the United Nations put out a statement quoting Polyanskiy saying "We codemn the policy of the #UnitedStates and its allies that relocate their military to #EasternEurope. Those are steps in a wrong direction. Instead of bringing de-escalation, it may provoke crises that all of us would want to avoid".



Russia: More Than 30 Ships Of The Black Sea Fleet Moved Out For Exercises - *Based On Translation* More than 30 ships from the Russian Black Sea Fleet moved out for exercises From from Novorossiysk and Sevastopol with subdivisions of the coastal troops of the fleet 'also entering combat training grounds' according to Russian state news Zvezda by Russia's Ministry of Defense. Taken from Defcon Level Warning System: www.defconlevel.com/european-command-news.php#breaking-news


link

[ExquisiteGerbil]

Yeah, get out while you can, because when it all hits the fan this worthless admin won't do a bloody thing to help you! 😡

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan Warns Americans in Ukraine to Leave ‘in the Next 24 to 48 Hours’

By Melanie Arter | February 11, 2022 | 5:43pm EST


(CNSNews.com) - Russia is poised to invade Ukraine at any time, including during the Winter Olympics, and has mobilized forces along the border with Ukraine, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Friday.



“We continue to see signs of Russian escalation, including new forces arriving at the Ukrainian border. As we’ve said before, we are in the window when an invasion can begin at any time should Vladimir Putin decide to order it,” he said.

While he couldn’t comment on the intelligence information that the U.S. has, Sullivan made it clear that an invasion “could begin during the Olympics despite a lot of speculation that it would only happen after the Olympics.”

Continued at link

[OmegaMan]

[maybetoday]

Liz Truss' issues stark warning to Putin as Russian air force engages in a dramatic show of strength on the border with Ukraine

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warned the Kremlin as tensions continue to mount

She warned that invading Ukraine would lead to 'an appalling human toll'

It is understood Parliament will be recalled if there is an invasion next week

By GLEN OWEN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY



PUBLISHED: 17:39 EST, 12 February 2022 | UPDATED: 18:05 EST, 12 February 2022


Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has warned the Kremlin that invading Ukraine would lead to 'a protracted conflict with an appalling human toll', as tensions continue to mount in the region.



In a letter to all MPs, which has been seen by The Mail on Sunday, Ms Truss said that she had told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during her diplomatic shuttle to Moscow on Thursday that the UK 'stands fully behind Ukraine and its right to self-determination'.



Russian President Vladimir Putin warned last week that a potential nuclear war could break out if Ukraine is allowed to join Nato.


But Ms Truss – who was mocked by Russian media for apeing Margaret Thatcher's fur-hatted appearance in the Russian capital in 1987 – said she did 'not accept the zero sum argument that improving the security of one country harms the security of another, as Russia is claiming'.

Full story at link

[shalom]

US intelligence suggests 'false flag' operation Russia could use to justify attack on Ukraine: report

BY CAROLINE VAKIL - 02/12/22 07:59 AM EST 811


The United States has received new intelligence suggesting that a “false flag” operation by Russia is in the works to justify an invasion into Ukraine, The Washington Post reported, citing numerous officials from the U.S. and Europe.



The officials who spoke to the newspaper said that operation’s nature and timing was not clear, but noted that it was separate from another alleged operation that the Russian government considered that involved creating a fake video portraying a fictitious attack on Russia to serve a pretext for an invasion into Ukraine.



The new intelligence on the "false flag" was discussed during a meeting on Thursday evening in the White House Situation Room, according to the officials who spoke with the Post. The sources noted the information was part of the reason why the U.S. government called for Americans to leave Ukraine.



The newspaper noted that a “false flag” operation was noted by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan during a briefing with reporters on Friday.



“The last point that I would make — and I know this has been the subject of a fair amount of back-and-forth between the administration and the press over the course of the past week: We are firmly convinced that the Russians, should they decide to move forward with an invasion, are looking hard at the creation of a pretext — a false-flag operation — something that they generate and try to blame on the Ukrainians as a trigger for military action,” he said. 

Continued at link

[schwartzie]

ARMED AND READY Putin ‘doesn’t give a s*** about sanctions’ says ambassador as Russia moves attack helicopters to Ukraine border

Nick ParkerWill StewartOlivia Burke

8:00 ET, Feb 13 2022Updated: 9:56 ET, Feb 13 2022


Viktor Tatarintsev was speaking as his country moved attack helicopters to its border with Ukraine, further raising invasion fears.

He bluntly warned that "the more the West pushes Russia, the stronger the Russian response will be".



The Kremlin's ambassador to Sweden brushed off the threat of sanctions and boasted Russia had become "more self-sufficient" in response to the ultimatums.



Tatarintsev told the Aftonbladet newspaper: "We are more self-sufficient and have been able to increase our exports.



"We have no Italian or Swiss cheeses, but we've learned to make just as good Russian cheeses using Italian and Swiss recipes."



He said the punishments have allowed his nation's economy and agricultural sector to thrive.



It comes after President Joe Biden warned Vladimir Putin of "swift and severe costs" after claims Moscow is planning to invade its neighbour within days.



New intelligence now suggests Russia will invade Ukraine this Wednesday, February 16, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel.

Continued at link

[ExquisiteGerbil]

US orders troops to leave Ukraine, deploys thousands to Europe ahead of Russian invasion

FEBRUARY 12, 2022 LAURA WIDENER


Joe Biden ordered 3,000 more U.S. troops to deploy to Poland on Friday, the Department of Defense officially confirmed on Saturday. The department also announced that 160 Florida National Guard troops in Ukraine will be pulled out amid concerns Russia will invade Ukraine in the coming days.



The 3,000 troops will come from Fort Bragg, N.C.-based 82nd Airborne Division and will deploy to Europe. The latest deployment orders add to 1,700 U.S. paratroopers already ordered to Europe on February 2, and the deployment of 300 18th Airborne Corps troops.



“All told, these 5,000 additional personnel comprise a highly mobile and flexible force, capable of multiple missions,” a senior defense official said of the deployment. “They are being deployed to reassure our NATO allies, deter any potential aggression against NATO’s eastern flank, train with host-nation forces and contribute to a wide range of contingencies. They will report to Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters, the commander of U.S. European Command.”



More than 80,000 U.S. troops are currently serving in Europe.



The 160 members of the Florida National Guard – assigned to the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team – deployed to Ukraine in November to train and advise the Ukrainian military. The troops are a part of Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, a mission helmed by 7th Army Training Command and dedicated to training and equipping Ukraine’s military.



Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby announced on Saturday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the troops to leave Ukraine.



“They are departing Ukraine and will reposition elsewhere in Europe,” Kirby said. “The secretary made this decision out of an abundance of caution — with the safety and security of our personnel foremost in mind — and informed by the State Department’s guidance on U.S. personnel in Ukraine.”



The troop movement comes after National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Friday that new signs indicate Russia could invade Ukraine at any time, including during the Olympics, which will conclude Feb. 20.

Continued at link

[ExquisiteGerbil]

British PM says Europe in most serious security crisis in decades over Ukraine


FEBRUARY 13, 2022 RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY


This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.



British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine, which the West suspects is a prelude to an invasion, has triggered Europe’s most serious security crisis in decades, as Moscow began holding joint military exercises in Belarus involving more than 30,000 troops.



As Johnson spoke in Brussels at a joint news conference with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on February 10, Britain’s foreign secretary, Liz Truss, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the Russian capital, where she called on Moscow to withdraw its troops to show that it’s really interested in diplomacy.



European leaders and top diplomats have been scrambling across the continent to seek ways to tamp down tensions in a crisis that Johnson said had reached its most perilous phase. He called for a combination of diplomacy, economic coercion, and military strength to counter Russia’s actions.



“This is probably the most dangerous moment, I would say, in the course of the next few days, in what is the biggest security crisis that Europe has faced for decades, and we’ve got to get it right. And I think that the combination of sanctions and military resolve, plus diplomacy are what is in order.”



Johnson traveled later in the day to Warsaw for talks with Polish leaders and to meet with British soldiers stationed in the country.



“Poland and the U.K. won’t accept a world in which a powerful neighbor can bully or attack their neighbors,” he said before meeting the troops.



Continued at link

[Pink Rose]

Airlines suspend flights to Ukraine despite Kyiv promising £400m to keep airspace open - eight years after MH17 was blasted out of the sky - as Russian diplomat says Putin 'doesn't give a s**t' about sanctions and talks with Biden fail


Ukraine has pledged hundreds of millions of pounds to try to keep its airspace open to commercial flights

Dutch carrier KLM earlier announced it was stopping flights to and from the country until further notice

The MH17 jetliner was shot down over Ukraine in 2014, 198 of the 298 people who died were Dutch citizens

Lufthansa also said it was considering suspending flights and there were fears airspace could be closed

It comes as Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said an hour long call between Putin and Biden did not go well

Meanwhile, a Russian ambassador, Viktor Tatarintsev, said Putin does 'not give a s**t about sanctions'

He claimed Russia had become more 'self-sufficient' amid the threat of sanctions and had increased exports

By NICK CRAVEN IN KYIV, UKRAINE and HARRY HOWARD FOR MAILONLINE and REUTERS



PUBLISHED: 12:15 EST, 13 February 2022 | UPDATED: 17:25 EST, 13 February 2022


Ukraine has pledged hundreds of millions of pounds to try to keep its airspace open to commercial flights, as some carriers reviewed their services to the country after the United States warned that Russia could invade at any time.



Airlines today began suspending flights to Ukraine and the country's government reportedly banned entry to Russian citizens over fears of an invasion and the threat of hit squads and saboteurs trying to enter the country.



Dutch carrier KLM announced it was stopping flights to and from the country until further notice, amid sensitivity in the Netherlands to potential danger in Ukrainian airspace following the 2014 shooting down of jetliner MH17 as it flew over territory held by Russia-backed rebels.





All 298 people aboard died in the disaster, including 198 Dutch citizens, while Russia was widely condemned as being responsible. Germany's Lufthansa also said on Sunday it was considering suspending flights.



There was further upheaval yesterday as Ukrainian carrier SkyUp was forced to divert a flight to Moldova as the leasing company which owned the plane refused to let it enter Ukrainian airspace.



International fears of a large-scale Russian invasion now risks closing transport routes out of Ukraine. Avianews warned that Ukraine could soon become a 'no-fly zone' for commercial aircraft.



According to the publication, unless an agreement is made between the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure and international insurers and airlines, Ukraine will gradually be closed to air traffic.



It also emerged that remaining commercial flights to and from Ukraine face being grounded from tomorrow.



Ukraine's infrastructure ministry meanwhile has said airlines were continuing to operate 'without any restrictions', and Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said the government had allocated 16.6 billion hryvnia (£436 million) to guarantee the continuation of flights through its airspace.



He said the funds would 'ensure flight safety in Ukraine for insurance and leasing companies.'



'This decision will stabilise the situation on the market of passenger air transportation and will guarantee the return to Ukraine of our citizens who are currently abroad,' he said, without specifying how the funds would be allocated.



It comes as the Pentagon said an hour long call between US President Joe Biden and Putin did not go well.



Defense Department spokesman John Kirby said: 'It's certainly not a sign that Mr. Putin has any intention to de-escalate the tensions.



'And it's certainly not a sign that he is recommitting himself to a diplomatic path forward. So, it doesn't give us any cause for optimism.'



US House Speaker today issued a stark warning to Russia by claiming an attack on Ukraine would equate an assault on democracy as a whole and insisted Putin knows 'war is not an answer'.



'The fact is that we think that an assault on Ukraine is an assault on democracy,' Pelosi told ABC This Week host George Stephanopoulos. 'We understand that the loss of life, the damage, the collateral damage to civilians, to military and the rest are severe.'



'If he decides to invade, the mothers in Russia don't like their children going into what he's had to experience that – forgive the expression – bodybags from the moms before. So he has to know that war is not an answer,' she added.



'There's very severe consequences to his aggression, and we are united in using them,' the California Democrat threatened.





The news about the worsening travel situation into and out of Ukraine came after Russia's outspoken ambassador to Sweden claimed that Russian president Vladimir Putin 'doesn't give a s**t' about the risk of Western sanctions if his country were to invade Ukraine.



Viktor Tatarintsev told Sweden's Aftonbladet newspaper that 'the more the West pushes Russia, the stronger the Russian response will be'.



He claimed Russia had become more 'self-sufficient' amid the threat of sanctions and accused the West of not understanding his country.



'We are more self-sufficient and have been able to increase our exports. We have no Italian or Swiss cheeses, but we've learned to make just as good Russian cheeses using Italian and Swiss recipes', he said.

Continued at the link

[shalom]

British PM says Europe in most serious security crisis in decades over Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces new COVID-19 lockdown measures, Oct. 31, 2020. (YouTube screenshot)

FEBRUARY 13, 2022 RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY


This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.



British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine, which the West suspects is a prelude to an invasion, has triggered Europe’s most serious security crisis in decades, as Moscow began holding joint military exercises in Belarus involving more than 30,000 troops.



As Johnson spoke in Brussels at a joint news conference with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on February 10, Britain’s foreign secretary, Liz Truss, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the Russian capital, where she called on Moscow to withdraw its troops to show that it’s really interested in diplomacy.



European leaders and top diplomats have been scrambling across the continent to seek ways to tamp down tensions in a crisis that Johnson said had reached its most perilous phase. He called for a combination of diplomacy, economic coercion, and military strength to counter Russia’s actions.



“This is probably the most dangerous moment, I would say, in the course of the next few days, in what is the biggest security crisis that Europe has faced for decades, and we’ve got to get it right. And I think that the combination of sanctions and military resolve, plus diplomacy are what is in order.”

Continued at link

[Pink Rose]

A pretext for war? Russian TV propagandists claim 'thousands of civilians have been tortured and savagely killed' by Ukraine amid invasion fears - and Moscow threatens to FIRE on US ships in its waters after submarine row

Russian state TV has begun a propaganda push that observers fear will provide the pretext to invade Ukraine

Dmitry Kiselyov, aka 'Putin's mouthpiece', claimed 'Ukrainian nationalists' are preparing to massacre Russians

He spoke with separatist fighter in Ukraine who accused Ukrainian 'fascists' of threatening to 'butcher you all'

Tactic mirrors the last invasion of Ukraine in 2014, when such propaganda was used by the Kremlin to justify an invasion under the guise of 'protecting' Russian speakers

By WILL STEWART and CHRIS PLEASANCE FOR MAILONLINE



PUBLISHED: 04:12 EST, 14 February 2022 | UPDATED: 10:00 EST, 14 February 2022



Russian state TV today began a fresh propaganda push, claiming Ukrainian nationalists are about to massacre Russians in the country's east in what observers fear may be the final step in justifying an invasion.



Dmitry Kiselyov, a prominent state propagandist often known as 'Putin's mouthpiece', used his Sunday news show to peddle unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine has 'tortured and savagely killed' thousands of civilians in the Donbass region.



In a segment entitled 'they are preparing to kill', he also featured an interview with a separatist fighter in the region warning that Ukrainian nationalists have threatened to 'kill and butcher you all, and hang your children on wires'.





The tactic mirrors Russian propaganda spread ahead of the last invasion of Ukraine, in 2014, which was used by the Kremlin to justify military action on the basis of 'protecting' ethnic Russians living in the country.



There are now thought to be 148,000 Russian troops massed on the borders - backed by thousands of tanks and artillery pieces - with Washington warning an invasion may come as soon as Wednesday.



Diplomatic efforts to head off a war are continuing, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz flying to Kiev today and Moscow tomorrow in an attempt to reassure the former and deter the latter. He is expected to offer more financial assistance to Ukraine and to demand Russia 'immediately deescalate' its troop build-up on the border.



Talks have so-far met with little success as Moscow demands Ukraine is banned from joining NATO, and the alliance refuses. Ukraine's ambassador to the UK appeared to suggest that Kiev's stance could be softened, which Russia pounced on as a positive step, before he was forced to walk back his remarks.



Amid one of the most serious standoffs between East and West since the Cold War, a Russian military chief warned the navy stands ready to fire on any foreign vessels entering the country's territorial waters.



Elsewhere today...



Ukraine's ambassador to the UK suggested Kiev could be 'flexible' in its demands to join NATO if it avoids a war, but was quickly forced to walk back his remark

Boris Johnson was preparing for a whistle-stop diplomatic tour of Europe in a last-minute effort to avoid a conflict and reassure NATO allies

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has come under fire for his soft-touch stance to Russia, will travel to Kiev today and then go to Moscow for talks aimed at avoiding war

The Kremlin said it will not be attending a European security summit called by Ukraine today to discuss the troop build-up on its border and 'unusual military activity' in Belarus

James Heappey, UK secretary for the Armed Forces, warned Europe is closer to war than it has been 'for 70 years' and that bombs would drop on Ukraine 'within minutes' of any order to attack

G7 finance ministers said that military aggression by Russia against Ukraine would trigger 'economic and financial sanctions which will have massive and immediate consequences on the Russian economy'

Continued at the link

[Pink Rose]

'This woman is my hero': Praise floods in for 79-year-old Ukrainian woman with an AK-47 who was pictured training with special forces to take on Russian invasion

Valentyna Konstantynovska, 79, took part in civilian combat training training in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine

Ukrainians described Ms Konstantynovska as a 'hero' for taking part in the drills ahead of an invasion

It is one of several drills across Ukraine that have been carried out to build up a rag-tag army of civilians

By JOE DAVIES and NICK CRAVEN IN KYIV, UKRAINE, FOR MAILONLINE



PUBLISHED: 04:45 EST, 14 February 2022 | UPDATED: 08:58 EST, 14 February 2022


A 79-year-old great-grandmother who took part in civilian combat training in Ukraine was today flooded with praise as the country braced itself for invasion from Russia.



Valentyna Konstantynovska was taught how to use an AK-47 assault rifle by the country's national guard in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, yesterday.



She was shown how to use the gun by the Special Forces Unit Azov — who have previously faced accusations from Western journalists that they are a neo-Nazi group — in a training exercise for civilians.


It is one of several drills that have been carried out across the country to build up a rag-tag army ahead of the 'imminent' invasion by Russian troops.



Ukrainians described Ms Konstantynovska as a 'hero' for taking part in the drills, which have also seen children as young as four put through their paces.

Continued at the link

[ShofarSoGood]

US Advises All Americans To Depart Belarus Immediately

BY TYLER DURDEN

MONDAY, FEB 14, 2022 - 08:14 PM


update(8:14pmET): In what could prove a US continuing over-reaction, the State Department has advised that all American citizens should depart Belarus immediately. According to the fresh travel advisory on the State Dept's official website:



Do not Travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, and unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine; those in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions.



On January 31, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Embassy Minsk.



Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region.



Russia and Belarus have continued with planned military exercises, which Washington has suggested is in reality part of a broader troop build-up with an eye on invading Ukraine.



Meanwhile, through Monday evening reports continue to be advanced that Russia is surging more troops toward the border:

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[ExquisiteGerbil]

Last push for peace: Boris and Biden agree 'a window for diplomacy' in Ukraine remains open after Kremlin's Lavrov said talks should continue - but 60 percent of Putin's land forces are now on the border amid continued fears Russia will attack TOMORROW


The Prime Minister and Joe Biden agreed a diplomatic solution could still be found to avoid war in Ukraine

It comes after the PM yesterday said there could be less than 48 hours to prevent an invasion

Johnson also slammed European countries for their dependence on Russian gas imports amid the crisis

The US is moving its remaining diplomats from Kyiv to the western city of Lviv amid escalating tensions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared Feb 16 a national 'day of unity' to 'strengthen resilience'

Boris Johnson is set for a diplomatic tour of Europe this week to meet with NATO allies to try to avert war

Tories calling for West to threaten dramatic sanctions such as blocking Russian banks from financial markets

Vladimir Putin's troops are planning to cross the border into Ukraine 'at any moment', intelligence suggests

By JAMES TAPSFIELD POLITICAL EDITOR and NICK CRAVEN IN KYIV, UKRAINE and DAVID AVERRE FOR MAILONLINE



PUBLISHED: 07:05 EST, 14 February 2022 | UPDATED: 06:48 EST, 15 February 2022


Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday shared a phone call with US President Joe Biden to discuss Ukraine after warning earlier today there could be less than 48 hours to prevent an invasion.



The allied leaders agreed that hope is not lost and said they would try to push for a diplomatic solution to avoid war in eastern Europe, in a call which lasted around 40 minutes..



A Downing Street spokesperson said of the call: 'The Prime Minister and President Biden agreed there remained a crucial window for diplomacy and for Russia to step back from its threats towards Ukraine.


'The leaders emphasised that any further incursion into Ukraine would result in a protracted crisis for Russia, with far reaching damage for both Russia and the world.



'They agreed that western allies must remain united in the face of Russian threats, including imposing a significant package of sanctions should Russian aggression escalate. They also reiterated the need for European countries to reduce their dependence on Russian gas, a move which, more than any other, would strike at the heart of Russia's strategic interests.'



It comes after Mr Johnson had earlier compared European states to 'addicts' and called on them to end their reliance on Russian gas imports.



Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said yesterday evening that the US is relocating its remaining embassy staff in Ukraine from Kyiv to the western city of Lviv, citing the 'dramatic acceleration in the build-up of Russian forces'.



'The embassy will remain engaged with the Ukrainian government,' Blinken said in a statement, before adding 'but we strongly urge any remaining US citizens in Ukraine to leave the country immediately.'



The State Department has also ordered the destruction of networking equipment and computer workstations at their Kyiv Embassy in case it ends up in Russian hands, the Wall Street Journal reported.



The PM is set to embark on another trip to Europe later this week as diplomatic efforts ramp up to defuse the standoff with Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been in Kyiv today and will go to Moscow tomorrow.



The UK, EU and US have set out brutal options for sanctions including starving Russia of foreign capital, holding up the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and targeting banks and oligarchs close to the Kremlin.



But there is not yet a clear package agreed across Nato allies, with Germany among the countries seen as dragging their heels. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace revealed his frustration at the weekend by warning there was a 'whiff of Munich in the air' - a reference to the appeasement of Hitler.



Mr Johnson took a thinly-veiled swipe yesterday insisting that 'the world needs to learn the lesson of 2014' when not enough was done to move away from Russian gas and oil following the Russian activity in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.



'What I think all European countries need to do now is get Nord Stream out of the bloodstream,' he said on a visit to Scotland. 'Yank out that that hypodermic drip feed of Russian hydrocarbons that is keeping so many European economies going.



'We need to find alternative sources of energy … and get ready to impose some very, very severe economic consequences on Russia.'



Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky turned up the heat on Germany Monday afternoon, saying after talks with Mr Scholz - who again dodged on whether the pipeline could be mothballed - that everyone should 'clearly understand' that Nord Stream 2 is a 'geopolitical weapon' for Russia.



In a rousing televised address to the nation yesterday, Zelensky said: 'We are confident, but not self-confident. We understand all the risks every day. We are constantly monitoring the situation, calculating various scenarios, preparing decent responses to all possible aggressive actions.



'We clearly know where someone else's army is near our borders, its number, its locations, equipment and plans. We have something to oppose. We have a wonderful army.'



Zelensky also declared Wednesday - the day US officials warn might mark the start of a feared Russian invasion of the ex-Soviet state - national 'unity day'.



'[The media] tell us that February 16 will be the day of the invasion. We will make this into Unity Day. I have signed the corresponding decree,' Zelensky said.



According to the document, the head of state gave the order to raise the national flag of Ukraine on houses and official buildings in all settlements and perform the national anthem of Ukraine at 10am. The decree will also see Ukraine's armed forces receive more financial support.



The Kremlin meanwhile declared that it is ready to keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the current crisis, offering hope that Russia might not invade Ukraine within days as Western officials increasingly fear.



Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with Putin that Moscow should hold more talks with the US and its allies despite their refusal to consider the main Russian demands.



Lavrov said the talks 'can't go on indefinitely, but I would suggest to continue and expand them at this stage.'



He noted that Washington has offered to discuss limits for missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.



Asked by Putin if it made sense to continue diplomatic efforts, Lavrov responded that possibilities for talks 'are far from being exhausted' and he proposed to continue the negotiations.



However, as much as 60 per cent of Russia's available land forces is now massed on Ukraine's borders poised to attack, according to Western intelligence agencies, with Russian warships also in the Black Sea.



On another day of international chaos on Ukraine:



The PM's spokesman said there would be no 'preview' of the sanctions planned by the West as it 'cannot be beneficial to our aims';

Downing Street has suggested Parliament will be recalled from half-term recess if Russia invades Ukraine;

Commercial airlines halted flights to Ukraine or divert them from flying over its airspace, sparking fears civilians will soon be stranded;

A bullish Russian ambassador insisted Mr Putin 'doesn't give a s***' about the threat of Western economic sanctions;

Moscow further ratcheted up tensions as more than 30 Russian ships started naval training exercises near the Crimean peninsula;

Ukraine call for a meeting with Russia and other members of a key European security group over the escalating tensions on its border;

The Pentagon warned 'things were not moving in the right direction' after a call between President Joe Biden and Mr Putin failed to yield a breakthrough.

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[ExquisiteGerbil]

Russian mercenaries have boosted their presence in Ukraine increasing fears Moscow will engineer a 'false flag' operation to justify an invasion, Western security officials warn


Russian mercenaries with ties to Moscow's spies have increased their presence in Ukraine in recent weeks

It has been stoking fears among some NATO members Russia could try to engineer a pretext for an invasion

They said a Russian incursion into Ukraine could be preceded by an information war and cyber attacks

America warned on Sunday Russia could stage a 'false flag' operation inside Ukraine to justify an invasion

By CHRIS MATTHEWS and NICK CRAVEN IN KYIV, UKRAINE, FOR MAILONLINE and REUTERS



PUBLISHED: 14:10 EST, 14 February 2022 | UPDATED: 08:15 EST, 15 February 2022


Russian mercenaries with ties to Moscow's spies have increased their presence in Ukraine in recent weeks, stoking fears among some NATO members that Putin could try to engineer a pretext for an invasion, three senior Western security sources said.



They said their concerns had strengthened in recent weeks that a Russian incursion into Ukraine could be preceded by an information war and cyber attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure such as electricity and gas networks.



Russia could also use the mercenaries to sow discord and paralyse Ukraine through targeted assassinations and the use of specialised weaponry, the sources said.

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[ExquisiteGerbil]

The race to Kiev: Plans presented by Kremlin military chiefs show how 130,000 Russian forces will bid to topple Ukraine government in 'multi-axis' invasion from Belarus and Crimea before swarming in from the east


Russian troops could set off on a 'race to Kiev' to topple Ukrainian government, under plans from the Kremlin

Western officials fear Putin will push to install pro-Russian regime after toppling Ukraine's government

More Russian troops, possibly an extra 20,000, are being added to the invasion force which is currently 130,000-strong

By MARK NICOL, DEFENCE AND SECURITY EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL



PUBLISHED: 17:11 EST, 14 February 2022 | UPDATED: 11:17 EST, 15 February 2022




Russian troops will set off on a 'race to Kiev' to topple the Ukrainian government, according to plans presented by Kremlin military chiefs.



Tens of thousands of Putin's soldiers will push south into Ukraine to target the capital and install a pro-Russian regime, Western officials fear.



There will also be a 'multi-axis' invasion by Russian forces. Troops will enter the country from Belarus and Crimea before converging in eastern Ukraine.


Their mission will be to align themselves to prevent Ukrainian forces in the east of the country heading back to defend Kiev.



With speed of movement being critical to Russia's strategy, lighter vehicles and weapons systems have apparently been selected for the ground offensive.



More Russian troops, possibly an extra 20,000, are being added to the invasion force which is currently 130,000-strong.



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[ExquisiteGerbil]

'We'll believe Putin's withdrawal when we see it': NATO cautiously declares victory in battle to stop Russia invading Ukraine while Moscow claims it has 'disgraced' the West - hours after US intelligence warned troops were in 'attack positions'


NATO chief says room for 'cautious optimism' around Ukraine after Russia said it is withdrawing some troops

Kiev remains skeptical, with the defence minister warning: 'Don't believe what you hear, believe what you see'

Russian announcement came hours after Washington warned tanks were moving into final attack positions

Observers and those on the ground say they have not seen any evidence yet of Russian forces moving away

Olaf Scholz is in Moscow for face-to-face talks with Putin, the latest leader to try and de-escalate the crisis

By CHRIS PLEASANCE FOR MAILONLINE and HARRIET ALEXANDER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM



PUBLISHED: 01:09 EST, 15 February 2022 | UPDATED: 11:57 EST, 15 February 2022


Russia's announcement that it will withdraw some of its troops from the Ukrainian border was welcomed with cautious optimism by NATO and the West today - with observers warning that the apparent de-escalation is yet to be confirmed by movements on the ground.



Jens Stoltenburg, NATO chief executive, said there is room for 'cautious optimism' after weeks of escalating tensions - amid signs from Russia that the diplomatic route to ending the crisis has not yet been closed off.



But he also warned that Putin still maintains a large military presence near Ukraine, has the ability to attack at short notice, and that there has been no evidence yet of a drawn-down of forces - despite Moscow claiming some units are leaving after training exercises.





He remarks echo those of Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's defence minister, who said that Kiev and its Western allies have prevented any 'further escalation' of tensions but added: 'We have a rule: don't believe what you hear, believe what you see. When we see a withdrawal, we will believe in a de-escalation.'



Prime Minister Boris Johnson was equally skeptical, saying that Russia continues to build field hospitals which 'can only be construed as preparations' for an attack - urging Putin to stop sending 'mixed signals' while calling for Western allies to remain 'tough and united'.



News of the withdrawal came just hours after dire warnings out of Washington that Russian tanks and troops were being moved to final attack positions, and that rocket batteries and artillery units had been moved within range of their targets. One official event went so far as to suggest the invasion had been scheduled for 3am Wednesday.



Moscow attempted to dismiss those warnings as 'war propaganda' today, with a spokesman saying: 'February 15, 2022 will go into history as the day western war propaganda failed. They have been disgraced and destroyed without a single shot being fired'



Amid the standoff, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz became the latest world leader to visit Moscow on Tuesday - given the same 'long table treatment' as Emmanuel Macron received last week as he sat down for face-to-face talks with Putin aimed at resolving the crisis.

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[schwartzie]

Ukraine president Zelenskiy calls for 'day of unity' on February 16

'They tell us Feb 16 will be the day of the attack. We will make it a day of unity,' Zelenskiy said in a video address to the nation

Topics

Ukraine | US Russia | Russia



Reuters

Last Updated at February 15, 2022 11:14 IST


UK considers more troops for NATO amid Russia-Ukraine crisis

Ukraine is willing to be 'flexible', could drop NATO bid to avoid war

Biden to send troops to east Europe to counter Russia: US officials

Paris says Putin agreed to start no new manoeuvres near Ukraine for now

Airlines likely to skip Ukraine airspace after US warning of Russian attack


Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday called on the country's people to fly flags and sing the national anthem in unison on Feb. 16, a date that some Western media say Russian could invade.



Ukrainian government officials stressed that Zelenskiy was not predicting an attack on Wednesday, but responding skeptically to the foreign media reports.



"They tell us Feb. 16 will be the day of the attack. We will make it a day of unity," Zelenskiy said in a video address to the nation.

"They are trying to frighten us by yet again naming a date for the start of military action," Zelenskiy said. "On that day, we will hang our national flags, wear yellow and blue banners, and show the whole world our unity."



Zelenskiy has long said that, while he believes Russia is threatening to attack his country, the likelihood of an imminent invasion has been overstated by Western allies, responding to Moscow's efforts to intimidate Ukraine and sow panic.



Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskiy's chief of staff, told Reuters the president was responding in part "with irony" to media reports of the potential date of the invasion.



"It is quite understandable why Ukrainians today are skeptical about various 'specific dates' of the so-called 'start of the invasion' announced in the media," he said. "When the 'start of the invasion' becomes some sort of rolling tour date, such media announcements can only be taken with irony." Zelenskiy's office released a decree calling for all villages and towns in Ukraine to fly the country's flags on Wednesday, and for the entire nation to sing the national anthem at 10 a.m. It also called for an increase in salaries of soldiers and border guards.



U.S. officials said they were not predicting an assault ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on a specific day, but repeated warnings that it could come at any time.



"I won't get into a specific date, I don't think that would be smart. I would just tell you that it is entirely possible that he could move with little to no warning," Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. Earlier, Kirby said Moscow was still adding to its military capabilities on the Ukrainian frontier.

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