Ukraine War discussion - Threat to Public Health

[Emily]

Arestovich, close to Zelensky, says it is Ukraine who has lost about 300,000. (I've heard estimates of Russia losing 10's of thousands.) He also blames the UK's Boris Johnson for obstructing an early peace negotiation.
​
https://rumble.com/v3yypx1-arestovich-on-end-of-peace-talks.html

That is corroborated in an interview with another Ukrainian involved:
https://sonar21.com/the-west-pushed-ukraine-to-war-and-now-it-is-paying-the-butchers-bill/

More corroboration:
https://braveneweurope.com/michael-von-der-schulenburg-hajo-funke-harald-kujat-peace-for-ukraine
Michael von der Schulenburg, Hajo Funke, Harald Kujat – Peace For Ukraine

November 10, 2023
​The disastrous derailment of early peace efforts to end the war in Ukraine Michael von der Schulenburg is a former UN Assistant Secretary-General, who worked for over 34 years for the United Nations, and shortly for the OSCE, in many countries in war or internal armed conflicts often involving fragile governments and armed non-state actors

Hajo Funke is Professor Emeritus for political sciences of the Otto-Suhr-Institute/ Freie University Berlin

General (ret.) Harald Kujat was the highest ranging German officer of the Bundeswehr and at NATO
The British Prime Minister’s fateful visit to Kiev on 9 April 2022

This is a detailed reconstruction of the Ukrainian-Russian peace negotiations in March 2022 and the associated mediation attempts by the then Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, supported by President Erdogan and former German Chancellor Schröder. It was drawn up by retired General H. Kujat and Professor Emeritus H. Funke, two of the initiators of the recently presented peace plan for Ukraine. And it is also in connection with their peace plan that this reconstruction is so extremely important. It reminds us that we cannot afford to delay ceasefire and peace negotiations again. The human and military situation in Ukraine deteriorates dramatically, with the added danger that it could lead to a further escalation of the war. We need a diplomatic solution to this cruel war for Europe and the Ukraine – and we need it now!

From the detailed reconstruction of the March peace efforts 6 conclusions emerge:

1. Just one month after the start of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had come very close to an agreement for a ceasefire and to an outline for a comprehensive peace solution to the conflict.

2) In contrast to today, President Zelensky and his government had made great efforts to negotiate peace with Russia and bring the war to a quick end.

3) Contrary to Western interpretations, Ukraine and Russia agreed at the time that the planned NATO expansion was the reason for the war. They therefore focused their peace negotiations on Ukraine’s neutrality and its renunciation of NATO membership. In return, Ukraine would have retained its territorial integrity except for Crimea.

4) There is little doubt that these peace negotiations failed due to resistance from NATO and in particular from the USA and the UK. The reasons is that such a peace agreement would have been tantamount to a defeat for NATO, an end to NATO’s eastward expansion and thus an end to the dream of a unipolar world dominated by the USA.

5. The failure of the peace negotiations in March 2022 led to dangerous intensification of the war that has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, especially young people, deeply traumatized a young generation and inflicted the most severe mental and physical wounds on them. Ukraine has been exposed to enormous destruction, internal displacements, and mass impoverishment. This si accompanied by a large-scale depopulation of the country. Not only Russia, but also NATO and the West bear a heavy share of the blame for this disaster.

6) Ukraine’s negotiating position today is far worse than it was in March 2022. Ukraine will now lose large parts of its territory.

7. The blocking of the peace negotiations at that time has harmed everyone: Russia and Europe – but above all the people of Ukraine, who are paying with their blood the price for the ambitions of the major powers and will probably get nothing in return...
​

 

[Emily]

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/od...-captivity-59th-brigade-volodymyr-dembovskyi/

‘Give me my bones’: Ukrainian families fight for truth about missing soldiers

Kateryna Dembovska was told her husband had died. But there are reasons to doubt the Ukrainian army’s official account

Kateryna Farbar

27 November 2023, 12.54pm
When Kateryna Dembovska’s husband went missing in action in May last year, she was told all that was left of him and his unit was one body and two black bags in a Mykolaiv morgue.

According to his brigade, Volodymyr Dembovskyi, a gunner in a motorised infantry company, was burned alive in a Russian artillery strike on a village in southern Ukraine.

Fellow soldiers, including their commander, were unable to save him and six other soldiers as their building was engulfed in flames, relatives were told.

But Dembovska doesn’t believe the 59th Brigade’s leadership or its investigation – and has tried on her own to find out exactly what happened to her husband on 8 May 2022...
​

Some videos of what Ukrainian troops are enduring here:
https://sonar21.com/meanwhile-back-in-ukraine-desperation-sets-in/

 

[Pathfinder]

Occupants Are Massively Affected by “Mouse Fever” in Kupiansk Direction

December 19, 2023

Occupants Are Massively Affected by “Mouse Fever” in Kupiansk DirectionDefence Intelligence of Ukraine informs that dissatisfaction is growing in the units of the russian occupying army due to inadequate provision of winter uniforms, as well as complete lack of medical care.

Thus, in the Kupiansk direction, an outbreak of the so-called “mouse fever” has been recorded in many units of the russian invaders.

The disease is viral in nature and is transmitted to humans from rodents: through direct contact with the pathogen, by inhaling mouse feces dust or by ingestion of mouse feces in food.

Symptoms of “mouse fever” include severe headache, fever of up to 40 degrees, rashes and redness, low blood pressure, haemorrhages in the eyes, nausea, and vomiting several times a day.

In addition, the disease affects the kidneys. Therefore, a person infected with “mouse fever” suffers from severe lower back pain. He also faces serious problems with urination.

Complaints about fever from the russian army personnel involved in the war against Ukraine were ignored by the command, considering them as another manifestation of evasion from participation in hostilities. In addition, at the first stage of its course, “mouse fewer” resembles a common flu.

As a result, the “mouse fever” has significantly reduced the combat capability of the russian soldiers.

https://gur.gov.ua/en/content/na-ku...upantiv-masovo-kosyt-myshacha-lykhomanka.html

 

[sharon sanders]

I am guessing this is HFRS:

"..Where is HFRS found?

HFRS is found throughout the world. Haantan virus is widely distributed in eastern Asia, particularly in China, Russia, and Korea. Puumala virus is found in Scandinavia, western Europe, and western Russia. Dobrava virus is found primarily in the Balkans, and Seoul virus is found worldwide. Saaremaa is found in central Europe and Scandinavia. In the Americas, hantaviruses cause a different disease known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome..."

https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hfrs...e flushing of,the virus causing the infection.

 

[Pathfinder]

Summit on Peace in Ukraine


On 15 and 16 June 2024, Switzerland is organising a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock (Canton of Nidwalden). The aim of that heads of state and government meeting, is to develop a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This should be the basis for a peace process.

The logo of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. © FDFA

News on the Summit on Peace in Ukraine


News ticker

Following up on Ukraine’s request Switzerland has invited over 160 delegations from around the world to join for the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine on 15-16 June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort.

The summit will build on the discussions that have taken place in recent months, notably the Ukrainian peace formula and other peace proposals based on the UN Charter and key principles of international law. The overarching objective of the summit is to inspire a future peace process. To achieve this, the summit intends to:

• Provide a platform for dialogue on ways towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine based on international law and the UN Charter;
• Promote a common understanding of a possible framework to reach this goal;
• Jointly define a roadmap on how to involve both parties in a future peace process.

The participation of a wide range of states and their contributions to the discussion will be crucial to reach these goals. Switzerland has a long tradition of promoting dialogue. Thus, it considers the exchange of different views on the way to peace in Ukraine of vital importance.

Media Corner


Check the Media Corner to follow parts of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine programme via livestream or find information on how to retrieve video footage and photos.

Q&A

Why is the summit being held in Switzerland?


During President Zelenskyy's visit to Bern on 15 January 2024, Switzerland and Ukraine discussed the next steps towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. At Ukraine's request, Switzerland agreed to host a summit. Switzerland regularly hosts negotiations or acts as a mediator for talks and meetings.

What are the aims of this summit?


The aim of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine is to inspire a future peace process and to develop practical elements as well as steps towards such a process. All states present at the summit should contribute their ideas and visions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

By organising this summit, Switzerland is helping to support discussions aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Following the URC 2022 in Lugano and the National Security Advisors Meeting in Davos at the beginning of the year, Switzerland is now organising another important conference.

How many delegations have been invited to the summit?


Switzerland has invited over 160 delegations at head of state and government level to take part in the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine on June 15 and 16, 2024 on the Bürgenstock. These include members of the G7, the G20, the BRICS, numerous other countries from all continents as well as the EU, three international organizations (UN, OSCE and Council of Europe) and two religious representatives (Vatican and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople).

So far, over 80 confirmations have been received for participation at the level of heads of state and government. Around half of these are currently from Europe and the other half from the rest of the world. The final of participating states will be published shortly before the start of the summit.

Has Russia also received an invitation?


Russia has not been invited at this stage. Switzerland has always shown openness to extending an invitation to Russia for this Summit. However, Russia has said repeatedly and also publicly that it has no interest in participating in this first Summit. The Summit in Switzerland is intended to initiate a peace process. Switzerland is convinced that Russia must be involved in this process. A peace process without Russia is unthinkable.

What does it cost to organise this summit?


The costs of organising the summit depend on the number of delegations taking part and their level. These parameters are currently not finalised, so the exact costs cannot yet be specified.A cost ceiling of CHF 10 to 15 million is currently expected, including CHF 10 million for internal security.

What does the programme for the summit look like? What will the heads of state and government discuss in concrete terms?


The summit programme is currently being drawn up. The focus will lie on topics of global interest and which affect a large number of states, such as (1) nuclear safety, (2) freedom of navigation and food safety and (3) humanitarian aspects. Switzerland has met with numerous representatives from various states, informed them about the summit and gathered their expectations.

All states present at the summit should be able to contribute their ideas and visions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

What does it mean for Swiss neutrality if Switzerland organises a summit on peace without Russia? Is it not taking sides?


Switzerland is permanently neutral. The basis of Swiss neutrality is the law of neutrality, which is based on The Hague Conventions of 1907. The law of neutrality applies to the military sphere. However, being neutral does not mean being indifferent. Switzerland strongly condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Outside the military sphere, the law of neutrality is not an obstacle to solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people. After more than two years of war, at least an attempt must now be made to start a process for peace in Ukraine. Switzerland is convinced that Russia must be involved in this process. A peace process without Russia is unthinkable. By organising this first summit, Switzerland is making a contribution to supporting discussions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The alternative would be to do nothing which is not an option for Switzerland.

The war is far from being over. What else is Switzerland doing for Ukraine?


Switzerland's involvement in the search for a peaceful solution for Ukraine complements the measures that the Confederation has implemented to date to support the people affected by the war in Ukraine and to shape Ukraine's future. For example, the political reconstruction process was launched on a broad basis with Ukraine in Lugano in July 2022. The Confederation is also committed to the prosecution of crimes under international law, such as war crimes or the crime of aggression, as well as the search for and identification of missing persons.

Since the beginning of the conflict, the Confederation has provided a total of around CHF 3 billion in support to the population in Switzerland or abroad affected by the war in Ukraine. As part of its international cooperation, the Swiss Confederation provides humanitarian aid and has adjusted existing projects in development cooperation to the new context. Since the outbreak of the war, it has provided around CHF 425 million to support the population affected by the war in Ukraine abroad.

In 2024, the budget for humanitarian aid and development cooperation in Ukraine and the region totals CHF 150 million. The Federal Council has also reserved funds totalling around CHF 1.5 billion for Ukraine and the region as part of the International Cooperation Strategy (IC) 2025-2028. Switzerland is thus making a substantial contribution to the support and to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

On 29 September 2023, the Federal Council approved CHF 100 million for humanitarian demining for the years 2024-2027. The funding is split equally between the FDFA and the DDPS. Humanitarian demining is a key precondition for the country's recovery.

Switzerland will co-organise a series of humanitarian demining events this year (Road to Lausanne) culminating in the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024 on 17-18 October in Lausanne.
​
...

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa/aktuell/dossiers/konferenz-zum-frieden-ukraine.html

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China -

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024

2024-05-31 18:37
...
Reuters: According to sources, China has confirmed that it will not attend the Ukraine peace conference to be hosted by Switzerland next month. China has declined the invitation, because the conditions for China’s participation are not met, including the participation of both Russia and Ukraine, the sources said. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment on this matter?

Mao Ning: China attaches great importance to Switzerland organizing the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine and has been in close communication with Switzerland and relevant parties on this since early this year. China always maintains that the international peace conference needs to meet the three important elements of recognition from both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans. Otherwise, the peace conference can hardly play a substantive role for restoring peace. These elements proposed by China are fair, legitimate and do not target any party. They are written into the Common Understandings on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis jointly issued by China and Brazil recently and reflect the universal concern of the international community, especially the vast developing countries.

Based on what we have heard from various parties and the released arrangement for the meeting, it doesn’t seem that the three elements proposed by China will be met. There is an apparent gap between the meeting’s arrangement and what China stands for as well as the universal expectation in the international community. In this case, China is hardly able to take part in the meeting and has informed relevant parties of our consideration and concerns. We will continue to promote talks for peace in our own way, maintain communication with all parties and jointly accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
...

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202405/t20240531_11368425.html

 

[Pathfinder]

States at Summit on Peace in Ukraine agree on common positions and next steps


Press releases, 16.06.2024

At the close of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine on Sunday, 16 June, the vast majority of participating states agreed on jointly formulated positions and next steps with a view to a future peace process. President Viola Amherd commended the joint communiqué that emerged from the Bürgenstock summit as a strong signal from the international community for peace based on international law and the UN Charter. 92 states from all regions of the world took part in the summit, 57 of which were represented by heads of state and government.

The outcome of the Bürgenstock summit marked a first important step on the challenging path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, President Amherd explained. The discussions focused on three topics: nuclear safety, food security and the humanitarian dimension of the conflict (covering prisoners of war, arbitrarily detained civilians and abducted children). These topics lend themselves to building trust between the parties to the conflict, as an agreement in these areas would be beneficial for both sides. Furthermore, these are issues that are of great importance to many countries, partly due to their geographical proximity, partly because they themselves are or have been affected by these issues and can share their experiences.

Countries from different regions of the world took part in the discussions and were able to contribute their own experiences and put forward possible solutions. The joint communiqué that emerged from the Bürgenstock summit was supported by the vast majority of participating states. It reflects the desire of the states to contribute to the peace process. The positions taken in the three areas of discussion create a basis of trust. The need to involve all parties to the conflict was also emphasised.

It is the first time that Switzerland has hosted a summit of this magnitude. The broad participation from all regions of the world is an expression of trust in Switzerland and was made possible thanks to Switzerland's global diplomatic network. President Amherd emphasised that Switzerland would continue to play an active role in the next steps. President Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), praised the cooperation with the participating states and expressed their thanks to the international partners and all those who contributed to the smooth running of the event. In addition to the federal government, the authorities of the Canton of Nidwalden have also been heavily involved. Security at the summit was ensured by the police and the armed forces.

---

Further information:


Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework
Summit on Peace in Ukraine​
...
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdf...tml/content/eda/en/meta/news/2024/6/16/101439

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From the link above:

Summit on Peace in Ukraine: Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework


Bürgenstock, Switzerland 16 June 2024

The ongoing war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine continues to cause large-scale human suffering and destruction, and to create risks and crises with global repercussions. We gathered in Switzerland on 15-16 June 2024 to enhance a high-level dialogue on pathways towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine. We reiterated resolutions A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/6 adopted at the UN General Assembly and underscored our commitment to upholding international law including the United Nations Charter. This Summit was built on the previous discussions that have taken place based on Ukraine’s Peace Formula and other peace proposals which are in line with international law, including the United Nations Charter.

We deeply appreciate Switzerland’s hospitality and its initiative to host the High-Level Summit as expression of its firm commitment to promoting international peace and security.

We had a fruitful, comprehensive and constructive exchange of various views on pathways towards a framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter. In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters, and the resolution of disputes through peaceful means as principles of international law.

We, furthermore, have a common vision on the following crucial aspects:

1. Firstly, any use of nuclear energy and nuclear installations must be safe, secured, safe-guarded and environmentally sound. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations, including Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine and in line with IAEA principles and under its supervision.
   
   Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible.
2. Secondly, global food security depends on uninterrupted manufacturing and supply of food products. In this regard, free, full and safe commercial navigation, as well as access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas, are critical. Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure, are unacceptable.
   
   Food security must not be weaponized in any way. Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely provided to interested third countries.
3. Thirdly, all prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange. All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine.

We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties. We, therefore, decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties.

The United Nations Charter, including the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, can and will serve as a basis in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

List of countries who support the joint communiqué


Status 16 June 2024

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Council of Europe, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, European Commission, European Council, European Parliament, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Sao Tomé and Principe, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor Leste, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay

Last update 17.06.2024
​

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/hom...ne-joint-communique-on-a-peace-framework.html

 

[Mary Wilson]

Two beluga whales evacuated to Spain from war-torn Ukraine

​Issued on: 20/06/2024 - 11:32Modified: 20/06/2024 - 12:01​

Video by:Yinka OYETADE​

Two beluga whales have been evacuated from an aquarium in war-torn Ukraine to Spain by road and plane in a "high-risk" operation, officials at their new home said Wednesday.

https://www.france24.com/en/video/2...ales-evacuated-to-spain-from-war-torn-ukraine

 

[Pathfinder]

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing – 10 July 2024

11 July 2024
...
Now to Ukraine, where the Ohmatdyt National Children’s Hospital in Kyiv was severely damaged on Monday following a series of aerial strikes.

More than 600 children were in the hospital when it was struck.

Two people were killed and 50 injured, including 8 children.

Sixty-eight children remain under treatment in the surviving buildings, and 94 children were transported to other medical facilities in Kyiv.

The remaining children, who were in the hospital for scheduled treatment, have been examined and temporarily discharged.

Our WHO team arrived at the hospital immediately after the attack and saw the desperation of parents, medical staff, and volunteers evacuating the children.

WHO’s biomedical engineers are assessing the damage to medical equipment to determine what we can provide to ensure continuity of care.

We will also provide medical supplies to hospitals that have received patients from Ohmatdyt.

Including the attack on the children’s hospital, WHO verified four attacks on health care in Ukraine on Monday, killing 9 health workers and patients and leaving another 71 injured.

Since the beginning of the war, WHO has verified 1885 attacks on health care, which have been linked to 157 deaths and 435 injuries among health workers and patients.

Attacks on health care are a violation of international humanitarian law.

https://www.who.int/news-room/speec...-remarks-at-the-media-briefing---10-july-2024
​

 

[Mary Wilson]

IAEA is monitoring situation around Russia's Kursk nuclear plant - RIA

​August 8, 202411:56 AM CDT Updated 3 hours ago
By Reuters​

MOSCOW, Aug 8 (Reuters) - The International Atomic Energy Agency is aware of developments around Russia's Kursk nuclear plant and is monitoring the situation, Russian state news agency RIA reported on Thursday. ...

https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...d-russias-kursk-nuclear-plant-ria-2024-08-08/

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Published September 9, 2024, 08:53

DEFENSE:
Beijing announces military exercises with Moscow

Chinese and Russian naval and air forces will take part in the "North-Joint 2024" exercises in and around the Sea of ​​Japan and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, off the Russian coast.


China announced joint military exercises with Russia this month on Monday, a sign of deepening ties between the two countries that have led to Beijing being labeled by NATO as a "facilitator" of Moscow's war in Ukraine. Navy and air forces will take part in the "North-Joint 2024" drills in and around the Sea of ​​Japan and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk off the coast of Russia, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"The exercise aims to deepen the level of strategic cooperation between the Chinese and Russian militaries and enhance their ability to jointly address security threats," the ministry said. The two allies will send naval fleets for a joint maritime patrol, and China will also participate in Russia's "Ocean-2024" strategic exercise, the statement added. The ministry did not give a specific date when the drills will take place.

Intensified military cooperation

In July, the two countries held joint exercises in the waters and airspace around Zhanjiang, a city in China’s southern Guangdong province. The drills came the same week that NATO leaders warned that China had “become a decisive facilitator” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Beijing in response warned the U.S.-led military alliance against “any attempt at confrontation.”

Russia and China have stepped up military and economic cooperation in recent years, with both railing against “Western hegemony,” particularly what they see as U.S. dominance in global affairs. They declared a “limitless” partnership shortly before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. Last month, Vladimir Putin said economic and trade ties between Russia and China were “yielding results” during his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Moscow.

https://www.20min.ch/fr/story/defense-pekin-annonce-des-exercices-militaires-avec-moscou-103182205
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Russian troops to participate in China's "Northern Joint 2024" exercise

Source: Ministry of National Defense website Editor-in-charge: Ye Mengyuan 2024-09-09 11:28:00

According to the annual plan and the consensus between China and Russia, the Russian military will send naval and air forces to participate in the "Northern Joint-2024" exercise held by China in the relevant sea and air areas of the Sea of ​​Japan and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk in September. The exercise aims to deepen the strategic cooperation between the Chinese and Russian militaries and enhance the ability to jointly respond to security threats.

In addition, the Chinese and Russian naval fleets will go to relevant waters of the Pacific Ocean to organize the fifth joint maritime cruise between the two sides. China will also participate in the Russian military's "Ocean-2024" strategic exercise.

http://www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/qwfb/16337063.html

 

[Pathfinder]

France - Ministry of the Armed Forces:

Translation Google

Ukraine: update
Operations

Russia's military aggression against Ukraine is one of the most serious violations of the European security order in decades. With this decision, Russia flouts international law and in particular the Charter of the United Nations. Find here all the elements to better understand the challenges of this crisis.

Situation in Ukraine on March 21 - © Ministry of the Armed Forces

------------------
...

View and download the file Situation in Ukraine as of March 21

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/ukraine-point-situation

The post above depicts the situation as of March 21, 2022. The current situation as of November 07, 2024:
​
Translation Google
Situation in Ukraine - November 7, 2024 © Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs

(Purple: areas under Russian control)

​


https://www.defense.gouv.fr/ukraine-point-situation

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Record high deaths in the Russia-Ukraine war: What you should know

Recent reports suggest a million people killed to date, with a high civilian death toll in Ukraine over the summer.
...
By Mersiha Gadzo
Published On 16 Oct 2024
16 Oct 2024

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/16/russia-ukraine-wartime-deaths
​
​​

 

[Pathfinder]

In a first, Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with U.S. long-range weapons

Updated November 17, 20244:45 PM ET
By Juliana Kim
Joanna Kakissis

For the first time, President Biden has given Ukraine the green light to use powerful American long-range weapons for strikes inside Russia, a U.S. official told NPR on Sunday.

The missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, can travel about 190 miles. Their use would enable Ukrainian troops to strike Russia's weapons stockpiles, logistical centers and airfields — which could help stop Russian forces from advancing on the battlefield and attacking Ukrainian cities.

The U.S. official, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the decision, said the U.S. is allowing Ukraine to use the weapons to target in and around Kursk — the same region where some 10,000 North Korean troops were recently deployed, according to the U.S. and its allies.

The authorization marks a significant reversal in U.S. policy. Until recently, the Biden administration resisted allowing Ukraine to fire American long-range missiles into Russian territory for fear that it would only escalate the war.
...
https://www.npr.org/2024/11/17/nx-s1-5194432/biden-long-range-missiles-russia-ukraine-war

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Ukraine war briefing: US decision on long-range missiles will spark immediate response, Russian lawmakers say

Comments come after Joe Biden lifts ban on US missiles being used to fire into Russian territory.
...
Guardian staff and agencies
Sun 17 Nov 2024 20.31 EST

The US decision to lift a ban on Ukraine using long-range missiles to fire into Russian territory escalates the conflict in Ukraine and will spark an immediate response, senior Russian lawmakers said on Sunday. “The west has decided on such a level of escalation that it could end with the Ukrainian statehood in complete ruins by morning,” Andrei Klishas, a senior member of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper chamber of parliament, said on the Telegram messaging app. Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the Russian upper house’s international affairs committee, was quoted by Tass news agency as saying: “This is a very big step towards the start of world war three.”

The remarks came after US president Joe Biden reversed a ban on the firing of long-range missiles into Russian territory by permitting them to be used against Russian and North Korean forces in the Kursk region. The US president will allow Ukraine to use US-made Atacms rockets, which have a range of 190 miles (300km) – a decision being justified by the presence of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine. Though there was no public comment from the White House, the story first appeared in coordinated briefings to the New York Times, the Washington Post and the news agencies Reuters and Associated Press.
...

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...park-immediate-response-russian-lawmakers-say

 

[Pathfinder]

Biden has pivoted to allow Ukraine to use US missiles in Russia. Why now?

Analysts point to shifting realities on battlefield, looming Trump presidency as likely reasons behind the long-awaited move.

By Joseph Stepansky
Published On 20 Nov 2024

20 Nov 2024

United States President Joe Biden has made unceasing support for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion a hallmark of his one-term presidency, using his office to funnel weapons and aid to Kyiv while wrangling Congress to keep the US purse strings loose.

But one issue has remained a key sticking point: Biden has refused to allow Ukraine to use US-provided, long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) inside Russian territory amid warnings from Moscow that their use would represent the crossing of a red line.

But with just more than two months left in his term – and a second administration of US President Donald Trump looming – Biden’s government has pivoted on the policy, and Ukrainian and US officials told the Reuters news agency and several US media outlets that the weapons had been used in Russia for the first time.

Moscow also said on Tuesday that six ATACMS had been fired at its Bryansk region, in what it said represented a “new phase” in the war.

So why now?
...
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...-ukraine-to-use-us-missiles-in-russia-why-now

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MASCOT Update – U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine

Home | News & Events | MASCOT Update – U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine

Message for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine (November 20, 2024)

Location: Ukraine, all districts

Event: The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20. Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.

Actions to Take:

• Monitor local media for updates
• Identify shelter locations in advance of any air alert
• Immediately take shelter if an air alert is announced
• Follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Kyiv

+380 44 521 50 00

kyivacs@state.gov

https://ua.usembassy.gov/​
...

https://ua.usembassy.gov/mascot-update-u-s-embassy-kyiv-ukraine/

 

[Pathfinder]

(3rd LD) N.K. troops assigned to Russia's airborne brigade, marine corps; some entered combat: NIS

Park Boram
North Korea 15:16 November 20, 2024

SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korean troops deployed to Russia were assessed to have been assigned to Moscow's airborne brigade and marine corps on the ground, with some of the North's soldiers having already entered combat, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers Wednesday.
...
Around 11,000 troops were assessed to have been relocated to Kursk in late October after completing local adjustment training in northeastern Russia," the NIS told the lawmakers.
...
The NIS also told the lawmakers that North Korean troops, having entered combat, may have suffered casualties or wounds, adding that efforts are under way to determine the details of the combat circumstances and the extent of the damage.
...

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20241120005254320?section=nk/nk
​

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Nobel Peace Prize 2024
Nihon Hidankyo warns Putin of nuclear threat

AFP | Updated: 09.12.2024 16:36
RTL

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Japan's atomic bomb survivors' association Nihon Hidankyo, on Monday urged Russia to stop waving the nuclear threat to prevail in Ukraine.

"I think President (Vladimir) Putin doesn't really understand what nuclear weapons mean to human beings, what kind of weapon they are ," said Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of the association.

" I don't think he even thought about it ," the nonagenarian added at a press conference in Oslo on the eve of the Nobel ceremony.

The Russian president, who regularly and more or less explicitly threatens to use nuclear weapons, recently issued a decree to change the possibilities of using them.

Russia is ready to use "all means" possible to defend itself, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated on Thursday.

And on November 21, Moscow had demonstratively used, to strike a Ukrainian city, an intermediate-range ballistic missile, a device designed to carry nuclear weapons, which it had simply been stripped of for this launch.

" Mr. Putin, we want to tell you that nuclear weapons must never be used. This is an act that would go against humanity ," Terumi Tanaka insisted.

Nihon Hidankyo tirelessly campaigns against these weapons of mass destruction, almost 80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, relying in particular on the testimonies of survivors, the "hibakusha".

The American nuclear bombings of these two Japanese cities on August 6 and 9, 1945, killed some 214,000 people and precipitated the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II.

Terumi Tanaka was 13 years old when Nagasaki, where he lived, was pulverized by "the" bomb.

Noting that " America created and used this weapon against humanity ," he stressed on Monday that he was not seeking " monetary compensation " from the American authorities.

" What we would like to see from the United States is for it to abolish its nuclear weapons ," he said.

Over time, the ranks of Nihon Hidankyo have dwindled. The Japanese government lists approximately 106,800 "hibakusha" still alive today, with an average age of 85.

Nuclear taboo

The three co-presidents of Nihon Hidankyo will formally receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the association in October, at Oslo City Hall on Tuesday.

" Our message to Putin and other nuclear-armed states is: listen to the testimonies of the hibakusha ," said Nobel Committee Chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes.

" It is crucial for humanity to preserve the nuclear taboo, to stigmatize these weapons as morally unacceptable. Threatening to use them is a way of reducing the meaning of this taboo, and it should not be done," he added.

"And of course, their use should never, under any circumstances, be repeated by any nation on Earth," he concluded.

Nine countries now possess atomic weapons: the United States, Russia, France, Great Britain, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and, unofficially, Israel.

With increasing geopolitical tensions around the world, these nuclear powers are modernizing their arsenals, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) pointed out in June.

As of January, of the approximately 12,121 nuclear warheads in existence worldwide, approximately 9,585 were available for potential use, SIPRI researchers noted.

In 2017, 122 governments negotiated and adopted the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at the UN, but the scope of this text is essentially symbolic since no nuclear power has signed it.

"Of course, the nuclear-armed states will oppose it ," Tanaka noted, calling on citizens of each of these countries to " show them that their resistance is misplaced ."

" We want to create a world free of both nuclear weapons and wars ."

https://infos.rtl.lu/actu/monde/a/2257899.html

 

[Pathfinder]

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AFTER AIR FORCE ONE ARRIVAL

February 16, 2025
Palm Beach International Airport

West Palm Beach, Florida

(February 16, 2025)

4:00 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: So, Daytona was fantastic. The crowd was amazing. The people love that sport, and they’re wonderful people that run it. And they had a little rain delay, but we’ll go home and watch it, I guess — or some of you will. And others will try and create peace throughout the world.

Do you have any questions, please?

Q Sir, did you speak to Secretary Rubio this morning?

THE PRESIDENT: I did.

Q What is the latest with the negotiations in Saudi Arabia? What’s he taki- —

THE PRESIDENT: We’re moving along. We’re trying to get a peace with Russia-Ukraine, and we’re working very hard on it. It’s a war that should have never started.

Q Do you expect Zelenskyy to be involved in these conversations? What will his role be?

THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, I do. I do. He will be involved, yes.

Q Mr. President, would you allow the Europeans to buy U.S.-made weapons for Ukrainians?


THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, I would.

Q Sir, Zelenskyy said today that Russia is going to wage war on NATO. Do you — do you agree with that? Do you have any concerns about —

THE PRESIDENT: No, I don’t agree. I don’t agree with that. Not even a little bit.

Q Vice President Vance said that the United States would potentially take military action against Russia if they won’t come to an agreement. Do you agree with that stance?

THE PRESIDENT: I don’t know if that’s what he said. I don’t think he said that.

Q Sir, based on your conversations — based on your conversations with President Putin, what do you think he wants, ultimately, in Ukraine?

THE PRESIDENT: I think he wants to stop fighting. I see that. We spoke long and hard. Steve Witkoff was with him for a very extended period, like about three hours. I think he wants to stop fighting.

They have a big, powerful machine. You understand that. And they defeated Hitler, and they defeated Napoleon. You know, they’ve been fighting a long time. They’ve done it before and — but I think he would like to stop fighting.

Q Do you think he wants the whole of Ukraine, or just a pa- — like, what do you think he wants in terms territory?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I think he wants to stop. That was my question to him. Because if he’s going to go on, that would have been a big problem for us, and that would have caused me a big problem, because you just can’t let that happen.

I think he wants to end it, and they want to end it fast — both of them. And Zelenskyy wants to end it too.

Q Sir, when do you think that could actually happen? When do you think the fighting can stop?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we’re working to get it done. I mean, you know, it’s too bad it started. It would have been a lot easier to end it before it started. Right? But it started because we had an incompetent president that — he didn’t know what he was doing. That should have never started.

That war was so easy to stop. Remember this: that under Bush, they took a lot. Under Obama, they took a lot. Under Biden, they’re trying to take the whole thing. And under Trump, they took nothing — nothing. Nothing was gone, not even a little bit. So, it’s too bad. It’s really too bad.

A lot of people are dead right now that should be alive, and a lot of cities are destroyed that can never come back like they were. Those beautiful golden domes and all of the multi-colored domes that were 1,000 years old, they’re all laying in — you know, just shattered. So, it’s very sad. They ruined a culture.
​...

https://www.whitehouse.gov/remarks/2025/02/remarks-by-president-trump-after-air-force-one-arrival/

 

[Mary Wilson]

Ukraine war latest: US wants 50% of Ukraine's minerals, may deploy troops to guard them; Zelensky says nearly 250,000 Russian soldiers killed in war

February 16, 2025 8:28 PM​
​by The Kyiv Independent news desk​

The U.S. seeks to obtain 50% of Ukraine's rare mineralsand has signaled openness to deploy American troops to guard them if there is a deal with Russia to end the war, NBC reported on Feb. 15, citing unnamed American officials.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered a draft of the agreement to President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv on Feb. 12.

Zelensky refused to sign the agreement after Bessent's presentation, saying he needed to study it and consult with others, NBC reported, citing eight U.S. officials briefed on the meeting. ...

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine...r-has-killed-nearly-250-000-russian-soldiers/
​

 

[Pathfinder]

China -
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference on April 9, 2025

Updated: April 09, 2025 19:08​
...
Ukrinform News Agency: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that Ukrainian soldiers engaged six Chinese military on the front line in eastern Ukraine. Two of them were captured. How would the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explain the participation of Chinese citizens in the Russian-Ukrainian war, and can you say whether Chinese Embassy in Kyiv are trying to establish contact with above-mentioned personnel?

Lin Jian: China is verifying the information with the Ukrainian side. Let me stress that the Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict, and in particular avoid participation in any party’s military operations.
​...
AFP: President Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine has evidence that “many more Chinese citizens” are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Does China know how many of its citizens may be helping Russia in its invasion and have Ukrainian officials previously raise this issue with the Chinese side?

Lin Jian: Such claim has no basis in facts. China’s position on the issue of the Ukraine crisis is very clear and is widely recognized by the international community. The Ukrainian side needs to view correctly China’s effort and constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. As to your question on whether the two sides have communicated with each other, I have no information to offer on that.

AFP: I have another question with regard to China’s position on Ukraine. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that the capture of two purportedly Chinese soldiers “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council.” Does China agree that this incident contradicts its statements on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict?

Lin Jian: Like I said, China has all along upheld an objective and fair position on the issue of the Ukraine crisis. This is very clear. And China has been committed to ending the conflict and promoting talks for peace, which is clear to the international community. The Ukrainian side needs to view correctly China’s effort and constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
​...

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/lxjzh/202504/t20250409_11590839.html

 

[Pathfinder]

Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump​

​

12:50 PM · May 19, 2025 5.4MViews

 

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