Live Conflict Ukraine-Russia War

[Turko]

Biden-Putin talks: first results
7 December 2021, 20:40







US lawmakers have removed the provision for imposing sanctions against Nord Stream 2 from the agreed draft defense budget.

The results of negotiations between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have become known. TASS reports.

It is noted that US lawmakers removed the provision on the introduction of sanctions against Nord Stream-2 from the agreed draft defense budget.

In addition, a provision banning the purchase and sale of newly issued Russian sovereign debt obligations by US persons was removed from the agreed draft of the American defense budget.

"The bill in the House of Representatives contained an amendment (section 6417), which provided for the introduction of a ban on transactions concerning the new Russian sovereign debt. The Senate amendment does not contain this provision. The agreed version does not contain this provision," - said in the explanations to the agreed draft document.

The agreed draft US defense budget includes $ 4 billion in an initiative aimed at containing Russia in Europe.

According to the White House statement, Biden expressed deep concern of the United States and European allies about Russia's escalation of forces around Ukraine and made it clear that the United States and its allies would respond with decisive economic and other measures in the event of a military escalation.

It is noted that the presidents also discussed the dialogue between the United States and Russia on strategic stability issues. In addition, we had a separate dialogue on ransomware, as well as working together on regional issues such as Iran.

Положение о санкциях по "Северному потоку - 2" убрали из проекта оборонного бюджета США

Из согласованного проекта оборонного бюджета также исключили положение о запрете на приобретение и продажу лицами из США вновь выпущенных российских суверенных долговых обязательств

tass.ru

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1468288892025593859

 

[Turko]

US to allocate $ 300 million in military aid to Ukraine​

December 7, 2021, 21:42

US to allocate $ 300 million to Ukraine for military aid

The draft defense budget provides for the allocation of $ 4 billion for the European Initiative to contain Russia.

In the United States, a House of Representatives committee approved the draft defense budget for 2022 - it provides for the allocation of $ 300 million in military assistance to Ukraine. This is evidenced by the text of the bill on Tuesday, December 7.

The draft defense budget provides for the extension of military assistance to Ukraine in 2022 and the allocation of $ 300 million for this. The money will go to support and assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Senate amendment to the draft contained a similar provision, which would set aside $ 300 million in fiscal 2022.

In total, the bill envisages the allocation of $ 4 billion for the European Initiative to contain Russia - the expenditure item has been increased by almost $ 570 million than the White House requested at the beginning of the year.

We will remind that earlier US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine. Washington and the European Union are concerned about the concentration of Russian armed forces near the borders of Ukraine.

S. 1605–[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022]

COMMITTEE ACTION: REPORTED BY A RECORD VOTE of 8-4 on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. FLOOR ACTION ON H. RES. 838: Agreed to by record vote of 219-213, after agreeing to the previous question by record vote of 218-210, on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. MANAGERS: Scanlon/Cole 1. Structured rule for H.R...

rules.house.gov

 

[Anastasius]

Biden-Putin talks: first results
7 December 2021, 20:40







US lawmakers have removed the provision for imposing sanctions against Nord Stream 2 from the agreed draft defense budget.

The results of negotiations between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have become known. TASS reports.

It is noted that US lawmakers removed the provision on the introduction of sanctions against Nord Stream-2 from the agreed draft defense budget.

In addition, a provision banning the purchase and sale of newly issued Russian sovereign debt obligations by US persons was removed from the agreed draft of the American defense budget.

"The bill in the House of Representatives contained an amendment (section 6417), which provided for the introduction of a ban on transactions concerning the new Russian sovereign debt. The Senate amendment does not contain this provision. The agreed version does not contain this provision," - said in the explanations to the agreed draft document.

The agreed draft US defense budget includes $ 4 billion in an initiative aimed at containing Russia in Europe.

According to the White House statement, Biden expressed deep concern of the United States and European allies about Russia's escalation of forces around Ukraine and made it clear that the United States and its allies would respond with decisive economic and other measures in the event of a military escalation.

It is noted that the presidents also discussed the dialogue between the United States and Russia on strategic stability issues. In addition, we had a separate dialogue on ransomware, as well as working together on regional issues such as Iran.

Положение о санкциях по "Северному потоку - 2" убрали из проекта оборонного бюджета США

Из согласованного проекта оборонного бюджета также исключили положение о запрете на приобретение и продажу лицами из США вновь выпущенных российских суверенных долговых обязательств

tass.ru

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1468288892025593859

That is hilarious. Putin put forward demands and Biden folded without the slightest resistance. Now there's no need for any invasions or threatening maneuvers.

Poor Ukrainians.

 

[Turko]

Nuland: In the event of an attack on Ukraine, NS-2 will be stopped

8 December 2021





The diplomat expressed her conviction that Germany is ready to take "significant measures" together with the United States after Moscow's aggressive steps.

Should the Russian government decide to invade Ukraine, Washington will do everything it can to stop the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. This statement was made by the US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland at a hearing in the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Congress on Tuesday, December 7.

According to the diplomat, the United States is in talks with Germany regarding this issue. In particular, the American leader Joe Biden intends to discuss with the future Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz the topics related to the SP-2 in the context of the situation around Ukraine.

The spokesman for the State Department expressed her conviction that Berlin is ready to take "significant measures" together with the United States in the event of aggressive steps by Moscow.

In addition, Nuland said that now the United States can do to protect Ukraine, "which it did not do in 2014."

"What we are talking about will, in fact, be tantamount to complete isolation of Russia from the global financial system with all the consequences that this will entail for Russian business, residents of Russia, for their opportunities in terms of work, travel, trade," she said.

Finally, the diplomat said that Washington is not aware of the decision made by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine, but the United States must be prepared for all scenarios.

"Despite our uncertainty about the exact intentions and timing, we must prepare for all unforeseen circumstances, even now, when we are pushing Russia to change course," she summed up.

Recall that during the online talks between Putin and Biden, which took place on December 7, the head of the White House threatened his interlocutor to impose sanctions in the event of an invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian leader, in turn, accused NATO of "trying to expand" Ukrainian lands.

 

[Turko]

Five countries urged the Russian Federation to reduce tension
8 December 2021

The leaders of a number of European countries and the United States believe that Russia should reduce tension on the border with Ukraine
The leaders of the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy believe that Russia should reduce the level of tension on the border with Ukraine.
After the online meeting of the Presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, a telephone conversation took place between the leaders of the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy.



Macron will call Zelensky and Putin - media
TEXT: ALEXANDER IVANITSKY, 8 December 2021, 11:09
00239

The timing of the conversation between Macron and Zelensky is not called
Tomorrow, the Ukrainian president is to have a telephone conversation with Biden, and soon with Macron.
French President Emmanuel Macron intends to call Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days, Ouest France reports.

The day before, Putin held talks with US President Joe Biden, the main topic of which was Ukraine.

Later it became known that Biden held conversations with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Britain to "inform them" about the conversation with Putin.

Also on December 9, Biden intends to call Zelensky.

 

[Turko]

Putin described his conversation with Biden as very open, substantive and constructive.


The President said that he and Biden noted the progress of the dialogue of countries on cybersecurity

Путин назвал свою беседу с Байденом очень открытой, предметной и конструктивной - ТАСС

Президент заявил, что они с Байденом констатировали продвижение диалога стран по кибербезопасности

tass.ru

SOCHI, December 8. / TASS /. Russian President Vladimir Putin assessed his conversation with his American counterpart Joe Biden as open and constructive.

"The conversation was very open, substantive and, I would say, constructive. In any case, I hope that this is how the American side assesses the results of our meeting," the Russian head of state said at a press conference following talks with the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, summing up the conversation with Biden.

“We have the opportunity to continue this dialogue, it seems to me that this is the most important thing,” Putin admitted.

The Russian leader noted that he discussed with Biden the topics of security, NATO expansion to the east, including at the expense of Ukraine, interaction in the cybersphere, and the Iranian problem. “We spoke on a number of other issues, on the normalization of diplomatic ties, and so on. In general, we did speak for a long time, in detail on all these topics,” the Russian president noted. He noted that the conversation lasted "more than two hours", although he does not remember the exact time.

Cybersecurity Dialogue

Putin said that he and Biden noted the progress of the dialogue between countries on cybersecurity.

"We spoke in detail about cyber security, ensuring security in this area, and stated that after our meeting in Geneva, we managed to make significant progress in this area," Putin said.

According to him, "a constructive dialogue has been established, it is going on, the appropriate structures have been created." "The exchange of information has been established, and it is positive and yields positive results," the President of the Russian Federation noted.

The Russian President said that Moscow would prepare proposals on security issues in a few days and submit them to the United States. The Russian head of state noted that he had discussed security issues with his American counterpart. "This is a topic for a separate conversation. We agreed that we will continue this discussion and do it in detail, we will exchange our views on this matter in the near future," the Russian leader said.

"Russia will prepare its considerations literally within a few days, within a week, and we will submit it to the American side for consideration," Putin assured.

"We agreed that an appropriate structure will be created that will be able to do this professionally," the Russian president said.

Russia will present its proposals to the American side on security issues "as publicly as possible", Putin said.

 

[Turko]

Putin: Russia is not against the membership of its partners in political and economic associations


Russia does not seek any confrontation with anyone, the president said

https://tass.ru/politika/13146955


SOCHI, December 8. / TASS /. Russia has never had anything against the participation of its neighbors and partners in political and economic associations. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this at a press conference following the Russian-Greek talks.



Putin called his talks with the Greek prime minister very meaningful and productive

"As for Greece's membership in two blocs - in the military bloc, in the North Atlantic NATO, and in the political and economic association (the European Union) - these are different things. We have never had anything against the presence of our closest neighbors and partners in political and economic associations." , - said the President of the Russian Federation.

According to him, Russia, on the contrary, believes that in a sense this is a big plus. He explained that he means the historical roots that connect the peoples of Greece and Russia. “I think that Greece, as it has been for many decades, has always occupied and will continue to occupy as much as possible a balanced objective position on a number of issues related to interaction between Russia and the European Union,” Putin stressed.

NATO's confrontational policy

Putin stressed that NATO is pursuing a distinctly confrontational line towards Russia.

"As for NATO, this is a military bloc. Unfortunately, the NATO bloc is clearly pursuing a confrontational line with respect to Russia," the president said. According to him, the expulsion of diplomats, which led to the closure of the NATO structure in Moscow, suggests that the North Atlantic Alliance is "not friendly, to put it mildly" towards the Russian Federation. Putin also pointed out that NATO is declaring Russia its adversary.

"There is nothing good here. We are not striving for any confrontations with anyone," Putin said. He expressed the hope that in this sense, Greece will take a position of containment.

Putin stressed that be that as it may, the presence of Greece in NATO and the EU has never interfered with the development of bilateral relations. “I hope that it will be so in the future, and we will use our Greek friends in order to orient ourselves on the fact that they could play some kind of positive role in relations with these two associations. Honestly, I am here with big problems I don’t see, ”the Russian leader concluded.

Путин: РФ не против членства своих партнеров в политических и экономических объединениях - ТАСС

Россия не стремится ни к каким конфронтациям с кем-либо, заявил президент

tass.ru

 

[Grand Charles]

While the European Union and NATO accuse it of instrumentalizing a migrant crisis on its borders with Poland and Lithuania, Belarus has accused Ukraine of "repeated violations" of its territory.

 

[Gary]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1468637241161486342

 

[Gary]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1468627404738502672

 

[Turko]

US will not send military to Ukraine - Biden

8 December 2021,

https://korrespondent.net/world/4425316-ssha-ne-budut-otpravliat-voennykh-v-ukraynu-baiden

During negotiations with Putin, Biden made it clear that if the Russian Federation invades Ukraine, the White House will impose severe economic sanctions.

Washington is not considering the use of its armed forces in connection with the build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine's borders. This was stated by US President Joe Biden, answering journalists' questions, writes TASS.

The head of the White House was asked whether the authorities are preparing to send American troops into Ukraine because of a possible Russian invasion.

"This is not being considered," Biden replied, adding that NATO's collective defense principle does not apply to Ukraine.

He also stressed that he had warned Russian President Vladimir Putin about the readiness of the United States to impose severe economic sanctions in the event of an invasion of Ukraine.

“I was very straightforward (during negotiations with Putin on December 7 - ed.) ... He (Putin - ed.) Was polite, but I made it clear that if he did invade Ukraine, there would be serious consequences , economic consequences like never before, "Biden said.

It also became known that the American president expects that by December 10 he will be able to report on further US contacts with Russia.

"We hope to be able to announce by Friday that we will have meetings (with Russia - ed.) At a high level," Biden said.

According to him, some NATO member states may take part in the negotiations.

"At least four of our major NATO allies will participate in discussing with Russia its concerns about the Alliance ... This will reduce tensions on the eastern flank," Biden said.

 

[Turko]

Britain will allocate another 1 billion pounds for Ukraine



Zelenskiy says Britain will allocate another £ 1bn for Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that we are talking about support in the field of security and trade, as well as new investments.
The UK has decided to allocate another £ 1 billion to support Ukraine. This was announced by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

It is noted that we are talking about support in the field of security and trade, as well as new investments.

"Following negotiations with Boris Johnson, the size of the overall British support will increase to 3.5 billion pounds," - said in a statement.

 

[Turko]

It is necessary to increase the amount of weapons - Reznikov

8 December 2021

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov

Reznikov said. that most of the funding allocated to the Ukrainian defense sector is being "wasted".

The cost of arming the Ukrainian army needs to be increased 10 times. This was stated by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov in an interview with ArmiaInform.

According to him, most of the funding allocated for the Ukrainian defense sector is "wasted", while only 15-20% of the required amount of funds is allocated for armaments, despite the fact that this year the Ministry of Defense received the largest budget for 30 years.

“We are talking about a chronic problem: more than 70% of the budget is the cost of maintenance,“ eating. ”Rearmament, combat training and development are financed only for 15-20% of the need. Conditionally, now we have received 28 billion UAH for armament, together with state guarantees - let it be 40 billion. But if you add up the costs of armament from the already approved, agreed and promising programs, then you need UAH 230-250 billion. Annually, "Reznikov said.

According to him, Ukraine needs modern air defense and missile defense systems, a powerful fleet and coastal defense, combat aviation and a missile program. In addition, investments are needed in advanced developments, unmanned technologies, automated control systems, and robotics.

“And now we have more than 40 thousand people in the queue for apartments, and two-thirds do not go to the second contract. Plus hundreds of unfinished projects, including arsenals“ suspended ”in courts. Dozens of directions with different“ fires. ”This is a legacy which is rooted in Soviet times and needs to be worked with, "the minister explained.

"If we take social issues, it is necessary to significantly increase monetary security. To understand. If we raise it by 30%, we need UAH 18 billion a year. Unfortunately, now there are no such funds. And my task is to look for these resources," he added.

Reznikov stressed that the Ministry of Defense managed to agree on an increase in funding by 2.5 billion before the approval of the state budget for 2022. This will guarantee stable payment of monetary allowances, "combat", social payments to soldiers and begin a gradual increase.

Нужно увеличить затраты на вооружение - Резников

Резников заявил. что большая часть финансирования, выделенного на украинскую оборонную сферу, проедается .

korrespondent.net

 

[Turko]

USA and NATO agreed on actions in case of Russian invasion of Ukraine

December 9, 2021

https://korrespondent.net/world/442...deistvyia-na-sluchai-vtorzhenyia-rf-v-ukraynu

Secretary of State Blinken and Alliance Secretary General Stoltenberg discussed options for responding to the event of Russian military aggression.

The head of the US State Department, Anthony Blinken, on Wednesday, December 8, discussed with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the options for the Alliance's actions in the event of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the State Department reports.

"Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today. They discussed President Biden's conversation with Russian President Putin on December 7. They also discussed NATO's options in case of further Russian aggression against Ukraine," the US State Department said in a statement.

What actions are being discussed is not specified.

Earlier it was reported that the United States will not send military to Ukraine, but the White House will impose severe economic sanctions.

 

[Turko]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1468632034343993344

 

[Test7]

By
Dylan Malyasov

Russia deploys Buk air defense system near Ukrainian border


A Russian Buk surface-to-air missile system was moved to a new location near the village of Maslovka near Voronezh, a short distance from its border with Ukraine.

A flurry of social media posts indicates that Russia again deploying its troops near the Ukrainian border.

On some social media platforms, such as TikTok, were shared dozens of videos that showed trains loaded with large amounts of Russian military hardware, including Buk surface-to-air missile system.

After analyzing the video, analysts from the Conflict Intelligence Team came to the conclusion that at least one Buk complex – one division – could be located at the Maslovka railway station. It is noted that the numbers of the combat vehicles are painted over.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1468700740764028928

“These data allow us to conclude that despite the negotiations between Biden and Putin, the concentration of Russian troops in the areas bordering the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities continues,” the message says.

The Buk missile system is a family of self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile systems developed by the Soviet Union and its successor state, the Russian Federation, and designed to counter cruise missiles, smart bombs, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Russians now have about 120,000 troops arrayed around Ukraine, and they are increasing their intelligence-gathering activities, according to the latest Ukrainian military assessment. Those figures include 98,000 ground troops and 22,000 air and naval forces.

https://defence-blog.com/russia-deploys-buk-air-defense-system-near-ukrainian-border/

 

[Gary]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1469067846382727168

 

[Anastasius]

Biden assures Ukraine's leader of US support to deter Russia

President Joe Biden has reached out to Ukraine’s leader as the United States moves to take a more direct role in diplomacy between that country and Russia.

apnews.com

Administration officials have suggested that the U.S. will press Ukraine to formally cede a measure of autonomy within its eastern Donbas region, which is now under de facto control by Russia-backed separatists who rose up against Kyiv in 2014. Decentralization of Ukraine and a “special status” for Donbas were laid out in an ambiguous, European-brokered peace deal in 2015, but it has never taken hold.

I find AP news to be mostly on the money when it comes to early US government "leaks" and the fact that the only rebuttal thus far has been Jen "Next Question Please" Psaki denying it doesn't fill me with much confidence that this isn't exactly what we plan to do. Biden already spectacularly messed up the Afghanistan withdrawal, this would be a huge slap in the face to Ukrainians.

 

[Turko]

Ukraine bought anti-drone guns from NATO

December 10, 2021,

Ukraine will receive the first 10 samples of anti-drone rifles manufactured in Lithuania by the end of December.

Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov on the air of the 1 + 1 TV channel spoke about the procurement of weapons from NATO countries.

In particular, through NATO structures, Ukraine bought a batch of Lithuanian-made anti-drone rifles.

“NATO has an NSPA system. This is a procurement system, if I can say, a NATO analogue of Amazon. And today we have already passed several tests, we paid money, passed all the checks in order to purchase certain things we need through the NSPA in NATO. during this month we will receive the first 10 anti-drone guns made in Lithuania, which will help us fight against Russian UAVs, "Reznikov said.

The minister intends to create two procurement agencies in the Ministry of Defense, similar to the NSPA.

"One will deal with logistical matters - purchases, logistics issues. The second will deal with weapons. And I will do this in the near future," Reznikov said.

The head of the Ministry of Defense promised to remove the secrecy of some state purchases in the field of defense.

In addition, he said that during his visit to the United States, he presented the American side with a list of the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"I have received enough positive signals that we will be able to receive it. I cannot disclose everything here now. I can say that we have certain priorities, these are air defense and missile defense," the minister said.

He stressed that this is not an offensive weapon, but a defensive one.

 

[Turko]

NATO is outraged because of Biden's intention to hold a meeting of the Alliance with the Russian Federation

TEXT: ELENA KACHUROVSKAYA, 10 December 2021, 11:01



NATO member states in Eastern Europe are concerned about the American leader's plans and demand an explanation.

US President Joe Biden plans to initiate a meeting of NATO members with representatives of Russia, which caused outrage among allies in Eastern Europe, Bloomberg reports, citing a source among diplomats.

It is noted that the authorities of one of the countries in the region were "furious" and demand to clarify what the US president is planning. According to the diplomat, the countries from the eastern flank of NATO are concerned about what concessions negotiations with Russia may lead to.

During the Soviet era, these states were under the influence of Moscow, and now they are neighbors with Russia, the agency's interlocutor said.

Note that Biden said earlier that he plans on Friday, December 10, to announce a meeting, which will be attended by representatives of Russia and four countries - US allies in NATO. He did not specify which states he was talking about.

According to the American president, the purpose of the meeting is to discuss Russia's concerns about NATO expansion and the possibility of negotiating agreements that would reduce tensions on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

We will remind, the night before Biden discussed the situation in Ukraine with the leaders of the Bucharest Nine countries, which includes Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Czech Republic and Estonia. It also became known that Biden has promised NATO's east wing additional troops if necessary.