Tag: PUTIN

  • Zelenskyy accuses Putin of being ‘afraid’ of peace talks


    Even so, “what looks like a growing consensus in the West that some form of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is coming closer doesn’t always take account of whether Russia and Ukraine themselves might see negotiations as viable or even useful,” Keir Giles, a defense analyst at London’s Chatham House think tank, told NBC News.

    While European leaders have accelerated planning for a worst-case scenario in which the Kremlin pushes troops further into the continent and Washington does not come to their aid, Trump has made increasingly strong threats against his Russian counterpart.

    Trump’s claim that he would end the Ukraine war in one day after taking office did not come to pass, although members of his national security team have in recent weeks acknowledged the difficulties of brokering a possible peace accord.

    “Let’s set it at 100 days and move all the way back and figure a way we can do this in the near term to make sure that the solution is solid, it’s sustainable, and that this war ends so that we stop the carnage,” retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s pick to serve as special envoy to Ukraine, told Fox News last month.

    Still, the conflict has shown no signs of de-escalating despite Trump’s departure from the warmer sentiments he conveyed during his first term.

    “If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon,” Trump said last week in a social media post, “I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.”

    That shift in tone toward Russia is a “wildcard” in efforts by the Trump administration to end the war, Giles said, and “a striking and remarkable shift from his first term in office.”

    “Observers of Trump have noticed that what he says does not always translate directly into what he directs his administration to do,” he told NBC News, adding that even a superficial change in tone is “a cause for Ukraine and its friends to have limited optimism.”

    Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russian state press Monday that no one from the Trump administration had so far reached out to the Kremlin to set up a meeting with Putin.

    For his part, Zelenskyy called Trump’s threats of sanctions “just and fair” in an interview on Fox News on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, Russian troops continue to make territorial gains in Ukraine after capturing the village of Dvorichna in northeastern Kharkiv, the army said Tuesday.



    In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being ‘afraid’ of peace talks. Zelenskyy expressed his frustration with Putin’s reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions to end the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

    Despite numerous attempts to initiate negotiations, Zelenskyy claims that Putin has continuously avoided the opportunity to work towards a peaceful resolution. The Ukrainian President emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflicts, but criticized Putin for his apparent fear of engaging in constructive talks.

    Zelenskyy’s accusation comes amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides blaming each other for the recent increase in violence in the region. Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire, the situation remains volatile and unresolved.

    As the conflict continues to impact the lives of civilians in Eastern Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s call for peace talks is a reminder of the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to end the bloodshed and suffering. It remains to be seen whether Putin will heed Zelenskyy’s plea and engage in meaningful discussions to bring an end to the conflict.

    Tags:

    Zelenskyy, Putin, peace talks, Ukraine, Russia, conflict resolution, international relations, diplomatic negotiations, political tensions

    #Zelenskyy #accuses #Putin #afraid #peace #talks

  • Putin is creating conditions to violate any future peace agreements with Ukraine – ISW


    Vladimir Putin. Photo: Getty Images

    Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s statements about the illegitimacy of the Ukrainian government and a possible future peace deal could become a tool to justify violating any agreements with Ukraine.

    Source: ISW

    Quote: “Putin claimed that any peace agreement that Russia and Ukraine conclude before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rescinds his 2022 decree will be invalid. However, even if the Ukrainian side agrees to cancel this decree, Putin is likely to find new reasons to violate the agreements.”

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    Details: ISW notes that the Kremlin is creating a legal basis for ignoring future agreements by manipulating false interpretations of Ukrainian law.

    Putin has already stated that Zelenskyy has lost legitimacy by not holding elections in 2024 during martial law and that the Verkhovna Rada is allegedly the only legitimate branch of government. At the same time, he calls for unconstitutional actions that can be used to declare this body “illegitimate” to justify his demands for a complete regime change in Kyiv and his unwillingness to negotiate with the Ukrainian authorities.

    Such statements give Putin room for manipulation, analysts say. Even if agreements are reached, Russia could quickly violate them, citing false accusations of invalid agreements or the illegitimacy of the Ukrainian government. The Kremlin has used similar tactics before, violating the Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015.

    Quote: “Even if Zelenskyy or other parts of the Ukrainian government agreed to lift the decree banning negotiations with Putin, Putin would likely violate any peace or other agreement that he reaches with Ukraine under the false justification that such agreements are ‘invalid’ as long as he believes that he can achieve his maximalist war aims through military operations.”

    To quote the ISW’s Key Takeaways on 29 January:

    • Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that Western military assistance remains vital to Ukraine’s ability to maintain its defence against Russian aggression.
    • Putin’s long-standing theory of victory relies on the assumption that the West will abandon Ukraine, and only unwavering Western support and consistent deliveries of Western military assistance to Kyiv can force Putin to abandon his theory and accept the need to offer the concessions necessary for any resolution to the conflict acceptable to the US, Europe, and Ukraine.
    • Putin indicated that he will not view any peace agreement with Ukraine as binding by claiming that the Ukrainian government is either unwilling or unable to rescind the 2022 Ukrainian presidential decree banning negotiations with Putin.
    • Putin’s statements rejecting the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government and of a possible future peace agreement set conditions for Russia to justify violating any future agreements with Ukraine.
    • Putin continues efforts to coerce US President Donald Trump into bilateral negotiations that exclude Ukraine, impose his desired negotiations framework on Trump, and compel Trump to inadvertently endorse ongoing Russian information operations about the illegitimacy of the current Ukrainian government.
    • Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike at the Russian oil refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast and reportedly hit a Russian arsenal in Tver Oblast on the night of 28-29 January.
    • The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed in a post on 29 January that Lieutenant General Alexander Sanchik is the commander of the Russian Southern Grouping of Forces.
    • Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near the Lyman, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, Velyka Novosilka, Robotyne, and Dnipro fronts.
    • Volunteer recruitment rates in Moscow have dropped sharply, as Russian citizens grow increasingly unwilling to serve in Ukraine.

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    The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recently released a report detailing how Russian President Vladimir Putin is creating conditions that would allow him to violate any future peace agreements with Ukraine.

    According to the report, Putin has been ramping up military activities in eastern Ukraine and deploying additional troops to the region. This includes the recent buildup of Russian forces near the Ukrainian border, as well as ongoing military exercises in Crimea.

    ISW warns that these actions are a clear indication that Putin is not interested in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, he is laying the groundwork to potentially launch further military aggression in the future.

    The report also highlights how Putin’s actions are undermining diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine. By creating conditions that could lead to a breakdown of any future peace agreements, he is effectively sabotaging international efforts to bring about a lasting solution to the crisis.

    In light of these developments, ISW is calling for increased international pressure on Russia to cease its aggressive actions in Ukraine and to uphold its commitments to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Failure to do so, the report warns, could have serious consequences for regional stability and security.

    Tags:

    1. Putin
    2. Ukraine
    3. Peace agreements
    4. International security
    5. Conflict resolution
    6. Geopolitical tensions
    7. Russia-Ukraine relations
    8. Military aggression
    9. Diplomatic negotiations
    10. Security risks

    #Putin #creating #conditions #violate #future #peace #agreements #Ukraine #ISW

  • Putin Says Ukraine Peace Talks Possible, But Not With Zelensky


    Russian President Vladimir Putin said late Tuesday that his country could hold peace talks with Ukraine, but still ruled out speaking directly with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he described as an “illegitimate” leader.

    “If [Zelensky] wants to participate in the negotiations, I will send people to take part,” Putin said in comments to state TV journalist Pavel Zarubin, calling the Ukrainian leader “illegitimate” since his presidential term expired last year during martial law.

    “If there is a desire to negotiate and find a compromise, let anyone lead the negotiations there… Naturally, we will strive for what suits us, what corresponds to our interests,” the Kremlin leader added.

    Putin also claimed that fighting in Ukraine would end in two months or less if the West cut its support to Kyiv.

    “They will not exist for a month if the money and, in a broad sense, the bullets run out. Everything would be over in a month and a half or two,” the Russian president said.

    Zekensky later responded by saying that Putin was “afraid” of negotiations and was using “cynical tricks” to prolong the nearly three-year conflict.

    “Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war,” Zelensky wrote on X.

    Since taking office last week, U.S. President Donald Trump has put pressure on both sides to end the war, threatening tougher sanctions on Russia while also claiming that Zelensky is ready to negotiate a “deal.”

    Kyiv has warned against it being excluded from any peace talks between Moscow and Washington, accusing Putin of wanting to “manipulate” Trump.

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    Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that peace talks with Ukraine are possible, but not with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin’s comments come amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of escalating the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

    In a recent press conference, Putin suggested that negotiations could take place with other Ukrainian officials, but not with Zelensky, whom he has criticized for being a “puppet” of Western powers. Putin’s remarks have further strained relations between the two countries, as Ukraine seeks to regain control of its territory and end the ongoing conflict in the Donbass region.

    Despite the challenges, many are hopeful that a diplomatic solution can be reached to end the violence and bring peace to the region. However, the question remains whether both sides are willing to come to the table and find common ground for a lasting peace. Only time will tell if a resolution can be reached between Russia and Ukraine.

    Tags:

    1. Putin
    2. Ukraine
    3. Peace talks
    4. Zelensky
    5. Russia
    6. International relations
    7. Diplomacy
    8. Conflict resolution
    9. Eastern Europe
    10. Political news

    #Putin #Ukraine #Peace #Talks #Zelensky

  • Putin Says Ready For Peace Talks, But Not With ‘Illegitimate’ Zelenskiy


    Officials in multiple Russian regions reported major Ukrainian drone strikes overnight targeting energy infrastructure, including a nuclear power site, while the Ukrainian and Russian presidents exchanged insults over the possibility of peace negotiations.

    Government officials in Russia’s Smolensk, Nizhny Novgorod, Tver, Kursk, Leningrad, and Bryansk regions said their areas had been hit by Ukrainian drones on January 28-29, while airports in Kazan and St. Petersburg temporarily suspended traffic, citing safety concerns.

    “In various areas of the Smolensk region, civilian objects are being subjected to a massive attack” by drones,” Governor Vasily Anokhin wrote on Telegram.

    “Air defense and electronic warfare systems of the Russian Defense Ministry are destroying them…One of the drones was shot down during an attempt to attack a nuclear power facility. There were no casualties or damages,” Anokhin added.

    No additional information was provided, but the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant is a major power-generating facility some 100 kilometers from Smolensk city.

    Meanwhile, Gleb Nikitin, governor of Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, said a drone fell on the territory of a fuel and energy complex in the Kstovsky industrial zone but did not cause injuries or major damage.

    “Special services are working at the site and all the necessary means are being used to localize the fire at one of the oil refining units,” Nikitin said.

    Regional governors in the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border and in Tver near Moscow also reported drone attacks, although they said there were no casualties or damage.

    Authorities at the airport in Kazan — capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan — said all flights had been halted to ensure safety, although details of any attack were not immediately disclosed.

    State-run TASS news agency also reported that arrivals and departures were temporarily halted at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg to ensure air-traffic safety, although further details were not released.

    The Russian Defense Ministry said its defenses shot down 104 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions overnight, but it was not possible to independently confirm the claims.

    Both sides in the war have stepped up the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in recent months, often targeting the enemy’s energy infrastructure.

    Russia has also caused widespread destruction of Ukrainian civilian sites with drones, rockets, artillery, and various types of bombs. The Kremlin has denied it targets civilian areas despite evidence of such attacks.

    Inside Ukraine, regional Governor Vitaliy Kim said two women were killed due to a Russian missile attack on the city of Mykolayiv.

    Off the battlefield, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russian President Vladimir Putin was “afraid” to enter into negotiations on ending the war after the Kremlin leader ruled out direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart.

    “Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war,” Zelenskiy wrote on X.

    “Every move he makes and all his cynical tricks are aimed at making the war endless,” he added.

    Earlier, Putin told Russian state TV that talks with Ukraine were possible but not with Zelenskiy, whom he deemed as “illegitimate” because his presidential term expired while the country was under martial law.

    “But essentially, if they want to proceed, there is a legal way to do it. Let the chairman of the [Ukrainian parliament] handle it in accordance with the constitution,” Putin said.

    “However, so far, we simply do not see such a desire,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Axios reported the U.S. military transferred some 90 Patriot air-defense missiles from storage in Israel to Poland this week with an aim to deliver them to Ukraine.

    The report, citing three people with knowledge of the operation, said the Israeli Air Force decommissioned the Patriot air defense system more than 30 years after it was given to Israel during the first Gulf War.

    After the Israelis announced the decommissioning, Kyiv suggested to U.S. and Israeli officials that Israel return the missiles to the U.S. military to be refurbished and then sent to Ukraine.

    With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and Axios



    Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he is ready for peace talks to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, but only with a legitimate leader. Putin made it clear that he does not consider Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to be a legitimate leader, casting doubt on the potential for negotiations between the two countries.

    The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for years, with Russia backing separatist rebels in the region. The fighting has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of civilians, leading to a humanitarian crisis.

    Putin’s comments come as tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of aggressive actions. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further conflict looming.

    It remains to be seen whether peace talks will be possible between Russia and Ukraine, given Putin’s refusal to negotiate with Zelenskiy. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain.

    Tags:

    Putin, peace talks, Ukraine, Zelenskiy, Russia, diplomatic relations, international relations

    #Putin #Ready #Peace #Talks #Illegitimate #Zelenskiy

  • ‘Afraid of strong leaders’: Zelenskyy reacts to Putin refusing to directly speak with Ukraine President


    'Afraid of strong leaders': Zelenskyy reacts to Putin refusing to directly speak with Ukraine President
    Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (File photo)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Moscow is open to peace talks with Ukraine but ruled out direct negotiations with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he dismissed as “illegitimate” due to his term expiring under martial law.
    Zelenskyy hit back, accusing Putin of using “cynical tricks” to prolong the nearly three-year war and “afraid” of negotiation talks.
    Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has pressured both sides to seek peace, threatening tougher sanctions on Russia while claiming Zelenskyy is open to a deal.
    “If (Zelenskyy) wants to participate, I will allocate people to take part,” Putin said, specifying that any talks must align with Russia’s interests.
    Kyiv has warned against being excluded from potential US-Russia negotiations, accusing Putin of trying to manipulate Trump.
    Zelenskyy insisted the war could end if the Kremlin committed to “real peace” but accused Putin of deliberately stalling.
    “Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

    “In 2014, Russia started a hybrid war against Ukraine, which it turned into a full-scale invasion in 2022. Now, there is a chance to achieve a real peace, but it is Putin who is doing everything in his power to either continue large-scale killings or secure a pause in order to continue hybrid attacks while preparing for a new full-scale invasion,” Ukrainian president added.

    ‘They will not exist for a month’ without western aid: Putin

    Putin also claimed the war could end within two months if Western military and financial aid to Ukraine ceased. “They will not exist for a month if the money and bullets run out,” Russian president said.
    Despite Trump’s promise to broker a swift ceasefire, the war has scaled-up. Russia claimed Wednesday to have downed over 100 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukraine reported Moscow had launched its own drone barrage.
    Moscow’s forces also announced the capture of Dvorichna, a key village in Ukraine’s north-eastern Kharkiv region. The town had changed hands multiple times since the full-scale invasion began.
    Meanwhile, Russian troops were reported to be advancing near Chasiv Yar, a strategic stronghold in Donetsk.
    Amid growing battlefield challenges, Ukraine’s government dismissed a deputy defence minister responsible for weapons procurement, citing failures in securing timely ammunition supplies for frontline troops.





    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his concerns about dealing with strong leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, after Putin refused to directly speak with him about the escalating tensions between their two countries.

    In a recent press conference, Zelenskyy lamented the lack of direct communication with Putin, stating that it is difficult to negotiate with someone who refuses to engage in dialogue. He emphasized the importance of open lines of communication in order to avoid misunderstandings and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

    Zelenskyy’s comments come after Putin’s recent decision to decline a meeting with the Ukrainian President, opting instead to communicate through diplomatic channels. This move has raised fears that Putin may be unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

    As tensions continue to rise between Russia and Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s concerns about dealing with strong leaders like Putin highlight the challenges of negotiating with authoritarian regimes. The Ukrainian President’s fear of strong leaders reflects the broader geopolitical tensions between democratic and authoritarian governments, and underscores the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts peacefully.

    Tags:

    • Zelenskyy
    • Putin
    • Ukraine President
    • Strong leaders
    • International relations
    • Diplomacy
    • Political tensions
    • Russia-Ukraine conflict
    • Zelenskyy-Putin communication
    • Foreign policy

    #Afraid #strong #leaders #Zelenskyy #reacts #Putin #refusing #speak #Ukraine #President

  • Russia Ukraine war latest: Putin rejects talks with ‘illegitimate’ Zelensky as North Korean cannon deployed


    Trump describes Ukraine war as ‘bullets whacking and hitting men’

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    Vladimir Putin has refused to directly engage with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him “illegitimate”.

    The Russian president said Ukraine will have to find a legal way to hold the peace talks as Kyiv has not held any elections since Russia started the war on its smaller neighbour.

    In response, Mr Zelensky said the Russian leader’s statements showed he was afraid of talks and sought to keep the conflict going indefinitely.

    On the war front, more than a hundred drones targeted Russian oil facilities, including a nuclear power plant, in a major Ukrainian attack this morning, Russian officials said. The Russian defence ministry said that 104 drones were involved in raids across western Russia, 11 of which were destroyed over the Smolensk region.

    This comes as North Korea is set to send more than 100 artillery systems to be used against Ukraine’s forces in the war, officials in Kyiv said.

    A close ally of Russia, North Korea is about to double the number of artillery systems it has deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, said Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief.

    Zelensky asks Trump to be on Ukraine’s side and reject Putin

    Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged US president Donald Trump to be on Ukraine’s side as the US attempts to broker a peace deal.

    “We want him (Trump) to be on the side of justice, on the side of Ukraine,” Mr Zelensky said in the interview aired last night. “Putin is not afraid of Europe,” he said.

    Mr Zelensky added Ukraine cannot recognise Russia’s occupation, but it preferred a diplomatic resolution.

    The White House had no immediate comment.

    Mr Trump has expressed willingness to speak to Mr Putin about ending the war, a contrast with the administration of Democratic former president Joe Biden, who shunned the Russian leader.

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 07:38

    Russia shuts output at petrochemical plant after drone attack

    Russian petrochemicals giant Sibur said it has temporarily suspended production today at its plant in the Nizhny Novgorod region due to a Ukrainian drone attack.

    The company said debris had fallen onto the plant and caused a fire but there were no casualties. Emergency services were working at the site, it said.

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 06:54

    Australian soldier Oscar Jenkins is alive, foreign minister says

    Oscar Jenkins, an Australian soldier who was previously feared dead in Russia, is alive and in Russian custody, Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong has announced.

    Mr Jenkins, 32, signed up to fight for Ukraine against Russian forces before he was taken captive. A video showed him with hands bound and being struck by a Russian interrogator earlier this month, sparking fears for his life.

    “The Australian government has received confirmation from Russia that Oscar Jenkins is alive and in custody,” Ms Wong said today.

    Australia still holds “serious concerns for Mr Jenkins as a prisoner of war,” she said. “We have made clear to Russia in Canberra and in Moscow that Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war and Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment,” the minister said.

    A foreign soldier who trained him said earlier this month that he believed Mr Jenkins had been executed in captivity to make an example of him, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald on 14 January.

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 06:21

    Where Russian forces are making gains in eastern Ukraine: Mapped

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 06:20

    More than 100 Ukrainian drones hit Russian power, oil facilities

    More than a hundred drones hit Russian oil facilities, including a nuclear power plant, in a major Ukrainian attack this morning, Russian officials said.

    The Russian defence ministry said that 104 drones were involved in raids across western Russia, 11 of which were destroyed over the Smolensk region.

    The Smolensk nuclear power plant, the largest power generating plant in Russia’s northwest, was working normally, RIA state news agency reported, citing the plant’s press service.

    Air defence systems destroyed a drone attempting to strike a nuclear power facility in the western region of Smolensk bordering Belarus, governor Vasily Anokhin said on the Telegram app.

    In total, Russian air defences destroyed drones over nine regions, nearly half of them over Kursk where Russian forces are fighting to drive out Ukrainian troops that have occupied several villages.

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 06:04

    North Korea troops partially withdraw from front in Russia’s Kursk

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 05:40

    Drone debris falls near metro station in Kyiv, mayor says

    Debris from a destroyed Russian drone fell near a metro station in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv this morning, said mayor Vitali Klitschko.

    “All emergency services heading to the site,” Mr Klitschko said on his Telegram channel. Kyiv was under an air raid alert for about half an hour starting at 3.55am GMT, according to data from Ukraine’s air force.

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 05:30

    Why Ukraine-Russia peace talks are not as simple as Trump makes out

    Tom Watling29 January 2025 05:00

    North Korea sends cannons and artillery – designed to attack Seoul – to Ukraine war

    North Korea is set to send more than 100 artillery systems to be used against Ukraine’s forces in the war, officials in Kyiv said.

    A close ally of Russia, North Korea is about to double the number of artillery systems it has deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, said Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief.

    North Korea has already given at least 120 North Korean-made M1989 Koksans, as well as another 120 of its M1991 multiple-launch rocket systems, the Ukrainian military intelligence official said.

    Pyongyang was preparing to send another tranche of at least the same amount, Lt Gen Budanov said, adding that open source analysts have spotted some already on their way to the war.

    The 170mm M1989 Koksan howitzers were manufactured by North Korea to attack the South Korean capital in the event of a war. It is among the longest-range artillery systems in the world.

    Arpan Rai29 January 2025 04:39

    The extremes North Korean soldiers will go to avoid capture in Ukraine

    Tom Watling29 January 2025 04:00



    In the latest development of the Russia Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, labeling him as ‘illegitimate’. This comes as tensions continue to escalate between the two countries, with Russia’s recent deployment of North Korean cannons adding to the already volatile situation.

    The decision to refuse talks with Zelensky is a clear signal of Putin’s hardline stance towards Ukraine, as he continues to push for his own agenda in the region. The deployment of North Korean cannons further complicates the situation, raising concerns about the potential for increased violence and instability in the region.

    The international community has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, with calls for dialogue and de-escalation growing louder. However, Putin’s rejection of talks with Zelensky and the deployment of North Korean cannons indicate that a peaceful resolution to the conflict may be further out of reach.

    As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Russia Ukraine war. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Russia Ukraine war latest
    2. Putin rejects talks with Zelensky
    3. North Korean cannon deployed in Ukraine
    4. Russia Ukraine conflict updates
    5. Putin refuses negotiations with Zelensky
    6. North Korean weapons in Ukraine
    7. Latest news on Russia Ukraine war
    8. Putin’s stance on Zelensky
    9. North Korean military involvement in Ukraine
    10. International tensions in Russia Ukraine conflict

    #Russia #Ukraine #war #latest #Putin #rejects #talks #illegitimate #Zelensky #North #Korean #cannon #deployed

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Vladimir Putin was “afraid” of negotiations on ending the war after the Russian president ruled out direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart. “Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war,” Zelenskyy said. Putin on Tuesday ruled out speaking directly with Zelenskyy, whom he called “illegitimate” because elections have not been held since Russia started the war. Because of the war, Ukraine is under martial law, during which the Ukrainian constitution does not allow elections. Ukraine has warned against it being excluded from any peace talks between Russia and the US, accusing Putin of wanting to “manipulate” Donald Trump, the US president.

  • Ukrainian drones targeted oil and power facilities in western parts of Russia, officials and media outlets reported on Wednesday. Baza, a Russian social media channel close to Russia’s security services, reported that an oil refinery was on fire at Kstovo in Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow. In the western region of Smolensk, which borders Belarus, there was a “massive” drone attack and air defence systems destroyed a drone threatening a nuclear power facility, said the governor, Vasily Anokhin. Dozens more drones targeted the Bryansk region that borders Ukraine, and the Tver region that borders the Moscow region to its south, regional governors said. Flights were halted for safety at the Kazan airport in the Republic of Tatarstan, 830km (516 miles) east of Moscow, officials said.

  • The US transferred about 90 Patriot air defence interceptors from Israel to Poland this week to then deliver them to Ukraine, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing three sources with knowledge of the operation. “We have seen the reports but have nothing to provide at this time,” a Pentagon spokesperson said in response. A spokesperson for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed to Axios that a Patriot system had been returned to US hands, adding: “It is not known to us whether it was delivered to Ukraine.”

  • Zelenskyy said multiple humanitarian projects in Ukraine had suspended operations due to Donald Trump’ freeze on foreign aid and that Kyiv would replace funding where possible. “Today I instructed government officials to report on those US support programmes that are currently suspended. These are humanitarian programmes. There are many projects. We will determine which of them are critical and need solutions now. We can provide part of this funding through our public finances. We will definitely support the priority items, those that concern Ukrainian children, our veterans, and programmes to protect our infrastructure.”

  • Donald Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and the EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, have discussed the Ukraine war in their first phone call since the Trump administration took office. An EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “They agreed on the necessity of maintaining maximum pressure on Moscow to move towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.”

  • A row over arms procurement has erupted in Ukraine’s government after the defence minister, Rustem Umerov, criticised the system as having failed to deliver results for frontline troops. Umerov sacked a deputy defence minister, Dmytro Klimenkov, and levelled criticism at the Defence Procurement Agency, which was set up to coordinate weapons purchases and is meant to guard against corruption. Umerov said the agency had “inexplicably transformed into an ‘Amazon’”, its purchases were too publicly visible and he was replacing its chief – which the agency denied. On Tuesday, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine said it had opened a probe into Umerov after a public appeal. In a statement on Monday, G7 diplomats in Ukraine urged officials to quickly resolve the dispute, calling for “consistency with good governance principles and Nato recommendations”.

  • The European Commission on Tuesday proposed further tariffs on additional farm imports from Russia and its ally Belarus. “Once adopted by the council, all agricultural imports from Russia would be the subject of EU tariffs,” a statement said. Currently, 15% of Russian farm goods are not affected by sweeping EU tariffs that came into force last July. The new tariffs would continue to spare Russian agricultural goods and fertiliser transiting to non-EU countries, to ensure that food supplies for elsewhere, notably Africa and Asia, were not affected. In addition to denting Russia’s war coffers, the commission said the proposal aimed to reduce dependencies on imports from Russia and Belarus, particularly of fertilisers, that “make the EU vulnerable to potential coercive actions by Russia and thus present a risk to EU food security”.



As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to engage in direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This decision comes as tensions between the two countries reach a critical point, with reports of increased military activity in the region.

Despite calls for peaceful negotiations, Putin has remained adamant in his stance, insisting that Ukraine must meet certain conditions before any discussions can take place. This refusal to engage in direct talks has raised concerns about the possibility of further escalation and the potential for a full-scale war.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments and working towards a peaceful resolution. With both sides unwilling to back down, the future remains uncertain and the risk of conflict looms large.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Ukraine war and the efforts to de-escalate the situation.

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Ukraine war, Putin, Zelenskyy, Russia-Ukraine conflict, direct talks, international relations, diplomatic relations, Ukraine crisis, political news, world news.

#Ukraine #war #briefing #Putin #refuses #direct #talks #Zelenskyy #Ukraine

  • Putin Fueling Independence Plans in California, Texas: Republican


    Ron Nehring, a Republican political adviser, has criticized “Russian government-backed” initiatives for California and Texas to secede from the United States and become independent countries.

    Newsweek contacted Nehring for comment via a form on his website, and CalExit and the Texas Nationalist Movement, the main secessionist movements in their states—via email.

    Why It Matters

    The push for states such as California and Texas to secede from the U.S. has gained traction in recent years, fueled in part by Russian-backed efforts to destabilize American politics.

    As the states with the largest gross domestic products, their secession would cause significant disruption to the U.S. economy. While a state seceding is both highly improbable and unconstitutional, the growing debate could fuel national divisions.

    The California state flag on a house in Berkeley on November 12, 2016.

    Barbara Munker/AP Photo

    What To Know

    On Thursday, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber approved a campaign to gather signatures petitioning for a vote on whether the state should leave the U.S.

    In a Sunday op-ed for Flash Report, a blog covering California political news, Nehring said the Kremlin was likely cheering on the latest push to get a secession referendum included on the Golden State’s 2028 ballot.

    Nehring, who served as chair of the California Republican Party from 2007 to 2011 and was a spokesperson for Texas Senator Ted Cruz‘s 2016 presidential campaign, said the idea of California seceding was again gaining traction.

    “Yes, the most delusional, impractical, and Kremlin-cheered pipe dream of our time has returned, despite its repeated failures and universal ridicule,” he wrote, adding, “While its proponents insist the movement is homegrown, the idea has been gleefully boosted by Russian government-backed media and trolls looking to destabilize our country.”

    The Republican continued: “Putin and his propaganda machine aren’t aiming for an actual breakup of the U.S. (they know that’s a fantasy). Instead, they want to make secession an acceptable topic, a plausible option to enough people that it festers and spreads.”

    A similar secessionist effort exists in Texas, referred to as “Texit” and led by the Texas Nationalist Movement.

    According to researchers at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank in Washington, D.C., these secessionist movements have gained support from Russian accounts on social media. Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and prime minister, has also joked about supporting the movement.

    Secessionist leaders have previously rejected the idea that Russian propaganda has driven support for their movements or that they are linked to the Russian government.

    What People Are Saying

    In an emailed response to Newsweek, Nehring said: “While the current ‘leader’ of CalExit may publicly disavow connections to Russia, the idea itself has been promoted, amplified, and encouraged by Russian government-linked entities, which sought to use it as a destabilization tool. That has been extensively documented for over eight years by media outlets, intelligence agencies, and cybersecurity firms like Graphika.

    “Disavowals do not erase the extensive evidence of Russian involvement in advancing this issue for their own anti-American strategic benefit.”

    Marcus Evans, who is running the campaign for an independence vote in California, told CBS News: “We believe that now is the best time to Calexit—NOW we are better situated to make Calexit happen than in 2016.”

    Daniel Miller, who leads the Texas Nationalist Movement, told Newsweek: “Ron Nehring’s claim that TEXIT is ‘Kremlin-cheered’ is both ridiculous and revealing.

    “TEXIT is about Texans reclaiming their right to self-governance, a right Nehring seems incapable of understanding. Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns behind the movement, he throws out tired conspiracy theories, hoping to stay relevant in a conversation that’s way out of his depth.”

    What Happens Next

    If the petition in California receives the necessary 546,651 signatures by July 22, 2025, it will put this question on the November 2028 ballot: “Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?”

    It would also require California to create a commission to study the state’s viability as an independent country.

    However, even if the ballot measure passed, it would not trigger any legal changes to California’s status and would simply be seen as a “vote of no confidence in the United States of America.”

    The U.S. Constitution does not allow for state secession, an issue a Supreme Court ruling settled in 1869 following the Civil War.

    Update 1/28/25, 12:12 p.m. ET: This article has updated with a comment Daniel Miller.

    Correction 1/28/25, 7:11 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to remove reference to Yes California, which no longer backs secession.



    In a recent statement, Republican leaders have expressed concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s alleged involvement in fueling independence plans in California and Texas.

    According to sources, Putin has been quietly supporting and encouraging separatist movements in both states, with the ultimate goal of destabilizing the United States and weakening its global influence.

    Republican lawmakers have called for immediate action to counter Putin’s influence and protect the integrity of the nation. They have urged the federal government to investigate and take appropriate measures to prevent any further interference from foreign powers in American affairs.

    The situation is still developing, but one thing is clear: Putin’s meddling in American politics is a serious threat that must be addressed swiftly and decisively. The Republican party remains committed to defending the unity and sovereignty of the United States against any outside interference.

    Tags:

    1. Putin
    2. California
    3. Texas
    4. Independence
    5. Republican
    6. Fueling
    7. Political news
    8. Secession
    9. United States
    10. International relations

    #Putin #Fueling #Independence #Plans #California #Texas #Republican

  • Russian Leader Putin Reportedly Worried With Economic Wartime Issues


    • Vladimir Putin is increasingly concerned with economic issues in the country, according to a Reuters report.
    • Russia is facing stagflation risk, sanctions, and labor shortages as its war in Ukraine drags on.
    • A source told the outlet that Putin considers Russia’s wartime goals in Ukraine as already met.

    Russian President Vladimir Puting isn’t feeling as upbeat about the prospects for Russia’s economy as the conflict in Ukraine intensifies and sanctions create domestic challenges with no easy solution.

    Sources told Reuters that the leader is increasingly concerned about the country’s wartime economy, which is strained by labor shortages, sanctions, high inflation, and weakening domestic activity.

    According to the sources close to the Kremlin, the president has privately acknowledged the war’s strain on the economy, specifying “really big problems.”

    At a December 16 meeting with business leaders, Putin criticized top economic officials and was reported to be clearly displeased by rising borrowing costs faced by Russian businesses.

    Restrictive credit costs have upset corporate leaders in the country, as interest rates have hit a historic 21%. Despite criticism and stagflation warnings voiced by Russia’s biggest business leaders, the central bank has had no choice but to tighten policy as inflation keeps rising. On an annual basis, price growth hit 9.5% at the end of 2024.

    That’s been driven heavily by massive wartime spending. Defense and security spending is expected to account for over 8% of GDP and 40% of all government expenditures in 2025. The war has also deepened a worker shortage, pushing up wage prices and slashing skilled labor in the economy.

    Sources told Reuters these difficulties have fostered a willingness to reach a negotiated settlement with Ukraine, at least among some of Russia’s elite.

    One source noted that Putin already considers wartime objectives as being met, including the control of land linking Russia to Crimea. The Russian president is reportedly open to ceasefire discussions, with two caveats, Reuters said — Russia maintains its territorial gains, and Ukraine ends its bid to join NATO.

    So far, plans previously backed by US President Donald Trump did not account for the second stipulation and have been dismissed by Moscow.

    Now in power, Trump recently threatened to bolster tariffs and sanctions on Russia if a peace deal isn’t reached soon. Although trade between the countries has dwindled substantially since the war began — Russian goods accounted for just 0.14% of total US imports in 2023 — sanctions have proven detrimental to Russian revenue, particularly from its energy trade.

    Outlooks vary on how long the economy can keep fueling the war in Ukraine. While one think tank suggested that Russia can support itself for up to five years, others have said that the economic pain could end the conflict this year.





    Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly feeling the pressure of economic wartime issues, according to recent reports. With escalating tensions on the world stage and economic sanctions taking a toll on Russia’s economy, Putin is said to be concerned about the impact on the country’s financial stability.

    As global conflicts continue to intensify, Putin is facing challenges in maintaining Russia’s economic growth and stability. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, along with strained relations with Western countries, has led to economic sanctions that are squeezing Russia’s economy.

    Putin’s worries come at a time when Russia is already grappling with inflation, a weakened ruble, and a struggling energy sector. The Russian leader is facing tough decisions on how to navigate these economic challenges while also dealing with international pressure and military threats.

    It remains to be seen how Putin will address these economic issues and whether he will be able to steer Russia through this turbulent period. The repercussions of these economic concerns could have far-reaching implications for both Russia and the global economy.

    Tags:

    • Russian leader Putin
    • Economic issues
    • Wartime concerns
    • Putin worries
    • Russia economy
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    • Putin leadership
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    #Russian #Leader #Putin #Reportedly #Worried #Economic #Wartime #Issues

  • Trump calls on Putin to make a deal, end war with Ukraine or face more economic pressure


    President Donald Trump called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war as part of his first sit-down interview since returning to the White House, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin should never have launched his full-scale invasion in 2022. 

    Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity an estimated 850,000 Russian soldiers and 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since the onset of the war.

    “These are human beings that are just being slaughtered on this battlefield by the millions. They’ve already died, and the cities — the cities are like demolition sites,” he said in an interview that aired Thursday on “Hannity.”

    An interior view shows a kindergarten, which according to Ukraine’s military officials was damaged by shelling, in Stanytsia Luhanska in the Luhansk region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released Feb. 17, 2022. Press Service of the Joint Forces Operation/Handout via REUTERS (Press Service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS)

    The 47th president criticized former President Joe Biden for “allowing” the war to start, claiming his predecessor’s energy policies made Putin richer.

    “Putin shouldn’t have done it, too. I mean, I’m not blaming only what — Putin shouldn’t have done it. He shouldn’t have done it, and it has to stop,” Trump said.

    He threatened the autocratic leader in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, calling on him to make a deal or face more economic pressure.

    “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries,” Trump wrote.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the government via a video conference at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 19, 2023. ((Photo by ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images))

    PUTIN, XI VOW TO ‘DEEPEN’ ALLIANCE HOURS AFTER TRUMP RE-ENTERS THE WHITE HOUSE

    He told reporters at the White House on Thursday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already told him he’s ready to negotiate an end to the war.

    “He’s had enough,” Trump told Hannity. “He shouldn’t have allowed this to happen either. You know, if he’s no angel, he shouldn’t have allowed this war to happen. First of all, he’s fighting a much bigger entity, OK? Much bigger.”

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, second left, looks at a map during his visit to the Ukrainian 110th mechanised brigade in Avdiivka, the site of fierce battles with the Russian troops in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Dec. 29, 2023 (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

    ZELENSKYY LAMBASTS PUTIN FOR CHRISTMAS STRIKES: ‘WHAT COULD BE MORE INHUMANE?’

    “Zelenskyy was fighting a much bigger entity — much bigger, much more powerful. He shouldn’t have done that because we could have made a deal and it would have been a deal that would have been — it would have been a nothing deal,” Trump said. “I could have made that deal so easily, and Zelenskyy decided that ‘I want a fight.’”

    Reuters reported in November that Putin is open to discussing a peace plan. He reportedly could agree to freeze the conflict along the current lines.

    Five current and former Russian officials told the outlet Moscow would not tolerate Ukraine joining NATO, nor would it allow the presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil.

    A public area in Kyiv has been turned into a tribute of Ukrainian flags – each representing a death from the war. (Simon Owen/Fox News)

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, told “America Reports” earlier this month that he’d like to see the war come to an end within 100 days of Trump taking office. 



    In a surprising turn of events, President Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a deal and end the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Trump has warned Putin that if he does not come to the negotiating table, Russia will face even more severe economic pressure from the United States and its allies.

    The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for years, with tensions escalating in recent months. The United States has already imposed sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine, but Trump is now signaling that more economic pressure could be on the way if Putin does not act quickly to resolve the situation.

    It remains to be seen how Putin will respond to Trump’s call for a deal, but the stakes are high for both countries. The conflict in Ukraine has already cost thousands of lives and created a humanitarian crisis in the region. It is clear that a peaceful resolution is urgently needed, and Trump’s latest move could be a step in the right direction. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Trump and Putin
    2. Ukraine war
    3. Economic pressure
    4. International relations
    5. Political negotiations
    6. US-Russia relations
    7. Diplomatic talks
    8. Conflict resolution
    9. Global diplomacy
    10. Peace negotiations.

    #Trump #calls #Putin #deal #war #Ukraine #face #economic #pressure