Posted on 02/26/2022 12:08:22 PM PST by Kaslin
There was chatter yesterday of there being talks about a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. While it was hopeful news considering what the Ukrainian people are enduring at the hands of an invasion, it's more of something that we'll believe when we see it. And sure enough, the Russians are alleging that the Ukrainians are refusing to cooperate. The Ukrainians are denying that, but emphasizing that negotiations must have the right terms.
An update from The Washington Post's Timothy Bella on Saturday included a Telegram message from Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, who said these were tactics from Putin:
In a message posted to the Telegram account of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Podolyak denied Russian claims that Ukraine “allegedly refused to negotiate,” saying the claims are a part of the tactics of Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Podolyak acknowledged that “any war inevitably ends with negotiations,” more was needed before Ukraine got to that point.“They are trying to drive negotiations into a dead end before they even begin,” he said. “It is clear that a different approach is needed.”
Podolyak called on negotiations that would reflect “the interests of the people and the national statehood of Ukraine.” He then pointed to the Russian attacks on Kyiv and how Ukrainians defended the capital with pride and honor.
The adviser also discussed how well the Ukrainians have fought:
“By their resistance, Ukrainians have proved that driving us into a dead end is an unrealistic ambition,” he said.The adviser concluded by reiterating that Zelensky “categorically does not accept any unacceptable conditions and ultimatums for Ukraine.”
“Only full-fledged negotiations,” Podolyak said.
“By their resistance, Ukrainians have proved that driving us into a dead end is an unrealistic ambition,” he said.
The adviser concluded by reiterating that Zelensky “categorically does not accept any unacceptable conditions and ultimatums for Ukraine.”
“Only full-fledged negotiations,” Podolyak said.
And, a Fox News report by Peter Aitken report noted that "Ukraine-Russia War: Russian troops underfunded, equipment sub-par, according to reports." As the piece noted:
The Russian effort to invade Ukraine appears to have been underfunded and under-equipped to handle the swift takeover that Russian President Vladimir Putin was hoping for.Russia is "increasingly frustrated" by the lack of momentum in the invasion, particularly in the north of the country, a U.S. official said Saturday. Despite the months of planning and preparation, Russia has yet to achieve air superiority, and Ukraine retains command and control.
And a senior U.S. defense official told Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin that the Russian military is not moving or fighting at night: Most movement starts just before dawn and occurs during the day because they don’t have night vision and are not trained in night vision, which contributed to slower than expected progress.
Part of the issue may be that the Russian troops are conscripts, not highly trained. Many don’t know why they are there, according to the Soldiers’ Mother Committee.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also rallying his people, and periodically posts videos to show he's still standing, as well as to prepare Ukrainians for what lies ahead in the fight. He also tweets updates in multiple languages, including in English.
As Matt and Landon highlighted earlier on Saturday, he's been offered a ride out of the country by the United States, but has vowed to stay in Ukraine. "The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride," Zelensky said.
NBC News' Richard Engel tweeted that he's seen Ukrainians tear down road signs as a way to confuse Russian invaders, something additional NBC News reporters and producers have seen.
A Facebook post from Ukravtodor (the State Agency of Motor Roads of Ukraine), as highlighted by iNews, has called on Ukrainians to do so, sharing "Let's help them go straight to hell," about the Russian troops. Recommended One Ukrainian Man Did What He Thought Was Best When He Saw an Incoming Russian Military Convoy
Another Fox News update from Saturday has more about Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov blaming the Ukrainians. "After the Ukrainian side rejected a negotiating process, all units were given orders today to develop the offensive along all axes in line with the operation plan," he's quoted as saying by Interfax.
While "The captures of Kyiv remains Russia's primary military objective," according to an assessment from United Kingdom intelligence, that assessment also noted that the "speed of the Russian advance has temporarily slowed likely as a result of acute logistical difficulties and strong Ukrainian resistance."
And another Fox News update had indicated that 50 percent of assembled Russian combat forces are in Ukraine, citing a U.S. defense official.
It's currently night in Ukraine. Fox News Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst has tweeted explosions and sirens heard from Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Refuses U.S. Evacuation Offer: 'I Need Ammunition, Not a Ride'
They Held the Line: Ukrainians in Kyiv Hold Out Against Hellacious Russian Assault
Zelensky is a clown. Yesterday he said he agreed to the Russian demands prompting to stop the offensive, then he fled Kiev for Lvov and made the Kiev city hand out 18,000 guns to absolute strangers. Then they disseminated rumors that there are Russian saboteurs in the city in Ukrainian uniforms and civilian clothes. He is also inciting Volksturm types to make molotovs and attack “invaders”.
How queer is that?
“Russia has yet to achieve air superiority, and Ukraine retains command and control.”
Like these people even know what that means.
Ukraine does not have an air force.
Horrible, reports coming in that Ukraine is already a humanitarian disaster, after only 3 days.
US says Putin “ramping up” invasion. How does Putin withdraw?
I think he doubles down, which mean a lot more death on both sides (except civilian deaths are all in Ukraine) and Ukraine infrastructure destroyed.
This is going very ugly and dangerous for everyone involved except Russian citizens, who are fine though distressed. They don’t have any combat or bombs to worry about.
Wow the Ukranians just may win this, and it will be ALL because of the leadership of Joe Biden!!!
Just getting ready for what the fake news will be saying every day till the midterms.
That’s interesting.
I read they had 36,000 people in their AF.
Maybe bogus?
Sounds like “in the end. everybody gets a trophy cause they tried.” LOL
The Ukies are putting up a good fight. Reminds me of Israel vs. the Arabs.
Do they still have Netflix?
Z boy is a WEF Schwab Hitler youth leader
Media reports are all over the place and are not to be trusted.
My guess is that Russia is doing better than many say and that Ukraine will basically surrender soon.
But we will see.
At least Hitler stayed in Berlin until the end. This arsehole is inciting his own people to fight against his own troops and among themselves.
So what is your political position on this invasion of the Ukraine people? Zelensky bad Nazi? - Putin good for reclaiming Russian territory? What? Who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy?
Looks like small potatos, eh?
They shoulda loaded up on surplus A-10s from the US.
Worked good on the road to Basra...
They have 68 combat aircraft.
Its amazing that the Russian military turns out to be so ineffective. The lack of a quick victory and the casualties are causing political unrest, frustration and real anger among the Russian people, their politicians and within the military. Russian morale is very low. Putin has made the most, needless, catastrophic decision. IMHO he will be deposed within a few months.
Zelensky should offer safe passage to any Russian soldiers willing to surrender. That would stun the Russians.
Make that 58.
He is going to burn Kiev to the ground.
I pray the Ukranians do well and fight Russia back, but Zelensky didn’t do them any favors when he didn’t properly prepare for this invasion. Waiting to call up the Reserves the day russia invaded was stupid.
Tearing down road signs is what they are saying to do, but why not have fake ones made prior and have them swapped out when the invasion started. Prepare the bridges for demolition, etc. He did nothing.
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