EU to propose funneling billions in profits generated by Russian assets to Ukraine

The European Commission may soon propose a plan to confiscate 27 billion euros ($29 billion) in profits generated by frozen Russian assets and transfer them to Ukraine, The Guardian reported on March 14, citing its sources.

The commission's officials plan to put forward a "legally robust proposal" for consideration by the member states, possibly before a meeting of prime ministers in Brussels on March 21, the outlet said.

https://kyivindependent.com/the-guardian-eu-to-propose-funneling-billions-in-profits-generated-by-russian-assets-to-ukraine/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #WarCrimes #FrozenAssets #StandWithUkraine

The Guardian: EU to propose funneling billions in profits generated by Russian assets to Ukraine

The commission's officials plan to put forward a "legally robust proposal" for consideration by the member states, possibly before a meeting of prime ministers on March 21, the outlet said.

The Counteroffensive: Crimean Tatars are observing this Ramadan in exile

Dilaver Saidakhmetov's grandfather wasn’t a practicing Muslim, but that didn’t stop him building a mosque.

After decades of Soviet authorities burning Islamic literature and shutting down Islamic schools, Crimean Tatars were deported in the hundreds of thousands to Central Asia and Siberia in 1944. So almost none of the Crimean Tatars who returned to Crimea in the 1970s were very devout Muslims.

But that didn’t stop them building mosques, and slowly trying to regain their heritage. “When Crimean Tatars returned, they built mosques wherever they could,” said Dilaver.

The story of Crimean Tatars and how they used Islam to protect their heritage and culture is one chapter in a wider story of how people in Ukraine are protecting and preserving their identity and heritage against Russian aggression.

https://kyivindependent.com/the-counteroffensive-crimean-tatars-are-observing-this-ramadan-in-exile/

#Islam #Tatars #RussiaInvadedUkraine #HumanRights #StandWithUkraine #culture

The Counteroffensive: Crimean Tatars are observing this Ramadan in exile

Editor’s Note: This article was published by the blog “The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak” on March 14, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to "The Counteroffensive," click here. Dilaver...

Ukrainian hackers disrupt transport services in Russian cities

Hackers of the IT Army of Ukraine targeted the Russian government and local systems, disrupting the fare payment system in Moscow and Kazan public transport, the Digital Transformation Ministry said on March 13.

#Cyberattacks have become an increasingly common tool employed by both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The multi-faceted cyberattack reportedly targeted the #Troika fare payment system, used in 38 Russian regions.

The ministry said that as a result, owners of transport cards in #Moscow and #Kazan could not pay for their tickets, top-up travel cards, or pay for parking.

The IT Army of Ukraine, a group of volunteer hackers supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, said the operation was prepared for nearly a month.

https://kyivindependent.com/ministry-ukrainian-hackers-disrupt-payment-system-in-moscow-subway/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #hackers #StandWithUkraine

Ministry: Ukrainian hackers disrupt transport services in Russian cities

Hackers of the IT Army of Ukraine targeted the Russian government and local portals, disrupting the fare payment system in Moscow and Kazan public transport, the Digital Transformation Ministry said on March 13.

Ukrainian drones attack 3 oil refineries in Russia, airfield in Voronezh Oblast

Ukrainian drones attacked three oil refineries in Russia, as well as a Russian Air Force air base, and an airfield in Voronezh Oblast overnight on March 13, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing an unnamed source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Oil refineries were allegedly attacked in Ryazan, in the cities of Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, and Kirishi, Leningrad Oblast, according to the media outlet.

The attacks, which Ukrainska Pravda's source called "a continuation of a series of special operations against Russian oil refineries that were launched earlier," were reportedly carried out by the SBU itself.

"Our task is to deprive the enemy of resources and reduce the flow of money from oil and fuel that the aggressor direct to the war and the killing of Ukrainian citizens," the unnamed source told the media outlet.

https://kyivindependent.com/media-ukrainian-drones-attack-3-oil-refineries-in-russia-airfield-in-voronezh-oblast/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #WarCrimes #drones #OilRefineries #StandWithUkraine

Media: Ukrainian drones attack 3 oil refineries in Russia, airfield in Voronezh Oblast

Oil refineries were allegedly attacked in Ryazan, in the cities of Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, and Kirishi, Leningrad Oblast, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing an unnamed source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Allies collect funding to purchase 800,000 shells for Ukraine, Czech president says

Czech President Petr Pavel said on March 7 that after Norway had joined the Czech-led initiative on purchasing 800,000 artillery shells for Ukraine, the required funds were collected

Pavel said 18 countries participated in the Czech-led allied initiative, and "within weeks," Ukraine would get the ammunition.

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-march-8/

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StandWithUkraine #Czech #shells #artillery

Ukraine war latest: Allies collect funding to purchase 800,000 shells for Ukraine, Czech president says

Key developments on March 7: * Pavel: Allies collect required funding to purchase 800,000 shells for Ukraine * UK pledges $416 million to buy 10,000 drones for Ukraine * Governor announces mandatory evacuation from Kupiansk area * Media:...

Congressmen open investigation into Musk's SpaceX, Russian alleged usage of Starlink

Congress opened an investigation into businessman Elon Musk's SpaceX company, demanding information on Russia's alleged usage of the Starlink satellite internet terminals, the Washington Post reported on March 7, citing a letter written by Congressmen Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia.

Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov told the Wall Street Journal in February 2024 that Russian forces were using thousands of Starlink terminals in Ukraine, echoing earlier assertions by the military intelligence and media outlets.

The letter by Raskin and Garcia warned SpaceX's president, Gwynne Shotwell, that the alleged use of Starlink by Russian forces represented "a serious threat to Ukraine's security, Ukrainian lives, and U.S. national security."

The congressmen wrote that they are "concerned that (SpaceX) may not have appropriate guardrails and policies in place."

https://kyivindependent.com/us-democratic-congressmen-open-investigation-into-musks-spacex-russian-alleged-usage-of-starlink/

#SpaceX #Starlink #RussiaInvadedUkraine #RussianAggression #Musk #StandWithUkraine

US Democratic congressmen open investigation into Musk's SpaceX, Russian alleged usage of Starlink

The letter by congressmen Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia warned SpaceX's president, Gwynne Shotwell, that the alleged use of Starlink by Russian forces represented "a serious threat to Ukraine's security, Ukrainian lives, and U.S. national security."

Congressional inaction on Ukraine aid is 'gift' to Putin

Aid for Ukraine and other U.S. allies have been stalled in Congress for months, largely over unrelated domestic political disputes.

The U.S. Senate passed a foreign aid bill on Feb. 13 containing $61 billion in funding for Ukraine, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to put it to a vote in the House, despite pressure from the Senate and the White House.

"As the House continues to stall, Russia is gaining ground and Ukraine is being forced to ration ammunition and supplies," Yellen said ahead of a bilateral meeting in Washington with German Economy Minister Robert Habeck.

"The House must act and show the strength of the U.S support for Ukraine in the face of Putin's aggression," she added.

https://kyivindependent.com/us-treasury-secretary-congressional-inaction-on-ukraine-aid-is-gift-to-putin/

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StandWithUkraine

US Treasury Secretary: Congressional inaction on Ukraine aid is 'gift' to Putin

"As the House continues to stall, Russia is gaining ground and Ukraine is being forced to ration ammunition and supplies," U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on March 7.

Lithuanian farmers complain about Russian, not Ukrainian grain

#Lithuanian #farmers said that it is the influx of Russian grain, not Ukrainian crops, that presents a problem for the EU markets, the Lithuanian National Radio (LRT) reported on March 5.

Their colleagues from Poland launched protests against Ukrainian agricultural imports and the EU's Green Deal earlier in February, blocking six border crossings with Ukraine.

https://kyivindependent.com/lithuanian-farmers-complain-about-russian-grain-not-ukrainian/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #grain #imports #Poland #border #blocking #StandWithUkraine

Lithuanian farmers complain about Russian, not Ukrainian grain

"These are impressive figures, with over 3 million tons of Russian grain having passed through Latvia and Lithuania combined in 2023," said Ausrys Macijauskas, the head of the Lithuania Association of Grain Growers.

Ukraine charges 2 Russian soldiers with murdering civilian in Bucha in 2022

According to the recently published investigation, two Russian artillery commanders killed an unarmed man on March 19, 2022, at around 5 p.m.

The perpetrators shot the victim with small arms without warning, even though the man was dressed in civilian clothes and had a bandage on his arm, prosecutors said.

"The man was a civilian who did not take part in the armed conflict. He did not have any weapons, tools, or means that could justify the use of violence against him," the statement read.

The two Russian soldiers were charged with murder and violating the laws of war. It is unclear whether they are in Ukrainian captivity or whether they had been served the charges in absentia.

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-charges-2-russian-soldiers-with-murdering-civilian-in-bucha/

#WarCrimes #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StandWithUkraine

Ukraine charges 2 Russian soldiers with murdering civilian in Bucha in 2022

Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office charged two Russian military servicemen for allegedly shooting a civilian in Kyiv Oblast's Bucha in 2022, killing the person on the spot, prosecutors said on March 5.

Mike Johnson’s Russian Funder

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson received illegal money from at least one Russian oligarch. There could be more.

Let’s take a closer look ...

https://marytrump.substack.com/p/mike-johnsons-russian-funder?utm_source=diaspora

#corruption #GOPcorruption #Imperialism #RussiaInvadedUkraine #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine #USA #America #Trump

Mike Johnson’s Russian Funder

Favors?

Russia's war in Ukraine has been knocking on your door, too

Talking about Russia's war against Ukraine, we are not talking about a war between two states. It's is a war between two systems

Two years on, we know if Russia succeeds, we will find ourselves in a world that will be dangerous for everyone without exception

Samuel Huntington predicted that new global conflicts would arise between different civilizations.

Thousands of Ukrainian cities are being shelled not only by #Russian missiles but also by #Iranian drones & ballistic missiles in addition to #NorthKorean artillery shells & missiles.

#China is helping Russia circumvent sanctions and import technologies critical to warfare. North Korea sent Russia more than a million artillery shells. Syria votes at the UN General Assembly in support of Russia.

We are dealing with the formation of an entire authoritarian bloc. As much as Russia, Iran, China, Syria, and North Korea are "different civilizations", according to Huntington's views, they pose a crucial common feature.

The existence of the free world always threatens dictatorships with the loss of power. That's because human beings inherently have a desire for freedom.

Therefore, when we talk about Russia's war against Ukraine, we are not talking about a war between two states. This is a war between two systems — authoritarianism and democracy.

https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/24/russias-war-in-ukraine-has-been-knocking-on-your-door-too

#Imperialism #RussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StopRussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

The Clash of Civilizations | work by Huntington

Other articles where The Clash of Civilizations is discussed: Samuel P. Huntington: …he argued in the controversial The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order (1996) that conflict between several large world civilizations was...

Denmark to donate all its artillery to Ukraine

#Denmark has decided to deliver all the #artillery rounds from its stockpiles to Ukraine, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told the Ukrainian Lunch at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17.

“If you ask Ukrainians, they are asking us for ammunition now, artillery now. From the Danish side, we decided to donate our entire artillery,” Frederiksen said.

“There is still ammunition in European stocks. This is not a question of only production because we have the weapons, we have ammunition, we have air defense that we don’t have to use ourselves at the moment that we should deliver to Ukraine.”

“Russia does not want peace with us. They are destabilizing the Western world from many different angles -- in the Arctic region, the Balkans, and Africa - with #disinformation, #cyberattacks, hybrid war, and obviously in Ukraine,” she said.

https://kyivindependent.com/denmark-to-donate-all-its-artillery-to-ukraine-says-pm/

#Imperialism #RussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StandWithUkraine

PM says Denmark to donate all its artillery to Ukraine

“If you ask Ukrainians, they are asking us for ammunition now, artillery now. From the Danish side, we decided to donate our entire artillery,” Frederiksen said.

Russian forces kill Ukrainian priest in occupied part of Kherson Oblast

Podolchak was kidnapped from his home two days earlier by Russian forces, representatives from Kalanchak's military administration told the Suspilne media outlet.

"Today, it was discovered that (the Russians) killed the brightest person I was lucky enough to meet in my life," the military administration wrote on Facebook.

According to Suspilne, Podolchak continued to hold services in the Ukrainian language under Russian occupation and refused to be transferred to work under the Moscow Patriarchate.

https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-kill-ukrainian-priest-in-occupied-part-of-kherson-oblast/

#WarCrimes #religion #PutinWarCriminal #RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #priest #murder #civilians #StandWithUkraine

Russian forces kill Ukrainian priest in occupied part of Kherson Oblast

The Ukrainian priest Stepan Podolchak was kidnapped from his home two days earlier by Russian forces, representatives from Kalanchak's military administration told the Suspilne media outlet.

Norway plans to deliver additional #NASAMS air defenses to Ukraine

The Norwegian NASAMS system saves Ukrainian lives and prevents the destruction of buildings and infrastructure," said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjoern Arild Gram.

"The Russian missile and drone attacks are extensive and brutal, so air defense is absolutely decisive for Ukraine. At the same time, I am concerned that we reacquire air defenses for our own defense as quickly as possible,"

https://kyivindependent.com/norway-plans-to-deliver-additional-air-defense-to-ukraine/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #RussianAggression #Imperialism #StandWithUkraine #Norway

Norway plans to deliver additional NASAMS air defenses to Ukraine

Norway announced on Feb. 9 that it had asked the parliament to deliver an additional 10 Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) air defense launchers and four fire control centers to Ukraine.

Russia builds militaristic youth camps in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Russia continues to set up military camps for Ukrainian teenagers in the Russian-occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia Oblast

#RussianAggression has deeply harmed #UkrainianChildren and youth, facing abductions, physical peril, and efforts to suppress their identity in "re-education camps" and Russian "foster families."

Moscow plans to open a "center for military-sports training and patriotic education of youth called 'Warrior' based on the 'Iskra' children's health camp," the National Resistance Center said in its Feb. 8 report.

Teenagers will allegedly be taught firearms and engineering training.

This is "preparation for service in the Russian army."

https://kyivindependent.com/national-resistance-center-russia-builds-militaristic-youth-camps-in-occupied-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #WarCrimes #StandWithUkraine

National Resistance Center: Russia builds militaristic youth camps in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Moscow reportedly plans to open a "center for military-sports training and patriotic education of youth called 'Warrior' based on the 'Iskra' children's health camp."

No Ukrainian POWs on crashed Russian Il-76 aircraft

"I can definitely tell you that our prisoners were not there," said Danilov during the interview.

A Russian Il-76 transport aircraft crashed in Russia's Belgorod Oblast on Jan. 24, which Russia claimed was transporting 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) for an exchange.

Russia has yet to provide evidence that there were any POWs on the downed aircraft.

After Russia began circulating its claims, Ukraine requested that Russia return the bodies of the killed POWs home.

Russia's government never responded to the appeal. Russia also reportedly blocked the International Committee of Red Cross from investigating the circumstances of the crash.

https://kyivindependent.com/danilov-no-ukrainian-pows-on-crashed-russian-il-76-aircraft/

#InformationWarfare #RussiaInvadedUkraine #Il-76 #downed #POWs #RussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

Danilov: No Ukrainian POWs on crashed Russian Il-76 aircraft

Despite Russia's claims, there were no Ukrainian prisoners of war on the downed Russian Il-76 transport plane that crashed on Jan. 24, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksii Danilov told Babel in an interview that was published on...

Nordic-Baltic delegation visits US Congress in bid to shore up support for Ukraine

A delegation of representatives from Estonia, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, and Lithuania visited the U.S. Congress on Feb. 8 to advocate for a continued American commitment to Ukraine.

Many Republican lawmakers who ostensibly support Ukraine say that the U.S. must first secure its own southern border, but Congress has also failed to agree on immigration reforms, despite willingness from Democrats to offer significant concessions.

"We came here, obviously, to show unity, to show our commitment and hoping that the Americans would hear us," said Icelandic lawmaker Dilja Mist Einarsdottir.

"We are leaving America a little bit sad," she added.

https://kyivindependent.com/nordic-baltic-delegation-visits-us-congress-in-bid-to-shore-up-support-for-ukraine/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #RussianAggression #Baltic #StandWithUkraine

Nordic-Baltic delegation visits US Congress in bid to shore up support for Ukraine

"We came here, obviously, to show unity, to show our commitment and hoping that the Americans would hear us," said Icelandic lawmaker Dilja Mist Einarsdottir. "We are leaving America a little bit sad," she added.

First ship with humanitarian wheat shipment in 2024 leaves Ukraine

The Sky Gate bulk carrier is shipping 25,000 metric tons of wheat to #Nigeria.

The vessel is moving through the temporary #BlackSea corridor. The #shipping route was opened in August 2023, weeks after Russia's unilateral termination of the Black Sea grain deal threatened Ukraine's ability to ship out its grain.

https://kyivindependent.com/first-ship-with-humanitarian-wheat-in-2024-leaves-ukraine/

#RussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine #grain #exports #StandWithUkraine

First ship with humanitarian wheat shipment in 2024 leaves Ukraine

The Sky Gate bulk carrier is shipping 25,000 metric tons of wheat to Nigeria.

Turkish drone manufacturer #Baykar has begun construction of factory near Kyiv

#Bayraktar told Reuters at the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that the factory is already being built and will need one year to complete construction.

The plant aims to employ around 500 people, he said.

The factory's planned output is around 120 units per year, but it is unclear exactly which drone model will be produced.

When asked if security concerns had caused any hesitation, Bayraktar said the plans were were "fully moving ahead" and that "nothing" would stop them.

https://kyivindependent.com/turkish-drone-manufacturer-baykar-begins-construction-of-factory-near-kyiv/

#drones #Turkey #RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #RussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has begun construction of factory near Kyiv

The plant aims to employ around 500 people, said Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar.

EU to deliver over 1 million shells by end of year

The EU aims to deliver over 1 million #shells to Ukraine by the end of 2024, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said after meeting the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, in Kyiv on Feb. 7.

Borrell recently conceded that the European bloc will fail on its promise to provide a million #artillery rounds by March. Only around half of the number is projected to be delivered by the original deadline.

"We highly appreciate the EU's military assistance," said Shmyhal, who held a joint press conference with Borrell.

"The European defense industry is building up its capabilities, and I'm sure we'll feel it soon."

https://kyivindependent.com/shmyhal-eu-promises-to-deliver-over-1-million-shells-by-end-of-year/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #RussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

EU promises to deliver over 1 million shells by end of year

"We highly appreciate the military assistance of the EU," said Shmyhal, who held a joint press conference with Borrell. "The European defense industry is building up its capabilities, and I'm sure we'll feel it soon."