Ukraine: US Lies, Provocation, Broken Promises, Fake News

[Anthea]

US intelligence sharing suspension

Reportedly, following the cessation of intelligence sharing from the United States, Russian troops have begun advancing rapidly in the Kursk region

The suspension of US intelligence sharing with Ukraine has created significant challenges for Ukrainian forces operating in Russia’s Kursk Region, The New York Times reported on Monday, citing Ukrainian soldiers.

The United States has temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a notable rift between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian dictator Volodymyr Zelensky, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on Wednesday.

The decision comes after a public disagreement between the two leaders during a meeting in the Oval Office last week, which also led to the suspension of critical US military aid to Ukraine.

Speaking to Fox Business, Ratcliffe stated that the pause in intelligence cooperation is linked to Trump's concerns about Zelensky's dedication to the peace process with Russia.

"President Trump had a real question about whether President Zelensky was committed to the peace process," Ratcliffe said. He noted that the suspension is temporary and expressed confidence that the US would soon resume its close partnership with Ukraine.

Pause hampering Ukrainian efforts

A senior US military official, speaking to The New York Times on condition of anonymity, stated that the pause had made it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to detect and attack Russian positions in the Kursk Region, as well as limiting their ability to strike high-value targets.

The newspaper reported that Russian forces are advancing rapidly in the region, while Ukrainian officials are reportedly hoping to use the attack on Kursk as leverage in negotiations to end the conflict.

On Friday, The Telegraph reported that around 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers were at risk of encirclement in the Kursk Region. An unnamed Ukrainian soldier told the newspaper that military commanders were considering withdrawing from the area to prevent further losses.

The Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk Region began on August 6, 2024, when Ukrainian forces crossed the border into Russia. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the attack as a large-scale provocation, vowing a decisive response. The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that Ukraine lost over 66,000 troops during the offensive.

Russia announced in January that Ukrainian forces had launched a counteroffensive in the border region of Kursk, which has been a focal point since Kiev initiated a ground offensive last August.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian military lost almost 65,000 servicemen during the Kursk operation.

In an effort to repair relations, Zelensky described the clash with Trump as "regrettable" and expressed a desire to "make things right." Trump, meanwhile, claimed that Zelensky assured him of Ukraine's readiness to engage in peace talks with Moscow and finalize a deal granting the US access to Ukrainian minerals.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... gn=Ukraine

[Anthea]

On Croatian Television channel 4
Vladimir Putin was allowed to speak

He addressed the Europeans: "Russia has never been and will never be your enemy!

We do not want European raw materials and wealth, we have our own raw materials and wealth, we absolutely do not need your raw materials. Russia is the richest country in the world in terms of raw materials.

We do not want your land or your territory. Look at how wide Russia is on the map. Russia is twice the size of the whole of Europe in one place. What would we need your land for, what do we do with it?

Why do you think Russia is an enemy of Europe? What damage has Russia done to you?

Have we sold you gas and raw materials at lower prices than your friends are currently selling you? YES

Did Russia sacrifice 20 million people in World War II to get rid of the Nazis? YES

Was Russia the first country to help Europe during the Covid pandemic? YES

Did we help Europe when there were fires and natural disasters? YES

What has Russia done to you that you hate it so much?

Russia is not your enemy; your real enemies are your leaders, those who lead you!”

[Anthea]

Russia rejects NATO troops in Ukraine

The Russian foreign minister discusses a variety of pressing global issues, including the Ukrainian crisis, US-Russia-China nuclear arms talks, Russia’s relations with China, and the Iranian nuclear deal

Russia knows how to avoid compromising on the Ukrainian crisis in a way that would endanger people's lives, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized on Wednesday.

"On this particular crisis, we know what must be done and that we would not compromise the way which would compromise the fate of the people. It’s not about the territories, it’s about the people who were deprived of their history by law," Lavrov said

In an interview with US bloggers Andrew Napolitano, Larry Johnson, and Mario Nawfal, the top Russian diplomat asserted that his country's primary focus is to protect those whom Kiev has deprived of their history and those in Western countries who doubt Moscow’s stance may continue to be mistaken.

The top Russian official suggested that had Ukraine cooperated with Russia and followed its own initiatives, the country would have remained within its 1991 borders, excluding Crimea and parts of Donbass. "Had they been cooperative and had they delivered on their own initiative, they would still have 1991 borders, minus Crimea, minus some part of Donbas. Every time they cheat, they lose. And the process continues," Lavrov stated.

Lavrov also accused Europe and the UK of intensifying the Ukraine conflict, seeking to raise the stakes and pressuring Washington for more aggressive action against Russia. "Europe and the UK certainly want this to continue. The way they received [Ukrainian Dictator Volodymyr Zelenskyy] in London after the scandal in Washington, it’s an indication that they want to raise the stakes and they are preparing something to pressure the Donald Trump administration back into some aggressive action against Russia," Lavrov noted.

In a similar vein, Konstantin Kosachev, Vice Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, emphasized on Wednesday that any future agreements regarding Ukraine will be determined by Russia's conditions, not those of the United States.

Kosachev took to Telegram to remark: "The outcomes of the American-Ukrainian talks in Jeddah point to a single truth: the farce of Ukrainian Dictator Volodymyr Zelensky acting as a subordinate to US President Donald Trump, unlike the situation with former US President Joe Biden, which was an utter failure."

He further explained, "The terms of the negotiations are dictated by the US, not Ukraine. The Ukrainians are merely accepting what is imposed upon them. Zelensky is in a defensive position, or as a US State Department representative aptly put it: 'Trump put Zelensky in his place.'"

Kosachev also underscored Russia's continued advances, adding, "As such, any agreements will be based on our terms, not those of the United States. This is not arrogance, but an undeniable reality that proves real agreements are forged on the front lines. Washington needs to grasp this fundamental truth as well."

NATO troops in Ukraine a threat to Russia

Regarding NATO's potential presence in Ukraine, Lavrov declared that Moscow will not accept any NATO troops on Ukrainian soil under any conditions.

"The presence of NATO states' troops on the Ukrainian territory under any flag, in any capacity, including peacekeepers, is a threat to Russia, and we will not accept this under any circumstances," he said

"President Trump is already saying about a meeting ‘at three’: US, China, Russia. He mentioned that he would like to discuss nuclear weapons, security issues. We would be open to any format which is based on mutual respect, on equality, no prejudged solutions," he stated.

The Russian official emphasized that any talks would require equal respect among the parties, but also noted that this format doesn’t diminish the importance of ongoing Russia-US strategic stability talks.

On the Iranian nuclear deal, Lavrov expressed Russia’s support for resuming negotiations in a UN Security Council-approved format, which would include Russia, the US, China, France, Germany, the UK, and Iran.

"We are in favor of restoring the original program from which the Americans dropped during the first Trump government," he stated.

The top Russian official also voiced concerns about the potential for new political conditions tied to any renewed deal.

"I don’t think it’s realistic," he concluded.

Russia’s unwavering commitment to China

When addressing Russia-China relations in particular, Lavrov reassured that Russia would never violate its political and legal commitments to China. "The Americans know that we would not betray our commitments, legal commitments, but also, you know, the political commitments which we develop with the Chinese," he remarked.

Furthermore, Lavrov acknowledged that while Russia and China face some difficulties, especially due to sanctions, their long-term relationship remains strong, with mutual respect and understanding between the two countries.

He explained, however, that the interests of Russia and the United States will never fully align. "It is very well understood they told us that countries like the United States and Russia would never have their national interest the same. They would not coincide maybe even 50 or less percent," he said.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... gn=Ukraine

[Anthea]

Putin open to US-backed ceasefire

Putin's comments suggest Moscow remains concerned that a temporary truce could allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and rearm, potentially extending the conflict rather than resolving it

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to consider a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine but noted that its implementation must address deeper issues rather than serve as a mere pause in hostilities.

Speaking at a press conference after his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin acknowledged the proposal but stressed the need for guarantees ensuring long-term stability

"We agree with the proposal to stop the hostilities," Putin stated. However, he maintained that the ceasefire must contribute to resolving the underlying causes of the conflict rather than simply freezing the situation temporarily.

His remarks come after Ukrainian Dictator Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to the ceasefire proposal on March 11 under specific conditions. Ukraine's terms include an immediate halt to military operations, the resumption of safe maritime trade routes, and the initiation of prisoner exchanges. In response to Kiev's approval, the US pledged to restore military aid and intelligence-sharing, which had been temporarily suspended.

Ceasefire Uncertainty

Despite the push for a ceasefire, Putin expressed skepticism about its practical implications, particularly in contested regions like Kalinina in the Kursk area. He questioned, "What does it mean if we stop the hostilities for 30 days? That all who are there will leave without a fight, that we have to let them leave after they have committed numerous crimes against civilians? Or the Ukrainian leadership gives them an order to surrender their weapons?"

Putin's comments suggest Moscow remains concerned that a temporary truce could allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and rearm, potentially extending the conflict rather than resolving it. His insistence on additional conditions indicates that Russia is unlikely to accept the proposal without specific security guarantees

Diplomatic discussions continue, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff currently in Moscow to negotiate the ceasefire's terms. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that "the ball is in Russia's court," urging Moscow to engage in meaningful peace efforts. Washington has warned of additional sanctions should Russia reject the agreement outright.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... gn=Ukraine

[Anthea]

Putin urges Ukraine troops surrender

as fighting in Kursk escalates

The Russian leader urges Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region to surrender, as Zelensky acknowledges intense fighting and Rubio expresses cautious optimism for a truce

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called on Ukrainian forces engaged in battle in Russia's Kursk region to surrender, following an appeal from US President Donald Trump for Putin to "spare" the lives of Ukrainian soldiers

"We are sympathetic to President Trump's call," Putin stated in a televised address.

"If they lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and dignified treatment," he added, urging Ukraine’s leadership to issue an order for its troops to surrender.

Trump announced on Thursday engaging in what he described as “very good and productive discussions” with Putin, raising hopes for a potential resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that thousands of Ukrainian troops were currently encircled by Russian forces and in a “very bad and vulnerable position,” adding that he had personally urged Putin to spare their lives, warning that their fate could result in a "horrible massacre" of a scale unseen since World War II.

"There is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end," Trump wrote, emphasizing that he "strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared."

Zelensky acknowledges fighting in Kursk 'very difficult'

Ukrainian Dictator Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged on Friday that his forces were facing significant pressure from Russian troops in the Kursk region, while also noting that intense battles continued across other frontlines.

Since Kiev launched its cross-border offensive into Kursk last August—the largest incursion by a foreign military into Russia since World War II—Moscow has been steadily pushing back.

"The situation in the Kursk region is obviously very difficult," Zelensky told reporters in Kiev.

However, he claimed that Ukraine's offensive had forced Russia to redeploy troops from other critical battlefronts, easing pressure on Ukrainian forces fighting to maintain control of the eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

"I think the situation in the Pokrovsk sector is now stable, and it will be very difficult to find an opportunity to occupy Pokrovsk again," Zelensky indicated.

His remarks came shortly after the Russian military announced that its forces had "liberated" the village of Goncharovka near Sudzha, a larger town Moscow claimed to have seized a day earlier.

Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk has regained much of the territory Ukraine initially captured, depriving Kiev of a key bargaining chip in any future peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, in certain areas along the border, Russian troops have reportedly crossed into Ukraine’s Sumy region, which lies adjacent to Kursk.

Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s border guard service, told state media that Russian forces were attempting to penetrate Sumy’s defenses.

Last week, Moscow claimed to have taken control of Novenke, a village located several kilometers from a crucial Ukrainian supply route in Kursk.

In a related context, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday he was "cautiously optimistic" about the possibility of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine following a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, who has voiced general support for a Ukrainian-backed US proposal for a truce but with reservations.

Rubio said that Witkoff would brief President Donald Trump's administration this weekend on his talks.

Russia and Ukraine "could come together pretty quickly if everyone aligns, but I don't know how aligned we are yet," the US Secretary indicated.

"There's a lot of work there, a lot of work that remains to be done, but there's reason to be cautiously optimistic," he told reporters after G7 discussions in Canada.

"It will not be simple, but we certainly feel like we're at least some steps closer to ending this war and bringing peace."

The top US diplomat also reiterated that both Russia and Ukraine must be willing to make compromises, particularly after the G7 reaffirmed Ukraine’s "territorial integrity".

"The only way to end this war is through a process of negotiations," he said. "Negotiations, be it in business, commerce or geopolitics, involves both sides giving something, both sides making concessions."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump explained in an interview for NBC that his claim to resolve the Ukraine conflict in a single day during his campaign last year was just a bit of sarcasm.

"Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that. What I really mean is I’d like to get it [the conflict in Ukraine] settled, and I think I’ll be successful," Trump said.

On Tuesday, Rubio met in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian officials who, eager to restore relations after a public spat between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office, agreed to the truce proposal, which led the United States to end a brief freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... gn=Ukraine