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

[Anthea]

Biden gives Kiev Nazis $6 bln package

President Biden unveiled $2.5 billion in security assistance, including $1.25 billion in military aid sourced directly from US stockpiles and a $1.22 billion package under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)

The United States has pledged nearly $6 billion in additional military and financial support to Ukraine as President Joe Biden prepares to leave office. This substantial aid package, announced Monday, aims to strengthen Kiev's position against intensified Russian operations before President-elect Donald Trump takes power.

President Biden unveiled $2.5 billion in security assistance, including $1.25 billion in military aid sourced directly from US stockpiles and a $1.22 billion package under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Unlike immediate stockpile drawdowns, USAI funding procures equipment through defense industry partners, which can result in delayed delivery to the battlefield.

"At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden stated.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced an additional $3.4 billion in budgetary support, which she described as the final installment under the 2024 Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.

These funds, coordinated with the US Agency for International Development and the State Department, will provide vital financial resources to Ukraine as it faces intensified attacks on critical infrastructure.

Advanced weaponry

The aid includes an array of advanced weaponry. Secretary of State Antony Blinken detailed the package, highlighting artillery ammunition for HIMARS systems, Javelin anti-tank weapons, TOW missiles, and counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) munitions.

Additional supplies include air-to-ground munitions, communication tools, training resources, and transportation support. The Pentagon also confirmed the inclusion of Stinger missiles, NASAMS air defense munitions, and drones.

"This additional assistance, provided under previous drawdowns from Department of Defense stocks, is valued at $1.25 billion," Blinken noted.

On a related note, White House spokesperson John Kirby claimed that DPRK troops fighting alongside Russian forces have suffered significant casualties, reporting 1,000 soldiers killed or wounded in the past week in Russia's Kursk region.

While Washington maintains that Russia has turned to DPRK forces to reinforce its frontline, no verified evidence of a DPRK military presence has been made public

Russia, on its part, has criticized US arms supplies, arguing they undermine peace efforts and deepen NATO's involvement in the war.

The United States has committed $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia's special military operation began nearly three years ago. Biden noted that the latest assistance would offer both immediate battlefield support and long-term capabilities, including air defense systems and critical weaponry.

"These capabilities will continue to be used to great effect on the battlefield," Biden affirmed in his statement.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... h--6bln-pa

[Anthea]

Russia halted gas transit through Ukraine

The halt will cut 15 billion cubic meters of gas for Europe, leaving the Balkan Stream pipeline as the only remaining Russian supply route

Reports on Wednesday confirmed that the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine will stop starting January 1 at 05:00 GMT, as the five-year transit agreement comes to an end.

This halt will result in a loss of around 15 billion cubic meters of gas for the European market, with the Balkan Stream pipeline being the sole remaining route for Russian gas deliveries to Europe.

Dive deeper

Since November 15, Gazprom has been supplying Europe with 42.4 million cubic meters of gas per day through Ukraine, reaching a peak capacity of 42.5 million cubic meters. Currently, the Sudzha gas metering station is the only point for Russian gas transit from Ukraine to Europe.

In 2023, Gazprom shipped about 15 billion cubic meters through Sudzha, representing 4.5% of the EU's total gas consumption.

The Balkan Stream pipeline delivers up to 15 billion cubic meters of gas annually to countries including Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, supplying gas from the TurkStream pipeline.

It is worth noting that experts told RIA Novosti that some of the gas previously flowing through Ukraine could be rerouted via the Turkish route, allowing it to reach Slovakia and Austria.

Ukraine could cost Slovakia $521mln if Russian gas transit to EU stops

Last Saturday, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia will lose up to 500 million euros (521 million dollars) per year if the transit of gas through the country to other European Union states is halted.

Slovakia expects its domestic gas needs to be met, while annual income generated from transiting Russian gas to the West should hit 400-500 million euros in 2025. However, since the transit is set to stop following January 1, Slovakia will immediately lose this revenue.

Fico further stated that during an EU summit in Brussels, Zelensky proposed compensating Slovakia with the same amount, extracted from frozen Russian assets, if Slovakia supports its NATO bid - a proposition immediately rejected

He stated that not only he but also other countries with greater influence over the decision to admit new NATO members, oppose Ukraine's membership.

Who are the beneficiaries?

The Slovak prime minister also speculated that the United States would benefit most from stopping gas supplies from Russia through Ukraine to Europe, asking "What is behind this absurd decision by President Zelensky? Just look at which countries benefit most from reducing the European Union's dependence on gas from Russia. The answer is very simple: first and foremost, it is the United States."

He recalled that US President-elect Donald Trump has already threatened EU countries by introducing tariffs unless they start purchasing more US oil and gas.

On the other hand, Zelensky accused Fico on Monday of attempting to assist President Vladimir Putin by continuing to import gas from Russia.

Zelensky indicated that European Union leaders had observed Fico, who visited Moscow on Sunday, and his resistance to decreasing energy reliance on Russia, suggesting that this implies "he wants to help Putin earn money to fund the war and weaken Europe."

The current agreement for Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe expired at the end of 2024, and Kiev has consistently indicated it will not renew the deal. Last week, Zelensky also ruled out allowing Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory after December 31, even if third parties purchase it.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... g-wednesda

[Anthea]

European gas prices soar

European natural gas futures climbed the highest since October 2023 after Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine stopped on New Year's Day

The price of the Dutch TTF, the benchmark European natural gas climbed by more than 4% to €51 per megawatt-hour, its highest level since October 2023, before easing a little, on the first trading day after Russian gas stopped flowing to Europe via Ukraine.

Freezing temperatures across the north of the region pushed prices up on Thursday morning with a backdrop of losing 5% of the EU's natural gas import as Russian import stopped entering the European Union via Ukraine on 1 January, after decades of operating, due to a transit deal expiring, raising concerns about faster storage withdrawals.

European gas inventories have been depleted at the fastest pace since 2021, sitting at around 75% due to the particularly cold weather in Europe over the past weeks.

According to the industry organisation Gas Infrastructure Europe, the volume of gas in the block's storage facilities decreased by about 19% from the end of September, when the replenishment season ends, to mid-December.

There is no risk of an immediate energy crisis or shortfall in Europe, and the European Union (EU) expects no immediate impact on consumer prices. But Europe appears to be more vulnerable to market volatility if it aims to replace its missing natural gas as gas prices have been soaring by 50% year-on-year. Higher energy prices could hurt further the bloc's competitiveness and raise costs to households.

Prices may also rise if Europe turns to increase its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.

Central European countries are the most vulnerable to losing access to Russian natural gas via Ukraine, even though they have an alternative route, TurkStream, to receive Russian natural gas, but that link is not sufficient to fully compensate for the loss of the Ukraine route.
Europe looks at other solutions

The impact will be felt especially in Hungary and Slovakia, for which the Ukrainian transit route met 65% of gas demand in 2023, according to Bruegel

The European Commission has laid out several solutions to help affected countries, including filling needs through supplies of Greek, Turkish and Romanian gas via the Trans-Balkan route.

All together, there is no concern that the EU will run out of gas this winter, however, refilling its storage could be more costly than expected.

Gas prices for next summer recently surged above those for winter 2025-26, which will make it more costly to restock, reports Bloomberg, citing Arne Lohmann Rasmussen, chief analyst at Global Risk Management in Copenhagen, who said: "There is an increasing risk that the EU will exit the winter with low gas storage levels, making it expensive to replenish them."

https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/ ... ia-ukraine

[Anthea]

Aid extends beyond Biden administration

This announcement follows the Biden administration’s allocation of nearly $5.9 billion in aid to Ukraine earlier this week

The United States will continue providing military assistance to Ukraine beyond the Biden administration, as the delivery of announced capabilities often takes time, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said on Friday.

"Capability and equipment flows off our shelves as it's available. So it is very likely that there you are going to see more capabilities continue to flow to Ukraine post this administration, that's very normal when PDAs [Presidential Drawdown Authority] get announced," Singh told reporters

She explained that while some equipment can arrive within days, other items require significantly longer delivery times.

"Some equipment can get there within days. Some equipment, as you know, can take much longer," Singh concluded.

Recent US Assistance

This announcement follows the Biden administration’s allocation of nearly $5.9 billion in aid to Ukraine earlier this week.

The package includes $1.25 billion in military supplies from US army stockpiles, with weapons such as HIMARS ammunition, artillery shells, Javelin systems, TOW missiles, and other equipment, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Russia has condemned Western arms shipments to Ukraine, arguing that they hinder peace efforts and amount to direct involvement by NATO countries in the conflict.

The US has committed $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia's special military operation began nearly three years ago.

On Monday, Biden said that the latest assistance would offer both immediate battlefield support and long-term capabilities, including air defense systems and critical weaponry.

"These capabilities will continue to be used to great effect on the battlefield," Biden said.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... tration--p

NOTE: countless numbers of people in US remain HOMELESS following recent storms and flooding

[Anthea]

Russia backs UN report on Kiev actions

against Ukraine Orthodox Church

Russian Ambassador-at-Large Gennady Askaldovich stated that Moscow will continue urging international organizations to pressure Kiev into reversing laws targeting canonical Orthodoxy

Russia has expressed approval of a recent report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that critiques Ukraine's treatment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

Russian Ambassador-at-Large Gennady Askaldovich stated that Moscow will continue urging international organizations to pressure Kiev into reversing laws targeting canonical Orthodoxy.
OHCHR Report Sparks Diplomatic Clash

The OHCHR report, released in late December, concluded that Ukraine had not provided sufficient justification for its measures aimed at disbanding religious organizations, including the UOC. The findings raise concerns about the proportionality and necessity of Kiev's actions

"Taking into account the countless facts of the ongoing persecution of Christians who support the canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine, as well as the criticism of the Ukrainian authorities that has been heard for many years from numerous religious, public and political circles, one can only welcome the long-awaited conclusions of OHCHR," Askaldovich stated in a release from Russia's Foreign Ministry.

Diplomatic commitment

The ambassador reiterated that Russia will persist in calling on the OHCHR and similar bodies to take firm stances against Kiev's "state arbitrariness" towards canonical Orthodoxy. He also urged the repeal of "repressive laws."

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has dismissed the UN findings, calling the report inaccurate and accusing Russia of misrepresentation. According to Askaldovich, Kiev's swift denial and efforts to "whitewash" the report's conclusions are evidence of its discomfort with the criticism.

The controversy stems from legislation enacted in September, which gave Ukrainian authorities the ability to ban the UOC over its historical ties to the Moscow Patriarchate. Kiev has framed these efforts as a necessary step to counter "Russian influence", while Moscow continues to condemn the measures as religious persecution.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... aine-ortho

[Anthea]

Exclusive Marcus Papadopoulos on Russia,
Ukraine, Trump, EU and NATO

In an interview with Al Mayadeen, Marcus Papadopoulos, a political writer and analyst says that Russia is not an enemy of Europe, further affirming that it is a European country with "no malicious intentions towards the nations of Europe."

Papadopoulos also talks about what he predicts to be the outcome of the war in Ukraine, giving his opinion on the policy that US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to follow.

https://youtu.be/ojQM6Szz5PY?feature=shared

[Anthea]

Ukraine to adopt realistic stance

The French President says Europe must take responsibility for establishing security guarantees, while the US should focus on bringing Russia to the negotiating table

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday suggested that Ukraine should adopt a pragmatic approach to territorial issues as part of efforts to open negotiations with Russia.

Speaking at an annual conference for French ambassadors, Macron outlined his foreign policy strategy and addressed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

"The Ukrainians need to hold a realistic discussion on the territorial questions and only they can do that, and the Europeans are counting on building security guarantees that will be their responsibility," Macron stated.

This marks the first time Macron has implied that Kiev may need to consider a position beyond reclaiming all territories controlled by Russia.

Since launching its special military operation in February 2022, Russia has gained control over 20% of Ukraine, including large portions of the eastern Donbass region.

Moscow had already annexed Crimea in 2014, making territorial issues a central sticking point in any potential negotiations.

Call for international efforts

Macron stated that Europe must take responsibility for establishing security guarantees while the US should focus on bringing Russia to the negotiating table.

However, he stressed that any resolution must involve direct participation from Ukraine and its European allies.

"The United States' role should be to convince Russia to come to the negotiation table," Macron said, underlining the need for a balanced international effort.

Despite this, Macron reaffirmed the importance of continued support for Ukraine, asserting that allies must ensure Kiev enters any talks from a position of strength. However, he did not announce any new commitments to aid Ukraine during his speech.

Macron tempered expectations for a swift resolution, indirectly responding to US President-elect Donald Trump's claim that he could quickly end the war.

"There will not be a quick and easy solution," Macron said, reflecting on the complexities of the conflict and the negotiations required to resolve it.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... territoria

NOTE: Following the 2014 ILLEGAL military coup in Ukraine the Crimea voted against being ruled by an illegal government

[Anthea]

Hungary to block Ukraine EU bid

Hungary's foreign minister says his country would block Ukraine's EU accession over its bill to suspend Russian energy transit through its territories

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized a proposed Ukrainian parliamentary bill to suspend Russian oil and gas transit through Ukraine during martial law, calling the measure "unacceptable" in a Wednesday Facebook post.

The bill, submitted Tuesday by former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and members of the opposition European Solidarity party, seeks to ban the transit of Russian energy resources through Ukrainian territory.

Szijjarto highlighted Hungary's reliance on Russian energy and its potential veto power over Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union. "The reality is that in the EU, member states collectively and unanimously decide on the admission of new members. In other words, each member state has to vote in favor," he said, underlining Hungary's influence in the process.

The EU initiated accession negotiations with Kiev in December 2023, signaling progress in its bid for membership.

Ukraine not to renew gas transit agreement with Russia

While Ukraine has decided not to renew its gas transit agreement with Russia beyond December 31, 2024, it continues to allow Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline under a contract valid until the end of 2029. Szijjarto argued that Ukraine's association agreement with the EU obliges it to contribute to the bloc's energy security by maintaining transportation routes.

"Each state has the sovereign right to decide from where and how it buys the energy resources it needs to function, and no one has the right to impose more expensive energy resources on another country," Szijjarto stated

Hungary, along with Slovakia and Austria, depends heavily on Russian gas, purchased through Gazprombank, which is under Western sanctions. Szijjarto claimed that halting energy transit would harm Hungary and contravene EU expectations for Ukraine's integration. He also accused Ukraine of exacerbating Europe's economic challenges, alleging that its actions have driven up gas prices on the EU market.

Szijjarto's remarks come amid ongoing criticism of Hungary for its Moscow-friendly stance. Budapest has frequently blocked sanctions against Russia and aid packages to Ukraine, setting itself apart from other EU member states.

Szijjarto has maintained relations with Moscow during the war, drawing further scrutiny from European partners. The proposed Ukrainian bill and Hungary's reaction underscore the complex dynamics of energy security, EU integration, and regional alliances amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ukraine ready to fill 'EU vacancy'

In response, Ukraine declared its readiness to fill "any vacant space" in the European Union and NATO should Hungary decide to leave these organizations and join Russian-led blocs, according to a statement from its Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

"Ukraine would be ready to fill any vacant space in the EU and NATO if Hungary chooses to vacate it in favor of membership in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) or CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization)," the statement read.

Ukraine dismissed Szijjarto's comments as part of a "politically motivated information campaign intended for domestic consumption." The ministry pointed to a European Commission statement on January 1 affirming that the transit halt had not adversely impacted the EU's energy security or consumer prices.

"The sole reason for the challenges in the European energy market has always been Russia," the statement asserted, accusing Moscow of decades of weaponizing energy resources to undermine European security.

Ukraine emphasized that the EU was moving beyond its dependence on Russian energy, with countries diversifying supplies from the US and the Middle East.

"Only two out of twenty-seven EU countries have struggled with this task and are now attempting to pass their problems with the blame on others," the statement added, indirectly referencing Hungary.

The ministry called on Hungary to clarify its priorities, stating, "Hungary should openly acknowledge if it prioritizes strengthening Russia over the EU and the United States." It urged Budapest to focus on strengthening EU unity and energy independence instead of "undermining" collective efforts.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... ady-to-rep

[Anthea]

$500 mln in weapons to Ukraine

The US has provided around $66.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the war began

The United States is ready to give Ukraine an extra $500 million in weaponry, drawn from existing US stockpiles, according to senior officials who talked to Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss specifics not yet made public.

The package's release is scheduled on Thursday, coinciding with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's travel to Germany, where he will meet with leaders from over 50 partner nations who have joined in support of Ukraine since the war began in 2022, according to senior defense officials.

The military aid, approved under presidential drawdown authority, enables the rapid delivery of weapons and equipment from US stockpiles to Ukraine. A senior defense official who briefed reporters traveling with Austin said the aim was to get those weapons into Ukraine by the end of the month, maintaining Ukraine's position as the administration transitioned.

The US has provided around $66.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the war began.

While considerable, the package will not drain the almost $4 billion in congressionally authorized financing for Ukraine. Defense officials have stated that "more than a couple of billion dollars" will likely be left for the new government to use as it sees fit.

The Biden administration has accelerated roughly $6 billion in military and economic help for Ukraine in anticipation of the new administration. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently announced $3.4 billion in economic help to keep Ukraine's government, schools, and emergency services running, as well as $2.5 billion in security aid to meet pressing defense demands.

While defense officials indicated there are ongoing negotiations with Trump's transition team to guarantee continuity in handling Ukrainian concerns, it is uncertain how much military help Trump would provide to Kiev.

Trump, who has criticized the Biden administration's spending billions of dollars to support Ukraine, has stated that if he were at the negotiating table with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the war between the two countries would end "within 24 hours," raising concerns that he would press Zelensky to surrender the territory that Russia currently occupies.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... to-ukraine

A) The war began in 2014 with an illegal military coup in Ukraine follow by non-stop attacks by Kiev against the Donbass

B) Zelensky has not been president since May 2024 and is nothing more than a dictator who has banned all legal opposition parties, banned/imprisoned all legally elected opposition MPs

[Anthea]

Ukraine attacked Donetsk supermarket

The attack, which occurred during the morning rush hour, has injured several people, with some reports suggesting fatalities

Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of launching a missile strike on a supermarket in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, located in eastern Ukraine. Denis Pushilin, the head of the parts of Donetsk under Russian control, stated on Telegram that he had "confirmed information" that the attack injured four people in the region's main city, also called Donetsk.

Pushilin blamed the Ukrainian military for firing US-supplied HIMARS missiles during the morning rush hour. Russian state news agency RIA later reported that investigators said the strike resulted in two deaths and two injuries.

Ukraine's general staff did not comment specifically on the supermarket attack but confirmed it had carried out strikes in the Donetsk region this week, taking "all necessary measures to limit the risk to civilians."

The missile strike caused significant damage to the facade of the "Moloko" (Milk) supermarket, with shattered glass and burned-out cars scattered nearby. Dashcam footage shared by a nearby driver showed the moment of impact, followed by a large explosion and flames rising into the sky

Pushilin also reported that Ukrainian artillery had struck an apartment building in Svitlodarsk, further north in Donetsk, killing two people and injuring eight. However, Ukraine's statement said its forces had carried out a precise strike on a Russian command post in Svitlodarsk.

Additionally, Ukraine’s Suspilne public broadcaster reported that Russian shelling killed one person and wounded another in Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in Donetsk region, where advancing Russian forces have been making gains.

In Russia's Belgorod Region, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said three houses were damaged after drones were shot down.

"Our air defense system shot down several enemy aircraft-type drones over the Belgorodsky District [of the Belgorod Region]. There were no casualties. As a result of the drone debris falling in the village of Maysky, windows were broken and roofs were damaged in three private houses," Gladkov wrote on Telegram.

Moreover, several people were injured by glass fragments when drones crashed into two apartment buildings in the town of Kotovsk in Russia's Tambov Region, acting regional governor Yevgeny Pervyshov said.

"Overnight to January 11, unmanned aerial vehicles crashed into two apartment buildings in Kotovsk. Several people were injured by glass fragments. There are no fires, the buildings have minor damage," Pervyshov wrote on Telegram.

Ukraine counterattack in Kursk region

Russia announced on Sunday 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.

The extent of Ukraine's advancement remains unclear, but reports from military observers suggest an intense and coordinated operation is underway.

"At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), in order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack," stated the Russian Defense Ministry.

According to Moscow, the attack involved two tanks, several armored vehicles, and specialized demolition units targeting the village of Berdin, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Sudzha. The Ministry emphasized that their operations to neutralize Ukrainian forces continue.

Sudzha, which was seized by Ukrainian troops during their August offensive, has remained under Kiev's control despite ongoing conflict in the region.

While Ukrainian authorities provided limited details about the attack, some officials hinted at strategic gains.

"Russia is getting what it deserves," said Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential administration.

Andriy Kovalenko, who leads Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, commented on the situation on Telegram, "In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, and it was a surprise for them."

Prominent pro-Russian military bloggers have admitted that Ukrainian forces are exerting significant pressure in the Kursk region.

"The main events of the next attempted offensive by the Ukrainian army are clearly still ahead of us," noted Rybar, a widely followed pro-Russian commentator.

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

[Anthea]

Azov eyes English-speaking recruits

Azov, with a decade-long history rooted in nationalist origins, is planning to establish an "international battalion" to strengthen its ranks

Ukraine’s most prominent combat unit is actively seeking English-speaking recruits as Kiev faces mounting battlefield challenges, The Guardian reported on Friday.

Azov, with a decade-long history rooted in nationalist origins, is planning to establish what it dubs an international battalion to strengthen its ranks as Ukraine approaches its fourth year of full-scale war with Russia, the news website said.

The unit's commander, known by the call sign Karl, emphasized their focus on recruiting individuals with military experience “because Ukraine is smaller than Russia” and needs all the assistance it can get "in a struggle of international significance."

He further claimed that “we are fighting to not let Russia become closer to Europe,” adding that a Ukrainian defeat could embolden Moscow to threaten Poland, the Baltic states, and other nations

The Guardian noted that since the start of Ukraine's war with Russia, 15 Britons have been killed while serving as soldiers or volunteers, including two whose deaths were recently announced. These include Jordan Maclachlan, a 26-year-old frontline medic from Scotland, and Jake Waddington, a 34-year-old former British Army soldier and member of the International Legion.

A flow of Britons and other Western nationals has joined Ukraine’s armed forces over nearly three years of conflict, which by early December had killed 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

While traveling to Ukraine to join its armed forces is not illegal for British citizens, unless they are active UK military personnel, it is not officially encouraged, the report mentioned.

Former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace previously pointed out that Britons without military training would offer limited value to Ukraine’s military.

Non-Ukrainians seeking to join Azov must undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including interviews in Kiev, psychological evaluations, and polygraph tests to rule out potential infiltration by Russian special forces, according to Karl.

Initial training spans two to three months, even for experienced recruits, with groups of around 80 people. The training is designed to reflect the realities of Ukraine’s battlefield, which relies heavily on drones and artillery.

Karl indicated that "the training of some soldiers in Europe hasn’t changed much since the second world war."

After training, those who choose to stay are integrated into infantry assault units, with Karl acknowledging the inherent dangers of such roles.

According to The Guardian, Azov currently operates near Toretsk in eastern Ukraine, a war-torn town divided between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

The news website suggested that the overall situation on the front lines is expected to deteriorate, as Donald Trump’s presidency could lead to a reduction or cessation of US military aid in pursuit of ending the conflict.

Azov originated in 2014 after the illegal military coup as was used to attack the Donbass as it refused to agree with the new illegal Kiev government. Azov's leaders espoused ultra-nationalistic and far-right ideologies, also it's soldiers wear NAZI emblems on their uniforms leading Russia to label it a terrorist organization in 2022

For years, the US also refrained from directly supplying arms to the group. But in the summer of 2022, a US review lifted the arms ban after concluding that Azov had not committed any human rights violations. Russia, in response, accused Washington of being willing to "flirt with neo-Nazis," claims that Azov members dismiss as propaganda.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... aking-recr

[Anthea]

Scott Ritter:

Russia’s Precision Wipes Out Ukraine’s Best in Kursk
Historic Losses Stun the World!

Scott Ritter delivers an eye-opening analysis of the recent developments in Kursk, where Russian forces have executed devastating ambushes and inflicted catastrophic losses on Ukrainian troops.

With nearly 500 personnel lost and over 70 vehicles destroyed in just one day, the Kursk offensive highlights a turning point in the ongoing conflict. Join us as we break down the key strategies, the staggering numbers, and the broader implications of this decisive moment in the battlefield.

Don’t miss this in-depth report!

https://youtu.be/9A_6INJt6ss?feature=shared

Remember: part of the conflict in the area goes back to WW2 when the Donbass was fighting against the NAZIS and the Kiev government was supporting them

Remember: the 2014 illegal military coup where parts of Eastern Ukraine including Donbass, voted not to support the illegal government

Remember: the Minsk agreements gave Donbass autonomy but Kiev decided to go against the agreements and have been attacking the innocent people of Donbass ever since

Remember: Zelensky's only claims to fame were playing the piano with his penis (seriously) and playing the part of Ukraine President in a TV series (he is still playing)

Remember: to show support for it's NAZI ideology Kiev government has changed many place names to those of NAZI heroes

Remember: Zelensky has not been president since May, he is now a dictator who has banned all legal opposition parties and banned/or imprisoned all legally elected opposition MPs

[Anthea]

Starmer pledges more Ukraine support

Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Kyiv to sign what Downing Street is calling a "landmark 100-year partnership" with Ukraine

The pact would formalise economic and military support already pledged to the country, and offers more.

It is the prime minister's first visit to the country since taking office last summer, in a show of support for Ukraine days before Donald Trump re-enters the White House.

Ukrainian Dictator Volodymyr Zelensky is keen to discuss firm security guarantees from key allies such as the UK, wary that a new US administration could start pushing Ukraine to make peace with Russia.

Unlike other prime ministers who have rushed to Kyiv, Sir Keir has taken his time to visit, but after six months in office he has come to Ukraine pledging long-term support against what he calls Russia's "illegal and barbaric invasion".

2014 illegal and barbaric military coup

He was greeted at Kyiv railway station by the UK's ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, and the Ukrainian envoy to London, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

The highlight of the visit would be the signing of the 100-year partnership agreement, Zuluzhnyi said, which would cover areas from science to culture, with a particular focus on security.

Legally Zelensky has not been president since May 2024 and has no legal right to sign a binding agreement

Speaking as he traveled to the country, Sir Keir said: "This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century."

"Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level," he added.

Remember Putin was asked to help the people of Donbass after they had been under attack for more than 10 years by Ukrainian NAZIS

Trump's choice to become secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said earlier this week that both countries would have to make concessions to see an end to the war.

Thursday's announcement includes more military and economic aid to prove that, as well as increased military collaboration on maritime security and drone technology, and healthcare.

Zelensky has previously said he is looking towards the UK for help getting security guarantees to deter future attacks.

Starmer does not care that Zelensky is a dictator who has banned all legal opposition parties and banned and/or imprisoned all legally elected opposition MPs

Joining Nato is towards the top of his wish list, but Ukraine also wants its allies to send peacekeepers to the country if fighting does stop, to patrol the current frontline which could become a buffer zone in any peace agreement.

US and NATO have broken their pledge not to move any closer to Russian borders

Ahead of the visit, Zelensky said this was something he would discuss with the prime minister.

It builds on £12.8bn of support the UK has already given to Ukraine. The country has also already committed to giving the country £3bn in military aid every year for "as long as it takes".

Ukraine has already been using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to attack Russian military facilities far from the border.

Their arrival late last year was welcomed by Kyiv, and slammed by Moscow.

The partnership, formed of a treaty and a political declaration, is due to be presented to Parliament in the coming weeks.

Plans for it had begun under the previous Conservative government.

Sir Keir previously visited Ukraine when he was leader of the opposition in 2023, and has hosted President Zelensky twice at Downing Street since entering office.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgem31jekvo

Allow free speech in Ukraine, reinstate legally elected opposition MPs, stop attacking Donbass and bring back the UNSC recognized Minsk agreement that allowed Donbass autonomy