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This thread was originally opened in 2013 during the revolt that eventually overthrew the Yanukovyich regime and instituted democratic elections. Since the Russian invasion that began in February 2022, it's been repurposed to focus on the conflict. Some people have expressed the view that the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, beginning in 2014, never really ended.

Although at one time claims were made that different segments of Ukrainian society were more aligned with Russia than the West, the invasion seems to have resulted in a higher level of Ukrainian unity in the face of Russian military aggression. Although it is hard to document public opinion in the occupied areas, there was never very much evidence in favor of support for the Russian annexation of sections of Ukraine.

The invasion is also a result of certain grievances proclaimed by Vladimir Putin, the current President of Russia, and used by him as justification for armed attack and occupation. Western governments, and others around the world, have joined together in condemnation of this attack.

While we do not know what the ultimate outcome of these events will be, this thread will continue to be made available as a place to record news, ask questions and express opinions about the "Crisis in Ukraine."

This map will help track the latest developments.

Mod notes

  • Do not post anything about the Ukrainian military movement and strategy. This could actually result in casualties.

  • No discussion regarding nuclear war. As nuclear weapons are not being used by either side, nuclear war is off-topic.

  • When posting social media links, please (1) state the source [e.g. Reuters reporter? State-sponsored Facebook account? Civilian Twitter/X?] (2) clarify if it is fact or opinion and (3) summarize the information being presented. If, for example, it's a single civilian voice on Twitter/X, is it really trustworthy or relevant?

    Previous text of OP 
Ukraine protests: Thousands march through capital- over 100,000 by some counts

Ukrainian protesters besiege government building

Clashes amid huge Ukraine protest against U-turn on EU

Over 300,000 defy protest ban in Ukraine- "Fierce clashes erupt after protesters take to streets again, chanting "revolution" as anger against government grows."

What started as a protest against the decision not to sign an agreement with the EU seems to have escalated into a "Color Revolution" or "Arab Spring" style movement to force the government to resign. By some reports, the police are using violent tactics to suppress the street protests.

The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country. The current regime of President Viktor Yanukovich is part of that camp. The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society.Ukraine protests: Thousands march through capital- over 100,000 by some counts

Ukrainian protesters besiege government building

Clashes amid huge Ukraine protest against U-turn on EU

Over 300,000 defy protest ban in Ukraine- "Fierce clashes erupt after protesters take to streets again, chanting "revolution" as anger against government grows."

What started as a protest against the decision not to sign an agreement with the EU seems to have escalated into a "Color Revolution" or "Arab Spring" style movement to force the government to resign. By some reports, the police are using violent tactics to suppress the street protests.

The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country. The current regime of President Viktor Yanukovich is part of that camp. The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society.


EDIT (2/24/2022)

This thread was originally opened in 2013 during the beginning of the revolt in Ukraine that eventually over-threw the dictatorship of the Yanukovyich regime and instituted democratic elections soon afterward. As of this writing, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion that began on 2/23, it is not clear whether or for how long Ukraine will continue to exist as an independent country.

Statements made nine years ago still seem relevant: "The Western half of the Ukraine has historically felt closer to Europe , and wants to move Ukrainian society in that direction. Eastern Ukraine feels culturally closer to Russia, and favors closer relations with that country... The current confrontations can be seen as a clash between these two halves of Ukrainian society." Some people have expressed the view that the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, beginning in 2014, never really ended.

The invasion is also a result of certain grievances proclaimed by Vladimir Putin, the current President of Russia, and used by him as justification for armed attack and occupation. Western governments, and others around the world, have joined together in condemnation of this attack.

While we do not know what the ultimate outcome of these events will be, this thread will continue to be made available as a place to record news, ask questions and express opinions about the "Crisis in Ukraine."

This map will help track the latest developments.

Do not post anything about the Ukrainian military movement and strategy. This could actually result in casualties.

No discussion regarding nuclear war. As nuclear weapons are not being used by either side, nuclear war is off-topic.

When posting social media links, please (1) state the source [e.g. Reuters reporter? State-sponsored Facebook account? Civilian Twitter?] (2) clarify if it is fact or opinion and (3) summarize the information being presented.

Edited by DeMarquis on Dec 25th 2024 at 7:44:33 AM

Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#36326: Feb 22nd 2025 at 1:25:47 AM

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 21, 2025

  • cutt-off was 12:15 pm ET.
  • US continues to claim that they are not abadoing Ukraine. (note: make a choice idiots)
  • Russia has eliminated Ukrainian pocket near Kurakhove and moves to Toretsk direction.
  • Russia advanced near Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka and in Kursk Oblast.
  • Russia is allegedly avoid payments of benefits to recurited criminals by falsely claiming that they are deserters. (note: to nobody's suprise)
  • Russia is trying to use capture of Velyka Novosilka to advance north towards Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast administrative border.
  • Ukraine is working on it's defence industry.

SgtRicko Since: Jul, 2009
#36327: Feb 22nd 2025 at 10:18:16 PM

Exclusive: US could cut Ukraine's access to Starlink internet services over minerals, say sources

WASHINGTON, Feb 21 (Reuters) - U.S. negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine's critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country's access to Elon Musk's vital Starlink satellite internet system, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Ukraine's continued access to Space "X"-owned Starlink was brought up in discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy turned down an initial proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the sources said. Starlink provides crucial internet connectivity to war-torn Ukraine and its military.

The issue was raised again on Thursday during meetings between Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special Ukraine envoy, and Zelenskiy, said one of the sources, who was briefed on the talks. During the meeting, Ukraine was told it faced imminent shutoff of the service if it did not reach a deal on critical minerals, said the source, who requested anonymity to discuss closed negotiations.

"Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star," said the source. "Losing Starlink ... would be a massive blow."

After Reuters published its story, Musk posted on X that the article was “false” and “Reuters is lying.” Contacted by Reuters for specifics, Musk did not immediately respond. A Reuters spokesperson said the news agency stands by its reporting.

Zelenskiy has rejected demands from President Donald Trump's administration for $500 billion in mineral wealth from Ukraine to repay Washington for wartime aid, saying the U.S. has offered no specific security guarantees.

On Friday, the Ukrainian president said the U.S. and Ukrainian teams were working on an agreement and Trump said he expects a deal will be signed soon.

Musk rushed thousands of Starlink terminals to Ukraine to replace communications services destroyed by Russia after its February 2022 invasion. Hailed at the time as a hero in Ukraine, Musk later curtailed access at least once before in the fall of 2022 as he became more critical of Kyiv's handling of the war.

Poland's deputy prime minister said on Saturday that his country has been paying for Ukraine's Starlink subscription and will continue to do so.

U.S. lawmakers are divided over Trump's efforts to find a quick end to the Ukraine war and some have raised questions about Musk's rapid-fire efforts to cull thousands of federal workers and shut down Federal agencies.

Melinda Haring, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, said Starlink was essential for Ukraine’s operation of drones, a key pillar of its military strategy. “Losing Starlink would be a game changer,” Haring said, noting that Ukraine was now at 1:1 parity with Russia in terms of drone usage and artillery shells. Ukraine has a wide range of different drone capabilities, ranging from sea drones and surveillance drones to long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Ukrainian embassy in Washington, the White House and the U.S. Department of Defense did not respond to a request for comment.

Space "X", which operates Starlink, also did not respond to a request for comment. Russian and U.S. negotiators have planned a second meeting in the coming two weeks to discuss ending the conflict, Russia's RIA state news agency reported on Saturday. The first meeting took place in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Last fall, Ukraine floated the idea of opening its critical minerals to investment by allies. This was part of a "victory plan" that sought to put it in the strongest position for talks and force Moscow to the table.

Trump has embraced the idea, saying he wants Ukraine to supply the U.S. with rare earths and other minerals in return for financially supporting its war effort.

Zelenskiy rejected a detailed U.S. proposal last week that would have seen Washington and U.S. firms receiving 50% of Ukraine's critical minerals, which include graphite, uranium, titanium and lithium, a key component in electric car batteries.

Since then a rift has emerged between the leaders, with Trump denouncing Zelenskiy as "a dictator without elections" on Wednesday after Zelenskiy said Trump was trapped in a Russian disinformation bubble, a response to the U.S. president suggesting Ukraine started the war.

Musk denied it shortly afterwards, but to be frank, this is exactly on brand for the type of scummy poli-tricks and chaotic messaging he'd do for the Trump administration. Don't be surprised if he changes his mind and confirms it's an actual threat next month.

Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#36329: Feb 23rd 2025 at 2:13:56 AM

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 22, 2025

  • cutt-off was 11:45 am ET.
  • ISW is not reporting on negotation of aid for minerals because the situation is too chaotic and full of rumours. (note: I suspect you are just cowards.)
  • Russia claimed that they are going to meet US in an unspecified country third country within two weeks.
  • Russia advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Kupyansk, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.

Edited by Risa123 on Feb 23rd 2025 at 9:09:49 PM

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#36330: Feb 23rd 2025 at 3:06:29 AM

I guess Ukraine/other countries better do something to alternate for Starlink.

DeMarquis (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#36331: Feb 23rd 2025 at 2:11:09 PM

It sucks that Trump is stooping to blackmail, but a minerals for aid agreement isn't the worst thing that could happen, I suppose.

I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.
Resileafs I actually wanted to be Resileaf Since: Jan, 2019
I actually wanted to be Resileaf
#36332: Feb 23rd 2025 at 2:37:54 PM

Isn't it a deal for like half the minerals in Ukraine? And it doesn't come with any security guarantees?

RAlexa21th Zettai Ryouiki Enjoyer from California (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: I <3 love!
Zettai Ryouiki Enjoyer
#36333: Feb 23rd 2025 at 2:50:04 PM

Yeah, this is almost like the German-Soviet split of Poland. It's a deal between Putin and Trump to exploit Ukraine.

Continue writing our story of peace.
Gaiazun Since: Jul, 2020
#36334: Feb 23rd 2025 at 4:31:35 PM

It's worth mentioning most of those rare earth resources are in Russian occupied Eastern Ukraine so the implication of such a deal is full Russian withdrawal

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#36335: Feb 23rd 2025 at 6:55:03 PM

Seems like GUR/HUR has some new/unknown units that are in the limelight lately in Ukraine.

Well aside from the separate GUR Legion they have, which is mostly made up of experienced soldiers from the Americas, Europe and Australia/New Zealand, though some of its members unofficially said that the others came from Asia and Africa...

Then there's the Shaman Battalion.

Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#36336: Feb 23rd 2025 at 6:56:00 PM

but a minerals for aid agreement isn't the worst thing that could happen, I suppose.

What’s being said online is that the proposal is minerals and surrender of Ukrainian territory for no aid. The mineral wealth of Ukraine is what’s being demand as a post-event payment for the aid already provided to Ukraine.

[up][up] The proposal supposedly has Russian get the stuff in Eastern Ukraine, the US gets what is left and Ukraine gets nothing.

Edited by Silasw on Feb 23rd 2025 at 2:57:25 PM

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#36338: Feb 23rd 2025 at 11:58:42 PM

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 23, 2025

  • cutt-off was 12 pm ET.
  • US referd to Instanbul Protocol as guardpost for negotations with Russia. Such agreement would be a capitulation. (note: land of treason and home of the cowardly)
  • As such Ukraine is not likely to accept this.
  • Zelensky is willing to step down if it helps any negoatiations.
  • Ukraine talks about its defence industry.
  • Russia lanunched a record number of drones against Ukraine.
  • Russia is supstantionaly relying on Iran and North Korea.
  • Ukraine advanced near Toretsk.
  • Russia advanced near Siversk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.
  • Russia is working on it's defence industry.

Smeagol17 (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#36339: Feb 24th 2025 at 12:09:45 AM

ISW: Trump talking about how Ukraine is not needed in negotiations, must pay 500 billion, etc. - I sleep. Witkoff mentions Istanbul Communiqué - Real shit.

DeMarquis (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#36340: Feb 24th 2025 at 6:48:24 AM

"he proposal supposedly has Russian get the stuff in Eastern Ukraine, the US gets what is left and Ukraine gets nothing."

Oh. Well that's stupid.

I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.
Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#36341: Feb 24th 2025 at 7:05:11 AM

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/army-chief-thomas-sBCssli-switzerland-could-provide-200-soldiers/88915841

Interesting that the Swiss Army is willing to be in a potential PKO at the land border between Ukraine/Russia.

AngelusNox Warder of the damned from The guard of the gates of oblivion Since: Dec, 2014 Relationship Status: Married to the job
Warder of the damned
#36343: Feb 24th 2025 at 5:37:04 PM

And this is the third year the "Special Military Operation" that pundits were betting would take 3 weeks for Russia to subdue Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini.

Inter arma enim silent leges
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#36344: Feb 24th 2025 at 6:32:01 PM

The same pundits who spent the weeks leading up to said "special operation" ridiculing the very idea of it happening no less.

Edited by M84 on Feb 24th 2025 at 10:32:12 PM

Disgusted, but not surprised
Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#36345: Feb 24th 2025 at 6:49:15 PM

UN resolution was presented. Washington DC voted not to blame Russia for the war.

tclittle Professional Forum Ninja from Somewhere Down in Texas Since: Apr, 2010
Professional Forum Ninja
#36346: Feb 24th 2025 at 10:05:10 PM

And they also added a Security Council based resolution calling for a "peaceful and quick" end to the war without mentioning Russia as the aggressor and abstaining from voting when other folks added stronger words to the resolution.

"We're all paper, we're all scissors, we're all fightin' with our mirrors, scared we'll never find somebody to love."
Grounder Main Character Since: Aug, 2013 Relationship Status: All is for my lord
Main Character
#36347: Feb 25th 2025 at 8:06:26 AM

[up][up]To remove any possible ambiguity, they chose not to abstain from voting, they actually voted against the idea.

Embarrassing.

Edited by Grounder on Feb 25th 2025 at 8:08:18 AM

Risa123 Since: Dec, 2021 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#36349: Feb 25th 2025 at 11:30:45 PM

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 25, 2025

  • cutt-off was 12:15 pm ET.
  • Putin first aknowledge that elections in Ukraine are not held due to martial law. He focused on Zelensky's unpopularity (note:IRC he is not wrong here can someone elaborate ?) and claimed that he would lose to other Ukrainian leadears.
  • Putin is offering Russian minerals to US.
  • EU and UK are working on more aid.
  • Russia advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Kupyansk, Lyman, and Velyka Novosilka.
  • Ukraine advanced near Kupyansk.
  • Samara oblast decreased one-time payments to soldiers after temporary increase in january.
  • Russia maybe repening a soviet submarine base in Crimea.
[down] fixed thanks

Edited by Risa123 on Feb 26th 2025 at 9:14:23 PM

Smeagol17 (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)

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