Poll: 62 Percent of Voters Say Putin Would Not Invade Ukraine if Trump Were President

"A majority of American voters believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not
have invaded Ukraine if former President Donald Trump were still in office, according to a recent poll.

A Harvard Center for American Political Studies-Harris Poll released Friday revealed that 62 percent of respondents believe Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if Trump were still president. Breaking down the numbers along party lines, the poll found that 85 percent of Republicans and 38 percent of Democrats held that belief.

More than half of Americans believe Putin is taking advantage of President Joe Biden’s weakness.

The Hill reported:

A majority of Americans polled — 59 percent — also said they believed that the Russian president moved on Ukraine because Putin saw weakness in President Biden, while 41 percent said that it was not a factor in Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine.

The poll surveyed 2,026 registered voters and was conducted from February 23 to February 24." Breitbart

When the Going Gets Tough… Biden Leaves for Delaware as Russians Prepare to Take Kyiv

"Biden left the White House on Friday to return home to Delaware, despite Russia’s
increasingly violent attack on Ukraine.

The president’s trip home risks the optics of his being away from the White House if Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv falls to the Russians." Breitbart

Ukraine President Posts Video From Kyiv as Russians Breach Capital - Zelensky dispels Russian claim that he fled city

"Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday released a video from the streets of Kyiv
in defiance of Russia's invasion of the country. As Russian troops breached the capital city, the president encouraged citizens to resist the invasion.

The video showed Zelensky with his top aides, dispelling rumors that he fled Kyiv in the face of approaching Russian forces.

 "The president is here. We are all here. Our service members are all here. Citizens are here," Zelensky said. "We all protect our independence and our country, and it will stay like that. Glory to the heroes, glory to Ukraine." WFB

‘Shields Up’ Alert Issued For ALL American Companies…

"A ransomware group linked to Russia has claimed a cyberattack on McDonald’s Corporation,
as federal officials warn of potential widespread targeting of US businesses after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The hacker gang Snatch on Friday claimed to have stolen 500 gigabytes of data from the fast-food giant headquartered in Chicago, posting their demand for an undisclosed ransom on the dark web." PP

Russia Threatens ‘Serious Military’ Consequences If Sweden, Finland Join NATO After Ukraine Invasion

"Russia threatened military action on Friday should NATO expand with the additions of
Finland and Sweden.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a press conference that the Nordic countries’ addition into NATO would “have serious military and political consequences.” The independent nations, which have close ties to the alliance, have historically resisted full membership, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday may have shifted their priorities." DailyWire

NATO Triggers Rapid Response Force as Russian Forces Advance on Kyiv

"NATO triggered its Response Force for the first time Friday to defend the eastern flank of the
alliance, as Russian forces pushed deeper into Ukraine.

Several NATO allies have reinforced their presence in Eastern Europe in recent days, with troops, fighter jets and warships on high alert across the region." VOA

Korean Presidential candidates clash over lessons of Ukraine attack

"Rival presidential candidates of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main
opposition People Power Party (PPP) clashed over their differing views of the lessons of Russia's attack on Ukraine during their TV debate, Friday. 

The DPK's Lee Jae-myung stressed a leader's diplomatic capability, while the PPP's Yoon Suk-yeol highlighted military deterrence to facilitate peace on the Korean Peninsula." KoreanTimes

Venezuela blames US, NATO for Ukraine conflict

"Venezuela, a close ally of Russia, blamed NATO and the United States for the crisis in
Ukraine, where Russian troops were advancing on the capital a little more than a day into their invasion of the neighboring country.

Venezuela's foreign ministry said late on Thursday that NATO and the United States had violated the Minsk agreements, a 2014 deal aimed at ending a war in Donbas, a separatist region in eastern Ukraine." JP

Will Biden's failed deterrence in Ukraine embolden China?

"Biden's failure to deter Russia's attack on Ukraine through leaked intelligence and sanctions
threats may have lasting impact on the world and embolden China to become more aggressive.....People have to understand that the Biden policy has failed....The objective of the policy was to prevent a military attack on Ukraine. And that's what we're seeing today. All the leaked intelligence didn't work. All of the threatened sanctions didn't work." JustNews

The kill squad

"Chechen “kill squads” reportedly in Ukraine at the moment. “The kill squad was allegedly in
a Ukrainian forest, with each soldier reportedly given a special ‘deck of cards’ with Ukrainian officials’ photos and descriptions, a Moscow Telegram channel that has links to the security establishment reported,” The Daily Mail reported, adding, “State TV in Chechnya reported that Ramzan Kadyrov, the republic’s leader and a close Putin ally, had visited his forces in Ukraine. The Chechens are believed to be from the South battalion of the Federal Guard Service, based in Chechnya.” TP

Russia vetoes UN resolution deploring 'aggression' in Ukraine

"Russia, as expected, vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Friday that "deplores in the
strongest terms" the country's "aggression" against Ukraine and demanded the immediate withdrawal of its troops." France24

China Lifts All Wheat Import Restrictions on Russia amid Ukraine Crisis

"China lifted all wheat import restrictions on Russia Thursday, the same day the U.S. and the
U.K. announced the imposition of financial sanctions on Moscow in response to its invasion of Ukraine this week.

“Wheat from all of Russia’s producing regions will be cleared for export to China, provided they meet certain requirements,” China’s General Administration of Customs announced on February 24." Breitbart

Ground Firefights Break Out In Kiev

"Circulating social media videos that street battles have begun around midnight local time...Additionally, even private citizens are said to be arming themselves, also at the urging of the country's defense ministry."  

ZH

 

Red Dawn Juan? Russian Solders Trying To Hook Up With Ukrainian Girls On Tinder

 "Russian troops are reportedly bombarding Ukrainian women with Tinder requests.

Dasha Synelnikova’s phone lit up with snaps of dozens of randy Russians when she set her location to Kharkiv on Tinder yesterday.

According to the report, the soldiers likely came into Tinder range of Kharkiv after a huge influx of Russian tanks and troops were positioned within striking distance of the city.

"I actually live in Kyiv but changed my location settings to Kharkiv after a friend told me there were Russian troops all over Tinder," said video producer Dasha, 33." ZH

Russian Space Chief Warns ISS Will Plunge From Orbit And Strike US If Biden Sanctions Implemented

"The head of the Russian space agency has just threatened the US and NASA with some

serious repercussions if the Biden Administration follows through with sanctions that would impact the cooperation between the two countries in space.

Should the US cut off Russia's access to certain space technologies needed to keep the International Space Station operational, then the end result might involve the Russians allowing the International Space Station to simply tumble out of orbit and come rocketing back toward Earth.

In response to Biden's sanctions announcement, the chief of Russia's space program took to Twitter, asking whether the US wanted to "destroy our cooperation on the ISS." Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin warned that Russian engines control the station's orbit and location. Without them, the ISS would be in serious trouble.

One potentially disastrous result of the sanctions would be the "uncontrolled de-orbit" of the 500-ton space station structure, likely sending it tumbling out of the sky and falling toward the US or potentially even Europe.

"If you block cooperation with us, who will save the International Space Station (ISS) from an uncontrolled de-orbit and fall into the United States or...Europe?" he said.

"There is also the possibility of a 500-ton structure falling on India and China...do you want that?" ZeroHedge

Pope makes surprise visit to Russian Embassy to the Vatican

"The Vatican press office confirmed that Pope Francis made a visit to the Russian Embassy to
the Holy See to express his concern about the fighting in Ukraine on Friday morning.

The Russian Embassy to the Holy See is a short distance outside of Vatican City situated on the road leading into St. Peter's Square, and this was seen by most as a strong personal papal initiative.

The pope's surprise and unprecedented visit to the embassy took many Vatican watchers by surprise, as it is normal protocol for ambassadors to come to the Vatican to meet with the pope." ABC

Peru announces sending aircraft to evacuate compatriots in Ukraine

"Peruvian President Pedro Castillo said on Friday that a plane will be sent to Ukraine to
repatriate his compatriots there, and reiterated his call for a diplomatic solution to the conflict between that country and Russia. 

Apparently, the plane will be sent to Poland to pick up Peruvians, where they will be transferred by buses, as reported yesterday by the general director of Peruvian Communities Abroad and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Masana, since the Ukrainian airports are closed.

The official informed that there are approximately 320 Peruvians in Ukraine, and 196 of whom have registered with the honorary consulate to be evacuated." PLnews

Anger explodes at Germany, Italy, and Hungary over Europe’s failure to cut Russia off from SWIFT payment network

"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Thursday that Russia should not yet be cut off from
the SWIFT global payments system, because it is “very important” to keep such drastic measures “for a situation where it may be necessary.” Italy is also reported to have opposed the measure in order to maintain some leverage over Russia’s dictatorial president, Vladimir Putin.

Both Germany and Italy are highly dependent on Russian natural gas, which would be difficult to pay for if Russia really were to be cut off from SWIFT; Austria has the same dilemma, and is taking a similar approach. All three of these countries have other extensive business ties with Russia, with Italian and Austrian banks being highly exposed right now. French banks do a lot of business in Russia as well, and France has declared a SWIFT cutoff to be “the very last resort.”

And then there’s Hungary,...As with President Miloš Zeman of the neighboring Czech Republic, Orbán appears to have changed tack in the past couple days, condemning Russia’s invasion and professing to stand with Ukraine. However, he has yet to follow Zeman in calling for the SWIFT option, which the Czech leader says is “needed to isolate a madman.” 

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Thursday that “everyone who now doubts whether Russia should be banned from SWIFT has to understand that the blood of innocent Ukrainian men, women, and children will be on their hands, too.” And on Friday morning, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov urged people to share the realities of the invasion “in the Italian, German, and Hungarian media space” and among European officials." Fortune

Greece says two expatriates killed in eastern Ukraine, urges all Greeks to leave 'immediately'

"Greece's foreign ministry said on Monday two Greek expatriates were killed and another two
seriously injured in an incident involving Ukrainian soldiers in the country's east near the front line of the conflict with pro-Russian separatist forces. Earlier, Greece issued an advisory urging its nationals to avoid travelling to Ukraine and calling on any Greeks there to leave "immediately". Odessa

Russia kicked out of Eurovision Song Contest

"Russia has been banned from entering the Eurovision Song Contest, the European
Broadcasting Union (EBU) said.

A statement from the body, which produces the competition, said the decision “reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disrepute”. Guardian

Spain, Portugal urge energy coordination as Russia supply fears rise

"Spanish and Portugese officials called on Thursday for Europe to cooperate more closely on managing energy supplies after major producer Russia's invasion of Ukraine heightened fears of disruptions.

Unlike many of the countries on the continent, which in total relies on Russia for 40% of its gas, neither country on the Iberian peninsula counts Russia among its main providers.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Thursday that the Portuguese deep-water port of Sines - the closest European port to the United States, "has the infrastructure to host and export natural gas to Europe". Reuters

Almost 26,000 Ukrainian Refugees Have Arrived In Moldova, Romania Since Invasion

"Moldova says it has received almost 16,000 Ukrainian refugees since the start of the Russian
invasion of Ukraine.

Interior Minister Ana Revenco said on February 25 that some 15,800 Ukrainian citizens had crossed the border into Moldova in the previous 24 hours.

Many wanted to continue to the EU, but at least 100 applied for asylum in Moldova. 

RFE/RL correspondents report that Moldovan authorities have established triage and assistance centers at two border crosses with Ukraine -- Ocnita and Palanca. According to Moldova's Interior Ministry, the centers will also be prepared to offer accommodation to a number of refugees for 72 hours.

Romania's Interior Ministry said on February 25 that around 10,000 Ukrainians had crossed into the country since the start of the invasion, but only 11 of them applied for refugee status in the country." RadioFreeEurope

Denmark to deploy soldiers to Estonia in wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

"Denmark will increase its contributions to NATO forces by deploying around 200 soldiers to
Estonia as well as two F-16 fighter jets to perform aerial policing in Poland's air space, the government said on Thursday, as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine." Reuters

India avoids condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine, keeps aloof from Biden’s coalition against Moscow

"Since Russian President Vladimir Putin unleashed a large-scale attack against Ukraine on Thursday, the Biden administration has sought to rally allies and partners to condemn Russian aggression and join in trade and financial sanctions.

One country that has conspicuously rebuffed Biden’s appeals is India, a rising Asian power that relies on Moscow for almost all its advanced weapons.

For years, India has juggled its close relations with Russia — an enduring legacy of the Cold War — with its fast-growing ties with the United States, which has envisioned India as a crucial partner in its long-term strategy to counter China’s rise." WP

Will Canadian troops be sent to Ukraine to engage in combat?

"A key component of Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the commitment of more
military troops in neighbouring NATO countries, but the government has maintained these personnel would be deployed for deterrence and training purposes only.

Is there a circumstance where Canadian troops would engage in combat in Ukraine, which is not a NATO member but is a close ally of the West?

Defence Minister Anita Anand says at this time, no." CTV

Russian Tank Crushes Ukrainian Car With Civilian Inside in Shocking Video

"......video from the Ukrainian capital has shown the moment when what appears to be a
Russian tank crushes a car with a civilian still inside.

Videos of the incident and the aftermath were posted on social media...Franak Viačorka, posted a short clip of the tank driving over the car. The video has been viewed over 900,000 times." Newsweek

Putin is after more than land — he wants the religious soul of UkrainePutin is after more than land — he wants the religious soul of Ukraine

"For the past decade, the two countries have fought another battle — not over territory but
the religious orientation of Ukraine. And if Russia occupies the country, religious freedom will be one of the many casualties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has used the common Orthodox character of Russia and Ukraine in his arguments for closer alignment. Ukraine is unique in that several expressions of eastern Christianity are practiced there. On one side is the Russian Orthodox Church and its Ukrainian denomination, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate. On the other is the Orthodox Church of Ukraine-Kyiv Patriarchate.

Putin’s efforts to restore Russian prestige have included elevating the Russian Orthodox Church to the center of Russian identity while also undermining the independence of the Moscow Patriarch. Putin’s Ukraine scheme included leveraging the potential religious soft power of the Moscow-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate.According to the Orthodox Times, Russia used disinformation campaigns to stir conflict between the churches.

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine becoming free was a declaration of independence from foreign influence and achieved greater religious freedom. Then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko declared that autocephaly was another example of Ukraine pivoting away from Moscow and toward Europe. In response, the Russian Orthodox Church cut all relations with the Ecumenical Patriarch, threatening to split Orthodoxy.

With war at hand, these religious battles will recede to the background for the time being. However, people on both sides are turning to their faith. Images of Ukrainians praying throughout the country were posted on Twitter on Wednesday (Feb. 23) when the attack started. Other, non-Orthodox Christians noted how Christians on both sides are fighting: “Tanks are rolling down from Russia, Russian Orthodox priests are blessing the tanks,” while “Ukrainian Orthodox priests are blessing the Ukrainian soldiers to fight against Russia.” RNS

'Ghost of Kyiv': Lone fighter pilot credited with shooting down six Russian jets

"......the fighter pilot has taken out six Russian jets since President Vladimir Putin ordered a "special
military operation" in the country early Thursday morning local time. ...Video footage shows what appears to be a Ukrainian MiG-29 jet flying around several cities in Ukraine. The pilot could earn the title of "fighter ace" for shooting down five or more enemy aircraft." WE

 

Russian Navy Launches Amphibious Assault on Ukraine

"The amphibious assault is underway into Ukraine, through the Sea of Azov, coming into west of Mariupol, the senior defense official told reporters.

The amphibious assault comes from one of two amphibious task forces Moscow assembled for its attack on the neighboring country. Another task force is in Crimea and could land troops in Odesa.

Two commercial vessels, off of the port in Odesa, were hit by Russian fire, according to Naval News. The Namura Queen, flying under the flag of Panama, took a missile to her stern.

Bunker Millenium Spirit, flying under the flag of Moldova, was also hit causing a fire, according to Naval News. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence attributes the missile to Russia, while the Moldovan government said the source is unknown." USNI

Hero Ukrainian soldier ‘blows himself up to destroy bridge’ and stop Russian invasion forces storming in from Crimea

"Generals hailed the sacrifice of Vitaly Skakun Volodymyrovych for halting a column of
Russian tanks at Henichesk, in the southern Kherson region.

The brave engineer had volunteered for the dangerous mission to rig the bridge with mines, an Armed Forces official said.

It is a key strategic pinch point linking annexed Russian-occupied Crimea and mainland Ukraine.

As Putin's forces raced towards him, Vitaliy realized he did not have time to set a fuse and get to safety.

According to his brothers in arms, Vitaly got in touch [with them] and said he was going to blow up the bridge

"Immediately after an explosion rang out." DR

Ukraine President Says He’s Been “Left Alone” by West as He Considers Signing ‘Neutrality Deal’ With Russia

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky complained that he had been “left alone” by the
west and that NATO leaders were “afraid” as he considers signing a ‘neutrality deal’ with Russia that would bring an end to the attack.

Multiple loud blasts were heard again overnight in Kiev as the fighting raged on, with cruise or ballistic missiles hitting numerous targets around the capital.

The White House says Russian forces are now a mere 20 miles from Kiev.

 Zelensky says Russian forces plan to kill him and his family, which is why he may be preparing to sign what’s being described as a “neutrality deal,” or in others words, surrender to Russia." NW

South Korea to participate in sanctions against Russia

"President Moon Jae-in on Thursday said that the country will cooperate with the international community, including measures such as sanctions against Russia, following Russian attack on Ukraine." KoreaHerald

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Khan meets Putin in Moscow amid escalating Russia-Ukraine war

"Since US troops left Afghanistan, relations between Washington and Pakistan seem to have
cooled. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Thursday – the first world leader to visit Russia since the Ukraine crisis erupted." JP

 

Large Amount of Weapons Supplied by West to Ukraine Has Been Seized

"The cache included American-made FGM-148 Javelin and British-made MBT NLAW anti-
tank missiles, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The two fire-and-forget missile systems have been a key part of Western aid supplied to Ukraine in recent years, intended to be a soft defense against Russia's considerable armored forces. However, the NLAWs only arrived last month as part of a rushed shipment amid tense negotiations between Russia and NATO.

The MoD said on Friday it had destroyed 211 military infrastructure facilities in Ukraine. The cities of Konotop and Sumy, in northeastern Ukraine, had also been blockaded by the Russian Army." Sputnik

Russian Forces Successfully Blockade Northern Ukrainian City of Chernigov

"Russian military spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov stated on Friday that the city
of Chernigov was successfully blockaded by the Russian forces, noting that troops are doing everything to prevent casualties among civilians." Sputnik

Will The World Cut Russia Out Of SWIFT, And What Would Happen If It Did?

"The Times newspaper reports that barring Russia from the SWIFT international payments
system would stop all trade with the West and reduce its GDP by 5 percent.

What is SWIFT and how does it work?

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a Belgium-based secure messaging system which is used to make international cross-border payments. In 2020, it was estimated 38 million transactions a day were made by SWIFT.

 “SWIFT is the global payment and transaction system. It is unique and used by all international banks. A ban from using SWIFT cuts all financing and payment options for international payments. Global banking and corporate exposure to Russia is around US$100 billion. Cutting SWIFT access would block those assets and hurt mostly industrial and energy groups in Europe,” Daniel Lacalle, chief economist at asset management firm Tressis Gestion, said.

He said the impact of banning Russia would be “quite dramatic” and he said Iran lost about 30 percent of its trade when 18 Iranian banks were banned from SWIFT as a result of US sanctions.

But he added that there was no consensus on ejecting Russia from SWIFT as certain countries, for example Hungary, depended on Russia for their energy supplies.

He said there were divisions within the EU and between Germany and the UK/US." Sputnik

Blinken: We’re Not Halting Gas and Oil Purchases from Russia Because We’re Trying to Minimize ‘Pain to Us’

"On Thursday’s broadcast of “CBS Evening News,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken
responded to a question on whether the United States will cut off purchases of oil and gas from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine by stating that we’re trying to ensure “that we inflict maximum pain on Russia” while at the same time, “minimizing any of the pain to us.” NYP

Snake Island massacre – 13 Ukrainian soldiers tell Russians to ‘go f**k themselves’ before being wiped out…

"Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky related a disturbing story Thursday, claiming that 13
Ukrainian soldiers stationed on the remote island of Zmiinyi in the Black Sea were slaughtered after defiantly telling Russians on board a warship to “go f*** yourself” following a demand to lay down weapons and surrender.

When the soldiers repeatedly refused to surrender, the Russian warship opened fire on the island, killing them all according to the Ukrainian government.

Apparent recordings and videos of the exchange are doing the rounds on social media." NW

 

Twitter Says It Will Consider Censoring "Emerging Narratives" About Ukraine War

"Twitter announced that it was monitoring “emerging narratives” about the Ukraine war that
will be censored if they represent a violation of the company’s policies....a statement by a Twitter spokesperson is likely to cause alarm amongst free speech advocates.

“We took enforcement action on a number of accounts in error,” the statement said, adding, “We’ve been proactively monitoring for emerging narratives that are violative of our policies.”

The use of the term “emerging narratives” suggests that Twitter will begin censoring certain perspectives on the conflict in the context of their policy on “misinformation.” ZeroHedge

Kyiv Bombarded by Rockets Overnight, Reports of Fighting In City’s Suburbs

"The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv (Kiev) was hit by rocket strikes overnight, with reports of
fighting in its suburbs claimed on Friday morning.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba described the rocket strikes on the capital as “horrific”, saying the city had not suffered such an ordeal since 1941 “when it was attacked by Nazi Germany.”...Russian airborne forces at an airport close by to Kyiv, which they had apparently seized in order to establish a bridgehead for further troops, engaged in a firefight with Ukrainian counter-attackers." Breitbart

 

Turkey finds itself in a delicate position

"As Russia launched air and ground assaults on Ukraine, NATO member Turkey finds itself in a delicate position for maintaining its good relations with both countries.

Its control over the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, key routes during such a crisis, made  Turkey an indispensable partner for the West.

On Thursday, Ukraine asked Turkey to close the straits to Russian vessels. 

Turkey, which has maritime borders with Ukraine and Russia, has the legal authority to control the straits under the 1936 Montreux Convention, that gives Ankara exclusive rights to restrict the passage of warships not belonging to countries bordering the Black Sea.

Turkey ’s gatekeeping over the straits will now test the limits of its neutral stance vis-a-vis Russia and Ukraine.

In a press statement on Wednesday,  Turkish  President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that  Turkey would not abandon either Russia or Ukraine. 

Turkey will still be a voice of support for diplomacy and oppose sanctions on Russia, as it needs to work with Moscow in several other theaters like Syria, Libya and the South Caucasus." ArabNews

Belarusian army units at southern border on peace footing

"Belarusian army units carry out missions at the southern border on peacetime terms, BelTA
learned from Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin after Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko held a conference with army officers on 24 February.

The defense minister remarked they had expected a bad outcome of the deteriorating situation in Ukraine's Donbass region. “This is why the commander-in-chief gave instructions to reinforce the coverage of the southern part of the state border. Battalions are carrying out missions on peace footing over there now. They have not been switched to war footing yet,” Viktor Khrenin said. He explained that all the Belarusian army units remain ready for combat in their permanent bases all the time." BT

Honorary Russian consul resigns over Ukraine invasion

"Russia’s honorary consul in Quintana Roo announced her resignation Thursday due to
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while President López Obrador expressed Mexico’s opposition to the assault on the eastern European nation.

Armina Wolpert said on Twitter that she couldn’t represent Russia without sharing the values and principles of the Russian government.

“I will miss working with the wonderful people from the embassy,” she wrote in a post that included the hashtag #UcraniaBajoAtaque, or #UkraineUnderAttack." MND

Australia imposes more sanctions on Russia, criticises China's response

"Australia imposed more sanctions on Friday against Russia targeting several of its elite
citizens and lawmakers, and said it was "unacceptable" that China was easing trade restrictions with Moscow at a time when it invaded Ukraine." Reuters

Russian Warplane Crashes Near Ukraine Border, Killing Crew

"The Russian military said its warplane crashed near the Ukrainian border while transporting
military equipment late Thursday, killing the entire crew.

“A Russian Aerospace Forces An-26 aircraft crashed in the Voronezh region during a scheduled flight transporting military equipment,” Russia’s Defense Ministry said.

The Voronezh region borders the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine." MoscowTimes

China says US creating ‘fear and panic’ over Ukraine

"China on Wednesday accused the U.S. of creating “fear and panic” over the crisis in Ukraine, and called for talks to reduce rapidly building tensions.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China is opposed to new unilateral sanctions imposed on Russia, reiterating a longstanding Chinese position.

She said the U.S. was fueling tensions by providing defensive weapons to Ukraine, without mentioning Russia’s deployment of as many as 190,000 troops on the Ukrainian border. Hua also did not mention efforts by the U.S., France and others to engage Russia diplomatically." AP