To begin, links to Associated Press, Reuters and National Public Radio reports. Then, via Global Research, a link to a report that in early April U.S. and British pressure on Ukraine effectively halted negotiations with Russia being held in Turkey. And via both Consortium News and Popular Resistance, a link to a column by Chris Hedges. — MCM
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US, Western Europe fret over uncertain Ukraine war endgame, by Matthew Lee | The Associated Press WASHINGTON — An interminable and unwinnable war in Europe? That’s what NATO leaders fear and are bracing for as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds into its third month with little sign of a decisive military victory for either side and no resolution in sight. The possibility of a stalemate is fueling concerns that Ukraine may remain a deadly European battlefield and a source of continental and global instability for months, or even years, to come. Energy and food security are the most immediate worries, but . . . READ MORE . . .
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Ukraine claims battlefield successes, curbs Russian gas to Europe, by Pavel Polityuk and Jonathan Landay | Reuters * Ukraine redirecting Russia gas to Europe * Ukraine counter-offensive could shift war’s momentum * Ukrainian forces seeking to cut off Russian supply lines * U.S. concerned about future course of war | KYIV/VILHIVKA, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces reported battlefield gains today in a counterattack that could signal a shift in the momentum of the war, while Kyiv shut gas flows on a route through Russian-held territory, raising the spectre of an energy crisis in Europe. . . . Following days of advances, Ukrainian forces were within several kilometres of the Russian border in the Kharkiv region this morning, one Ukrainian military source told Reuters. East of Vilhivka, Ukrainian forces seemed to be in control of the village of Rubizhne, on the banks of the Donets, after what appear to the be the fastest advances since April when . . . READ MORE . . .
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A big mystery of the war in Ukraine is Russia’s failure to gain control of the sky. Reported on NPR News. Russia has an air force more than 10 times larger than Ukraine’s. But Ukraine’s fighter pilots and air defense crews still control the air space over most of the country. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.
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How one city in southern Ukraine became a humanitarian hub. Reported by Tim Mak | NPR News It’s been too dangerous for many Ukrainians to leave their house — let alone make an escape. But some have found ways to cross the frontlines, navigating dangerous check points, to safer areas. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.
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UK and U.S. Governments Are Primary Obstacles to Peace Negotiations: Ukrainian News Outlet, by Abdul Rahman | Peoples Dispatch / Global Research A recent report in Ukrainian news outlet Ukrayinska Pravda, quoting officials from the Ukrainian president’s office, claimed that talks between Ukraine and Russia have stopped due to pressure exerted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his unannounced visit to Kiev on April 9. According to the report, Johnson came to Kiev on a surprise visit apparently to “express solidarity” and announce financial and military aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. However, during his meeting with Zelensky, Johnson asked him not to continue with the talks which were going on in Turkey, asserting that Putin needs to be defeated. Zelensky’s public position on talks with Russia shifted dramatically following this visit. Only a few days prior . . . READ MORE . . .
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Jesus, Endless War & U.S. Fascism, by Chris Hedges | ScheerPost.com The Democratic Party — which had 50 years to write Roe v. Wade into law with Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama in full control of the White House and Congress at the inception of their presidencies — is banking its electoral strategy around the expected Supreme Court decision to lift the judicial prohibition on the ability of states to enact laws restricting or banning abortions. I doubt it will work. The . . . party’s hypocrisy and duplicity is the fertilizer for Christian fascism. . . . The Christian fascists have coalesced in cult-like fashion around Donald Trump. They are bankrolled by the most retrograde forces of capitalism. . . . No military budget is too big. No war waged by America is . . . READ MORE . . .
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TO BE CONTINUED