First, links to Associated Press, Reuters, and National Public Radio reports; for more, click on the organizations’ name below. Then, via the Greanville Post, an essay on narratives and imperialism. — MCM
– – –
– – –
Ukrainians take up new positions as Putin proclaims victory in Luhansk, by Tom Balmforth and Max Hunder | Reuters * Ukrainians shift to holding line from Bakhmut to Sloviansk * Battle of Luhansk was one of Europe’s bloodiest in generations * Putin congratulates troops on victory | KYIV — Ukrainian forces were taking up new defensive lines in the east today, preparing for a hard new phase in the war as President Vladimir Putin proclaimed Russia’s victory in the months-long battle of Luhansk. Russia’s capture of the city of Lysychansk on Sunday brought an end to one of the biggest battles in Europe for generations, which saw Moscow bring the full might of its ground forces to bear on a small pocket of the front line for two months. The battle completes . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Shredded trees, dead dolphins and wildfires — how Russia’s invasion is hurting nature. Reported by Nathan Rott, Claire Harbage and Hanna Palamarenko | National Public Radio The State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine has documented more than 300 cases of what it calls “environmental crimes,” carried out by Russia since its invasion began in late February. The actual number is believed to be closer to 1,500, it says, but many sites are still occupied by Russia or made inaccessible by the fighting. Fires at fuel depots. Blown-up reservoirs of dangerous chemicals. Damaged gas pipelines. Disruptions and wildfires at the Chernobyl nuclear exclusion zone. Destroyed vessels in the Black Sea area. These are the most immediate concerns . . . Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the city of Lysychansk. Reported by A Martínez and Jason Beaubien | NPR. Russia says it controls Ukraine’s Luhansk region, one of the two eastern regions that have been the focus of its invasion. The announcement comes after Ukrainian troops withdrew from Lysychansk. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.
– – –
Imperial Narrative Control Has Five Distinct Elements, by Caitlin Johnstone | The Greanville Post Humans are storytelling creatures. If you can control the stories humans are telling themselves about the world, you control the humans, and you control the world. Mental narrative plays a hugely prominent role in human experience. . . . The powerful manipulate the dominant narratives of our society in approximately five major ways: . . . READ MORE . . .