For now, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Tass, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Then, via Consortium News, commentary by an Australian observer. — MCM
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‘What madness looks like’: Russia intensifies Bakhmut attack, by Andrew Meldrum | AP Russian forces are escalating their onslaught against Ukrainian positions around the wrecked city of Bakhmut, Ukrainian officials said, bringing new levels of death and devastation in the grinding, monthslong battle for control of eastern Ukraine that is part of Moscow’s wider war. “Everything is . . . READ MORE . . .
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Russia throws forces into assault on Ukraine’s Soledar, by Dan Peleschuk and Tom Balmforth | Reuters * Zelenskiy says no walls left standing in Soledar * Britain says Russian forces may control most of town * Wagner Group sending waves of fighters, Ukraine says * Reporter says Russia threatening Ukrainian supply lines * Putin ally says Moscow now fighting NATO in Ukraine | KYIV — Ukrainian forces are facing waves of assaults by Russian forces on the small salt-mining town of Soledar, Kyiv officials said today, as Moscow strives to make its first breakthrough in the east in months. Seizing Soledar would give an advantage to Russian forces as they . . . READ MORE . . .
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Putin has only 1 option left but won’t accept it, says Ukraine’s foreign minister. Reported by Mary Louise Kelly, Erika Ryan and Matt Ozug | NPR In Ukraine, the weekend came and went — along with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s self-proclaimed ceasefire. Except that there were in fact no signs of a ceasefire. Instead, both Russia and Ukraine accused the other of continuing to launch attacks. Ukraine had never agreed . . . Click HERE to listen and read.
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People in Odesa try to do business even after Russian attacks leave them in the dark. Reported by Tim Mak | NPR Ukrainian officials in Odesa say the local economy has contracted 40% since the war began. The shutdown of the local ports and unreliable electricity have forced businesses to adapt. Click HERE to listen and later, read.
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NATO, EU vow to step up support for Ukraine to defend itself, by Max Delany | AFP NATO and the EU vowed Tuesday to bolster their backing for Ukraine to fight off Russia’s invasion and ramp up cooperation between Europe and the US-led alliance. Long-standing designs . . . READ MORE . . .
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Russian forces destroy two U.S.-made counter-battery radars in Ukraine operation – top brass. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian forces destroyed two US-made counter-battery radar stations in the Donetsk People’s Republic over the past day during the special military operation in Ukraine, Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov said today. “In addition . . . READ MORE . . .
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Unprovoked! by Caitlin Johnstone | caitlinjohnstone.com / Consortium News In an interview with the Useful Idiots podcast not too long ago, Noam Chomsky repeated his argument that the only reason we hear the word “unprovoked” every time anyone mentions Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the mainstream news media is because it absolutely was provoked, and they know it. “Right now, if you . . . READ MORE . . .
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MAY BE CONTINUED