For today, links to a report from the Associated Press, Tass, the Kyiv Independent, and the Kyiv Post; to commentary from Indian Punchline, and to the same commentary as reprinted in the International Affairs, a Russian online periodical, with its own introduction; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA and MEDIA entries for this date are HERE and HERE.) — MCM
– – –
2 dead as Russia launches attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. From AP. KYIV, Ukraine — A Russian cruise missile strike on infrastructure in Ukraine’s western Lviv region killed one man, while another man died in an attack in the northeast officials said today. READ MORE . . .
– – –
Russian forces repel nine Ukrainian counterattacks in Avdeyevka area — top brass. From Tass. MOSCOW — The Russian Armed Forces have improved their frontline positions and repelled nine counterattacks by Ukrainian troops in the Avdeyevka area, the Russian Defense Ministry said. It noted . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Putin signs decree to conscript 150,000 Russians for military service, by Nate Ostiller | The Kyiv Independent Russian President Vladimir Putin today signed a decree to conscript 150,000 citizens as part of the regularly occurring spring conscription campaign, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. Russia conducts two conscription campaigns per year, in spring and fall. READ MORE . . .
– – –
Pope calls for ‘general exchange’ of prisoners of Russo-Ukrainian war in Easter message. From Kyiv Post. In front of tens of thousands of Catholics on Easter Sunday at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Francis called for Russia and Ukraine to do a full prisoner swap. “In , , , READ MORE . . .
– – –
FROM MARCH 28 Ukraine’s survival hangs in the balance, by Bhadrakumar | Indian Punchline The American embassy in Moscow issued an advisory on March 7 to the effect that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts” and warning U.S. citizens to “avoid large gatherings.” The American claim that Washington shared the “information” with the Russians hinted . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
FROM MARCH 29 View from India: The U.S. is determined to destabilise Russia. From The International Affairs. The State Department scrambled within two hours of the horrific attack on the mall in Moscow’s Crocus City Hall on March 22 with a statement declaring that Ukraine was not responsible for the attack. The U.S.’s European allies also . . . READ MORE . . .