First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Then, a link to commentary from Global Research. Also, see link to commentary from the Berkshire Eagle on Ukrainian and Russian “gladiating” over large arms cache in Moldova, HERE or scroll down. — MCM
– – –
UK: Russian advance in Bakhmut could come with heavy losses, by Karl Ritter | AP KYIV — Russian forces have made progress in the front-line hotspot of Bakhmut, a key target of Moscow’s monthslong campaign in eastern Ukraine that has resulted in staggering casualties, but their assault will be difficult to sustain without further harsh losses, U.K. military officials said in an assessment today. READ MORE . . .
– – –
Briefs: Russia’s war on Ukraine latest. From Reuters. * Ukraine has decided to fight on in the ruined city of Bakhmut because the battle there is pinning down Russia’s best units and degrading them ahead of a planned Ukrainian spring counter-offensive, an aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. * The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was reconnected to Ukraine’s energy grid, grid operator Ukrenergo said. * Ukraine’s military said its forces had repelled 102 Russian attacks on the eastern mining town of Bakhmut in the past 24 hours. READ MORE . . .
– – –
Russia sees no chance for talks with Ukraine given Kiev’s position – Lavrov. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russia currently sees no opportunity to engage with Ukraine because of Kiev’s position, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. “Has anyone read what [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky has been saying?” Lavrov asked. “Does anyone remember the decree he signed back in September banning any talks?” READ MORE . . .
– – –
Why would Russia use hypersonic missile to strike Ukraine? From AP. The latest Russian missile barrage against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, on Thursday, marked one of the largest such attacks in months. These differed from earlier attacks, though, by including a larger number of sophisticated hypersonic missiles that are the most advanced weapons in the Russian arsenal. But just like previous such barrages it has failed to cause lasting damage to the country’s energy network, with repair crews quickly . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Ukraine’s best-known soldier died earlier this week defending Bakhmut. Reported by Joanna Kakissis | NPR Ukraine’s best-known soldier began fighting Russians in eastern Ukraine in 2014, at age 18, forgoing dreams of becoming an artist. He died earlier this week on the same frontline. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.
– – –
Women don’t let women drive war: Feminists say fire Nuland, by Medea Benjamin, Marcy Winograd, and Melissa Garriga | Global Research When President Biden nominated Victoria Nuland as Undersecretary of State, CODEPINK feminists objected to her nomination out of concern she would bring pain and heartache to mothers and daughters as she fomented war in their midst. Instead of promoting diplomacy, Nuland lights matches wherever she meddles, agitating for war in Afghanistan, and now Ukraine. If feminists remain silent or support . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
MAY BE CONTINUED